tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:/blogs/perspective-in-sound?p=2
Perspective In Sound
2023-10-16T07:57:34-07:00
Riley Hodges
false
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233366
2021-03-12T10:45:00-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Life On Mars: Chapter 1 (Street Walker)
<p class="has-drop-cap">“Dream big,” I remember my mother telling me. “Dream big like the stars.”</p>
<p>It was 4AM and I lay awake thinking of my future. Today was the day I’d begin training for my new job. Of course I felt excited and although I did not feel nervous, I did feel a bit of unexplained pressure. Normally, whenever I start something new I try to do as much preparation as possible so that I know my way around the ship, as they say.</p>
<p>As I lay there watching the morning light make its way onto the backside of my curtains, illuminating the whole drapery like the delicate bio-luminescence of the sea, I felt the heaviness of my eyelids.</p>
<p>When I finally awoke it was 8AM. I was not late, but I would not be as early to training as I had wanted. I got out of bed and prepared myself for the day. As I exited my front door and made my way to my transport vehicle I felt the sunshine warm me as it invigorated my senses.</p>
<p>Along the way, I daydreamed of my future. Would I become a solitary figure in the pursuit of happiness for future generations to come, or would I start living my life with each passing breath?</p>
<p>When I arrived, I was told to report to “Building A” in order to begin my training. It was the first step toward my new future, one that I was in control of and I felt proud.</p>
<p>Summary of themes:</p>
<p>An observer disturbs the balance. A holographic understanding of the world takes shape.</p>
<p>When we feel the warmth of the Sun, we feel the Sun’s life-giving force. We feel life.</p>
<p>Which is it, then? Does the Sun simply give life, or is it alive?</p>
<p>Where is our character headed in this opening Chapter? Stay tuned to find out.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233367
2021-03-11T23:01:33-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Character Development
<p>Sun & Street Walker</p>
<p>Dimensions of Maybelline</p>
<p>The Sea & C’est La Vie</p>
<p>Wildlife is Coming Home</p>
<p>In the end, we are all a Live One</p>
<p>Listen to the Wind Go</p>
<p>The Seasons change, Nature endures in a Long Couple of Days</p>
<p>Fiery Earth of magmatic Highs & and cratered Lows</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233368
2021-02-03T12:11:15-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Sunday Review: Beyond A Dream by Pharaoh Sanders and Norman Connors
<p>It starts like the descending walk of an Egyptian Pharaoh, and subsequent journey across the desert.</p>
<p>For “A Dream,” and “Beyond” in these elements you’ll discover possibly more than you could have imagined.</p>
<p>The eventual giddiness of “Babylon” gives way to an intense and sophisticated cerebral soup with smiles and groove.</p>
<p>Enter the buzzing and drawn out chorus of percussion, with crashing cymbals, and highlights of woodwinds and brass.</p>
<p>Track Two: “Beyond A Dream” kicks off in a similar fashion as “Babylon,” but soon finds a groove of its own. This is a different pace and place now that reminds me of a more modern time. </p>
<p>Shifting colors, interpretations, a montage of industrial rhythms and sounds.</p>
<p>Announcements, computer technology, city transit and other forms of industry give rise to the jungle.</p>
<p>Scat soon becomes the breathe of the land and a looming question of “Why?” seems to persist.</p>
<p>Announcements by the birds, by the beat, by African, European, American gibberish.</p>
<p>Expectations to let go, thoughts drop and flutter, saying “whatever” as they fly on by.</p>
<p>They buzz and proclaim as they fade away…</p>
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<p>“Montreux Overture” continues the fluttering that now feels like more of a threat. </p>
<p>This is a new start to motion, lurching forward, go! Leave!</p>
<p>The bees and bugs, and sun and elephants ready to defend their jungle as they shout.</p>
<p>Experimental rhythms are out for blood and want to give it all.</p>
<p>Fireworks, death, sirens, cars honking, an elephant trumpet signals aggression and distress.</p>
<p>Stop: As the wind blows by, we sing and fly away to the stillness of Earth at a magnificent height, or maybe not… as Side 1 of “Beyond A Dream” comes to an end.</p>
<p>What will be stopped? What killing or birth has commenced? This moving piece of music proclaims and yet ceases…</p>
<p>“The End of the Beginning” starts with a presentation of themes. A golden piano whizzing with new ideas and life.</p>
<p>Elements, scales, shadows… if this piano had teeth, like a chattering skull it may be singing the choruses of a thousand voices.</p>
<p>Steely and climbing, we ascend the towers of scaffolding that designate our modern lives.</p>
<p>Where do we go from here? A harrowing herd passes and we smile…</p>
<p>New expressions and pleasure, abstractions and wind chimes… let us sing! Dance! Go!</p>
<p>The fault lines of sorrow and misery bring a reprise to themes… groove.</p>
<p>The bass, soul, rhythm, shakers, and groove… they all perform to be heard and felt.</p>
<p>Rattle on and show us! Demonstrate the elements of life, with shake and expels of ‘forgotten memories’ that in this case we just can <em>shake.</em></p>
<p>Forge, in love, and bouncing elation the road ahead that plows and herds and stampedes at times to bring a shouting of announcements to the world. A Pharaoh rides on…</p>
<p>Elements do return, and they make their presence, as they are part of the jungle. They re-emerge for they are part of life, born and contrasting in their very presence.</p>
<p>Pathways of stillness give rise to movement as they flutter and slide and nod and tip the hat to riders of deceit who are on the fringe of foul trades and other beats.</p>
<p>But the ambience of guitar and strings brings a standard to the mix.</p>
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<p>Tiresome and annoyed, we sometimes laugh through the elements in view of our personal anguish. Laughter is some of the best medicine we have…</p>
<p>Bells ring true and fade away like the alarms of a studying clock for when the assignment has become past due and there’s no other coming-to-terms that is necessary other than what you are capable of in this moment.</p>
<p>These thoughts can lead to action and a progression forward. Like the groove, “Casino Latino” blends well to bring a closure to the former calls of sirens and melee of the jungle. We will not forget it even in bliss.</p>
<p>Modern and ancient, like referees shouting calls during a game, we hear a world of proclamations, of action.</p>
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<p>Overall, this record has spoken to me in so many distinct, and yet non-distinct, ways. Meaning, there is a language of instruments that can be interpreted and felt, and that can give rise to many imaginative things. I really enjoy this record and I’m happy to have come across it, and for your review and reading pleasure.</p>
<p>The beat goes on, and indistinct shouting continues to jar and stir us in and out of the worlds we inhabit. For me, this supports <strong><em>the groove</em></strong> and mindfulness toward it.</p>
<p>Pharaoh Sanders & Norman Connors – Beyond A Dream – Recorded Live at Montreux Jazz Fest 1978.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233369
2021-01-24T19:52:53-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Sunday Review: Ghosts of the Forest – Trey Anastasio
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<p class="has-drop-cap"><strong>A</strong> SIDE</p>
<p>The first song hits you like a mellow 70s groove with legs. Trey’s guitar sounds like a trumpet in a Smokey Jazz Club. He’s drowning in a list of things we can all share. Thoughts – Feelings – all of the heavy ones.</p>
<p>“Ghosts of the Forest” kicks off a stutter step tip-toe like dance with soothing metallic harmonies of self-reflection.</p>
<p>That guitar though, it’s sexy like the sunset and heavy like an abyss.</p>
<p>Song Two continues the Wurlitzer-like rotating FX with lyrics of “Drift While You’re Sleeping.” </p>
<p>There’s something about the ascending scales later on that remind you of how special those Choral FX truly are. </p>
<p>At first I heard the Bass as Heavy and the Guitars in a Watery Grave, and I realize now that’s the planting of the seed that our dreams can bring… </p>
<p>If “Ghosts of the Forest” enumerate a list of grievances toward life, then “Drift While You’re Sleeping” is life.</p>
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<p>Listen to a chorus of trees that have root growth and tell the story of their existence. </p>
<p>We are all one and love is the answer is a nice resting place to soak it all in.</p>
<p>“Drift While You’re Sleeping” continues as an epic journey in its own right seamlessly moving from groove-to-groove, and stage-to-stage in our collective living evolution.</p>
<p>Enjoy this wonderful album! I always listen twice, and man the second time feels good. Is that because of the edible I ate earlier? Sometimes we have to get out of our own way.</p>
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<p class="has-drop-cap">B SIDE</p>
<p>“Friend” reminds me of loss and misunderstanding. I feel exhausted by emotion and I’m tired of trying to prove myself.</p>
<p>It’s one of those grooves you just wanna have with your besties. You take it down a notch so you can dig in and then kick it into high gear all while communicating clearly and openly. Being authentic sometimes has less to do with a sense of self than it does with a tired soul trying to keep up with a modern life.</p>
<p>The band gives it nice resting ground to sink. This mellow bottom, and longing, a drowning and bursting with big guitar eventually sinks like a rock. Resting, there’s acceptance.</p>
<p>“About To Run” kicks off defiantly with a rising groove. It’s like a confession for being alive. Trapped regrets eventually give rise to explosive expression. So we resolve to act.</p>
<p>This heavy groove reminds me of a beast who acts out of beastly action. It does not think twice because it does not need to think twice. It knows what it wants and what it needs. “The ghost is always there.”</p>
<p>Where have I gone to? I’m “Halfway Home” and I’m really feeling these song transitions. I love an album that both rocks, and rolls onward like a story we can all relate to. Even if you can’t relate, you feel it. You feel something. There’s upbeat relief, with intensity, and rolling free. You know where you’re going, even if it’s hard. </p>
<p>There’s something that draws you in, and spits you out, but you go anyway. You want to deal with the source of things, and have a glimpse of the sun’s raw power. It’s refreshing, daunting, but you have backup. You’ve already seen and felt the worse parts of life, and you will conquer what’s left in order to be free. </p>
<p>Bent, but not broken.</p>
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<p class="has-drop-cap">C SIDE</p>
<p>My first thoughts are that this is a great road trip album. </p>
<p>I can see the “Long Lines” pass me by. </p>
<p>Calmly, I observe in my celestial craft. The voices express a range of emotions, scarred and uplifting.</p>
<p>A hammer, and sun, are the constructions of my mechanical view. There’s beauty in touch, and feeling.</p>
<p>So I am waiting… ready…</p>
<p>“Ruby Waves” is as Trey as you want Trey to always be. That drumbeat, specific lyrics, and mellow groove paint a truthful picture of life and death as if to say, they are the same thing.</p>
<p>Escape, truth, wonder, Fuck it! Go for it!</p>
<p>Dimensions are only barriers of space and time, and they can be transcended…</p>
<p>“It’s such a brief time we get to be here.”</p>
<p>“What was I so worried about?”</p>
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<p class="has-drop-cap">D SIDE</p>
<p>Out at sea, we drift so naturally…</p>
<p>A starry night, and watery magic…</p>
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<p>It doesn’t get much better than this… there’s love, and trance…</p>
<p>A primordial abyss that you’re dancing atop, if that’s possible…</p>
<p>You are the abyss…</p>
<p>“Beneath a Sea of Stars” takes you on quite a journey…</p>
<p>If A, B & C set the stage, then now you are ‘live’ and rea-D-y to just be…</p>
<p>“And we’re free of time…”</p>
<p>The song gives plenty of space to groove and syncopate… and drift away…</p>
<p>The primordial ooze is oozing, and bubbling… it’d ominous if it weren’t so natural…</p>
<p>Suddenly, it has sprung free and is there to greet us in the form of morning birds and “phantasm.”</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Views from a mountaintop bring activity, a mellow waking.</h2>
<p>The ghosts are out to greet me… </p>
<p>They slide into the sea, guided by forces, oozing.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hints of the ghosts give rise to an anthropomorphic dance. This is what we know. It’s “Blue! all around!”</h2>
<p>It’s blueeeeeeee!</p>
<p>This is what we do!</p>
<p>The album exclaims by punching-in and aiming skyward.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Astral echoes of familiar resolve. Expect some nice organ on the coda to accompany you home.</h2>
<p>And just like that, it’s gone, with an explosion to form your new home, here and now.</p>
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Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233370
2021-01-21T06:30:00-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Congratulations – You Just Made It Through a Wormhole
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<p>A wormhole is a speculative structure linking disparate points in spacetime, and is based on a special solution of the Einstein field equations. A wormhole can be visualized as a tunnel with two ends at separate points in spacetime. </p>
<cite><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormhole"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormhole">Wikipedia</a></cite>
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<p>You may not have known it, but remember that funny feeling when things don’t appear as they seem? Colored lines of ruby red fade into black and nothingness.</p>
<p>Your cosmic self may cease to be, but when there’s 1, now there’s 3… to infinity…</p>
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<p>The Multiverse is a concept that boggles the mind, or does it? You see, I knew something was not right when the world seemed to enter crisis mode. I knew something was different when all logic was defied by a simple set of lies and reactive impulses, self-fulfilling in every way. Protection. Protection. Protection.</p>
<p>It is I who claims to know all things… It is I who inhabits this world… It is I, for God almighty, I am jubilant!</p>
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<p>Oh, blissful ignorance and self-loathing. They seem to go hand in hand, unless of course you’re NOT fooling yourself, in which case you just need help. Or rather, you need help either way. We all do, in some ways, and some more than others…</p>
<p>Here’s the thing though… We unfortunately need to stick together. Only the strongest survive, except when the weakest can’t go at it alone and they somehow take control through the interconnected web of truths we share or don’t share.</p>
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<p>All realities happening simultaneously means some may not know they ever entered a wormhole, or rather, maybe they have not? Perhaps it is simply I who have entered and returned, but from where? Another reality to you and me is not the same. We blame and play the name game when we cannot name the name. The name is the word and the truth shall be heard, but what happens when truth is distorted into thirds… Split personality and multi-rationality, where will it end? Will we ever be whole again? </p>
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<p>It depends on how you think and upon which knowing you believe it, and I believe we can in the traditional sense of a word, unite and come together to be heard, to proclaim how we feel each day and respect each other anyway.</p>
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<p>Love & Empathy is the glue that binds, a force untimed and always there to be, a force that conjures in me a feeling of love & empathy.</p>
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Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/7233371
2021-01-21T05:00:00-08:00
2023-06-27T11:51:57-07:00
Life On Mars Listening Party
<p>Visit <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://instagram.com/RileyHodgesMusic" target="_blank">instagram.com/RileyHodgesMusic</a> at 7:00 PM to tune-in to our Listening Party!</p>
<p>I will be engaging with fans and inviting you to associate words or feelings with the music of Life On Mars!</p>
<p>You will hear the music of <strong>Life On Mars</strong> on a Vinyl Record Test Pressing!</p>
<p>Pre-order your copy <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rileyhodges.com/life-on-mars-vinyl-record" target="_blank">here</a> on <strong>Vinyl</strong> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rileyhodges.com/album/1769530/life-on-mars" target="_blank">here</a> as a <strong>Digital Download</strong> (release date: 1/22/21)</p>
<p>Support Independent Artists! </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Riley</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6525754
2021-01-20T05:00:00-08:00
2023-06-27T11:50:15-07:00
Introducing: Life On Mars
<p>“<strong>Life On Mars</strong>” is an Americana Music Album.</p><hr><pre><strong>Life On Mars</strong> is all about dreaming of a better place filled with love and empathy.</pre><blockquote>
<p>When I set out on this journey 4 years ago to the day, or thereabouts…</p>
<p>Entering 2017 was a time of great change during our nation’s inauguration.</p>
<p>Previously, I had been inspired on a journey through Iceland in September and October of 2016.</p>
<p>When I returned home I felt compelled to write, and to speak my mind…</p>
<p>So here we are again, and we have righted the ship, but not without sustained damages.</p>
</blockquote><p>Recently, I’ve been working on a TV show that I created called <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/cosmiccocktailslbc/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Cocktails</a> where I announced the date of my <strong>Life On Mars</strong> album release, which has been postponed and is now a Listening Party on Thursday, 1/21/21.</p><p>With that said, I’m excited to tell you that I’m finally committed to a release schedule that makes sense and I think you will enjoy!</p><p>Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there are still some delays that I cannot account for – most importantly, the Vinyl Record I have been working on is taking longer than expected (I do have test pressings completed and you can check them out during my Listening Party on Thursday, 1/21/21).</p><p><u>So today I am making a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:</u></p><p>TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF MY LAUNCH SEQUENCE WHERE I WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING THE MUSIC OF “<strong>LIFE ON MARS</strong>“</p><p>The Launch sequence begins with a Listening Party this evening, Thursday, 1/21/21 at 7PM where I will ask fans to engage with me on my ‘gram account <a class="no-pjax" href="https://instagram.com/rileyhodgesmusic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@RileyHodgesMusic</a> <img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="🙂" /></p><p>I will be asking fans to comment words or feelings that come to mind that I will then use to inform my release schedule and I will create an interactive game for fans to play along with me and help write the “<u>Story of Life On Mars</u>” – check out #OURSTORY_LOM on the ‘gram.</p><p>From there I will be highlighting each song on the album in order of appearance, including:</p><ul>
<li>A new Blog Post written and informed by your feedback and comments for #OURSTORY_LOM</li>
<li>A new Music Video for each song</li>
<li>Special Offers</li>
</ul><p>You can also Preorder the Vinyl Record for “Life On Mars” by visiting my website <a class="no-pjax" href="https://rileyhodges.com/life-on-mars-vinyl-record" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6525609
2021-01-19T23:00:00-08:00
2021-01-20T03:15:05-08:00
The World Caught a Cold with Donald Trump
<p>We all know that nasty cold that lingers on for weeks and weeks…</p>
<p>Well, it’s been 4 years and I’m still sick…</p>
<p>Donald Trump may be the worst President ever, and just like the inflammation he has caused, we’ll be in recovery for a long time.</p>
<p>But Donald Trump didn’t pave the way for what he ultimately did to our country. That was the Republican Party, now, for all intents and purposes, defunct.</p>
<p>When I read a book called Practical Paleo recently, researching a nutritional plan, I was struck with the similarities of anti nutrients, or defense mechanisms from plants, and how they can exacerbate your immune response to create chronic conditions if left untreated.</p>
<p>In the same way, our country, and the world, has suffered 4 years of this ongoing inflammation, and we are ready for a break. So much so that this has created for ourselves the worst cold we’ve ever known.</p>
<p>Covid-19 didn’t show up completely unannounced, that was the President’s job. But what it did do is wreak havoc on our already taxed immune system. We were ill-prepared, and now we’re just ill…</p>
<p>But the country is looking up with the Presidency of Joe Biden as he prepares to take the Oath of Office on Inauguration Day this Wednesday, 1/20/21. Yay for USA!</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6524679
2021-01-19T04:00:00-08:00
2021-01-19T04:30:15-08:00
Riley’s Cosmic Soiree
<p class="has-drop-cap">Howdy Friends, Fam, and all you Dreamers out there!</p>
<p class="has-medium-font-size">It’s a New Year, and I’ve got a proposition for you: </p>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Listen…</p></blockquote>
<p class="has-text-align-center">Listen to the sound of the trees rustling in the wind, and the sun warming your skin.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-center">Hear the Moon cry in the night, and the animals fight for their right.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-center">It’s a menagerie of thoughts and ideas abound… a cosmic stage, round and round.</p>
<p></p>
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<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center"><strong>This Thursday you can tune-in to my Cosmic Soiree kicking off at 7PM for a listen of:</strong></pre>
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<p></p>
<h2>Life On Mars…</h2>
<div class="wp-block-coblocks-gallery-masonry"><div class="coblocks-gallery has-no-alignment has-caption-style-dark has-gutter"><ul class="has-grid-xlrg has-gutter-15 has-gutter-mobile-15">
<li class="coblocks-gallery--item"><figure class="coblocks-gallery--figure"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/image-blender-output.jpg?w=838" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure></li>
<li class="coblocks-gallery--item"><figure class="coblocks-gallery--figure"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/full_credits-copy-2.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure></li>
</ul></div></div>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Listen, reflect, and engage… during my fireside chat with <strong>Life On Mars</strong> spinning on vinyl and yours truly to walk you through each song…</p></blockquote>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/dsc_0651.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>Fireside Listening Party: Life On Mars on Vinyl</figcaption></figure>
<hr class="wp-block-coblocks-dynamic-separator" style="height:50px;">
<ul>
<li>Follow <a href="https://instagram.com/rileyhodgesmusic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@RileyHodgesMusic</a> on Instagram</li>
<li><span class="uppercase"><sup>Thursday 1/21/21 7PM: Fireside Listening Party</sup></span></li>
<li><sup><span class="uppercase">Saturday 1/23/21 2PM</span>: Join as we continue the fun, with a Q&A + a Hoedown of sorts…</sup></li>
</ul>
<div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container">
<pre class="wp-block-verse"><strong>You can help us launch this thing the right way, with friends and family despite the distance we all share at the moment.</strong></pre>
</div></div>
<pre class="wp-block-preformatted">I'll also announce a release schedule where you can follow along, song-by-song and word-by-word, as we write the Story of "<strong>Life On Mars</strong>."</pre>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6523402
2021-01-17T10:15:00-08:00
2023-12-10T08:31:41-08:00
Sunday Review: The Roots of Chicha
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru</span></em></strong></p>
<p>When I first arrived at <a href="http://fingerprintsmusic.com">Fingerprints Music</a> on Thursday, it was the perfect opportunity.</p>
<p>I had already purchased items online that I was there to pick up, so naturally we browsed some more…</p>
<p>I didn’t know what I was looking for when I eventually made my way to the right side of the store where hip hop, soul, punk and music of the world was written on the name cards separating thousands of vinyl to choose from.</p>
<p>It didn’t take me long to discover what I was looking for:</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_2013.jpg?w=1024" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption><strong>The Roots of Chicha – Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru</strong></figcaption></figure>
<p> </p>
<p>Wow, so much yes!</p>
<p>I also didn’t know it until after I joyously showed Melissa my discovery, that she was actually looking for a record of Peruvian Music.</p>
<p>Our search was complete after 20 mins and a brown bag of vinyl to smile about.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_1955.jpg?w=768" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>When we arrived home, we started drinking some white wine with dinner and dropped that needle:</p>
<p>Side A let’s you know right away that it’s time to dance, so we danced.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay="" controls="" playsinline="" src="https://videos.files.wordpress.com/wIQ69m28/img_2027.mov"> </video>
<figcaption><em>Las Cumbias Eres Reál</em></figcaption></figure>
<p> </p>
<p>If Side A were Downtown, maybe Side B is Uptown. Who knows really, it’s all about your imagination.</p>
<p>It’s upbeat, psychedelic, and sacalo!</p>
<p>I promise you that you will smell the food just as much as you will taste the smoke rising from the vibrant cumbias.</p>
<p>Eventually you come to find that it’s past 4am from a night on the town. Blurred lines and colored vibes mark the dreamy landscape that you have come to find.</p>
<p>That 1am strut y bailar now feels like the morning sun because you’ve danced all night and you’re ready to curse the name of your last broken hearted late night booty call.</p>
<p>Side C seems a bit wobbly, indeed the record refuses to lock in place. The groove is definitely all there, and the vibe is everywhere. Maybe you’re still drunk as well.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay="" controls="" playsinline="" src="https://videos.files.wordpress.com/LelMgkka/img_2028.mov"> </video>
<figcaption><em>Wobbly Cumbias</em></figcaption></figure>
<p> </p>
<p>If disc 1 was on land, then we are no longer there.</p>
<p>There’s a wah wah and a guapa to tell you more…</p>
<p>All in all, I give this record special privileges in my collection to play my heart for the passion that I know exists. In a world of misfortunes, this music belongs both among the stars and in our everyday life.</p>
<p>We can bring the cosmic realm all the way down to the ground and shake the night away knowing there’s a world worth dancing for.</p>
<p>Step inside:</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_2037.jpg?w=768" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Track List:</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_1981.jpg?w=768" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6521794
2021-01-15T05:30:00-08:00
2021-01-15T09:45:09-08:00
Passport To Mars
<p class="has-drop-cap"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Have you received your Passport to Mars?</span></span></p>
<p><em><span class="uppercase"><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Upcoming Launch Codes:</span></span></em> <sub><em>follow the accounts below to get started</em></sub></p>
<p>1/21/21 – <span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Listening Party Livestream </span>@<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://instagram.com/rileyhodgesmusic" target="_blank">RILEYHODGESMUSIC</a> – comment + interact with the music of LIFE ON MARS on VINYL as we TEST LAUNCH at 7PM.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/cropped-jhytissvrhaqkjeawg8c9g.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>1/23/21 – <span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Preorder Party Livestream</span> @<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://instagram.com/rriless" target="_blank">RRILESS</a> at 2PM – be among the first to help us get off the GROUND with your signed copy of LIFE ON MARS – <sup><em><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rileyhodges.com/life-on-mars-vinyl-record" target="_blank">PREORDER IN ADVANCE & RECEIVE A SPECIAL PRIZE.</a></strong></em></sup></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_1813.jpg?w=768" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR MORE UPDATES – FULL LAUNCH SEQUENCE SCHEDULE PENDING…</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/1probs-this-one.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>CREATURES OF LIFE ON MARS.</figcaption></figure>
<p></p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6520584
2021-01-14T04:00:00-08:00
2021-01-14T06:30:16-08:00
Fundamental Reality
<p>This is just a picture, a pixel of words. </p>
<p>For whom do we long for and for whom are these blurbs? </p>
<p>Myself! </p>
<p>It’s the one thing that wants to emerge. </p>
<p>For you! It’s the one thing that keeps me encour’ged. </p>
<p>For them! It’s the grass on a shoulder of whistles, and though hast now understood the riddle. </p>
<p>How should we make sense of all this? </p>
<p>We do it all the time. </p>
<p>The world is complex, and we tend to seek novel moments. </p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6519532
2021-01-12T21:00:00-08:00
2021-01-12T23:00:05-08:00
What do fans want?
<p>Fans want something and I’d like to know what that is…</p>
<p>What do y’all want to do?</p>
<p>Why y’all here?</p>
<p>How much do you read?</p>
<p>How much do you listen to music?</p>
<p>What kinds of things are interesting to you?</p>
<p>A / S / L ?</p>
<p>Are / You / Up?</p>
<p>What style of music do you like most?</p>
<p>How do you listen to your music?</p>
<p>How much of the behind the scenes do you like to see?</p>
<p>Do you like magic?</p>
<p>What’s your favorite kind of burrito?</p>
<p>What about ice cream?</p>
<p>Pizza? Duh…</p>
<p>How about nachos vs. chicken wings?</p>
<p>What’s your favorite song of all time?</p>
<p>Comment a word and I’ll use it on my next blog post and tag you on tha ‘gram.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6518734
2021-01-11T21:00:00-08:00
2021-01-12T00:15:13-08:00
Lunatic Troll Manifesto
<p class="has-drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">I’m going to solve all of the problems in my mind!</span></p>
<p class="has-drop-cap"><span class="uppercase">By virtue of my efforts I will also bring about change for all of humanity!</span></p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">THIS IS OUR STORY AND I’M THE LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">IT’S ALL A HOAX, IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">I’M JUST A RELATABLE HUMAN WHO WANTS ATT3NTION!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">I KNOW THAT HALF OF THE WORLD IS SICK, AND THERE ARE SO MANY LIES!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">BUT I WILL GLADLY SET US ALL FREE!</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO!</p>
<p><sub><s>Relate lunatic anarchist troll to our story, perspective shift…</s></sub></p>
<p><sub><s>Character says crazy stuff, hoax…</s></sub></p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6517523
2021-01-10T04:20:00-08:00
2021-01-10T07:30:11-08:00
Sunday Review: Shattered
<p>An album of loud purple sounds. Someone popped their eggnog on a fruitcicle and created a new dessert.</p>
<p>When you go looking for an album of magnificence in groove and the possibility of a meow style, you pick downtown for the bass line and uptown for the tempo.</p>
<p>All the guitars work together like a saddle fits on a horse. Everybody finds their way.</p>
<p>Of course the drums do all the talking when they say n”sp “sp “sp “tat “tat and that bass is walking like it don’t care none except right here.</p>
<p>When people say things about me, I’m the baddest mountain. Like a thunder rolled in and said “hey!” Where all my dancers at?</p>
<p>Track One starts out clean and keeps riding till it’s over, no stops, just a belly up slouching cruise with a clear wind carrying the salty coastal air.</p>
<p>Track Two begins calm, but then finds an off ramp and gets subdued when it seems to find a clearing toward the beach.</p>
<p>Track Three is like a reflection of your grandmother’s memoirs that jot down everything from cookies to coastal swims. Beach days are fun, and everyone gets along just fine.</p>
<p>Track Four is a little more calm except when it tends to escalate for a minute as if to say, “hey, I’m here.”</p>
<p>Track Five continues onward like a boat on an anchor, swaying in the sea. The world can’t help but to bring rain. It’s just life.</p>
<p>Track Six reminds us of our mothers and fathers of the world. Those who lift us up.</p>
<p>Track Seven reads like “a Day in the Life,” and sings like “Bitches Brew.”</p>
<p>Track Eight tells us when to be happy and it’s all the time. “Could you be loved?”</p>
<p>Track Nine has more to say. And it’s that “we want more wine, and whiskey, and a good night’s sleep as much as possible. Someone needs to remind us of this more often, and that’s what this song is all about. Funk layered with harmonies and horns and a laid back approach to life in general. Just finding connection and being willing to embrace it for what it is and to do good wherever possible.</p>
<p>Track Ten someone told me to write them a song and here it is. I’m here for you.</p>
<p>Track Eleven slow grooves and a soft voice with some percussive style, congas and hand drums. Where a groove gets locked in. We are here.</p>
<p>Track Twelve bring rain and birds. In no particular order, someone lights a fire in the sky. With no warning, a siren calls and tempts.</p>
<p>Track Thirteen there is always morning to freshen the mood. The warm sun brings a calm. It feels good to soak it in and feel whole. Cosmic guitars bring a groovy vibe.</p>
<p>Track Fourteen we live in a musical space. Sound is our friend. We know it when we heart it. Soothing, vibey, a tip of the hat. A step in my walk. It’s all the same. Just groove with it.</p>
<p>~ Just Groove With It</p>
<p>All Rights Reserved 2021</p>
<p>Release Date 1/21/21</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_1652.jpg?w=768" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6516171
2021-01-07T21:13:52-08:00
2021-01-08T00:30:05-08:00
Feeling Uneasy
<p>My mind is a monkey, and my body is round.</p>
<p>My heart beats faster while drowning in sound.</p>
<p>What life can bring will matter to some, and to others we fear for their life is gone.</p>
<p>Who the fuck condones violence to suit their own need?</p>
<p>A leader in charge doesn’t mean they can lead.</p>
<p>A leader can claw and bring about change while balancing is within our own range.</p>
<p>Was it me that knew I was already full?</p>
<p>Was it you so kindly that caused me to drool?</p>
<p>My mouth is frozen, like a glacier in time.</p>
<p>I have a path I want to follow, and a leader… it’s time. </p>
<p>I need to let it go for tomorrow will bring a better day.</p>
<p>Days for us to play around and lay in the fray…</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6513744
2021-01-04T21:49:05-08:00
2021-01-04T22:45:11-08:00
Tired Sun
<p>I’m tired of sleeping on sidewalks and watching the long faces pass me by.</p>
<p>Shadows so transfixed by the bye. </p>
<p>To be stupefied by glory and lonely just for me is so touching as an eye for an I…</p>
<p>For I am not a lie nor a bubble of cutis or a derma for absorption. </p>
<p>Nor am I calculating and vested to rest it above all.</p>
<p>My body is bold and bright and old in the light.</p>
<p>My reach is infinite I am told.</p>
<p>Nothing can reach the ends of the light nor my inner fiery soul.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6246030
2020-03-10T07:28:00-07:00
2020-03-11T20:15:29-07:00
“Live One” New_Music_Release + New Website
<p class="has-drop-cap">Howdy Friends, Family, Seekers of Truth, and all you Dreamers out there,</p>
<p><strong>“Live One”</strong> is <a href="http://www.rileyhodges.com">live now</a>, just live in the now, love one another, visit our <a href="http://www.rileyhodges.com">new website</a> to get a free download, listen on yer fav streaming app, and stay a <strong>“Live One.”</strong> </p>
<p><strong>“Live One,” </strong>is a new single from our coming album, “Life on Mars” that was written<strong> </strong>on a journey through Iceland.</p>
<p><strong>“</strong>Life on Mars” represents our collective ability to create a better world filled with Love and Empathy, asking the question, “If we were to go to Mars, what would we want to do differently?”</p>
<p>Stay tuned for our <a href="https://rileyhodges.com/crowdfunding">Kickstarter launch 3.20.20</a> and help support artists promoting a vision of love and empathy through inspired Americana Music and High Quality imagery from a journey through Iceland.</p>
<p>“Within this or that are those that seek nought in the shackles breaking.” Lyrics from <strong>“Live One.”</strong></p>
<p>Thank you for reading and please stay in touch!</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.rileyhodges.com" target="_blank">rileyhodges.com</a></strong> – sign up for our email list and receive a free download of “Live One” + perks of being a fan</li>
<li>
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ApNCo8p1Mtdlq06RnbKpf">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/riley-hodges/1459796038">Apple</a>, <a href="https://pandora.app.link/dxvstw7ME4">Pandora</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdaIrgPRU2bLymiBz8JO-GQ">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/rriless">Soundcloud</a> – stream our music on yer fav streaming app</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/rileyhodgesmusic">Instagram</a> <a href="http://fb.me/rileyhodgesmusic">Facebook</a> follow and like</li>
<li>
<a href="mailto:info@rileyhodges.com?subject=Life%20on%20Mars%20Music%20Release&body=Hi%20Riley,">Email</a> to say “Howdy”</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Riley Hodges</strong> – Vocals, Lyrics, Guitar, Hammond B3<br><strong>Tim Bullock</strong> – Bass Guitar<br><strong>Eric Hirschhorn</strong> – Saxophone<br><strong>Antoine Arvizu</strong> – Producer, Drums, Engineer</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">FULL LYRICS for <strong>“Live One”</strong></span></p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">I’ve been waiting for a sign that I should’ve seen 10 days ago. Staring at a blue sky swirling into red again. Like a vibrational high, I contemplate that I’m not fading. Just purify your mind. We’ll tear apart a magnet, baby. The rolling winds bring life when they whisper bursts of nothingness. I wonder if it’s known that we can be the nothingness. Like a thousand year stone and they call upon the night, “A Live One! A Live One!”</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">Capture moments that are still and wish we were forever now. The mother of this world uttering divine to men. If One is a gift to the many, God is manifest in contemplating. Within this or that are those that seek naught in the shackles breaking. Stillness in your mind, and it feels just like a loving kiss. Pouring rain in this life will bring returns of genesis. What’s it like to be a stone that’s shot into magma bursting out? I’ve been waiting for a sign and they call upon the night, “A Live One! A Live One!”</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">In purity of mind does choice bring moral prominence? Does our manifest deserve One and serve the greater good, or is it like the stone blessed by divine metamorphosing? When do we satisfy ourselves and have compassion on doors closing? Are we doomed to befall the consequence of our own bliss? I wonder if it’s known that we can be the nothingness. I’ve been waiting for a sign and the horse brings a gift. “A Live One! A Live One!” Echoes through the night and I am alright. “A Live One! A Live One!” I’ve been waiting for a sign and they call upon the night, “A Live One! A Live One!” © 2020 Riley Hodges</p>
<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.instagram.com/rileyhodgesmusic" target="_blank">Riley Hodges</a> is a musician from Long Beach, CA, and is the lead singer and songwriter for the <a href="http://instagram.com/thecosmiccowboys">Cosmic Cowboys</a>. The music has roots in Americana with each song distinctly all its own.</p>
<p>“Street Walker” is the opening track of “Life on Mars” that recites the exclaims of pedestrian life through bouncy beats, clean guitar riffs and a padded saxophone, while “Maybelline,” a dreamer wanting to sleep among the stars, follows a laid-back funk-rhythm that is supported by uplifting vocals and a Hammond B3.</p>
<p>Riley grew up in his families bar business in Long Beach, CA and credits his parents for introducing him to good music. His mom had the hippest collection of music among his friends, and Riley’s uncle Roland, lead singer and keyboardist from the Elm Street Band, would play backyard parties at their house and events in the neighborhood while Riley was growing up. Riley began piano lessons at a young age, eventually switching to drums for a few years, then as a teenager picked up a guitar and learned to sing. Fast forward to adulthood, Riley operates Shannon’s bars, restaurant, and entertainment venue with his family, and as those businesses have grown, Riley intends to focus more on writing, recording, and playing live music. Over the past several years, Riley has written and recorded 20 original songs with growing commercial success. Listeners describe his music as catchy, upbeat, thoughtful and enjoyable. </p>
<p>Before the Cosmic Cowboys, Riley met and formed <a href="https://soundcloud.com/taste-of-red">Taste of Red</a> with his friends, John Capito and Tim Bullock, and they were fortunate to play their biggest venue to date at The Observatory in Orange County, CA. Fast forward several years later and John is now the lead guitar player for the Cosmic Cowboys, and their next biggest performance is scheduled for March 14, 2020 where the Cosmic Cowboys are ready to play to a large crowd of festival attendees for St. Pat’s Party on Pine hosted by <a href="http://shannonscorner.eventbrite.com">Shannon’s Corner </a>in Long Beach, CA.</p>
<p>Thanks again for reading! We appreciate your support, and we hope you enjoy the release of “Live One.”</p>
<p>P.s. If you haven’t seen our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9S07nWJwZ3/">Kickstarter teaser, check it out here</a> and consider making a pledge when we launch our Kickstarter on 3.20.20 for a cause that stands for Love and Empathy! Our goal is to raise $10,0000 so we can release “Life on Mars” on “vinyllll, vinyllll, vinylll!” in the Fall of 2020. With a little courage you too can experience this inspired vision through a beautifully produced Americana music album by hardworking humans just like you! Together, we can change the world through positive vibrations <img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="🙂" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240538
2020-02-25T23:45:00-08:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
The Road Ahead
<p class="has-drop-cap">The Road Ahead envisions the world as a better place. This better place, like all human constructs, is only as real as you make it.</p>
<p>The song, <strong>Long Couple of Days,</strong> is about finding your groove. This, and other new songs, will be released as the Cosmic Cowboys.</p>
<p>The Road Ahead is like finding your way home. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/rriless/coming-home">Coming Home</a>.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/cct.png?w=761" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/1probs-this-one.jpg?w=1024" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_5184.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>See tags</p>
<p>The past is future</p>
<p class="has-drop-cap">Positivity in motion</p>
<p>Cosmic cowboys ?</p>
<p>I can feel it in my teeth. The tingles gives one a feeling of both numbness and pressure. The rolling waves crushed me to the bones, but I was not afraid. From hammer to stone, it is my only feeling. </p>
<p>“Where will we go?” she asked as the canyons echoed.</p>
<p>Just then the phone rang…</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240539
2020-01-23T12:34:48-08:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
Contemplating
<p>I am a trapper, only by practice, and not of thoughts born still.</p>
<p>There it was all along, a piece of me that was so strong. I pulled it out from thin air and never stopped to think or care. </p>
<p>Until now I plead I am that strong, yet I forgot you were my song. </p>
<p>“God is manifest in contemplating.” Lyrics from an upcoming music release, “Live One.”</p>
<p>Contemplating is thus defined, “Whilst in the life of the intellect, ‘contemplation’, refers to thinking profoundly about something. In the religious life contemplation is a kind of inner vision or seeing, transcendent of the intellect, facilitated by means of practices such as prayer or meditation.” according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemplation">Wikipedia</a>.</p>
<p>Sometimes ‘sleeping’ will do the trick, or is it ‘dreaming’ that I’m ‘living’ in?</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more #creativewriting and help me write the story of “ L I F E O N M A R S “ where I will engage fans throughout the writing process.</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240540
2020-01-16T10:56:22-08:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
Measurable Words (wall posts)
<p>Referring to these wall posts of late, scroll down the feed and make your date:</p>
<p>Poll feelings and followers and those in need</p>
<p>My wall is open for those to seed</p>
<p>But in the end there’s always you</p>
<p>My wall grows so continuously too</p>
<p>To top and shallow for weak and hollow</p>
<p>For strong and old and bored and bold</p>
<p>For young and hound n’ passion’s loud</p>
<p>For any other of many sold</p>
<p>For most of all a creative crew that sees me wallow in this stew</p>
<p>A poll will show results of many</p>
<p>My ideas flow in words a’plenty</p>
<p>Your words I write and think and brew</p>
<p>Your word inspires a creative mood</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/dsc_0038-3.jpg?w=1024" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Stay tuned for more “wall posts” </p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240541
2020-01-13T11:30:00-08:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
Here's To New Beginnings, A Lesson In Mindfulness (this post makes no sense)
<p>My 10-minute timer is ringing as I sit at my desk writing this blog post. I hop over my Robot Vacuum (RV) that has been cleaning my home today, and I have to pause:</p>
<p>RV can be stowed in its home base charging station under the couch. Normally, RV will cannibalize its own equipment that prevents a return to home base for charging. But now the life-giving extension cord is protected behind a make-shift ramp made of two long and skinny plastic covers (I will later find that this is not sufficient, and simply tape the cord to the floor like a pro).</p>
<p>These plastic covers were designed for its original use to hide the insides of my TV mount, like the armor of a brazen knight, that I recently removed from its nearly 9th year on my wall. It was stuck and audibly grumbled as I yank’d the 20lb mount.</p>
<p>As I make my way into the kitchen I can see the water has come to a rolling boil. I add the eggs as I have become accustomed to doing using a silver ladle spoon that cups the eggs perfectly for control and placement.</p>
<p>After the <em>eggs</em> are safely in <em>their</em> home I turn to my very tasty detox tea. </p>
<p>I read the label as the tea cools:</p>
<p>“Detox Tea, with cardamom, fennel, aniseed and licorice root. Here’s to new beginnings, shrug off old and embrace the new.”</p>
<p>Something tingled inside and I remembered the fortune cookie:</p>
<p>“Next month new beginnings…”</p>
<p>Moments later I realize I had not set a timer to help cook the boiling eggs. Normally I set a timer for 8 minutes using my Echo. I do some quick math and have difficulty arriving at the remaining time for boiling, so I set a 5 minute timer and a 4 minute timer. The question is have the eggs been boiling for 3 or 4 minutes so far?</p>
<p>I return to my freshly brewed Detox Tea and take a sip. “Aaahhhhh.”</p>
<p>I should stay here, but instead pontificate further:</p>
<p>In conclusion, I felt it was best to pull the eggs after 4 more minutes (mainly, to write this blog). This allows for a slower cooling method (insurance) so the eggs can continue cooking before adding cold water. </p>
<p>Later on I realize that I think I may have overdone it, and actually I forgot to set a timer for cooling as I’m once again prioritizing <a href="https://rileyhodges641925860.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/the-red-planet-courage/">Our Story.</a> </p>
<p>Priorities are fine, but this seems like a sign of what I need to watch out for: mindfulness.</p>
<p>Okay, it’s both, and: Scratch the timer issue as I did have a timer going and turns out I was a mere 10 seconds early. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.rileyhodges.com/new-music">10… 9… 8… 7…</a></p>
<p>Mindfulness. Relying so much on technology can be troubling, and it is I that does the doubling. Here and now, far and wide, my cells will not relent as they divide. <strong>What was there is now once more, a version of me within a Cosmic Score.</strong></p>
<p>I swear I also made this same blog entry last year. Lesson learned, or was it? Swearing is fine, but I know for sure I wrote this post in 2019, and THIS here, now, THIS actual post NOW. </p>
<p>So… Here’s to another year older #2020 !!!</p>
<p>Shrug off the old and embrace the new…</p>
<p>6… 5… 4… 3… </p>
<p>2…</p>
<p><a href="https://rileyhodges641925860.wordpress.com/2019/04/03/new-music-life-on-mars/">Live One</a></p>
<h2><a href="https://rileyhodges641925860.wordpress.com/2019/04/03/new-music-life-on-mars/">Live One</a></h2>
<p>Coming Soon…</p>
<figure class="wp-block-video wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-videopress"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe width="736" height="736" src="https://videopress.com/embed/LGWktmde?autoPlay=1&controls=0&loop=1&preloadContent=metadata&hd=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><script src="https://v0.wordpress.com/js/next/videopress-iframe.js?m=1435166243"></script>
</div>
<figcaption>Written on a journey through Iceland</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://rileyhodges641925860.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/the-red-planet-courage/" target="_blank"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/liveone_tt.png?w=1024" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="150" width="580" /></a></figure>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240542
2020-01-08T14:45:00-08:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
The Red Planet: Courage
<p class="has-drop-cap">An ooze appeared like a viscous red soup that drips when you tip it and plumps with more bread, a delicious red soup that will get you in the end. Where do we go and who do we follow, and will there be garments provided at the gallows? I’m sure we all know that siphoning is silly, but are we sure now that we’ve not gone too silly? A temper teem strut is like a thick board of white sashes, and I’ll let you know when I’ve got my own ashes.</p>
<p>Guys, guys, GUYS!</p>
<p>It’s red all over… the world is red!</p>
<p>Our world, this life! </p>
<p>Where will we go? What will we do?</p>
<p>Panicking won’t help…</p>
<p>Hellllppp!</p>
<p>HELLPPPPP!</p>
<p>Please someone, help us all!!!!!!</p>
<p>He screamed as he drove through the night.</p>
<p>The fires had been burning for some time now, so long, in fact, that he hadn’t realized it was 12pm the next day.</p>
<p>Safety was nowhere to be found except while always moving and driving the obstructed roadways in his 4×4 Jeep Wrangler. He knew it would come in handy one day, like for real, a bonafide challenge vehicle.</p>
<p>What he didn’t expect is all of this.</p>
<p>Where did this come from?</p>
<p>How did we get to this point without realizing sooner?</p>
<p>Why is it so hard to reach people these days?</p>
<p>I’m going through pain, and I can’t even begin to express what it feels like, least not without a long period of grief, and all gamut of other emotional positions I will soon sequentially occupy.</p>
<p>Time, the real currency.</p>
<p>So how am I supposed to convey to someone out there watching this unfold that I am in distress, like for real – bonafide!</p>
<p>How can I even begin to imagine what it’s like for someone else with a traumatic experience . . .</p>
<p>People mock you, in their little bubble half a world away . . .</p>
<p>I also think this outward pouring of love and charity has been amazing.</p>
<p>What I would like to see is a spiritual shift.</p>
<p>Spiritual meaning presence of mind.</p>
<p>Shift meaning collective presence of mind, or mindfulness.</p>
<p>Our Story is a way for you to help create the story of Life on Mars, the same name for music releases by the Cosmic Cowboys.</p>
<p>Next up: a topic on Emapthy</p>
<p>Comment below, or on another social platform. DM, MSG, EMAIL me, etc. LMK your thoughts as I write the next post . . .</p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240543
2019-09-16T17:15:06-07:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
Keeping It Honest
<p>When I dubbed this gig “Unplugged” I did not know that I would actually need to be completely “Unplugged.” I should’ve sensed that something was up when my home PA malfunctioned by making a repeating, alarming, sweeping, ascending tonal sound… like what you might hear during an apocalyptic scenario. What the fuck? </p>
<p>I’ve been singing about going High or Low in a yet-to-be-released track, and as I’m writing this paragraph I am laughing out loud at the idea of a malfunctioning low to high ascending tone. </p>
<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="High Low (opens in a new tab)" href="https://instagram.com/stories/rileyhodgesmusic/2133907977095350556?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=1h5uqnh0ycvya" target="_blank">High Low </a></p>
<p>What the actual fuck? Like I say in C’est La Vie, “Ain’t it funny in hindsight. Shake it off, such is life is life.” </p>
<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="C’est La Vie (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rileyhodges.com/new-music" target="_blank">C’est La Vie</a></p>
<p>Okay, whatever. We all find parallels in daily life if we are willing to look, and pay attention. Mindfulness helps, and even when we’re not paying attention shit tends to slap you in the face when you least expect it. Of course, even though I search for good and pleasant inspirational parallels, I don’t always pay attention, mindfully, because of the nature of 21st Century life and the human condition in general. Technological distractions, malfunctions, ramming, prodding, vying for space. I just glanced at my phone and read another scary, nearly apocalyptic, headline involving a “brain eating amoeba” What the… </p>
<p>Apart from scary headlines, fear-based news in general, and other distractions, what else is up with mindfulness and better ways to delve into creative communication, sort of the point of this blog, Perspective In Sound? </p>
<p>I heard my song “Maybelline” on the radio earlier. Fuck yeah! </p>
<p>Broadcasting Live from Shannon’s Corner on Pine. KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach, CA!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/maybellinefinal_v3.jpg?w=736" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption><a href="https://www.rileyhodges.com/new-music">https://www.rileyhodges.com/new-music</a></figcaption></figure>
<p>Also, I heard Alyssa Nighswonger, friend and multi-talented artist, on KLBP 99.1 FM Long Beach, CA while writing… She asked, “What’s the point?” which is what drew me to say what the point of this blog was above. </p>
<p>This is how my brain works. Don’t eat me, amoebas! Please preserve my twisting, interconnected, multiple-outcome reality as blood pumps through my trillions of synapses to form growing positive connections!</p>
<p>What else? Well, making sense of all this in 2019 requires a high-speed broadband Internet connection and well-functioning CPU. My 2012 iMac has not been cutting it lately, but it’s not Mac’s fault… It is I, the master of my CPU, that is holding on to too much content. Lately, I’ve been sorting through old content since I started taking pictures of mostly nonsense from about 2000 (y2k, baby!) up until I moved to Barcelona, Spain in 2007 where I got a chance to photograph more creatively. Just before I left for Spain, I bought the re-popularized Holga toy camera made out of cheap components to give the user a flawed photographic experience that over-accentuates the natural beauty of the Universe. Colors, light leaks, overexposure, etc. all adds to what has now been replaced by your Instagram filter, or countless other ways in which you can manipulate the world around you to suit your liking. </p>
<p>When I was much younger, barely a teenager, I made a few time-lapse videos using legos, fire, a Santa Claus doll, whatever I could conveniently get my hands on. Later on, my sisters and I made a film, Killer In the House, Part 1 and Part 2… </p>
<p>The goal is to make it entertaining. For better or for worse, at the moment… </p>
<p>So as I’m cleaning up my Hard Drive, thereby improving my CPU, I am working on how to stay centered, mindful and patient… </p>
<p>Back to the gig on Saturday, the 14th after our Friday the 13th Full Harvest Moon Adventure into the Wasteland. I started noticing the pull of this rare full moon the night beforehand on Thursday the 12th as my PA was malfunctioning… then during our Wasteland Adventure, and up until the gig on Saturday I was still feeling as prickly as a Night Blooming Cactus. Of course, as I got on stage my guitar pickup malfunctioned… so we mic’d my acoustic guitar, Unplugged. It’s weird how the Universe does that to you.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/img_4272.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>Saturday the 14th @ Dipiazzas</figcaption></figure>
<p>Keeping It Honest is all about the stuff that is out of your control and you shall not fight, it is embracing the chaos around you so much so that you become the chaos, figuratively speaking, just so that you can see things from a different perspective, also known as Empathy. Courage, helps… </p>
<p>It’s been a ‘fun’ summer, learning these lessons, and I’m ready for Fall, falling into my next release series, including new music later this month, Live One! </p>
<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Live One (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODQ4OTQ3MzI1NTc1OTEz?igshid=1c7ee8ugwoedr&story_media_id=2120612704445328656" target="_blank">Live One</a></p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240544
2019-09-05T09:07:38-07:00
2020-03-07T00:42:35-08:00
Cosmic Home
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<p>A story about coming home</p>
<p>A character born in the abyss and raised by the sands of time </p>
<p>Moving into nothingness </p>
<p>A cosmic cowboy </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/snapseed.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Deep interstellar space is a place where I’d like to be. Apart from all the suffering of our own biology, and where we once came from in another form of matter. I’d like to be with you before I go splatter. The you here is we, and we are debris, from a regenerative force that continues to be… but where does it end and why does it matter? We’ll know sure enough when we go splatter… </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/dsc03122.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>A shadowy figure enters the doorway as my eyes lay claim to the rounded silhouette. I wonder if it’s him, the ragged drifter I’ve heard so much about around these parts. He walks with a limp from a shootout that nearly took his leg if it weren’t for the townspeople helping him. They were caring and providing for his well being throughout his recovery. I think we all should strive for the same fastidious presentation of purpose and community, especially when you’ve got an injured cowboy on your hands… </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/dsc03095.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>The next thing that happens brings a crowd to gather as he slowly approaches the bar… “a shot of root and bottle of your finest whiskey…” You see, cowboy here had a knack for the high life, what with his conquering riches amongst a competing vision of the land. He took what was in plain sight for the taking, while others sought to organize welfare systematically as a sliding scale of victory over the defeated. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/dsc03158.jpg?w=684" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>I once saw a vision of the future in which all people were bubbling from a seemingly permeable force of love and understanding. I want to understand this further and I Think this is what should be the most important thing for humans… </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/img_9757.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Cowboy leaves the bar and heads out the door… </p>
Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240546
2019-06-20T04:30:33-07:00
2020-03-07T00:42:36-08:00
C’est La Vie En Sevilla
<p class="has-drop-cap">Arriving in España reminded me of the time I spent here while studying abroad in Barcelona. We visited Sevilla at that time yet I could not really appreciate the city then the way that I do now.</p>
<p>For starters, our Airbnb was a great choice, and it’s exciting to be here for our friend Maria and Alex’s wedding!</p>
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<p>Sevilla is beautiful, romantic, and cultured with a rich history of traditions like Flamenco and food like Paella and Iberian Ham. There are also stories of conquest, exploration of the Americas and stunning architectural design.</p>
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<p>As we venture out into the city I am finding there are many parallels to explore as I am releasing my new single, C’est La Vie!</p>
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<p>Sitting on our balcony with La Giralda in my view reminds me another time and place. Have you been to space?</p>
<p>Life on Mars is about expressing our best self while practicing empathy, courage and love. </p>
<p class="p1">Family is so important and I feel blessed to be able to spend time with them on this lovely vacation! </p>
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<p class="p1">I’m excited to release C’est La Vie next Friday, June 28th! We are playing a release show at the Prospector the night before, Thursday at 10pm. Come say “hola” as I bring the Spanish vibes home with me to share in the LBC. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_6386.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption><br>Playing on a new friend’s guitar at Luis y Luz (pron. “looth” in the Sevillian accent <img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="🙂" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_6393.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>My sister, Shannon, and new friend at the pre-wedding Paella and Ribs BBQ at Luis’ </figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_3486.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>Maria’s son and Spanish father, Luis. He hosted the BBQ at his home in Montequinto, and selected a very special wedding venue. </figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_3469.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>Alex and Maria </figcaption></figure>
<p>Upcoming notes: </p>
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<p class="p1">it’s amazing you can perceive emotions so subtly on a living face. a face that’s alive, however far away or near you feel to it, can be detected by the viewer and in relation makes them feel alive, however far away or near you feel to it.</p>
<p class="p1">//</p>
<p class="p1">Rose petals are divine </p>
<p class="p1">Ancient </p>
<p class="p1">Eternal</p>
<p class="p1">Divine</p>
<p class="p1">// </p>
<p class="p1">Flamenco </p>
<p class="p1">Rumba </p>
<p class="p1">//</p>
<p class="p1">When the sangria and gazpacho becomes confused, it’s a good thing… </p>
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Riley Hodges
tag:rileyhodges.com,2005:Post/6240547
2019-06-05T20:00:26-07:00
2020-03-07T00:42:36-08:00
Learning Piano, Overcoming Fear
<p class="has-drop-cap">I remember first hearing <em>The Beatles</em> through my parent’s early 90’s Panasonic stereo. The basic speakers of the day were quite large and ours eventually got blown out. Removing the foam grill would reveal a soft and torn fabric cone. This gave it quite a breathy sound. Puhhh!</p>
<p>When I was 4 or 5 years old, my sisters and cousin and I started piano lessons with Karen. She was a psychic that worked on the Queen Mary. One day Karen showed me a bent key from trying to enter a door on the ship, but the spirits would not let her in. After our lesson I switched places with my sisters who were at our next door neighbor’s playing Ouija board. Karen did not approve… </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/dsc_0054-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="898" width="599" /><figcaption>Organ lyfe</figcaption></figure>
<p>When I turned 12 I became interested in drums. I’m sure this was because my much older half brother was a drummer. He bought me a CD of <em>Led Zeppelin IV</em> and thrashed my drum heads while demonstrating <em>When the Levee Breaks</em>. Thanks, bro! </p>
<p>Check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swhEa8vuP6U">original</a> compared to Zeppelin’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b97hqSDRspw">version</a>. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/darren-drumming.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="392" width="230" /><figcaption>My brother Darren at his hillside retreat in Hemet</figcaption></figure>
<p>I played drums till I was 18, and then picked up a guitar though I did not make it a priority for many years because I was too caught up in silly social activities. Eventually, I managed to find time by playing late into the night as often as I could, sometimes drunk or half asleep. A friend of mine once told me to play every day for 1 year, regardless if it was 5 minutes or an hour and I would be surprised by the results. I was, and still am! Practice makes ppppppppuhhhhh… erfect?</p>
<p>The first songs I learned on guitar were <em>Blackbird</em> by <em>The Beatles</em> and <em>Over the Hills and Far Away </em>by <em>Led Zeppelin</em>. Why did I choose these not-so-beginner songs to learn? Simple answer: my friend, Mark, shared his Tab music with me and I studied it with intention and focus like nothing before… and so my love for guitar quickly grew from there… I started printing music and for many years kept my songs in a 3-ring binder. Technology or nah?</p>
<p>Nowadays, I play mostly guitar and focus on improving my vocals. Yet I still fall back on piano as a useful guide for learning chord structure and theory as well as songwriting. It’s nice to be able to see the keys visually compared to using fingers on strings facing away from you. Generally, the more instruments you play the more you will learn the relationship of parts that make up the whole shebang of music as sonic energy! Or something like that… </p>
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<p>Last year I learned <em>Your Song</em> by <em>Elton John</em> and performed it as the best man at my friend’s Kyle and Molly’s wedding!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/piano.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Overcoming fear feels like love. Love feels like vulnerability and acceptance. Vulnerability takes courage and acceptance takes empathy. I love, therefore I am… </p>
<p>Annnnddddd here’s some cool pics of general music stuff . . .</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped"><ul data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":139396742,"permalink":"https:\/\/rileyhodges641925860.wordpress.com\/2019\/06\/05\/learning-piano-overcoming-fear\/"}' class="blocks-gallery-grid">
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/dsc_0320.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Hodges Hodeown 2018</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/photo-may-18-6-32-25-pm.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Hodges Hoedown 2019</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/screen-shot-2019-04-14-at-11.47.52-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><a href="https://youtu.be/QgNDao7m41M">Black Hole comparison</a></figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/2015-02-24-02.38.52.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Recording Shoot the Root @ 3 Pt Studios LBC 2015</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/screen-shot-2012-09-11-at-8.27.49-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Viento y Agua 2012</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/screen-shot-2012-09-11-at-8.30.24-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Viento y Agua 2012</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_4225-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Mark’s guitar</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/img_6710.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Hoedown 2012</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/dsc_0660.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Hoedown 2012</figcaption></figure></li>
<li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://rileyhodges641925860.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/dsc_0651.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">Hoedown 2012</figcaption></figure></li>
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Riley Hodges