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.

I put these in my “Mental Massage” playlist and each one of these is great for kicking back and relaxing with.

Check them out!

Brent Dennon – “Only Rain”

Great message for those who just got dumped or are going through a break up of some sort. Might help take the edge off for a little bit anyway. And is it just me or can you hear a tinge of Tom Petty in there.

Brent’s website

Justin Townes Earle – “Christ Church Women”

Steve Earle said that Justin is one of the best songwriters in the business.  Steve, being his father, is a little biased BUT its hard to argue with him. Press play and decide for yourself. Great tune!

Justin’s Official Website

Gillian Welsh – “Look at Miss Ohio”

The amount of soul in she puts into every breath is awesome. Grab an adult beverage, lay back in the chair or couch, press play and experience a wave of calm.

Gillian’s official website

I’ve also taken the liberty of starting a “Corey Recommends” playlist over on YouTube. If these songs are doing it for you, I guarantee you’ll dig that playlist as well. I’m always adding to it.

Who’s your favorite? Do you have any other suggestions?

Pssst…ARE YOU NEW HERE? Go grab 2 of my free song downloads here.

Image by jronaldlee via Flickr

Back in 2002 Bonnie Cooper experienced the unthinkable, she lost her mother and brother within 7 months of each other (can you imagine? either can I).

While making arrangements for the funeral she looked everywhere for music that would provide a fitting memorial to lay her loved ones to rest. Unfortunately, she didn’t find anything.

Knowing first hand that there was a need for this type of resource she decided to build her own memorial music site.

300 Per Day

Her site is called MemorialMusicLibrary.com . It is currently helping 300 people a day who visit her site looking for music for funerals and memorial site.

Help Me Return The Favor

I found out about Bonnie after she reached out to me to ask if she could feature my song “Minnesota Got Colder” on the front page. To return the favor, I want to help spread the word about her story and her site.

Join me in helping Bonnie spread the word. Forward here site to anyone you know of who may be looking for this type of music: Funeral homes, churches, anyone needing some comfort, making arrangements for memorial, etc.

Do You Know of Any Songs?

Also, Bonnie is always looking for more music for the site. If you have any ideas for songs that would be perfect for the library, either stop by the site and recommend them yourself or just put them in the comments below and I will be sure to pass them on.

Pssst…ARE YOU NEW HERE? Go grab 2 of my free song downloads here.

I’ve been pretty pissy lately. My head seems to get derailed and I feel stuck. I get wrapped up in what “is not” happening in my life and lose focus of what “is” happening (i.e. the really important stuff)… until today.

My daughter Maggie brought home this art work from preschool today and it served as a reminder. A reminder that not only is she the cutest thing since the word “cute” was invented – and that I need to wake up and smell the important stuff – BUT also, that something – or someone – does not have to be perfect to be perfect.

Thank God for children.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

Behind The Song

“Take This Ring” is a custom song written specifically for my uncle and aunt, Mark and Bonnie Aeling. I wanted to capture the feelings and thoughts that race through your head at that moment you realize how in love you are with someone and know you want to spend the rest of your life with that one person

Behind The Video

The bride and groom in the video are Cole and Krista McKean. They heard the song, loved it and asked me to perform it for their first dance (That night was the first night I ever met them). As you’ll see they look great together in the video.

So here you go, press play and watch the video now. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

By the way, if you do not have it already, learn how how you can get this song free by clicking here now.

Today, aside from authoring a headline longer than 3 freight trains, I wanted to profile a few of the world class singer-songwriters that I have the honor of supporting next Wednesday night (Sept. 21st) at the Mayo Civic in Rochester, MN: Sally Barris, Jon Vezner and Brandon Sampson.

Here are a few facts and some video from each of these artists. Enjoy!

Sally Barris

Website: http://www.sallybarris.com

She has had her songs recorded by Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and American Idolist finalist Kellie Pickler.

Here is a video Sally singing here tune “Let The Wind Chase You.”

Jon Vezner

Website: http://www.jonvezner.com

Check out the list of accomplishments this Minnesota born songwriters has compiled:

• Grammy Award for “Best Country Song” (“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea – 1989)
• Country Music Association (CMA)  ”Song of the Year” (“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea – 1989)
• Academy of Country Music (ACM) “Song of the Year” (“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea – 1989)
• Nashville Songwriter Association “Best Country Song” (“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea – 1989)
• NSAI “Songwriter of the Year”

Brandon Sampson

Website: http://sixmilegrove.com

Brandon is singer-songwriter from Minnesota. You can usually find him playing with his band Six Mile Grove (from Lyle, MN) and touring the Midwest with (Johnny Cash) music legend Bob Wootton.

As a cool side note, Brandon and Six Mile Grove were featured in an episode of “ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” which re-built a house in Albert Lea, MN.

And, he is also one of the people responsible for putting together the Americana Showcase (and for hiring me… thanks Brandon!).

Check out this warm-fuzzy inducing Six Mile Grove song featuring his 87 grandpa:

Good Stuff Aye?

Remember you can see all of them live, along with myself, on Wednesday September 21st in Rochester, MN at the Mayo Civic Theatre. You can get find out more information by clicking here now.

Let me know if you can make it and I’ll look out for you. We can have a few drinks and watch the show together.

Oh and are there any artists you think I or anyone else reading this should know about? Feel free to tell us about them below.

Image by matthewvenn via Flickr

Have you ever swore up and down that you couldn’t do something, and then all of the sudden, get a fire under your ass to just go out and do it?

That happened to me recently. Regretably, ever since I have been playing shows I have been very hesitant to book 3-4 hour shows because I was afraid. I was petrified that I couldn’t hold a room and would just dissappear into the background if I didn’t have a lead guitar player or other musician playing along with me. Guess I needed a crutch.

Well, after some soul searching, a lot of practice and some great advice from my friend and fellow musician, Rob Anthony, I finally bucked up and booked a 3 hour show at Patriot’s Pub in St. Charles, MN (great bar BTW) to do all by myself.

After it was all said and done, all I can say is, what the hell was I waiting for?

Now, I am pretty fired up and am in the process of scheduling all kinds of solo gigs. This will certainly open a few new doors. And just think, the only thing stopping me was me. I just needed to get the hell out of my own way.

How about you? How are you standing in your own way? What have you been afraid of doing that you know you could and should do? Then ask yourself, what could I do to light a fire under my ass to get it done?

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.