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Getting to Know: Gregg Butler-Fells


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Just one year ago, the 28 year old Alabama-born acoustic-folk singer-songwriter was wearing a battle dress uniform and scrubs working as an aerospace medical technician, assisting in the successful delivery of nearly 700 infants in his 4 year career in the USAF, but always knew, instinctively, that his path would eventually lead him back to his first-love and his own 'baby'; songwriting and performing his music. " I enlisted shortly after September 11 and although a large part of my reason for doing so was patriotic, I needed the change in my life. I was a razor sharp medic. I didn't think that the USAF would give me an opportunity to cultivate my music and still remain on active duty. In 2005, I was given that opportunity. Traveling to nearly 30 countries and performing in all 50 states with Air Force's premier entertainment troupe, Tops in Blue, I learned a lot about life on the road and part of what it takes to make it as a professional (touring) musician. " Gregg seems to be very aware of what the universal buttons are-and is not afraid to push them. " I write about what affects me, what I fear the most, what enlightens me- what deeply upsets me. As a songwriter, I pull inspiration from everywhere and everything all the time. Sometimes, I have to write so much, to get so little. Although it may take 20 songs to get the 'one', I am restless until I do. I want to create music that does push those buttons because life affects me the same way it does everyone else. I hope the way in which I present it offers hope and inspires others, in spite of the hurt, betrayal, abuse and deep, unfulfilled longing, to keep going." "I grew up surrounded by music. My mother loved to listen to motown and the blues when I was younger. In my early teens, I would lock myself in my room and practice singing harmony to Luther Vandross albums. It wasn't until I started playing guitar at age 14 that I got into music like Jackson Browne, The Band, Bob Dylan,  Sting, Tori Amos, Van Morrison, Nick Drake and Dave Matthews. Their music opened a whole new world of musical possibilities for me. I aspire to be an artist that is on someone else's influence list and that I would have that sort of impact on the world."

Gregg is currently working on a series of children's books to promote musical involvement  in early childhood. 

"I'm very excited about this new project. The material on the debut album was written at various times in my life over the course of about 7 years. This new record (Songs from a Weathered Troubadour) was written in 9 months this year. The subjects are much closer to my heart. I've taken a glance back to the pioneers of songwriting, i.e., Nick Drake, Bob Dylan,  Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens and Bruce Springsteen-just to name a few-to find a new way to articulate my thoughts into sound. I anticipate having this record complete by end of February and cannot wait to share it with you."




Raul Midon, 'Pick Somebody Up'

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Spot's Book of the Month: The Indie Bible

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This truly is a troubadour's guide of biblical proportions! The Indie Bible Crew is at again with, yet again, another amazing compilation of tools and tricks of the trade. This resource guide is an absolute must for any musician who is serious about their career.

The 6th Edition includes:

* 4200 publications that will review your CD!
* 3400 radio stations that will play your songs
* 600 vendors that will help you sell your music
* 330 websites where you can upload your band's MP3 files!
* 500 helpful resources for your band!

Plus: 51 articles that will help your career flourish!

The Essential Guide for Independent Artist!
Posted by Gregg Butler-Fells at Saturday, August 02, 2008

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