The More You Know

Gotta Move

2011-02-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

I'm making it official today.
Sometime this summer, I will be moving to Richmond, Virginia.
The estimated time of departure is sometime in July.
While I'm not sure how long I'll be there, because there is no way to predict the future, I do plan on living there for about 3 years.
Now, don't give me that face I have been seeing on all my friends and family, I'm serious about this. I have weighed my options, thought this out thoroughly and have come to this decision with every intent of seeing it out completely.

Recently, I visited some friends in Richmond during the holidays and enjoyed myself immensely. It's so quiet and calm and historical and beautiful and full of opportunity. There's a booming downtown district as well as the outskirts that are just surrounded in trees. So many damn trees everywhere!
I spent a week there and enjoyed every moment of it. Being on my own in a strange place, experiencing an actual season and seeing all kinds of places I never thought I'd see. After plenty of persuading from my friends I finally gave in and said I'd see them in August. Before I left there, I had made the decision to come back for good.

So far, the plan is to save up and get all my affairs in order for the next 4 months. Starting in late April, I will be applying to jobs in Richmond and scoping out places to live. Once I have a job, I will then have a moving date. When the date is set, I'll drive across the country in my little car, accompanied by some friend or possibly my mother and bring my belongings with me. Not all of them of course, but enough to get me by for the first few months and until I can get my own place. My friends, Jeff and Janan have been nice enough to offer up their house to me while I save up and get used to the area for a month or so. When the time comes, I'll then move into my own place and begin my life on my own.

Just typing those words scares me, but it's something I've looked forward to doing for so long, that the excitement beats the fear every time. Of course, now you're probably wondering why I'd move across the country? School? No. I obviously don't have a job lined up or a boy I'm chasing after. So the reason must be.... Because I can.
This is the adventure I've been waiting for. A test of my independent spirit. A chance to try something new in a different place. Something to shake up my life and give my life story some meat to it.

Don't get all teary eyed just yet, I still have 5 months until I leave and I will be back.
I'm looking forward to a few more accomplishments while I'm hear and seeing what I can do in such a short amount of time.
The idea of sorting through all my stuff and deciding what to keep, what to take and what to toss is actually exciting and I look forward to the day I put a deposit down on my own place. For now, however, I'm saving up bit-by-bit and making plenty of lists.

One day I'll be typing the words "I'm leaving for Virginia today" and it will be a beautiful day.

For Captain Patrick.

2010-12-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

It's been five years since I first heard the words "Patrick is dead."
While they are short and simple, they carry more weight than a 17-year-old girl can carry.

Most of high school is a fat blur of poor decisions, drama and self-discovery, but there are a few moments that stay clear in my mind and the night of December 15th, 2005 is one of those.
The final night of the choir show was over and I was wandering the grounds with my box, searching for my parents and friends. Someone walks up to me and says "Did you hear about Patrick?" as if something "dramatic" had happened. I shrugged it off and replied with a shake of my head, still searching for loved ones. Before this person (whom I don't remember being anyone of consequence) answered, my phone rang. It was Kristina, a friend who graduated the year before and knew Patrick well. She said those three heavy words and unloaded them onto me. I didn't believe her, thought it was some rumor he had probably started, but then it came from the person standing at my side, followed by a text and another phone call. I had to believe it then. He was gone. The rest of that night fades into blackness and the week to follow doesn't ring much of a bell either.

The funeral was held a few days later at Rose Hills Cemetery. When I was younger, we'd drive by it and Dad would say something like "People are dying to go there." It didn't seem so funny that night. My mother drove me and a few friends up there and allowed plenty of space and time for me to grieve. The chapel seemed large and full of people, yet during the daytime it seems so small and cold. So many young faces filled the isles and it took a lot of energy to get through it without bursting into tears. My ex-boyfriend, Patrick's best friend was sitting there, looking so sad and lost that I had to sit next to him and hold his hand. I could no longer hold back my tears when he got up to the alter and said a few words. He mentioned times we were together and looked right at me for a moment, almost apologetically. I tried my best to smile through the tears and be strong for the guy, but it was his words that were making me cry.

This was not my first funeral and of course, not my last, but it seemed to be the hardest at that point. (It's now second to my great grandmother's funeral. That was hard.) Being in a chapel full of teenagers and grieving parents and family didn't seem right, although less than a year before, another friend passed away in a hit and run accident. For some reason, it took longer for it to sink in that Patrick was really gone and that I'd lost him forever. It wasn't until his birthday the next year that it finally hit me.

We gathered at his mother's house, Jules, and remembered him. We made a scrapbook and jewelry with his name on it. I still have the beaded bracelet that says Captain Patrick. Jules brought out a pot full of different colored play-doh balls. She insisted we stop being angry. We were all so very angry: angry at the drunk driver of the car he was in, at the mere fact that he was gone forever and angry at ourselves for not doing more to keep him here.
She held up a blue ball: "This is the color of his eyes. Oh how they got him out of trouble."
Next was a red ball: "This represents the lips that smiled at you so devilishly, yet made you melt every time."
Then yellow: "This is his hair, although it remained short. He was a blonde baby."
She held up three more and stated what they represented, then she walked around with the pot and had us each take a piece and carefully put them together. "This is your version of Patrick. Everything we love about him all rolled into one. Now remember how you felt when you heard he was gone. Take that anger and frustration and use it on that ball of pay-doh."
We all smashed and yelled and grunted until our pretty colored balls were now grey and disgusting.
"That is what your anger does to something beautiful."
We all put the balls back into the pot and she gave us each a turn to kick it or punch it. She wanted us to get our anger out and some did it so well, that the pot dented and cracked. We were a very angry group of teens.
"We are done being angry!" Patrick's mom was on the verge of tears and truly meant what she said. She didn't want to be surrounded by anger, she wanted to feel love. And ever since then, on his birthday and the anniversary of his death, we'd all take turns visiting her and telling her stories about Patrick. Usually him being silly or doing something stupid. But we weren't allowed to be angry.
She's since moved away, but we all remember to send her e-mails with updates on how we're doing. We will never be able to replace Patrick as her child, but we do our best to not leave such an empty space.

I could go on for quite some time talking about Patrick and how I had such a bipolar relationship with him, but I feel better just keeping those moments to myself, while letting his story be told.
There's no way I'll ever be able to forget him and that's a good thing. Because he was amazing.

I miss you, Patrick.

D.I.Y Ethics and Buddy Hacket with the old guys.

2010-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite memories of my father are when we simply sit and talk. Include his best friend and my adopted "Uncle" Stanley and a few cocktails and you have yourself a quite a night to remember.

These two have known each other since middle school, were best friends throughout high school and college and if it wasn't for Stanley, I can honestly say I would not exist. It was his persuasive nudge that pulled my father to Cal State Long Beach where he joined a fraternity, met my mother and fell in love. They started and ran a business together for twenty plus years and even look alike with matching beards and bellies. Their friendship is one for the ages.

These Jack Daniels infused nights usually include politics and other topics I have no interest in, yet I sit there, smiling quietly in the corner, waiting for something familiar to come out of their mouths.
"Don't hold dick. Make radio." My dad says while gesturing to something upwards.
Not even close. I continue to smile and sip my drink while they both giggle like the Catholic school boys they still are.
Jokes like that are scattered in with the conversation. Some I know from past conversations, while others are inside jokes I may never understand.
My father later explains that it is an old Buddy Hacket joke from his lounge days.

Every so often the topic changes to something I not only understand, but can take part in. Me!
I am, by far, my uncle's favorite. (So says dad.) Favorite what? I'm not sure. Neice, relative, girl, person? The world may never know. What is for certain is that I most definitely am the favorite. A title I have earned, by the way. From working at the offices of their shared business, moving from office to office, babysitting grandchildren to just being amazing. Some say I could even pull off being my uncle's kid. It'd be an honor, I tell ya!

"Riddle me this, Batman." says my uncle to pose a new topic. Most likely another I have no investment in. Yet there I sit and sip and smile while my two favorite men converse. One day, I will tell my children about these precious moments spent with my father and uncle, just as they talk about their long-since passed fathers.

A re-occuring theme I catch onto is that of Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) ethics. Proposed means of fixing certain political situations is the idea of giving those less fortunate the opporunity to help themselves. Republicans that we are, we don't do a lot of hand outs, rather hand ups. For example, we talked about daycare and how those on welfare or unemployment should get free daycare for their kids. Instead of putting money into that, why not encourage them to run their own daycares, which will bring income as well as pay a certain amount for each kid present, making it cheaper for others to put their children into daycare. Run your own business, get government funding and deal with everything else locally.
I am a great enthusiast of D.I.Y. ethics, being the music mogul that I am, and I believe that that idea can transcend into other aspects. It was mostly just great to hear how it could work outside of the music industry.
Doing things yourself gives you a feeling of accomplishment no hourly job could ever fulfill. From owning your own business to fixing your own car. It's all about you!

With exchanges of graditude and adoration, my uncle departs once again, leaving my family in this post-Stanley glow. A feeling that no one could replace.

A Birthday Wish List.

2009-03-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

My family is quite fond of wish lists.
We know each other well enough to determine if they will actually like a gift we get them, but it's so much more fun to give them something you know they want.
I've been making wish lists since I was a child. And now it's not only expected for every birthday and Christmas, it's kind of a tradition that I like to take part in for myself.

Who doesn't like shopping for themselves?

This year is a little different from my previous 20 years of life, only because of the age and the now legal substances I can ask for. tee-hee. But some things never change. I continue to add Threadless shirts, books and music to the list.

For my 21st Birthday I would like:

Every size bottle of Jack Daniel's. From the mini to the Liter.
Celebratory shot glasses. (One's that say 21st Birthday or what-have-you on them.)
Drinking money! ;)

Threadless Shirts (all in a Guys Large):
I'd rather play records.
Zombies only want me for my brains.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.

Books:
Start and Run Your Own Record Label

The Business of Music Marketing and Promotion

The Future of Music

Bukowski in Love

Don't Hold Your Breath: The Art of Brian Ewing

Zombie Haikus

Music:
iTunes gift cards are really great for all my digital music needs.
But we all know I'm the vinyl child of the family and have some requests.

Portishead "Third"
The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
Brandston "Trying to Figure Each Other Out"
Two Tongues EP
CInematic Sunrise "Coloring Book"
Probably my favorite record of all time:
Brand New "Deja Entendu"

Huck-A-Puck Stuff:
Locket Necklace with magnetic tops
Hair Clips
Cute Necklace

New Music Hero: Paul McGuire

2009-03-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to catch a new favorite band of mine at Chain Reaction back in December. You, Me and Everyone We Know. It was actually more like I knew about the date 3 months in advance and would not let anything stop me from going.
While I waited for the date to arrive, I checked out the other bands that would be playing that night. If I'm paying $10, I might as well get something out of it. And one of those bands was Karate High School. (Yeah, I like bands with pretty amazing names.)

Their music is a heavier pop/rock sound. It's fast, a little angry, high energy and gets you hyped. Their live show was amazing. I liked the music, but once I got the chance to experience it, it was all over. I was going to follow this band!

During the show, the lead singer, Paul, who we shall get to in a moment, started to tell a story about his dad and the Christmas he did not get the bike he had been asking for. He sounded very sound and everything in me just wanted the hug the guy. Not in a way that we'd cry or something, but just so that he knew someone was listening and cared. And so I pushed my way through the crowd to the front where he was sitting on the stage. I put my arms out to hug him and smiled as sweetly as possible and the guy screamed at me "Don't touch me!" I was taken aback, mostly cause he was loud and I did not expect to get yelled at. But he hugged me and said thank you and even pointed to me in the crowd later in the set.

After they finished their set, which was pretty amazing, he bumped into me and apologized for yelling and that it was just a joke. I explained that I was just trying to make friends and give him a hug cause he sounded like he needed one. I'm a hugger, what can I say? He was super nice and thanked me and my friends for coming out and such. I even got a pretty gangsta picture with him. hehe.

I had been waiting for them to return, but as fate would have it, just as they hit California, their guitarist, Geoff, was diagnosed with Skin Cancer. And of course they had to cancel the rest of the tour so that he can deal with his disease quickly and hopefully easily. You see, when a band member gets cancer or falls greatly ill, it doesn't just affect the band, but it filters down to the fans who feel very useless and scared for someone they care so much about. Of course, all the fans have been sending tons of support his way and hope that he gets better soon.

While leaving my tid-bit of love for Geoff, I stumbled across Paul's solo page. I knew he was the songwriter and obviously a pretty great singer, performer and storyteller, but I did not know that he is my new acoustic dream. He not only had an acoustic version of one of the band's songs, but a cover of some other band's song as well as some solo stuff. It all sounds amazing and I just fell for his voice. Some voices are made to accompany an acoustic guitar.

On top of his amazing talent with music, he has this great sense of humor that makes me think we'd make great friends. And feeling that way towards someone you barely know is a great way to feel comfortable around them the next time you see them. For instance, in an interview he stated this about his mother, who he listed as his major musical influence:
If I ever make a dollar from the music I write, I'm totally treating her to Taco Bell.
So the next time I see him, we can talk about Taco Bell and our mothers. So awesome!

Every blog he posts makes me fall more for this guy. And having role models like him really motivate me to continue with my career in the music industry. I don't want to just talk about it all the time, I want to be apart of it and get paid! But for now, I'll just write about it.

Paul McGuire and Me.

The New iPod Shuffle.

2009-03-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Apple just posted their new iPod shuffle on their website today.

What? No event featuring a turtleneck-clad Steve Jobs in front of a power point presentation of their latest gadget?

Just when you thought the iPod could not get any smaller, here it is, just shy of a AA battery.
It has more memory. 4Gs compared to the 2Gs in the previous models.
The click wheel is gone and a steam-lined device attached to the head phones controls the volume, let's you pause and skip songs and gives you the freedom to control your music, without taking the iPod out of whatever nook you've stashed it in.
Those tiny pockets in jeans now have a new best friend.

Some down side is the lack of visuals and playlist control. (Previous shuffles had the same problem.)
However, these new iPod Shuffles come complete with a VoiceOver system.
You simply hold down the play button and a robotic voice will come on and tell you the name of the song as well as the artist.
Continue to hold down that tiny button and it will tell you the playlist you are currently listening to followed by your list of previously selected playlists. When you hear the playlist you want to listen to, simply click the button again.
And voila!

Sounds like a great new toy for my father, who is happy listening to anything.
I once witnessed him listening to Styx and when the song changed over to "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast, he didn't een flinch. He actually sang along with a few arm gestures here and there for affect.
I'm sure there are plenty of other music lovers of this sort out there in the world who would love this new iPod.
But for those of us a little more serious and in need of greater control to what they listen to, this just shall not suffice.

Being part of the music industry, you need to be able to present your product in a way that is professional.
I've experienced plenty of bands at Warped Tour especially who want you to listen to their music, but have only brought an iPod shuffle and a dinky pair of headphones. They stumble to unravel their headphones and can never seem to find the one song they ant you to listen to.
There are the ones who have older versions of the regular iPod and they can not only find the song they want to share with you in an instant, they can also play you videos of them live and how photos of their album or of the band when they are cleaner and less musky. it makes the world of difference to a fan and potential purchaser.

Apart from the business aspect of it, there is the daily usage. I have playlists for different moods, situations, events and even just specific artists that I'm loving at the time. So in a moment I can change my music just as my mood or situation changes.
Being able to flip through pictures and videos is also a great upside to the regular iPod. You never know when you need to show off a picture of your latest rock star run-in.

It's all just a matter a preference. And that's why iPods are on top of the music playing devices. They give you options. Not just in size, shape or color. But in how you experience your music. How do you top that?

I Know A Thing Or Two About A Thing Or Two.

2009-03-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

It has been brought to my attention lately, that I actually know what I'm talking about (for the most part) when having discussions with band members and other such employees of the music industry. I tend to finish their sentences and receive surprised looks when it was exactly what they were planning on saying. I don't do this for attention or admiration, I do this because I just know.

The last 5 years have been a constant learning opportunity. As if I enrolled myself in Music College and certain events I've attended have been my classes.

Promotion 206. Booking 103. Band Member Recycling 112. Fan-Girl 402.

The events have given me the learning material I need to understand how the industry works and the people I have met give me the insight on specific details of the business as well as, the showmanship side of music. The opportunity to learn something new from every person I meet or show I see or conversation I have, is taken full advantage of. If this is going to be the industry I want to be apart of then I need to pay attention now and be prepared for the future.

Of course, there is still lots to learn and always will be. Since this industry is in the midst of a huge overhaul, where vinyl sales are up, record sales are down and digital music is taking over. Soon CDs will be as obsolete as 8-tracks. But until then, I want to know everything I can about how CDs go from blank pieces of plastic to pieces of art.

On top of the in-person learning experience, I've been reading a lot about different aspects of the music industry. I'm currently reading "Everything You Need To Know About The Music Business (9th Edition)" by Donald Passman. There are notes in the margin and plenty of underlining of topics I'd like to know more about and such. I've loved it thus far, even though it is geared more toward an entertainer looking to build a career. But it has given me plenty of information that I know will come in handy.

Some other reading materials I plan on adding to my pile are:
The Future of Music: Manifesto for the Digital Music Revolution
Start and Run Your Own Record Label

And I'm sure I'll find more to read. But I'm a slow reader and I tend to forget to read. (It happens.)

What the point of all this was that I don't want to be a paper pusher or a retail sales person, because I don't know anything about that. What I do know is music and how the scene has been evolving and what to do with band members and bookers and what venues are best for certain bands. And I would like to use this knowledge. I would like to work in the music industry, somehow. Some jobs I've pondered have been:
PR Assistant at a Record Label.
Booking Agent Assistant
A&R Scout
Promoter
Music Booker at a Venue
Band Manager
Contributing Writer for music magazines/websites

A Must Have and A Must Fix.

2009-01-30T01:35:00.001-08:00

First off... I need this to add to my vinyl collection. And I need it soon, or else it goes away forever!

Cinematic Sunrise is a band that is friends of friends of mine. I love their stuff, but I really want this for the album artwork.
I have this thing with Huck-A-Pucks and Zoo animals.

On a sad note...
My turn table decided to stop turning.
At first I thought it was a cool sound effect.
The slowing followed by silence.
Then I realized that it had stopped all together.
Did the usual check list to see what was wrong.
Turned it on and off again.
Checked underneath for any blockage.
Even dusted it a bit.
Still nothing.

I believe that the motor has died.
It's an old turn table that I received from my grand parents, so who knows when it was last fixed.

The plan is to let it sit for a while.
Then try again. If it still doesn't rotate, then I'll take it in to get looked at.

I'm super sad since I just got hold of a few 12 inchers that I'd love to listen to.
An Robert Plant solo album from the 80's and a Depeche Mode remix album.

A Show Journal.

2009-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am the kind of girl who keeps journals. Not diaries.
The pages are never front to back.
There's no "dear diary" at the beginning of every entry.
They are dated and sometimes named if there's a specific event or holiday that day.
I'm very specific about people these days. My journals from middles school and the beginning of High School have names and sometimes last initials, but I can barely remember who they belong to.
Topics change as often as the page turns.
And if my mother ever read it, the only thing I'd be ashamed of is my hand writing.
(And sometimes my cursing. I anger write a lot.)
Sometimes I have several journals at one time.
One personal one for whatever.
Another for day-to-day writing.
A poetry keeper. And a binder for single sheets.

A journal that I started last year was my show journal.

I kept the dates of every show or concert I attended.
From my very first of the year to the last.
I wrote down the day, the bands and the venues in a list at the beginning.
Then I made a page for each show.
It includes a small summary of the event, a picture or two, maybe a ticket or wristband and sometimes a memento of sorts.
I haven't made it very far with the page summaries.
I think I've outlined all the way through March.
But only a few are completely done.

My goal for the year was to go to 50 shows.
See at least 10 brand new bands I've never seen before.
Go to more than one Warped Tour.
Take someone to their first show.
See the same band more than 10 times.
Go to a venue I haven't been to before.
Make friends at the shows.

And I did accomplish those goals.
Except I only went to 48 shows.
I had two get cancelled last minute.

What makes me super happy though is that I went to a lot of shows during the 6 months that I was living off of $100 a month.
I went to 18 shows, including 2 Warped Tours and had a pretty amazing time spending the cash I did have on the one thing I know I will always love.
I may get tired of the scene or of going to shows constantly, but I will never tire of them completely.
I will always love the rush I get when my favorite band hits the stage.
The fun of being surrounded by people who love the same music you do.
Meeting new and amazing people. Hanging out with your friends.
And just having fun!

I have yet to get a new journal for this year.
Which is ok, since I haven't gone to a show yet.
But I have a goal left for this journal.
I want to have it finished before I start the next one.
My first show is scheduled for the 10th as of now.
So I have a few days to get it outlined at least.
If I can't finish it completely, I want it to at least be outlined.
That way I don't have unfinished projects sitting around.

Being a Barista.

2008-12-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

I have been working at the coffee shop for about 4 months now and it has changed quite a lot in those few months.
I used to have a set schedule every week with a good amount of hours and was generally happy with how things were going.
Then new policies came into affect and employees were either being driven to quit or fired for no apparent reason.
All I am going to say about the new owners is that they do not appear to know what they are doing. Which affects the rest of us more than they know.

Other than some minor problems with the owners, I love working there.
It takes me less than 15 minutes to get there.
I can wear basically what I wear every day anyway.
The customers are sweet, especially the regulars.
My co-workers are good people and some are even friends that I've known for some time.
The store hours make it so that I never have to ask for nights or weekends off, which I used to.
I love the smell of coffee and having it at my fingertips.
The hard work keeps me busy and motivated, yet not drained.

Sure, I could use a few more hours each week and some job security, but those are complaints any part-time employee would have these days. So overall, it's a good job and I enjoy it there.

Christmas Wish List 2008

2008-11-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

I know that at times, it's hard to figure out what exactly you should get someone as a gift. Sometimes you know right away, other times it takes a few stores and lots of wandering to find the perfect gift. Well I'm here to help!

I have made a Wish List for this Christmas for my relatives to take a gander at and maybe even be inspired as to what to get me this year. Since I've been such a nice girl this year! *bats eye-lashes* And I have included a few helpful links, so you know exactly what I'm talking about.

'Generation Kill' box set. It was a great mini-series on HBO that I fell in love with. It's the story of the 1st Recon. Te during 40 days of the Iraq War. Based on the book by Rolling Stones writer, Evan Wright. I've got a thing for Marines and writers, what can I say? I've mentioned this to dad back when it was still on t.v. And it comes out Dec. 16th. Just in time, right?

Other movies:
Almost Famous
High Fidelity
Dazed and Confused
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Beauty and the Beast. We have it on VHS, but not DVD.

Record Cleaner Brush. I have a problem keeping my records clean. They gather dust and then skip and ruin the needle. So I need a cleaner and also a cover of sorts. Since the record player I was given by my Grandparents did not come with a cover.

Speaking of records! I have a minor collection starting, however, if I want to truly experience vinyl, there are some must-haves that I simply.... must have! It may not be thee definitve collection, but it will make me happy.

The Who "Tommy"
The Clash "London Calling"
The Doors "Greatest Hits"
Andrew W.K. "Party Hard" He and I share the same birthday. He looks a little scary, but he's way awesome!
Foo Fighters "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace"

Threadless Tees.
I'm a big fan of this company, for several reasons.
One- All designs are user submitted and then chosen by other users.
Two- The designs are original and it's rare for me to be in the same room with someone who has the same thing on as I do.
Three- Chicago based. 'Nuff said.
All I ask is that you buy me a guy's large! They are longer and less fitted. And usually more comfy.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs. "Ok. I believe you, but my tommy gun don't."
Captured Nostalgia

Reading Materials:
Yes, I read. Usually when forced to, or if something really catches my eye. I've been told by several musician and music industry guys that these are good books to read and that it will help me out a lot with the direction I want to go.
Everything You Need To Know About the Music Business
How to Start and Run Your Own Record Label

Some stuff that will always make me happy:
-Anything Pirate-y that is for ages 8 and up. However, I have plenty of Pirates of the Caribbean stuff.
-Anything to do with Jack Daniel's. Shot glasses, t-shirts, playing cards, toys, posters, etc.
-Money! Cash or those gift credit cards that work on-line. Or gift cards to Old Nay, Target, Movie Theaters, or iTunes.

Thank you!

Election 2008

2008-11-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

In the political arena, I am not my father's daughter.
I have spent the past month virtually silent about my thoughts and feelings towards what is being called the most important election of this generation.
Mostly because I am not interested in politics, so I tend to skip over most discussions, which has lead to my lack of extensive knowledge of the candidates, their platforms and certain propositions being voted on today.
This does not make me ignorant or just a "stupid youngster." I just have no real interest in politics. But I also have no interest in professional sports. Does that make me ignorant because I can not state stats for players from several teams? Don't think so.
I have recently taken an interest in gaining the knowledge to make an educated decision when voting, instead of picking based on what others have told me. Since I'm not one to follow the crowd, I have found some tension between friends when they hear that I am not all for Obama and his "change."

I was raised in a conservative household. A hard-working family from the Upper-Middle Class that does not believe in unions or hand-outs. But there was never a time when anything my family believed in was forced upon me. In fact, it is a tradition on my father's side of the family to share different views and to have some-what heated discussions about politics around the dinner table. But every evening always ended in laughs and hugs, because no one was judged for having a different opinion. They were respected for it.

However, being a younger generation, my interests are different than theirs and I have taken on some some-what liberal ideals. Mostly because of my stance on Woman's Suffrage and the belief that it is my body and my choice, not the Gov't. I am a strong, independent woman who believes that no role/job is gender specific. I do not "belong" anywhere, especially not in the kitchen. And I will not become some servant to an over-controlling man. But I like to cook and am willing to clean, as long as it is also an option that I work at a real job and do what I love. Basically, if you give me my freedom and do not force me to do something I do not want to do, all is well.

So I researched the propositions, wikipedia'd both presidential candidates and then asked around how others felt. In the end I made my own decision. No one else marked my ballot this afternoon but me. And that's how it shall forever be.

Here's a picture of my Huck-A-Puck with my "I voted." sticker and ballot stub.

No longer an Intern.

2008-10-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

As of October 1st, 2008, I am no longer an Intern.

It is sad, yet a relief.

I have had a crazy couple of months and making the trek to Culver City twice a week was definitly wearing on me and my parents' wallet.

But there is in no way any bad feelings. Toward the label or any of my co-workers and fellow interns.

I had an amazing 6 months there and I feel that it was not only a great opportunity for my career in the music industry, but also an experience that will help me with other jobs in the future.

The interns that I saw enter, leave and even the ones that managed to hold on for longer than a month, had a great effect on my knowledge of this industry. It is not for everyone. You can say that you love music, but can you sit and listen to songs that you may not choose on your own for several hours a week? Or maybe it's the lack of a real paycheck that does not make you happy enough to stay? I endurded all of that, including several hours worth of sitting in traffic a month and still, I continued to show up with a smile on my face and a laptop in my arms.

My boss taught me more than I think he realized. Small things he said and did, including the relationships he had with the interns showed me that this is not the hardened business that it is made out to be.

The projects and assignments he gave me helped me improve my skills as well as learn some new tricks. And I don't think I could have learned any of it from a class room.

The internship may be over, but the lessons learned will stay with me forever.

The Warped Tour Experience

2008-08-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have been attending the summer Warped Tour since 2005. I was very close to going in 2004 with a few friends, but I could not come up with the money in time. I was 16 at the time, so it's understandable. If I had gone, most of the bands I'm a fan of now would be just starting out or at the point where they weren't quite "big" yet. That's just one of the best parts about Warped Tour. Bands evolve from the side stage that they barely made it onto until the reach the main stage where they are getting paid the big bucks.

Warped Tour 2005
My first year was pretty crazy. I had no idea who most of the bands were. The headliners I did recognize had huge crowds around their stages and booths. It was hot and crowded. I didn't know what I was doing or what to expect. But I had a ton of fun just getting free stuff from everyone. By the end of the day I had a bag full of fliers, stickers, posters, CDs and even some flip-flops.

The one band I had come to see that wasn't a headliner was Bullets and Octane. The first local band I called my own. They played the Hot Topic stage that was smaller than any stage I had ever been on and was covered by an easy-up tent. The crowd was less than 20, but it was still pretty crazy. I hid next to a tree for safety and a better view. Gene Louis, the lead singer, pointed and waved at me. He had seen me many times before, standing up against the stage at Chain Reaction, screaming along to every song. It felt pretty amazing to have him point me out of the crowd.

I can't remember too much from that day. It went by pretty fast. What I do remember is my friends collecting bottles for a recycling place that gave you stuff in exchange for plastic bottles. We picked up about 50 or so bottles. But right in the middle of our collecting, we decided to see a band that was just getting big, My Chemical Romance. The crowd surged at their hit song and we got caught in the middle of it. I tried to hold onto my bag of plastic bottles as I got smashed up against sweaty teenagers. Below is a picture of the circle pit that formed in front of me.

After we collected the bottles and survived the pit, we went back to the recycling tent and picked our prize. A Ramones shirt! It was an Adult Small and only one of the three of us could fit it. But we still decided to put it into rotation. After a few wears we stretched it out and I've been seen in it several times over the years. It's still a favorite shirt of mine.

A headliner that I wanted to see was Offspring. They've been together as long as I've been alive. They are from Orange County and can even be seen around the Cypress/Los Alamitos area. Dexter, the lead singer, was valedictorian of his class at Pacifica High School, which is where he got his name. We ended up against a a fence relaxing when I heard a song I recognized. I looked over the fence and Offpsring was playing. The crowd was pretty big and it was late in the day, so I just hung out by the fence and listened. Later they came back stage and were hanging out. We yelled and they waved. This is a picture of them, sort of. You can see Noodle and Dexter.

After several hours in the hot parking lot at Cal State Long Beach, me and the gang went to In N Out and saw our awesome sun burns. We then promised that we'd go to Warped Tour together the next year.

Warped Tour 2006- Pomona
The tour changes locations every couple of years and so in 2006, we ended up going to the date at the Pomona Fairplex. It was a long drive out there, dusty and very hot. We waited in the long line for a while and then headed towards the two large pilars that tell when the bands play and at what stage. We didn't know about this until later in the day the year previous. It's now the first place we go. After deciding on a schedule for the day, we wandered and looked at booths. My two friends, Amanda and Frenchy had donated blood and received backstage passes. They could go backstage, stand on the stage during sets and even get into VIP places. I was a little jealous that I didn't have one, but it ended up being the best thing that happened to me. During one of the times they were on stage I saw my friend Tree, who I had not seen in three years. A few feet away from where I was sitting was a tent for a band called Goodbye Valentine. Danny, lead guitarist/singer was sitting in a wheel chair with a mega phone, yelling at passers-bye to stop and listen to their music. He started yelling at me. "Hey, you in the green converse!" He probably yelled at me three times before I finally realized it was me and turned around. We started talking, I listened to their music, loved it, but couldn't buy it. I had no money. He then got up from his wheelchair to get something from a box behind him. "It's a miracle!", I exclaimed. "Yeah, he tends to do that." replied their drummer Jeff. I took a picture to help me remember to find them on-line later. And this is it. The beginning of a very amazing life as a Valenta-ta and band-aid.

It was a fun day for all of us. We got more free stuff and found new bands to listen to. I was still new to the whole Warped Tour experience, but I felt that my next year would be even better.

Me and Frenchy under a tent trying to cool down.

Warped Tour 2007
The next year was very different from my previous years. I had spent the last year attending Goodbye Valentine shows, hanging out with a group of girls and meeting a ton of new people and bands. I had started college and working almost full time. I attended several shows a month, went on road trips and even started doing promotion for bands. This was the year that changed my life and it all started with a guy in a wheel chair yelling at me through a mega-phone.
The dates changed yet again and Warped Tour started in CA and ended in CA. We planned on going to three dates, but only went to two. The first date was Pomona.
Pomona
I drove up there in the van with my best friend Melissa, who had never been to Warped Tour before. We met up with my show friends and saw a lot of bands. We did our best to try and stay together, but when you have several people with varied musical tastes, you're bound to separate. It was fun to see bands I loved back when I was in middle school and bands that I had found the previous year at Warped. The experience you have is based on you. If you want to just wander and do whatever, you'll probably miss a lot of bands/signings and might even miss the one band you did come to see. If you make a schedule that is pretty strict and packed, you'll miss out on the fun. So you need to find a balance between no schedule and a strict schedule. I think after several years, we've finally got it down. We pick what bands we want to see and what bands we want to meet/get pictures with. And during the down time you wander thee booths and see what's new. But sometimes we don't want to wander or we want to just see whoever is playing at a particular stage. And that's when we tend to separate. But it works out in the end. We see the bands we want to see and walk away feeling happy that we've gotten everything done we wanted to get done.

During the day we saw our friends from No One Goes Home wandering around, trying to make fans. And our friends from In Theory were part of the Freak Show they had that year. It felt normal at the time to have friends in bands be part of something like Warped Tour. But thinking about it now, that was very different from years previous. I barely knew any bands playing the tour, now I'm friends with them? Awesome.

These are the girls I hung with all day, standing in line for No One Goes Home.

Below is a picture of my friend Erynn and Shawn Harris of The Matches. We've probably seen them play about 15 times. They are fun and have a great live show. They are one of the Warped Tour staples, having been on it 4 times, usually for the majority of the tour. One of the best parts about Warped Tour is the opportunities to mingle with musicians that you'd normally never see off stage. They walk around, wander through the booths, watch other bands and even hang out at their own tent for pictures, autographs and conversations about anything. At shows you can't do that. You might catch one or two members of a band after a show, but not for long and not without a crowd. At Warped Tour, you might bump into your favorite musician who is totally willing to stop and take a picture with ya.

Carson
The Warped Tour ended in CA at the Home Depot Center in Carson. We were actually in the parking lot, but it's all the same. We got there later than usual, but saw all the bands we wanted to see.
The best thing about this date had to be the start of something amazing. It was the first time I met the Eudora guys. I had been away of them for a year, but had never met them or been to one of their shows. Their bassist, Kevin, had been bugging me on myspace to come to a show, but I was always busy with something else. When I first walked up to the tent and introduced myself to Brandon, the singer, I told him that I was friends with Tree, their guitarist's gf. He said "I love Tree!" and hugged me. Moments later he and Kevin start to leave, I wave to Kevin and he realizes who I am. He comes back and hugs me and is super excited I was there. Me and Kevin.

I spent most of the day with them at their tent. Just hanging out and talking. Oh and promoting Goodbye Valentine! See the picture? But that was only the start of another great relationship with some amazing guys. Since that day I have seen them perform almost 20 times, hang out with them at other shows and even outside of shows, help them with some promotion stuff and even plan birthdays for them. It's been a year and 1/2 since we met and yet I feel like it's been forever. They are some of my favorite people to be around and I can't wait until the next warped tour and the celebration of our 2 year anniversary!

Another highlight of the day was my first time seeing Flogging Molly perform live. They are an Irish-Punk band that has some really amazing songs to dance and drink to. Being Irish myself, I fell in love with them many moons ago. Seeing them live was amazing! Erynn and I danced and sang and jigged and had a great time as the sunset behind the stage.
Crowd at Sunset-

The weather was great, everyone seemed to be happy and I got to see a couple of really great bands. It was a good day!

Warped Tour 2008 - Ventura
We got off to a rocky start driving up to Ventura early in the morning. We got there an hour later than we wanted to and missed a few bands we really wanted to see.
We walked in on Say Anything and that kinda made up for it. Such a great live band and tons of fun to sing-a-long to.

We started wandering and found my now amazing friends, Eudora, setting up their tent. We made this our base for the day, so if we got separated or wanted to sit in the shade, that's where we met up. It was fun just hanging out with them while the others went wandering around. Kevin and I in the shade.

It wasn't quite as hot as usual since we were right by the ocean and had a nice breeze for most of the day. So we saw a few bands we'd plan on seeing. Like Family Force 5, Against Me!, Pennywise, Reel Big Fish and Mayday Parade. And then spent the rest hanging out with Eudora or Letters Burning and even spotted Matt Whalen of The Matches.

We bought Seth and Dougie Fresh from The Higher sno-cones. We had missed their set, but got the chance to hang out with them for a bit and it's always fun with those guys. And sno-cones are delicious!

The drive home was pretty much silent. The girls and I were exhausted and had been kinda bitchy towards the end of the day. But then we got hungry and stopped for food and were besties again.

Carson
It has become a new thing to go to more than one Warped Tour date, especially since it starts in Cali and ends in Cali, so we get to spread the Warped love. This time though was different. I drove there alone, met up with people and spent most of the day at the Eudora tent instead of watching bands.
Bands I did see were Family Force 5, Against Me!, Say Anything, Katy Perry, Motion City Soundtrack, Mayday Parade and All Time Low.

We ate sno-cones, helped Eudora pass out fliers and kept bumping into my friends Uh-Oh! Explosion. I've known these guys for years and they are pretty awesome to see live. I never did get my fan-girl pic with them.

Erynn and I portraying lyrics to the Say Anything cover of "Baby I Got Your Money"

The girls had to leave early to go on their trip to San Diego, so I ended up in the Eudora tent helping with merch. Eudora actually played that day and were giving away free VAN's stuff. That was fun watching them play. Ice Nine Kills even stepped up for a colabo!

It was getting cold and cloudy and Brandon thought it might rain. So we were saying our good-byes and taking pictures when I told him it was our 1 year anniversary. He smiled and hugged me and was pretty excited about it. He and Kevin wanted to walk me back to my car, since I was by myself. So instead of walking all the way around the stadium and up a hill, they walked me to the back stage area where the vans were and got me 1/2 way there. I had never been backstage before and it was pretty cool just to walk past all the buses. And I loved being escorted by my guys. Me and Brandon.

Warped Tour 2009!
In a few months it will be that time of year when the weather warms up, bands live in buses and tickets get costly. But I am ready to experience Warped Tour like I have never experienced it before. From the inside!
I have applied to be a Warped Tour Pit Reporter. The duties include:
-Being on the entire tour. (all 2 1/2 months.)
-Report on the tour, bands, fans, etc. from the "mosh pit."
-Take pictures, document the tour and keep fans up to date on what's happening.
-Also report at the tour kick off party/show.

Knowing me, you'd know that this job is pretty much my dream job! Yes, it's paid!
I'd be touring with some of my idols, writing about music and the tour and being able to interview and meet with some amazing bands and performers. It would be a dream come true. But out of 250 applicants, there can only be one? (I'm not sure if they will have more than one this year.)

If I do not get accepted, all is well! I will still be standing out in the sun having a great time with my friends.
I want to go to at least 3 this year. And have one of them be out of state! Road trip!
But most importantly, I want it to be more about the music and less about the socializing. I want to find new bands and music and see more performances. I miss out on a lot of the un-known bands because I'm more focused on the bands I know I like.
And I'm afraid that not trying out new stuff will lead me to skipping over the next Good-bye Valentine or Eudora.

What I do know is that I will be at Warped Tour for as long as it runs and I can stand.
And that should be a very long time.

Internship Update.

2008-08-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have been working at the label for 3 1/2 months now. I drive all the way to Culver City and back twice a week for practically nothing, yet it's one of the few places that I'm happy at. I'm basically on my own there, but if I wanted to be social all I have to do is turn around or yell into the office that my boss tends to sing in. It's been fun learning about a different side of the music industry and I've met some pretty amazing people.

However, I have seen many interns come and go because the job was not what they expected. We basically sit in front of a computer all day listening to music that we'd otherwise turn off if it came on the radio. Not exactly the best job description. These kids were expecting to get free stuff and meet famous people and actually do something. But for the most part, we don't do much. Just the tedious work that needs to get done, but not by someone who actually gets paid to work there.

At one point I was asked to do a little bit more. I listened to the compilation CDs the label produced, wrote down my thoughts into a cohesive review and then sent them into another intern who was supposed to post them on various sites in promotion of the album. I soon found out that these reviews that I put much time and effort into were only being posted on itunes as a customer review. Which anyone with an itunes account can do. So I respectfully declined to do any more reviews and I stuck with the music categorizing and rating.

But I was not satisfied and feared that my restlessness at the label would lead to my departure. My boss knew of my various achievements in the industry as well as my skills as a writer. He had been looking for a position within the company where I could use my knowledge of the local music scene as well as my ability to make friends and business partners with bands. A month later and he still had nothing. So today I asked if there was anything I could do. He smiled and told me that he knew I was going to ask him that.

Recently, two of the other interns, both guys, had been "promoted" to higher positions. They were still unpaid interns, but had much more responsibility. The two of them would be compiling lists of about 100 songs and then making the compilation track lists from those lists. One guy was "King" of the Latin, Reggae and World genres while the other was "King" of the Metal, R&B, Hip-Hop and Rock genres. Andrew promoted me today to "Queen" of the Indie/Emo Rock and Pop genres. So I will be taking the top rated songs and making them into compilations. Me and two guys basically replaced one of my bosses who left to join another label.

I believe that this is just one step towards my dream job. But it's a pretty big step. And I love knowing that I earned it instead of just being tossed into it. My boss trusts my musical judgement as well as my ability to keep to a deadline and not all of the sudden stop showing up to work.

What comes after album producer?

Record Label CEO, of course!

$150 for a song about you.

2008-08-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Max Bemis ha posted a new merch-direct item. For $150, Max will take 2-3 days to write a song about you, for you. All you have to do is write a paragraph or two about an experience or a problem or emotion you have that you would like in song form and he will write a pretty amazing song about it. He will send it to you and it wont be posted or released anywhere else.
He believes that this will be a great way to bridge the gap between artist and fan. Making it pretty expensive (if you're under 30, $150 is a lot to spend on a song.) keeps the number of requests to a manageable level.

He explains the process a little more in this video.

This got me to thinking about the fans from years past who probably would've paid more to have their favorite artist/musician write a song about them just for them. If Robert Plant or Pete Townsend or Neil Diamond wrote a song about you and then sent you the only recording of it, how happy would you be? Beyond happy I believe.

Now there are two obstacles to this being a reality for myself. This has never been done before and if it does happen again, I don't think it will be as special. So my first reaction was to send him a message and beg for a song.
However, obstacle one is the money. Being jobless has this poor affect on myself. $150 is a month and 1/2 at my internship.

Obstacle number two is the subject matter. I have been lucky enough to not be in a constant state of depression or dying from some illness that has yet to be cured. My friends and family love me and treat me well. But I am not the happiest I could be. I'm in a constant state of average. I'm content with my life. it is not horrible, yet it is not overly amazing.

So what do I ask Beem-Dawg to write about?
What would you ask one of your favorite musicians to write about you?

When you belong to a

2008-07-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

This was posted by The Matches only moments ago.

Jul 9, 2008 6:22 AM

Matches' bassist, Justin San Souci, leaving band

It disarranges us to relay that our long-time bassist and friend, Justin San Souci, will be parting from the role of bassist in the Matches to pursue other lives and loves. He, however, will not be parting from the role of friend. Change is not an easy thing, but it does not stop until life does. Our hearts go out to Justin for being brave and true to his heart's pursuit.

** the Matches (Shawn Harris, Matt Whalen, Jon Devoto)

If you did not already know, I have a 'thing' for bassists. They are the quiet, unsung heroes of bands. Justin San Souci happens to be one of my favorite bassists. His smile lights up my heart. He plays magnificently. He sings. He participates. He treats every fan as a friend he hasn't seen in a long time. He's a complete sweetheart. And this is not only just a blow to the heart, it's a blow to the mind.

There have been no inclination of any band members leaving, ever! These guys have grown up together and have made some beautiful music that have touched the hearts of thousands of teens across the globe. They recently finished a pretty tight touring schedule that included a trip to England and Japan. The last time I saw them, June 12th, was a very good night for them. A very large crowd, but not of people who had no idea who they were. These kids drove for miles to stand in a sauna just so they could dance and sing-a-long to The Matches.

I've seen The Matches perform more than 10 times in 2 years and I've known about them since I was 16. They are signed to one of my favorite record labels, Epitaph. And they are born and raised Californians, so they always come back and play shows after all their tours. But now I fear that these shows that I have come to love so much, will no longer have the same effect.

Something similar happened to the first local band I fell in love with back when I was 16. Their 2 guitarists, and the only ones who recognized me at shows (plus the lead singer.), decided to leave the band. I had seen them play 9 times before they left, I've only seen them twice since then. Only because it has not been the same. I don't feel as amazing as I used to at their shows. It's a shame and also a story for another time.

I will continue to be a full-fledged fan of The Matches and if Justin decides to start a band of his own, I will most definitely check them out and hopefully fall in love with them. But how could I not?

You can call me Bemis.

2008-07-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a pretty long post about my Warped Tour experiences at the moment, but as of right now, it's nowhere near complete.
So how about a mini-post to tied you over?

Maxim Adam Bemis is the lead singer of one of my favorite bands of right now. Say Anything.

He's bi-polar, born in New York but raised in Los Angeles, raised Jewish yet his father is Catholic. These opposite parts of him have shown through in his writing and make his music a sort of experience to listen to. You never know what's going to come up next. But it isn't one of those experimental bands where it's all noise and you have no idea what the guy is saying. Well you might not, because let's face it, my demographic right now are my elders. But I love his stuff and love to watch them perform.

I saw them perform at The Grove in Anaheim back in the spring and I spent most of the night dancing and screaming. Currently they are on one of the main stages at Warped Tour and they will be on the entire tour. I saw them in June and will be seeing them again in August.

This is all dandy but the little tid-bit of trivia I'm going to be handing over to you is something I'm quite proud of. In search for Mr. Bemis' current marital status, my friend Erynn and I found that he was the baby in the poster for Raising Arizona. A family favorite here at the McMahon's, I'm sure my dad will be happy!

Balloon Artists.

2008-06-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Balloon Artists (those people at parties who make hats, animals and other objects out of inflated balloons.) use small air pumps to inflate the balloons instead of their own oxygen for medical and safety reasons.
If you blow too hard you can either pop a blood vessel in your eye or even possibly collapse a lung.
Or if you don't regulate your breathing, you can pass out from lack of oxygen.
The pumps also make it easier and faster to blow up the balloons.

One of my classmates in ENGL 180 is a Balloon Artist.
Our professor asked us to name something interesting about ourselves.
Mostly it was an instrument they played or some sort of hobby.

Other interesting ones were:
A pet alligator named Dave. (Owner is unsure of gender of pet, but is too afraid to find out.)
A girl has two different colored eyes. Green and Brown. (Not quite Bowie.)
A guy writes short stories and another guy draws. I suggested a collaboration on a comic book!

Absolute Punk Misses Me.

2008-05-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

Every month or so I get an e-mail from absolutepunk.net saying they miss me and to come and check out what's new.

I like reading the front page of updates and news. There's lots of good stuff there and funny stuff as well. I found a blog from a merch company and I left them a comment asking for a job. *crosses fingers*

Also... David Cook was mentioned and I jumped on it.
He likes Acceptance. (Who doesn't?)
Acceptance was a favorite band of mine back in the day when I first started attending local shows. So they are kind of off the radar unless you're a local scene-ster like me. Here's there site. Acceptance.

Internship.

2008-05-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am currently an intern at a record label in Culver City.

My job consists of sitting in an office for at least 12 hours each week, staring at my lap top while I listen to mediocre music. I then categorize the songs by genre and style, rate it on a scale of 1 to 4. (1 being horrible and 4 being brilliant. It's not a great scale.) These songs then go to one of the heads for a second review. If they like it and have a compilation that it would work well on, then tada! It's on a compilation that will be distributed through iTunes and other on-line music distributors.

Recently I have started to write album reviews. These reviews are then posted on iTunes as customer reviews and is also sent to any company that receives the album. Soon I will be reviewing albums and the reviews will be in their newsletter that is sent out monthly, I believe. Once I'm a little more established here, I will be interviewing/reviewing bands that are showcased by the company.

I have been here for about 7 weeks and have become more comfortable with my bosses and co-workers. The music quality changes every day. Sometimes I'll listen to so much horrible music that I want to quit. But there are those days where I find gems that I actually want to listen to when I'm not at work. And those days keep me coming back. Also, I get class credit for this internship, once I take the class next semester.

The downside to this otherwise great job is the location and pay.

I'm a Long Beach girl. Born and raised within 10 miles of the house my dad grew up in. And most of my jobs have been in Orange County and not so much LA County. The traffic isn't as bad and jobs seem to be prosperous there. But I recently decided to venture for jobs that will further my career in the music industry and not have me taking orders from strangers on what kind of milk they want in their latte.

I started to look towards LA and the South Bay for work. And I found this internship. Culver City is only 30 miles from my house and the drive here is easy, when it's between 10am and 2pm and then from 8pm to 3am. And the location is only becoming a problem with the rise of gas prices. If gas was still $2.50/gallon, I wouldn't be worrying so much. But since it is at $4/gallon, I have to worry.

Especially since I am being paid $25/week. Basically it's only $2/hr. (Minimum wage is $8.) The money is compensation for gas/parking. I park across the street for free, so it pays for gas when I come twice a week. But because of school, I have to come three times a week recently. Starting next week I'm only coming in twice a week again.

However, I'm still left with no extra cash to save up for anything or go to the events I want to attend. Thankfully my parents are understanding and helpful. They pay for just about everything right now. My debt is only increasing every time I drive here.

When my brother is done with school he has loans to pay off, I'll have my parents. Because the deal is, as long as I'm in school, I don't have to pay rent. If I wasn't in school, I'd have to get a full time job and pay the kinda pricey rent.

I'm hoping that the effort I put in here will lead to a real job. Something that pays decently and allows me to continue to do the things I love. Whether it's a job here or with another label, I'm flexible.

I'm still looking for a job for the summer though. I'm not sure how I will balance summer school, the internship, a job, a busy show schedule and my friends.
This is supposed to be a pretty epic summer, but it's looking very busy.

American Idol Season 7

2008-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly I watched the entire season of American Idol this year. Except for the auditions of course. Those just kill me. I don't find pleasure in seeing people who believe they have the talent to become a famous singer being mocked and used solely for entertainment value. That's mostly due to my choir years and having to be the one to consul the tearful youngsters who did not make it into higher choirs. I never thought to put a camera in the audition room and then show it at the pep assemblies. Even during Hollywood week, I tend to not watch all that intently.

However, once the top 12 was determined, I was recording the bi-weekly shows and watching them at my convenience. My co-worker at the time, Courtknee, told me to vote for Jason Castro because "he's so damn cute." And granted he was, but it became apparent after a few weeks that he wasn't that good and had the perma-stoner look that gets old. So my love transfered quickly to David Cook. And now I am quite glad I chose him.

The first few kick-offs were no surprise. Amanda Overmyer was a one-note pony. She's probably the lead of some punk-metal band and is amazing there, but she wouldn't be able to stand the test of time. David Hernandez was good, but very forgetable. Chick's-are-easy was the same way. I loved Carly and if she goes on a solo tour, I'm there. Ramiele and Michael weren't very good. Just sayin'. Brooke should put out a nice little folk album and spread her sunshine. Jason Castro just didn't work out in the end. The teenage girls of the world became aware of his lack of talent and their mothers didn't want them to idolize a stoner who can't remember the words to a Bob Dylan song.

Syesha was amazing. She will put out a few good albums and maybe do the broadway circuit like others have before. But for some reason she just lacked a little umph.

David Archuleta was never a favorite of mine. He's too young, too inexperienced and seems to stick to one very narrow genre. Sure if he was in a high school choir, he'd be amazing and everyone would love him, but he's not quite "Idol" material. I was waiting for his voice to change and have it sound so different, that he'd absolutely fail. But I'm sure he'll make a nice album that the girls will love, but that's about it. We will all forget him once next season rolls around.

David Cook however amazed me every show. He took songs and made them his own. He wasn't afraid to take risks or try new things. He worked the guitar well, but not overly so. His image became a little more scruffy and darker than when he entered the competition, but it works. His voice made me favor him over the others, but it was his song choices made me love in love with him. Lionel Richie's "Hello", the White Snake version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Music of the Night" are some of my favorite songs. He chose them, made them his own and rocked the hell out of them all. The judges loved it and knew he was going to win. Of course his other songs were amazing as well. But those are the ones I bought on iTunes and put on repeat for a week. He's tall, cute, funny, down-to-earth, talented, a bartender and a rocker. When he goes on his solo tour, I will be there with every intention of meeting him. Even if his fame dies down and his records don't sell, I wont care. I'll go to the Knitting Factory and watch him play.

David Cook won for a reason. The stats for who watches American Idol is actually mostly women over the age of 25. So teenage girls were out-numbered, by women who know talent. Yay.

Who knows if I will be watching American Idol next season. They will be cutting down the elimination show to 30 minutes, so that's good. However I found a quote from the creator Nigel Lythgoe that makes me happy.
“I’m very nervous. That’s the tradition. I try to have a little shot of Jack Daniels before the show, then after the show, I try to have a very, very big one.”

Coachella Music Festival.

2008-04-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

I was asked why I wasn't at the Coachella Music Festival this past weekend approximately 20 times.
For some reason people think that my love for bands they have never heard of makes me the perfect candidate for a Coachella attendee.
However, I have never had the urge, want, need nor desire to attend Coachella, and I'm sure I never will.

First of all there is the music selection.
I always read who is playing what festivals, tours, shows, etc. before I decide on going or promoting the event. I'll pick out all the names I recognize first and then the ones I actually know the music of and finally seperate them into two categories: want to see/have seen and do not wish to see. If the first category outweighs the second then there is a very good chance I'll be in attendance. However, if there are more in the second category, then I probably wont go.

Second is location.
If it meets the first requirement, then I move on to its location. If it takes less than an hour to get there, in medium traffic, then I will most likely be there. If it takes longer than an hour in medium traffic, and I am going alone, then it has to be a concert I really want to be at. If there is a small group of us carpooling to the venue, then location is not really a factor. The only way the location will definitly keep me from attending is if it is a bar that does not allow anyone under 21 to attend. If I can't even get in, then why go? Also, what kind of place is it? Small hole-in-the-wall restaurant? Major venue on Sunset Blvd? Huge theatre or center like the Forum or Staples Center? Indoors or Outdoors? These all factor into my decision.

Third is the crowd.
I have my bands where no matter when and where they perform, I will know at least one person there. So I will go alone to shows, knowing I will see friendly and familiar faces. But I do like carpooling or meeting people at shows best. This cuts down on the price of gas and parking as well as being lonely or getting stranded. (They did not create the buddy system just so you can pee in the woods without getting lost.)

Finally is the cost.
I'm willing to pay $10 to get into just about any show with 4 or more bands performing. However, if I'm only going for one band and it's over $12, then I'll either check out the other bands or just wait for the next show. If the band comes around once a month and the cost is too much, I'll pass. But if they only come to SoCal once a year, then I'm willing to pay $20 to get in.

A few examples:
I'm seeing The Higer on May 23rd at Chain Reaction. Tickets are $12, it takes less than 30 mins to get there, and I know of at least two close friends who are going. So I'm definitly going. Even though I saw them in December and will see them in June.

I did not go to Bamboozle Left back in early April at the Pomona Fairplex. I was offered tickets for $50 ($25 less than what they actually were), I knew of at least 10 people who were going to be there, and there were several bands I did want to see. However there were many more bands I either did not want to see or am going to see in the future. Also, I did not have the $50. I had plans that weekend and thought rushing around and driving all over the place would not make for a pleasent weekend.

So why didn't I go to Coachella?
Sure, there were bands there I will probably never be able to see (Prince, anyone?) and bands I do want to see, but there were a hundred bands I've never heard of, did not want to see and most importantly, did not want to pay to see. Then there is the location. Middle of the desert during a small heatwave with thousands of people in tiny clothes walking around. Tickets weren't very expensive. A 3-Day pass was about $200. Or a day pass of $60. I believe. (Ticket prices are unavailable once the show is over.) I don't have $200 or even $60. And that does not include gas to and from Coachella, camping/hotel reservations, food and water, and other necessities. The few bands I did wish to see were not worth the cost. It's simple economics.

He's got the whole world in his hands.

2008-04-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Rolling Stone asked what their readers would like to see in the outstretched hand of David A. of America Idol.
Their answers varied between famous people, fellow contestants and other items you usually find people holding.

He're my favorite...
David takes out the competition.

Have I mentioned my hatred for teenage girls?

2008-04-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

As I watch the elimination show of American Idol I find myself yelling at the RCA flatscreen.

My predictions were way off!

Syesha and Carly are both in the bottom two.
Why is that?
They both received high marks from the judges and did phenomonal jobs!
However, they do not have a sea of teenage girls screaming "I love you!" during pauses in conversations with Seacrest.
While both Davids were up the entire orchestra section of girls screamed out their love and devotion for the boys.
Same thing with Jason Castro, even as he seems to zone out on stage and ho-hum his way through the evening, they love the guy!

Teenage girls are the ones calling over and over again. Texting continuously for one totally cute babe!

guh.

OK. The loser is... Carly?

I'm gunna smack every teenage girl I see.

Music of the Night

2008-04-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight on Ameircan Idol:
Andrew Lloyd-Webber's award-winning songs from Musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats, were put under the spotlight at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood this evening. The final six competitors had the opportunity to meet with Lord Webber and rehearse their respective versions of his songs. He politely gave them constructive criticism and other pointers to make their performances that much better, however he seemed to be very optimistic about each contestant.

First up was Syesha Mercado. She has one of those amazing voices that only a black woman can deliver. Her energy and stage presence have kept her in this competition, but it's her voice that's going to get her a record deal, win or loose. Tonight she sang "One Rock N' Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. I had previously though it was from Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, I was way off! She looks good without the 'fro' and Randy thought she'd make a great Broadway star, Simon agreed.

Side-note: Simon and Randy have been agreeing more this season. Previously it was Simon against the world. Now it's two professionals against a drugged out has-been. (How ya doin' Paula?) It makes me happy though, since Simon is right 90 percent of the time.

Second, with "Memory" from Cats, was my favorite when I first started watching, Jason Castro. Mostly because he was way too cute and had that raspy voice I like to hear on the other end of the phone when telemarketers call asking for the MacMahones. (Last name not pronounced like that.) Or maybe it was the dreads? (dreds?) Either way, he was gorgeous and had a great voice and matching acoustic guitar. But after two weeks of that, I, along with the judges, realized he was a one note kind of guy. Every week i watch intently hoping he will branch out and amaze the world. Sadly, he has yet to do so and I'm sure he will be gone next week or the week after. What a waste of a pretty man.

Third came Carly Simon's clone, Brooke White. I think she's gorgeous and has a beautiful voice that will sell to a whole market of young girls who feed off of the indie female singer-songwriter genre. However, tonight she made a very big mistake! She started then within a few words, stopped the orchestra and asked to start over. That could have worked if she started to cry and really went after the song after her second start, but she seemed so caught up in her mistake that she tensed up and the song fell flat. I've loved everything she has done before tonight, but her rendition of "You Must Love Me" from the movie Evita, did not resonate with me. I'm sure she's the one to leave next week. She's been in the bottom three for the past few weeks and has survived by the skin of her nose.

Now we come to the portion of this post where I threaten to beat up a 17-year-old boy. David A. is my least favorite and I thought he was gone several weeks ago when he forgot the words to his song. However, with a fan base consisting of girls between the ages of 8 and 17, he's been able to stay on week after week. His voice is perfect for junior high choir and I'm sure he gets every solo he tries out for. However, if he wants to make it in the music industry, he needs to grow up a bit first, graduate from high school and then go out and conquer the world. But what makes me angry is what he did to one of Webber's masterpieces. (I use masterpiece because it's the best word for it, not because it actually is one.) David A. sang "Think of Me" from my favorite musical by ALW Phantom of the Opera. His version was the version you'd hear a Jack Johnson-wannabe sing to his girlfriend just before leaving on tour with his "band." It takes all the heart and emotion right out of the song and puts it onto the Laguna Beach soundtrack. And the judges loved it! I want this kid gone. For his own benefit. Come back in two years and maybe we can talk.

Once amatuer hour was over, Carly Smithson, my Irish sister, rocked the casbah with "Jesus Christ Superstar." JCS is a kickass musical and it's always fun to burst into this song anywhere at anytime. ALW was right to make her change songs. This fit her so perfectly and her outfit looked great. She's such a powerhouse vocalist with amazing stage presence. Her voice when she isn't singing makes me beyond happy and the fact that she's not only tattooed but works at a tattoo parlor... ah geez. We need to be friends. I'd buy any album she puts out and attend any concert she performs at. I want her to be in the final two with my man David Cook. (I voted for her! teehee.)

Speeaking of DC... He's going to win! I just know it. He has dominated the competition with a quiet cool and a smile that speaks for him. Yes, I am madly in love with him and if he walked up to me and said "Hi." I would most definitly have a Wayne's World moment. (I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!) He sang "Music of the Night" from Phantom and he couldn't have been sexier. Gerad Butler did wonders to this song in the movie, but David stepped up to the plate and performed as if those cameras were the girl of his dreams. You could feel him being anxious, but you couldn't see it on his face or hear it in his voice. That's talent kids! He has the range of a schooled vocalist, but he's only been in school choirs before American Idol. His country twang is rustic and dark instead of high-pitched and bright. When he goes for those big notes, he shakes my core. I get shivers and goose bumps and that is when you know they're great! David Cook is beyond great! I voted for him twice tonight. (twice.)

I found this blog and left a comment. It has a different perspective of the evening.
Entirely Random.

The More You Know

2008-04-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

For the past few years, NBC has televised a campaign of PSAs entitled The More You Know. Each month a different topic is chosen and actors (mostly from NBC shows) star in the short PSAs that air between NBC's hit shows like Heroes, 30 Rock and Law and Order.
Awhile back, when Las Vegas was my parents' favorite show to watch each week, we would see these PSAs and it became a sort of catch phrase for me. Since I tend to give out tid-bits of information, just like the PSAs.

That explains the title, but what about the blog itself?
Doesn't a young college student have plenty of other forums to post her rants and raves?
Of course I do! However, this is not a rant and rave blog. (That is what my livejournal is for.)
This blog is for my writing and the need to improve it daily.

Here I will write reviews of shows I've recently attended, of CDs I've purchased, and of bands and musicians in general. I will also be giving links to new sites I've stumbled upon as well as links to pictures, band sites, music sites and other blogs.
There will be a calendar of events that include shows I plan on attending (or wish to attend.), birthdays of some people I think are important, any traveling plans, and other such events.
I will have a photo section for your viewing pleasure. There wont be an excessive amount, but at least one from every event and at least one a week. Some might have people in them, some might not. However, only my best pictures are going here.
To keep you readers up-to-date on my current music selections, I will post my Top 5 Songs of the Week. I go through phases where all I listen to is , so some weeks will have up to 3 songs from one band, but I will try and keep it less than that, so that I might be able to give new music to the masses.

This will be a family-friendly site, so watch your language! I know I will.

I will try to keep this as up-to-date as possible. But no promises.
Thanks for reading!