Reaching out to THE LEFT...

[David Ippolito]

Y'know... I've always been free-thinker, registered Independent, socially aware but generally a-political kinda guy... especially where my music was concerned. I am the luckiest guy alive to have been able to build the kind of career I've been enjoying.

But, then came the 2000... um... election.

Then came September 11th... and, I went out into the the street and looked downtown as my town and country sustained an injury we may never completely recover from.

Then, came the men behind George W. Bush... the deception, and the immoral, unAmerican exploitation of that terrible event downtown. The full force of the conservative right-wing in this country came down like a hammer, pounding fear and intolerance into a weapon to use for their own agenda and world view.

So, as a matter of conscience rather than a matter of politics, I began to write about it... on both my website and in my music. I mean, here's a recent example.

http://www.thatguitarman.com/MP3/jesusland.mp3

Hooo boy! Have things changed.

The people on the right began sending hate-mail or just outright leaving with a very loud "good bye". And many, many good people who once enjoyed my work kind of faded away after the election last November... I think out of discouragement and weariness.

But, now... I'm devoted to staying the course and carrying on. You may have heard this most recent fun song on AIR AMERICA. But, a lot of my music is more serious and thoughtful... and, it ain't all about politics! I just refuse to stop writing what I think needs to be written!

So, now I'M REACHING OUT TO A NEW GROUP OF PEOPLE.

Any ideas on how to reach out to the liberal-minded, free-thinking, good people of this country would be appreciated.

If you're at all curious, here's my homepage:

http://www.thatguitarman.com

Some have suggested I could go back to ONLY writing and singing safe music, but I don't have that in me.

Any ideas about networking?

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Thanks.

David

[David Ippolito]

1. Guess not...

Maybe it's time to... moveon

[kk897]

7. dude, give it a chance...

I well know that not all threads get attention, especially if there's something more juicy going on. Keep asking from time to time.

Sorry I don't have any specific suggestions for you, since I'm not exactly a "joiner" myself. I'm lefter than dems, usually. I'd like to see the Dems reach out to the Left!

[Tux]

2. I thought is was great

[Stirk]

3. Hey! I've heard your stuff.

I love it.

I wish I had some ideas for you. I know exactly what you're talking about with your audience, by the way. I'm an animator and cartoonist, and my work used to be completely apolitical. But after 2000, I found it impossible to avoid politics and enjoy my work. My "audience" sort of polarized, with half the people that once sent me friendly fan letters instead sending hate mail, and people who once sent lukewarm messages of support suddenly becoming big fans.

It's a trade-off, alright- but if you can't be true to yourself in your work, you may as well stop doing it. As I said, I wish I had some ideas, but I look forward to hearing your future work. :D

[David Ippolito]

4. Yeah

THAT'S EXACTLY WHERE I'M AT!

Yeah - - "...my work used to be completely apolitical. But after 2000, I found it impossible to avoid politics and enjoy my work."

I'm sure we're not alone. But, I wonder how many people who don't do the kinda thing we do for a living realize what it costs when you know you hafta go down that road.

They say, "When one door closes, another one opens... but, it's hell in the hall."

Lately... I'm in the hall.

It's cool, though. No regrets.

[Stirk]

11. "When one door closes, another one opens... but, it's hell in the hall."

LMFAO- well, you've got an album title at least. "It's Hell in the Hall".

That about sums it up. Hang in there, man.

[David Ippolito]

12. Yeah Stirk...

This has got me kinda wonderin' if there are any other professions where the division in this country and mindset is as tangible and immediate.

I mean, after election day... the traffic on my website dropped off a cliff... like I said, the conservative right wing shouted a loud and angry "So long!"... and, the liberals just kinda disappeared.

As a musicican, I'm very accessible... y'know, updating the website everyday and asking for feedback about stuff.

This is all kinda new for me.

I'll learn.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. David...sorry for not responding sooner

I've checked your site and heard your song...posting this in the lounge and in the musician's forum might better serve you...also check out a DU'er by the name of BEETWASHER who is also a musician and (I think) has his site in his sig line...you may very well get some creative inspiration from him

[SuffragetteSal]

6. beautiful heartfelt voice and lyrics

Guitarman (and a very handsome guitarman I might add) I viewed your excellent website and listened to a few songs, Joanne, My Morning Coffee and OBI, I think you are amazing and I like the sound very much. I hope you don't mind me saying but at least one of your songs reminded me of John Denver (John was always a favorite person of mine and music man and he is greatly missed). Keep up the good work and I believe by just putting it out here...well...I wish you much prosperity. Thank you for sharing your music with us.

[David Ippolito]

9. Thanks... no I'm...

I'm just feelin' a little lost. Maybe a little sorry for myself.

I'll get over it. Just bad weather.

Yeah, those songs... "Joanne" and "OBI"... all fun, all heartfelt... (although Joanne is actually a memory)

But, the most recent album is where there was a bend in the road... to the left, I guess. Not the whole album. But, songs like:

TIRED OF BEING LIED TO and WHERE'S THE VOICE and COMMON GROUND and new songs like JESUSLAND and others... just had to be written.

Y'know, after the election.... culturally, (in my business anyway) it got very lonely to remain vehemently opposed to everything this admistration stands for.

People are still dying, lies are still being told, but it feels like many people just wanna go back to being "entertained" 100% of the time. I mean... even 25 dead in Iraq was page-9 news in the NY Times today.

[Just Me]

8. David, life is an endurance test,...for ALL OF US.

I can only recommend that you accept that test to "endure" and hang on tight to those who "endure" with you.

:hug:

[David Ippolito]

10. Yeah, I'll be back...

Just bad weather. You all know what I'm talkin' about. But, how does the political-climate in this country affect your job?

This is weird for me.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

13. Loved your Jesusland!

I'm passing it around if you don't mind.

[David Ippolito]

15. Please pass it around...

THAT'S WHY I WROTE IT!!!

THANKS!

[Eloriel]

14. Oh, thank GOD for the artists -- for you

You have no idea (well, perhaps you do), how desperately we need you, how desperately, critically important your job. We need your vision, your voice, your leadership (creative and otherwise) and now and then, your outrageousness (shock value -- wake us the hell up!!).

I myself am particularly keyed to music, and very frustrated roght now because I am having so many problems with my computer and can't listen. :grr:

I'm sorry you've had a change of audience, but I'm so impressed with your story, and loved your discussion of your Calling (and including Gordon's writing) on your website. It is all so very true, and I'm so glad you're with us.

One of the things I would suggest (not particularly earthshattering suggestion here, probably one you're already doing in) that you visit as many left-leaning blogs as possible and be sure to include the link to your website and an invitation in whatever you post. Make sure to go to DFA (DEmocracy for America, Howard Dean's former organization, which grew out of his campaign) -- and periodicially, not just once for all these:

http://www.blogforamerica.com/

And hold the good thought. If it's your Calling, you can rightfully expect success following it. So put THAT thought/expectation out there to the Universe (in your prayers/meditations/quiet thoughts/whatever).

Best of luck! I know you'll do well -- don't entertain any OTHER thought or possibility.

Namaste.

[0rganism]

16. At least you're in NYC, left ventricle of the heartland of Blue America

Just be glad you're not the Dixie Chix, eh? ;)

There's a lot of solid musical inspiration to be had on the left side of the dial, and you are, perhaps, fortunate to have the opportunity to approach it from a more folk-oriented perspective than what I perceive as the contemporary norm. It's been something of a tragedy that the lyrics of left politics have been shouldered out of the mainstream of American musical tradition, and not entirely by chance IMHO. You are in a position to occupy the underused niche formerly inhabited by stalwarts like Ochs and Dylan, it's just a matter of connecting with the audience for your message.

Perhaps you could arrange a "Rage Against The Machine" cover set?

[enigmatic]

17. Hey David

I've got an internet station that has played stuff by a number of DUers; I'd love to play your stuff. My station is in my sig; PM me and we'll go from there..

[David Ippolito]

21. Thanks...

Sent a message... thanks.

[enigmatic]

24. Got it!

No prob, bro; I'm going to shoot you and E tonight..

[bpilgrim]

18. well you've come to the right place ;->

to reach out liberals and spreading the word.

also you should contact DU'ers benburch who archives progressive mp3's though mostly talk-radio it may help pass the word.

keep passing your stuff to AAR as well as they are the only nationally syndicated liberal talk radio in America right now.

also try to ping sterling, another DU'er, who is a musician and active in NYC with many connections.

well, good luck and keep posting your awesome work right here :toast:

peace

[David Ippolito]

19. Dont know how...

Like I've always said, I'm a songwriter... not much of a computer guy... yet.

F'rinstance... don't know what you mean by "ping" someone.

If these are people who can help spread the word, I'd love to talk to them about how. I'm open to ideas from anyone.

It's all cool. And, you guys have gotten me fired up again!

Thanks

[bpilgrim]

22. go to the lobby and click on 'Profiles' at the top of the window

to look up their user-name (all are in alphabetic order) once you find it you will see icons to the right of their names to send them an email or a du mail simply by clicking the icons.

if you have any trouble just post another reply here and i will walk you through it in more detail ;-)

(BTW: and every post has the same icons next to our user-names to do the same thing)

peace

[David Ippolito]

23. Very cool... thanks... also...

Thanks...

I was also wondering... I sent a $ donation to you guys. I would certainly hope everybody would do the same. How do I let the moderators or whoever know that I support them.

[bpilgrim]

25. probably the same way...

though, if you mean DU, you should get a gold star next to your user name soon. you can always give feedback to the DU admins in the admin forum here...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=120

thanks again for your efforts in spreading the word, especially in your music which is much more accessible to more people. :toast:

:hi:

peace

[Lisabtrucking]

20. ask eminem to do a duo with you, a little bit of rap politics with a

little bit of your political rap.