Live performances come with many important pieces that all have to fall into place. Everyone has to practice their song parts. We have to set up the stage efficiently and neatly. If you have a light/sound tech, they might need to take notes regarding each song’s necessities. The most important thing? The setlist. Nothing is […]
The Importance of a Setlist for Cover Bands. Read Post »
For the past 10 years, my guitar playing has focused on live covers while my songwriting has been purely solo material. However, shortly after the re-emergence of Harson Robkus, I’ve already had a bit of a musical moment. Let me explain. The joy of Solo Songwriting. Before I get into collaborative songwriting, I’d like to
The Synergy of Collaborative Songwriting. Read Post »
Harson Robkus are Adam Harkus (me) and Dave Robson, a songwriting duo from North Shields, England, formed in 2011 and about to make a long-awaited comeback. Here’s our story so far… Dave and I have played together in bands since around 1992, but it wasn’t until 2011 that we formed the songwriting partnership of Harson
The Return of Harson Robkus Read Post »
It’s easy for people to stereotype musicians as carefree and fun. There are so many depictions of a “rock n’ roll” lifestyle that musicians have been painted a certain way over the years. But because of that, most people don’t consider the fact that their favorite performers could be struggling with mental health issues. According
The Prevalence of Mental Health Struggles Among Musicians Read Post »
With playing live being put on hold for over a year due to COVID, many are making their plans for a long-awaited return in the summer of 2021. I, however, won’t be joining them. 1. Playing live covers to 50-somethings quickly gets old. Our live music scene is dominated by the usual classic rock black
Playing live: 10 reasons why I don’t miss it. Read Post »
March 23rd, 2021: Exactly one year since the UK first went into COVID lockdown. As we contemplate the year behind us I’d like to re-post a song I wrote with an accompanying video, which pretty much says it all. Take care everyone, please stay safe, we aren’t out of this yet, and hope you enjoy
Covid Diary: 1st Anniversary Read Post »
Line 6 just added two new, compact powerhouses to their Pod/Helix family of products! While the Helix is astounding in its design, capability, and tone often players are looking for something a little simpler or more compact. The introduction of the HX Stomp was brilliant in that it is a very small 3-stomp button multi-effects
Line 6 Pod Go Wireless and HX Stomp XL Read Post »
My Guitar Pedal History goes all the way back to the early ’90s. Let me share with you the good, the bad, and the ugly, with the highs (and lows) of my journey along the way. Boss CE-5 chorus ensemble My very first guitar pedal which I used in my very first band, Exit. I
My Guitar Pedal History Read Post »
Have we lost interest in the real guitar heroes and is guitar music as we know it dead? When was the last time you heard a decent guitar solo? Before you ask is guitar music dead? ask yourself this one. For me, the closest to anything approaching something ear-catching isn’t even a solo, it’s the
Is Guitar Music Dead? Read Post »
