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The weekly musings of one kErrY kOMpOsT, (financially) struggling musician, freak, whatever.

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Hello, howdy, thanks for tuning into my lame-ass blog. You smell like love today. A quick update, then I need to go shoot some heroin:

It’s been raining cheeseburgers and WD-40 lately; yesterday I experienced a serious downpour, and unreal deluge, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. It was like someone was pouring buckets of water on my windshield as I slowly drove down my street; I could barely see, and this was before the hailstorm started. It was awesome! Thunder, lightening, and splish splash splosh. My street became a small, raging torrent within a matter of moments; I felt what it must feel like to be a salmon swimming upstream. Too cool for words. I love rain – however, if you splash me again, kid, I’ll drop your banana in the mud (I will personally blow anyone who can tell me the book that little quote came from, the “drop your banana” one). Okay, down to business.

Tribeca is *thisclose* to finishing the final mix of what will hopefully be the first promotional single from the forthcoming album, a SICK, totally groovin’ tune called “North American Laundromat”. I must admit, I am smitten with this song! At first, I really wasn’t all that fond of Matt Gaskin’s demo; I thought it was a nice little tune, but nothing really caught my ear. Well, Matt and Dave English re-wrote this puppy and created a total monster of a song in the process. Think of classic elements of mid-70’s-era Stevie Wonder meets Can’t Buy A Thrill-era Steely Dan meets early 80’s Toto, all blended together into one irresistible cocktail of love; don’t gag! I assure you, this song is funky, catchy as anything, and LOADED with little moments that seriously kick my ass. Can you tell that I am STOKED to be a part of this band?!?!?! Wow, what a great bunch of musicians and writers, I am soooo honored to be mentioned in the same breath as these guys, I tell you what. Matt and Dave, if you guys are reading this, congratulations on an excellent, excellent song; since this is the start of a collaboration, well, I shudder to think what you guys will be coming up with in the future. Keep up the good work!

Now, on to some even MORE fun stuff....

The Ultra Suede are recording new material this week at the classic Western and Union Recorders in Hollywood; we’re set-up in the historic (and massive) Studio 1, the place where everyone from Frank Sinatra (back in the day) to Motley Crue (earlier this week) has recorded. TOO COOL FOR SCOOPS! I am like a kid in a candy store, folks; seriously, this is a blast. It’s so much fun having people around to set-up your gear, or having an awesome engineer (named Bo) and an assistant engineer (named Nick) making everything run smooth as silk, or having someone run across the street to Mr. Lee’s Liquor to pick you up a bottle of Southern Comfort, or running into guys like Tom Morello (whom I briefly watched throw down some tasteful jams) in the halls, and just being in the room, itself, playing music with the band, with all that space and all the AMAZING microphones and gear hanging around, AND THAT SOUND! It sounds amazing! We were supposed to be recording in Studio 3 (the room where Brian Wilson lovingly crafted the incredible Pet Sounds album), which would have been totally great, but Studio 1 became available, so we opted for the bigger room instead (mostly for the drum ambience the larger space provides). What an incredible vibe the much smaller Studio 3 has! Standing in there, leaning up against the wall, I could imagine the Wrecking Crew over on one side, playing like crazy, and a string section on the other, and I could imagine Brian Wilson behind the glass, calling the shots and nailing the masterpiece of a generation. Chills, I tell you; absolute chills.

Anyway, we got a bit of a late start last night getting a kick-ass drum sound dialed in, but, regardless of the delay, we managed to nail four out of the eight or so tracks that we’ve earmarked for these sessions, and, from the playbacks we heard, everything sounded great. After I got over the initial shock-and-awe of seeing the killer studio and booth, I loosened up and managed to wank-off some serious bass parts, of which I am pretty proud, I might add. Nothing perfect – I WILL be doing overdubs at some point to tighten up some moments – but, overall, I am very pleased. Tonight everything is waiting, set-up and ready to go, so we should get some serious work done. I cannot – repeat, cannot – fucking WAIT! We’ll be recording my song One Summer Sunday, so that should be a moment I’ll remember to my grave. “Where’s my Southern Comfort?”, (said in my best mock David Lee Roth voice).

Let me tell you, it’s experiences like these that make my soul ache with the pain of knowing that this is just a temporary thing, a two-day situation, and not a true occupation for me; I would love nothing more than to come to this place every day for three months and seriously make some music. FUCK. Oh well, I guess a little taste of the good life is better than to have never tasted semen at all. Right?

So that is my happiness this week; everything else pales in comparison. For two days, I am a highly paid member of a hugely successful late 1960’s pop band, working on our musical masterpiece in the hottest studio in Los Angeles. Please, allow me this fantasy, would you? It will end before you can say SMiLE.

Don’t forget Halloween this weekend (as if you could). Email me if you wanna know the party score; Nipper and I have a crazy-ass, extremely topical costume in the works -- you won’t want to miss this one! – and we’ll be showing it off at a party Saturday night and at the West Hollywood street thing on Sunday night. Be there or die.

And that wraps it up in a nice, freshly baked flour tortilla. All I have to do is get through the day job today and rush over to Hollywood after work and play rockstar again. Did I tell you that I can’t wait? Damn, is this ever fun! Waaa!!! I wanna get signed! I wanna record music every day! I hate working a side job which, while paying the bills, seriously cuts into my music time. I WANT IT ALL!!!

So, until I get it all, I bid you a fond fare-thee-well and remind ye: architecture is frozen music, so build yourself a killer soundstage on a classic Hollywood lot today. Until next week, I wish you love and rodents. May all your Tommy Lee’s. xoxox kErrY xoxox

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Another week, another blog, and you’re a part of it all – isn’t life grand?

So, rain is what I’ve been waiting for, and rain is what I’ve been handed, one glorious drop at a time. I’m happy for the trout in the local streams, now that they’ve got some fresh water to reinvigorate themselves and their environs; I’m happy for the trees, the chapparral, all the plants; I’m happy for the city, which needed a good washing down. Here’s hoping this winter brings many storms to us; remember: today’s rain is tomorrow’s river.

After being pretty busy the last couple of weeks, things look to be slowing down – just a touch, anyway. Last night I played a gig with Michelle Anthony, throwing down some bass and guitar, and, for good measure, I even threw a few clams into the mix. I’m not 100% happy with my performance – my lead guitar playing was scattered and unfocused, sloppy, at least early in the set – but what are you gonna do? Just keep going, keep playing, keep smiling. We played to a nice crowd at the Silverlake Lounge, and Michelle sounded amazing – she’s got a great voice. Drummer Howard Greene – who, coincidentally, had auditioned for Tribeca a couple of months ago – was rock solid, ass-kicking, and quite the inspiration. Overall, on a scale of linguini to mufflers, I’d give it a rainbow. THANKS, Michelle, for throwing me this gig!

Opening the show last night was a pretty ass-kicking rock band called Sara Overall, fronted by, you guessed it, a very energetic young woman named Sara Overall. Her band kicked serious ass, and the first song of their set – a tune called “Natural” if memory serves – was totally amazing, heavy-ass guitar pop with a fantastic chord progression and a killer groove. Sara told me she co-wrote the song with Anne Previn of Ednaswap, so there you go. Anyway, not to sound like a complete asshole, but Sara Overall’s songs did have a bit of a ‘nu rock’ formula happening – especially evident in the larger-than-life choruses – but there was enough substance in the songwriting to catch me off guard, in a good way. Check ‘em out, kids, if that’s yer baggie.

I mentioned in last week’s abbreviated blog that Tribeca had recently auditioned an amazing drummer named Jason Harrison Smith; we’ve been talking to Jason since the audition and he’s still very enthusiastic about playing with this band, so that’s ultra-mega cool. Did I mention that he’s an amazing drummer? Good. Now all that’s needed is to fill the guitar slot and we’re set. Any ideas? I’ve got some feelers out, and some pretty cool guys are interested, but it’s all up in the air at this early stage of the love-game. Details as they unfurl. The important thing is that the band is coming together in a spectacular fashion, and that’s all a boy could ask. Right? Right (you’re bloody well right).

This week marks the return of the Abe Lincoln Story, at least as a functioning band. We’re rehearsing tomorrow night – it’s been almost two months since we last played, down in San Diego – so I’m expecting to change my name to Rusty McClam and just go for it as best as I can. We’ll be auditioning a new keyboard player, looking to replace the irreplaceable Steve Gregoropolis, so that should be interesting, as always. I think I’ll be staying home tonight and running over all of the material, trying to re-familiarize myself with these wacky tunes. Should be fun!

What else? Well, I need to learn and practice a Kevin Gilbert song for an upcoming tribute, which I hope to record over the next week or two. I need to continue practicing for a marathon recording session next week with my sunshine powerpop band The Ultra Suede (we’re recording in what I’ve been told is the Pet Sounds room over at what used to be known as Western Studios). I need to focus on doing some groundwork in anticipation of – potentially – landing an audition next month with El Vez, looking to land a position as bassist for his Christmas tour. I say hopefully because his current band might just continue on from their current tour, but, as of now, it’s still a possibility that they will need a new bassist, and I think it would be a blast to nail the slot. Here’s hoping.

Meanwhile, the dayjob continues at an unprecedented, brutal pace. Here’s hoping things lighten up soon, I could use a break from this non-stop “get it done now” attitude that seems to be becoming the norm ‘round these parts. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to be gainfully employed with such a cool company, but the pace has been unrelenting of late. Thanks for letting me vent.

I forgot to mention that I had a solo gig last weekend at the Cat Club; it turns out that the show ran late and I didn't get to perform after all -- bummer! Regardless, we had a great time and learned a few things about comedy (don't ask). There's a good possibility that I will get to play another comedy show; details will follow when applicable.

Welp, I think that about brings things up to date; Nipper and I have been partying here and there (we hung out with and caught a performance by Brian Grillo last Sunday, but that’s been about it); the both of us have been battling mild colds and, with the recent rains, have been pretty much laying low and keeping a low profile. I love winter, it means I get a lot of snuggle-time with my sweetheart. I swear, I love nothing more than hanging out in bed with my babycakes, snuggling and watching old movies and drifting off to sleep and waking up at 4 in the morning and watching Animal Planet. Too much fun! Here’s looking forward to another weekend of the same -- we *might* be going to see either Mike Keneally Band (at the Baked Potato) or Adam Marsland (at Taix), both happening Saturday night. Decision time! Or we might just stay home and collapse – who knows?

Regardless, thank you so much for reading this. Here’s hoping you have a great weekend. Until next week, remember: architecture is frozen music, so build yourself a tee-pee on the American Plains today. xoxox kErrY xoxox

Thursday, October 14, 2004

TELEGRAM. Stupid busy. STOP. Had great Tribeca drum audition with Jason Harrison Smith (of Mike Keneally’s band) earlier this week; he’s into it. STOP. YEAH. STOP. I am playing a solo gig this Saturday, October 16 at The Cat Club; shows at 6:00PM and 8:00PM. Be there. STOP. Rehearsing with Michelle Anthony today for upcoming gig at Silverlake Lounge, October 19th 9:30PM. Rock out. STOP. Day job is killing me. STOP. Loving life. STOP. Weather is beautiful, and so are you. STOP. Talk next week, see you soon. STOP. END TELEGRAM.

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Hey there, thanks for dialing me up and loving me to pieces. Tomorrow this old man turns the ripe old age of 42 – you can congratulate me later, when I’m done crying. I accept Paypal, Visa, Masterfraud and Miller Light.

Where to start? How about here: Tribeca -- after dealing with the euphoric high of getting, then handling the savage blow of subsequently losing -- a drum commitment from the mighty Chris G, bounces back with another opportunity to score an even more amazing (okay, at least as amazing) drummer by the name of Jason Harrison Smith (who played – brilliantly, I might add – on Mike Keneally’s “Dancing” album, and also toured with Five for Fighting, among others). We’re jamming with Jason next week – HOPEFULLY – and you, dear reader, will be the first to know how things turn out. We’ve spoken on the phone a few times, and he seems to be a very cool, like, you know, dude, so here’s hoping it all works out for the best. I know that I would KILL to play in a band with a drummer of his caliber, so, please, dear fondler, wish us all the best of luck.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Mrs. Thelma K. Lutz!

Sorry. I don’t know what compelled me to write that.

In other news, my friend Adam Marsland -- who happens to be on a nationwide tour this very moment promoting his excellent new album “You Don’t Know Me”; check his website for tour dates and GO SEE HIM AND HIS AWESOME BAND -- recommended yours drooly for the guitar/bass spot for Michelle Anthony’s upcoming Los Angeles-area gigs. Michelle is an amazing vocalist who writes great, introspective alt-country tunes, and I’m looking forward to gigging with her. Hell, she’s opening for – wait for it – Ben Fucking Folds this week -- how cool is that? Tune in to this very blog next week for gig details, or check her website if you simply can’t wait.

In yet more music-related news, I have been asked to contribute a song for an upcoming Kevin Gilbert tribute CD. I know, I know, I hate tribute CD’s in general, but for Kevin Gilbert I’ll gladly make an exception. Some of the other contributors feature members of Marillion, Asia and Simon Apple (an awesome prog-pop band whom I adore). Drop by the tribute website and check out some of the MP3’s available. To say I’m stoked about this awesome opportunity would be like saying I enjoy blowjobs – I think it’s fucking great. I’ll be recording my cover tune at Scott Halper's Hollywood studio, for those who care about such matters.

Meanwhile, the Abe Lincoln Story looks to be coming out of our short retirement later this month to fire up the engines again and start gigging and recording (we’ve got half an album finished already, don’t you know). This comes after fearless Abe leader Steve Moramarco finished up acting in a play down in the San Diego area. We’re baaaaack! Watch this space for upcoming gigs, announcements, obscenities, and other impotent information.

Last week found Nipper and I attending a plethora – okay, three – gigs: Wednesday found us at an INCREDIBLE performance of XTC’s masterwork “Black Sea” by the incredible, the talented, the robust Drummed and Wired (featuring Abe Lincoln Story drummer extraordinare Evan Urkofsky). Insanity, I tell you. These boys KILLED. We were well and truly rocked. Check their website for upcoming gigs, you won’t feel sad anymore.

Then on Friday we caught my brother-in-trout and crazy-ass guitarist Bernard Yin on tour with the wild and crazy MexiKING of Rock, the utterly unique El Vez. Again, we had a fantastic time, rockin’ out to El Vez’s unique take on rock-n-roll, and his decidedly political slant on things (and let me state for the record that I am definitely with El Vez as far as this current administration is concerned – FUCK EM, VOTE ‘EM OUT!). We hung out with Bernard after the show, then went to an amazing birthday party in Silverlake, the details of which shall remain forever and truly top secret (I was drunker than Dubya, there’s a hint for you).

Saturday found us at an excellent CD release party for Eugene Edwards’ new album “My Favorite Revolution” (and a kickass album it is, indeed; check it out here), hosted by the lovely Anna Borg, tireless defender and promoter of great indie music. Eugene and his band were great, one of the best I’ve seen in a long time, and Mr. Edwards did indeed put on a guitar playing clinic. Jesus, what phrasing. Very, very fucking nice. Asses were handed, tears were shed, whisky sours were consumed in mass quantities, and good times were had by all.

The rest of the weekend was spent, naked, in bed, for those who need to know such sordid details.

And that, my fondlers, is about it. This week finds me practicing with my super-fun baroque-pop band The Ultra Suede, and, later this week, I will be taking Nipper to see her all-time favorite boy band Hanson. We both love those crazy-talented brothers, and I, personally, am interested in seeing all their teenage girl-fans dressed to impress (so sue me, I’m a horndog (I said HORNdog, not CORNdog, although I am hung like one, sometimes).

Special thanks to Anna Borg who had only nice things to say about me in her recent blog; you think it’s easy running an indie record label these days? Check Anna’s entries for a glimpse into the wonderful world of running a label. Don’t say you haven’t been forewarned! SUPPORT INDIE MUSIC!

Lastly, I recently started “working” my MySpace; if you’re a MySpacer, add me as your friend! Touch me! Love me blind!

Okay, thanks for reading – consider yourself fondled. Until next week, remember: architecture is frozen music, so build yourself a mid-century modern house on the Valley-side of the Santa Monica mountains today. x0x0x kErrY x0x0x

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