Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I Never Wanted To Believe In Blogs...

I know I haven't been writing much - I mean I am even upset with my slow pace involving the Simpsons rewatch - but what can I say, I am actually seriously motivated about something and busy with that said thing.
The album I have been working on for the last ten months is coming to a close, and I have already sent the completed master to pressing. It is my first serious piece of work, that I can honestly say I am proud of and want people to hear, unlike the demo which was done rapidly for the sole purpose of being a demo. It is a piece of art that I created, and put a lot of sacrifice and emotion into (not that its emo - ha).
Of course, it wouldnt be the same without the help of Mike and my new friend Craig. Craig did a great job of helping me get my ideas outside of my head and into something soluble. He made it possible to express myself through music, and the whole process has taught me so much about songwriting, musicianship, and my own personal style which I am still discovering everyday. I look forward to working with Craig a lot in the future.
Mike also did a great job of thinking outside of the box, which is a big deal for him as a musician. He was very patient with my demands and desires to explore new tones, and ideas with him. He didnt mind (too much) that I made him play over songs take after take, and then he had to watch as I cut up his parts and re-arrange them here and there. Not to mention his use of melody is impeccable and he has really added a lot to the album. If you know me, you know my first love of music was guitar, and to be able to have such a talented guitarist be so prominent in my songs is perfect.
On top of that, my new friend Camille Rogers came through ten-fold with helping me with the artwork (album cover shown). She submitted a bunch of ideas randomly after I posted that I needed help on myspace. After several email exchanges she really came through and came up with a great design for the entire album package.
This has really been a great experience. Stressful at times yes, but all worth it. I am very happy to have completed my first full length album. If you asked me even a year ago, I would have never been able to predict this outcome.
I will have it available to the public soon. Keep your eyes peeled on the website, this blog, or our myspace page...a preview will be coming even sooner.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Skiing is for Fags...

Well its official, I'm a snowboarder...and we all know that makes me way cooler then people who ski. I mean lets face it, we have better style, and we are way more badass. So if you guys know any skier jokes, let me know.

In other words, we went to Tahoe while Sparky was here and I took a crack at snowboarding (I'm holding two snowboards cause Kathy was there too, duh). My favorite part was learning by going as fast as I can and forcing myself to learn control and faceplanting hilariously a lot. Im pretty sure I gave myself whiplash.

So I have been slacking on the blogging I know, but I've been especially busy since Sparky was in town and the recording sessions are coming to a close. I am in the studio three days a week now mixing and soon to be mastering. The album will be ready for pressing by the end of March.

Not too mention I have been playing show after show after show. The band is up and running and we already have played three full band shows. Ive also continued to do the solo acoustic shows with my friends Tara Tinsley and Jon Valenti. Its been a busy time, which is good, and hopefully it will keep getting busier.

Unfortunately work has slowed down for me a lot. Although after the album is done I am going to try to get a full time local job so I can save up some money again for new equipment we need and for the overall expense of keeping the music going.

In even worse news, Sparky is gone. He has moved to Seattle for the time being. He is a million times closer and cheaper to reach, so that is a plus, but I was looking forward to having him around for a bit. Secretly my heart is broken. *Tear*

Whatever happened to that show 'Change of Heart'? Man that was a great show.