The Secret E.P.

Well, I got some good work done on The Secret E.P today. Worked a little more on the track I've been working on for a few weeks, and reworked a version of Travel Song for it. I'm working on another track or two as well. Mostly, it's material that I've written that doesn't quite work out as hard rock/punk rock (i.e for Double Vision). Now, if only my microphone worked. Planning on getting this thing for my home studio.

Speaking of which, I got a VERY awesome b-day gift from my brother, a Yamaha MW8cx mixing board. Used it today to record some guitar for Travel Song. It's a great piece of equipment. Small, but you know what? It works for what I need. Now, I really need that mike.

Electro Pop! Part II

So, yeah, as I said before, I am digging this whole electro pop thing. I'm not sure what to call my music- it's not very techno-ish or anything, but it uses lots of synth sounds and weird effects such as a wah-wah piano. But anyway, I think I would like to finish an EP and put it up for free download. Maybe I can do some vocals today for one of the tracks. Let's see how it goes.

As for names? I'm not sure. But for the sake of these entries, I'll refer to it as The Secret EP.

First Day

Well, summer vacation will officially be over in less than twenty-four hours. The music students will finally get to move into the new building tomorrow. I think. There might be no electricity or something, but it's good to see that the construction crews busted their asses over the summer to get this building up and running. Even if it was promised for Fall 2008.

Right now, the following list comprises of the new facilities we are supposed to have. Or at least the ones I've heard about.

1. New comp lab w/private seminar room
2. New piano labs
3. All STEINWAY pianos
4. Brand new recital hall, however, not open until October 2009
5. Separate choir room, band room, orchestra room
6. Guitar lab
7. Plenty of practice rooms and lockers
8. Swimming pool and open bar

Oh wait, the last one is just wishful thinking.

Now, I'm off to Sweetest Sounds to get me a conductor's baton.

DJ AM

So, DJ AM apparently killed himself (this is what I think, anyway), and nobody's really spoken about this. Well, I guess that's because Ted Kennedy's funeral coverage is all over the news. But, as much as I hate to admit this, I guess that's understandable.

But anyway, most of what I've heard about Adam Goldstein's death has been negative. I can understand that many people are quiet about it out of respect for his family and friends. Some people, however, heard that Adam's body was found alongside drug paraphernalia and said things such as "well, he deserves it for being a druggie".

Yes, the man struggled with drug problems all of his life.

He also lived with chronic depression.

Anyway, goodbye DJ AM, fellow musician who, despite his vices, seemed like a nice guy...

Skratch Magazine

Check this out.

These guys support underground music. If all goes well, expect to hear a lot more about them.

NYC Venues- Parkside Lounge

So, let's start off with one of the better venues in NYC- Parkside Lounge. Everything here is great- the staff most importantly, plus the house equipment. They booked our band and admitted that they did not usually book punk bands. Still, they made a concerted effort to help us in every way. Plus they actually give bands beer and water, which many places don't do. Even other places, while they charge a cover, find ways not to pay you, and then they make you pay for drinks. Parkside isn't into that. You don't get paid for the show, so the least a venue can do is give you some beer (as well as a proper sound check, thanks). If you're ever by E.Houston and you want to check out a cool music venue, drop by Parkside for their variety of live acts and their cool atmosphere. Bands looking for a place to play in NYC should DEFINITELY consider Parkside to host their music.

Philly!

So, I am in Philly until Sunday. Gotta check out some live music if I can. More on that later. For now, I think I'm going to start a small series of entries detailing small music venues in NYC- mostly places I've played, while others will be simply ones I've seen friends' bands perform.