10 Point Status Update, Marcus Unlimited

1. Went 2010 Calender hunting today, ended up with 4 nice ones for the office. Landscapes, world sites, Inspirations, and Nature Scenes. All from the larger dollar store, $1.00 each.

2. Haircut. While there I noticed my old school man barber does pretty darn good doing nothing but straight forward business man cuts for guys. I see so many ladies set up the really, really fancy hair shops with the perms colorings etc who go out of business, but my barber has more biz than he needs, lines everyday by doing nothing but A+, old-fashioned biz cuts. Something to think about for those of you headed to Barber school.

3. Writing on the series, book, multimedia event. It is getting more thrilling each entry. Getting closer to the big turning point that really launches the story. Having a darn good time on the way there also. I ask that it stay that way through all the edits etc.

4. Paid some bills, (the ones I could afford too:) These companies need to learn to be more thankful.

5. I am absolutely going to have to look at a tiny price increase for students. I wish I didn’t have too but that is where it is at. I have always undercharged for what I know, and what I can do, and my own education and experience relative to it. I ask that all my students and their families be ok with this.

6. Looking forward to getting the story to the point of the second song so that I can begin notation of it and get it ready for my students in the student artist program at Marcus Unlimited (Introduced in 2009)

7. Making sure to combine all side story ideas that have in the past side tracked me into the big story. I thought originally this would weaken the story but instead, it has enriched it exponentially are really takes it to a new level of pure originality.

8. Tried increasing the format size for the stories art work to 8.5 x 11 on high quality card stock, however that size takes to long because of the allowable detail which is visibly unnecessary anyways. When the books come out they will be standard pocketbook size so I may fold the 8.5 x 11″ ‘s in half and use that as the format. That could work. Other ideas include some sort of big picture map on one page. (Something I’ve done before for other works that had a cool result.

9. Filled up one journal, going to the second tonight! Yes!

10. Happy New Year! 🙂

Mid December 2009 Voice and Music Status Update for Marcus Unlimited.

1. Currently drawing art for the forthcoming series (that precedes the book, movie, soundtrack etc.)

2. Completed my take of the first song for it and have sent it towards the iTunes system through my distributor RouteNote in England.

3. Have not been able to shake desire to make and amazing all-ages, youth centered, operetta/musical recently and a theme and idea came to me. I was afraid to look into the idea because I didn’t want it to throw off the upcoming series/book/movie thing. Then I had this wild idea on how to integrate the two! Neat! May even be a concept I could use to incorporate all kinds of short story ideas that come up along the way while still being at work on the series.

4. It has been surprisingly cold in Modesto. Wow, I heard it even snowed here recently. I was busy composing, or writing, or illustrating. Which frankly is a rather wonderful world because you can add snow, sun, or beaches anytime you want. Or anything else for that matter.

5. Looking back, realizing all of my best music stories have come from first writing them into one of those very fancy ‘esque journal books. The kind that cost just enough money for you to take what goes into it very seriously. So that’s what I’m sticking to.

6. Semi-new to Facebook but having fun with it.

7. There was talk about a new full size, wood and steel piano showing up at the second location where I teach voice, NICE!

8. I have been rereading many “Young Reader” classics and noticing how much of that artwork is done in simple pen and ink. I’ve been realizing how much better my art looks before I color it. Hmm…

9. I have begun piano / vocal notation of song 2 for the web series, book thing, but am considering a slight story tangent before arriving on “the five.” Shh, its a secret.

10. Heard a beautiful Samuel Barber song today regarding “Winter” sung by a mezzo. Samuel was also a singing composer and I’m surprised he didn’t write more for the voice. Needless to say if Adagio for Strings was the only thing he had ever composed, that would have cemented his place in music immortality anyways:)

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays,
from,
Marcus Unlimited 🙂

My new pen…

Zebra’s F-301 Stainless Steel Retractable Ballpoint Pen 0.7mm Black Dozen (27110AMZ)

Friday Night Blog…

1. Created a couple lead sheets for the “All of Us” music album. That of course is just a working title.

2. Sketched out many themes for the All of Us album. Considered classic poetry, however I think I know what my existing audience will prefer.

3. Began to actually implement Facbook tool: http://www.facebook.com/people/Marcus-James-Christian/1240915111 …and make it publicly available to good, kind and peaceful fans and friends around the globe.

4. Explored Julia Cameron’s “Artist Pages” concept in a number of different methods. This procedure has netted some interesting results.

5. I am thinking of recrafting the first tune for the All of Us album project.

6. Lots of new practice files up at our main YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/marcusunlimited

7. I am enjoying alot of small setting, chamber music lately. Duo’s of piano and violin, maybe a cello added etc.

8. Tried some exploratory drafts of Chromaticus, the full story. I’m rethinking the perspective though. I may want to take it back to a “You” perspective, and borrow the treasure chest idea or there abouts.

9. It has been unusually hot for this time of year here recently. I’m looking forward to the real Autumn weather to begin! 🙂

10. I sold my first music/art aceo card this week. Neat feeling, not so profitable though. I am however quite thankful for so much.
I wish you all the very best,

~Marcus:)

Thursday Night, September 3rd, 2009…

1. Dealt with a bunch of banking matters today.  I’ll admit it, I am a bit afraid of some things going on right now, ugh!

2. I have had an idea about a new series, thinking of running it simultaneously with the excerpts from Alice in Wonderland Unlimited. I thought of it because the AIWU songs of course are leaning towards a best performed by young female singers, which leaves to many other students out. Thus a second project added on will be most beneficial to all students. I may base it on an idea I’ve had in the past but had backburnered.

3.  I still dream of some sort of amazing Chromaticus Epic, but, well, we all have dreams:)

4. Taught voice today to wonderful students, who are… “on their way!”

5. Distributed coupon stickies today as a way of meeting and talking to people closer to home base.

6. Noticed that there are toooooo many drug stores in the world! They are opening up a rite aid and a cvs pharmacy right next to each other, corner to corner at one of the busiest corners in Modesto! I wish we could all see that the real problem is not the people, but how many people are struggling with serious drug dependencies. There must be a higher level solution than “more dope?” I feel so thankful that somehow I’ve never had even the slightest desire to try the stuff and it has been an advantage I must recommend for any young person; “…if you are going to try things in life, be sure that none of those things are drugs!”

7. Made some contributions to the first Major soprano aria for AIWU, “in the box” thinking would say it needs to be alot longer of a tune, but, “what is best” thinking suggests it is a beautiful short interlude. Perhaps its melody could be reprized later in the show with different lyrics, like maybe Alice’s return home? / Also I’ve noticed maybe the arrangement could/should be alot simpler?

8. Wondering which art format I should use for the “Journey” concept? Paper or Digital?

9. Some of the itunes volume of sales and subscribed streams are quite impressive, I wonder if I double work load, will it double sales? Or do the types of works they are simply have a “ceiling.”

10. It was a weird unpleasant type of heat today. Like a wall of something, can’t really explain it, glad the sun has set for tonight.

All the  best,

~Marcus:)

Marcus UNLIMITED Sunday Report 10/23/2009…

The right now of things…

1. DECAF: I feel like I need a coffee break, but income has been so tight trying to cover the loan I used to get into my new building. Ugh!

2.SHOP MU:  I had a late night, morning idea for a MU Store at the main web site page.  I would make a small video previewing all the material on the album, then a PayPal buy now button.

3. Etsy: I just launched our Etsy shop and I started with the simplest smallest items I could possibly find. Two ACEO cards from a while back. Our Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7722900

4. AIWU: Want to work on the AIWU (aka: Alice in Wonderland UNLIMITED) more, however, money matters are effecting everything right now.

5. STUDENTS: Launched the Student Artist Program, I believe it will be awesome for everyone if I can stay alive financially.

6. A RICH AND FAMOUS MUSIC PRODUCER’S DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR: Listened to an interview with a rich and “famous” music producer the other day. I found it to be shocking how good he thought he was as a musician. Maybe he has some skill that he keeps hidden? He seemed to act as if he was where he is at success wise, because of his superiority as a musician? Wow? However, when I compare his skills to almost anyone with any level of education and or experience as a composer or producer (numbering in the thousands!) I not only find him “below” the common line of great skill, but I also would say that he needs to be re-educated especially in regards to how to write for human voices.

I disliked him so much after hearing his delusional ego in the interview I wanted to tear the front page off of the magazine because I couldn’t stand to look at his cheeziness (sp?) which oozed through into his picture.

Folks, whenever you hear anyone, ANYONE, talk or act as if they are the “Chosen One” (ala Anakin Skywalker) you can pretty much resolve to the idea that they are extremely delusional and lost somewhere high upon their own imaginary mountain in foo-foo land.  I can tell you that most, most, most well educated and experienced singers, composers, producers etc., are all quite good if not great and their financial success has alot more to due with many other factors one of which must also be a bit of the reality that anything, anything having to due with numbers always has a touch of randomness to it. (sorry I repeat words when angry, angry, ANGRY!)

To know and to say you have skills = cool! To think, and to say that you are the chosen one who walks upon the waters of omnipotence=LAME!  Think about it, is that giant, billion dollar fast food place the creator of the “better” food? Or is the local ma and pa handmade Italian place that hand makes its pizza from scratch with fresh vegetables and barely makes $25,000 a year the better place? Come on, you know that better, or greater in skill often means the ones who make the lesser amounts of money. I’m okay with the truth even if its not my favorite truth but I don’t like kids being lied to and told that the reason D… never mind, “some famous composer/producer” makes the money he makes is because he is head and shoulders above so many other musicians. No way! This world is full of thousands and thousands of very, very talented people from every where on earth. If any of my students are reading this, remember no matter how good you get, always know there are many, many others who deserve to have their great talents respected as well. I don’t mean one or two others, I mean thousands. And that goes for you too!

7. HEALTH:I’m not sure what type of exercising to attend to today. If the weather is anything like it was yesterday here a walk isn’t sounding to pleasant I don’t think.

8. MONEY 1: I’ve had an idea to request corporate sponsorship from Zappo’s for our Alice in Wonderland. I’m not sure how, and I’m not sure on what level, but it is an idea.

9. MONEY 2: I guess in Summer here alot more money is spent on food because one doesn’t want to fire up the stove, the rice cooker, or even the microwave for more than 5 minutes because it will raise the temp of the whole dwelling.

10. IF YOU EVER CALL ME: Please be sure you leave your return phone number very clearly. I’ve had some folks call recently and they said everything but their phone number?

~Marcus:)

What is, the Marcus UNLIMITED STudent ARtist PROgram?

Hello,

I have been asked a few times “So Marcus, just what is the Marcus UNLIMITED STudents ARtist PROgram?” (The capitalization of STAR PRO is intentional, thank you.)

Thus in response to these questions, here is the official announcement that gets handed out to students and student parents along with the special, non-exclusive agreement/contract:

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The Marcus Unlimited Student Artist Program
06092009

This is the official announcement for the launch of the Marcus Unlimited Student Artist Program. Open to all ages, and all students from all locations that Marcus Unlimited offers voice and music instruction. Participation is highly recommended yet not required. In order to participate you will need to read, understand and sign the attached “Collaboration Agreement.”
Here are a few of the many reasons why you should consider participating in the program:

1. All works involved in the program will be all ages, family friendly material.

2. Free studio time provided by Marcus Unlimited.

3. Excellent experience,educational and resume benefits relative to singing, acting, and voice over work.

4. Complimentary sheet music.

5. Solo albums will be granted to those who attain “soloist” skill levels. (To be determined by Marcus.)

6. Ensemble (non-soloist) students, will have the chance to work their way up to the level of soloists.

7. Supplemental income to be paid to soloists on projects deemed financially successful.

8. No cost to actively enrolled Marcus Unlimited students. (Excluding of course self managed expenses such as transportation to and from recording studio sessions, etc.)

9. Worldwide exposure and sales potential.

10. A variety of bonus rewards including but not limited to extra instructional time at no additional cost to you, and perhaps much, much more!

Sign-up today!

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If you have any additional questions about this program don’t hesitate to ask. PS, we are looking for private or corporate co-sponsors who will be well placed in family friendly advertising to our quite large and growing local and worldwide audience.

Not only will this be a great benefit to us, and a major educational boost to young participants and spectators, just think about the image boost this will be for your organization!

Thank you, ~Marcus:)

http://www.marcusunlimited.com

Haiku ~ On The Horizon (Variations of,)

On the horizon~ a new day for you and I ~ reaches for heaven

On the horizon ~ a new day for you and I ~ rises like the sun

On the horizon ~ a new hour for you and I ~ to dream and to fly

: All you can dream of ~ all you could ever wish for ~ is quite possible

: All we really need ~ is a moment and a dream ~ and we’ll have it all

the Marcus UNLIMITED Discography

(as of Summer 2009)

All of the following highly acclaimed albums and or singles were composed, performed and produced by Marcus Unlimited. These albums share a worldwide fan base of a million plus very satisfied listeners and several thousand (and growing:) very satisfied purchasers. Why, because Marcus always puts the audience first. I hereby invite you to become a V.I.P. member of our awesome audience.

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New Releases:
Marcus Unlimited New Releases at iTunes.

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Harmonious Haiku (Neo-Classical New Age Jazz / Possible comparisons; Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban, Luther Vandross, Bryn Terfel, David Sylvian (w/Ryuichi Sakamoto) and more.)

Your one of a kind vocal and sound design album wherein advanced classical voice training all the way through to soft vocal jazz tones are used to place the listener in a fantastic audible world of wonder.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mjcu

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=128841992

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CHROMATICUS Album One “Introducticus” (Your original relaxation music. Soothing and elegant sound design, fits comfortably alongside your favorite Enya, Vangelis, Eno, and Jarre albums.)

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chromaticus2

iTunes:  http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=252364549

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CHROMATICUS Album Two “Geologicus”

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chromaticus4

iTunes:  http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=252364941

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CHROMATICUS Album Three “Hydroicus”

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chromaticus3

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=252364628

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The P.E.P., Positive Energy Power+Up

Your acclaimed, super hi-powered continuous mix of some of the most upbeat exercise and energy boosting music you’ve ever heard.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/pepowerup

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=252425655

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YMU, Yoga Music Unlimited

Your Yoga Music! One of a kind Yoga Music. Every note and sound on this album was designed from the ground up per specifications set forth by many Yoga professionals worldwide.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/ymu

iTunes:  http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=252464370

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I ask that I get the chance to provide you with an ever expanding, life enriching compliment of musical works over the many years to come:)

To all of the wonderful fans, and to those fans who have purchased and continue to purchase our music and inspire me with so many wonderful comments of praise and thanks for these works I say, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU:)

All the best, because YOU are the best,

~Marcus UNLIMITED:)

MU ~ Haiku / You Are My Solace

You are my solace

In my moments of sorrow

my light in darkness

…