Introduction to Claire Klahn...

I want to introduce my good friend Claire Klahn who will be helping us in managing the Myspace, Facebook, and danreed.com sites. I will still read all messages sent, but I have accepted Claire's most gracious offer to help in adding friend requests, and co-ordinate updating the sites with new blogs. photo's, tour information and all music releases so that I am able to concentrate more on responding to messages, writing music, and preparing for live performances.


Thank you for understanding and for visiting us here on Myspace. Peace... Dan

11:56 PM - 11 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

Earthlings

The link - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1282796533661048967

For over two decades I have gone back and forth from being a vegetarian and then not, most times not. When I asked the Tibetan monks in Dharamsala, India if they ate meat, many of them said that they indeed do, not like hamburgers and steaks American style, but they do have mutton or fowl in their soups and other dishes. I was surprised to learn this knowing their policy of compassion for all sentient beings, but in the end they spoke of how every thing has a soul, and it is most important when eating any food that we thank it for giving it's life for sustaining our life... and if you believe in re-incarnation we should also wish it a good re-birth as well.

With that in mind, I was recently turned on to a film called 'Earthlings' by a true friend of mine, one who also struggles with the issue of whether animal meat should be in our diet or not. The film is narrated by Joaquin Pheonix and struck me to my deepest core. After watching 'Earthlings' I have renewed my vow to become a vegetarian and I will explain why.

It may be true that humans, being the dominant race, at least dominant in our opinion, has every right to do with their environment as they see fit to survive or sustain life, this includes eating all forms of animals that are killed in this day and age by those we hire to do the killing and not by our own hands.

What this film reminded me of more than anything is the cruelty and inhumane practices that exist in the slaughterhouses, the factory farm yards, the fur industry, zoo and circus industry and the scientific experiment community. It is beyond absurd and begs the question... what is 'being a human' defined by? I would imagine it means we are 'humane' to some degree. Until we give animals a quality of life that is worth living, a life of happiness as defined by their behavior as in... freedom of movement, ample space, access to healthy food, contact with other's of their kind, a dignified death even, then in my opinion there is no justification for eating animal flesh that is born, bread and slaughtered in these horror houses filled with helpless creatures.

It is proven that the quality of what we put in to our body affects our spiritual and physical well being. The energy that is trapped in the meat of these tortured and suffering animals is embedded in their flesh we devour. Think about this... How many people want to buy a house if they find out the last owners were all victims of a mass murder in that house? If you decide to watch the link for the film 'Earthlings', you may ask the same question I did... 'How can I eat meat, fowl or fish that comes from the mass suffering and mass murder of the dispassionate and cruel practices of the meat industry?'... 'How can I pay for this meat at a restaurant or food store and help finance this Holocaust for animals?'

It's easy to turn a blind eye, especially when it tastes so good, the cooked smell of flesh entices, but is this normal or a learned response from our upbringing? It is much harder to find new and creative ways to make grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables in to tasty dishes as well as get all the nutrients we need, but it is entirely possible. It just doesn't come naturally because the majority of the Western World was not raised to think this way during our childhood.

As for me it is time to turn the corner once and for all... to start a revolution within myself and not only stop contributing to this insanity, but to also spread the word of this film to those who have had the thought, maybe once... maybe hundreds of times throughout their lifetime... "It sure would be nice to be a vegetarian." If you are one of those people or know someone who is... please watch this film. Be ready to cry... be ready to feel a deep sadness, rage, disgust and guilt.

But in the end... I can only hope that the film brings you out the other side more aware of what it is we are putting in our bodies, how it got there on the table, and what the consequences were for the animals that had their lives so violently taken from them. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The link - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1282796533661048967

3:21 PM - 10 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

The Dictator Video

We wish to invite everyone to check out the new video directed by Noah Shulman for the song 'The Dictator' featuring Charlie Chaplin. Feel free to share it from Youtube, comment, and any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your interest and your patience. We will be posting a 'download page' next week where a high-definition version of the video will be available for free to download to any media players. Below is a description of how the song took shape and it's intention if you are interested. Wishing you all creative and inspired days ahead!

www.youtube.com/danreedvideos

'The Dictator' started off from the idea of recording the Chinese Harp. As with many of the tracks from the new record, I wanted to mix the taste of world instruments over what could be called traditional Western modern music. A gentleman named Brad Fish, who played the Chinese Harp like an acoustic guitar, lived down the street from me in Jerusalem, where the majority of this record was composed. I invited him to play over a rhythm track I had programmed. He played a few tracks and I took them back to the studio and began editing them in to different chord progressions, similar to what was done with the Charlie Chaplin speech much later on, but with music rather than words.
The track lived as an instrumental for about six months, as I struggled with lyrics and melodies that would represent the subtle feeling of hope that the music gave on it's own. When I discovered segments of the Charlie Chaplin's film 'The Great Dictator' on Youtube late one night, it struck me deeply that Mr. Chaplin wrote and directed the film in 1940, years before the world was fully aware of the atrocities that were happening in Poland and Germany. For his vision to play a 'Hitler type' character, but in a complete role reversal by giving speeches about the strength that lies in opening our hearts, about compassion, self-awareness, courage to say no to war... was something that hit me deeply, especially living in Jerusalem, just miles away from the wall that divides Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
After editing his speech to rhythmically and economically fit to the track, I began to hear the chorus lyrics and melody come in to play. Living in the Middle East it is easy to become cynical toward the concept of peace. As much as it is discussed and desired, it is the day to day reality and complexities of the situation that brings a sense of hopelessness and despair to the greater possibility of peace one day, not just there but for the world at large. The lyric "Some day the dolphins will take back the sea" or "Running from love is our fall from grace" was a balance point to what Mr. Chaplin was speaking to, empowering the human soul... where as the lyrics sung represented what may happen if we do not get our act together as a human race.
In the end I hope the song and the video is a good representation of Mr. Charlie Chaplin's message all those years ago, and hopefully it will give it new life in this age... our time. It asks the question... Will we rise to the occasion to be good stewards of our communities, our families and this earth... or will we simply play 'follow the leader' in to the shadows through corporate global-ism, environmental devastation, and the betrayal of human and animal rights?

8:58 AM - 17 Comments - 29 Kudos - Add Comment

New Music

The old 'Sharp Turn' music from the page has been removed for now, as they are not inclusive of the material from the new record. We will be posting new music by the end of the month to coincide with the release of the new record, but you can still find the old tracks on I-Tunes under 'Dan Reed' Sharp Turn EP. (US only). I have tried to make that material available in Europe, but have hit a brick wall in that department.

As many of you know, the digital age has changed the music business drastically and the days of buying CD's are soon to be a thing of the past. This is good for these non-biodegradable plastic discs need to disappear, however we are in between a paradigm shift right now... so for the new record "Coming up for Air" there will still be some pressings of CD's, but for the most part the music will be offered at 'www.danreed.com' along with free downloads as well, and on ITunes worldwide.

We will be in touch with the exact release date for the record soon. Also a link to download the video for "The Dictator" for all media players will be posted with in the next week. Thank you for your patience and continued letter's of support and faith in the music!

11:11 AM - 8 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Added Portland Show

Speaking of healing... Today I was called and asked by my old partner during the club days to perform at the Ohm nightclub this friday as there was a cancellation there and he needed help. So after some discussion with the other musicians we decided to play again as there were so many emails from people who could not make the 24th show for they were out of town during the Memorial weekend. The set begins 10:30pm Friday the 30th of May at the Ohm, 31 NW 1st Ave, Portland, Oregon. The cover is $5 and should be a true laid back and intimate evening. I spent five years of my life as a co-owner there, Bill Graham first saw the Dan Reed Network there in the late 80's when it was called Key Largo... and full circle again, my friends. It's a space I need to make peace with, and today's offer was just the impetus needed. Please join us if you are interested. Peace... D

3:55 PM - 18 Comments - 30 Kudos - Add Comment

My Deepest Gratitude

I wish to thank all those who attended the performance at the Aladdin Theater, the in-store at Music Millenium in Portland, Oregon and the open mic show at 15th Street in Vancouver, Washington. The energy, love, support given by all who attended these performances was to put it simply... healing. For years I have turned away from myself musically and being able to come back home to such a warm welcome, a sanctuary of faith in me continuing to do music was overwhelming and more than any artist could hope for. Thank you for all the comments here on Myspace, and in person at the events. I can only return the joy you have given me through writing and playing more and more over the coming months and years. I am honored to know you are all here for me... and I will be here for you through song and friendship.

Thank you Max Wasa, Roy Sciacca, Blake Sakamoto, Terry Finley, Ben Rader, Rob Daiker, Keith Shreiner, Mike Collins, Justin Klahn, Derek Shulman, Toni Metcalf, Jay Bozich, Enrique, Paul Hernandez, Chip Schmeets, Stephanie Shneidermen, Julie at PDXposed, Brenda Braxton, Brandy, AJ, Anthony, Amrik, Oktobre, Jeff at Willamette Week, Inessa and Neah at KINK FM radio, Music Millenium, 15th street, and the Aladdin Theater for hosting the new songs, and for making it all happen over the last week here in the Portland area. This moment in time has brought me much inspiration toward the future.

Thank you to all of you who have been there since the beginning and those who are new to my music. Gratitude and love, my friends... more to come. Dan

1:37 AM - 15 Comments - 24 Kudos - Add Comment

Barack Obama, and why...

Barack Hussein Obama, a half black/half white man whose name rhymes with Osama and has the middle name of the former leader of a country that has become a true test of the West meets the East, Iraq... is in my opinion, energetically, the best man to lead America during these trying times. (and that’s just the silly part)

His willingness to talk to the leader’s of North Korea, Iran and Syria proves that he is a politician that searches for solutions, rather than play political chess to save face, or to not look weak. True strength lies in seeing yourself through your enemies eyes, and therefore the stage is set for real dialogue. Barrack is willing to do this, if we are to take him by his word.

His ability to unite both parties is equally as important. For too long now the division between the two main parties of the US has paralyzed the system, where people choose sides out of party loyalty instead of out of what is best for the country and for the world at large.

Barack has not taken money from lobbyist and special interest groups, which by definition does not put him in the corporate pocket. Corporations are important to say the least at this time in the world, but being their puppet is not. There needs to be accountability and when you are in debt to them, it is hard to put to test those who have helped place you in a position of power.

With the US playing such a crucial role in so many world policies, from World Bank issue’s, Nuclear, military presence abroad, environmental destruction and influence on different culture’s through the media, it is most important that the leader of this most powerful country assist in bringing the world to a common ground, not continue the ’divide and conquer’ practices of old.

The world has grown small with the invention of the internet and world media... perhaps it is now important to become world citizens in thought and in action. In my humble opinion Barack Obama will guide us in that direction better than any of the other qualified candidates running for president.

My two cents...

2:24 AM - 13 Comments - 22 Kudos - Add Comment

Free Tibet

In this year 2008, when the whole world will be focusing on China because of the Olympic Games, let us send out our prayers, meditations, thoughts, and actions to help the Tibetan people who suffer under the occupational forces of China. Since 1959, and before, China has imposed its’ will on Tibet forcing their temporal leader the Dalai Lama into exile. Over the last few weeks many Tibetans and their supporter’s are taking to the streets in Tibet and all over the world to stand up to the policies that have led to the death, torture and dissolution of the Tibetan people and their culture. The president of China Mr. Hu Jintao first rose to power governing Tibet for 19 years and became popular in political circles through ruling the area with an iron fist, imprisoning dissenters and kidnapping the Panchen Lama. China replaced him with their own puppet diety. The Panchen Lama is to one day ’recognize’ the re-incarnation of the Dalai Lama once the current one passes. It is China’s intention to put their own Dalai Lama in place once this happens using their ’fake’ Panchen Lama, cementing their destruction of this culture firmly.

Since virtually none of the Westernized governments will stand up to China, primarily because most countries are benefitting from China’s huge work force and potential market economy, it is up to the conscience of the worlds’ citizens to bring the Tibetan people back home, and to free them once again to govern themselves.

Why is this important? Before China invaded there was virtually no disease in Tibet. Many aspects of what the West now calls ’Holistic Medicine’ is based on this once magnificent culture. Their Buddhist beliefs are a guiding light in this world of violence and corruption. Tibet is still alive in the hearts of millions and is needed desperately in this world, to help remind us that humility and simple compassion is the greatest weapon of all. A country that was once focused on the complete health of the mind, body and spirit can be quite beneficial during these most uncertain times.

Please Google "Free Tibet" and help in any way you can if you find this issue important.

Thank you.

From Jules in England:

http://www.freetibet.org/

Support Tibetans: Join the vigil 3.30-7pm Monday 17th March, Chinese Embassy, 41-59 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL

Closest tubes: Oxford Circus, Great Portland Street

International Campaign For Tibet
http://www.savetibet.org/"

9:38 AM - 7 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

Native American Apology

It was announced in the US media that the United State's Senate, one branch of the government, has passed a bill that formally apologizes to the Native American's for past aggressions and mistreatment to all of the Native tribe's of America. A similar bill is being introduced to the House of Representatives. It is a bill that was sponsored by Sam Brownback (Republican) and I wish to honor his and the Senate's actions on this day and can only hope it will eventually lead to the same progress in giving the same respect to the African American community in the future for the US government's involvement in slavery. From the smallest fight between siblings, spouses and friends... to the largest battle's between countries, an apology is the first step to healing and moving forward with respect. Today I was pleasantly surprised at the foresight of this gesture. Better late than never they say... I could not agree more. Or as they say in STAR WARS... today balance has been brought to the Force!

7:53 PM - 20 Comments - 32 Kudos - Add Comment

Religion

Imagine this energy force in the universe that we have come to call 'god', the energy that spins atomic structure in to existence, solar systems from black holes, something from nothing... imagine this 'god' has two sides to it's personality... it's spiritual side, or emptiness... and it's physical side, or the material world. As scientists describe that suns and planets like Earth are born from explosions and implosions in space, so do religions describe our creation coming from god creating us from nothingness. Are they describing the same exprience from two different views?

Picture our Earth as the 'spiritual' side of god and a single seed of a tree as god's desire to create a physical reality. The seed is just the thought of creating a Sun that will eventually give life and light to a planet such as earth.

The roots from this seed begin to grow in the earth... these roots are gods strength of will to come out in to the world... and eventually the roots of the tree begin to push the tree up through the dirt and it begins to reach for the sky, becoming something that is real in the physical world.

As the tree grows and all the branches become beautiful and filled with different colored flower's and wonderfully shaped leave's, the branches begin to become proud of their connection to god but not their connection to each other, they ignore the center of the tree that connects them to the roots, and through their ignorance weaken the connection to the spirit of god, or in this case, the Earth is forgotten.

Each branch of the tree represents different views...  Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Atheism... each branch is a true connection to god with different ways of practicing. Did not god create pain so that we understand pleasure? So those who do not believe in god are just as important to those who do, for each side makes the opposite side important. Just as all the branches are true and special, so are they all very proud of their beauty. They begin to argue and fight over who has the 'true' path to the earth. They fight over who god loves more. Eventually some day something will happen...

The branches realize that they are all important, each one gives 'balance' to the tree, every leaf feeds on the sunlight and breathes air for the tree to live and every branch is unique... giving oxygen to all life on the planet... the way the branches bend, or the color of their leaves, the fragrance of their flowers... all is one. Then the tree survive's acting as one healthy life form existing at peace in the material world. Even though there will be storms that try to knock the tree down, it's strength and wisdom withstand the harsh winds.

On the other hand, if the branches continue to fight for air, reach for more sunlight while leaving other branches in the dark, denying they are connected... the tree slowly grows sick, wilts away and dies.

As long as each religion claims to be the one only true way to god, while denying other religions are just as 'true'... the human race will continue to be divided and not see our true connection, not only to god, but to each other and within ourselves. If the religions, or more importantly the people who practice these religions, begin to one day see that they are indeed connected to each other, and brought to life by the same inspiring source then all hope is not lost, but rather 'hope' is inflamed with a passion to survive on another level we have yet to witness or achieve. If we can admit silently that each path is a part of the tree that reaches in to the spiritual world and to our connection to what we call 'god', then we we may survive to see what wonders the future holds for us. Is it worth imagining how strong and beautiful and magical that tree will be?

9:48 PM - 18 Comments - 24 Kudos - Add Comment