I recently returned from a week in Paris, and here is what I learned about the music there. I didn’t go to any specific clubs or seek music out, so this is an ambient impression.

Dr. Dre Monster Beat headphones are a MUST-HAVE accessory. The ear-buds are acceptable, but the giant metal circumaural ones are preferable. As long as the cord is flame-red, you’re good to go.

The accordion is not dead. It is alive and well in the subway, on the train, at sidewalk cafes, wherever the wandering street musicians decide to go. Concertina is strictly for serenading your own friends.

While I know hiphop is popular in France, the music wafting out of stores and other places is predominantly electronic/dance. You’re more likely to overhear the Chemical Brothers than Beyonce, which is just fine with me.

The open mic showcase at the Cubby Bear went very well last night. I was surprised at how good all the bands were, and how well the sound and organization was run. It was a room filled with people who care about the music they do, as well as about other people’s music. I was expecting a night full of suck, but all the bands were better than many paid-admission shows I’ve been to. I’d definitely recommend playing the showcase to bands who want performance experience or just some laid-back fun. Hell, you could practically use it to rehearse 3 songs a week with a full sound setup.

Would you believe I’m playing a show tonight? Not a bounte show, but I’m playing bass guitar in a rock band called Mom, Dad, It’s Evil. I haven’t promoted it because it’s basically a practice for us. We’re playing a 3-song set at the Cubby Bear’s Local Music Showcase, which is a free open mic for bands. But you’re welcome to come out to see and hang with us. 9pm, Cubby Bear, free.

I think the open mic for local bands is a really great concept. Starting bands who don’t know the ropes, or don’t have a fan-base can get their feet wet without having to guarantee a crowd number, and the venue can support such bands without feeling guilty for not paying.

So what have I been up to? Other than shoveling snow, plenty. I’ve got 3 new music projects that I’m exploring. I’ve been writing a slew of songs and playing (bass guitar) with some other guys, which I always enjoy. Also producing some new electronic tracks, and beginning some great new ideas with an old friend.

I’ve been taking guitar classes at the Old Town School. I’ve self-taught myself some guitar, but never enjoyed it enough to self-correct any stumbling blocks. So I’ve been learning solid foundations and know what a guitar player does now. A lot of it is pretty darn easy (seriously, ADGCE for 90% of everything?), so guitar players: you’ll have to work harder now to impress me. But the upshot is that I can write songs with guitar playing in mind, I’ll be able to record some guitar riffs myself, and I’ll know enough to learn more properly on my own.

I’ve been looking at other ways of releasing music, perhaps starting a record label collective centered around local or midwest music. Chicago has a rather earnest DIY approach to music that lets a lot of great music fall through the cracks. I’d like to help people keep that from happening.

That’s all pretty vague, I realize, but I’m in the exploration phase of a lot of things, and I’m sure it will all be whittled away and refined in time. It’s an exciting time of new things!

I was trolling the music posted in the Ableton forums, and came across ForSeven. The more I listened, the more in took me by surprise. Here’s a guy going creative sample sequencing with a very personal ethic. It sounds very original and exploratory, and catchy without being derivative. It reminds me of stuff I’d find on the old mp3.com back in its day. Fun.

Breath for Me Instrumental by ForSeven