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Doug YorkArtist's Statement
As a writer/producer/performer I wear many hats, juggle many details, nurture many relationships. A creative life satisfies that part of me that needs to be bold and make shiny, new things that amaze, inspire, educate and entertain. My productions are meant to take people out of the ordinary into that willing suspension of disbelief, tickling imaginations through my stories, songs, and inventions. So really I'm interested in creating laughter, love and a little relief from the day to day for my audiences. Doing this original work defines me in a way that doing an ordinary job would not, I fear. Therefore, I want to excel at my craft and to create extraordinary experiences for my viewers.
Music is my religion, which I practice daily. Playing or 'practicing' singing/piano/keyboards/drums enlivens my perceptions, makes me more tolerant of others and puts me 'in tune' with my higher power. While I feel more at home behind a drum kit, I take musical explorations on the keyboards. Recently, I was hired to create an 'environment' for an art opening. My client wanted a "tribal pulse" so I used two laptops, drum machines,keyboards, an African talking drum, a Middle Eastern dumbek and good ol' upright piano to perform original material using many different instruments. By cross pollinating and weaving sound textures and real instruments together, the soundscape really transported listeners to another world. I've been writing, performing and recording music all my life, from the beginning, putting on "Beatle Concerts" in my grandmother's garage with the cousins, to touring extensively with a gospel group, performing in churches and amphitheatres to a recent project paying tribute to the genius of the gentleman, Ray Charles. About ten years ago, I recorded an album of original music to accompany a conscious breathing sequence called "Breathe." It was adapted as a soundtrack but stands on it's own as music for relaxation. There is a music for every mood and music has the power to change a mood or a feeling in the room. It's truly a magical art form.
As a teacher, I provide fun and inspiring structural and technical support for my students. I offer quality education in popular music with both private and group instruction. I work with absolute beginners to advanced players. It's fun to try and unlock their talents. Although it sometimes tries my patience, I want my students to learn that "there are no wrong notes" and to show them "here's how to make it work, musically". I want them to experience various types of musics from various cultures. I hope some, with the courage to use these influences, will find unexpected pleasure in discovering an ancient culture through unique musical pathways. I enjoy watching as my students grow, especially those who have really made their instrument an extension of their own personality, who treat their musical work as a craftsperson and those who enjoy being around other people who love music and learning, as much as they do, too. These are some of the lovely rewards of teaching music for some thirty five years.
As an actor, I have performed and recorded as a "voice" talent, a stage actor, screen actor, TV Host, and Emcee. I've been presenting an original production, "Murder on the Rails" since 2001. This fun who-dunnit showcases my brand of physical comedy and character acting. From a practical standpoint, I must say I've utilized my acting skills during some pretty tough business negotiations and in some really wacky sales meetings! This year I've written two new shows, each one requiring different acting strengths. My acting work features improvisation, music and, of course, interaction with our beloved audiences. Acting is not 'pretending'; it is a 'becoming' of a 'believable' character. This artistic practice, like music, has the power to deepen, broaden and diversify perception, taking the actor and the audience on a journey beyond the walls of the theatre or television screen and into another world.
To read a 2005 interview with Doug York, CLICK HERE.
Visit Doug York's website at www.dougyork.com.
Doug York
Doug York Productions
Po Box 1425
Mt. Shasta, Ca 96067
Phone: (530) 926-6986
Email: doug@dougyork.com