6. SHEET MUSIC HOLIDAY SALE – 5 DAYS ONLY!
1. If Birds Sing, Why Don’t We?!
Sirius/XM has been playing this song of mine for a few years now, and I thought it’d be fun to treat all those satellite listeners to a music video. This is my favorite animation so far, based on one of my favorite songs (from my 1998 album “The Power of a Hat”). It’s got joy from here to Sunday and back again. Give a listen, give a hoot, wake up to a tweety feeling no matter what happened the night before 🙂 View on Youtube, Vimeo, or at my home, GunnarMadsen.com
2. Piano music finds a voice – Lyrics to Imagine it Falling!
When I wrote and recorded “Imagine It Falling” for the album “Two Hands”, the producer Kent Sparling remarked that it would make a great holiday tune.
In December of 2015 I mentioned this piece of music to a fine lyricist and friend, Rob Meurer (songwriter/keyboardist with Christopher Cross), who was so taken with it that he turned out some awesome lyrics in a single weekend. Before he or I’d gotten to publish it, Rob died tragically in a hit and run accident. The shock of his death made me put this song away. It felt too raw to try and do anything with it. A few years on, I’m ready to let this out into the world. I’ve made a demo with me singing and playing piano, and have put the sheet music on my website for anyone who’d like something fresh to sing at holiday time. If you’ve got an open fire, roast chestnuts!
Available in 2 keys, Eb and C! Listen now on SoundCloud!
3. Forget Facebook – Trust Gunnar Madsen with your information!
Visit www.GunnarMadsen.com and you can be assured that your information is secure and safe. From now on, whenever you visit, whether to just enjoy videos and music, or to purchase sheet music, you’ll see the little “lock” icon in the URL and, yes, the powerful letter “S” has been added to the http:// header, meaning that we are taking care of you! If you must lose sleep, this can no longer be your reason. Come on over and visit, you’re protected!
4. Curran, The Singing Reverend, Lays You Down Gently…
I went through the death of both my father and my father-in-law over the past few years, and I and my loved ones received much comfort from the hospice workers. For me, it was eye-opening how having someone to help with the little things that need doing (the legal things, the practical things), made room for everything else. The state of shock that comes from even an expected death cannot be overstated. Having someone to guide you is so important. I’ve produced other recordings with the Rev. Curran, but when she showed up with this music, it was different from her other projects. The music here is incredibly gentle and delicate, she sings in a restrained lullabye voice, and all the songs are about making room for the next step. This music is a balm for the soul. Its focus is on hospice, but it’s for anyone who wants peace in their ears. Give a listen. The music is offered for free. Download and enjoy. It’s called “Rest: Songs of Comfort and Peace”.
5. The Shaggs! The Movie Musical!
When the film version of our off-broadway musical about The Shaggs is released, will it have an exclamation point in the title?! We don’t know yet! But we’ve got most of the elements in place to go ahead and make the movie! Casting! Directing! New Songs! New Script! Some of the money!
We’re currently negotiating with a couple different set of investors over the last little bit of cash needed to hire the catering truck and the special effects technicians, but otherwise we’re good to go!
Our cast includes:
Steve Zahn as Austin Wiggin. You’ve seen him in Dallas Buyers Club, Reality Bites, That Thing You Do!, Out of Sight, Riding in Cars with Boys, Treme, and War for the Planet of the Apes.
Allison Tolman as Annie Wiggin. Her portrayal of police officer Molly Solverson in the first season of the FX television series Fargo earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. You’ve seen her on Brooklyn 99, Castle Rock, Drunk History and Good Girls, among many others.
Elsie Fisher as the indomitable daughter Dot. She starred in the hit movie Eighth Grade (Golden Globe Nomination), while her voice is all over the Despicable Me films. She also presented at last year’s Academy Awards.
Sydney Lucas as the fiery Betty. For her work in the Broadway hit “Fun Home” she received a Tony nomination, Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel nominations, and an Obie award for her performances.
Elena Kampouris as the tender and fierce Helen. She is known for her roles in Men, Women & Children, NBC’s American Odyssey, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, and Before I Fall. She made her Broadway debut in Les Liaisons Dangereuses as Cécile Volanges.
Our team includes:
Me! Composer and co-lyricist
Ken Kwapis Producer/Director (One Mississippi, The Office, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Freaks and Geeks, A Walk in the Woods)
Joy Gregory Screenwriter and co-lyricist (Joan of Arcadia, Madame Secretary, Switched at Birth, Swingtown)
Craig Wedren Music Producer (School of Rock, Velvet Goldmine)
Howard Paar Music Supervisor (20th Century Women, Diary of a Teenage Girl, Dogtown & Z Boys)
Alex Beattie Producer (Happyish).
While writing new songs for the film I’ve been happily rooting through the music of the 60’s like a french pig snuffling truffles, cadging the ethos, the style, the gestalt of the songwriters and bands and producers of the era. The result, filtered through my ears and cortex and fingers, are some of my proudest accomplishments – Brand-new Pop songs of the 60’s, available Now in the Future (which is now, or, at least, soon).
Before long I’ll be sharing a box of popcorn with you all to celebrate as the lights dim and we all turn off our cellphones together. How do I like my popcorn? Buttered, with a hint of truffle oil. Oink on!
6. Sheet Music Sale Half Notes Half Off!
To celebrate the release of my first-ever holiday song, and the fresh and robust security of my website, all sheet music will be on sale through the end of November!
Peace, and Truth, and Love,
Gunnar
