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 Frets Nirvana

By Bixyl Shuftan

Frets Nirvana is a musician in Second Life best known for the benefits he helps organize at Veterans' Isle every month. Just before the concert in May, I had a chance to interview him and ask him a few questions.

Bixyl Shuftan: "So how did you find out about Second Life?"

Frets Nirvana: "Through a former employee and friend, Von Johin. He was performing in SL, told me about it and helped me get started."

Bixyl Shuftan: "So you had a friend performing here? What did he tell you about it?"

Frets Nirvana: "He basically said it was fun and you could actually make money performing (at that time! Ha-ha!) Anyhow, he had not heard me play before although he had worked for me. When he heard me play ... he said they would love what I do musically in SL ... and encouraged me to perform in SL."

"That was about five years ago now ..... Due to real-life he is no longer performing in SL, but he used to a lot."

Bixyl Shuftan: "How did your first few days go here?"

Frets Nirvana: "Well the first performance was great. I performed at his venue and he helped promote it. We had sixty people that night. After that his manager helped promote me and I was off and running ......playing a lot of covers with my own arrangements of other people's tunes."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Sixty people, that's pretty good."

Frets Nirvana: "Yeah ...Von was pretty well established at that time, so it helped. After that though ...it was a lot of hard work, and a bit of a struggle. I was not singing at that time ...just doing all instrumental. So it was a harder sell."

Bixyl Shuftan: "About what point did you include singing?"

Frets Nirvana: "I also tried doing a duo with a female singer. That was going well ... unitl (laughter) she bumped me and went on her own. Kind of the story of my musical life with singers."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Oops, what happened after that?"

Frets Nirvana: "I strated singing about six months after I entered Second Life. I had never sang lead vocal before ...just backup. But I figured out that I needed to sing if I was to have more success in SL, and well ... I just jumped in and worked on it and went for it. (laughter) Hopefully not offending anyone. Along with my guitar playing it is something that I have worked on a good bit. Although I will probably never be a love song singer."

"Kind of like everything for me in life ....I just make a decision that I am going to go for something, and work hard at it and do it."

Bixyl Shuftan: "What did audiences think at first?"

Frets Nirvana: "Well ...(laughter) nobody left due to singing to my knowledge. And they seemed to like it, and my crowd and bookings grew ... so guess it was a good decision."

Bixyl Shuftan chuckles a bit

Frets Nirvana: "But of course ...guitar picking has always been the feature."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "when did the idea first come to you about doing bennefit events for veterans?"

Frets Nirvana: "That idea came about the same time ... about six months after starting performing in Second Life.  I saw all the activity forRelay for Life, and some other causes, and thought 'gee, why not for vets?' If not for them we could not be doing any kind of benefit for other causes .... or for that matter Second Life ... huh, trying living in Syria or Iran!"

"So, I took the initiative, and started it. Take note,I am not a vet. I just feel strongly about what they do and how they sacrifice, and how they should be supported. ESPECIALLY in today's world.

Bixyl Shuftan nods again, "How did the veterans respond to your idea?"

Frets Nirvana: "Well, once I figured out who to get in contact with, they responded well and jumped right in. Some of the original people involved are no longer in SL much, but it has kept on going. Dahlea Milena is a BIG part of that at this time. She has been sooo helpful and supportive."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "I recall the events were first at Patriot Island for Wounded Warriors"

Frets Nirvana: "In general though ....it all had to picked up by the bootstraps at first of course .... And yes, until last fall, all were for Wounde Warriors Project. I switched allegiance to Homes For Our Troops at that time. one main reason, lack of support by WWP. I won't go into that any further. They still do good work but HFOT is much more supportive and I feel that the percentage of dollars that actually help Vets is higher with HFOT."

Bixyl Shuftan: "What was the most successful of these events?"

Frets Nirvana: "Mmmm ,,,, well it is really hard to say on that. It varies really, and so far I have not really found a definite 'this is the best.' But I can say this soemtimes we have raised as much as 300,000 Linden for vets in one month. I keep trying to keep the trend going up."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "I wasn't familiar with Homes For Our Troops before. Where did you hear about them?"

Frets Nirvana: "I found HFOT on the web. I was searching for an organization that would be more supportive, and I talked to a lot of them. Amazingly, many did not want to get involved, and I have some theories on that (government!). But HFOT jumped right in and said yes."

"I hope we can honor that support with soem excellent donations going to HFOT. They do great work."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Sounds great. Did they have someone who was familiar with Second Life?"

Frets Nirvana: "No, they were not familiar with Second Life. I had to educate them on it. But they were open right away to hearing about it. Others seemed to resist.""We have sent over $45000 to help veterans through WWP and HFOT in the last five years."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Forty-five thousand dollars, that's pretty impressive."

Frets Nirvana: "I would like to do that in one year! An then increase it from there (laughter)."LOL

Bixyl Shuftan: "Heh heh ... Have any of the veterans made an effort to involve another charity?"

Frets Nirvana: "Yet ... on an aside, Relay for Life states they $250,0000 in one year, so why not for vets? Not that RFL is not a good cause."

"Not aware of vets trying for another charity. But if they do,good for them. But I know what I went through getting this set up, a lot of work."

Bixyl Shuftan: "What other benefits for veterans in Second Life have you heard of?"

Frets Nirvana: "Well ....I haven't really ...."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Just one time performances and nothing else on a regular basis?"

Frets Nirvana: "Usually .... Since I have been involved in this for some time now, if someone wants to do something for vets they will contact me, and I give them donation kiosks etc. .... there are others who do benefits, but they will use our donation kiosks etc."

"So if that is what you mean, there are venues here and there that do things, but not on a regular basis like our monthly benefit. But I WELCOME that big time. Our vets need all the help we can get. RFL does not, collects $250,000 with one benefit! (laughter) But I don't have the time to organize what they do."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "Besides the charity events, can you tell me what else goes on at Veterans Isle?"

Frets Nirvana: "As far as Veteran's Isle .... candidly you would have to talk with Dahlea about that."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "Did you have any plans for special events soon?"

Frets Nirvana: "Well, we have one event a month that I organize,last Sunday each month. That is about all the time that I have to be able to organize an event. But I definitely welcome anyone who wants to put something together for HFOT. ... this months benefit, May 31. Then the next one will be June 28 .... etc. Always last Sunday of each month from 5-9 PM at Veteran's Isle. That way we have at least one benefit, and hopefully establish a schedule that people put on their calendar."

Bixyl Shuftan nods, "Were there any venues that you performed at which had benefits of their own?

Frets Nirvana: "Not on a regular basis .... thinking about it, I cannot highlight any that I perform at that have benefits for vets. But I would welcome that."

Bixyl Shuftan checks the time, "Was there anything else that you wanted to mention?"

Frets Nirvana: "Just that I encourage people to take the time out of their busy lives and think about the needs of our wounded veterans ....and help as they can. And if anyone wants to sponsor an event for HFOT, contact me."

Bixyl Shuftan: "Thank you for your time and good luck."

It was then that we parted ways. Shortly afterward, Frets messaged me about one more detail, "Here are a couple more names that have been very supportive.  Jardasius Ecksol, Checkers Firelight and Vicktoreeia Resident. They are the primary ones that come to mind that sponsor events other than our monthly benefit. They do a lot with motorcycle clubs in Second Life. If you do mention other people, please make sure to mention them."

Shortly after this interview, the May 31st benefit on Veterans Isle took place. It was a success, raising 200,000 Lindens. Frets is still doing well at what he does. The next fundraiser there is Sunday June 28. Before then, he can be found performing at a few venues across the Grid.

Bixyl Shuftan