Opera

I was in Orfeo last night at Queens College- playing the Lord of the Underworld. It may be my last show as I attempt to finish up my Master(s) Degrees. If I write that down here, I guess that means I have to actually finish it.
Yes. And then I'll finish that Musical...or at least, start it.
Crap. I have so much to do and I'm still wearing flip flops...well, sandals actually. I guess that makes me more chic.

Or maybe its the eyeliner I can't get off from last nights show.

Either way.
Chic.
~J

Lately (Things swirling in my brain)

There has been little to report on the Smile Pretty Misery front... we've been working in the studio for the last few weeks. You know some of those tunes that you've heard us play at gigs and said to us "Hey, why don't you have that song on the album?". Yeah, we're putting those on an album.  Not quite sure when it will be done, but I wanna run stuff by people as it comes. Get feedback. Not just my friends, or musicians, but anyone who has an opinion.

I was talking to Mike (Bassman) Bayer the other day and we concluded for an album to be any good, you have to have at least 5 songs you are willing to cut from it. I guess that means we need to be more prolific songwriters. I'm not sure how many people reading this (all 3 of you) have written songs before, but it can be a draining experience. Plus, sometimes you'll have a good idea, like a catchy melody (I tend to write melody first, it's just what's easiest for me) but can't find the right chords or the words sound too much like the last song you wrote. At least, that seems to be my problem. 

I had dinner with my friend Ilan, from Sputniks Down, the other day and we reminisced about going on the Warp Tour. That probably was the most enjoyable case of sun poisoning I ever had. Yes. I'll go with definitely. And not because of the obvious reason- not because of being on the WARP TOUR. It was all the practice beforehand, the singular goal we all were reaching for, that level of awesomeness. I always wanted to be a part of a successful band. The team atmosphere it paramount. I guess that's why I like basketball so much. Yeah, you can have talented individuals, but in the end, you have to all want it and see the same path to getting it. I think that might be why most bands fail. They either don't all want the same thing or they can't agree on what path to take. I've probably had that conversation with any/all band mates I have ever had at some point in time. And it's not like one person is right. You both are. You all are. It's just...something  that has to be, everyone on the same page, or things will fall apart.

And my continued friendship with the band members of Sputniks Down shows, only time can remove you from the situation enough to see that sometimes that is just the way it is. Yeah, crap can convolute that, but truth is still truth- it is never relative- only perceived that way. 

So why would someone get involved in a band if they never make it? 

For just that reason, to never make it.

You wanna make it. Go solo.

Me, I'd rather crash and burn with a crew.

~J