david hill

we have been in Holland for 5 days and it has been really incredible. If you are here for the first time – feel free to look at the music section, where I post songs that are more or less finished. I think the most popular song I have done so far is “Glorious Day”… keep in mind, I have written a variety of songs…and I try to do the self – production thing…stylistically I really don’t have a hard direction yet, and even the next song I do this Wednesday is up in the air. I hope you enjoy your visit, and if you want to drop a line, it is always nice to hear from visitors. One more comment – I have just discovered that in Holland my streaming button does not show up – not sure why this is – but it forces a download if you want to hear anything…I am putting it on my “to do” list for things to fix.

The definition for squank is (as defined by the urban dictionary);

1.(n.)An unseen energy or force said to be the basis of all music creativity. From pre-macedonian lore related to those that are deeply driven by musical ambition.

example;

It must be the squank that drives those musicians to play with so much heart and passion.

personally I believe that any time anything good is created, it comes from the creative core (God Himself)…but if you have read this blog for any length of time you know who that would be, and how I see this. It is an old story of musicians creating music and taking the praise onto themselves…as if they have the ability to create a single thing without God giving them what they have. I think deep down most musicians know this, and that is hard to ignore, especially when one tries to deny the existence of God from the get go. However, anything that falls short must needs be taken on my own back as my own imperfections…right? I mean after all – music is moving air, and there are a lot of ways to do that… … I named this piece squank – because it feels squanky, it has undertones of squank – a certain squankish flavor if you will.
This song is a bit frantic, and the sounds seem to me appropriate for the week, air raid sirens, technology amock, backward masking, scream of rage, a synthesized voice with the only lyrics…”drum”, “the drumbeat goers like this”, and “funky drummer”.. There is in my life currently a concern for an acquaintance possibly using drugs (a complete surprise to me), a grandfather dying, haste in overseas plans and preparation, and a seeming deluge of other distractions, and so these sounds come into my mind. this is less a song and more a mood. It is definitely a departure, but I did enjoy it, and may visit the land of some of these genres more. I haven’t really ever been a big euro / techie guy – but there is a vibe to explored in some of this. Probably not many will like this…is it good? For me to say something is good means it is what I meant it to be. After that too many variables come into play – and I would rather not go there. Without further ado – I present to you, squank.

Tamara’s grandfather died. I really loved the Corporal…he lived a vibrant healthy life up until his sudden death at 94 (last week). I will be posting the Wednesday Wallop (best name I have to date for the song a week) as usual. I must warn you though – with the emotions and experiences being what they are I have hit a decidedly techie Euro sounding piece, named for now “squank” – If everything goes as planned, should go up Wednesday. I intend to tweak and post from Holland. Until then here is a photo for your enjoyment.

this was a rough one….dogs barking during vox takes, lyrical uncertainties, questionable motivations, issues swarmed around….. unblinking – I forged ahead and will have to release it. Now, of course, you might say “you don’t have to release it”…I don’t, you are right, but I want to do a song a week remember? This was one of the more dangerous moments in the continuity hazard though. You can listen to the new song “so this is love” here
You can read the lyrics here. You can download the song here.

it has been a very fascinating journey through Ezekiel. I am in chapter 14 now, and considering the warnings God gave to Jerusalem… I also think on applications in my own life, especially idols in my heart. God would have us all put Him first, because if we don’t, we are easily led astray and hurt. I find so many parallels with our times, and the amazing thing is that I haven’t even hit the famous chapters that are so popular with students of prophecy. Chuck Missler said Ezekiel is one of the least read books of the old testament. I have no idea why – unless it is because we see God so clearly in Ezekiel that the enemy would not want us to be informed. It is a book for today. Lessons leap out at every turn. Further, the bible is such a wonderful book in its consistency and truthfulness. Running parallels from the old testament up through Revelation is inspiring. 66 books, 80 men and thousands of years working with 1 author in God, WOW. If anyone is interested in the online audio I am using in this study – the link is here.

this song is a pretty upbeat little number. May it put a smile on your face. I had the good pleasure of collaborating with Matt Leonetti, and he laid down the Hammond (much appreciated)… I have a confession to make. I don’t know what I am doing. There. I said it. I don’t know chords, I don’t know music theory, it takes me a long time to make the one man band stuff sound like a group. In a way it is strange – because I think one of the strongest “urges” or “ïmpulses” I have is to write songs. I have many, many songs, and that is one of the reasons I want to try to write a song a week for a year…to see what comes out. BTW, if you did not know it – that is the musical P.A.W. (piece a week) initiative. I am still looking for something catchy in the name, if you have something please let me know. this song officially marks number 5…how many weeks to go? 47? Here is glorious day, if you want to listen to it .
Here are the lyrics, and as always – if you want to download – head on over to the music page. You might wonder why I am doing this…i’ll be honest, I am trying to figure out how to turn this little webspace into a kind of storefront…yaknow – to make money… (now you probably really think I am delusional)…it’s true. If you want to help me – buy something…all online transactions are secure (paypal, google checkout etc)

this weeks song is for the Minnesota Vikings and the fans that make it all happen. I salute you all. I also want to thank Tim, Jill, Halle, Courtney, Rick and Matt for your voxels and guitar work, as well as the use of the portable digital Zoom unit, and of course Tamara – who had the Go Vikings idea to start with. You all certainly made it a better result. You can listen to the song here you can download it here. I am now off to send this to folks that expressed interest in it. Here is to having a victory against Dallas!

Well – here is my latest song. I am calling it cradle to the grave. The main melody, which the sax plays, has been in my mind for some time. I did not really plan on doing it in a jazz style, and I am not particularly “jazz literate”, which any true jazz player will notice immediately. I was playing with the melody one day with the walking bass and noticed it worked – and , well, here you go. I want to thank Jon for his help on the chords, and Josh for the sax playing. It was actually a lot of fun to record, improving is a blast. You can read the lyrics here, and listen to the song here .