Hey there. Long time, no see. How’s tricks? Wanted to run this by you.
Last night I watched the documentary “Instrument”. It’s easily been about a decade since I’ve seen it. For those who are unaware of this film, it documents the life and times of the band Fugazi. It’s years of time span from the late 80s to 1997. Really great doc that I’ve watched many many times. Live performances, interviews, and, somewhat of a history lesson about the band and the scene that they created/defined.
A band that refused to sign to a major label. A band that outsold big names rather than sell out to big business. No music videos. No T shirts. No inflated or obese budgets on recordings. $5 at the door for shows. And above all, a relentless passion for putting music first and a touring schedule to match that passion.
My question of today is equal parts truth and sarcasm.
Would Fugazi (or any band) be able to retain those ethics in this day and age? This age of bands not being able to sell records. This age of downloads. This age of $5 a gallon for gas. Most importantly, this age of disposable income not really being that disposable.
Can a band afford to not have a YouTube presence? Can a band afford not to make some shirts to sell at shows? Can a band afford to have a “high” moral stance, and still achieve the financial or social status of their major contemporaries? This question (I realize its many questions) is not rhetorical. It’s one that many have asked in different ways as the music industry changes and kinda collapses. It’s also sorta funny to me that right around the time all these changes occurred and the “new math” of rock n roll economics was introduced, Fugazi called it quits.
Now I don’t think one thing has anything to do with another. They made their art for a good long time and decided that it was time to go their separate ways. I very much appreciate when a band does that. But, I’d like to see what comes next. What happens now. Perhaps there is a band doing just that right now. Defying the industry and creating it’s own fully functional scene and commerce. On it’s own terms. I know there are DIY bands from here to The moon. That’s nothing new. But, as times change and the channels to which music is distributed and (maybe not) payed for, become skewed, can an ethic of complete non invasive promotion be a reality and still allow a musical entity to keep the lights on?
Are these The ramblings of an old and outta touch guitar player? Probably. But ya know….that’s kinda the point of this blah blah blog.
Cheers
Well, it’s been a while. But I figure, if you’re gonna write about something, you should probably make it worth people’s time. Yesterday New Speedway (my band) had the Distinct pleasure of playing the 8th Annual Art Star Craft Bazar. This was held on penn’s landing. Lots of vendors and lots of bands! We played on the stage at the great plaza. If you’re not familiar, it’s a huge outdoor stage with amphitheater steps. Although the weather was rotten, it was a rain or shine event. The stage was covered so it was really no issue for the bands. As for the people there to see the bands….well, they were a but damp. I saw some really great performances. Like A Fox as a guitar and drum duo. This was killer. Stripped down and raw! Then the North Lawrence Midnight Singers took to the stage and brought some sweet spanky country rock n roll. After that, it was time for us to go do our thing. We were the last band to play. We had a minor soundcheck to get some levels right and then, off we went. I must say that I was delighted by the great monitor mix of vocals. As our first song began a crowd was reassembling as the rain had stopped. We leapt from song to song. Each time getting a great response from out audience. But then, we were greeted on the stage by the music coordinator of the day, Jack McBrearty. He says to us (off mic) that he has been sent to tell us to turn down. I looked around at the enormous outdoor stage, the crowd, and the Delaware river behind me and simply said “are you serious?”. Apparently the vendors had a real problem with our volume level. I might note that these vendors were 40 yards away from us, ON TOP OF A HILL! But, in the spirit of good begat good, we adjusted our levels a bit more (although the sound guy and monitor guy had no problem with our levels while checking) and went back to rock n roll. As I was playing our next song I could see vendors forming a line at the top of the amphitheater giving us dirty looks and actually giving us thumbs down! Then, Jack shows up again, this time saying that the organizers and heads of Art star demand that he himself either turn our amps down or shut them off. He refused. Finally the union stepped in. I was informed by the union stage manager that we were to turn down once more. I said no. He said “play one more and you’re done”.We did. I told the crowd that we had to play one more and beat it because we were just too loud and intolerable for the arts and crafts crowd. The audience booed and shouted “turn it up!”. This made me smile….Which happened to be the title of our final number. When we finished ripping through the last tune, I said thanks and goodbye.
I was told by Jack that we had really shaken things up and that under no circumstances were we ever to be invited back. WE WERE KICKED OUT OF AN OUTDOOR FESTIVAL SHOW FOR PLAYING ROCK MUSIC AT A ROCK VOLUME! whew! Sorry for shouting. Normally in these situations I would have rounded up the organizers and the “put a bird on it” artsy craftsy cunts who had issue with us and dressed them down thoroughly. But I wasn’t even pissed. The people made the day great. We were greeted my many fans and friends when we left the stage. People bought LPs. One man even asked that our whole band sign the album….that’s strange to me. I guess the purpose of this new rant is just to let people know that rock n roll has no limiter set upon it. There is no right or wrong volume. These “artists” acted like frightened republicans. And in a fascist manner, band together to ban the Speedway. Shame on you all. Keep putting birds on things and flooding etsy with them. I’m sure you’re all very happy. Until then, maybe stick to peddling your crafts in acoustic venues like coffee shops, and small fairs. Better still, why not team up with the folk festival next year? I’m probably shooting myself in the foot right now as I may need a bird letter pressed on to a canvas tote bag at some point. But hey….at least the people were entertained.
The time is quickly approaching for my new band “New Speedway” to release our first album entitled “feel it”. I must say that I am anxious to get this thing out to the ears of people. I’ve done a few previews over the last 6 weeks plus we’ve had a single up for free download for a while. The response has been really nice. We are now sorta working to make sure the live experience is without flaw….or as much so as we can. The cool part about this band (as opposed to other things I’ve done) is that we are making music that can be 99% recreated live. It’s pretty liberating to get rid of all the bells and whistles and just get down to four people playing in a room. I feel like it forces one to make smart choices and to really adapt to the environment of a band. This is not to say that I haven’t enjoyed making multi layered music with lots of unthinkably difficult parts to pull of live. I guess I’m just into the simplicity of these new ventures. On March 31st we will take the stage at Connie’s Ric Rac and play for an audience. We’ve played only one other live show about 6 months ago that was plagued with technical difficulties on account of the woefully undersized venue’s power supply could not handle our massive amplifier and effects rigs. Now I know what that sounds like to any reader. You’re thinking “whoa whoa whoa asshole. Let’s not start a geeky guitar nerd pissing contest before we’ve played at least ONE good show”. But I must say, there is something to using a lot of firepower. It’s not just about blowing people’s heads off. It’s about sound taking over all of a human’s senses in many ways. Synesthesia begins to occur. I really dig it. The other super excellent thing is that for the first time in my life I’ll be releasing an album on vinyl. This may be old hat for some, but to me it’s an amazing new world that I’ve always wanted to venture into but could never afford. These days I just don’t see a whole lotta reasons to put things out on CD. Our release will come with a digital download card ao it can be easily placed into iTunes or whatever. Let’s face it, this is how people listen to music now. I hope to see you all at the show. This should be an amazing night as our friends Faux Slang and Jay Laughlin will be opening up. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss a minute.
New Speedway Record Release Show Thursday March 31st Connie’s Ric Rac 1132 south 9th street Philadelphia w/ Faux Slang and Jay Laughlin Doors at 8pm $8
I just watched the film “It Might Get Loud”. This movie should have been titled “an exercise in overpaid, overblown, overhyped, expensive mediocrity”. I am loathsome of jack white and anything he is a part of. Jimmy Page is cool I guess but if I never hear zeppelin IV ever again it’ll be too soon. And then there is “the Edge”. Let me state this very plainly. As a sonic architect, I respect the guy. It’s kind of sad that out of the three I identify with and respect his approach to guitar the most. I’ll admit that. But he is affiliated with the bloated, bullshit band currently existing on this planet. His frontman cohort Bono (or as it’s often mistaken) the king of Ireland and the personal savior of the African continent, may be the first person on my “punch” list. Yes folks, we all have a list in our heads of people we would punch in the face if given the chance. What’s funny is that Jack White actually is next in line along with the entire cast of Glee, each one of the Black Eyed Peas (their name would become quite humorous post walloping) and the King of the Third world, his holiness Pope Wyclef the first. Is it un PC to call him Black Bono? If so, sorry. I’m not trying to be a bigot. I just think that might be a better way to describe him. Anyway, as a guitar player, the movie “It Might Get Loud” is offensive and I can say this in closing. You really have to work hard at being a D bag to make me feel as though I have wasted my time at 4am via Netflix streaming. Ugh! I’m sorry this installment has been damn near a hate speech rally but I just can’t take it. If you like Jack White the terrorists have won.
I’ve been doing some serious searching when it comes to those who came before me. By that, I mean I’ve been very interested in where the artists I hold near and dear got there start. One of the things I’ve found is how hard it was to be in a band back then. They didn’t have access to tons of guitar shops, record stores, places to play, or even other people to consort with on the topic of music. It’s like the old saying of having to walk to school 10 miles in the snow, up hill both ways. These days there are so many ways to get your hands on a guitar that’s pretty well made. And at the click of a mouse you have every type of music at your fingertips. Tons of effects to shape and mold a new sound everyday. Some people may say that this has ruined creativity in a lot of ways. Others will argue that it has only enhanced the ability to create in a more free environment. Who’s to say what’s real and what’s not? But nonetheless I am intrigued by what limitations push us further and what just limits us. Have we all become spoiled in the way we do things? Or is it the natural evolution of life, art, music, and, culture? Change is always on my mind these days. That’s for sure. I wonder where my own evolution lies. I hope you do too.
Tonight I will be performing under the entity “Electric Water”. This has been an ongoing platform for me (as well as guests) to stretch out my weird. The basic concept is that of many drone artists that have come before me. Subtle sonic transformation. Using small pieces of sound to create a mind altering environment. I will be doing two pieces tonight. Piece 1- “Requiem por Van Vliet”. A solo endeavor using oscillation tones and filters as well as constant guitar drone. Piece 2- “Subdivision” to be performed with J Mono of the band Music For Headphones. This piece is a free form dual electric guitar experiment. It involves loops as well as “prepared technique”. I like doing these shows every now and again. It allows me to focus. To focus on the sounds and vibrations that are all around me but not necessarily built into a song structure. Heavy meditation. It’s good for the body. It’s good for the mind. For me it’s like a cleanse. To be able to shut my mouth for an hour and let the drifting sounds create images in the mind of the listener. Don’t get me wrong….I love rock n roll. But to be able to get down to a stark (if not primal) level is as exciting as any pop tune or head nodding riffage. My only worries that come with this sort of set is venue. Trying to create a meditative setting in a bar is a tough nut to crack. Tonight is the Teri’s employee art show opening. Artwork from both Nikki Rozsco and Lisa Burkawitz will be on display and for sale. I feel like this Event alone sorta transforms the room itself into a different scene. I’ve seen Pelt play at the khyber. Even for the great masters of drone psych it proved difficult as their music was so delicate and at the same time so entrancing. But, hey…why not? Give it the old college try and perhaps people will be as close to a sympathetic audience as possible. That’s all we can hope for in life. No? To walk into a room and do whatever it is that speaks to our souls. And we can only hope that who we encounter during that time, will be our sympathetic audience. Art Opening featuring: The Electric Water w/ Music For Headphones. Tonight at Teri’s Bar 1126 south 9th street. Free as always. reception to begin at 7. Music begins at 8:30.
So, here I am in sunny Las Vegas. I assume it’s sunny. I haven’t left my room since I got in last night. Although I do love any place where I can order a full spread of room service including a full bottle of wild turkey, come to the door in my underwear and a cigarette hanging outta my mouth an no one looks at me funny. I’ve never been here before but the fable and folklore of this place that was delivered to me as a youth by my personal hero Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is still as potent and grand as it was when I read “fear and loathing” at the age of 15. Now I realize that Vegas has become the same level of “Disney” that San Francisco and 42nd street have. But while I’m here I intend to visit the places where I’m sure the good doctor haunted. Sorta walking the stations of the cross for me. My intentions aren’t to be in a twisted, freaked out, mangled state like him. That was Thompson’s trip. Not mine. But to be inside it all will be an interesting take on my own visions and imagination. That’s not to say that I don’t intend to get into a bit of trouble….I am drinking whiskey at 8:38 in the morning. I’ll try to keep some sort of written account of this all. But these days, with the iPhone voice memo record function (a favourite of mine) available, somehow I feel as though my “great american hangover”** series may finally become something worth producing. Til later,
Gonzo lives within us all,
Dr. Koolaid
** The Great American Hangover was a series of sound recordings I began in the summer of 2010. Strange ramblings from drunken friends, randoms, and freaks.
I often think about the idea of “success”. What is it? Where is it? I suppose the easiest answer is that success is measured on a person to person basis. It is a great success for someone who is born into poverty to work their way out of it. It is considered a great success to be able to permanently quit smoking. In some cultures success is measured by how fat you are. But what does success mean in a world that shuns or even mocks success? By that I mean, few people who I know, who are in bands want to be big fat bloated celebrities. Now maybe I’m wrong on this and they secretly wish to have the celebrity status of Usher or That D-Bag from Creed. But, for the most part it seems as though being shoved in peoples faces all the time and having a major record label own everything from your soul to your socks doesn’t seem very appealing. The record industry is changing. Some might say it’s dying. Or perhaps better put, it’s dead. Now a days music media seems quite disposable. Mp3 has made our lives different. Don’t get me wrong, I still loves me my records! But my CDs are now in a closet. My trusty 160gig iPod holds all of them and more and goes everywhere with me like a Child’s security blanket. But I digress. Is success in this biz measured by album sales? Not likely. I have a sneaking suspicion that Pete Kember doesn’t “move a ton of units”. But he is the great Sonic Boom. A luminary. A legend. Cofounder of Spacemen 3. Something I consider success. Then again, ask even the more music/indie savvy of your mates who Sonic Boom is and they may look at you a bit puzzled. On the other hand, I have personal friends who are in bands that have toured the world. Australia, Japan, Europe, Etc. Played festivals along side of my/their heroes, signed deals with record labels that “mean something” and still when they come home they get a job and they go back to work. I’m still trying to figure out what success means to me. More on, I’m starting to realize that’s it’s not just one single thing or feeling. It’s a multitude of cascading vibes and charges that fuel my moments. At the end of the day, what is your feeling of success? If we could all figure that question out, maybe we’d all stop pressuring ourselves into crazed frenzies of anxiety from fear of failure. If that sounds bizarre to you…well then maybe I just gave you a bit too close of a look into my thoughts. But whatever. If “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, we’d all have a merry christmas!
I’m no stranger to volume. I mean that in many ways. Cranking up the stereo, firing up my amps to dangerous levels, eating a burger piled so high it’d probably make you a bit ill, drinking enough beer to choke a dozen donkeys, and (for the most part) always being surrounded by lots and lots of people who wanna have a good time. Volume and the consumption of quantity has always been a part of my life. But as we all know quantity does not always equal quality. It’s a popular thing these days to say stuff like “everything in moderation” or “please drink responsibly”. I think these are smart words to live by. But then again so are things like “know your dealer” and “no white shoes after labor day”. Last night I discovered that sweet spot where quantity and quality went hand in hand and skipped off into a blissful sunset together. Wednesday nights are band rehearsal nights. That’s a hard line fact of life for me for many moons now. For those who don’t know me or my artistic vision, let’s just say that earplugs are REQUIRED. I normally run two 100 watt amps into 3 or 4 speaker cabs. Each of these cabs holds four 12 inch speakers. That’s (at max) sixteen 12 inch speakers pumping out sound. Recently I’ve been feeling as though the sound had been just a mess. Muddy, and lacking a sparkling crispiness that I just couldn’t seem to achieve. So I turned the amps down from 10 to 7. The sound improved a bit but still didn’t garner the desired effect. So what was my answer? Add another amp of course. An amp that I knew had an amazing top end clarity but little to no “beef”. My rationale behind this was I would use this amp not as am agent of further volume pumping destruction but that of an ingredient in this soup to brighten the already existing flavours. Humorously I must mention that while I was doing this one of my band mates in a low and slightly perplexed tone muttered “Uh….whatcha doin’?” I told him that I just wanted to try out a theory I had. Well, it sure as shit worked. My sound (especially from my effects pedals) leapt from the speakers in an entirely new way. The balance was incredible. I was able to use all three amps in “moderation” to create a massive single sonic equalizer! I guess what I’m saying is that as long as you are using the strengths of some things to compensate for the weaknesses of others, then there is a point where quantity and quality meet. You just can’t be afraid to “hook up another amp” in life. It may just be exactly what you’ve been looking for all along.
