I don't know if all of you have seen this yet or not, but it's a fantastic video the boys just released for one of our favorites "Game Of Love". The Windy City Rollers are featured in the vid as well, support our favorite Chicagoans!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Posting Pshawwww
If any/all of you are curious where the posts went, because they're obviously not up yet, need not to fret. As far as excuses, this is my graduating year at Drexel and I've been pretty dang swamped lately with not only school, but work and just the stress of trying to filter in the "real world" as well. Please don't think I've forgotten about you because I could never do that. Finishing this blog is on my list of things I need and want to do, but there are so many deadlines ahead of it, it may take a few more weeks. Maybe in the mean time I can get a picture of that spooky black box up, or my wonderful ninja socks?
Love and all that jazz!
Mike
Love and all that jazz!
Mike
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
LETTERMAN!
The Redwalls are appearing on Letterman tomorrow night, everyone should tune in and support our favorite Chicagoans!
It airs at 11:35PM EST on CBS, imagine me dancing backstage. Cause that's what I'll be doing.
It airs at 11:35PM EST on CBS, imagine me dancing backstage. Cause that's what I'll be doing.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Hey Yo Team On The STREET!
Here are some questions that were given to me by your leader/organizer Katie. I guess a bunch of these applied more when I was on tour, so they're a little late to the punch, but I'll answer them to the best of my current abilities!
Also...
I am joining The Redwalls for their Letterman performance this upcoming Wednesday, January 23rd. I'm going to be a production assistant, so I'll snag some backstage shots of the whole thing. And you'd better like it!
THE QUESTIONS:
What does everyone listen to on the road? Is it all individual IPods or something on the van stereo?
This varies from time to time, but I'd have to say the majority of the trips are spent locked into our own little worlds. Rono takes control of the stereo and it acts as his iPod for the journey. Though, every once in a while we'll all take part in something. The Ricky Gervais CD's we had were freaking hilarious! And we all laughed. Simultaneously. Creepy, huh?
What does everyone do in the van during the long stretches of travel?
I swear The Redwalls are actually bears beneath their exteriors. It's like hibernation season every time we get in the van. Doesn't matter if it's one hour or 12, every one will sleep. Even Rono starts to doze, and that's when my gummy bears begin to disappear...
Other than that, I would work on blogs, the guys would do phone interviews and the like, and Rono would manage the tour via iPhone and his crazy little bluetooth headset thing.
What bands/artists is everyone listening to/liking right now?
Well. I honestly have no idea. I always hear the Stones, Dylan, and more from that era coming out of Logan's little jukebox thing. Rono always had the weirdest radio stations playing. I definitely became a big Spree and Whigs fan just through the last tours. MGMT, Eisley, The Appleseed Cast, Matt Pond PA, Simon and Garfunkel, American Football, The Fire Theft and Pavement were all favorites of mine during that period.
What is the best part of your job? and...the worst part?
The best part is a tie between meeting all of you (and everyone in between) and the traveling. The Rooney tour way my third time around the country, and it hasn't gotten old yet. Little by little I get to learn a little bit more about all the places we go, and it makes me want to go back.
The worst part is probably sleeping on the floor every night, or that last day when you're burnt out and just want to get home, but you still have to find a place to crash, wake up early, get on a plane, sit around during your layover, get on another plane, and wait for the train to take me to the station where I can catch the trolley to my house all while carrying too much luggage. Yea, one of those two.
What is most surprising about Redwalls fans?
How dedicated the majority of you actually are. It's amazing how I met so many fans that would scale mountains without safety harnesses to see this band.
I know Ben used to drive sometimes... do you ever have to drive? Or someone else? Or is it always Rono doing all the driving?
I didn't actually start driving until the very end of the whole experience. I took the wheel only when Rono made me. I was really nervous about handling a van with a trailer full of expensive equipment that didn't belong to me. But once I did it I realized how easy it actually is. I'm sure the next tour that I join them on will lead to me driving much more. And then Rono can cool it on those gigantic coffees.
What has surprised you most in this experience?
That this kind of tour isn't very different at all than the tour my band booked themselves last summer. I really felt like it was small time in a lot of ways, which it definitely was, but the overall idea of a "tour" was essentially the same. It was actually MORE work on The Redwalls tours than Da Bears. Then again, they are on an entirely different level than us!
What is your favorite kind of cookie? Smile.
I have to go with good old-fashioned chocolate chip. Fresh out of the over warm and gooey when the chocolate morsels are still melty. Ooooooooh boy. Those and Pepperidge Farm's Brussels. They make Milano (?) cookies too, and the Brussels are SO MUCH BETTER! I am smiling.
Were you a fan of The Redwalls before this? If not, do you like it now, or has being completely immersed in it sorta made you tired of their music? Or has it never been the kind of music that you are interested in?
I honestly had never heard of The Redwalls before they were signed to my school's label. And even then I didn't realize how long they'd been around and what their story was. If someone described the music to me, I don't think I would go and look it up. It's definitely not typically the thing I listen to, but the blessing that came out of joining the tour was getting to see them live. I'm a huge fan of live shows, and if the band can pull it off there, it makes the CD so much more enjoyable. I really don't like listening to The Redwalls albums, because I don't think they do the band justice at all. To really understand this band, you have to see them live. I never got tired of watching the same show over and over again, as much as I may have made faces and comments about it, I can positively say that I enjoyed every show I was a part of.
Do you ever get numbers from fan girls?
Well now, that's an interesting question to pose! In fact, I did get several numbers while out on the road. Most of them were from Redwalls fans that I'd like to keep in touch with or that I got to see and hang out with more than once (Sarahjane, Lisa, Gen, Cara, Etc.). Other than that there were a few bits of paper thrown at me with numbers written on them. But seriously, what the hell am I supposed to do with that? If you want to talk to me then just do it, I'm a friendly guy! I won't call you if you give me a little crumpled paper ball. I get bored a lot sitting behind that table by myself, so talking to me would make me very happy!
How did you end up working merch for The Redwalls?
I got the job through the band's new label, MAD Dragon Records. I'm a senior at Drexel University in Philly, and they house the label, which is run by students. I'm way ahead cause I'm such an amazing student, so I thought jumping on a "real" tour would be great experience because it's something I want to keep doing and eventually get paid for. No one wants an n00b. This way I can integrate myself better in the future. Anyway, I set up an independent study for my fall term and remained a full-time student while on the road. The best of both worlds! Like I said before, I didn't even listen to the music before hand. I had had maybe ten minutes of contact with the band previous to me jumping into a van and starting the drive.
Are you in a band?
Yes, I am in a few. One is based out of San Diego called Da Bears, and were like an indie surf rock outfit. Just fun poppy music. And we are touring this summer, so if you like it I would be very excited to see you at a show! My other band is a solo project called living/breathing/singing/screaming, and that's Philly based. I'm working on an EP right now, and I want to get a band together so I can begin playing live. So much to do and so little time!
Do you plan on being in the music business forever, and if so, what path are you going to take after you're done with The Redwalls?
I can't answer this question right now. I don't even really have plans beyond the next few months. Where ever music takes me is where I'll go! I guess I can plan on working in the music industry, but it's so unstable I can't count on it. My main focuses are continuing to write music, touring and hopefully building a career for myself. As far as being done with The Redwalls... I don't think I'll ever be done with them. Getting involved in the music industry is a long term commitment, and I think that since The Redwalls are really the ones that opened the door for me I'm going to want to help them with whatever I can for the duration of either entity.
Also...
I am joining The Redwalls for their Letterman performance this upcoming Wednesday, January 23rd. I'm going to be a production assistant, so I'll snag some backstage shots of the whole thing. And you'd better like it!
THE QUESTIONS:
What does everyone listen to on the road? Is it all individual IPods or something on the van stereo?
This varies from time to time, but I'd have to say the majority of the trips are spent locked into our own little worlds. Rono takes control of the stereo and it acts as his iPod for the journey. Though, every once in a while we'll all take part in something. The Ricky Gervais CD's we had were freaking hilarious! And we all laughed. Simultaneously. Creepy, huh?
What does everyone do in the van during the long stretches of travel?
I swear The Redwalls are actually bears beneath their exteriors. It's like hibernation season every time we get in the van. Doesn't matter if it's one hour or 12, every one will sleep. Even Rono starts to doze, and that's when my gummy bears begin to disappear...
Other than that, I would work on blogs, the guys would do phone interviews and the like, and Rono would manage the tour via iPhone and his crazy little bluetooth headset thing.
What bands/artists is everyone listening to/liking right now?
Well. I honestly have no idea. I always hear the Stones, Dylan, and more from that era coming out of Logan's little jukebox thing. Rono always had the weirdest radio stations playing. I definitely became a big Spree and Whigs fan just through the last tours. MGMT, Eisley, The Appleseed Cast, Matt Pond PA, Simon and Garfunkel, American Football, The Fire Theft and Pavement were all favorites of mine during that period.
What is the best part of your job? and...the worst part?
The best part is a tie between meeting all of you (and everyone in between) and the traveling. The Rooney tour way my third time around the country, and it hasn't gotten old yet. Little by little I get to learn a little bit more about all the places we go, and it makes me want to go back.
The worst part is probably sleeping on the floor every night, or that last day when you're burnt out and just want to get home, but you still have to find a place to crash, wake up early, get on a plane, sit around during your layover, get on another plane, and wait for the train to take me to the station where I can catch the trolley to my house all while carrying too much luggage. Yea, one of those two.
What is most surprising about Redwalls fans?
How dedicated the majority of you actually are. It's amazing how I met so many fans that would scale mountains without safety harnesses to see this band.
I know Ben used to drive sometimes... do you ever have to drive? Or someone else? Or is it always Rono doing all the driving?
I didn't actually start driving until the very end of the whole experience. I took the wheel only when Rono made me. I was really nervous about handling a van with a trailer full of expensive equipment that didn't belong to me. But once I did it I realized how easy it actually is. I'm sure the next tour that I join them on will lead to me driving much more. And then Rono can cool it on those gigantic coffees.
What has surprised you most in this experience?
That this kind of tour isn't very different at all than the tour my band booked themselves last summer. I really felt like it was small time in a lot of ways, which it definitely was, but the overall idea of a "tour" was essentially the same. It was actually MORE work on The Redwalls tours than Da Bears. Then again, they are on an entirely different level than us!
What is your favorite kind of cookie? Smile.
I have to go with good old-fashioned chocolate chip. Fresh out of the over warm and gooey when the chocolate morsels are still melty. Ooooooooh boy. Those and Pepperidge Farm's Brussels. They make Milano (?) cookies too, and the Brussels are SO MUCH BETTER! I am smiling.
Were you a fan of The Redwalls before this? If not, do you like it now, or has being completely immersed in it sorta made you tired of their music? Or has it never been the kind of music that you are interested in?
I honestly had never heard of The Redwalls before they were signed to my school's label. And even then I didn't realize how long they'd been around and what their story was. If someone described the music to me, I don't think I would go and look it up. It's definitely not typically the thing I listen to, but the blessing that came out of joining the tour was getting to see them live. I'm a huge fan of live shows, and if the band can pull it off there, it makes the CD so much more enjoyable. I really don't like listening to The Redwalls albums, because I don't think they do the band justice at all. To really understand this band, you have to see them live. I never got tired of watching the same show over and over again, as much as I may have made faces and comments about it, I can positively say that I enjoyed every show I was a part of.
Do you ever get numbers from fan girls?
Well now, that's an interesting question to pose! In fact, I did get several numbers while out on the road. Most of them were from Redwalls fans that I'd like to keep in touch with or that I got to see and hang out with more than once (Sarahjane, Lisa, Gen, Cara, Etc.). Other than that there were a few bits of paper thrown at me with numbers written on them. But seriously, what the hell am I supposed to do with that? If you want to talk to me then just do it, I'm a friendly guy! I won't call you if you give me a little crumpled paper ball. I get bored a lot sitting behind that table by myself, so talking to me would make me very happy!
How did you end up working merch for The Redwalls?
I got the job through the band's new label, MAD Dragon Records. I'm a senior at Drexel University in Philly, and they house the label, which is run by students. I'm way ahead cause I'm such an amazing student, so I thought jumping on a "real" tour would be great experience because it's something I want to keep doing and eventually get paid for. No one wants an n00b. This way I can integrate myself better in the future. Anyway, I set up an independent study for my fall term and remained a full-time student while on the road. The best of both worlds! Like I said before, I didn't even listen to the music before hand. I had had maybe ten minutes of contact with the band previous to me jumping into a van and starting the drive.
Are you in a band?
Yes, I am in a few. One is based out of San Diego called Da Bears, and were like an indie surf rock outfit. Just fun poppy music. And we are touring this summer, so if you like it I would be very excited to see you at a show! My other band is a solo project called living/breathing/singing/screaming, and that's Philly based. I'm working on an EP right now, and I want to get a band together so I can begin playing live. So much to do and so little time!
Do you plan on being in the music business forever, and if so, what path are you going to take after you're done with The Redwalls?
I can't answer this question right now. I don't even really have plans beyond the next few months. Where ever music takes me is where I'll go! I guess I can plan on working in the music industry, but it's so unstable I can't count on it. My main focuses are continuing to write music, touring and hopefully building a career for myself. As far as being done with The Redwalls... I don't think I'll ever be done with them. Getting involved in the music industry is a long term commitment, and I think that since The Redwalls are really the ones that opened the door for me I'm going to want to help them with whatever I can for the duration of either entity.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
_________ Nickel
Buffalo was COLD! And it was the second time we saw some real snowfall, which was nice. Like I said earlier, this winter is doing something to me. I’m really enjoying it. Moving from the warm-er climate of Philly to the higher latitudes of Chicago was a bit shocking at first, but luckily I came equipped with a scarf, gloves and a heavy coat!
Our hotel was pretty nice, and when we first got there the guys went down to eat some lunch and I stayed up to take a much-needed shower. After I was done with that, the guys came up shortly after, fairly dissatisfied with the quality of the meal, and we watched some murder mystery shows on TV until it was time to go to the venue.
MOHAWK PLACE
December 1, 2007
Buffalo, NY
Conveniently located on Mohawk St., this place is very much what I'd call a picturesque small rock club complete with a bar, show posters and stickers everywhere. When we first got there, Rono drove around to the side looking for a loading dock to bring the van into, and as we found one this guy came walking up to the car talking to us. We all thought he worked at the venue, turns out he was just a bum off the street. He took Rono’s cigarette right out of his hand! It was actually pretty hilarious. He was like, “C’mon c’mon c’mon c’mon c’mon” and just took the thing. Ha! He also told us he was the baddest drummer in Buffalo.
Anyway, this night was the first time I met Junko. She’s a Redwalls fan that came all the way from Japan just to catch a few of these shows on tour. She’s been out here a few times before, so the guys know her well, but this was our first meeting. She’s awesome… AND she bought me ninja socks for Christmas!
So this show went well, and many of the fans there were present the last time The Redwalls went through Buffalo with Hot Hot Heat, and made it known too. I sold some sweet merch goodies and after the show we hung out at the bar for a little bit. The place was open until 4AM. I know one of those after-hours places that exists in Philly, but sorry folks, restaurant personnel only.
Other highlights of the night include a chicken finger sandwich from a few blocks away. Deeeee-lish!
3/4 standing around.
Performance, you can see some of the Whigs in there too.
Hanging out afterwards with some dudes from Handsome Jack.
Ew, wet snow.
Our hotel was pretty nice, and when we first got there the guys went down to eat some lunch and I stayed up to take a much-needed shower. After I was done with that, the guys came up shortly after, fairly dissatisfied with the quality of the meal, and we watched some murder mystery shows on TV until it was time to go to the venue.
MOHAWK PLACE
December 1, 2007
Buffalo, NY
Conveniently located on Mohawk St., this place is very much what I'd call a picturesque small rock club complete with a bar, show posters and stickers everywhere. When we first got there, Rono drove around to the side looking for a loading dock to bring the van into, and as we found one this guy came walking up to the car talking to us. We all thought he worked at the venue, turns out he was just a bum off the street. He took Rono’s cigarette right out of his hand! It was actually pretty hilarious. He was like, “C’mon c’mon c’mon c’mon c’mon” and just took the thing. Ha! He also told us he was the baddest drummer in Buffalo.
Anyway, this night was the first time I met Junko. She’s a Redwalls fan that came all the way from Japan just to catch a few of these shows on tour. She’s been out here a few times before, so the guys know her well, but this was our first meeting. She’s awesome… AND she bought me ninja socks for Christmas!
So this show went well, and many of the fans there were present the last time The Redwalls went through Buffalo with Hot Hot Heat, and made it known too. I sold some sweet merch goodies and after the show we hung out at the bar for a little bit. The place was open until 4AM. I know one of those after-hours places that exists in Philly, but sorry folks, restaurant personnel only.
Other highlights of the night include a chicken finger sandwich from a few blocks away. Deeeee-lish!
3/4 standing around.
Performance, you can see some of the Whigs in there too.
Hanging out afterwards with some dudes from Handsome Jack.
Ew, wet snow.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Boo!
For those of you that haven't noticed yet, the NYC and Philly posts are up down below. The Baltimore one will be up eventually...
The Northern Country!
Boy, we were worried as to whether or not we would make it over the border. How many horror stories have I heard about bands getting pulled into secondary for six hours while they open everything and send dogs in to sniff stuff… too many. Luckily, I was on top of the whole passport situation, meaning the ones who don’t have them didn’t need them, and kept things in order for a smooth crossing. Rono handled the questions and took care of business, and before we knew it we were driving through Ontario.
Our hotel was located on top of a large underground mall, and it gave me something to do for a bit while we waited for load in. I went down and bought a couple tapes to use with this video camera I have, hopefully I can get some good footage of these gents. I also bought some gummy bears!
EL MOCAMBO
November 30, 2007
Toronto, ON
When we arrived at the venue we were searching for a load in spot when Rono decided to pull down a tiny alley with no outlet, and we proceeded to get stuck in there with the trailer for a good 20 minutes. I was worried we weren’t going to make it out, but luckily Rono can drive this thing and maneuvered the beast through a series of K, X and Q turns to the road once again. Then moments later, we pulled down second alley with no outlet. This time it was the right place to be, though the venue guys made us wait to load in while they grabbed a few cases of beer from the hummer behind us. They said, “Sorry! Beer’s the priority!”
Psh.
I guess the second floor of the venue was having construction done on it, because the entire night the whole place was ice cold. I absolutely hate having to sit by the front door for extended periods of time. Why can’t they put me someplace warmer? And then the bar never has anything warm to drink. Ah, the woes of a merch person…
All the money I made was in Canadian. Their money makes me happy. It has children ice-skating on it and people playing hockey. Ours is one color and has dinosaurs. I heard they signed some sort of declaration about our indifference… or maybe it was independence. Oh well.
I met Maria who is on the street team, as well as her friend. I forgot his name though, sorry! Tell me and I’ll fix it. His name is JUSTIN!
It snowed here too, and as much as I’m usually seasonally depressed, I can’t help but realize how much better I feel this year for some reason. I am enjoying aspects of winter I used to loathe. It’s weird, but I’m going to ride it out. I also realized how not-cold Philadelphia actually is. Stop whining, peers of mine.
Approaching T-ronto.
Something tall and pointy.
Damn beer Hummer.
Rockin'.
Logan and Rob.
The Wizard of Robz. I tried...
Outside this landmark club. The Stones played here!
Our hotel was located on top of a large underground mall, and it gave me something to do for a bit while we waited for load in. I went down and bought a couple tapes to use with this video camera I have, hopefully I can get some good footage of these gents. I also bought some gummy bears!
EL MOCAMBO
November 30, 2007
Toronto, ON
When we arrived at the venue we were searching for a load in spot when Rono decided to pull down a tiny alley with no outlet, and we proceeded to get stuck in there with the trailer for a good 20 minutes. I was worried we weren’t going to make it out, but luckily Rono can drive this thing and maneuvered the beast through a series of K, X and Q turns to the road once again. Then moments later, we pulled down second alley with no outlet. This time it was the right place to be, though the venue guys made us wait to load in while they grabbed a few cases of beer from the hummer behind us. They said, “Sorry! Beer’s the priority!”
Psh.
I guess the second floor of the venue was having construction done on it, because the entire night the whole place was ice cold. I absolutely hate having to sit by the front door for extended periods of time. Why can’t they put me someplace warmer? And then the bar never has anything warm to drink. Ah, the woes of a merch person…
All the money I made was in Canadian. Their money makes me happy. It has children ice-skating on it and people playing hockey. Ours is one color and has dinosaurs. I heard they signed some sort of declaration about our indifference… or maybe it was independence. Oh well.
I met Maria who is on the street team, as well as her friend. I forgot his name though, sorry! Tell me and I’ll fix it. His name is JUSTIN!
It snowed here too, and as much as I’m usually seasonally depressed, I can’t help but realize how much better I feel this year for some reason. I am enjoying aspects of winter I used to loathe. It’s weird, but I’m going to ride it out. I also realized how not-cold Philadelphia actually is. Stop whining, peers of mine.
Approaching T-ronto.
Something tall and pointy.
Damn beer Hummer.
Rockin'.
Logan and Rob.
The Wizard of Robz. I tried...
Outside this landmark club. The Stones played here!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
