Road warriors

Good evening everyone.  I was on the road by 5am this morning, and arrived in Franklin, TN. around 6pm.  It never ceases to amaze me at how much traveling really does wear you out.

I want to thank our good friend Roxanne for inviting us over for dinner this afternoon, and for introducing me to sweet potato salad!  Yes, it is like regular potato salad, except you mix sweet potatoes in as well.  The dinner was amazing….not to mention the homemade ice cream sandwiches!  Next time you are in Htown, dinner is on us.

Currently I am posted up at a friends house in Nashville.  Our manager lined us up with a place to stay at the last moment.  We have an amazing team working with us and I could really ask for no one better.

I had the best intentions and thoughts of writing a great blog, but after I got a bit comfortable I fear I have lost the battle to sleepiness.  Photo shoot with Jeremy Cowart tomorrow afternoon.  I am not even going to lie and say that I’m not pretty excited!  I’m off to get some beauty rest.  God knows I need it.

music, good friday & earth day

Well, it’s Good Friday and to be quite frank i’m not feeling all that good.  This headache feels more like an earthquake trapped inside my four walls.  The kind that only a good Vicodin will suppress.  It’s a bit fierce to say the least.

Alas it has been far too long since i’ve last written, so here is an update on what is shaping up to be an April for the books.

A couple of days ago I found out that LightParade will be heading back to Nashville for a photo shoot with none other than Jeremy Cowart.  This is exciting for a lot of reasons, not only does this guy shoot every A-lister out there from actors, musicians and celebrities, but his work is phenomenal! Do yourself a favor and check it out, you will not regret it.

Once we get back from the photo shoot we will have a few days off before we shoot a live video with Ryan Booth.  This is yet another extremely talented guy who is doing some incredible stuff!  This shoot will consist of us recording 3 songs, live.  Should be pretty interesting as there will be 5 or 6 cameras capturing the whole deal.  Oh yeah, did I mention that we will have to do these songs in one take!  You know what though i’m not even worried about it, we got it in the bag!  Anyway, these live sessions will serve a duel purpose as both an EPK and for a later release on iTunes.  We will have a live audience there for the sessions, so if anyone is interested in attending make sure to contact me either through this blog, one of the other social media sites, or if you’re lucky enough via my cell.

I believe that takes us through April the 10th so far.  Next up is some long awaited studio time.  Personally I have been dying to get back into the studio and I know the other guys have been too.  We are going to be working with the same team that we did “Paint the Stars” and “Saint Era” with.  We will be recording 3 new tunes which will round out to a total of 5 which I think we are leaning toward releasing as singles.  I’m not so keen on releasing an EP, which is what most people will assume that we are going to do.  I always find it a little annoying when bands release EPs and then a full length record at a later time with some of the EP cuts added.  I feel like people should only have to buy your music once you know.  These of course are all just my thoughts, and we will see what happens in the end.

Once recording has subsided I do believe that we are playing a show at the end of the month….I think.  It’s funny how in the midst of everything going on that a live show is not only the last thing on the list but the last on my mind as well.  I am so eager to get some dates booked and start playing live on a consistent basis.  We are still very young when it comes to our live show.  No worries though, it will all come together this I am sure of.

Music business aside, tomorrow is Earth Day.  I am curious as to whom of you out there in cyber land are planning on participating.  I did last year, and I plan doing so this year.  I also plan on attending the opening of the new Farmer’s Market in downtown Houston at Discovery Green.  I love farmer’s markets, so much so that just having typed this out I am now hungry for some fresh fruits and vegetables!  In that vein I am calling it for this post, it’s lunch time and I’m going to see what there is to rummage up.

good day.

truth be told

I’m still learning that chaos kills.

Let’s take it back to the start

Sliding the key into the lock, I twist, turn and push #22 open to be greeted by four legs bursting at the seems with excitement.  I took off for a few LightParade shows this past Wednesday and have just now returned.  To say that Sydney was elated to see me would be quite an understatement.  I’ll be the first to admit that I miss this little terror when we are apart.  She is a mess, but I do love her.  I’m sure you are wondering as to who takes care of her when I’m out on the road, and to I have two words that sum up the majority of my life: great friends.  Tiffany and Frank are two of those great friends.

The band and I pulled into Austin Thursday morning.  We had a few hours to burn before heading out to the Universal day party out on 6th street, so we headed to Annie and Jared’s to unwind and freshen up a bit.  I had forgotten how much I missed those two.  Although under the weather a bit Jared was there to meet us with arms wide open.  He was quick to show off his latest purchase, a 1984 VW van.  He has plans to pack up and travel the states for a bit.  I must admit that I am a bit more than jealous.  One day Jared, you and I are going to make some travels of our own my friend.  One day.

There is nothing quite like SXSW.  It is my favorite music festival by far.  I swear I can see the electricity running in the air.  It’s euphoric.

The Universal day party was held at the Dizzy Rooster, which is really nothing short of a whole in the wall bar, but those are my favorite.  We were able to catch up with a bunch of Nashville friends as well as see our buddies in The Honeymoon Thrillers and Lovedrug perform.  The Honeymoon Thrillers have this 50s flare to them.  It’s raw and real, and for their debut show they killed it!  And well Lovedrug, need I say more.  They have been one of my favorites for a while.

LightParade’s showcase was at Club Primos.  I’ll be honest when I say the place was a little less that what I was expecting but that is never a reason to not bring a great show.  We weren’t able to run our full production, but we did pull the largest crowd that night and had a blast!  A big thanks to Joe Deshotel for all of his hard work.  He is a gem and I hope that southeast Texas not only cherishes his valiant efforts but supports them as well.

I’ve been a veteran of SXSW for over 8 years now, and although I had a great time this year with my bandmates, I was a little disappointed to not have experienced the festival more this year.  A day and a half is just not enough.

After a night of debauchery out on the 6th street with some old friends Friday morning came slow, but Jer and I walked down to the Green Muse to work a bit.  Everyone has their favorite little spots in Austin, and the Green Muse is mine.  The fact that I could grab my shades and walk the sunny streets to grab some java and wifi all while sitting outdoors made Friday exactly what it needed to be.

That night we had a few other parties that we were invited to, the Band Of Horses showcase, and the Gibson party, but we were eager to hit the road to Denton.  So we loaded up late that afternoon, bided Austin farewell and welcomed Denton 4 hours later.  Once again we were welcomed by some great friends, Pam and Jay who lent us their humble abode for the next two nights.  I tell you, one should count their wealth in the friends that they have.

I spent Saturday with special company in Dallas, while the band explored what Denton had to offer.  I was shocked when i looked out the window of the car to see snow flurries falling from the sky.  Texas always has the strangest weather.  I believe the saying goes, “If you do not like the weather, wait about 20 minutes and it’ll change.”  Those words had proved themselves true yet once again.  When you wear shorts and flops one day, but have to bundle up against icy elements the day after it’s really just amusing.

It looked like a winter wonderland as we pulled up to the venue that evening.  The bar we played was called Andy’s.  The place had a great little vibe. Their was a loft and a basement.  If you have ever seen Inglorious Bastards, the scene where they have the big shootout in the basement bar, well this one was almost identical…minus the nazi’s and guns haha.  Too bad really, it could have been fun!

That night we played with a couple bands from Europe and our good friends Barcelona.  The European bands, well let’s just say that they could have used a bit more work, Barcelona on the other hand killed it as usual.  We didn’t take the stage until a little after 11, but by the time we did there was a packed house.  There are few things that can compare to looking past the bright lights and seeing people being moved by the music you play.  It’s moments like those that make your insides smile.  We had a solid set that night, and our road manager, Mia took some great videos with the flip.  Expect to see some shorts uploaded on YouTube soon.

Barcelona is not only a great band, but a even better friends.  Their kind words that night went along ways for me and the rest of the LightParade crew.  As I mentioned before, they played a great set that night complete with a couple of new tunes.  It’s always fulfilling to see a talented band but it was an honor to share the stage with them.  You should be on the lookout for a Barcelona/LightParade tour in the coming months.

It’s been a long day and I hear my bed calling my name.

Barcelona at Andy’s in Denton

The Honeymoon Thrillers

LightParade at Andy’s

Lovedrug

Beaches, Beatles and Bands

It’s official, I have recieved my first sunburn of 2010.  I love the Texas weather!

I spent this past Sunday in Galveston at the beach.  I had forgotten that it was spring break for all of the colleges.  Once you are no longer a student, the fantasy of spring break just sort of disappears from your mind.  After being lucky enough to find parking along the seawall I took Sydney for a stroll in the sand.  Let it be known that this little pup is an instant “chick magnet”.  I know a lot of people sign up for online dating services and all, but if you are ever having trouble in the ladies department….get a puppy!  I swear we were probably stopped at least a few dozen times.

There is something about hanging at the beach, puppy in tow, enjoying a pb&j sandwich and soaking up some vitamin D that really just makes a day complete.

Working in reverse, Saturday night I ventured out to the Miller Theater for a Beatles cover band.  Let me just say that if you want a great Saturday night in Houston grab a blanket, bottle of wine, make sure a Beatles cover band is playing and lay under the stars and imagine.  As this band jammed through hit after hit, I couldn’t help but wonder what it must have been like to actually hear The Beatles.  What I would give to have seen that show!

Other than a picture perfect last few days, I have spent my time preparing for SXSW 2010 as LightParade is playing a showcase this year.  Traveling to and from the label for rehearsals has become quite the event.  We have rebuilt our set from the ground up.  Adding a new intro and a few songs that we had written a couple weeks ago in Nashville.  Overall I would say that it has been a change for the best.

Here are a couple of dates for shows that I will be playing this week.  If you happen to be in any of these cities make sure to come say ello.

• Austin, TX. 3/18/10 Club Primos @ 9pm – Free event w/ free beer.  Can’t beat that
• Denton, TX 3/20/10 Andy’s Bar @ 11pm – Great show with our friends Barcelona

I know that this blog is a short one and probably a little less fulfilling than what you may have expected, but alas time is running thin and Sydney cannot be trusted to walk herself!  I leave you with a quote, a picture and a video.  Do enjoy…

“Your love is an old friend running around with a pocket knife in a shotgun town.”

Come Together by a Beatles tribute band

LightParade at the rehearsal space at Magnolia Red

a not so serious game of chess on the Strand in Galveston

A recent trip to Central America. I love it there

The Beginning

As I brew my morning cup of liquid sunshine my mind is running through its predetermined schedule for the day.  Wow, how my life has changed over the last couple of months.  I had always known the structured walls of corporate America and all of the comforts that high paying jobs offered.  Now I wake in the morning to a more boundary free existence.  See a little over a year ago some good friends and myself started this little musical endeavor called LightParade (check out this write-up we just had released on us from New Indie Bands).  It seemed to have been permanently stuck on the launching pad, but about 8 months ago we garnered some interest from an indie label and things appeared to be moving.  The next few months consisted of attorneys, contracts and an ever-increasing schedule that was becoming harder and harder to juggle alongside the corporate machine that I had known for so long.  So a couple of months ago I said my farewells to my old lifestyle and have now entered into one of a full-time musician.  I’ll be the first to tell you that I have had to strengthen my budget skills, but other than that you will hear no complaints from this gent.

Now that you have been “caught up” on my ever so interesting life…feel the sarcasm…let’s move on.

When I first dreamt of being a blogger I thought of all the great blogs that I like to peruse in my free time, and instead of being inspired I think it kind of did the opposite.  I thought to myself, “who am I that someone would actually want to keep up with my ramblings?”.  After expressing these thoughts via Twitter (because that’s what you are supposed to do, right?) I received a comment from a friend that simply said, “I don’t write for anyone other than myself.  If someone would like to read it then so be it, but it just feels good to write for me.”.  I thought about that for a bit and have come to the conclusion that she was absolutely correct.  Throughout our day-to-day lives we experience everything from the great to the not so great, and to keep that all bottled up inside seems to be a bit of a crime.

With that being said, I want to welcome any and all to my blog (forgive its appearance, it will be updated soon).  Throughout it’s life I’m sure it will change.  It will proclaim things that you agree with, as well as things that you most certainly will not.  Let’s be honest, sometimes my head can be a dangerous place to wander, but you are free to do so.

I would like to officially close my first post with a quote that I read a few days ago…..and a picture of little Syd.

“We are fragile.  We are human.  We are shaped by the light we let through us.”

my little pup, Sydney caught in a rare moment.