Monuments to Men

                                                                                By Scott Coner

                                          Nashville Recording Artist, Songwriter, Performer, and Author

     The other night my family watched “Monuments Men.” It is a movie directed by and co-starring George Clooney. To be honest, I would have passed on the show altogether, but our oldest daughter has been studying art history in class, and the story has been a topic. Mr. Clooney has a bit of a mouth on him when it comes to political opinions, but I am more than willing to keep my thoughts to myself. Everybody has an opinion anyway so what does it matter?

     We watched the story unfold, and I have to admit it was touching, to say the least. The characters came to life before our eyes. The art seemed to leap out at you from the screen. The screenwriters, as well as George Clooney, made a movie that told a part of history that should not be forgotten by any of us. I went to bed that night with the show's message weaving through my mind. I begin to wonder if we are that far apart if you get down to the brass tax of it all. Our country has been through so much to get where we are. We are allowed to stand anywhere within our borders and proclaim proudly and surely that we are the greatest nation in the world. But are we the greatest people? I think we are. Our people grew this nation with the common goal of being proud and committed Americans. During the industrial age, I don’t think people were coming here to divide us or try to kill us. They came here to chase a dream. They wanted to be American. Of course, they would still hold on to their own heritage. As a matter of fact, they would share it with the rest of us. But make no mistake. The people that built this country wanted the American way of life.

Scott Coner performing "Line In It"

     Here we are all of these years later divided right down the middle. The difference is we have news media telling outright lies from both sides of the fence. If you will agree with their news, they know you will be back the next day for more of their version of the “truth.” We all buy into it myself included. I may go to the gym early in the morning and see CNN twisting a story around to the point that I can’t believe it’s even legal to say such nonsense. Later that same day, I might here Rush giving his take on the position of our world. You can pick and choose pretty much any news contributor you want. I watch Fox in the mornings when I can, probably because they seem like they are giving basic facts for the most part. But, later in the day they sure like to give you their opinions as much as any of the others. It’s a slippery slope, to say the least. But with magazines, newspapers, radio and media coming at us all day and night, we begin to find ourselves joining one team or other for sure. Maybe in the midst of it, we lose our true identity. Maybe we give up the part of ourselves that knows what is right and what is wrong. Maybe if given a chance, we could find common ground. We may not be all that far apart.

Scott Coner's music video to "Line In It"

     “Monuments Men” seemed to remind me of this. George Clooney obviously has a passion for art as well as people. That fact just spills out of the screen. He also feels very differently about certain parts of our constitution than I do? It doesn’t matter, does it? He is just one man with a pretty loud microphone. You may be a woman or a man from a different view than me. But do we need to be enemies? Do we have to have such a great divide? Do we have common ground we can meet on and start from there? What about these people representing both sides in Washington? How can our country find it’s way back? Obviously, I am not qualified to answer that question. But maybe, if we tried to find the good in other Americans rather than waste energy being full of hate, we could move towards one another.

     We have some big decisions to make as a generation. If we look at our country like we look at our little families, we might make sense of some of it. For instance, every night before I go to bed, I lock the doors and set the alarm. Then I tell everyone in the house, “I love them and goodnight.” We do our best to make sure our kids do well in school. We pay our taxes. We watch our budget, so we don’t go broke. We try to help those around us that need help when possible. We take care of ourselves and try to stay healthy. We want our kids to have a promising future. We want them to love and appreciate others. We want them to keep Jesus in the center of all things. We want to celebrate our lives and our passions. We buy local when we can. We take care of our home. We love our country and her people. What part of this can we not agree on? Better yet, where in this short list can we find common ground? The condition of the country at this moment in history is going to wind up being part of all of our legacies. We can all do better. I’ll start with me.      

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Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at his music page.            

   

  

My Journey Into Music... So Far (Part Two)

By Scott Coner

Country Singer-Songwriter

(Following is the second part of a series of blog articles offering my experiences as a singer-songwriter.)

         It is unfortunate that everything has a price tag on it these days. But all of the steps required in music or just about anything else have a cost attached to them. The good news is that you can go at your own pace. This also will allow you time to be certain of every decision and every step you take along the way.

         These days there are several hot spots around the country that are more open and willing to help you during the development of your career. Los Angeles may be one of those areas you want to consider. Out there, you have all types of music genres as well as opportunities to work in soundtracks and commercials. New York has always been another area, as well as Seattle, and of course Nashville. I chose to work in Nashville for several reasons. The obvious reason was it was very close to where I live. The other was its openness and long history in country and Americana music. But, I have also had a real interest in possible opportunities in L.A.

         I always encourage young people to pursue an education with at least a minor in business. One thing is certain and that is you will need to have the capacity to look at things with some understanding from a business standpoint. I also think it is a good idea to seek advice from someone you love and trust, because it is always helpful to have someone else’s perspective.

         Below, I am going to list a few things you might want to consider as you begin. Please remember that I don’t know you or where you live, so certain items or needs and services might cost more or less money. Also, note that this list may not meet your requirements in any way at all and all of this doesn’t need to happen at once. It will probably be part of the your process.

         * A checking account with your music company name: This account is where you should track all expenses from including travel, recording, payments for services, etc., but you might see fit to use your existing account you have had all along.

         * Federal ID number: You need a tax number for tax purposes. All expenses should be kept track of. This is only good practice and it also helps you keep a finger on the pulse at all times of your investments. (But note that you may not need to do this just yet.)

         * Recording: I am not a huge fan of too many “at home” recordings, although there have been some great ones put together in a few basements. Just remember that your songs will be listened to by people who listen to some of the finest music on the planet every day, so you want to present yourself the best way possible. If you plan on going to a studio, you can negotiate a package for a group of songs, or you can record one or two at a time. Often times, you can get your song across nicely with an acoustic arrangement.

         * Web Site: This is important for all kinds of reasons. Be certain you have a design that is easy and practical for others to check out your music, your bio, and your photos and videos, along with any other pertinent information you feel needs to be shared.

         * E-Mail Address: Obviously, you need this. I find myself checking my mail every time I look at a phone.

         * ASCAP, BMI or SESAC: You will want one of these companies to have all of your music registered. There are a few more companies like these you might want to check out. (I am with BMI, and I can’t say they have been much help so far.)

         * Facebook, Sound Cloud, Reverb Nation, etc.: These sites allow access to all types of people all over the world. Pretty amazing when you think about it.

         * Photo Work: You will need lots of photos made. We live in a digital world, so at least you don’t have to buy film. Always seek photos that seem to represent you in some way. Each of us has a certain identity, and that should always be conveyed the best way possible. I’m sure you will have a lot more to work with than

I do that’s for sure.

         * Video Work: I have grown to appreciate videos. If done well, they can give the listener even more to consider from the song.

         * Education: Try to study your field of interest as much as possible. Consider all of the different types of production, the artists and bands. You will find there are some pretty amazing artists out there. I have long considered myself a student of classic rock and classic country. To me, these genres both represent a part of my roots. In a way, I suppose it’s like a guitarist studying the Delta blues to better understand the craft. I find myself reading about all types of music and artists simply because they hold a special interest to me. I don’t even have to enjoy the music that much. I just have an interest in their approach to their craft.

         Anyway, this is a start at least. There is so much I would like to go over with you, but in truth, as you begin each path, you may find that you have different needs and interests. Just remember that in order for you to do this, other things may need to be put on the back burner, but life happens in the midst of it all.  It is impossible to have a specific plan going into this business. Instead, you can only prepare for everything the best you can and try to be open for changes as they arise. I hope this helps you in some small way.

 

         I look at music the same way I look at staying in shape. I can do well in the gym. I like to work out and feel the burn and the sweat. But it is the time away from the gym that offers the real challenge. If I work out hard but eat like a pig, I probably won’t accomplish what I want. It’s the same thing in music. The short time spent in the studio will be wasted unless you truly seek out and study the very best way to reach your goals. Always be aware of your time and money, be kind to people along the way, and listen to what everyone has to say. One day the fog will lift and you will see the road you need to take. That will be a special day for you. I promise that if you give your all, you will never regret the time, money and energy you invest.

         Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, and www.ScottConer.com. Follow Scott at www.Twitter.com/ScottConer.

(Stay tuned for future installments of "My Journey Into Music... So Far".)

Becoming a Song

By Scott Coner

Country Singer-Songwriter

            There have been moments here lately that I find myself in the beginning stages of a meltdown. I see the videos, the songs, the photos, the interviews, and everything else that goes with this business, and I begin to panic. I feel humiliated and embarrassed as I realize what I have allowed myself to give to this music. It isn’t a natural act for me to be so outward with my feelings. Yet, as I look at my own private diary set to music, I see that it is far passed too late to pull back now. It might be comparable to the “sexting” that we hear about on the news. Take a picture of your private parts in high definition and share it with the world, and you can’t retrieve it no matter what. 

            The issue with me is this: I started writing at such a young age, I didn’t take time or have the capacity to process the act of writing itself. When you’re a kid, you take everything literally. So when I began writing, I wrote about what was going on in my own life. Even though in truth there wasn’t much going on in my simple little life, it was big and important to me. I remember the fall of my sophomore year. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, and I was wearing a jean jacket. I remember a girl that I thought a lot of telling me she didn’t feel the same way. I was beyond crushed. But I wrote a song about how it felt, and it was then and there that I realized that life’s little punishments had a silver lining. 

Scott Coner (photo provided by Cynnamae Media Productions)

            Dan Fogelberg wrote a song called “Same old Lang Syne”. One of the verses of the song says, “Just for a moment I was back in school... I felt that old familiar pain... The snow was falling on my way back home... Then the snow turned into rain….”  

For me, that pretty much sums everything up. As a man, I have thought a lot about that perfect line or verse. Capturing childhood feelings or feelings in general is hard to do sometimes. I think we lose touch with those emotions after we enter adulthood, pretty much the same way we forget how to imagine a bicycle is a motorcycle or a box is a spaceship. But you can find a song if you allow yourself to open up and forget about the protective walls we all have a tendency to build. At least, that’s how it is with me... just a man sitting alone in his Avengers pajamas writing about life. How’s that for being too transparent?

            What allows me to find balance these days are the thoughtful and kind people who reach out to me. They tell me how they feel about certain songs. They let me know that it matters to them. I know it sounds strange, but knowing that something I have been a part of actually matters to someone else is extremely important to me. Those people may be the reason I wrote the song in the first place.

            The natural beauty of the craft of songwriting is simple. For me, it is a story that begins with a melody or a few chords. It is a connection that is made when I least expect it. It is one of those special moments that God allows me to have. Even though I will probably always have episodes of doubt, I am truly happy that I have been given the opportunity to write and share my songs. And if you are one of those kind souls out there who have supported me along the way, I just want to say, “Thank you.” It is because of you that I don’t grow a long beard, use Kleenex boxes for house shoes, and take myself off of the grid.  

            Scott Coner is a country/American/Southern rock artist who has recorded songs with legendary artists such as Charlie Daniels, Tanya Tucker and T. Graham Brown. Listen to his music and/or watch is his videos at http://www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, http://www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, or http://www.ScottConer.com. Follow him at http://www.Twitter.com/ScottConerMusic.

Country Artist Scott Coner Releases 'Nashville Song'

           

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2015) – Hit country artist Scott Coner has released "Nashville Song", a new single and accompanying video that express the highs and lows of working in Nashville's country music industry.

            When it comes to music success, Scott has accomplished much more than the average singer-songwriter. He has recorded songs with country legends such as Charlie Daniels and T. Graham Brown -- even landing a number one hit in Britain with the Tanya Tucker duet, "Maybe She Lied". But the Indiana artist has also faced a number of disappointments, especially on the business side of the industry. His experiences (good and bad) are reflected in the heartfelt, soulful country ballad "Nashville Song".

            "I wrote 'Nashville Song' about my feelings and opinions of the music business," said Scott, who recently taped a concert in Nashville for future airing on You Tube. "In truth, the business side has been hurtful at nearly all levels. But as I have continued on, I have reminded myself that I write and play because I love doing it. I have been truly blessed to work with some great musicians. To me, the song is not about being defeated. Instead, the song is about standing strong and doing things my own way."

            To download the "Nashville Song" song and video, visit the artist's website at www.ScottConer.com, his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, or YouTube at https://youtu.be/X1CIy5T7Trc.

            "Nashville Song", which was recorded at Nashville's Java Jive, was arranged and produced by Scott and engineer Logan Schlegal. The recording features Scott on vocals and acoustic guitar. Members of the Matthew West Band accompany him on background vocals, electric guitar, bass, keyboards and percussion.

            Scott added that the "Nashville Song" lyric is reminiscent of Alabama's "My Home's in Alabama" in the specific way the story unfolds. His wife, Cyndi, helped bring the video to life with scenes from the artist's recording session, as well as popular downtown and Music Row hangouts such as the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie's, Hard Rock Cafe, Sony Music, Curb, and RCA Studio B. Cyndi, who oversees the Coner family's Cynnamae Media Productions, said she wanted to take viewers on a "field trip" that showed the places where Scott has experienced musical highs and lows.

 
            "The lyrics are pretty specific as far as my working with T. Graham Brown and Tanya Tucker is concerned," Scott noted. "But the chorus delivers the other side of the story. I have been in many offices around town and foolishly, I have put my trust in people who were undeserving."

            Scott's lyric gives listeners a realistic look inside the Nashville music industry. Like many singer-songwriters before him, he drove into town with a batch of original songs and a wishful heart. He later heard a lot of false promises, even outright lies from some of the professionals on Music Row. That reality is expressed loud and clear in the chorus with the line,  "If you're gonna sleep with snakes man, you better be tough."

            But any resulting hard feelings were temporary. Eventually, Scott realized that happiness and success could be found in the music itself. He sings with assurance, "Well I just kept plowing ground... I had my song and I had my sound... Nobody's gonna tell me what to do... It seems to me that if you have a plan... You stay on course and you take your stand... Every man finally gets his chance...."

            The artist hopes his fans will understand that sometimes artists need to channel their hurt, as well as their happiness, through their songs and other works of art. He has no intention of ever quitting the music business or allowing himself to become bitter. Songwriting is just as fulfilling to him now as it was when he was 15 years old.

            "As an artist, you find yourself simply wanting to concentrate on the music itself," Scott continued. "I have faith that if you believe in what you are doing, and continue down your own path, the right people will show up. I believe this because it has finally started to take place."

            A self-proclaimed family man, Scott Coner lives with his wife and two daughters on rural farmland near Franklin, Ind. He has recorded songs with a who's who of country legends including Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown, and Charlie Daniels. Scott's single "Maybe She Lied", a duet with Tucker on Reedy's Dream Records, hit number one on the United Kingdom's Hot Disk Top 40. Other songs, including "Sanibel" (a duet with Brown) and "Reedy's Dream" (with vocal and instrumental contributions from Daniels) have been heard on terrestrial and online radio stations around the world. Also an emerging author, Scott recently penned the book "Lynyrd Skynyrd: Ronnie Van Zant and Me" with Gene Odom, a survivor of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash.

            To learn more about Scott Coner or to download his songs and videos, visit www.ScottConer.com.

T. Graham Brown and the Nudes Sunbathing in Sanibel Pines

By Scott Coner

            I wrote my song "Sanibel" sitting at my kitchen table one night alone with a cup of coffee. My family has been there many times together, and I suppose I was just thinking about the beach that evening. Oddly enough, I wrote the bridge to the song at an old movie house while watching "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken". (I know that's weird...)

            I arrived in Nashville with a really cool rhythm groove. We sort of built on it at the studio and hoped we could get a solid sounding, dimensional mix. Having T. Graham Brown work on the song was unbelievable for me. He and his wife are such kind and gentle people. When he belted out his parts, it gave me chills. I'm telling you, that as a writer, there is nothing like having a country music legend sing your words. It just doesn't get any better.

            T. Graham Brown is just a fun-loving, gentle man. We worked hard while in the studio. I remember feeling a little sorry for him though when he asked me where Sanibel was. He didn't get the reference to the Australian pines at first. I told him the backstory about the pines.

            My oldest daughter Emily was still in diapers when I took her for a walk down the beach at Sanibel. I saw some pines down the beach about half a mile away. I thought they would be great taking pictures of my beautiful baby daughter. So, I walked the beach holding her little hand, constantly looking down to be certain she wouldn't hurt her little feet on a sharp shell or jellyfish, etc. We arrived at the fallen pines, and I climbed over them with her. I looked around stunned trying to figure out exactly what was out of place. I realized I had accidentally walked into a nude bathing area. At that precise moment, an older man and woman came up to me asking a question about something. I only remember staring at the man's hat... good times.

            Anyway, back to Mr. Brown. I told him that I thought some of his work had been perfect. He had incorporated a Memphis feel into some of his music, and I have always felt his vocal delivery was awesome.

            I remember my mom and dad went to see him years ago, and my dad talked about how cool T. Graham Brown was.  

            You can download my "Sanibel" video at https://youtu.be/OK_fIxfmycY. 

           (To learn more about country artist Scott Coner or to download his music and videos, visit www.ScottConer.com.)

Country Artist Scott Coner Releases New Video 'When The Angels Cry'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2015) – Hit country artist ScottConer has released a new song and accompanying video that reveal the often unspoken but devastating impact of domestic violence on married women.

            Scott says he was inspired to write his latest single, "When The Angels Cry", after his wife Cyndi recounted some heartbreaking incidents that happened to her mother more than 20 years ago. Scott recorded the song with top-tier session players in Nashville, and the couple teamed up to shoot a stirring video on their rural farm near Franklin, Ind. The artist hopes the song and video will be a meaningful tool for organizations that are helping abused women realize their own potential while encouraging men to overcome a lifestyle of abuse.

            To download "When The Angels Cry" song or video, visit the artist's website at www.ScottConer.com, his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, or You Tube at https://youtu.be/SXUUgLl43TA .

            The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in five women have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Startling statistics show that on a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

            "I think I am passionate about the issue in part because of my own wife having to live in an abusive situation as a teenager," said Scott, who has recorded songs with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker and T. Graham Brown. "But there is more to it than that. I hate to see anyone lose her self-worth and identity because of someone else. We all deserve a voice, and we all deserve respect."

            Scott wrote the song late one afternoon while he wife was preparing dinner. It tells the story of a woman who is abused by her husband night after night. In the lyric, the woman pleads with her spouse to stop. "You've taken all that I am... There's nothing left of me but this broken wedding band... Please don't hit me again... Please don't take my life... Look into these eyes for God's sake... That's your wife."

            Stylistically, "When The Angel's Cry" was a departure for Scott, who loves to rock the house with high-energy country tunes. Given its dark topic and overall feel, he decided to keep the recording simple and bare. For the recording session, he was joined at Nashville's 515 Studio by Clint Black keyboardist Dane Bryant, Martina McBride guitarist Mike Waldren, and veteran engineer Logan Schlegel. A special console was loaned to Scott by Rob Royer, a member of the legendary 1970s pop band Bread. The resulting sound is organic, tender and heartfelt.

            "So often in my writing process, I record new music pretty quickly," Scott added. "'Angels' was a song that lived with me for years. I recognize that this song isn't a 'feel-good' piece, but I felt I had to record it. I don't know how it will be received. But if the song and video help one person, it will be worth doing a thousand times over."

            Cyndi, who runs the family's Cynnamae Media Productions, brought the black and white video to life with realistic scenes of a Southern woman battered by an intoxicated, uncaring husband. In the end, the victim finally decides to run away. But when she opens a closet door to get her suitcase, a Bible falls out onto the floor. Listeners/viewers can hear Scott singing the chorus. "When the angels cry... You can almost taste the tears... Flowing like a river... It's been dammed up for years...."

            "To me, the Bible signifies hope and resolve in knowing there is a better life out there for her," continued Scott, who noted that the video features performances by a local couple and Scott and Cyndi's youngest daughter, Taylor. "One of the things I wanted to point out is that abuse happens in all parts of society."

            Scott Coner has recorded songs with a who's who of country legends including Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown, and Charlie Daniels. Scott's single "Maybe She Lied", a duet with Tucker on Reedy's Dream Records, hit number one on the United Kingdom's Hot Disk Top 40. Other songs, including "Sanibel" (a duet with Brown) and "Reedy's Dream" (with vocal and instrumental contributions from Daniels) have been heard on terrestrial and online radio stations around the world. Also an emerging author, Scott recently penned the book "Lynyrd Skynyrd: Ronnie Van Zant and Me" with Gene Odom, a survivor of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash.

            To learn more about Scott Coner or to download his songs and videos, visit www.ScottConer.com.

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Scott Coner: I Will Forever Be Grateful to Charlie Daniels

By Scott Coner

Singer/Songwriter/Author

     (Artist's Note: I've been fortunate to work with a host of acclaimed musicians during my music career. One of the highlights of my musical and personal life was the time I spent with Grand Ole Opry star Charlie Daniels. I hope you enjoy the following story.)

Country artist Scott Coner

     I recorded my song "Reedy's Dream" with Charlie Daniels. It's a song about my grandfather. Charlie played mandolin and fiddle, and sang backing vocals on the piece. I will forever be grateful to that man for giving his time and talent to me. I suppose it was this song that allowed me to see that maybe I could do pretty well as a songwriter and singer.

     As far as Charlie Daniels is concerned, I just remember how truly kind he was to me. The night we finished up recording, I drove him through the countryside to his bus. It was waiting to pick him up at an elementary school somewhere near Mt. Juliet, Tenn. It was foggy that night, and I remember thinking how awful it would be to have an accident in my vehicle and hurt a national treasure. 

     As we pulled into the parking lot, I told him one day that I would like to warm up for him. He told me to keep on with what I was doing, and he'd be warming up for me. That very weekend, I think, he was at the Superbowl playing with other country performers as the halftime act.

     I also remember sitting at the sound board with him while he was tuning his fiddle. I told him that I had seen him while I was in high school at Market Square Arena, and the place had been sold out. He looked at me and grinned and played the hook from "Devil Went Down To Georgia".

      Charlie and I had talked throughout the session about his past friendship with Toy Caldwell and Ronnie Van Zant. I was very familiar with Charlie's work with Toy, and I think that was pleasing to him. I had grown up on Southern Rock and Country music, and I told him some of the funny stories from my childhood and teen years as we had listened to his music so intently. "Took off runnin' like a motorcycle" was a line from the CDB song, "Trudy", that had become slang for, "trying to get away" in our weird little circle of friends.

     I also remember him telling me how he had regretted certain lines in the song, "Long Haired Country Boy", but I am not sure he would want me to share that information in-depth. But, Charlie had/has a solid relationship with Christ, and I know he would never want to steer anyone away from their relationship with God.  

     You can view/listen to my "Ready's Dream" video at https://youtu.be/iCrBWICNyYM . I hope you enjoy it. Your comments are much appreciated! Visit my website at www.ScottConer.com to hear my songs, watch other videos, or learn more about me.