The Mighty Mr. Billy

The Missing Train!

2012-03-14T07:44:00.001-07:00

Did you miss me? I know that many of you have as I have been getting Facebook, Twitter and email messages asking where the train updates are...sorry.

Things are kind of falling apart and moving along at the same time...

I spent the day at the railroad museum on Monday and finished all of the vocals and guitar parts for the songs I have already recorded, but I didn't feel very well so I cut the day a bit short. Not much to see, so I didn't really get a lot of interesting video. I don't want this to turn into home movies, so I opted out of posting a day 6 of 9 video.

Tuesday was a really big day. I put together a father son band with my son Wil (drums) my friend KD (jazzy guitar) and son Brandon (bass). We set up and played live (Beatles "Let it Be") style between the BIG BOY and Eisenhower trains. We recorded tracks for "Folsom Prison" and "City of New Orleans", got lots of great footage I will try to post soon.

Sadly that may have been the last day of recording at the museum as I still don't feel very well, my daughter is sick and I have to leave for a Florida tour TOMORROW!

I will edit, mix, master, do the artwork and graphic design at another train museum in Parrish Florida next week.

Did Davy Jones like this song?

2012-03-09T21:56:00.001-08:00

Day 5, the last day of week 1 recording at the National Railroad Museum. Today Taelor (my 12 year old daughter) played drums and we recorded The Monkees "Last Train to Clarksville" in the business car. Did Davy Jones like this song? Who knows, but the song rocks!

I also had the chance to record a live trombone for "I've Been Working on the Railroad". My friend Curt (a drummer) dropped by to do the deed...thanks buddy!

As always, why are you reading when you can be watching...here you go!

What really happened at the National Railroad Museum today?

2012-03-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Day 4 at the National Railroad Museum was a blast! Today I settled on what I think is going to be the final line up, how does this sound?

Trains, Trains, Trians
Wabash Cannonball
The Caboose is Loose
The Loco Motion
I've Been Working on the Rialroad
Last Train to Clarksville
The Little Engine That Could
Folsom Prison
The Crazy Crazy Train Polka Polka
City of New Orleans
The Monkey and the Engineer
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

"The Crazy Crazy Train Polka Polka" is a Weird Al kinda medley of over 10 trains songs, classic to rock and pop. I spent most of the day working on that and a cover of "I've Been Working on the Railroad" complete with BANJO by the one and only Doctor of Rock and Roll, yeah!

So stop reading and start watching what really happened...

In the News and a Groupon Too!

2012-03-08T19:32:00.002-08:00

Whoa! I just got a copy of the De Pere Journal today and guess what...I'M the cover story! No kidding!

If you don't live in the area or can't get to the store you can see it here... http://ow.ly/9xWE3

If you are in the area or plan to visit the National Railroad Museum they asked me to share this Groupon to my friends, fans and followers, so here you go!

http://www.groupon.com/green-bay

What do you get when you mix South Africa, Real Steel and a Restroom?

2012-03-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

Q: What do you get when you mix South Africa, Real Steel and a Restroom?

A: The Loco Motion of course!

Yep, that's what I did today. Don't read all about it, watch in now as it happened today at the National Railroad Museum...

Why was I singing in a caboose?

2012-03-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of recording was really wild. I started off by writing a new song driving to the railroad museum. I actually performed it at a small show and recorded it, a song about the caboose, IN A CABOOSE!

I got to record some cool kids and chat with Big Bob from the museum too. As of yesterday I have 3 songs done.

See it all here...

Starting work on CD #3, on location with garage band

2012-03-06T19:39:00.002-08:00

The first 2 CD's of 12 were recorded in the comfort of my home studio/office. This time I'm taking the show on the road and recording the entire CD on location at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI.

The new CD is called "All Aboard the Rock and Roll Train", all songs about trains and railroad related stuff. Many covers and a few new originals.

I will be using only my iPad a microphone and a few instruments. I am going to do a VLOG (video blog) each day I am there.

Here is the first VLOG, it's about 10 minutes and I think it's pretty interesting, hope you like it too.

I welcome your comments....

Angry Birds song #1 on iTunes for 2 months!

2012-03-06T07:15:00.002-08:00

Before I start blogging about my next project, I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for making my Angry Birds song my biggest downloaded song on iTunes EVER.

Angry Birds is the single from last months CD "Electric Bananas", it was pre released before the CD.

I wrote, recorded, mixed and released the entire thing using only my iPhone 4.

If you haven't heard it, you can check it out at ow.ly/9u0UB

Are there any other game or apps you think might make a great song? Let me know.

Here are the lyrics:

Angry Birds
© 2011 WilliamCharles Grisack III

This is a song about angry birds, angry birds, angry birds
This is a song about angry birds can’t make ‘em go bye-bye
Angry Birds are everywhere, everywhere, everywhere
Angry Birds are everywhere flying though the sky

Angry Birds want their eggs, want their eggs, want their eggs
Angry Birds want their eggs green pigs better run
Angry Birds set to attack, set to attack, set to attack
Angry Birds set to attack here comes level one

Angry Birds black, red and white, black, red and white,black, red and white
Angry Birds black, red and white fly off in a flash
Angry Birds say their names, say their names, say their names
Angry Birds say their names before the slingshot dash

Angry Birds keep going on, going on, going on,
Angry Birds keep going on to hear their babies cry
This is a song about angry birds, angry birds, angry birds
This is a song about angry birds can’t make ‘em go bye-bye

And the winners are...

2012-03-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

The poll is over the winners are in. The next CD topics I record will be about...

Trains - to be released on 3/23/12
Movement Songs- to be released on 4/23/12
People of Character - to be released on 5/23/12
Animals - to be released on 6/23/12
Science - to be released on 7/23/12
Food - to be released on 8/23/12
Holidays - to be released on 9/23/12
Math and Numbers - to be released on 10/23/12

I'm not sure what I will want to do in November and December...take a break????

Now you all are not off the hook yet...no, no, no....

Now the real fun begins, I would like your ideas for cover songs or original songs or a song would would like to write with me on any of these topics...let's start with trains first though, OK?

Only 3 days left to tell me what to do!

2012-02-26T20:12:00.001-08:00

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!!

Now that CD #2 is done and the theme for CD #3 is a done deal I still need to decide what my next few CD's will be about

Right now, trains are next and from the votes on my poll; movement songs are in the lead with animals and holidays close behind for the next project.

Please jump in and tell me what you think I should do next. Here are the choices available for this round of voting...

Animals

Math and Numbers

People of Character

Holidays

Movement Songs

Science

Food

What do you think I should make an entire CD about, huh?

Take the poll here

WHAT THEME SHOULD MY NEXT CD BE ABOUT?

What do these musicians have in common?

2012-02-24T11:31:00.001-08:00

Submitted for your approval, musicians from all over the globe, they are...

Peter Cox from the Netherlands
http://www.chinawhite.nl

TJR from California
http://www.tjrmusic.com/

Clark Colborn from Illinois
http://www.clarkplaysguitar.com

Eric Herman from Washington State
http://www.erichermanmusic.com/

The Mighty Mr. Billy from Wisconsin
http://www.misterbilly.com

QUESTION - what do these 5 guitar players have on common?

A. They all play guitar really well

B. They are all members of a Yahoo group started by CD Baby founder Derek Sivers

C. They have joined forces to record a new song for the rocking kids and family CD soon to be released called "Electric Bananas"

D. All of the above

ANSWER - D. All of the above!

Check out the last song recorded for my new CD "Electric Bananas" (it totally kicks banana!), it should be on sale by Monday...NO KIDDING!

Here it is, please comment, share, like and check out all of the players websites and youtube videos (parents, FYI...these are not all children's performers, OK?).

HELP, there is a banana in the trumpet!

2012-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

I have to say the thing I love most about doing this project is something that I did not plan to do...

Collaborate with other musicians, I LOVE IT! For the last 10 years I have been recording basically by my self, alone in the studio. On occasion my son will play the drums, my daughter will sing/write or do something and my wife would do vocals...I have a friend or two that I work with writing and sometimes Randy Cisco would help out...but these were the exceptions not the rule.

HOWEVER...starting with CD #2 or my proposed 12 (Electric Bananas, almost done!) that seems to be changing. So far I have gotten files with guitar, organ and other instruments from the USA to Africa, Mexico to Europe!!!

I have been recording for over 30 years and until yesterday NEVER RECORDED A LIVE TRUMPET!

Yesterday after a show in Jefferson WI, I visited Michael Drake AKA Mr. Pickles armed with only my iPad and a microphone to record trumpet for The Banana Split song (Peter Cox added great organ too! Way to go Peter)...it was AWESOME Hear it below), this guy is totally cool, talented...and funny too! He knocked it out and then, just for giggles, we added REAL brass to "Yellow Submarine"...goosebumps! I will try to post some video of our session soon.

Look for more stuff from Mr. Billy and Mr. Pickles!

Today is the last day of recording and mixing...the CD was supposed to be released yesterday, but it looks like it will be available on Monday...not bad. I really like this CD and I think you will too.

A Beatles Song Dora the Explorer Would Like!

2012-02-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

I had another of my strange ideas. It started with a question..."What would the Beatles song Yellow Submarine sound like in Spanish?"

Then it got stranger..."What if I did all the echos in Spanish?"

Then I remembered, I don't speak Spanish...but I have a friend that does.

I have also never done a story on one of my CD's as many of my peers quite often do...maybe I can hit two birds with one Submarino Amarillo! Ole!
Would Dora really like this one? I think so!

So, for better or worse here is my rendition of Yellow Submarine, with a little help from my friend!

I'm thinking I will fade this one out.

I am working on finishing up the mix and artwork today. Tomorrow I have ONE LAST RECORDING SESSION with a special guest! It's gonna be cool, hopefully I'll get photos and video! I can't wait.

New CD Cover, is it a Keeper?

2012-02-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

OK, I got a billion comments by email and text about the cover. So I re-did it. Here is the new cover. I did all the cartoons on the iPad in iDraw and put them in my computer to do the layout and text. The monkeys? Well my daughter said that I needed monkeys if the CD was about bananas, Will Hale and I wrote a song called "Wild Monkeys" for the CD...so, that's ok, right?

Still haven't done any of the other recording or mixing stuff...my son has a doctors appointment in an hour or so...

Opinions on the cover please?

Only 2 days left, I'm not gonna make it!

2012-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Today I realized that I only have two days after today to release my new CD "Electric Bananas" (the release date is supposed to be 2/23/12). I don't think I'm going to make it. There is still a ton to do...can you give me a hand here a make a few suggestions, etc?

First here is a question about the artwork...

For a couple of years I switched to doing only cartoon covers like this...

But I was thinking about using real photos for this CD...here is a MOCK UP...I would take new pictures, but I hope you get the idea...or should I stick with cartoons??? (I have some already drawn up)

PLEASE SEND ME THOUGHTS ON THIS ASAP!!!

Next here is a list of the songs and what I think I still want to do to them:

Banana split song - add trumpet solo (Michael?) and organ (Peter?)
Angry birds DONE
Flying Bounce House DONE
The Mighty Peanut DONE
Five rock and roll guitars - change one guitar part, fix jam at end
Yellow submarine - add Spanish (yes, Spanish!) stuff and make new intro
The Hokey Pokey - fix a line if I can (thanks Tom)
The cat came back/stray cat strut DONE
A song about a fire truck DONE
Electric bananas DONE
Pizza, pizza, pizza DONE
Wild Monkeys - add a few vocals and sound effects, remix

I have already posted some of the songs here on the blog, if you care to give them a listen, maybe you can tell me if you think they are done or if they need more work or if I made any mistakes (Peter Apel and Copper Tom found a few!).

I only have a few days left to get all of this done...do you think I can do it???

Oh, and if you haven't taken the poll please do that now, I think it's the last week to suggest what my next few CD's should be about. Thanks!

A month in three days?

2012-02-19T12:50:00.001-08:00

The last three days have been totally crazy. Right now I am writing this update at the same roller skating arena where I recorded some of the tracks for a song I did last week (I don't remember what song it was!) while watching my daughter skate.

Thursday I drove to Rochester MN and wrote and recorded a new song (Wild Monkeys) with my pal Will Hale www.willhale.com. We worked in my motel room, a Chinese restaurant and my van. We finished the tune and shot a lot of video that I will post soon...pretty epic tale.

The next day I did two school shows in Byron MN, shot more video and booked gigs while driving home...the shows were awesome, got video of that too, will try to post that too.

Today I am going up north a bit after roller skating time to visit my friend Lola, she is Spanish and can speak Spanish vey well. I had an idea to try to do a Spanish echo part in my cover of the Beatles classic tune Yellow Submarine, should be fun...I don't know if she'll let me video or not.

Oh, I almost forgot, before I went on my short tour I finished adding all the guitar parts I got from all over the world for the song Five Rock and Roll Guitars. The last player TJR www.tjrmusic.com made a short video of his recording session, I'll post the video when I am back home and not on the iPad.

Basically the new CD is just about done, some mixing and sweetening to do and then it's on to CD #3, All Aboard the Rock and Roll Train...whoo-whoo!

I need your vote before the train leaves the station!

2012-02-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have a poll on my blog, right side, asking my fans, friends, peers and followers to suggest the topic of my upcoming CDs. So far only nine of you have taken the poll. A CD about Holidays and Animals are at the top of the pack.

I need to start planning what comes next as my current project CD #2 of 12, Electric Bananas" is almost done...YEAH!

HOWEVER...the next CD, #3 of 12 due out in March will be a follow up to my highly successful "Rock and Roll Rail Road" CD. I think I'm gonna call it "All Aboard the Rock and Roll Train" (do you like that title?). I may even record some of it at a railroad museaum...Mmmm....

I will be doing a lot of "A Day Out With Thomas" events and train museums this year starting in March, many of the parent who purchased the first CD would like something NEW to listen too!

So please vote, comment and share!

I'm Doing the Hokey Pokey, What Are You Doing?

2012-02-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe I've gone too far this time...you be the judge.

When I set out to do the second CD, I wanted it to be fun, silly and goofy. I decided to do my version of "The Hokey Pokey". This song has been covered to death by too many kids artists to count. But I think I can guarantee it's never been treated like this before.

I think I'll stop now and let the track speak for itself. Please comment (good or bad) and if you like share it (good or bad...I can take it). BTW-I think it's FUNNER with headphones.

Here you go, put your right foot in...

Cats, Guitars and International Recording Sessions

2012-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. I finished a mash up of "The Cat Came Back" and "Stray Cat Strut" and almost finished a really interesting number called "Five Rock and Roll Guitars". If you've been following the blog you saw the video demo my son and I did at sound check. I asked here on the blog for guitarist from all over the world to "jam" on this song. I got four guys (plus me) to add guitar solos and riffs.

When the song is finished I'll let you in on all the members of my world wide virtual band, but today I want to share a video one of the jammers did of his recording session.

The video is from China Whites six and seven string shredding master Peter Cox. Check o it out...

American children singer song rocker Mr. Billy is on a quest to record and release 12 cd´s in 2012! For his upcoming february release he needed some guitar solo´s so Peter from Chinawhite hit the studio and began jamming. What you see and hear is the first run through the track.
Alas the recorded audio was unusable due to some irritating hum (which is a shame for the wah solo we think), so Peter just did a few more later. Keep an eye on the Mr. Billy Website (http://themightymrbilly.blogspot.com/) to keep track of this incredible venture. And to find out what solo made it to the album of course ;-)

So far this experiment has been a lot of fun. If there is anyone else out there that might want to corroborate this way on new tunes, contract me... really!

The Cat Came Back...Again...

2012-02-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today I am starting off by working on a "Mash Up" of two kitty tunes, "The Cat Came Back" and "Stray Cat Strut". They both have similar chords and tempo...should be cool.

I already recorded the drum and guitar tracks with Wil, now I'm working on merging the two lyrics to make a cool story.

This is what I came up with (any thoughts?)....

The Cat Came Back/Stray Cat Strut

Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh...

The cat came back the very next day.
The cat came back. We thought he was a goner
But the cat came back. He wouldn’t stay away.

Just a back and orange stray cat sittin' on a fence
Not enough dough to pay the rent
He’s flat broke but he don't care
Struts right by with his tail in the air

Yeah, the cat came back the very next day.
The cat came back. We thought he was a goner
But the cat came back. He wouldn’t stay away.

He don't bother chasing mice around
Slinks down the alley looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singin' the blues while the other cats cry,
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy."
“I wish I could be as carefree and wild”
He’s got cat class and he’s got cat style.

SOLO

He don't bother chasing mice around
Slinks down the alley looking for a fight
Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night
Singing' the blues while the other cats cry,
"Wild stray cat, you're a real gone guy."

“I wish I could be as carefree and wild”
He’s got cat class and he’s got cat style.

The cat came back the very next day.
The cat came back. We thought he was a goner z
But the cat came back. He wouldn’t stay away.
He wouldn’t stay away.
He wouldn’t stay away.

Finished another song, getting ready for a marathon recording session

2012-02-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished "The Flying Bounce House" song. The song was recorded at a school workshop, roller skating rink, my van (waiting to pick up kids) and finally in my studio (mixing and adding sound effects). Here is the track and a little video of me in the van (for the non-believers).

Today my son and I are going on a non-stop recording spree. We have about 5-6 songs we want to knock out before Monday. We are hoping to do...

The cat came back/stray cat strut
A song about a fire truck
Electric bananas
Pizza, pizza, pizza

I'll try to shoot some video, maybe if I'm up to it try to Ustream it...we'll see...stay tuned for more. Don't forget to share, like and comment today, OK?

Did you take the poll today? What should I record next?

Have iPad Will Travel...and RECORD!

2012-02-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Today was a weird little day...I started the day off by oversleeping. Maybe that late night 2-4 am recording schedule kicked my bottom.

I was scheduled to do an iPad/Garageband workshop for students at the school my kids go to. I had a little brainstorm...maybe I should teach them how to use Garageband by actually recording one of the new songs for this CD???? I did, it went well, here is is for what it is...

I was only able to get the chorus down (the guitar was the class guitar...mmmmm.....). So later that night I took my daughter rollerskating and, well, I just couldn't resist the urge to try to finish the song while I waited, this is what that looked like...

To be honest the song seems really cool. It's called "The Flying Bounce House"...long story about that one maybe I'll tell it if you want me too. Still need to sing the verses, add a little more guitar (MY GUITAR) and some arranging. If I can't sleep tonight, I guess I know what I'll be doing.

ONLY 14 DAYS LEFT TO CD RELEASE DATE...only 3 songs totally recorded...this could turn out bad...

I need to be cheered up, please leave some new comments, do some Tweeting or FaceBook shares/likes...please????

It's 3 in the morning, who needs sleep?

2012-02-09T01:33:00.001-08:00

It's after 3 in the morning. I am sitting on the couch while everyone is sleeping with my iPad and a set of headphones taking stock of where I am at with this CD project so far and doing a little recording (not kidding, just did the music track for the "Hokey Pokey"...why did I record that song...must sleep soon...).

Here is where,I am so far...

Songs done:

The mighty peanut
Banana split song
Angry birds

Songs partially done:

Five rock and roll guitars
Yellow submarine

Songs I plan to record this weekend with my son and family:

The cat came back/stray cat strut
A song about a fire truck
Electric bananas
Pizza, pizza, pizza

Songs not started yet:

Flying Bounce House
Happy birthday to you (not really written, still an idea in my head)

I'm thinking about doing something a little crazy and daring today. I will be doing a little workshop at my kids school on how to use Garage Band...maybe...just maybe I will try to record Flying Bounce House as the demo and video the class...mmmm...

Well, back to bed, big day tomorrow of recording and workshops...maybe some bookings thrown in too...goodnight.

Four Jamming Guitar Solos Needed ASAP!

2012-02-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Check out this tune my son and I wrote at soundcheck last week for the new CD. It's called "Five Rock and Roll Guitars".

What I want to do is find 4 guitar player...plus me...I'm #5, to do a solo in "E"...all "E", no other changes and record it to my jam track below. Then send me your solo only (maybe count in so I know where to start...or send it as a stem wav or MP3). There will be one solo section and one section where we all play together, I may cut and paste stuff to make that work.

Here is the track to jam with, if you have any questions contact me, OK? hello@misterbilly.com

I will pick the four best and use them, the players name and the color of their guitar (or favorite color).

I need this by the end of the week...no pressure!

Any takers???

Please leave comments and share, share, share!~

I Am Scared of Bananas When They Are Electric!

2012-02-07T07:12:00.001-08:00

The clock is ticking...the bananas are electric...will they turn brown and black or self destruct before the deadline? Too dramatic? OK, heres the scoop, I only have two songs recorded (unless I add organ and a solo to the Banana Split Song), one music track done (Yellow Submarine, needs vocals and Spanish part...???) and about 5-6 songs ready to record that I've been working out with my son , Wil, at gigs during sound checks and on breaks, etc. Even if I get all that done this week (unlikely), I still need 3-4 more songs to complete the next CD (2 of 12).

Problem is, today I need to update my schedule, do contracts and some bookings. Wil is sick, didn't go to school, I have to take him to the doctor, no recording drums today...again.

I am also hoping to hear from a few guitar players that want to jam on a new song called "Five Rock and Roll Guitars"

Any hoot...time to eat my oatmeal and get to work...release date is February 23!!!!

Please take the poll, leave comments, share and like this post/blog...OK?

New songs ready to record, so why is my drummer taking the weekend off?

2012-02-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Wil, my son is my drummer too...actually one of two drummers, his sister also works with me, but this post is about him not her...anyway, last week we did a ton of concerts at private schools and had a chance to practice, write and arrange new songs for the CD I am recording this month called "Electric Bananas".

We actually got so much done we started playing a few of the songs live to work out the bumps. Here is an example (WORLD SNEAK PEEK) at the title track "Electric Bananas", check it out...

It's a freeze dance kinda song, the kids loved at the the two schools we did it at. But I am missing the point here, we had decided to record this weekend but I buckled and let him have the weekend off...I'm taking the weekend off too, to celebrate his BIRTHDAY! Wil is turning 16 this Sunday (no Superbowl for me this year...he is not into football). Happy Birthday Wil! Send him a shout out if you like here on on his FaceBook page (friends ask me for his TEXT number...he never checks email!).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WIL!

Enjoy the weekend off!

Back to work next week we have 6 new songs to record, wow!

Do You Like Banana Splits? New Track.

2012-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

OK, it's 11.37 am and even with a 59 minute phone call from one of my best friends I got the track basically done. "The Banana Split Song" I could release it this way I think, but I hear a 60's organ in the back and maybe a harmonica or sax? solo??? Maybe kids voices...got kids? Got a way to record them? And to all my musical friends out there, wanna jump in???

Everyone else please leave a comment, take the poll over on the right, "like" and SHARE this stuff, PLEASE?

Electric Bananas, Day 1

2012-02-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

February 1st 2012, it's a new month, a new CD... know what I did the last night of January 2012? I was up all night reformatting my computer and re-installing my recording programs...who doesn't love that!!!

Well it looks like I finally got it to work and I am starting on the first new song, a suggestion from my son, Wil (who is into Rob Zombie, KISS, Manowar, journey, Theory of a Deadman and Vitas, check that guy out!), his idea? "The Banana Splits Theme Song!" We did a show yesterday and during sound check we tried it out (along with a few other nominees). Sounded pretty darn good and fun, so away we go. Got a drum part down, working on bass and guitars next. Should be done (maybe posted today...I'm still not sure if it's OK to post covers on a blog without paying...anyone know the law out there?).

If there are any keyboard or harmonica players out there that want to add to the track, I'm doing it in the key of A with no modulations....all A all the time. The tempo is 160 bpm.
____________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE, TAKE THE POLL - SHARE FaceBook and Twitter - HIT THE Google +1 BUTTON AND COMMENT...OK?

New Month New CD to Record...YIKES!

2012-01-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

My New Year resolution, make 12 CD's in 12 months...no problem! Yeah, right.

The first one went pretty well. Recorded in about two weeks, got it up for sale in three (still waiting for it to show up on CD Baby and iTunes, etc.)

Here comes number two..."ELECTRIC BANANAS", "A Bunch of Super Silly, Rockin' Fun Songs for Kids with Appeal". I have been planning to do this CD for years and years, but I never really decided what songs to do, etc. I need 12. Here is what I have planned so far...

1. Electric Bananas (not actually written)

2. Banana Split Song (Cover)

3. Birthday Bop (not actually written)

4. Angry Birds (Ready)

5. Yellow Light, Red Light, Green Light, Go! (not actually written)

6. A Song About a Fire Truck (Kinda written)
7. Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! (Pretty much written, we do it live all the time)

8. Yellow Submarine (Cover)

9. Hokey Pokey (Cover)

10. ?

11. ??

12. ???

So, my helpful friends out there. Any ideas for songs 10-12? Or arrangements or music riffs, jams. loops for the covers? I'm pretty open today.

OH, I forgot the BIG problem with recording this CD...I am booked solid with gigs ALL WEEK LONG!!! Great planning huh?

HEY!!! Before you take off PLEASE do the poll over on the upper right, OK?

Thanks, you rock!

Would You Like to Perform on My Next CD?

2012-01-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

I have a great idea!!! At least I think it's great, let me know what you think...

I know there are a lot of awesome musicians and singers (and a ton of little future performers too, right?) out there following my quest to record 12 CD's this year and so far it's been a little passive, I mean, you've been sitting and watching, listening from the sidelines...well today I want to change all that.

Here is my "awesome?" idea...

If you play anything...guitar, bongos, spoons, trumpet...whatever and would like to send me recordings of you doing rhythms, jammin' riffs or making some type of music noises I would love to add you to the next batch of songs. I can give you the key, chords, tempo, etc. and if you have the means (which you do if you are reading this on a computer) to make an acceptable recording and can add your parts to a song or two.

Also if you have any song ideas or lyrics you want to run by me, that's cool too.

There's no payment for this but I will put you name in the credits and blog about you like crazy!

What do you think? Anyone want to try recording with me long distance over the Internet?

Kids? (you can use Garage Band on your iPod too!).

If you want to join in email me for details ASAP, the next recording sessions start in less than a week...I move fast! LET'S ROCK!

Hey Derek, Stani, Peter, TJR and the rest of the Music Thoughts gang...do it, I triple dog dare ya!

One Down, Eleven to Go!

2012-01-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

TA-DA! I did it. CD #1 is officially available directly from my manufacturer, click here to see it.

Soon I will have it at CD Baby and iTunes and everywhere else music is sold, shared or borrowed.

It took a few extra days to get it done, I just couldn't find the right order or the perfect mix, oh yeah...and my van blew up!

But "Rock and Roll All Night" is in the can the first of 12 and my...ummm...16th CD? I'll have to check that number.

I added a poll to this blog page, please do that. I also revamped my website, have you seen it lately? Visit now and tell me what you think, OK? www.misterbilly.com

I just have to share my favorite track with you. It's called "Reach for the Stars", it's a movement song. Here are the lyrics, the track is below...rock on!

Reach for the Stars!
© 2012 William Charles Grisack III

Raise your hands to the sky
Prepare yourself and get ready to fly
Hold your head up and bend at the knees
Take off and jump as high as you please

Reach for the stars!
Up, up, up, up!
Reach for the stars!
Up, up, up, up!
So long Venus, seeya Mars
The Milky Way will soon be ours
Reach for the stars!
Up, up, up, up!
Reach for the stars

Everybody drop and have a seat
And listen to this groovy beat
Goodbye gravity your work is done
Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!

Now wave your hands above your face
Like you’re floating out in space
Move ‘em left and swing ‘em right
Orbit like a satellite…real slow
Nowhere to go
The earth is far below
Get ready here we go! Everybody…

Reach for the Stars by Billy Grisack

One Day Behind Schedule...Why?

2012-01-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was supposed to launch the new CD online and have it delivered to my manufacturer and distributor. Well, my van had other ideas! The day started off with me re-listening to the final mix of the CD and deciding that it needed one more re-mix...OK, but I had a gig to go to, so I planned to re-do the mix and finalize the artwork after I got back, still in plenty of time to meet my self inflicted deadline.

Got to the van and it started to overheat, took it to the shop..out of anti freeze...OK, get it serviced and then they told me my water pump kicked the bucket...goodbye gig...SORRY TO EVERYONE IN JOHNSON CREEK WI...REALLY!!!!!!!! I'LL BE BACK SOON, PROMISE!

So I took it to the local auto repair place, who informed me that it was not a water pump, my van was DEAD.

So I spent the rest of the day looking at new vans...I think I found one, but I have to barrow a friends van (THANKS BOBBIE!) to get to my gig in Watertown, WI today. I did re-mix and master and finalized the artwork, so...expect to see the new CD available this week. I'll be in touch and let you know ASAP!

Hope you are having a better week than I am so far.

Almost Done, Now the Work Begins

2012-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Remember the movie "Field of Dreams"? There is a famous line, "if you build it they will come", I think it is. Well, sad to say, that isn't usually true. Building is just the first step, getting the word out there is the next, and that is what I've been working on for the past few days.

I finished the cover artwork, here it is...what do you think?

I've set up a new website for librarians and other folks interested in summer reading, check that out at www.summerreadingsongs.com , I'm blogging (as you know), Tweeting, FaceBooking and Google + ing too.

I took a little extra time to make a promo video for YouTube...

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE share these links with your email, FaceBook, Twitter, Google and other social (and REAL) friends or anyone you think might find my project or any of the resulting CDs interesting, OK?

Back to the Drawing Board!

2012-01-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

Today I am trading in my songwriting hat for my artist beret (fancy French name for hat), time to create the CD artwork.

I've been thinking about this for several days...what does rock and roll all night look like? I think I found an image in my head that works great.

In the past I always hand draw the images with pencil and then trace them with a marker before I scan them into my computer. After that me or my daughter will colonize them and move them around until they look great.

This time I wanted to try to do all the artwork on my iPad, so I got a really nice art app and spent hours trying to make something that was not terrible. I failed. Back to the drawing board...for real.

Here is what I have so far, what to do think? I think I make a pretty cool astronaut!

Recording of CD #1 is DONE!

2012-01-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Break out the juice boxes!

I have just finished the recording of the first of 12 CD's I will release this year just one day behind schedule!

Here is the list of songs recorded in alphabetical order...

A Hard Days Night
Before the Morning Light
Counting Sheep
Cricket Love Song
Everybody Needs Sleep
Fireflies
Living in Dreamland
Martin Luther King (He Had a Dream)
Reach for the Stars
Read a Book and Dream
Rock and Roll All Night
Things That Go Bump in the Night

12 songs on 12 CD's done in 12 months in 2012...off to a great start.

Now I need to mix 'em and do the album artwork...a lot left to do if I want to still meet my release date.

BTW-I checked my master song data base and with the release of this CD I will now have 197 tracks available for sale worldwide. Amazing.

Another Song Done, Question for Gene Simmons

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Got up this morning with an idea for a new beat and rhythm for the KISS classic "Rock and Roll All Night", the title track from my new CD. It has a kinda swing to it, like Gary Glitter or Cheap Trick's "Ain't That a Shame". Mrs. Billy and I don't totally see eye to eye on this one, but I like it and want to get your opinion, but here is my question for Gene Simmons...are you there?

I am licensing the song through Harry Fox, but I don't think that covers posting it here. Is it OK if I do, or do I need to send you a check, if so where do I send it? Gene? I know you're out there and can smell money just like Mr. Krabs!

One or two more to go (still need one more song to make a perfect dozen...any ideas?), mixing , mastering and artwork, release on January 23...yeah right!

My Progress So Far

2012-01-15T08:21:00.001-08:00

Technically I planned to have all songs written and recorded by this weekend, but due to gig and football playoff schedules I'm a little behind. Here are the titlesI have done so far:

Reach for the Stars
Fireflies
Read a Book and Dream
Martin Luther King (He Had a Dream)
Living in Dreamland
Counting Sheep
Everybody Needs Sleep
Before the Morning Light
Thing That Go Bump in the Night

I still plan to record "Rock and Roll All Night" by KISS and "Hard Days Night" by The Beatles. I need one more to make an even 12 songs (12 CDs with 12 songs in 12 months in 2012).

Does anyone have a great song, lyrics or an idea for something that would go with the summer reading theme? Let me know ASAP!

Only Two Songs Left to Go

2012-01-13T19:52:00.001-08:00

I am actually being a bit optimistic right now, as I write this I am still not done putting vocals on the song that has been my arch nemesis throughout this project. The song that was supposed to be a cakewalk...the dreaded "Fireflies". But my vocals have gone so well today that I think I can knock this one out...no jinx!

Well hopefully the next line will be, "I'm the man!", Fireflies done. Well...it's 9:01 pm, wanted to be in bed by 10, have a 3 hour drive to get to an 11 am show tomorrow...

OK almost there, some little edits to do. All in all this has been an amazing day!

Yippie! I did it! 9:50... Ten minutes to spare. I'll post a bunch of stuff tomorrow after the show, goodnight.

I'm Singing My Life Away

2012-01-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have 2 and a half songs done, with no vocals, so today I decided to just concentrate on recording the vocals to these songs. If keep up with my schedule I need to finish recording the entire CD this weekend.

I had to spend the entire day yesterday booking shows and tomorrow I have a show very far away, football on Sunday (Go Packers!). I don't think that is going to happen, I still need to do these songs and record two more.

The computer is running so slow, every time I save it takes a few few minutes...ticktock...

So for those of you who wonder what it's like to have a home studio, here is a short glimpse into my vocal recording process, enjoy!

Writing New Songs at 3 am

2012-01-12T02:28:00.001-08:00

It's 4:21 am, I've been up since 3 am. Can't sleep. I think it was the double chocolate cake my son made (from scratch) for cooking class...yum!

Before I went to bed I had an idea for what should be the last song I need for the new CD. So, since sleeping is not an option I decided to finish it.

I don't know if I will stay up and record it yet tonight, but here are the lyrics...

Living in Dreamland
© 2012 William Charles Grisack III

Floating around in a vacuum place
No gravity to hold me just endless space
I was riding a rocket off to the stars
I got to visit the moon on my way to Mars
Living in dreamland imaginings
Can you guess what I was in my dream?
Can you guess what I was in my dream?

I had a helmet on, it was time to rock
Surrounded by a team of super jocks
Running really quickly on the green, green grass
A crowd was cheering when I caught the pass
Living in dreamland imaginings
Can you guess what I was in my dream?
Can you guess what I was in my dream?

Living in dreamland every night
I’m the star in every scene I write
Watching the movies inside my head
Living in dreamland from my bed

An alarm was ringing I had to be quick
Got in the truck I was fully equipped
Climbing the ladder swinging my axe
Saving lives was my only task
Living in dreamland imaginings
Can you guess what I was in my dream?
Can you guess what I was in my dream?

A New Song About Sheep and Sleep

2012-01-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

While trying to find great ideas for nighttime, bedtime, dream time songs I wrote this one morning a month or two ago in the car on the way to a show. "Counting Sheep" is the song. I wasn't going to record at all today, too much to do...but this song seemed simple enough.

I recorded the music using only Apple Garage Band instruments, I recorded most of the song sitting in my recliner in the living room. I used the on board sampler to record my voice saying BAAAaaaa, and re pitched it to sound (hopefully) like a sheep-ish creature.

I let my son hear it and he asked if I went to 100...I said no, the lyrics I wrote only went to 20. He said that was wrong. So I added words and went to infinity...I like the new words. I will add them after the song link.

So tell me my wonderful friends, fans, peeps and peers...like this one? It's a little goofy and short. http://snd.sc/AfQh4Y

Counting Sheep by Billy Grisack AKA The Mighty Mr. Billy

One, two, three, four
Five, six, seven more

Eight, nine, ten, eleven
Twelve, thirteen up to heaven

Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen more
Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen soar

Twenty, thirty, forty…plump
Fifty, one hundred watch them jump

One thousand, one million, one billion…beyond
A trillion, gazillion, infinity …who yawned?

Too tired run, hop, jump or leap
Goodnight pillow, goodnight sheep

Everybody Needs Sleep...Me Too!

2012-01-09T23:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, I had no idea how funny it was that the song I decided to stay up late and record is about the importance of getting sleep!

Well today was the first day I lived up to my goal, I recorded two songs. One on the iPad and another (older song I had written long ago) on my desktop computer. The song is called, "Everybody Needs Sleep".

Here it is, now I need to get to bed, I have another long day tomorrow! Goodnight 'yall. http://snd.sc/wrBqxY

Everybody Needs Sleep by Billy Grisack aka The Mighty Mr. Billy

Today I Moved My Studio to the Kitchen

2012-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

It was easy, all I did was carry my guitar, iPad, headphones and a few cables to the kitchen table and BAM! Instant studio, just add coffee. Check out the photo, that's it...no mic, no big computer, just me, my guitar and the iPad.

I used the drums and bass in Garage Band, played guitar using the Garge Band Amps and pedals and sang right into the iPad mic...not too shabby! I think I'll try a better mic tomorrow and see the difference.

I finished by 2 pm, the song is called "Before the Morning Light" (see last post for lyrics).

Listen to the results..http://snd.sc/wbSEXp

Before the Morning Light by Billy Grisack AKA The Mighty Mr. Billy

Watching Football and Writing Songs

2012-01-09T08:11:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I decided to take the day off to watch the NFL playoffs, that was until I got my new iPad...change of game plan.

I did watch the games, but during the commercial breaks I whipped out the iPad and wrote new song lyrics...maybe I should change my name to The Mighty Mr. Muli-tasker?

Any hoot, here is the latest set of lyrics of a new song titled, "Before the Morning Light". I am working on the music right now using Garage Band on the iPad. My plan for today is to record two new songs on the iPad before bed. Can I do it???

OK, back to work...check out the new lyrics...please leave a comment it you can figure out how to do it. A lot of followers are having problems with that, can anyone out there help?

Before the Morning Light
(c) 2012 William Charles Grisack lll

When I look into the sea of stars and distant galaxies
Constellations fill my gaze Cassiopeia lights the stage
At night before the morning light

When I lift my head up high to see an airplane in the sky
Moving lights are all I see the body moves invisibly
At night before the morning light

When the moon comes up, the sun goes down
The crickets make that chirping sound
Mothers put their kids to bed
And it's time for dreams to fill their heads

When I look out into space with my nighttime dreamy face
Will I see a UFO? Where is it from, where will it go?
At night before the morning light

When I look into the dark sky on the forth of each July
I see the rockets as they fly racing to explode up high
At night before the morning light

When the moon comes up, the sun goes down
The crickets make that chirping sound
Mothers put their kids to bed
And it's time for dreams to fill their heads

Mixed Feelings About My Fireflies

2012-01-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

This morning I played the first verse and chorus of my "Fireflies" cover to my family to mixed reviews...

1. My wife thought the music was great and the vocals need to be fine tuned, but she loved the overall vibe.

2. My son (who LOVES Owl City and originally turned me on to this song) also loved the music but thought that my vocal needed to sound a bit different.

3. My daughter (the new Simon?) pretty much hated it...well not really hated, she said that my covers are always awesome and since this song is already awesome she expected more...she is 12 and is already grading me on a curve.

Overall I think they all agreed that the acoustic guitar and banjo music arrangement was a really neat idea, maybe I need a better singer for this track. I wonder if former American Idol Sanjaya Malakar is available?

Second song done, wish I had done more today

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

I guess I should be excited, I finished the track "Read a Book and Dream" today, but I am a bit disappointed. The goal was to get two songs written and recorded today. Bummer.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Some of you are having trouble posting comments on the blog...anyone have a solution for this? Can you post it? Do you know if you can leave comments without using a Google account?

In addition to recording this song, I booked about 3 or 4 shows, took a shower and had lunch...what a time waster I am, huh? I did not check email or post to my social networks...too much...yet... I'll do that after I finish this post and my recording for the day.

There was some more progress made on Fireflies...I hope I don't regret this one...it's like, the hardest song I've ever tried to sing!

But on a happy note (note, get it...I crack myself up), here is the track "Read a Book and Dream" from the upcoming CD "Rock and Roll All Night" (yes, I plan to cover this KISS classic too) submitted for your approval.

http://soundcloud.com/misterbillyrocks/read-a-book-and-dream

Time to call it a day...soon...

Another New Song - Read a Book and Dream

2012-01-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

I must be on a roll with writing, I was getting ready to do my morning routine and I had another song idea to go with the library summer reading theme "Dream Big @ Your Library" . It's called, "Read a Book and Dream".

I hope to have it recorded by lunchtime (computer willing).

Here are the lyrics (5 minutes old...be nice, it's still a baby!) , thoughts?

When I read a book before I go to bed
Echoes of the story spin inside my head
And it seems like these are not dreams
When I read about space I’m an astronaut
Or a dragon and a princess and a battle fought
It still seems like these are not dreams

Read a book and dream, oh yeah
It’s so easy to do
Read a book and dream, oh yeah
And you might just learn a thing or two

In between chapters I close my eyes
And imagine myself the hero guy
And it seems like these are not dreams
I travel the world and cure a disease
Visit the moon and the redwood trees
And it seems like these are not dreams

Read a book and dream, oh yeah
It’s so easy to do
Read a book and dream, oh yeah
And you might just learn a thing or two

Imagination is the only thing
You need to be crowned the Pumpkin King
And it seems like these are not dreams
Living underwater in Atlantis style
Singing this song and making children smile
And it seems like these are not dreams

I Made $10 and the CD isn't Done Yet!

2012-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

I checked email on my phone this morning and got an email from a school teacher who loved the first song from my CD so much she offered me $10 to send her a instrumental track for her students. Wow, that's like selling 10 downloads. Not bad. Anyone else need a karaoke track?

I have to work a little harder today, try to get 2 songs done, I hope my computer is cooperative.

I just ordered my iPad 2, I may have to do some of the songs with it using Garage Band if this keeps up.

Computer crashes 3 times in one song, so far!

2012-01-05T12:16:00.001-08:00

I'm posting this on my iPhone because my computer is a giant paperweight right now. 3 major meltdowns when editing vocals! Not a happy Mr. Billy right now. :-(

My first song is recorded!

2012-01-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

OK, I did it.

In the middle of taking phone calls, checking email, doing bookings I managed to get up at 6 am, write a song (see last post) and record it! Computer crashes and all! (anyone want to donate a Mac Mini or iMac??? This old Windows 7 machine sucks). I honestly have no idea how I am doing all with this $400 Wal-Mart machine!

Here it is, please give it a listen He Had a Dream (Martin Luther King)

I changed some of the words.

I will start work on Fireflies again soon, but it feels good to get the first track done! Well...is it done? Any suggestions? I still have to do the final mix, mastering...maybe some sound bytes? Thoughts?

Oh, BTW - if you want to know what else I'm up to this month check out my CRAZY update video

I have a dream

2012-01-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

OK, yesterday was another wash on the quest of getting the first CD done. I ended up doing more business work. Made a website, made a promo video, made my January update video (which BTW is hilarious...please check it out), book a few gigs...but two interesting things did happen...

I recorded the lead vocals to the first verse and chorus of Fireflies and in between takes I kept thinking I needed a few songs about "dreams" for the CD (the over-all theme for the CD is "night", but the specific theme for children at the library will be "Dream Big"...so I need a few "dream" songs. That is when I noticed that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up...mmmm...yo, HE HAD A DREAM!

I was so excited that I got up at 6 am and wrote these lyrics (I have music in mind too)...what do you think?

Martin Luther King,He Had a Dream

He was born on 15^th day of January in 29
He was a man a peace, he saw the warning signs
He stood up for equality, peace and harmony and civil rights
He did his best to erase the line that divided black and white

Dr. Martin Luther King
He had a dream; an amazing thing
Dr. Martin Luther King
He had a dream; an amazing thing

He was truly a man offaith, who couldn’t bear to be silent
He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi he would never be violent
He became the leader of a movement that would forever change us all
He inspired countless generations in the 60’s with his wake up call

Dr. Martin Luther King

He had a dream; an amazing thing
Dr. Martin Luther King
He had a dream; an amazing thing

Even when evil tried totake it away
His dream was so big, it’s still alive today
You can’t be radical or too extreme
When you know you’re right and you dare to dream!

He once said all men arebrothers, so let’s do our best to live in peace
He believed that love has the power to abolish war, injustice and grief
He was a man who could not be silenced, his voice still echoes strong
He left us many words of wisdom, everybody sing along

Dr. Martin Luther King
He had a dream; an amazing thing
Dr. Martin Luther King
He had a dream; an amazing thing

Day two, nothing recorded yet

2012-01-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Day one did not go well. I did get the chords, MIDI track and lyrics down to Fireflies (figured out best key to sing it too), but did not get to actually record. My wife informed me that we don't have enough gigs booked for this month and February, so I had to stop recording and do some marketing. I did get one show for February and did a new promo video for my Six Traits CD. Here we go...day two, what will I get done today?

My first song will be a cover of Fireflies by Owl City

2012-01-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

The recording has begun. I am kicking it off with a cover of "Fireflies" by Owl City. The CD I am working on first will be for the 2012 library summer reading theme "Dream Big-Read @ Your Library". I will post what I have as I go. Until then...check out the original. It's pretty cool...my son turned me on to this song and video a few years ago.

12 CD's in Just 12 Months, am I Crazy or What?

2012-01-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, here we go. Today is the big day. Today is the day I start my new project...recording and releasing 12 new CD's in just 12 months. Can I do it?

Join me here and follow my progress. Make suggestions, cheer me on.

The plan...

1. Decide what the CD theme will be
2. Write (or find) awesome songs and record them in 2 weeks or less.
3. Mix and master the music
4. Do the artwork
3. Have the digital version available on sale world wide
4. Have the physical CD available for sale on CD Baby and my web site shortly after
5. Rinse and repeat 11 more times.

Wish me luck. Comments?

A Zebra and Elephant talk about my new project

2012-01-03T06:50:00.000-08:00