I originally called myself Eagle Feather Falling, and had a song named Deadpan Hands. Eagle Feather Falling, though it sounds nice, has way too many sylables to be a memorable band name. I wanted something short and catchy, that would be open to some interpretation on the meaning. I eventually decided Deadpan Hands fit the bill perfectly and decided to make it my band name as well. I've stuck with it ever since.

Just a few open mics and a couple church things so far, but I'd love to do some actual gigs at some point, if I could find the time and cash to make it all come together. At the very least, I'd need a set of monitors so I can use my computer for drums and accompaniment. Lately I've been playing along with my recordings, minus the guitar, harmonica and vocal tracks, and I think the idea has potential when I can finally get it all together. Until then, it'll be more open mics. Currently playing in Ithaca, NY, Tuesday nights at ABC Cafe, albeit sporadically at best! Catch me there some time this February/March!

Well, chances are I'd never get heard if it weren't for the internet and mp3. It makes it much easier for folks like me to get their feet out of their mouths and into the door.

Hmmm... I'd have to think about it. I used to say yes, but the more I get into my music, and the better I get at it, the more I like having control over the production process. The distribution leverage of a major label would be a clear advantage, but none the less, I'd much rather start out with a smaller, independent label at this point.

It all started roughly 21 years ago, when I picked up my first guitar, at the age of 6. I took lessons for 12 years, stopped playing for a few, then picked it back up and retaught myself everything I'd forgotten and more. As a teenager, I wrote my first three songs. Somewhere at my parents' house there there's tape recordings from back in those days, which I'd love to find and capture! I never really got into song writing on a regular basis until February 2005. Since then I've written 27 songs (as of 14 Jan. 2007).

Too many to list! I'll listen to pretty much anything I can get my hands on, provided it's good music (i.e., not bubblegum pop, boy bands, commercial crap and anything involving or related to Courtney Love). A few notable favorites: Bob Dylan, John Denver, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Amos Lee, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, U2, the Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles.... will add more later!

In the outdoors, some place quiet and secluded, with the sound of water. There's a little brook that runs over a small waterfall out in the woods behind my apartment. I love to go there and just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature. In my opinion, nature is the ultimate composer.

Just my computer and a couple of mics. Cool Edit and Reason help out with the recording and drum beats. I've got a Yairi accoustic (my baby) and a Washburn electric run through a very tasty Trace Elliot stage amp. A few miscellaneous instruments round out the "band" -- harmonica, tambourine and keyboard, etc. What I need: a good set of stage monitors, better mics, an amp for vocals on stage, a desktop computer with dedicated recording setup, a keyboard with midi, more harmonicas.... the list goes on and on!

I'd love to get together with other musicians from central NY, or anywhere, for that matter! If you're ever in the area, drop me a line at my email, diehlada@msu.edu. From Ithaca? Definitely drop me a line; maybe we can get together and jam some time or just hang out and talk music! Like my music? Hate my music? Think something needs work? Have ideas or suggestions? Just wanna tell me where to get off? Let me know; I'd love to hear from you!