Forever an infant

Each new day, project and innovation begins with infancy. Thought, care and nourishment are key ingredients to successfully moving to the next step of accomplishment. Accomplishment is starting something; knowing that if you finish or not, at least you began. Not everything gets finished and most great things are a work in progress; most often ourselves. Putting in the work and time is what counts. It's part of life education, always living and learning. I desire to forever be an everlearning infant. Regardless, it's what I am whether I chose to accept it or not.

"If life were measured by accomplishments, most of us would die in infancy." ~ A. P. Gouthey

EQ is not QC

The equalizer options on most mp3 et al players these days don't necessarily mean best quality control and sound. Audio and mastering engineers are around for a reason and well-produced music is "ready to go" once on your portable music player, computer, or CD player.

I've received a few pieces of interesting feedback regarding distortion on my albums. I can assure you that there is no distortion on the master recordings. I discussed this with my engineer (Dusk Bennett) to shed some light for fans (and pondering fans) and here is the result...

From Dusk: "A lot of consumer grade playback devices (unfortunately) cannot handle samples that approach the theoretical limit of digital audio (0dBfs - that's decibels full scale) and will start to clip the samples with a resultant digital distortion that's not pretty. Buying a good CD player now is not a POS purchase. It takes some research and an understanding of the DAC's (device for converting a digital code to an analog signal) they implement in them.

One thing I have noticed with iTunes and other software playback driven systems is that the equalizer features do not work right. If you are listening to hot program material with ANY EQ engaged it can distort the audio. Essentially these programs do not account for full scale material (by appropriately reducing the program level a few dB to compensate for the EQ curves) so the curves force the audio device into distortion. I would suggest making sure you do not have this feature engaged when you use your playback software. I stopped using the EQ feature on my iPod the minute I turned it on because I realized what was happening.

As you could imagine it's a really frustrating time to be a mix engineer now. There are no QC standards implemented across the board, the FCC has thrown up their hands with controlling digital audio levels, and the consumers expect all of our hard work to get piped down to a low res mp3 file destined to be played back on a $100 playback system. I suppose until the consumers get fed up with it the status quo will continue (you go Dusk!).

Tip: I believe if you turn the master volume down (about 1/2 to 3/4) on the iPod (or iTunes) this gets around the EQ curve issue. It appears the EQ algorithm is a "post fader" EQ which is a really odd implementation to be honest. Of course the trade off is less volume. In that instance you would need a preamp to recover the signal loss. Since most preamps (stereos) have EQ's anyways, this pretty much renders the EQ feature as useless IMHO."

Buy albums you know are well produced and don't use the EQ when listening to these albums on certain devices. It works. Test it out. Try it with my albums. :) In the end it's up to you on the sound you want, but distortion should be held responsible by the FCC and makers of the electronic devices you buy.

My dad, the IndyCar racer?

My dad is living proof that it's never too late to try anything. Earlier this week we headed out to the the Indianapolis Speedway and my dad hitched a ride with Arie Luyendyk Jr. for 3 laps around the track at 180 mph. WOW. I could barely keep up when filming. :) It was a great experience for him and example for me.



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"I have never had a policy. I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came." ~ Abraham Lincoln

I love this quote from Lincoln. Each day is a new beginning. A fresh start to do something new, experience, and make progress.

On an unrelated note (however, a couple of the songs would couple well with IndyCar racing), allMeadow and I are nearing completion of our remix album. It's going to have a really diverse mix of melodies and tempos. Stay tuned...

Bringing home baby... #2

I'm beyond thrilled to introduce Eleanor (Ellie) Carol Costlow. Eleanor arrived on May 8. Big sister (Madeline) is SO excited and proud. She has been helping out so much as each day has become busier.

The second time around was a bit easier for my wife and I to digest. No worries on how to change a diaper, what to do when she cries, or confusion with the umbilical cord. Nerves were much calmer, the mood light, and just thinking about the absolute miracle of childbirth. We even caught a couple movies at the hospital.

We are enjoying each day and look forward to continually nurturing and sharing in many adventures with our children. I can certainly say so many melodies are running through my mind these days. I'll have my daughters critique the tunes before releasing my next album. :)

"I don't know who my grandfather was; I'm much more concerned to know what his grandson will be." ~ Abraham Lincoln

A simple but powerful statement. In line with Lincoln's thoughts, I'm concerned on how I influence my family and how they will influence others. A daily challenge of putting other people first, being a good example and making positive choices. I'm so thankful for my children. Parenthood has greatly amplified my personal mission and goals. Parent or not, children should be a great inspiration to all adults. As it has been said many times before, children are our future here on Earth.

Podkids Australia

Thanks to Paul at the Podkids Australia Podcast for featuring my music in episode #20. Paul was one of the first educators in Australia to create a podcast.

Check out his site.

April Newsletter

Greetings Fans!

Happy Earth Day 2009! Hope you have a chance to get out in your community and help protect our planet. Together we can make a difference.

News

As a follow-up to last month’s Wikipedia challenge, I’m happy to announce there is now a “Rob Costlow” page on the site. A big THANKS to those fans that placed this up (you know who you are)! This will be an evolving page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Costlow

In addition, allMeadow and I have been working hard on our upcoming remix album. It’s nearing completion and the tracks are turning out great.

Licenses

My song "Semester Days" (off Woods of Chaos) was licensed this month for a 20 second TV commercial for Crabtree & Evelyn in Taiwan. It is always fun to see how people relate to and use music around the world. If you would like to license my music for any type of project, please visit http://www.robcostlow.com/content/view/87/69. I also have title themes and jingles that have yet to release. They will be available for preview on an upcoming site for a new project of mine (see below).

Reconstruction Music Project

I have been working on a secret project with a good friend of mine. We have been a bit delayed, but still plan to soon launch a site to help inspire and provide more support around the recession. Stay tuned…

Pandora Challenge

I recently (finally) sent my work to Pandora Internet Radio. I know many of you listen to Pandora, so if you are inclined please email suggest-music@pandora.com a simple "Add Rob Costlow" request.

iTunes Ratings

Attention iTunes customers: iTunes recently launched a new ratings feature (1-5 stars) for all albums. This is a separate feature from writing reviews. Albums with strong ratings get publicized throughout iTunes. Next time you are on iTunes, please consider rating my albums. Thank you!

Video of the Month

For April, I have selected “Lunar Eclipse from the Cockpit” set to my song “I Do.” Watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWEScLKE8Wg

Some Inspiration

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Thanks for all your support!

Until next time…

Rob Costlow

Tourist Records, LLC

Podantics

Thanks to Scott at the Podantics Podcast for featuring my music in his upcoming Passages project.

Check out his site. The project sounds quite interesting and will feature performances by the hosts of: The AndyCast, Life On Tap, The Love Long and Prosper Podcast, The Truth Seekers Podcast, etc.

Four Tones

Thanks to the Four Tones Podcast (from the UK) for featuring my music in today's show.

Check it out here.

Switch On!

During my workout today, I had a bit of a revelation. I questioned myself if I'm really "switched on." That is, do I let trivial things get me down? Do I focus too often on what can't be changed instead of what can?

I believe these a pretty common negatives with people. Personally, I need to make sure I'm always switched on to see what I should be focusing on and help eliminate darkness in my life.

"Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up." ~ Anne Lamott

That's right...don't give up.

March Newsletter

Greetings Fans!

Can you believe March is here!? I am happy the spring season has almost arrived. Spring is such a great time to get outside, create some new memories, and be inspired.

New Remix Album Coming Soon

I am working again with allMeadow (http://www.allmeadow.com) on a new project. This will be a full-length down-tempo/electronica remix album. We will be using samples from my current work and some exciting new riffs. The first takes on the tracks are sounding great. I will post a sample on my site once we make some more progress. You can read more about the project on my blog. The album is planned to be released by summer.

Wikipedia Challenge

I presume at least a few of my fans have skilled editor experience on Wikipedia.org. I am not allowed to start a page on my own behalf. So, I decided to challenge my fans. I will autograph each of my albums and send them to the fan(s) that creates a great “Rob Costlow” artist page on Wikipedia. Sting’s page setup is a nice example – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sting_(musician). If you need any information not available on my site, please email me at rob@robcostlow.com.

Video of the Month

This month I am starting a new section to highlight videos that have included my music. I am very grateful to all the people that have created such videos. For March, I would like to feature an inspiring video from a fan in Austria. The video is entitled “Never forget, we are one big family” and is set to the song “Family.” Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNl1X9Hg2Ec and please feel free to share with family and friends. Know of a video using my music that should be featured on my YouTube page? Send an email to rob@robcostlow.com.

Some Inspiration

"Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it." ~ Sam Ewing

Be influenced, but make what you do yours. Be the best YOU.

Before you close the newsletter, please forward to friends and family or anyone you think may be interested. Anyone can subscribe to this newsletter on http://www.robcostlow.com.

Until next time…

Rob Costlow

Tourist Records, LLC

Lasting Inspiration

Below is a photo of my physical music collection and old college stereo. I was staring and reminiscing about them the other night. These tunes (aside from the few random children albums for my daughter) have been the largest inspiration to me. I'm extremely picky when it comes to purchasing music. Most of my influences (and what I still purchase) are from 80s and 90s artists. I must also state when very young I quite enjoyed my older brother's vinyls and 8-tracks for Chuck Mangione, Journey, Doobie Brothers, and Christopher Cross (can't forget"Sailing").

I don't buy very much new music. Mainly as I want to create pure new music and not be too caught up or subconsciously influenced by other artists. I want the music to be me.

"I shut my eyes in order to see." ~ Paul Gauguin

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent" ~ Victor Hugo

New Remix Album Coming Soon

I'm pleased to announce that I'll be working again with allMeadow on a new album. This will be a full-length downtempo/electronica remix album. We will be using samples from my current work and new riffs we both create.

allMeadow is based in the UK and we'll be collaborating via the Web and video. Gotta love the Internet. Given, I will definitely make it over to the UK in the future. However, I have my second child on the way and many other projects on my plate. So, doing what I can to get some more music out there.

We plan to have the album ready for release by summer. It will be available in both digital and physical format.

This project also supports the new genre labeling of my music. With the release of Reconstruction, my music is now referred to as "Contemporary Piano." New Age is not the best genre to describe the music, so I changed things up. Many services that sell my music will soon be labeling all albums with a new genre that best fit the style. There will still be a few services that will use New Age as the genre. Just think of it as "general/contemporary" New Age. :)

Be Yourself

A friend shared some very good advice with me this week. It's something I already strive for, but just needed to engrave it in my mind with the right words.

Be influenced, but make what you do yours. Be the best YOU.

"Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it." ~ Sam Ewing

You can't be the best YOU by trying to be like someone else.

Trucker Tom Return

Thanks to Tom at the Trucker Tom Podcast for once again featuring my music in his latest episode 1004.

Check out his site.

Nerd is the Word

Thanks to The Word Nerds Podcast for featuring my music in episode #115.

Check out the site.

February Newsletter

Greetings Fans!

I hope this newsletter finds you well. This is my first official message and I look forward to keeping you updated on all things music. I have a lot of plans for 2009. My wife (even being 6+ months pregnant) helps with Tourist Records and we try to keep things simple. We own all the rights to the music and do just about everything on the business end of things. Our desire is to keep this genuine to better serve music lovers.

New Album

My latest album, Reconstruction, was released last fall. Feedback has been great so far. The album is mainly about rebuilding, growing and becoming a parent, but it also has a universal aspect. With the current economic crisis, the title and theme hold a lot of relevance. We have all faced and continue to face tough times. My hope is that this album provides a sense of strength and renewal.

Looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day gift? Purchase Reconstruction for your Valentine at http://www.robcostlow.com. You can preview the album on my site. Set your own price (via Magnatune.com) and take it wherever life leads you. A little trivia – Did you know the song “Falling (for Her)” was originally titled “Valentine”?

Connect

I’ve created some new online profiles. You can now connect with me on the following networks: Blogger, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Last.fm, LinkedIn and Shoutlife. I have also started a channel on YouTube which serves as a collection of some fan created videos. Check it out at http://youtube.com/user/RobCostlowVideos. If you know of other videos, please let me know.

Sheet Music

I have received a lot of emails (which I enjoy) about sheet music. Currently, “I Do”, “Meant to Be”, “Not Alone”, and “Woods of Chaos” are available on http://www.robcostlow.com. I do plan to release more sheet music later this year. I’m hoping for another 3-4 pieces. Thanks for your patience.

Some Inspiration

“Hide not your this approach, always know that you're doing a great thing and making a positive impact. talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade?” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Whatever you do in life, focus on the positive and how you can best use your talents. Maintain patience and do what you can. With

Until next time…

Rob Costlow

Tourist Records, LLC

25 More Random Things

I’ve read so many more of these lists on Facebook, I decided to make one more. I needed to get in a second exercise before I do it again in 10 or 20 years. It's been therapeutic.

1. I’ve lived in Indianapolis, Los Angeles and San Diego (and one summer in Maine as well as Chicago). I also regularly spend time in Wisconsin with family.
2. I highlighted my hair once when I lived in L.A. The one and only time that will ever happen.
3. As a kid I inherited giant tinker toys from my brothers. I used to turn them into instruments and microphone stands and lip synch/air jam to tunes on the radio.
4. During college I worked as a pot washer and then a waiter at a sorority. One of the best jobs ever. Great food (every meal) and it’s where I met my wife.
5. I have a Masters in Kinesiology. I focused on Sports Marketing and Management. To get a bit more out of it, I received special permission to take several classes in the business school and elsewhere.
6. I became friends with one of my very best friends in graduate school. The ironic thing is we worked together at the sorority when I was an undergrad. Things change when you attempt to really get to know somebody.
7. I’ve worked for 4 dot-coms. All still up and successful (phew!). It’s been a roller coaster ride.
8. Grad school is what led me to working on the Web. AOL was just getting very popular and I had my first laptop. The Web in turn allowed me to create a business I could manage on the side for my music and have some balance.
9. In college I earned money in the summers mostly by washing windows (homes), working retail (Gap, Gap Kids), being a counselor at a sports and performing arts camp (Maine), and being a lifeguard. Many days I’d work 2 jobs.
10. I recorded my first piano album the spring of 1998. It was demo album called “Broad Uncertainty.” I’ve since improved upon, renamed and rerecorded many of the songs.
11. My favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt - “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
12. My favorite Atari games were Berserk and Frogger. I remember spending $50 of my own money to buy Berserk! My favorite arcade game was Karate Champ.
13. When not on Atari, I played outside all the time as kid. Usually until dusk. I remember falling from a tree one day and catching my underarm on the last limb. Yikes.
14. My movie star crush is Ashley Judd. My wife’s is Clive Owen.
15. I try my best not to judge others. We learn from both success and mistakes. If you’re passionate about something, go for it. If your gut isn’t in it, take a different path.
16. My nickname with friends in high school was Norm. Others called me Robbie. (Mitzi, if you’re reading this, you know this well).
17. My wife and I keep a map and put pins in all the places we’ve traveled to. Makes for some good memories when we take a look at it. And, encourages us to go make more.
18. I drink a Naked juice (so good for you) just about every morning when I wake up.
19. I wrecked my first car when I was 16. It was the day after I got my license and I was picking up a date. I hit a fire hydrant on my driver’s side door when entering the driveway. Explaining more is still too embarrassing.
20. With the exception of Twizzlers, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. I love breads and cheese.
21. I’ve had six surgeries. Two knee, and one for carpal tunnel syndrome, hernia, sinus and a tonsillectomy.
22. I’ve worked from home the past 6+ years. I hope to keep it this way. I know it wouldn’t work for everyone, but it works for me. I get so much more done each day and I get to spend more time with my family.
23. Being a dad is an amazing, unexplainable joy. I’ve grown immensely (I think). :)
24. I’ve been punched in the face one time. I believe I was 10. It hurt…bad. Not a good way to resolve a dispute.
25. In college, one of my elementary school crushes (who really made it clear she didn’t like me at the time), tried to pick me up. About 13 years too late, I was already taken. :)

25 Things

Last night I was challenged by a Facebook contact of mine to share 25 things people may not know about me. I accepted. Thought I’d share on my blog as well. Part of the rules were to post a note with my “25″ and tag 10 people to do the same.

I encourage anyone reading this blog post to do this, whether personally or to share with others. This was a really great exercise for me. Some of this info I haven’t thought about in ages. It was great to reflect, inspire myself and hopefully others.

1. I only remember two things from when I was under the age of 5. One, standing in my crib one night. The second, laying on a hospital table being pinned down. I couldn’t pee and I had to be fixed. Oh, the pain! :)
2. When she was told she only had six months, my mom overcame ovarian cancer for 4 1/2 years. As a child, the extra time with her greatly contributed to and changed my life.
3. I ran track in high school (skipped my junior year) - 300M Hurdles (and a lame attempt at long jump). I wasn’t superb, but I did grow and have fun.
4. I went to a private school for grades 5-12. No jeans, collared shirts, discipline.
5. I tried out for Sister Act 2. I passed the music audition. I stunk at acting at the time, oh well. Why didn’t they just let me play piano and keep my mouth shut!? :)
6. My family only has one car and Honda is our choice (to conserve and save on gas).
7. I love to take photos. I want to keep improving my photography.
8. I started off college majoring in music. I felt it was sucking the creativity out of me, so I changed majors. Hence, my first album Sophomore Jinx.
9. I dislike conflict and enjoy seeing other people happy…both professionally and personally.
10. I want to start yoga, but been too self conscious (I’m not very flexible). I’m determined to get over it.
11. I tell everyone I get the chance to follow their passion. Everyone has a talent, whatever “it” may be. Use it.
12. My immediate family is somehow mesmerized by giving cards to each other on birthdays. We all pass them around to read each occasion.
13. I absolutely despise when people tail me. You’ll know it’s me when you see my classic thumbs up and smirk (versus the alternative) when they pass me.
14. I have 10 beautiful nieces and nephews (and one on the way) that range in age from a few months old to 27. Yah, the older ones are like siblings.
15. I played Little League Baseball for 7 years (ages 5-12). I was pretty good. I often wonder what would have happened if I stuck with it. I don’t want the feeling again, which is why I do my best to go with my gut.
16. I never went to prom. My school didn’t have dances at the time. I was asked by a girl from another school and turned her down (not due to her, but I was too timid). Ironically, I love to dance now and made up for it in college and beyond.
17. My wife and I got engaged in Rome.
18. I love pretty much anything on the History Channel, Food Network or TLC. However, time spent is moderated. :)
19. If I could have joined The Police for one day as the fourth member on keys, I would have done anything to get there.
20. In high school I was obsessed with JCrew. One reason, because I didn’t get to wear their clothes due to being the youngest and having hand-me-downs. Another, my mom dressed me preppy when I was very young. Due to that, the clothes always seemed to best capture who I was… my “look.” I buy more than half my clothes there today.
21. When I start something I have to finish it. My paternal grandfather used to tell me that all the time. I think he enjoyed some of my longer projects. I used to woodwork with him as a kid.
22. My family comes first. That’s the only thing that will stop me from what I started. :)
23. My maternal grandfather was a painter (of houses), but he sang and played harmonica very well. Think that’s where much of my influence sprung when I was young.
24. Two of my brothers are step brothers. They’ve been in my family since I was 12, so they’re blood now. All five of my brothers are different, but they all make me laugh (and poke fun at me).
25. Spiders freak me out.

Talent

“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” ~ Henry Van Dyke

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade?” ~ Benjamin Franklin

The quotes above inspired me this evening. Thought I’d pass on the inspiration. :) Whatever you do in life, focus on the positive, what you have access to, and what you can do with your talents. Keep patient and sow the seeds you can. With this approach, always know you're doing a great thing and making a positive impact.

Ping.fm

I've fully set up ping.fm. Lovin' it. Great service so far. If you haven't heard of it... You can send updates to all your networks at the same time. This includes status updates, micro-blogging and blogs. There are over 30 available networks to select from at the moment. This will make posting updates much easier as life gets busier.

Please support the arts

US citizens, please support the arts. Help bring a Secretary of Arts to DC. Sign the petition - www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html. We've never had anyone in such a position. We need this.

Acoustic pianos only

With the fresh start to a new year, I want to help clear up a misunderstanding I've seen a few comments on around the Web. Some people think I recorded Woods of Chaos (my 2nd album) on an electric piano. Negative, didn't do it and not going to do it, would not be prudent. :) I record all my contemporary piano albums using an acoustic piano. It's truly the only way I can get the dynamics right (I even held a few strings for "Tulip Trees"). The piano in the photo at the top of this blog was actually used for Woods of Chaos. Below is a segment from the album notes many listeners may not have read.

"I recorded Woods of Chaos in HD at 192kHz - 24 bit. The songs are meant to be loud and more in your face."

Hence the bit of an electronic sound in parts. It really was/is an experimental and venting album for me. Technology keeps getting better. Speaking of technology, click here to check out the story behind the mic for Reconstruction.

Moving on... Happy New Year once more!

Sheet music for "Meant to Be" now available

Click here to get sheet music for "Meant to Be." An old friend begged for it (for her wedding in January). I made it just in time. :) Much more sheet music to come in 2009. Happy New Year!!

BTW - "Meant to Be" is about two lovers meant to be together. It's a celebration of unity.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all my friends and fans! It's been an interesting, challenging and productive year. A big THANKS for all your support. Looking for more sanity, focus, and a larger family in 2009. :)

Even with the rough times in US, I'm thankful for family, friends and faith. Hope is real. God bless you all.

My Pocket Player

Thanks to the My Pocket Player podcast (Poland) for featuring my music in show #94.

Check it out here.

IMA Nominee

I'm excited and honored to announce "Forbidden" is a Song of the Year finalist in the 8th annual Independent Music Awards. Thanks to all the judges and fans for supporting independent artists!

Click here to place a peoples choice vote! Judges have already decided on winners, who will be announced in January.

A holiday surprise

A highly requested piece of sheet music is coming before the end of the year...it was just "meant to be" (hint hint) complete before 2009.

What am I doing? Find out...

I'm on Twitter. Blog posts won't stop, but more frequent updates will be posted on Twitter. Check it out at http://twitter.com/robcostlow.

People are the music

I played for a private party this past weekend on a nicely tuned and well-kept Yamaha grand. It's always interesting to get the feel of a new piano (that is, new to me). Anyway, about the party... I really like playing in intimate settings where I can spend more time talking to people. I enjoy hearing what other people do as well as the various types of music they like and how it affects their lives in different ways.

There was a gentleman who pulled up a chair right next to me for a couple songs and just watched me play. Now, that's literally getting into the ambiance. And that's something that really struck a chord with me (no pun intended). People are the music. As I've stated many times in past and present, I want people to create their own experience with the songs. It's not just about me or simply providing a melody and entertaining people. Be it my family, friends or fans, they are the music. They are what keep me inspired to create and do my best to set a mood or share some stories through those 88 keys.

Indiana, stop tailing me!

I recently drove up to Chicago to meet up with some of my family. This is a frequent drive for me. I was alone on this particular drive. Therefore I was a bit more aware of one of my biggest pet peeves, which I'm consistently harassed with every time I drive on 65 in Indiana.

It occurs in packs of cars, in both lanes, and to people who are already speeding. No surprise there are so many accidents.

I've also found the same problem here in Indianapolis. I had to write this post so I could tactfully denote my frustration. Maybe something got into our crops. :) My friends and family from other states make the same claim. I don't get what the rush is. You'll find some of the people thinking they own the road (all of us who pay taxes own it!) are in no state of emergency. You'll end up seeing them at one of your stops or final destination.

So Hoosiers, please stop tailing other drivers. It's not friendly or safe. Isn't the rule one car per 10mph? Maybe some melodic piano pieces will calm you down. ;)