Refreshing end to a terrible day

Today was one of those days. Got up on the wrong side of the bed. Whatever you want to call it. Here's a review:

* Got up early to go tech some dance classes. My back started spasming randomly.
* Came home, got offered a really exciting show that I can't tell you about yet.
* Loaded the car (back hurts more), stopped to get water.
* Got to the show, realized that it wasn't going to do as well as I thought, lost money again. Sucks that we'll kill with a show like Danger Radio tomorrow, but we lost $500 on the two Forgive Durden shows. Someday we'll make money on good music. Someday, good musicians will make money.
* Got in fight with an agent about a stupid deposit. I was being childish, for the most part, but it's a stupid rule.

Then Forgive Durden went on. It's so refreshing to see a band doing something original, thoughtful, and just overall using their talent to create something and not just regurgitate a formula they've seen their favorite bands use in the past.

I'm kind of down on the Michigan music scene right now. There are certainly some good bands, but not many that I've seen. Here's the thing, local bands. Strive to be good! You should want to blow people's minds. You shouldn't be touring if you're not that good. There's maybe 15 bands I've seen in Michigan that should be trying to tour and "make it". None of the others are good enough. You have to be able to set yourself apart, and make people happy with your music. A great live performance, PLUS a great record, PLUS a special sort of charisma and the right attitude. If you don't have those things, please stay home, you're just fucking it up for everyone else.

Durden just kind of reminded me what music can be. It was needed, because it's been a long day, and I was a major crab-ass. I apologize for anyone in my path. I had to go for a walk for a bit during the show to re-center myself. I'm not sure if I've done it yet, but I think I can go to bed soon and sleep well.

Seeking 1-2 interns

Hey guys,
Since leaving Artistic Services Group, I've started my own tour booking company, called Get in the Van Touring. So far, I'm just booking tours for Your Best Friend and Koji. More will be added as I'm ready.

YOUR BEST FRIEND
www.myspace.com/yourbestfriend
KOJI
www.myspace.com/kojisaysaloha

I'm currently seeking 1-2 interns who are interested in helping me get things rolling again here. This is an unpaid position. Perks include lots of free tickets to Fusion Shows events, invaluable experience, the ability to use this for college credit and resume material, and the potential that if this goes well, I might be able to hire an assistant by the fall!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lots of data entry! Our first major task is to gather all of my booking contacts into one, easy-to-use format.
2. Creating band itineraries and tour books.
3. Researching area promotional opportunities surrounding our shows.
4. Other administrative and promotional tasks as needed.

JOB SKILLS NEEDED
1. A killer work ethic.
2. Attention to even the smallest detail.
3. Internet skills, including basic HTML, understanding of email communication, and ability to use MySpace and Facebook to promote.
4. Top-notch grammar and spelling.
5. Must be 18 or older.
6. Would prefer Michigan residents, but will consider the right candidate from out of town.
7. Some experience in the live touring industry desired, but not 100% necessary for a sharp, bright individual.

This is something that I would expect would take you 10-20 hours per week, throughout the summer. In the fall, my goal is to hire a full-time assistant based out of Howell, but we'll start here!

If you are interested in learning more about the touring industry, and doing a ton of networking, please email me at natedorough@gmail.com, and attach a resume.

Thanks!
Nate

Rescue follow-up

Hey everyone,
Those of you that have been following my Rescue efforts with Invisible Children, here's some great places to check out what all happened.

COVERAGE OF THE EVENT
Tons of great photos from Chicago Rescue event

OPRAH RESCUING US


US BEING HAPPY


WHAT'S NEXT


This has been pretty cool. I'm pretty sure I'm going to Washington DC in June for this. If you'd like to join me, let me know ASAP.

Going to see Oprah!

I guess in like an hour or two here, we're mobilizing and heading to Chicago to go see Oprah. The Invisible Children team here in Chicago is getting bigger and bigger. It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out!

That's all I've got for today, I suppose. It's 2:39 Michigan time, which is 1:39 here time.

Keep your eyes on the news. Today might be the day.