The Futile Project, with a Wink

by Hendrik Heuser

Hendrik Heuser of The Futile Project


When I read the advertisement for the contest, I had to chuckle. The Nassau cultural prize for contemporary composition 2003 sounded great to me. Yet I hardly believed in myself enough to think the effort to apply would be more than futile. So that’s what I called my non-existent band project: The Futile Project.

I had left all my former bands when I returned from six months abroad in Glasgow. There, for the first time, I had an opportunity to present my music to an audience of musicians I hardly knew. Therefore, the feedback I got was honest and not tainted by friendship or sympathy. I performed almost every Monday at Gerry Lyon’s open stage night in the Nice’n’Sleazy, a club on Sauchiehall Street.

Continue reading

Recording My Album: The Will to Succeed

by Vaughn Edward

Recording My Album: The Will to Succeed by Vaughn Edward
After years of performing in funk, jazz, blues, ska, Top 40 and big bands, I found myself and the voice that I wanted with my music in the world. I realized, after traveling and living in all parts of the country, the music that best represents me, is Pop!

Continue reading

Starting a revolution through music

by Lee Brickley

Starting a revolution through music by Lee Brickley
Are you sick and tired of war, inequality, racism, and injustice? Me too, and that’s why I write revolutionary protest songs. I wish I knew how to do more, but for now, I’m trying to make people think with my music because that’s what I do best.

Continue reading

Open the Mic! How to play a live show

by Sorcha Chisholm

Open the Mic! How to play a live show by Sorcha Chisholm
Now you’ve mastered that cover song it’s time to take it to the stage! Ever wanted to take a chance on an open mic and see what it feels like to play with some amplification? Hearing yourself sing on a mic and hear your instrument played through an amp or bigass speakers? The stage can be a hella scary place and having jitters is completely natural. So let’s digest those butterflies and get under that spotlight!

Continue reading