Saturday, September 27, 2008

What to do. . .

Songs for my Seaweed Girl was released about 18 months ago, I think. . .  (pretending to check records. . .)  Sure, that sounds fine.  The plan was to sell enough copies to pay for the copies that I would send out to college radio, press, etc to hope for a wider audience.

Now, 18th months later I still dig that record, but it doesn't feel especially current.  Now, most of the problem there is my own perspective on these things.  I've always felt that the more material I could put out, the faster I would improve.  Maybe that's counter-intuitive, because you would think that spending longer crafting things and perfecting things would do more good that just smashing stuff together as fast as possible.  I guess there are arguments for both, and as it's late at night in a house where everyone is asleep except myself, I will continue to discuss them quietly aloud while you read on to other issues.

It's a tricky business, this music without touring business, because it really doesn't work.  I think the key advantage an indie artist has over a bigger act is the person touch -- if you see a small band play at a bar or a small venue, you can probably talk to them, ask them about the music, etc.  You can befriend a small band, and that's something that makes people buy cd's or t-shirt's or whatever.  So, basically, if I'm not playing shows, there's really no personal touch to be made.

Wait, that paragraph was really more of an aside, a lament on my lack of gigs in the last little while. . .  But, seriously now, the question is, would it be appropriate to send out, say, 20 copies of Songs for my Seaweed Girl to whomever these things get sent to?  It would cost maybe $40 in postage and I'd have to write up some bullshit bio or whatever. . .

Risk -- Well, what's the worst case?  I suppose being ignored, and not being reviewed.  Would that be worse than a critic not digging it?  I don't know.  There seems a current lack of the regular brand of self-deluding over-confidence that usual inhabits my studio.  That's the biggest problem.  There really isn't any dancing around.

Best case?  Well, I guess some people could like it an play it over the college radio air-waves, and maybe give me some quotes to use on the next album's bio.

Alright, past all that crap.

I got some-more time in the studio today to work on a slower, kind of rolling-along simple rock tune currently called "Lifeguard".  That wobbly keyboard sound a few of you have heard on the demo for David Ash (if you'd like to hear it, shoot me an Email and I'll send you the mp3) is definitely sticking around.  It's going to replace any thought of 2nd guitar in a lot of places, and I feel like it does a much better job of hinting at melodies and stuff that lead work.  Mostly because I'm a shit lead-guitarist, I suppose, and keyboard is much easier if you're not trying to play 3 parts at once.

So, that's going well.  Otherwise, I don't know what the hell to do, but that's alright.

And my big sister is going to be a mom -- isn't that nice?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Game 1

My rec basketball team has our first game last night.  We're playing out at the new French Highschool / cultural centre.  The gym is very strange -- it's regulation length, but very narrow -- the three point lines nearly hit the sidelines.  But it has decent rims and glass backboards, so it's a step up from last season.

There was one play that really defined my role on the team.  I was dribbling up court, and the guy guarding me got a piece of the ball.  It bounced into my feet, I tripped on the ball, did a somersault, and then slid a good 5 feet on my back.  The other team froze, obviously concerned that I might be injured, and my teammate Bryn grabbed the ball (still rolling down the court) and got an easy lay-up.

It was a very fun and entertaining game.  I wore my glasses for the first time, and I think it really helped me throw some decent passes and keep track of players.

Peja's at school, so I should go get some work done in the studio before I pick her up for lunch.

Take care,

Jay.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Charlie Brown Music

I dropped Peja off at school the other day.  She ran away from me into the classroom.  I left the school and started home.  And then it started to rain.  I put up my hood and trudged home, alone.  All I needed was some sad Charlie Brown music.

On a brighter note, the next school day after that I managed to get some work done in the studio.  I'm working on a track called "I and You", which I think needs another part. . .  But the recording work I did let me arrange a rhodes-style piano part -- a sound which is starting to define this album as much as the harmonica did the last.

Basketball starts next week -- Captain Jay and the Blue Crush (uh. . .  alright, the official name is just Blue Crush, but I'm going to talk to the team about that. . .) will be back!  Sara got us a couple of new teammates, ringers, it seems.  There really isn't any doubt I'll be the worst basketball player on our team -- which, so long as my teammates tolerate me, is the very best situation to learn from.

Hope all is well with you -- I just got some new video-editing software, so maybe Peja and I will make some kind of film thing soon.

Take care,

Jay.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Real 1st Day. . .


Yesterday morning Sienna and I dropped Peja off at school for her real first day.  We went to an open-house last week with her, but that was just an hour, and we were there the whole time.  Peja had a great day at school, they went to the gym and made hand-print puzzles, and all kinds of other stuff that Peja is all about.  School is definitely designed for little monkeys like mine.  Last night she told me, "I'm so excited for the next time I go to school!"  Which was pretty cool to hear.

When it all gets settled, she'll be going 2 1/2 days a week, which still gives me lots of time to brainwash. . .  Uh, I mean teach her. . .  And it means you can probably still catch us at the park most sunny days.

I think my basketball team is all settled, which is pretty cool.  The season starts on the 24th, so that's just 2 weeks away!

Hope all is well with you,

Jay.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Cats

Dear Diary. . .

Score so far: Cats 1, Mice 0.

Sanders, a middle aged orangish cat has moved in for two months while his family is off to Japan.  It really is the best way to have a pet.  We get to enjoy the novelty, it's free, and in 2 months we get relieved.  That said, Sanders is an outdoor cat who spends 99% of his time outside in a nice suburban neighbourhood.  I have 2 drug houses in sight of my front steps, and Stephen Street is a highway during rush-hour.  So, for now anyway, the kitty's staying inside.  He's actually got a good scam going on right now -- with Sienna's shift work and the three of us mostly missing each-other, he's getting at least 2 of most meals.

Good gigs on the weekend -- Peja got to dance beside me at the Skeleton Park gig, which was pretty much my dream (well, maybe her on the drums might be better, but I'll let her take her time).

The kid started school.  I will take her again next week.  Apparently, next time they expect me to leave her there.  There's a tree outside with a good view of the classroom. . .

Basketball season is closer and closer and closer. . .  I just got my 4th confirmation for the team, and I'm sure we'll have no trouble rounding up members 5 and 6 and maybe 7.

Album 12 or whatever is going to fill the time when Peja is being brainwashed, so that should get going faster soon.

Jay.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Skeleton Park. . .

Hey everyone, I played a show with Kyra and Tully yesterday out on Wolfe Island.  Thanks to the Island Grill for having us.  Peja and I got to see a lot of old friends and enjoyed the kindess of the ferry workers.

We're playing again today at Skeleton Park as part of a Labour Day celebration.  Look for me on the bass.

Ah, the bass.

Peja starts school tomorrow, so if you see some skinny long haired dude crying out in front of Central Public. . .  Well, I'm just saying hugs are appreciated.

Hope all is well with you.