Recording A Theme Song...

I recorded a theme song last night with a couple of friends from church. I got to use a real piano this time. I did it at Mimimum Wage Recording Studios in Oregon Hill. The place was real deck. It had murals on the walls and kind of looked like The Tobacco Company inside. It gave much inspiration. Well I think it came okay. The owner was real nice. The Midnight BBQ show people came over from Charlottesville- bad weather and all to film us. It was quite a treat. I was glad they could make it. Yesterday we had some awful weather. I had to work a 7 hour shift at the Smoothie Shop and then go record, and I had a splitting headache. Only by the grace of God could I do it. Today I off work, so Im going the fitness center. I put on 5 lbs over Christmas Vacation. I am trying to start loseing weight again. Somehow I can still squeeze into my 34's. I wonder how much longer before my underwear starts cuttin' off my circulation again.

A Dream About Johnny And June...

I had a dream- I think I was in heaven, and I met Johnny and June Carter Cash. It was some awards benefit. I was decked out in my powder blue blazer, white cowboy shirt and tie, and my boots. I looked trim and fit in the dream (so it must have been heaven!) I sat at a large table first- Johnny Cash and his brother that died before him laughing and very happy- they told me I was their cousin. I thought that was nice. Then June was speaking at the podium. Half the place was a mansion, and half a church with pews. She was claiming to be in her 70s, but looked about 40, and healthy. She accepted some award presented to her by what I think was an angel.

Outside was a party with lawn chairs and cake. June was sitting in a white chair in a white dress with a flower in her hair. I went up to her to say hello- nervous as a rooster out of a coup- when before I said a word she said "you have a beautiful voice" Thanks for coming". And she smiled. She was sitting quietly with some people around her. I saw my grandmother too, who had died about 4 years ago. She was sitting and eating cake. Johnny Cash was all smiles and they seemed as happy as any two people could be. I was thrilled to meet them. Everything in the dream was so vivid- not like a movie like most of my dreams. It was real and felt so real to me that I thought it was really happening. The colours were outstanding. My choir director was in the dream and said to me "How does it feel to be 30 going on 30?" And then I woke up.

And thats what I suppose heaven is like really. Where you're 30 years old forever. You never get old or sick or unhappy. No sadness. Just peace and amongst friends and loved ones.

The End.

Philomont General Store..

This is where I spent many a summer day as a teenager. Eatin' ice cream and chatting with Wanda the clerk and Farmer Stanley who talk about his old heffers. Brings back a lot of memories. The stories I heard about the area a long time ago. It reminds me of when I got into REAL Classic Country Music, and heard the stories from locals about how their daddy danced with Patsy Cline, or someone met Roy Acuff. Or the tent revival meetings they would have in nearby Purcellville. Wanda the clerk said she knew Robert Duval when he lived in the area. She could make some scrumptious peanut butter brittle!

No one in Nashville likes my stuff...

I actually got a rejection today from a chance to pitch my songs to some publishers in Nashville. It doesn't bother me too much on one part, because I know that my songs are definitely not commercialized and what they are looking for. What does bother me- is what they think is good songwriting to me, is simply not. I am not in any way trying to be arrogant. I do not claim to be a great songwriter. But I hear people that win these "song contests", and the songs are so lame, trite, uncreative, and unoriginal, that its a wonder to me how they ever made it as finalists, let alone picked professionally. What are the judges listening for? The stuff that is coming out of Nashville and the industry today is complete and utter crap. I'm sorry to sound so ill mannered, but its true. The songs are so forumalic, watered down, and have no life in them at all. Nashville used to have originals like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Sr, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, etc. Now its all the same. The sounds are just so lame. I can't believe this. But I know that someday, someone will cut my songs, I just know its not the time yet.

I don't want to say I'm great, because I realize there are so many that are better than myself, and I am just but a mere novice in many ways . But I have been writing country-pop songs since I was fourteen, and playing piano and singing since I was juts out of diapers. I know what makes a song good to me, anyway. So many times, I turn on the Country radio or Pop , and it makes me want to scream and claw my face. Why is that considered "good"? No wonder people hate Country Music. Today's Country is crap.

A Nice Review

A little review about my new single on Lap Top Sessions I do appreciate the honesty they used in the review. And its a positive one. First positive music review I've gotton in about 6 years. I'm on a roll! Anyways, today wasn't bad. I had off work today, so I went to the fitness center. I had to use a lot of these machines that are supposed to get your heart rate up. I was having trouble with mine, so I just thought of Nicole Kidman. I was in the red! Anyways, after that, I rode my bike to the Fan Vet Clinic to pick up medication for Mosby, and then I decided to start calling some places to book some shows. So far I've booked a show in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and possibly one in Williamsburg. Its been a pretty good day today. I think Ill get something to eat from Ukrop's. I just love their sandwiches.

Skelton Is Actually My Middle Name...

Just to clear up any confusion. A lot of people may see this as flamboyant, pretentious, or even phoney. But its not an alias. Skelton just happens to be my middle name, and since I have a very short first name and a short last name, it seems fitting to use a longer name. This works best in show business. My full name is "Meade Skelton Haufe". The idea never occurred to me to go by "Skelton". In my teen years performing- it was "Meade Haufe" or "Meade Skelton Haufe"- which I thought at the time sounded a bit too formal and not fitting to my image. When I came on the Richmond Music Scene in late 2000, I submitted something to Style Weekly on the calendar, using my full name. They accidentally omitted my last name- and it stuck. I am pretty lucky to have such a nice sounding name. Meade and Skelton are both family names on my mothers side- and have a long history in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I can't delve into the genealogy part, as I am too lazy at the moment.

Safe to say- that "Meade" is a name of my ancestors- my great great great grandmother Marianne O.Meade who married my Great Great Great Grandfather- John G. Skelton , founder of MCV college in Richmond. Well, long story short, I am named after my great grandfather 5 times back- Everard Meade of Ameilia County, Virginia, who served in the Revolutionary War and was Aide-De-Campe to Col. Benjamin Lincoln (no relation to the Traitor President). That's how it all came together. Meade fits me because I do become self centered at times and its close to "ME". I find that funny. God has a good sense of humour when he made me. Oh, well that's it, folks.

I'm ready for the Inauguration !

I'm all set......






I hope no one takes offense, because its just a joke . I certainly am not a hate filled person. I just really can't support Obama no matter what he does. But he does have my prayers!


I was looking up for Anti-Obama songs (I can't write one myself because someone might try to kill me), and I found this.

Now, this girl has talent!



Gretchen found a bike this weekend. Its a nice deep blue ladies 3 speed Schwinn. The fellow who sold it to us is very nice- even though he is also an Obama supporter. I just hope no one steals my attennas again.

Shalom, Y'all !

I don't sound at all like John Denver..

I don't know what people are smoking when they compare me to John Denver. I love John Denver and his music- but our voices are nothing alike. Style wise, there are similarities, but people act as if we sound like each other. Sorry. First of all, I'm not good enough to clean the engine of the plane he crashed in, secondly, our intonation and styles are just not that much the same. I suppose on "My Loudoun County Home"- thats the closest I come to sounding like him, but still you wouldn't listen and go "Wow, that's John Denver!" I guess it frustrates me because people are saying I'm not original by describing me as the 2nd rate carbon copied version of a dead Folk singer.

Anyways, that being said, I am trying to get some press on my latest single, but most places don't review singles. I never understand in the world we live in today, why people have to have a CD with 25 songs on it, and can't sit down , put the needle on a record, and listen and absorb one or two songs at a time. With me, its a much more interactive listening experience. I have been comparing the CD to the 45 many times, and I'm sorry by the CD can't compare. I feel frustrated that most people will only buy the CD version of my single, because they aren't getting the great sound quality and life like recording production that only vinyl can produce. I wish people would buy more of the 45s. So far , only teenagers are buying them from me- which is nice in a way, but I was hoping for more mainstream appreciation. I'll have to settle for it, though.

She Always Seems To Have A Husband...

If I'm somewhere talkin' to a pretty girl, 9 times out of 10 she always seems to drop a line about her "husband". Oh, my husband and I...." I really need to come to hear you play again, surely I'll let MY HUSBAND know about it and see if he's free.. "I really enjoyed meeting you, I have to go find my husband now".. Is it just me? Or... does she really even have a husband? Oh, well. Who knows? Its just my luck. And it puzzles me how young thangs like early 20s can be married already, but some truly are. I know there is a "lid for every pot" as my mother used to say, but my pot has been cookin' on the back burner for so long, I think its simmering over. Anyways, nearly 7 years of being single hasn't really bothered me. Imagine what a drag it would be to be tied down to a wife and kids right now- at my relatively young age when Im tryin' to pursue my career. I don't think I could tour if I had a wife who was pregnant all the time or being lonely at home. I'm so glad to be single. I don't even have to date right now if I don't want to.

I think there's probably a reason why God has kept me single for so long . The woman he has in mind is very very very special. I bet she's a hoot! I just can't wait to meet her some time. Meanwhile, I really need this time for myself. I know some folks think its selfish to care more about your art, then someone else. But right now , I don't have anyone else to tie me down, so I must go ahead full throttle on the railroad of life. Sounds a bit insulting, but I do feel sorry for people who get married so young in their 20s. Its almost as if they threw their whole freedom away so young. I don't plan to get married for at least another 4 or 5 years. I'm sure to be somewhat established by then. My brother got married when he was 23. That's just too young . But I suppose if you find the right person, common sense goes out the window. I know that I do want lots of little children running around, and a nice woman

Meade's Ideal Mate:
Has a sense of humor
Is a Red head or Brunette (preferably with curls)
Likes to cook
Enjoys to sing or play musical instruments
Likes to watch old movies
Loves Mama's Family
Sweet Tea is her passion

Okay, so thats not really to much to ask. Or is it?

Well, I got a 34 inch waist pair of trousers today...

And.. I was able to fit into them! Yep, I could actually button them , and zip them up. They are just a tad snug, but they seem to be adjusting... and they aren't cutting off my circulation or anything. This is a new step for me. I really have come a long way. Over the past 3 and 1/2 years I have gone from a 40.5 inch waist to a nearly 34 inch waist. I am something of an anomaly. This is because I have such a big frame and unusual body type, I don't fit the standard for most people. Currently, and on a good day I'm just around 5'11, and weigh 238 lbs. For me to be a 34 inch waist- even snug, is quite a miracle. Most people at my height and weight would be at least a 38. I just leave it up to God. Nothing about me is quite ordinary. And I don't mean that in an arrogant way. I simply just don't fit the mold.

I went to see what my BMI would be for myself- and it is 33. Which is considered Obese. I used to be "morbidly " obese when I was in the 270s. Anyways, this is pretty silly. And I know a lot of people are saying just how inaccurate BMI really is. I really don't see why they are using it today . Even the old weight charts seem to make more sense. The really way to see how fat you are , is to look in the mirror. If you have a lot of rolls, and you can't see your feet when you walk down the street- then you probably need to lose some weight. Anyways, this gym thing is really a pain, but worth it. I saw a very healthy young woman in there today using the step machine. She certainly was motivating!

South Of The Border !

Nope, its not that place on 1-95, but an 'ol Western number I liked to sing as a young lad during my Classic Country phase.



Which I'm still not over yet. Anyways, today wasn't too bad. I renewed a gym membership to Easterling Zacharias Health Institute. Why, I don't know, because I'll probably never use it. I'm just hoping my fat cells will hear the word "fitness center" and then I'll trick them into shrinking. I had to take me trusty 'ol Schwinn into Agee's bikestore too. The chain broke on it this past weekend when I was riding up 9th Street. I had to walk my bike all the way back down W. Broad and passed by a lot of people that would scare most to death. But thats how brave I can be. I'm not afraid of the ghetto at all.

Wade In The Water

I was singing this in church this morning for "Remember Your Baptism Sunday", and a very nice lady did an interpretive dance while I played. It was certainly inspiring to see her move like that, and it added a nice touch.Its been so long since I've been Baptized, maybe I am due again. Anyways, I went with Gretchen and we had some dessert at Baker's Crust (I had brownie ala mode). At least Baker's Crust accepts AMEX cards. Ya know, Cafe Gutenberg doesn't accept them? That is really outrageous since American Express is a dining club card anyway. After eating at Baker's Crust in Carytown, we went to the Music Store - Sam Ash and Guitar Center to check out their instruments. I really want myself a Roland! They are the Cadillac of the keyboards . My Yahama is okay, but its quite the cheese. The Roland offers a much more acoustic sounding Piano sound. I have change my tastes a lot, and I really don't have any use for all those whacky sounds you get on keyboards. I want natural , true sound. Or as close as you can get to it anyway. I hope that I can save up enough. I saw a very neat deep ocean blue Martin guitar in there too. I tried that out for myself, and an autoharp, and the banjo. I also had fun on some Congas. I could have stayed there all day long! Oh, well they are too corporate for me anyway. I would rather buy from a local music dealer. I went to the Pet Store and we looked at the fish and the Iguanas.

Later, after that, we headed over to Short Pump Town Center to Barnes and Noble bookstore. I had my fill of that quick enough, and we were hungry again, so we went to Johnny Rockets. There I had a chicken sandwich and a sweet tea. They didn't hire me there, and I wonder why, because really any monkey can wait tables. Especially for that kind of restaurant. Oh, well, I'm glad I don't work there, because the boss seems a little bit of a fussbudget. The food wasn't bad, and the employees did a floor show to Donna Summers "The Last Dance", which is a horrid song, so i hope they get tipped well.

I had to correct our waiter tonight..

We decided to stop at Cafe Gutenberg tonight , as we were taking Bonnie to the Main Street train station so she could go back home to Williamsburg. I was with my TWO SISTERS (they are both female), but the waiter kept saying "you guys". So at the start I just had to tell him "well, actually they are girls, and I'm the guy". He gave me a very sour look and mumbled something about "colloquialisms", which is fine. I feel bad because I probably ruined his evening or something, but I just couldn't take it anymore. Because of my big mouth, service was mildly uncomfortable. He wasn't rude, but he refused to bring me my plate, and kind of looked at me with distrust. As I had to apologize later to the waiter for correcting him, he just said no one has ever told him that before. I'm surprised no one has yet. I have had to endure many people saying "you guys" when I'm with some females in the past, and have tried to hold my tongue, but its not easy.


Well, I feel bad, but this is Richmond, not New Jersey. I don't understand why "you guys" is being used all over the place now in Richmond. Its really a culture shock to me- and I'm from Northern Virginia. Well, I told them that we say "y'all", and that's how you properly address a group of people. This is still bothering me, because I made him feel lousy, and then I was rude to correct someone. I wonder if I was in the right or wrong- I must ask Miss Manners on this. Maybe I was wrong (even though technically I was right), but I feel in service oriented situations, its okay to let the waiter know how things are going, and in this case not very well. Anyways, I had the Bratwurst with some sour kraut, and potatoes. We wished Bonnie well at the station. It was nice having her over. She polished all the silverware and helped us take the Christmas tree down. Later we went to Barnes and Noble at Libbie and Broad - just Gretchen and I, and we got a cookie and a coke. Barnes and Noble upsets me because they have a lot of liberal propaganda in there- and Barack Obama paraphernalia. But I guess anything to make a quick buck. Oh, and my waiter forgot my coke.

Meade's advice For Struggling Musicians...

At the ripe old age of 29, I have had a lot of experience over the years playing many clubs, dives, and honky tonks, staying at motels that have seen better days, and dealing with the slings and arrows of the Richmond Music Scene. I would like to share some age-old wisdom with those bands out there tryin' to get their music to the masses in a very pessimistic universe. I would like to say that these bits of knowledge apply to just about any type of musician or style of music out there, so take note!


1. BE YOURSELF ON STAGE

People will respond much more to being genuine and authenticity , then something totally fake. It does not mean being boring. It simply means you are true to who are you are inside. If you want to be a side show- that's something quite different- and the Circus is always hiring for that. As a musical performer, you should be who you are on stage- be NATURAL.

2.STICK WITH WHAT YOU DO

And this applies to anything you do in music. Don't try to jump the next trend, the "new sound" (there is none, folks), or anything you think will sell better or get more fans. Its fine to experiment, but in general, stick with the sound that feels most like you. Your influences- and what drew you to get out and play music in the first place. Remember, your audience WILL FIND YOU. You don't have to go out and find your audience. Its better to have a small, but loyal fan base, than a fickle one based on the whims of musical indifference. Just look at Britney Spears.

3. DON'T GO INTO MUSIC FOR MAKING MONEY

If you start playing music with the sole intention of being rich, you can forget it! Its like winning the lottery. Most musicians play simply because they love it. They love performing and creating something that is dear to them. You will be severely disappointed if you think that getting into music will bring you money, and/or fame. It simply doesn't just happen like that. And if it does- its certainly not going to make you happy in the long run. You must love, love, love music with a passion, and never compromise your integrity over the almighty dollar.

4.AVOID THE MUDSLINGING

Every city and every town has bands that are competing with each other. Don't get caught up in the drama! You can save yourself a lot of grief and a lot of heartache by not focusing on the competition. Don't go around trashing other bands or other musicians. Take it from someone who knows. Its not worth it, its a waste of time, and its totally unprofessional. Not to mention, you make enemies, who could have actually helped you along the way. If you reach the top, there's always a bottom, and you'll run into the same ones on the way down that you did on the way up. Remember to support and encourage the others. It doesn't mean you even have to like what they do- but trash talking other musicians is not good showmanship.

5.THINK OUTSIDE YOUR HOMETOWN
One of the biggest lies in the music industry is that you have to start small first- in your hometown, then branch out a little further, and further until you reach that inner circle. Pshaw! The Bible says "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country". Y'all know what that means. Your own city is not the place to focus all your energy. It is a great place to hone your craft and work on your performance skills, and , well, reside. But you have to get out of your town if you want to get heard. Often your hometown will be the LAST place you are accepted. I know myself that most Richmonders won't give me the time of day. I do better outside of Richmond. My name isnt Elliott Yamin or Jason Mraz. Most people in your hometown would rather watch Reality TV than go out on a Saturday night and support local musicians. Its just the law of the beast. Start BIG, not small. Go outside your regional market.

6.AVOID RELENTLESS SELF PROMOTION

I don't know where to start on this. I was once called The King of Self Promotion. I would use anything and everything to promote anything about myself. All this does is alienate people. It turns them off. Its great to have a street team- but trolling music websites and message boards, pretending to be fans and calling radio stations, or saturating every street corner with your poster is really a big NO-NO. Its also a waste of time and energy. The promotion you do should be intentful, professional, and has to have a strategic goal in mind. This means, in other words, only promote when absolutely necessary. This may sound counter to what most people have or will tell you. But take it from someone who knows- relentless promotion of your band in your city will cause nothin' but heartache. But then again- it does inspire some great songs

7. TAKE AT LEAST 2 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR TO RELAX

Take at least a few months off from touring, writing, singing, playing, or whatever. Spend that time with your family, praying, reflecting, and re-inventing yourself. The best times for taking breaks are usually slow times of the year- Christmas, January and February seem to be when there's a drop in people going to venues or going out. Summer time is probably the least best time to break because that is when the doors are wide open.

8.PRAY
Always pray to the Lord before any performance, interview, or even rehearsal. Ask the Lord to give you better songs, guide you in the creative process, and touch the audience you are trying to reach. Even if you're not a believer, try to find something in the art of prayer. Its a great thing to know you're not alone out there. Remember, that God has a plan for your life and your music- and He will make it happen if you ask Him.

9.PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, Then Un-PRACTICE

Sounds Schizophrenic? That's because you can never be tight enough or solid enough, yet you want some creativity and improvisation on stage. If you rehearse a song to death in rehearsal, you still want to play it to the audience as if you're playing it fresh, for the first time. This doesn't mean you want to play as if you can hardly play the song at all- it means it should have all the passion and spunk it should have, still sounding tight and "in the pocket". If all else fails, blame the drummer

10.YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STAR
If you asked me 10 years ago, I would have said that you should do anything and everything to get ahead to become the Star you deserve to be. This is bunk. You don't have to be a Star to make great music, or for your music to be heard. You do have to be passionate, dedicated, and always willing to learn. Stardom does not bring happiness. Often times it brings misery. Focous on making great music, and just have a smattering of loyal fans that really dig what you're doing. You are never a failure if you do that. You are if you let it go to your head.


I sure hope some of what I wrote may help some of you bands out there. You may have heard some of this before- but I'm not some Tony Robbins. I'm a musician, just like you. With a dream and a desire to be heard.

Secular Christmas Is Over....

The Christmas that most people associate with is over. It ended December 25th. It began a month too early, and ended 11 days too soon. Non- believers and Christians alike fall victim to this . People got out decorations the day after Thanksgiving, and right on New Years, throw them out with the trash. Everyone got decked , along with the halls, and now they feel an emptiness as all the "magic" of Christmas seems to be gone and we are all back to the daily grind. I celebrate the Christian Christmas. It doesn't start til around December 20th- or the last week of Advent. It comes December 25th, and lasts til January 6th. Its much more filling. The REAL meaning of Christmas is about Jesus being born in Bethlehem- in humble surroundings, to a young virgin mother, and a Carpenter. The very son of God lying in swaddling clothes, with donkeys, and 3 very befuddled Wise Men with some gifts. This is it, folks. Not Santa Claus, not Rudolph,(whom I love dearly), or Snowmen, or snow (we don't even see snow here in Richmond on Christmas, if we do its front page news), or anything "Seasonal". That kind of Christmas is what lets people down. That's why people feel so let down each year when they celebrate the Secular Christmas. See, Christmas in our hearts all year long- its the celebration we do in December, but if you have it in your heart because of the real story you know is true, then its not a let down, but a joy each year.

So here's a few other differences:

Secular Christmas

-Starts in November on "Black Friday" when you get yer fake tree from Target and run over poor employees and trample them to death

- Cheesy Songs about snow, snowmen, chestnuts, Yuletide, mistletoe, and other Pagan isms, often sung by high pitched screaming Pop singers over the loudspeaker at work.

-Santa Claus and Rudolph

-Jesus who?

-It ends on December 25th

-Total Forced, superficial merriment- not real or from the heart. Equals to "Holiday Depression"



Christian Christmas

-Begins no earlier than a week before December 25th. The celebration is only a manifestation of what you feel all year long

-Jesus Christ and his birth is the focal point of Christmas

-Songs sung by heavenly choirs of Jesus' Birth, the Wise Men, Angels, The Holy Spirit, Peace On Earth and Goodwill To Men

-Lasts 12 Days- From December 25th- January 6th

-Each day is a feast- The feast of St. Stephen, All Holy Innocence, etc.

-You wish people a "Merry Christmas", send Christmas cards, help others with special needs during the Season

-The fun making and party atmosphere does not replace the true meaning of Christmas. There isn't as much of a "let down" after the "holiday" Season.

And that's it. I still have my Christmas tree up, candles in the window, and Christmas music spinning on my turntable. And I will until January 6th. So Merry Christmas, everyone!