09 December 2009

Dog Shredder press part uno

My fellas Dog Shredder have been wowing the crowds at recent shows and so I'm here to show you that I'm not making it up. Here is a great show review done by Sound on the Sound:



December 8, 2009
The Bellingham Special

So I made a wrong turn and now my stomach is filled with knots and taurine. Fuck. I have been given the simple mission of catching Dog Shredder at the Funhouse and somehow I’ve turned this simple task into an unnecessary adventure that wreaks of impending failure. I have the god given gift of making the most simple tasks, such as exiting for Seattle Center, impossible. And as I competitively walk to the Funhouse from my awkward parking spot, I hear the phantom rumbles of what I think is a band playing. Naturally my pace hastens and I enter the Funhouse only to find that the music has not started yet. I savor the moment. Finally I am early for something. My high school guidance counselor would be proud of me, but she would not be pleased by the fact I was spending an evening rocking with shredders of canines. She struck me as the type of woman that would listen to Joan Osbourne sing jazz standards. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

How do I describe the sound of Dog Shredder to someone who has never heard of them? The name indicates that they might be a brutal powerviolence band that would play a 11 minute set that consisted of 24 songs. However, that is not the case. Dog Shredder are a band of spastic intricacy that never gives you enough time to stop and catch your breath. They are a monstrous three-piece that is pretty much indescribable but I’ll try my best. Everyone loves a good pizza right? If Dog Shredder were a pizza, this is what it would look like:

The Crust - What if Bluetip sounded like they were a Three One G band instead of a Discord band? What does this have to do with anything? I’m not sure, but the guitar tone and some of the chords and progressions reminded me of Bluetip if they were really into amphetamines. That’s where the similarities end however. Thundering bass that would rival any turn of century hardcore band. Overdriven and being discharged from the depths of an Ampeg cabinet. A drummer that is constantly doing fills with a sniper’s precision. This is the type of band that is so good that it spawns cheap imitations.

The Sauce - The frenetic energy and emphasis on guitar pull-offs similar to a band like Capsule. Only Dog Shredder are much more epic and atmospheric. Thank god for guitar pedals and sampler effects. It’s a challenge in itself to figure out how a part of a song flows into the next in the musical sense. Many of my favorite bands exhibit the same songwriting unpredictability. Delicious.

The Toppings - If I had to pick a song that sounds like it would be by Dog Shredder but it’s actually not…it would be “Bladecatcher” by Mastodon. I’m talking strictly riffage people. “Bladecatcher” is actually too straight-forward and predictable to ever be Dog Shredder song. Plus it has those weird annoying vocals over the top of it. But in terms of using guitar scales straight from a leviathan, I think I’m on to something. Josh Holland writes guitar riffs so gnarly that Dog Shredder is forced to be instrumental in some instances because who in the world is going to play guitar LIKE THAT and sing at the same time? Singing consistently amongst all those time changes and insanity, that’s a pretty tall order.

There you have it. A pizza filled with gnarly riffs, migraine inducing bass and drumming at breakneck speeds. From the bombastic opening notes of “Battle Snake”, this band from Bellingham constantly amazed me at the Funhouse on Thursday. Dog Shredder also have a song called “Brontosaurus Rex!” Can you imagine what that prehistoric amalgam of omnivorous destruction would look like? It’s complicated skeleton would be similar to the blueprint of a one of their songs. Keep an eye out for these guys in the future.

06 October 2009

Live vids of The Broken Letters

See what I do for you? I make it easy for you to see bands live from the comfort of your couch. Then when they come thru your town, I hope you will get off said couch and go see them in person.

Two new live videos of The Broken Letters:



23 September 2009

Some videos of Grayceon performing

In the event you've never been able to see Grayceon live or you just can't wait until they come to your town again, I present to you some live video....

Grayceon "Once a Shadow" September 3rd, 2009




Grayceon "The West" July 30th, 2009




Grayceon "This Grand Show Eternal" July 30th, 2009

18 August 2009

Giant Squid's "The Ichthyologist" released today on Translation Loss!

Today is the mega-official release date for Giant Squid's second album, The Ichthyologist, on Translation Loss Records. Originally self-released by the band in a limited run of 1,000, Translation Loss has re-released with 4 of the tracks re-worked and with new artwork by famed cartoon artist, Sam Kieth.

Find band HERE and HERE.

Label is HERE.

And check out what people are saying:


"An encompassing and engrossing sensory trip." - Terrorizer Magazine

"While the narrative may take a page from Gregory’s personal life, musically, The Ichthyologist invokes the elemental force of Neurosis, the cinematic scope of God Speed You Black Emperor, and the attitude of punk rock" – Revolver Magazine

"Musically, however you view The Ichthyologist, it's a massive undertaking with layers of instrumentation, voices, sonic moods, waves and textures, presenting a life affirming twist on the light-dark, up-and-down, seesaw post metal style." - Decibel Magazine

"The Ichthyologist is, for lack of a better term, a grand fucking slam. Sublimely textured but crushingly heavy, deep as the ocean at its heart and yet instantly approachable, this is more than a great metal album—it is a beautiful work of art, by any standard. Even after writing this review, I can’t wait to listen to it again, and I’ll consider it a gift from the heavens if I hear another album even close to as good as The Ichthyologist this year." – metalreview.com

"This is some of the most honest, sincere, and best executed music out there today, and I think every music fan owes it to themselves to hear Giant Squid at least once. Again, this isn't just fanboy enthusiasm for a new album, this is genuine excitement that is found only upon hearing something I find truly great. Five Stars!" – progarchives.com

"So, I would say that if you want to discover one of the most original and essential bands of the current era, put away your preconceived notions about what is and isn’t progressive rock and heavy metal and give these guys a listen. The album (like the band) is simply incredible and very unique and inventive. It’s still quite early in the year, but I won’t be at all surprised if this disc makes my “best of 2009” list." - musicstreetjournal.com

29 July 2009

Giant Squid / Grayceon tour starts tomorrow!!

The Giant Squid/Grayceon national tour starts tomorrow and I expect that if you are within a 50 mile radius of any of these places, that you will go to the show.

30-July :: San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside w/ Black Cobra and Cormorant
31-July :: Sacramento, CA @ Old Ironsides w/ Them Hills, Young Aundee
1-Aug :: Portland, OR @ Rotture w/ Thrones and Sedan
2-Aug :: Boise, ID @ Gusto's w/ Pussygutt and Manville
3-Aug :: Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tiki Lounge w/ Nine Worlds
4-Aug :: Denver, CO w/ Kingdom of Magic
5-Aug :: Omaha, NE @ O'Leavers w/ The Lepers
6-Aug :: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium w/ Sleeping In Gethsemane and Sunrise, Sunset
7-Aug :: Minneapolis, MN @ The Hexagon w/ Iron Thrones and Frontier
8-Aug :: Chicago, IL @ White Star Sports Bar w/ Lord Mantis, Bloody Panda, Velnias
9-Aug :: Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar
10-Aug :: Pittsburgh, PA @ Howler's w/ Bloody Panda
11-Aug :: Columbus, OH @ Circus w/ Kenoma
12-Aug :: Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool w/ Hull and Bezoar
13-Aug :: Providence, RI @ Firehouse 13 w/ Loon and Bellows
14-Aug :: Philadelphia, PA @ The M Room w/ Cable and Rosetta
15-Aug :: Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone w/ Black Skies
---only Giant Squid from here on out---
16-Aug :: Birmingham, AL *HELP*
17-Aug :: Shreveport, LA @ Mia's w/ Ketea
18-Aug :: New Orleans, LA @ Dragon's Den w/ I, Octopus and The Oggin
19-Aug :: Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music
20-Aug :: Lawrence, KS *HELP*
21-Aug :: OKC, OK *HELP*
22-Aug :: Austin, TX @ Red 7 w/ Lions of Tsavo and Watching the Moon

Totally bitchin' August Starbird shows (in Portland)

August is a damn busy month here at Starbird HQ. I've got a few shows happening and would like to lure you into attending........

Saturday, August 1st
@ Rotture

Thrones (ex-High On Fire, Melvins)
Giant Squid (Translation Loss Records)
Grayceon (ex-Amber Asylum)
Sedan (mem. of Jackie O Motherfucker)

$7 | 9pm | 21+




Saturday, August 1st
@ East End

[yes, I am competing with myself unfortunately]
Leaders (mem. of Fireballs of Freedom)
Mount Vicious (SF, ex-Replicator)
Police Teeth (Seattle, ex-Racetrack & USS Horsewhip)
X's for I's

$6 | 9pm | 21+



Wednesday, August 5th
@ East End

Purple Rhinestone Eagle
Lozen (mem. of Helms Alee)
Canon Canyon (mem. of Roy)

$5 | 9pm | 21+



Thursday, August 6th
@ Berbati's

Boy Eats Drum Machine
French Miami (SF)
Southern Belle
Electric Opera Company

$6 adv/ $8 dos | 8pm doors, 9pm show | all ages


Tuesday, August 18th
@ Kelly's Olympian

Git Some (ex-Planes Mistaken for Stars)
Early Times
Subrosa (SLC)
+ one more tba

$5 | 9pm | 21+

24 July 2009

Hair of the Dog

:: STARBIRD & DOG SHREDDER JOIN FORCES ::

Tis true folks, I've had another child.

DOG SHREDDER is something old and something new. Formed in the wake of dead Cicadas after losing their bass player Benny (and after having a several months long funeral and breather), Josh Holland (Black Eyes & Neckties, Fed X) and Noah Burns (Piano Mover) decided to continue down the righteous path and birth a new baby - Dog Shredder. Jeff Johnson (The Russians) has been cast in the roll of bass player, being the calm in their storm.

What to expect? Ear punishment. A dash of prog, a sprinkling of angularity and a smidge of thrash all while being heavy on the ears.

Would you believe it if I told you that they've already graced the stage with Lesbian, Grayceon, Red Fang and Helms Alee? Yep.

Slaying the NW is most immediate and plans are being made for a late Fall recording session.

I direct you to a place where you can feast your ears:

www.myspace.com/dogshredder

And read a bit about them HERE.

So yes, please help me in welcoming these boys to the fam.

17 July 2009

Poster of the week, bitches!


My very talented pal Martin Ontiveros made a poster for one of my shows and it was chosen as The Stranger's "poster of the week"! Fuck yeah!

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/poster-of-the-week/Content?oid=1847152

29 June 2009

Black Eyes & Neckties talk about the UK

Sorry it took me so long to post this, but this is a partial account of Black Eyes & Neckties' tour of the UK.

http://www.whatsup-magazine.com/index.php?navarea=Archives&storyid=1179

19 June 2009

Latest - and last - installment of the BEDM tour blog!

Mr. Jon Ragel - Boy Eats Drum Machine himself - did a good job of documenting his tour and now that it's over, the last post has been done. You can read it here:

http://blogs.wweek.com/music/2009/06/17/boy-eats-drum-machine-10-miles-north-of-san-diego-san-diego-ca-and-salem-or/

Be sure to check out the other posts as well, which can be found by scrolling down just a bit on this page.

17 June 2009

Translation Loss Records signs GIANT SQUID!!

TRANSLATION LOSS WELCOMES GIANT SQUID TO THEIR FAMILY! FULL US TOUR IN AUGUST!

Translation Loss Records - home to such bands as Mouth of the Architect, Intronaut, Battlefields and God's Revolver - has officially added GIANT SQUID to their family! They will release The Ichthyologist, which was originally self-released in a limited number of 1000 by the band, this summer in conjunction with the band's tour alongside GRAYCEON*. Engineered, mixed and produced by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Pearl Jam), The Ichthyologist has now been tweaked with parts being completely re-recorded and remixed due to the band’s constant strive for perfection from their mastermind/lunatic, Aaron John Gregory. The record will also be repackaged with completely redone/original art by legendary, world-renowned cartoon artist, Sam Kieth (The Maxx, Batman, The Sandman). The band’s lineup is rounded out by Jackie Perez Gratz (of Amber Asylum/Grayceon), Bryan Ray Beeson and Christopher Melville Lyman.

*TL has a Giant Squid / Grayceon split planned for 2010

Visit www.myspace.com/giantsquid to check out the up to date information on the band's upcoming summer tour and current sound clips from The Ichthyologist! New remixed and re-mastered songs will be posted soon!

www.giantsquidlives.com ||| www.translationloss.com

GIANT SQUID TOUR DATES:


Jun 19 2009 - Oakland, CA @ Forthrite Screenprinting, Karyn Crisis Art Show - FREE!
Jun 26 2009 - Petaluma, CA @ The Phoenix Theater, w/ Slough Feg, Cormorant, Helms Alee, La Fin Du Monde
Jun 27 2009 - Chico, CA @ Cafe Coda w/ La Fin Du Monde, Helms Alee
Jul 30 2009 - San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside w/ Black Cobra, Grayceon, Cormorant
Jul 31 2009 - Sacramento, CA @ Old Ironsides w/ Grayceon, Them Hills, Young Aundee
Aug 1 2009 - Portland, OR @ Rotture w/ Thrones, Grayceon, Sedan
Aug 2 2009 - Boise, ID @ Gusto’s w/ Grayceon, Pussygutt, Manville
Aug 3 2009 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge w/ Grayceon, Nine Worlds, Eagle Twin
Aug 4 2009 - Denver, CO @ 3 Kings w/ Grayceon, Kingdom of Magic
Aug 5 2009 - Omaha, NE @ O’Leavers w/ Grayceon, Lepers
Aug 6 2009 - Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium w/ Grayceon, Sleeping In Gethsemane
Aug 7 2009 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Hexagon w/ Grayceon, Iron Thrones, Frontier
Aug 8 2009 - Chicago, IL @ tbc w/ Grayceon
Aug 9 2009 - Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar w/ Grayceon
Aug 10 2009 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Howlers w/ Grayceon, Bloody Panda
Aug 11 2009 - Cleveland, OH @ tbc w/ Grayceon
Aug 12 2009 - Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool w/ Grayceon, Hull
Aug 13 2009 - Providence, RI @ Machines With Magnets w/ Grayceon, Loon, Bellows
Aug 14 2009 - Philadelphia, PA @ tbc w/ Grayceon, Rosetta, Cable
Aug 15 2009 - Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone w/ Grayceon, Black Skies
Aug 16 2009 - Birmingham, AL @ tbc
Aug 17 2009 - Shreveport, LA @ Mia’s w/ Ketea
Aug 18 2009 - New Orleans, LA @ tbc
Aug 19 2009 - Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music
Aug 20 2009 - Lawrence, KS @ tbc
Aug 21 2009 - Oklahoma City, OK @ tbc
Aug 22 2009 - Austin, TX @ Red 7 w/ Lions Of Tsavo, Watching The Moon

What folks are saying about GIANT SQUID:

"While the narrative may take a page from Gregory’s personal life, musically, The Ichthyologist invokes the elemental force of Neurosis, the cinematic scope of God Speed You Black Emperor, and the attitude of punk rock" – Revolver Magazine

"Musically, however you view The Ichthyologist, it's a massive undertaking with layers of instrumentation, voices, sonic moods, waves and textures, presenting a life affirming twist on the light-dark, up-and-down, seesaw post metal style." - Decibel Magazine

"Monstrously penetrating, conceptually abstract, doomingly essential." - Thrasher Magazine

**And lastly, of course any and all booking inquiries can be directed to me**

-Carly

21 May 2009

Black Eyes & Neckties slay Liverpool

Black Eyes & Neckties played in Liverpool last night at part of the Sound City Festival and here are some things people were saying about the show....

"Another jog back up the road yields Black Eyes and Neckties, and it's like wandering into the wrong hotel room and seeing something dead sleazy. As I join them half way through the set, the keyboardist is perched on the barrier, removing her tights and losing much of her dignity, as a goth synth blues scale drones in the background.

And when they kick in, it's like Queens of the Stone Age have been possessed my zombies and are starring in an obscure 70s cannibal exploitation film. The cavernous silence that SSS encountered is gone, because the paths between songs are seamless, and there's always something going on, like the bassist baring his chest and climbing up the speakers to that little enclave above the door. Or that keyboardist again, spitting on the singer's back. He didn't even notice, and I bet no-one told him.
In fact, I bet it's a game, and they do it every night and he doesn't have a clue.

The Sand Band, back in the Zanzibar, can only suffer in comparison. It's too late - Black Eyes and Neckties have ruined my night. I'm excited from having run about so much and then seen their madness, and it's unlikely that the Sand Band are going to do anything silly, like launch drumsticks at their guitarist, with genuine malice, to see if he'll fall off the speakers on to his head." - Liverpool Daily Post

http://www.peterguy.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/liverpool-sound-city-2009-sss.html
---------

"Upstairs headliners Black Eyes & Neckties had no problem with motivation putting on a great set that won over the spectators that stayed instead of migrating downstairs.

The music doesn't concern itself with innovation, firmly stuck in the schlocky horror-punk of Misfits and Murder City Devils, rather it is full of Addams Family keyboard bits, thrashing guitar riffs and throaty singing with b-movie style echo, BENt put on a high-octane performance, with the guitarists continually climbing the PA rigs." - Liverpool Daily Post

http://www.peterguy.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/liverpool-sound-city-2009-john.html

14 May 2009

2 posts, 1 day

I've been toying with this idea for quite a long time. I really really really want to do a taco tour of the West coast. Road trip, stopping to visit friends all the way down, maybe going to Mexico, maybe banging a quick left and doing AZ or NM instead? All the while, I'd only allow myself tacos and I'd have to document the entire thing. I bet I could get a book deal. Or a blog deal. Or maybe I would just be constipated for weeks.

Does anyone else think this is the best idea in the world?

So much for meeting my future (Scottish) husband....

As many of you know, I was looking forward to escaping Portland and spending some time over in that most United of Kingdoms. However, I ended up having to cancel. BUT, Black Eyes & Neckties are still touring and here is the most up-to-date list of shows. If you know ANYONE over there that lives remotely close to these cities and towns, for the love of God, send them to these shows.

May 15: Barfly, London
May 16: Kasbah, Coventry
May 18: The Rainbow, Birmingham
May 19: Academy 2, Oxford
May 20: Barfly, Liverpool
May 21: Academy 2, Newcastle
May 22: Hobos, Bridgend (Wales)
May 23: Robbins Well 2, Leamington Spa
May 24: TBA, Swansea
May 25: Harry's Bar, Stoke-on-Trent
May 26: TBA, Glasgow
May 27: The Doghouse, Dundee
May 28: Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh

17 April 2009

Grayceon joins the Starbird family

As if the Giant Squid news wasn't amazing enough.....I've got more!

Jackie Perez Gratz's other band, Grayceon, has joined the Starbird roster as well. Please help me in welcoming them.

www.grayceon.com || www.myspace.com/grayceon

Grayceon is Jackie Perez Gratz (Amber Asylum/Giant Squid) on electric cello and voice, Max Doyle (Walken) on guitar and voice, and Zack Farwell (Walken) on drums. Grayceon pulls together an extremely diverse range of musical influences and writing styles to create a fresh sound that defies the boundaries of the metal/rock/progressive genres. Compared to Opeth, King Crimson, and Ved Buens Ende, not in sound but in 'feel', Grayceon embraces the hard-to-describe-them definition and expects no hard comparisons to be made any time soon. Alternate low tuning on both cello and guitar, finger picked metal riffs, dreamy double vocals, and unpredictably impeccable drumming all meet to give Grayceon their unique sensibility.

Grayceon's album, This Grand Show [Vendlus Records] was released on November 11, 2008. Upcoming summer tour with Giant Squid is in the works.

"....the band spit out deep, infectious post-metal jamns which delicately balance the dreamy/heavy dynamic in a delicious and inimitable Bay Area fashion." - Metal Maniacs

"The lean and powerful, controlled tumbling riffs and percussion sometimes evoke fleeting thoughts of Mastodon, and although the band ebbs and flows, contrary to master architects Neurosis, these aren’t the kind of earth shifting, blow your hair back crescendos, but more subtle movements that are natural, dexterous, and almost unassuming in comparison." - metalreview.com

14 April 2009

Giant Squid and Starbird join forces

I am more than pleased to announce that San Francisco's Giant Squid have joined the Starbird family.

www.giantsquidlives.com || www.myspace.com/giantsquid

Giant Squid recently self-released their 2nd full length on February 3rd, a limited edition (1000 copies) album entitled The Ichthyologist. Recorded by Matt Bayles (Minus the Bear, Isis, Botch) at the Red Room in Seattle, it features guest musicians from members of Neurosis, Crisis, Amber Asylum and The Gathering.

Their most recent tour was a February jaunt with Relapse Records' 16 and an upcoming national tour with Grayceon is in the works for Summer. Keep an eye out for dates.

"While the narrative may take a page from Gregory’s personal life, musically, The Ichthyologist invokes the elemental force of Neurosis, the cinematic scope of God Speed You Black Emperor, and the attitude of punk rock." – Revolver Magazine

"The Ichthyologist is, for lack of a better term, a grand fucking slam. Sublimely textured but crushingly heavy, deep as the ocean at its heart and yet instantly approachable, this is more than a great metal album—it is a beautiful work of art, by any standard. Even after writing this review, I can’t wait to listen to it again, and I’ll consider it a gift from the heavens if I hear another album even close to as good as The Ichthyologist this year." – metalreview.com

12 April 2009

Meet the band, Pt 1

I've decided to do this "meet the band" thing so that you might actually get to know my bands as individual people and not just sex objects. I've come up with a system of questioning that will no doubt give you some amazing insight. You're welcome.

First up is Aaron Blanchard from the band Prize Country.

Aaron is very near and dear to yours truly. Truthfully, I only met Aaron rather recently but we have many mutual friends, so it was inevitable that we'd bro down at some point. Despite my initial misjudgement of his winning personality, he's quickly become one of my favorite people - we have perv-offs to see who can say the most revolting, insulting, offensive things. He is a true competitor.

Anyway, back to band shit...he is the singer and one of two guitar players in the band. He's also recently made his foray into being a booking agent [eh hem....Middle Child Booking]. What he doesn't know is that he'll never be the booking mogul that I am, but I don't want to spoil his fun.

Here's Aaron (a hunk, no?):



And here are his answers to my ridiculously unprofessional questions:

Best show you've ever been to: 1991 - Soundgarden, Monster Magnet, Swervedriver. It was amazing - at the Warfield in San Francisco. I didn't know what I was in for at the time. I went to see Soundgarden and ended up having the best time watching the first two bands. Swervedriver really moved me; won me over and I have been a big fan ever since. Even saw them again last year. I couldn't believe how incredible they could still be.

Big Lebowski or Kingpin: Come on.......Lebowski. Nuff'said.

Best tour story:
The fact that we tour as much as we do is the best tour story I have. I will keep it short like that.

Lotion or lube: Lube, unless we're talking about dry hands.

Describe your ultimate taco:
It would be a batch of nachos with jalepenos, cheese, sour cream, black olives, lettuce, tomato and salsa on a bed of black beans wrapped in a nice hard corn tortilla big enough to harness that power - then of course I would have to wrap that in a soft flour tortilla smattered in refried beans.

10 April 2009

April shows

Should you live in one of these fine towns, you should go see these shows.

5-April :: Tiny Vipers, Grouper @ Rontoms, Portland [FREE]
(I know this already passed but I'm trying to include all shows for the month for posterity, get off my case)
10-April :: Prize Country, Black Eyes & Neckties (and 11 other bands) @ Ash St. Saloon for Adam's B'day show, Portland
11-April :: Boy Eats Drum Machine @ IKEBox for Cherry City Music Festival, Salem
16-April :: Boy Eats Drum Machine @ Baby Bar, Spokane
17-April :: Boy Eats Drum Machine @ The Badlander, Missoula
18-April :: Boy Eats Drum Machine @ Empyrean, Spokane *all ages*
25-April :: Black Eyes & Neckties, Helms Alee, Black Elk, Moons & Goochers @ The Nightlight, Bellingham

09 April 2009

Boy Eats Drum Machine jams the penny

Haven't seen Boy Eats Drum Machine yet? What's your problem? Because I fancy myself a nice lady, I am going to post this video to get you salivating for his live show. This is what to expect....partially.....


Boy Eats Drum Machine at Kush Carpets from The Penny Jam on Vimeo.

08 April 2009

Prize Country go on yet another tour

Prize Country are road dogs. These bitches tour like motherfuckers and if you don't believe me, well, ask and I'll send you their tour history. It's impressive. Anyway, while I didn't book this tour, I still want to tell you about it because 1/ they are my homies and I do work for them just in other capacities and 2/ they are touring with a band that I love. Without further ado I present you with tour dates for Prize Country and Kingdom of Magic. Now it's your duty to show up to at least one of these.........

Apr 15 2009 - Satyricon w/ Black Elk and Made Out Of Babies - Portland, OR (Tour Kick-off!!!)
Apr 17 2009 - HQ Basement w/ Swamp Donkey & Sixteen Eighteen - Reno, NV
Apr 18 2009 - Burt’s Tiki Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 19 2009 - Double Down Saloon - Las Vegas, NV
Apr 20 2009 - Jughead's - Phoenix, AZ
Apr 21 2009 - tba - somewhere near or in Phoenix, AZ
Apr 22 2009 - Plush w/ Long Live the Smoking Gun - Tucson, AZ
Apr 23 2009 - The Casbah w/ Hostile Combover - San Diego, CA
Apr 24 2009 - Radio Room - San Diego, CA
Apr 25 2009 - The Relax Bar w/ District of Evolution - Los Angeles, CA
Apr 26 2009 - Billy O’s - Ventura, CA
Apr 27 2009 - Monterey Live w/ Ox vs Thunderbird, & Razorhoof - Monterey, CA
Apr 28 2009 - Chinatown Youth Center - Fresno, CA
Apr 29 2009 - Annie’s Social Club w/ Mount Vicious - San Francisco, CA
Apr 30 2009 - Stork Club w/ Hurry Up Shotgun & Mount Vicious - Oakland, CA
May 1 2009 - The Kennel Club - Sacramento, CA
May 2 2009 - The Alibi - Arcata, CA
May 3 2009 - East End w/ Rabbits - Portland, OR (welcome home show)

07 April 2009

Black Eyes & Neckties to tour the UK

I feel like I'm in a new relationship.....I'm all giddy about this blog and posting various news items. It's like I'm prematurely ejaculating in front of all of you.

Anyway, this is important news and I deemed it so important it could not wait until tomorrow. Black Eyes & Neckties are the first of my bands to schlep it overseas for a tour and so they deserve some props. They recently signed with the William Morris Agency over there (yes....the WMA.....they are big time hustlers over there) and will do their first tour next month. I have been lucky enough to talk them into letting me join them. Suckers.....I mean, um, lovers. Here are the dates so far:

May 15 Barfly, London - with Titus Andronicus
May 16 Kasbah, Coventry

May 17 off

May 18 Rainbow, Birmingham

May 19 Academy 2, Oxford

May 20 Barfly, Liverpool

May 21 Academy 2, Newcastle

May 22 Off

May 23 Dot to Dot tbc

May 24 Dot to Dot tbc

May 25 Off

May 26 Glasgow tbc

May 27 The Doghouse, Dundee

May 28 Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh

Look out - 2 posts in one day!

The first order of business should probably be for me to tell you about all of the spectacular bands I work with since this is supposedly my centralized place of business. Well since you asked, here goes:

Black Eyes & Neckties (Bellingham, WA) - www.blackeyesandneckties.com AND www.myspace.com/blackeyesandneckties

Boy Eats Drum Machine (Portland, OR) - www.boyeatsdrummachine.com AND www.myspace.com/boyeatsdrummachine

Feral Children (Seattle, WA) - www.myspace.com/feralchildrenseattle

Prize Country (Portland, OR) - www.myspace.com/prizecountry [regional only]

At some point each will receive individual posts about their goings-on and whatnot, but give me a break....I just started this 10 minutes ago. For now, click on those links and sit back and enjoy the jams.

I'm joining the technological revolution

I've contemplated off and on about having some sort of website besides good ole MySpace. And I keep coming to the same conclusion.....that my agency is not big enough to warrant making and paying for a website that I will never update. Then I noticed this trend of people using blogs as a sort of secondary website and I figured....what the hell, I can do that....I've already got an account.

So here I am. I'm hoping that I will actually do something here and keep you updated on what I'm up to as well as what my bands are up to. These are high hopes.