Day 26 - April 6th 2009
5:45 AM
I’ll repeat, 5:45AM, I haven’t woken up this early since I worked at Projection, not that I could sleep. I probably slept with a smile on my face because I was going to do my first radio interview ever. Sure it was Mancow, a guy I never heard of, and it was with Bang Camaro (meaning Alex and Bryn were gonna do all the talking) but I was excited. It was cool to see.
It was someone’s bright idea to take public transportation into the city. They tell me that Chicago traffic sucks and that was the reasoning behind it. It might have been a bright idea but as we stepped outside into the Lyons weather in search for the train a gentle breeze blew across me (and by gentle I mean gut wrenching) it was cold. Chicago has a different kind of cold. The kind of cold that seeps through your coat and gets in your bones. The kind of cold that makes us African Americans violent.
We hopped a train that looked a lot like regional rail back home. We got into town around 8 or so and made our way to ABC 7 Studios in Chicago, home of Kanye West, Donavan McNabb, and President Barack Obama. I marveled at the architecture in the city. Loved people braving the cold to get to work. Seem like a city that’s not about BS. I like that.
We were escorted to the studio where with the aid of some tea we rehearsed the acoustic versions of Blood Red Rock/(Push, Push) Lady Lighting and The Hit in the lounge area, they sounded pretty good considering it was 8 in the morning. Their manager Ramsey and their new publicist Heather dropped in and listened to the tunes as we tried our best to sound better. It got better and better as our voices were warming up, the intro they came up with was pretty badass and I was pretty excited that on Blood Red Rock I sang the first line by myself before others joined in.
They escorted us into the studio where one thing became apparent. This guy was one of these Right Wing shock jock type guys. The guy was extremely electric and charismatic and he and his guests and co-hosts seemed to be having a good time. I was a bit taken a back by some of the things he was saying, but he had nothing but good things to say about Bang Camaro and being on his show could be a big opportunity for us. We busted out the medley of Blood Red Rock and (Push, Push) Lady Lighting and when we were done he asked about Boston, he asked if we were all from Boston, I emphatically said I’m from Philly. We did The Hit for the local Chicago show.
We exited the studio and took a cab to Spank Music, the company that Ramsey works at. The place was something out of a fantasy. Pinball Machines, Wii, Xbox 360, Full bar and a state of the art recording studio. They brought us up coffee and doughnuts and Ale and Bryn started discussing Guitar Hero and what it means as far as kids picking up real instruments (apparently it’s increased new guitar sales and instruction by 65%) and Alex said something that will stick with me for the rest of my life “The real freedom is holding a real guitar standing in front of a crowd and playing our own music” I am reminded that I miss doing just that.
We all fanned out and went to our favorite thing, I talked to the engineer for what must have been an eternity about music and all that stuff. He showed me some ad stuff he was working on. Working in advertising can be pretty bad ass. Bryn and Alex took a meeting and shortly afterward we were out. I’m learning a lot about what to look for when I’m ready to put my own team in place. This business is a tough business and you need people out there that can help and look out for you otherwise you’ll put all your energy into your music for essentially nothing.
We took a trip back to the hotel because we needed to change rooms. Then we got the van and went right back out so that bang Camaro could make a visit to Chicago’s school of rock. My favorite Bass player Jake Dean (Boy Wonder bassist) was a student at the original rock school in Philadelphia. It’s astonishing what Paul Green has been able to do with his idea making it a nationwide phenomenon. While Bryn Alex Doz and Pete were there we went to the club and unloaded gear.
We crossed paths with the Leslie guys, it was really great to see em. Some people have the kind of spirits that just lift yours whenever they’re around. They’d left us to go do their Ep Release show which they murdered. Their EP is Good and you all need to pick it up. I met their manager who seemed like a nice guy. I wouldn’t mind doing some things with Leslie once I pick back up with my band they’re amazing. I ran into Dick Valentine of Electric Six and we spoke about when they were gonna be in Philly next. I must say I’m turning into a fan. I went and grabbed some pizza and when I returned I discovered we were getting a sound check which went incredibly smooth.
After the first act followed by Leslie we got ready to play. We were back at Full strength. Sean was back, Zach Given flew in, Jason Fox was here bringing us up to 7 and with the Chicago choir we had 11 singers for the show. We killed it, we rocked Chicago’s face off. After sweating several buckets I was ready to go home but the guys wanted to stay and party. I’m embracing my squareness. I haven’t been drinking a lot or really chasing girls. I feel like a goober sometimes but all I’m really interested in doing is steeping on that stage and singing, rocking the spot and not much else. I am fully focused and don’t need distractions.
We caught Electric Six and they were flat out amazing. They even got me dancing with some people in the crowd. They’re really funky. Rich Hoss was getting down man. A guy bumped into me while dancing, no harm no foul everyone is here to have a good time. Turns out he’s one of the bookers at the double door. We had an interesting convo in between songs.
Once everyone left we played wiffle ball inside of the double door, it was more like a Home Run Derby but fun nonetheless. I really wanted to go back to the hotel until I started pitching to Sean and hitting a few balls. It’s addictive. Once I was done a few other people went and around 3 Am we made our way back to the hotel. We folded out a couch bed and I went to sleep.
I have to say I was pretty impressed with Chicago. These folks know how to party and have a good time. Their moves aren't to shabby either. To me it was the best show of the tour so far and the best crowd so far. Nobody was pre occupied with doing stupid stuff. A bunch of people are just in one place dancing to some sweet grooves.
Minneapolis is next so we‘ll see if they can match it. We have a 7 hour drive and will probably only get 3 hrs sleep. The van’ll probably be quiet though, maybe I’ll work on some lyrics.
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