Jason Ward

"Salted Earth" free download

2011-12-01T21:57:00.003-05:00

Enjoy "Salted Earth" as a free download over at Soundcloud.

Music Library Available for Upfront Buyout/Blanket Licensing

2011-11-03T20:04:00.003-04:00

Music Library available for bulk buyout or individual purchasing. Check out these 26 songs and let me know if your interested in bulk or individual up front prices at jdward01@yahoo.com. (Primarily acoustic, indie-folk, singer/songwriter pieces) Additional previously licensed songs also available per request.

Music Library A by jdward01">

"You're Gonna Be Okay"

2011-08-29T21:13:00.005-04:00

I've been writing some more upbeat material of late, and though this may not be ultra-positive, there is still a comforting message in the chorus. Enjoy more acousti-pop with "You're Gonna Be Okay", which you can stream via Soundcloud.

-To Songwriters-

2011-07-14T23:04:00.005-04:00

I thought I would write a short and candid note to the much younger songwriters, giving some brief words of caution of what can easily be overlooked when starting out in the music industry. I have received quite a few placements as of late and would not have received these spots if it had not been for diversifying my efforts in regards to both music and the marketing of my music. Any artist or songwriter is going to write or perform whatever inspires them and I would never wish to advise someone on what to perform, as I strongly believe that someone should do what inspires them, or create what inspiration has driven them to make.

This being said, I believe that one of the biggest mistakes that young songwriters make is putting all of their efforts into one lead, whether it be an agent, a licensing house, a music supervisor, or a record label. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities to make an impression on the industry and the general public, while hopefully making some money, but if these many opportunities are not exploited, then the probabilities go way down. Certain opportunities will only come about at specific times, but I know a lot of people, including myself, who have focused all of their hope, effort, and talent on a single opportunity, then coming up dry nearly every time this was the circumstance. People have quit jobs, school, and other level-headed pursuits in order to try and fulfill dreams based on one shot in the dark, and it just isn't worth it.

While some of these failed opportunities could be scams that leave aspiring artists worse off than they were before, the truth of the matter is that most of the time it is just more intelligent to network and contact anyone possible in order to reach some level of success in the music industry. While one key contact may be too busy for your music, or just not like it, another may want to deal with you on a non-exclusive basis, or even offer you a publishing deal. But you won't know if you only focus on the one glaring licensing opportunity in front of you. In most cases, it's not the industry professionals' fault that your opportunity didn't work out. It just wasn't the opportunity for you. So keep writing, recording, and putting your music out there, and at some point, if you are as good as you think you are, then you will find some success, whether it be only modest or extremely grand.

-Jason

"Last Time I Was There" free album download

2011-04-23T12:33:00.008-04:00

"Last Time I Was There" is now available for free download. Songs can be streamed at http://jason-ward.bandcamp.com. Follow the link below to Bandcamp, where all nine songs are available! Thanks for the support and enjoy!

"Last Time I Was There" free download

Good Night

2011-02-16T19:19:00.002-05:00

Stream "Good Night", my latest single below. It's a short, sweet pop song, meant to erase all of your worries before you head off to bed. Probably the sweetest thing I've ever written. It will be available for download on Itunes and Amazon March 1st.

Good Night by jdward01

"Oh Man" free single

2011-02-12T07:53:00.007-05:00

While I figure out how to release "Last Time I Was There", I decided to release "Oh Man" as a free single. "Oh Man" was originally recorded five years ago, but I've since re-recorded it, and it's kind of a Johnny Cash meets the Beatles 2 minute epitome of catchiness. So why not release it as a single. You can download at the Mediafire link below. Enjoy!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/2adew1t6vxwabix/oh%20man.mp3

To Self-Release or Not to Self-Release???

2011-02-07T21:56:00.002-05:00

That is the question. Either way, it's coming soon. Stay tuned.

Last Time I Was There

2011-02-04T20:04:00.004-05:00

Coming soon, "Last Time I Was There"!!!! Album art and tracklist below:

Tracklist:
1. Walking Away
2. Okay
3. You're A Fool
4. Ain't No Way
5. Shoot the Breeze
6. I've Always Been This Way
7. I Came To You
8. Hard Feelings
9. You Will Have to Do

album done!!!

2011-01-31T21:52:00.001-05:00

Album's done. Needs a name, a little bit of time, and then it's out. Stay tuned.

New Album Soon and More Songs on TV!

2011-01-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

So, the new album is still coming soon, as I'm nearing the end of recording sessions, but the songs keep coming as well, so as long as I keep coming up with new material, then I'm going to keep exploiting it.

I've had some more songs end up on MTV programming as well, and it's becoming quite a snowball effect when it comes to my songs appearing on television, so everything is certainly growing.

In regards to the new album, there is no title yet, and even though it may not be happiest album of the year, it is certainly more dynamic than "Almighty Row". Looking forward to sharing new music and thoughts with you all in the future.

-Jason

"Okay" to drop on 12/6 as digital single

2010-11-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

Okay will be released to Itunes probably by tomorrow, but the official release date is 12/6. The single is more upbeat than my other releases, and will be available on other digital retailers soon as well. You can stream the song at www.myspace.com/jasondward. Stay tuned for further full-length album details, as "Okay" is only the tip of the iceberg.

-Jason

Songs on MTV, MTV2, TLC, A&E, and Biography

2010-10-01T16:14:00.003-04:00

I just received my royalties for songs of mine that have been used for shows on MTV, MTV2, TLC, A&E, and the Biography channel. I'm glad that my music is now reaching people through the television format as well, and hopefully placements such as this will increase with the new album's release in the next few months.

New Album Underway

2010-09-05T22:18:00.002-04:00

In what may be a short time between albums for others, as it has been about a year and a half since Almighty Row, and six months since the Graceful Bow EP, it has certainly felt like a long time since my last substantial work. The Bless You single went over very well, and I have officially started on the new album, with release looking to be early in the new year. Two songs are recorded, with at least ten more to attempt, though there will probably be more. No album title as of yet, but it will be more rustic and upbeat than Almighty Row. I will keep everyone updated as things progress. The first single is probably a month or so away, so stay tuned.

new material

2010-07-12T21:01:00.003-04:00

Now that the blogs surrounding the "Bless You" release have died down, it's time that I work on new material for the new album. Stay tuned to the blog and myspace, as I am sure that it won't be too long before there is new music to be enjoyed once again.

Bless You 7" single

2010-05-19T20:41:00.004-04:00

Due to overwhelming praise in the UK, I've decided to release "Bless You" as a free digital 7" single for release through the blogosphere. The digital single also contains "Dark in Here" as the second track. You can listen to "Bless You" at www.myspace.com/jasondward.

listen while you lurk

2010-03-26T22:05:00.005-04:00

While I plot my next diabolical release, feel free to enjoy music from "Almighty Row" and "Graceful Bow". There are some favorites newly added to the myspace playlist, and there will be some old songs in new release formats soon as well, and also new online outlets that have not before housed music from either work. So, while I dream up new songs and concepts, become friendly with these recent releases. You can listen to "here's looking at you (from behind)", "just about time (to get even)", and "bottom" at www.myspace.com/jasondward.

Graceful Bow available for download

2010-02-21T12:43:00.002-05:00

Graceful Bow is now available for download. Download it free here: http://artistxite.com/cgi-bin/checkout.pl?action=download&id=19896&type=album.

"Graceful Bow" EP

2010-01-14T13:59:00.004-05:00

It seems a new album will be coming out in 2010 afterall. I have been working on some songs over the past few months, and have decided to issue a handful of them on the "Graceful Bow" EP. More information will be forthcoming, but the tracklist is laid out below. Stay tuned for streaming, download, and purchasing info. Also, just in case anyone is concerned, the material is a bit brighter this time around.

1.Bless You
2.Pretty Nice Things
3.Not So Lonely
4.Here's Looking at You (From Behind)
5.Ain't No Way
6.By Now (You Should Know)
7.Dark in Here

A New Album in 2010

2010-01-07T13:44:00.005-05:00

I hope that everyone is having a great 2010. I think the new album will be out in 2010, but I am working on a different type of project at the moment, so that is taking precedent while the buzz around "Almighty Row" continues on. Don't worry, chaps! There will be new Jason Ward albums sometime in the semi-near future, and all of the whining and ego-maniacal grandeur will return. For right now, though, I'm taking a break from that diva-esque music to return to something a little more simple. Enter Orphan Bird.

www.orphanbird.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/orphanbird

holiday greetings

2009-12-26T22:55:00.002-05:00

i hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. things are slowly coming to fruition on the new album that has been in "pre-production", and i look to be getting it seriously underway here in the next couple of weeks. not sure as of yet what format the release will be in, but it will get out there somehow. until then, promotion for "Almighty Row" will continue, perhaps with another formal single release along the way. looking forward to making more music your little bugs' ears in the new year.

Much Love For "Almighty Row"

2009-12-05T21:10:00.007-05:00

Check out some of the things that have been said about "Almighty Row". The positive reviews just keep coming.

"...this may well be the release you have been waiting for..."
-Cougar Microbes

"Almighty Row is a solid debut from an artist brimming with promise."
-Snob's Music

"Jason Ward is the kind of artist we’d like to hang out with on our front porch, enjoying the last rays of autumn sun and a nice cool breeze. With Hinting Towards The Door, he sets us up with a wonderful tempo, and gives us a nice lyrical canvas where we can overlay our own story, or a moment from our own lives… What more could we ask for?"
-Undrskn

"Jason Ward's music has taken its melancholic cologne from 90s alt-rock/grunge pioneers with the likes of Radiohead and Soundgarden..."
-This Winki's

"...very few are as talented as Jason Ward."
-Altsounds

"Almighty Row by Jason Ward is wonderful. Sugarcoat is a song of the year."
-Underwurld

Remember, "Almighty Row" is still up for free download at http://artistxite.com/cgi-bin/checkout.pl?action=download&id=19868&type=album

Free "Almighty Row" download

2009-11-17T00:08:00.004-05:00

With the end of the music industry as we know it at hand, why not let blog readers and listeners enjoy "Almighty Row" for free. What's better than new music from the institutions that avid listeners are looking to as the labels of the future. If you want it for listening purposes, posting purposes, or whatever, it is my pleasure to give it to you. The entire album with cover art is available for free direct download at http://artistxite.com/cgi-bin/checkout.pl?action=download&id=19868&type=album. You can also stream the album at www.myspace.com/jasondward. Look for physical release sometime in 2010.

almighty row potential wide release

2009-11-14T00:11:00.003-05:00

Holiday season is upon us, and due to the overwhelming spirit that comes over us during this time each year, I have been thinking of doing some kind of free download for "Almighty Row". I may even allow a free complete album download, but I'm still not sure. Anyway, I just want to get this music out to people who enjoy it. I'd rather give it way to thousands of people who will listen to it, than to have it distributed by a label for 10 bucks and have nobody buy it. Anyway, just letting everyone know that something like this will be occuring in the near future. You can stream Almighty Row at www.myspace.com/jasondward.

not so lonely

2009-11-09T21:41:00.003-05:00

Worked on "not so lonely" last night. Tried to make it more of an orchestral and symphonic type of piece, instead of the stripped folk composition that was the crux of its original conception. Not sure if I like what it has become, but I'm sure that more changes will be made. Will it make it onto the next album? As of right now, I can't tell, but everything on that album is still in flux, so who really knows.

New Music

2009-11-05T12:53:00.004-05:00

I figured that I would write a little post to let everyone know that although I am still in the dregs of promoting "Almighty Row", there is a new album in what I could only label as the pre-production phase. There are some old songs that I'm pretty sure are going to end up on this new LP, along with some new ones that I probably haven't even started to write as of yet. I do know that, conceptually, this album is probably going to have 12 tracks, working together as a cohesive piece, but it will more than likely be somewhat more dynamic than "Almighty Row", so that each song has its own combination of positive and negative emotions, as well as sparse or complicated instrumental arrangements. Nothing is set in stone yet, and there is no definite title, as that will be forthcoming. I can honestly say that "Here's Looking at You (From Behind)", "Not So Lonely", and "Bless You" are up for inclusion, and at least two of those three, probably all of them, will be on the album. Track listing so far is as follows:

1.???
2.???
3.???
4.???
5.???
6.???
7. Bless You
8.???
9.???
10.???
11. Not So Lonely
12. Here's Looking at You (From Behind)

Girls "Album"

2009-11-04T13:13:00.005-05:00

I have to say that I'm usually skeptical when bands/musicians are over-hyped by reputable indie sources such as Pitchfork, Paste, Stereogum, and a wealth of others, but "Album", by the San Francisco-based "Girls", has to be one of the most refreshing pieces of music that I've heard in a while. The vocals certainly have a punk aesthetic, but many of the songs are rather mid-tempo, which allows for the group to infuse pure melody into their compositions. The lyrics tend to be straightforward and witty, but they don't leave the listener begging for deeper meaning, as they conjure a distinct sort of personal imagery that few musical acts can ever make seem as though it's inviting as well. If there is one song that exemplifies all of Girl's positive elements, then "Hellhole Ratrace" is definitely the epitome of the band's current musical philosophy, as it carries both atmospheric and melodic strokes seamlessly throughout its seven minute duration. You can check out Pitchfork's kind words on Girls' "Album" at http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13477-album/.

A definition of "almighty row"

2009-11-03T22:30:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may not know, the term "almighty row" actually has nothing to do with religion or higher beings, and is commonly used by the English to describe "an intense quarrel" or "a heated verbal argument". Also, when it comes to pronunciation of the words themselves, "row" is pronounced the same as "how" or "wow", so as to differentiate between a "row of chairs" and "an almighty row".

"Almighty Row" reviewed (positively) by Altsounds

2009-11-03T20:55:00.009-05:00

So the guys over at Altsounds decided to review "Almighty Row", and it was met with a warm reception, along with some interesting comparisons, and though all are flattering, I'm not sure how I feel about some of them. Anyway, it deserves a read, as I think that the reviewer and myself are basically on the same page when it comes to Almighty Row's concept and song meanings. You can read the complete review at http://hangout.altsounds.com/reviews/110796-jason-ward-almighty-row-album.html.

Almighty Row

2009-11-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you interested in listening to my newest album, "Almighty Row", it can be streamed in it's entirety over at www.myspace.com/jasondward. It has been physically self-released in limited quantities, and will be digitally released soon, though the specific method has not been determined yet. Track listing can be seen below:

1. I'm Not in Trouble

2. Hinting Towards the Door

3. Bottom

4. Just About Time (to Get Even)

5. Sendoff

6. Sugarcoat

7. Sinkhole

8. Hope You Don't Mind

9. Bright

10. Sorry, I Can't Come Home