28th October, 2008: -

Hello once again, dear readers

Sorry it has been a while. A personal matter that I shall not go into other than to say it is of tragic nature, has kept me from doing much lately but for now, at least, things should be moving along nicely.

First up, I did indeed get the gig narrating that documentary, at the time titled: "Kenyan Wildlife." Unfortunately, I did also agree to provide my services on spec, meaning that I will not be paid unless the film is sold.

It was a good learning experience business-wise and I have some new approaches to implement for such gigs in future.

Currently, the film maker is awaiting word back from one of the major television networks here in Australia.

NOW!

The website. You know; the new look version I have been promising for months? Well...... It will still take a bit of time to finish unfortunately. I have been wrestling with an issue in the programming since June or July this year but I think I may have found a solution! There is a different issue with getting the guest book to load within the site but hopefully, I'll be able to get that sorted too.

The good news is that I have come up with a new singing method for myself which has me sounding much better than before. Don't take my word for it though, have a listen for yourself by clicking here. Please note that this link should expire at the end of October, 2008, so you will only have a few more days. The songs are covers and were just practise recordings, so don't expect perfection. I did make a few mistakes along the way.

Well, that's it from me for probably a month now. I have another couple of web design learning curves to conquer before the new site goes online and I would like to get some new recordings done before the new site goes live.

So, till then, take care everyone.

Johnny Burrows :)

29th September, 2008 - PART TWO: -

Okay, so it has been several hours since the Part One blurb was entered below.

Have met the filmmaker and auditioned and have the go ahead apparently. Yay!

As payment is on the proviso of sale of the documentary, there will be a legal contract to peruse tomorrow. If it is all satisfactory, then, signing will be made and recording will begin (and probably end later in the day). WOO HOO!

Bonus side is two fold:

Firstly; if the documentary sells, I get automatic work for the next film he makes as he will recognise my saleability. Secondly; now I have a contact who creates high definition video as well as has a background in audio engineering in recording studios. Can you say, "Potential for music video clips and show reels?"

However, let us not jump the gun here (even if he did float the idea himself regarding the music videos). Definite potential but that is all for now.

Will update following tomorrow's meeting.

Johnny Burrows :)

29th September, 2008 - PART ONE: -

Well, well! What do you know?

I did not scare off the documentary film maker (see: 26th Sep's post) after all! He has requested we test my voice for a few scenes, so I will be headed to his place in a couple of hours from when I type this. Update will be posted in Part Two!

Johnny Burrows :)

26th September, 2008

Hello again dear readers

Well, there's bad news and worse news this entry.

Let's start with the bad news: -

The redesign of the website is STILL giving me trouble. I have been doing a ton of research into how to fix the issues and so far, it has all been in vain but I am persevering. Ideally, I would love to just upgrade all my software, get a new computer to run it all on and start again but alas, that will take some major funds and right now, with the severe lack of gigs, that is not an option, which brings us to...

the WORSE news: -

The November 15th gig for the All Stars Tribute Xmas Show just got canned due to the club double booking and not giving us ample time to set up apparently.

This comes as a double blow as just last week, I was contacted and offered the opportunity to narrate a documentary for national and possibly international television release. However, despite my charging a bare minimum, the film maker wanted to go cheaper and I had to draw the line with my asking price. I did my best to negotiate further but have heard nothing back since, so I assume they went the cheap and nasty road instead. Pity. I was looking forward to providing the narration for that. It was a documentary on Kenya. Beyond that, I don't know the content so perhaps it is just as well I didn't get the gig. Given they did not appreciate the amount of stuff I was willing to throw in to ensure the best possible narration they could hope for, I shall assume it is probably for the best. I have no desire to work with people who would skimp on quality just to save a buck.

So, anyway, I am still trying to get this new version of the website sorted but it is still a ways off yet, I am afraid. The problem is simply a few coding issues but those coding issues themselves are major ones. *sighs*

However, it is not all doom and gloom! ;)

I have also been expanding my magical repertoire and now can boast some hypnotic talents as well as some snazzy new tricks.

I have also been dedicating quite some time to the fields of cryptozoology, anthropology and archaeology in recent months and hope to incorporate those interests into this website in future, dependent on the evidence I am able to turn up. I will only include hard facts as opposed to mere conjecture that most amateur researchers tend to base their theories on.

As unlikely as it seems, there is a connection to be made between these fields and my usual entertainer job description! I have been working on fanfares for the logo that will come up as a precursor to documentaries made by a prominent researcher and his team whom I have befriended recently. This will be pro bono work but for this team, I do not mind, especially as I have a standing invitation to accompany them on any of their future research trips. It is all very exciting! :D

Take care and I hope to have some better entertainment related news to share next time along with a new look website.

Johnny Burrows :)

12th July, 2008

ARGH!!!!!!!! I HATE dramas with computer coding!!!

MAJOR issues are delaying the new website going online, folks, so my deadline of 1st August has very slim chances of being met but I am trying my darnedest. It is such a pity because the new site looks pretty good. Just a shame a lot of it conflicts with other things in it and the in-built components provided by Flash cause yet even more conflicts!

e.g.: Flash's in-built Video Player and the Scroll Bars in text windows both interfere with the preloader I designed. (A common example of a preloader is that progress bar that appears when you visit a website, indicating the percentage of that website that has loaded. After it reaches 100%, the actual website then appears on screen). So, because of things in my website, my pre-loader will remain invisible until it reaches around 60% in which time, a user with a slower connection to the internet would be likely to surmise something is wrong and thus visit a different website given they would be looking at a blank screen for a good 12 seconds or more before anything happened at mine. They sure didn't put THAT on their product details!

I am attempting to overcome all the problems in several ways. Wish me good luck in finding the necessary solutions, please.

Apologies for the delay with the new site going live. It is especially annoying because it is delaying my own recording schedule too. In any case, I am not the quitting kind, so all one can do is persevere.

As always, take care,

Johnny "The Frustrated" Burrows ~>:(

12th July, 2008

Okay, dear reader,

I know. I know. This is not yet the new version of the website but that is very nearly ready, so don't fret. I have run into and solved several design issues along the way and the current delay is due to thinking a better way to present the video pages might be in order, so I am learning how to encode that and I have encountered one issue regarding the guest book which I am endeavouring to solve. Following that, the site should be online, so give it 1 - 2 weeks more. Let's say by August, just to be sure, eh? :)

The reason for this blog entry is simply to state that a NEW booking for the Popsicles' Classic All Stars Tribute Show has been confirmed for November. Click to see :)

I have received the DVD of the first gig and video will be viewable at the new version of this site. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, as always, take care,

Johnny Burrows :)

2nd July, 2008

Hello again, dear reader,

Just a quick update this time to report that after several weeks of doing little but trawling the internet for musical creation software and tutorials on site building, I have found the program for my musical needs finally (and it is NOT any of the programs I thought it would be; Reason, Acid Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Tracktion, Audition, Live) and the new version of this website that I am building in Flash is shaping up very well.

Adieu once again (I told you it was a QUICK update) and I hope the next entry to this blog will be read on the made-over website which, though already a vast improvement on the current version, will continue to be developed even after going online.

Take care,

Johnny Burrows :)

22nd June, 2008

Hello, hello :D

Fresh back from the Popsicles' All Stars Tribute Show gig at Guildford Leagues Club a few short hours ago. That was great. A fantastic audience, wonderful sound, room to MOVE this time and the voice was in close to top form thanks to a tweak I gave my technique in the wee hours of the morning before spending the day rehearsing.

Last gig we did for the show at Northmead Bowling Club was on a narrow strip of stage stretching out into the audience and with the spotlight being so very blinding, one was in constant fear of falling off and into the audience which I suppose is one way to make an "impact" but not my method of choice... To each their own ;)

Tonight, we just had an open stage of polished floorboards which was lit up well enough to keep the performers separate from the crowd even though we were level with them - and it was a FULL HOUSE.

A woman whom I think is the entertainment manager there told me afterwards how she was very happy with the performances and the crowd response and wishes to get us back again as soon as a spot is free on their booking list. That will still be a few months away but hey, it's a lead.

Another couple of gigs for the tribute show are in the works apparently, according to other members in the group but I neglected to get the details at the time. I think, regardless of the status, I shall be mowing the veritable lawn atop my head come daylight because getting around with a 60s shaggy do has been most aggravating! LOL

As stated previous entry, my focus this next few weeks will be on more music recording and getting the new look Flash website and new music tracks online.

So, adieu for now, dear reader. Bookmark the site / add it to your favourites if you haven't already and check back within the month.

Take care and keep your dreams alive!

Johnny Burrows :)

16th June, 2008

Greetings, dear reader :D

I shall try to keep today's entry succinct.

The research into VST continues. I had just typed that I had found my software of choice but alas, its shortcomings mean I am now shopping elsewhere. *sighs* As I did literally just write it, I decided to edit this blog entry rather than enter a whole new one in addition ;)

Following my next gig this upcoming Saturday night (21st June, 2008; see the Gigs page), activity on this website will likely slow for at least a couple of weeks. My earliest potential gig at this stage is a magic one tentatively set for next month but that one is yet to be confirmed. After this Saturday's gig, I shall be focussed on recording new songs and getting the new website rebuilt and online as well as doing my utmost to get my proposed James Bond song submitted to the film makers of the soon to be released "Quantum of Solace." Feedback on that song so far has been largely positive and if it proves the song to get me on the musical map in a BIG way, all the better!

Barring any incidents like the recent computer meltdown, the new look website could be online as early as the end of this month, with new music tracks hopefully following suit in early to mid-July, with more to come!

Next update should be a report on the tribute gig.

As always, take care, believe in your own worth and may you bring joy to others as well as yourself.

Johnny Burrows :)

16th June, 2008

Hello one and all

Remember the Guildford gig is on this coming Saturday, 21st June, 2008. Check out the Gigs page for details.

My computer died on me the other day. It has since been resuscitated but alas, only after having its hard drive completely reformatted. I still have several programs to reinstall. I had backup copies of my songs of course but I did not have a back up of the new look website I had designed and so, have had to resume its construction from the very beginning. Most frustrating!

The silver lining as they say, is whilst I was offline, I set to writing and recording a new song (I have recording equipment other than my computer) and came up with a very Roy Orbison-esque piece. My gf wants me to release it as my debut single and she only heard its bare unplugged rendition! LOL. I've since added some bass and strings but want to fill it out some more with backing vocals and maybe some more instruments. I am torn right now between resuming website construction and working on the rest of that song for immediate upload! LOL

The karaoke MC gig on Saturday was about on par with the previous week, yet the operator of the show said he was really pleased with my work and even offered me full time employment but I told him karaoke hosting is not for me. I did say however, that if he needs me to fill in for him again, I would do so. Having attended many karaoke gigs over the years, I can attest that he is a great host, probably the best in the biz. So, if you like to have a sing at karaoke and you happen to hear of A Jeff-Of-All-Trades Entertainment gig near you with Jeff himself at the helm, then you should check it out cos his energy is incredible to witness, his singing is awe-inspiring, his karaoke equipment is borderline futuristic and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Now, it is time for me to get back to work. I think I shall do a bit of recording before returning to my website design.

Be well!

Johnny Burrows :)

10th June, 2008

Greetings all

Happy birthday Liz Hurley! LOL Also to my older brother in New Zealand, actually...

Saturday night's gig as karaoke MC was rather taxing. Holiday weekend, quiet and very hard going trying to get the audience enthused at the start of the night. The latter half was good but my word it was hard work getting there!

Speaking of work, I have been at the computer all day and night save for Saturday evening's gig, slaving away on the soon to be released, new look website. Shaping up nicely so far, so I think it will be just a matter of a few short weeks before all is in readiness. Hooray!

No word yet on the possible magic gig in July but I have been entertaining people whilst out and about, brushing up on my "magical" skills which had been laying dormant whilst focussed on music this last several months. Happy to report, I STILL got it, baby! LOL

It's a real pleasure entertaining folk whether singing or fooling them with illusions, performing on a stage or just on public transport or on a night out or even a trip to the local store.

Anyway, enough of this idle natter. Time to get back to the website design.

Happy thoughts to all!

Johnny Burrows :D

2nd June, 2008

Great Scott!! Another entry!

Jeff Fitzgerald of A Jeff Of All Trades Entertainment, a fantastic singer and likely the liveliest karaoke host you're ever to encounter, just requested I fill in for him as M.C. for a couple of weeks at his regular Saturday night karaoke gig. See the Gigs page for details.

I did do some karaoke hosting several years ago but after hearing the same songs done ad nauseum regardless of audience or venue, I eventually moved on. However, Jeff is a great guy, runs a terrific show and was kind enough to offer me the spot, so for him I don't mind filling in on these 2 occasions.

The Brewhouse, Lalor Park is in a quiet out of the way spot but by that same token is not too far from Blacktown railway station and makes for a great night out if you just love to have a good sing.

I'll probably sing 1 or 2 songs on the evening myself but don't worry; I am not a microphone hogging host. This is YOUR chance to come and entertain me! ;) So, come on down to The Brewhouse (see the Gigs page for details) and sing your heart out!

Johnny Burrows :)

1st June, 2008

Greetings again, dear readers!

There is a lot to cover with this entry, so I will try to avoid going into too much detail.

I am redesigning the website in Flash to both make it that much more professional and to counter a few glitches; both recent and not so recent.

One counter I will give you a bit of detail on is that I am designing my own multimedia player to replace both the music and video players here. Suffice to say that while both those freeware programs are good, they have their shortcomings. My new player will not only make a great replacement for those but will also look cool to boot! ;)

My experience with Flash is limited, so I am on a steep learning curve at the moment. It will be several weeks before the new web design takes effect. Meantime, the site will remain online as is. Creating the multimedia player will be a task in itself but once all is done, I am sure the results will be well worth the wait. The new website will be better but it will still be a work in progress as there are still more things I can visualise but don't have the patience to wait for before uploading new content.

Another time sponge of late has been my investigation into the world of using VST - a tool many songwriters today employ. My DJ friend Mastertouch tried to get me into it a few years ago but my views were skewed by the fact that he started with taking full samples of music, beats and speech and mixing those together, so I failed to see the potential for the uses of VST as a virtual orchestra.

I am hoping to use VST to eliminate the frustration of my numerous mistakes made on keyboard and guitar before getting that perfect "take," by using virtual instruments and getting them perfectly timed with a few mouse clicks as opposed to a hundred or more sessions playing manually the same instrument lines, hoping against hope nothing goes wrong THIS time. I am a self taught musician, so make a lot of technical errors during recording and when you are trying to put together a song with 12 or more instruments excluding drums and percussion, the time consumed increases exponentially.

I am not a fan of sampling tunes but using individual sampled notes and drum sounds and the odd beat is okay with me as that crucial element any artist must have "creativity," is left to make use of. Anyone can rip off someone else's work whether completely or by combining it into something new but to me, to create something of your own from nothing is true artistry.

In other news, another magic gig could be coming my way. A cool one too from the sounds of things. Nothing definite yet but I am hoping to land the gig as first, it's easily got to and second, there's a whole lot of entertainers involved, so it should be a fun time for all and especially for the spectators.

Sheesh! Even sticking mostly to the headlines that entry took up a lot of space, didn't it?

Till next time, dear readers. Be well and take care!

Johnny Burrows :)

28th May, 2008

Just a quick update, folks.

Remaining tickets for the Popsicles' Classic All Stars Tribute Show to be held at Guildford Leagues Club is now FREE of charge!

So, come along and enjoy the music of Engelbert Humperdinck (sung by yours truly) along with that of Tom Jones, Gene Pitney, Neil Diamond, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley.

Hope to see you there,

Johnny Burrows :)

26th May, 2008

Greetings again, dear readers!

As some of you have already gathered, I have been re-jigging this website a little and hopefully streamlining the whole visitor experience here.

VIDEO can now be found on the Bio page, so be sure to check it out. Permission was granted today to use the footage, so I am very happy :)

More multimedia content is in the works.

In the meantime, take care and visit again soon!

Johnny Burrows :)

20th May, 2008

Hello again! :D

First, an update to the Engelbert gig (Popsicles' Classic All Stars Tribute Show) performed on 17th May...

If you are kicking yourself for missing the Northmead Bowling Club gig (which appeared to be sold out by the way), it will please you to know that they were so impressed, they have asked us to return later in the year! That return is tentatively set for late October or early November at this stage, so remember to keep an eye out for that and stay tuned!

Meanwhile, gig 2 at Guildford Leagues is still a go. If you are able to come along, I hope to see you there!

Take care, everyone,

Johnny Burrows :)

18th May, 2008

Hi everyone :)

Last night's Engelbert Humperdinck tribute gig was a great success!

Following 2 weeks of flu and another 2 weeks of sinusitis and pharyngitis complete with relapse, I only had 24 hours in which to catch up on lost rehearsal opportunities as during the course of my illness, I was unable to sing. The fact I was still at only about 98% health and trialling a new singing technique at the same time gave me extra cause to be anxious but it must have all paid off as the response was terrific from the audience :)

The gig in its entirety was filmed and I should be receiving a copy of the DVD in the near future. Once I have that and the necessary permission to rip my segment, I shall be uploading a selection of clips and photos here. One image is already to be found in the Bio section, to illustrate the likeness between myself and the young Arnold Dorsey; a.k.a.: Engelbert Humperdinck.

Next gig is in a few weeks. As always, check the Gigs page for details.

Take care,

Johnny Burrows :)

25th April, 2008

Hi folks

Another ANZAC Day already. "We will remember them. Lest we forget"

Another blog entry too and so soon!

The Gigs page has been updated with the details for my first Engelbert Humperdinck gig as mentioned previous blog entry (below) and includes a promotional poster for the gig.

The other singers and myself will each perform a 20 - 25 minute set. If able, book yourself a ticket and come along for an evening's entertainment!

Promotional photos are in the works; some of which will be added here within the next few weeks along with still more original songs from yours truly! :D

Take care now,

Johnny Burrows :)

21st April, 2008

Hello :)

Well, here it is; my first blog entry. Remember to check back from time to time for more news.

First, I have a song which I intend to submit to the film makers of the James Bond 007 series; as a proposed title song for the upcoming movie: Quantum Of Solace. Anyone reading this who could prove useful in getting this song to the relevant people, please do contact me by clicking here. (Time is of the essence, so serious contacts only please). I shall be updating with news about the progress with that submission as it comes to hand. Watch this space!

Second, rehearsals begin this weekend for the upcoming tribute show I am featuring in (show dates and venue locations can be found on the Gigs page). In that show, I will be taking on the rather daunting task of impersonating world famous power crooner, Engelbert Humperdinck. The other singers in the show will also be paying homage to legendary singers of yesteryear, including Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Gene Pitney and Jake Blues (of the Blues Brothers). If you're able to get to the relevant areas, mark the dates on your calendar and come along. :)

Third, while previously, I would post news of any upcoming songs to the Track List page, from now on, it will be this blog's job to alert you to that. On that note ;) there are 2 new songs I shall be posting here very soon; one a ballad, the other a little more up-tempo. Both have a Mexican flavour to them and are reminiscent of some of Elvis Presley's work actually, so I am looking forward to uploading those ASAP. I just need to shake this nasty case of the flu first, so as to do the vocals justice.

In other news, I have been experimenting in the realm of "mastering" so as to make my own recordings sound that touch more professional but while I have had some success, I will probably still need someone eventually to master my tracks for me. Any offers?

I am also working on plans for filming a promotional video of myself to be placed on this site. It will feature me singing on stage and performing magic to camera, all narrated of course, by yours truly :) It's only an idea at the moment, so it will be a while before it becomes a reality.

As far as blog entries go, I guess that's a cool enough one to start off with. Here's hoping the momentum keeps building and the news stays interesting.

I'll be keeping readers here up to date, so if there is news interesting enough to share, it will be shared immediately. Don't expect a "dear diary" type of blog, just career relevant stuff.

Until next time then, adieu and take care,

Johnny Burrows :)