Blake Stratton • Official Site

New Live Album on Noisetrade

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:32:00 -0500

Hey y’all!

Good news: today I’m releasing a live acoustic recording called, Live at Common Table.

Other good news: it’s available for FREE exclusively on Noisetrade.

Check it out! I hope you dig it.

If you do, please do me a solid and tell your friends with a tweeter or facebook wall gram. Your online chatter helps me immensely!

This recording is about making room on the couch for those that couldn’t make it to Common Table that evening. I wanted to share some songs and some stories with my friends, and that’s all this is. Just me, the guitar, and some friendly folks kind enough to laugh at my jokes.

For the most part, this recording is raw and unedited. You’ll hear some sour notes, some flubs on the guitar. I didn’t perform perfectly, but perfection wasn’t the goal. We were all there just for a good time, and I hope you have one listening to this lil’ album.

—

Strawberry Bubblegu-u-u-ummm,

A Playlist For Spring

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:29:00 -0500

It’s snowing* this morning in Nashville, so I figured I would warm things up with a playlist for Spring.

In similar fashion to Fall and Winter, I’ve used Spotify to compile a list of songs that you can enjoy throughout the season. A soundtrack for blooming flowers, north-bound geese, and optimistic romantic endeavors. Some tracks are perennials coming around again, others are brand new buds. These are sounds of green, blue, yellow, and pink.

click here to listen to: green.blue.yellow.pink

Stay Crafty,
B

Note: The beauty of Spotify playlists is that they can be updated, which I plan to do with this playlist. So if you’re diggin on it, subscribe to it so you can catch additions. Please make suggestions in the comments below!

* Nearly 1/4 inch, so I think all schools and businesses are closed til May.

Live Recording

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:20:00 -0500

Exciting news! I’m going to be recording a live house show this weekend!

The show will be presented by Common Table, with a delicious bar menu prepared by Chef Simone Kigweba. If you know of him, you know why I’m already hungry.

If you’re in Nashville, grab a ticket. Space is limited, so check this link out asap: linkage

If you’re an out-of-towner, stay tuned for a recording of this night of fun times*.

Timberweeked,
B

* Note: food-chewing sounds will not be recorded.

To Be Used

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:47:00 -0600

“He’s totally using you.”

That’s a sign of dysfunction in relationship, isn’t it?

The guy who takes a girl on a date, buying drinks and emoting kindness, for the sake of ‘getting some.’ The girl who puts out for the sake of having relational security. These are classic examples of people using each other. And everybody knows this isn’t really love. Because “to use” someone is to treat a person like a product.

But some people love being used.

No, I’m not just talking about Bill Withers*. I’m talking about Christians.

For many us religious folks, the highest aim in life is to “be used” by God. That’s funny to me, that difference. Being used is unmistakable dyscfunction, but also beautiful piety. Huh? Aren’t both situations relational in nature?

–

Sometimes I pray for people and Jesus miraculously heals them, right there on the spot. It’s the craziest thing. I am consistently amazed at the miracles that have now become an almost normal way of life. Some folks, in a genuine attempt to honor me, say things like, “Wow, you’re like God’s instrument. He’s totally using you.”

My initial reaction to that statement is usually simple gratitude. How crazy is it that God could use me to do awesome stuff? It’s totes craze, that’s how crazy it is. I love it.

But in the long term, I have a hard time with a theology that I am, at my highest function, an instrument. I don’t want to be an instrument.

Instruments burn out, they rust away, but a son is in the family forever.

Did Jesus die for a set of tools to do his bidding? Or did he die so children could simply feel his love?

With all the heart-groove of that Bill Withers link,

Live From a House Show

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:45:12 -0600

I had the joy of playing a house show at Brent’s house this past December. Brent* did an amazing job setting up the show, and he even recorded it!

I wanted to share a couple of the tracks with alls y’all. Here ya go:

If you’re interested in having me play for you and your friends, don’t be shy! You can book a house show here: bam.

Lively Blake,

10 Podcasts for Getting Inspired

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:31:00 -0600

Keep inspiration in front of you.

Fear is the primary obstacle to my creativity. Fear leads to procrastination, failure, and emotional downturn. Although fear may drive me to work harder, the work itself is typically safe and uninspiring.

Working in a creative field is a serious grind for the uninspired. On the contrary, when I am filled with inspiration, productive creativity is the natural overflow.

Inspiration is a great fear-silencer. Because of its dramatic affect on my work and life, I’ve made receiving inspiration a daily priority.

One of my favorite sources of inspiration is podcasts. Podcasts are so accessible and easy to pair with an activity I have to do anyway, like working out or driving in my car.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin: You’d think Alec Baldwin did interviews for a living. He’s so good and has some fantastic guests.

2. This Is Your Life: Best-selling author Michael Hyatt clearly communicates some helpful tools to improve your life.

3. The Rise To The Top: Another great interview podcast with entrepreneurs of the media world.

4. Bethel Church “Sermon of The Week”: Be careful. Listening to this podcast led me to live in Redding, CA for two years!

5. The EntreLeadership Podcast: Combines clips from Dave Ramsey with interviews of inspiring leaders.

6. Beyond The To-Do List: An interview podcast with some bosses of productivity.

7. Mike And Tom Eat Snacks: Sometimes the most inspiring thing to listen to is a couple guys being hilarious.

8. The Art of Manliness: Brett McKay just picked this back up to accompany his phenomenal blog. Great, manly interviews get me pumped!

9. NPR: Tiny Desk Concerts: This is actually video podcast. Includes some fresh acts playing acoustic sets.

10. ESPN: PTI: Is there anything more inspiring than Kornheiser and Wilbon? Absolutely. But sometimes it’s great to unwind while two guys yack about sports.

I’m always on the lookout for more inspiration. What podcasts inspire you? Get your comment on, y’all.

Casting thanks,

PS: for my fellow nerds, do you want a better podcast app than what iOS offers? Try Downcast. I love it. Not as pretty, but functionally superior in every way.

Love(less) for Elenowen

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:29:00 -0600

I had the honor of playing some music with my dear friends of Elenowen last night at the famous Nashville landmark, The Loveless Cafe. It was an Instagramable night, indeed.

They actually filmed the show, which included a handful of other local artists. If you’d like to see my amazing friends (and my groove face), you can check out this video stream. Elenowen performs near the end, just after the 2-hour mark.

And speaking of the Internet, I’m streaming a show tonight as well. Tune in at 8 pm CST!

Love(ful),

A Playlist For Winter

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:16:00 -0600

Winter has been around, officially speaking, for over a month now. But it seems to me that Old Man Winter (Ol’ Dubs, we’ll call him) waits until late January to really bring his A-game. Or maybe that’s just when I bench my starters, seasonally speaking.

Christmas happy, Year-End party, New Year’s resolve…I give Ol’ Dubs my emotional best early on, hoping he’ll just throw in the towelº and make way for Spring. But Winter is a patient one. A crafty son of a gun, indeed. “Oh, thought you’d get up early and workout? Wellll, how about some dark sky and freezing rain with that protein shake?”

It’s for the late round Winter that I made this playlist. You won’t find any Christmas carols, but there will be some songs to keep you warm*. The other sounds I put together are for the cold mornings, all-too-early nightfalls, and long icy drives when all you see outside is: white, blue, gray and black.

enjoy.

I need a winter coach,

note: the beauty of Spotify playlists is that they can be updated, which I plan to do with this playlist. so if you’re diggin on it, subscribe to it so you can catch Ol’ Dubs additions. And make suggestions in the comments below!

º I’m mixing metaphors now, I guess. I should get better at writing sport game.

* R&B is the hot chocolate of winter music.

I’ll be streaming a little acoustic show from...

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:07:20 -0600

I’ll be streaming a little acoustic show from StageIt.com next week. I wanna share some new tunes with y’all as well as play any requests you might have. Check it out!

Digitally Yours,

Where Peace Hides

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:13:00 -0600

Sometimes I can’t find it in the spiritual routines. Sometimes it doesn’t show up after a hard day’s busy-ness. Peace is like water; I know can’t go long without it. But sometimes it feels so elusive.

I had one of those times last year. For a sensi-guy like myself, it doesn’t take much to go from, “Life is awesome, I can do anything!” to “Bahhh, I can’t even get out of bed or finish this sente…”

So I did what any man of excellence would do. I went on Facebook.

My friend had posted a video of Bon Iver performing in a studio, and I started watching it, glad to have a companion for this session of cyber-wallowing.

The performance was great. Well, it was above great–it was moving. I got lost. Music did what she loves to do and took me away, for a moment, and gave me refuge from the day. It’s that moment, that’s what I love so much about music.

And, there it was. Peace.

Peace reminded me who I was. The hardness of self-disappointment on my heart was melted not through a Bible teaching, but through the artful falsetto of Justin Vernon. I remembered,

Peace is often hiding in the places I love to go the most.

Enjoy. Have some free Peace, y’all.

(Skinny) Love,

2012: The Year of the Chick, and other musics

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:01:00 -0600

So I’m a little behind the times. I know, 2012-related blog posts are sooo last year*. But here’s my take on the music I enjoyed.

2012: The Year Of…

…The Chick:

Madi Diaz: Not one, but two excellent albums this year. Shoot. “Love You Now.”

Kate York: Took a gospel-y turn. I dig it. “Fall Into The Flood.”

Butterfly Boucher: She is a real-life rock star. That’s the deal. “Warning Bell.”

Tennis: My friends are cooler than me. Thank Alaina for this indie delicious. “Origins.”

Alicia Keys: After her last album, I thought I was done. But her newest record is my favorite project of hers to date. And by that I mean I want to sit across from these songs at a candlelit dinner. “Not Even The King.”

Audrey Assad: Her voice could revive the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series. “Sparrow.”

Liz Longley: Speaking of voices that make me fall over… “Rush.”

…Soul Power:

Frank Ocean: Easily my favorite album of 2012. Game. Over. “Sweet Life.”

Miguel: Exceptional production. Just pretend you don’t hear the lyrics. “Do You…”

R. Kelly: Obvi. “Feelin’ Single.”

Usher: Didn’t love the whole album, but can’t deny the great production. “Climax.”

Alicia Keys: Again. Vintage tones and comfy instrumentation that let these great songs speak for themselves. “Tears Always Win.”

Bruno Mars: Single-handedly inspires me to DJ more dance parties. “Treasure.”

…Guys with Guitars:

Ed Sheeran: He’s 21 and has me asking what am I doing with my life. “Give Me Love.”

Mumford & Sons: Because you definitely haven’t heard of them already. “Not With Haste.”

Foy Vance: Moody and soulfully perfect…for your favorite ABC drama. “Be The Song.”

…The Masters:

Bruce Springsteen: Oh, ya…that’s how you write a song. “Shackled And Drawn”

John Mayer: He can do whatever he wants. That’s what I learned from the cowboy hat. “Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey.”

Ben Folds Five: They returned in a blaze of high school nostalgia. Hallelujah. “Michael Praytor, Five Years Later.”

…The Next Year

Justin Timberlake: He drops a single, I fall over. Bam.

Leagues: Maybe the best rock band in Nashville, definitely my favorite. Expecting a late January album release, but check this out in the meantime.

D’Angelo: Last year he toured for the first time in over a decade. Rumor said we’d have a new album last fall. Does anybody know when I can start freaking out?

Andrew Ripp: I don’t think he’s said anything officially yet, so for now I’ll just say…”eeeek!”

(click here for the full Spotify playlist, which includes some bonus grooves)

—

If you missed any of these last year, make a new year’s groove resolution to love spotify and check ‘em out.

But what do I need to check out? What was 2012 the year of for you? Help a brudder out.

Mangoes, peaches, and lime,

* It hurt a little to write that. But I made a resolution this year to tell more terrible dad jokes. Discipline.

My first and most heartfelt blurg recommendation

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 14:31:08 -0600

My first and most heartfelt blurg recommendation:

If you don’t follow my man/everything Jake Goss, you absolutely must. Unless finding out about awesome new music curated by a phenomenal musician sounds like a terrible time. Then definitely avoid his blog.

Your werlcurrm,

ps: Remember Jake?

withurmswideopen:

playlist of the durr:

sound won: “The Hunter” by On An On

sound to: ”XYXY” by Mesita

sound thr3: ”Everything Is Embarrassing” by Sky Ferreira

sound for: ”Wise Man” by Frank Ocean

sound phive: “FEELSOLOW” by NO CEREMONY

sound sicks: “Migrating Clay Pigeon” by Man Without Country

Top 10 God Quotes of 2012

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:06:00 -0600

I suppose some folks might find this ridiculous. I mean, I would have thought it silly myself only a handful of years ago. So at the risk of appearing odd, I’ll let you know…

I believe God speaks to me. Not just through scriptures or sunlight through clouds, but in words personally crafted for my benefit. Prayer is like a conversation, with the most clever and loving person I know. I ask questions, God answers, and vice versa. How I “hear” God speak is a topic for another post*, but I will say that this connection process has become the essential fuel of my life.

While I believe God’s words to be bulletproof, my ability to receive is definitely not. I admit, to assume I could “quote God” in a sense seems laughably pretentious. But although I might not always get it right, my years spent listening to this Voice have been far more enjoyable than when I didn’t believe the Voice spoke at all. So I thought I’d share a lil’…for fun.

Here are a few samples I enjoyed most from last year. (My questions are italicized.)

—

Top 10 God Quotes of 2012

1. What was your favorite part of being a man?

“The community of other men as brothers.”

2. When did you feel most manly?

“When I cared for the widows and orphans…and when I watched my disciples do the same.”

3. (asked God to see his glory and he told me to look at my roommate)

“I am more accurately represented in the roommate who can annoy you than the gold dust that can wow you.”

4. “Strength comes from testing, and not just the tests you pass. Strength is built in the repair as well.”

5. If you were a man in my society, what occupation would you choose?

“Floral designer. Arranging the beauty of my creation for its intended purpose—to bring my children joy.”

6. (After watching You’ve Got Mail) What do you think of that film?

“I love Meg Ryan, her hope for love, hope to be fully understood and delighted in—that’s what I bring.”

7. On discipline…

“You believe discipline means giving up your dreams. But my discipline enables your dreams; it will not diminish them or crucify them to your embarassment.

Just as you lost your life to save it, you put chains on yourself to become free.”

8. “I never teach you lessons by embarassing you.”

9. “In order to take hold of what your heart desires, you must let go of what your flesh desires.”

10. “We will win, together.”

—

I know I’m not the only crazy one. What tweet-ables did God send your way last year?

Of course I like You’ve Got Mail,

* Or another blog. Or…like, a church or something.

House Shows

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:11:00 -0600

Behold, I bring tidings of great joy! Two specific points of tiding, in fact.

1) Baby Jesus! He got borned!

2) I am now accepting house show bookings. Here’s a lil’ video of what a house show can look like.

Hosting a house show is as easy as hanging out with your friends. If you’re interested in having me play some music in your living room, just fill out this form.

Thanks, y’all!

My finger has a heartbeat,

“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else...

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 11:52:46 -0600

“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.” - Spud Webb

Your New Favorite Artist: Liz Longley

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:23:00 -0600

You might fall over. This is your official warning.

Earlier this year I had the chance to meet Liz Longley˚. What a gal. Her manager had set up a co-writing appointment for us, and I quickly discovered that Liz was suuuper talented.

Oftentimes a co-writing session will last several hours, and it’s not uncommon to end the day with an incomplete song. Within a couple hours of meeting Liz, though, we completely finished a song we were proud of called, “Will I See You Again.”

The song is included in her EP, Inside This Song which dropped a couple weeks ago. If you choose (rightly) to download it, get ready to hear one of the melted-butteriest voices ever.

I’d love to hear what you think* of the EP and “Will I See You Again.” Don’t be shy in the comment section, y’all. And feel free to give @lizlongley a shout out on the Twitters.

If you need me I’ll be listening and slowly shaking my head.

˚ No relation to this man. I think.

* After you’ve managed to pick yourself from off the ground, of course. I recommend listening on your bed to prevent injury.

For Photogs and Videogs

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:40:08 -0600

Cool news!

Are you a wedding photographer or videographer*? Indie filmmaker?

You can now license my music for your projects through The Music Bed. It’s easy, affordable, and even legal. How bout it.

Instrumental versions of my songs are there as well. That is neat.

Click here for a full explanation of what The Music Bed is all about.

Thanks for your support, y’all!

* Especially ideal for wedding aisles ranging 500 miles.

Let Me Win You Over

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:32:10 -0500

Here’s a song demo I just recorded on my iPhone. Hope you don’t mind the rough edges…my pro studio* is still under construction.

I enabled commenting˚ on the blog, so let me know if you think this one has potential. I just wrote it earlier this week so it may still need some tweaking. Love y’all, thanks for listening.

Autumnally yours,

* Studio may not actually exist.

˚ Ya, I’m pretty much a tech genius. Not a big deal…

—

Let Me Win You Over

I claim no feats of strength

no gospel in these hands

but my heart a mirror holds

that you could see yourself like I can

let me win you over

you might be surprised

at what you find inside me

let me win you over

you might be the light

I’ve been following on my way home

teach me how you dream

you’re all I want to learn

that the winds would break on me

that your fire could always burn

baby, say the word

remember not the past

fear not what you’ve done

my love’s an open field

there’s room for us to run

let me win you over

you might be surprised

let me win you over

let me be the light

you can follow on your way

This month, some men at my church are supporting our friend Ben...

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:53:04 -0500

This month, some men at my church are supporting our friend Ben with faith, prayer, and…mustaches. Mine will probably look gross*, which will be a helpful reminder that cancer is terrible and needs to end.

Happy #Movember, y’all!

* I didn’t get my father’s facial hair genes

When the Canvas Paints

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 11:01:00 -0500

Sarah is a great painter, and she doesn’t even know what she paints.

Sometimes during worship time at my church in Nashville, an artist will paint on stage alongside the band. I didn’t get a chance to see what Sarah was painting during last night’s set, so I asked her afterward when she came backstage.

“Oh, I don’t know.” She responded matter-of-factly.

I was confused. She hadn’t said that with defeat in her voice, like when I draw an elephant* but it looks more like a palm tree. “Huh? You don’t know?”

“Ya, I’m not sure yet. I didn’t get a chance to step back after worship and really get a good look at it,” she said, “I think it ended up to be something like sailboats on the sea, but I’m not sure yet.”

I was still confused. I had expected her to say her painting was just an assortment of colors, intentionally abstract. I didn’t understand how she could’ve somehow painted a legible image without planning it beforehand.

“But…uh, you painted it…you didn’t know what you were painting? How is that possible?”

Sarah went on to explain her process, which I found fascinating. She said that she starts by choosing a few colors, but actually decides little else beyond that. As the worship music and praise surround her, she begins to “see˙” things on the blank canvas. She simply paints what she sees as the canvas reveals itself.

It’s an artistic conversation, not an imposition. Sarah may have started with an idea, a tone or color scheme, but there isn’t a plan, per se. Her creative process is as much of a plan to receive as it is to give.

—-

This reminded me of something Steve Moakler once told me. Years ago, he wrote a song called, “Run,” and it just blew my mind. The song was brilliant in my opinion, and I specifically was going on to Steve about how perfect the chorus lyrics were:

how many times do you set love free?

before you know it’s supposed to be

how long do you wait and see?

before you know to run to me

I know, it’s genius, right? He made simple such a complex romantic feeling, and yet he seemed a bit surprised at my comment.

“That’s funny, man. I honestly didn’t totally know what I was writing at the time. I’m still not completely sure what it means. What does it mean to you?”

At that moment, I genuinely considered slapping him in the faceˆ. How could he have written so well without a complete understanding of what he was doing? I had always figured that greater mental control would mean greater artistic expression.

But it seems the most beautiful creations have to maintain their freedom. The voice of the creator cannot be fully heard if the creation is denied the right to speak for itself.

—-

Some peopleº believe that the sovereignty of God means that every action of man is completely predetermined. That a man has no say in his destiny. But it’s interesting to me how Bible people like Abraham, David, and Mary seemed to influence the plans of The Almighty.

Pastor/hero Bill Johnson describes this concept as God “writing man’s free will into his sovereign plan.” Bill’s a wiser man than I, so please direct your theological questions here.

But perhaps God’s plan is actually for his canvas to help him finish the painting.

—-

Kinda deep for a Saturday morning, I know.

Pass the Fruity Pebbles,

* indeed, elephant drawing is an age-old family pasttime

˙ so as not to misquote my friend, I’ll say that Sarah attributed part of her “seeing” process to listening to the Holy Spirit. Or as our church calls it, “hearing God’s voice.”

ˆ but how could you slap this face?

º me, 6 years ago