Kaitlin McGaw: News

PLEASE JOIN ME IN THIS ADVOCACY ISSUE

I have been an avid user of wireless microphones in my tenure as a musician, whether it is on the stage with rock band Suite Love Express, or using a headset microphone in every show I do for children with Alphabet Rockers. I am posting this news because I'm activating the community to write letters (due Feb 22) to the FCC, through the GRAMMY organization's Producers & Engineers Wing. I will quote from the Sr. Executive Director in this news blog, amongst my own thoughts.

I just learned this morning that Verizon has purchased the 700 mhz range of frequency. That's right, our government has sold off a frequency to a private company. Why? Well, "companies that manufacture or have interests in personal wireless devices (Google, Microsoft, etc.) need more spectrum for their devices. To that end, wireless microphones and in-ear monitors are getting shoved aside. Microphone manufacturers and users have been trying to educate Congress and the FCC about the scope of wireless microphone usage in everyday life today, and how many entities, from Broadway to Las Vegas, to churches, schools, sports events (the Superbowl!), rock concerts and festivals--even the Democratic and Republican conventions, and of course, Awards shows including the GRAMMYs, are dependent on wireless microphones and in-ear monitors.  

In mid January the FCC ordered wireless mikes out of the 700 mhz range. This is not so bad because it was expected, and it affects older (more than 10-year-old) equipment. The manufacturers have been preparing for this for a long time, offering trade ins and rebates, etc. for more current equipment.
 
However, the FCC Order also included sweeping changes for wireless operations in all spectrums, and the FCC has decreed a very short period of time for comments that ends February 22nd. The changes in the Order will take place almost immediately, for example, Verizon, which bought the 700 mhz space, can start ordering people out of it on February 29th. Read the bill here. 

 
The only spectrum real estate left now for wireless audio devices is the core TV band (UHF channels, approximately 470-698 khz) This space is narrow and crowded, but it is all that's left. Everything else has been sold.
 
Because it’s narrow and crowded, that spectrum will not work for our wireless equipment without some protection. What can we do to get that, so that Mom doesn't make a call on her cell phone and disrupt a Broadway show, an NFL game, a worship service" or one of my concerts? 

 
"At this point, geo-sensing protection seems like the only option, and that is what the FCC is proposing. With geo-sensing, major venues where professional wireless microphone systems are deployed can register with a geolocation database that gives them protection.  The issue now is who or what entities get into the geolocation database. In an attempt to establish a fair system for identifying those entities, Congressman Bobby Rush (From Illinois, where Shure Microphones is based) has introduced a bill, HR 4353, into the House, that would identify major venues and players where wireless microphones are deployed and require the FCC to give these venues access to the geolocation database. The bill identifies 13 such venue types, including arenas, convention centers, educational facilities, fairgrounds, government facilities, Houses of Worship, hotel facilities, museums, recording studios, stadiums and theatres."

This however does not include where I often perform with Alphabet Rockers using wireless microphones: in schools, libraries, parks, and community spaces. How am I supposed to continue bringing the music to children around the country in this system?
 
I'm taking part in The Recording Academy advocacy. Join me in writing letters to file with the FCC by the February 22nd deadline. They will advocate that users of professional audio wireless equipment should have some protection from interference in this new system. 
 
The Producers & Engineers Wing - led by Maureen Droney and amazing volunteers around the country - is helping us. Let's help them!! They will continue the lobbying with Congress, and it will be an agenda item at GRAMMYs on the Hill on April 14-15 in Washington, D.C.

Read on to help. Thank  you.

 

- Kaitlin

 

TEMPLATE/ACTION

Here are links to template letter and guidelines/suggestions.
One-sheet on the issue   * Guidelines on letter writing  * Template

Please mail letters to p&ewing@grammy.com by Feb 22. Or follow instructions on the Guidelines to file directly with the FCC. If you file directly please drop me a note to let me know that you have done so. kaitlin@kaitlinmcgaw.com
 
We are asking the FCC to allow audio professionals to obtain licenses from the FCC to operate their wireless equipment. (It has always been a requirement, but one that's been basically ignored for over 20 years.) With the current situation pro audio devices will be sharing crowded spectrum with consumer devices and there is high potential for interference. We believe that at this point in time the only way to obtain some relief and to become a part of the proposed geo-location ID database is to be licensed. Currently the licensing process is difficult to maneuver. We are asking that the licensing process be streamlined, simplified and kept affordable for pro audio wireless users.

Thanks to everyone who came to the show on Tuesday night at Cafe Royale. What a showing! I'm told that's the most folks they've piled in there. I'm not much for guesstimating numbers, but I'd say around 100 people? The most fun was getting to know everyone through the music.

Here are some more pix from the night - the evening debuted Dave Sampson on Guitar, and Lyka Santos and Beth Trifilo on backing vocals. Terry Thompson continues to rock on percussion, and sneaks in some lovely vocals as well.

I've set up a photo album on Facebook too - along with other pix from the night.

 

Spent last night at Cafe Royale with the West Coast Songwriters monthly contest. This is one of the most special communities in the Bay Area that I've found - songwriters. I take part in a few songwriting circles at people's homes, and then actively attend and support the monthly open mics in various cities around the Bay. After a long day of work, school, or whatever people are doing, a truly diverse group of artists come together and perform a new song that they've written for consideration from their peers. It's such an awesome vibe, and I always leave inspired to continue on in this path of creativity.

Here's a pic from a recent performance at one:

We had a great show at the Hotel Utah last Thursday night. What made it extra special was that Chris Gee, one of my oldest friends in San Francisco, was in town from NYC and joined me from the show. Chris and I kind of kick-started one another into songwriting and musical performance when I first moved out here. Endless poems were exchanged, chords, and melodies... and then we ended up going in our own musical directions with separate bands, reuniting every few years for an epic "talent show" at the musical manor he lived in. 

Though he's heading back to NY shortly, it was so special to have the opportunity to perform with him. Terry Thompson was on percussion, and keeping me entertained as my little side jokester. After us, we heard from our friend Chi McClean with great arrangements and beautiful vocals, Valerie Orth (whom I've known since back in the day, and have been wanting to do a show with - she's fabulous!), and my new friend Jesse Brewster, who seriously will crack you up in between his awesome songs.

Next up is Cafe Royale in SF on February 2, and then off to The Union Room and Yoshi's in March.

Jonathan James is an awesome photographer/filmmaker whom I met when I was performing in the Fillmore Poster Room with The Simple Things, and he was filming a documentary on the Smashing Pumpkins performing that night. He made this rad video to our song "It's Still Light Out" before Michael Gallant had joined the band and we recorded our CD. Love it!

We're gearing up for an a beautiful weekend of music, raising money for Hopelink! This Washington based nonprofit is dedicated to moving low income people to self-sufficiency.

Often on tour, we are in and out of a community, touching hearts for the evening and making friends, and always making me want to linger. This was an idea my tour mate Mari Rosa had as a way for us to give back, and to continue that feeling of connection! We're going to donate a portion of proceeds from our entire tour.

It's a very special time - and makes me continue to feel honored to perform and sing my songs for our communities. Look forward to seeing you all in Portland and Seattle.

 

November 6 at 6:30PM

PORTLAND

In Other Words Bookstore

8 B NE Killingsworth St  Portland, OR 97211

$5 donation

 

November 7 at 8 PM

SEATTLE

Mr. Spot’s Chai House

5463 Leary Ave NW  Seattle, WA 98107

$FREE

 

November 8 at 8 PM

SEATTLE

ToSt Lounge

513 N. 36th St. #E   Seattle, WA 98103

$5 donation

 

November 9, 2009 6:30PM

PORTLAND

Alberta Street Pub 

1036 NE Alberta St  Portland, OR 97211

$5 donation

 

 

Bay Area folks rejoice, I have a splendid evening planned for you on February 2nd at Cafe Royale in San Francisco.  Should be a great time with some surprise guests... Check back for some Northwest tour dates which should be added soon.

Had an amazing time at KPOO doing a radio show this last Friday!  Francesca and I chatted up a storm and she played a couple tracks off the CD, ""Flying Horse" and "Trapped in This Hotel."  Then I did a little in studio performance of "What's Good For You" and a new song called "I Guess This Is The Springtime."  We'll have a stream of the show up here in the next few days...

Hey everyone, here's a video of me at the West Coast Songwriters' open mike in San Francisco...

Just finished a show with Mari Rosa at The Middle East Cafe in Boston. It's always such a blast playing with Miss Mari. Thanks to all of my hometown crew for making it out last night. Great to see you all again. Pictures of the show to follow!

Hey Everyone!

Thanks again to all of you who made it out to Savannah Jazz in SF last night! It was a great show and a fantastic way to kick off the tour!

For those of you who will be in the Monterey Bay tonight, come see us play at the East Village Cafe.

Thanks to the Monterey Herald for mentioning us in its Go! Magazine section.
"Soulful singer-songwriter Kaitlin McGaw and two-time Latin Jazz Award Winner Mari Rosa perform Monday night at 8 at the East Village Coffee Lounge in Monterey."

See below for event details!

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009
East Village Cafe
498 Washington Street, Monterey
Kaitlin McGaw and Mari Rosa
8 p.m.

The Simple Things and Mari Rosa were written up in the San Francisco Examiner today as events to see for the weekend. Always exciting, thanks Examiner!

Come check out the show!

Sunday, May 17 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 7-9 p.m.
Savannah Jazz - $5
2937 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
THE SIMPLE THINGS AND MARI ROSA
Following will be the Sunday night Jazz Jam session with Donald "Duck" Bailey.

What's up everybody! Just set up a new Youtube channel with live performances. Check out the most recent performance of "Flying Horses" with The Simple Things. The video features the most awesome guest trumpet playing from Nick Phillips of Concord Records. Lemme know what you think. More to come!

Here are some pictures from the night we performed for the folks at Luver.com. It was such a unique and wonderful experience that we will never forget!
Frank's words to introduce the show made my hair stand up - quite poetic and thoughtful.
"One of my favorite words is liminal, which is the state in between two states, combining the two states like dawn or twilight. When you just wake up from a dream. This band focuses on the space in between the notes which is silent, but they are not wimpy new agers. They are just The Simple Things."

We had an amazing and unique experience performing and recording a private show for the folks at Luver.com. Frank Moore (known for running for President and for his radical performance art and music) is a witty interviewer, who has a great bite to his questions that just makes you giggle. I loved the experience - and performing in his super colorful Bezerkeley home for him, Linda and Mikee was just one of those nights you can't forget. They are each very creative and kind-hearted, and put a lot of time and effort into interviewing, filming and broadcasting band shows.

Here's our podcast of the show, and the interview that followed.

Frank's words to introduce the show made my hair stand up - quite poetic and thoughtful.
"One of my favorite words is liminal, which is the state in between two states, combining the two states like dawn or twilight. When you just wake up from a dream. This band focuses on the space in between the notes which is silent, but they are not wimpy new agers. They are just The Simple Things."

Just posting this cool video that Peter Roos took of the show that I did where we won West Coast Songwriters Contest for Best Performance. Super fun. Great, amazing songwriting talent at this event - it was amazing how each artist that performed brought their own voice and really got you inspired to hear everything they had to say! Lots of different styles too.

Totally honored to be reviewed by one of the awesome writers (Taylor Rhodes) on Feminist Review!

I'm so thankful to hear such kind words... and love the feminist slant.

"In the rock music vein more than the divas of today, her lithe, moody voice stands out, playing nicely off of the music backing her. Also a plus is the fact that she is an adult who sings adult songs about love and loss, not the oversexualized pop tarts or the faded angry grrrl motif of the late-90s."

Thanks so much!

Thanks to Gary Hill for his review and interview with us for Music Street Journal.

It's wonderful to hear how such an deep listener hears our songs - and through a prog rock angle as well.

I love the way he described our sound... "Whatever you want to call it, this music is vital and beautiful. It’s haunting and enchanting."

Thanks for all of the beautiful and encouraging words Mossip!
Flying Horses
The Simple Things are a San Fransisco trio that are definitely bound for better things. Vocalist Kaitlin McGaw has a voice that can be likened to Tierney Sutton and Diana Krall. The album The Simple Things is really just that, simple. The songs concentrate on 3 things, vocals, the piano and great mellow lyrics.
Kaitlin's voice will wow you with emotion on Gone Gone. Eyes For Me is a slow seductive number, with Kaitlin's voice taking on a hushed tone that's almost a whisper until the chorus where it turns briefly into a wail. The song that will grab you the most is Cold. Most people will know that one from Annie Lennox's Diva CD. Kaitlin can make you forget that you ever heard that version. She takes it and with her soaring passionate voice, makes it her very own. No offense to Ms. Lennox, her version is gorgeous as well, but its not often that a song that is so definitely part of another artist's repertoire is done so well.
The Simple Things are sophistication, they are imagery, they are that soothing voice that calms you when you're all keyed up. If you have a love for jazz, let Kaitlin, Raymond and Michael into your homes and let the music move you as it most definitely will.
For those of you that need more convincing, take a further listen to Trapped In This Hotel. If that doesn't make you a believer, that this band is the next best thing in jazz/chill out music, I don't know what will.

After listening to The Simple Things, the guys of BRCFP noted, "This is a nice laid back album with a kinda jazzy feel. Its quite a mellow album...very open and sparse,its great for late night listening."
Thanks for the listen and the 5 out of 5 rating!

The Creative Mom Podcast, providing inspiring music for creative moms (and non-moms and artists and creatives of all types) featured Flying Horses on its October 29 podcast!

Podcasters Suffolk and Cool gave a great response to The Simple Things. "Delighted to have been able to play The Moon is Torn on Suffolk 'n' Cool 129.
I was hooked from the start by the amazing bass sound, then when Kaitlin's vocals came in, I was entranced. Add to all that intelligent lyrics in well structured songs and we have a winner." Thanks for the amazing review!

Press & Plays The Simple Things received some more press and plays the past week! Thanks to Laughing Dog Radio, My Love of Jazz, and Ed's Mixed Bag for adding us in to your playlists.

We also got a lovely review in Blog Critics Magazine: "What we have here is a collection of spacious chamber pieces, feather-light yet highly focused. Singer Kaitlin McGaw alternates between a controlled wail ("Eyes For Me") and an affectless Liz Phair delivery ("The Moon Is Torn"), both effective in their own ways. The music behind her is subtle piano and organ from Michael Gallant and tasteful, precise electric bass from Raymond Ruiz, who has a penchant for bass chords. The result is a very modern but accessible sound, contemplative and easeful but rewarding careful listening as well."

Join me for a radio interview!
This Wednesday, I'll be on-air with a very special host, Joan Cartwright in South Florida. We'll be talking about The Simple Things CD, listening to tracks and discussing songwriting... And it would be so fun if you call in. We can gab about music and life.
MusicWoman Talk Radio: Wednesday, November 5, 6-7 p.m. EST
Call in on 347-677-0782, then hit #1 to talk.

The lovely folks at My Love Of Jazz featured Ferris Wheel, Gone, Gone, The Moon is Torn, and It's Still Light Out on their October 28 podcast. Fantastic!