The Road From Here

CD release weekend!

2010-11-04T19:59:00.003-05:00

10 songs done, half a tour down and a band all fired up and ready to go!

The time has come to bring forth the new music to my hometown of Winnipeg. I've been on the road for the last few weeks with my sis-in-law Kim playing Brandon, Ottawa, Port Alberni, Duncan, Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon.

It's not that we wanted to keep you waiting but rather we wanted to make sure we were well rehearsed and ready for the hometown crowd. With Eastern Canada in our sights (We'll be touring to Toronto, London, Guelph, Ottawa, PEI, Lower Sackville, Woodstock, Montreal, Peterborough and Hamilton in the second half of November) here we pause this weekend where we will be doing not one but two CD releases here in Winnipeg.

The first is an 18+ event at the Pyramid Cabaret (176 Fort St) on Saturday night. The event doors open at 9pm and the show begins at 10pm with Sonia Eidse then Cris Derkeson and then the Don Amero band. As a special treat we've brought in Digging Roots who will be closing out the night with a rocking soulful set!

The second is an all ages show held at Good News Fellowship Church (891 St. Marys Rd). Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 7:30. My good friend Brad Woods will be in town to host and also share a few entertaining stories.

Each show is $10 so feel free to come to one or both. If you're the party atmosphere type then Saturday is your night, but if you're more of a stories and songs kinda music fan then I think you'll love we have to offer on Sunday night. Either way, I am very excited to be bringing you the new music from 'The Long Way Home' and I hope you'll join me and the band this weekend!

Cheers and thanks for reading!

Don

PS - If you would like to take a listen to the new album, check it out at donamero.com

Pray

2010-10-13T16:21:00.003-05:00

Pray is a song that almost speaks for itself. I was sitting at home one day and it felt as though all the world had was bad news. It was a day where every story was about war, murder, theft and drugs. I guess I was in a state of despair, with a grain of hope in there somewhere when I wrote this one.

Arun Chaturvedi helped out with some of the lyrics (Because he's always got some great lyrical ideas to add). It's also got my first ever-real-in a "real" studio solo.

CLICK HERE to listen

Pray

D. Amero, A. Chaturvedi

What is coming to this world

What will my children have to hold

Are we too blind to see the problem

'Cause we can solve them

Or will we just take until there's nothing left

Won't you pray for me?

And I will pray for you too

You say there's no God, until you need one

When trouble comes we're all faithful again

Why wait until it's too late to turn back

There's still hope but it's slipping away

We can't always make it on our own

Won't you pray for me?

And I will pray for you too

Right Where I Wanna Be

2010-10-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

Here's the first single from the new album 'The Long Way Home'. About 7 months ago I met with local musician Jay Tooke and we launched into a writing session and this song is the product of that session. We were sitting around and Jay came up with the lead guitar riff and I started with the first line and a few hours later we were in the studio laying down the first demo of the tune. The song is plainly about being with the one you love and not wanting to leave the warmth and comfort of the bed... ;)

If you want to hear the song CLICK HERE Be sure to listen to Jays solo, it's fantastic!

RIGHT WHERE I WANNA BE

The day is young sun just woke up

Gotta wash my face and fill my cup

But I hit the snooze bar one more time

Wanna stay with you leave the world outside

There's a long list of things we should do

Wanna stay right, lay right play right here with

You, I'm in love

With you can't get enough

It's you I take hold of

You're right where I wanna be

That little white t-shirt it used to be mine

You know it gets me every time

Lets lock the doors pull down the shades

I'll explore your each and every place

There's a long list of things we should do

Wanna stay right, lay right play right here with

You, I'm in love

With you can't get enough

It's you I take hold of

You're right where I wanna be

The Long Way Home

2010-10-05T14:58:00.005-05:00

Well it's been a long time since my last post, but better late than never!

I've since finished the album, had it printed and now have my first print of the brand new album 'The Long Way Home'.

It truly has been a long journey to get this one done, but here we are and I gotta tell you, it's one that I can say is beyond my expectations. From the opening note to the final chord it is my best work yet. I worked with many great writers and my producer Arun Chaturvedi did a smashing job!

What's next? I have a coast to coast tour happening this fall and in the coming weeks you'll hear more and more new music from this album.

When can you get yours? Well, I just landed a distribution deal and the album will be hitting shelves and web stores in about a month. I do have a fix for you if you need! On my myspace site I will be introducing a new track from the album each week. Right now I've got 'Right Where I wanna Be' the first single playing, so check it out!

Hey what about...

2010-06-23T11:29:00.001-05:00

"The road from here" ?? Maybe it's been under my nose all along???

Almost there...

2010-06-22T11:43:00.002-05:00

I am 8 songs done and have 2 more to go to finish off the album. That being said there is a few things to fix up as well, but so far I am very excited about how things are coming along.

I have been working on a title for the album. The theme seams to be "Home", maybe because I spend so much time out on the road these days, my mind has been focused on finally being home. So here's a few album titles I am working with right now:

Going Home (Which is my favourite and also a track on the album)

Handle with care

Destined

Yearning

Also, I am getting a design for the album done soon. Looking forward to sharing this work with you all!

Best Album ever...

2010-04-15T09:51:00.003-05:00

So I was in the studio last night and we're almost half way with the album and ya know what, I can't wait to share this album with you. It's by far gonna be my best album yet. I love my previous 2, but this one is different and for some reason I believe that you will think the same thing. I know I've said this before and I'll say it again. Making a CD is kind of like having a baby... you put months and months of work into it, you get so mad at it sometimes, you just want it to be here already and you can't wait to take it home and show it to your friends.

I can't wait to show you some more off this album so much so that I would like to share another song with you. It's called "After the rain" and if you'd like to hear it you can here:

DON"S MYSPACE

New Song

2010-04-07T16:26:00.003-05:00

New song (possibly for the record).

I'd love your thoughts on these lyrics.

I used to know myself so well, like the back of my hand

but lately it's been hard to tell who I really am

I don't know how things got so bad

and if I could I would take it all back

I remember everything she said, like it was yesterday

echoes inside my head, like a haunted memory

she said hold on to love and don't let it go

words aren't enough if you don't let it show

I'm ready to change

and i pray it's not too late

she had to leave for me to see

I realize the blame's on me

but i'm ready to change

I never really took the time to give her all that she deserved

I can't believe I was so blind she was my whole world

counting the days since she's been gone

going insane I've never been so wrong

but I think I'm ready to change

and I pray it's not too late

she had to leave for me to see

but now I know what it means to me

I think I'm ready to change

when she walks up the drive

when she knocks that door

the smell of her skin the touch of her hand

the way that smiles take me back there again

I will be whole and the world will be new

I got plan ya know what to do

cuz I'm ready to change

and I pray it's not too late

I won't give in, I won't quit, I won't rest

until she's here again

I'm ready to change

CD release party

2010-04-01T13:41:00.004-05:00

So, I've set the date for the release. It's going to be this October 1st. Venue TBA. Then I'll be on a release tour across Canada from October 2nd - December 4th

I'll be asking a few up and coming acts to help me celebrate the release night as well. One, is this young lady:(CLICK) Sonia Eidsa

I still have to hear back from her, but isn't she great!!

And I'm back

2010-03-22T20:45:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the long absence. Just spent much of February on the road in northern Ontario and in Vancouver during the Olympics. Now that I've been home for a few weeks and have had time to rest it's time to get back to work. I've been meaning to write and fill you in on what's been happening with this new record and so here I've got some news and a song.

A few months ago I applied for a few grants to help in getting this album done and I was turned down twice. Left me a little bummed. But good news is we've got a new plan that will keep the project going. We're reapplying for a few more grants and in the mean time I am continuing to write songs for the album. Looks like we've hit but a minor hold up, but the release date is still the same, October 1st/ 2010.

There's a new track up on my myspace site called "Life's been sweet". Check it out and drop me a line to let me know what you think. CLICK THE PICTURE

On the Road

2010-02-07T17:17:00.004-06:00

Been on the road since January 27th. Made it all the way up to the James Bay. Actually can't drive up here, you gotta take the train and so we had to put the Jeep on the train and then 5 hours later we were on the north coast. Played in Attawapiskat, Kashetchewan, Moosoniee, Moose Factory, White Dog and Red Lake. We've had the best shows and the best people to play for. I can't wait to come back.

Today is my first day off since I left. It's great to be out and doing what I love, but I also gotta say I love the down time. The superbowl just started and so now it's time to sit back and watch the Saints do their thing!

Stay tuned, I will soon be sharing a few tunes from the upcoming album. Things are coming along and I am loving what we've done so far!

Here's a pic of my tour buds Shy-Anne Hovorka and Rob Benvegnu

The Academy and the future...

2010-01-22T10:05:00.013-06:00

The ACADEMY show in Winnipeg. Here's a few shots from my friend Kev Wood:

Where I am headed in the next few months:

I'll be going on a North Ontario Ice Roads tour, but it probably will look nothing like this! Oh and I won't be on a motorcycle.

The Festival Du Voyageur in Winnipeg. Good times!

The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, BC. Where there is absolutely no snow which makes this picture very funny.

Heading into the Recording Studio to finish off Record #3.

Touring this great Country.

Playing a few Summer Festivals where I am sure I'll see crowds like this gathered around my stage chanting my name!

PS I've changed my name to Bono.

Pray with me

2009-12-31T13:00:00.002-06:00

There's a little boy yet to be born, his name is Emmanuel.
He is having a tough time right now and could use some help.
He's not developing properly and his parents are being told that he most likely won't make it.

I am his uncle and could think of nothing better to do than to ask you to pray for Emmanuel with me.

Last post of 2009

2009-12-11T09:57:00.004-06:00

So I've got three songs completed for the next album and I believe I am getting closer to a title, what do you think of "This is my heart"? Or I've also been playing with some "Home" titles, but nothing solid...

I'll have a few new album teasers out in the new year. I can't wait for you to hear the new stuff. I know I am supposed to say this, but it really is some of the best music I've ever done. I guess that's the plan though. It would be pretty bad if I was releasing music that isn't as good or better than the previous album. One of my goals is to write every album better than the last.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on the happenings and when the new music is debuting.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2009 and in case you're wondering what my plans for 2010 are here's my game plan:

Spring - Tour across Canada

Summer - Festival Tour

Fall - Release third album

Fall/ Winter - CD release tour

See you in 2010!

One week, two awards

2009-12-02T16:19:00.007-06:00

K, I know it sounds like I am tooting my horn here and well... I guess I am. But really I am also tooting yours... ok that may come across wrong, but you'll see where I'm going with this!

I just spend the last two weeks on planes, in hotels and at various showcases and award shows. It's been an awesome couple of weeks and I am so proud to have won not one but two awards in the past week. You already know about the CFMA award from the previous post, but I wanted to share with you my recent award: Male artist of the year at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Some of you know I've been at this for a good chunk of my life and know that I have been working very hard and not that awards are the be all and end all, it's just a nice reminder of all the work that I do.

On the other hand it all started because people actually believed in me enough to support me and come to my shows and buy my CDs and give me that "Way to go" after the show. I'll never for a second think I got here on my own. I am here because I am loved by the most beautiful lady, supported by the best family and friends and fans that have have stuck with me. And, we've only just begun!

I am grateful.

Canadian Folk Music Award

2009-11-23T20:34:00.003-06:00

I just spent the weekend out in Ottawa. I was there for the 2009 CFMAs where I was up for 'Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year'.

So there I was sitting in my jeans and green army jacket, thinking I don't have to be all dressed up because I won't be winning tonight, I just came to shake some hands and play the showcases. I mean come on; Buffy Sainte Marie, Eagle and Hawk and Tanya Tagaq were all up for it too, so I was like, NO Way!

I was sitting next to my good friend Vince (The Co-founder and guitar player of Eagle and Hawk) and they called my name. I just looked over at him and said "WHAT!!!?!?!" I ran up, gave Shelagh Rogers (A host on CBC radio one and presenter) a big hug and gave a quick little thanks to all.

It was a pretty cool moment and one I'll not soon forget!!!

'All I need this Christmas'

2009-11-17T09:30:00.007-06:00

Hey all,

Just wanted to share the new Christmas song with you. Just click the title.

Enjoy!

The week that went...

2009-11-09T08:10:00.003-06:00

Do you ever have those days where you lie down at night and it hits you that the day flew by so fast, it seems like you just got out of bed. Or driven your car somewhere and when you get there it dawns on you that you don't really remember all the twists and turns of the road.

This last week I was so busy with so many things. In the last 7 days I wrapped up a Christmas song in the studio (No pun intended), had a photo shoot, played 6 different gigs, drove for 16 hours to Thunder Bay and back, finished 3 grant proposals and attended the APCMAs. I sat up this morning and realized the week is gone. A whole week of my life, GONE! It's quite strange now when I sit here looking back on last week and try to remember how I got here...

Busy month ahead

2009-11-03T23:22:00.002-06:00

This month I have been nominated for 5 awards. They are:

Radio single of the year at the APCMAs

Entertainer of the year at the APCMAs

Folk/ Acoustic album of the year at the APCMAs

Aboriginal Songwriter of the year at the CFMAs

and Male artist of the year at the CAMAs

So, looks like I'll be flying to Ottawa and Hamilton this month and who knows I may even come back with a little more luggage on my way home!

The studio...

2009-10-28T23:33:00.003-05:00

Just thought I'd share a few moments from the studio this week. The tune is not mine, it's a song called "This time around" from the Elizabethtown soundtrack. (You should watch that movie!)

Some new music for you

2009-10-21T22:35:00.004-05:00

I haven't passed on some great music your way in a while, so here's a couple I'd like to point you toward.

Here's a local Winnipeg guy, Del Barber. He's got some sweet soft music. (CLICK PICTURE)

Here's a guy you all know (Or have probably heard at least once a day on your local radio), but just in case you haven't heard the song 'Beautiful Mess' go here to listen. It's Beautiful and not very messy at all! (CLICK PICTURE)

My new inspiration

2009-10-19T15:35:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take some time and introduce you to my new guitar. It's a Taylor and it's beautiful (Thank you Becky for the funds to get this new guitar). Her name is Rosie and here's what she looks and sounds like:

I've already written 5 new songs on her. I believe she will take me to the next place in my music career and together we will see the world. Not to say that my Washburn ('Wash' is his name), that I've been playing up till now won't be out there with me ever again, but truthfully (And don't tell Wash this) to play the Washburn is like eating a bologna sandwich instead of a fine cut steak!

The life of me

2009-10-07T00:04:00.002-05:00

So it's 12:02am on Wednesday morning right now and I can't sleep. Usually I have no problem sleeping, but tonight things are different.

You see, being a performer you sometimes have other opportunities presented to you and so, a few weeks ago I was invited to play as a guitar player for a TV show that's filming here (I know big stretch) in Winnipeg. In about 3 hours I am going to the set to film a scene... yes 3:00 in the am. It really isn't that bad, but it really messes with your sleep.

2009-09-17T09:39:00.003-05:00

New songs have been rising up out of me. I love it when the creative wave comes over me. I've spent the last few weeks being very busy (seems to be the theme of my life now a days, so we'll just assume that as long as I am an independent musician I'll be busy) playing and writing new material. I want to go in the studio this time with about 20 - 30 Songs and then with the band and producer pic the best 10 - 12. It's a process that is very new to me, but from what I hear a lot of musicians do this.

I've just gone in to see my producer with a few songs and he loves them. We're going to take the next few months to make this this best record I've done yet. Once I've got a sample I'll be sure to post it here.

The weeks/ months ahead

2009-09-02T07:58:00.002-05:00

As part of any good business it's important to know where you're going. So recently I spent some time thinking about where I would like to be in the next two years.

My hope is that I can be earning enough so that my wife Pam won't have to work as much as she does to support me, take my music abroad (US and Europe) and have a few more discs under my belt. Here's my plans for the next few year to move things in that direction:

1. Promote a song on national radio (Starting next week)

2. Book a December tour (Between now and November)

3. Book a spring 2010 tour

3. Promote another song on radio

4. Write and record another album (Done by April 2010)

5. Book festivals for the whole summer next year

6. Release the next album in October 2010

7. Tour the new album (October - December 2010)

8. Begin booking shows in the US (For a 2011 tour)

9. Look into booking a few European summer festivals

10. Possibly release another album in the spring 2012

Ok, so there's about 1,000,000 other steps along the way, but now you get the gist of what I am planning to do. Wish me luck, I feel I may need it.

Looking for a little help

2009-08-27T09:07:00.004-05:00

OK, so this one is a bit unrelated to the actual making of the next album, but in all fairness this will help in the development of my career.

I have been officially nominated for 2 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (Entertainer of the year and Best folk/acoustic album). The next part is where you come in. I need all the votes I can get and it all starts with you! All are welcome to vote and you don't have to be Aboriginal. This is the second and final round of voting, so if you voted before (Thank you) you can vote once again in this round. I am up against some pretty big names in the industry (Buffy Sainte-Marie, Crystal Shawanda, Tracy Bone and Eagle and Hawk) so I could use all the help you're willing to offer.

If you really want to take the big leap perhaps you wouldn't mind asking a few friends to vote too. Follow the link above and sign up if your new to voting. If you have voted already you can use your previous pin and password. I know it's a long shot, but my fingers are crossed!

Movies that move you

2009-08-26T14:27:00.002-05:00

Here's a list of some movies that I've watched recently.

All of them are great and they all make me want to write better music.

The Cronicles of Riddick (Just kidding, but a good watch)

So much inspiration so little time

2009-08-22T00:12:00.003-05:00

I got to spend the last few days at a song writing workshop with some very talented writers/performers/producers. We stayed at a lodge outside of town and spent our time writing/playing and recording from morning till night. It was probably the highlight of my summer.

I have always been a little intimidated when it comes to writing with others. There's something about bearing your heart to people and feeling like your giving too much of yourself and also the "What if they don't like it" thought tends to creep in. But this week I was invited to join in on a few sessions and I truly believe I became a better writer for it. The only down side is that I could've spent a lot more time sharing ideas with them.

Please go and meet some of my new friends.

www.myspace.com/quinzy

www.myspace.com/jphoe

www.myspace.com/thewakingeyes

www.myspace.com/davinportband

www.myspace.com/headinthesandproductions

www.myspace.com/ruthmoody

Enjoy!

Another bit of inspiration

2009-08-17T12:49:00.003-05:00

Leela Gilday is a wonderful musician from Yellowknife. I am glad to say that she is a friend and she plays and sings beautifully. She's got a new album coming out soon. Check her out.

My weekend at the cabin

2009-08-14T13:05:00.004-05:00

I recently spent a few days away at the family cabin to write and record a few new songs. Here's a sample of that writing retreat. It's a song about how we need to let go of some of the things that hold us from becoming the best possible version of ourselves.

Let Love in

Lay down your guard

Lay down the fight

Let go of the worry

You're holding tonight

Lay down your pain

Lay down the fears

Let go of the heartache

and love will appear

If you just let love in

The walls that surround

Let love tear down

Lay down the hate

Let show your heart

The past that you cling to

Wont heal the scars

Let show your Joy

Lay down your same

Let go of the heartache

and Love will remain

If you just let love in

The walls that surround

Let love tear down

Great new song

2009-08-07T13:15:00.003-05:00

As part of my "job" I make a point to stop by some of my favorite musicians myspace pages to see what's new in their world and to listen to some new music. So once and I while I'll send you along to an artist I enjoy. I'll start with Imogen Heap. She's great! Her latest song "Fast Train Home" is sweet!

The dream album

2009-08-04T10:46:00.004-05:00

I just spent a few hours alone in the car driving back from Dryden. I've always been a fan of 4 hour drives when it's just me, the car and my thoughts. And my thoughts on that drive were about the next album and how in the world am I going to bring something better than the last CD. 'Deepening' is for sure the better of the two albums I've released to date and dare I say one of the best looking CD's out there. No, not just because it's mine, but the album; as I think about it now; was a culmination of some really great happenings. Here are a few of the many great things that took place while making 'Deepening':

#1 As I was in the midst of recording, I was very low on the funds to complete the CD. $10,000 low actually! Long story short I received a generous gift of $10,000 from a wonderful couple I know.

#2 My family and friends all put so much into making this an amazing second album. From the music itself to the look, feel and name.

#3 I recorded with two great Winnipeg producers. (Lloyd Peterson and Arun Chaturvedi)

#4 I recorded half of the CD in my previous boss'/landlords/friends/neighbors house.

#5 The design and concept of the album is amazing!

So you see my problem? It's almost like the "Dream album"!

All I hope and pray for, is that I am still many years away from making the greatest album of my career, but rest assured that I will do all I can to make Album #3 the best I've ever done yet and perhaps once there I will be able to share a new "Dream album" with you.

The next year and a half

2009-07-30T13:12:00.002-05:00

It's kinda crazy when I look ahead and see how the next 17 months will play out. Here's the agenda at the moment:

August 2009 - April 2010 - Write and record my third album (While still playing shows and promoting "Deepening")
October 2009 - Release a song to radio
October 2009 - March 2010 - Plan for Spring Tour
May 2010 - June 2010 - Canadian Tour
July 2010 - August 2010 - Festival Season
August 2010 - September 2010 - Possible trip to Europe
September 2010 - Release third CD
September 2010 - December 2010 - Tour new CD

There are about 1,000,000 more details in there obviously, but thats pretty much the outline!

Folk Fest Education

2009-07-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Just spent the weekend at the Winnipeg Folk Fest playing, listening and learning about music. I've been playing for 13 years and when I am amongst some of the best in the world like I was this weekend I realize how much I have yet to learn. Thank you Oka, Vance Gilbert, Dala and Dust Poets for teaching me some new tricks. I will be using your music to inspire the next few months of writing.

If you can't beat em...

2009-07-08T09:54:00.001-05:00

I have been married to a blogger for a few years now and every once and a while I will go to her blog enjoy the read and then surf around to view some of our family and friends blogs, so I thought maybe it's time I started my own.

"The Road From Here" is going to be a place where I can take you along for the ride on my journey to my next album. I released "Deepening" my second album a few months ago and am still doing a lot of work promoting that disc, but I have a lot of plans already for the next album.

The only detail I have at this point is I hope it will be out fall 2010. The first thing on the agenda is to write some of the best songs I've ever written. So here we go. I'll keep you in the loop!

I hope you'll join me.