Now, lets get to the new stuff.

Watch This First…

Press Play, Listen, Read On…

Pay What You Want…

You will notice that the price is currently set to “Pay What You Want.” It means what it says and even includes paying nothing (yep, the song is completely free. Costs you $0). And you can download the song in any version you would like – mp3, wav, ogg, etc . Hell you can even send a copy to your friends if you feel like it and I will not call the internet police or the RIAA or anything like that.

Just so you know, If you pay anything at all between now and March 1st (when I release my next song), I will put your name in the song credits under “Associate Producer” (UPDATE: or whatever title you choose – good idea Greg D.) which will forever link you to the song and proudly put you on display for everyone to see that you are supporting one very grateful musician. The your name will reside in the credits on Bandcamp for now but when it comes time to release physical copy of the CD, it will be there too.

Download It Now!

BIG Thanks To Those Who Inspired It…

This song was born out some of the reading I’ve been doing over the past few months. Here are some of the authors/artist/world-changers who planted the seed.

I’ve included links to their sites (click on their name). I strongly encourage you to go check them out.

Joshua Fields Millburn - He is a minimalist and blogs about focusing on what is REALLY important to you.

Chris Guillebeau - Aside from setting a goal to visit every country in the world (he’s almost there), he teaches people who to dominate the world via Art of Non-Conformity (bold but you’ll understand when you get there).

Julien Smith - Julien is basically like your conscience. Like a little drill sergeant on your shoulder telling you to get your ass moving. When you are slacking, stop by and read some of Julien’s writings. He’ll whip you into shape pretty quick.

Steve Earle - A comment he made in a American Songwriter interview is what sparked this whole song. The Big Bang moment if you will.

Ben Franklin - Aside from being one of my favorite historical figures, he penned a quote that fits quite nicely with this song:

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made, What’s a sundial in the shade?”

Get Your Download…

Oh and remember, this is just the first song in the string of many. I am kicking off my “One Song A Month Indefinitely” plan starting now so keep an eye out on my blog via RSS or jump on my newsletter (look up and to the right) for future releases because if you are digging this tune, you will not be sorry you did.

Can You Answer This?

How would you fill in this blank?

If I could make a living doing _________ I would be the happiest person on the planet.

Type your answer in the comments below.

You can request my originals or my unique takes on covers from artists like America, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty, Three Doors Down, and Fleetwood Mac.

Grab one of the only 25 available tickets now to secure your front row seat..

Click here now to get your ticket.

First…

First, i am giving the song away for free through Memorial Day. Just visit this page and download it now.

When there, just click on “Free Download” under “Digital Track.”

Also, pease feel free to pass it on to anyone on Facebook, Twitter, your site, in your email, wherever.

Second…

I thought it would be great if you could share the name and/or a story about someone who is not with us today – if you are up to it.

Here is what I was thinking;

1) In the comments below the video, tell us who you will be remembering this Memorial Day. Maybe even share a story if you’d like.

2) Share this video with everyone you think would like to participate.

Can’t wait to read your stories.

250 Miles

Last Wednesday I set out down highway 61 along the Mississippi River to the play a gig up at School II in Chanhassen, MN.  At the gig, MJ, One of the artist that played that night, talked during her set about how beautiful it was driving along the same stretch a few days earlier. Man, I could not agree more.

That stretch of highway of is possibly the most beautiful stretches of any I’ve ever been on, especially in the fall with all the leaves turning brown, yellow, red and everything in between. Funny how I’ve been down that rode hundreds of times throughout my life but for some reason it never really hit me until this trip.

Anyway, if you live nearby and you get a chance, make sure you take the drive before all the leaves are gone.

The Perfect Breakfast

Also on the trip I decided stop for breakfast. A few years back some friends and I stopped at a place called “The Whistle Stop Cafe” which is in Frontenac just outside of Lake City on the a recommendation from my uncle Bruce. The home-cooked food and excellent service was was reeling me in again.

For the record, I am kind of pissed at myself for not having a camera along with me so I could've taken a few shot around Lake Pepin and then shared them with you. But, this pic should give you an idea. - Image by Jvstin via Flickr

This time was no exception. Everything tasted AWESOME. The hasbrowns, that filled almost the entire plate, where cooked perfectly and tasted like they where just shredded using potatoes from a nearby garden.

I went with eggs over medium because I was in a toast-dipping mood. They were cooked perfect!

And I even stepped out of my comfort zone a bit by choosing something outside of the usual ham-sausage-bacon medley by opting for kielbasa (my German and Polish heritage were begging me). Lots of times meat like this can be too spicy or extremely greasy but not this time. Again, very good.

As far as the service, I had my food in front of my quick and steaming hot despite a full parking lot and crowded dining room (at 10am on a weekday). The gal working was very nice and seemed to have a good spirit about her. She never let me see the bottom of my coffee cup (constantly stopping by to fill it up).

In The End

Overall, it was a pretty damn good 24 hours. I had a gorgeous drive, a great breakfast, heard some great music and had some great conversation with new and old friends the night a the gig. It was the kind of day that breaks up the monotony of the weekly grind and fills your soul with a breathe of fresh air.  How about you, had any days like that lately?

The Video

And here is some a video of me playing my tune “On My Way” that night. Looking back on it, the song really fits the whole experience.

P.S – A huge thanks to MJ for inviting me up, Jamie and AJ for letting me crash at their house, Rod for offering to let me crash at his, Stephanie for the video and to everyone who came out that night (even if you didn’t get to hear any music, Marta – lol).

P.S.S. – OH, and before I forget, be on the look out for some future posts on this very subject. You could just sign up to my fanlist when visit PlanetCorey.com.  I will deliver the article right to your email inbox and I’ll even give 3 free mp3 downloads right now just to say thanks.

It is the second time I’ve seen this, but damn, every time I watch it I get jacked up and wanna play guitar, make music, create something, etc. Now I really can’t sleep, but that’s ok (at least until the kids wake me up in the morning). That’s when the good stuff comes out.

I was thinking about how freakin amazing it is that the contents of a small plastic disc can plant a seed. Plant it, water it, and feed it – as long as you let it. As long as you let grow. Let it take you where it needs to take you.

After watching the show I have a whole new appreciation for Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. They were like kids sharing their inspirations telling their stories, playing tunes and, from what i can tell, truly enjoying the company of the other two. Watching others artists create is infectious.

Hell, if you are a musician and this movie doesn’t will you to pick up an instrument, then you better check your pulse. And if your are not a musician and this movie gets you pumped, there is a musician inside begging to get out. LET HIM (OR HER) OUT DAMMIT!

I guess the the moral of this late night ramble is…ah…um…do yourself a favor and watch “It Might Get Loud.” Then pick up your guitar or go buy one (or not, check out the classic opening scene below). Join the fun.

OH, and before I forget, be on the look out for some future posts on this very subject. You could just sign up to my fanlist (look to your right when you visit PlanetCorey.com now).  I will deliver the article right to your email inbox and I’ll even give 3 free mp3 downloads right now just to say thanks.

So why am i telling you this? Well I just wanted to share my latest music podcast with you.

I call the show the Melting Pot since I like a variety of different music. I usually post the show over on Musicgoat.com but I am gonna start putting it up on my PlanetCorey site so you can listen in too.

I call the latest episode “Acoustic Soul And Folk Maintain. I found some great artists that I am sure you will like. The music on this one can be described as mellow, insightful, upbeat, soulful, motivational and would be great to grab a drink and kick back too.

Some artist are local to me – I live in Winona, MN – and others are from as far away as Maine and Portland, OR.

Listen now and share with everyone you know (they will love you for it).

Press Play Now

Download audio file (mmp039_acoustic_soul_maintain.mp3)
Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Artists And Songs heard on this podcast

Jokers And Jacks – “Now Way To Go”

Nick Shattuck – “Follow The River”

Nick Shattuck – “Best That I Can”

Chris Kendall – “Sing The Same Song”

A big thanks to everyone down there for being part of the great selection of local artist.

• Artist: Corey Koehler
• Date: Saturday, July 17th 2010
• Time: 7:30pm
• City: Corey Koehler in Winona, MN
• Venue: Westfield Golf Club
• Country: US
• Admission: Free
• Age restrictions: No Minors
• Notes: To add a little twist to our usually good timin show, Doc and I will be joined by Twin Cities singer/songwriter MJ Kroll. This show is FREE and open to everyone. Don’t miss it! Stop down!
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

About a month ago I was at a music conference in Las Vegas and I met some very talented musicians from all over the country. One of the artists i met was MJ Kroll, who – lucky for us – just happens to be from the Twin Cities.

She is extremely down to earth, is a very talented songwriter and, from what she tells me, like to tip a few back from time to time (so she’ll fit in real nice with our crowd).

Anyway, I thought it would be pretty cool to invite her down to Winona to share her music with you and give you a little taste of something different. So on July 17th she will be performing with Doc and I at the Westfield Lounge (show starts a 7:30 pm).

In the meantime, check out her video for her song called “Resonate.” After watching that, stop over and grab a free download at her site, www.MJKroll.com. See you there!

Big thanks to…
… Chris over at Criss Cross Radio for having me on the show. I had a lot of fun and even had the chance to play a few tunes live over the phone. Listen to my interview on Criss Cross Radio.

… Thanks to Valsam at Rootstime.be over in Belgium for what could be it my first review. You can read a reviews of Never Too late here.

… Felicia Ceballos-Marroquin over at RecordSpeak.com a review of my CD. You can read another review of Never Too Late here.

… Eric over at Double Shot Radio for playing “Change The World” and “One Step At A Time”. Listen to the Double Shot Radio podcast here.

And as always thanks to everyone who has bought a cd, came to a show or shared my music. I appreciate it all more than you know.