Bukowski music-project (1 Viewer)

G

Godog

Hello everyone,

The past months I have been working on a small individual project where I have written some music to go under Bukowski?s poems. In my opinion, the music and the poems complement each other pretty good. I am interested in what you think about it, that?s the reason I?m posting some of it. Hope you?ll like it, feel free to comment.

All the best,
GodoG

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/The state of world affairs from a 3rd floor window.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/Sundays kill more men than bombs.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/John Dillinger and le chausseur maudit.mp3
 
Very interesting! ...The music fits the poems, I think - but maybe
it's too loud. I had troubles hearing Bukowski's voice clearly through the music at times. I think Bukowski's voice should be more in the foreground and the music more in the background.
But apart from that - well done!
 
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Hey,

Thanks for your positive responses. Bukefan, it?s true that Bukowski?s voice should perhaps be more in the foreground at times, but it could also be because of your computer-boxes or the fact that it?s mp3 format that you couldn?t hear Bukowski?s voice clearly now and then. Anyway, appreciate your reaction. Perhaps I will post some more next week (if there are people who are interested).

Take care,
Godog
 
Yes,do that. Very interesting projekt! Maybe it could be released on a cd some day - why not?..
 
Dude - if it weren't for the fact that my audio is out of commission on my computer I would listen. However- let me just commend you on the sheer balls it takes to do such a thing in the first place. Looking forward to hearing the files. Rock on.

And reggae on.
And rap on.
And so on and so on and so forth
 
Hey, thanks for the compliment, number6horse. Hope your audio will be fixed soon, and that you?ll like the songs.
Bukefan, it would be very cool if it could be released on cd someday. I have something like 60 minutes of material now, but I would have to mix or master it at a studio to improve the sound quality, because I recorded it low-budget on my computer. I think that Linda Lee Bukowski would have to approve of it, so perhaps I could send her a copy one day (would be scary, though).
Here are some more songs, enjoy...

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/Winter comes to a lot of places in August.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/Beerbottle.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/No lady Godiva.mp3
 
Very good! I especially liked the "Godiva" track. The music was just right for that poem, I think...
 
Godog said:
Hey, thanks for the compliment, number6horse. Hope your audio will be fixed soon, and that you?ll like the songs.
Bukefan, it would be very cool if it could be released on cd someday. I have something like 60 minutes of material now, but I would have to mix or master it at a studio to improve the sound quality, because I recorded it low-budget on my computer. I think that Linda Lee Bukowski would have to approve of it, so perhaps I could send her a copy one day (would be scary, though).
Here are some more songs, enjoy...

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/Winter comes to a lot of places in August.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/Beerbottle.mp3

http://www.fileupyours.com/files/40631/No lady Godiva.mp3
Click to expand...


Having been a recording engineer in the past, I have to agree with Bukfan that the balance needs work. Your music doesn't serve the words. It will make a much bigger impact if it's placed back in the mix (a paradox, no doubt) so that you get an integrated whole. I know the temptation of a muscican to put it "out there" loud so the world can hear it, but here, realize that your work will fly a lot further if its the most professional it can be. My expert opinion, TIOLI,

SD
 
Glad you liked it, HenryChinaski!
Thanks for your expert opinion, SD. I definitely will experiment with mixing the music more into the background (it is indeed difficult for a musician to do that).
BTW. with your experience as a recording engineer, do you know if I?m violating any copyright laws by putting these songs of the forum? I mean, I wouldn?t want to be sued by anyone.
 
A suit proceeding from a technical violation of copyright in most cases depends on the ?real world? situation. In this case, consider if the original copyright holders would ever run across the violation. If it ends up being widely popular, that?s the only possibility that it would be an issue. Second, how deep are your pockets? Would it be worth their while pursuing you? If not, then, again, nothing to worry about. Otherwise, you?ll have to use your discretion. Are these factors going to come into play, you think?

SD
 
Basically, I was asking because I was thinking about sending Linda Lee Bukowski a copy when it?s finished, and maybe ask if she?s interested in releasing it. I think (but could be wrong) that she holds most of the copyrights (or whatever it?s called) on Bukowski material, and I don?t know if she would appreciate someone sending her something that violates the copyrights.
BTW. I should add that it?s not at all my intention to make any money out of it, it?s purely a hobby-thing.
 
This is a whole kettle of other cuttle fish (no need to thank me for the pun/no pun).

Serously, the issues are:
1) Depends on original contracts that Buk signed (may include specific publishers and how extensive the contracts were). Acknowledgments and/or royalties may be due.
2) The holder of the original copyright of the actual words; probably Linda Bukowski, in most cases; maybe BSP, John Martin, etc. will be due their contract/cut.
3) The holders of the actual performances. This has to be negotiated with each owner of the mechanical/electronic rights to performance (and you can get involved with BMI and/or ASCAP here, if the final work is made available; published on CD, on-line, or begin to get air play, etc.)
4) The music. Is it all original? Or original performances of other persons compositions? The previous considerations are also applicable. (Again, you can get involved with BMI and ASCAP). A lot of rulings came out over sampling, when that became popular.

My best guess is that Linda Buk has her hands full with managing the estate and wouldn?t get involved with the actual publishing of a finished work (other than to grant her permission of copyright usage along the legal lines for a negotiated percentage). That is a job for the professionals; CD publication; distribution; promotion, and the like.

But you have a good idea. It may have ?legs? (as they say), and could go somewhere. It would, in any case, be a happy alternative to the rap crap that I hear shaking my truck windows as I drive around LA. The Rumi poems have been published with music set behind them on CD and have done well (I have a copy); why not Buk? Keep us informed as to where it goes.

SD
 
once I get my computer at home to start working again I'll be sure to give these a listen, I can't really use the speakers at work so I'll keep this in mind. I see that your reviews have been pretty great so far. cool little hobby.
 
Yo Godog,

I was just listening to my new Nickelback-cd and surfing on the net, you know, when I bumped into this site. Bukowski is a God, but you've got to be a God too, because I nearly had to throw up, listening to your music. Wow, you know! I mean, wow! I like your style, you know.
Rock on etc.!

Luctor, you know
 
You kids and your slang; what a trip. I hope you meant that in a good way, as in: "I throw up my hands in gleeful amazement at the astounding artistry displayed by my fellow Bukian in his tribute to the immortal words of the ?Bard of the Bars and Fetid Back Alleys? and hope to hear more from you.?

Hey Goddog,

Look; you managed to force a lurker out of the shadows into the light of day to express himself; and that is an accomplishment, in and of itself. I say keep on truckin?; you?re in good company. Remember, the Buk got the same response for his work from the Crowd of Geniuses out there. They can always counted on for being so cool.

SD
 
SamDusky said:
Look; you managed to force a lurker out of the shadows into the light of day to express himself; and that is an accomplishment, in and of itself.
Click to expand...

amen, brother.
 
Godog - go for it! - As they say: you have'nt got a chance - so take it...:)
 
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Looks like someone may have beaten you to the punch. The soundtrack to the Factotum movie seems to have several tracks with Bukowski poems put to music.
 
There are others also, like the soundtrack to "born into this". I believe that has words over music. What makes it different is the artistic treatment. I wish Godog all the best, but don't think that there is a chance that the estate will authorize it. The person to contact would be Ecco, though as Linda would not approve it. I hear that she gets PILES of mail every day. All asking for permission, favors, etc...

Best,Bill
 
It's indeed hard to come up with something original these days. I knew there were others who have put music over Bukowski's poems (here in Holland, someone recently put Bach music over Bukowski poems; http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1690172996277651064).

Linda Lee Bukowski probably receives loads of similar stuff every day, so I don't think I'll send it to her. Oh well, as long as I like it. And my grandmother likes to listen to it when she's knitting, so that makes it all worth while.
 
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Here's an interesting tidbit: I met Bruce Springsteen once and asked him if he ever met Bukowski. He said that he didn't meet Bukowski, but that he did meet Linda once with Sean Penn. They were thinking about collaborating on a piece of work but that it didn't really go anywhere. So THAT would have been a wonder to behold!! During the eulogy for his father, Springsteen likened his dad to "a character out of a Bukowski story."
 
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I've heard some of the Willem van Ekeren CD... just not for me. I think its his jazzy vocal style that doesn't do it for me.

The Factotum soundtrack has been released in Europe:
Amazon UK Link

I have heard the Dadafon CD 'Lost Love Chords' which includes the songs 'I Wish To Weep' and 'Slow Day', both of which use Bukowski poems for the lyrics. Very similar if not identical versions to those on the soundtrack. Dadafon are a Norwegian group, and their lead vocalist Kristin Asbjørnsen composed the music for Factotum. Small clips can be heard here:
http://www.dadafon.com/

And she has her own homepage here: http://home.no.net/kasbj/
 
I don't know if you have heard, but the soundtrack to the movie Factotum has 4 Bukowski poems put to music. They were done by a girl named Kristin Asbjornsen. Its really a great album. You should give it a listen.
 
Thanks i will check that out. Also on Gustos website on various live recordings the last one entitled what have i seen has been put to some trance music.
 
lyrics to "I wish to weep":


No Title by Bukowski

all theories
like clichés
shot to hell,
all these small faces
looking up
beautiful and believing;
I wish to weep
but sorrow is
stupid.
I wish to believe
but belief is a
graveyard.
we have narrowed it down to
the butcherknife and the
mockingbird.
wish us
luck.
 
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thanks a lot,the music is really moody!
it fits the words quite good.

..the music is a little bit too loud compared to buks voice.

anyhow,thx and greetings.
 

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