Home Music Events Forums Articles Music Blog Resources   Help
About MacJams.com opens a new door of opportunity for musicians around the world, providing a means of connecting, collaborating, and fostering the development of new music in a supportive environment.
  1. Sign Up [free]
  2. Listen
  3. Locate Musicians
  4. Start a Project
  5. Submit a Song
  6. Participate
Login
Username:
Password:
Who's Online Invisible Members: 0
Guests: 19
• FIRE •
by Vic Holman

Get Flash to see this player.

| Download |
Song Info
Licensing Information:


NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Guest views: 577
Member views: 0
Song comments: 48
Tokens: 0
Plays: 91
Last Played:
Downloads: 26
Fans of this song:
Submitted on: Jul 11, 2008 - 04:16:35 PM
Last Updated: Jul 20 2008 - 12:47:37 PM
Description At 5:30 last night (Thursday) I had just finished the music for this. I looked out the widow and noticed smoke rising over this mini mountain that separates Spokane's South Hill & Spokane Valley. I turned on the news and sure enough there was a out of control fire. The winds where extremely high with gusts at 47 MPH. The fire spread very rapidly since it is a forested area. There was a massive mandatory evacuation in a 2 mile square area. 13 homes went up in flames in a matter of a few hours. Most of these homes are custom designs and big!

So I wrote the lyrics and laid down the vocals last night as well.

The fire seems to be under control now. The photo is a shot of this fire.
Lyrics • Fire •

you can see the smoke
you can see the flames
the hills are burning once again
smoke gets in your eyes
where you're rushing in
collecting your life
fire rages in
you can smell the smoke
you can feel the heat
running thru ashes that litter the street
firemen rushing in
low to the ground
planes overhead
sending water down

ch:
fire burns the hearts
fire burns out souls
all the displaced people no where to go
this can never happen in my hometown

at night you see a glow
on the burned out ridge
everything is taken
closer to the edge
you can see the devil
a smokey image
hanging over the valley
burnt out below
everybody out
house is burning down
fires fueled by winds
charing the ground

ch:
fire burns the hearts
fire burns out souls
all the displaced people no where to go
this can never happen in my hometown
Hardware iMac, ovation celebrity, Ibanez EW acoustics. Gibson SG, Shecter bass. condenser mike.
Software: Logic Pro 8
Fan List

dajama

Skean

HenriROGERsoloandbands

lavalamp

Feter

thoddi

Moviz

Peter Bauckham

Ejh

guygrooves

kassia

lengold

peacepiano

Karmatoburn

DWL

magnatone

egobandit

blaky smith

Rosita

thetiler

ageofthedeathtree

jiguma

bud

Bob Rodgers
You must be registered and logged-in to comment.

dajama said 180 days ago
First off
First off, I'm glad to hear the fire is under control. Then the song - a great track, sad and powerful, expressing the power and might of fire, and giving it a lovely personal touch that is both effective, and sad. I love the guitars on this (especially the lead into the solo, and then the lead itself - magnificent), and the vocals are excellent, eloquent and expressive. A great song. Sorry it was inspired by something so tragic. Be safe, man. Peace.

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
Thanks David
i was playing around with fragmented chords. after i figured out the first part. then it came together quickly. I spent two nights playing it over and over before i recorded. so that went pretty quick. The lyrics came about in less then a half hour. usually i waste days. and they seem to fit the music.

They have a handle on it. and luckily no one was hurt. Back in '91 there was a fire just south of that, that took out over one hundred homes.

HenriROGERsoloandbands said 180 days ago
Reality

Real life lyrics , expressing much more than any news .
You have a great voice and the song is very good .

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
thanks for the listen
it felt a little weird actually singing this as it was happening.

thanks again!

lavalamp said 180 days ago
Fire
I'm from the bay area and my mom is giving me reports everyday, man. Also, up in Washington. I used to work as a forest fire fighter....little known fact. Before coming to Germany.

Ripping solo, by the way. You Rock, dude. You sound 32 years old on this one. Not 27.

Outstanding song.

Dave

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
Hey Dave
fire season came early for Cali & WA.

we had outrageous winds blow through Washington so power lines went down and flames shot up. they couldn't get aircraft to fight it due to strong winds. still spot fires and a lot off people are still evacuated.

It's been a long time since I played a solo that fast.

Skean said 180 days ago
Fire
Hi just come home must have some music and what a surprise a new Vic, tune.... This one is filled with much emotion as it is beautiful..Kudos

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
Thanks Kenta
It is something of a rarity that I post a song within a week of posting a previous one. I'm glad this one was up and waiting for you.

said 180 days ago
Good job...
...conveying the feeling of ominous dread, helplessness and emptiness in the face of this kind of phenomena and it's consequences for those who are directly impacted thereby. (Wow! Was that one sentence?)

Classic tuneage. You burned my insides down with that soloing don't you know?!?!

Be well friend!

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
ya know
it felt strange writing the lyrics and singing the vocals as this was happening. it could have gotten a lot worse, with the high winds and terrain.

The fast solo I added last. I thought something a bit frantic would be the thing.

thoddi said 180 days ago
...and now to something completely different...
Well, not dramatically... there is still a signature sound visible... but I think there is a change to be noticed... Not only the art, but there is a change in the music as well. Not sure what it is, but I think I notice some change towards a more direct, unwrapped delivery...

The intro got me immediately, all ears... your vocal track have become the main focus area, and very clear... the guitar soloing are just that... not competing with other elements... just solo... brilliant!

Good to hear that the fire is under control. The fire in your music is still there though... also good to hear:)

Vic Holman said 180 days ago
Thanks Thor
I felt I needed to change things up a bit. besides it was nice to do a slow tune. it's been a while and i need to push off into something slightly different. I surprised myself a bit with the solo. I haven't played that fast for a long time. especially on a 70 BPM song.

Moviz said 180 days ago
This sounds
really great, lovely production and great lyrics full of feeling for the situation; and you sing it very well; love the guitar solo with the wailing background vocal; great touch. It's a terrible scary situation to be in with fire and winds around you and I know the seriousness of the situation, but I can't get the image out of my mind of all this fire around you and yet you're playing and recording this perfectly performed piece, while the flames are virtually licking at your toes. Regards M

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Maurice
Luckily the fire is over the ridge from me. I had just finished the music and had not even thought of lyrics at that stage. The tragedy of the real life I thought would be a perfect match. I was still writing them as I started recording the vocals.

Peter Bauckham said 180 days ago
One of
your best tunes - the arrangement is excellent. Superb lyrics. And some killer guitar too! Glad the fire is under control.

Peter

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Peter
seems I've been doing a lot of rock tunes and felt I needed to do a slow one. I was playing around with fragmented chords. And played around with the composition for several nights to find something. I have enough bits that I didn't use to create another song from. If I don't forget them of course.

Ejh said 180 days ago
I think thoddi's right...
Your music's moving in a neat direction... The vocals are tighter and more focused, and the solo is nicely and bravely singular...

I actually love the slow dignity of the chorus intro over the panned acoustics... I love the slower part at the beginning the most...

There's more of a sense of melody throughout, and the bass really roots the treble end... Well balanced mix...

Ed

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Ed
the opening part. I was playing around and and kinda stumbled on the 2 chords, if they are even that. I really like the sound of the two and thought I have to build a song off of those. So I twiddeled around some and this is where I went.
I liked the progression enough so I wanted that to stand out.

So yeah, I am trying a few different things and see where it can go.

guygrooves said 180 days ago
Wow!!!!!
I love this tune, musically a perfect fit for the lyric, and stellar production and performance. Vic this is one of your best. I especially liked the solo. Wonderful song!! I like picture too.

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Guy
I hadn't played a solo that fast in a very long time. I surprised myself a bit.

the photo I grabbed off a local news station of the fire. It only shows a small section. and the bright spots are houses

guygrooves said 179 days ago
Gosh...
I feel bad for those folks. I hope no one was hurt.

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
every one was smart
no one was hurt. with the fast winds, everyone got out fast, plus a mandatory evecuation helped.

kassia said 180 days ago
Fire
wow. A very moving song. Amazing guitar work and your vocals are great, a perfect fit for the tone of this. I think the major chord ending is a great bit of hope to cling to. Overall, a fantastic piece of songwriting and performance. Thanks.

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Shay
sometimes i get lucky and everything fits right. i hope at least.

Thanks again and I appreciate the listen!

MarkHolbrook said 180 days ago
I was installing
a news app on my iPhone when up popped "fires in Spokane" and the first person I thought of was Vic and I wondered how close it was to you.

The 2nd person I thought of was my buddy in Wenatchee (quite a distance but fire you never know!

Glad everything is ok for you Vic!!!

The song came out great! The guitar as usual has your perfect sound!

Really a great song!!!

Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Mark
back in '91 just south of the area that burned was a even bigger fire that destroyed over 100 homes. Its a pretty wooded area in the hills. and very expensive homes as well.

I know ther are quite a few more fires that popped up around the same time in central Wa. I'm not sure if any are near Wenatchee, but fire season is just starting and there is always quite a few.

lengold said 179 days ago
Love the gentle
build up on this Vic - beautiful song and masterfully played and sung.
Cheers
Len



Vic Holman said 179 days ago
Thanks Len
It took several evenings to work it all out. I wanted to make sure I had the playing down before I started recording. Even though I didn't know it at the time the heavy part with the solo worked out perfect for the lyrics.

Karmatoburn said 178 days ago
whew
I couldn't even imagine seeing something so intense, not alone living near it. A dream like quality to it, that surely must have been the homeowners state of mind, seeing the devastation. Great job, Vic, capturing the moment. Absolutely diggin that lead towards the end.

Vic Holman said 177 days ago
intense
they are still working on getting it all out. they finally let owners back in but told them not to unpack their cars yet. I had just finished the music and had not even thought of lyrics, but something inspired the immediacy in me and I wanted the end solo the have some of the rage to it.

Thanks for the listen! and don't play with matches

DWL said 178 days ago
Hot stuff Vic!
Topical and a storming solo.

Fione work thropughout the song as usual!

Cheers

Dick

Vic Holman said 177 days ago
Thanks Dick
This is fire season in Washington. And we get quite a lot of them in central and eastern part of the state.

I haven't played a solo that fast in a long time, surprised myself that I could still pull it off.

magnatone said 178 days ago
Fire
Vic - as a Seattleite, I was really aware of this fire from the local news. I'd also just come home from a motorcycle trip the weekend before via this area around Spokane. What an experience for you, and how incredible that you managed to make this great music out of a heart sickening, scary moment. I always look forward to your posts - you're a true artist.

Vic Holman said 177 days ago
Thanks Karen
Fire season really kicked into high gear all over the place. i felt the topic really synced with the feel of the music. Not that I was intended to write something tragic of course.

egobandit said 177 days ago
OK
Allis good and well but now its over your hill be safe! THe song could not capture this feeling better. As always with each song your singing gets better and better perfect its perfect loved this!!!!!

Vic Holman said 176 days ago
Thanks Tim
they are putting out hot spots at this point. I was literally writing and adding vocals at the same time. strange how some things come together.

said 176 days ago
Fire.
Brilliant Poignant and very true to life lyrics and a great performance love it.
' Fantastic Singer' You are :)

Peace Dee.

Vic Holman said 176 days ago
Thanks Dee
I'm probably the last person to say I was a good singer. It just comes out of neccessity I guess.

Thanks again and I appreciate your listen!

thetiler said 172 days ago
Your
voice is a great addition to MJ, great pop texture, I said it before but sure reminds me of the kink's singer.

Nice rockin music as well.
Enjoyed the bass additions as well. Nice use of the guitar and the list goes on.

Way TO Go!

Vic Holman said 171 days ago
Thanks Bill
I appreciate the listen. Funny how a guy from the northwest can have a english slant in the vocals.:)

ageofthedeathtree said 171 days ago
awesome!
great tune vic! the theme, lyrics, and vocal mood fit this piece perfectly! love it, all aspects top notch!

age

Vic Holman said 169 days ago
thanks
I was a bit surprised how the lyrics fit into this somewhat somber piece. the lyrics and vocals where done on the spot right after I finished the music, I wish that could happen more often

jiguma said 171 days ago
In catch up mode Vic - sorry I'm late
The sound on this is superb - ear filling clarity - great placement in the audio field. Your vocals sound especially good here - the clearest I've heard from you I think. Logic 8 certainly rocks - I'm finding new useful stuff about it every day - you're obviously a little ahead of me.
Cheers,
Neil

Vic Holman said 169 days ago
Hey Neil
Isn't it amazing all the options and toys in logic. I still find so many options that I've played around with but still have used in recording as of yet.

Believe me, you going to feel like a kid in a candy store. Space designer & delay designer are an adventure all on there own.

bud said 170 days ago
Great sound here Vic
excellent mix and fantastic playing as usual - your shredding lead at the end is awesome and the bass structure around it is too good. Ditto the lyrics and vocals. Your craft has developed amazingly over the last year or so.

Vic Holman said 169 days ago
Thanks Kevin
I feel there's still a long ways to go. I amazed myself on the fast solo. Luckily I had it on record to get a play back sound level. This was the second pass and I haven't played fast for quite a while.

five_extra_arms said 160 days ago
Are You A Reporter?
CNN called... they offered you the job.

Great song and a great job on the storytelling part. I love it when you make me wait for the smoking solo. Man Vic, this is one wicked solo. Glad it was from over the hill.

Vic Holman said 160 days ago
breaking news
the roving singing reporter. the one downside is having to wear a necktie and suit. Larry King would be jealous. I'm guessing he plays a mean banjo.

Bob Rodgers said 144 days ago
Another
great song Vic and your acoustic guitar sounds just wonderful!
Great guitar playing and I love the build up to the solo......brilliant!
Superb arrangement with more great lyrics, this is one of your best!


Vic Holman said 143 days ago
Hey Bob
I like how this turned out. But, I may do a alternative version on this somewhere down the line.

luckily no one got hurt from this fire

Artist Profile
Vic Holman photo
Vic Holman

Artist Bio most of my toys. I've also been fortunate to collaborate with Bud Streets of Dehli Everyday And a few get togethers with Micheal Wark House of the Rising Sun It's Alright Sense of Direction I would also thank Jiguma for adding some fant...[more]
Artist Music
Still On Her Mind
Amy's Chasing Clouds
Hard On Yourself
Out Of The Blue (I'm Watching You)
Stella Too w/Michael2
They Live by Night
Garden of Wire
River To The East
No Words
Sea-Foam Green (MJ Cover Challenge)
August Days
Desert Ghost w/ Bob Rodgers
Grass Under My Feet
• FIRE •
One Day Behind
I've Got To Say
Cloud You Fell From (MJ Live Aid) w/5 Extra Arms & Bud
Drifters Escape
Little White Lie
Pretty Ones/CBGB
On The Razors Edge
Summer Comes Back w/Michael 2
Sings The Body Electric
So So Sleepy
Girl On A Wing
There Are Days
Only Want Things w/ a bonus song
From White To Gray
Stranger In Town
I Think Too Much
Do It For Reasons 2 w/Michael2
There She Goes w/Jiguma
Inner Light-LSP
Crazy Star- LSP
Do I Know You
Sandman
Tomorrow Knows w/Bud/Micheal Wark/Michael2
Like A Stone
October
Happy You
Buffalo Skinners ( Goodwilly's)
That Would Be Something
Pursuit of Diamonds
Slow Wind Wash Away
Lost Boys
Without The Sun
Torn
Anything
Truth Fades Away
Where Will It Lead LIOLI
Forever Yesterday
Dead End Street
Feeding The Sharks
Moment of Truth
Hail the Machine
Lucky Guy
DRAMA
REAL WORLD
HANDLE YOU WITH CARE
4 WALL WORLD
BLACK ICE
When Worlds Collide
Staring At The Sun
I'M LYING
Space Cowboy
I Won't Fly
So It Is
Return of Monkey Piano
Million Men
House of the Rising Sun Collab w/Amagi
Annie Will Roam
Monkey Piano
See The Light (bulb)
Broken TV
Wolves of War REVISE
Righteous Minds
Lonely Hearts Club
Did I Tell You
Sea of Teardrops
Convertible Hearse
Wait til your father gets home
Unemployed Mime
Better By Monday
Fire Red This World
The Devil and Me
The Librarian
News At Ten
Eyes Incognito
Where have we Failed
He Saw His Face
Away in Black