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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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
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
Sunday, May 3, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Rescue
I'd say my part in this is done, but somewhere deep inside, I'm not 100% sure on that. But let's show you all what happened at "The Rescue" in Grand Rapids on Saturday. A pictorial, if you will.
First, we gathered in Ah-Nab Awen Park, on the banks of the Grand River. There, we waited as more and more people showed up. We were probably some 400 strong when we marched out of there.
From the park, we walked together about a mile through downtown Grand Rapids, joined together in groups holding onto ropes, to signify how these children are forcefully led out of town once abducted.
We ended at Rosa Parks Circle, where fortunately, we only had to wait for about an hour and a half before one of our "moguls", Hank Meijer (part of the family that owns your favorite grocery store), showed up, read the creed of Invisible Children aloud over the public address system, and "rescued" us.
This is us, being joyous.
We were just the 2nd city in the United States to be rescued. Some to this hour still have not been. Some of the Grand Rapids people jumped in cars and joined the "Rescue Riders" to Chicago, where they still await a rescue. Those of us who remained had a few things left to do before we could deem our site a success. We donated $5 per person (which adds up!), we got the local media involved (TV 3 from Grand Rapids covered the walk), some of us signed up to deliver our message to Washington DC in June (more on that later), and we were asked to write two letters each to our senators, letting them know that we want these children who have been abducted to be brought home!
Here's our photo on the wall, with our faces circled and labeled as being "abducted!"
Though Grand Rapids was rescued rather early in the evening, some decided to stay the night anyway, to prove a point to the community, to let them know that they were not going home until every city was "rescued".
Teresa was cute as always, even when soaked through to the bone and shivering. She was a trooper, and I was proud of her for dealing with my "save the world" stuff. I think she's really getting into this cause. You can thank Koji for that. He's got that way of showing you the meaning behind something. I can't get enough now. Anyway, Teresa's cute...
And I'm not...
So I'm home now, having gone back to work today. I'm torn. I almost got in the car tonight and drove to Harrisburg, where Koji's at, holding it down, waiting still to be rescued, after 48 hours. I talked to him for about 40 minutes on the way home from Grand Rapids tonight, and he's got such a calm about him. He's not worried that his troops are wearing thin. He's got about 40 people left in Harrisburg, including some Rescue Riders from Boston and New York City. He says that his senators that they've targeted for moguls will be coming to the Capitol building tomorrow (where they are camped out) for another important issue, and he's hoping that they'll "rescue" the group of haggard folks on the front steps before going about their business for the day. He's so proud of his group, and I almost envy that he got the opportunity to struggle.
Don't get me wrong, it sucked walking through the rain. My feet are still messed up. And we suffered. I don't think it's about suffering though, this time around. It's about coming together, and we in Grand Rapids were there for such a short time, there really wasn't time for camaraderie. We did get the attention of the media, complete our goals, and were a part of the bigger picture. But Andrew, in his way, is leading the way out there in Harrisburg. To him, it's not a race to see who can have the most Twitter comments. He really wants to see political change. Harrisburg could have been considered "rescued", as one of the Wainwright family (think music) came and gave a speech. But those in Harrisburg, rallied by Koji and his supporters, decided that only a politician on their original list could truly "rescue" his crew. And so they sit, as one, waiting for help to come.
And as soon as they are, they're jumping in cars and heading for cities that don't have quite the same resolve. Baltimore at last check was down to just 3 people. Huntington, WV has similar issues. I very well may meet Koji and his team in Huntington tomorrow, to help bring awareness to what's going on.
For those of you that I've spoken with, that don't understand what's going on, or are upset because you wanted to help, you still can! There are still 11 cities remaining to be rescued. The only way that will happen is if the public, at large, cries out for the moguls in those cities to get to the rescue sites. Chicago, Harrisburg, Huntington, Baltimore, Spokane, Charleston, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Austin, and Wichita remain.
To follow what's happening, and find out more (and possibly give support), log onto the Invisible Children's Rescue website at http://nightof.therescue.invisiblechildren.com.
To watch the video that gives the whole thing perspective, go here. http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/#/watch/
Please give it some time. I don't write all of this because I want you to see me doing it. I'm writing it all, doing it all, because I believe I can help, and because I believe that I can use my position to get some of you aware, and involved. That's the only way that this horrible war in Uganda is ever going to end.
Take some of your precious time (and I know, it's precious these days), and give it a look. That's all I ask. Thanks for reading.
First, we gathered in Ah-Nab Awen Park, on the banks of the Grand River. There, we waited as more and more people showed up. We were probably some 400 strong when we marched out of there.
From the park, we walked together about a mile through downtown Grand Rapids, joined together in groups holding onto ropes, to signify how these children are forcefully led out of town once abducted.
We ended at Rosa Parks Circle, where fortunately, we only had to wait for about an hour and a half before one of our "moguls", Hank Meijer (part of the family that owns your favorite grocery store), showed up, read the creed of Invisible Children aloud over the public address system, and "rescued" us.
This is us, being joyous.
We were just the 2nd city in the United States to be rescued. Some to this hour still have not been. Some of the Grand Rapids people jumped in cars and joined the "Rescue Riders" to Chicago, where they still await a rescue. Those of us who remained had a few things left to do before we could deem our site a success. We donated $5 per person (which adds up!), we got the local media involved (TV 3 from Grand Rapids covered the walk), some of us signed up to deliver our message to Washington DC in June (more on that later), and we were asked to write two letters each to our senators, letting them know that we want these children who have been abducted to be brought home!
Here's our photo on the wall, with our faces circled and labeled as being "abducted!"
Though Grand Rapids was rescued rather early in the evening, some decided to stay the night anyway, to prove a point to the community, to let them know that they were not going home until every city was "rescued".
Teresa was cute as always, even when soaked through to the bone and shivering. She was a trooper, and I was proud of her for dealing with my "save the world" stuff. I think she's really getting into this cause. You can thank Koji for that. He's got that way of showing you the meaning behind something. I can't get enough now. Anyway, Teresa's cute...
And I'm not...
So I'm home now, having gone back to work today. I'm torn. I almost got in the car tonight and drove to Harrisburg, where Koji's at, holding it down, waiting still to be rescued, after 48 hours. I talked to him for about 40 minutes on the way home from Grand Rapids tonight, and he's got such a calm about him. He's not worried that his troops are wearing thin. He's got about 40 people left in Harrisburg, including some Rescue Riders from Boston and New York City. He says that his senators that they've targeted for moguls will be coming to the Capitol building tomorrow (where they are camped out) for another important issue, and he's hoping that they'll "rescue" the group of haggard folks on the front steps before going about their business for the day. He's so proud of his group, and I almost envy that he got the opportunity to struggle.
Don't get me wrong, it sucked walking through the rain. My feet are still messed up. And we suffered. I don't think it's about suffering though, this time around. It's about coming together, and we in Grand Rapids were there for such a short time, there really wasn't time for camaraderie. We did get the attention of the media, complete our goals, and were a part of the bigger picture. But Andrew, in his way, is leading the way out there in Harrisburg. To him, it's not a race to see who can have the most Twitter comments. He really wants to see political change. Harrisburg could have been considered "rescued", as one of the Wainwright family (think music) came and gave a speech. But those in Harrisburg, rallied by Koji and his supporters, decided that only a politician on their original list could truly "rescue" his crew. And so they sit, as one, waiting for help to come.
And as soon as they are, they're jumping in cars and heading for cities that don't have quite the same resolve. Baltimore at last check was down to just 3 people. Huntington, WV has similar issues. I very well may meet Koji and his team in Huntington tomorrow, to help bring awareness to what's going on.
For those of you that I've spoken with, that don't understand what's going on, or are upset because you wanted to help, you still can! There are still 11 cities remaining to be rescued. The only way that will happen is if the public, at large, cries out for the moguls in those cities to get to the rescue sites. Chicago, Harrisburg, Huntington, Baltimore, Spokane, Charleston, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Austin, and Wichita remain.
To follow what's happening, and find out more (and possibly give support), log onto the Invisible Children's Rescue website at http://nightof.therescue.invisiblechildren.com.
To watch the video that gives the whole thing perspective, go here. http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/#/watch/
Please give it some time. I don't write all of this because I want you to see me doing it. I'm writing it all, doing it all, because I believe I can help, and because I believe that I can use my position to get some of you aware, and involved. That's the only way that this horrible war in Uganda is ever going to end.
Take some of your precious time (and I know, it's precious these days), and give it a look. That's all I ask. Thanks for reading.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The first day of the rest of my life.
Since we last had the pleasure of blogging together, I turned 30. Not a big deal, really. Had a cool show with Damiera at the Opera House. Since, we've had some serious winners on the Fusion Shows end of my life, and I've been working quite a bit at the Nature Center, which just shows me how out of shape I am. Your Best Friend just landed some dates with Chiodos, which is exciting for them. And we're working on some great tours for Koji for the summer and fall, and I'm hoping to get out on the road with both of them for a bit.
I'm really, really excited to be heading to the Rescue this Saturday with Teresa and Kimberly. I'm a bit concerned, however. I'm one of those people who really dives into things, so if I get the feeling about this weekend that I hope I get, you guys are going to have to deal with me jamming this Invisible Children thing down your throat, for a long long time.
Here's what it is, in a nutshell. Deep in the jungles in Uganda and The Congo, the longest war in modern history is raging on. A large band of rebels, led by a man named Joseph Kony, has been storming into villages, kidnapping children, and marching them back to his camps, where they break them of their ways, and teach them to become some of the world's most violent soldiers.
This Saturday, in over 100 cities, people will gather from miles around to "abduct" themselves, gathering in peaceful community until a local "mogul" (famous person) comes to "rescue" us all. At that time, a press release will be called, and the "mogul" will speak to the local press about Invisible Children and their efforts to bring Joseph Kony to justice, and to bring these children home to their families in Uganda.
I have never been this into a charitable event, and I truly hope that those people who I've spoken with that have shown interest in going actually follow through and go! It's going to be an absolutely perfect day, and we will all get to hang out together in a beautiful park in downtown Grand Rapids, at Rosa Parks Circle, and work together to make a difference!
Please, head to http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com. Watch the video. It's a half hour of your time, and will leave you wanting to help. I promise.
There are other ways to help. Go to their webstore and order a shirt. Send me with a cash donation, I'll make sure it finds its way. Write a letter to someone important, supporting I.C. Even if you have stuff to do this weekend (Sparty's Spring Party, Demetri Martin, New Found Glory, other shows), YOU CAN STILL HELP!
I can't wait for Saturday.
I'm really, really excited to be heading to the Rescue this Saturday with Teresa and Kimberly. I'm a bit concerned, however. I'm one of those people who really dives into things, so if I get the feeling about this weekend that I hope I get, you guys are going to have to deal with me jamming this Invisible Children thing down your throat, for a long long time.
Here's what it is, in a nutshell. Deep in the jungles in Uganda and The Congo, the longest war in modern history is raging on. A large band of rebels, led by a man named Joseph Kony, has been storming into villages, kidnapping children, and marching them back to his camps, where they break them of their ways, and teach them to become some of the world's most violent soldiers.
This Saturday, in over 100 cities, people will gather from miles around to "abduct" themselves, gathering in peaceful community until a local "mogul" (famous person) comes to "rescue" us all. At that time, a press release will be called, and the "mogul" will speak to the local press about Invisible Children and their efforts to bring Joseph Kony to justice, and to bring these children home to their families in Uganda.
I have never been this into a charitable event, and I truly hope that those people who I've spoken with that have shown interest in going actually follow through and go! It's going to be an absolutely perfect day, and we will all get to hang out together in a beautiful park in downtown Grand Rapids, at Rosa Parks Circle, and work together to make a difference!
Please, head to http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com. Watch the video. It's a half hour of your time, and will leave you wanting to help. I promise.
There are other ways to help. Go to their webstore and order a shirt. Send me with a cash donation, I'll make sure it finds its way. Write a letter to someone important, supporting I.C. Even if you have stuff to do this weekend (Sparty's Spring Party, Demetri Martin, New Found Glory, other shows), YOU CAN STILL HELP!
I can't wait for Saturday.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Invisible Children
What a wild weekend. Koji was in town all weekend, crashed on the floor for five straight days. What a good human being, surrounded by good people. It was a lot of fun. He introduced me to a charity called Invisible Children. I've heard about it ten million times, but I never really soaked it all in. He showed me the video for "The Rescue", and man, I'm pumped. I think I'm going to dive in headfirst. My concern is that once I dive in, I might not want to do anything else.
In this business that struggles to have meaning sometimes, I think I've been searching for meaning lately. I just feel like we're spinning our wheels. The La Dispute, Mason Proper, Your Best Friend, and For Today shows aside, not many of our recent shows have had much meaning.
There's going to be some things happening to start truly making a difference in this area. I'm sick and tired of providing you guys with a shitty product like Millionaires, and having the money just get sucked into an abyss. There's talent out there that will get paid less money, let some go to charity, and everyone will go home much happier. There's a better way to do things than the way it's done right now.
But first, I must sleep. I'm so tired, it's been a looooong weekend. Tomorrow is a new day.
In this business that struggles to have meaning sometimes, I think I've been searching for meaning lately. I just feel like we're spinning our wheels. The La Dispute, Mason Proper, Your Best Friend, and For Today shows aside, not many of our recent shows have had much meaning.
There's going to be some things happening to start truly making a difference in this area. I'm sick and tired of providing you guys with a shitty product like Millionaires, and having the money just get sucked into an abyss. There's talent out there that will get paid less money, let some go to charity, and everyone will go home much happier. There's a better way to do things than the way it's done right now.
But first, I must sleep. I'm so tired, it's been a looooong weekend. Tomorrow is a new day.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I told you I was ready for this life....
Be prepared to be knocked on your ass, folks. The new Manna and Quail EP is so, so freaking good. That band, plus Mason Proper (so good tonight), Your Best Friend, La Dispute, and quite a few others, make me feel pretty good about Michigan music.
What a long, long weekend (and it's not over yet). I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel, though. I hope this all works out.
What a long, long weekend (and it's not over yet). I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel, though. I hope this all works out.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I think I saw you in my sleep, darling...
That album fucking inspires me. I think the sunshine inspires me too. Tonight was a weird night. For Today played. Legit dudes, with a crazy good live show, and the right intentions, but are they really doing it right? I mean, are you getting through to kids? Is that what you're supposed to be doing? I guess if you believe it, then yeah, I guess it is.
Tiger Tiger and Your Best Friend are off to great starts to their tours. Played a huge show in Richmond, IN on a Monday tonight. It just motivates me to believe what I already believe in for this "business". It's all about the power of the small town. Why the hell bother to play Detroit, Chicago, and New York? You're just the little guy, in a big, happening world. You should go play Richmond, Indiana and Howell, Michigan. Where you're the big guns.
So with all the inspiration lately, from the La Dispute shows, from seeing Koji, from digging up new great music from bands like Settle, The Rise of Science, and seeing how hard work can get the job done for bands like Your Best Friend, it's sad to have to go back to the same shitty metalcore and pop music time after time. I'm doing some major research on the area, on real estate. There's a lot of thought in my head about just turning this whole thing upside down. Shaking out all the bullshit, the bad bands, the spin-kicking assholes, and just doing this right.
I'm not 100% sure what that means, but I can tell you this: I'm not content where we are right now. Artistic Services Group is probably not going to work out for me. Brad goes AWOL almost weekly for three days, leaving the people who depend on him hanging. Fusion Shows is making strides, but I think we're wandering away from where I want to be. I want this to be about art. We're just becoming mini-Live Nation. Take care of the agents first and foremost. Never mind the artistic value. It's not become about money so much as it is about status and relationships with businesspeople.
THIS "BUSINESS" IS ABOUT PEOPLE. About art. About connections with music, not about connections with managers and agents. Those things have to happen too, but it comes after the music makes a connection. You should first and foremost be concerned about your music. Everything else is secondary. That's why La Dispute's new album is so good. It's connecting with people on a level that nothing else is these days. That's why I can't get the fucking thing out of my head, and out of my CD player.
End rant. It's 3am, I should be sleeping. I'm stoked for Scouts Honor tomorrow.
Tiger Tiger and Your Best Friend are off to great starts to their tours. Played a huge show in Richmond, IN on a Monday tonight. It just motivates me to believe what I already believe in for this "business". It's all about the power of the small town. Why the hell bother to play Detroit, Chicago, and New York? You're just the little guy, in a big, happening world. You should go play Richmond, Indiana and Howell, Michigan. Where you're the big guns.
So with all the inspiration lately, from the La Dispute shows, from seeing Koji, from digging up new great music from bands like Settle, The Rise of Science, and seeing how hard work can get the job done for bands like Your Best Friend, it's sad to have to go back to the same shitty metalcore and pop music time after time. I'm doing some major research on the area, on real estate. There's a lot of thought in my head about just turning this whole thing upside down. Shaking out all the bullshit, the bad bands, the spin-kicking assholes, and just doing this right.
I'm not 100% sure what that means, but I can tell you this: I'm not content where we are right now. Artistic Services Group is probably not going to work out for me. Brad goes AWOL almost weekly for three days, leaving the people who depend on him hanging. Fusion Shows is making strides, but I think we're wandering away from where I want to be. I want this to be about art. We're just becoming mini-Live Nation. Take care of the agents first and foremost. Never mind the artistic value. It's not become about money so much as it is about status and relationships with businesspeople.
THIS "BUSINESS" IS ABOUT PEOPLE. About art. About connections with music, not about connections with managers and agents. Those things have to happen too, but it comes after the music makes a connection. You should first and foremost be concerned about your music. Everything else is secondary. That's why La Dispute's new album is so good. It's connecting with people on a level that nothing else is these days. That's why I can't get the fucking thing out of my head, and out of my CD player.
End rant. It's 3am, I should be sleeping. I'm stoked for Scouts Honor tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
On a rollercoaster
What a weird last 5 days. I've been filled with so much inspiration, and felt so lifeless, and it's gone back and forth for the past five days. Let me tell you about it.
Friday was the best show I've ever been a part of. Not financially, not numbers-wise, but just in spirit. I mean, the numbers were great. 248 paid for an all-Michigan bill in Howell was amazing. But here's the thing. As much positive buzz as La Dispute has in this area, which annoys some people, they've earned it. They've connected with local kids in this area in a way that no other band has. Not Island View Drive. Not Tips. Not The Mathematicians. Not Monte. This band has inspired of a group of kids in an area to be together, to think outside the normal box that you're supposed to live in. It was a total inspiration to be a part of that show, and I truly felt like we were doing something right, like we were making a difference in people's lives. La Dispute has put out a record that's truly a work of art, and they work their asses off to get everything they've earned. And they're so humble.
On Saturday, we brought the La Dispute show to Mac's. That place sometimes is awesome, and sometimes is just depressing. Even with the buzz of 120 or so La Dispute fans in the room, and the amazing positive aura that is Koji, I was down most of the night. It was amazing to see so many friends, and to spend time w/ Koji and the LD boys, but I was so annoyed with the venue. Little things bother me after a while.
Koji crashed with us on Saturday night, and he's such an inspiring dude. He just has an aura of confidence about him, of caring about the world, and about people. The crew he had with him were the same, and he talked so kindly of his hometown of Harrisburg, PA, which he loved more than anything. I tried to see if Howell could be the small town that he spoke of, to see if they were comparable. Howell and Brighton are so hung up on the corporate bullshit, and the money, and the politics, I can't imagine it being anything like Harrisburg, at least the way he described it. But maybe he just sees life differently.
Sunday night, we went to the Mixtape for Stick To Your Guns and Shai Hulud. It was the first of three straight losing shows. But it wasn't the losses that bothered me. Shai Hulud and STYG were great people, but I don't feel their music. At all. The Mixtape is an interesting place, the remnants of a place that I'm jealous of. Skelletones was one of the country's longest-running true all-ages music venues, and it was a mess. The place is dying, quickly, with the new owners in place. JR's a nice enough dude, but he doesn't understand the business, and the heart has gone out of the place. I think Mirf took it with him, which is sad. His goal, upon leaving, should have been to ensure that the place stayed strong once he left. Instead, he made it an ending, leaving JR to try to save the place, with all momentum dead.
Monday, we were at Mac's with Jimmy Robbins and Mark Rose. Both nice dudes, Mark's music was really solid, but it was one of those nights that didn't belong at Mac's. Our venue situation has to be the worst of any promoter at our level. We have lots to choose from, but none exactly have it figured out. The Mixtape is cool, but two hours from here. Mac's is a dump, but we love it on and off. The Crofoot doesn't really have the location for what we're doing, though it's beautiful. And the Howell venues have their issues. I got thinking, based on my inspiration from Koji, on a possible idea for a venue in Howell, an arts center of sorts. We've had our eye on the old LanLords space in downtown Howell for years now, just solely for the location. Howell needs the kids downtown. All towns do. It's good for a vibrant downtown, to have the energy of youth. There's too many issues to make it work (mostly noise issues with the upstairs apartments), but I'm not letting the idea die. I'll find a place someday, and I've got a million ideas for what to do with it, that would be beyond any small venue you've ever seen. It would be amazing, a multi-sensory art experience.
Finally, today was simply a terrible day. From the arguments with agents about overpriced shows to the Oh Sleeper show that did 34 people, I was a miserable piece of shit all day, and I apologize to anyone who was in my path. It was so beautiful out, and I just wanted to hop on the freeway, and drive until I crossed three state borders.
There's a lot of things at work in my brain at the moment. Some are things that'll advance my current endeavors. Some are things that'll stop me from taking on too many projects outside the scope of what we normally do (see compilation CDs, Music as a Weapon battles). I'm working on ideas to eliminate the bullshit bands from our lives (Millionaires, Brokencyde), and start focusing again on local music. I feel like we're so buried in touring acts, that the locals are just pushed to the side. I'd like to build some of the talent in Michigan into local stars, and I think that can be done.
I'd really like to travel and get on the road this summer. I'd like to take Teresa with me, but still be me and do the type of things that interest me. It's going to be an interesting summer.
I'd like to diet, and get more physically active. Today, I should have been outside. I need a bike. It was a perfect day to ride a bike, and I don't own one. If I had a bike, and just put my iPod on, I could knock out ten miles a day.
And finally, I want to continue to grow the business, but start returning to the values I've had for this thing since day one. I feel like I've got dollar signs in my eyes a bit, and I've kind of forgotten what made this a success.
Time to go bike shopping. God bless the internet.
Friday was the best show I've ever been a part of. Not financially, not numbers-wise, but just in spirit. I mean, the numbers were great. 248 paid for an all-Michigan bill in Howell was amazing. But here's the thing. As much positive buzz as La Dispute has in this area, which annoys some people, they've earned it. They've connected with local kids in this area in a way that no other band has. Not Island View Drive. Not Tips. Not The Mathematicians. Not Monte. This band has inspired of a group of kids in an area to be together, to think outside the normal box that you're supposed to live in. It was a total inspiration to be a part of that show, and I truly felt like we were doing something right, like we were making a difference in people's lives. La Dispute has put out a record that's truly a work of art, and they work their asses off to get everything they've earned. And they're so humble.
On Saturday, we brought the La Dispute show to Mac's. That place sometimes is awesome, and sometimes is just depressing. Even with the buzz of 120 or so La Dispute fans in the room, and the amazing positive aura that is Koji, I was down most of the night. It was amazing to see so many friends, and to spend time w/ Koji and the LD boys, but I was so annoyed with the venue. Little things bother me after a while.
Koji crashed with us on Saturday night, and he's such an inspiring dude. He just has an aura of confidence about him, of caring about the world, and about people. The crew he had with him were the same, and he talked so kindly of his hometown of Harrisburg, PA, which he loved more than anything. I tried to see if Howell could be the small town that he spoke of, to see if they were comparable. Howell and Brighton are so hung up on the corporate bullshit, and the money, and the politics, I can't imagine it being anything like Harrisburg, at least the way he described it. But maybe he just sees life differently.
Sunday night, we went to the Mixtape for Stick To Your Guns and Shai Hulud. It was the first of three straight losing shows. But it wasn't the losses that bothered me. Shai Hulud and STYG were great people, but I don't feel their music. At all. The Mixtape is an interesting place, the remnants of a place that I'm jealous of. Skelletones was one of the country's longest-running true all-ages music venues, and it was a mess. The place is dying, quickly, with the new owners in place. JR's a nice enough dude, but he doesn't understand the business, and the heart has gone out of the place. I think Mirf took it with him, which is sad. His goal, upon leaving, should have been to ensure that the place stayed strong once he left. Instead, he made it an ending, leaving JR to try to save the place, with all momentum dead.
Monday, we were at Mac's with Jimmy Robbins and Mark Rose. Both nice dudes, Mark's music was really solid, but it was one of those nights that didn't belong at Mac's. Our venue situation has to be the worst of any promoter at our level. We have lots to choose from, but none exactly have it figured out. The Mixtape is cool, but two hours from here. Mac's is a dump, but we love it on and off. The Crofoot doesn't really have the location for what we're doing, though it's beautiful. And the Howell venues have their issues. I got thinking, based on my inspiration from Koji, on a possible idea for a venue in Howell, an arts center of sorts. We've had our eye on the old LanLords space in downtown Howell for years now, just solely for the location. Howell needs the kids downtown. All towns do. It's good for a vibrant downtown, to have the energy of youth. There's too many issues to make it work (mostly noise issues with the upstairs apartments), but I'm not letting the idea die. I'll find a place someday, and I've got a million ideas for what to do with it, that would be beyond any small venue you've ever seen. It would be amazing, a multi-sensory art experience.
Finally, today was simply a terrible day. From the arguments with agents about overpriced shows to the Oh Sleeper show that did 34 people, I was a miserable piece of shit all day, and I apologize to anyone who was in my path. It was so beautiful out, and I just wanted to hop on the freeway, and drive until I crossed three state borders.
There's a lot of things at work in my brain at the moment. Some are things that'll advance my current endeavors. Some are things that'll stop me from taking on too many projects outside the scope of what we normally do (see compilation CDs, Music as a Weapon battles). I'm working on ideas to eliminate the bullshit bands from our lives (Millionaires, Brokencyde), and start focusing again on local music. I feel like we're so buried in touring acts, that the locals are just pushed to the side. I'd like to build some of the talent in Michigan into local stars, and I think that can be done.
I'd really like to travel and get on the road this summer. I'd like to take Teresa with me, but still be me and do the type of things that interest me. It's going to be an interesting summer.
I'd like to diet, and get more physically active. Today, I should have been outside. I need a bike. It was a perfect day to ride a bike, and I don't own one. If I had a bike, and just put my iPod on, I could knock out ten miles a day.
And finally, I want to continue to grow the business, but start returning to the values I've had for this thing since day one. I feel like I've got dollar signs in my eyes a bit, and I've kind of forgotten what made this a success.
Time to go bike shopping. God bless the internet.
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