Dec 30th, 2019:
So I'd written another LP's-worth of material, was starting to record the basic tracks, and got distracted. In mid November Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers/Melvins/etc) came up to the Pacific Northwest on a groovy little solo banjo tour in support of his latest release "KEEP ON THE GRASS" (which is awesome and I recommend you checking out). I was so happy to be able to host him for a couple of his days off during which we were really able to party down, er, catch up! Yes, we did talk about re-releasing Areola 51 stuff...
When he listened to my latest ruffs and when I told him I was searching for good people to work with, he once again came up with what might turn into my next band situation. Turns out Tad had suggested to the same guy that he oughta check ME out... So apparently the universe wanted us to meet. His name is Ben Rew. Check out the band CAMAROSMITH to hear an example of some of his past work... He is, well, let's just say an interesting fellow that I've had several good meetings with at this point and we both feel like we'd like to proceed. He lives on the other side of town from me so there are logistics to work out and it can take a bit of time to get things rolling. But at least I do feel like something is probably about to roll, and that's exciting. I really want to play shows again.
That said, I will get back to finishing this as-of-yet-un-named LP, and hopefully it will be done by spring. I can't believe how this year flew by. Sorry, I was not very active on social media this year. I resolve to do better in 2020...!
I can't believe its time for a year end, in fact DECADE end report!
in 2019:
Released the Max Brody LP 49 & 3/4.
Released the CRESTLESS TROUGH LP, a collaboration with Tobias Eriksson.
Collaborated with TAD Doyle on one of his songs.
I worked out a live set from my latest LPs...lots of pre production...lots of practicing.
Played my first open mic as well as solo show on guitar jr!
Wrote my next LP.
Finished editing/engineering an LP for Something Weird Video of Spook Show Audio. Super groovy!
Started an Instagram account, posted a bunch of old show flyers and a few pics.
Met local musicians to try to start a band...
Contributed to and appeared in a coffee table table book called "MINISTRY--Prescripture--A Visual History", by Aaron Tanner and Melodic Virtue!
So I'd written another LP's-worth of material, was starting to record the basic tracks, and got distracted. In mid November Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers/Melvins/etc) came up to the Pacific Northwest on a groovy little solo banjo tour in support of his latest release "KEEP ON THE GRASS" (which is awesome and I recommend you checking out). I was so happy to be able to host him for a couple of his days off during which we were really able to party down, er, catch up! Yes, we did talk about re-releasing Areola 51 stuff...
When he listened to my latest ruffs and when I told him I was searching for good people to work with, he once again came up with what might turn into my next band situation. Turns out Tad had suggested to the same guy that he oughta check ME out... So apparently the universe wanted us to meet. His name is Ben Rew. Check out the band CAMAROSMITH to hear an example of some of his past work... He is, well, let's just say an interesting fellow that I've had several good meetings with at this point and we both feel like we'd like to proceed. He lives on the other side of town from me so there are logistics to work out and it can take a bit of time to get things rolling. But at least I do feel like something is probably about to roll, and that's exciting. I really want to play shows again.
That said, I will get back to finishing this as-of-yet-un-named LP, and hopefully it will be done by spring. I can't believe how this year flew by. Sorry, I was not very active on social media this year. I resolve to do better in 2020...!
I can't believe its time for a year end, in fact DECADE end report!
in 2019:
Released the Max Brody LP 49 & 3/4.
Released the CRESTLESS TROUGH LP, a collaboration with Tobias Eriksson.
Collaborated with TAD Doyle on one of his songs.
I worked out a live set from my latest LPs...lots of pre production...lots of practicing.
Played my first open mic as well as solo show on guitar jr!
Wrote my next LP.
Finished editing/engineering an LP for Something Weird Video of Spook Show Audio. Super groovy!
Started an Instagram account, posted a bunch of old show flyers and a few pics.
Met local musicians to try to start a band...
Contributed to and appeared in a coffee table table book called "MINISTRY--Prescripture--A Visual History", by Aaron Tanner and Melodic Virtue!
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When I look back at what I've gone through in the last 10 years, it kinda blows my mind:
2010: Divorce finalized, I moved in with my business partner D Kithcart and we made Darkstack Multimedia a way of life. Late that summer I had a skateboard accident. While taking it easy for a bit I picked up a 3-string guitar (first time) and got more into messing around with it than I thought I would, as well as decided to start composing all sorts of music rather than pretty much only aggressive music. I recorded GUILTY PLEASURE VOL 1; BEACH BOYS and composed and recorded SMITTY in secret.
2012: Moved from Austin to Seattle...my 15+ year work relationship with Brett Bradford came to a close (Sangre De Toro, Areola 51, Insect Sex Act). sigh...good times.
2014: Started Test Apes with Danny Barnes, my website, my bandcamp site, and re-releasing all my old stuff (about 50 releases), finished editing and released my video blog from 2006-7, as well as worked on Fried Smiling, Masquerade As Angels and other long distance file swapping projects and some solo projects...until...
2018: I pick the Guitar Jr up again to compose and record the LP, "HIGH STRANGENESS IN STEREOSCOPIC SOUND". I get way more inspired and into the guitar jr than I ever thought I would... writing 3 more LPs worth of material in short order. Wanting to bring some of the songs to life, I start practice by myself and looking around the area for musicians to work with...its really slow going. Test Apes goes on a big hiatus.
2019: I play my first open mic and first solo show playing my tunes, and on a guitar jr. Tad asks me to contribute some sax playing on something and I do. I ask him if he knows any musicians I might be able to work with, and he hooks me up with some names and numbers...Pinkus comes to town...& now I'm fixin to start a band with Ben? We shall soon see! I feel so lucky that I am still able to pursue music.
I'd like to thank everyone for their continued support and I wish you all the best in the 20's!
*All the old news feed (winter 2012-winter 2019)
can now be found in "THE VAULT" in 6 volumes... *
can now be found in "THE VAULT" in 6 volumes... *