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Blue Collar Rockin'

Mick Polich By Mick Polich

© 2007-2014, Mick Polich. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission (Please do not reprint without asking permission!)

Hey kids. Mick Polich here. Glad to be of service with my "Blue Collar Rockin' " column!

The fun and beauty of this column is that I get to cover a musical myriad of topics - songwriting and D.Y.I. CD distribution, music business operation and sales, performing and creating your own gigs, studio tips for recording and playing music, music instruction tips, and thoughts and musings on how to keep a gig and pursue your musical craft, no matter how old you are and where you're at in life's journey!

There is an old martial arts saying ,"Start at the corners". Basically, it means to take small steps first to get to your goal. This column addresses how I took a lot of 'small steps' and how I can help you start on that journey, too!

A short bio

Articles:

  • The Lost Art Of Soldering,Part 1 - How many guitar students get to solder and build their own fuzz box project? Not too many,as it seems,but Mick explores this rapidly vanishing lost art.....
  • Empowering Youth Thru Music - The hope of our music nation lies with young people,to paraphrase a quote - in this article, Mick emotes on a recent jazz improv session he had with an area high school jazz band.Fun and informative,Mick explains how he learns as much from the kids, as they hopefully will learn from him......
  • Ahh Youth! - Ever feel like a rock codger(yes,AARP qualified,I'm talking to YOU...)? It happens - Mick is back,with a 'grandpa' story, and how to handle those pesky kids and their crazy,kooky music......
  • Failure Is Important - We all failure - rarely do we like to discuss it,because, frankly, it's embarrassing. Mick discusses how failure can help us,and how we can learn from it...
  • Quick Hits On 2011 from Blue Collar Rockin' - Blue Collar looks back a bit on 2011 - bits and thoughts on what was, and what's moving forward...
  • Our Job As Music Teachers - What inspires young people (or older folks) to take up a musical instrument? And how do we keep them inspired, as well as ourselves? Mick takes a brief view into teaching, and helping others help themselves with music...
  • Tribes - Thought about joining a local group of musicians, a band, or making your own group? Mick has some 'quick hits' on the subject for this short installment...
  • A Wee Bit O' Gumbo - Mick covers few topics and quick hits in this article - some tech tips on substituting 6L6GC tubes for the British KT66 model, Paul Simon's new CD, Electro Harmonix's "Ring Thing" effects pedal, and some philosophy from Jimmy Webb...
  • Life-Long Learning In Music - Think there are no more areas to explore for you in seeking new music to write? Mick gives some observations on becoming a 'student' of music as we get older (and maybe wiser)
  • Damon - A Short Tribute - Life passes, and always seems to take people way too soon. This month, Mick looks at an old musical friend from his travels......
  • The Musician As Artist - Jon Langford - Many musicians are dedicated visual artists as well - Mekon co-founder and Bloodshot Records artist Jon Langford is that combination. Mick takes a look at one Jon's art/music books.......
  • Be Yo' Sef - Some Thoughts On Playing Solo - Be yourself - that's all anyone can ask of us as musicians and artists. Mick throws a few brief thoughts out on re-arranging songs to work for you. 
  • Giving Grace And Thanks - Time of the season to reflect, and give a short view on a few reasons to give grace and thanks.....
  • Static - Noise, Or Music Sound Scaping? - Static - mysterious, noisy, old - school. Mick talks a bit about using this form of sound to enhance, and experiment with in music....
  • Back In The Saddle Again ! - After a brief sabbatical, the ol' Mickster is back with a new installment of "Blue Collar Rockin' ". This month, Mick explores what he learned on his summer 'vacation' - simple melodic explorations and ear training. Anyone can do it, so read further for a few helpful hints.....
  • A Farewell For Now - Life happens, and when it does, you go on to the next chapter. Mick signs off for a short sabbatical from the blog, with a new adventure coming up.....
  • Blue Collar's D.I.Y. Effects Pedal Primer! - It seems there are more handmade effects pedals,mods, and kits out in the market than ever. Half the fun is just seeing what people invent! Mick gives a short primer on d.i.y. pedals, with some big help from musician/engineer Tim Tiernan.....
  • Young Bucks, And Old Rockers - More Blue Collar Reviews! - Oops! Mick found a few more items in the ol' closet that needed some reviews - a crushing new industrial metal disc from a young Dallas,Texas based band, and a couple of 'old chesnuts'. Thanks, and enjoy! 
  • Don Archer - a Blue Collar Tribute - Guitarist/teacher/mentor Don Archer passed away last Friday - Mick pays tribute.
  • Another Word On Record Shops - Blue Collar! - April 17th,2010, is National Record Store Day - Mick takes another look at record shops - why we need them beyond the brick-and mortar purchase shop or music.
  • Blue Collar's Odds N Sods - Gear reviews, new CD releases, books, amp mods......we got a little bit o' every thang for you folks this column! 
  • Blue Collar's Blog Mash-Up:Taking A Break/Retire or... Re-Invent? - Mick decides to take to two articles that he's been addressing, and combine them into one(as any good Midwesterner, waste is not an option)! Sometimes we need breaks from the business of music, and sometimes we need to figure out what to do next, even if it's not what the 'prevailing wisdom' tells us.........
  • Blue Collar's Homebrew Studio - Microphones, Part Uno! - Documenting the start of a recent homebrew studio project, Mick looks at two microphones from Sennheiser and MXL, and the initial results to record and test these products against two tricky instruments to record -  a drum set, and an electric guitar thru an amp!
  • Under The Radar Music #2 - Chris Whitley - Mick provides a short review and retrospective of the music of the late, great bluesman Chris Whitley.
  • Transitions, a Blue Collar look...... - Life transitions - you know you're going to have one, you just don't know when. Mick looks at when they happen, and what you might consider doing FIRST....
  • All Things Bob - Dylan And Songwriting - What can you say about Bob Dylan that hasn't been said before? Nothing - but Mick throws in his three cents with this brief article on the Bobster.....
  • Blue Collar's Guest Blog: Dave Powell!! - I'm letting my good buddy Dave Powell take over this segment - he came up with the interview on the topic of the quality of teaching jazz improvisation in high school jazz band programs. So....take it away, Powelly!
  • A Few Things That I've Learned In 2009 - Everyone has resolutions, or even lessons learned along the journey (if you don't, believe me, you need to). Mick slips in a few thoughts before the close of the year.....
  • Blue Collar's Books I Have Known - Wondering what to get that sensitive, special musician in your life for holiday gift giving? Blue Collar throws out some book reviews that might help on your last minute shopping exodus!
  • It Might Just Be A One - Shot Deal - One - shot deals have been happening since the dawn of time thru recorded music, concerts, local and bigger gigs, and the transfer of song and sound. Mick touches on a few topics on why we should embrace the 'one-shot' concept because it will happen to us at any time in our careers - maybe more than once!
  • You Can't Fix Stupid - How does 'stupid' get into the arts and music? Actually, that could take several columns to look at that one. But here's a short look at 'stupid' in music, ad some other places (hopefully worth a chuckle or two).
  • Dealing With Disappointment, Blue Collar Style - The gig that's going to set your career(at ANY level) never happens, no one is buying your CDs or downloads, the band isn't getting booked - how do you deal with this stuff? Mick explores some common sense in this article to that question - and getting over yourself, and moving on.
  • Faith,Hope, And.....Song Ideas ( A Blue Collar Musing) - Utilizing the long road trip, Mick explores how to settle into a songwriting mode to explore and get out some ideas for your next song or album!
  • Groove Can Happen Anywhere! - Does it take a formal, or ' known' setting such as a bar, concert hall, or festival for a music groove to happen? Mick answers some questions on that one to reinforce the idea that getting your musical groove on happens anywhere, and any time....
  • Les Paul - Setting Some Things Straight - In the wake of his passing, there are a thousand and one blogs, iReports, and You Tube tributes to guitar innovator Les Paul. Mick takes on a few 'myths' about Les to hopefully get some facts straight on the man, and legend.
  • Music That Flies Under The Radar,Texas Style - Mick profiles a new band from the Dallas area, and it's not what you would expect for a lil' old band from Texas.... 
  • Recording is recording is recording..... - This month, and ol' Blue Collar primer on home studio recording basics (just a short dip in the pool - more later on this). Why are good microphones important, and why you need to 'get over your self' while recording.....
  • Schlock Rock And Schlitz Part Two! - Kind of a 'mop up' article here to finish a few thoughts that were presented a few installments back. We take a wrap-up look at the decades - old 'schlock rock' movement, and why you can use technology to further your musical tastes and discoveries.....
  • Erick Hovey, Musician and Farmer - a Blue Collar Review - Deep within the prairie of northwest Iowa, Erick Hovey churns out a funky, intelligent mix of original blues songs and thoughtful, soul-filled lyrics while making a vocation during the day as a farmer. Playing small town festivals and fairs, Erick's two new CD's have taken off in sales and critical review. But you can't judge a book by it's cover, and I attempt to shed a pinch of light on a friend, his life, and music .......
  • Blue Collar's Celeb Stories,Volume #1 - Let's face it - celebrities make good press,wherever and whenever you meet them. Mick looks back on two semi-humorous stories from his music store days to add to the ol' Blue Collar folklore.....
  • A Blue Collar Reflection On Michael Jackson - I know - who doesn't have something to say about MJ,good or bad. Mick throws his two cents in, with a bar band story from the past that connects to the late pop superstar.
  • Same As It Ever Was, Then And Now - Mick goes back in time to tie in schlock 1960's/1970's pop music, Schlitz beer, and how some things never change for a listening pop culture.....
  • Probably About Time For Some Blue Collar CD Reviews! - Hey kids, let's see what's out there, old and new, for music reviews, shall we?
  • The Rearview Mirror - We're always leaving something behind in life.....or are we? Some musicians keep on keepin' on with the same hits from yesteryore. Mick looks at the 'rearview mirror' concept with a nod to rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry.....

  • Blue Collar's "The Ego Carburetor" - With folks having more areas of instant media access, we're producing 'stars' at more alarming rate - the egos to match, in some cases. How can we regulate and conduct ourselves for the better of our art and society? Read on, chillen......
  • Guest Blog - Wade Krieg! : Knowing When To Stop - A big thank-you, and howdy, going out to my buddy Wade Krieg, from Des Moines, Iowa. This installment, Wade discuss the creation of music, and 'knowing when to stop' might be beneficial to you, the artist.
  • Blue Collar's Songwriting On The Go! - Never enough time to write the kind of songs that you wish to write? Mick looks at some methods to help you get in your songwriting while you're doin' the thing called Life!
  • Sellouts? - Blue Collar explores the 'sellout' label - does it matter? Who cares? Take a gander...
  • Blue Collar's "Try Something New"! - Wanna take some steps onto a new musical journey? Try it the "Blue Collar" way, as we look at some explanations and approaches......
  • Music We Play V.S. Music We Listen To! - Does the music you play for gigs or create on your own differ from the music you listen to for enjoyment? Mick takes a very short look at the subject, and why both sides match, or don't.....
  • How Do You Spend Your Time? - Time - don't know how much we have of it, yet we might be spinning our wheels in the wrong direction with it. What's a simple way not to waste it?
  • The Cold, Hard Facts - Some truths remain evident in the music business at any level - what are they, and when do they occur? Mick looks at the entry-level of dealing with such roadwork....
  • Music Collecting #1 - Vinyl,cassette, CD, and downloads - get started on a never-ending, inexhaustable hobby/vocation/mission of collecting music! Mick gives ya the ol' Blue Collar insight....
  • Choices - a Blue Collar perspective! - Choices - we all gotta make 'em, good or bad. Mick looks at some of his own personal choices, and muses on how choices we make on our art, music, and lives - big or small - can weigh out.
  • Blue Collar Holiday Reflections 2008 - Break out the nog, and nestle up to the fire, as ol' Uncle Mick looks back 20 years ago to do a bit of holiday reflection of music,community, and spirit......
  • This Is Who You Are, This Is What You Do - Happy holidays, peeps! Blue Collar is into year-end reflections before we head into the new era - this time, Mick explores a bit about searching for ' you' in your art and music.....
  • Blue Collar's Songwriting By Osmosis! - Probably the first of a few installments, Mick gives his take on the art of songwriting, and gives a few pointers from his own personal on-going journey( isn't it always on-going?) 
  • Thoughts On Some Musical Heroes - Music heroes -we all got 'em, and like to sing their praises to whoever will listen!  Mick looks at three very diverse musicians and some short reasons why he likes them.... 
  • Mitch Mitchell Remembered - A rock drumming icon, Mitch Mitchell, passed on 11/12/08. A short, fond farewell.....
  • Blue Collar's Music Production, #1 Salvo! - If you scan these hallowed pages of the Muse's Muse, you'll find everyone has wonderful opinions and views on music production. Well, we're heading down that path ourselves here at the Blue Collar offices - some quick hits on music production, and beginning tips on what to listen for and how to listen.....  
  • The Audience Is Waiting - No how - to book, no road map - where is YOUR audience? Blue Collar takes the short track on some left-of-center answers on where they might be hiding.......
  • "As Good As It Gets" - a Blue Collar Retrospect - Fall is here, and time for a bit of harvest and reflection, as Mick talks about how to cherish all your creative and musical moments as they happen - and how to learn and grow from them. 
  • Making It In The Music Business - A Short Introspective ( Blue Collar Style) - "Making it" has some definite meaning to a lot of us striving songwriters, performers, and recording artists. But does it means one ultimate goal, or something else? Just a different viewpoint....
  • Blue Collar's New Slabs!! - What's spinning for new tunage around the ol' studio? Mick offers up some direction on some new picks for music CD's and downloads....
  • Blue Collar's Cool Equipment Alerts! - Just a little side road this month into some cool stuff I've seen, experienced, and heard rumors of regarding music gear. Guess it doesn't matter on age, just depends on what you can afford for toys (and this is reasonably priced stuff....)!
  • Blue Collar's Little Victories - What's a success to motivate you to keep on with creating and making music? We explore, in short order, the concept of what 'little victories' are in music and the business, and how they can all add up to something special....
  • KreiFest - A Neighborhood Gig Wrap-Up! - This install, I'm turning the column back over to my good friend Mr. Keith Siegfried, to wrap up his series on gigging with a neighborhood band (or "Hey Kids, Let's Put On A Show!). I'm quite proud of the response that the "Bridge Brothers" band has received in our ol' Atlanta-based neighborhood - they put the work in and deserve the kudos! So, take it away, Mr. Keef......
  • The Rock Geezer's Guide To Creating And Rocking Out - A summation ( or "Gettin' Older, Dude, Part 2) of things learned and hopefully, knowledge passed on for the better, on how to age and create gracefully, and with some purpose. Because as good ol' Mr. Neil Young said, rust never sleeps - we go on (and well we should).
  • Gettin' Older, Dude ( The Blue Collar Way) - Well, lately it seems we got a lot to jaw about here at the ol' blog site, so as long as Jodi lets me pontificate at this frequency, I will (for now). As musicians and artists, if we're lucky enough to get older, we're lucky enough to get better, right? We look inside that topic for this installment....
  • " A Change Is Gonna Do You Good" - Change can be good (or so Sheryl Crow says). How do we get there, with music, art, and life? Mick looks at a few point on the matter.....
  • Blue Collar's Guitar Gunslingers! - First in a series perhaps (always seems to be a lot of hotshot guitarists out there), Mick looks entry-level at the concept of 'guitar gunslingerism', and why it transcends thru generations of players!
  • Guest Blog: Keith Siegfried on"How to Rehearse The Neighborhood Band" Part Two! - Well, old buddy/bassist/singer/guitarist, and soon-to-be web site designer and curator for the Mickster, Keith Siegfried, is back with part two of our series on the very blue - collar aspects of rehearsing a neighborhood band. Schedules, keeping band mates happy, the drama, blah, blah -yes, folks, it's all there as the Bridge Brothers prepare for an annual fall tradition back in Alpharetta, Ga. - KreiFest!!
  • Blue Collar Presents (Some Of) The Classic Midwest Party Bands! - Ah yes, the good ol' Boogie/Rock era of the 1970's - glad we survived all that moo-ha! Mick looks at a few of the era's classic bands and suggests some album primers to get you started before you raise your glass high and shake that thang!
  • Blue Collar's Short Look At The Small Music Store Industry - Are we meant to live in a world of Wal Mart - like music stores? Mick makes comment in a short essay on small music stores, and puts forth a few comments to get the thought process rolling. Talk amongst yourselves! 
  • Guest Blog #4: Mick Polich "Guitar Influences" Interview by Dave Powell! - O.k., I'll take a break now, but I needed to get this latest post in from my buddy Dave Powell of Omaha. Dave and I got back almost 30 years, and he was kind enough to come up with an idea to interview me on certain influences I've had musically, concentrating on some of our shared guitar influences. Yep, it's Codgerville Memory Lane, but if y'all are willing to go down that path, then we'll keep the light on and the door open! So, o.k. Brother Dave, take it away and ask some questions........
  • Jambands, Family Reunions, and the 4th Of July - Wow -ANOTHER installment so soon? Yep, and many thanks to editor/Muse creator Jodi Krangle for letting me post like a madman here at this point! Well, bowing to good-natured, but a relentless flow of gentle, yet forceful pressure (how's that for passive-aggressiveness?) from my in-laws, I look at our recent annual family reunion trip to Storm Lake, IA., with the spotlight on a few celebrated local music heroes and a time-honored small-town tradition....   
  • Guest Blog #3 - Keith Siegfried! - Wow, the "Guest Blogs" have been lining up something fierce - this install, we have our good buddy from Atlanta, singer/bassist/guitarist/sip n' picker Keith Siegfried (who's also been known to throw a pretty mean across-the-field ball to first for the out....). Keith will be logging in as our old neighborhood band, the Bridge Brothers, prepare for the annual KreiFest gig come fall - probably my favorite gig to play back in the Atlanta days. So, we welcome the first of a few blogs from good ol' "Mr. Keef"....
  • A Wedding, A Small Town, and New Old Friends - We head up to the hamlet of Green Bay,WS., for this installment -population a little over 102,000 ( double that on game day for the Green Bay Packers). We look at, in a short space, the interwoven lives of a wedding and old friends in a small town that happens to hold a heralded NFL football franchise....
  • Indie Record Shops: An Appreciation And Reflection - Indie record shops - well, Johnny, we hardly knew ye: some are still holding on to a fanatic client base, while others get schlepped out to sea. Some thoughts, and a personal, downhome reflection....
  • FM Radio Is Dead - Long Live FM Radio! - What the hell happen to FM radio? It is alive and well - with a new suit, and matching tie and spats!! A short look at where the spirit of 'underground-anything-goes' music programming lives today....
  • Blue Collar Guest Blog #2 -DON MYERS!!!! - Well kids, the hits just keep a comin' - ANOTHER guest blog hot on the heels of last months' blog: this time, the illustrious Mr. Don Myers, singer/songwriter/musician par excellence from the ol' home town of Des Moines, Ia., contributes his views on the 'dumbing down' of society and the arts (a well-heeded warning for uninformed, and a reminder to us all to keep on keepin' on with self - education!). A laurel and hardy handshake to Mr. Myers for guesting on this column!!
  • Blue Collar's Guest Blog Numero Uno - Wade Krieg! - Well, anything can happen here at the ol' "Blue Collar" column site - I've approach some good friends to submit some thoughts, rants, commentary as such for their own column shot, so her goes: Mr. Wade Krieg, singer/songwriter/log-time par excellence Des Moines,Ia. area musician, giving us his three cents worth on the art of guitar solos, and why they're still valid! Thank you, Wade, and MAAAAANN, guhguhg net to ya, pardner!!!(Don't ask -o.k., well, ask - it's 'insider jibberish'....) 
  • Blue Collar Salutes Teachers! - With the one-year anniversary of writing for the Muse's Muse, Mick adds another column for the month of May saluting the art of teaching, especially music instructors. Remember, teachers surround us in our lives everyday - we just need to keep our ears and eyes open for the lessons! 
  • Blue Collar's CD Reviews, Volume #1 - Hey kids, time for CD reviews!! And as we all know, opinions on music are like, er, well, you know what they're like - everybody has one!! 
  • The Funk - Filled Soul Of Jazz Organ Trios and Hammond B -3 Players!! - Grits n' gravy, hip-shakin' - just some of the terms described for the music that involves the Hammond B -3! Mick cites some personal experiences and thoughts, as well as a great story from our ol' friend, Mr. Don Archer.....
  • Blue Collar's Sneaky Little Tips For Ghee-tar And Bass, Vol. #1 - Looking for a few quick tips to head down another avenue with your guitar and bass playing? In this first installment, Mick pawns off what pithy knowledge he's learned over 30 years in regards to guitar and bass playing tips.....
  • Blue Collar's Hot Rod Tube Amp Mods, Volume #1!!!! - Here's an overview of some areas (simple and a wee more complex) to get a little more pop outta your tube amps. DISCLAIMER (and you'll see it again and again in the article): EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LETHAL VOLTAGES!! CAUTION!!! If you don't feel comfortable with any of the information to proceed on your own, DON'T! Consult you friendly, neighborhood amp tech for advice, info, and service!
  • Blue Collar Survival #345 - I'm Gumby, Dammit !!!! - Hey kids, let's put out an EP/CD!!! Mick explores what's-happening-now in the initial stages of putting out some music to the market for the umpteenth time, and dealing with combining art and business AGAIN!!
  • Buddy Miles - a Blue Collar Tribute - A brief tribute to an old-school soul/rocker, Mr. Buddy Miles!
  • "Hail, Hail, New Orleans!!"-A Short Blue Collar Appreciation - New Orleans as the epicenter for the beginnings of rock and roll? Mick explores some points to that statement in this installment....
  • Blue Collar's Motivation - What moves us to do what we do by singing, playing an instrument, or trying to create a gig in the music business? It's a tip of the iceberg subject, but Mick takes a whack at it in this installment......
  • No Depression magazine - a Blue Collar tribute - A little salute to a 13 year run by a magazine that exposed deserving artists in the alt country/ roots movement in music - No Depression magazine ends it's print run and will continue on-line with the publication of it's last issue....
  • Blue Collar's "Lost Highway" - Journeys And Arrivals - We hear of the musical 'superstars' daily - but what about the other tiers of making music not only as a living, but a journey? Mick takes a look in this installment.....
  • "Hey man, we're getting the band back together!" - a Blue Collar Observation - This installment, we look at the growth behind the re-emergence of 'classic rock' bands, rock and roll music camps, and if 'getting the band back together' is a good thing at ANY level... Ladies and gentlemen, Jake and Elwood!
  • Blue Collar Digs Into Music! - Ever listen to a song, and like the arrangement but can't stand the lyrics? Or find the lyrics incredible, but hate the singer's voice? Then, you wonder,"Well, should I like this music at ALL?" Hey people, it's o.k. to pick and choose - that's what we're talkin' about this installment!
  • Blue Collar Tech #101: Some Little Bits And Pieces O' Guitar Repair Stuff - As promised, a short break from the soapbox to throw a few helpful bits of info regarding guitar and bass repair your way. First in a series!!
  • The Suburbs - Musical Friend Or Foe? - Happy New Year to you, True Believers!! To kick off 2008, we 'll explore a few points on that somewhat American phenomenon of suburban life - can urban sprawl help artists and musicians?
  • Zawinul - a tribute - Jazz great Joe Zawinul passed away on September 11 of this year,2007. Mick takes a time out to pay a brief tribute to the genius of jazz, fusion, and world music....
  • Musical Depth from the Blue Collar Rockin' Perspective! - How deep do you want to explore music? Mick looks at expanding our artistic universe in this brief installment....
  • Blue Collar Tone!! - What is tone? Can we possibly discuss the implementation of it in one article? Oh, heavens, no, kids, but we'll have fun tryin'!!
  • Hush Yo' Mouth! Blue Collar presents - This installment, Mick starts at the tip of the iceberg for the dodgey topic of censorship: what could be be wrong, what could be right, and why it's nothing new to argue about because we've always had it!!
  • Blue Collar Rockin' Presents - Nope, not a Tom Waits song dissertation, but a look in the social and cultural ramifications of what Saturday nights mean, and have meant, in our 5-day workweek society.
  • Blue Collar #9: Ethnic Music - Hey, let me hear your balalaikas ringing out! In this column, Mick looks at ethnic music, and how all of our musical heritages are more closely linked than we realize!
  • Blue Collar#8 - Gigs That Mean Something - What's in a gig for you? What do you need to make it worthwhile? Mick explores the topic on making every gig count, as well as going 'back in the day' for some of his own memorable gigs. 
  • Blue Collar #7.5 -Grind Me A Bass Pound, Pappy!!! - Bass players got the power!!! This article is an intro to playing the bass, and its role in modern music (too much to cover in one measly space, so more to come down the road!).
  • Blue Collar #7: Amps - Crank It Or Go Sit In The Corner! - Finally getting to the 'tech' valley, Mick gets the ground floor sweeped with an intro to amps - the other half of Rock Glory!!!
  • Blue Collar #6 - What are we all trying to recapture in our musical journey? This column, Mick looks back on two time periods that shaped his vision of getting "back to where you once belonged, Loretta"!
  • Blue Collar #5: Duo Arranging/D.Y.I. in Product Creation - Mick finishes up from last month on arranging music for duos, then slams head on into the good ol' D.I.Y. Movement, and some thoughts on making it work for YOU!!!
  • Blue Collar Rockin' #4 - CONFIDENCE!! - Lacking in what the French call, um, er,that 'certain something'? Mick looks at confidence: how to get it, what to do with it, do you buy it a suit, take it to dinner, etc....
  • Blue Collar Rockin' #3-LISTENING!!! - Hey,you - are you listening? Mick looks at the topic of listening as a musician and offers some hopefully helpful hints on how to improve your 'listening' habits for all your musical endeavors!
  • Blue Collar Rockin'#2 - Mick explores when we do our 'best work' as musicians. Can it happen more than once? Find out!
  • Blue Collar Rockin'! - The opening shot in a new series from studio dude/amp tech/music retail vet/ music instructor/songwriter/bar band performer Mick Polich. 
  • Music Ed #101, Or Thoughts There Of! - To get 2008 off to a rant n' rave start, Mick looks at a continuation of last column's article with some thoughts on musical education, technology, and why one great rock show can change the world ( at least your own...)
  • Remembrance, And Thoughts On Ethnic Music - A family member passes, and thoughts are brought forth on how that person not only influence your life in example and love, but thru music and art,too.
  • Wisdom #90 - Gigging in your mid - 50's,different 'career' goals - gosh,why isn't it the same as when you were 25? Mick expolores some obvious ( and maybe not so obvious) reasons.....

A short bio:
Mick Polich has been involved in local music scenes in Iowa, Ohio, Georgia, and now Texas, for over 30 years as a music instructor, amp tech, studio musician, performer, songwriter,and business owner. Starting out semi-late on guitar at 15 years old in 1975, Mick soon progressed to bass as a second instrument, and started playing either bass or guitar with local central Iowa bands from the late ' 70's through 1994 when his wife's job had the couple transfer to Columbus, Ohio. From there, Mick not only learned how to re-invent himself to survive pursuing this craft, but he and his wife managed to buy a house, acquire their two labs, Sam and Maggie,and adopt a son, Andrew! Through two more job transfers, Mick has managed to hone his musical multi-tasking skills to help others on an amateur and professional level in the world of making music.

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