I decided to rectify this…
I’ve come to the conclusion I might be the worst blogger in existence. That wouldn’t be so terrible if I at least regularly posted new music, but that is, sadly, not the case either. I’m really not willing to check exactly when my last post was, mostly because it will embarrass me. So, I might as well attempt to write something of value.
I’ve been working on writing songs. Kind of. Sort of. Okay, not really. I’ve been churning out chord progressions like crazy, although only two of them have really stuck, and I have actually completed writing a new piece. I’ve decided I’m done with comedy songs, mostly because they aren’t a true reflection of my songwriting style. I write emotional pieces which truly emphasize the chaos I have experienced in my life, along with the beauty of it all. Funny songs don’t really reflect this. Mind you, I might eventually return to writing those kinds of songs, but for the most part I feel that writing funny songs is far too easy. It doesn’t take any talent, and, really, anybody can do it. Seriously. Sit down with an instrument and think of something absurd and I can practically guarantee you will come up with something “golden” by the end of the day. I would rather work on something meaningful and memorable; something people can connect with. And even if they can’t, I want my songs to reflect how I feel.
So, having gone on that little rant, I really do want to record some new material soon. I have a concept for a series of songs forming right now, but I don’t want to hype it up and commit to it entirely, lest I have another idea as touted as Mental Breakdown. I’d rather see where this idea goes, and, while I’m at it, try and record each song as I write them.
Also, I’ve been trying my hand at Open Mic Nights, which hasn’t been going overly well. I’ve been nervous lately, and I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been pleased with the material I’ve been performing, although that wouldn’t exactly explain why I keep forgetting words and the order of verses. Oh well. Practice makes perfect, right?
Not much to report about. School’s going fantastically at the moment, but I’m still broke. But that is not the point of this post. I am just briefly posting to let you all know that I have a new song coming out sometime this week. It’s silly. That’s all I shall tell you for the time being.
Alright, tootles.
So, I’ve been in California since the 19th of December, which has been very nice, due to the opportunity to visit many of my friends and the surprisingly nice and cold weather. However, I have been without a guitar since that aforementioned date, which has, predictably, entirely prohibited my ability to compose music of any kind. This has been excruciatingly dreadful for me, as I have been yearning to write a new song or two ever since I abandoned the last album idea.
I do have many ideas, though. I feel like I’m starting to have a notion of just what kind of songs I’d like to write, which is exciting in its own right, but is also very annoying when I am unable to actually come up with these songs. Either way, I shall be in possession of an instrument very soon (a week from Monday, actually) and I shall start writing away. Of course, the day after that will be the start of my next semester of school, and I am going to be focusing almost all of my attention on my schoolwork, so the songwriting will probably be slow. But I do promise to release some songs fairly soon. Maybe.
I imagine that if you have been following me for some time, you might be aware that I am a college student. Being a college student, one could assume that I am currently enjoying my winter break. One would be correct to assume such.
Anyway, enough pompousness. A few months ago a group of friends and myself recorded some selections from the score of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and the Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers. These videos were originally only viewable by other friends of myself on Facebook. No longer! We have decided to create a YouTube channel in order to capitalize on our lulziness.
So, without further adeu, ladies and gentlement, I give you the Aquarium Club!
This is the same group with whom I recorded British Grenadiers, and most recently we recorded a cover of California Dreamin’ by the Mamas & the Papas. I must warn you: if you are looking for actual good covers, then please avoid this channel. The last thing I need is mindless flaming from people who don’t understand what we’re doing. The Internet is filled with morons, and I’d rather keep them away.
Alright, that’s enough from me for now. Tata!
Well folks, the last ten years buzzed by like a swarm of ferocious bees intent on defending their hive. Not the best ten years, by any means, but ten very important years nonetheless. Although I don’t expect the next ten years to be much better on a global scale (on the contrary, I imagine that we are now entering the 1980’s 2.0,) I at least am hoping that they will be much more enjoyable in every way possible than the last decade.
But with a new decade comes a new year, and with a new year come New Year’s Resolutions, and with those come inevitable disappointment. This year, however, I have set the bar low. Not only will I attempt to not shave my face*, but I shall also attempt to at least record twice as many songs as last year. In fact, seeing as I abandoned Mental Breakdown and instead released the Memories of Another Life EP, I think I’ll attempt to write a new album, and actually record it.
On an entirely unrelated note to music, yet related note to the aforementioned resolutions, I shall attempt to actually do well in school. It’d be a shame to get into debt in order to attend a private university only to fail out of it. This brings me to my next point: I’m poor. I need funding. More specifically, I need spending money. My university job only provides me with enough money to pay off my tuition, which leads to a vicious cycle of me having to take money out of my savings in order to buy food, clothes, and other things which prevent me from going insane/possibly doing homework.
If you haven’t noticed, I have a donation page. Also, you might have noticed that I’m giving away my EP for free. You probably have guessed what I’m getting at, but if you have not, I shall make it perfectly apparent: please donate if you like what you’re hearing. Please!
Alright, that’s enough begging for one post.
Tootles, and Happy New Year!
* I’ll still shave my neckbeard, as possessing one of those is foul. I also shall trim, so I don’t look homeless. You shall all thank me for this whenever I post a video, photos, or perform a webshow.
Yeah, I’ve been slacking. I’m sorry! But I have remastered the four tracks I already had released from Mental Breakdown, and I decided to release them as an EP instead of as part of the album. Huzzar!
Shiny, isn’t it?
Why the departure from the album? Well, I haven’t been focusing on music as much as I would like to, so I kind of fell out of the swing of the album. Essentially, I want to get back in the swing of things before I try releasing an album. Of course, this means that whatever album I do end up releasing will be much different than what Mental Breakdown would’ve been. Oh well.
But fret not, children! This EP is pretty great, in my opinion. Please download it for free! Right now! Replace your old MP3’s with these far superior remasters! Yay! Blessed are the meek!
Howdy folks,
I’m guest DJing on Team Debaser’s radio show, which is a part of Cal State Long Beach’s radio station, next Wednesday between 11:00AM and 12:00PM. I’ll be joined by my good friend Nick Houghtaling, along with the show’s regular hosts, Sammy Rothman (of Tubby Boots) and Alex Humphrey, my cousin. I encourage you all to tune in on your computers and support college radio.
I can’t believe that’s the extent of my update. I’m terribly sorry that I haven’t been posting as often as I usually do lately. I’ll be sure to upload a few more songs in the coming weeks. I’ve written one I’m certain you’ll all enjoy (as long as you have a good sense of humor.)
Alright, take care?
Howdy, folks. I’ve decided, for a variety of reasons, to expand the length of my album from seven tracks to ten. First, I’m not entirely convinced that seven tracks would really be enough to qualify this as more than an EP. Besides, if I were to charge people for this album in the future, I’d feel like I’m ripping people off by offering so little material. So, I’ve increased the length to ten tracks. Second, I’ve been recording phenomenally quickly. It only took one day to record Voyage of the Argo, and I’m already halfway through recording the next track on the album, which I started putting down last night. Third, the track order didn’t sit right with me. The first two tracks are remaining the same, but something didn’t feel right about having Monster so early on in the album. So, Monster has been changed to track number three.
I might as well give you an updated track list:
- Amber Skies
- Voyage of the Argo
- Starlight, Moonlight
- Mēnis
- Cosmonaut
- Nazi Sharks with Jetpacks
- Monster
- Raptors! Raptors Everywhere!
- The Memories of a Past Life
- Black Hole
It’s closer to the original version of Mental Breakdown than the previous iteration was, but it retains the concept and feel of the last one. It should be great. It should also be out before I go back home for Winter Break, seeing as I keep getting my dorm to myself so often and I’ve been recording so quickly. I’ll be posting each track as it’s completed.
Also, I edited the recording of Voyage of the Argo, a song that I’ve mentioned quite a few times already. I suggest re-downloading it if you already have.
Also, I have a Facebook fan page now. I also suggest checking that out. A link is provided in the sidebar. Okay, tootles.
As previously mentioned, I’m feeling nostalgic for northern California. I’m actually heading up to the San Fransisco Bay area sometime this January, which I am super-awesome-excited for, especially because I’m going with the three lovely folks who joined me for the British Grenadiers video. Anyway, I’m not feeling entirely as wordy as I was when I wrote the original spiel on Southern California, so allow me to express my nostalgia for Northern California briefly.
Northern and Central California contain a few of the most beautiful locations in this country. Be it the majestic and breathe-taking forests of Yosemite (which I highly highly highly recommend visiting if you have not already, as very few places in North America contain as many truly beautiful natural landmarks) or the exceptionally planned, and thoroughly entertaining boardwalk of Santa Cruz, Central California is definitely one of the best places to visit if one wants to have a truly positive experience in the state.
Northern California is one of the only places in California that you will find well-planned cities, such as San Fransisco and Sacramento, as well as a few exceptional towns and smaller cities, such as those in the Sonoma and Napa areas, as well as Berkeley. These cities are also home to a refreshing art and music scene, and are worth visiting for the entertainment alone.
Okay, this is all starting to sound like an advertisement. I love Northern California. I love the fog that rolls through the beach cities and I love the nature and man-made structures. Almost everything about the place is so much better than the southern portion of the state. A+ highly recommend, ja.
I promise to post something more intelligent and satisfying to read soon.
