Travel Ireland, Scotland and Beyond with Celtic Invasion Vacations

Greetings Gunn Runner

A new season of Celtic Christmas music and a new format to Pub Songs Podcast. Hallelujah and The Hero of Christmas and a Black Friday Sale.

It's all on Celtfather Monthly, show #271

0:11 - PODCASTS

It was a good month for podcasts. I planned ahead and recorded several Irish & Celtic Music Podcast episodes. I'm also getting ready to finishing up episodes so I can put out the Celtic Top 20 during the last week of December.

I am liking the direction of the Pub Songs Podcast. It requires a lot more planning. I also feel like there are more open loops. That's because I have multiple sections. It includes a short interview, a CD feature, and some facts about any trad Celtic songs. I have to figure out how to better streamline that. But I still feel more flexible.

For instance, I had the idea of releasing an episode at the end of December with Auld Lang Syne and what not. But it would lack many of those sections. And happily I was okay with that. I'm keeping my mind open and flexible with the format. That's tough for me.

Ultimately, I tossed that show idea, but only because of lack of time. Not because of the show idea.

The Celtic Christmas Podcast is in full swing. Two episodes in 2020. A third will be out before the end of the month. I also started a bonus podcast featured called "Hang the Holly".

That is sort of a new podcast where I share details about artists in the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast. The idea started because I was expecting the show to be booted from Spotify. And I wanted to keep it on there.

You see, last year, Spotify was the #1 player of the podcast. But Spotify is rejecting any podcast that is primarily music. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was kicked off last spring. Now I have Hang the Holly promoting the latest shows. Or at least that's the hope. Admittedly, the listens are so few so far, that I'm not sure I will continue this feature.

But we shall see. I'm not really sure how to measure the success. But it will continue through Christmas at least.

2:46 - VIDEOS

Season 7 of Coffee with The Celtfather is coming to an end. The first two episodes in December are Christmas music shows. And on Thursday, December 17, the season ends with who knows what kind of music. Maybe I should do a poll. What were your favorite new songs in 2020? I definitely played a lot of new music.

December 17 is also the next Celtfather Live concert. I am feeling good about those shows. If you're following, I changed the way those shows worked. Basically, tickets are $8 or you can spend $15 or more in my store and get a ticket. In November, I made the show available to all my Heroic Patrons who pledge $10 or more on Patreon.

Overall, sales were down from October. But only by $23. So that's pretty fantastic. Plus, I saw a bunch of new Heroes in the Gunn Runners Club. I say bunch but like 2 or 3 is just a lot in general and as you'll see in the stats, it greatly affects my income. So again, I call that a HUGE win.

Now as a sort of Christmas gift, the December show will be available to every member of the Gunn Runner Club plus the ticketed people. But that's one month only. Well, unless I see some major rise in Gunn Runner memberships at the $5 level. We shall see how it works out.

I had a LOT of video singles made this month. ONE of the reasons I moved Coffee with The Celtfather back to YouTube was to streamline the video single creation process. I was having a lot of trouble recording video singles of me singing songs. But if I just record a show on YouTube. I can pick the best performances and turn 'em into videos to promote my music. This month was great for those videos.

I'm releasing one new video per week. This month was "Bright Side of Everything", "Bring Me Home, Boys", "Hallelujah", and "Close Your Eyes (aka The Demon Lullaby)".

"Hallelujah", in particular, is doing exceptionally well. It's getting a higher than normal number of views. It felt like a really fantastic performance when I sang it on Coffee at the beginning of November.

6:41 - IN THE STUDIO

I got a little bit more time back in the studio this month.

I finally recorded "Genetic Counseling Song". I also sent it to some musicians, including Matt Hughes, who's on the next Pub Songs Podcast. And my friend Rimbo laid some bass for the song as well.

I did some practicing for some traditional Irish tunes I want on the CD. Sam Gillogly recorded the fiddle part. But I just did not know how to play along. I'm working on that.

I also started a secret recording with a daughter. I will say no more about that.

Also in November, my engineer, Mitchell sent me a recording of "Wherever I May Roam". It was the final... version...

Well, that's what I thought. Shortly after telling him we were done, I told him, we were not actually done.

I'll be talking about that on #221 of the Pub Songs Podcast.

In a last minute move, Mikey Mason and I are officially releasing Browncoat Christmas on December 1st. This is a 4-song EP of Christmas songs inspired by Firefly, including our newest single release, "The Hero of Christmas".

I also have lyrics by Nancy Flynn that I want to record this season. We shall see if I have anything for Gunn Runners in the next month.

8:16 - MERCH

I feel like merch should be a greater priority in a musician's career. It's one of the best ways for biggest methods for us to make money.

Alas, I just don't do it. It's lowest on my priority list behind creating music and podcasts and a dozen other things.

Oh well. I did at long last put A Celtic Christmas in my Mage Records store. This is a compilation CD I released in 2013. It's a great album with a lot of fun Christmas songs by Celtic musicians.

Nevertheless, I did create a Black Friday sale, of sorts. And it's good until the end of November.

You can buy Any CD in my store. You'll get a second copy of that CD to share with a friend for free. Then you can pick one more CD from my store and get that one doubled as well.

Basically 4 CDs for just $20.

Oh! If you're subscribed to my mailing list, you still get a discount code to save 15%.

9:27 - CELTIC TRAVEL

I have my first invaders for the Celtic Invasion of Scotland. And I'm happy to see there are vaccines coming out. That's a good sign for the 2021 invasion. I suppose it's time to do some serious planning.

9:41 - WEBSITES

I updated lyrics for the Irish Song Lyrics website, including:

• “Barnyards of Delgaty”
• “Genetic Counseling Song”
• “Hero of Christmas”
• “Galway Shawl”
• “Maid Went to the Mill”
• “Wild Colonial Boy”
• “Wreck of the Bold Lady Jean”

 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR DECEMBER

THURS: Coffee with The Celtfather, YouTube (Season 7) @ 12:00 PM EST
End of Season on December 17. Season 8 will start on January 7.

DEC 4: The Lost Druid in Avondale Estates, GA @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET. Free.
DEC 17: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 8:00 - 9 PM EDT. Tickets $8.

11:15 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1194 is down from 1196
Celtic Music Magazine = 4021 is up from 4001

YouTube Subscribers = 4891 is up from 4853
Facebook Likes = 3752 is down from 3755
Instagram = 1856 is up from 1851
Spotify followers: 1670 is 16 up from 1654
# Number of listens on Spotify: 3265 is up from 2532

Latest Spotify Single Stats:
 "Hobbit Hornpipe" released Aug 26: 447 is up from 399
 "Whiskey in the Jar" released Sept 8: 17 is down from 73
 "Brandywine River Reel" released Sept 22: 19 is down from 75

"O'er the Way" released Oct 1: 20 is down from 85
"Together (KrabbeConnect) released Oct 7: 52 is down from 257
"October Waltz" released Oct 14: 103 is up from 54
"Tough Times" released Oct 21: 163 is up from 28
"Wild Colonial Boy" released on Nov 3: 63
"The Hero of Christmas" released on Nov 17: 148

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.5K), "Christmas in the Shire" (493), Doctor of Gallifrey (483), Hobbit Hornpipe (447), Slainte Mhaith Christmas (403), A-Working in the Garden (330), Frosty the Irish Snowman (268), Hero of Canton (187), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (172), Tough Times (163)

Most-popular songs on Amazon Music: Doctor of Gallifrey (379), Hero of Canton (342), The Widow and the Devil (117), As Long As I'm Flyin' (84), Jedi Drinking Song Prequel (82)

Christmas playlist starting nov 14 = 1762 is up from 1743

18:34 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 158 is up from 157
Patreon Monthly Income: $1221 is up from $1208

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts.

 - RANT

Before I conclude, I want to send a HUGE congrats to President-Elect Joe Biden. America definitely spoke with a landslide victory. At least by Trump's past definition of a landslide. Except Biden won definitely won the popular vote AND the electoral college vote. America wanted kindness back in the White House. We got it!

I thought about not mentioning this at all because I know a lot of people in our country voted for the incumbent president. Our nation has a lot of healing to do.

But I spent the last couple o' months promoting Biden. I firmly believe he is the best person to not only actually make America great again, but to heal our country.

No. I don't expect a smooth transition. Trump has already corrupted our democracy by declaring voter fraud, without ANY actual evidence that stands up in a court of law. yet, millions of Americans believe that lie.

But the fact is Trump lost the majority of American votes, again. He lost the popular vote. He lost the electoral college.

Joe Biden definitely won the presidency. And I'm proud that America stood up for what is right.

There's obviously more to talk about. I was shocked by how many people did vote for Trump. After all the verifiable lies, after all the attacks on decency, and the intentional inflammation of division, I'm curious why.

I believe in balance. Trump tipped the country into extremism and corruption.

Why would good people continue to support him?

I just don't know. Hopefully, I can ask that question in the future and try to understand how we can better unite our country.

Until then, I'm thankful that we have a new president coming in January bring a more principled character as the leader of our country. Congratulations President Elect Joe Biden and definitely a big congrats to America's first female Vice President, first Black and Asian woman VP, Kamala Harris.

This is a BIG step for a better America.

Thank you for supporting Sci F'Irish music at Celtfather.com!

#CFMonthly

Greetings Gunn Runner

The power went out. Fortunately, I have a portable digital recorder. I was able to capture this episode with news about batch recording shows, campaigning for a president, live concert successes, album delays, and Celtfather Box Set.

It's all on Celtfather Monthly, show #270.

2:26 - PODCASTS

I love the  Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I feel like I’m finally getting a handle on batch recording episodes. That means, I create and record 2-3 episodes at one time. Then I release one each week... ahead of time.

I love this method because it gives me room to focus on my music business. Writing songs. Recording songs. Listening to edits. Making changes as I need them. I can’t tell you how important that is to my mental health. It's extremely helpful.

I pre-recorded three episodes in October. But released four regular ones and a bonus show. There was the Celtic Fusion, Lost Passport, Fairy Tale, and the Celtic Halloween show along with a bonus Celtic Rock episode since I wanted to promote one of my new singles, "Together".

I did a bit more scripting for the Pub Songs Podcast episodes this month. That's because I wanted to clearly talk about stuff without coming off like arse. That was especially true with the Tough Times episode. I was campaigning for Joe Biden. But I don't like hard sells and didn't to piss off people who already had their mind made up for the other guy.

Ah well... Again, I'm happy the election will be over!

Next month, I have some cool new stuff. There's a Celtic Geek spotlight, a feature on the song "Wild Colonial Boy" and I have an interview with Mikey Mason about one of our new Firefly Christmas songs that will be released. I'm excited about these episodes.

I recorded the first episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast. The show officially launches in mid-November. The first episode is a shorter, teaser episode. My goal is to get the show charting again starting November 1. But it's also there to raise money for those who want to support the podcast. It's a lot of extra time and mental energy. So I'm trying to keep it simple as can be.

Finally, I was interviewed for the Running Anthropologist. The host found my running episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. And I had to get on it. I graduated college in cultural geography, which is basically anthropology. And I'm a runner now. I'll talk about that some point in the future. But you can get a sneak peak on that podcast.

7:23 - VIDEOS

Coffee with The Celtfather is going strong with season 7. I feel like I had some shows this month. Though I only nabbed a few video singles that I felt were good enough to publish as singles.

Those include Tough Times and O’er the way. Though I have a couple already scheduled for November.

My Celtfather Live for October was a GREAT success. My goal was to basically increase sales in my store either through tickets or through merch sales. So you could buy an $8 ticket in the store to watch the show. OR you could spend $15 and get access to the show.

Sales were nearly as high as they were in September for Dragon Con. So again, SUCCESS!

I also worked out the technical details. Things like how to email people the show link and what not. I feel like one or two people bought twice. That was a bummer. But overall, it seemed to work.

I'm doing it again in November. This time all of my Heroes in the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon will get free access. On the one hand, I suspect this will cannibalize some sales. But considering these folks are pledging $10 per month... I'm okay with that. It just becomes a little bit more difficult to track.

9:57 - IN THE STUDIO

Oh the studio. Well, I think I will officially announce that I will not have Selcouth completed and mailed out in November like I planned. I am sorry.

I am still making great progress. But I have at least five tracks that I want to complete. Others are with musicians. In fact, let's break it down.

I have two songs that are in the mixing stage with my engineer. Those are "Serenity Valley Waltz" and "Wherever I May Roam". Those were challenges to get the right mix. But they are coming along.

"Breathing" is currently with Nathan Deese to record, along with "Favor of a Dance" and "Bright Side of Everything". I also have Randy Wothke I hope to add percussion to "Bright Side of Everything".

"Genetic Counseling Song" was tracked. I'm getting instrumentation added by Matt Hughes and Jimmy "Rimbo" Rimmer. It's getting closer.

As for the songs still in the work, I have "Kilty Pleasure", "Just a Hero", and "By Amazing Grace". I laid tracks for "Kilty Pleasure", but I'm not sure if I want to re-record those or not. The other two, I haven't started on.

Finally, I have two tune sets, some jigs and some reels. Admittedly, I'm having trouble figuring out what to play on those.

As you can see, there are just FIVE tracks that need recording. You'd think it would be no big deal. If I could get a weekend, I could probably nail 'em.

Course, the instrumentation will take longer as will the mixing.

Heck, I haven't even figured out an album cover yet for Selcouth.

So I think it's safe to say, this will be pushed back until January or February with an official release maybe next summer. Again, my apologies.

I did release a bunch of singles last month. I'll tell you how they did in a little bit. But there were four:

• O’er the way
• Tough times
• October waltz
• Together

All in all, I'm seeing some great results. When my current release schedule is over, I'm gonna try to release new tracks every 2-4 weeks. But I definitely want to keep new singles coming. I feel it's helping me a lot.

13:33 - MERCH

Nothing new was released in October outside of the ticket sales. Though I did adjust the Celtfather CD Box Set that I have in the store. You save 50% off all of my current physical CDs when you buy it.

There's also a white Irish & Celtic Music Podcast t-shirt. It's just $7. And you also get a digital copy of my St Patrick's Day album. That was updated as well.

I found a some album reviews of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. It was interesting to read. Because this is an album that is VERY focused. If you like Irish music AND you love cats, you will probably love this album. But of the 11 reviews on Amazon, 3 are mediocre to loathing. I like reading people's reviews, because they help show how much something resonates with a community.

But of course, it's also nice to have an abundance of glowing reviews. So if you haven't posted anything on Amazon. I'd love for you to do so.

If you're interested in any of my music, I'd suggest you shop my store at magerecords.com. If you're subscribed to my mailing list, you'll get a discount code to save 15% in my store.

16:00 - CELTIC TRAVEL

No new plans for my Celtic Invasion of Scotland. However, there was one happy thing I missed.

A month or so ago, I contacted past invaders. I told them about the invasion. I was met with crickets.

Well, it turns out there were reasons for crickets. I apparently did NOT email anyone but myself...

Luke noticed the error. And now I have four new invaders signed up.

17:00 - WEBSITES

I updated lyrics for the Irish Song Lyrics website, including:

• The Wreck of the Bold Lady Jean
• The Bridge
• Close your Eyes
• Tough times
• Black is the color

18:04 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER

THURS: Coffee with The Celtfather, YouTube (Season 7) @ 12:00 PM EST

NOV 19: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 8:00 - 9 PM EDT. Tickets $8 or shop the store. Spend $15+ get access.

18:40 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1196 is down from 1203
Celtic Music Magazine = 4001 is down from 4008

YouTube Subscribers = 4853 is up 63 from 4790
Facebook Likes = 3755 is down from 3759
Instagram = 1851 is the same
Spotify followers: 1654 is up 22 from 1632
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2532 is down from 2588

Latest Spotify Single Stats:
"Hobbit Hornpipe" released Aug 26: 399 is down from 801
"Whiskey in the Jar" released Sept 8: 73 is down from 160
"Brandywine River Reel" released Sept 22: 75 is up from 22

"O'er the Way" released Oct 1: 85
"Together (KrabbeConnect) released Oct 7: 257
"October Waltz" released Oct 14: 54
"Tough Times" released Oct 21: 28

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.3K), Doctor of Gallifrey (474), Hobbit Hornpipe (399), A-Working in the Garden (373), Together (KrabbeConnect) (255), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (230), Hero of Canton (214)

Most-popular songs on Amazon Music: Hero of Canton (472), Doctor of Gallifrey (383), As Long As I'm Flyin' (354), Sail the Sky (174), The Long Arm (147)

23:47 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 157 is down from 162
Patreon Monthly Income: $1208 is up from $1196

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts.

25:07 - RANT

NOTE: I decided to cut the audio of this rant. I just ran out of time for editing.

I am SO sick of our president who lies so blatantly and often, you would think that no one would support him.

Alas, that's not the case. If you believe him, you probably already plan to vote for him. So my rant isn't gonna help you make a decision.

This rant was all about children. Mine in particular. But all children.

Do we really want them to grow in an environment of maliciousness which is the tone set by the leader of the free world? 

I voted no. I voted for Biden.

That's it. It's now in the hand of Americans who respect people and want a better America.

---

My wife pointed out one of the biggest reasons why I want Trump out of office. My daughters Inara and Kenzie.

We have not involved them in the political process. We didn’t let them watch the debates. Not do we let them hear the president talk.

That’s because we are scared at what vile, hateful thing will come out of his mouth. What female reporter will he gaslight. What black man will he belittle. What middle easterner will he call a terrorist. What Hispanic will he call a rapist. What person with a disability will he make fun of. What hateful insult will he lob carelessly at over half of our country because they are Democrats.

He doesn’t serve America. He serves himself.

This is the leader of the free world. And he is a sad, shameful human being. Let alone American.

Is this what Kenzie should aspire to? Is this how Inara should behave? Should they act despicable? I mean after all, our president is.

I don’t believe so. I voted for decency and kindness back in the White House. That is joe Biden.

I am so happy the election is almost over. It’s consuming me and all of America. I’m sick of it. Yet I feel it’s essential to the healing of our nation that we get rid of Trump. There’s never been a more divisive president.

I am so ready for a new president.  I did my duty for a better America. I voted for Biden. Now it’s time to move on.

Thank you for supporting Sci F'Irish music at Celtfather.com!

#CFMonthly

Greetings Gunn Runner

Pub Songs Podcast on the charts. New singles gaining traction. Coffee with the Celtfather is back. And finishing up the Selcouth CD. And a rant on voting.

It's all on Celtfather Monthly, show #269

Before we start, I want to remind you to register to vote. It looks in most states, you have until about October 5th to register, but it does vary. And just because you think you're registered, does not mean you are. Georgia has a lawsuit against it because there were over 200,000 people illegally purged from the voting record. Go to vote.org to check your registration and to register.

0:36 - PODCASTS

Four episodes of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast were released in September, including a Celtic Women's special for Halfway to St Patrick's Day. I had a lot of great comments about that episode. Coming up is a Celtic Fusion episode and a Samhain or Celtic Halloween episode. I'm still debating how to theme the show.

The first episode of the Pub Songs Podcast in September was a performance I recorded for Virtual Dragon Con. It was a fun show. Though as always, it's weird doing shows without audiences who respond. But I feel like I'm getting good at it.

At the end of the month, the Pub Songs Podcast topped the Music Commentary Charts on Apple Podcasts. That's because I did the first big push I've done for the show in a LONG time.

It was all a part of the Hobbit Day show I released on Sept 22. It features hobbit songs as well as the second single from the Dancing With Hobbits album I'm recording with Sam Gillogly. It's called "Brandywine River Reel". I feel like that was a good episode where I share my love of hobbit origin story.

I created a couple themes for the October shows. One is about coming together. And the other is Firefly-related in time for the single release of "Tough Times" which I hope to get done before the election.

It's also time to start thinking about the Celtic Christmas Podcast again. I know that sounds early for you. But in the music biz, bands should start submitting Christmas music tracks to radio and such in October. So that's one thing I hope to start on next month.

2:39 - VIDEOS

I released several new video singles this month. There's one for "Whiskey in the Jar". This one is just me and the autoharp. It seemed like a good idea for a video to record since I released a single at the beginning of the month too.

Another features two toy sheep I got for my daughters last summer. It's called "Sinead & Saoirse at Killarney National Park" and features the music of "Hobbit Hornpipe". The videos are all from my Celtic Invasion of Dingle last summer. We had a side trip to Killarney which was a lot of fun. And got silly too!

My favorite video was "Lords of the Run". I go running with a couple friends 2-3 times per week. We decided to run in costume on the Saturday of Dragon Con to celebrate the Dragon Con parade that didn't happen this year. It was SO MUCH FUN to record. The video also features the music of "Brandywine River Reel".

Coffee with The Celtfather is BACK for Season 7. This time it's on YouTube every Thursday at noon eastern.

So far, I am feeling really good about the move from Facebook. Most of my regular viewers made the transition. The time seems better. Attendance feels up. And those who watch actually stick around (unlike on Facebook).

Oh! As a cool bonus, I have themes for many shows. I've no problem coming with theme ideas too because of all the singles I'm releasing. So woohoo!!!

I also am now notifying Coffee fans every Thursday via email. If you haven't signed up, please do so!

5:06 - IN THE STUDIO

Last month, I scheduled 12 different singles I planned to release. I have new tracks coming out every 2-3 weeks through January. So far, the results are encouraging. I'll tell you more about the stats in a wee bit. But each of my singles is doing better and better. This test is looking very positive.

Meanwhile, I'm still working on my next CD Selcouth. I have three new songs finished. But I still have some big tracks I need to finish recording. My goal was to release the album to fans by November. I'm starting to doubt whether I will achieve that goal.

Songs that need work include:

• Breathing
• Bright Side of Everything
• Genetic Counseling Song
• By Amazing Grace?
• Serenity Valley Waltz
• Kilty Pleasure

I'm so proud of all of those tracks. Which is why I find myself coming to a mental block to completing them. But I hope to make more progress tomorrow.

7:11 - MERCH

The Sainted Song Hengers Collection is back in my store. This features this year's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast shirt, some pint glasses and more. It's only available for a limited time. I also added some two new USBs: Cats 'n' Celts and Rise of The Celtfather.

Oh! And if you're subscribed to my mailing list, you'll get a discount code to save 15% in my store. Shop at magerecords.com.

If you're a Brobdingnagian Bards fan, then you might want to pick up one of the last copies of "Songs of Ireland". We have finally almost sold out of that physical CD. I think there's only five copies left. You can get it in the Bards store.

9:12 - CELTIC TRAVEL

Join my in 2021 for the Celtic Invasion of Scotland. We're staying in a castle in Helensburgh, Scotland. This is about 20 minutes from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

9:32 - WEBSITES

I made several updates in preparation for Halfway to St Patrick's Day to that website. I made sure all the links were updated as well as any new information.

I updated lyrics for the Irish Song Lyrics website, including: "We'll Have A Pint", "Everybody Needs A Drinking Song", "Prettiest Hobbit" and "Whiskey in the Jar" since I added a new video.

10:05 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR OCTOBER

THURS: Coffee with The Celtfather, YouTube (Season 7) @ 12:00 PM EST

OCT 3: Interstellar Ginger Beer & Exploration Co in Alabaster, AL @ 6:00 - 8:00 PM EDT
OCT 17: The Lost Druid in Decatur, GA @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM EDT
OCT 22: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 8:00 - 9 PM EDT

12:00 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1203 is up from 1171
Celtic Music Magazine = 4008 is up from 4003

YouTube Subscribers = 4790  is up 52 from 4738
Facebook Likes = 3759 is up from 3755
Instagram = 1851 is up from 1838
Spotify followers: 1632 is up 24 from 1608 is up 29 from 1579
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2588 is up from 2280

Latest Spotify Single Stats:
"Hobbit Hornpipe" released Aug 26: 801 is up from 18
"Whiskey in the Jar" released Sept 8: 160
"Brandywine River Reel" released Sept 22: 22

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.4K), Hobbit Hornpipe (789), Doctor of Gallifrey (469), A-Working in the Garden (251), Hero of Canton (200)

Most-popular songs on Amazon Music: Hero of Canton (454), Doctor of Gallifrey (280), The Widow and the Devil (78), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (39), Bring Me Home, Boys (39)

16:33 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 162 is up from 159
Patreon Monthly Income: $1196 is up from $1178

We'll see what happens to those numbers when I finish this podcast on a rant. But first...

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts.

17:32 - RANT ON VOTING

At the start of the podcast, I asked you to register to vote. It is absurd to say. But I feel like it's now necessary to encourage you to vote in November.  Some people are talking about voting fraud. Some are talking about foreign interference in our elections. Some don't think voting makes a difference. I want to share a few hopefully bipartisan thoughts on the topic.

The statistics say that voting fraud is immaterial. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing voter fraud by making you think your vote doesn't count. It does. So don't believe those liars.

We already know that Russia and China are trying to manipulate the outcome of this election. We know that Russia succeeded in the last election. They're using social media to manipulate us. How? They share memes and fake news that appeal to you. And you end up sharing them.

My suggestion. Stop. Put a moratorium on sharing news or memes until December.

Instead, share who you plan to vote for and why.

That said, I will vote for Joe Biden in November. And I will tell you why.

I want to bring kindness back to the White House. I want stability. I want a return to Law and Order. Trump promises that but makes things worse Every time. Vice President Biden will do that. He's not the candidate I want. But he's the candidate our country needs. He's a moderate who will actively try to serve ALL Americans. Not just his people.

Trump is threatening our Constitution. He said he will refuse to leave office if he loses. That is the definition of a coup. That is treason.

And right now, the polls have him with a 22% chance to win. A landslide victory is the only way America will have peace and prosperity back in our nation. It's the only way Trump will willing leave and our country will remain intact.

So Yes, I do want you to vote for Joe Biden in November. Our country depends on it.

Thank you for supporting Sci F'Irish music at Celtfather.com!

#CFMonthly

Greetings Gunn Runner

Dragon Con approaches. New coffee dates. Brobdingnagian Bards concerts. And lots of news from the studio. It's all today on Celtfather Monthly.

Let’s talk about it... on show #268.

0:12 - PODCASTS

This was a good month for podcasts. I'm still ahead on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Four solid episodes for August. I even have next two recorded and ready for editing. And I'm getting a few new band submissions to the show.

I released two episodes Pub Songs Podcast in August. They were fairly easy to produce too. One is on Irish Rebel Songs and the other touches on Dragon Con and my newest Hobbit single. If you have any show ideas, I would love to hear them.

I recorded another Brobdingnagian Bards Podcast with Andrew McKee. We've been a bit lax about recording those. We wanted to get out an episode before Dragon Con. Though we were also recording video concert for Dragon Con. We had a very productive day.

2:04 - VIDEOS

The video situation is still kind of on hold right now. I have a lot of things on my plate. So it's just on the back burner. And I must say, it feels good to focus on music creation. More about that in a moment.

I did look a couple past video concerts to see if I could find any singles I wanted to release. But I had no luck there.

My Coffee show is coming back. I am planning to relaunch the show on Thursdays, starting September 10 at noon. It looks like everything I do ends up on Thursday. For better or worse, that seems like the best day for me. So I'll see what I can do to stick to that new date and time.

I am debating rebranding the show title. Maybe something like Coffee with Celts or Coffee n Celts... or maybe even using Sci F'Irish music... I don't know. All I know is I never drink coffee during the show. It was always a bad time. So we shall see...

I am actually recording video concerts though. That's because Dragon Con is Labor Day weekend. I plan to have some pre-recorded shows for that. I might do a live stream too. But we shall see. There will be some Brobdingnagian Bards live streams. But I'm working out details right now.

I'm still brainstorming a Musical TV Show idea. It's sort of like the Firefly Drinking Songs show from Gen Con and will also be at Dragon Con. But I can't come up with a concept I love. And that makes sense. Hopefully, I'll figure something out.

Oh! And Andrew McKee was finally able to setup our computers to stream live. And it's sounding pretty amazing so far. Hopefully, he and I can have some live concerts together in the future. But we have several planned for Dragon Con.

4:45 - IN THE STUDIO

I feel like I am creating a lot of new music. It feels good to closes some loops on new and old music.

I have six songs currently in the works for my next CD Selcouth. I'm waiting on instrumentation for three others. And I have one that still needs a final mix. All in all, I'm proud how the CD is progressing. I still hope to release it to my Kickstarter supporters by October or November.

I'm also excited about my release schedule. I have a bunch of new releases coming soon.

Last week, I released "Hobbit Hornpipe". That's the first single from the album Dancing With Hobbits with Sam Gillogly. We hope to release a hobbit dance CD next year. We're gonna try and release a new single every month.

I am proudly re-releasing St Patrick's Day. Formerly known as Not Every Day Is St Patrick's Day, I pulled the album from the net in August because the album has not done nearly as well as I hoped. There are many reasons for this. But the album will be back in time for Halfway to St Patrick's Day. I added three new songs to the album. And there's one new recording of a previous song. And a couple remixes.

You can get the album now on Bandcamp. But it will be streaming everywhere come September 7th. The physical CD is pending... I have to make a decision how to release that.

On September 22nd, my next single with Sam Gillogly comes out. It's called "Brandywine River Reel". And it's a fun one! Another good hobbit dance tune.

October 7th is the official release of "Together". This is the Celtic rock song I recorded a couple months back. There's a big KrabbeConnect convention happening on the weekend of October 10th. So the song will be available just in time for the big event!

7:30 - MERCH

Every Friday since the pandemic started, Bandcamp has waived all of their profits for items purchased in the store. If you're looking for a time to support my music... well, anytime is good.

But if you want to maximize my income, buy any time on Friday, September 4 at magerecords.com.

7:59 - CELTIC TRAVEL

I opened the 2021 Celtic Invasion of Scotland to past invaders. As expected, I am flooded with no responses. I guess some could be mailing application forms. But again, this is what I expect.

I realize many of the challenges of hosting a trip in Scotland while we're still in the middle of a pandemic. Should we wear masks? Will the country let us in? Will there be a vaccine? Will the U.K. require a quarantine period?

It's bizarre. But yes. Masks will probably be necessary. It's totally dependent on entry into the country. And if a vaccine is available, I will might require invaders to be vaccinated. As for the quarantine period, who knows...

Nevertheless, we are booked for June 5-12, 2021. And if my family and I can go stay at the castle in Helensburgh, Scotland, we will. I do hope I have others joining us though.

- WEBSITES

Not much is new for the Irish Song Lyrics website. Slipped out of my priorities. I still need to do the lyrics for the latest Pub Songs Podcast episodes.

9:16 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER

THURS: Coffee with The Celtfather, YouTube (Season 6) @ 12:00 PM EST

SEP 2: Brobdingnagian Bards Concert with Dragon Con Filk Music Track @ 8:00-9:00 PM ET

SEP 4: Brobdingnagian Bards Concert with Dragon Con Filk Music Track @ 4:00-5:00 PM ET
SEP 4: Dragon Con TV presents Firefly Drinking Songs w/Marc Gunn @ 10:00-11:00 PM ET

SEP 5: Marc Gunn Concert with Dragon Con Filk Music Track @ 2:30-3:30 PM ET
SEP 5: Andrew McKee Concert with Dragon Con Filk Music Track @ 4:00-5:00 PM ET

SEP 6: Songs Lyrics I Wish I Rewrote But Didn't [Panel] w/Marc Gunn @ 1:00-2:00 PM ET
SEP 6: Writing Music w/Andrew McKee [Panel] @ 2:30-3:30 PM ET
SEP 6: Hobbit Drinking Songs with Brobdingnagian Bards for Dragon Con High Fantasy Track @ 8:30-9:30 PM ET

SEP 7: Promoting Your Music With Podcasting [Panel] w/Marc Gunn @ 1:00-2:00 PM ET
SEP 7: Pub Songs Podcast Live with Dragon Con Digital Media Track @ 2:00-3:00 PM ET

SEP 17: Halfway to St Patrick's Day at Tucker Brewing Company in Tucker GA @ 6:30 - 9:30 PM EDT

14:74 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1171 is up from 1158
Celtic Music Magazine = 4003 is the same as last month

YouTube Subscribers = 4738 is up 63 from 4675
Facebook Likes = 3755 is up from 3754
Instagram = 1838 is up from 1832
Spotify followers: 1608 is up 29 from 1579
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2280 is up from 2090

Spotify Latest Single Stats: "Hobbit Hornpipe": 18

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.4K), Doctor of Gallifrey (501), Hero of Canton (366), A-Working in the Garden (292), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (241)

Most-popular songs on Amazon Music: Doctor of Gallifrey (233), Hero of Canton (186), The Widow and the Devil (167), Scots Wha Hae (56), I'm A Rover, Seldom Sober (42)

18:38 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 159 is up from 158
Patreon Monthly Income: $1178 is down from $1191

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts.

Thank you for supporting Sci F'Irish music at Celtfather.com!

#CFMonthly

Greetings Gunn Runner

Two new singles are coming out. Selcouth progress report. Something new and different for my live streaming concerts. New songs written. And would you like to stay with me in a castle in Scotland?

Another month down. Another to begin.

Let’s talk about it... on show #267.

0:21 - PODCASTS

The toughest thing about making podcasts is coming up with a concept. What is the show about?

For the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, it's easy. I don't usually do themes. Because they are hard to create. Even the Celtic Running Music show I ran this week. It had to pick out a good running rhythms and tap out the tempos to make sure the show picked up speed as you ran. It's much easier to just create a show and then name it after a song or an organic theme.

I can't create that podcast and stress about a theme if I want to put it out every week.

That's the problem I'm having with the Pub Songs Podcast. Some days I come up with a theme. Others, I have no idea. Then the show keeps getting pushed back.

That's what happened with the Gen Con show. It was a couple days late before I was struck with the thought, DUH! I can just call it the Gen Con show and promote those shows. That makes the second show of August a little easier. I can make that the Dragon Con show. I still don't know what to do for the first episode. So if you have a theme idea, let me know.

The other episode I did in July was a replay of Coffee with The Celtfather where I highlighted the songs of Rie Sheridan Rose. It's amazing that we've been writing songs together for probably 18 years. It's just mind-blowing. I'm so fortunate to have her helping me create music. My only sadness is that I hadn't done that episode sooner.

That theme issue put Stories from the Road on the back burner this month too. I just didn't think to publish it. And here we are at the end of the month.

Mikey and I published the final Firefly episode of the In the ‘Verse podcast. This was for Objects in Space. I'll be honest. I was surprised in this months Celtfather Live that I got a song request for that song. I kinda felt it was a throw away. But guess we shall see.

2:51 - VIDEOS

I published two video singles this month: "The Mermaid" and "Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits". They were both from Andrew McKee's Life's a Faire webcast in June.

"The Mermaid" has done pretty well with 186 views as I type. I was surprised that "Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits" didn't do better. But I guess that's the random nature of the beast. Some songs get caught up in the algorithm and do well. Others don't.

The best thing about that Life's A Faire broadcast is I learned how to create video singles FROM video concerts that are posted on YouTube. This means if I get a good recording of a song or two during Coffee or Celtfather Live, I can always repost it as a video single. Boo-yah!

One of the big projects in July was recording a Firefly Drinking Songs concert for Gen Con and Dragon Con. This was super cool because it was scripted show. I learned how hard it would be to create a TV series. Oy! That's because I recorded each section live. I scripted what I would say. And I tried to tell a story.

The story is basically that I hijack the Cortex in order to broadcast a Bob Hope style concert for the Browncoat troops fighting during the Unification War in Firefly. It ends in disaster. It was fun to create. But it also took much of the day. And I'm still uncertain if the video quality is not as good as it should've been.

You can get tickets to watch the Firefly Drinking Songs show at Gen Con. I'll tell you more about it later.

As for the Dragon Con version, there are a couple parts that are different. And I'm hoping it'll broadcast on Dragon Con TV.

Oh! And Mikey Mason is a guest as usual during both shows.

My live streaming video concerts ran into some problems this month. Some are still not resolved as I type. Our internet router is on the complete opposite side of where my office is. So when my internet extender died right before the Celtfather Live concert this month, I've been living with crappy infrequent internet access. It's very frustrating. Coffee with the Celtfather is a challenge because of that.

That said, I have a 150' chord to plug directly into the router for a special project with Andrew and a new extender is on its way. Here's hoping I can do something in time for my live streaming shows at Gen Con next week.

6:10 - IN THE STUDIO

Moments before typing this I finished recording "Together", the Krabbe Connect song I mentioned last month. I got the final tracks from Daniel Briggs. He recorded bass, mandolin and octave mandolin for the song to give it a more Celtic feel.

It's hilarious. As I was finishing the mix, I realized I COULD share it on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast because I added this mando reel to the intro to turn this sort of pop song into a Folk Pop song. LOL.

I love it. It has a great sound. And again, as I was listening, I realized the song could actually go beyond the Krabbe Connect world. So that's an extra WIN in my book.

That is not the only song I'm getting ready to release. Sam Gillogly and I confirmed that we are going to release an album called Dancing With Hobbits. This is an idea that came from the last ALEP. That's the hobbit gathering in Kentucky that I talk about a lot. We talked about recording an instrumental album of original dance music for hobbits.

We recorded a track several years ago after the last ALEP, I think. That's when we started talking about this idea. But a week ago, Sam and I finally confirmed that we would make an album together. But we're gonna do it by releasing singles. The goal is to put out one a month until we release the album late next year in time for the next ALEP which is currently delayed until 2021.

I am excited about this for several reasons. One of the big ones is that I LOVE traditional style Celtic music. The tunes. But because I play the autoharp, I don't really record many. Yeah. I CAN. But I don't. It just doesn't sound right. But get me a fiddle player...

So hopefully, I'll have lots of new tunes to share via the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast in the months to come. Now i just have to figure out what tune comes first. And to stay on that schedule.

The first one is called "Hobbit Hornpipe". I'm trying to get permission to share it with Patrons. But I'll let you know if that's possible.

I made progress on Selcouth too. My parts for "Breathing" are laid. I think I need to re-record one more vocal for "Bright Side of Everything". But it's close to being done. I also laid down a track for "Kilty Pleasure", "Favor of Dance", and "Tough Times". That's pretty good progress. Though I'm already worrying about hitting my October/November deadline for Kickstarter supporters.

Finally, I wrote and recorded another new song called "Back in the Ocean". It's a story about a male selkie who goes to land, has some fun, and decides life on land ain't all it's cracked up to be. He's much happier back in the ocean.

13:15 - MERCH

I have not touched my Bandcamp store in quite a while. Not since I posted those new Celtic Heartstring necklaces a couple months ago. No doubt this is one reason I'm not selling great over there. But I'm happy just be creating right now.

So if you haven't been, check it out. Buy something.

13:36 - TRAVEL

I'm jonesing to travel. I love traveling. So I've been back on YouTube watching videos of Scotland and other places in Europe. I can't wait.

I am researching the 2021 Celtic Invasion of Scotland. In fact, I booked a castle in Helensburgh, Scotland. The dates for the invasion are June 5-12.

Obviously, that's assuming we are able to get out of the country to go there. But I can't hang on that. So I'm gonna plan right now.

14:51 - WEBSITES

Not much is new for the Irish Song Lyrics website. Slipped out of my priorities. I still need to do the lyrics for the latest Pub Songs Podcast episodes.

15:07 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR AUGUST

I don't know if I have said this before. But booking for the forseeable future will be tentative. I had two physical shows in July in Birmingham. Both were canceled. I'm booked at Pepper Place Farmer's Market in Birmingham in mid-August. I'm assuming that will be canceled too.

So if there's a date on my schedule. Check in with me or the venue a few days before to see if it's happening.

JUL 30: Comedy Music Cabaret at Gen Con ONLINE at 6:00 - 7:00 PM EDT
JUL 30: Sci F'Irish Drinking Songs at Gen Con ONLINE at 8:00 - 9:00 PM EDT
JUL 31: Firefly Drinking Songs at Gen Con ONLINE at 8:00 - 9:00 PM EDT

AUG 1: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers at Gen Con ONLINE at 6:00 - 7:00 PM EDT
AUG 1: Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion at Gen Con ONLINE at 8:00 - 9:00 PM EDT
AUG 15: Pepper Place Farmer's Market in Birmingham, AL @ 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

SEP 2-6: Dragon Con in Atlanta, GA (pending)

Weds Morning: Coffee with The Celtfather, Facebook (Season 5!) @ 11:00 AM EST

- STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1158 is up from 1130
Celtic Music Magazine = 4003 is down from 4007

YouTube Subscribers = 4675 is up 26 from 4649
Facebook Likes = 3754 is up 19 from 3735
Instagram = 1832 is up from 1825 followers
Spotify followers: 1579 is up 35 from 1548
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2090 is up from 2003

Spotify Latest Single Stats: "Molly Malone": 12 is down from 21
Spotify Latest Single Stats: "The Last Jedi Drinking Song": 43 is down from 64
Spotify Latest Album Stats: I Will Not Sing Along: 217 is down from 293

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.4K), Doctor of Gallifrey (419), A-Working in the Garden (229), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (195), Hero of Canton (180), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (164)

Most-popular songs on Amazon Music: Doctor of Gallifrey (218), Hero of Canton (151), The Widow and the Devil (89), I'm A Rover, Seldom Sober (40), Come Ye By Atholl (37)

- PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 158 is down from 160
Patreon Monthly Income: $1191 is up from $1175

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts. Thank you for supporting Sci F'Iirsh music.

Slainte!

#CFMonthly

Gerry O'Beirne is an Irish guitarist and songwriter behind the scenes of many great Celtic musicians. I met him when he toured the U.S. with Andy M. Stewart. But his history playing music is long and fascinating.

I was surprised on last summer's Celtic Invasion Vacations that he's living in Dingle, Ireland now. He's performing both solo and with many of the top Irish musicians there.

Show #266.

We talk about his new CD Swimming the Horses, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, and how he got started as a songwriter in the desert of America.

Find out more about Gerry O'Beirne here.

And the secret is... There is no secret with a mind like mine.

It's show #265 of The Celtfather.

I was kicking myself recently that I was having so much trouble creating my shownotes for the Pub Songs Podcast. There are too many working parts for my brain. There's the pub chat, the live streaming, the story in the middle, all the news.

Then it struck me. Never in the history of that podcast have I stuck to a consistent format. That's not what that show is all about. Every episode can be different. And that's okay.

That's the same for my life. Every day is different. Yes. Some are more alike than others. But mostly, my days vary.

This podcast has a more solid format. So let's start talking about how things went and where things are goin.

1:03 - PODCASTS

In June, I featured an interview I did with Mazz O'Flaherty. That interview is in THIS podcast. I will cross-post some of the interviews I do to this podcast. If they seem relevant. It's more promotion for the people I interview. So mo the bettah.

I was on target with two episodes of the Pub Songs Podcast. The first had an interview with Gerry O'Beirne. He's an Irish singer/songwriter who performed on last year's Celtic Invasion of Dingle. I played Famous Irish Songs in between those previously mentioned moving parts. In the second episode, I talk about the castle I booked for the Celtic Invasion of Scotland in 2021.

Do you listen to Stories from the Road? Just curious. I stayed on top of it. And I even felt like they were pretty interesting thoughts, including "Performing in the time of Covid-19" and the "Litmus Test for a Coffee Pre-Show".

I'm about a week ahead with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The Pride Show did very well. As has the podcast this month. The show is back up to over 11k downloads in about a week's time. It had sunk to about 8000 earlier this year.

I don't have any special episodes currently planned. That's allowing me to get ahead. But I do have ideas. I also feel like I need to reach out to more bands. There's not a lot of new music coming. I'm not sure that is normal for this time of year. Admittedly, I never care because I'm usually overseas.

Mikey and I recorded a new In the ‘Verse podcast. It still needs editing. But the song for the final episode of Firefly, "My Beating Heart", was released to the Gunn Runners Club too.

4:22 - VIDEOS

June was NOT the month of videos. In fact, this was another situation where I thought, it's okay if I'm inconsistent with video production.

I did a benefit concert for Andrew McKee's Life's a Faire podcast and video series. We raised a few hundred dollars. I released a video of "Tough Times". Its done remarkably well as my video singles are concerned. There's a short Fairy Walk video I made for Inara's birthday. It took a month to get it out. But it was fun.

And finally, I uploaded a Coffee with the Celtfather episode where I celebrated the songs of Rie Sheridan Rose. That turned out pretty dang good as a performance. That won't be a regular thing. But I thought it'd be nice to promote the songs that I wrote with Rie. So I'm going all out. In fact, the next Pub Songs Podcast is largely that show.

6:47 - IN THE STUDIO

I didn't have much time in the studio this month. Though I did re-record the vocals for "Bright Side of Everything". The first version was weak.

I also recorded a new song for a friend. It's called "Together (Krabbe Connect)". Krabbe is a lysosomal storage disease, I think. I'm not super certain. The lyrics were written by my friend who works in the field and requested a song. It was fun to produce. It even includes hard-hitting drums that I recorded with my drum machine.

I also started talking with Samantha Gillogly again about a hobbit dance CD I want to release with her. We started it a few years back. But nothing has come of it yet. But stay tuned. We might start releasing singles.

8:03 - MERCH

I had my first physical show since the pandemic struck. I got to test some of my ideas for selling CDs in the new environment. My plan was to use a QR code and Bandcamp site to make it easy for you to figure out what CD you want to buy at the show.

So far... not so successful. But I have other ideas coming. I'll let you know how that goes.

8:31 - TRAVEL

The 2021 Celtic Invasion of Scotland will have us staying in a castle 20 minutes from Loch Lomond.

That's the only detail I know about next year's invasion. But it's a first step for the trip. The size of the castle means we might have a larger than normal group. I also know my family will stay at the castle as well. But they won't be a part of the regular touring.

8:59 - IRISH & CELTIC SONG LYRICS

Here are some of the new Irish & Celtic Song Lyrics that were updated this month: Tough Times, A Well-Dressed Hobbit, My Father Was a Werewolf, Green Grow the Rashes

I also updated some videos and information on these songs:  Reavers’ Lullaby, Why Do You Torture Me, Mingulay Boat Song, She’s Shiny, Zombie Love Song, Gollum Blues, Harry Potter and the Rising of the Moon, Purple Flower, Soul of a Harper, Thorin’s Eulogy, Elves

9:40 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR JULY

JUL 16: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 7:30 PM EDT
JUL 18: The Lost Druid in Decatur, GA @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM
JUL 24: Interstellar Ginger Beer & Exploration Co in Alabaster, AL @ 7 - 9:30 PM CDT
JUL 25: Pepper Place Farmer's Market in Birmingham, AL @ 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
JUL 29 - AUG 2: Gen Con in Indianapolis, IN

WEDS: Coffee with The Celtfather on Facebook (Season 6) @ 11:00 AM EST

10:38 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1130 is up from 1088
Celtic Music Magazine = 4007 is up from 3999

YouTube Subscribers = 4649 is up 42 from 4607
Facebook Likes = 3735 is up 20 from 3715
Instagram = 1825 followers
Spotify followers: 1548 is up from 1530
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2003 is down from 2109

Spotify Latest Single Stats: "Molly Malone": 21 is down from 23
Spotify Latest Single Stats: "The Last Jedi Drinking Song": 64 is down from 94
Spotify Latest Album Stats: I Will Not Sing Along: 293 is down from 302 streams

Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.3K), Doctor of Gallifrey (422), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (215), A-Working in the Garden (173), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (168), Hero of Canton (160)

12:21 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 160 is up from 159
Patreon Monthly Income: $1175 is down from $1208

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Streaming music gives you a quick and easy way to sample all of my music. Digital sales keep my business running. Tips and CD sales allow me to tour. Kickstarter funds physical products like CDs, shirts and other merch. And Patreon funds my songwriting!

Join the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon to support my songwriting. You will step behind-the-scenes with new music, bonus podcasts, videos, and live concerts. Thank you for supporting Sci F'Iirsh music.

#CFMonthly

Mazz O'Flaherty owns the smallest record shop in Ireland. It's in Dingle, Ireland. It is a place you don't want to miss. It's walls are lined with music from Irish musicians, especially those in the County Kerry.

In 2019, I took my Celtic Invasion Vacations to Dingle, Ireland. Ten years after my last trip. Mazz was as delightful a person to talk to as ever.

Show #264

There were a lot of new podcasts and videos I released in May. I had saw some YouTube success. I recorded a Pride Month podcast. I learned new techniques for live streaming shows. I lost a Bog Off... twice. I worked on my next CD. And I started planning how to sell physical CDs at shows... while social distancing.

It's all on show #263.

0:46 - PODCASTS

Whew. I just barely finished my two episodes of the Pub Songs Podcast this month. At the beginning of the month, I recorded a Star Wars Drinking Songs shows where I several of my Star Wars songs. The second I released last week. It was a summer music special. There was an interview I did with Mazz O'Flaherty last summer. It was a good show.

I had a good month with Stories from the Road. Every month, I ask myself if I completed an episode each Friday. I did good this month. I talked about our trip to Texas, a time I forgot the lyrics to "Wild Rover", and one of the wild things that happens with studio recordings. I also included an interview I did on a local Celtic radio program. All in all, it was a good month.

I did NOT stay ahead with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. One of the reasons I don't record many specialty shows is they are intimidating... mentally. I had two I needed to complete. One was the Celtic Women Singers show. That wasn't too bad. I had a guest host, but she had to back out.

But the tough episode was the Pride Month show. I spent the last 8 months trying to find LGBTQ artists to put on this special show celebrating Celtic musicians who are also gay, lesbians, transgender, etc. I came up short on artists. But fortunately Kris Clements of the Seattle-based Celtic rock band, Ockham's Razor offered to help out. So he guest hosts with me on that show. It'll be out the first week of June.

I'm very happy with how the show turned out. But it was a lot of mental effort to compile. I was hoping to complete it in January. And I just finished it last week. So that's just added stress.

On the In the ‘Verse podcast, I wrote a new song called "By Amazing Grace". I was hoping to have another episode of the show out. But alas, I just ran short on time. So Mikey and I will record the next one next week.

Of course, he already finished his song. But that's okay. I'll have mine out. We're covering the episode "Objects in Space" next.

3:53 - VIDEOS

May was the month of videos.

It was the month where I found out why people post cover songs on YouTube. Sure, I already knew WHY. But I reaped the rewards because in April I recorded four videos back to back. So I released a new video, I think every week.

I started the month with "Wild Rover". That was followed by a travel video of "Skellig Michael" in Ireland. Then came "Wild Kitty", my parody of "Wild Rover". After that was "Loch Lomond". I finished the video singles with "Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers".

And what were the results?

I saw the viewership rise with each release. I'll talk about stats in a bit. But if you look back to my "Lookout Mountain" video from March which has just 74 views and compare it to "Wild Rover" with 234 in just one month... or "Loch Lomond" with 757 in just one week. Well... you can bet I'm happy. They're not all doing THAT great. But "Wild Kitty" almost has 200 views. And "Reavers" has some of the the longest watch time of my video singles.

All in all, I am psyched.

Now if I can just make time to record four more.

Something about the video singles... I have block for recording those.

Though it's not as bad as the educational videos. I wanted to do a "How to Play Wild Rover" video. That is still not recorded.

Coffee with the Celtfather is still going. Though I planned to stop it in mid-May, that plan is out the window for now. I'm still learning a lot even if viewership is hit and miss.

My fellow Brobdingnagian Bard, Andrew McKee, started live streaming his new Life's A Faire podcast. Because of that he's learning a LOT about new ways to live stream. And we are trying them all out together and sharing our knowledge. I learned a LOT this month.

Meanwhile, Andrew and I live streamed a couple of Bog Offs. We each performed "Rattlin' Bog" to see who could sing it faster. It was a fun event. It also stretched some ideas for other events.

You can watch the 2nd Bog Off on the Brobdingnagian Bards Facebook page.

Oh! And Andrew has a new Facebook page too. Follow him if you're not doing so yet.

7:57 - IN THE STUDIO

I spent a little bit of time working on Selcouth this month. I recorded two new songs and tracked them. Meaning, I recorded them to a click track. So my vocals, which need re-recording, can easily be done without re-recording.

I don't usually prefer tracking albums. I want to with this one.

8:32 - MERCH

I didn't add any new merch this month to the store.

But I have started brainstorming HOW to sell music while social distancing.

I have my first shows booked at the end of June. I'll talk about that in a moment. But what struck me was the buyer's experience at a show where you're still trying to social distance yourself.

Imagine. You're at an outdoor event listening to music. You love the music. You want to support the artist. The artist takes a break. You go up to the merch table wearing your mask. Now what?

Do you want to pick up CDs that have been handled by a dozen other people? Probably not. What do you do?

That's what I'm trying to figure out. If you have thoughts, let me know.

10:47 - TRAVEL

Gwen and I are starting to plan the 2021 Celtic Invasion of Scotland. I have no details. But I hope to email my Celtic Invaders. If you want to join me in Scotland, let me know.

11:11 - IRISH & CELTIC SONG LYRICS

Here are some of the new Irish & Celtic Song Lyrics that were updated this month:

• Maid Went to the Mill
• Reavers Malcolm Reavers
• Come By the Hills
• Jedi Mickey
• Happy Birthday from Ireland
• Wild Rover
• Loch Lomond
• The Last Jedi Drinking Song
• Purple Flower

11:35 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR JUNE

JUN 7: Gathering of the Faire on Facebook @ 8 PM EST
JUN 11: Celtfather Live on YouTube @ 8:30 PM EST
JUN 20: The Lost Druid, Decatur, GA @ 7:30 - 9:30 PM
JUN 25: Tucker Brewing Company, Tucker, GA @ 6:30 - 9:30 PM

WEDS: Coffee with The Celtfather, Facebook (Season 6) @ 11:00 AM EST

13:30 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1088 is up from 1037
Celtic Music Magazine = 3999 is up from 3992

YouTube Subscribers = 5607 is up 57 from 4550 (about 11 more than usual)
YouTube Watch Time = 29.5K is up from 25.8K (about the same as usual)
YouTube Views = 11.8K is up from 9.4K (48 more than usual)

Facebook Likes = 3715 is up from 3711
FB Page Views = 470 is down from 568
FB Reach = 29.5K is up from 15.3K
FB Video Views = 2592 is down from 10383

Spotify Latest Single Stats: "Molly Malone": 23 is down from 48
Spotify Latest Single Stats: "The Last Jedi Drinking Song": 94 is up from 79
Spotify Latest Album Stats: I Will Not Sing Along: 302 is down from 306 streams

Spotify followers: 1530 is down from 1533
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2109 is up from 2027
Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.4K), Doctor of Gallifrey (418), A-Working in the Garden (222), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (175), Hero of Canton (174), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (158)

17:53 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 159 is up from 153
Patreon Monthly Income: $1208 is up from $1059

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Remember. You can help me create and release more music. Join the Gunn Runners Club to step behind-the-scenes with bonus podcasts, new music, videos, and live concerts.
Slainte!

#CFMonthly

Greetings Gunn Runner

April was a pretty good month for me overall. Looking back, I feel like I was fairly productive. But I'm not sure about May yet...

Let’s try and unpack it... on show #262.

0:26 - PODCASTS

The Pub Songs Podcast is going strong with two episodes in April, as planned. One based around my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD and the other Celtic Music for Arbor Day. Both were streamed live. And I feel like both will be good evergreen podcasts for the future.

I'm trying to share old content that is just as relevant today. That's what evergreen podcasts means. I've been doing it with podcasts and videos. And I feel like it helps. I have created SO MUCH stuff over the years. It's crazy that I'm not resharing it. And so I am...

Stories from the Road is also back strong. I wrote down some notes to remind me what I can share there. And I have a lot of options. So I'm being pretty consistent with new stuff. Plus, I wrote a couple new songs in April. The quarantine has been good for that at least.

I got ahead on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Let's see if I can stay ahead of it.

I released five episodes in April, including two two-hour long episodes. I decided to put out a bonus episode because of all the people staying at home. It stressed me out a bit. But I got through it. Check out the two-hour instrumental show especially.

The song I wrote for the In the ‘Verse podcast is a new favorite. It's called "Bright Side of Everything". And even with the dark twist ending, I feel like it's a very positive upbeat song for this stay-at-home time of the pandemic.

3:24 - VIDEOS

I released a couple of travel videos at the end of March and one in April. The first two were from some weekend travel in Northern Georgia. We visited some parks before they were shut down. I was able to capture some video of the trip. I'm learning a lot about video making from these excursions.

In April, I released another video from our visit to Ballincollig Castle outside of Cork from the 2019 Celtic Invasion of Ireland. I'm pushing myself to edit more of these videos. I like how that one came out. I also started recording Stories from the Road to promote those videos.

Coffee with the Celtfather is still going. Live streaming is definitely the thing right now. So I'm not giving up on them.

I'm also running a test. I created a Facebook event page and added a ticket link a few weeks back. And that event showed up on a live stream before my show started. That was amazing and potentially life changing... except, I've been unable to duplicate it. I'm not sure why.

So more tests will come. But again, at some point, I might step back from the regularly scheduled coffee show.

5:55 - MERCH

I finally created a whole bunch of new Celtic Heartstring necklaces... and no one has bought them. LOL. That's okay. I have plans to do a big promo for them soon.

I am looking at other merch ideas. Someone suggested Celtfather masks. There are companies creating those. But I'm not sure I want to commit to buying a whole bunch.

I realized Selcouth won't be released until 2021. And I have a couple other projects. But I have no CDs planned. So I'm debating making short run, just me and the autoharp, CD release performing songs. I'm not sure.

I think about the last album I did like this--St Patrick's Day Songs for Kids. On the one hand, the physical CD doesn't sell well. Except during St Patrick's Day, of course. But I thought it was a fun album... I feel like this could be a good way to supplement my income when I finally have shows or even before then. I'm not sure though.

I'd love your thoughts.

8:37 - TRAVEL

The Celtic Invasion of Italy was officially canceled. On the bright side, I only had four people signed up. But I was REALLY looking forward to that trip. Oh well...

At some point, I'll start working on the itinerary for the 2021 Celtic Invasion of Scotland.

I did update that website a little. I removed all of the Google Ad links.

9:43 - WEBSITES

I'm staying on top of my lyrics for both the Irish Song Lyrics website as well as on my website. My goal is to make it easier for you to play along.

One of these days, I'll make videos to teach how to play... In the meantime, I'm making them as straightforward as possible.

10:38 - SHOWS PLANNED FOR MAY

BOG OFF????
MAY 7: Internet Concert on YouTube @ 8:30 PM
MAY 9: The Lost Druid, Decatur, GA @ 7:30 PM

Weds Morning: Coffee with The Celtfather, Facebook (Season 5!) @ 10:30 AM EST

11:33 - STATS

Mailing list subscribers = 1037 is up from 1028
Celtic Music Magazine = 3992 is up from 3938

YouTube Subscribers = 4550 is up 68 from 4482
YouTube Watch Time = 25.8K is down from 26.7K
YouTube Views = 9.4K is down from 12.4K

Facebook Likes = 3711 is up 27 from 3684
FB Page Views = 568 is down 809
FB Reach = 15.3K is down from 21,234
FB Video Views = 10383 is down from 13298

Spotify Latest Single Stats: "Molly Malone": 48 is down from 389
Spotify Latest Single Stats: "The Last Jedi Drinking Song": 79 is down from from 150
Spotify Latest Album Stats: I Will Not Sing Along: 306 is down from 604 streams

Spotify followers: 1533 is up 32 from 1501
# Number of listens on Spotify: 2027 is down from 3485
Most-popular songs on Spotify: The Widow and the Devil (1.1K), Doctor of Gallifrey (452), Reavers, Malcolm, Reavers (199), Hero of Canton (181), Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster (173)

15:42 - PATREON

Patreon Subscribers: 153 is down from 154
Patreon Monthly Income: $1059 is down from $1061

Thanks as always for supporting my music. Remember. You can help me create and release more music. Join the Gunn Runners Club to step behind-the-scenes with bonus podcasts, new music, videos, and live concerts.
Slainte!

#CFMonthly