tag:brandensipes.com,2005:/blogs/branden-s-blog?p=4Branden's Blog2019-03-12T02:17:53-06:00Branden Sipesfalsetag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/24759492014-01-27T15:55:44-07:002021-08-28T09:09:25-06:00The Lumineers - Ho Hey Cover<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a7lPwoTrY8M" width="640"></iframe><br>I have loved playing this song for a while now and finally got around to recording a video of "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers. Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/17085692013-09-25T12:09:33-06:002021-08-28T09:09:59-06:00Live in SeptemberHere is a live performance from the Lila B. Lounge in Greenwood Village, CO on September 18th, 2013. It was a nice evening on the patio and I happend to bring a few cameras with me to capture part of the gig. I love the cool fall evenings we are getting here in Colorado, especially after a summer full of outdoor performances in the heat...<br><br> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tKYalw6_Kv8" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/tKYalw6_Kv8/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tKYalw6_Kv8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/7086992013-05-09T05:57:21-06:002021-08-28T09:10:48-06:00Aspen Sipes Band<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/db968599387b01c92932107ab1a54e5e1e85b670/large/Aspen-Sipes-Band.jpg?1368122075" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="401" width="600" /><br><br>
The Aspen Sipes Band at The Hideout in Fort Collins on March 30th. Featuring Kelly Aspen, Gary Hamor, and Oskar Dezoto. <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/5616722013-04-18T12:05:00-06:002021-08-28T09:11:06-06:00New Original Song - Your LoveHere is a video a new song I wrote called, Your Love....<br><br><iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhrAw_bKQ-Q"></iframe> <br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/4511932013-04-01T15:52:59-06:002021-06-29T21:19:48-06:00Live at Arizona State University - March 20th, 2013I perform an original song called "Searching" at the Arizona State University Memorial Union on March 20th, 2013. This video features clips from my travel day as I flew from Denver, CO to ASU and back again.<br><br><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EATJdr4hIAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/4133522013-03-26T06:25:00-06:002021-08-28T09:11:19-06:00New Video - New Song...<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tf7nH5uINmc"></iframe><br><br>
A video of my travels to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California. I went to play Après Ski entertainment on March 1st & 2nd, 2013. I flew from Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV, then rented a car and drove to Mammoth Lakes, CA for the gig. Here is what the trip looked like. <br><br>
The song is an original called "Room For Two" and will be featured on my next release. <br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/2665282012-12-14T05:45:00-07:002021-05-13T18:31:42-06:00Share The MagicI am excited to have had a part in the recording of this Christmas song comprising of over 40 singing talents and a hand full of musicians located in and from COLORADO.<br>
The song is Written and Produced by Ric Podmore. View a full list of artist credits <a target="_new" href="http://voicesonhigh.org/the-voices/">here</a>.<br><br><iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwiWsg07Z60"></iframe>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/2478942012-11-07T06:30:00-07:002021-06-29T21:20:17-06:00Lending a VoiceI had the random opportunity last month to sing a phrase on an upcoming Christmas song project including many great Colorado musicians. Here are a few shots from the brief session at Colorado Sound Recording Studios.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/dbfc473f87aad3f29464fcadd6960b13473bee9e/large/Co-Sound-1.jpg?1377606518" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/2358f3c738358d5c564e467d9250bdef873bce7b/large/CO-Sound-2.jpg?1377606518" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /><br><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1755362012-06-06T06:50:57-06:002021-08-28T09:11:43-06:00The Denver Chalk Art FestivalThe first weekend of June was a great start to Summer for me with 5 gigs in 3 days. Here's a shot of the Denver Chalk Art Festival stage from Friday night after a beautiful sunset in Downtown Denver. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/8c1a4c81df7b5301a4120afbb83f3446fbba7f8b/large/Denver-Chalk-Art-Festival-2012.jpg?1377606518" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1671692012-05-11T05:25:00-06:002017-01-13T17:18:36-07:00The Walnut RoomThanks to Becca Greer at The Walnut Room for these cool photos from last month's show. It was fun to be a part of this great night of music.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/82761534cc6191b38e4a95e5d901d8a4551ef347/large/WalnutRoom1.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/293f970467e2136b451838de6a13fccb6d24318e/large/WalnutRoom2.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/1df0dbe19f236f62dbfe30d83c2a0b034be37b30/large/WalnutRoom3.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="900" width="600" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/c03c38722cbef66f3fad3f8acd4c52e66ee1009c/large/WalnutRoom4.jpg?1377606518" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /> <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1515702012-03-26T09:15:00-06:002021-05-13T18:33:22-06:00The Bluebird Cafe<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/5144b0c6b466cc5f00747054068d711428e10c87/large/Bluebird.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /><br><br>
I'm in Nashville for a few days and had a great time performing at The Bluebird Cafe last night. This was my first time playing at the Sunday Writers Night after passing the audition in 2011. The room was full of guests from all over who had waited in line for a seat at the prestigious venue, and for a chance to hear some great songs in Nashville. It was an honor to sing my songs on that stage, and I hope to be back again soon. I have a couple more shows left here before heading back to Colorado. More to come... <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1436722012-02-28T06:40:00-07:002021-06-29T21:20:35-06:00Cover song Video - Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/medcW84z9LY" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br>
My cover of "Hallelujah" written by Leonard Cohen, as recorded by Jeff Buckley. Watch more and subscribe at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/brandensipes" target="_new">YouTube</a>.<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1392852012-02-10T07:15:00-07:002021-08-28T09:12:12-06:00Cover Song Video - Lucky Now by Ryan Adams<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LSodl4WSx2w"></iframe><br><br>
Here is my latest cover song video for "Lucky Now" by Ryan Adams. Check out my YouTube channel and subscribe at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/brandensipes" target="_new">www.youtube.com/brandensipes</a>.<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1377302012-02-05T04:45:00-07:002021-05-13T18:34:52-06:00Cover Song Video - Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wH2E1DYpctI"></iframe><br><br>
I posted a new video of my cover of "Come On Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson. I have lots more on my YouTube channel, so please click over and subscribe! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/brandensipes" target="_new">www.youtube.com/brandensipes</a><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1342482012-01-17T09:10:00-07:002018-05-17T14:50:31-06:00Spring Tour Video<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-nfz3g9YLbE"></iframe> <br><br>
I finally got around to some overdue video editing. Here is a description of my latest project:<br><br>
A sequential collection of highlights from my Midwest Tour in the spring of 2011.<br><br>
I drove 3500 miles from Colorado through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee performing shows along the way to support the release of my album "That Side of Me." The adventure lasted about 3 weeks, in which time I played 17 gigs in 12 cities, and included days of driving, abundant scenery, and a lot of music. I met some great people in Nashville and Chicago, and visited family in Indiana before circling back to Colorado, making it home just in time to start a busy summer season of performing.<br><br>
The song "Everything's Right" is the first track on the album "That Side of Me." Available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody... and right here on <a href="./music.cfm" target="_new">BrandenSipes.com</a>!<br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1267262011-12-05T07:20:00-07:002021-05-13T18:35:03-06:00Marys Lake Lodge<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/48e086d00a62f3a92d6da797bfbffee9e58d92da/large/Marys-Lake-Lodge-FOF-by-Dick-Orleans.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="750" width="600" /><br><br><br>
Here is a photo from Mary's Lake Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado by the talented musician & photographer <a href="http://www.dickorleans.com/" target="_new">Dick Orleans</a>. His impressive collection of fine art nature photography can be found at <a href="http://www.raremoment.com/" target="_new">RareMoment.com</a>. <br><br>
I am looking forward to joining him as the special guest for the "Friends of Folk" show at Marys Lake Lodge on Friday, December 16th, 2011 and again on Friday, January 13th, 2012. I'll start the evening with a set from 7:00-8:00pm followed by an open mic until 10:00pm. Friday nights are always fun in the Tavern at Marys Lake Lodge! <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1233562011-11-14T16:05:00-07:002021-05-13T18:35:17-06:00ArizonaI had a great gig last week in Tempe, Arizona. I flew to Phoenix and performed at Arizona State University on a beautiful evening outside on the patio of the Memorial Union Engrained Cafe. With a little extra time to spend, I explored the campus and surrounding area, and even took a run up "A" Mountain by the stadium. The giant letter, "A" sat boldy on the hill and tempted me to come take a closer look. It reminded me so much of my alma matter CSU in Fort Collins which sports the "A" for aggies up on the foothills above town. <br><br>
It was fun to see the interesting arcitecture (and palm trees!) on the ASU campus. I was particularly looking forward to seeing the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, renouned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's final design for an opera house, and it didn't dissapoint. Though I would have liked to catch a performance inside the giant building, that will have to wait for another trip. I had a great time and hope to return to ASU again soon. Thanks for hospitality, Sun Devils! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/6571378c4ef1d304e19e13bb0c2a2771ea39417b/medium/music.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="210" width="300" /> <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1153692011-09-21T05:00:00-06:002021-05-13T18:35:37-06:00A musician's work is never doneSince I haven't written here for a while I decided it is time for an update. The summer has been winding down with cooler weather and shorter evenings here in Colorado. The pumpkin spice latte is back, so you know Fall is fast approaching and will be here within a few days. <br><br>
I've spent most of my time these past few months performing at all sorts of various venues all along the Colorado Front Range. I am developing a taste some new favorite regular gigs and enjoying exploring the unknown when I find myself walking into a place I've never played. These new gigs usually turn out very well, but part of the excitement is not knowing how well it might go. <br><br>
Since I have been so busy performing, I've managed to create a long list of things to do next... so now that my summer gigs are winding down I have to get back to booking to create new performance opportunities for the winter. I'm also hoping to find time for working on new songs and new recording projects. It is true, a musician's work is never done. With a change in season comes a change in objectives. <br><br>
I'm looking forward to the next season and to continuing this adventure with music. As for right now, I need to prepare for the next set of gigs and get packed up for a beautiful drive up to Estes Park for the show at Marys Lake Lodge tonight. <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1122092011-08-31T03:30:00-06:002021-05-13T18:35:49-06:00Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/6bb8877a8aa4992060f707be20f465f3ce520aa3/original/CAU.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="156" width="235" /><br><br>
I had a wonderful time recording this podcast in Chicago on my spring tour in the Midwest. Thanks to Michael Teach and Ashley Wolf for bringing me into the studio. The podcast is available<a href="http://chicagoacoustic.net/#/content/podcasts/351-branden-sipes-1181" target="_new"> here</a>! Check it out at<a href="http://chicagoacoustic.net/#/content/podcasts/351-branden-sipes-1181" target="_new"> ChicagoAcousticUnderground.net</a>.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/50ccd2b39860cda615228cedb114fe58fd84b144/original/CAU2.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="108" width="128" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/5c4f2dcb9dff1d136961f66633ec3220c55107b7/original/CAU3.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="108" width="128" /><br><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1045022011-07-01T09:45:00-06:002021-05-13T18:36:04-06:00Summertime<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/f0cf0dc2a36596054f53c21f51a10ca3f229b977/large/Berthoud-Day-Crowd.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="359" width="600" /><br><br>
One of my favorite things about being a musician is the getting opportunity to play music for a crowd of people at a city park on a beautiful summer day. ...and s'mores, I love s'mores. <br><br>
I've already had the pleasure of performing this summer at <i>Berthoud Days</i>, and the <i>Capitol Hill People's Fair</i> in Denver.<br>
I'm still looking forward to several more large outdoor shows. You can join me at the following:<br><br><b>July 10th - <i>Summerfest in the Rockies</i></b><i>, Loveland</i><br><b>July 24th - <i>Lions West Park</i></b><i>, Golden</i><br><b>July 30th - <i>Greeley Arts Picnic</i></b><i>, Greeley</i><br><b>August 13th - <i>Canyon Fire Days</i></b><i>, Big Thompson Canyon Fire Dept.</i><br><b>August 14th - <i>Bohemian Nights at New West Fest</i></b><i>, Fort Collins</i><br><b>August 28th - </b><i><b>Rocky Mountain Music Festival</b>, Littleton</i><br><br>
I have so many more performances in addition to these, so head over to the <a href="./gigs.cfm" target="_new">Gigs </a>page to see where all I'll be playing for the rest of the summer. <br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1017442011-06-03T08:37:44-06:002017-01-13T17:18:35-07:00Home<div style="text-align: left;">
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/25142ad550396569bdd94093b1c5c90ccee80185/medium/Cafe-Semolino.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="200" width="300" /><br><br>
I am home from an eventful spring tour in support of my new album. I played 15 shows and travelled through several states in the Midwest. After a lot of miles, downpouring rain, and humid weather, it is great to be back in Colorado where the sun shines and the air is crisp! I'll share a few stories on here soon, but for now it is off to the next gig. </div>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1014762011-06-01T02:25:00-06:002021-05-13T18:36:38-06:00We're not in Kansas anymore......but I'm on my way. I'll be finishing off my Midwest tour with another show at <a href="http://www.semolino.com/" target="_new">Cafe Somolino</a> tonight in Hays, KS. This place was fantastic a few weeks ago when I played it as my first tour stop out of Denver! I'm hoping to see some of my new Hays, KS friends out tonight, and for the chance to see new faces too. Tomorrow, I'll be back in Colorado.. I'm homeward bound! <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1012582011-05-29T13:55:00-06:002021-07-04T06:22:23-06:00Tour UpdateAfter a few shows in Indiana, I headed south to Nashville, TN last week. It has been a busy week with several shows and writers' nights in Nashville, and a quick trip up to Chicago for a vist to <a href="http://www.chicagoacoustic.net/" target="_new">Chicago Acoustic Underground</a>. I recorded a podcast with CAU in the afternoon then had a show at <a href="http://www.elboroomchicago.com/" target="_new">Elbow Room</a> that night. I was fortunate to open the Chicago Acoustic Underground Showcase at <a href="http://bottomlounge.com/" target="_new">Bottom Lounge</a>, wrapping up a great couple of days in the windy city. <br><br>
I'm back in Indiana at the moment and just finished a show in Indianapolis. Next, time to head west for Colorado... <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/1003432011-05-20T08:40:00-06:002017-01-13T17:18:35-07:00Tour Update<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54821/65cbb46a017b7467c5b31c37af37962f0a22a7d6/large/MuddyBootsCafe.jpg?1377606517" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="338" width="600" /><br><br>
I have had some fun performances on this tour so far. A few highlights so far have been Cafe Semolino in Hays, KS, and <a target="_new" href="http://www.muddybootscafe.com/">Muddy Boots Cafe</a> in Nashville, IN. Getting ready to head for Nashville, TN next... <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/993902011-05-11T06:17:15-06:002021-05-13T18:36:53-06:00Ourstage, Rock-N-Bowla, & Team FoxI've been invited to perform at the <a href="http://rocknbowla.com/" target="_new">Rock-N-Bowla</a> event at Lucky Strike Lanes in Denver on June 8th. <br><br>
Rock-N-Bowla is a fundraising event partnering with OurStage & Lucky Strike Lanes to bring the best indie rock bands in the USA. Celebrities and athletes from around the globe will start off the event in a fierce bowling competition, followed by a live concert from the best indie rock bands in 11 major US cities. <br><br>
Rock-N-Bowla is kicking off its Tour as a national fundraising event with Team Fox benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The tour will showcase the innovation, social media strategies and the power of street teams to show the viral and grassroots power of the indie music scene. Our goal is to raise $200,000 for Team Fox.<br><br>
I need you to become my fan on <a href="http://www.ourstage.com/profile/brandensipes" target="_new">Ourstage.com</a>. The performer with the most fans will move on to the final round in November. So, take a minute to head over to my page on <a href="http://www.ourstage.com/profile/brandensipes" target="_new">Oustage.com</a> and become a fan! Thanks! <br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/966702011-04-05T05:55:00-06:002011-04-05T05:55:00-06:00Creative Capital I was fortunate to be selected for a professional development program with Creative Capital this past weekend. Sponsored by Beet Street in Fort Collins, the Creative Capital workshop was a great source of information visual artists, performing artists, and writers working in the art business. We were given valuable instruction and guidence in strategic planning, marketing, and promotion of our work. I have come away more focused and inspired to move forward with my music. <br><br>
I also met a core group of incredibly talented artist from Colorado and I look forward to sharing their work with you as events come up. Cultivating the creative community is something in which we can all participate! <br><br>
For more information about these organizations, check out their websites. <br><br><a target="_new" href="http://www.creative-capital.org">www.creative-capital.org</a><br><br><a target="_new" href="http://www.beetstreet.org">www.beetstreet.org </a><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/955782011-03-23T09:40:00-06:002021-05-28T12:47:56-06:00My guitar is coming home!I just got a call from the Taylor Guitars factory with the news that my guitar service is finished and it is coming home! I can't wait to hear the sound of the new pickup... hopefully an improvement from the first generation Expression System I have been playing for years. My guitar also recieved a partial fret job, so it should be back to mint condition and play like new! <br><br>
It has been great fun playing my newest guitar, the Taylor GS Mini, while my main axe has been in the shop. I'll soon be posting a review detailing its stellar performance as a travel guitar.<br><br>
I am in Denver this week and played at the <a target="_new" href="http://www.meadowlarkbar.com">Meadowlark Bar</a> open stage last night - a very cool venue with a cozy basement feel, stone walls, and awesome dim lighting. I hope to be back soon. Tonight I plan to check out the open stage at <a target="_new" href="http://www.mercurycafe.com/">Mercury Cafe</a>, Wednesdays @ 8pm. Stop by and share a song if you're in town...<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/668572011-03-15T10:10:24-06:002021-05-13T18:39:31-06:00Musicians wear many hats...As a performing musician, it is necessary to understand the technical side of a live performance. Of course we love to get up to play guitar and sing our hearts out for a captive audience, but it is also vital to the show that we know how to setup the sound system and get the music flowing as quickly and smoothly as possible in new venues each night. Since I usually end up performing by myself, without bandmates to assist, I am stuck hauling the gear myself, pluggin in all the cables, and balancing the sound for the room. It can be a challenge to achieve mastery of both the technical setup and artistic performance at the same time. <br><br>
Last night I played at <a href="http://www.spotlightmusicstore.com/" target="_new">Spotlight Music Cafe</a> in Fort Collins. The stage is great with a nice sound system and lights installed. This is a welcomed change from bringing in my own equipment like I do at the majority of my gigs. With a talented sound person running the board, the technical side was all taken care of for me so I could focus on playing the music. Very nice! I look forward to booking another date at Spotlight Music Cafe soon. <br><br>
Today, I am in Estes Park where I've provided my sound system for a private party. This is a big change from my usual routine because I am not even playing guitar for the event. I can't remember the last time I just did sound without providing live music. After setting up I realized how much less stress there is without the performance factor. I don't have to worry about out of tune guitars, forgetting lyrics, blanking out on chords, or even deciding which song to play next in the set. My equipment does the work for me. I suppose I can just wear my technical hat today!<br><br>
It almost feels too easy... I'm up for the challenge. Good thing I perform tomorrow at <a href="http://www.vincent-restaurant.com/" target="_new">Vincent's</a> in Fort Collins where I'll get to set up a small sound system and provide live music for the duration of the evening. Stop by for happy hour till 6pm... I'll be there from 5:30-8:30pm. Cheers!<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/946432011-03-08T17:15:42-07:002011-03-08T17:15:42-07:00In Nashville, part 3I've had a blast visiting Nashville, meeting friendly music people, and hearing great songs. There have been some great adventures the past few days. I played sunday afternoon at Richard's Louisiana Cafe in White's Creek before heading to a writer's night at Battle Ground Brewery in Franklin. It was a very good evening of music, with lots of songwriters sharing their work. I met June McHugh from <a href="http://www.ashstreetmusic.com/" target="_new">Ash Street Music </a>and we became fast friends, as she and her husband Tom are from Colorado! I spent time speaking with her yesterday while listening to fantastic songs in her catalog. I was particularly impressed with songs from the young Carleigh Nesbit, who I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about soon in the Americana music scene. I'm surprised how many new friends I have in Nashville now. <br>
<br>
After leaving Ash Street Publishing, I headed over to the Bluebird to get in line for the Monday night open mic. Just before getting in line I got a phone call from June about a gig for that night. Musicians had cancelled last minute and she got the call asking for someone to fill in for the show. She was nice enough to think of her new friend, Branden, from out of town and call me up for a shot to play. So, I waited in line, got in the bluebird, and stayed for a handful of songs before I had to leave to head to my new gig at <a href="http://belcourttapsandtapas.com/main/" target="_new">Taps & Tapas</a>. I had <a href="http://www.rachelmorganperry.com/" target="_new">Rachel Morgan Perry </a>come out to play a set along with some new friends I ran into at the Bluebird. After what turned into a really great show at Belcourt Taps & Tapas, I headed over to Hotel Indigo West End. The host, and my new friend, <a href="http://www.ashleyenorton.com/about.shtml" target="_new">Ashely Norton</a>, was kind to let me get up to play 3 songs at the end of the writers night. All in all, a very eventful day. <br><br>
I met today with a writer's representative from SESAC (performing rights organization); I'm trying to decide between ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC... the descision seems a little more confusing than it should be. Anyway - there are new programs set up to pay performers royalties for performing their own songs live at each show... potential income that I'm not getting yet.... really need to sign up! I was invited to a kick off party for Tin Pan South, a songwriter's festival here in Nashville, put on by NSAI - Nashville Songwriters Association International, where I made a few more good contacts, met some hit songwriters, and producers. Another productive day in town. <br><br>
That's the update for now... headed back to Colorado in the morning. Goodnight, Nashville. <br><br>
<br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/943902011-03-05T05:20:00-07:002021-05-13T18:39:53-06:00In Nashville, part 2It has been a great week of music here in Nashville. I've heard some amazing songwriters and shared the stage with many as well! A few days ago I played at Hotel Indigo downtown with my friend, <a href="http://www.rachelmorganperry.com/" target="_new">Rachel Morgan Perry</a>, and had the pleasure of hearing the featured guest, <a target="_new" href="http://randbishop.com/">Rand Bishop</a>, a writer with several hundred cuts throughout his prestigeous career. After this show I went "honkey tonkin'" on Broadway to see the many bands playing for the tourists and Country Radio people late into the night. <br><br>
Last night I returned to the Commodore to hear a set from my friend, Jed Riley, backing up a country duo on bass, and stayed to play the late night open mic. I feel lucky to have seen these many great venues in Nashville and to have found a stage to play on each night. With a few days left in Nashville, there are more performances to come; more chances to share my songs and hear the work of others. Stay tuned. <br><br>
<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/939412011-03-01T07:06:35-07:002021-06-06T07:13:52-06:00In NashvilleI arrived in Nashville yesterday and spent most of the night listening to great songwriters. There is so much music going on in this city, it is very inspiring. Just after walking off the plane I ran into a friend of mine from Colorado, Matt Simms, performing in the airport with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HVaughnAI9?sk=wall#!/HVaughnAI9?sk=wall" target="_new">Haeley Vaughn</a>, American Idol contestant from season 9. The Nashville airport is awesome for having performance stages right in the airport! <br><br>
After leaving the airport I made my way straight to the famous Bluebird Cafe. It is surprising to see that it is not as impressive fron the front door as I imagined it would be. The cafe looks small and unimportant as it's tucked in with other shops and store fronts in a small strip mall. Let me assure you, the talent once inside the Bluebird is much more impressive. The line forms early on Mondays for the open mic night as musicians crawl out of the woodwork for the their chance to play at this legendary place. <br><br>
After a long wait in line, I was fortunate to have my name drawn for a performance slot. It was a great evening of listening to incredible songwriters from Nashville, and all other parts of the world. I'm looking forward to hearing a lot more great music while I'm here, and hope to share some of my songs as well. <br><br>
I'm getting ready for a performance tonight at the Douglas Corner Cafe, then I have scheduled slots in a few songwriter shows later this week. I'll post back here for more updates about Nashville as the week progresses. <br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/934152011-02-22T09:24:07-07:002011-02-22T09:24:07-07:00Guitars - Pickup UprgradeI had to send my trusty Taylor 414ce-L2 guitar back to the factory for an electronics repair. My guitar had the very first version of the Taylor Expression System electronics from 2003. Since it was first introduced, there have been many revisions to the Expression System, but I hadn't yet felt the need to upgrade. Recently, the amplified sound coming from the electronic pickup in the guitar developed an unpleasantly distorted sound. This was not the beautifully harmonic distortion we associate with a tube amplifier, but a generally unpleasant sound. So, I decided to send the guitar to the Taylor Factory for an upgrade to the newest revision of the Expression System, and now I am anxiously awaiting its return in hopes that the new system will be superior to the 2003 version. <br><br>
Not to worry, I am fortunate to have some other fine guitar available while awaiting the return of my main axe. The newest addition to my collection is the <a href="http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/gs-mini/" target="_new">Taylor GS Mini</a>. Equipped with the optional ESgo pickup, this guitar is ready for some serious travel! It plays and sounds remarkably great for a small travel guitar, and it will be a relief to fly with compared to a full size guitar in a hard case... not always easy to carry on! <br><br>Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/931472011-02-18T15:35:14-07:002011-02-18T15:35:14-07:00Planning a trip to NashvilleI am headed to Nashville soon to make my appearances at the open mics around town in hopes of making a few connections and getting into the songwriter's nights. There seems to be so much going on in Nashville in the world of songwriting, so I am excited to meet new people and will be doing my best to represent Colorado well. I'll keep you posted on my travel plans. There are a lot of new gigs coming up too, so be sure to check back here often at www.brandensipes.com. <br><br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/926502011-02-11T11:15:00-07:002011-02-11T11:15:00-07:00Rehearsing with Kelly AspenI rehearsed some songs today with <a target="_new" href="http://www.kellyaspen.com">Kelly Aspen</a>, another Colorado singer/songwriter. Here's a sample of a couple of covers we've been working on: click play in the audio player above this post. <br><br>
Blackbird - Lennon/McCartney <br>
Hard Times - Stephen Foster, as recorded by EastMountainSouth<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/924202011-02-08T07:30:00-07:002021-05-13T18:41:26-06:00web presenceOne very important aspect of being a musician in today's information age is to maintain a strong web presence. In an effort to best represent my new music I am updating all my sites with new photos and new songs. Watch out for the new content!<br type="_moz">Branden Sipestag:brandensipes.com,2005:Post/922222011-02-05T14:25:00-07:002011-02-05T14:25:00-07:00...yes, welcome!I have never felt compelled to write a blog in the past but I am feeling inspired by the new website design you are seeing here at brandensipes.com. I have just released my new album and now am trying to make plans for all the next steps that should follow to get the music out there to be heard by all. If you have any brilliant ideas of how to promote my tunes, please let me know - I'll be trying almost every angle. <br><br>
If you're taking the time to read this, you must have listened to the music... so what do you think? If you like it, tell your friends, and tell your friends to tell their friends! The new ablum is here but it won't be new forever! Get yours while it is fresh from the press! <br><br>
I will be planning a bit of travel in support of the new release - I'll keep you posted. Check back regularly for new updates. <br type="_moz">Branden Sipes