21st Century Man - Live @ Catmel Studios (Video)

Semi-autobiographical 

“I remember painting my mother's toenails with red nail varnish while she was talking about the end of the world."

Development of '21st Century Man' through various incarnations; the original demo, acoustic, duo rehearsal in my Barcelona flat and a live radio performance on Radio Reverb - Brighton. 

Now I bring it to you in a minimalist style, not unlike that of the great Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah. 

I really loved the original lead guitar intro to this song but unfortunately, it took the song to over 5 minutes. I think I would still play it live. I have an acoustic recording with two guitars playing together that I made of a rehearsal in Barcelona with Albert Greenlight. I really like that recording because it’s so raw… recorded with an iPhone.

Ramon whistling my intro solo after leaving the studio to get the train home.

We had just finished recording 21st Century Man at Ramon's studio. On the way out we were walking to our cars and I heard Ramon whistling. It took a few seconds to settle in... He was whistling the guitar intro! It was a surreal moment for me, magic, real magic. Something that didn't exist until a few hours ago had found its 1st entity to possess... It was spooky and cosmic at the same time. It was my proudest breakthrough moment. 

Week 232: Sketches - Album Cover

Sketches - Album Cover Which do you prefer? Hi Guys! I'm back in the UK and preparing to play this spring/summer. I'm working on a demo album of acoustic songs in their purest form. Tracklist: 1. 21st Century Man 4:58 (listen) 2. I Can't Sleep Tonight 4:32 3. These Are The Days Of Our Lives 3:11 4. Sofia's Song 3:34 (listen & free download) 5. Maybe 3:46 6. Smile 3:18 7. The Purpose Of Existence 4:14 8. Hold Me 0:52 9. Lord Have Mercy On My Soul 3:39 The album will have 9 songs on it and will be ready and available in a few weeks on BandCamp and at my gigs. Because I'm a solo artist, I'll be collaborating with other musicians to perform live in different setups, as a solo, a duo & as a band. Currently I'm in the studio recording & producing a full band version song number 3. These are the days of our lives. I've put over 70 hours into this song and it really has been a learning curve. My objective is to get the best possible quality in the song and production as I can using a DIY model. Later I'd like to go into a pro studio and work with a producer. I will have a preview for your feedback on which of the 2 versions you prefer in my next newsletter in May. These days I'm listening to producers like Timbaland, and solo artists like James Bay and Hozier. I look forward to performing for you soon and getting your feedback on different versions. E.g chill-out, instrumental and acoustic versions. I look forward to playing live. But its back into the studio for the moment.See you soon! Zack aka RedEyeZack I prefer album cover A I prefer album cover B

Week 131:Building A Mailing List. NEW VIDEO. Free Download. House-Parties.

Hi Guys

I'd like to thank you for showing interest and despite the rain, coming to my 1st official gig at Pipiolo bar! It was wonderful to have a full house in such an intimate atmosphere. I hope that those that couldn't make it will get to the next gig.

I have a local mailing list which I'm building to inform music lovers of gigs, local venues, local bands I'm collaborating with. Please sign up on www.redeyezack.com. Or JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Our monthly Newsletter also has the latest news of Gigs, videos, new songs, competitions, free downloads.

I'd very much like your support & look forward to performing new songs for you.

I'm looking to do Non-Traditional gigs & Houseparties. Drop me a line if you know any unconventional venues or you'd like to help me organise a gig for your friends. Email me at: redeyezack@gmail.com

My first free gig was at Teteria Salterio. At the end of the gig I collected a dozen email addresses. It's important to build a local following as the internet attempts to make us all global right from day one. I still need time to develop the craft of songwriting and performing live in front of a local audience. That's why I've chosen to play at small locations, house parties. 

By playing these, I'll be able to get real feedback on the songs and interact with the audience. Afterwards it may be possible to organise a gig in bigger venues, but they usually want you to rent the venue & bring people. 

As an artist starting out, this is too much to expect. I'd rather play a free gig in a place where the venue have their regular clients and bring people so I can expose my music to them, rather than paying to rent a venue and wondering if I'm not going to be able to bring enough people (thereby losing money).

One way to build a fanbase is to offer a free exclusive download in return for an email address. I've just added this to my homepage (see link above). 

This summer I'll be keeping you in touch with my travels, as I look for festivals and start recording my 1st EP.

Let me know if you have plans to visit Barcelona! :)

PLJ

Zack aka RedEyeZack

Week 125: Finding Local Musicians

Hi Guys!

I recently met up with Alexis (who I've been trying to meet up with since Xmas). He's outside Barcelona. He's been playing lead guitar in various bands for five years. I'm going to check them out soon. He was kind enough to come into Barcelona to meet me. Later Tatiana joined us. 

Last July Tatiana and her colleagues from Lampli organized a music festival called Petit Burg Festival ( a small format, I was there for the weekend and it was great, located in a lovely place up in the Pyrenees mountains, in Burg Village, they combined music with theatre, workshops etc..it had great local success) . I had seen a few videos of artists called ANÍMIC filmed performing on a bridge in the countryside. She also writes a blog about music, so it will be interesting to exchange ideas.

My blog has just had its most successful post 'technology as an accelerator'. With over 750 views, it's also pulling up another blog about looking for small venues. Traffic has increased 10x since I started in Sept 2012. I'd like to embed the blog on my own website- www.Redeyezack.com to get music lovers to explore the songs on the site and get involved in the Barcelona community scene. It's a bit tricky and I'll have to look into RSS feeds.

POOL - EP Release Party!

It's important to support musicians you know that have a similar passion for music as you do. And it's interesting to know local bands who are active and releasing material. So, then at 10pm I headed off to continental and met Gille's band POOL on a street corner giving out last minute flyers! Well done guys... 5 euros to enter on a Saturday night, a drink or beer around 3.50e and 6e for a spirit drink. Lighting of the bar was cool, just great for low light colour photos. I loved the luminous paintings of cool celebs.

POOL played 2 songs before starting my favourite 3rd track with the funky electric guitar part played by Gilles on Piano-synth. It was a bit  chilli peppers- give it away/pearl jam-alive/lenny kravitz  with
guitar riff played on keys... Awesome and got the crowd going!

Checkout Claudia's sultry vocals on Pool's song 'Crazy' in this video slideshow.
POOL are:
Claudia Steccato - voice
Gilles Estoppey - piano / rhodes
Pau Sala - electric bass

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Week 123: Covers Progress

Hi Guys!

I was at the Nike FlyKnit product launch this week. It was a beautiful structure and a great piece of engineering. Looks like a great place for a private party. I gonna get me one for my garden! Very interesting promotion, great branding and lots of money to do things properly :)!

It was a productive week for the Pop/Rock CoversBand Project

Songs Practiced:

One Key: C (Original)

Wonderful Life: (Original Em), key Gm (Play Em on 3rd fret)

Mad World: (Original Fm), key of Gm (Play Em on 3rd fret)

Light my fire: In original Key of Am.

We arrived at El Patio Studio at 9.15pm. It was the first time I had seen Luis and we went down to the basement. There were 2 small rooms, a medium sized room and a larger room with a sofa.

The studio was well equipped with amps, cables, mics and mixer.

We set up the mics and positioned the instruments in a circle. By 9.30pm the others were arriving and we began with our first song- One by U2. We played round and round with chords to the verse, Am D F G for 10-15 minutes taking it in turns to enter. I started with the acoustic guitar for 4 bars, then Sheera entered with Ukulele, 4 bars later Luis started with Clean Electric guitar. Then Gustavo came in on the drums, Dom added more rhythm on acoustic guitar 2, Carolyn created bass notes on her trombone, Miquel entered with Acoustic guitar 3 and finally Narani began with the first verse.

We then worked on the chorus C Am F C & finally put the whole song together. It was great because everyone was listening to each other and playing steadily.

2 hours went really quickly and we also did; Light my fire (the doors), Mad World ( Tears for fears), Wonderful Life (Black).

We shared the cost of the large room which was 17e/hour, so it worked out about 3euros each. Much better than going to play in the music bar, cheaper and more productive. We are planning to put a set of 15 songs together then start looking for small venues to make some fun gigs. Great way to join in, sing in English and learn words to great songs.

We look forward to seeing you at our first concert!

Zack & Members of Pop/Rock Coversband at BAMM

Miquel - piano/guitar

Narani - vox

Gustavo - drums

Luis - Electric gtr w/effects

Dom - Rhythmn Gtr

Carolyn - Trombone

Sheera - Ukulele

Tony - Guitar/Vox

Manel M - Acoustic Guitar 2

Guests Singers: Ester Galeote & Elena Mendez  Jose Galeote

Other songs: (Click o song for YouTube video link)

Wicked game (Chris Isaak)

1. Mad World Tears for fears

2. My Immortal Evanescence

3. One U2

4. Stand By Me Ben E. King

5. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding

6. Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd

7. Wonderful Life Black

8. Wonderwall Oasis

9. Light My Fire The Doors

10. Another Brick in a Wall Pt2 Pink Floyd

11. Hey Jude The Beatles

12. Fields of Gold Sting

13. California Dreaming

14. Angie

15. Mrs. Robinson/ The sound of silence

16. Every Breath You Take Sting

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Week 121: Technology as an Accelerator II

Hi Guys!

I'm looking more into technology, art, installations and audience interactivity. How can technology help us to enhance an existing live act?

Checkout the intro video and slideshow of the concert.

TEI Promotional Video:

By chance I met Volker at the Wednesday webmaster meetup. We got chatting about streaming and agreed that subscribing to 3rd party providers to stream live would be possible and affordable. Volker sent me a  link to checkout: www.ustream.tv/platforms/plans

He was participating in a 3/4 day conference TEI (Seventh International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction). Barcelona, the 7 th annual conference. So I put a note in my diary and made a point to check out videos on the organisations webpage.

Monday, February 11th at 8PM

Razzmatazz2, Carrer Pamplona, 88, 08018 Barcelona

http://www.salarazzmatazz.com/

Across from the conference concert hall is the venue Razzamatazz where the delegates could enjoy a free concert and demonstration of the use of these technologies. It was at one of the smaller halls-Sala 2. I was impressed at the lighting mood of the place. It felt like being in an aeroplane hanger with atmospheric lighting effects of blue and complimentary red of the bar in the distance was going to present a visual experience (See this slideshow below).

The first performance was an award winning entry for a new bio-instrument that was plugged into the muscle and blood flow monitoring equipment of Marco Donnarumma : Hypo Chrysos | Action art for vexed body and biophysical media (Xth Sense Biosensing Wearable Technology) and amplified his exertions on the stage into audio effects and synchronised with a slideshow in the background. Although  the two stones he was dragging about didn't really entertain the crowd for too long, some variations of the curious dramatic art performance and visual graphic projection did get me thinking about biofeedback and other ways the technology could be integrated into an already established and choreographed live show performance.

The second were a trio who created a backing track and and performed their songs in a simple rhythmic way with bat tons for drum sticks hitting he air for bass drum and snare rhythm, a minimalist guitar style and over-processed vocals with a synth player adding effects.

Not very musical, but in the hands of accomplished musicians or dancers the technology could shine much more and the audience would be satisfied at least with the skill of the performers.

There were 6 Macs onstage and little musicality. I think I'd like to take some of the ideas, get my hands on the technology and apply them to live shows of bands performing gigs to develop audio visual compliments and interact more with audience participation at live shows.

Any collaboration of music with technology are welcome.. Please contact me on zackqureshi@gmail.com

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Week 118: Setting up a covers band

Hi Music Lovers!!

This picture was taken in a cocktail bar called 7Sins!!

It's a great place for my first creative video, very glamourous and stylish (coming in the spring). I'm going to perform my own original songs acoustically in small places in Gracia and play with streaming services, so you can watch the gigs live in the comfort of your own armchair. 

Well it's back to work this month (Feb!) Jan was very slow here in Barcelona. The covers band could be good fun but more than this, it's an incentive to practice on set songs. I've been to 2 rehearsal Jams at BAMM. The 1st was a general Jam & the 2nd was a Beatles Hommage. On Feb 15th we have the Pink Floyd night.

I've put my own list of covers together (see below) and I'm planning to name a date in about 2-3 weeks for the session. Let me know which songs you would most like to hear. Finally we have to select 15 from them.

Let me know if you would like to be involved in any way: zackqureshi@gmail.com 

PLJ 

Zack a.k.a. RedEyeZack

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Week 113: I love feedback!!

Happy New Year All! 

I'm in the UK for Christmas & New year visiting family and friends... awful weather!!

                                      

 In September 2011, I moved to Barcelona to pursue my songwriting more seriously. I'd love your feedback on these demo songs. I've put a selection of 90-second previews together on soundcloud because I think it's enough to get the feel of a song. And... If you're still listening up to the end of the clip then I must have done my job! ;) 

Enter any comments below the song you're playing and please feel free to send me your top 5 songs by email to: redeyezack@gmail.com 

This is really gonna help me decide which songs to record & perform first.

Previews on Artist website

or here:

All the best for a creative and inspiring 2013! 

PLJ (Peace, Love & Joy) 

Zack

Week 110: Following BCN Funky Band

Hi Music Lovers!

Last Sunday I was at a funky party in RAVAL. Yes Sunday afternoon!

Arranged by Patricia Irigoin on behalf of Flamenco, other Live Music and Parties. It was held in a Bar & Gallery venue called 33I45.

Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 4 08001 Barcelona‎ (See Map Below)

It's a multi-space where you can find live music, delicious crepes, concerts, art, rich cocktails and relax in vintage sofas while reading. Go to metro San Antoni and walk from there!

Les Artistes is fronted by the amazing soulful voice of Khaoula Bouchkhi. Checkout her Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/khaoula.bouchkhi. Her drummer was from London. I will be following their performances in the next few months.

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Week 108:RedEyeZack - Sastisfy My Soul (Demo Preview)

Top of Las Arenas, Barcelona

Another wonderful sunny week in Barcelona and Christmas lights have gone up! Here's a little romantic tune with a homemade video.

It was filmed inside Las Arenas which used to be a Bullring. Now it's an impressive shopping centre! On the top there are restaurants and a 360 degree platform you can walk around. That's where this picture of me was taken on a chilly evening.

Week 107: Biography

''Zack Qureshi a.k.a. (also known as) ‘RedEyeZack’ is an Alternative singer-songwriter based in London, England. He started by writing poetry, his lyrics are both deep and philosophically inspired by his travels to India. His voice radiates a warmth of emotion from the lyrics. He explains something about the origin and inspiration for the songs and in turn, creates an intimate presence and connection with his audience. His favourite Beatle is George Harrison and his other musical influences can be clearly heard. His approach to life is to live the modern and study the ancient, this idea, he says creates an inner peace that allows an open mind to technology or change, yet retain a mystic essence rooted in ancient wisdom that is always a treasure, robots with a soul is one way you could look at it, he chuckles.

Coming from a diverse background of cultures, Zack is always open to collaborate with local musicians and incorporate some cultural/ethnic instruments into his songs. He admits that his guitar playing developed later from his love of sitar and that his themes have a lot to do with love, but that they are not restricted to romantic love, but love as a universal and cosmic force to be reckoned with. 

He's currently single and divides his time between Brighton and Barcelona. Being fiercely independent is second nature and he's definitely a free spirit who embodies his mantra which is PLJ (Peace, Love & Joy).

While Zack writes most of his songs on acoustic guitar, he has a flair for theatrical performance and creates; instrumental arrangements. While living in Istanbul he performed an electric guitar fusion project with Indian Bollywood dancer Ayse Ucar, is now collaborating with Bellydancers for special shows and festivals. 

After moving to Barcelona and pursuing an acting career with his main role and performance as Jalil, an Indian flower-seller falling for Gabi, a Catalan writer of erotic novels in the movie TOMANDOTE. He has returned to his first love... music, to develop an unfinished passion for mixing poetry, philosophy and guitar playing with an Indian ambience. 

Currently, he is living in London and preparing to release his debut EP - Live @ Cartmel Studios.

Week 106:The Clandestine Arts Community

I've been re-writing songs these last few weeks, now it was time to connect with a local community of artists, musicians, vampires etc...

I had been to a couple of Meetups by chance invitation. I came across a new group, The Clandestine Arts Community founded in September by Julius Cuesta. So I joined the group & RSVPed for the Halloween night which promised; an evening of spookiness, dramatic professional theatrical performances, ritual sacrifice, a practical dress code of black, drinks and canapés with a host of fun loving people to share it with. Hmm I thought.

I was planning to go with a friend, I've seen eyes wide shut and it scared the willies out of me! My friend Juan had made other plans, I was thinking to chicken out and cancel, but the opportunity to wear makeup again was just too strong.

I arrived at the huge castle gate entrance somewhere off Rambla Catalunya, to find some guests waiting to enter. Esther, Susanna & a friend introduced themselves. There was a note attached to the huge Iron ring which said "knock 3 times" so we knocked in succession and a spooky young thespian came to greet us.

We were advised to wait and count loudly to 30 before ascending the stairwell. We stood in a queue as vampire-like ladies came to greet us. They instructed us to wait in line.

One by one we entered the hallway and sat while the silent vampires applied ghostly makeup to us. I'm not sure what they painted on my throat, but it was covered up by a small black scarf that was offered to each of the guests. Would I be "the one!" Destined for sacrifice?!!

Then I passed through the corridor to be greeted by a lovely Elvira-like goddess of a vamp, she checked my name against the list, accepted my donation and slipped 2 casino chips into my hand. It was a James bond moment... with chic, glamour, meow, but no casino. She offered a glass of white wine and ushered me into the living room...

There were already some 20-30 guests all dressed in black, mingling & chatting. I mingled, I chatted in character (I thought I'd just entered a spoof movie set) wondering if I was " the one". Then Julius in a somewhat general of an army-looking uniform, assured us that it would be a female that would be sacrificed. I wiped the sweat from my brow, and with increased confidence, started to compliment the decor and design of the Masonic interior & ceiling.

Julius went on to tell his guest that they would be witnessing the ressurection of a Russian nobleman.

You know what they say: When one coffin closes, (on the other side of the world) another one opens!

That's when I met Ivan. We chatted, took photos & discussed bringing our electric guitars to the next session.

I met my new brother Amir (who incidentally has the same surname as me), Susana, Rafael from Germany and 2 Erasmus vampires that were feeling a bit peckish; Magdelena from Poland & Katherine.

I met Lesley Cannell, a blues singer from the UK. Susana introduced me to her sister, I knew they were sisters because they had the same red horns on their heads. Also to friends that ran a Monday night Meetup intercambio Spanish/English exchange group at The Philharmonic Pub c/Mallorca.

All in all, it was a fantastic night, wonderfully hosted, enchanting and entertaining. I tip my hat to Julius the organiser. I'm looking forward to the next event. See you there!

PLJ

(Peace, Love & Joy)

Zack aka RedEyeZack

Week 104: Previews

Hi Guys! Soundcloud is awesome... I've created a group of song previews. Have a listen. Let me know which is your favorite. I'm working on some 90 second videos for the previews, so I can upload them to YouTube. I'll be in Brighton/London over Christmas.
Keep in touch!

PLJ (Peace Love & Joy)

Zack a.k.a. RedEyeZack

Previews

Week 103: Spaceman Playlist

I'm kind of locked away working on my music, singing and songwriting, trying to make the songs better. Listening to space oddity & rocket man, to see how 21st century man could compare.

I love these songs... they take you somewhere else!

Week 102: Soundcloud & YouTube

I've finally got round to reading about music promotion. It looks like soundcloud is a place where people discover 'new' music. I use it as a sort of private library for ideas and collaborations.

I'm going to open it up to you, so you can hear some of the original Jam sessions, recordings, duets & rehearsals of your favorite songs. I also upload new songs I'm playing with that are recorded directly from my iPhone.

Secondly, the importance of YouTube has been brought to my attention. I love video! In fact I bought a video camera last year, but have never used it! What a shame:( But that's gonna change and I will be posting more video on my site:

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel. You may see some surprising stuff;)

Here's a video of a cover of One by U2. Recorded in Barcelona earlier this year

Here's a video made by my good friend & tech wizard Mario Zuccarello. He'd just got these big lights and was dying to play with them and I was part of the experiment... It felt like being in a sauna (with my clothes on!..)

Here's what we managed to do. Remember this is all DIY and we mixed in some video from the film TOMANDOTE.

I'm back in Barcelona and planning to work & collaborate on more artistic projects, which have been by far, my most satisfying & interesting experiences.

PLJ (Peace, Love & Joy)

Zack a.k.a. RedEyeZack