Hi Dave, Welcome to my blog, I’m happy meet you and
introduce you to my readers. Let’s get started.
Title, genre, format
(ebook, paperback):
The Music Book,
literature, paperback
Tell me about your
book/story:
The Music Book is
a blend of fiction and non-fiction and grew out of the music writing I did in
Seattle for Seattle Subsonic and Northwest Music Scene. The non-fiction
elements are the music reviews. The bands, musicians, and songs are real, as
are the experiences of seeing the live shows. That’s largely what it’s about,
the experience of the music. The fictional element, then, is the narrative that
surrounds the stage, and that narrative stays true to the themes that were
present within the music and the music writing, but the narrator (to an extent)
and the non-musicians are fictional people as are the non-musical things they
do.
And so the book is about what music means. Can it be more
than the sum of its notes and melodies? Can it truly change you? The narrator,
Rob, a musician turned reluctant music critic, poses these questions as
everything important in his life appears to be fading—memories of lost love,
songs from his old bands, even his hearing. He delves into the music of others
to find solace and purpose, and discovers that the chords and repeated phrases
echo themes that have emerged in his own life. The music sustains him, but can
it revive him?
The Music Book is
a story of loss, of fear and loneliness, of a mutable past. But most of all
it’s about music as a force, as energy, as a creator of possibility. What might
come from the sound of an A chord played just so? Rob listens. And among other
things, he finds surprising companionship with a cat; another chance at love;
and the courage to step on a stage again and finally, fully comprehend the
power of sound.
What is the one thing
you’d like people to know about you (or, what is your secret superpower):
No superpower per se, but I write and I play bass, and when
those things go well they can be like superpowers. They can certainly affect
moments, evenings, and whole lives. When I’m not doing those things I’m
probably down at the pub watching an Arsenal match or at home reading a book.
And just a few fun questions:
Pen or Computer:
Computer. I wrote with a pen and a notebook years ago and carried a notebook
everywhere. I was always hunched over scribbling in it. These days it’s all
laptop. I write in the morning between 4:00 and 7:00 when it’s absolutely quiet
and it feels like there’s nothing else happening in the world.
Best writing snacks:
Coffee (see writing time in previous question)
Craziest thing you’ve
done for story research:
I went to jail. There was a band called the Slants playing
in the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP), and I wanted to experience and write
about what it was like to be in a maximum security prison, if only briefly. It
was for a regular program OSP had to bring bands in so I went with the Slants
and we spent an afternoon in the “Big Yard” with the inmates and with naught
for protection but the orange vests OSP gave us. It made for a good chapter in
the book. In the picture (attached to the email) I am hanging out in the yard
with the band and a few inmates. I’m on the right with the old long hair and a
notebook. Couldn’t bring the laptop into the prison of course.
Where can people find
your book/story:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Music-Book-Dave-OLeary/dp/1937634051
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-music-book-dave-oleary/1120420210
Any links and/or
pictures you want to share:
Music from the book is available for streaming and download:
100% of proceeds from music sales are donated to The Wishlist
Foundation ( https://wishlistfoundation.org/
),a Pearl Jam fan-run nonprofit, grassroots 501(c)(3) fan organization
dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic efforts.
Thank you!
Thanks!
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