tag:www.willardbond.com,2005:/blogs/will-words?p=6Will Words2023-01-13T13:10:18-05:00Willard Bondfalsetag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/71376052023-01-13T13:10:18-05:002023-10-16T10:44:33-04:00Where has the time gone, again?!<p>Well, we made it - this far at least.</p>
<p>Well done. You deserve some new music.</p>
<p>I made a record about a year ago that I've not played for any but a couple of folks. It's a batch of 4-5min trance/sleep/lazy electronic instrumentals that I felt like making. But as it's off my beaten path - whatever that is - I just let it rest.</p>
<p>I'll be offering something new sometime soon, but in the meantime it's time for a <em>greatest hits </em>(!) type of event. I'll post a series of my fave previous videos, maybe even come up with one or two new ones. We will see. </p>
<p>Rock '23 with grace and aplomb, and keep great music in your life. And some of mine too.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/52712752018-06-01T23:00:07-04:002018-06-01T23:02:14-04:00It's All Coming Together<p>With the help of Jane Harbury, publicist extraordinaire, I'll be launching JIGGERY POKERY on June 26th at The Painted Lady in Toronto after about half a dozen radio interviews and performances. So if you'd like to see and hear what I'll to with these tunes armed only with an acoustic guitar and a peck of courage, I'll get you on the list - let me know! And continue to be awesome. WB</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/49148052017-11-01T10:40:56-04:002017-11-01T10:40:56-04:00How about them videos?<p><span class="font_large">The latest batch of lyric videos has been a blast to create. When I shot all of that Super-8 film footage decades ago I could not have imagined where it would end up. And the vintage film archives have been an outstanding source of great footage - in fact, I’m going to do an alternate version of “Danger Pay” with some crazy olde daredevils that I just came across. I hope to do some “proper” videos with actors and crew and script and lights (!), but in the meantime I hope these are tickling your musical fancy. Be well - WB</span></p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/48314272017-08-30T08:47:36-04:002022-03-13T17:03:51-04:00New Look, New Record<p>If you've been here before, you've noticed that it does not look the same. Finally!</p>
<p>Welcome back, and welcome to the new record. The official release is still some ways off, but close friends get benefits around here.</p>
<p>PLEASE let me know which song is your favorite, as I love feedback. And after about two years of tinkering, waiting, and tinkering, I'm more than curious about your take.</p>
<p>Jiggery Pokery - it's the right thing to enjoy right now. (I know - I should have been in marketing a few decades ago.)</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/48079912017-08-09T10:02:29-04:002022-04-12T13:35:59-04:00"Blue Skies" on your ceiling? <p>Hello and happy Wednesday - it's a beautiful day and here's the song to prove it.</p>
<p>"Blue Skies on the Ceiling" did not make the cut for the new record, but it does wake me up quicker than a double shot of espresso. If there's a new morning show that you'll be producing anytime soon then this should be it's theme song. I hope it has you dancing in your sleeping clothes too. -W</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47999612017-08-02T09:23:42-04:002017-08-02T09:23:42-04:00Get That Funny Feeling<p>This week's video post is a preview from "Jiggery Pokery", a lyric video for one of the bonus tracks.</p>
<p>"I Got A Feelin'" is quite the toe-tapper, if we do say so. We left it off the record because 1, we had too many tracks, and 2, because... it's quite the toe-tapper. Have fun with it and I can send you a copy with the rest of the record, if you like.</p>
<p>And please rock your Wednesday!</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47846082017-07-19T09:43:43-04:002017-08-28T10:19:36-04:00Ah, Saturdays<p>Our folks liked to laze-in a bit on Saturdays, so we would create our own morning meals to enjoy in front of the TV. Cartoons were an important ritual. Then we were all set to our tasks, either something that didn't get done all week or a bigger project that we'd been holding off. Either way, the soundtrack was always agreeable.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47761022017-07-12T10:00:21-04:002017-07-12T10:00:21-04:00Happy & Jiggy<p>If you have not yet noticed, many of these instrumentals were named after departed loved ones, human & 4-legged.</p>
<p>Dad was a pretty chipper guy and he loved to sway to some good rooty tunes. I hope he would have put this one high on his list.</p>
<p>Enjoy "Harold's Jig" with a big grin, if you would.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47672152017-07-04T22:57:54-04:002017-07-04T22:57:54-04:00Boodles Doodles<p>I just wanted to see "Boodles Doodles" on the screen. And I thought it might be justified as this week's video offering fits the title.</p>
<p>I will run out of these at some point, then it will be time for the vaunted lyric video. One can almost look away when there are lyrics on the screen. Almost.</p>
<p>But I digress. I hope "Boodles" rocks your day.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47598462017-06-28T09:53:32-04:002017-06-28T09:53:32-04:00Doodle videos<p>You may have seen my recent doodle videos. I thought they might make an interesting alternative to the other slide-show videos I've seen around, and which you will certainly see here at some points over the coming months.</p>
<p>Please let me know how they sit with you and I'll consider another batch.</p>
<p>This week's installment is a revisit of a very old tune of mine, originally recorded in 1982 and re-imagined for "A Few Small Strings".</p>
<p>Please enjoy vigorously, and let me know how the toe-tapping works for you - 7/4 can be a tricky dance meter.</p>
<p>Be well.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/47449532017-06-14T17:44:19-04:002017-06-14T17:44:19-04:00Prodigal songs?<p>Whatever we may call them, they're overdue.</p>
<p>The artist is working on the cover, a couple of lyric-videos have been put together, and a million other things. </p>
<p>And it's Wednesday, so we will call this the first "Willodious Wednesday" post. Feel free to look forward to a new bit of creative each and every week, at least until I run out of material. (I have about 8mos at this point.)</p>
<p>This week is the simplest video of them all, <a contents='"One-Eyed Cat"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whmVRRZGgTM"><strong>"One-Eyed Cat"</strong></a> (from "A Few Small Strings"), which was for my main man-cat Thomson.</p>
<p>What would you like to see/hear in a weekly post from me? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. And thanks once again.</p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/33525592014-12-02T17:40:49-05:002014-12-02T17:40:49-05:00Time keeps on slippin', slippin'...<span class="font_large">Making records can take a long time and most of one's attention. The dream-trip to France took a few weeks off the table, as has the novel and screenplay writing. And yet, I have been moving forward on the next full record (20 songs ready for the final touches - which will take quite some time) AND three EPs. I'm always reluctant to post unfinished songs but I may have to break that rule if I keep adding fun things to my list of To-Dos. In the meantime, please grab yourself some tracks from <a contents='"A Few Small Strings"' data-link-label="The New Record" data-link-type="page" href="/the-new-record">"A Few Small Strings"</a> and look forward the annual posting of my goofy Christmas ditties. BTW - France was awesome and I can't wait to get back to Normandy; then to Belgium, Italy, England... The travel bug has quite a stinger.</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/31085662014-07-30T18:34:40-04:002014-07-30T18:34:40-04:00More writing, recording, and rhythmaticIt seems that I just can't stop writing, but somehow never in blogs.<br>The trashy pulp fiction opus "Luckiest Guy in Town" now has its eighth draft completed, research for two screenplays is well under way, an old idea for a comedy series has been re-lit, and I now have about 125 lyrics to go along with the 175 song ideas that have been recorded in some form.<br>So I apologize for the radio silence and want you to know I'll be sending more notes to you in the near and continuing future.<br>Please continue to rock. -WWillard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/20995092013-11-22T18:36:55-05:002013-11-22T18:39:10-05:00Hello again.Good to be reporting. The CDs are at the shop, picking them up next week. That's right. <br>I'll be sending you a few tracks to preview so you can see how much better meals taste to instrumental guitar music.<br>The book is in its next phase too, and when the few pre-editor/ideal-readers get there notes back to me next week we'll be onward and upward with all of that. <br>Enjoy the best of the season, best wishes for handling the worst. <br>I'll be back to you real real soon. - WWillard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/19560062013-10-30T13:46:21-04:002013-10-30T13:51:25-04:00WAY too long<span class="font_regular">The buck stops here, tho the brakes seem to be pretty worn. <br>The artwork for the new CD is finally complete, so "A Few Small Strings" will be available in a couple of weeks (with luck). <br>Not only that, I'm also watching the mailbox for the preview copy of my... story. All 425 pages. Some would call it a trashy pulp-fiction novel. <br>So yes, I continue to diversify. I'll be re-including video editing to the list of duties, so look for something fun there too. <br>Thank you for your patience, or at least tollerance with my scheduling shortcomings. <br>If you're on the mailing list, I'll have you a bunch of free MP3s shortly. <br>If not, its only a click away. Just over there ->->. <br>More again soon - much more soon than last time. Guaranteed. </span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/3319092013-02-27T09:22:23-05:002013-02-27T09:22:23-05:00Progress<span style="font-size: medium; ">So the new record is essentially complete.<br>
Just waiting to hear back from a couple more golden-eared friends to make sure I didn't miss anything too obvious.<br>
But there's been a glitch.<br>
I accidentally wrote a short story a couple of weeks back, which has now bloomed to over 175 pages.<br>
Its barely half done, if that, so its no longer a short story. <br>
The great news is that I'm having a great time.<br>
The bad news is that it takes crazy amounts of time.<br>
You'll be the first to hear when a draft is ready.<br>
Hopefully after you've already heard "A Few Small Strings".<br>
Have a dandy day.</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/2990102013-02-05T07:05:00-05:002013-02-05T07:05:00-05:00The New Record is Almost Done!<span style="font-size: medium; ">Having spent most of my free time in the studio over the past two months it was easy to feel like there was nothing to report. "The new tracks sound good" or "the editing is really bringing this stuff to life" seemed a bit empty, as updates should go.<br>
But now I'm mixing. Soon will come the mastering. Then the manufacturing. These will also feel under-interesting to an intrepid blog-writer, or so I fear.<br>
So in the meantime please check out </span><a href="./thenewrecord.cfm"><span style="font-size: medium; ">The New Record</span></a><span style="font-size: medium; "> link. I'll be posting some pre-release tracks in advance of the full unveiling.<br>
And in case I haven't been clear, the new record is 19 instrumental tracks based on acoustic guitar ideas that I've had on the back burner - some for over 30 years.<br>
More soon. Very soon.</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/2659282012-12-13T08:10:00-05:002012-12-13T08:10:00-05:00Where did the time go?<span style="font-size: medium; ">I just discovered that its been almost a full century since I last posted here. <br>
So here's the update and a link for you.<br>
This being holiday season, its time once again to share some silliness.<br></span><a href="./xmas.cfm"><span style="font-size: medium; ">Here's three daffy ditties </span></a><span style="font-size: medium; ">in the spirit of holiday bummery.<br>
Enjoy if you can. Expect no reverence.<br><br>
I had a record ready to take to the studio in August.<br>
Its still ready to go. But some major health issues have caused havoc with the schedule.<br>
Continued thoughts and prayers for my team of stellar peeps.<br><br>
So I started into the next record. Its going to be a very quick production of a dozen or more acoustic instrumentals.<br>
I'm gunning to have it ready to give to friends for Christmas, so feel free to let me know if you'd like a bit of that.<br>
And I'll have some new video for you shortly too. <br><br>
I've been quiet, but very active. </span><br>
More soon. <br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1883412012-07-11T09:20:00-04:002021-05-19T08:44:44-04:00Cellos and bagpipes<span style="font-size: medium; ">I rented a cello three weeks ago. Went onto YouTube for my first lesson. I was a star student - for about 3-4 minutes.<br>
Its seems that the position of the left arm was causing pain in my forearm. I could practice for 2-3 minutes, then it hurt.<br>
I pushed through for a bit - I insisted on getting some kind of part on one of my songs. And the first song was not promising.<br>
Then I took a crack at "</span><a target="_new" href="./overthefalls.cfm"><span style="font-size: medium; ">Over the Falls</span></a><span style="font-size: medium; ">", (this version is without cello) with a new attitude - crush it. <br>
I played like I knew what I was doing and dang if I didn't get a few useful notes out of the beast.<br>
After only 12 passes (36 minutes total, so it took me a few days) I had made enough useable sounds to claim that I had played cello on a song.<br>
With the magic of digital editing it sounds almost semi-pro.<br>
I took the cello back last week and put part of the rental refund toward a practice chanter (bagpipes without the bag). The cats are alarmed.<br>
Not sure if I'll manage any success on the pipes, but it sure looks like fun.<br>
And if that doesn't work out? I'm open to suggestions for new instruments to try. Please send your suggestions.</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1845372012-06-28T13:40:00-04:002012-06-28T13:40:00-04:00Summer Heat<span style="font-size: large; ">Summer is not my favorite season.<br>
In the cold months of long nights I have all the excuse I need to settle into relative marathons of writing and recording.<br>
In the summer I don't want to hang in the basement. It feels like a waste of good weather.<br>
Unless it gets really hot - then I flee to the coolness of the Underground Music world for writing and chilling.<br>
Its been hot enough lately, so the new songs are coming along quite well.<br>
It looks like August before I get to the studio now, so bring on the heat.<br>
I could always use a bit more time to write a few more monster smash dynamite hits for the new record.<br>
In the meantime, enjoy the latest posts on the </span><a href="./thenewrecord.cfm"><span style="font-size: large; ">New Record</span></a><span style="font-size: large; "> page. I'll have the newer demos up there as they arrive for your enjoyment and feedback.<br>
I'd love to hear your thoughts - the better the feedback, the better the new record.<br><br>
Any suggestions for titles? - w</span><br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1533742012-04-01T08:20:00-04:002012-04-01T08:20:00-04:00March Has Past<span style="font-size: medium; ">And now its April.<br>
That means various things, but the big thing around here is that I have roughly four-five weeks before I head into the studio to make the next record. <br>
I know the Easter Bunny will be along with eggs shortly but I feel more like Santa is due with stacks of toys for me and my songs. Its not a bad way to face the day, I must say.<br>
I'll be keeping you posted with new tracks with some regularity, maybe some video and Vlog stuff too.<br>
Any requests?<br><br><br type="_moz"></span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1464382012-03-09T05:30:00-05:002012-03-09T05:30:00-05:00Time Flew.<span style="font-size: medium; ">Wow - two whole months just vaporized.<br>
My cat had an eye removed, I slept for a couple of weeks while suffering through that nasty cold-thing, and I failed to win several lottery draws.<br>
And that's about it.<br>
That's all over, thankfully. <br>
The last week or two have seen some great progress with the new record, new videos, and new ventures.<br>
Please check out the <a href="./thenewrecord.cfm">New Record</a></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><a href="./thenewrecord.cfm"> Page</a></span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "> to see what's up there - no obligations whatsoever, just an update on the state of play in Willard's world. At the very least you can check out some of the new songs there.<br>
Thanks for popping by. May your day be stellar. - w<br type="_moz"></span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1234492011-11-15T07:40:00-05:002011-11-15T07:40:00-05:00Onward.<span style="font-size: medium; ">Things are afoot here at the Underground workshop.<br>
There's the new video - please check out the rough-cut of "Something About You".<br>
(And look for the polished version in the new year.)<br>
Plus, there's at least one more video coming soon.<br>
There are new songs for you to check out and/or download.<br>
Soon I'll have a couple of Christmas tunes to help with your festive mood.<br>
And the <a target="_new" href="./store.cfm">Store</a> is finally up and happening, so your holiday shopping just got a lot easier.<br><br>
This may be the only site you'll ever need to visit again.</span><br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1215972011-11-03T13:38:08-04:002011-11-03T13:38:08-04:00Marching On...<span style="font-size: medium; ">Its that time of year again - November for me is Remembrance Month.<br>
I've been reading harrowing accounts of our soldiers at war, which always renews my appreciation for those who would place themselves between us and those who wish to harm us.<br>
The video for "In Flanders Fields" is a response to that sense of appreciation and gratitude - I hope you enjoy it.<br>
And please wear a Poppy. Even thank a vet when you can.<br>
I'll have a few more surprises for you shortly (Nov 12!) by way of some sneak previews of new songs, and at least one new video.<br></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><br>
Ubique!</span><br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1196252011-10-21T13:40:00-04:002011-10-21T13:40:00-04:00News, glorious news!<span style="font-size: medium; ">Finally! After seven (7!!!) months on the back burner I finally edited the footage for the video to "Something About You".<br>
Its been a good bit of fun, I'll tell you what. And the best part is that my good friend Blaine has volunteered to spend a few hours putting some schnaw into it, as I have no idea about how to work all the effects nor what they all might do. That's another day's learning, as I am happy to do the straight-cutting stuff for now.<br>
Its very strange, in a good way, to see long-forgotten footage (the Super-8's the best. and the stop-action is a laugh) all come magically together into a short film of sorts.<br>
Now just a couple of weeks to play with effects...</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1183302011-10-12T09:45:00-04:002018-02-24T07:44:18-05:00Thanks Given<span style="font-size: medium; ">Hello there. I hope that your (Canadian) Thanksgiving treated you and yours very well.<br>
Please check out the new video post, "In Flanders Fields" Redux. Its the same song and performance as the original video, but now with the archival footage that I was unable to clear during the original edit.<br>
I have some new songs to post here for you very soon. In the meantime please feel free to share the video link with one and all, and be sure to thank a Veteran. I've been reading a number of personal accounts from the war recently and there is just not enough gratitude in the world for the sacrifices of so many good men.<br><br>
Thanks once again. -- wb</span>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/1144042011-09-14T10:40:00-04:002011-09-14T10:40:00-04:00Finally!<span style="font-size: medium; ">Hello again, good friends. I'm so sorry its been so long since my last post.<br>
Please check out the new video test - I'd love your feedback, as I am just learning about how to edit a video (properly!).<br>
I have another similar video to finish, then a very complicated edit for another new video.<br>
And I'm working on getting a new EP ready for Remembrance Day.<br>
Then more video shooting, maybe even video blogs.<br>
Not to mention the live thing.<br><br>
Thanks for checking back - please do so again when you can, as I'll have more video, new songs, pics, and possibly some recipes.<br><br>
be well!</span><br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/971452011-04-11T06:58:49-04:002011-04-11T06:58:49-04:00The next first blog.<span style="font-size: larger; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Today is the first blog of the rest of my blog.<br></span> </span>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I shall blog in ways that no one may ever blog again.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll be by times saccharine, by times toxic.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">But I'll always be direct and sincere; if not, I'll be clearly otherwise.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll share only the best ideas; I'll keep to myself rather than proclaim that I'm bored or need a caffein fix.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll tell you about the best flavors, qualities and experiences that I come across.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll encourage you to continue to seek out the most excellent of existences.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll continue to try new things so as to continue to find new ways to experience new bests.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">And I'll tell you about the journeys so as to reveal the shortcuts.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font-size: larger; ">I'll see you at the turnstiles. -- w</span></p>Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/939292011-03-01T07:59:04-05:002011-03-01T07:59:04-05:00First of MarchIts a crazy time here at the Underground Music cave.<br>
The new record (yes, we still call them records...) is at the factory, so I'll have some for you very soon.<br>
We've been attending seminars (the New Music Seminar in LA, as well as the upcoming CMW in Toronto) and taking notes.<br>
We're re-tooling (updating?) the various sites where Willard's songs can be found.<br>
We're learing about getting radio play.<br>
We're working on themes for some upcoming music videos.<br>
We're calling venues to get some gigs booked.<br>
And writing new songs. Funny how songwriting gets stuck on the end of the list.<br>
So thanks for tagging along. The payoff starts any time now. Right?!?<br><br type="_moz">Willard Bondtag:www.willardbond.com,2005:Post/924952011-02-09T11:15:00-05:002011-02-09T11:15:00-05:00First words<span style="font-size: small;">Its been a long time coming, but the parts are starting to fit together.<br>
It is not a natural thing for a creative-type - well, as least me - to cross over from making songs, sounds and lyrics to building websites, learning video software, and managing lists. So thank you for your patience, if any has been required.<br>
The good news is that once these things are in place I can go back to making up more songs, sounds and so on. And there's lots to get back to.<br>
The plan from here is to output as much music as possible as fast as possible; this may result in some raw (rough?) results, but I'm getting used to the idea of letting go versus spending too much time trying to making things to perfect.<br>
The list of pending projects includes records of blues, acoustic, keyboard/electronic, and other "modules" of various songs and styies. And a film.<br>
At least that's what the future looks like today. I'll let you know tomorrow if things change.<br>
But first, its off to LA for a music conference, among other things. Report to follow.<br><br>
be good to yourself -- wb</span><br type="_moz">Willard Bond