Alright, day 2 of my adventesque January music video blogs is a comedic one. Maybe this doesn’t really count as a true music video, but why not? Two kiwis pretending to be post-apocalyptic robots = funny. This is one of those rare videos that actually makes me LOL, even after repeat viewing. These chaps have [...]
Alright, day 2 of my adventesque January music video blogs is a comedic one. Maybe this doesn’t really count as a true music video, but why not? Two kiwis pretending to be post-apocalyptic robots = funny. This is one of those rare videos that actually makes me LOL, even after repeat viewing. These chaps have packed a lot of humor into 4 minutes and pull off an impeccable impression of the Mac computer voice (you know the one). NOTE: Before watching this video, make sure you know what binary is – it’ll make the solo much funnier. WARNING: This movie moves uses words outside the PG realm. They drop the F-bomb at 2:47 as well as several other minor curse words. Fair warning. Play on.
Introduction to “January Is For Videos” The new year is always bittersweet for me. The upside: It’s the start of a new year, which means a clean slate. The downside: Jan. 1 means months more of dreary winter. I don’t so much mind the cold, sleet, and snow as long as there is a holiday [...]
Introduction to “January Is For Videos” The new year is always bittersweet for me. The upside: It’s the start of a new year, which means a clean slate. The downside: Jan. 1 means months more of dreary winter. I don’t so much mind the cold, sleet, and snow as long as there is a holiday to celebrate. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Get us through October, November, and December, but the first few months of the new year are quite sparse on holidays. March brings us St. Patty’s Day, the first real holiday of the year. I know February gives us Valentine’s Day, which is also technically a holiday, but to me (and apparently a lot of other people) that’s a holiday that’s more dreary than the darkest, coldest day in January. So in 2008 I’m turning over a new leaf. I am going to celebrate the dark month of January, despite its doldrums. I’ve decided to fight the new year sadness with music videos. I’m calling it “January is for Videos” – a tongue-in-cheek reference to Virginia’s we-have-something-to-offer state slogan. Each day, I’ll post a video that makes me smile, inspires me, changed my life, or somehow captures something I think is worthy of others seeing. I hope this little glimpse into my experience with music videos will help make the beginning of your 2008 a little more exciting, less dreary, and gives each January day that small, but much needed boost to get you through. That said, here’s the first post for Day 1: Portishead – Glory Box First, Portishead. If you don’t know who they are, you’re missing out on a part life – the part where lounge soul and electronic beats beautifully drown together in reverb. The band’s heyday was the late 90s and sadly, they are no longer together, but this stuff is still as beautiful and fresh today. I’ve known about them for a long time, but just recently bought their self-titled album ‘Portishead.’ This video is them playing track 2 from that disc. They are playing live at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City in ’97. As a musician, the atmosphere in this video is as good as it gets. In your dreams, you hope to someday play a show. In fact, this is exactly how you want to perform your songs every time: lights low, room smoky and chill, surrounded by your extremely talented bandmates, backed by an an orchestra, and an intimate gathering of your fans listening intently, enjoying your art as much as you do – maybe even more so. The mood is right and the music is good. They’ve written a real gem, something poppy, yet timeless. “Glory Box” is catchy, groovy. Hippies and deadheads nod in unison to its vibe, but there is a depth and quality that the critics and classicists (in the musical sense) can’t deny either. They take their time because no one wants to go anywhere. That’s hard to do. This is how I want to play. This kind of venue, this quality of music, these kind of fans. Wish I could’ve seen this show. Good news though, this concert is available on a live DVD. I’m saving my pennies to pick it up. Anyway, check out the video. Hope it makes your January 1st super chill.
Great. I’ve answered that question a hundred times in the day and a half that I’ve been home and I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ve heard it either. It’s hard to sum up a month long trip full of music, friends, and tourism in just a few words. So if you’re curious about [...]
I’ve answered that question a hundred times in the day and a half that I’ve been home and I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ve heard it either. It’s hard to sum up a month long trip full of music, friends, and tourism in just a few words. So if you’re curious about anything, you can check out my pictures from the trip which I have posted on Facebook.
My back is aching today. I think the train/bus/plane trip home took it’s toll on me. Still trying to recoup from jet lag.
I’m glad to be home for the holidays. Being on tour so much, I’ve missed Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday and some quality family time this year. It’ll be good to be around for Christmas and New Year’s.
I think the time is right for me to lock myself up in a room with my gear and start cranking out some album material. I’ve lots to do and have a bit of time free in the next few weeks.
Note to my regular readers: I apologize in advance for this rant. The following post helps to explain why I ignore nearly all art and find it quite worthless, though an art school graduate and proficient artist myself. Sorry for the sassy tone, this one really got me though. Found in a recent “art events” [...]
Note to my regular readers:
I apologize in advance for this rant. The following post helps to explain why I ignore nearly all art and find it quite worthless, though an art school graduate and proficient artist myself. Sorry for the sassy tone, this one really got me though.
Found in a recent “art events” program:
“The exhibition comprises a body of new work made from materials as diverse as wood, board, posters, photographic paper, metal and perspex. The work is primarily sculptural, yet aims at blurring the boundaries between the conventional modes of object-making. It provides an informed insight into the sensibilities of working with unconventional materials.
[Artist's name respectfully omitted] uses artistic practice as a tool for examining our perception of reality as well as our relationship to culture and its productions. He creates processes in manipulating selected materials and transforms them to take on some form of ‘otherness.’
His work demonstrates an ambition to recreate a new way of looking at the meaning of things.”
Sorry. Was something actually said? I read a lot of words, but failed to extract anything even roughly resembling content.
This artist’s statement quite exactly demonstrates the grossly inflated nothingness, which I abhor and yet seems to be the art industry norm. Sadly, most artists’ statements read quite similarly. And I just shake my head.
I understand the pressure to have meaning in your work (it happens to all of us), but when your work is meaningless, why not just say so? If you want to make pretty pictures, then do so. People will still buy your pieces. Look at the local retail shops: lots of work, no meaning, just prettiness. There’s no shame in that. It’s refreshing even.
But when artists create something and try to virtualize artificial depth with philosophical BS, I get nauseous. I suspect I’m not the only one either. Does anyone else out there feel this way when walking into a modern museum?
Not every artist is a great thinker with amazing things to say. Few are. When we’re out of our league, it shows. Bigger words don’t make us sound better. Anyone worth their salt can see right through that stuff. Our attempts to validate our work with superfluous words only makes us look ridiculous, especially if our work is sub par. At any rate, validation is the job of the public, the critics, and history itself. Only time will tell if we have added something worth saying, in the medium in which we are gifted.
There are enough things in this world with real meaning that are quite misunderstood. Why distract people with visual vomit, much less our intellectual noisemaking?
Visiting the zoo is one of those things I used to do all the time as a kid, but as I’ve grown up, it has moved down on my ladder of priority. In the past few years though, I’ve tried to revisit this relic of my youth and found that it’s even more rewarding now [...]
Visiting the zoo is one of those things I used to do all the time as a kid, but as I’ve grown up, it has moved down on my ladder of priority. In the past few years though, I’ve tried to revisit this relic of my youth and found that it’s even more rewarding now than as a child. What I used to see as only a walled fortress that held animals, is now much more.
Yesterday, I went to the Saint Louis Zoo with Hoss, Katie Nelson, and my art school buddy, Eric Wieringa. We had a good time exploring the park, gasping at the natural oddities, and laughing at monkeys. I could go on and on about how cool the experience was, but the best part was when I fed a giraffe some leaves and got licked. Definitely not something that happens to me everyday!
I think I want to get a little tamarin. Who hasn’t wanted a monkey for a pet? We saw some cotton top tamarins in the primate house and I once again thought, “That’s what I want for Christmas.” We of course tried to justify it by discussing what tasks we could train it to do for us. I think the best we came up with is that the tamarin could sit on our shoulders until we dropped a guitar pick, then it would scurry down to retrieve it and hand it back to us. This would be slightly distracting while playing a show, but well worth the countless hours necessary for training a diminutive primate.
Ireland is less than a week away and we’re making all our last minute preparations. I can’t wait to get there and see all my friends. I’m ready for some good times!
Bet you didn’t think those two things existed, did you? Well, they do and, better yet, they are on the same disc. Give Radiodread by the Easy Star All-Stars a listen. It showcases the enduring quality of songwriting on Radiohead’s OK Computer – even after 10 years. Also, the project proves the possibility for innovation [...]
Bet you didn’t think those two things existed, did you? Well, they do and, better yet, they are on the same disc. Give Radiodread by the Easy Star All-Stars a listen. It showcases the enduring quality of songwriting on Radiohead’s OK Computer – even after 10 years. Also, the project proves the possibility for innovation in a genre [which I formerly believed to be] based solely on the upbeat and overly-simplified Rastafarian/Jamaican stereotypes. If you like this, check out their first excursion into the world of reggae mashups: Dub Side of the Moon, their take on Pink Floyd’s timeless classic, Dark Side Of The Moon
.
I was pulled over today in Rosendale, Wisconsin for allegedly traveling 46 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. I used the word “allegedly” because I know I was not speeding. It was Sunday afternoon on a sunny, clear day. Katie Nelson and I had played a show that morning and were heading back to the [...]
I was pulled over today in Rosendale, Wisconsin for allegedly traveling 46 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. I used the word “allegedly” because I know I was not speeding.
It was Sunday afternoon on a sunny, clear day. Katie Nelson and I had played a show that morning and were heading back to the Fox Valley. Katie had warned me that Rosendale is known as a speed trap, so I was very conscious of my speed as we entered the town, going under the speed limit by a few MPH. As we were pulling out of town, we passed a police car parked on the side of the road. I looked down at my speedometer, confirmed that was going under the speed limit, then looked back up at the road ahead. As soon as we passed the police car, the officer pulled out in our direction and turned on his lights. I remarked to Katie, “He must’ve got a call about a wreck somewhere.” To my surprise he sped up right behind me. I pulled over to move out of his way and he pulled over too. It was only then that I realized he was pulling me over.
The officer came to my window and gruffly told me that I was speeding. In disbelief I asked, “Really?!” We had come to a stop right near the speed limit sign, so I knew what the speed limit was and how fast I was going. He confirmed the allegation and simply demanded to see my driver’s license and vehicle registration. He made no mention of his name, didn’t show his badge, or ask me any questions. I handed him my driver’s license while Katie dug the vehicle registration out of the glove box. He took one look at my license, grinned greedily and said, “Oh, you’re from Indiana! Well, we’ll have to do this a different way.” He explained that since I am not a citizen of Wisconsin, that he would need “some assurance” that I would not flee the State of Wisconsin, escaping my “debt to the government.” His proposed methods were:
Post a $109.00 cash bond directly to him. I had $5 on me, so this was not an option.
Give him my social security number, which he was ready to scribble down on a little notebook. Red lights started going off in my head.
If I couldn’t pay or give a SSN, then he would have to take me to jail and sort things out on Monday.
I refused to do option 1 or 2, citing my concern with both options and expressed my disbelief that option 3 was a reasonable third option. I told him that even if I had the money, it didn’t seem right for me to give cash to an officer on the street. Nor did it seem wise to give him my SSN, which I have always been told to be reluctant to share with anyone, to an “officer” that acted nervous and unprofessional. I felt like I was suddenly in Mexico. I had to double check my GPS to make sure I was indeed still in the U.S. of Amazing. He reluctantly said he understood and would see what he could do.
When the officer returned to my vehicle he gave me a ticket citing me for the maximum charge for the alleged infraction. I took the paper and looked over it. I saw that he had written down that I was going 46 MPH in a 30 MPH zone, so I asked to see the radar gun. When I asked to see the radar gun, he looked flabbergasted and acted offended that I would ask such a thing. The way he reacted to my request made me feel like I was doing something wrong, but I knew that asking to see the evidence against me was not unreasonable. He then told me that he couldn’t show me the gun. In my mind I speculated about the reasonable explanations why he couldn’t show me the gun. Maybe it was affixed to his car’s dash? Or was there some law preventing me from seeing the gun? How do these guns work? Do they keep the high speed on the display? For how long?
Out of curiosity, I simply asked him why he couldn’t show me. Sheepishly, he explained that he couldn’t show me the “alleged” speed I was going, because he did not have his gun in “lock mode” (whatever that means). He claimed that the gun was “more accurate when it wasn’t in lock mode.” I asked if there was a print out or electronic record. He said there was no such thing.
My mind reeled. At this point everything felt weird. I began to worry that I was in the middle of a roadside scam.
Essentially, this “alleged officer” claimed that I had broken the law and owed the State of Wisconsin $109.00, but had no evidence of the “alleged” infraction. I pressed him further trying to get him to admit to this. I stated that this incident would basically come down to his word against mine. He claimed that “officers are trained observers” and that he “would win in court” against me.
He would not admit to anything else except that he had “heard complaints of Rosendale being considered a speed trap.” I expressed my concern that this whole operation seemed fishy and recapped the situation from my point of view: I was actively going under the speed limit, he had pulled me over with no proof of me breaking the law, acted unprofessionally (making my wonder if he was a poseur impersonating an officer), could not present evidence of wrongdoing, and demanded either cash or my SSN to avoid being taken to jail. I told him that all of these things made me seriously question whether this was a scam being run by a crooked cop or simply a guy that had access to a police car and uniform. I also explained that because it was Sunday afternoon, there was no way for me to confirm that he was legit, so it gave me even more reason to believe this was a perfect time to be hit by a scam. I did all of this calmly, without raising my voice.
His already poor attitude suddenly changed for the worse. He angrily threatened me with imprisonment until bond could be posted “for resisting law enforcement.” He asked me, “What’s it gonna be?!” I told him that the citation would be enough for me, thank you, and that I would proceed with things in court.
Lessons Learned
The justice system is not infallible.
It is a human institution, susceptible to mistakes, bias, and injustice. But we must still hold it to very high standards, even at the smallest level. Consistency and diligence on the part of average citizens are the only guards against abuse.
Always ask to see the radar gun.
If the officer can’t provide proof, there is NO evidence against you. By asking for evidence we are upholding our right to due process. We are not a police state (yet) and we must remain steadfast in requiring just enforcement.
Don’t admit fault.
You will have your time in court to make your plea. You are innocent until proven guilty. Our entire justice system is built upon this basic premise. Hold onto that precious presumption of innocence as long as possible.
Never give an officer cash, your SSN, or other valuable items/information.
Complying with these roadside demands is dangerous and prone to abuse, opening the doors to cronyism. You are the only thing keeping our system corruption free. By law, you are required to provide only your drivers license, vehicle registration, and in some cases, proof of auto insurance.
Be respectful.
Jerks will get nowhere and often end up instigating more charges. Speak kindly, clearly, and firmly. Gently ask for light(er) treatment, proof of evidence, and the officer’s information. When things sour (hopefully not on account of you), politely thank the officer and agree that things will be settled in the proper venue.
Record the incident, if possible.
As soon as you are pulled over, start recording audio, video, still photos, and data. Use your cell phone, camera, pencil and paper, whatever. Document the facts. Have a friend help. Just get the information recorded somehow. You have the right to do so and it may be the only to protect you in court.
Updates about the Rosendale Speed Trap
T-Shirt: ROSENDALE, “Just the Ticket!”
At the local gas station, you can buy a t-shirt that says, ‘ROSENDALE, “Just the Ticket!”’ If this isn’t evidence that there’s a unchecked police problem in Rosendale, I don’t know what could convince you.
I recently posted my first video to YouTube. I have zero friends at the moment, so if you are a YouTuber, head to youtube.com/scotttroyer and add me. Alright? The video I posted was just recorded today. Katie Nelson and I noticed how nice the natural reverb of the hotel stairwell was and decided to sing [...]
I recently posted my first video to YouTube. I have zero friends at the moment, so if you are a YouTuber, head to youtube.com/scotttroyer and add me. Alright?
The video I posted was just recorded today. Katie Nelson and I noticed how nice the natural reverb of the hotel stairwell was and decided to sing a few songs there this afternoon. Thanks to “The Magic of The Mac™” (my trademark on this phrase is pending), I could easily capture this video, edit it and post it within an hour. Quite fun. If I had a friend named Ed I would have let him edit the video because then I could have said, “Ed had edited it.” (HINT: Say that phrase out loud.) But alas, I have no video editing friend named Ed.
Last night I opened for my friends Nathan Metz and Nick Bosworth. They have some really great songs, so it’s always good to hear them play. I like to brag on my friends that have done something incredible or are just amazing people. At the show, one of those great friends showed up. Dan Swartz [...]
Last night I opened for my friends Nathan Metz and Nick Bosworth. They have some really great songs, so it’s always good to hear them play.
I like to brag on my friends that have done something incredible or are just amazing people. At the show, one of those great friends showed up. Dan Swartz and I were in the Art Department around the same time and we worked on a project together. Since then, he has developed his illustrating skills to new and dizzying heights. You can check out his work at daniel-swartz.com.
Also, I ordered the 8GB iPhone®. Waited for the price to drop and then made my move. I needed to switch carriers anyway, so I figured I’d get a phone with some functionality. I’m ready for some sweet syncing action.
I just wrote an epic journal entry about how great my friends are (which you already know, cause you’re one of them) and then my browser closed on me. Bummer. Well, what I was going to say was how blessed I feel to have the friends I do. You kids are something special. Recently, I’ve [...]
I just wrote an epic journal entry about how great my friends are (which you already know, cause you’re one of them) and then my browser closed on me. Bummer.
Well, what I was going to say was how blessed I feel to have the friends I do. You kids are something special. Recently, I’ve come to appreciate just how especially nice, daring, talented, and cool a few of you are. In the midst of such overwhelming and damning evidence against humanity, you guys give me hope that people really can be great and loving. Thank you. There are many of you that I have not been able to connect with in quite a while and I hate that. I wish I could spend more time with you all, but life takes me where it does, literally. If we haven’t connected in a while, please don’t give up on me. Know that I love you all and hope to see you again as soon as I can manage to be in the same town as you. You are always on my mind.
Also, recently, a few albums were released that are worth a note (pun intended):
If you have the World Waits EP, then just get the first four tracks. The other tracks are re-recorded versions of the World Waits EP. “On The Wayside” is a great track. Jeremy is somehow able to record the sound of the human spirit rising and welling up within. Amazing.
This disc surprised me with the variety of lounge vibes and sexually charged lyrics, which I guess is to be expected from a couple drinking a bottle of wine every night in a successful attempt to rekindle their marriage. There’s some Tom Waits influence on one of the tracks too, which, of course, I like.
My friends just released their second disc and it’s full of catchy, sweet little vignettes of a life lived in pursuit of love for God and family. Fans of Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, and similar storytellers will really dig this album. Well done chaps! Looking forward to more from you. Keep it up!
Currently listening:
The Missing Link
By Jeremy Enigk
Release date: 21 August, 2007
Life has been a whirlwind of highway pavement and dirty laundry. I’ve worn everything in my suitcase more times than I could care to wear them and seen plenty of asphalt. But you know what? I love it. I love the road, I love music, and I love people (or at least the idea sometimes). [...]
Life has been a whirlwind of highway pavement and dirty laundry. I’ve worn everything in my suitcase more times than I could care to wear them and seen plenty of asphalt. But you know what? I love it. I love the road, I love music, and I love people (or at least the idea sometimes).
Today, I posted my updated calendar, because I was tired of receiving flack for not doing so. Now you all can know where I am, maybe not exactly what I’m doing, but at least what city and/or state I’m in. Happy now?!
I’m just playing. Anyway, I’m excited about the next few months. Fall is always a time for new horizons, so that’s what I’m gonna go see.
Muchas besas,
Scott
Currently listening:
Sky Blue Sky
By Wilco
Release date: 15 May, 2007
Nearly every day I look at the clock when it’s 12:34. This is odd, because I rarely check the time, but somehow I almost always manage to glimpse over right at 12:34. Sometimes I’ll just look up or turn my head in passing and notice that *gasp* once again it’s 12:34. Strange. I feel like [...]
Nearly every day I look at the clock when it’s 12:34. This is odd, because I rarely check the time, but somehow I almost always manage to glimpse over right at 12:34. Sometimes I’ll just look up or turn my head in passing and notice that *gasp* once again it’s 12:34. Strange. I feel like i’m in a twilight zone episode. Any suggestions?
Official tour booking dates for Ireland/U.K. Tour 2007 are November 13–December 10. Dates are not limited to Ireland and the U.K., but will make up the majority of tour routing. Supporting artists include Katie Nelson, Aaron Heise, Nathan Hamlin, et al. For all booking inquiries, please click here. Currently listening: Songs from the Deep Forest [...]
Official tour booking dates for Ireland/U.K. Tour 2007 are November 13–December 10. Dates are not limited to Ireland and the U.K., but will make up the majority of tour routing. Supporting artists include Katie Nelson, Aaron Heise, Nathan Hamlin, et al.
Nice stamp, huh? More of them can be found at Wikipedia. Anyway, today I’m announcing my tour to Ireland/Northern Ireland/wherever else in the U.K. and Europe. The official arrival and departure dates are November 12th through December 11th. I’m really excited to be returning there. I’m anxious to see old friends again and play them [...]
Nice stamp, huh? More of them can be found at Wikipedia.
Anyway, today I’m announcing my tour to Ireland/Northern Ireland/wherever else in the U.K. and Europe. The official arrival and departure dates are November 12th through December 11th. I’m really excited to be returning there. I’m anxious to see old friends again and play them some of my new music.
Currently listening:
The Reminder
By Feist
Release date: 01 May, 2007
I wish to become that which I was intended to be, exactly fulfilling my destiny (should you so call it that) so that in life, as we know it, and history, as it is documented, will find me in perfect character, playing the role for which I was made. That said, I must admit that [...]
I wish to become that which I was intended to be, exactly fulfilling my destiny (should you so call it that) so that in life, as we know it, and history, as it is documented, will find me in perfect character, playing the role for which I was made. That said, I must admit that I haven’t really put into words the thoughts of my mind right now. So, if I should find those words, I’ll update this entry. Until then, live well, my friends.
Currently listening:
Alice
By Tom Waits
Release date: 07 May, 2002
Wednesday I leave for Guatemala. To celebrate, I made some fresh green salsa last night. Freshness like that is great on a sunny day like today. Currently listening: Rogue’s Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys By Various Artists Release date: 22 August, 2006
Current mood: convinced, content, clear Last night was one of my top 3 shows of all time. I played a big festival called Lifest in central Wisconsin. My friends Lynn and Alex were able to join Katie Nelson, Hoss, and I for Katie’s set at the giant indoor cafe stage. I absolutely love playing with [...]
Last night was one of my top 3 shows of all time. I played a big festival called Lifest in central Wisconsin. My friends Lynn and Alex were able to join Katie Nelson, Hoss, and I for Katie’s set at the giant indoor cafe stage. I absolutely love playing with the whole band. Drums and bass made the music so much more enjoyable. It felt right just to turn it up and let go. Not having to push the cart musically makes my job so easy and fun.
Saturday was the first chance I’ve had to run my guitar through my new laptop. Everything went splendidly. No glitches, reboots, or random problems. Plus the tone was killer coming through the mains. I’m definitely hooked on this new rig. I can practice just about anywhere now because I don’t have to set up a ton of gear, just plug in my guitar and headphones. Definitely makes it easier to do what I do.
Before our set we walked the whole campus of the festival stopping in at several shows, smelling the carnival food, watching the unpredictable interactions of the thousands of festival goers. We caught several big name acts and some not so big ones too. Sadly, I walked away from most of them feeling dissatisfied and upset. I saw and heard too much agenda every where we went. I just wanted to leave, so as to not even be a part of it all. I know I can’t, nor should I, really judge the intentions of others, but I think I should probably always be checking my own heart. So before we went on I explained to the rest of the band what I was feeling. I think it helped me tremendously to express those thoughts and keep my head in the right place.
This is basically what I said:
We are not here to entertain, act like rockstars, or put ourselves on a pedestal. We are not here to preach, pose as examples, or catalyze the masses. We are not here to spiritualize, assume leadership, or cause miracles. We are only humans, nothing more and nothing less. Above all, we must be obedient to what we have been called to do: play music and live honestly. We simply must do what we do and leave all expectations, fears, and great work in the hands of a God who knows what really needs to happen. For this cause, for this obedience, we were born.
Currently listening:
1000 Kisses
By Patty Griffin
Release date: 09 April, 2002
Avoid CC for group emails that you send If you send an email (to a group of people) that might be forwarded on and on, it could get into the hands of a spammer, who you can be sure will add the nice collection addresses to their spam address database. Instead use BCC field, this [...]
If you send an email (to a group of people) that might be forwarded on and on, it could get into the hands of a spammer, who you can be sure will add the nice collection addresses to their spam address database. Instead use BCC field, this means the recipients do not see the list of email addresses that your message has gone to.
Encourage others to use BCC for groups instead of CC
Never add your friends email address to a mailing list. You will not get a free prize and your friend will not thank you for the extra spam they receive.
Yesterday, I got back the copyright Certificates of Registration for “I Turn to You” and “Evidence of His Love,” songs I wrote and Katie Nelson recorded for her latest disc called Speak To Me. I think the record turned out great. Go pick up your copy. To support the record release, I’ve been touring a [...]
Yesterday, I got back the copyright Certificates of Registration for “I Turn to You” and “Evidence of His Love,” songs I wrote and Katie Nelson recorded for her latest disc called Speak To Me. I think the record turned out great. Go pick up your copy.
To support the record release, I’ve been touring a lot lately as a guitarist for Katie’s band. We’ve got a big show up in Wisconsin next weekend at Lifest.
As for my music, not many solo shows as of late. Sorry to disappoint so many of my local frans. I hope to play the home town circuit again soon, but first I must visit some lovely people in other states and countries. I hope you don’t mind. Or maybe you’d like to come with me?
Recently, I was able to upgrade to a new MacBook®, which as you know is so nice. Yes, I’m quite the Mac fanboy. I can’t help it. The designer and user in me just can’t get over the simplicity and effectiveness of the Apple approach. No, I’m not getting paid for this gushing, but it sure would be nice if someone over at Apple sent me an iPhone®. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge. Know what I mean?
With the MacBook, came a plethora of new possibilities as well. Old gear works better, new gear works great. I now have several record buttons of various types and a different signal chain for my guitar. As we say in Mexico, “¡Mexcellent!”
Well, enough for now. I must go. Tonight I’ll be catching a show. My friend and former bandmate, Charlie, is playing the kit for Sunny Taylor at her CD release party. Congrats, Sunny! Oh, and it’s Charlie’s birthday today. Hope you have a great berfday, you stank old raisin.
My time here in New York has been an excursion outside of the normal confines of Hoosier living and the change has been nice. While visiting with family, I’ve enjoyed a hike through the beautiful Green Lakes State Park, a morning at the local farmer’s market, a chance to catch up with some friends at [...]
My time here in New York has been an excursion outside of the normal confines of Hoosier living and the change has been nice. While visiting with family, I’ve enjoyed a hike through the beautiful Green Lakes State Park, a morning at the local farmer’s market, a chance to catch up with some friends at Eastern Hills Bible Church, an exploration of an abandoned gravel pit, a jazz festival featuring Aretha Franklin, a wine tour and picnic in the Finger Lakes Region, a pops music concert in the park by the Stan Colella Orchestra, and of course, food gleaned from the wonderful selection at Wegman’s. I’ve really enjoyed my time out here with my family and wish we could spend more time together like this. And save for my sister forgetting to tell me about a free Béla Fleck & the Flecktones show the evening of our first day here, this trip has been spot on.
Friday, I finally was able to catch the Queen of Soul in person. Seeing Aretha in concert is one of those do-before-you-die checklist items. I’m glad I could see her perform. My friend Marcus scored some VIP tickets for us, so we were able to squeeze our way to the front of a 40,000 plus crowd. She had a large band with her, including her son on guitar, and featuring a local ensemble of horns and woodwinds. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a top performance from someone her age, but was pleasantly surprised to hear her great, strong voice belting out familiar songs in the cold July evening air. She definitely still has it.
Yesterday, we enjoyed a evening in the park with a much smaller crowd. The Stan Colella Orchestra set up on a patio near the park’s edge and played swing, dance, pop and jazz standards. Even though this music is not something I normally listen to, I could not help but appreciate the aesthetic is created in this live setting. Sipping wine from a local winery on a sunny afternoon, while lying on a blanket in the park, watching kids playing and biking and old couples dancing is pleasant no matter what genre or niche you normally operate within. It just felt right.
Also, I’ve met quite a few people recently that have never heard of Béla Fleck. Shame, shame, shame. If you’ve never experienced his music, check out the DVD I’ve listed below. I’d describe his music as virtuoso banjo elevator music for hippies. That’s sounds awful, but it really is breathtaking to watch. My friend Dan Wilton introduced me to Béla a few years ago. Thanks, Dan!
I may stay a little longer than I had planned. Who knows? Gotta go. Going to enjoy some homemade potato soup for lunch.
Currently watching:
Live at the Quick
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Release date: 26 February, 2002
From: List of homophonous phrases on Wikipedia Esau Wood sawed wood. Esau Wood would saw wood. All the wood Esau Wood saw, Esau Wood would saw. In other words, all the wood Esau saw to saw, Esau sought to saw. Oh, the wood Wood would saw! And, oh the wood-saw with which Wood would saw [...]
Esau Wood sawed wood. Esau Wood would saw wood. All the wood Esau Wood saw, Esau Wood would saw. In other words, all the wood Esau saw to saw, Esau sought to saw. Oh, the wood Wood would saw! And, oh the wood-saw with which Wood would saw wood! But one day, Wood’s wood-saw would saw no wood, and thus the wood Wood sawed was not the wood Wood would saw if Wood’s wood-saw would saw wood. Now, Wood would saw wood with a wood-saw that would saw wood, so Esau sought a saw that would saw wood. One day, Esau saw a saw saw wood as no other wood-saw Wood saw would saw wood. In fact, of all the wood-saws Wood ever saw saw wood, Wood never saw a wood-saw that would saw wood as the wood-saw Wood saw saw wood would saw wood, and I never saw a wood-saw that would saw as the wood-saw Wood saw would saw until I saw Esau Wood saw wood with the wood-saw Wood saw saw wood. Now Wood saws wood with the wood-saw Wood saw saw wood.
Currently listening:
Mule Variations
By Tom Waits
Release date: 27 April, 1999
Current mood: vomitscuous 23 things I learned this past week Why 23? Michael Jordan. Why else? Tornados beat bear paws. Flying is not a storm weather activity. Six hours of driving is more than one serving. 2″ hail makes water dance beautifully. Walking sticks are really meant for hiking and hammocks for warm nights. A [...]
This is the big blog of my self-righteous rant/expression-of-my-probably-biased-but-I-hope-not views that I’ve been dreading to write because it divides people and makes someone the bad guy. I know not everyone will see it the same way I do, but I must get it off my chest. That said, I must admit, that when it comes [...]
This is the big blog of my self-righteous rant/expression-of-my-probably-biased-but-I-hope-not views that I’ve been dreading to write because it divides people and makes someone the bad guy. I know not everyone will see it the same way I do, but I must get it off my chest.
That said, I must admit, that when it comes to this debate about music, file-sharing and copyright, I lose heart. I understand the poor kid that wants to hear everyone’s music, but can’t afford to pay for the songs. I’m that kid. On the other hand, I also understand the poor artist that wants everyone to hear his music, but can’t afford to give away his songs. I’m also that kid. It hurts to shell out $15 bucks for a CD of an artist you really like, but it’s your choice to pay or not. Likewise, it also hurts to give away (or to have taken away) the sale of music that cost you so much time to write, arrange, record, replicate, distribute and promote. You’re powerless. If someone wants to take it, they can just take it and the artist doesn’t have to be compensated.
I’ve heard many of the arguments from both sides and recognize that yesterday’s music business model is going the way of the buffalo. To be honest, I’m more than happy to see most of it go. There’s a lot of jacked up stuff that gets in the way of good music, but the uncertainty of the future and the attitudes of some of the more vocal spokesmen on both sides, leave me quite nervous. There are many thoughts I would like to articulate, but I’ll attempt to provide you (free of charge!) an overview of my views regarding this complicated industry.
First, the monsters that most everyone would like to see slaughtered: the record labels. I am not signed and from what I’ve found out, I don’t believe I want to be signed unless the Right Deal* comes along. I’ve read enough about labels to know they truly are offering the musician a credit card at 70% interest which he/she has no control over the spending. It rarely ever works out for the signed artist, so it’s nice to see “the machine” (that Pink Floyd so appropriately villianized on their “Wish You Were Here” album) being dismantled. “Getting signed” to a typical “record deal” means waiving your rights to ownership of your songs, control over your image, and hope for your future unless you somehow manage to reach the elusive and rare “superstar” status. If and when you reach that point, you may be able to negotiate a deal in which you buy your songs, rights and freedoms back from the label at ridiculous rates. Does this remind anyone of slavery?
There are those valiant consumers of music, who, in good conscience, cannot stand to see another artist screwed over by the same old tricks of the label and want to do something about it. Who wouldn’t want to stick it to such a deserving man? And so the “good conscience consumer” gets his jab at “the man,” while still “showing support for the artist,” by ripping their friends’ CD’s and freely sharing their iTunes library. The problem is, it’s hard, if not nearly impossible, to screw the label and not hurt the artist. If the artist doesn’t sell albums and songs, the label will drop the artist – or worse yet – bind them indefinitely to a contract and force them to alter their sound to something that promises a better financial return (read: sell out / lose focus / turn the “suck” knob up).
So labels are all bad, right?
Sort of. But the flip side of this coin is that without a label, most artists (save for the spoiled little rich brat for whom daddy foots the bill) are not able to survive the tumultuous years of touring for little-to-no money (and sometimes even paying to play), nor ante up the cash for promotions and exposure, nor give away their music for free because it cost thousands of dollars to record and produce.
I recently spent several grand to record and replicate my first solo EP called “Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York.” I’ll repeat that – several grand. That’s thousands of dollars for an EP, of which a good majority of them will be given away as promotion. Those I do sell are must be priced so that people are encouraged to buy instead of rip, so there’s very little hope of recouping what it cost me to make them. I did manage to cut my costs tremendously by doing my own producing, design work, website, playing almost all of the instruments myself and trading my design services. I figure that I saved myself somewhere around $3-5K on my project. For those independent artists that must outsource everything, the cost of making a CD racks up quickly and much higher. It’s expensive to make a CD – a good one at least!
There is no option to not record, as songs are the wheels of the music vehicle. So, to offset expenses, most artists – indie and signed alike – must have multiple streams of revenue (merch sales, ticket sales, tips, other jobs and on rare occasion royalties), of which merchandise is usually the largest stream. Most venues, while not willing to put up with your “original crap,” thus forcing you to sneak your songs in between tired covers of Brown Eyed Girl and Freebird, pay you squat to entertain their patrons and some even charge you to play their venue, as if it’s a hardship for them to have you bring your fans in and buy beer from their fine establishment. As Metallica put it: “Sad but true.” Most bands merely hope to impress just a few rare souls enough to sell them a CD and maybe a tee shirt or two to help pay for gas to get to the next venue. Many run out of cash while on the road. And things aren’t getting any better, in fact, the many streams of income are running dry.
“Big deal!” some people are saying. “You’ve sold your recordings for a long time, but times are changing and that’s not going to work for you anymore.” They propose that musicians find new ways to bring in revenue. They cite examples of how actors, athletes and other public figures are turning to endorsements and marketing campaigns to supplement their incomes and suggest that we, the musicians, must do the same, because consumers no longer want to pay for our work.
Stop right there.
The proposal is to stop selling what you actually sell, whore yourself out to media and marketing companies to sell unrelated products, so that you may give away what you intended to sell in the first place. Now, I may be wrong, but as a society of honest folk, haven’t we established that we hate that? Don’t we buy our TiVo’s so we can skip the commercials – the very things that are paying for us to be able to view the content we really love? Don’t we hate when our celebs lower their ethical standards and emblazon a new perfume, clothing line, car, or widget with their name? Aren’t we, the democratically-minded citizens of a new and better world opposed to the exploitation of true art by big business? Don’t we lose faith in the noble pursuit of original expression and the artistic credibility of our creative minds when such “partnering” occurs? Or is it just me? Am I the only one disappointed by this? Because if not, we’re essentially asking for more areas of our lives to be inundated with advertising, marketing and branding.
So anyway… All of these difficult decisions are what musicians face every day. Granted, this mountain of challenging problems does help to root out the weak, the less talented, and those not fully committed to their craft; hardship separates the men from the boys, so to speak. But when survival is on the line, no amount of musical skill will put bread on the table without connections and resources to exploit that talent.
Thus, the dilemma.
Sell out or stay true? Keep going or give up? Believe in your gift or admit your delusion? Forsake food, family and friends or resign your talent for a life more certain? Pursue honorable avenues to release your music or lie, cheat and steal your way to the top? This is the internal debate of every musician; the struggle within ourselves. In the end, only the rich, ruthless, compromising and lucky survive for anyone to hear the their music.
“All across America, and increasingly, the world, people stand in line at their local Starbuck’s and happily pay anywhere from $1.70 for a shot of espresso to four bucks for the more complex caramel frappawhatever thingies. It’s not uncommon to fork out fifty bucks a month for high speed internet access, and around the same amount for cable TV. People pay four bucks to rent a new release DVD at the local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. A pack of cigarettes can go anywhere from four to nine dollars, depending on where you live.
Yet, increasingly, no one wants to pay for music, especially the recorded kind. CDs are quickly becoming relics destined to join cassettes, eight-tracks and vinyl in the tech museum. I don’t listen to CDs much anymore, my iPod is much easier; everything is already there, ready to listen to on the slightest whim.”
Currently, iTunes tells me that I have 1.6 days of music on my laptop. This is not my entire collection of music. I have hundreds of CD’s at home that I haven’t loaded onto my computer yet, which I estimate would put me somewhere in the 10.5 days ballpark. But even without all that, the nearly 2 solid days of music that’s on my laptop is more than I really listen to on a regular basis. I know people, several in fact, that are actively downloading as many songs (and now movies) as possible; it’s what they do in their free time. They don’t listen to much of what they download, or really any of it, because they’re too preoccupied with downloading more. The music merely serves as background tracks to the more important task at hand: acquisition of more 3-6mb files. I know not everyone is this addicted to their peer-to-peer network, but most people have more music than they’ll ever listen to. An appropriate analogy here might look like this:
You’re hungry. You need groceries. You go to the grocery store, pick up the few items you need for the week and can reasonably eat before it goes bad. As you get to the checkout line, you realize that instead of paying for it, you could instead go around back to the loading dock, load up a semi trailer full of food and drive home without paying for any of your truckload of groceries. Theft. Overkill. Waste.
My point is, don’t feel like you have to own every song on every album from every artist that’s ever lived. I know there’s pressure to be hip musically, to stay “in the know” about every new artist, to be the first to hear of that great new upandcomer, but the pressure is peer pressure (which is just #*@%ing stupid) and the pursuit is in vain. The truth is I have a limited budget for music and I’m assuming you do too. There’s no shame in that. Pick your battles. Buy the albums that you really want. Support the artists you really love. If you can’t afford the whole album, go online and buy just the song or songs you really want as you can afford them – that’s so easy now with things like iTunes. This way you get the songs you want and the artists still get paid, thus continuing the sustainable cycle of production and consumption. (Which btw, this is a very “green” and responsible concept. Really quite trendy too.) It may take time to get what you want, but so does everything that’s worth having. Learn to value – nay, treasure – the intellectual property that’s so readily available to you (never has there been more accessible to you in all of history!), instead of becoming a virtual warehouse for lo-grade mp3′s. Classic Quality vs. Quantity.
I know all of this is very messed up right now and, believe me, I want to find a better way, a way in which the artist and the listener are both satisfied. I wish that in reality it could cost less to buy instruments, to record songs, to replicate cds, to distribute music, to tour, to promote, to survive. I wish I could give away all my music all the time, but I can’t afford to – literally. I wish money were not part of the equation. But the equation still stands stiff and true, for both the artist and the listener: No money = no music. It costs somebody, somewhere, something. Ain’t no meal for free.
Support your favorite artists. If you want to hear covers, support the actual guy who wrote it, not the guy who’s forced to play it. Support that “original crap” – in fact, demand it. Buy their records. Buy copies to give to your friends. Buy the t-shirts too. Wear them. Pay to see shows. Buy drinks while at the show (if you don’t drink, soda and appetizers count too). Tell the venue you loved having the artist there and want to see them back. Promote the artist on your MySpace/Facebook/Blog. Every little thing you do makes a big difference to the artist. Without your support, your favorite artists won’t make it.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I’d love to hear yours.
*So you caught the asterisk! Good eye. Here is my idea of the Right Deal: I’m the artist. You’re the label. We coexist in a rewarding and beautiful symbiosis. I write the songs and provide the vision for my music. You provide insight, resources, connections, distribution and promotion. If I need something, I ask you. If you need something, you ask me. We talk. No demands, threats, backstabbing, or undercutting. No lying, cheating, stealing, or underhandedness. No mind games, power trips, raw deals, legal battles, or switch and bait tactics. Everyone behaves honorably and with respect to one another. We all benefit – emotionally, socially, musically, and financially – and through our hard work, the world becomes a better place. It’s all a very nice thing. That’s the deal I’m looking for. In the mean time, I’ll can be found playing music out there on the road with the much needed and even more appreciated help of my family, friends and fans. Thank you!
Currently listening:
Steal This Album By System of a Down
Release date: 26 November, 2002
On a whim, Katie Nelson and I decided to play at an acoustic open mic here in New Jersey last night. When we got to the venue we found out that the open mic was actually a contest with prizes. I’m not exactly thrilled about the concept of competitive music because of the spirit it [...]
On a whim, Katie Nelson and I decided to play at an acoustic open mic here in New Jersey last night. When we got to the venue we found out that the open mic was actually a contest with prizes. I’m not exactly thrilled about the concept of competitive music because of the spirit it fosters amongst musicians, but we decided to play anyway, for fun, for experience, for kicks and well…
Katie ended up winning.
The prize package:
6 games of bowling
massive dinner for two
$25 certificate to a local tattoo parlor
I know, Katie getting a tattoo is funny, but despite my insistence to cash-in the certificate, Katie instead forfeited it to the Guy (capitalized because his name is Guy) who was runner up to us both. He was somewhat thankful and made a very proud acceptance speech despite being the third runner-up.
Later, this same Guy approached me to say/ask: “So, you guys play Christian Rock, right?” Knowing that this is typically a loaded question that reveals more about the questioner than the questionee, I avoided his bullet with semantics, “Well, we do play in churches a lot, but we’ve played just about everywhere.” He quickly retorted, “Well Christian Rock sucks!” I smiled and said, “Thank you.” He gloated, “You’re welcome.” Then he strutted away. Looking back, I’m not sure that he realized I had not actually answered his question, nor that I realized he was attempting to insult me. I feel sorry for the Guy, not because he insulted me, but because he tried to insult me. Unfortunately, he was able to walk away with a much undeserved feeling of superiority. Oh well.
On a good note, we met several other wonderful people there as well. We share a table and pint with Charlie, a self-described hippie with a never-gonna-grow-up Peter Pan sensibility. While we talked, Tom and Paul, a young duo with mop tops, quite proficiently flashed us back to the good old days of the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, the Monkees, and Jimmy Buffet. Later on, we hashed out the complications and problems of politics, organized religion, humanity, and the love of God with our new found friends Mike and Matt. All in all, it was an very interesting night.
Tonight, we’re heading back to the same venue to cash in our free meal and games, which we’ll be sharing with some of the new friends we met last night. I’m looking forward to just having a night of fun. And if it be up to me, we’ll all avoid the posturing, headiness and dogma that separates us from each other and the love of God.
Can I get an amen?
Currently listening:
Ambient 1: Music for Airports
By Brian Eno
Release date: 05 October, 2004
Current mood: I just ate figs. Tomorrow, I leave for a few weeks for the great northeast of the U.S. Before I leave though, I wanted to let you know that Micah, the drummer from Attaboy, has started an almost weekly band review blog on his band’s website. For his second blog entry he reviewed [...]
Tomorrow, I leave for a few weeks for the great northeast of the U.S. Before I leave though, I wanted to let you know that Micah, the drummer from Attaboy, has started an almost weekly band review blog on his band’s website. For his second blog entry he reviewed my EP Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York. Great timing, as I’m returning to New York. Thanks, Micah! You can check out his page or read his review below.
Alright, so I know what everyone is thinking, “Um, Micah said that he was going to post a WEEKLY blog about cool new bands/artists, but it’s already been two weeks and there is still no blog in sight!”
Well, my astute friends, look no further. Here is the “Band Pick of the Week” (or in this case “weeks”).
This week’s band is actually not really a band, but rather a solo artist by the name of Scott Troyer. Formerly the lead singer of the band Rudisill, Scott is an acoustic/indie talent from the small town of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Armed with some sweetly unique vocal pipes, crazy awesome instrumentation, and melody lines that are the ones that get stuck in your head for hours but you don’t mind, Troyer’s tunes come crashing down on you like a cool, rainforest waterfall in the midst of a hot, muggy day.
Scott’s recently released, debut EP album Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York features some killer harmonies, “out-of-the-box” progressions/song structures, and a raw sense of “realness” that leaves you wondering where the music is going to take you next. My favorite song on the disc is track #1 “Gotta Get Outta This Town.” I’m a sucker for the banjo and this tune has a sick banjo track!
Not only is Troyer a songwriter but he also produces in his “spare” time. He is currently working with an artist by the name of Katie Nelson on her sophomore album. Katie will undoubtedly be in the “Band Pick of the Week” spotlight when her new album Speak to Me comes out next month. But we’ll save that for another time and place.
Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York is a perfect listen as you are sipping lemonade on a warm, summer evening in a rocking chair on your grandparent’s porch in Colorado watching the sun set over the mountains with delight. But if you don’t have lemonade, a rocking chair, or even mountains you can still enjoy this album thoroughly.
To check out Troyer’s music hit up either scotttroyer.com or myspace.com/scotttroyer. You can order his album from either site and while you’re at it send Scott a comment and let him know what you think of his tunes. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.
Well, my friends, it was great spending time with you and I look forward to chatting again soon!
Big Gulps, huh?? Welp, see ya later!
Micah from Attaboy
Currently listening:
Abbey Road
By The Beatles
Release date: 25 October, 1990
This early spring tour of 2007 has been an adventure of 3 legged proportions. The first leg was Wisconsin & Michigan. The second leg, a loop down to Florida, through Tennessee and back home through the Carolinas, West Virginia, and Ohio. The third and final leg takes me to upstate New York, New York City, [...]
This early spring tour of 2007 has been an adventure of 3 legged proportions. The first leg was Wisconsin & Michigan. The second leg, a loop down to Florida, through Tennessee and back home through the Carolinas, West Virginia, and Ohio. The third and final leg takes me to upstate New York, New York City, and New England, as well as Ohio again. I’ve travelled a lot in the past month and have at least another month on the road. I didn’t think I’d be ok with that, but I sense a change in me.
I’m beginning to feel odd being in the same place more than 1 or 2 nights. The sailor’s mind that tells him “the land feels funny” and I think I am starting to catch that mad disease. Staying in one place has no movement, no sense of going somewhere, no promise of new horizons. Maybe I’m developing ADD or maybe I’m just bored. Whatever it is, I sense a need within me to return to that ocean of interstates, to sail its’ currents of concrete and asphalt that connect the thousands of cities scattered across our nation.
My land fever got the best of me today. At lunchtime I decided to return to Guatemala in July. It feels like time to leave again. It’s always time, really. I know July will be here soon enough, but I can’t wait to see my friends in Guatemala again.
You know, after playing a few shows on the road, I’ve become anxious to record my full album. I can sense it’s inevitability building, like the lump in your throat growing as you try to fight back the tears. I like waiting for it though. It’s so much better when you can no longer hold it back and the music fights its way out of you. I know then that it’s not me making something out of nothing, but something making nothing out of me – whatever that means. I sense the songs, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon, filing into rank like eager soldiers, ready to unleash their havoc at the word of their commander/muse. (I know, I know… mixed metaphors.) I could run to meet them, but instead I’ll wait. I’d rather they build to a frenzy of unstoppable momentum and crush me, than to somehow tame the forces and avert something tragically beautiful.
So nervously, I wait.
Currently listening:
Continuum
By John Mayer
Release date: 12 September, 2006
Well, well, well. Life on the road has been all daisies and dolphins. We spent the last week in Florida. It was refreshing, though we worked the whole time. Still trying to finish up last minute details on Katie Nelson’s album. Everything should be all figured out by the end of the month. I was [...]
Well, well, well. Life on the road has been all daisies and dolphins. We spent the last week in Florida. It was refreshing, though we worked the whole time. Still trying to finish up last minute details on Katie Nelson’s album. Everything should be all figured out by the end of the month.
I was able to spend some time with my family in Pompano Beach. We celebrated my brother Eric’s birthday and enjoyed time with my nephew Trey. He can always bring a smile to my face. Such a cool little guy. He loves swimming, and for being just a little over a year old, he does really well. Every time a plane flies over he points up and says, “Air-pay!” So funny.
We’re in south carolina right now, just a mile from the state line and still within the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our friends Jake & Katie have been gracious in hosting us the last two nights. We got into Charlotte late Saturday night after catching Bethany Dillon play at Murray Hill Theatre in Jacksonville, FL. A really good band called Future of Forestry opened for her. We were just passing through Jacksonville on our way north and decided to see the show, then drive through the night. I had left my phone at a Starbucks in Jacksonville, so we had to stop anyway.
Yesterday, we played at a church in Charlotte called Church At Charlotte. Kind of a silly name, but easy to remember and there are a lot of cool people there. Thanks to Chuck for setting up the show and helping us with our sound check.
At the Church at Charlotte, I ran into Amanda, a girl I knew from college. This was odd, because just moments before she walked up I was saying to Lynn that I was surprised I hadn’t run into anyone I knew from college or high school yet. Nice timing, Amanda!
We also met Tom the science professor, who mischievously set traps for us, into which we gladly stepped. Thanks for the extraordinary conversations, Tom!
And finally we met Jose from Maria Bonita Mexican Grill (well actually he’s from Peru, but he was our waiter for the evening). I had THE BEST STEAK I’ve ever tasted. It was a marinated flank steak served with all the traditional sides. The fried calamari was outstanding as well. I’m tempted to stop by there again for lunch today.
Good news! Jake just came in to tell us that lunch is ready and they fixed chicken fajitas, just as my mouth was beginning to water.
To all the kind folks that helped us: thanks! You’ve been such gracious hosts and great new friends. Thanks for taking us in and for all your positive feedback. I’m sure we’ll be back, it’s just a matter of time. See you again – hopefully sooner than later. Goodnight and goodbye, Johnson City.
To all the kind folks that helped us: thanks! You’ve been such gracious hosts and great new friends. Thanks for taking us in and for all your positive feedback. I’m sure we’ll be back, it’s just a matter of time. See you again – hopefully sooner than later. Goodnight and goodbye, Johnson City.
Last night, we played a gig in Leo, Indiana. Lots of cool kids. Very busy night. I moved out of my apartment last night and this morning. I figured that since I was on the road so much, it didn’t make much sense to keep an apartment. I think I’m officially homeless now, though technically [...]
Last night, we played a gig in Leo, Indiana. Lots of cool kids. Very busy night. I moved out of my apartment last night and this morning. I figured that since I was on the road so much, it didn’t make much sense to keep an apartment. I think I’m officially homeless now, though technically I don’t think I’m homeless until I try to return “home” at the end of the tour. Glad we got a lot of dates in front of us!
We’re coasting down to Johnson City, Tennessee at the moment. Night travel is the best – less traffic, no sun in your eyes, cool lights. I’m really looking forward to some time on the beach while in Florida. Can’t wait!
We’re heading home today. Our tour in the U.P. went really well and we had a lot of fun playing, especially with Hoss on keys. We were able to enjoy the sauna at Katie’s parents’ house and spend some time with her family. They have three Yorkie puppies that are absolutely adorable. As Lynn said, [...]
We’re heading home today. Our tour in the U.P. went really well and we had a lot of fun playing, especially with Hoss on keys. We were able to enjoy the sauna at Katie’s parents’ house and spend some time with her family. They have three Yorkie puppies that are absolutely adorable. As Lynn said, “They can make a grown man giggle.”
Last night we played at Ishpeming HS Auditorium for the local community. It’s a really cool venue: an old school theater complete with red velvet curtains and seats. I met a lot of really nice people from the area and I’m looking forward to coming back again soon.
When we get home, we’ll be playing a show in Leo, IN on Wednesday night, heading on down to Tennessee for Thursday and Friday, and then on to Florida for a week or so. We’ll be spending some time with my family while they’re on vacation in Pompano and also some time with Lynn’s parents in Sarasota. What a weather difference that will be to all the snow up here!
Right now we’re driving south through the quite remote state of Michigan, which is beautiful with all the snow on the pines. The drive is very scenic. We just saw a large fox scurry across the road in front of us. That’s not something you see everyday in Indiana. We’ve had several close encounters with deer too, though we’ve managed to avoid getting abducted or experimented on. A few minutes ago we had a close encounter with the Michigan State Police. Katie seems to think that cruise control is for sissies. Fortunately, the officer was very lenient with us and the fine won’t be that terrible.
We stopped at a small gas station along our route where they were selling smoked fish and all kinds of jerky. We loaded up on some of these local delicacies. The smoked salmon and cajun jerky make excellent road food. I also picked up some schweet bug-eyed ski goggles that will double as my sunglasses while in Florida. I’m anticipating some delicious racoon tan lines. Aww, who am I kidding? I never tan. My skin only comes in 2 shades: pearly white and delightful crimson. ’ello, aloe!
At the moment we’re approaching the Mackinaw Bridge, which at 5 miles long is the longest bridge in the USA and is the only connection between upper and lower Michigan. I haven’t been up this way since I was a kid. I remember coming up here for a family vacation. We went to Mackinac Island. My siblings and I insisted on getting Superman–flavored ice cream cones, which, unbeknownst to me at the time, are disgusting. The huge waffle cones held nearly a quart of ice cream and we ate ourselves sick. That’s all I can really remember about that vacation.
I need to finish up the design for Katie’s new album, so gotta get back to the grinding wheel. We’ll be stopping at Elderly’s in Lansing, Michigan to check out some sweet guitars we can’t afford. We’ll also be passing by the oddly bent trees in St. Johns, Michigan, which are pictured on the cover of the Rudisill album. Ahh, the memories…
Yours truly,
Scott
P.S. How about the latest Ray LaMontagne? [insert sound of someone whistling when really impressed]
Currently listening:
Till the Sun Turns Black
By Ray LaMontagne
Release date: 29 August, 2006
So this little journal entry finds me on the road somewhere between West Bend, Wisconsin and Oshkosh. I’m riding shotgun, sharing an internet connection over Lynn’s cell, while Katie plows this more than fully loaded Volvo wagon through the blowing snow. It’s dark and hard to see but it doesn’t seem to slow the semis, [...]
So this little journal entry finds me on the road somewhere between West Bend, Wisconsin and Oshkosh. I’m riding shotgun, sharing an internet connection over Lynn’s cell, while Katie plows this more than fully loaded Volvo wagon through the blowing snow. It’s dark and hard to see but it doesn’t seem to slow the semis, which are blasting on past us.
We just played in West Bend for a bunch of really nice people. A guy name Jason Burton opened for us. He has an amazing voice, great sense of humor and an uncanny ability to play left-handed on a right-handed guitar. I don’t really understand it, but he makes it work.
Our friend Hoss met us there to play some sweet B3 and Wurly with us. That boy can tear it up on the keys. He’s a natural. Love playing with him. You know, the four of us playing music together just feels right. I feel comfortable with the setup and love how the music is sounding. I could get used to this touring bidness.
Anyway, tomorrow we’re playing in Negaunee, MI, which is way up in the U.P. There’s pleny of snow here and the meterologists are all telling me that more snow is inevitable. Glad I have my Eskimo coat on.
Last night we had the privelege of catching the band Altan in concert at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater. If you don’t know who they are, check out their website www.altan.ie. Altan are quite possibly the best traditional Irish/Gaelic band out there. They got their start about 20 years ago, so you can imagine they are all quite the virtuosos. They played phenomenally. Dåithí on guitar, Dermot on accordion, Mairéad on fiddle, Ciarån on fiddle and penny whistle. And another Ciarån on bouzouki (a crazy cool greek instrument). Each of them blew me away with their abilities and emotive playing.
My friend David Dunlop knows the band and was able to connect us. We had the chance to hang out back stage to chat about our mutual aquaintances, touring and car thievery.
On a side note, Mairéad and Dermot live just down the road from Limekiln B&B where I’ve stayed in Donegal, Ireland. Which, if you’re ever in that part of Ireland make sure to stop there. Rosemary Boyd can fix you a very mean Irish breakfast.
Another side not, car theft came up in our conversation because on Friday we locked ourselves out of our car just before leaving for the Wisconsin leg of our tour. John from the dealership was kind enough to show us how to “open” our car. Very nice of him!
Well we are getting close to our destination. I suppose we’ll arrive around 12:34am. I’ll post more about the tour as I get the chance.
Remember that awful Hasselhoff video I posted a few months ago? Well, every once in a while, something comes along that totally redefines the concept of bad. For me, that moment was this morning and the redefiner is a Windows 386 promotional video made by Microsoft in 1987. They actually sent this out, voluntarily. The [...]
Remember that awful Hasselhoff video I posted a few months ago? Well, every once in a while, something comes along that totally redefines the concept of bad. For me, that moment was this morning and the redefiner is a Windows 386 promotional video made by Microsoft in 1987. They actually sent this out, voluntarily. The video is fairly boring (and obviously 80′s), but around the 7 minute mark things start to get interesting.
DISCLAIMER: You will never get this 12 minutes of your life back. I’m sorry. Please use this as a learning moment. Also, FYI, I use a Mac.
The Colts are the Super Bowl champs. Still doesn’t seem real. It’s been a long time coming and finally it’s here. So nice. BTW, I love football in hi-def.
The Colts are the Super Bowl champs. Still doesn’t seem real. It’s been a long time coming and finally it’s here. So nice. BTW, I love football in hi-def.
In the last few weeks, it seems that quite a few people I know have had to go through some really, really tough stuff. I’ve written out a short list of those struggles below just to be able to get a grasp on what all has occured recently. Names are omitted to protect privacy, though [...]
In the last few weeks, it seems that quite a few people I know have had to go through some really, really tough stuff. I’ve written out a short list of those struggles below just to be able to get a grasp on what all has occured recently. Names are omitted to protect privacy, though you may know who some of these people are.
T-boned while riding passenger in a car
Paralyzed from a diving accident
Hit by a car while riding a bike
Killed by an armored truck
Getting a divorce (sadly, several of these)
Lost an unborn baby
Died from cancer
Diagnosed with cancer
It’s hard to see friends and family go through hard times. In these situations I can’t even begin to relate to the magnitude of suffering and pain that they are going through. I know that when I’ve gone through hard times, their is very little that actually that anyone can do to relieve the grief and pain. If I had the money, I would help. If I had wisdom I would share it. If I could pour out hope and healing I would surely do so. But I find that there is not much I can do to help in any significant way. So I pray. I pray for you and your family. I pray for healing and peace. I try to think of tangible ways of sharing or expressing hope to you. I practice all the things I might say that I think might help, but I know these phrases will all sound so trite or oversimplified or inexperienced. I don’t know what to say really.
So, my friend Jeana just sent me a message saying she was listening to “Tom’s Diner.” If that doesn’t sound familiar, it was that quirky a cappela remix song from the early ’90’s that people seemed to hate, but secretly loved. You know you liked it. Anyway, I thought I’d look up who sang that [...]
So, my friend Jeana just sent me a message saying she was listening to “Tom’s Diner.” If that doesn’t sound familiar, it was that quirky a cappela remix song from the early ’90’s that people seemed to hate, but secretly loved. You know you liked it. Anyway, I thought I’d look up who sang that song and found some interesting stuff about it on WikiPedia. Of most interesting note, the song is called “the Mother of the MP3.” I guess we can thankful for this song now.
Currently listening:
Retrospective: The Best of Suzanne Vega
By Suzanne Vega
Release date: 22 April, 2003
How sick is that? Nature is such a perverse horror film. Enjoy. Tomorrow I’ll be heading to Wisconsin to play a show with Katie Nelson, Lynn Graber, Alex T., and Hoss. Should be a fun adventure. We’ll be recording Holly playing some violin for Katie’s album. Schweet. Tonight we practice. I got a sweet new [...]
How sick is that? Nature is such a perverse horror film. Enjoy.
Tomorrow I’ll be heading to Wisconsin to play a show with Katie Nelson, Lynn Graber, Alex T., and Hoss. Should be a fun adventure. We’ll be recording Holly playing some violin for Katie’s album. Schweet. Tonight we practice. I got a sweet new amp and cool little MIDI controller. Both are extremely portable and lightweight.
Did you see the Oklahoma/Boise State Fiesta Bowl? Unbelievable. It was the best college football game I’ve ever seen. My family and I were watching, yelling, screaming. I wish I had TiVo. I would watch that whole game again. Do they sell them on DVD or iTunes? That would be sweet. I spent NYE at [...]
Did you see the Oklahoma/Boise State Fiesta Bowl? Unbelievable. It was the best college football game I’ve ever seen. My family and I were watching, yelling, screaming. I wish I had TiVo. I would watch that whole game again. Do they sell them on DVD or iTunes? That would be sweet.
I spent NYE at my brother Matt’s house. He had a huge bash for all his friends and his friends’ friends. What a packed house! It was a excellent party. There were lots of great people, rocking music, delicious food & drinks, a big outdoors hot tub, funny hats & noisemakers, and of course ping pong. What more could you ask for in a New Years celebration? I think everyone enjoyed themselves, except maybe my friend Alex. He fell asleep first and his face was sabotaged with sharpie markers. I plead not guilty to this crime, though I am friends with the guilty parties. We played some cards and it must’ve been my night, because I won it all in poker, which has never happened before. I was getting all the right cards. The thing about having a great hand everytime is you can “bluff” and then just rake it in when everyone falls for it. Thanks again Matt and Nat for hosting us all. I’m already looking forward to next year!
I hope you all are enjoying the new year. Have you made your resolutions?
I for one am ambitious this year (I never make any, so now is as good a time to start as any, right?) and have decided to run my first marathon this year. The Cape Cod is about 10 months away, so I have started to get back in shape. It’s been far too long. In the coming months, maybe I’ll post some pics of my washboard abs. They’ve been hiding for a while and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind seeing you all again.
In a related story, my youth pastor cousin Aaron is doing is own version of The Biggest Loser to help raise money for his youth group. He’s wanting sponsors to donate per pound or “lump” sum. pun intended. : ) I’m sure he’ll be posting updates on either his blog or the youth group blog.
Another resolution of mine: to care for people more and care less about what they think of me. I think that will prove to be much harder than the marathon, but probably even healthier for me.
Currently listening:
Recovering the Satellites
By Counting Crows
Release date: 15 October, 1996
list, list, journal, journal, words arranged in endless schemes, orders and rhymes. sentence fragments, the mind fragments. found one today. one among so many more lucid, stunted, going somewhere– hmmm… Currently listening: 9 By Damien Rice Release date: 14 November, 2006
list, list, journal, journal, words arranged in endless schemes, orders and rhymes.
sentence fragments, the mind fragments.
found one today. one among so many more lucid, stunted, going somewhere–
hmmm…
Currently listening:
9
By Damien Rice
Release date: 14 November, 2006
Recently, my new songs have been compared to the artists The Dears and Duke Special. I find these comparisons interesting, so this particular little blog entry is to keep track of the artist(s) that you think I sound like. I would like to believe that the songs on my Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York [...]
Recently, my new songs have been compared to the artists The Dears and Duke Special. I find these comparisons interesting, so this particular little blog entry is to keep track of the artist(s) that you think I sound like.
I would like to believe that the songs on my Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York EP have tinges of Pink Floyd, Phish, Radiohead, Damien Rice, Johnny Cash, and Sufjan Stevens to them.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts as comments below. Gracha.
Currently listening:
Turn Around
By Jonny Lang
Release date: 19 September, 2006
Yesterday, a bunch of my extended family got together to celebrate some family birthdays. My grandma got me a really great present: real sleighbells. you’re probably thinking, “What does Scott need sleigh bells for?” Good question. In case it wasn’t entirely clear, I write and record music a lot. Sometimes, (ok, nearly always) I want [...]
Yesterday, a bunch of my extended family got together to celebrate some family birthdays. My grandma got me a really great present: real sleighbells. you’re probably thinking, “What does Scott need sleigh bells for?” Good question.
In case it wasn’t entirely clear, I write and record music a lot. Sometimes, (ok, nearly always) I want to include sleigh bells in the track. In most situations where I’ve needed them so far, I’ve managed to fake them with some little bells I picked up somewhere and a few programmed rhythm tracks here and there. Now I can record the real thing. What’s even cooler is that Grandma bought the sleigh bells from an amish man, who made them by hand and lives near where I record (The Recording House in Grabill, Indiana). Don’t be surprised if these bells inspire me to record a Christmas album. Commence the gossip and rumors.
BTW, a friend bought Joanna Newsom’s new album Ys for me. This is her second album, which she has used to create a broad landscape of fable-ish stories narrated by her unique voice and harp, accompanied by an orchestra. It’s not an easy listen by pop standards, but it is an expansive and complex album worth exploring. I’ve listened through several times and keep hearing this album as a theatrical/musical piece set in a beautiful woodland scene. If you aren’t familiar with her music, try her album The Milk-Eyed Mender, which is probably much more palatable to the pop listener.
Currently listening:
Ys
By Joanna Newsom
Release date: 14 November, 2006
Being on this tour and seeing a lot of new places got me thinking about all the places I’ve been and places I’d like to go. I found this cool site where you can mark the countries you’ve been to and it creates a map for you. Below is my map. It seems crazy that [...]
Being on this tour and seeing a lot of new places got me thinking about all the places I’ve been and places I’d like to go. I found this cool site where you can mark the countries you’ve been to and it creates a map for you. Below is my map. It seems crazy that I still have 95% of the world left to see. In 28 years I’ve only managed to see 5% of it. Guess I better get busy. On a related topic, tonight my brother-in-law Jon and I were talking about how we sometimes think about a random person and feel like maybe God is putting them on our mind for a reason. After talking for a bit we figured out that I had randomly met his ex-girlfriend 2 years ago while in Thailand. This is a very random 6-degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon type connection. The world suddenly feels a lot smaller. Maybe it won’t be so hard to see the remaining 95% after all. So where have you been? Got any crazy connections? Who do we both know that we just haven’t figured out yet? And finally, Kevin Bacon, do you really know everyone?
Today is my birthday. What does that even mean? Time to assess the past year? Time to make plans and set goals for next year? Who knows? My mom sent me an email today: “Just a little note to say Happy Birthday. You were born at 12:53 a.m. on the 27th in Ball Memorial Hospital. [...]
Today is my birthday. What does that even mean? Time to assess the past year? Time to make plans and set goals for next year? Who knows?
My mom sent me an email today:
“Just a little note to say Happy Birthday. You were born at 12:53
a.m. on the 27th in Ball Memorial Hospital. The nurses brought you
in to my room after they washed and combed your hair. It was frosted
blonde. They parted your hair down the middle and just had to wake
me up to show me!”
Last night, we played a show for a lot of really nice people at EHBC in Fayetteville, NY. It’s so good to make new friends and see the world get a little smaller. We’ll be hanging out here for a few days and then we’ll end up in Buffalo this weekend.
The past few days I’ve been near Syracuse at my sister’s house with my family. We celebrated Thanksgiving together with some amazing food. Honestly, I made some of the best stuffing I’ve ever eaten. Nathan, I froze some of it for you to try when you come over – it’s that good. My little nephew [...]
The past few days I’ve been near Syracuse at my sister’s house with my family.
We celebrated Thanksgiving together with some amazing food. Honestly, I made some of the best stuffing I’ve ever eaten. Nathan, I froze some of it for you to try when you come over – it’s that good. My little nephew turns 1 on Tuesday and he’s been entertaining us all with his smiling, laughing, and newly learned ability to walk. He’s such a great kid. I can’t wait for him to start talking so we can carry on a conversation. That’ll be fun.
I’m on tour with Katie Nelson. We’ve been up and down all the New England states playing shows and meeting great new friends. On Tuesday, I picked up my CD’s at DiscMakers in Pennsauken, New Jersey, which is just across the Delaware from Philadelphia. The CD’s turned out great. I’m really happy with them. If you want your copy, I’m selling them here online. Hopefully, I’ll have my songs available as digital downloads soon.
I’ll be home from the tour in early December. I’m anxious to see you all again. Hope
you are having a great start to the holiday season.
I find that November never fails to be busy, complicated and beautiful. A year ago, I was on tour in Northern Ireland with my old band Rudisill. Today, I’m in Nyack, New York on tour with Katie Nelson, playing my solo stuff. The tour is going well and yesterday I was able to pick up [...]
I find that November never fails to be busy, complicated and beautiful. A year ago, I was on tour in Northern Ireland with my old band Rudisill. Today, I’m in Nyack, New York on tour with Katie Nelson, playing my solo stuff. The tour is going well and yesterday I was able to pick up my Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York CD’s at the DiscMakers factory in Pennsauken, NJ. I’m excited for everyone to get a copy of it. The packaging really turned out nicely.
The last few days have been a blur of new places, faces and pavement. We’ve been in 9 or 10 states and seen almost every major city in the New England area. There’s so much I’d like to do and see while I’m out here, but time is not permitting a lot of it. We drove up the coast of New Hampshire and a bit of Maine, enjoyed an evening in Boston, and spent a half a day exploring lower Manhattan. While in Boston, we ate at an Irish pub called The Black Rose. The warm atmosphere and traditional food and music made me feel like I was actually in Ireland. Makes me miss my Irish friends. Can’t wait to see you all again. Thanks for calling us!
Anyway, today, we’re headed up to Syracuse to spend about a week at my sister Kelly’s house, playing music, celebrating Thanksgiving and several birthdays. Tomorrow, most of my family will be coming out too, to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. Can’t wait to cook that meal! My nephew Trey, who turns 1 on the 28th (the day after my birthday), recently fell and broke his two front teeth. He had to have them removed, so he won’t have any front teeth until his adult teeth grow in. What a bummer. I know what song he’ll be singing every Christmas for the next few years!
Well, I have to go soon, but I hope you are all doing well. Please let me know what you are up to, how and where you’ll be celebrating the holidays and what you think of my new music (once you have your copy).
Check out my friend Dan Wilton at Starbucks. We played this show together and he just posted the video of his song today. Dan recently chopped off his glorious locks. A moment of silence… … … … OK. Here’s the video:
Check out my friend Dan Wilton at Starbucks. We played this show together and he just posted the video of his song today. Dan recently chopped off his glorious locks. A moment of silence…
OK, I’ve decided that if I’m ever in the situation where the building is on fire and the only way out is the window and I have to drop a baby to the firemen below, that I would want the Colts wide receiver, Marvin Harrison at the bottom for the catch. That dude can catch [...]
OK, I’ve decided that if I’m ever in the situation where the building is on fire and the only way out is the window and I have to drop a baby to the firemen below, that I would want the Colts wide receiver, Marvin Harrison at the bottom for the catch. That dude can catch anything. I love watching him connect with a pass from Manning. I’m watching the Colts play right now. It’s great watching them win, especially against the Patriots. The Colts are ahead right now, and I hope they keep the momentum up.
Thinking about the burning building thing… My song “Wish I Woulda Learned To Fly” is on my new EP Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York. The song is about 9/11, the burning Twin Towers, and the many people who had to face the decision of whether to stay or jump. Tough choice. I’m still not sure what I would have done. I tried tackling the tragedy of this dilemma with a casual tone. It reminds me of Johnny Cash. Can’t wait for you all to hear it.
Happy Halloween, to all you scary friends of mine! Three years ago today, my old band Rudisill played our first show. Life has changed a lot since then. Never thought I’d be doing my own solo stuff. But here I am. All alone. Today, I signed up for a Facebook account. I don’t know how [...]
Happy Halloween, to all you scary friends of mine! Three years ago today, my old band Rudisill played our first show. Life has changed a lot since then. Never thought I’d be doing my own solo stuff. But here I am. All alone.
Today, I signed up for a Facebook account. I don’t know how to use it quite yet, so I need those of you that know how to help me out. I hear it’s better than MySpace. Hope I don’t get kicked off MySpace for saying that! Anyway, come be my friend on Facebook.
Hemingway wrote a story that had just six words and claims that it was his best work ever. It reads: “For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.” So I tried to write my story in six words. I had several thoughts and couldn’t decide on my favorite. “Boy and Music. Best friends forever.” “Lacks confidence. Girl [...]
by the Easy Star All-Stars a listen. It showcases the enduring quality of songwriting on Radiohead’s 
– even after 10 years. Also, the project proves the possibility for innovation in a genre [which I formerly believed to be] based solely on the upbeat and overly-simplified Rastafarian/Jamaican stereotypes. If you like this, check out their first excursion into the world of reggae mashups: 
, their take on Pink Floyd’s timeless classic, 
Nice stamp, huh? More of them can be found at 
