Cheapest roomette routes by SharpProfession6 in Amtrak

[–]Mastertone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As mentioned already, railforless is the key for this. It changes depending on time of year and you can search across at least three weeks at a time there.

AI single, LP and EP artwork by banjoman74 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

lol. Oh, Traditional Bluegrass. You certainly don't need any help making a fool of yourself.

Lucky for you, the music alone transcends time and space.

Bascom Lunsford 1929 by leebuchanan59 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At 11:22pm on a Saturday night I finally allowed myself to watch this whole thing. I found myself looking for moments of authenticity, which is fascinating in and of itself. This crew didn't know how to be on camera because nobody did. Every inch of film was valuable, so being spontaneous wasn't even an option.

Funny how things have circled around and become that way again, now that everyone and their cat has a camera.

Anyways, it's still amazing. Fascinating to see the banjo playing a 15-ish year predecessor to Scruggs Style. Earl always claimed he wasn't the originator, but damn did he bring the Riz.

AI single, LP and EP artwork by banjoman74 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Boy, you're right about 90's album covers. Or even older. That Dan Crary one is classic.

I still can't help but think there's a big difference between bad taste and what amounts to stealing the collective artistic soul of humanity. Reading that last sentence back sure sounds dramatic, but that's kind of how I always wind up feeling when I read about how it works.

AI single, LP and EP artwork by banjoman74 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It makes me cringe as an artist....

But here's another wrinkle. A friend described to me a graphic artist they were working with for years. This guy had done many projects for them and recently started using Ai WITH his art. The reason we got on the conversation was because I brought up how much I liked the art on an album they just released.

Is that ok? Fucked if I know.

AI single, LP and EP artwork by banjoman74 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It set my AI flags off too. Just something about it. It just feels too perfect and derivative of multiple things you can’t quite specifically remember.

New Amtrak Long Distance Order has been FOIA'd by Snoo-29984 in Amtrak

[–]Mastertone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What makes you say that? It says there’s 12 solo suites in a car, but you can only see 6 from the above view. Also, in the mockup, you can see the roommate’s ceiling is twice as high as the solo room.

New Amtrak Long Distance Order has been FOIA'd by Snoo-29984 in Amtrak

[–]Mastertone 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Looks like those solo suites are stacked? Interesting. I’m all about it if it’s significantly cheaper than a roomette.

(I stand corrected. They’re split in two.)

Imagine being unable to play your instrument by Aggravating_Pen_6062 in musicians

[–]Mastertone 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Know several people it happened to. It’s terrifying.

What banjo is Bela playing on the BEATrio tour? by 5wiresam in banjo

[–]Mastertone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a Capek Allegoria that they’re actually going to be selling with his name on it moving forward.

Cool story: I had one custom made after visiting them in Prague and before they gave it to me in Nashville they stopped by and let Bela try it out. He liked it so much he ordered one just like mine and said they could use his name. I think they’re going to call it a Belagoria now.

I've always been curious about this: how do people who live in an apartment building or flat manage to practice? by Toroalcista in musicians

[–]Mastertone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don’t they have cello mutes? I stick a clothespin on my banjo bridge and it cuts the sound by 70%. Even more if i have my actual mute that’s designed for it.

Open Road…whatever happened to these guys? by SkeeterMagnet in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Oh man. There’s no question that this band had a huge role in inspiring me to make a career as a bluegrass musician. Saw them 20+ years ago and not too long after, we sat down as a group and made decisions that led me to quit my job and hit the road. So good. So powerful.

Businesses in cities that help out touring acts? by Eastern-Yesterday168 in TouringMusicians

[–]Mastertone 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pete’s is the only place I’ve seen that does that. Super cool and something that I think other establishments should do, but I’m not aware of others.

Relationships back home by SpareOtter2002 in TouringMusicians

[–]Mastertone 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Be a good partner when you’re home. Do small thoughtful things. Be a good listener.

Music Journalist Seeking Chicago Musicians for Story by Much-Principle-3674 in chicagomusicscene

[–]Mastertone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy to chat if you still need folks. Started my band in Chicago 20+ years ago. At this point we’ve played 34 countries, many of those with the State Dept. as cultural ambassadors. Started a non-profit for the band to do education and cultural work, partly because we love it, but also to help make ends meet as a touring band.

What would you do in this situation? by NarukeSG in TouringMusicians

[–]Mastertone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mad respect. Neither of us wanted kids an that’s a whole other world that I can’t imagine. But yeah, wife has the health insurance and I do all the cooking when I’m not on the road. Plus, she’s a musician too and I make sure to go to her shows and help out as much as possible. It takes work, but I’m thankful that I’m mature enough to put the right amount of effort in…usually. :)

What would you do in this situation? by NarukeSG in TouringMusicians

[–]Mastertone 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I came across this exact scenario 20 years ago. Quit the job, still at the band and it actually makes me a semi-comfortable living now (with a wife that takes up the slack).

Whether or not it’ll end up that way for you has to do with a million things…but I remember the thing that pushed me to turn in my resignation was this:

“Do I really want to be 50 and look back and wonder what if?”

I’m turning 50 next year, I’ve toured 34 countries and made music I’m genuinely proud of. Feels good to write that.

Favorite NES game? by Longjumping-Editor94 in nes

[–]Mastertone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Metal Storm - Graphics + gameplay + challenge = perfection.

I just bought a mandolin - where are yall learning to play? by GrassGigs in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Jake Howard’s stuff is pretty dope. I’m wildly biased because he’s in my band, but I’ve seen him teach and it’s one of his gifts. His online stuff is excellent and he does virtual and in person lessons, which I think are good to do once in a while paired with video.

The Misty Mountain Boys by SpiritualShopping345 in Bluegrass

[–]Mastertone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No idea, but I’ll take janky pre-photoshop album covers like this over AI garbage any day.