IWD - Cylindrian Rutabaga

What's in a Name?

Livestream for March 8th: http://198.27.68.65:8112/stream

"Words have meaning and names have power."

Before we talk about Cylindrian Rutabaga’s music, let’s deal with her name and flaming red hair. I’ve known Cyl for more than 10 years and for some reason never thought to ask her how she came up with that unique moniker. I mean, even amongst notoriously odd and quirky names in Second Life, hers is one of a kind. So how DID you come up with the name Cylindrian Rutabaga?

“When I was picking an online name back when I first got my computer in the early 2000', I was looking at a cylindrical coca-cola can. So, I have been Cylindrian online since the days before MySpace. The Rutabaga came in when I had to pick a last name from the list Second Life provided. When I saw “Rutabaga” I thought it was hilarious. So, I picked it.” - Cyl

As for the long, curly, carrot-red locks they are almost exact replicas of her hair in first life. I know this because she and I shared lunch and stories with her while at a conference in San Francisco. In other words, I am an eyewitness. But don’t take my word for it. Check out this promo image.

Now for the music. Like many musicians, it was her mother who sparked Cyl’s interest in music. Her mother is a musician (she plays guitar, piano, flute, and autoharp) and she was both a great example and supporter of her children’s musical interests. “I would go with my brother to his piano lessons and play with a doll or something,” says Cyl. “Then we would walk home. He'd toss his music books on the piano bench and go outside to play. I'd hop up on the bench and start practicing his music. It all took off from there.”

In addition to the piano, which she started at age 4, Cyl plays the guitar, ukelele, and accordion. “Guitar came into my life through my husband at the time. I had no keyboard or piano and really needed a musical outlet. He taught me C, F, G, & Am (typical I, IV, V, minor vi) and I took it from there. Picked up the ukulele & accordion after my marriage ended. I came across both at a used music store and figured I'd give them a try. I love them both and do not have a favorite. I love all the instruments I play.”

Cyl’s musical abilities extend far beyond playing instruments. She also sings and writes songs. When asked about how she comes up with song ideas she says, “Most of my songs are birthed through emotional chaos. They are my mind’s way of coping with emotional chaos, I suppose. Sometimes it's a written phrase that sparks the song, other times it's a musical phrase or a simple rhythm.”

When it comes to mentors and examples, Cyl says, “the most influential musician in my life would have to be Tori Amos, hands down. It was her album, “Little Earthquakes,” that changed my life regarding playing piano and writing. Her style in that album reminded me of my own, and her lyrics drew from some really heavy experiences that I can relate to.

“The other two women in music that influence me are Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin. Shawn Colvin's song, Avalanche, really hit home for me with her guitar style, melodic elements, and lyrics. Patty Griffin's album, “Living with Ghosts,” inspired my desire to create my own music on the guitar. It’s a simple album with just her and a guitar. I admire how the simplicity of one voice and one instrument can be so incredibly powerful.”

Since I hadn’t spoken to her in several years I was curious about how Cyl’s life has unfolded, especially in light of the COVID pandemic. Though pleased to hear she has been doing well, I was hardly surprised. Cyl is one of the most upbeat, resourceful, and determined souls I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

“I am currently living my dream by instructing the next generation of musicians - imparting some of my experience to them and watching them take music to whatever level they dream of. Maybe one day I will see one of my former students win a grammy or an oscar for musical score or a Tony for a musical theater piece,” she continues. “But even if that doesn't happen, I have introduced them to a creative outlet that hopefully brings them some sense of fulfillment.”

Cyl will be performing for us on IWD from 9:00 to 10:00 am PST. In the meantime, if you‘d like to learn more and hear her three albums you can listen here:

To learn more about her band, “Anger Management,” follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syde.wynder.7

To learn about her second band, “Stepppin Stones,” follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thesteppinstones/

I can’t wait to hear you perform for us Cyl. And I’m officially requesting, “I Don’t Recognize the Girl.”

P.S. If you would like to make a donation to cover the costs of hosting the event and paying these amazing musicians, you can do so here: https://paypal.me/BraidedLives?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

Braided Lives is my project and Joanne is my given name :-)

If you are interested in being a sponsor of the event, with your name mentioned and logo displayed, please email me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com

Thank you!