Day 109 - June 28th 2009
My cell phone alarm goes off at 7 Am, why the hell am I getting up this early on a Sunday? Mainly cause my boy Chris a.k.a. DJ Hi Beta is spinning at a coffee shop on 5th Street right off of South Street at 9. Why is a man DJing this early in the morning? Seems a little weird but since I haven’t been out to one of his shows in quite some time and since I could make it I went.
I threw on some MJ on the ipod on the way. I listened to Off the Wall all the way through for the first time in a while. I was definitely struttin down an empty south street as I can’t help it blared through my earphones. But as I walked down 5th street I couldn’t find this place. I’m callin Chris over and over again and getting no answer as I walk all the way to Catherine Street and back to south. At about 10 he finally picks up. Turns out he was sleep inside the coffee shop and he works there meaning he could have started DJing whenever he wanted.
I chilled there for about 2-3 hours before I left. My folks were leaving for Disney tonight so I needed to be there to see them off. We made enough food for the week, packed their stuff, packed an outfit for me (I’ll be traveling down there Thursday) and they left with my niece Brooklin and her mother.
I spent the remainder of the evening working on tunes and watching the tube. It’s pretty quiet here. Still struggling with lyrics I stayed up pretty late and hit the bed.
Monday should be relatively easy seeing as though I have nothing to do.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 109
Day 108 - June 27th 2009
So today is the Spring Concert for the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church’s Junior and Young People’s Choir. I play guitar in their band so I need to be there to get my music on. Playing with Virgil (Bass) and Spike (Drums) is always a pleasure I learn so much playing with them. Unfortunately the music never got to me for me to learn so I would have to fly by the seat of my pants.
The talk goes to Michael Jackson’s death almost immediately. Most of us had been watching all of the retrospectives, music videos, and news reports. A lot of people are still gonna be reeling from his death for quite some time as the news comes out about the hows and the whys. As I set up my equipment I hear the theories fly across the room. I’m mainly interested in tuning my guitar but I can’t help but be a little bummed out.
As the concert began we banged through a lot of the songs and (as usual) I went on auto pilot and then I heard the Mistress of Ceremonies say “We’ve got a treat Andre Coles known to the outside world as Boy Wonder is gonna sing a song for us” Damnit. I had nothing really planned so I strapped up my acoustic walked over to the microphone and for some reason, I started playing Man In The Mirror…in church lol. It was the only thing that came to mind I thought I’d be run out of the church but the crowd loved it. It turned into a sing a long, it was amazing release for all of us who were there.
We finished up the concert and ate Fried Chicken afterwards. I’m getting chunky again so I’ll probably have to start running on Monday again so I can get back in shape. The Minneapolis gig looks promising but it looks like that might happen till October. The folks leave for Florida tomorrow so I’ll have some time to write some songs this coming week.
So today is the Spring Concert for the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church’s Junior and Young People’s Choir. I play guitar in their band so I need to be there to get my music on. Playing with Virgil (Bass) and Spike (Drums) is always a pleasure I learn so much playing with them. Unfortunately the music never got to me for me to learn so I would have to fly by the seat of my pants.
The talk goes to Michael Jackson’s death almost immediately. Most of us had been watching all of the retrospectives, music videos, and news reports. A lot of people are still gonna be reeling from his death for quite some time as the news comes out about the hows and the whys. As I set up my equipment I hear the theories fly across the room. I’m mainly interested in tuning my guitar but I can’t help but be a little bummed out.
As the concert began we banged through a lot of the songs and (as usual) I went on auto pilot and then I heard the Mistress of Ceremonies say “We’ve got a treat Andre Coles known to the outside world as Boy Wonder is gonna sing a song for us” Damnit. I had nothing really planned so I strapped up my acoustic walked over to the microphone and for some reason, I started playing Man In The Mirror…in church lol. It was the only thing that came to mind I thought I’d be run out of the church but the crowd loved it. It turned into a sing a long, it was amazing release for all of us who were there.
We finished up the concert and ate Fried Chicken afterwards. I’m getting chunky again so I’ll probably have to start running on Monday again so I can get back in shape. The Minneapolis gig looks promising but it looks like that might happen till October. The folks leave for Florida tomorrow so I’ll have some time to write some songs this coming week.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 108
Day 107 - June 26th 2009
I woke up like any other morning and turned on my TV to be reminded what happened yesterday. Michael Jackson had died of a cardiac arrest yesterday. I spent most of the morning watching old videos on the various MTV channels and watching MSNBC, apparently there was an environmental bill that hit the congress floor today but they didn’t talk about it much.
As I was watching the endless retrospectives on Michael Jackson’s life I began to think about the whole concept of fame. I’ve spent the majority of my life chasing and be around people chasing fame. Fame brings attention, it brings money, it brings power, a lot of people in the entertainment industry want to be famous, even half of the people that say they don’t care about it. We all want to be able to share our art with as many people as possible. If you connect with enough people they fall in love with you and respect you for what you do. The put you on their shoulders before taking you over to a pedestal and standing you right on top of it.
Then something weird happens. People love what you do so much they think they love you and wanna know everything about you. Your face sells magazines so people follow you around and take pictures of you. Then it gets really weird the people that put you on the pedestal in the first place decide that you’ve become to high and mighty up there and decide they want to knock you off. They don’t really know anything about you so they make stuff up and they dog you until you fall off and in some cases it seems it can kill you.
It sort makes you re-think this whole rock-star thing, are all of us aspiring performers all masochists or something? Is this really what we want?
I got a txt from Kelvin, Austin (Absolute Zeros Guitarist) was leaving, moving to Washington soon and we were gonna have a drink or two in his honor. I also got a call from Zach that they were going to a show. I hit Fergies to meet with the Zeros first, heard nothing but Michael comin out of the stereo speakers. I had a few drinks with those guys before heading to another bar. The bar was empty and not really jumping all that much so I got a call from Zach and made my way over to Lickety Split.
Tom Malin was playing at Lickety. He sent me an email saying that I could sit in with them if I ever showed up to a show. So I had a few drinks with Zach, Rob and Rel and played The Way You make Me Feel, the bar loved it I did some promo for my show there next month as well as my World Café Live Show July 23rd. I hopped in Rob’s car and he drove me home shortly after.
I know I have the Kid’s concert tomorrow and I gotta jump on getting some Boy Wonder travel things in place so I can see if I can’t get to these other markets before I’m old and grey. Either way I need to get some sleep. Big days ahead. Still trippin over MJ’s death.
I woke up like any other morning and turned on my TV to be reminded what happened yesterday. Michael Jackson had died of a cardiac arrest yesterday. I spent most of the morning watching old videos on the various MTV channels and watching MSNBC, apparently there was an environmental bill that hit the congress floor today but they didn’t talk about it much.
As I was watching the endless retrospectives on Michael Jackson’s life I began to think about the whole concept of fame. I’ve spent the majority of my life chasing and be around people chasing fame. Fame brings attention, it brings money, it brings power, a lot of people in the entertainment industry want to be famous, even half of the people that say they don’t care about it. We all want to be able to share our art with as many people as possible. If you connect with enough people they fall in love with you and respect you for what you do. The put you on their shoulders before taking you over to a pedestal and standing you right on top of it.
Then something weird happens. People love what you do so much they think they love you and wanna know everything about you. Your face sells magazines so people follow you around and take pictures of you. Then it gets really weird the people that put you on the pedestal in the first place decide that you’ve become to high and mighty up there and decide they want to knock you off. They don’t really know anything about you so they make stuff up and they dog you until you fall off and in some cases it seems it can kill you.
It sort makes you re-think this whole rock-star thing, are all of us aspiring performers all masochists or something? Is this really what we want?
I got a txt from Kelvin, Austin (Absolute Zeros Guitarist) was leaving, moving to Washington soon and we were gonna have a drink or two in his honor. I also got a call from Zach that they were going to a show. I hit Fergies to meet with the Zeros first, heard nothing but Michael comin out of the stereo speakers. I had a few drinks with those guys before heading to another bar. The bar was empty and not really jumping all that much so I got a call from Zach and made my way over to Lickety Split.
Tom Malin was playing at Lickety. He sent me an email saying that I could sit in with them if I ever showed up to a show. So I had a few drinks with Zach, Rob and Rel and played The Way You make Me Feel, the bar loved it I did some promo for my show there next month as well as my World Café Live Show July 23rd. I hopped in Rob’s car and he drove me home shortly after.
I know I have the Kid’s concert tomorrow and I gotta jump on getting some Boy Wonder travel things in place so I can see if I can’t get to these other markets before I’m old and grey. Either way I need to get some sleep. Big days ahead. Still trippin over MJ’s death.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 107
Day 106 - June 25th 2009
I was in my kitchen watching my mom get her hair done when it came across my TV Screen
News Anchor: News From California and it’s not good, Michael Jackson has died tonight at the age of 50...
The rest of what he said fades into the background, that sentence is all I need to head into a tail spin of sorts. I couldn’t believe it, Michael Jackson dead of a heart attack. It’s freaking crazy, I felt a profound sense of sadness and loss with the very concept that one of the greatest performers of all time is gone. I’ll stay away from all of the awards and record sales stuff because that will be discussed at length every time they talk about him from here on out. No I didn’t know him but for those people that seem to have a problem with his many fans grieving over his death I will attempt to explain.
Before discovering The Police and Rock Music when I was 6, it was virtually all Michael Jackson all the time. I was one of a million kids with a red leather jacket white socks and loafers trying (with no success) to Moonwalk. When dad brought home The first secular songs I ever performed as a kid were Michael Jackson songs (I remember doing Man In The Mirror at my first talent show in 5th Grade) mainly because those songs are bulletproof. You knew if the performance sucked it wasn’t the tune it was you. Even though I picked a guitar and the rock band format as my primary means of musical expression, Michael Jackson was always the blueprint you would refer to when you wanted to know about really ripping up a stage. If you were any kind of performer the guy really set the bar.
After Dangerous I had really stopped listening to his music, I wasn’t a fan of Invincible. But I always heard him everywhere and recently his influence began to creep up in the music I was making. I had been listening to Off The Wall a lot before we hit the studio last year and it’s a definite influence on Superego. We started doing Michael Jackson covers in the band, same concept as when I was 9, the songs are bulletproof. Our version of The Way you Make Me Feel Was always a crowd favorite.
I think he was most underrated as a songwriter; Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It, Another Part of Me, Wanna Be Starting Something, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Working Day and Night, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Dirty Diana, I mean the list just goes on and on. This guy set the bar as far as writing these accessible pop songs that combined rock music with soul something that guys like Justin Timberlake usher and Maroon 5 still attempt to do today. As you go through the catalogue you’re kind of like “My God, this guy is a hit machine. It’s a shame that his off-beat behavior left him open to scrutiny and made him a punch line and that it took his death for people to realize what a powerhouse he truly was.
When I think about the past 26 years of my life, riding the bus to school with Michael Jackson mixtapes in my walkman, singing his songs at talent shows, trying to emulate his dance moves, impromptu dance parties at home where we’d throw on his music, car rides with the records spinning, playing his music in my ipod, playing his songs at my shows, it’s hard not to get emotional. The night that Adam Levine pulled me up on stage at the TLA to sing with Maroon 5, the very moment I credit for me continuing to pursue performing, the band came out to Thriller. Most recently P.Y.T. was my karaoke pick whenever we hit a karaoke spot on tour with Bang Camaro
For so many of us we grew up listening to his music, it’s so connected to people’s lives so when someone like that dies it’s like part of your life is lost, that childhood innocence of dragging around your first tape player listening to thriller. The pure joy you felt as a child, it’s like the wind’s been taken out of a lot of people’s sails. Will life go on? Of course it will, but this guy was a huger part of our collective consciousness that a lot of people realized. He’d become such a punch line in the later years of his life that we took for granted how much he meant to a lot of people as a performer, a musician, a songwriter, and an entertainer. There’ll never be another one, no matter how hard the new guys try, they’re all missing something that he had. Might be the last guy that was able to put all of it together.
It’s going to get ugly soon as we discover how he died, as people start fighting over the rights to his catalogue, custody of his kids (Who according to many meant the world to him) whatever money might be left, as the Michael Jackson jokes come back into play, etc. etc. For now we’ll remember the guy as we should, for the incredible music he left us over a 40 year period. In this era of disposable music name one person that’s been good for 40 years.
Well here’s me and the guys from a show in January trying it anyway. We reworked The Way You Make Me Feel, like I said before it was always a crowd favorite.
I was in my kitchen watching my mom get her hair done when it came across my TV Screen
News Anchor: News From California and it’s not good, Michael Jackson has died tonight at the age of 50...
The rest of what he said fades into the background, that sentence is all I need to head into a tail spin of sorts. I couldn’t believe it, Michael Jackson dead of a heart attack. It’s freaking crazy, I felt a profound sense of sadness and loss with the very concept that one of the greatest performers of all time is gone. I’ll stay away from all of the awards and record sales stuff because that will be discussed at length every time they talk about him from here on out. No I didn’t know him but for those people that seem to have a problem with his many fans grieving over his death I will attempt to explain.
Before discovering The Police and Rock Music when I was 6, it was virtually all Michael Jackson all the time. I was one of a million kids with a red leather jacket white socks and loafers trying (with no success) to Moonwalk. When dad brought home The first secular songs I ever performed as a kid were Michael Jackson songs (I remember doing Man In The Mirror at my first talent show in 5th Grade) mainly because those songs are bulletproof. You knew if the performance sucked it wasn’t the tune it was you. Even though I picked a guitar and the rock band format as my primary means of musical expression, Michael Jackson was always the blueprint you would refer to when you wanted to know about really ripping up a stage. If you were any kind of performer the guy really set the bar.
After Dangerous I had really stopped listening to his music, I wasn’t a fan of Invincible. But I always heard him everywhere and recently his influence began to creep up in the music I was making. I had been listening to Off The Wall a lot before we hit the studio last year and it’s a definite influence on Superego. We started doing Michael Jackson covers in the band, same concept as when I was 9, the songs are bulletproof. Our version of The Way you Make Me Feel Was always a crowd favorite.
I think he was most underrated as a songwriter; Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It, Another Part of Me, Wanna Be Starting Something, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Working Day and Night, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Dirty Diana, I mean the list just goes on and on. This guy set the bar as far as writing these accessible pop songs that combined rock music with soul something that guys like Justin Timberlake usher and Maroon 5 still attempt to do today. As you go through the catalogue you’re kind of like “My God, this guy is a hit machine. It’s a shame that his off-beat behavior left him open to scrutiny and made him a punch line and that it took his death for people to realize what a powerhouse he truly was.
When I think about the past 26 years of my life, riding the bus to school with Michael Jackson mixtapes in my walkman, singing his songs at talent shows, trying to emulate his dance moves, impromptu dance parties at home where we’d throw on his music, car rides with the records spinning, playing his music in my ipod, playing his songs at my shows, it’s hard not to get emotional. The night that Adam Levine pulled me up on stage at the TLA to sing with Maroon 5, the very moment I credit for me continuing to pursue performing, the band came out to Thriller. Most recently P.Y.T. was my karaoke pick whenever we hit a karaoke spot on tour with Bang Camaro
For so many of us we grew up listening to his music, it’s so connected to people’s lives so when someone like that dies it’s like part of your life is lost, that childhood innocence of dragging around your first tape player listening to thriller. The pure joy you felt as a child, it’s like the wind’s been taken out of a lot of people’s sails. Will life go on? Of course it will, but this guy was a huger part of our collective consciousness that a lot of people realized. He’d become such a punch line in the later years of his life that we took for granted how much he meant to a lot of people as a performer, a musician, a songwriter, and an entertainer. There’ll never be another one, no matter how hard the new guys try, they’re all missing something that he had. Might be the last guy that was able to put all of it together.
It’s going to get ugly soon as we discover how he died, as people start fighting over the rights to his catalogue, custody of his kids (Who according to many meant the world to him) whatever money might be left, as the Michael Jackson jokes come back into play, etc. etc. For now we’ll remember the guy as we should, for the incredible music he left us over a 40 year period. In this era of disposable music name one person that’s been good for 40 years.
"Michael Jackson, like James Brown and Prince, are nearly uncoverable. The tunes were about his innate talent and can't really be replicated." -- John Mayer
Well here’s me and the guys from a show in January trying it anyway. We reworked The Way You Make Me Feel, like I said before it was always a crowd favorite.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 106
Day 105 - June 24th 2009
I woke up this morning to find that my lessons were cancelled. I feel the pinch of what it means to work freelance. No work = No Money. Fortunately my evening would be filled with the dichotomy that has been my life for the past ten years or so. Early evening rehearsal at church, later on that night, my Wed Night
event at Lickety Split. Church and the bar all in one night.
But my afternoon would mostly be spent finalizing the show for July 23rd at World Café Live. Planning for these downstairs shows can be draining. But after I got off the phone with the last manager I was able to breathe easy, the show is happening.
I rehearsed with the Mt. Carmel Junior and Young People’s Choir around 6, they have their end of the year concert this Saturday Night. The director wants to do a bunch of new songs. I really wish she would have gotten me all this stuff sooner cause there’s no way I’m gonna be able to learn all of this stuff in time.
I finally ended up at my last stop for the night. My Wed Night show at Lickety Split. It was a jazz tinged night with all the acts taking Jazz music and going in different directions with it. I didn’t expect this to be a good night. Philly usually doesn’t come out to stuff like this. But they came in droves, the bar was packed. It was as close as you could come to a perfect night.
I got to the show a few minutes late luckily for me DanI Mari is adept at running the shows while I’m gone. Alec Stewart started off the night followed by Kaite Haire, an extraordinary guitarist, singer and songwriter who really brought it with an upright bass player joining her. We threw it to Lydia Rene who rocked it with a Keyboard and her big powerful voice. Ending the night would be Topher’s Bossa Nova brigade, an intriguing band updating the old bossa nova sound and combining it with a modern look. I rarely have bands that good looking at my clubs, they were truly amazing.
Kelvin of The Absolute Zeros showed up, he was off on a Wednesday and decided to come down and check out Katie I’m assuming. I don’t have many friends in the local scene, a lot of acquaintances but very few people that are close to me. I count those guys among my friends not only because they’re standup guys but because I have such a great time hanging out with them. Kelvin (not unlike steroids) enhances any party type experience you might have.
After the show was over we all reveled in the success of the night. I am loved today, and this is good.
I got home and hit the bed.
I woke up this morning to find that my lessons were cancelled. I feel the pinch of what it means to work freelance. No work = No Money. Fortunately my evening would be filled with the dichotomy that has been my life for the past ten years or so. Early evening rehearsal at church, later on that night, my Wed Night
event at Lickety Split. Church and the bar all in one night.
But my afternoon would mostly be spent finalizing the show for July 23rd at World Café Live. Planning for these downstairs shows can be draining. But after I got off the phone with the last manager I was able to breathe easy, the show is happening.
I rehearsed with the Mt. Carmel Junior and Young People’s Choir around 6, they have their end of the year concert this Saturday Night. The director wants to do a bunch of new songs. I really wish she would have gotten me all this stuff sooner cause there’s no way I’m gonna be able to learn all of this stuff in time.
I finally ended up at my last stop for the night. My Wed Night show at Lickety Split. It was a jazz tinged night with all the acts taking Jazz music and going in different directions with it. I didn’t expect this to be a good night. Philly usually doesn’t come out to stuff like this. But they came in droves, the bar was packed. It was as close as you could come to a perfect night.
I got to the show a few minutes late luckily for me DanI Mari is adept at running the shows while I’m gone. Alec Stewart started off the night followed by Kaite Haire, an extraordinary guitarist, singer and songwriter who really brought it with an upright bass player joining her. We threw it to Lydia Rene who rocked it with a Keyboard and her big powerful voice. Ending the night would be Topher’s Bossa Nova brigade, an intriguing band updating the old bossa nova sound and combining it with a modern look. I rarely have bands that good looking at my clubs, they were truly amazing.
Kelvin of The Absolute Zeros showed up, he was off on a Wednesday and decided to come down and check out Katie I’m assuming. I don’t have many friends in the local scene, a lot of acquaintances but very few people that are close to me. I count those guys among my friends not only because they’re standup guys but because I have such a great time hanging out with them. Kelvin (not unlike steroids) enhances any party type experience you might have.
After the show was over we all reveled in the success of the night. I am loved today, and this is good.
I got home and hit the bed.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 105
Day 104 - June 23rd 2009
Mom and Dad were both home sick from work today so I was here to keep them company.
I also had a great deal to do in reference to the show at World Café Live on July 23rd. I had to secure a (relatively) very big act moving into the arena of dealing with managers and making sure deals are set in stone. I’m nervous at the proposition but if I want to make a name for myself as a musician and a booker I have to start working with legit acts. I’m a straight shooter so it shouldn’t be an issue. These guys seem to be on board which is going to work wonders for the show and the business. It’s gonna be amazing I think. To have another package to work with when I do shows there is definitely a good thing.
Worked on quite a few melodies today. I figure I’ll work as much as I can without lyrics until the lyrics come. It’s been a slower process than usual but I’m hoping to come out of my funk before it turns into full blown writers block.
I got a call from Jake about going to see the new Transformers movie tonight. So I decided to do that.
The movie was great I’m not sure how I feel about it in reference to the first one but I thought it was pretty cool.
I got in the house at about 3AM and I still can’t sleep, might be one of those nights, awesome considering I have two guitar lessons, Lickety Split, and rehearsal at Church tomorrow. My first busy day since getting back from Cali.
Mom and Dad were both home sick from work today so I was here to keep them company.
I also had a great deal to do in reference to the show at World Café Live on July 23rd. I had to secure a (relatively) very big act moving into the arena of dealing with managers and making sure deals are set in stone. I’m nervous at the proposition but if I want to make a name for myself as a musician and a booker I have to start working with legit acts. I’m a straight shooter so it shouldn’t be an issue. These guys seem to be on board which is going to work wonders for the show and the business. It’s gonna be amazing I think. To have another package to work with when I do shows there is definitely a good thing.
Worked on quite a few melodies today. I figure I’ll work as much as I can without lyrics until the lyrics come. It’s been a slower process than usual but I’m hoping to come out of my funk before it turns into full blown writers block.
I got a call from Jake about going to see the new Transformers movie tonight. So I decided to do that.
The movie was great I’m not sure how I feel about it in reference to the first one but I thought it was pretty cool.
I got in the house at about 3AM and I still can’t sleep, might be one of those nights, awesome considering I have two guitar lessons, Lickety Split, and rehearsal at Church tomorrow. My first busy day since getting back from Cali.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 104
Day 103 - June 22nd 2009
I was jarred out of my slumber as the landing gear hit the runway in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Waking up in an airplane is a lot more disorienting than I thought it would be. I had to remember who I was and why I was on this plane. I’m with my buddy Casey and we had a n amazing time in Cali. I played a gig that (at the very least) met expectations and I’ve got two more planes to catch and a drive before I get back to Philadelphia. I notice I got no beverage on the plane…must be the “Fuck em they’re sleep” flight.
Casey and I sat in the Milwaukee airport for quite sometime, no Starbucks in the airport made me cranky. It took a little while and they called our rows. I got on as quickly as possible to load my guitar in the overhead compartment. I dozed off so I didn’t get a complimentary beverage…damnit. A few hours later we hit Memphis.
I couldn’t help but think about the documentary on Stax I saw in Georgia when I was on the Camaro tour. I wish I could have been able to see Memphis, so much of the music we make is inspired by those Stax Records from back in the day. No Starbucks, still cranky. We sat for a bit, chatted, and waited for our flight, sharing the awesomeness that was our trip. Had the show been a disaster I would have been fine with just taking this trip with one of my best buddies.
As we got on the plane we realized that this plane would be smaller than the previous ones which meant I’d have to check my guitar, it’s my pet peeve. I’d rather not have someone who doesn’t care about my guitar handling it at an airport. I threw on my ipod to prevent the claustrophobia from setting in. Fortunately the guy sitting next to me moved to an empty seat to give me some more room. I finally got a free pepsi on the flight and thanked the good Lord when we landed.
Mrs. Keech picked us up and even took us out to lunch I’ve learned a great deal about Casey over the weekend meeting his friends and his girlfriend’s family, I’ve also learned things about his girlfriend that are hilarious.
We hit the road and got back to philly in about two hours. I felt sorry for Casey cause he was gonna be tired going to his Comedy Sports Class. I got to catch up with mom and dad, got a decent meal a went to bed.
I was jarred out of my slumber as the landing gear hit the runway in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Waking up in an airplane is a lot more disorienting than I thought it would be. I had to remember who I was and why I was on this plane. I’m with my buddy Casey and we had a n amazing time in Cali. I played a gig that (at the very least) met expectations and I’ve got two more planes to catch and a drive before I get back to Philadelphia. I notice I got no beverage on the plane…must be the “Fuck em they’re sleep” flight.
Casey and I sat in the Milwaukee airport for quite sometime, no Starbucks in the airport made me cranky. It took a little while and they called our rows. I got on as quickly as possible to load my guitar in the overhead compartment. I dozed off so I didn’t get a complimentary beverage…damnit. A few hours later we hit Memphis.
I couldn’t help but think about the documentary on Stax I saw in Georgia when I was on the Camaro tour. I wish I could have been able to see Memphis, so much of the music we make is inspired by those Stax Records from back in the day. No Starbucks, still cranky. We sat for a bit, chatted, and waited for our flight, sharing the awesomeness that was our trip. Had the show been a disaster I would have been fine with just taking this trip with one of my best buddies.
As we got on the plane we realized that this plane would be smaller than the previous ones which meant I’d have to check my guitar, it’s my pet peeve. I’d rather not have someone who doesn’t care about my guitar handling it at an airport. I threw on my ipod to prevent the claustrophobia from setting in. Fortunately the guy sitting next to me moved to an empty seat to give me some more room. I finally got a free pepsi on the flight and thanked the good Lord when we landed.
Mrs. Keech picked us up and even took us out to lunch I’ve learned a great deal about Casey over the weekend meeting his friends and his girlfriend’s family, I’ve also learned things about his girlfriend that are hilarious.
We hit the road and got back to philly in about two hours. I felt sorry for Casey cause he was gonna be tired going to his Comedy Sports Class. I got to catch up with mom and dad, got a decent meal a went to bed.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 103
Day 102 - June 21st 2009
It’s almost like I had this sweet ass dream last night. The gig went better than I expected. At this point whenever I can go someplace and my music is well received…mission accomplished. It was great seeing everyone and it was nice to spend at least one day in Cali unburdened. I get pretty wound up about this stuff especially lately so it was nice not to have to worry about anything for at least a day.
I took some time to think about what actually happened. I’ve played New York and LA in the past two weeks. Sure Saturday was a coffee house show in front of 30 people and I’m not breaking LA box offices yet, but I’ve been blessed to find a way to do what I love, not many people get a chance to do that, it’s pretty sweet.
I called my dad to wish him a happy father’s day. When I booked this stuff on the west coast I forgot that this was father’s day weekend. He and I are pretty close (he flew up to Boston with me for my Bang Camaro audition) so I hate to miss stuff like that. The older I get the more I appreciate both my parents. Once you realize they might know a thing or two about life you can learn a lot from them.
Casey and I went to Starbucks and caught a movie (The Hangover for the third week in a row) after that we hit a BBQ at Hapi Greg (a friend of Casey’s from college)’s house. We tried to hook up with him before on Friday Night and were unsuccessful. There were some cool people there, great food, and free booze, even a guy at the party that brewed his own beer and brought it, you really can’t be that.
He had a hot tub and I hopped inside and shot the shit with the folks at the party about music and other things in entertainment field. It’s cool to get their perspective. A lot of them were film students from the east coast that moved out here. I wonder if this is what my life would be like now had I stayed on that particular path. On my way out of the hot tub I kicked my own glass and cut my foot (cause let’s face it, it’s not a party on the road at someone’s house until I accidentally break something and hurt myself)
We got to LAX around 9, they are super thorough at this airport which means one should probably arrive two hours before the scheduled flight time. We waited quite a bit to grab the plane to Milwaukee but when it was time to load in I made sure Casey and I were on as soon as possible. We had seats next to each other this time which was pretty awesome. We were able to stow all of our bags in the overhead compartments and there were pillows and blankets on all of the seats.
As soon as the plane took off I contorted my body in a comfortable enough position to where I could sleep. It’s hard to believe the trip’s over. I’ll be in Milwaukee when I wake up.
It’s almost like I had this sweet ass dream last night. The gig went better than I expected. At this point whenever I can go someplace and my music is well received…mission accomplished. It was great seeing everyone and it was nice to spend at least one day in Cali unburdened. I get pretty wound up about this stuff especially lately so it was nice not to have to worry about anything for at least a day.
I took some time to think about what actually happened. I’ve played New York and LA in the past two weeks. Sure Saturday was a coffee house show in front of 30 people and I’m not breaking LA box offices yet, but I’ve been blessed to find a way to do what I love, not many people get a chance to do that, it’s pretty sweet.
I called my dad to wish him a happy father’s day. When I booked this stuff on the west coast I forgot that this was father’s day weekend. He and I are pretty close (he flew up to Boston with me for my Bang Camaro audition) so I hate to miss stuff like that. The older I get the more I appreciate both my parents. Once you realize they might know a thing or two about life you can learn a lot from them.
Casey and I went to Starbucks and caught a movie (The Hangover for the third week in a row) after that we hit a BBQ at Hapi Greg (a friend of Casey’s from college)’s house. We tried to hook up with him before on Friday Night and were unsuccessful. There were some cool people there, great food, and free booze, even a guy at the party that brewed his own beer and brought it, you really can’t be that.
He had a hot tub and I hopped inside and shot the shit with the folks at the party about music and other things in entertainment field. It’s cool to get their perspective. A lot of them were film students from the east coast that moved out here. I wonder if this is what my life would be like now had I stayed on that particular path. On my way out of the hot tub I kicked my own glass and cut my foot (cause let’s face it, it’s not a party on the road at someone’s house until I accidentally break something and hurt myself)
We got to LAX around 9, they are super thorough at this airport which means one should probably arrive two hours before the scheduled flight time. We waited quite a bit to grab the plane to Milwaukee but when it was time to load in I made sure Casey and I were on as soon as possible. We had seats next to each other this time which was pretty awesome. We were able to stow all of our bags in the overhead compartments and there were pillows and blankets on all of the seats.
As soon as the plane took off I contorted my body in a comfortable enough position to where I could sleep. It’s hard to believe the trip’s over. I’ll be in Milwaukee when I wake up.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 102
Day 101 - June 20th 2009
I woke up early today. My nerves were stirring and my body was still on East Coast time. Today was the big day but I was gonna try not to think about it too much. I couldn’t help it though, I wondered (as I often do) if people were gonna actually show up. Sometimes you show up to a room and it’s empty, just happens that way. Casey decided instead of worrying we should grab breakfast then head to the beach. All excellent ideas. We found a diner and had pancakes then we went and laid on the beach.
It’s easy to make sense of your life watching the waves crash in with guitar in hand. I’m coming up with chord progressions by the buttload, but don’t have any real lyrical direction. For the first time ever I have no idea what I feel the need to say. It’s not officially writers block yet and hopefully I won’t get to that point. We sat for a while and sipped on some beverages and as the sun came in we hit the car and headed towards the hotel. Since it was lunch time we got a split bucket of KFC and watched Die Hard 2. It was around 7:30 and I decided it was time to head over to the venue. Since when I went over there yesterday they forgot I was playing I wanted to be over there early to make sure everything was set up and ready to go.
As Casey and I sat inside of the coffee shop we quickly realized that all of the people in here were basically 16 year old skate punks. I began to wonder why a booker would book me on a show with with these kinds of acts. Even if they stuck around to hear me, they probably wouldn’t like what they heard. Now I’m pretty nervous about playing to an empty room.
This feeling would basically end as my people walked in. Mayte (friend of Bang Camaro) showed up first. She traveled up from San Diego and got lost, so I better be good tonight. She brought friends who thought this was some sort of salsa dancing thing so they were dressed pretty spiffy.
Mayte: Can you explain what kind of music you do to my friends?
Me: Well it’s sort of like if the Police and Prince had a baby…and the baby came out retarded.
They both smile
Funny thing is that’s probably the best way to describe it
Laila and crew rolled in followed by Julie, whom I haven’t seen since she left Philly for Miami last year, not sure why she was on the west coast, but I was glad to see her face. She was always at my shows when she was at home so it was strangely comforting to see her face in the place. It also looked like most of the people that were there for the bulk of the show were going to stick around and give me a shot so when I hit the stage the room was packed
I walked a block and warmed up in a nearby parking lot, came back inside, tuned up as best I could and started playing. I could tell it was going to be a good show I was reaching for notes and they were there my strings weren’t going to break and everyone seemed to be grooving along with the tunes. It was pretty cool to play to all those new people
Set List
Destiny
(Oh) I Wish I Loved You
How Can This Be Love
Toxic
Feels So Good
Get me to…
Wasted
Hangover
Breakup
3000 Miles Away
Highway to Hell
Almost as quickly as it began the show was over. It was an awesome experience. Cali is my favorite place to play outside of Philly. I’ve stumbled onto some spots where people like music or at least my music. Turns out I even have a fan or two out here. I’m also getting used to playing by myself. You have to rely on different things playing solo, my loud electric guitar solo’s aren’t there to bail me out. To be effective the songs I’m playing have to be good and my voice has to be in good shape.
After the show was over we hit the pier with Laila, Heather, and crew had a few beers and went back to the hotel. Casey and I drove back to the hotel and hit the bed. Hard to believe we go back to Philly tomorrow night.
Thank you to everyone who came you made this trip an unforgettable experience
I woke up early today. My nerves were stirring and my body was still on East Coast time. Today was the big day but I was gonna try not to think about it too much. I couldn’t help it though, I wondered (as I often do) if people were gonna actually show up. Sometimes you show up to a room and it’s empty, just happens that way. Casey decided instead of worrying we should grab breakfast then head to the beach. All excellent ideas. We found a diner and had pancakes then we went and laid on the beach.
It’s easy to make sense of your life watching the waves crash in with guitar in hand. I’m coming up with chord progressions by the buttload, but don’t have any real lyrical direction. For the first time ever I have no idea what I feel the need to say. It’s not officially writers block yet and hopefully I won’t get to that point. We sat for a while and sipped on some beverages and as the sun came in we hit the car and headed towards the hotel. Since it was lunch time we got a split bucket of KFC and watched Die Hard 2. It was around 7:30 and I decided it was time to head over to the venue. Since when I went over there yesterday they forgot I was playing I wanted to be over there early to make sure everything was set up and ready to go.
As Casey and I sat inside of the coffee shop we quickly realized that all of the people in here were basically 16 year old skate punks. I began to wonder why a booker would book me on a show with with these kinds of acts. Even if they stuck around to hear me, they probably wouldn’t like what they heard. Now I’m pretty nervous about playing to an empty room.
This feeling would basically end as my people walked in. Mayte (friend of Bang Camaro) showed up first. She traveled up from San Diego and got lost, so I better be good tonight. She brought friends who thought this was some sort of salsa dancing thing so they were dressed pretty spiffy.
Mayte: Can you explain what kind of music you do to my friends?
Me: Well it’s sort of like if the Police and Prince had a baby…and the baby came out retarded.
They both smile
Funny thing is that’s probably the best way to describe it
Laila and crew rolled in followed by Julie, whom I haven’t seen since she left Philly for Miami last year, not sure why she was on the west coast, but I was glad to see her face. She was always at my shows when she was at home so it was strangely comforting to see her face in the place. It also looked like most of the people that were there for the bulk of the show were going to stick around and give me a shot so when I hit the stage the room was packed
I walked a block and warmed up in a nearby parking lot, came back inside, tuned up as best I could and started playing. I could tell it was going to be a good show I was reaching for notes and they were there my strings weren’t going to break and everyone seemed to be grooving along with the tunes. It was pretty cool to play to all those new people
Set List
Destiny
(Oh) I Wish I Loved You
How Can This Be Love
Toxic
Feels So Good
Get me to…
Wasted
Hangover
Breakup
3000 Miles Away
Highway to Hell
Almost as quickly as it began the show was over. It was an awesome experience. Cali is my favorite place to play outside of Philly. I’ve stumbled onto some spots where people like music or at least my music. Turns out I even have a fan or two out here. I’m also getting used to playing by myself. You have to rely on different things playing solo, my loud electric guitar solo’s aren’t there to bail me out. To be effective the songs I’m playing have to be good and my voice has to be in good shape.
After the show was over we hit the pier with Laila, Heather, and crew had a few beers and went back to the hotel. Casey and I drove back to the hotel and hit the bed. Hard to believe we go back to Philly tomorrow night.
Thank you to everyone who came you made this trip an unforgettable experience
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 101
Day 100 - June 19th 2009
100 Days ago I arrived in Boston to begin a new chapter in my life. Gone was my 9-5, the routine, the health benefits, the safety and comfort of home. I had given it all up to become a professional musician and full time hustler. Through singing, playing in my own band, booking, giving guitar lessons, and doing session work I have been able to keep myself afloat.
My 99th day really ran into my 100th day pretty seamlessly. Because we had to hit the airport at 3 am I basically just stayed up and watched Comedy Central. At 3 am Mrs. Keech (Casey’s girlfriends mom) gave us a lift and spoke about her son , a Baltimore MC, and all the things that he’s doing to grind it out and make a career for himself. When you’re young and fighting this stuff out a strong support system is essential. I don’t think I could be do all that I’m doing without it.
We hit the first plane at 5AM and took a flight to Charlotte. The plane was pretty narrow. They made me check my small bag because there was no overhead room, they made me check my guitar as well which made me a tad nervous but it seemed to work out. I got a seat to myself which was pretty sweet.
We had about an hour layover in Charlotte and as we got in line I noticed that there was going to be a war on fun on the flight to Los Angeles. As I was speaking to Casey a grumpy man decided to interject himself into the conversation.
Me: I hope the plane is less narrow than the last one
Casey: Yeah
Grumpy Man: Nah it won’t be, they don’t make planes for guys like us (referring to their size)
He was sort of a strange bird, I sort of looked at him as if to say “Why are you even talking to me?” I hadn’t had much sleep and wasn’t in the mood for people that butt in when I’m talking to other, turns out my fangs would be out for most of the day.
We then began to sing the theme song form Ducktales. Mind you we’re singing pretty softly and the people directly behind us don’t seem to mind. As we head into the bridge, senior grumpy pants turns around.
Grumpy Man: This ain’t American Idol…shut up!
Me: What are you the fun Police?
Flabergasted by my question he kept walking. As I boarded the plane I was sitting on my own praying to either get a seat alone or a seat next to a really hot girl. I shuttered as a grumpy old Asian couple sat next to me cramming me into the window seat. The war on fun continues as they sat and glared at me nastily for five hours. I threw on my Ipod and looked out the window for five hours. Unfortunately Casey and I weren’t able to sit together for either flight.
We landed in Los Angles and grabbed the rental car and headed to Redando Beach. I smiled as I realized I’m back here again for the second time in two months, 100 days after I left home to pursue my passion I’m back in LA this time exclusively play my own show. It’s sunny and I’m hanging with one of my best buds in the entire world. Can’t get much better than this. Then I got to the hotel, a Super 8 (how fitting) around noon.
Me: Here to check in.
Front Desk Guy: The rooms not ready.
Me: What?
Front Desk Guy: Not till 1.
Me: But check in’s at 12
Front Desk Guy: Not ready till 1.
I walked off and we got some pizza and I came back.
Me: Here to check in.
He gives me the keys
Front Desk Guy: Only one person allowed in the room
Me: But I paid for two.
Front Desk Guy: No only one.
Me: Can I change to two
Front Desk Guy: No you ordered through Expedia and can’t change it
I leave and head towards the room. I got on the phone with Expedia.
Me: So the hotel people are telling me that I didn’t pay for two people.
Customer Service Rep: Well the registration’s in your name but you can have a guest without paying extra.
Me: Well since I paid through you I suggest you clear this up.
Customer Service Rep: No problem sir, have a good day.
Problem solved.
We decided to venture out into Redando Beach and go by the C&D’s Welcome Café, the place I’ll be playing tomorrow. I didn’t see my name on the lineup sheet for tomorrow’s show so I walked inside. I asked the clerk at the counter.
Clerk: May I help you?
Me: I’m just here to scope the place out, I’m supposed to be playing tomorrow and I didn’t’ see my name on the lineup sheet.
Clerk: Well this is my place I do the booking. Who are you?
Me: Boy Wonder.
Clerk: You were supposed to confirm with me.
Me: I know I did.
Clerk: I check the myspace 5 times a day
Me: Trust me I wouldn’t have gotten on a plane to play a show if I didn’t confirm with you first. If you like I can forward you the message I sent you telling you that I’d gotten my plane ticket and everything.
Her eyes get big as “I fucked up” is written all over her face
Clerk: Well…Well…I can put you on a t 9:45
Me: That’s fine
Clerk: I don’t know if you’ve been promoting yourself or not
Me: I wouldn’t have come all the way out here if I was promoting the show.
Clerk: Well…well show up here early and let my husband know.
I leave fuming, as a booker I know things slip through the cracks, but to forget about the guy who traveled 3000 miles away…not pro. I had to get on the line and let people know that the time had been changed from 8:15 to 9:45. Not sure if this will help or hurt people. Hopefully it doesn’t torpedo my crowd for tomorrow. Grrr.
Casey and I hit the beach of a while, and then walked around Redondo before heading back to the hotel. Casey got in touch with one of his buddies and he told him about a party in West Hollywood. I saw that there was an open mic in Long Beach so we decided to hit that up first. I figured it would be a good opportunity to play in front of a room full of people.
When we got there they told me that it was their two year anniversary and that the mic wasn’t really open tonight but if I wanted to wait around it’s possible that I could get on. I mentioned that I came from Philly and wouldn’t be back next week. I’ve been on the other side of this conversation so many times before at Philly Rising so I didn’t push it too much. A few minutes later she told me that there was an open spot in the beginning and that I could open the festivities which was fine with me.
As I began to strum my guitar I noticed that it was a listening crowd. All the eyes were on me as the crowd was very attentive to what I was doing. I g through my first song to a raucous applause and was allowed to play another one. I kind of rocked it, it was pretty sweet. Although I doubt it, hopefully some of those people will come tomorrow. There were some really talented people at the open mic. We had to head to the party though.
I showered and we ventured to West Hollywood and discovered we couldn’t get into the bar for dress code violations. We thought about getting into something else, but we realized that we had been up for 25 hours straight so we decided to go to bed.
100 days and here I sit, from an AV Tech to playing my 2nd West Coast gig in two months.
I wonder what the next 100 days will bring.
100 Days ago I arrived in Boston to begin a new chapter in my life. Gone was my 9-5, the routine, the health benefits, the safety and comfort of home. I had given it all up to become a professional musician and full time hustler. Through singing, playing in my own band, booking, giving guitar lessons, and doing session work I have been able to keep myself afloat.
My 99th day really ran into my 100th day pretty seamlessly. Because we had to hit the airport at 3 am I basically just stayed up and watched Comedy Central. At 3 am Mrs. Keech (Casey’s girlfriends mom) gave us a lift and spoke about her son , a Baltimore MC, and all the things that he’s doing to grind it out and make a career for himself. When you’re young and fighting this stuff out a strong support system is essential. I don’t think I could be do all that I’m doing without it.
We hit the first plane at 5AM and took a flight to Charlotte. The plane was pretty narrow. They made me check my small bag because there was no overhead room, they made me check my guitar as well which made me a tad nervous but it seemed to work out. I got a seat to myself which was pretty sweet.
We had about an hour layover in Charlotte and as we got in line I noticed that there was going to be a war on fun on the flight to Los Angeles. As I was speaking to Casey a grumpy man decided to interject himself into the conversation.
Me: I hope the plane is less narrow than the last one
Casey: Yeah
Grumpy Man: Nah it won’t be, they don’t make planes for guys like us (referring to their size)
He was sort of a strange bird, I sort of looked at him as if to say “Why are you even talking to me?” I hadn’t had much sleep and wasn’t in the mood for people that butt in when I’m talking to other, turns out my fangs would be out for most of the day.
We then began to sing the theme song form Ducktales. Mind you we’re singing pretty softly and the people directly behind us don’t seem to mind. As we head into the bridge, senior grumpy pants turns around.
Grumpy Man: This ain’t American Idol…shut up!
Me: What are you the fun Police?
Flabergasted by my question he kept walking. As I boarded the plane I was sitting on my own praying to either get a seat alone or a seat next to a really hot girl. I shuttered as a grumpy old Asian couple sat next to me cramming me into the window seat. The war on fun continues as they sat and glared at me nastily for five hours. I threw on my Ipod and looked out the window for five hours. Unfortunately Casey and I weren’t able to sit together for either flight.
We landed in Los Angles and grabbed the rental car and headed to Redando Beach. I smiled as I realized I’m back here again for the second time in two months, 100 days after I left home to pursue my passion I’m back in LA this time exclusively play my own show. It’s sunny and I’m hanging with one of my best buds in the entire world. Can’t get much better than this. Then I got to the hotel, a Super 8 (how fitting) around noon.
Me: Here to check in.
Front Desk Guy: The rooms not ready.
Me: What?
Front Desk Guy: Not till 1.
Me: But check in’s at 12
Front Desk Guy: Not ready till 1.
I walked off and we got some pizza and I came back.
Me: Here to check in.
He gives me the keys
Front Desk Guy: Only one person allowed in the room
Me: But I paid for two.
Front Desk Guy: No only one.
Me: Can I change to two
Front Desk Guy: No you ordered through Expedia and can’t change it
I leave and head towards the room. I got on the phone with Expedia.
Me: So the hotel people are telling me that I didn’t pay for two people.
Customer Service Rep: Well the registration’s in your name but you can have a guest without paying extra.
Me: Well since I paid through you I suggest you clear this up.
Customer Service Rep: No problem sir, have a good day.
Problem solved.
We decided to venture out into Redando Beach and go by the C&D’s Welcome Café, the place I’ll be playing tomorrow. I didn’t see my name on the lineup sheet for tomorrow’s show so I walked inside. I asked the clerk at the counter.
Clerk: May I help you?
Me: I’m just here to scope the place out, I’m supposed to be playing tomorrow and I didn’t’ see my name on the lineup sheet.
Clerk: Well this is my place I do the booking. Who are you?
Me: Boy Wonder.
Clerk: You were supposed to confirm with me.
Me: I know I did.
Clerk: I check the myspace 5 times a day
Me: Trust me I wouldn’t have gotten on a plane to play a show if I didn’t confirm with you first. If you like I can forward you the message I sent you telling you that I’d gotten my plane ticket and everything.
Her eyes get big as “I fucked up” is written all over her face
Clerk: Well…Well…I can put you on a t 9:45
Me: That’s fine
Clerk: I don’t know if you’ve been promoting yourself or not
Me: I wouldn’t have come all the way out here if I was promoting the show.
Clerk: Well…well show up here early and let my husband know.
I leave fuming, as a booker I know things slip through the cracks, but to forget about the guy who traveled 3000 miles away…not pro. I had to get on the line and let people know that the time had been changed from 8:15 to 9:45. Not sure if this will help or hurt people. Hopefully it doesn’t torpedo my crowd for tomorrow. Grrr.
Casey and I hit the beach of a while, and then walked around Redondo before heading back to the hotel. Casey got in touch with one of his buddies and he told him about a party in West Hollywood. I saw that there was an open mic in Long Beach so we decided to hit that up first. I figured it would be a good opportunity to play in front of a room full of people.
When we got there they told me that it was their two year anniversary and that the mic wasn’t really open tonight but if I wanted to wait around it’s possible that I could get on. I mentioned that I came from Philly and wouldn’t be back next week. I’ve been on the other side of this conversation so many times before at Philly Rising so I didn’t push it too much. A few minutes later she told me that there was an open spot in the beginning and that I could open the festivities which was fine with me.
As I began to strum my guitar I noticed that it was a listening crowd. All the eyes were on me as the crowd was very attentive to what I was doing. I g through my first song to a raucous applause and was allowed to play another one. I kind of rocked it, it was pretty sweet. Although I doubt it, hopefully some of those people will come tomorrow. There were some really talented people at the open mic. We had to head to the party though.
I showered and we ventured to West Hollywood and discovered we couldn’t get into the bar for dress code violations. We thought about getting into something else, but we realized that we had been up for 25 hours straight so we decided to go to bed.
100 days and here I sit, from an AV Tech to playing my 2nd West Coast gig in two months.
I wonder what the next 100 days will bring.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 100
Day 99 - June 18th 2009
One day till Cali
I spent most of the day scrambling.
One I needed to pack for my trip. My bag, much smaller than Roxanne has got more than I need (just in case) plus CD’s in the hopes that I’ll sell some while I’m out there. I’m messaging, emailing, calling, the LA faithful to make sure that they are coming. Some are dropping out but I should (hopefully) have a good crowd there. Trying to schedule some other stuff while I’m there too, to kill a bunch of birds with one stone.
Two I’m trying to lock up my show at World Café live on July 23rd. It’s a little more than a month out and we need all the time we can get to promote the show. I have enough of a show to start promo, if others that I’ve asked wish to come play I can slide them in if need be. But by days end I sent off what I had and all that needs t be hammered out is the ticket price. I’ll have my laptop over the weekend and we can hammer all that stuff out.
Once the folks got home it was time for me to go so I met up with Casey at his place and we headed towards Baltimore. We would be staying with his Girlfriend’s parents. Her mom is going to drive us to the airport because she is awesome. I couldn’t help but laugh as we hit the highway. Here I am on the open road again. I’m asleep in five minutes just like tour, something about moving vehicles. I wake up at a rest stop and go in for some chicken…just like old times, accept I’m riding with one of my best friends, it’s a great way to travel.
I fell asleep again (typical) and woke up at the Keech’s. I tried not to be loud since we were in the suburbs but as we walked inside a car sped past blasting DMX as he grinded to a screeching halt. A guy and two girls pile outside, obviously drunk and loud as all get out. Don’t they teach kids manners anymore?
We’re leaving for the airport at 3 so I probably won’t sleep. MSNBC will keep me awake with it’s deliciously leftist pundits.
I’m very excited about this weekend. Hopefully good things happen.
One day till Cali
I spent most of the day scrambling.
One I needed to pack for my trip. My bag, much smaller than Roxanne has got more than I need (just in case) plus CD’s in the hopes that I’ll sell some while I’m out there. I’m messaging, emailing, calling, the LA faithful to make sure that they are coming. Some are dropping out but I should (hopefully) have a good crowd there. Trying to schedule some other stuff while I’m there too, to kill a bunch of birds with one stone.
Two I’m trying to lock up my show at World Café live on July 23rd. It’s a little more than a month out and we need all the time we can get to promote the show. I have enough of a show to start promo, if others that I’ve asked wish to come play I can slide them in if need be. But by days end I sent off what I had and all that needs t be hammered out is the ticket price. I’ll have my laptop over the weekend and we can hammer all that stuff out.
Once the folks got home it was time for me to go so I met up with Casey at his place and we headed towards Baltimore. We would be staying with his Girlfriend’s parents. Her mom is going to drive us to the airport because she is awesome. I couldn’t help but laugh as we hit the highway. Here I am on the open road again. I’m asleep in five minutes just like tour, something about moving vehicles. I wake up at a rest stop and go in for some chicken…just like old times, accept I’m riding with one of my best friends, it’s a great way to travel.
I fell asleep again (typical) and woke up at the Keech’s. I tried not to be loud since we were in the suburbs but as we walked inside a car sped past blasting DMX as he grinded to a screeching halt. A guy and two girls pile outside, obviously drunk and loud as all get out. Don’t they teach kids manners anymore?
We’re leaving for the airport at 3 so I probably won’t sleep. MSNBC will keep me awake with it’s deliciously leftist pundits.
I’m very excited about this weekend. Hopefully good things happen.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 99
Day 98 - June 17th 2009
California in two days…sweet
Not much to do today other than a planning session with Steve and Kelvin for some things in Jefferson Square Park. We may attempt to put together something that looks like a festival over there in the fall. That’s something I’m very excited about but I’m getting ahead of myself as I need to warp the plans for the show in July at World Café Live. I’m always a little tight about doing a show on a weeknight but if I get all the people I want it could be the biggest HYPE! Show ever.
First I had to get some cleaning done around the house. Vacuums, Mops, and even a hairy clog required my attention all morning. Mom had been on my case about getting it done before I left for California. My sister was coming over and the house did look like hell hit it.
I met Steve (Bassist, Absolute Zeros) at his place in South Philly. He lives on the same street as another bassist I played with in a band called Stone Fox. He cooked a delicious dinner and then we watched Wipeout. Kelvin came over and once we were done with Wipeout we went over to a bar called New Wave and met with the guy that’s in charge of Jefferson Square park. As I reached for my wallet I realized that I left my Credit Card at World Café Live at the Back Door Slam show. Luckily I had to make a stop over there after I was done some other business downtown. The meeting was productive, things are looking up.
I headed over there to see Wyldlyfe’s show which I missed cause my other business downtown took longer than I thought. Fitting a meeting, other stuff, and a show in one night is often too much. I was able to come and at least pay my respects before leaving.
I got home and hit the bed pretty early, I knew I had to get up and pack and perhaps work on some tuneage while I was waiting to hit the road with Casey.
California in two days…sweet
Not much to do today other than a planning session with Steve and Kelvin for some things in Jefferson Square Park. We may attempt to put together something that looks like a festival over there in the fall. That’s something I’m very excited about but I’m getting ahead of myself as I need to warp the plans for the show in July at World Café Live. I’m always a little tight about doing a show on a weeknight but if I get all the people I want it could be the biggest HYPE! Show ever.
First I had to get some cleaning done around the house. Vacuums, Mops, and even a hairy clog required my attention all morning. Mom had been on my case about getting it done before I left for California. My sister was coming over and the house did look like hell hit it.
I met Steve (Bassist, Absolute Zeros) at his place in South Philly. He lives on the same street as another bassist I played with in a band called Stone Fox. He cooked a delicious dinner and then we watched Wipeout. Kelvin came over and once we were done with Wipeout we went over to a bar called New Wave and met with the guy that’s in charge of Jefferson Square park. As I reached for my wallet I realized that I left my Credit Card at World Café Live at the Back Door Slam show. Luckily I had to make a stop over there after I was done some other business downtown. The meeting was productive, things are looking up.
I headed over there to see Wyldlyfe’s show which I missed cause my other business downtown took longer than I thought. Fitting a meeting, other stuff, and a show in one night is often too much. I was able to come and at least pay my respects before leaving.
I got home and hit the bed pretty early, I knew I had to get up and pack and perhaps work on some tuneage while I was waiting to hit the road with Casey.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Boy Wonder Professional Musician 98
Day 97 - June 16th 2009
Big day…well full day at least.
I have three guitar lessons and a recording session scheduled. I hadn’t heard from the producer yesterday or this morning to confirm so until I hear from him I’m assuming that it’s not happening today. Truthfully that’s fine with me. I had the sneaky suspicion that I would be over at his place all night as he tried to cook up beats, when I work better laying the parts down after the beats have already been completed. The worst feeling in the world is going into someone’s session blind. Someone who really has their stuff together at least can send you some kind of rough idea of that they wanna do right?
By 2 I was out the door headed towards Center City. My first lesson was at 4 but I wanted to run some pages from the picture chord book off to give to them so that they had them. I ran them off at Dad’s job. I enjoy goin to either one of their jobs in the middle of the day and just kicking it. Still tryin to figure out what exactly my Dad does at his job. There are an awful lot of files there. He must be good at it.
By 4 I was at Becca’s Place, a really ritzy a partment building in Center City I walk in and run into the Front Desk Guy.
Front Desk Guy: You can’t practice here
Me: Excuse me?
Front Desk Guy: You can’t practice here.
Me: I’m not, that doesn’t even make sense.
Front Desk Guy: Well what are you doing here?
Me: I’m here for Becca Fisher
Front Desk Guy: Oh someone else just came in. Are you her teacher?
Me: Yeah
Front Desk Guy: Ok go on up.
We usually do this at Alyssa’s house I like the person that works at her front desk better. They ask who you’re here to see, they call up to verify , and I walk up. Old black dudes always give you a hard time with all the yip yap.
All of my students are currently having the same problem all beginners have at first, developing hand strength. Pressing down hard to the frets so that your notes and chords don’t sound like ass. Most folks have no idea the work that goes into playing this instrument and the months and years you spend not sounding all that great. I’m learning that I have to be firm with them. As a teacher I have to demand that they practice and work hard so that they can be decent players. No matter how frustrated they get or how hard they fight me. I have to be steady and firm.
One has to practice on their own in order to master this, I can tell when they aren’t doing that. You can’t progress unless you practice. With music there’s no cheating. Especially when you play a stringed instrument. I am pleased with the progression of the ones that are working hard. It shows even at this early stage.
I walked over to my last student Rel’s house and her vibe is a bit different. She’s interested in forging an actual career in music, writing songs and being a bad ass guitar player. She had already learned a few chords before I even got there. She’s very excited, I think I can help her to be a good player and even a songwriter. She already has a great voice so it’s gonna be pretty sweet once she learns to play.
I ended the evening with a trip to the Tritone for the open mic run by The Absolute Zeros. I miss my open mic so sometimes I go to theirs. The feature was pretty good and drew a pretty big crowd. I got a pickup shortly after my set and came home.
I’m also one act away of booking my show at World Café Live July 23rd. It’s gonna be awesome. California in a matter of days, I’m very excited.
My favorite version of Candy Shop
Big day…well full day at least.
I have three guitar lessons and a recording session scheduled. I hadn’t heard from the producer yesterday or this morning to confirm so until I hear from him I’m assuming that it’s not happening today. Truthfully that’s fine with me. I had the sneaky suspicion that I would be over at his place all night as he tried to cook up beats, when I work better laying the parts down after the beats have already been completed. The worst feeling in the world is going into someone’s session blind. Someone who really has their stuff together at least can send you some kind of rough idea of that they wanna do right?
By 2 I was out the door headed towards Center City. My first lesson was at 4 but I wanted to run some pages from the picture chord book off to give to them so that they had them. I ran them off at Dad’s job. I enjoy goin to either one of their jobs in the middle of the day and just kicking it. Still tryin to figure out what exactly my Dad does at his job. There are an awful lot of files there. He must be good at it.
By 4 I was at Becca’s Place, a really ritzy a partment building in Center City I walk in and run into the Front Desk Guy.
Front Desk Guy: You can’t practice here
Me: Excuse me?
Front Desk Guy: You can’t practice here.
Me: I’m not, that doesn’t even make sense.
Front Desk Guy: Well what are you doing here?
Me: I’m here for Becca Fisher
Front Desk Guy: Oh someone else just came in. Are you her teacher?
Me: Yeah
Front Desk Guy: Ok go on up.
We usually do this at Alyssa’s house I like the person that works at her front desk better. They ask who you’re here to see, they call up to verify , and I walk up. Old black dudes always give you a hard time with all the yip yap.
All of my students are currently having the same problem all beginners have at first, developing hand strength. Pressing down hard to the frets so that your notes and chords don’t sound like ass. Most folks have no idea the work that goes into playing this instrument and the months and years you spend not sounding all that great. I’m learning that I have to be firm with them. As a teacher I have to demand that they practice and work hard so that they can be decent players. No matter how frustrated they get or how hard they fight me. I have to be steady and firm.
One has to practice on their own in order to master this, I can tell when they aren’t doing that. You can’t progress unless you practice. With music there’s no cheating. Especially when you play a stringed instrument. I am pleased with the progression of the ones that are working hard. It shows even at this early stage.
I walked over to my last student Rel’s house and her vibe is a bit different. She’s interested in forging an actual career in music, writing songs and being a bad ass guitar player. She had already learned a few chords before I even got there. She’s very excited, I think I can help her to be a good player and even a songwriter. She already has a great voice so it’s gonna be pretty sweet once she learns to play.
I ended the evening with a trip to the Tritone for the open mic run by The Absolute Zeros. I miss my open mic so sometimes I go to theirs. The feature was pretty good and drew a pretty big crowd. I got a pickup shortly after my set and came home.
I’m also one act away of booking my show at World Café Live July 23rd. It’s gonna be awesome. California in a matter of days, I’m very excited.
My favorite version of Candy Shop
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 97
Day 96 - June 15th 2009
Today was gonna be sweet.
Didn’t have much to do today musically, Monday are usually open because I have Philly Rising. I can’t help but miss it. I often think that the timing probably would have been better had the Bang Camaro tour been in the summer as opposed to the Spring. Philly Rising wouldn’t have missed me as much and I could have kept my 9-5 job. Oh well. My inabilty to replace that 9-5 with another has opened up a world of possibilities top me as far as playing my music and using music to survive.
The songs are sort of half coming to me. So much of what I’ve always done as a songwriter is evaluate really hard where I’m at in my life. It’s weird because my dreams have sort of come true but not really. I still feel like I’m the underdog and no one really knows anything about me but at the same time thousands of people have heard me sing and watch me perform (millions if you count the Kimmel appearance) there’s so much more to the picture and I feel like I wanna paint it. It’s going to be weird to write about stuff like that.
I was pretty stoked to take a break from myself and meet up with Sean (Bang Cmaaro Vocalist) to check out some guy named Davey Knowles and the Back Door Slam. This guy was incredible. It was like I was seeing the new Eric Clapton. A british kid who was playing he blues and doing it well. World Café Live was packed and I had never heard of this guy before tonight. I got a little giddy when I realized that I’ve stood where he’s stood and played my own guitar.
It was pretty heavy stuff, I def needed a nap afterwards. When the blues is played that well it jars you to your core.
After the show was over Sean drove me home and told me all about the Biker show in new Hampshire and future plans for Bang Camaro. It was good to see him, and I hope to keep in touch with him especially since he’s still here.
I’m gonna skip Weeds and hit the bed. I have three guitar lessons to give tomorrow.
A little Davy Knowles and Backdoor Slam from tonight’s show
Today was gonna be sweet.
Didn’t have much to do today musically, Monday are usually open because I have Philly Rising. I can’t help but miss it. I often think that the timing probably would have been better had the Bang Camaro tour been in the summer as opposed to the Spring. Philly Rising wouldn’t have missed me as much and I could have kept my 9-5 job. Oh well. My inabilty to replace that 9-5 with another has opened up a world of possibilities top me as far as playing my music and using music to survive.
The songs are sort of half coming to me. So much of what I’ve always done as a songwriter is evaluate really hard where I’m at in my life. It’s weird because my dreams have sort of come true but not really. I still feel like I’m the underdog and no one really knows anything about me but at the same time thousands of people have heard me sing and watch me perform (millions if you count the Kimmel appearance) there’s so much more to the picture and I feel like I wanna paint it. It’s going to be weird to write about stuff like that.
I was pretty stoked to take a break from myself and meet up with Sean (Bang Cmaaro Vocalist) to check out some guy named Davey Knowles and the Back Door Slam. This guy was incredible. It was like I was seeing the new Eric Clapton. A british kid who was playing he blues and doing it well. World Café Live was packed and I had never heard of this guy before tonight. I got a little giddy when I realized that I’ve stood where he’s stood and played my own guitar.
It was pretty heavy stuff, I def needed a nap afterwards. When the blues is played that well it jars you to your core.
After the show was over Sean drove me home and told me all about the Biker show in new Hampshire and future plans for Bang Camaro. It was good to see him, and I hope to keep in touch with him especially since he’s still here.
I’m gonna skip Weeds and hit the bed. I have three guitar lessons to give tomorrow.
A little Davy Knowles and Backdoor Slam from tonight’s show
Monday, June 15, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 96
Day 95 - June 14th 2009
Sunday Morning
Today is Children’s day at Church. Meaning that the Church’s Junior and Young People’s Choir are singing, meaning I have to play. We usually don’t have to play until third Sunday but in June we play twice.
I’m never told what we’re playing, the chord progressions, and generally not when to start or finish. All I have generally is a key sheet forcing me to play leads and funky rhythms that I make up on the spot. Doesn’t make for a real tight sound but it’s kinda of fun for me. Virgil (Bass) and Spike (Drums) are one of the better rhythm sections you’ll find anywhere and with the piano there to handle chords, I just try to stay out of the way.
Those two guys have a wealth of the experience and I enjoy talking to them and learning from them about playing and the business. They’ve been everywhere and played with everybody. Combined with some of the others I’ve met over the past year or so I’ve seen a lot of people make this whole “I play music” thing work. It’s comforting to see that no matter where life takes you, you don’t have to stop playing. I won’t be there next Sunday cause I’ll be in California but I won’t miss the choir’s concert
After service we went to my sisters and ate dinner and hit the movies. Six flags in Maryland finally called and it looks like we’ll be there after all…nice.
Went to see The Hangover with my sis and bro-in-law….just as funny the second time around I recommend it to all who haven’t seen it yet.
Made some progress on the July 23rd at World Café Live front, it’s gonna be a good show if I get everyone I want to come and play. Should be sweet.
We watched a little NBA Finals and I wore a Sunggie for the very first time…talk about bizarre.
We got home and I hit the bed. Supposed to be hanging out with Sean-o (Bang Camaro Vocalist) tomorrow night. Should be a good time
Sunday Morning
Today is Children’s day at Church. Meaning that the Church’s Junior and Young People’s Choir are singing, meaning I have to play. We usually don’t have to play until third Sunday but in June we play twice.
I’m never told what we’re playing, the chord progressions, and generally not when to start or finish. All I have generally is a key sheet forcing me to play leads and funky rhythms that I make up on the spot. Doesn’t make for a real tight sound but it’s kinda of fun for me. Virgil (Bass) and Spike (Drums) are one of the better rhythm sections you’ll find anywhere and with the piano there to handle chords, I just try to stay out of the way.
Those two guys have a wealth of the experience and I enjoy talking to them and learning from them about playing and the business. They’ve been everywhere and played with everybody. Combined with some of the others I’ve met over the past year or so I’ve seen a lot of people make this whole “I play music” thing work. It’s comforting to see that no matter where life takes you, you don’t have to stop playing. I won’t be there next Sunday cause I’ll be in California but I won’t miss the choir’s concert
After service we went to my sisters and ate dinner and hit the movies. Six flags in Maryland finally called and it looks like we’ll be there after all…nice.
Went to see The Hangover with my sis and bro-in-law….just as funny the second time around I recommend it to all who haven’t seen it yet.
Made some progress on the July 23rd at World Café Live front, it’s gonna be a good show if I get everyone I want to come and play. Should be sweet.
We watched a little NBA Finals and I wore a Sunggie for the very first time…talk about bizarre.
We got home and I hit the bed. Supposed to be hanging out with Sean-o (Bang Camaro Vocalist) tomorrow night. Should be a good time
Boy Wonder Professional Musician 95
Day 94 - June 13th 2009
Early Early Early
It’s a rarity that I wake up at 8AM on a Saturday but I had good reason. Today was my gig at The Landsdowne Farmers Market. Two hours with no gurantee of money. I’d be basically making tips and (if I’m lucky) selling CD’s. When I stepped in I saw this poster…
And I knew I was in another world. I hadn’t gotten much sleep last night so I was in desperate need of coffee. Luckily I didn’t buy any cause Bob Beach (good friend, sick harmonica player) who booked me for this gig had 5 Farmers Market coins to give to me meaning that there was free here, and you know me and free.
I tried my best to get a vocal warm up in before I started. Bob’s plan was for me to do three sets over the two hour period. With me and my acoustic guitar I can play all day so three 30 minute sets are no problem.
The first set was a little rough. It being so early in the morning I wanted to sing things that would be easy on my voice. I kick things off with Destiny for some strange reason. I’m about 3 songs in and a woman walks up, purchases a CD and waits there for me to finish my song. She asks for an autograph. I should be used to this by now. I singed plenty of autographs when I was out with Camaro, but I giggle every time this happens. She says she wants it so that if I’m ever famous she’ll have it. She waves for some people to come over. Then there were a bunch of people that bought CD’s and wanted autographs, two little girls who were around Jordan’s age had me sign their arms. I giggle again and finish my first set.
I hit up some more free and I move to start my second set. I’m doing songs from the album now that my voice is nice and warmed up. Bob knows most of them (from playing on two and being the sound guy at the open mic) so he joins me for most of the set, he played some harp and even a little flute. It was pretty sweet. Music’s a lot like sex, you can get the job done by yourself but it’s more fun with at least one other person. My strumming with his sensibilities makes me think some duo gigs might be on the horizon.
Small town acoustic gigs like this allow me the opportunity to meet some really awesome people. I met some really cool musicians, a girl that works at a produce store not to far from where the market was, the people from Todaro’s Music store who were digging on my Kingdom Come Superman T-shirt. I got to talk to lots of different people it was pretty awesome.
I ended my last set with a bunch of CD’s sold and a surprising amount in the tip jar and I made some new friends/fans. My mind wandered to thoughts of Bang Camaro who were playing a biker rally this evening. I wonder if something like that is as deliciously bizarre as this was. I’ve been playing by myself more and more lately and appreciating the freedom in that. I don’t have to head bob anyone, I don’t really need a plan, I just play what I feel like playing. That being said I’d like to play with my bassist and drummer as soon as possible.
Moms and I went to Burlington Coat Factory to get some duds for service tomorrow. When we got home Dad made fish and we watched Righteous Kill.
Early to bed this evening, I have to play in church tomorrow. Children’s Day.
Early Early Early
It’s a rarity that I wake up at 8AM on a Saturday but I had good reason. Today was my gig at The Landsdowne Farmers Market. Two hours with no gurantee of money. I’d be basically making tips and (if I’m lucky) selling CD’s. When I stepped in I saw this poster…
And I knew I was in another world. I hadn’t gotten much sleep last night so I was in desperate need of coffee. Luckily I didn’t buy any cause Bob Beach (good friend, sick harmonica player) who booked me for this gig had 5 Farmers Market coins to give to me meaning that there was free here, and you know me and free.
I tried my best to get a vocal warm up in before I started. Bob’s plan was for me to do three sets over the two hour period. With me and my acoustic guitar I can play all day so three 30 minute sets are no problem.
The first set was a little rough. It being so early in the morning I wanted to sing things that would be easy on my voice. I kick things off with Destiny for some strange reason. I’m about 3 songs in and a woman walks up, purchases a CD and waits there for me to finish my song. She asks for an autograph. I should be used to this by now. I singed plenty of autographs when I was out with Camaro, but I giggle every time this happens. She says she wants it so that if I’m ever famous she’ll have it. She waves for some people to come over. Then there were a bunch of people that bought CD’s and wanted autographs, two little girls who were around Jordan’s age had me sign their arms. I giggle again and finish my first set.
I hit up some more free and I move to start my second set. I’m doing songs from the album now that my voice is nice and warmed up. Bob knows most of them (from playing on two and being the sound guy at the open mic) so he joins me for most of the set, he played some harp and even a little flute. It was pretty sweet. Music’s a lot like sex, you can get the job done by yourself but it’s more fun with at least one other person. My strumming with his sensibilities makes me think some duo gigs might be on the horizon.
Small town acoustic gigs like this allow me the opportunity to meet some really awesome people. I met some really cool musicians, a girl that works at a produce store not to far from where the market was, the people from Todaro’s Music store who were digging on my Kingdom Come Superman T-shirt. I got to talk to lots of different people it was pretty awesome.
I ended my last set with a bunch of CD’s sold and a surprising amount in the tip jar and I made some new friends/fans. My mind wandered to thoughts of Bang Camaro who were playing a biker rally this evening. I wonder if something like that is as deliciously bizarre as this was. I’ve been playing by myself more and more lately and appreciating the freedom in that. I don’t have to head bob anyone, I don’t really need a plan, I just play what I feel like playing. That being said I’d like to play with my bassist and drummer as soon as possible.
Moms and I went to Burlington Coat Factory to get some duds for service tomorrow. When we got home Dad made fish and we watched Righteous Kill.
Early to bed this evening, I have to play in church tomorrow. Children’s Day.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 94
Day 93 - June 12th 2009
Today was special and it had nothing to do with me and anything I was doing.
Today was opening night of recitals for my nieces dance school and the “coming to your stuff” rule doesn’t just apply to me and the various Boy Wonderiffic things I do. With my family if you’re doing something that even resembles something hat requires an audience the rest of us are there, snapping pictures and cheering loudly like black folk at a horror movie. Case in point, my parents all over this region and recently the country watching me perform.
I woke up did some stuff in regards to the World Café Live show July 23rd I’m making quite a bit of progress but once the folks came and got me I decided I’d wait until tomorrow to worry about all things associated with the HYPE! We meet up with some other family members and head over to Winslow Township in New Jersey to watch the dance recital.
The plan is very simple Jordan (My 6 year old niece) is in the first number Taylor (My 11 year old nice0 and her friend Asia are in the 6th number. We watch, grab them and get out of there.
Jordan does tumbling, it was some sort of Lion King type theme or something. I was a bit puzzled as to what was going on. There were a lot of flips, I like that. Perhaps we can keep Jordan in these classes and then I can turn her into some sort of ninja.
Taylor did some sort of island dance. I realize that she’s 11 almost as tall as I am and developing at an alarming rate and to top it all of no one asked my permission for her to grow up at all. She should stay 7 forever. That’s just my opinion I could be wrong.
We got back to the house watched a little wipeout and then headed back to the crib. I had a gig in the early morning so I tried to get some rest which was next to impossible for some strange reason. I think I hit the bed at 4am, which doesn’t bode well for my day tomorrow.
Today was special and it had nothing to do with me and anything I was doing.
Today was opening night of recitals for my nieces dance school and the “coming to your stuff” rule doesn’t just apply to me and the various Boy Wonderiffic things I do. With my family if you’re doing something that even resembles something hat requires an audience the rest of us are there, snapping pictures and cheering loudly like black folk at a horror movie. Case in point, my parents all over this region and recently the country watching me perform.
I woke up did some stuff in regards to the World Café Live show July 23rd I’m making quite a bit of progress but once the folks came and got me I decided I’d wait until tomorrow to worry about all things associated with the HYPE! We meet up with some other family members and head over to Winslow Township in New Jersey to watch the dance recital.
The plan is very simple Jordan (My 6 year old niece) is in the first number Taylor (My 11 year old nice0 and her friend Asia are in the 6th number. We watch, grab them and get out of there.
Jordan does tumbling, it was some sort of Lion King type theme or something. I was a bit puzzled as to what was going on. There were a lot of flips, I like that. Perhaps we can keep Jordan in these classes and then I can turn her into some sort of ninja.
Taylor did some sort of island dance. I realize that she’s 11 almost as tall as I am and developing at an alarming rate and to top it all of no one asked my permission for her to grow up at all. She should stay 7 forever. That’s just my opinion I could be wrong.
We got back to the house watched a little wipeout and then headed back to the crib. I had a gig in the early morning so I tried to get some rest which was next to impossible for some strange reason. I think I hit the bed at 4am, which doesn’t bode well for my day tomorrow.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 93
Day 92 - June 11th 2009
I’m still sick from that Gyro I ate at 1 Am in NYC….Brutal. My shoulder is also killing me so the next phone call is going to the producers I was supposed to record with tonight and let him know that we’ll have to postpone. I called and it looks like Tuesday we’ll link up. Another bit of Good news I picked up another guitar student, one I’m really excited about. She wants to learn to play so that she can write songs and perform, things I’m good at.
I get calls and emails asking me how the gig went. Many NYC friends that missed the gig ask when I’ll be returning so that I can book another gig there and have them not show up. I was pleased with last nights show but the next one has to be planned, promoted better. We picked up some new fans and if all of my people ever came to see us at the same time we’d be golden. If we could find some reliable NYC bands to swap with we could build an audience and start with 169 Bar.
I get the ball rolling on this show Downstairs at World Café Live. Most of the bands I usually work with down there are busy that day. I have some…”bigger” ideas this time around but I can’t really talk about them because I don’t want to jinx it. If it works out it could be the biggest HYPE! Show ever. I’m a little anxious because I have to book this show fast so that I can properly promote it.
It’s hair day. Which means I have to spend like an hour washing it.
With New York out of the way the next thing I’m focused on is this Farmers Market gig and the show in LA next weekend. Both are solo shows. I’ve been playing a lot more by myself lately than I did before I left. I was always a bit apprehensive about it but I think I’m more comfortable these days. I have to do what I have to do to get my name out there, I have to be as powerful alone as I would be with 2, 5, 7 other people on stage. I’m very excited about the California trip.
I’ve got a really good idea for a really great song hopefully I don’t screw it up.
I try to make sense of Cassie’s new hairstyle, after I fail I go to bed.
I’m still sick from that Gyro I ate at 1 Am in NYC….Brutal. My shoulder is also killing me so the next phone call is going to the producers I was supposed to record with tonight and let him know that we’ll have to postpone. I called and it looks like Tuesday we’ll link up. Another bit of Good news I picked up another guitar student, one I’m really excited about. She wants to learn to play so that she can write songs and perform, things I’m good at.
I get calls and emails asking me how the gig went. Many NYC friends that missed the gig ask when I’ll be returning so that I can book another gig there and have them not show up. I was pleased with last nights show but the next one has to be planned, promoted better. We picked up some new fans and if all of my people ever came to see us at the same time we’d be golden. If we could find some reliable NYC bands to swap with we could build an audience and start with 169 Bar.
I get the ball rolling on this show Downstairs at World Café Live. Most of the bands I usually work with down there are busy that day. I have some…”bigger” ideas this time around but I can’t really talk about them because I don’t want to jinx it. If it works out it could be the biggest HYPE! Show ever. I’m a little anxious because I have to book this show fast so that I can properly promote it.
It’s hair day. Which means I have to spend like an hour washing it.
With New York out of the way the next thing I’m focused on is this Farmers Market gig and the show in LA next weekend. Both are solo shows. I’ve been playing a lot more by myself lately than I did before I left. I was always a bit apprehensive about it but I think I’m more comfortable these days. I have to do what I have to do to get my name out there, I have to be as powerful alone as I would be with 2, 5, 7 other people on stage. I’m very excited about the California trip.
I’ve got a really good idea for a really great song hopefully I don’t screw it up.
I try to make sense of Cassie’s new hairstyle, after I fail I go to bed.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 92
Day 91 - June 10th 2009
Today’s the big day. My first show in NYC in eight months. I had been here twice since then with Bang Camaro but nothing’s quite like me hitting the big apple with my own crew. We always have an interesting time.
Rob met me at my house and we took the EL to 11th street to grab the Megabus to New York. Jake met us there and we climbed aboard. Our lack of vanage forced us to bring only what we could carry, instruments, snare and cymbals. We were gonna hit the big apple about 3 hours early to avoid Rush Hour traffic. I was looking forward to getting out of Philly for the night, seeing some old friends and playing some music.
The ride up was pretty cool, I sat next to Jake and showed him and Rob some updates in the schedule. I’m like a kid on Christmas showing them the possibilities of cool shot that we may have coming up this summer. I was still dealing with business stuff on the bus. Just got another show Downstairs at World Café Live on July 23rd and have to move on it immediately. I dunno who to get this time. I’d like to roll with virtually the same package as last time with some adjustments. But I have to see what everybody’s doin.
We hit NYC around 4:30. Our bus stopped right around the corner from 169. As we dropped our stuff off and went to find food the calls began. It’s a New York Tradition that like 5-10 people that have sworn up and down they’re showing up to a show call me with some excuse. The winning one from most of these were,
Caller: Hey I’m in Philly, what are you doin tonight?!
Me: I’m in New York, remember I’m playing a show tonight?
Caller: Oh yeah.
Me: Well look I gotta go.
I try not to take it personally anymore. We have some fans in New York that are gonna show up so I’m not gonna worry about it much.
We’ve been here thirty minutes and the city’s already starting to get to me. Too many people, too little space. As we hit Chinatown it was even worse. We better find some place to eat fast before I snap. As we’re walking someone grabs my arm, I almost freak out I turn and it was a woman asking me about a Lebanese costume shop ,
Lady: Do you know where the Lebanese costume shop is?
Me: No.
Lady: You know the place where you can get costumes?
Me: I’m not from here?
Lady: Come on you have to know.
Me: GOOD BYE!
My band mates are up the street chuckling as I run to catch up.
We settle on this cute little Chinese restaurant. Table cloths and all. The waitresses put our menus down as we look them over and figure out what we wanna eat. We put our menus down waiting for the m to come back over. Ten minutes go by…nothing, another five…nothing, ten more…nothing. I then look up and notice my bandmates and I are the only non-asian people in the entire establishment. As my black ass sits there (rockin the fro no less) I can feel people looking at us like “Why the hell are you sitting in here.” We wait another ten and see the entire staff put a bunch of food on the table and start eating. Deciding it was the last straw we got up and walked out.
Look I don’t mind if I’m not welcome in your establishment for whatever reason, just don’t waste my time. We ended up walking out of Chinatown and getting some really good pizza at Luna Pizza. It was getting really cold so I stopped in a Modell’s, picked up a sweatshirt and headed back to the bar. I got a call from Dick Valentine from Electric Six wishing me good luck tonight. That guy is the man.
We roll into the bar and chilled until line check. I worked the room trying to get people in the bar to stick around. As our people hadn’t rolled in yet. Claire was the first of my friends to arrive followed by Barnabas. We had about ten or so people come by before the show started seeing as though we were first it was time to throw down.
Got a text message from Dani Mari at Lickety Split telling me the show I booked tonight was running smoothly, a load off my mind.
169 is normally an acoustic spot, when they have electric bands they usually plug them directly into the soundboard. With not effects and the like we tuned up and were ready to go. Funny thing happened, when we started playing even more people started coming into the bar and the patrons we didn’t know started paying attention to the music. It was a weird set because I basically had to build the set around tunes where distortion wasn’t necessary to the song sounding good. I never noticed how many big riff songs are on the Albums I’ve made.
Set List
Ain’t No Sunshine
Michelle
(Oh) I wish I loved You
How Can This Be Love
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Body
As we started Jake and I noticed the monitors were blown…awesome. We were playing so loud it was a massive issue but if the Bang Camaro tour taught me nothing it showed me the comfort level good monitors bring you. It was a solid show the really cute girl at the bar seemed to like it a lot. We got a few names added to the mailing list and hung out for a little while at the bar and a few friends met us later on in the night. Zoe, an actress I worked with during my days as a filmmaker stopped by and after a while the conversation turned to me picking my camera back up again. An interesting idea.
We hopped in a cab and got to penn station to take the Mega Bus back but not before we hit the bathroom. Homeless people were singing in the men’s room and Rob thought it was a good idea to join in. It was a truly hilarious experience. We exit ordered Gyros off of a cart (at 1 AM no less) and hit the bus to go home.
I quickly realize the Gyros was a bad idea. I’m already sick to my stomach as the sky opens up, the rain helps me sleep. We get back at 3:30 and there’s my mom there to pick us up. I feel bad for artists that don’t have a strong support system. My family has always been supportive even at times when I think they may have though the music thing was a bad idea. I got in around 4 and hit the bed.
All in all I thought it was a good experience. It was the first time in NYC where I felt like I had an awesome time. The differences of being here with my crew and when I’m here doin stuff with Camaro are pretty vast. Both are awesome, but there just something about the three of us walking around together laughing and joking around and playing music that just feels like home. The show was decent, hopefully I’ll have a gig bag next time and can play my acoustic. It was the first time in New York someone asked us while we were still there to come back and play again. I feel like I’m getting along a little bit. It’s pretty cool.
My shoulder is killing me I’ll probably have to postpone this session tomorrow. Not to mention book this show for July 23rd.
Today’s the big day. My first show in NYC in eight months. I had been here twice since then with Bang Camaro but nothing’s quite like me hitting the big apple with my own crew. We always have an interesting time.
Rob met me at my house and we took the EL to 11th street to grab the Megabus to New York. Jake met us there and we climbed aboard. Our lack of vanage forced us to bring only what we could carry, instruments, snare and cymbals. We were gonna hit the big apple about 3 hours early to avoid Rush Hour traffic. I was looking forward to getting out of Philly for the night, seeing some old friends and playing some music.
The ride up was pretty cool, I sat next to Jake and showed him and Rob some updates in the schedule. I’m like a kid on Christmas showing them the possibilities of cool shot that we may have coming up this summer. I was still dealing with business stuff on the bus. Just got another show Downstairs at World Café Live on July 23rd and have to move on it immediately. I dunno who to get this time. I’d like to roll with virtually the same package as last time with some adjustments. But I have to see what everybody’s doin.
We hit NYC around 4:30. Our bus stopped right around the corner from 169. As we dropped our stuff off and went to find food the calls began. It’s a New York Tradition that like 5-10 people that have sworn up and down they’re showing up to a show call me with some excuse. The winning one from most of these were,
Caller: Hey I’m in Philly, what are you doin tonight?!
Me: I’m in New York, remember I’m playing a show tonight?
Caller: Oh yeah.
Me: Well look I gotta go.
I try not to take it personally anymore. We have some fans in New York that are gonna show up so I’m not gonna worry about it much.
We’ve been here thirty minutes and the city’s already starting to get to me. Too many people, too little space. As we hit Chinatown it was even worse. We better find some place to eat fast before I snap. As we’re walking someone grabs my arm, I almost freak out I turn and it was a woman asking me about a Lebanese costume shop ,
Lady: Do you know where the Lebanese costume shop is?
Me: No.
Lady: You know the place where you can get costumes?
Me: I’m not from here?
Lady: Come on you have to know.
Me: GOOD BYE!
My band mates are up the street chuckling as I run to catch up.
We settle on this cute little Chinese restaurant. Table cloths and all. The waitresses put our menus down as we look them over and figure out what we wanna eat. We put our menus down waiting for the m to come back over. Ten minutes go by…nothing, another five…nothing, ten more…nothing. I then look up and notice my bandmates and I are the only non-asian people in the entire establishment. As my black ass sits there (rockin the fro no less) I can feel people looking at us like “Why the hell are you sitting in here.” We wait another ten and see the entire staff put a bunch of food on the table and start eating. Deciding it was the last straw we got up and walked out.
Look I don’t mind if I’m not welcome in your establishment for whatever reason, just don’t waste my time. We ended up walking out of Chinatown and getting some really good pizza at Luna Pizza. It was getting really cold so I stopped in a Modell’s, picked up a sweatshirt and headed back to the bar. I got a call from Dick Valentine from Electric Six wishing me good luck tonight. That guy is the man.
We roll into the bar and chilled until line check. I worked the room trying to get people in the bar to stick around. As our people hadn’t rolled in yet. Claire was the first of my friends to arrive followed by Barnabas. We had about ten or so people come by before the show started seeing as though we were first it was time to throw down.
Got a text message from Dani Mari at Lickety Split telling me the show I booked tonight was running smoothly, a load off my mind.
169 is normally an acoustic spot, when they have electric bands they usually plug them directly into the soundboard. With not effects and the like we tuned up and were ready to go. Funny thing happened, when we started playing even more people started coming into the bar and the patrons we didn’t know started paying attention to the music. It was a weird set because I basically had to build the set around tunes where distortion wasn’t necessary to the song sounding good. I never noticed how many big riff songs are on the Albums I’ve made.
Set List
Ain’t No Sunshine
Michelle
(Oh) I wish I loved You
How Can This Be Love
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Body
As we started Jake and I noticed the monitors were blown…awesome. We were playing so loud it was a massive issue but if the Bang Camaro tour taught me nothing it showed me the comfort level good monitors bring you. It was a solid show the really cute girl at the bar seemed to like it a lot. We got a few names added to the mailing list and hung out for a little while at the bar and a few friends met us later on in the night. Zoe, an actress I worked with during my days as a filmmaker stopped by and after a while the conversation turned to me picking my camera back up again. An interesting idea.
We hopped in a cab and got to penn station to take the Mega Bus back but not before we hit the bathroom. Homeless people were singing in the men’s room and Rob thought it was a good idea to join in. It was a truly hilarious experience. We exit ordered Gyros off of a cart (at 1 AM no less) and hit the bus to go home.
I quickly realize the Gyros was a bad idea. I’m already sick to my stomach as the sky opens up, the rain helps me sleep. We get back at 3:30 and there’s my mom there to pick us up. I feel bad for artists that don’t have a strong support system. My family has always been supportive even at times when I think they may have though the music thing was a bad idea. I got in around 4 and hit the bed.
All in all I thought it was a good experience. It was the first time in NYC where I felt like I had an awesome time. The differences of being here with my crew and when I’m here doin stuff with Camaro are pretty vast. Both are awesome, but there just something about the three of us walking around together laughing and joking around and playing music that just feels like home. The show was decent, hopefully I’ll have a gig bag next time and can play my acoustic. It was the first time in New York someone asked us while we were still there to come back and play again. I feel like I’m getting along a little bit. It’s pretty cool.
My shoulder is killing me I’ll probably have to postpone this session tomorrow. Not to mention book this show for July 23rd.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 91
Day 90 - June 9th 2009
I was woken up by the sound of Thunder and Lightning. It was pouring outside, most rain I’ve seen in quite sometime. When I was a kid I thought being struck by lightning would give you superpowers, as an adult it’s a theory I would rather not test. I have guitar lessons today and was hoping that the rain would subside long enough for me to get to Alyssa’s house without getting wet. The thunder did inspire me a bit. Then my phone rang. A guy wanting to know about me doing some session work which is good cause I could use the money. Since so much of the recent hip hop stuff is driven by live instruments, guitar sounds in particular producers are lookin for guys that can play with a certain amount of edge and I’ve got that in spades…lol
A shower and some food and I’m out the door. It isn’t raining but I take my umbrella anyway. Fortunately a bus is there to take me to Alyssa’s apartment. The EL (Elevated Train) may be a tad faster but the 42 bus drops me right at her front door. I go inside the ritzy building and the security guard calls up to make sure that they’re there I take an elevator up. The girl on the elevator with me apparently got some breakup flowers from her boyfriend whom she immediately called to chew out. The convo ended midway through the elevator ride as she looked up at me…awkward.
As I arrive inside the excuses rain down upon me not unlike this mornings storm. They hadn’t really practiced all that much, one had her brother’s wedding (which is legitimate) the other some other excuse that I can’t recall at the moment. I have to remember I’m dealing with hobbyists and not aspiring musicians. You couldn’t pry the guitar from me those first few years. All in all I will say I am pretty pleased with the work they did do. I’m getting more comfortable showing them the few things that I know and hopefully they’ll get better as time goes on.
Mom came to pick me up and I was told that the van was out of commission, with Rob preferring not to drive I would have to figure out how we were getting to NYC tomorrow. Good thing God created Megabus. I was able to find a bus up and back for pretty cheap, especially considering I’m paying for 3 people. Since we’re not driving Zach’s not going. This’ll be the first trip just the three of us have taken together in quite some time.
New York City will be receiving quite a bit of my attention in the coming weeks and months. I’d like to step up my play there, hopefully I’d be able to find a scene up there and see if I can turn some people on. My buds in NYC seem to be dropping out like usual. So I doubt I’ll have the usual crowd there. I’m hoping the other people playing have a decent draw so we can play in front of some new people. (*fingers crossed*)
It’s currently 3AM and I should go get some sleep
I was woken up by the sound of Thunder and Lightning. It was pouring outside, most rain I’ve seen in quite sometime. When I was a kid I thought being struck by lightning would give you superpowers, as an adult it’s a theory I would rather not test. I have guitar lessons today and was hoping that the rain would subside long enough for me to get to Alyssa’s house without getting wet. The thunder did inspire me a bit. Then my phone rang. A guy wanting to know about me doing some session work which is good cause I could use the money. Since so much of the recent hip hop stuff is driven by live instruments, guitar sounds in particular producers are lookin for guys that can play with a certain amount of edge and I’ve got that in spades…lol
A shower and some food and I’m out the door. It isn’t raining but I take my umbrella anyway. Fortunately a bus is there to take me to Alyssa’s apartment. The EL (Elevated Train) may be a tad faster but the 42 bus drops me right at her front door. I go inside the ritzy building and the security guard calls up to make sure that they’re there I take an elevator up. The girl on the elevator with me apparently got some breakup flowers from her boyfriend whom she immediately called to chew out. The convo ended midway through the elevator ride as she looked up at me…awkward.
As I arrive inside the excuses rain down upon me not unlike this mornings storm. They hadn’t really practiced all that much, one had her brother’s wedding (which is legitimate) the other some other excuse that I can’t recall at the moment. I have to remember I’m dealing with hobbyists and not aspiring musicians. You couldn’t pry the guitar from me those first few years. All in all I will say I am pretty pleased with the work they did do. I’m getting more comfortable showing them the few things that I know and hopefully they’ll get better as time goes on.
Mom came to pick me up and I was told that the van was out of commission, with Rob preferring not to drive I would have to figure out how we were getting to NYC tomorrow. Good thing God created Megabus. I was able to find a bus up and back for pretty cheap, especially considering I’m paying for 3 people. Since we’re not driving Zach’s not going. This’ll be the first trip just the three of us have taken together in quite some time.
New York City will be receiving quite a bit of my attention in the coming weeks and months. I’d like to step up my play there, hopefully I’d be able to find a scene up there and see if I can turn some people on. My buds in NYC seem to be dropping out like usual. So I doubt I’ll have the usual crowd there. I’m hoping the other people playing have a decent draw so we can play in front of some new people. (*fingers crossed*)
It’s currently 3AM and I should go get some sleep
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 90
Day 89 - June 8th 2009
Monday’s where Philly Rising is cancelled are always slow. As crazy as it sounds I miss the open mic whenever I’m not there. We won’t be back until the first Monday in July, I hope to keep in touch with everyone during the longest hiatus I think the open mic has ever taken.
I spent most of the morning doing some e-promo and making some calls. I’ve got shows in NYC and LA in the next few weeks not to mention that I pretty much have to put together a whole new team; management, publicity, and possibly a booking agent. I don’t know how I’m going to do all of this but I just have this feeling that everything’s gonna work out. Although I feel sort of stalled from a creative standpoint I am feeling like the world is opening up to me…or at least certain parts of the country lol. I’m slowly casting the self doubt thing to the side and trying to enjoy the times I get to play music.
I went to Casey’s place to finalize all things needing finalization regarding the California Trip/Gig. I’m very excited to come back to the West Coast. Hopefully one day I can bring the band out there and it’ll be sweet. The reception has been a lto better than it’s been in NYC. We’re there Wed Night, I hope it works out.
I left Casey’s house and got home and went to bed.
Monday’s where Philly Rising is cancelled are always slow. As crazy as it sounds I miss the open mic whenever I’m not there. We won’t be back until the first Monday in July, I hope to keep in touch with everyone during the longest hiatus I think the open mic has ever taken.
I spent most of the morning doing some e-promo and making some calls. I’ve got shows in NYC and LA in the next few weeks not to mention that I pretty much have to put together a whole new team; management, publicity, and possibly a booking agent. I don’t know how I’m going to do all of this but I just have this feeling that everything’s gonna work out. Although I feel sort of stalled from a creative standpoint I am feeling like the world is opening up to me…or at least certain parts of the country lol. I’m slowly casting the self doubt thing to the side and trying to enjoy the times I get to play music.
I went to Casey’s place to finalize all things needing finalization regarding the California Trip/Gig. I’m very excited to come back to the West Coast. Hopefully one day I can bring the band out there and it’ll be sweet. The reception has been a lto better than it’s been in NYC. We’re there Wed Night, I hope it works out.
I left Casey’s house and got home and went to bed.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 89
Day 88 - June 7th 2009
Spent the morning in church. I prefer to go to the early morning service at 7:30 AM if I can help it. Since there is a 10:45 service Pastor tends to move through everything quickly. Unfortunately my late arrival to bed would cause me to go to 10:45 service. It dragged out and got a little long this morning. I owe a great deal to my religious beliefs and faith but sometimes I wish that my particular church could find a way to keep me from nodding off.
I hit dinner with my folks and then we went to see the Hangover. Quite possibly the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. Everyone was inside of the theater cracking up from the first line of dialogue all the way to the end. One of the most visually strong comedies I’ve seen in a long time. I watched Made of Honor with my mother and then just as I was thinking of going to bed at the end of an uneventful day Christmas came early this year
Thank you Brett Michaels for being the constant bringer of joy that you are
Spent the morning in church. I prefer to go to the early morning service at 7:30 AM if I can help it. Since there is a 10:45 service Pastor tends to move through everything quickly. Unfortunately my late arrival to bed would cause me to go to 10:45 service. It dragged out and got a little long this morning. I owe a great deal to my religious beliefs and faith but sometimes I wish that my particular church could find a way to keep me from nodding off.
I hit dinner with my folks and then we went to see the Hangover. Quite possibly the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. Everyone was inside of the theater cracking up from the first line of dialogue all the way to the end. One of the most visually strong comedies I’ve seen in a long time. I watched Made of Honor with my mother and then just as I was thinking of going to bed at the end of an uneventful day Christmas came early this year
Thank you Brett Michaels for being the constant bringer of joy that you are
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 88
Day 87 - June 6th 2009
Casey’s Birthday party
Casey Thomasson is one of the very few people in this world that I call best friend. I call him that because he’s one of the very few people I trust completely. Today we would be celebrating his birthday, it’s actually tomorrow but who cares. I would be meeting my buddy Zach on South Street a little later on in the day but not before I escaped to Rittenhouse Square for a little while to work on some songs.
I’ve been listening to quite a bit of Billy Joel lately and it’s starting to creep into my stuff. So I’ll be stopping with the Billy Joel from here on out. Still having this problem with finishing stuff. I feel like I have a lot of things that I want to get out but I’m pretty burnt out from the previous week. If anything I have the skeletons for like 5 or 6 good songs. We’ll see.
I met Zach at Showcase Comics and we bought some stuff for Casey. Jake would follow he needed my bass amp for some gigs he was playing with his band. We discussed some dates so that we don’t have conflicts. Jakes going to be busy this summer.
I enjoyed the party there were a lot of people there that I don’t see often. Just when I was sort of zoning out in walks Chris Wilson Ithaca Music scene powerhouse. He’d come to see Bang Camaro when we played in Ithaca a few months back. Castaways had expressed some interest in me coming up and doing a gig. We discussed possibly the fall. I’ve been dying to play up there, hopefully this works out.
I got home at about 3AM and to my surprise I was locked out of the house. Mom dukes had to let me in. I walked right up the steps and hit the sack.
Casey’s Birthday party
Casey Thomasson is one of the very few people in this world that I call best friend. I call him that because he’s one of the very few people I trust completely. Today we would be celebrating his birthday, it’s actually tomorrow but who cares. I would be meeting my buddy Zach on South Street a little later on in the day but not before I escaped to Rittenhouse Square for a little while to work on some songs.
I’ve been listening to quite a bit of Billy Joel lately and it’s starting to creep into my stuff. So I’ll be stopping with the Billy Joel from here on out. Still having this problem with finishing stuff. I feel like I have a lot of things that I want to get out but I’m pretty burnt out from the previous week. If anything I have the skeletons for like 5 or 6 good songs. We’ll see.
I met Zach at Showcase Comics and we bought some stuff for Casey. Jake would follow he needed my bass amp for some gigs he was playing with his band. We discussed some dates so that we don’t have conflicts. Jakes going to be busy this summer.
I enjoyed the party there were a lot of people there that I don’t see often. Just when I was sort of zoning out in walks Chris Wilson Ithaca Music scene powerhouse. He’d come to see Bang Camaro when we played in Ithaca a few months back. Castaways had expressed some interest in me coming up and doing a gig. We discussed possibly the fall. I’ve been dying to play up there, hopefully this works out.
I got home at about 3AM and to my surprise I was locked out of the house. Mom dukes had to let me in. I walked right up the steps and hit the sack.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 87
Day 86 - June 5th 2009
I spent most of the day cleaning the house and sleeping. The nightlife gets to you after a while. The check came from Bang Camaro bringing my first experience as a touring musician to an end. I look forward to the future as Boy Wonder and with Bang Camaro, whatever that future may in fact be.
I got most of the stuff out of the living room before the folks got home. It was my first day without a show of some sort all week. I got a chance to catch up on some promo for the NYC and LA Shows coming up this month. Myspace seems to have gotten its act together regarding event invites but it may be too late at this point, I don’t know if anyone even bothers reading them anymore. Miguel of Lightning Bug was leaving tomorrow to do some farming or something before the band pulls up steaks and moves to NYC
We hung out at the Doc Street Tavern great food. I ran into Dimitri (long time friend and former bandmate) there. He was the last of my real close friends I hadn’t see since my return to Philly. I’d actually like to play with him some just for fun at some point.
There were plans to see a midnight screening of Ghostbusters. That fell through when we discovered that it was tomorrow night.
We ended up at Lickety Split (Like I’m not there enough). It was pretty sweet. We had a few drinks and then I stumbled home.
Phunkyman
PhunkyMan Live Solo preview November 07
I spent most of the day cleaning the house and sleeping. The nightlife gets to you after a while. The check came from Bang Camaro bringing my first experience as a touring musician to an end. I look forward to the future as Boy Wonder and with Bang Camaro, whatever that future may in fact be.
I got most of the stuff out of the living room before the folks got home. It was my first day without a show of some sort all week. I got a chance to catch up on some promo for the NYC and LA Shows coming up this month. Myspace seems to have gotten its act together regarding event invites but it may be too late at this point, I don’t know if anyone even bothers reading them anymore. Miguel of Lightning Bug was leaving tomorrow to do some farming or something before the band pulls up steaks and moves to NYC
We hung out at the Doc Street Tavern great food. I ran into Dimitri (long time friend and former bandmate) there. He was the last of my real close friends I hadn’t see since my return to Philly. I’d actually like to play with him some just for fun at some point.
There were plans to see a midnight screening of Ghostbusters. That fell through when we discovered that it was tomorrow night.
We ended up at Lickety Split (Like I’m not there enough). It was pretty sweet. We had a few drinks and then I stumbled home.
Phunkyman
PhunkyMan Live Solo preview November 07
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 86
Day 85 - June 4th 2009
The day of a bigger show at World Café Live are always a bit nerve racking. It would be the first time I would book a show there without playing myself. They asked me a couple of weeks ago to try to put something together, problem was all of my big draw bands were playing that downstairs show that I put together for May 27th. So this show would have to mostly be about new blood along with some blood I haven‘t used very often lately
.I look around the house and realize it needs cleaning. I’ve been using my living room as my office/bedroom since I got back from tour. Gone are the days when I had two, three gigs in a week (for now) and could keep all the gear up here. I’ll have to do that and laundry tomorrow. I put on a shirt and tie and headed out the door.
I got there and the happy hour crowd was in full force and the worrying begins. I always worry about the draw. My name usually means asses in seats and I’m not playing tonight. I’ve done what I can for promo but I’m essentially relying on 6 other bands to bring people to the show. It’s a Thursday, the NBA Championship is on, and it’s raining….Awesome. All I can do is shake my head as I watch it pour outside.
People are late, I don’t know why I even bother sending out emails with Load Times. Luckily people started loading in as the show was starting. I’m going to have to train this new crop of bands…lol
Liat kicked things off. I’ve been working with her for quite some time, she’s always wanted to play on the stage here at World Café Live and she did a fantastic job. Barnabas hit the stage next. He was really doin his thing and then he started telling this weird story. I had to have him wrap it up cause he was running over time. Then I jammed with him on his song Policeman and discovered his story landed us 15 mins behind schedule. Laura Cheadle (a long time Hype! Favorite) was next and brought her usual exuberance to the stage and then it was time for the bands to hit the band stand.
Phunkyman, what can I say about them that hasn’t already been said. These guys are amazing. I wish I could work with them more than I do. PM Eaton (Phunkyman’s leader) has played with everyone from Chuck Berry to Kelis while still keeping his own vibe and swing. I got hip to him when a lot of the older people in the scene said I reminded them of a young him. We’d done a bunch of stuff together as I was comin up. He even did the old Jukebox TV show (something I’m very interested in recovering). To top it all off he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. When you’re the real deal there’s no need to be a douche bag.
Speaking of nice people The Victor Victor Band hit the stage next. A married couple who were going to have a baby but bought drums instead. The sound is sort of like the White Stripes if Meg White wasn’t completely useless as a drummer. They rocked faces off. The nicest people you’ll ever meet. Sort of like the Ward and June Cleaver of Rock and Roll. I look forward to being apart of their ascent. It’s rare that you meet good acts that are also good people. I’m doing my best to weed out the bad apples. No reason to deal with douchey people at this point.
Damon Hamilton would close out the night he was as good as the five acts that went before him. Usually that’s the graveyard spot but he kept a nice crowd. Great guy with a great band.
I was a little disappointed with the draw, might have been better had I actually performed, but everyone there had a great time. I had a great time sampling all these bands. Twas a pretty awesome night all things considering. I’ve been pretty tough on myself lately. I’m excited for the weekend gonna get a lot of stuff done.
Victor Victor Band
The day of a bigger show at World Café Live are always a bit nerve racking. It would be the first time I would book a show there without playing myself. They asked me a couple of weeks ago to try to put something together, problem was all of my big draw bands were playing that downstairs show that I put together for May 27th. So this show would have to mostly be about new blood along with some blood I haven‘t used very often lately
.I look around the house and realize it needs cleaning. I’ve been using my living room as my office/bedroom since I got back from tour. Gone are the days when I had two, three gigs in a week (for now) and could keep all the gear up here. I’ll have to do that and laundry tomorrow. I put on a shirt and tie and headed out the door.
I got there and the happy hour crowd was in full force and the worrying begins. I always worry about the draw. My name usually means asses in seats and I’m not playing tonight. I’ve done what I can for promo but I’m essentially relying on 6 other bands to bring people to the show. It’s a Thursday, the NBA Championship is on, and it’s raining….Awesome. All I can do is shake my head as I watch it pour outside.
People are late, I don’t know why I even bother sending out emails with Load Times. Luckily people started loading in as the show was starting. I’m going to have to train this new crop of bands…lol
Liat kicked things off. I’ve been working with her for quite some time, she’s always wanted to play on the stage here at World Café Live and she did a fantastic job. Barnabas hit the stage next. He was really doin his thing and then he started telling this weird story. I had to have him wrap it up cause he was running over time. Then I jammed with him on his song Policeman and discovered his story landed us 15 mins behind schedule. Laura Cheadle (a long time Hype! Favorite) was next and brought her usual exuberance to the stage and then it was time for the bands to hit the band stand.
Phunkyman, what can I say about them that hasn’t already been said. These guys are amazing. I wish I could work with them more than I do. PM Eaton (Phunkyman’s leader) has played with everyone from Chuck Berry to Kelis while still keeping his own vibe and swing. I got hip to him when a lot of the older people in the scene said I reminded them of a young him. We’d done a bunch of stuff together as I was comin up. He even did the old Jukebox TV show (something I’m very interested in recovering). To top it all off he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. When you’re the real deal there’s no need to be a douche bag.
Speaking of nice people The Victor Victor Band hit the stage next. A married couple who were going to have a baby but bought drums instead. The sound is sort of like the White Stripes if Meg White wasn’t completely useless as a drummer. They rocked faces off. The nicest people you’ll ever meet. Sort of like the Ward and June Cleaver of Rock and Roll. I look forward to being apart of their ascent. It’s rare that you meet good acts that are also good people. I’m doing my best to weed out the bad apples. No reason to deal with douchey people at this point.
Damon Hamilton would close out the night he was as good as the five acts that went before him. Usually that’s the graveyard spot but he kept a nice crowd. Great guy with a great band.
I was a little disappointed with the draw, might have been better had I actually performed, but everyone there had a great time. I had a great time sampling all these bands. Twas a pretty awesome night all things considering. I’ve been pretty tough on myself lately. I’m excited for the weekend gonna get a lot of stuff done.
Victor Victor Band
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 85
Day 84 - June 3rd 2009
My busy week continues
I woke up still basking in the glow of the Tritone last Night. Interesting experience that open mic.
I got an email from Philadelphia Casting, turns out they were the strange people with the cameras. They said that the Domino’s people were very interested in me and they wanted to know if I was available. I answered back last night and this morning hopefully I’m not too late, I could use the money. I had just talking about getting back into acting and this opportunity may (or may not) fall in my lap. If anything it’s a wake up call to get my ass in gear on that end.
I spoke with Alex and Sean briefly before I went out to head towards Lickety Split for another show.
As I was en route I got a call from one of my acts letting me know that he just sent me an email saying that he can’t make it tonight leaving a huge hole in my show. Great. This means I’ll have to play after Ami until Aphillyation shows up.
Matt Spitko kicked things off. Very talented dude, he stood in for me at World Café Live while I was away on tour and did a great job they tell me. I met him at the Tin Angel when I went to see Amy Regan and we setup this show. It was his first original music show ever, and if I have it may way it won’t be his last. Ami Verrill followed and was amazing as always. I have to try to put her in a better position to grow her audience.
Then I had to play in place of my canceled artist. I did about 30 minutes and then Aphillyation showed up, and boy did they fill the place up. They played for about two hours. I thought the night went extremely well until I got one of the most frustrating criticisms you can get as a booker. The place was packed but the bar didn’t make a lot of money. Basically a bunch of people sat in the bar and ordered water if anything at all. As a booker/promoter you do your best to get people in the room, so it’s frustrating when no money’s being spent. I discussed this with the band and sort of gave them the idea about what needs to happen next time
I ended around midnight and went home to fall asleep on the couch but not after hoping all these thigns come through.
World Café Live tomorrow and then finally a day off.
My busy week continues
I woke up still basking in the glow of the Tritone last Night. Interesting experience that open mic.
I got an email from Philadelphia Casting, turns out they were the strange people with the cameras. They said that the Domino’s people were very interested in me and they wanted to know if I was available. I answered back last night and this morning hopefully I’m not too late, I could use the money. I had just talking about getting back into acting and this opportunity may (or may not) fall in my lap. If anything it’s a wake up call to get my ass in gear on that end.
I spoke with Alex and Sean briefly before I went out to head towards Lickety Split for another show.
As I was en route I got a call from one of my acts letting me know that he just sent me an email saying that he can’t make it tonight leaving a huge hole in my show. Great. This means I’ll have to play after Ami until Aphillyation shows up.
Matt Spitko kicked things off. Very talented dude, he stood in for me at World Café Live while I was away on tour and did a great job they tell me. I met him at the Tin Angel when I went to see Amy Regan and we setup this show. It was his first original music show ever, and if I have it may way it won’t be his last. Ami Verrill followed and was amazing as always. I have to try to put her in a better position to grow her audience.
Then I had to play in place of my canceled artist. I did about 30 minutes and then Aphillyation showed up, and boy did they fill the place up. They played for about two hours. I thought the night went extremely well until I got one of the most frustrating criticisms you can get as a booker. The place was packed but the bar didn’t make a lot of money. Basically a bunch of people sat in the bar and ordered water if anything at all. As a booker/promoter you do your best to get people in the room, so it’s frustrating when no money’s being spent. I discussed this with the band and sort of gave them the idea about what needs to happen next time
I ended around midnight and went home to fall asleep on the couch but not after hoping all these thigns come through.
World Café Live tomorrow and then finally a day off.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 84
Day 83 - June 2nd 2009
I woke up later than usual
I hate waking up after 10 because I feel like I’ve lost the entire day. I got a call from Steve who was coming to pick up my amp so we could use it at the Tritone tonight. He showed up at 11 and we talked, mainly about the local scene and the new band we might be forming called Astroglide.
He was nice enough o drop me off in Center City where I went to my dad’s job to run off copies from my chord book for packets for my two new guitar students. It tickles me that people want me to teach them to play the guitar. Especially since I never had a guitar lesson. Most of my knowledge about music comes from me taking piano lessons for 7 years. I made the packets and went to Chili’s with my dad for lunch. Bad idea.
Hanging out with my Dad’s always cool, eating at Chili’s generally isn’t. While I was there I got a call from one of my students asking if we can push it back to four and if we could do both at the other students house. Fine with me, but as we were leaving Chili’s it started pouring. With no umbrella I had to walk 8 blocks with my shirt over my head.
I got there and it begins. Last time I taught guitar it didn’t work out. The young lady I had wasn’t as interested as her mother was. I was a bit (and by a bit I mean a lot) nervous. As a teacher if someone’s not learning right it’s ultimately your fault. She knows a few chords but I almost have to un-teach her cause she has some bad habits and some rhythm issues. So I show her some drills and some moveable chords to learn, just some basic stuff to get her started
My second student is a preschool teacher that basically wants to learn to play in class for her kids, easy enough. She’s actually easier because she’s never played before. We restrung her guitar and tuned it and I ran her through some similar stuff. She’s definitely gonna need a better guitar.
A few things we’re apparent from both of them. Firstly playing guitar hurts your hands a lot at first the longer you avoid the initial pain the longer it will take you to get any good. Two the mechanics of playing a lot of the basic chords and stuff is easy, the hard part is trainign your fingers to do it properly. When I was learning to play I was so determined to do it I didn’t realize how un-natural some of the movements and positions are.
After the lessons were over I moved quickly to the Tritone where I was hosting the open mic in place of my buddies The Absolute Zeros. They had a show at Silk City so here I was playing some tunes at the top of the night just like I did the night before.
The open mic started off normal enough, we had a couple of singer/songwriters followed By Zombie Dog from New York. They’re on this Band on the Run Tour showing up in different cities trying to find gigs as they go. We had some hip hop and then the comedians came in. Steve lets them basically run the show as they all go up in a row. Most of them aren’t funny. They were being heckled by a crazy drunk brunette who would have been hot aside from her nasty attitude and her constant groaping of everyone in the bar. We moved back to singer/songwriters then he walked in
Dirty Dave was his name and rippin up a stage was his game. I threw a beat on for him and he just went for it. He was screaming into the mic doin his thing, puzzling everyone in the crowd including myself. Someone explained to me that this was some underground expressionism thing they do in Germany. I had no idea what he was saying but I was mesmerized and couldn’t look away. I liked his energy and hope I see him again soon.
We ended with some more comedians and I went home and hit the sack.
I woke up later than usual
I hate waking up after 10 because I feel like I’ve lost the entire day. I got a call from Steve who was coming to pick up my amp so we could use it at the Tritone tonight. He showed up at 11 and we talked, mainly about the local scene and the new band we might be forming called Astroglide.
He was nice enough o drop me off in Center City where I went to my dad’s job to run off copies from my chord book for packets for my two new guitar students. It tickles me that people want me to teach them to play the guitar. Especially since I never had a guitar lesson. Most of my knowledge about music comes from me taking piano lessons for 7 years. I made the packets and went to Chili’s with my dad for lunch. Bad idea.
Hanging out with my Dad’s always cool, eating at Chili’s generally isn’t. While I was there I got a call from one of my students asking if we can push it back to four and if we could do both at the other students house. Fine with me, but as we were leaving Chili’s it started pouring. With no umbrella I had to walk 8 blocks with my shirt over my head.
I got there and it begins. Last time I taught guitar it didn’t work out. The young lady I had wasn’t as interested as her mother was. I was a bit (and by a bit I mean a lot) nervous. As a teacher if someone’s not learning right it’s ultimately your fault. She knows a few chords but I almost have to un-teach her cause she has some bad habits and some rhythm issues. So I show her some drills and some moveable chords to learn, just some basic stuff to get her started
My second student is a preschool teacher that basically wants to learn to play in class for her kids, easy enough. She’s actually easier because she’s never played before. We restrung her guitar and tuned it and I ran her through some similar stuff. She’s definitely gonna need a better guitar.
A few things we’re apparent from both of them. Firstly playing guitar hurts your hands a lot at first the longer you avoid the initial pain the longer it will take you to get any good. Two the mechanics of playing a lot of the basic chords and stuff is easy, the hard part is trainign your fingers to do it properly. When I was learning to play I was so determined to do it I didn’t realize how un-natural some of the movements and positions are.
After the lessons were over I moved quickly to the Tritone where I was hosting the open mic in place of my buddies The Absolute Zeros. They had a show at Silk City so here I was playing some tunes at the top of the night just like I did the night before.
The open mic started off normal enough, we had a couple of singer/songwriters followed By Zombie Dog from New York. They’re on this Band on the Run Tour showing up in different cities trying to find gigs as they go. We had some hip hop and then the comedians came in. Steve lets them basically run the show as they all go up in a row. Most of them aren’t funny. They were being heckled by a crazy drunk brunette who would have been hot aside from her nasty attitude and her constant groaping of everyone in the bar. We moved back to singer/songwriters then he walked in
Dirty Dave was his name and rippin up a stage was his game. I threw a beat on for him and he just went for it. He was screaming into the mic doin his thing, puzzling everyone in the crowd including myself. Someone explained to me that this was some underground expressionism thing they do in Germany. I had no idea what he was saying but I was mesmerized and couldn’t look away. I liked his energy and hope I see him again soon.
We ended with some more comedians and I went home and hit the sack.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 83
Day 82 - June 1st 2009
I woke up this morning with a weird email in my inbox. My boss at World Café Live sent me an email asking me if I’d rather host an open mic at Johnny Brenda’s another club in town. A thousand thoughts run through my head at 8 AM. Why would they think anything like that? Are they firing me? Are they moving Philly Rising to Johnny Brenda’s? Turns out one of the local TV stations is having an internet poll about which venue is the best venue in town World Café Live or Johnny Brenda’s. Someone posing as me wrote ’I wish I was hosting an open mic at Johnny Brenda’s instead of World Café Live.” Not cool. I assured them that I definitely think WCL is the best venue in town.
I got a phone call from Steve from the Absolute Zeros reminding me that I agreed to host his open mic tomorrow, we made arrangements to get my amplifier to the venue without me having to take it via public transit. Hearing from the Bang Camaro crew a little bit more as Rocklahoma approaches. I’d really love to do that if my schedule dictates. It’d be cool to hang out with the boys again.
I left a little later for Philly Rising (Open Mic) than usual but when I got there around 5:30 the line was already to the sound board. Things have finally gotten back to normal around here…lol
I’m often inspired by the things I see at Philly Rising. From Pezzettino from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who sings and plays the accordion, she always stops here when she’s in Philly. Damon Hamilton, who’s grown exponentially since I met him there a year ago (he’s playing one of my HYPE! Shows at World Café Live Thursday) to Wyldlyfe to the Kawabunga Rage Crew. Every week I see musicians that are hungry to get anyone to listen to their music. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of how far I still have to go.
I especially love it when the Divas pay us a visit. We get a lot of aspiring pop princesses/queens/tarts that roll up to the open mic. She walked in entourage in tow at around 7:30 (mind you the line is full at 5:00, sign ups are at 6:30, and the open mic actually starts at 7) she talks to a hostess who points her in my direction. As she suanters over to me she’s focused on getting what she wants, a spot on the list. I turn around as she approaches me at the bar. Pretty girl, pleather tights, classic. She bats her eyes and asks if there’s room, I politely tell her no but she could sign up on the alternate list if she liked (basically we let people sign up and if theres room or time they can get on) she turns up the heat, I am impervious to her charms, she goes away. I’ve spent the majority of my life in show business around beautiful girls (my high school was crawling with them) and most of my female friends are mind-blowingly gorgeous I’m wired a tad different than most men. She made her presence felt the entire night. Yelling “I wanna go up” as often as she could. Almost convincing someone to give up their spot so she could go.
She ended up going at the end of the night (we had some time) she was pretty good. I won’t waste your time with critique, but I will offer this advice to all aspiring performers. Be realistic about your place in the world and realize no matter how good you might be or how famous you get, it doesn’t give you the right to be rude to people. Real pros are personable, even when they make ridiculous demands. The entire time I was with Camaro I never heard a guy at a venue say anything bad about the band. A wise man once said “You can be an asshole if you can play like Miles Davis” and since no one at an open mic (including the guy that’s hosting it) has those kind of chops doing their respective thing people should spend time getting better and being focused.
We picked 2 winners since we’re gonna be gone the next few weeks. They’ll move onto the monthly competition.
I went home and caught Conan’s first Tonight Show. It was pretty funny. After the show was over I hit the sack. Long week ahead. Guitar lessons tomorrow and Open Mic at the Tritone,
I woke up this morning with a weird email in my inbox. My boss at World Café Live sent me an email asking me if I’d rather host an open mic at Johnny Brenda’s another club in town. A thousand thoughts run through my head at 8 AM. Why would they think anything like that? Are they firing me? Are they moving Philly Rising to Johnny Brenda’s? Turns out one of the local TV stations is having an internet poll about which venue is the best venue in town World Café Live or Johnny Brenda’s. Someone posing as me wrote ’I wish I was hosting an open mic at Johnny Brenda’s instead of World Café Live.” Not cool. I assured them that I definitely think WCL is the best venue in town.
I got a phone call from Steve from the Absolute Zeros reminding me that I agreed to host his open mic tomorrow, we made arrangements to get my amplifier to the venue without me having to take it via public transit. Hearing from the Bang Camaro crew a little bit more as Rocklahoma approaches. I’d really love to do that if my schedule dictates. It’d be cool to hang out with the boys again.
I left a little later for Philly Rising (Open Mic) than usual but when I got there around 5:30 the line was already to the sound board. Things have finally gotten back to normal around here…lol
I’m often inspired by the things I see at Philly Rising. From Pezzettino from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who sings and plays the accordion, she always stops here when she’s in Philly. Damon Hamilton, who’s grown exponentially since I met him there a year ago (he’s playing one of my HYPE! Shows at World Café Live Thursday) to Wyldlyfe to the Kawabunga Rage Crew. Every week I see musicians that are hungry to get anyone to listen to their music. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of how far I still have to go.
I especially love it when the Divas pay us a visit. We get a lot of aspiring pop princesses/queens/tarts that roll up to the open mic. She walked in entourage in tow at around 7:30 (mind you the line is full at 5:00, sign ups are at 6:30, and the open mic actually starts at 7) she talks to a hostess who points her in my direction. As she suanters over to me she’s focused on getting what she wants, a spot on the list. I turn around as she approaches me at the bar. Pretty girl, pleather tights, classic. She bats her eyes and asks if there’s room, I politely tell her no but she could sign up on the alternate list if she liked (basically we let people sign up and if theres room or time they can get on) she turns up the heat, I am impervious to her charms, she goes away. I’ve spent the majority of my life in show business around beautiful girls (my high school was crawling with them) and most of my female friends are mind-blowingly gorgeous I’m wired a tad different than most men. She made her presence felt the entire night. Yelling “I wanna go up” as often as she could. Almost convincing someone to give up their spot so she could go.
She ended up going at the end of the night (we had some time) she was pretty good. I won’t waste your time with critique, but I will offer this advice to all aspiring performers. Be realistic about your place in the world and realize no matter how good you might be or how famous you get, it doesn’t give you the right to be rude to people. Real pros are personable, even when they make ridiculous demands. The entire time I was with Camaro I never heard a guy at a venue say anything bad about the band. A wise man once said “You can be an asshole if you can play like Miles Davis” and since no one at an open mic (including the guy that’s hosting it) has those kind of chops doing their respective thing people should spend time getting better and being focused.
We picked 2 winners since we’re gonna be gone the next few weeks. They’ll move onto the monthly competition.
I went home and caught Conan’s first Tonight Show. It was pretty funny. After the show was over I hit the sack. Long week ahead. Guitar lessons tomorrow and Open Mic at the Tritone,
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 82
Day 81 - May 31st 2009
I woke up with no Hangover (probably cause I took that Excedrin last night) which was pretty sweet. I had breakfast with my sister and the fam before watching some old Thundercats re-runs and comin back to Philadelphia.
I basically laid low all day. Tryin to work on tunes and talking to people on Facebook.
I’m enjoying the lull at present moment, life should pick up significantly starting this week. I have things to do Monday through Thursday and something on Friday that I can’t quite put my finger on. Fortunately for me they all pay so I’m thankful for that.
After shedding for a while I basically watched some TV until I hit the bed.
Big week tomorrow.
I woke up with no Hangover (probably cause I took that Excedrin last night) which was pretty sweet. I had breakfast with my sister and the fam before watching some old Thundercats re-runs and comin back to Philadelphia.
I basically laid low all day. Tryin to work on tunes and talking to people on Facebook.
I’m enjoying the lull at present moment, life should pick up significantly starting this week. I have things to do Monday through Thursday and something on Friday that I can’t quite put my finger on. Fortunately for me they all pay so I’m thankful for that.
After shedding for a while I basically watched some TV until I hit the bed.
Big week tomorrow.
Boy Wonder: Prfoessional Musician 81
Day 80 - May 30th 2009
My goal was to get out of the house really early so that I could get to the park and write some songs, which is sort of a difficult thing when you live with your parents and there’s laundry to do. I had to get a great deal of that done before I could leave the crib.
I hit Rittenhouse around 2 and strummed away trying to bang out some ideas. There were two that spent most of my time developing. It’s weird not really having a time table as far as finishing and recording songs. It’s not like I can afford to go into a studio and record again, not to mention the songs from Superego are still fresh in my mind and fresh to us as a band. We haven’t even traveled since the album came out. We start doin that next week, very excited.
On the way out of the park I was approached by some people who filmed me talking about PHilly and Dominos Pizza, said they would email me later. Weird
I hung out with Chris Ludd at Bonte then I went back to the park. I got a call from my sister Nichole to meet her at Broad and Oregon. Tonight she, I , my sister and her husband were gonna have rum punch and shrimp night in Jersey. She had been over here working with a new artist from Texas, Brooklyn and it was time for booze and seafood.
When I got to Jersey I played with my nieces we stopped by the liquir store and I saw several cans of Jooze sitting in the refrigetator. One of the girls that worked in there asked me how I knew of Jooze. I gently explained to her how Jooze fueled one of the most unnecessarily bad nights of the tour. They asked me about Sparks and I told them the Austin story. I am not a fan of Alcoholic energy drinks, except for For Loco…lol. They do conjure up pleasant thoughts of certain people.
We got to the house and I played with my nieces for a while before they would have to go to bed. They played me the new Prince Album which was significantly better than the last one (Planet Earth) and then when the kids hit the bed we got boozed up on rum punch and eat all the shrimp in the box…good times.
We spent our stopper watching old episodes of South Park and Martin before I passed out.
Even better times.
My goal was to get out of the house really early so that I could get to the park and write some songs, which is sort of a difficult thing when you live with your parents and there’s laundry to do. I had to get a great deal of that done before I could leave the crib.
I hit Rittenhouse around 2 and strummed away trying to bang out some ideas. There were two that spent most of my time developing. It’s weird not really having a time table as far as finishing and recording songs. It’s not like I can afford to go into a studio and record again, not to mention the songs from Superego are still fresh in my mind and fresh to us as a band. We haven’t even traveled since the album came out. We start doin that next week, very excited.
On the way out of the park I was approached by some people who filmed me talking about PHilly and Dominos Pizza, said they would email me later. Weird
I hung out with Chris Ludd at Bonte then I went back to the park. I got a call from my sister Nichole to meet her at Broad and Oregon. Tonight she, I , my sister and her husband were gonna have rum punch and shrimp night in Jersey. She had been over here working with a new artist from Texas, Brooklyn and it was time for booze and seafood.
When I got to Jersey I played with my nieces we stopped by the liquir store and I saw several cans of Jooze sitting in the refrigetator. One of the girls that worked in there asked me how I knew of Jooze. I gently explained to her how Jooze fueled one of the most unnecessarily bad nights of the tour. They asked me about Sparks and I told them the Austin story. I am not a fan of Alcoholic energy drinks, except for For Loco…lol. They do conjure up pleasant thoughts of certain people.
We got to the house and I played with my nieces for a while before they would have to go to bed. They played me the new Prince Album which was significantly better than the last one (Planet Earth) and then when the kids hit the bed we got boozed up on rum punch and eat all the shrimp in the box…good times.
We spent our stopper watching old episodes of South Park and Martin before I passed out.
Even better times.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 80
Day 79 - May 29th 2009
Trying to line up the some of these lingering summer dates for Boy Wonder so that the rest of the schedule comes into focus. There’s the strong possibility of some traveling which I am very excited about. I just have no idea about how I’m gonna put my band on the road. I should try and get my license so I can legally drive…lol it’s all pretty overwhelming.
I was thinking about hitting Rittenhouse Square today but it looked like it was going to rain and I don’t really do rain. One of the black stereotypes that I actually subscribe to.
My folks got home and we decided to hit Famous Dave’s for dinner. Dad asked a lot of questions about Zot and the other stuff I‘m doin. It still throws me a bit that for now the music business is my job.
We went home and watched jay Leno’s last Tonight Show. It’s gonna be strange watching Conan take his place. Even stranger to watch Leno come on at 10. I remember Johnny Carson but I mostly grew up watching Leno. I’m one of the few people born after 1953 that thinks Leno is funnier than Letterman. My mom likes Jay too and she welled up a little bit when he showed all the kids that had been born to Tonight Show staffers over the years. It’ll be interesting to see how Conan fares.
Bedtime now gonna try to write again tomorrow
Trying to line up the some of these lingering summer dates for Boy Wonder so that the rest of the schedule comes into focus. There’s the strong possibility of some traveling which I am very excited about. I just have no idea about how I’m gonna put my band on the road. I should try and get my license so I can legally drive…lol it’s all pretty overwhelming.
I was thinking about hitting Rittenhouse Square today but it looked like it was going to rain and I don’t really do rain. One of the black stereotypes that I actually subscribe to.
My folks got home and we decided to hit Famous Dave’s for dinner. Dad asked a lot of questions about Zot and the other stuff I‘m doin. It still throws me a bit that for now the music business is my job.
We went home and watched jay Leno’s last Tonight Show. It’s gonna be strange watching Conan take his place. Even stranger to watch Leno come on at 10. I remember Johnny Carson but I mostly grew up watching Leno. I’m one of the few people born after 1953 that thinks Leno is funnier than Letterman. My mom likes Jay too and she welled up a little bit when he showed all the kids that had been born to Tonight Show staffers over the years. It’ll be interesting to see how Conan fares.
Bedtime now gonna try to write again tomorrow
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