25.08.2008

Genie song wins award

The Genie Blue song, written by employee Scott Owyen has been awarded a Silver Communicator Award by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, in the Audio category of Inspirational Recording with special achievement noted for the Production of Original Music. The song was among 9,000 entries this year from around the world.

Owyen wrote the song several years ago, while visiting Memphis one evening, he wandered his way down Beale Street and as a lifelong musician - one who knows how to play multiple instruments - it was natural to go into the famous B.B King's Blues Café.

Much to his surprise, B.B. King was right there in the club, stopping by to just say hello while in town to accept a music award. Whether it was his presence, the vibe of the night, or just listening to some good blues music, Owyen was inspired.
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The Genie Blue disc

A blues tune started forming in his head. Playing off of the idea of the color of Genie's blue lifts, he started putting together a blues song:

If you ever need a lift, I've got the lift for you.
Said if you ever need a lift, I've got the lift for you.
You know I've got your solution.
I am your Genie, Genie Blue.

What started off as a playful riff became a creative aspiration to Owyen. "I thought performing a 'Genie Blue' song would be a fun, wild way to end a product presentation at the ARA, so I recorded all of the back up instruments and then kind of hid my guitar behind the podium," he describes. "Once I was finished talking, I broke out my guitar and the recorded music played in the background. It's a blues tune - but it also represents the kind of fun we've always had at Genie."

Genie media producer, Phil McCoy, recognised the potential of the song and brought Owyen together with producer arranger Geoff Ogle of goplaymusic.com. Together, they recorded the song as an electric blues tune just as Owyen had originally envisioned it.

"Scott has magical songwriting ability – and combined with Geoff's talent for quality production and arrangement, we had a winning combination," said McCoy. "Working with Scott and Geoff on Genie Blue was a career highlight. I love the sound, it's phat and from the first note of Scott's blistering guitar performance, you're hooked. I love it."

"This honor is such a thrill for me and has allowed me to write a dedication to team members and customers – I'm so grateful to be part of the ride. It's another great aspect of what this company is," says Owyen.

Owyen has also helped start the Terex All Star Band, including bassist Fred Casten, guitarists Bob Bradshaw and Tyler Brown, Robert Franklin on drums (all from Genie and Terex). They have performed at sales meetings and tradeshows.
And their songs distributed as CD’s

You can download or listed to Genie Blue By clicking here