It’s been a minute since I’ve blogged. I’ve just been super busy.
Finished making merch designs for Huey Lewis and The News. Made 5 designs. They are rad. I’ll show some other time. I had a lot of fun with it and really it’s my pleasure to do designs for an artist i put in such high regard.
Music is the Enemy has been a touch and go project for everyone involved for the past couple months. Recently, Alex has left for the Summer for some personal growth so he won’t be around for the show this Wednesday or Spew Fest 2. Karie, Tim, and I practiced today. Without Alex it was weird. There are certain things Alex does that I’ve never noticed until, you guessed it, he was gone. We sound moderately tight though. I’m excited to play live after not playing for quite a while.
Just got in about 100 pairs of American Apparel Interlock Running Shorts (AKA Booty Shorts). Metal Booty Shorts are back for the summer season. They will be AVL on Warped Tour; however, if you want a pair, you can pre-order them at www.metal-the-brand.com.
The kickstarter is going well. Just finished addressing most of the mailers that will hit the post office around june 10. Again, if you didn’t know, I get the all-over prints around june 6. The Maggot Tees will be done around June 1.
I haven’t talked about coachella. It was awesome. That’s about all you need to know.
Hoppy and Poppy: Idiocracy Plauges Me: I Want To Wear My Fat Suit
I’m feeling very anxious and disappointed. Less then two weeks till I leave for the Coachella Valley, and I have a shit load of stuff to do and my best friend is coming to visit. I could have gotten everything done, but i force myself to stay up, over eat, and play starcraft with my good friends. I can’t win, or at least without a margin of error.
The kickstarter is now in its last week. As much as i can thank everyone, it’s not enough. The shares, the compliments and the pledges. Honestly, i’ve spammed a lot of people and frankly I’m surprised they don’t tell me off. I take that back—like two people have. Ps — twitter is great for spamming. Like for real.
I’m confirmed on warped tour with Advent Clothing. I’ll be putting up a web page that shows what dates i need help on and such. I’ve been working to educate them on how to run a brand in regards to sponsorship. Hopefully they see the results they hope for.
Went with my family tonight to a murder mystery dinner. I had a lot of fun. I want to continue going to them. They have a new set of performances coming up in April. The script is Indiana Jones themed. So excited.
I wish i could get everything out of my head right now. I wish i could solve all the problems. I wish i could make everyone happy.
Sterner Stuff: Reflections On Being Awake All Night
My Kickstarter has reached its goal. Yes, I’m super happy and can’t thank everyone enough. I’m working how to exceed my goal as much as I’m able to. Sorry if you’re annoyed with my spamming—only two more weeks left ;) Here’s a video to show how stoked I am.
Last Sunday, I went to Phoenix, AZ to see Andrew W.K. with Randi, my friend from Minnesota, and Gary and Mikey (two lovable lovables). It was great. I got on stage for most of the show and areobazied while wearing a spandex suit. Cherie Lily, Andrew’s wife and House-robics instructor, made me do fast fist pumps during songs and I felt like vomiting. Here’s a video clip of me in a borat mankinni raging to the song “I GET WET.” It’s one of my favorite songs.
During my trip to PHX I rekindled my love for the Barenaked Ladies. I’ve seen them about 10 times I think, and they were the first band I ever saw live. I saw them right when they started to get attention in the States in about ‘96 or something like that. I remember walking into Wal-Mart and other stores asking if they had their albums or tapes and getting weird looks because of the name. Joke was on them—BNL became one of the biggest bands in history.
BNL also reminds me of my teenage years living in rural Ohio. I was desperate at times for friends and attention because growing up I didn’t have anyone to play with, which is why all i want to do, even at this age, is play and tell stories with friends. During that youthful time, I would go hang out with my friend Paul on most weekends listening to BNL and playing video games. He was also one of my only friends. I was too young to notice the problems he was dealing with privately, and at times he would get impatient with me. But no matter how annoying I was or at times naive, he allowed me to come over and take part in some of the funnest times I’ve ever had. I don’t think I ever thanked him for those times or shared how much it meant to me.
My middle school and high school experiences weren’t bad, but I, like most youths, had no direction. No direction, lack of friends, and negativity amounted to some rough moments.
I cannot stress the external negativity and the “you won’t amount to anything” attitude i grew up with. It dripped off people there like a black sap that stuck to my self esteem. I’ve grown out of that yuckiness… mostly. The result was then over compensating with pride and self-righteousness. Will my mother ever forgive me?
SIDE NOTE: My Mom said she was proud of me today. Always feels good when my parents do that. They are rad people. I’m pretty lucky. Couldn’t imagine not having great parents that would let me do just about anything as long as I told them where and what i was doing.
I’ve moved from Ohio and pursued a very adventurous way of living. I’m thankful I got out of NE Ohio unlike a lot of people I graduated with who have found their comfort in the place we grew up, which is artistically and economically depraved in my opinion. I don’t know if it was really their choice or one they were scared into. It makes me sad thinking about it. This song is appropriate to the feeling i’m trying to convey. The fear of the real world, taking chances, making decisions, finding the strength, comfort, absolution, whatever. I never grew up, so everything has always been new and vibrant. I hope I never lose that innocence or the ability to forgive and love myself for the things I do or have done.
I bought a bed for the first time in like two years. It’s nice. It’s a Queen, which is the smallest bed size anyone should have unless you have bunk beds. SO MUCH ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES!
Saw Distances on Wednesday with North, Roo, Atlas, and Shenekah. Outstanding show. Probably one of the best local shows I’ve seen in a long time. Good overall turn-out. I just don’t get why Distances isn’t the biggest band in the Southwest. Their material and brutal and so smart… wait… that’s probably it. It’s too smart. Fans for most abrasive music want “go away,” and “I’m gonna kick your ass,” in the music. Distances is more meaningful. I am debris.
Wowzers. What a rush of a week. I remember it being last Sunday and thinking “man, i’m going to see Andrew W.K. in week.” Before I know it i’ll be 72 if things keep up like this.
Randi is staying with me. It’s super rad. I feel bad though. I’m a space case right now with the Kickstarter going and all. Not to mention the weather here has been cold and just dreadful compared to how it usually is. It’s sad that in Minnesota, where she is from, it’s almost 70 degrees.
My Kickstarter is at the 90% funded mark. I’m really happy it’s been this successful so far. I’ve gotten some random pledges, but most have been from the wonderful friends i’ve met and known over the years of touring the united states. If i haven’t said this before, i’m going to say it now: I live a wonderful life. I have little to no real worries. My life can move with the wind, or commit fully to anything i put my mind to. I truly have the best friends.
WIth all this said i’m having a problem with the ethics surrounding my Kickstarter. People who like METAL THE BRAND, my art page on FB, got a message on their wall with my KS video. Kind of spammy, but it’s mostly personalized and I feel that the only way to let someone know is tell them directly though indirectly through fb.. or something.
I’m about to go through my entire friends list nearly 1700 people minus the people that like METAL THE BRAND, all 600 of my followers on Twitter, and… anything else i can think of to have people continue to watch, share, and hopefully pledge. Though my goal is 3 grand. I’m hoping to exceed it to get new screen printing equipment to help support my local art and music scene.
It’s just like… i feel as if i’m overstepping bounds in some ways. I don’t want to have people feel that they are being pressured into contributing. It’s more or less something important to me, which is why i give it 110%, and I want to share it. The fun i created, the idea, so on. Sort of a spreading of just a good willed piece of entertainment. If i wanted pity cash, I would have a video like lots of other people on kickstarter, putting their hands together and saying “please, I need your help” with puppy dog face. That’s not what kickstarter is about to me. It’s about contributing something special, that promotes the human condition and a connection. Needing money is a hollow thing unless it actually has a soul. It lives and breaths, is tactile, reaches, loves, and wants love back.
Enough said. I guess what i’m trying to say is if i spam you and you hate it, please don’t take it the wrong way. Putting heart into 120 character blurb box isn’t easy; however, I’m accessible and I care about people… unless you’re a complete retard.
Ps, i’m eating for too much, and napping more than i should. I need a NAP APP so i cn replace the real thing.
Played SC2 with David last night. Felt like magic. Love playing with him. I need to watch the mini map more and work on infester micro.
My kickstarter, by the end of its second day reached 70% of its goal. I’m a little taken back. I had no idea that it would be this well received. And omg lol mine is a staff pick. Couldn’t be more thankful that people are enjoying it.
I’ve come to the conclusion that people talk about new/social media and think that frequency and forms of begging are acceptable for marketing/project/business success—it’s not. Everything I do is related to the human condition, the celebration of the joy we share with each other. If that’s not present, then what’s it all really worth, Bob?
Though this project is for making my artworks, it’s also to raise money for better screen printing equipment so I can start www.majormotionprinting.com my printing company that focuses on youth out-reach and internship. I have a plan and stuff rolling for it, but we will see how it goes. Got a lot on my plate already.
My good friend Randi arrives today to visit me in Albuquerque. Totally stoked. We are going to PHX, AZ on Sunday to see ANDREW W.K. perform the album I GET WET in its entirety. Are you ready to die? PS totally jealous that she saw the Photo Atlas play last night in MN.
Tuesday, my band, Music is the Enemy played Albuquerque’s version of Leno and Letterman. It’s called the AFTER AFTER PARTY WITH STEVEN MICHAEL QUEZADA. We had the best time. Everyone was so nice—things couldn’t have been more perfect. Miles stage dived during the set and it was epic. Everyone told us we had the biggest crowd they’ve seen at that show. Bigger than Brokencyde if you can imagine that. I can’t think all our friends in the ABQ punk scene enough. They make being dirty and agnst filled more attractive than a chinese buffet. (music is the enemy with Steven Micahel Quezada of comic and breaking bad fame).
I’ve been a good boy lately, or at least I convince myself i am.
My Kickstarter page is waiting for its final approval. This project has been a journey for me (turn on something romantic). I submitted three proposals. First being very unclear, the second being more of a life goal, and third being a clear artistic FUN-RAISER!
I can’t wait to share this with my friends and people who browse kickstater. The video was very fun to make, and, with a lot of over-analysis, I’m confident that it’s perfect.
Had a 40-piece McNugget binge. The second this month. It was good. Learned a few lessons: A 20 piece is 5.99 now, not 4.99. and most mcdonalds locations charge for more than 6 sauces with 40 nuggets, which is a BS. YOU NEED 4 PACKETS PER 20 PIECE! It’s like a divine law. I was belligerent when i was told that. It was the crown talking and my eating disorder.
I want to thank Kyle from Epiphany for answer all my questions spread out in four voicemails left in the early am last night. He’s a manager at a location and helps me. Such a sweet heart.
Did merch for T-Pain like two weeks ago. It was sweet. Regardless of what people say about certain artists of ridic nature, their live band is always phenomenal. Thanks Danny, and Sony for the hook up.
A local ABQ bar had a Barcraft event on Thursday. It’s when fans of Starcraft2 go to a local bar and watch matches from MLG or GSL. It was awesome. My friend Nny, and Drew came and we made a new friend Nutmeg. Serious good time. I mean seriously serious. There will be another at end of March. So stoked!
Saw local rock gawds Beard the other night. It was like being baptized and impregnated. Mo, their guitar player, put on my underwear during the show. Basically, i was having a rough night. I wore boxers. Something I never do. They rode up my ass the whole night so I took them off and a friend threw them on stage. It was like a dream come true. He’s my new celebrity crush… beating out Tony Rovali, but never over coming the wantenness for penlope Cruz.
Deer, Daniel are staying with me for a few days on their tour to California. Broderick, one of the dudes in the band, has been a friend of mine from the Amarillo scene. He’s so talented and, Daniel, the guitar player/songwriter, is just soooo gooood too. They played a great set at Amped on sunday and will be playing at Burt’s tuesday.
Saw my favorite musical artist of all time the other week. Matthew Good. It’s hard to get into the depths in which his music touches me. Just know it was one of the happiest moments of my life, and I’m soooo thankful he signed the set list and … i got a pick. Soooo cooollllll
Saturday I went to my friend Terra’s drag show at the Albuquerque Social Club, which benefited big brothers and big sisters of New Mexico. My entourage was Senida Furuer, Liz, and Sita. I was already planning on becoming absolutely belligerent though i had no idea how ridic things got. The show was A W E S O M E! I love drag shows. I wish people would take me to the theater more—it’s so enjoyable with people. We continued to become more fun and I danced. I won a few Pilates classes and a hair cut in a silent auction. That was super cool.
We moved the party downtown. The party was a RAMPAGE! I was manimal like and wanted to feel the beat and sweat it out. Went to Knockouts (strip club) for about 7 minutes and was asked to leave. Sita and I were dancing and it wasn’t allowed. We ended up at Effex and the Library and got sweaty.
After things got too awesome we went to filibertos and had burritos. Got home way late and felt like death the next day. It honestly took till today to fell normal again.
Hung out with Paul (old roommate who returned from like a year in south and central america) on sunday. It was great. Love hanging with him. We are going to work on a project together involving language software coded in python.
Reworking my kickstarter still. Nothing new there.
METAL THE BRAND has some momentum behind it hat the moment. If you haven’t friended it on facebook please do. Loving the love it’s getting and more wouldn’t hurt. I’ve filmed most of the kickstarter video, and other stuff. I’m taking a break from working the friend game on fb cause I actually have to make a video and put some time into it. Just hoping friend 300 doesn’t happen till at least Tuesday.
Kickstarter denied my first attempt at getting my project going. I’m going to rework it and repost it. I think i went about too seriously if that says anything. If that doesn’t work i’m just going to make my own site that does teh same thing it does. I’m confident that i can reach my goal in about 3 or 4 weeks.
Music is the Enemy, my band, is doing well. Alex and I know two new songs, and Miles is teaching me the third out of five. It’s hard to keep my mind on it, but, rest assured, the new record is getting done.
The Devon Bailey benefit show was pretty awesome. Better than I thought it would be. Got to play with our best friends both in and out of bands. I played really good that night, which leaves me to believe we played well. So cool playing at new Amped for the first time. That stage was made for dive bombs and crowd surfing failure.
After that show on Friday, we migrated to Burt’s where we saw Karie’s other band, Beard, play. They are amazing. Sort of Sound Garden meets Fu Manchu. Definitely Karie’s best project to date. That girl needs to get a touring gig. She’s too good to play in a crappy hardcore band. Though she is in Distances….. an extreme favorite.
After that show I watched a fight downtown that was rather humorous. Picked up a huge truck and drove it to filibertos where i had a california burrito. It has fries on it. Soooo goooodddddd. This was with Liz, Senida, and Marlin. So jawesome.
Went to Alex, my gutiar player’s, play. It was amazing. Times like that he impresses me beyond any exceptions.
Other stuff has happened but i don’t remember.
My dreams have been super weird. Like really really really weird.
Played some insane sc2 games tonight with 4 different people. All of which being different, but equally as enjoyable. Started playing 3v3 with some new dudes. They are aggressive, and unforgiving. Huge change from what i’m use to going macro mode.
Helped out some friends today with some cleanings/fence stuff. Went well. Had lunch, and my hi-hat stand was fixed.
I wasn’t too active on facebook prior to Metal the Brand. I hate facebook. It eats heaps and heaps of time. Sucks.
Had band practice. The set Friday is as follows unless Miles fucks it up:
1. Our Old Shit Was Better
2. Miles Davis Would Have Hated This Shit
3. Fashion Killed My Friends But Taught Them How To Fuck
4. No Children
5. I Haven’t Been Punk Rock Since ‘86
6. She Works Her Body Like Supply And Demand So I Guess That Makes Her An Economist
7. End Transmission
I submitted my project to Kickstater. I’m really excited to get it approved and get the ball rolling. Hoping they come back with positive things to say or just a “yes.” I’ve come to grips with promoting it really hard even though it maybe annoying. I really like the items i want to produce and I think people will too. If you haven’t “liked” METAL THE BRAND on facebook, please do. I’m going to ask for all the help of my friends to spread the word of the kickstarter.
Saw 3 TIMES TOXIC tonight at the Launchpad. It was good. Steve is a good friend i wish i talked to more; however, he has a great drummer so he can talk to him. A bunch of metal bands played after them. I didn’t stay. Call me an ass if you will.
My friend Dave and I are getting Starcraft2 2v2 lessons from EGStrifcro on Tuesday. I’m pretty excited about it. He’s going to teach us the mechanics of it. Currently, he and his partner are like the best 2v2 team in the world.
