Interview With Frets Nirvana, Musician And Veterans Advocate

 

By Netera Landar

“Life is too short for one Groove.” ---Frets Nirvana

Frets Nirvana is a man of devotion. He’s devoted to the music that flows through him and to fundraising for Homes For Our Troops. 

Frets grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and was influenced by the British Invasion and 1970s music. He listened to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones daily and enjoyed Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Cream, and the Jeff Beck Group. 

Not familiar with the last group, I looked it up. It was established in early 1967 and included guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Rod Stewart, and rhythm guitarist Ronnie Wood. Jet Harris and Dave Ambrose played bass early on, and Clem Cattini and Viv Prince played drums. The lineup changed many times over the years.

When Frets wasn’t directing a Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) event, I asked him, as the years passed, what other singers and musicians had influenced him throughout his life.

“As life moved on…Tommy Emmanuel, who I studied under; Django Reinhardt; Keb Mo; Joe Bonamassa; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; etc. I have a saying…Life is Too Short for one Groove. My musical interests are far and wide and continue to evolve. It all starts with a song, good emotion, and a great feel.

From the late 1960s to the early 1970s, the bands Frets played in opened for the James Gang, Golden Earring, Rush, Dr. Hook, Bob Seger, and others in northern Ohio. 

“I actually saw Joe the first night he played with the James Gang,” Frets said. “He replaced another guitarist named Glenn Schwartz, and folks were doubtful that Joe could fill his shoes…but he sure did!”

Frets is a self-taught guitarist who watched and listened to the masters. He performed in real-life venues, mostly in Ohio, for nearly 25 years. He then performed in Florida and Georgia and moved to Atlanta so he could play there. 

“I resided there for a little over 15 years and opened up a recording studio . Playing in a band always brings memories,” he said. “The day I bought my 1960 Les Paul Sunburst was a big one…the most sought-after electric guitar in the world. Every one of the performances opening up for the above-mentioned bands was also a highlight.”

Frets learned about Second Life 17 years ago. He studied the technical requirements to set up a studio for a virtual set, and the setup has evolved over the years.

“Especially after I built my pro studio in 2008 for performing in Second Life, as well as for recording my music. I have quite an investment in equipment,” he said, mainly because he owned and operated a professional studio in Atlanta for years, so he understood the technology needed.

Frets also saw the potential to raise funds for military charities in Second Life. At first, he focused on Wounded Warriors, but 12 years ago he found HFOT. He felt it was a better fit for the effort.

“HFOT was willing to establish an account with Linden Labs and to give good support. It is a great organization. So, we have been doing this monthly now for about 16 years. I have not been in the military, and although my father and uncles served during World War II, the rest of my family has not. So why do this? Because, in my opinion, our veterans are why we all enjoy great freedom in our great country. Without their sacrifices, we couldn't support other charities, and we couldn't enjoy things like Second Life. I do not view it as a charity. I view it as an investment in folks who sacrifice a lot to help ensure our freedom. And as someone who appreciates the life that I have been able to build because of this freedom, I view it as the best way to pay it forward. Not to mention the fact that I have not met a veteran who does not love this country and would do anything, including the ultimate sacrifice, for it.”

Frets said that numerous Second Life performers have supported this effort, and he’s deeply appreciative of their contributions.

In terms of experience, he has had a rewarding career in the music industry, having been a musician, performer, songwriter, and owner of a 24-track recording studio during the analog tape era. He was involved in marketing and sales for a company that helped unleash the digital recording technology used in music today: New England Digital and its Synclavier. He then became Director of Marketing for Gibson Guitar. Now, he’s come full circle in retirement. 

“I feel like a kid in a candy shop regarding that, and I am blessed to still have the energy to move my music forward and try to bring some happiness to anyone who wants to listen,” he said. 

All the profits from his musical efforts will be donated to charitable causes supporting those who deserve a helping hand. 

Frets will soon be launching his own record label and website, and publishing his own music on all of the streaming service platforms available to independent artists. He hopes to help others.

He ended the interview by saying he plans to go out when his maker decides it’s time, with strings blazing and singing his favorite song.

And you know what? I can see that happening.

 

Netera Landar

Interview With Some T. Jupiter

 

By Netera Landar

 

“I don’t think a singer ever truly finishes learning. Every artist you hear, every performance you give, and every song you sing can teach you something new.” - Some T. Jupiter

Somewhereintime Jupiter grew up singing the Blues early in his life. It became the foundation of his style.  He feels at home singing ballads and love songs, but also enjoys Pop, R/B, Melodic Jazz, Blues, and Country.

“Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I did sing in the chorus and was in a musical or two before college,” he said. “By the time I reached college, I was already an experienced singer, but I continued developing my skills by taking music classes and voice lessons. Although I wasn’t an official minor, I took enough coursework that I sometimes think of it as having ‘kind of minored’ in music.

He learned by listening closely to songs on the radio. He paid attention not only to the voices but also to how the singers phrased the lyrics, interpreted a melody, and made listeners believe in the story they were telling. He said that a singer never truly finishes learning.

“Every artist you hear, every performance you give, and every song you sing can teach you something new,” he told me.

The Blues helped him express his emotions. 

“There is an honesty and freedom in the Blues that lets you reach down into what you’re feeling and bring it to life through the music,” he said.

Years ago, he listened to Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, and other popular artists. He was drawn into the emotion they worked into their music and was fascinated by how they could make a guitar or their voice build upon that emotion. Growing up singing the Blues shaped his own style, which still influences how he approaches every song. He never wanted to limit himself to one style, so he sings country, R&B, soul, and jazz.

“These genres sound different from each other, but they all tell stories about the same human experiences: falling in love, losing love, hoping, remembering, celebrating, and finding the courage to begin again,” he told me. 

Some T. is drawn to very melodic songs. Songs that allow him to chase the melody and explore where his voice can take it. It can be a soulful ballad, a jazz standard, a country song, or an upbeat song he wants everyone on the dance floor dancing. The music he chooses has heart, strong melodies, and something meaningful to share with those present.

Asked if he's performed in real life, he said he’s sung at backyard barbecues, weddings, and corporate events; in studio work and destination entertainment; on professional stages; and in other venues.

He’s had a lifetime of musical experience. Each one has helped shape who he is today.

“These days, Second Life is where I share some of my music publicly. The world may be virtual, but the singing, the emotions, and the connections are very real.  It has given me the opportunity to perform for people from around the world without any of us having to leave home.”

Some T. learned about Second Life by singing on PalTalk, a live video chat platform that still exists. The idea of performing in a virtual world intrigued him, so he created an account and explored what was possible. He said there was definitely a learning curve. Performing in Second Life involves much more than simply turning on a microphone. He started learning about streaming, running sound checks, taking notes on venue procedures, managing his avatar, and experiencing what it’s like to interact with an audience in a virtual environment.

“I was fortunate to have a few people who helped me understand what was needed and encouraged me as I found my way. I still remember my very first Second Life gig—it was at Coasters. That performance marked the beginning of a musical journey that has brought me many wonderful experiences, friendships, and memories,” he said.

Over the years, he’s enjoyed performing in elegant ballrooms, romantic gardens, on sandy beaches, in popular saloons, jazz clubs, tropical resorts, and neighborhood venues. He’s held the mic at MsKatt Saloon, Nat’s Jazz Club, Echoes, Club Nouveau, Romantica Park, A Little Honky Tonk Bar, Golden Love Ballroom, Yvie’s Beach and Coliseum, and Somewhere Hot! Early on, he knew that every venue has its own personality and community, and he’s grateful to those who make it possible.

Some T. feels that Second Life has an extraordinary live-music community, and it’s important for performers to support one another.

“Listening to other musicians is enjoyable, but it can also be inspiring. Every performer has something unique to offer, and you can always learn from the way someone else interprets a song or connects with an audience. Attending other sets is also a chance to relax, enjoy the music, and be part of the audience instead of always being the person onstage.”

He said one of the greatest advantages of performing in a virtual world is bringing people from all over the world together. Clearly, people who would not have met in real life. There is no longer a physical distance. People can also perform in imaginative settings that would be difficult and expensive to recreate in real life. Then there are the challenges. Internet connections can fail, streams misbehave, microphones develop minds of their own, and sometimes Second Life itself has other plans. 

“You also miss some of the physical cues you receive from a real-life audience, such as hearing their laughter or applause directly,” he said. “But the emotional connection is still real. When someone tells you that a song brings back a cherished memory, helps them through a difficult day, or makes them smile, the distance between the performer and the listener disappears.”

He’s truly grateful that his followers spend part of their day with him, considering how many events are scheduled at the same time. He’s also grateful to the venue owners, managers, hosts, supporters, and friends who work behind the scenes. 

“A singer may be the person standing onstage, but every successful performance is made possible by a community,” he said.
 

 

Netera Landar