So my collaboration with Ryan Ferris has been on the backburner for a long time. We're both in other bands that play quite a bit so it's just a side thing we do. It really has almost no direction, except that we are both trying to break some new ground as musicians. I am trying to take a more active role in the songwriting process, contributing lyrics and helping to shape the musical arrangement. Also, I've always wanted to develop my singing ability. I'm really looking to make music with lush vocal harmonies, and I figure a good place to start is with my own voice. I'm finding that my voice has improved drastically in the last few months, simply from harmonizing. Ryan has been good enough to teach me some vocal parts he had written for his song, and then practice with me until I got it. Most bands just haven't had the time or patience for this, either you can sing or you can't and that's the end of it.
Anyways all of this is fresh in my mind because we had a really great session this afternoon. Another thing I've noticed about music is that you can't judge the potential of a particular band configuration right away. At first, I was mainly in it for the enjoyment and the laughs. But then the songs start to cross the hump and really sound like good tunes. The band starts to take shape and take on a life of it's own. That is a great feeling.
The best piece of advice I can give to any other musicians at this point is to stick with it. Maybe you were in a band that was functioning at a very high level, and now you're in a new one that doesn't seem as good. Give it time, and effort. It will happen.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Random Tidbits
Here's the latest on all of my pending projects:
BW/C (Bradley Wik & The Charlatans) - we have two shows coming up here in Portland. We're booking more soon and will be expanding our circle beyond the Rose City (Seattle and Salem in the works). Also, the EP is selling quite nicely considering it's only in one store- Ranch Records in Salem.
The Winebirds - We have been rehearsing a lot lately, but not for shows. We have a very important studio session coming up at the end of this month. I'm very excited because it'll be my first time in the studio with them. They have the album about half completed already so we've got our work cut out for us. And they record analog! Right, remember that thing called tape? It's much more expensive, time consuming, and the musicians really have to get it right the first time because you can't just touch it up on a computer. Also, they track everything except vocals live with the whole band in the studio playing together at the same time. Sounds normal right? You'd be surprised how few bands actually do this anymore.
John O'Mara - We are doing a small tour in Southern California in mid June, as well as a couple shows in the Seattle area. The addition of the keyboards really adds a lot, and we are starting to play some incredible live shows. His new album is also available now.
Ryan Ferris and the Nick of Time - Ferris and I just played in his studio again today. We've got one song tracked and another about ready to be tracked. It's a really slow moving project- but not in a bad way. We meet about once a week, have a few beers, talk about music and other stuff, and play some songs. It's a great creative process which is never dull and sooner or later we'll get around to finishing some tunes.
Dallas - Haven't seen these guys since I was last in Seattle, which I guess was less than a month ago but feels like an eternity. I know we've got some shows coming up soon, just don't know when. Also, there is more studio time on the horizon, we are waiting for our producer to finish building his new studio.
I should also give a plug for my former band, Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags (not that they need it). They just played to a capacity crowd at the Doug Fir, and the show was filmed for PDXPosed, so watch for that. Scot is writing his best songs ever now, so head on over to www.scotlandbarr.com and catch a show. If you've seen them before, like say when a certain tall and handsome drummer was there, but haven't seen them lately, now would be a great time. The new tunes are great and the band sounds better than ever. Sheesh you'd think they were giving me free hot sauce or something!
BW/C (Bradley Wik & The Charlatans) - we have two shows coming up here in Portland. We're booking more soon and will be expanding our circle beyond the Rose City (Seattle and Salem in the works). Also, the EP is selling quite nicely considering it's only in one store- Ranch Records in Salem.
The Winebirds - We have been rehearsing a lot lately, but not for shows. We have a very important studio session coming up at the end of this month. I'm very excited because it'll be my first time in the studio with them. They have the album about half completed already so we've got our work cut out for us. And they record analog! Right, remember that thing called tape? It's much more expensive, time consuming, and the musicians really have to get it right the first time because you can't just touch it up on a computer. Also, they track everything except vocals live with the whole band in the studio playing together at the same time. Sounds normal right? You'd be surprised how few bands actually do this anymore.
John O'Mara - We are doing a small tour in Southern California in mid June, as well as a couple shows in the Seattle area. The addition of the keyboards really adds a lot, and we are starting to play some incredible live shows. His new album is also available now.
Ryan Ferris and the Nick of Time - Ferris and I just played in his studio again today. We've got one song tracked and another about ready to be tracked. It's a really slow moving project- but not in a bad way. We meet about once a week, have a few beers, talk about music and other stuff, and play some songs. It's a great creative process which is never dull and sooner or later we'll get around to finishing some tunes.
Dallas - Haven't seen these guys since I was last in Seattle, which I guess was less than a month ago but feels like an eternity. I know we've got some shows coming up soon, just don't know when. Also, there is more studio time on the horizon, we are waiting for our producer to finish building his new studio.
I should also give a plug for my former band, Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags (not that they need it). They just played to a capacity crowd at the Doug Fir, and the show was filmed for PDXPosed, so watch for that. Scot is writing his best songs ever now, so head on over to www.scotlandbarr.com and catch a show. If you've seen them before, like say when a certain tall and handsome drummer was there, but haven't seen them lately, now would be a great time. The new tunes are great and the band sounds better than ever. Sheesh you'd think they were giving me free hot sauce or something!
Friday, May 1, 2009
BW/C 1st Show Setlist!
We played the Ash St Saloon Wednesday night. Unfortunately, when it's your first show you don't get first pick of time slots. Alas, we didn't take the stage until after midnight. Thanks to all of you who stuck it out. The band before us was, hmm how to put this delicately.... SHITTY! Normally it's never a good idea to badmouth other bands, but I have to break from the standard BS. My conscience is clear. It was a crappy blues band who had probably never rehearsed. Worse than anything I've ever seen, and believe me play enough open mics and you'll see a lot of crap. Word to the wise- don't cover songs like "Crossroads" and "Voodoo Chile". And for those of you with long memories, yes I've covered those and many other shameless over played tunes. But that was a long time ago, I suck for having done it, and I'm here to help the youth of America to not make the same mistakes I did.
OK the good part:
Drive All Night
Back To Brooklyn
Too Hell With You*
Johnny And Mary
Dance With Me Darlin'
Midwest Winters*
I've Never Slept On The Avenue
encore:
Morning Glory (Oasis cover)
The songs with the * are originals we have yet to record, the rest are on the EP- except the Oasis tune of course.
We sold a few EPs, make sure to pick up your copy. Currently only available at shows or from us, but coming soon to iTunes and a store near you!
OK the good part:
Drive All Night
Back To Brooklyn
Too Hell With You*
Johnny And Mary
Dance With Me Darlin'
Midwest Winters*
I've Never Slept On The Avenue
encore:
Morning Glory (Oasis cover)
The songs with the * are originals we have yet to record, the rest are on the EP- except the Oasis tune of course.
We sold a few EPs, make sure to pick up your copy. Currently only available at shows or from us, but coming soon to iTunes and a store near you!
Monday, April 27, 2009
RIP Ray Kostenborder
My cousin Ray died last Saturday night. The story is he was at his apartment and his gun accidentally went off, but it is suspicious and the cops are investigating. We weren't real close, which I regret. He was really into Gangsta Rap. I remember a couple years ago, he was trying to get some money together to cut a demo. He said he had some contacts lined up and some things in the works and was looking for $1000 to get it done. We (meaning my dad, uncle, and cousins) all had a good laugh about this. Of course, no one from my family gave him the money. I don't know if he ever got it and honestly I'm not sure if he was any good or not because I never took the time to listen.
Now here I am, trying to make a run at the music business myself. I look back on that instance with great regret. Everyone tells you it's an impossible dream, and that you should just study hard in school and get a job in an office somewhere. Or in the case of my family, strap on some nail bags and swing a hammer for 40 years.
I guess what I'm saying is, if you ever have someone come to you with a dream, and they're not asking for much, and you're in a position to help- HELP THEM! What would it have hurt if someone would've believe in Ray and given him a $1000, or even a few hundred? He was just a kid. When people are 40, it's time to stop chasing the dream. But when you're 20 (or even 28), why not cut someone a break and encourage them to take a shot?!
Who knows what would've happened, but if I had it to do over again I'd give whatever I could spare, even if it was only $100. Art is something that is cherished by humanity more than just about anything else, and yet whenever anyone says they want to create are they are nearly always met with rejection from their friends and family.
Now here I am, trying to make a run at the music business myself. I look back on that instance with great regret. Everyone tells you it's an impossible dream, and that you should just study hard in school and get a job in an office somewhere. Or in the case of my family, strap on some nail bags and swing a hammer for 40 years.
I guess what I'm saying is, if you ever have someone come to you with a dream, and they're not asking for much, and you're in a position to help- HELP THEM! What would it have hurt if someone would've believe in Ray and given him a $1000, or even a few hundred? He was just a kid. When people are 40, it's time to stop chasing the dream. But when you're 20 (or even 28), why not cut someone a break and encourage them to take a shot?!
Who knows what would've happened, but if I had it to do over again I'd give whatever I could spare, even if it was only $100. Art is something that is cherished by humanity more than just about anything else, and yet whenever anyone says they want to create are they are nearly always met with rejection from their friends and family.
2 CD Release Shows THIS WEEK
The first is the much anticipated (by the 4 of us anyhow) BW/C show. Our EP will be back from duplication Wednesday, the day of the show. We play around 10:30 PM @ The Ash St in Old Town PDX. My good friend (BFF) Brian Bergstrom is playing lead guitar for us. Brian and I have managed to play together in just about every band either one of us has been in since high school. He's a brilliant singer / songwriter who is currently working on an album with his band Jettison Bend, but he's been kind enough to take time out to learn our tunes and we couldn't be more grateful.
Then Thursday I'm playing John O'Mara's unofficial CD release at Kelly's Olympian in downtown PDX. Unfortunately John's album was recorded before I came on board so I don't play on it. The live drums were actually played by John Chinburg, a rather famous drummer from my hometown and he did a fine job. I've played 2 shows with John already, but this one will be way better because we've 1) finally gotten the backing tracks arranged to accompany a live drummer and 2) we have added a keyboard player. And, I know the keyboard player from a band I played in before I joined the Drags back in 2006. Portland is a small town.
In other news, I had a great practice with The Winebirds last week. It was our first one after a month off and they've got some great new tunes so watch this space for future shows with them. When I started this blog back in January I had no band and no prospects. Since then I've been hitting it hard and it's really starting to pay off. Not monetarily, but it's paying off nonetheless.
Then Thursday I'm playing John O'Mara's unofficial CD release at Kelly's Olympian in downtown PDX. Unfortunately John's album was recorded before I came on board so I don't play on it. The live drums were actually played by John Chinburg, a rather famous drummer from my hometown and he did a fine job. I've played 2 shows with John already, but this one will be way better because we've 1) finally gotten the backing tracks arranged to accompany a live drummer and 2) we have added a keyboard player. And, I know the keyboard player from a band I played in before I joined the Drags back in 2006. Portland is a small town.
In other news, I had a great practice with The Winebirds last week. It was our first one after a month off and they've got some great new tunes so watch this space for future shows with them. When I started this blog back in January I had no band and no prospects. Since then I've been hitting it hard and it's really starting to pay off. Not monetarily, but it's paying off nonetheless.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
2 Shows Next Week
So next week is pretty big. Unfortunately the shows are Wednesday and Thursday, which is bad if you have to work. But at least they're not during Blazer games!
Wednesday BW/C at the Ast St, show starts at 9pm. We play last, so probably around 11. This is a huge show for us as it is our first actual show. We've played a few open mics, but this is the real deal. Brian Bergstrom is playing lead guitar for us, so we'll be a 4 piece for the first time. Also, we'll have our new EP for sale at the show. If there is any way you can make it out, please do so. We want to make a big splash on the scene and no better way than to pack the house. We've been working up some new tunes and really hammering out the harmonies. It's a challenge as Sasha and myself have never really sung before, but it'll be well worth it.
Thursday John O'Mara at Kelly's Olympian. Show starts at 9, we have the middle slot. John's CD is also just coming out, so you can pick it up at the show. We've added a keyboard player to the lineup. Small world, his name is Jeremy and I played a show with him in The Nights years ago, he was the lead guitarist. We've been practicing real hard also and are very excited to introduce the new lineup and album to you.
Both of these shows are very exciting because they are new, and great effort and time as been put into ironing out the arrangements for maximum effect on stage. For me, this is what it's all about. Live rock and roll on stage just for you. The endless hours of rehearsal that goes into a 40 minute show are mind boggling, but the end result when it all falls into place- that's why I get up in the morning!
Wednesday BW/C at the Ast St, show starts at 9pm. We play last, so probably around 11. This is a huge show for us as it is our first actual show. We've played a few open mics, but this is the real deal. Brian Bergstrom is playing lead guitar for us, so we'll be a 4 piece for the first time. Also, we'll have our new EP for sale at the show. If there is any way you can make it out, please do so. We want to make a big splash on the scene and no better way than to pack the house. We've been working up some new tunes and really hammering out the harmonies. It's a challenge as Sasha and myself have never really sung before, but it'll be well worth it.
Thursday John O'Mara at Kelly's Olympian. Show starts at 9, we have the middle slot. John's CD is also just coming out, so you can pick it up at the show. We've added a keyboard player to the lineup. Small world, his name is Jeremy and I played a show with him in The Nights years ago, he was the lead guitarist. We've been practicing real hard also and are very excited to introduce the new lineup and album to you.
Both of these shows are very exciting because they are new, and great effort and time as been put into ironing out the arrangements for maximum effect on stage. For me, this is what it's all about. Live rock and roll on stage just for you. The endless hours of rehearsal that goes into a 40 minute show are mind boggling, but the end result when it all falls into place- that's why I get up in the morning!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
And The Winner Is...
Here is the finalized CD artwork for the forthcoming BW/C EP. Took a long time to iron out all the typos and make everything fit. And by a long time I mean a couple hours. It has been sent off for duplication and will be back late next week. This is a simple 5 song EP, with a cardboard sleeve. No fancy booklet just yet.
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