The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool.

This is too real not to share.










Be honest. Be unmerciful.

Success (relative)

Last night's show went fairly well! It took me a while to figure out what my role was, who I was in charge of, and what my responsibilities were. After the first song or so, it clicked in me and confidence took over. The role of stage manager isn't really close to my personality, but I feel I did pretty well despite that fact. There was really only one mishap throughout the night with a few mic stands being taken off the stage when an artist was ready to start a song. Other than that, it went pretty smoothly. At the very least, I learned how to be a stage manager for a festival. Next week: monitor world.

New

I'm oddly not nervous about these new roles I'm playing. This week, I'm acting as the stage manager for this Thursday's show. I don't know why, but I'm not nervous. No; and I'm not even feeling awkward about the situation it puts me in socially. I guess that's all.

Downtown?

Today was a good day. It's a Saturday and I slept in. Started the morning slowly with coffee, bananas, and some mixing. Mmm. That's a good start, but eventually I was dragged out and went downtown with a few guys. We checked out the Parthenon..... meaning: apparently someone decided to build and exact scale replica of the Parthenon in a park in downtown Nashville (actually east Nashville, I think?). We're talkin' Greece here folks. Pretty cool stuff.



Anyway, after that we hit up Third Man Records, Jack White's record label, boutique shop, and live venue. It's in a pretty run-down part of town, next to a homeless shelter. It seems fitting. I dig it. We asked about a show, but it was sold out. Hopefully we'll hit one at the right time in the next few months.

Afterward, we walked up and down Broadway and got some delicious and overpriced ice cream before heading back to the apartment.

Later on, there was a fun event for students at the CMC: "PJs, Pancakes, and 'That Thing You Do.'" Pretty self-explanatory, that one there. It was a lot of fun, though. Great way to end the night.

Peace

Furst Shew

It's been almost a week since my last post and a lot has happened. I've gone through rehearsals, classes, discussions, tech primers, line checks, and the like; all to get ready for our first show, which was earlier tonight. I've got to say, it went better than I expected! I helped a little with set changes during the show, but for the most part, there were too many bodies on the stage and I felt like I'd just be in the way. But I did play in 3 bands, so I feel at least a little accomplished.

I Cut Like A Buffalo.

Yesterday was momentous. We went to Blackbird Studio (www.blackbirdstudio.com) to hang out and talk with Vance Powell. Number one, this is quite honestly one of the top studios, if not THE top studio in the world today. Number two, we're in it. Number three, we're talking to Jack White's engineer. Holy Schmoligans. This guy is a completely a purist. Everything of Jack's is all on tape and everything is simple. One take. Bussed down to just 8 tracks. These guys are ridiculous and it sounds SO good. I feel like I learned more recording philosophy with Vance in an hour than three and a half years of college education. Thank God, I am blessed.

Furthermore, Jack White is a freaking genius. If you don't really listen much, you should.









Seriously... Listen to this shiz. Genius.



After that, we headed over to the NARAS office (the folks who do the Grammy's). It was interesting, but I felt like they were just trying to sell their organization to us the whole time (and who can blame them?). Nevertheless, another contact point for networking and I am grateful.


I don't think fear ever truly goes away. The trick is to use it for fuel. Some fire under my creative pot, if you will.

Quick note

Another day of inaccessible meetings. Another day being thrust way beyond my level. We started off at Stephen Leiweke's studio. Stephen is a producer and session guitarist that offers a more private type of studio with in-house lodging and includes all his services in his studio fees. It makes perfect sense, but apparently it's not the norm down here? That's how Innovation was.

Anyway, we also visited Jason Halbert's house. Jason is Kelly Clarkson's musical director. He runs shows and keeps everything synchronized completely regardless of whether or not she skips a measure or two. That's a high level of skill.

Emack Studios (Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith, Relient K) was next on the list. Met with Kyle Lee who does production, mixing, songwriting, etc. there. Gained a lot of insight from that, as well.

For dinner, Marcus DePaula (our tech boss for the next three months) had us over for chili and cornbread. It sure was delicious. We felt each other out and talked about some tech experience on both ends. Obviously Marcus outshined everyone immeasurably.

Sorry this post is so bland and undetailed. I'm really just jotting down quick notes, so I remember the day. I am rather sleepy, so good night.