Year Three - Day 304 – January 4th 2012
New York, New York
I don't feel very professional today.
I woke up coming off what I felt like was a B+ (at best) performance in Northampton and was ecited for another crack at it in New York. Then I got the email, the one saying that I had gotten the dates wrong, that the show was January 5th (Tomorrow) and not January 4th (Today) the day that I would be arriving in NewYork. Tomorrow I have a show at World Cafe Live, meaning I can't play at Vivaldi. People are pissed, but no more pissed than I am at myself for doing something like this.
Professionalism is something that I value. Everybody can't be talented, everybody can't be proficient musically, everybody can't draw huge crowds, but everybody can be professional. All it means is showing up on time and doing what you were brought in to do. It's not pro to forget the date you're playing. I mean who does that? Fumble, Fail, Epic Fail, etc. This shit matters to me. I wanted to play this show, I was excited about it. I won't get to do it...probably ever now and I have no one to blame but myself.
As I beat myself up with one hand, on the other I realize I am a man with two choices. I can either go home or try to make the best of a night in New York City, a city that I count the good experiences I've had in it on one hand. I was able to find a fe places that would have me...Thank God for the internet.
First up R Bar
We park in a lot, we roll around the corner, R Bar is Closed.
Let's try this again shall we.
First up Paddy Reilly's Music Bar.
I hit the stage at 7 or so.
Set List
Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
How Can This Be Love
Take on Me
Surrender
(I Think We Should) Breakup
It was a lot better than last night. I felt stronger, better, etc.
Well received in that New York kind of way. People pat you on the back and let you go about your buisness. A friend from Philly, Michelle, managed to find us where we were.
We met What The Fuck Man (yes that's his name) and he knew where to find the next spot.
Second Stop Artica Bar
What The Fuck Man, the superhero of rock, donned with a yellow hoodie, a utility belt armed with a light saber, phone, and capo, a guitar and sick songs, showed us an open mic at the Artica Bar nearby. I'm like why not. This would mean technically I'd play here twice tonight. The four of us had dinner first. The crowd's a scoach more upper crust then at Paddy's. It's two songs but I feel like I can do it
Set List
Slowdance
Never Gonna Give You Up
Crowd was good. I noticed that no one seems to have the contempt for open mics here like they do in Philly. New Yorkers just seem to ignore shit they don't like.
Bottom line, a bonehead move by me could have tanked an entire evening but it turned out to be cool. Hopefully this sin will be forgiven and I can return to rock New York the right way. I'll be a taste tester on Fear Factor before I ever let something like this happen again
I still have fire, I'm hungry to succeed, these are all good things.
Philly Tomorrow
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 290
Year Three – Day 303 – January 3, 2012
Northampton, Massachusetts
Getting out of here seems to be the craziest part of being on the road. I knew we had a long drive so I was able to get Philly business done in the car.
Tonight was the first night of my first real acoustic run. I'm giving it a shot because it's a new challenge, something I've never really done, I can tour more if I can do both, and ultimately it will make me a better performer when I play with the band. I'm still not as comfortable alone on stage as I'd like to be. So this would ultimately be a good experience for me. Just me, Andrew and The Road.
I love being on the road, just watching the trees go by fills me with a joy that I rarely get doing anything else. Home is home but I feel like I'm actually doing this for real more often when I'm out here.
After about six hours we pulled into Bishops Lounge , it took us about 30 minutes to find it, mainly cause it was stacked on top of two other restaurants. The security guard was pretty awesome as I rolled into the room. The lights were dimmed you could only see the bandstand. It was a little on the small side but you could feel the energy. I felt more comfortable when the house band played. It was vibey, I could tell when Jamie (Kent) walked in and several musicians walked in after...that this was a place musicians came out to hang.
About half an hour goes by and they ask me to stroll up. As usual I didn't know what I was gonna play. If I'm lucky I know the first three tunes in any give solo acoustic set. I'm not as disciplined alone as I am with the boys , which is probably why I'm not as good by myself as I am with them. I walk up to the mic and say hello
Set List
Slowdance
Get Me To Califronia
Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
Never Gonna Give You Up
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Hangover
Psycho
I was well received, people either dug it or were just being polite. Just in case it's the former I rarely dig deeper. Generally people don't like it when you argue with them when they give you a compliment so I just smile and say thank you. I simply think in my mind that I'll have another shot at Vivaldi. I'll be good tomorrow.
Did I mention it's UnGodly Cold outside. I mean these New Englanders are tough, don;t think I could function in 13 degrees on a daily basis. It pretty much sucks lol.
Jamie Kent of Jamie Kent and The Options was kind enough to give us a place to stay. The hosue was awesome and after a phone call or two I would sleep like a baby and dream of new york.
Northampton, Massachusetts
Getting out of here seems to be the craziest part of being on the road. I knew we had a long drive so I was able to get Philly business done in the car.
Tonight was the first night of my first real acoustic run. I'm giving it a shot because it's a new challenge, something I've never really done, I can tour more if I can do both, and ultimately it will make me a better performer when I play with the band. I'm still not as comfortable alone on stage as I'd like to be. So this would ultimately be a good experience for me. Just me, Andrew and The Road.
I love being on the road, just watching the trees go by fills me with a joy that I rarely get doing anything else. Home is home but I feel like I'm actually doing this for real more often when I'm out here.
After about six hours we pulled into Bishops Lounge , it took us about 30 minutes to find it, mainly cause it was stacked on top of two other restaurants. The security guard was pretty awesome as I rolled into the room. The lights were dimmed you could only see the bandstand. It was a little on the small side but you could feel the energy. I felt more comfortable when the house band played. It was vibey, I could tell when Jamie (Kent) walked in and several musicians walked in after...that this was a place musicians came out to hang.
About half an hour goes by and they ask me to stroll up. As usual I didn't know what I was gonna play. If I'm lucky I know the first three tunes in any give solo acoustic set. I'm not as disciplined alone as I am with the boys , which is probably why I'm not as good by myself as I am with them. I walk up to the mic and say hello
Set List
Slowdance
Get Me To Califronia
Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
Never Gonna Give You Up
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Hangover
Psycho
I was well received, people either dug it or were just being polite. Just in case it's the former I rarely dig deeper. Generally people don't like it when you argue with them when they give you a compliment so I just smile and say thank you. I simply think in my mind that I'll have another shot at Vivaldi. I'll be good tomorrow.
Did I mention it's UnGodly Cold outside. I mean these New Englanders are tough, don;t think I could function in 13 degrees on a daily basis. It pretty much sucks lol.
Jamie Kent of Jamie Kent and The Options was kind enough to give us a place to stay. The hosue was awesome and after a phone call or two I would sleep like a baby and dream of new york.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 289
Year Three – Day 233 – October 26th 2011
Philadelphia, PA
I rarely blog about shows at home these days but here we go
Today was a big day, (I've been having a lot of those lately which is probably a good thing) we're opening for Electric Six at Johnny Brenda's capping off a year where the boys and I have opened for bands and artists that are on major and independent labels. It's been a super crazy summer and fall I remember at this point last year thinking things couldn't get any better but the progression that my career has taken is definitely awesome, maybe I'm delusional, but I'm happy so shut up...lol
For those of you who haven't been reading my blog the past few years electric Six was the band Bang Camaro opened up for during my tour with them. We spent two weeks on the road with those guys and I learned just about everything I currently know by watching those dudes night after night. It was the best two weeks of the tour and we really got to know those guys well. They are by far the most professional band I've ever been around. So last year when an opportunity for me to open for them at Johnny Brenda's came along I jumped at the chance. We had so much fun that we asked again and they obliged us.
I didn't feel we put our best foot forward last year, Jake had food poisoning and by the end of the night I was trashed and way too focused on all the beautiful women, so I was glad to get another opportunity. Things would be different this time, primarily cause I'd have background singers. Graneville Automatic were kind enough to join me on stage for this particular show. I was nervous about it, I've never had much luck with background singers, but their pedigree is unparalleled, both those girls can sing just about anything.
Sound Check was awesome. They are one of the most sought after rooms in town for a reason. I left my shirt in the van and when I got it I realized it was the shirt that needed cufflinks, luckily my other had safety pins...why? Cause she's the best mom in the world that's why.
I like these 30 minute sets...less is more. We can rock solid and be on point. Nerves are always a part of the game
Slowdance
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
The band played great, those five days on the road really helped I think. As usual Electric Six was very nice and complimentary as were their fans. I was treated to a good set by Kitten and an excellent set By Electric Six.
We sold some merch, chatted some people up and left.
Saturday is my last scheduled travel gig for a while...looking forward to being home for a lil bit and writing new songs.
Philadelphia, PA
I rarely blog about shows at home these days but here we go
Today was a big day, (I've been having a lot of those lately which is probably a good thing) we're opening for Electric Six at Johnny Brenda's capping off a year where the boys and I have opened for bands and artists that are on major and independent labels. It's been a super crazy summer and fall I remember at this point last year thinking things couldn't get any better but the progression that my career has taken is definitely awesome, maybe I'm delusional, but I'm happy so shut up...lol
For those of you who haven't been reading my blog the past few years electric Six was the band Bang Camaro opened up for during my tour with them. We spent two weeks on the road with those guys and I learned just about everything I currently know by watching those dudes night after night. It was the best two weeks of the tour and we really got to know those guys well. They are by far the most professional band I've ever been around. So last year when an opportunity for me to open for them at Johnny Brenda's came along I jumped at the chance. We had so much fun that we asked again and they obliged us.
I didn't feel we put our best foot forward last year, Jake had food poisoning and by the end of the night I was trashed and way too focused on all the beautiful women, so I was glad to get another opportunity. Things would be different this time, primarily cause I'd have background singers. Graneville Automatic were kind enough to join me on stage for this particular show. I was nervous about it, I've never had much luck with background singers, but their pedigree is unparalleled, both those girls can sing just about anything.
Sound Check was awesome. They are one of the most sought after rooms in town for a reason. I left my shirt in the van and when I got it I realized it was the shirt that needed cufflinks, luckily my other had safety pins...why? Cause she's the best mom in the world that's why.
I like these 30 minute sets...less is more. We can rock solid and be on point. Nerves are always a part of the game
Slowdance
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
The band played great, those five days on the road really helped I think. As usual Electric Six was very nice and complimentary as were their fans. I was treated to a good set by Kitten and an excellent set By Electric Six.
We sold some merch, chatted some people up and left.
Saturday is my last scheduled travel gig for a while...looking forward to being home for a lil bit and writing new songs.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 288
Year Three - Day 229 – October 23rd 2011
As I write this we're in Pennsylvania. The van's quiet other than a few sentences between the three of us. Room for Squares is on and we should be back in Philadelphia in a matter of hours.
Overall I'm happy with the experience this time around. We played two solid shows in markets that want us back. I'm excited about the possibilities. I wanna see my mom and dad, I guess this is what going away to college would have been like had I opted to go to USC or NYU instead of Temple. I'm excited to go to Triumph tonight and World Cafe tomorrow and Johnny Brenda's Wednesday. Going out makes being home that much sweeter.
I am also gross and in need of a shower...seriously.
If you're not doing anything on Wednesday Night you should come see me and the boys open for Electric Six and Kitten at Johnny Brenda's. It's gonna be a sweet show and we're pulling out all the stops. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to see everyone.
Lastly I wanna thank My Dad, Andy, Rob, Jake, Zach, John, Kibra, Lori, Kristin, Rachel, Roque, Brue, Flip, and all the other people we connected with on this run. It's your tireless support that makes all this worth it and I can safely speak for the band when I say we can't wait to see you all again.
That's all for now
See you soon
As I write this we're in Pennsylvania. The van's quiet other than a few sentences between the three of us. Room for Squares is on and we should be back in Philadelphia in a matter of hours.
Overall I'm happy with the experience this time around. We played two solid shows in markets that want us back. I'm excited about the possibilities. I wanna see my mom and dad, I guess this is what going away to college would have been like had I opted to go to USC or NYU instead of Temple. I'm excited to go to Triumph tonight and World Cafe tomorrow and Johnny Brenda's Wednesday. Going out makes being home that much sweeter.
I am also gross and in need of a shower...seriously.
If you're not doing anything on Wednesday Night you should come see me and the boys open for Electric Six and Kitten at Johnny Brenda's. It's gonna be a sweet show and we're pulling out all the stops. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to see everyone.
Lastly I wanna thank My Dad, Andy, Rob, Jake, Zach, John, Kibra, Lori, Kristin, Rachel, Roque, Brue, Flip, and all the other people we connected with on this run. It's your tireless support that makes all this worth it and I can safely speak for the band when I say we can't wait to see you all again.
That's all for now
See you soon
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 287
Year Three - Day 228 – October 22, 2011
The Road
I didn't sleep a wink until I heard from Jake.
Jake had a show with The Parachuting Apostles back in Philadelphia tonight so he had to catch a flight back. Once I got the text that said everything was cool I rolled over and caught a few winks. I got the room to myself tonight...which is always rare and wonderful.
It's a rare moment to be alone with my thoughts which can sometimes be a dangerous thing. I'm a dreamer with an analytical brain, I often take everything apart and over analyze and it drives me crazy. I did eventually get to sleep though, I'll deal with the questions in the am.
I woke up with the sun, cold symptoms lingering so the sleep wasn't amazing. I'm a little hungover, cause Minneapolis always gets me I scoop Andrew from his room, the slight rash has now engulfed his entire body and he's itchy from head to toe. we scoop Rob and after a quick visit with Flip we've hit the road to head back home.
As we journey back home the ride is quiet for the most part leaving me alone with my thoughts again...dangerous lol.
I'm basically of two brains about the immediate future.
Boy Wonder wants to keep going. That part of me loves the van, the hotels, the bad food, and most importantly bringing music to people. To perform night in and night out is a dream come to get paid for it is amazing. Opportunities keep popping up and I want to take advantage of every one.
Andre, the smarter/creative part wants to go home and rest, recharge, and write new songs. Everyone's heard the songs from Animated a bunch over the past year and some change. If you want the audience to stay there you have to keep it fresh and for me that means new material. You learn so much out here and I'm anxious to pick up the Pen and the Martin and throw myself into the process. There are 5 or 6 new tunes already, who knows what will happen in a week or a month.
The focus now is the show at Johnny Brendas on Wednesday. I was a bit more aggressive with the marketing for this show this time around, mainly because I'm excited to have the opportunity again. I want it to be bigger and better than it was before, I want Jake not to have food poisoning, I want to be seen in a more professional light, I want to feel better about the show, I want to slow everything down like we did in Minneapolis so I can enjoy it. To be completely blown away by two Killer Bands in a 5 day span also intrigues me.
Part of me is (and will always be) still haunted by the voices of the people who laughed when I said I wanted to do this for a living. There are a lot of people who would like to stick a finger in my face and tell me I'm no good, who'd prefer that I'd be quiet about the things I'm doing. People are really nasty about it sometimes. But as a I ride in the front seat of my Dad's 1993 Blue Dodge Ram I get over it real quick.
I like who I am and I'm proud of the few things I've accomplished. No one knows better than me exactly where I stand in the grand scheme of things. There are still people in my hometown that have no clue who I am or what I'm doing. We tour in my Dad's conversion van that I'm not licensed to drive, the electronics don't work half the time (As rob smacks the Dashboard) we play to a few hundred people a night and get paid if we're lucky, I'm broke half the time, I live with my parents, there are promoters in town who hate my guts because I refuse to be taken advantage of, I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be. Can I be annoying? Sure. Even I wish I didn't have to be in people's faces as much as I am...especially lately. But when someone says “Hey we like you to play” or “Hey would you be willing to come on my radio show” or “Hey I think your band is awesome” I get excited and I wanna tell everyone I know, and even some that I don't because I know that without people in my corner I've got no chance.
Night falls and my tirade is over we popped for some cheap DVD's at a Best Buy in Wisconsin and I'll do my best to stay awake with Andrew as he drives.
Home tomorrow
The Road
I didn't sleep a wink until I heard from Jake.
Jake had a show with The Parachuting Apostles back in Philadelphia tonight so he had to catch a flight back. Once I got the text that said everything was cool I rolled over and caught a few winks. I got the room to myself tonight...which is always rare and wonderful.
It's a rare moment to be alone with my thoughts which can sometimes be a dangerous thing. I'm a dreamer with an analytical brain, I often take everything apart and over analyze and it drives me crazy. I did eventually get to sleep though, I'll deal with the questions in the am.
I woke up with the sun, cold symptoms lingering so the sleep wasn't amazing. I'm a little hungover, cause Minneapolis always gets me I scoop Andrew from his room, the slight rash has now engulfed his entire body and he's itchy from head to toe. we scoop Rob and after a quick visit with Flip we've hit the road to head back home.
As we journey back home the ride is quiet for the most part leaving me alone with my thoughts again...dangerous lol.
I'm basically of two brains about the immediate future.
Boy Wonder wants to keep going. That part of me loves the van, the hotels, the bad food, and most importantly bringing music to people. To perform night in and night out is a dream come to get paid for it is amazing. Opportunities keep popping up and I want to take advantage of every one.
Andre, the smarter/creative part wants to go home and rest, recharge, and write new songs. Everyone's heard the songs from Animated a bunch over the past year and some change. If you want the audience to stay there you have to keep it fresh and for me that means new material. You learn so much out here and I'm anxious to pick up the Pen and the Martin and throw myself into the process. There are 5 or 6 new tunes already, who knows what will happen in a week or a month.
The focus now is the show at Johnny Brendas on Wednesday. I was a bit more aggressive with the marketing for this show this time around, mainly because I'm excited to have the opportunity again. I want it to be bigger and better than it was before, I want Jake not to have food poisoning, I want to be seen in a more professional light, I want to feel better about the show, I want to slow everything down like we did in Minneapolis so I can enjoy it. To be completely blown away by two Killer Bands in a 5 day span also intrigues me.
Part of me is (and will always be) still haunted by the voices of the people who laughed when I said I wanted to do this for a living. There are a lot of people who would like to stick a finger in my face and tell me I'm no good, who'd prefer that I'd be quiet about the things I'm doing. People are really nasty about it sometimes. But as a I ride in the front seat of my Dad's 1993 Blue Dodge Ram I get over it real quick.
I like who I am and I'm proud of the few things I've accomplished. No one knows better than me exactly where I stand in the grand scheme of things. There are still people in my hometown that have no clue who I am or what I'm doing. We tour in my Dad's conversion van that I'm not licensed to drive, the electronics don't work half the time (As rob smacks the Dashboard) we play to a few hundred people a night and get paid if we're lucky, I'm broke half the time, I live with my parents, there are promoters in town who hate my guts because I refuse to be taken advantage of, I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be. Can I be annoying? Sure. Even I wish I didn't have to be in people's faces as much as I am...especially lately. But when someone says “Hey we like you to play” or “Hey would you be willing to come on my radio show” or “Hey I think your band is awesome” I get excited and I wanna tell everyone I know, and even some that I don't because I know that without people in my corner I've got no chance.
Night falls and my tirade is over we popped for some cheap DVD's at a Best Buy in Wisconsin and I'll do my best to stay awake with Andrew as he drives.
Home tomorrow
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 286
Year Three - Day 227 – October 20th 2011
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Today's the day
The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.
Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.
Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.
Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.
We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer
“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”
I count it off and we tear into the set
Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho
This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.
But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.
Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Today's the day
The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.
Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.
Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.
Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.
We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer
“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”
I count it off and we tear into the set
Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho
This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.
But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.
Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 285
Year Three - Day 227 – October 20th 2011
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Today's the day
The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.
Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.
Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.
Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.
We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer
“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”
I count it off and we tear into the set
Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho
This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.
But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.
Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Today's the day
The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.
Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.
Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.
Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.
We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer
“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”
I count it off and we tear into the set
Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho
This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.
But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.
Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.
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