Drummed up his OWN Beat!

Photos are the property of Russ Roberts and used with permission

Russ Roberts, AKA Etherian Express AKA Etherian Kamaboko, in Second Life, is a Seattle native who plays a blend of Folk, Blues, and Rock & Roll. This world traveler’s start in music began when his parents bought him a five piece red pearl drum set when he was ten years old. Around the same time Russ was so impressed by The Stan Getz Orchestra and Chuck Berry while in Guam. Russ drummed with his first band at the tender young age of ten and his interest in playing the drums continued until he was about sixteen, and found an interest in the acoustics. His musical pursuits simmered along until, while in the military, he bought an EKO six string and a Gibson L6S while in Sardegan, Italy in 1976.

While still in the military Russ joined a German/British Folk Blues band and played around Germany, Holland, France and the United Kingdom. After his service time was honored in 1980, Russ joined a bluegrass band. For the next five years Russ played a KAY upright bass with the Bluegrass band.

In 1985, raising a family justified Russ’s taking a break from playing, and he did not pick up any instruments again for the next three years, and then only messing around trying to remember how to play them.

By 2004, Russ was forming an idea on the song type he had always wanted to play, and after finding a set of harmonicas his dad left after passing away in February 2006, he began to play both guitar and harmonica. At this time Russ only plays online, and that is mostly in Second Life.

Russ, a part time self-employed Network Field Engineer with a two year Technical degree in Electronics, was “lured” into Second Life from the Paltalk (non affiliate) program when Dallas HorseFly and Push Chandler (subject of future article) enticed him to come over and check out Second Life. “Glad I did,” states Russ.

Russ’s Second Life time is mainly performing or watching and listening to live shows. In Real Life he is working on a CD of his original works and a four CD set of Charles E. Bristol called “Charles Bristol Blues Project”. Russ now lives in Western North Carolina where he met the 85 year old Charles Bristol, which began an interesting musical relationship. Russ’s music can be purchased at his MySpace site.

When I asked Russ what were the benefits of his Second Life? He responded, “I do receive tips for playing which helps me a lot and I am making connections for Real Life venues in which to play.”

Being as I am trying to research a fair calculation of how to properly tip live performers in Second Life, I ask all of them, Can you give me a fair way you think you should be tipped in Second Life? Russ’s reply: “By depositing small bills in my SL Swiss account … honestly … my tip jar seems to work, but I am open to options.” Which left me smiling, and I hope it does the same for you.

Over all Etherian/Russ performs an entertaining show. Nice voice, pays attention to the crowd with nice interaction, and a pleasurable experience.

If Etherian sends you to view this be sure to leave a comment to encourage others to vist his performances.

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