Dearest One,
I have just completed five brand new compositions for a new jazz album project TBA with a local very gifted and savvy Nanaimo jazz record producer/entrepreneur!
I am currently composing more new jazz compositions for quintet and sextet with a “guitaresque,” approach, inspired by spiritual jazz, while writing for horns.
I do not want to reveal too much about this yet, I am not sure exactly when I will release, or if I will get funding in a timely manner. If I receive funding from the wonderful support of the Canada Council, I hope to go ahead with the project. I will announce more likely by August/September 2025. I can not wait to tell you about the fab producer, who you may know locally about already! He is just a phenom force! And the band...is just too amazing!!! More news will be coming, so fingers crossed for funding!
PS!! My composition, "Up the Mountain," produced by jazz producer extraordinaire Rick Kilburn, just got chosen for a very exciting project, more to follow on that once it's possible to announce!!!
Image by Dirk Heydemann of HA Photography.
The Process
I have been writing music away from the guitar and piano to start off ideas to envision and “imagine the sound,” as a favorite friend and peer refers to in compositional process. No AI or computer notational systems. Organic as #1 choice, with a real pen and with real paper, and with ideas that evolve and develop and morph with white out or scribbled out ideas instead of a mouse.
I am interested in being as authentic as possible and honouring the creative process and traditions practiced by composers for centuries. Currently, I'm planning on using music notation software only for transposing quickly, but not for composing. For long works I may re-visit the computerized notation idea, but I am comfortable with notational tradition and transposing the old-fashioned way, using real thoughts, not automation.
My composition teacher, James Tenney (1934-2006), always encouraged the art of music calligraphy, created with actual black ink. Bottles of messy, not-to-be-spilled ink. The old process of dipping the calligraphy pen into ink, then removing the spotty excess ink onto waste paper, and then notating. And, yes, I even notated with feather quill tips, too, as an experiment.
The art of music notation is a serious endeavour. Tenney encouraged this notational tradition with me for over two years. He never ever once criticized the music. Instead, he focused on the notation.
James Tenney wanted to be sure I could notate my ideas artfully without interfering with my creative process or even guiding it. He had said that he did not want to influence me; he wanted me to be as free to create as possible. He hated it when we wrote without creative process, and he once criticized a classmate heavily for writing a fugue. ( A fugue is a style of music from the 16th century. Think JS Bach.) I was completely honoured when he gifted me a 16th-century shape note religious score he had received as a gift. Yet to him, it was of not much value or relevance.
The Martyr, a gift from James Tenney. This is an extremely early example of music notation as handwritten by monks.
He had said it was “old” without much modern relevance. He was interested in innovation. He was not so crazy about improvised jazz, yet I forgave him for this and adored him completely anyway, and I learned so much from him. He was brilliant and a wonderful composer. He could play complex subtle completely dissonant works by Charles Ives by memory like they were nursery rhymes.
It was very exciting to meet and chat with his friend and colleague John Cage at Darmstadt, Germany. I stopped in to see them honor both Tenney and Cage as composers in the late 90s.
I particularly like the idea of critical thinking and self-autonomy of thought and organic creative processes. So, despite having been a TV Director in my community for 6 years, I never watched Netflix. Not once. I stopped watching TV six months ago after having only watched actual TV programs 10-20 times in 10 years other than what I was directing. It was a complete “what if I want to watch it” money waste kind of “idea hoarding.”
I had a TV to watch the TV shows I was directing regularly on community TV, with their other great programming to refine my directing skills as guided through experience by my mentors.
So despite not having watched Netflix. Ever. I still managed to create, and with the Shaw team it was even possible to innovate, and that was when the three Best Web and New Media awards came in from Hollywood. Then it progressed to a total of thirteen awards and it just seemed better to put a stop to festing when we already had 13.
I grew up watching so much TV, getting "programmed," and also at university, that there was a need and a drive to reject any type of thought programming going forward past 2020.
The music score James Tenney had gifted me from the 1600s was called, he said, “The Martyr.”
FILM
I am still seeking an investor partnership to finish off post-production for my short film, In the Zone: Rick Kilburn. I found out that due to my short being prepared for distribution purposes that I am not eligible for most obtainable arts funding within BC. So it may take some time. Film directors find often at this stage that it can be tricky to finalize, so it is not unusual. I was advised by a top film professional not to pursue the Hollywood distributor/aggregator offer.
So now, going forward I have put out the thoughts to study with a mentor. I have been fortunate to have a session with a wonderful LA filmmaker, and co-founder of Slamdance, Jon Fitzgerald, who I hope to secure funding for so that I can study global film distribution and post post-production.
I plan on releasing a feature film in 2028-9ish, or starting the work. I may also prior to this (only if very inspired) release a doc experiment shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max, too. So stay tuned! All this while working on music. Looks like I am back at composing and it feels completely normal like "going home."
WRITING
Keep an eye out too, for my upcoming article on a very adored local Nanaimo bandleader who I have wanted to write about for decades! Keep a watch out HERE in my In the Zen blog link for the article. Also, catch the latest on Quebec trumpet sensation Rachel Therrien and NYC (former Toronto resident) trumpet phenom Brownman Ali!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS ON SALE FOR SPRING!
"Those six years of TV Directing you did really has been beneficial for me. Thank you so much Kerilie for the video editing tips, it's made such a difference in my podcasts!" —Christopher Kup, ONstage Music Podcast
Beginner Podcast Producer Intro Workshop, Hosting, Editing, & The Interview, ZOOM -June 7, 2025, 11 am PST (2 pm EST)
Kerilie McDowall hosted the #1 global Player FM jazz podcast from 2013-15, on Rhythm'a'ning from Nanaimo, Canada. 16-time award-winning Polaris Music Prize and DownBeat Critics Poll juror (Juno Awards 2016-23) Kerilie McDowall teaches what 99.99% of people in business and the arts don't know about international, national, and local publicity and the media.
From TV, radio, blog guesting, to magazines, podcasts and film, the guitarist-filmmaker Kerilie McDowall ( jazz radio host/producer of 17 years, TV host/director 7 years) gives beginner podcasters the breaks to help you nail your first interview. From hosting to the interview, form, writing, overcoming blocks/idea generation, to editing tricks, lighting, and makeup and tips.
Brought to you by Oceanview Guitar Studio & Creative Services. Message for the YouTube link $49 or join me on ZOOM, drop me a line for the link. https://kerilie.com/contact
Publicity and the Media Workshop
Many musicians have asked me to re-run the Publicity and the Media for Business & Creatives workshop. I am not always great with the events details, so I am giving you a good deal of time this time around to sign up as we head into summer. It is running now on sale for $49 USD (regular price $225) for ZOOM or online anytime by YouTube to view at your convenience. Or you can also pay what you can afford by donation on Pay Pal.
Here is some feedback below on the workshop from such a personal favorite bass player.
I met bassist and composer Rich Brown first many years ago when he was performing with jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa during the Codebook tour I think it was. Recently due to some music judging (JUNOs (2016-23), and currently the DownBeat Critics Poll, Polaris Music Prize) and wanting to suggest Rich as a top candidate due to his incredible work over the past few years, we connected and ended up having quite a few very pleasant chats.
I wanted to make sure Rich had some crucial information to really give him all he needed for releasing his next album, so we did a workshop together.
It was very exciting to see Rich making history as a Canadian jazz bassist with Steve Coleman and Five Elements on Pi Recordings recently. Very few Canadians have performed with the top US elites of the jazz world. Brown is amongst the greats like Oscar Peterson, Sonny Greenwich, Diana Krall, and a select few others, performing with the best from the jazz world.
Here are a few words from Rich, his sound is absolutely beautiful and I am so honored by his kind words.
“Kerilie's advice was an absolute Godsend that could not have come at a better time. Kerilie and I began corresponding on a semi-regular basis just as I was putting the finishing touches on my fourth album. Her help was invaluable, and I learned something new about the fine art of self-promotion (which was never my strong suit) each time we spoke. I can't thank her enough for sharing her wisdom and experience, and I plan to put her advice to good use with each new project.”
—JUNO-winning bassist Rich Brown, Toronto, Canada (Steve Coleman and Five Elements, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio, Rudresh Mahanthappa).
If you would like more information about the workshop dm Kerilie McDowall or email me at https://kerilie.com/contact. Message for the payment link for the YouTube video after payment, or sign up for one on one sessions. Visit the link below for the Pay Pal address for sliding scale or to pay a donation.
Payment here. By ZOOM with an additional recording link, June 22, 2025, 11 am PST (2 pm EST) or online anytime by YouTube to view at your convenience. https://kerilie.com/.../p/publicity-and-the-media-workshop
https://kerilie.com/contact.
Introduction to Film Festing for New Directors
By ZOOM with a recording link, June 14, 2025, 11 am PST (2 pm EST) or online anytime by YouTube to view at your convenience.
Work closely with 13-time award winning short film/TV Director Kerilie McDowall and discover the world of film festing. Planning Organic social media, how to make a good impression, international press strategy, film festival targeting, follow up, strategies to award-winning, and more.$49 USD special deal Sign up (regular $$124.99 online $225 one on one)- choose the online option...also choose this option if you are disabled, a senior, or need sliding scale.
https://kerilie.com/lessons.../p/film-video-festinghttps://kerilie.com/contact
SERVICES AND MORE
Re: The loss of my mother, Stephanie McDowall
I would like to share a wonderful healing modality for grief with you. I would like to guide you through enduring grieving trauma with focus, calm, and reflecting inward towards the sweet balancing of your inner divine with the sacred healing power of sound of the Nepalese Singing Bowls with your own personal sense of the sacred according to your own religious beliefs.
I worked with many cultures and religious practices as the past communications specialist and writer for Nanaimo's multi-faith spiritual retreat centre, the Bethlehem Centre.
Working with the singing bowls helped me to release past loss trauma of former jazz bandmates and other losses as well, and gently guided me back to composing music again after a decades-long period of grief and hiatus.
To learn more about a complimentary free trial healing session, contact me below.
A walk on the oceanside beach, bringing the water's healing waves inward, with a nod to healing and clarification can help you re-focus on centering with a forest, garden or sound bath.
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Do not worry! As a writer, I fully disagree with using AI to create false text or worthless spam. Those that spam their friends with AI almost daily do not realize how exhausting that is. I value your space, your right to have serenity, and yes, I respect your time.
THE LATEST
Guesting: If you did not see this yet, catch me for an in-depth interview on the ONStage Music Podcast with host Christopher Kup! From all of my latest music and film news to thoughts on AI, to the smashing of guitars, and all things guitar and music-judging trivia-ish! There is a bit of it all for everyone! (And a short sound bath sample.) Recorded in October 2024.
ONstage Music Podcast Interview:
If you are interested in Sound Bath lessons, music or film or business coaching or workshops, click on any of the tabs in the link for coaching below.
And lastly if you prefer a $70 USD ($100 CAD) consult (of any type), here is the link!
Kind regards,
Kerilie McDowall
https://kerilie.com 1-250-668-3589 oceanviewguitar@gmail.com
