Chaim, Israel!
Things are moving right along in the world of Octaman. The copies of "Rock of Offence" landed in Israel, and one show has already played the song "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem". The host, Ben Bresky, had some very positive remarks. At the end he said, "Octaman, you're all right". It was a great thrill.
Download the show! "The Beat" with Ben Bresky click here
Also, Rabbi Tovia Singer requested that I send him an MP3 file, so maybe he'll be playing the same song on his show also. You can check them both out at "Israelnationalradio.com"
On the home front, my neighbor (and dentist) helped me with the project over the weekend, as we went about creating an 8 x 10 photo for the promo kits. He also ended up giving me some needed input on the website. His lovely wife patiently sat through a tour of the whole thing, and said she'd read it further. ( http://www.octaman.com ) Also they helped with some much needed peach cobbler.
And some nice reviews are starting to come in, from friends around the country. They will be posted soon. One of the best reviews I ever got appeared on this very blog yesterday. It's down a few posts, written as a reply. If I can make a guys mom dance in the kitchen, well that's what it's all about. Partly sort of...
This week as I mow grass and clean the roof, I realize that it's probably a very good thing I didn't become famous when I was younger. Because if I were to multiply the kind remarks and helps from my neighbors and friends by a thousand or ten thousand or a hundred thousand? - I'd have to wear white all the time and never touch dirt, I'd think I was just so special.
But if I were to multiply my two sisters by the same number, well then there'd be two opposing armies of good vs. evil. If the good side triumphs, then my sisters would be converted to the Truth and they would reform and join sides with Octaman. But if the sisters were to somehow ever win, it would spell certain doom for planet earth...
Tune in for the NEXT EPISODE - "Organic Frequency" - Sounds to fix the earth and what ails it.
Oc
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Pope Out of Limbo! Just in time for Earth Day?
After centuries of sending unbaptized infants to an imaginary place called "limbo", now all Catholics can rest easy. Pope Benedict has waved his wand and poof! No more limbo. See article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070420/ap_on_re_eu/vatican_limbo
You gotta love a religion where they just make it up as they go! So now, baptized infants go strait to heavenly bliss as always, and non-baptized also get to experience "the beatified vision".
While it's nice anytime a completely made up superstition is relegated to the dust heap of history, it's obvious that the Pope and the rest of the religions of Christendom will continue on with a blind spot regarding man's final destiny - Earth!
Yes, the good earth. It's earth day, but that didn't jog the Papal imagination to suggest that maybe, just maybe, all the infants and the rest of the dead, baptized or not, will find a resurrection on earth! That's what Jesus directly taught. Why not try it on for size? If you won't take a direct lesson from the Son of God Himself, why not take a lesson from earth itself? Look at the lilies of the field and see how they bloom and grow after a long winter's sleep. Gee, resurrection, huh? D'ya think?
Act 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
If everyone goes to heaven right at the moment of death, what good is a "resurrection"? Where does that fit in? Ah that Apostle Paul, what a kidder!
---------
Celebrate "Earth Day" with Octaman's vegetarian rant at http://www.myspace.com/octaman8 This is a song recorded some time ago, where I wanted to create a dichotomy between the usual image of "Tofu eaters" portrayed in the media (as wishy washy super-sensitive slightly effeminate tree-hugging liberals) with a vocal performance that is really something quite different. It may lend support to the belief my estranged family holds that I'm really a very dangerous person. ;)
"Quit picking on all the chickens!
You've got to change!
The only chicken here is you!
Just think about the zoo...
It's the only place left where you can see an animal alive!
In the Day without Meat, this is the Day without meat..."
Seriously, earth cannot be "saved" by the efforts of man! The earth has one Savior, and that is the aforementioned Son of God. Those who seek the earth's welfare (and that of it's people and animals) would do well to forget their pet causes and fund-raisers and all the tree-branch trimming around earth's problems and follow the advice of the Lord of Glory - CONSECRATE to the Most High God of Israel! This is the heart of God's Plan to restore all Creation.
-----------
Music update:
Every day I enjoy being Octaman. It's nice to be able to hand your CD to old friends you run into at the store, and then to hear from old friends when they place orders for it online. (Buy now, buy now!) http://www.octaman.com/cdbuy.html
It's nice to have a creative outlet to speak about issues that concern us all. This morning I am studying C-span's coverage of Autism. It's an area of personal interest, as I have donated time in free performances to the local center for autism, and I toured with an autistic man in the group RV, with one band-mate taking care of autistic people for a living. I've shared the stage with the autistic, having them play instruments and sing and it was a wonderful experience. I believe it's SO important to treat these people the same as you would anyone else, never talking down to them like they are children. They are not. It's one of the more frustrating things to see someone raise their voice in patronizing tones, asking a person that you know to be a brilliant mind, "HOOW AAARE YOUUUU???"
It is frustrating to see so many conflicting theories as to the cause of autism. My personal view is that it is environmental, meaning it comes from food, medicine and/or toxic substances around us. I think if they focused their attention there they may do more good. If they were to all consecrate they would do one better.
Oc
You gotta love a religion where they just make it up as they go! So now, baptized infants go strait to heavenly bliss as always, and non-baptized also get to experience "the beatified vision".
While it's nice anytime a completely made up superstition is relegated to the dust heap of history, it's obvious that the Pope and the rest of the religions of Christendom will continue on with a blind spot regarding man's final destiny - Earth!
Yes, the good earth. It's earth day, but that didn't jog the Papal imagination to suggest that maybe, just maybe, all the infants and the rest of the dead, baptized or not, will find a resurrection on earth! That's what Jesus directly taught. Why not try it on for size? If you won't take a direct lesson from the Son of God Himself, why not take a lesson from earth itself? Look at the lilies of the field and see how they bloom and grow after a long winter's sleep. Gee, resurrection, huh? D'ya think?
Act 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
If everyone goes to heaven right at the moment of death, what good is a "resurrection"? Where does that fit in? Ah that Apostle Paul, what a kidder!
---------
Celebrate "Earth Day" with Octaman's vegetarian rant at http://www.myspace.com/octaman8 This is a song recorded some time ago, where I wanted to create a dichotomy between the usual image of "Tofu eaters" portrayed in the media (as wishy washy super-sensitive slightly effeminate tree-hugging liberals) with a vocal performance that is really something quite different. It may lend support to the belief my estranged family holds that I'm really a very dangerous person. ;)
"Quit picking on all the chickens!
You've got to change!
The only chicken here is you!
Just think about the zoo...
It's the only place left where you can see an animal alive!
In the Day without Meat, this is the Day without meat..."
Seriously, earth cannot be "saved" by the efforts of man! The earth has one Savior, and that is the aforementioned Son of God. Those who seek the earth's welfare (and that of it's people and animals) would do well to forget their pet causes and fund-raisers and all the tree-branch trimming around earth's problems and follow the advice of the Lord of Glory - CONSECRATE to the Most High God of Israel! This is the heart of God's Plan to restore all Creation.
-----------
Music update:
Every day I enjoy being Octaman. It's nice to be able to hand your CD to old friends you run into at the store, and then to hear from old friends when they place orders for it online. (Buy now, buy now!) http://www.octaman.com/cdbuy.html
It's nice to have a creative outlet to speak about issues that concern us all. This morning I am studying C-span's coverage of Autism. It's an area of personal interest, as I have donated time in free performances to the local center for autism, and I toured with an autistic man in the group RV, with one band-mate taking care of autistic people for a living. I've shared the stage with the autistic, having them play instruments and sing and it was a wonderful experience. I believe it's SO important to treat these people the same as you would anyone else, never talking down to them like they are children. They are not. It's one of the more frustrating things to see someone raise their voice in patronizing tones, asking a person that you know to be a brilliant mind, "HOOW AAARE YOUUUU???"
It is frustrating to see so many conflicting theories as to the cause of autism. My personal view is that it is environmental, meaning it comes from food, medicine and/or toxic substances around us. I think if they focused their attention there they may do more good. If they were to all consecrate they would do one better.
Oc
Friday, April 20, 2007
Liberals Gone Wild - Protect the Kids from Bibles!
Octaman is often amused to see the depravity of the left as they attack those who stand up for the Bible. Here's the latest as Florida attacks the Gideons for passing out Bibles on a public sidewalk.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55304
Alec Baldwin makes the news today as a ranting lunatic, blasting his own 12 year old daughter and calling her a pig. The quintessential liberal, this is the classic liberal tactic of derision and name-calling. She must read the Bible.
Bible stompers, Bush haters and surrender chimps, liberals will fight for the right to put scissors in a newborn babies skull and the right to teach bi-sexuality to kindergarten classes, but they won't fight terrorists. You'll stay on their good side as long as you don't mention Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Then you're the terrorist!
As far as being attacked for being a Christian, I've been there, done that! It's what the story of Octaman is all about from the beginning; if you are a consecrated Christian, you will suffer persecution. Satan will use his time-tested methods of error and division and personal attacks to try and derail you, but keep your faith and stand strong, looking up for your deliverance and He will never let you down.
Psa 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
-----------
Family update
The other shoe drops! Now both sisters hate me intensely and for no reason that they can articulate. It's just a stream of labels. (Liberal name-calling again!) None of the insults are based on anything I've actually said or done. I ask them politely to explain, but that seems to enrage them further.
Example:
Sis: "You are a self-righteous hypocrite!"
Oc: "And why is that exactly?"
Sis: "You are delusional and arrogant!"
Oc: "Ok, because why? Anything in particular that I said or did?"
Sis: "You are a contemptuous animal!"
Yes, in their eyes I eat children. She pulled her son out of guitar class because I asked him who the guy was in the Bible that had great strength from his long hair. I ask each kid a Bible trivia question when they come to my door. She said he was being "proselytized." She would prefer I stick to AC/DC's "Highway to Hell". That would be safer for him. ;)
Oh, and the lessons were free.
------------------------
Music update
I made contact with Ben Bresky, host of THE BEAT on "Israelnationalradio.com". He added me to his friends list on myspace. I enjoyed his interview with Matisyahu, who sounds so much lke my reggae band in San Diego, except he's Jewish and they are very southern California beach, but they are so similar. Just hearing him talk, he's like a brother already. Maybe we'll jam together someday, but he's pretty huge (Sony label) and I'm just an indie guy. My unofficial manager in Mississippi says I should open for him. I said, "go ahead and set that up!" I do hope to set up a time to talk with Ben Bresky on the radio soon, as my music is about comforting the Jewish people at this time of their difficult trials.
Speaking of bands, I'm in contact with my old group in San Diego and there is a chance we will meet for some new shows this summer. That would be a pleasure. It depends on their motivation levels, which appear high at the moment. As Rush Limbaugh says, "80% of achievement is desire!"
And from pure desire, new music is on the way! I'm creating a page with samples of the new Octaman album "Organic Frequency" which should be ready to preview soon. The album is material previously recorded but unreleased, and features the original drummer from Pearl Jam. It's still very timely music, dealing with subjects that are in today's news, such as school violence, environmental destruction, and the "N word." That's because I'm always at least 10 years ahead of my time! (You can preview some of it now at the second Octaman myspace site.)
Oc
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55304
Alec Baldwin makes the news today as a ranting lunatic, blasting his own 12 year old daughter and calling her a pig. The quintessential liberal, this is the classic liberal tactic of derision and name-calling. She must read the Bible.
Bible stompers, Bush haters and surrender chimps, liberals will fight for the right to put scissors in a newborn babies skull and the right to teach bi-sexuality to kindergarten classes, but they won't fight terrorists. You'll stay on their good side as long as you don't mention Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Then you're the terrorist!
As far as being attacked for being a Christian, I've been there, done that! It's what the story of Octaman is all about from the beginning; if you are a consecrated Christian, you will suffer persecution. Satan will use his time-tested methods of error and division and personal attacks to try and derail you, but keep your faith and stand strong, looking up for your deliverance and He will never let you down.
Psa 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
-----------
Family update
The other shoe drops! Now both sisters hate me intensely and for no reason that they can articulate. It's just a stream of labels. (Liberal name-calling again!) None of the insults are based on anything I've actually said or done. I ask them politely to explain, but that seems to enrage them further.
Example:
Sis: "You are a self-righteous hypocrite!"
Oc: "And why is that exactly?"
Sis: "You are delusional and arrogant!"
Oc: "Ok, because why? Anything in particular that I said or did?"
Sis: "You are a contemptuous animal!"
Yes, in their eyes I eat children. She pulled her son out of guitar class because I asked him who the guy was in the Bible that had great strength from his long hair. I ask each kid a Bible trivia question when they come to my door. She said he was being "proselytized." She would prefer I stick to AC/DC's "Highway to Hell". That would be safer for him. ;)
Oh, and the lessons were free.
------------------------
Music update
I made contact with Ben Bresky, host of THE BEAT on "Israelnationalradio.com". He added me to his friends list on myspace. I enjoyed his interview with Matisyahu, who sounds so much lke my reggae band in San Diego, except he's Jewish and they are very southern California beach, but they are so similar. Just hearing him talk, he's like a brother already. Maybe we'll jam together someday, but he's pretty huge (Sony label) and I'm just an indie guy. My unofficial manager in Mississippi says I should open for him. I said, "go ahead and set that up!" I do hope to set up a time to talk with Ben Bresky on the radio soon, as my music is about comforting the Jewish people at this time of their difficult trials.
Speaking of bands, I'm in contact with my old group in San Diego and there is a chance we will meet for some new shows this summer. That would be a pleasure. It depends on their motivation levels, which appear high at the moment. As Rush Limbaugh says, "80% of achievement is desire!"
And from pure desire, new music is on the way! I'm creating a page with samples of the new Octaman album "Organic Frequency" which should be ready to preview soon. The album is material previously recorded but unreleased, and features the original drummer from Pearl Jam. It's still very timely music, dealing with subjects that are in today's news, such as school violence, environmental destruction, and the "N word." That's because I'm always at least 10 years ahead of my time! (You can preview some of it now at the second Octaman myspace site.)
Oc
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A Day in the Life of Octaman
It's hard for me to have a negative feeling for long, in spite of the fact that my family has written me off. I know that the family doesn't know me, and has never cared to have a conversation with me about anything. Fear seems to be the motivator behind that. Fear of what, is for another post...
I'm not made of stone, and my feelings do get hurt sometimes. I think how foolish they are to ignore and boycott someone who should be an interesting and even exciting part of their lives. How many of us have relatives who are recording artists with a new CD? I don't understand their animosity. But when I visit my own myspace site and see a friend request, it helps just a bit. And behold, when I look at the persons profile and see my own name listed in his section of "heroes", I get choked up a bit. There I was, right alongside Jesus, Speilberg and Spiderman. It means a lot to me especially now.
--------------------------
I wonder how many people are blessed to have the following kind of experience: I'm walking alone at the school field (after hours) hitting golf balls with my dog, just practicing. I see a kid from a distance and pay no attention. As he draws closer I see he's watching me. I pay no heed. Then from the other side of the fence he speaks to me.
"Hey I recognize you." He says. Well, I've been onstage so I could be recognized, it's not a big deal. He goes on...
"You helped me with my field goal kicking." He says.
I remember him now. It was maybe two years ago when I saw this kid trying to get the football through the uprights off of a tee, and I took pity on him, explained to him that I was a bit of a coach, and proceeded to help him.
"Yeah" he said, "you showed me how I should just do the same thing every time with the same approach and same number of steps, to start close and move back gradually. I actually ended up making the team and I got to kick field goals in games. I also played some other positions too. I just wanted to thank you."
Again I choke up. I wonder if anyone in my family has ever had such an experience. It's small moments like these that affirm my purpose as the Octaman - to help people, especially young people. I am able to overlook the family problems as petty and insignificant next to the great purpose and goal of my life. I can forgive them because I realize that they don't know me, never did, and probably never will. It's the people who I spend time with (who allow me to speak freely that really get to know me) that are amazed and grateful at what kind of special help I offer them. That's all I'm about. Those who are not interested in giving their lives for the sake of helping others couldn't possibly relate!
I'm not made of stone, and my feelings do get hurt sometimes. I think how foolish they are to ignore and boycott someone who should be an interesting and even exciting part of their lives. How many of us have relatives who are recording artists with a new CD? I don't understand their animosity. But when I visit my own myspace site and see a friend request, it helps just a bit. And behold, when I look at the persons profile and see my own name listed in his section of "heroes", I get choked up a bit. There I was, right alongside Jesus, Speilberg and Spiderman. It means a lot to me especially now.
--------------------------
I wonder how many people are blessed to have the following kind of experience: I'm walking alone at the school field (after hours) hitting golf balls with my dog, just practicing. I see a kid from a distance and pay no attention. As he draws closer I see he's watching me. I pay no heed. Then from the other side of the fence he speaks to me.
"Hey I recognize you." He says. Well, I've been onstage so I could be recognized, it's not a big deal. He goes on...
"You helped me with my field goal kicking." He says.
I remember him now. It was maybe two years ago when I saw this kid trying to get the football through the uprights off of a tee, and I took pity on him, explained to him that I was a bit of a coach, and proceeded to help him.
"Yeah" he said, "you showed me how I should just do the same thing every time with the same approach and same number of steps, to start close and move back gradually. I actually ended up making the team and I got to kick field goals in games. I also played some other positions too. I just wanted to thank you."
Again I choke up. I wonder if anyone in my family has ever had such an experience. It's small moments like these that affirm my purpose as the Octaman - to help people, especially young people. I am able to overlook the family problems as petty and insignificant next to the great purpose and goal of my life. I can forgive them because I realize that they don't know me, never did, and probably never will. It's the people who I spend time with (who allow me to speak freely that really get to know me) that are amazed and grateful at what kind of special help I offer them. That's all I'm about. Those who are not interested in giving their lives for the sake of helping others couldn't possibly relate!
| For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. |
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Could you be, could you be, could you be loved?
Could you be, could you be, could you be loved?
For Octaman the answer is hard to see. Some may ask why other musicians won't play with me. It's not because I'm some sort of evil taskmaster. Most of them would say I was the most professional, dedicated, hard working musician they've ever played with, with a very positive attitude and quiet, pleasant demeanor. Why then would they not want to work with me?
Because! I'm like Ted Nugent, without the real estate. I have a simple standard for those who want to play with me, and if they can't meet that standard they fall away. It's not even written down or anything, well until now maybe. Just as Ted Nugent would say: any drugs and sex and you can forget it. Keep that stuff away from me. I'm here to play music and have fun. If you have to have that in your life, keep it away from the band and the stage and the public and from me. I don't want to see it, or know about it. All of that interferes with the groups chance of success.
That's all. That's why I'm not in a group, I AM the group!
I also can't be around people who cheat on their spouse or girlfriend, or who father kids with multiple women that they don't marry. My music is on a higher level, as I sing about things that are sacred. And I don't have to say one word to them. I just sing; "Read the Word and live upright!" and they scatter like roaches under the light...
The one thing I request - stated up front - please! keep your religious messages off the stage as far as signs, banners and t-shirts are concerned. Of course a Jew could wear a yamika, or a hindu could have a dotted forehead, etc. But bringing your devil t-shirt or your rasta banner so you can decorate your little corner of the stage is contradictory to the spirit of the act I'm presenting.
It's an affront to me to run an opposing advertisement to the Bible message that I convey. After treating them with love and respect and giving them an opportunity to play music, they are disrespectful and confrontational toward me. If you can't abide by these simple guidelines, you won't play music with me for long.
That's why I'm Octaman. Because there are no musicians who I've met who can tolerate the standard! Again, it's not even written down or openly stated. I have an Israelite vibe that repels babylonians like a reverse magnet. I don't even require godly standards! Just basic human decency, which is often too much for them to handle.
......................
Speaking of the family boycott against me for no reason at all...
there are some Bob Marley lyrics that come to mind that fit the situation and also apply to the many musicians who have come and gone. After hearing enough of people lying to me and lying to themselves about situations that I see clearly, but they clearly don't see at all, I now understand why Bob wrote "could you be loved":
"Don't let them fool ya,
Or even try to school ya! Oh, no!
We've got a mind of our own,
So go to hell if what you're thinking is not right!
In other words, spare me the lecture when I see clearly what the situation is. Your mind is clouded with nonsense. I live in love and they live in fear. I won't be persuaded to see it your way when it's obviously wrong.
"(The road of life is rocky and you may stumble too,
So while you point your fingers someone else is judging you)
Love your brotherman!
(Could you be - could you be - could you be loved?...
Don't let them change ya, oh! -
Or even rearrange ya! Oh, no!"
There's always pressure on an Israelite to conform to the ways of the babylonians. I'm always dealing with people who are judging and pointing fingers at me who want to change and re-arrange me in their image. They have no love for me, but still wouldn't if they could change me!
"You ain't gonna miss your water until your well runs dry;
No matter how you treat him, the man will never be satisfied.
Say something!
Say something!
Say something!"
I've always treated friends and family with love and respect. Yet no matter how nice I am, they are always dissatisfied with me. I have no clue why except for my Israelite vibrations. They are not able to say why. Will they discuss it? Will they talk to me about it? Can they communicate? No! They can't even say something. They can't say anything. They simply react emotionally and then run and hide from any reasoning I may attempt to engage in.
They accuse me yet are unwilling to face me. They assassinate my character without cause, and they don't even know me at all, nor understand why they do it. In this manner they are worse than the Romans of old!
Act 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
"Stiff-necked fools, you think you are cool
To deny me for simplicity.
Yes, you have gone for so long
With your love for vanity now.
Yes, you have got the wrong interpretation
Mixed up with vain imagination.
So take Jah Sun, and Jah Moon,
And Jah Rain, and Jah Stars,
And forever, yes, erase your fantasy, yea-eah!"
Bob Marley, "Stiff-Necked Fools"
I've had dearest loved ones, musical comrades and Bible study partners boycott me to go on a whisper campaign, saying the nastiest things about me to anyone within earshot - and for no reason that they can even articulate. It is always in response to standing up for what is right. They will be angry with you for taking a stand, even if you have the face and voice of an angel.
They stoned Stephen and he had the face of an angel, and spoke the Truth to his brethren. Just read Acts chapter 6. They falsely accused him of saying things he did not say. They killed him for doing good. He was only trying to help them, but they would not hear him.
This is the life of an Israelite living inside Babylon. If you are like me, your very presence is an abomination to the worshippers of "Ishtar"! Even if you are trying to cultivate love.
True love is from above. Real love is a higher "agape" love from God. To give and receive it you must respect that God first. The love of the Babylonians is the love of ease and expediency, of money and status. The very thought of putting those things aside to consider God will is unthinkable to them.
I GIVE THANKS that God will bless them all in the Kingdom, with clarity of mind and love of the highest degree!
Oc
For Octaman the answer is hard to see. Some may ask why other musicians won't play with me. It's not because I'm some sort of evil taskmaster. Most of them would say I was the most professional, dedicated, hard working musician they've ever played with, with a very positive attitude and quiet, pleasant demeanor. Why then would they not want to work with me?
Because! I'm like Ted Nugent, without the real estate. I have a simple standard for those who want to play with me, and if they can't meet that standard they fall away. It's not even written down or anything, well until now maybe. Just as Ted Nugent would say: any drugs and sex and you can forget it. Keep that stuff away from me. I'm here to play music and have fun. If you have to have that in your life, keep it away from the band and the stage and the public and from me. I don't want to see it, or know about it. All of that interferes with the groups chance of success.
That's all. That's why I'm not in a group, I AM the group!
I also can't be around people who cheat on their spouse or girlfriend, or who father kids with multiple women that they don't marry. My music is on a higher level, as I sing about things that are sacred. And I don't have to say one word to them. I just sing; "Read the Word and live upright!" and they scatter like roaches under the light...
The one thing I request - stated up front - please! keep your religious messages off the stage as far as signs, banners and t-shirts are concerned. Of course a Jew could wear a yamika, or a hindu could have a dotted forehead, etc. But bringing your devil t-shirt or your rasta banner so you can decorate your little corner of the stage is contradictory to the spirit of the act I'm presenting.
It's an affront to me to run an opposing advertisement to the Bible message that I convey. After treating them with love and respect and giving them an opportunity to play music, they are disrespectful and confrontational toward me. If you can't abide by these simple guidelines, you won't play music with me for long.
That's why I'm Octaman. Because there are no musicians who I've met who can tolerate the standard! Again, it's not even written down or openly stated. I have an Israelite vibe that repels babylonians like a reverse magnet. I don't even require godly standards! Just basic human decency, which is often too much for them to handle.
......................
Speaking of the family boycott against me for no reason at all...
there are some Bob Marley lyrics that come to mind that fit the situation and also apply to the many musicians who have come and gone. After hearing enough of people lying to me and lying to themselves about situations that I see clearly, but they clearly don't see at all, I now understand why Bob wrote "could you be loved":
"Don't let them fool ya,
Or even try to school ya! Oh, no!
We've got a mind of our own,
So go to hell if what you're thinking is not right!
In other words, spare me the lecture when I see clearly what the situation is. Your mind is clouded with nonsense. I live in love and they live in fear. I won't be persuaded to see it your way when it's obviously wrong.
"(The road of life is rocky and you may stumble too,
So while you point your fingers someone else is judging you)
Love your brotherman!
(Could you be - could you be - could you be loved?...
Don't let them change ya, oh! -
Or even rearrange ya! Oh, no!"
There's always pressure on an Israelite to conform to the ways of the babylonians. I'm always dealing with people who are judging and pointing fingers at me who want to change and re-arrange me in their image. They have no love for me, but still wouldn't if they could change me!
"You ain't gonna miss your water until your well runs dry;
No matter how you treat him, the man will never be satisfied.
Say something!
Say something!
Say something!"
I've always treated friends and family with love and respect. Yet no matter how nice I am, they are always dissatisfied with me. I have no clue why except for my Israelite vibrations. They are not able to say why. Will they discuss it? Will they talk to me about it? Can they communicate? No! They can't even say something. They can't say anything. They simply react emotionally and then run and hide from any reasoning I may attempt to engage in.
They accuse me yet are unwilling to face me. They assassinate my character without cause, and they don't even know me at all, nor understand why they do it. In this manner they are worse than the Romans of old!
Act 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
"Stiff-necked fools, you think you are cool
To deny me for simplicity.
Yes, you have gone for so long
With your love for vanity now.
Yes, you have got the wrong interpretation
Mixed up with vain imagination.
So take Jah Sun, and Jah Moon,
And Jah Rain, and Jah Stars,
And forever, yes, erase your fantasy, yea-eah!"
Bob Marley, "Stiff-Necked Fools"
I've had dearest loved ones, musical comrades and Bible study partners boycott me to go on a whisper campaign, saying the nastiest things about me to anyone within earshot - and for no reason that they can even articulate. It is always in response to standing up for what is right. They will be angry with you for taking a stand, even if you have the face and voice of an angel.
They stoned Stephen and he had the face of an angel, and spoke the Truth to his brethren. Just read Acts chapter 6. They falsely accused him of saying things he did not say. They killed him for doing good. He was only trying to help them, but they would not hear him.
This is the life of an Israelite living inside Babylon. If you are like me, your very presence is an abomination to the worshippers of "Ishtar"! Even if you are trying to cultivate love.
True love is from above. Real love is a higher "agape" love from God. To give and receive it you must respect that God first. The love of the Babylonians is the love of ease and expediency, of money and status. The very thought of putting those things aside to consider God will is unthinkable to them.
I GIVE THANKS that God will bless them all in the Kingdom, with clarity of mind and love of the highest degree!
Oc
Friday, April 13, 2007
Killers get love letters, Octaman gets boycotted
all that is gold does not glitter
not all that glitters is gold
praise is heaped on the wicked all the time
the righteous stand out in the cold
well it may have always been that way
but it won't always be so...
From the song "Life, Death and the Here After" by Octaman
I wrote that song a long time ago, and it seems to have a continual cycle of fulfillment in my life. Sometimes the episodes are so hard that it's difficult to fit the Octaman story into my comedic template. The only way to make it funny would be to make Octaman the most hated person on the planet. That may be the case.
One evil thing after another happens to our hero, so the audience can laugh their heads off at what must be a deserving villain.
Let's join our anti-hero as he sets out to find an audience for his independently released music CD. It's very hard just waiting for any feedback. And waiting. And waiting. The silence is deafening at times. After working for nearly four years on the latest CD, all I hear from most of my friends and family are crickets.
not all that glitters is gold
praise is heaped on the wicked all the time
the righteous stand out in the cold
well it may have always been that way
but it won't always be so...
From the song "Life, Death and the Here After" by Octaman
I wrote that song a long time ago, and it seems to have a continual cycle of fulfillment in my life. Sometimes the episodes are so hard that it's difficult to fit the Octaman story into my comedic template. The only way to make it funny would be to make Octaman the most hated person on the planet. That may be the case.
One evil thing after another happens to our hero, so the audience can laugh their heads off at what must be a deserving villain.
Let's join our anti-hero as he sets out to find an audience for his independently released music CD. It's very hard just waiting for any feedback. And waiting. And waiting. The silence is deafening at times. After working for nearly four years on the latest CD, all I hear from most of my friends and family are crickets.
"ree-ee, ree-ee"
At least mom is supportive. Anyway, today I've been working on a new CD that is very exciting to me. Some of the music is already up on the myspace.com rock site for downloading. It's newly re-mastered hard rock music that was already in the can. I can't wait for others to hear it, so I decide to unveil it by playing a song for a student of mine. His reaction?
"ree-ee, ree-ee"
Not one single word. It's hard to fathom, since the music is so outrageously on the edge, it should elicit some sort of reaction, but maybe that's just as well. Some of my friends have been critical of the last CD, so maybe I don't want to know what anyone thinks. At least I know it's good.
There are some nice remarks about "Rock of Offence" coming in. Two or three! I'm not sure if it's two or three since one of them suggested I should do an instrumental album, which I take as a backhanded snipe at the vocalist. Coming from a person who's in the Truth - the same religious fellowship as I am, well, you'd think the message would be more important to them, but I suppose they prefer Andrea Boceli. I suppose I'm not everyone's cup of tea. I must deserve it, since I had just spent part of the day coaching students by picking apart their vocals...
No word back from the few radio hosts I sent the CD to yet. Not sure if they arrived. An inquiry to a reggae music site for info resulted in someone sending a "friend request" to my Octaman "myspace" reggae site. I guess that's spam, but I'm new to myspace, so I let him join. It looks better than having it say "Octaman has 1 friends". I can see this is going to be a long haul out of anonymity...
Question for the day: If you know that a certain family member is estranged from the others, should you secretly invite them all to a dinner - and then when the estranged party tries to ask for reconciliation and is rejected again, should you then throw an emotional fit and blame him because the evening didn't go as you planned?
And what if the estranged family member had already told you exactly what would happen if you all got together, but you went ahead and ignored that conversation? Do you then think it would be all right to loudly berate him? To not answer his very nice email? To not show up for the music lesson scheduled for his nephew? To do so without informing him?
Scott Peterson and the "night stalker" are murderers in prison who get love letters. I'm a musician and guitar teacher who volunteers his time to kids, but you'd think I'd just called someone a "nappy headed ho!" I'm boycotted. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to miss out on that monthly box of macaroni and cheese I'd receive in trade for the $100 in music lessons I've given each month for the last two years...
And I guess I'll have to miss out on having any family as well. That's the punchline!
There are some nice remarks about "Rock of Offence" coming in. Two or three! I'm not sure if it's two or three since one of them suggested I should do an instrumental album, which I take as a backhanded snipe at the vocalist. Coming from a person who's in the Truth - the same religious fellowship as I am, well, you'd think the message would be more important to them, but I suppose they prefer Andrea Boceli. I suppose I'm not everyone's cup of tea. I must deserve it, since I had just spent part of the day coaching students by picking apart their vocals...
No word back from the few radio hosts I sent the CD to yet. Not sure if they arrived. An inquiry to a reggae music site for info resulted in someone sending a "friend request" to my Octaman "myspace" reggae site. I guess that's spam, but I'm new to myspace, so I let him join. It looks better than having it say "Octaman has 1 friends". I can see this is going to be a long haul out of anonymity...
Question for the day: If you know that a certain family member is estranged from the others, should you secretly invite them all to a dinner - and then when the estranged party tries to ask for reconciliation and is rejected again, should you then throw an emotional fit and blame him because the evening didn't go as you planned?
And what if the estranged family member had already told you exactly what would happen if you all got together, but you went ahead and ignored that conversation? Do you then think it would be all right to loudly berate him? To not answer his very nice email? To not show up for the music lesson scheduled for his nephew? To do so without informing him?
Scott Peterson and the "night stalker" are murderers in prison who get love letters. I'm a musician and guitar teacher who volunteers his time to kids, but you'd think I'd just called someone a "nappy headed ho!" I'm boycotted. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to miss out on that monthly box of macaroni and cheese I'd receive in trade for the $100 in music lessons I've given each month for the last two years...
And I guess I'll have to miss out on having any family as well. That's the punchline!
"ree-ee, ree-ee"
Oc
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I can't go on living on the same planet with IMUS
It's too much to bear. My world has stopped. Everything was fine until I heard the words "nappy headed ho's", and now it's over. I can't eat, I can't sleep. I can't function at all. I won't do anything until I see Don Imus hanging on a cross. Until he is crucified or at least tortured and beheaded, the world will not start turning again. Until that time, I will soothe my grief by viewing the Rap music channels, and perhaps enjoy some racial humor on the comedy channels. It's all I have left....
Actually I've been busy. Just last night I posted two "new" songs on my second super secret myspace site. One of the songs is called "Every Nigger I Know". That's right. In a world where using the "N" word is completely out of bounds, I go ahead and make this song with that title and make it free for the whole world! Shocking! Simply outrageous.
Of course I'm shy about it, or sly about it. I won't tell you exactly where they are, but here is the clue: On my "band bio" profile, middle C is the key! The song is about my personal relationship with black people in this world and how they effect me.
The other song, "Lightening Every Day" is about the ever-brightening light of the Millennial dawn in which we live, and the overall effect it is having on all of our lives - and why. It is nothing less than the second coming of Christ in action - "returned already, Messiah Redeemer!"
OC
Actually I've been busy. Just last night I posted two "new" songs on my second super secret myspace site. One of the songs is called "Every Nigger I Know". That's right. In a world where using the "N" word is completely out of bounds, I go ahead and make this song with that title and make it free for the whole world! Shocking! Simply outrageous.
Of course I'm shy about it, or sly about it. I won't tell you exactly where they are, but here is the clue: On my "band bio" profile, middle C is the key! The song is about my personal relationship with black people in this world and how they effect me.
The other song, "Lightening Every Day" is about the ever-brightening light of the Millennial dawn in which we live, and the overall effect it is having on all of our lives - and why. It is nothing less than the second coming of Christ in action - "returned already, Messiah Redeemer!"
OC
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Rock Star vs. Rock of Offence
Episode 13: No way home.
Finally with CD in hand I set out to promote it. Most indie artists have friends and family behind them to help distribute or get the word out. Not so true for Octaman.
First I sent CD's to supporters who ordered early to help support the effort. Both of them.
Second, I sent CD's out to CDbaby.com who will be setting me up with online distribution, such as iTunes and Rhapsody, etc.
Third I pass them out to a few people, such as my neighbor who actually listened to my previous music and liked it. He called me and was very encouraging...
Fourth I sent some out to radio hosts whom I thought may be interested. Bryan Suits was the inspiration for the song "Iraqi People Are Free" so I sent one to him with a thank you letter. Then there are two hosts at Israelnationalradio.cm I thought might like it, perhaps even put me on their show.
I didn't know how I'd pay for the postage to Israel, but thankfully I bumped into a student of mine at the grocery store who purchased one from me, and then a stranger who was curious about my dreadlocks also bought one. With this money I could send the packages out.
Fifth, my old band in San Diego had been in contact with me and expressed interest in possibly playing again (yes some musicians appreciated me!). I sent them a few to pass around...
Sixth, it's Easter Sunday and I'm invited to my sister's house. My new CD should be a big hit with the family, right? Will they say they loved it? Toss a few streamers maybe?
I show up and see my older sister's vehicle. She can't stand me. My dad is there! But everyone knows that my dad doesn't want to see me. This would be the first holiday together in nearly 4 years...
I walk in and it's like a fission device went off. "Hi dad, so how come you haven't wanted to see me?" I ask. Within seconds one sister is yelling at me, the other is sobbing emotionally, my brother in law is yelling at me because I asked, the kids are crying and running downstairs, my dad is bulging at the temples and screaming violent threats against me, while poor mom is swirling a half-empty glass looking at her feet, after quietly supporting me a bit.
It was just like old times! I felt right at home. :)
They set me up. It was a conspiracy to deliberately not tell me who would be there. I told them beforehand exactly what would happen if we got together - that I was going to ask what the problem was to try and facilitate communication - something foreign to our family. I said they would not like being asked, and the holiday would be ruined in front of the kids. Well in the words of Will Smith in the movie "I, Robot" - "somehow 'I told you so' just doesn't quite say it."
Their emotional abuse toward me has been ongoing for years. As often happens, bullies get support and the victim is blamed. It was my fault for asking why they stopped seeing me, stopped sending cards, etc. after dad screamed at me in a crowded restaurant during our last holiday meal with a vile stream of insults. Yet he is lauded as "a good father". I suppose, if a violent, drunken, philandering, gambling, absent-all-the-time dad is your idea of a good father. Still, I love him in spite of it, and would like to see a reconciliation.
I would've chosen a different setting, but they set me up, so I had exactly three choices:
First, I could have seen their cars in the driveway and taken the "small man" approach - turn right around and leave.
Second, I could take the "little boy" approach, sit down and bite my lip and sit across the table from those who hate my guts, continuing the stress of abuse, suffering in silence.
They would have all voted for that choice, as they don't care about my feelings, as dad used to always say - "I could care less, dear."
I'm not a coward nor a kid, I'm Octaman. I took the third option; Step up like a man, be brave and ask what the problem was, to break the cycle. Each of them responded with uncontrolled emotions, refusing to allow me to talk, so I was left with no option but to just leave.
Only my dad's wife cared to listen to me at all. Great having the support of your family at crucial times in your life! Par for the course!
Octaman
Finally with CD in hand I set out to promote it. Most indie artists have friends and family behind them to help distribute or get the word out. Not so true for Octaman.
First I sent CD's to supporters who ordered early to help support the effort. Both of them.
Second, I sent CD's out to CDbaby.com who will be setting me up with online distribution, such as iTunes and Rhapsody, etc.
Third I pass them out to a few people, such as my neighbor who actually listened to my previous music and liked it. He called me and was very encouraging...
Fourth I sent some out to radio hosts whom I thought may be interested. Bryan Suits was the inspiration for the song "Iraqi People Are Free" so I sent one to him with a thank you letter. Then there are two hosts at Israelnationalradio.cm I thought might like it, perhaps even put me on their show.
I didn't know how I'd pay for the postage to Israel, but thankfully I bumped into a student of mine at the grocery store who purchased one from me, and then a stranger who was curious about my dreadlocks also bought one. With this money I could send the packages out.
Fifth, my old band in San Diego had been in contact with me and expressed interest in possibly playing again (yes some musicians appreciated me!). I sent them a few to pass around...
Sixth, it's Easter Sunday and I'm invited to my sister's house. My new CD should be a big hit with the family, right? Will they say they loved it? Toss a few streamers maybe?
I show up and see my older sister's vehicle. She can't stand me. My dad is there! But everyone knows that my dad doesn't want to see me. This would be the first holiday together in nearly 4 years...
I walk in and it's like a fission device went off. "Hi dad, so how come you haven't wanted to see me?" I ask. Within seconds one sister is yelling at me, the other is sobbing emotionally, my brother in law is yelling at me because I asked, the kids are crying and running downstairs, my dad is bulging at the temples and screaming violent threats against me, while poor mom is swirling a half-empty glass looking at her feet, after quietly supporting me a bit.
It was just like old times! I felt right at home. :)
They set me up. It was a conspiracy to deliberately not tell me who would be there. I told them beforehand exactly what would happen if we got together - that I was going to ask what the problem was to try and facilitate communication - something foreign to our family. I said they would not like being asked, and the holiday would be ruined in front of the kids. Well in the words of Will Smith in the movie "I, Robot" - "somehow 'I told you so' just doesn't quite say it."
Their emotional abuse toward me has been ongoing for years. As often happens, bullies get support and the victim is blamed. It was my fault for asking why they stopped seeing me, stopped sending cards, etc. after dad screamed at me in a crowded restaurant during our last holiday meal with a vile stream of insults. Yet he is lauded as "a good father". I suppose, if a violent, drunken, philandering, gambling, absent-all-the-time dad is your idea of a good father. Still, I love him in spite of it, and would like to see a reconciliation.
I would've chosen a different setting, but they set me up, so I had exactly three choices:
First, I could have seen their cars in the driveway and taken the "small man" approach - turn right around and leave.
Second, I could take the "little boy" approach, sit down and bite my lip and sit across the table from those who hate my guts, continuing the stress of abuse, suffering in silence.
They would have all voted for that choice, as they don't care about my feelings, as dad used to always say - "I could care less, dear."
I'm not a coward nor a kid, I'm Octaman. I took the third option; Step up like a man, be brave and ask what the problem was, to break the cycle. Each of them responded with uncontrolled emotions, refusing to allow me to talk, so I was left with no option but to just leave.
Only my dad's wife cared to listen to me at all. Great having the support of your family at crucial times in your life! Par for the course!
Octaman
The First Week - Success? Or Par for the course?
What began as a promising career stumbles on as a comedy of errors. Read it Jah children and learn!
Episode 12: CD PROJECT PICKUP (It's not really episode 12, but I'm conveying the idea that the story starts in the middle, not the beginning.)
So it's the night before I drive to Portland to pick up my order of 1000 cd's of Octaman, Rock of Offence. Years ago when the project began I googled the term "Octaman" and found nothing, so I figured I was in the clear with an original name that only I had thought of! But just for the heck of it, I search it again, and discover - to my horror - that it is a horror movie from 1971. There were very few search results. This was a terrible "B" movie with a guy in a rubber suit, something along the lines of "Creature from the Black Lagoon" or something. Then I laughed. That just figures, I thought. And it fits the story.
I get to Portland the next day and convey my funny little story to the guy at the desk who says, "you didn't know that"? As though it were common knowledge. Turns out he was an actor who had an interest in weird sci-fi movies. But so far we are par for the course.
Gary and I (guitar player friend) used to sit around and come up with brilliant ideas for cover songs to play in our band, only to hear it on the radio virtually the next day. One day Gary said, "I have it! The song that nobody will ever think of to cover. Hocus Pocus by Focus!" "I love that song!" I said. Let's learn it! We heard it that same week. It became a hit for the band that covered it.
I chose Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" as a reggae tune, and then she came out that week with that song as the title track of her new album. I rehearsed a reggae version of "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks only to hear it in a pet store by someone else.
These scenes and more will appear in the upcoming movie! Which will have already been made by the time I finish writing it...
Episode 12: CD PROJECT PICKUP (It's not really episode 12, but I'm conveying the idea that the story starts in the middle, not the beginning.)
So it's the night before I drive to Portland to pick up my order of 1000 cd's of Octaman, Rock of Offence. Years ago when the project began I googled the term "Octaman" and found nothing, so I figured I was in the clear with an original name that only I had thought of! But just for the heck of it, I search it again, and discover - to my horror - that it is a horror movie from 1971. There were very few search results. This was a terrible "B" movie with a guy in a rubber suit, something along the lines of "Creature from the Black Lagoon" or something. Then I laughed. That just figures, I thought. And it fits the story.
I get to Portland the next day and convey my funny little story to the guy at the desk who says, "you didn't know that"? As though it were common knowledge. Turns out he was an actor who had an interest in weird sci-fi movies. But so far we are par for the course.
Gary and I (guitar player friend) used to sit around and come up with brilliant ideas for cover songs to play in our band, only to hear it on the radio virtually the next day. One day Gary said, "I have it! The song that nobody will ever think of to cover. Hocus Pocus by Focus!" "I love that song!" I said. Let's learn it! We heard it that same week. It became a hit for the band that covered it.
I chose Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" as a reggae tune, and then she came out that week with that song as the title track of her new album. I rehearsed a reggae version of "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks only to hear it in a pet store by someone else.
These scenes and more will appear in the upcoming movie! Which will have already been made by the time I finish writing it...
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