Halloween

I love Halloween and every year I find ways to get into a costume of some kind. I've already told too many people what my costume will be. It's best to keep that to yourself so not to ruin the surprise, so I'm not telling you.
This year I will be throwing my first Halloween party. I don't like that it falls on Monday, but it's going to be a great way to show my friends around my house. I'll be prepared to scare the kiddies too. Last year we had an over 8ft tall "No Face" from "Spirited Away" greeting them with candy. They took the treats keeping their eyes keenly fixed on the unusual and large creature.

As you can see here

Farmout

We arrived at Farmout at 3pm on Saturday, traffic was bad on 220 because of the accidents due to the rain. We noticed that the storm was heading south and we hoped that it wouldn’t effect the show. The sun was high and it was very humid, Dave from the Discordian Society was setting up the stage and everyone was weather proofing the equipment. It had already rained twice, but they were going to go ahead with the festival.
The Discordian Society went on at about 3:30 in the brilliant sun. They had a distinct funk sound, but I wouldn’t go as far as to compare them to any of the newer funk bands. It was an older more original fusion of rock and funk. Shortly after they played the rain fell. Everyone huddled under the stage holding tarps and sticks to guide the rain off of the stage. It was getting pretty crowded so we headed over to the barn for shelter. I’m glad we went because we got to meet Heevahava from Cincinnati. They just moved to Roanoke and were very happy to be there. Omar pointed out a very large spider living in the corner just before the rain dwindled. Sarah the creator of Farmout was excited to hear that people were arriving through out the shower and urged everyone to press on with the day.
Shortly afterward Secret Squirrel took the stage. It must have been hard for them given the humidity, but they were very professional and did a wonderful job. Their sound was very sophisticated combining acoustic guitar, violin, bass, and well harmonized female vocals. Next up was Heevahava a rock and roll duo with electric guitar and drums. I was impressed with their drummer Omar. He was fast and very good, filling the valley with sound. Next up Silent Press, they practice two doors down from some friends of mine in a warehouse in about the only bad neighborhood in Roanoke. They already had a fan base who quickly filled the front of the stage. I thought they were going to be the loudest band there until Madrone took the stage. I was getting a little scared to follow them.
We went on at about 10pm only a few hours off schedule, which is pretty good considering all the rain. Secret Squirrel and I felt the sonic differences in our styles and the rest of the bands on the roster. The audience didn’t seem to mind at all.
I was really happy to see all the women performing this year. The two bands that followed were fronted by women. The Sad Cobras were very creative and really understood the sonic principles of their instruments. Versatile and melodic, they impressed us. Soria from Philly was a great add this year. Fronted by a powerhouse female vocalist they showed us all how much fun performing could be. The crowd roared when they played their rendition of the Dead Kennedy’s classic “Kill The Poor”.
Finally the gracious hosts The Wading Girl had to stop working to play their set. They had a lot more to worry about this year, but it certainly didn’t show in their set, I’ve never heard them sound so good before. They began their set with the song “Baby Got Back” and invited the Illbotz to join them on stage. A song uncharacteristic of their music they really rocked it out. The Illbotz came to their attention far too late to book them for the Farmout, but they practiced this song with them so they would have a chance to perform. I’ve really been digging the new Wading Girl songs on their myspace page and I was happy to hear the song “Amber Waves”. It was 1am but there were still lots of people there having a great time.
Finally at about 2am The Lobsters took the stage, which in my opinion was perfect for these rockers. Like The Wading Girl they’ve been working hard touring and making a name for themselves on the east coast. Q their bass player stood up front for every single band and gets my “Most Considerate Rock Star” award.
Spring Hollow Farm had started to calm down as the festival came to a close. I would like to express my gratitude to Sarah, The Garrisons, The Wading Girl, The Green Dolphin and everyone who worked extra hard this year to make Farmout so much fun. The food was wonderful, there was plenty of beer and attitudes were by far the most positive I’ve ever seen. I will take away with me the joy of knowing that there are so many musicians and bands ready to support the music they love.
Sequoya
Here are a few pictures that I took, just click on the photo to see a larger version of each photo.

Farmout 2005

We "Sequoya"are so excited to be making our 3rd appearance at Farmout on July 16th.
A small locally organized outdoor music festival seated amongst some of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen. It's surprisingly easy to get to despite its rural location, so I hope all that are able will make it out. Bring sunblock and drink lots of water.

Where- Elliston , VA.
Who-
The Wading Girl
The Discordian Society
The Sad Cobras
Heevahava
Soraia
Sequoya
The Silent Press
The Cheap Seats
The Lobsters

Something New

I’m pleased to say that I am recording a new record. My last record Villain and Victim was an attempt at a themed record about a woman overcoming extreme obstacles and murder. I recorded it all by myself on a crappy little four track in my living room. The overall quality of the record isn’t really to my liking, so I’ve invested in better recording equipment, and a drum set.

The overall, but loosely based theme of the new record is space, whether it be metaphor or literal. I have written all but two songs now all I need to do is record and produce those songs into something I’ll be willing to share. You can hear one of the songs here. It’s titled Rocket.

I’m really excited about the process, and I hope to keep up the momentum. I’m setting my sites on releasing it in the fall. If I cannot find proper distribution through a record company, I will use CD Baby. I have never worked with them before, but the thought of total freedom is enticing.

Sunday Showcase 1-23-05

So last nights show was pretty good, all of the bands were very professional. You could tell how hard they all worked to bring their own special sound to the audience. They played their sets like there were thousands of screaming fans in the crowd instead of the handful of friends they could muster up in the freezing cold weather (even by NC standards).
Seven bands performed as follows
1. American Aquarium
2. Big City Reverie
3. Austin Freeman
4. Sequoya
5. Eyes To Space
6. Early Morning Swim
7. The Know

Styles in music varied greatly, but the audience didn’t seem to reflect the difference. Everyone was young and excited to get to play. Standout performances go to, “Eyes To Space” and “Early Morning Swim“. I felt they had the most to offer and the most originality.

Eyes To Space brought more people in than any one else. The club filled quickly as they set up their instruments for sound check. The lead singer played a Key-tar, something I haven’t seen in many, many years. Their music reminded me of Devo, synth pop with lots of energy. I have noticed many bands lately with that 80’s new wave sound. So would they be defined as Post Wave? I had fun watching them play and I loved the songs.




Early Morning Swim had a whole different approach. Fronted by an acoustic guitar and two lead singers providing a beautiful blend of male and female vocals. Their Violinist played the hooks and the leads. No one over played, each member understanding the importance of space in music. Their songs are well crafted and driven by an A+ rhythm section. I’m looking forward to hearing more of them.

First Gig in North Carolina

I was very surprised that a friend of mine from the local band Early Morning Swim asked me if I would like to play The Cat’s Cradle. I thought about it for one second and said yes. The Cat’s Cradle is after all one of the best clubs in the area. I couldn't believe that I get to play music on the same stage as Gillian Welch, Cat Power, Kristin Hersh, Tortoise, and Neko Case,

It’s called The Sunday Showcase and the only promotion is what the bands tell their friends. They sent us about 50 tickets color coded so they will know exactly who you came to see. The only local bands that play there are pretty big nationally. Like bands on Merge records, Southern Culture On The Skids and Trailer Bride. I think they want to see who you are and what you have to offer.

I will not bring in a lot of people but all of my close friends will be there and that’s enough for me. If the weather permits it should be a good time, and I’ll post my review of how it went and the great acts I get to see.

In Memory of Nutmeg

(12-28-98 to 1-20-2005)


(update 5/24/05)

We had Nutmeg for 4 years and she was a wonderful pet. She died of Adrenal Disease, and cancer of the pancreas. A common fate for American bred ferrets. I miss her so much and I think of her every day. We found a fortune cookie she had taken and stashed in one of her hiding places. We opened it and the fortune read " Wish you a good journey". It was so poetic and profound that it brought tears to my eyes.

Two Sisters

We’re out doing yesterday
We want only to make it home
I check the skies everyday
It makes me feel less alone
They may seem so far away
From this particular stone
You feel lost because you forgot
Who named us as their own

Two sisters sing a lullaby
Holding hands the other cries
Come the morning her face is dry
And the other's sorrow wells inside
Two lovers sing a melody
For the sisters harmony
They sing so tenderly so you’ll find your way back home

If there’s something they could see
It would surely be polarized
With good and bad, black and white
Ice and flame, day and night
But you know it’s monochrome
The color of flesh is judged by the bone
as they wait on a rocky shore
So I guess I can wait a little more

Two sisters sing a lullaby
Holding hands the other cries
Come the morning her face is dry
And the other's sorrows well inside
Two lovers sing a melody
For the sisters harmony
They sing oh, so tenderly
So you’ll find your way back home

My boat sailed across stone harbor
A sweet low song of my mother
A locket made of feather and bone
A sweet low song to guide me home
I heard your car on a hill
in the silence my thoughts distill
Life then left to our will
And never stop until...

Two lovers sing a melody
For the sisters harmony
They sing oh, so tenderly
So you’ll find your way back home
c.2004




You can hear this song "Two Sisters" on the player below