Duende: El duende is the spirit of evocation. It comes from inside as a physical/emotional response to music. It is what gives you chills, makes you smile or cry as a bodily reaction to an artistic performance that is particularly expressive. Folk music in general, especially flamenco, tends to embody an authenticity that comes from a people whose culture is enriched by diaspora and hardship; vox populi, the human condition of joys and sorrows. (Thanks Wikipedia!)
Hi to All! I am excited to back and writing yet a new post, and to share with you some events that and happenings that are developing. And, like usual, I have a couple of announcements: First, I will be shooting a music video to "Coming 'Round My Door" on April 25th at the Boston University Studios, compliments of my friend Carina Chavda. I am excited and grateful to have this opportunity and to share the final product with everyone. I chose this particular song because the lyrics and feel of the music naturally conveys a storyline with specific imagery. I am thinking of invoking a character for this video, with some Civil War era dress- canteen and hair wax included. When I write my songs, (and my music career in general) I am often inspired by seeing things through a cinematic scope, so this will be great. As much as I would love to sport some wild 19th century facial hair, I can't grow any!
Secondly, I will be playing a show at Caffe Vivaldi on Saturday, April 21st at 6:00 PM. For this particular show, I am trying to add some more dynamics to the set, including some new songs, the resurrection of some older ones, and some storytelling and even spoken word to help enliven the set with just a bit more context. I have been spending a bit more time staying in to write, practice, and perfect some aspects of my music and act in general. As much as I love to be out and share my music, recently I have been on an introspective streak. I have felt the need to really further ground my work, and recapture some of the "duende" (see above) for my work. I have been trying to get my purpose clear for my music, and to really establish an essential template and spirit for all of what I do. Creative individuals are often the directors of their own odysessy, so finding the raw spirit of enthusiasm can help propel us through the trials we must face on daily basis. Whether it's sitting down to write a song, or just playing for people, running with this feeling of creative exuberance brings us all forward. But, in the coming time I am sure there will be more developments to share. Until then, I leave you a video of my cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," a song filled with "duende."
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3BT2xpZaXM]
Forever,
Eric Contractor