Cliff Cline

This blog has moved

2010-04-29T13:57:00.001-04:00

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Site (Blog) Changes

2010-04-28T08:36:00.001-04:00

In the next few days I will be changing around the blog. For those of you that come directly to this page I am recommending that for the next while you access my blog via www.cliffcline.com. This will either become the blog itself, or the link on the right side of the page will go to the new blog. In terms of history, I hope to be able to have the whole blog there from day one, but it may take some time to transfer the whole thing to the new situation.

Thanks.

Fish Bowl

2010-04-26T14:25:00.001-04:00

I have chosen to live in a fish bowl to some degree. I have grown to
enjoy the "power" or influence that public performance brings. I use
the term lightly, in that, I realize I am not famous or wealthy
(financially) because of it, but I enjoy performing and leading.

I also publically grapple with the level to which I am experiencing
success. Right now I am trying to redefine that. I am {re} discovering
that I love creating. I am pleased that over two hundred people have
downloaded my new CD for free. Others have purchased in physical
form at concerts. Several hundred come to this blog each month.

The studio is back online, and June is coming. I am looking forward to
releasing some new music soon, and I think there maybe some new other
productions as well.

I am looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Creating Again

2010-04-20T12:32:00.001-04:00

I am not officially done the studio, but, getting the majority of it done and getting the rig back up and running has had an immense lightening effect on the brain. So much so that I wrote a new song these past few days, and I really like it. It will definitely be on one of the two 3 song EPs I have committed to producing and releasing for download in June and September.

Lots of activity with the free download of my latest CD, and some great feedback as well. I must admit there is a real freedom I am experiencing currently as I have moved away mentally from trying to sell, sell, sell, towards creating. I know at some point I have to find a way to monetize something so that I can upgrade equipment etc., but for now I am going to keep creating music and see where it leads.

I also have to find a way to change this blog in the next couple of weeks as my host blogger has changed the game on me a little in terms of how I can post, so hopefully there will be no interruption.

Thanks for dropping in!!

Updates

2010-04-09T09:56:00.001-04:00

Worship Leading

Last night we had rehearsal at our home church for this Sunday's worship service. It was great fun, worked through some solid vocal harmonies, so hopefully we will execute well Sunday and lead with passion. This is only the second time I have led at this new church. It is always great fun to begin to connect more in a church community and feel like you are belonging and contributing.

Le Studio

Hmmm, maybe that should be the name of it:). I am definitely feeling a little burnt out. Last night and early this morning was mudding and taping second coat. Tomorrow will be sanding, and unfortunately I think some spots will need a third coat. Colours a picked though, so I will then prime and paint and lastly put in the sub floor before moving in. Still a lot to do, since that has to be done by next weekend. (Self imposed deadline)

Lots Doing

2010-04-06T09:09:00.001-04:00

If you are like me you have a lot on the go. If you are like me you dream of getting to the next place, that place where what your day is mainly made up of is the stuff that you either have to do (day job), or want to do (spend time with family, friends, and doing music).

For me the challenge is trying to get to the place where most of the bigger "to dos" are done. Fixing up the house so that everybody has what they need...closets that work, beds that fit, curtains that hang, a family room to hang out in, and , oh yeah, an office for daddy to keep all of his music stuff in!!

Well I am close to finishing a fairly major phase one of the "One Room Studio", and I am looking forward to coming home at night, spending time with the kids playing basketball on the drive, tucking in everybody, and then going down and writing and producing some new music.

I have two projects in mind. A worship EP and an "other" EP. One done by June the other by September. Should be fun.

Studio Photo 2

2010-04-05T14:20:00.000-04:00

Under Construction

2010-04-05T14:19:00.001-04:00

The "One Room Studio" is coming along. Thought I would share a photo
or two!!

180 Downloads and Counting

2010-03-31T09:32:00.001-04:00

"The Gift"

It is good to see that many of you have taken advantage of the free download of my new CD, "Buried Thoughts". 180 donwloads so far. Being a part-time musician has its challenges as it pertains to pushing ahead musical endeavours, but my goal really is to get as many as possible listening and enjoying and hopefully being moved by what I am able to create.

Seth Godin in his book Linchpin talks about the need to ship, in other words create something worth delivering, putting out there, and do it, on time and on budget. To that end I want to commit to shipping something to you all soon. By June 2010, I will be shipping a three more brand new songs, so look for that, it should be a very intriguing little project.

"The Studio"

I had a major break-through this week and finished the electrical in the new office/studio in my basement. I think I have to come up with a name for it. Any suggestions? The plan is to finish (ship) the studio and get it on production by May, giving me 6 weeks to produce the three aforementioned songs. They may end up being piano and vocal only, but that has been a common request of late from many of you.

"The Tour Phase Two"

I am trying to start putting together part two of the "Buried Thoughts" tour. If you would like to have me come out to your church, piano bar, coffee pub, let me know and we will set it up.

Fly Me To The Moon

2010-03-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Most of us would recognize this phrase a the classic jazz standard title, which by the way you can hear me sing on my website, www.cliffcline.com. It is the last song on the flash player on the front page.

Songs can take us to a happy place as it were. They can uplift us and make us feel happier, convicted, well the whole range of emotions. I have been watching videos and listening to, it feels like, too many people "preach" on the value of doing what you love. The concept underlying it all is satisfaction in life. If you are doing what you love, then surely you will be more content. It might cost you something, but it is worth it.

I don't know about you, but this is a massive struggle for me. I love music and singing, writing music, playing music, producing music, the whole deal, but for whatever reason, the charges I have made to further this love never turn into a full-time gig. But that is life isn't it? Some make the NHL, others don't. Please note, I realize that part of the reason for my lack of success might be my talent level, but people keep buying my music and coming to the few concerts I put together....so I am lost in quasi "success".

The flip side is your stage of life. I am married with four kids, and they are my priority. I personally don't think I am making an excuse, I am trying to give them as good a life as I can. Moreover, I work for a charity that helps children in Canada and around the world. I am trying to do the best I can in balance.

The argument against me, I think, is that I am a bit of a Jack of all trades, master of none. In Gladwellian terms, I am not focused enough to put in my 10,000 hours. So where does this leave you or me. Right now, somewhere in the middle. I am building "proper" studio in my basement, and will return to producing soon. I have a newish CD with lots of legs left in it, (which I am gifting in download version should you want it http://www.cliffcline.com/2010/03/cliff-cline-new-cd-free-download), and I am trying to stay true to a vision of music I have had since I was 16.

Over the past year I have struggled with giving up music because I have not attained the success that I had always dreamed of, but I am renewed in a saying a friend gives me credit for, although I am sure I did not come up with it. "It isn't art until it moves someone". Why am I giving away my latest CD. I hope to move a dream in some one else. I hope to share my faith with someone else. I hope to share my struggles and loves with as many as I can, and move someone: towards God; towards loving their wife or husband more; towards good deeds; or living better and giving more. If I can do that, and continue to do that, I will be living my dream, in fact I may fly over the moon!!

[re]boot the church

2010-03-19T14:41:00.001-04:00

Cliche with all of the post-modern chatter of the last few years?....maybe, but what if you viewed it like a real computer reboot. (Yes mac users it happens to you too, just less often.....I work on mac and PC, I know).

Think about rebooting your computer, it is stuck, or lagging, what have you, so you do the dreaded hard reboot. What happens? It completely shuts down, powers off momentarily, and then restarts fresh and new. The code or process that had stalled or slowed production rectified. The programs are still there, the files (except perhaps the recent unsaved ones) and operating system again operating. It is different than refreshing an Internet browser, which sounds more pleasant, because you actually power off. It is different than a force quit as well, which is more like a refresh - only completely powering off will do. But the fact remains, what is not there is the problem, and what is there is what you were looking for in the first place, a working computer.

A reboot is only useful, however, if there was nothing inherently wrong with your peripherals, or your machines code. If there is and you don't change anything, you will crash again.

So how do you reboot a church. Well, I dare say carefully, with alot of humility, and with the full knowledge that if you are a part of the church, whether you lead the charge or follow the leader, the only person who does not shut down during the reboot is the person pressing the button. And no offense to any of us, if we can't complete the analogy with that person being God (meaning we all "power down"), then it isn't a reboot.

Intellectual Dishonesty

2010-03-18T17:03:00.001-04:00

All of us are intellectually dishonest sometimes. Sometimes it comes through necessary compromise (which hurts), or unnecessary self justification (which is self-serving), or just plain denial. The problem that has developed in society is there are very few willing to confront this dishonesty, because they know they are themselves caught in some level of the same pragmatic hypocrisy. This creates a cycle of never truly pursuing better ideas or thoughts (of a moral nature) because to do so calls those ideas of less superior merit into question, which is by default fraught with peril, due to the unfaltering criticism of those who dare to challenge - well, anyone or thing.

What then shall we do? The hope I suppose is that at varying levels, we see a few brave souls willing to take the criticism of the masses on to propagate better thoughts, better ways, for a better world. Those that will not only tackle the big problems of today like hunger and poverty, but also the "seemingly smaller ones" like poor parenting, lying and a general lack of respect and love.

Infusing Higher Creativity into Worship Music

2010-03-15T13:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I led worship at the Well with my friend's worship band. When I have the opportunity to play with new players I like them to influence the sound. We ended up using an arrangement on "Here I Am to Worship" which included a significant lick from a Switchfoot song. Pretty out there really, but effective, why?

There are many reasons why creating unique arrangements are effective. Here are three:

When we have a body of music that is familiar enough to sing, then it can become predictable. Infusing a familiar song with an unfamiliar line rejuvenates our conscious and subconscious and has the effect of making the sentiment new, improving our focus on God.
The musicians themselves are challenged and re-inspired, making their leadership and example more impassioned and effective.
It is impressive or impressing. Whether we are musical enough to know it or not does not matter. Hearing something difficult played well and musically impacts us positively.

In the end, your average musician can't accomplish this kind of feat, one of the main reasons my time at the Well is so inspiring to me is that I get to play with such great players. To read more on my opinions on excellence in church music go to this post.

A friend of mine in ministry commented to me about the gait of Sunday. "Sundays", he said, "keep coming relentlessly." He really did not mean it negatively. He meant , I think , that the work of getting ready for Sunday is a non negotiable discipline. When we are able to bring something new, something different, something beautiful to bear every Sunday, then we please God and inspire others to do the same.

Cliff Cline New CD Free Download

2010-03-05T11:29:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay, but here it is, my gift to you. (http://cliffcline.com/btcd.html)

As I have mused, I am not sure where it all leads from here. I love creating music, and if I have any frustration, it is that I would like to share it with more people. One of the potential barriers to that is commerce. It is not a gift if I charge you for it, and I really want many to hear and enjoy it, so no commerce means, well a gift.

Do pass it on if you like it, FaceBook it, Twitter it, and let me know your favourite song or songs.

I am working to finish off my new creative space, and hope to be back writing a new CD by spring. I will keep you posted.

A New Day, A Gift Coming

2010-02-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

We are all in transition aren't we? Those that know me know that I have been doing music pretty seriously for 25 years. In the last 16 I have recorded 5 CDs and performed many places. I suppose to some degree or another I had always hoped it would turn into something more, but it hasn't, and that is ok.

What isn't as ok for me is that I still want to create and share music. I hope to share art that changes people. Art that encourages and inspires.

The problem is that the "CD" as we know it has become a commodity. There are so many artists out there doing great stuff (I would like to think I am in that category) that many of them can not make an economic go of it (I am in that category too). For me though, I would far rather people have my music as a gift, than not have it at all. For me to have files on my computer or CDs in my basement collecting dust makes no sense. I have poured hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars into producing a gift, and now it is time I give it away to as many as possible. Will you help me?

Although I can't afford to give away the CDs in my basement, I am going to treat them like the commodity they are and sell them as cheaply as possible. But the files, the mp3s I am going to give away.

Check back here next week and you will find a link to my music, my gift to you and whoever you share it with. See you then.

Linchpin and Natasha Bedingfield

2010-01-30T15:21:00.001-05:00

I have been reading Seth Godin's blog for a while now, and finding it very useful to spark my mind to action. I just purchased his latest book Linchpin and for me it may just be life changing. I am not talking life changing like Jesus or the Bible, but life changing nonetheless. I recommend the read. You are welcome Seth.

Natasha Bedingfield is inspiring me huge right now. I am currently re-building my "studio" and am in physical pain that the inspiration is not being turned into my own creations right now. Natasha, we are on a first name basis you see [not], is a brilliant singer, huge voice, and her music is well, joyous. I like it, she's given me a "pocket full of sunshine"!

What is next:
2010 is the year of "Buried Thoughts" the new CD. If you like it tell someone, buy it, share it, and come see me sing or even book me!!

Worship:
I led music for a prayer service last night at Forestview, cool. Small gathering, but great environment at the new church we are going to. I lead for the service a week this Sunday, so I am looking forward to that huge.

I lead and speak at The Well tomorrow. Maybe I will see you there.

Work and Haiti:

I was able to get another small team out this morning from Trenton air force base. A missionary teacher, and two nurses and a medic to help with our partner Mission of Hope. To support the work we are doing there in Canada you can go to www.ftccanada.ca. I have confirmed thy have arrived safely and are on their way to engage in work. Bless them as they give!!

Last word for today......be encouraged, in the midst of pain and disaster there is hope, there are wonderful loving people who are giving so much, yes to help in Haiti, but also right here in Canada, in neighbourhoods, in downtown cores to bless those without. Be encouraged that thy are doing this, and well, figure out how to be a apart of the blessing too.

Peace.

Concert Pics, Leading at Our New Church and Haiti

2010-01-28T11:13:00.001-05:00

New Content:

I finally have some decent concert shots to view: photo page

New CD Buried Thoughts is still fresh, you can buy or download it on the site.

New Church: http://forestviewchurch.ca/

We have finally landed at a home church where we seem to fit, it's great, and after five months I am slowly getting involved in worship. I will be leading my first service this Friday night, most likely solo with a little mac thrown in. Then in couple of weeks I lead at the main service.

This Sunday I am speaking and leading at the Well in Toronto, so it will be good to see my other family after a bit of time away.

Haiti

As some of you know my day job is COO of a charity called FTC Canada (Feed the Children). It has been an intense couple of week as we had staff on the ground that needed support. We were able to get a medical team and medicines in fairly early and they are already back. You can read about what we are doing there by linking on the news and blog link from our site.

Much Music Haiti Special

2010-01-21T17:50:00.001-05:00

I have been invited to be part of a special Much is taping tonight. I
may not get a word in, but I will be there to source.

This last week has been surreal. Normally something like Haiti would
be a news item, something I would follow, raise and give money for and
to, and pray that things would work out.

Two and a bit years ago I moved from being a Pastor to working to help
feed kids in Canada and around the world at www.ftccanada.ca.

We have two partners on the ground in Haiti. I have friends working at
one of those places that we partner with. They have four kids there,
one is my eldest daughters age 10.

I am not a front line guy. I am an organizer, a talker, and show off,
a big mouth, and it has been time to use it all ( even if some of that
sounded negative) to help.

Dozens of hours of calls, getting a great team firing on more
cylinders than we have, getting a medical team to Haiti to help our
partners, our friends bring hope to Haiti. Raising awareness and money
to pay for the meds, people and supplies they so desperately need.

The team is there, day two and I am waiting for the stories that I
know will tear me up. And I am here, wishing I could do more.

I will say this, it is time for us that have to give something,
whether it be to my organization or another trusted one doing work
there right now. Lots of helping hands make the incredible work that
needs to be done a little lighter.

For news or to give: www.ftccanada.ca

Peace.

Haiti Disaster Relief

2010-01-20T00:07:00.001-05:00

Since the earthquake hit in Haiti last week, my focus has been there.
Whereas in the past this would have been a news item, in my new role
it is my 24/7.

With partners/staff on the ground in the thick of things we have been
desperately trying to get a medical team of supplies and professionals
to Port au Prince to re-inforce the effort our amazing team is doing
there.

Tonight at 3:40 a.m our team of 16 is to leave via Montreal straight
to PaP airport to be met by some of our team and provide relief and
renewed supplies.

I pray they get there and that the work goes well. I will update as I
know more.

To help the efforts of our relief work go to:

www.ftccanada.ca

My Wife is Amazing

2010-01-07T10:27:00.001-05:00

My wife is building four little cathedrals, and they are beautiful! This is a great take on how amazing she is.

First Post of the Decade

2010-01-05T09:18:00.002-05:00

As I look at the next decade I see it as crucial to me and my family. This is the time for me to do something bigger, something more meaningful, something lasting. There will be university starting for my eldest, there will be dreams formed in all my children, and I must encourage. I must show them the world God has created and the nuture the gifts they have been given to serve God in this world.

Interesting motivational thought from Seth Godin's blog. I definitely do not want to wake up 7 to 10 years from now having only dreamt of doing more.

Seize the day!!

Hello / Goodbye Newmarket and Updates

2009-11-23T13:17:00.002-05:00

So last night the "Buried Thoughts" tour continued. In fact, it continued at the church I was a pastor at for five years. I had Kevin Birch on drums and Fergus Marsh on bass. They are both amazing, and it was a great concert!! I am looking forward to booking out 2010, with this CD.

Worship

Back at The Well this morning which was great. One of the bigger crowds since this second year started (since I have been there) and the vibe was amazing. Definitely a place to hang if the westside of TO is your home and you want modern, or should I say post-modern, or should I say, well cool place to hang, nuff said.

The Studio

As I plan for the next project, work on creating a better studio space commences this weekend. Hopefully the new space is created by Jan, and I can get back to spending sometime writing etc. I also have to do some more recording of the kids, they are amazing.

Lyrics to Title Track of the new CD

2009-11-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

Buried Thoughts

Buried in the thoughts of elsewhere moments

Is the sad loss of immediate and close by ones

What of distant scenarios, if they can't be grasped, even a little?

Perhaps pondering painfully in the present

Is more valuable than longing for a more desirable impossibility

Perhaps, but who's to say? Perhaps, but who's to say?

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

Perhaps perfection lies in the perception, of that which stimulates the mind to see?

Or maybe some absolute truth, guides what may actually be?

But arbitrary pain and angst and hate

Seem to roam free in he mind with any time or reason, to host misery

It leaves nothing, good to say, it leaves nothing good to say

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

And to be a rebel without a cause, or with one, changes nothing

Are they not valid, the emotions, that run wild to find the truth?

Perhaps some friends and some prayer

And some good advice would clear the air

And free the fire in the foundation, that runs wild to find the truth

Perhaps but who's to say, perhaps but who's to say?

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity, in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

Lyrics to Buried Thoughts Now Available

2009-11-16T22:16:00.002-05:00

By "popular" demand, I have made the lyrics to the Buried Thoughts CD available on the website to download, for free of course. You can link to it from the front page. Happy reading!!!

www.cliffcline.com

"You Found Me" in Concert at the Well

2009-11-16T16:49:00.002-05:00

Definitely a weird affect with the lighting, but let's call it artistic. This is from the old CD, I will post one of the songs from the new CD soon.