The album will be fully mixed by the end of this month. I'm very thankful to Eric Ruud of Sholi, whose ear for sound, and patience, has helped 'Piru' reach it's full potential. Also, Payam Bavafa of Sholi will also be making a last minute guitar (and possibly vocal) appearence. Couple shows in July coming up...stay tuned.
March 20th
The new album, PIRU, is finally in the mixing stage. Thanks to all who played on the record: Jake Mann, Tim Wright, Jen Grady, Carey Lamprect, Amber Lamprect, Matt Bauer, Natalie Gordon, Derek Stovall, Keith Carey.
I just got back from sxsw where I was playing drums with 60 Watt Kid. It seems like the power of blogs has taken over the record business. So, I will attempt to make-with-the-times and post more news this year.
Highlights of the festival: Bon Iver, H.E.A.L.T.H., Little Teeth, Laura Gibson, Lucky Dragons, Citay, and the paparazzi that hounded M. Ward.
In other random news from my head...politics are entering my non-political bubble in the form of extreme gas prices. Forget the idea of D.I.Y. bands coming to your home town! Some of my good friends might not make it back to California after they go broke on tour because of $4.00 per gallon fill-ups. Though I'm allergic to the "we've got to make a change" rhetoric. I'm seeing only one option that can benifit us right now (you know who he is). So, keep buying physical records, stop texting your friends at shows, and be aware of the machine that has been damaging the real independent music scene.
Dec 5th
Completed the initial recording of the next album up in Columbia, CA with the help of a major production team featuring: Tim Wright, Jake Mann, and Casio. Tons of strings, guitars, and random percussion. We'll be overdubbing and mixing through the winter.
I'm also playing a bunch with 60 Watt Kid. We just released an album on Absolutely Kosher Records.
April 16th
My spring tour with Matt Bauer was a great ride past the southwestern deserts and on through the great trees of the Pacific Northwest. We found scorpion lollipops, Marshmallow Burgers, and tons of new music. Both Matt and I had the honor of playing with Keith Cary (Jolie Holland, John Vanderslice, Cheap-Suit Serenaders), as he backed us up on a converted lap steel/steel guitar, and various other instruments through the NW leg. I have some local gigs coming up in May, and around twelve new tunes that I'm looking to record in the fall.
I'm also recording percussion in 60 Watt Kid. We just recently signed to Absolutely Kosher Records. Also, I lend some vocals and engineering work to Jake Mann's upcoming release on Crossbill Records due out in June. Busy times.
January 12th
Putting the finishing touches on my Spring Tour with Matt Bauer. We'll be heading down to Austin to paticipate in various shows at SXSW, and then we're headin up the northwest where we'll be playing with scattered friends among their cities and forests.
December 27th
New music that has kept me going this year: Liars, Dirty Three, Diane Cluck, M. Ward, Regina Spektor, Edan, Sholi, Joanna Newsome, Millar Carr, Akron/Family, White Magic, Vetiver, and Antony's performence in the Leonard Cohen film "I'm Your Man".
New local band to listen to: Agent Ribbons.
James Brown, you always saved my nights of D.J.ing. The party always started with you.
November 22nd
Been busy working out new song compositions. I'll be playing some small select shows in December with Jen Grady of The Waxfire. And I'll be striking objects with sticks next Wednesday at Cafe Du Nord in 60 Watt Kid, also featuring Sholi, and Miller Carr.
October 26th
Just returned from Italy where I've ben working on some new material. I played a few shows, including one with Nick Cave in Athens. That gig was amazing for so many reasons, especially because it took place in an ancient theater atop Lycabettus Hill - a mountain just as big as the Acropolis. I'd like to thank my friends for putting roofs over my head, and give major thanks to Piero, Alez, and Giuseppe for help with the gigs.
Crossbill Records is throwing a big event next week: November 2nd at Delta Of Venus. People of the Davis, CA vicinity should check that out. Other than that, I'll be planning a winter tour, and spending time with these new songs, and playing in my other projects with Jake Mann and 60 Watt Kid.
July 30th
Wednesday night at The Rickshaw will be my last pefrormence for a couple months. I'll be recording demos in Italy during September and October. But, before I leave I'll be playing bass in Jake Mann's band for a couple shows and playing percussion in 60 Watt Kid featuring Kevin of Dance Disaster Movement.
June 24th
I remember being stuck in traffic on I-5 on my way back from a show in San Diego when I first put on Diane Cluck's Countless Times. I was silent for the duration of the album. Typically, I would have been irate due to the sea of gridlocked vehicles, but I was calmed by her songs. After some brief exchanges through e-mail she agreed to come out and do a short California tour. I'm honored, as I'm certain everyone will be after she plays and sings for us this week. This is a rare opportunity, come out and support.
April 20th
KEXP Radio in Seattle has been spinning Like A Moth over the last couple weeks along with the ever-supportive KDVS in Davis. Please support your local radio stations and record stores. I'm not the most politically charged individual I know, but I do believe in spending your time and money in constuctive ways, and free-formed radio, and "mom & pop" shops are what still appeals to me about my country.
March 28th
Settled back into the city, waiting for Spring to appear. Had a blast traveling through the northwest with my good buddy, and label-head, Michael Leahy. I played five shows, and spent time with old friends, and many new ones as we traveled through the lush greenery of America and Canada. I'd like to name everyone who helped out on our sojourn, but the list would be too grand in scale, but you know who you are...thanks! And check out what Crossbill Records has been up to.
The future looks exciting. I've got a couple intimate shows locally, and will be backing my good friend Jake Mann up for some gigs. Also, my old electroclash band, ChoadBot, will be rising up from the ashes of the past to rock a couple venues at the end of April. The biggest news is that Diane Cluck will be flying out from Brooklyn this June to join me on a little tour. Diane is my favorite songwriter around right now, and I highly suggest getting ahold of her last album, Countless Times. Then you can go around talking about it obsessively as I've been doing for the last few months.
March 8th
About to go on my second NW tour after a great weekend with my good friends, The Waxfire.
I recently recorded a cover of their song Poloroid which you can find here.
February 17th
John Lennon's first solo album, "Plastic Ono Band", has finally crept it's way into my favorite albums. After years of listening to it thanks to my buddy Cody, I lost my c.d., then grabbed it on vinyl...and Phil Spector's production is untouchable.
On the show front, I have the privelage of playing at The Great American Music Hall with The Devil Makes Three tomorrow. Then I'll be all around the west coast this spring, and then in Europe at the end of summer.
Also, the S.F. Guardian wrote something nice
Check it out here.
January 19th
I'm going to rant for just a bit, but in a positive way. I'm surrounded by incredible artists here in San Francisco. The place definetley has it's share of faults, but not in the musical catagory. I just saw Sholi tonight, and I'm positive that they'll become one of the most important rock bands in this area for the next few years. And these are my closest friends! Then I look around me and Jake Mann, Jack Francis, Imaad Wassif, and more creative forces right there taking it all in.
If you know me well, you understand my obsession with '20's Paris, and any city that fully developes into an inspired collective. Some people are in denial about the validity of this resurgence of attitude and grace, but I think it's more than alive, and spreading. San Francisco, they say, was recently on the verge of recreating it's heyday, but I despise copy-cat subculture. Picasso, Joyce, Miller, Stein...they all embraced the dark. The Haight/Ashbury scene ignored that and became blind in the process.
What I feel around me now is a balance of the past. People who don't fear their demons, and let them dance wildly on stages, cafes, and backyards. Tonight I feel blessed to have these people close.
I've got some sharing to do on stage soon...come see.
December 27th
The tour is over and I'm back in front of the old computer in S.F.
Highlights: My show at The Echo was my favorite...Matt Bauer and Jake Mann joined me for half my set, and we summoned the rock and roll demon to lurch over the crowd in all of it's unholy glory. It was fun.
Portland was snowed-out, and dangerous. Crossbill Records mogul Michel Leahy and I got stuck on an icey hill, but managed to slide backward out of the mess. Later that night I sang Superstition by Stevie Wonder at a keraoke bar.
You can pick up "Like A Moth' at Amoeba, and Sea Level Records in L.A. And it will be available through C.D. Baby and all over the bay area in a couple weeks.
Thanks to Amie, Jon, Michael,The Waxfire, Jaizi, Bud, Merril, Monica, Tara, Joel, and Remy for helping me along my little journey.
November 15th
Like A Moth will be in it's physical form in a couple weeks, and the tour schedule is up. Kai Smart did an amazing job painting the front and back cover along with detailed letting of all the lyrics. So, friends of the tour will be greated with the c.d., and friends across the U.S. will find the album in stores in January thanks to Crossbill Records.
There are many other great local musicians releasing albums: Dame Satan, Jeffery Luck Lucas, Jolie Holland, and Matt Bauer. So, look out for all of those in the next few months.
I'll be in L.A. for the holidays. L.A. Christmas' are always strange and exciting...and warm.
October 3rd
I must recomend an album to y'all. Hayden's Elk Lake Serenade. It came out in 2004, and did really well, but it took me until this week to pick it up. Seriously, the most unfiltered and beautiful lyrics I've ever heard. He writes story songs in a completley fresh and honest fashion.
As for me, I've been mixing the album with Nigel Pavao of Last Of The Blacksmiths, and it's sounding good. Go check out The Blacksmiths and Matt Bauer at Amnesia this week.
I have a C.D. release tour planned out for December. I'll be going from Seattle to San Diego. I think I'm only going to play one show in S.F. before that. I'll post that soon.
September 8th
I don't know how to be subtle or cool about how great of a time I had last night at Bottom Of The Hill. Incredible night of music. I played one of my favorite sets, and that wouldn't have happened without such an attentive and repectful crowd. I had my worries about playing a room more notorius for loud bands than quiet, but the night flowed perfectly. Cheers to the staff.
One more thing about last night...Ara Anderson. He blew my mind per usual. He hopped up on stage and rocked the trumpet on a new track of mine. That song is certainly going to anchor the new album with his touch.
Speaking of new album. I'm dying to get it out to my peeps, but the process is moving slow. I did, however, confirm the release date just to put a fire under my ass. So December 8th it is.
Got a show at The Hemlock Tavern coming up. Can't wait...I'm really enjoying this music thing right now.
August 5th
San Francisco hills and coastal breezes and warm chaos.
I'm having a good week here settling down in the city, finishing the arrangements on the rest of the album.
Going to have the wonderful Kai Smart do the album cover.
Good shows coming up.
July 1st
The album is well underway thanks to the help of some great musicians. I'll be recording my full-length in 4 different locations (2 of which are finished). I've always liked the feel of Neil Young's Harvest and the sonic changes it went through, I hope to piece together Like A Moth so that it keeps the ear listening through the closets, barns, and studios where I'm recording this summer.
Already making appearences on the album are Matt Bauer, and Jolie Holland.
I'm hoping to get Jake, and Eric (The Zim-Zims), and Peter Musselman (The Speakers) to also add layers to my tunes.
June 6th
Oh, The Greyhound, you stinking filthy beast, you vessel of the dusty central valley!
I'm back and busy after two shows in Los Angeles, and one in Berkeley. Good times, though L.A. seemed more distant to me than the last time I visited. It may be that the sun has already baked down and ruined the rain-soaked greens that this last winter had so proudly developed.
Concentrating on the full-length, due out in the late summer. Some special guests, including Matt Bauer, have already started popping up, so look out for that.
May 2nd
Had the honor of playing a couple songs with Jolie Holland, Ara Anderson, and others last Friday. We did a Sean Hayes tune which everyone in the band knew, and one of my new ones. One of the best nights I've had in a while.
Next week it's all about one of the greatest living performers...Jason Webley. If you haven't had a chance to see this guy you must drop everything and find your way to either Whole Earth Festival in Davis, or 21 Grand in Oakland.
April 25th
Started work on my next album entitled Like A Moth. It will be anywhere from ten to twelve tracks and, at this point, we may just keep most of them as simple as four-track tape recordings.
I spent a good month away working on my new material, but it's been great to be home. The whole month of April has been loaded with good music. I've had the opportunity to see Jolie Holland play every week down the street at Delta of Venus, and I'll be playing this Thursday, a day before her last show at the very same cafe.
Michael Lehey has done an incredible job with the music over there, and I'm just glad that I was able to grow and evolve at the same little venue that many touring artists are now vying for.
February 25th
Played live on KDVS this morning, felt great. Sat in and watched Matt Bauer play a few songs as well...he was on. Last night was a great little send-off show for me at Delta of Venus. Going to be in New York for a show March 3rd at CBGB's, then on to Puerto Rico where I'll be getting my head straight and writing some more material.
I'll be gone during an exciting month of music. The Mars Volta's album is coming out March 1st, so I get to grab that before I leave. M. Ward just released another great record that everyone should check out.
I'll be wandering the streets of San Juan on St. Patrick's Day (my b-day) looking for some Irish kids to help me celebrate. Hope y'all have a few pints for me on that particular day.
February 13th
Great show last night with the boys from Hillstomp, and also from Sacramento's James Finch Jr., and Rusty of Jackpot. I have a couple more great shows coming up, one with Matt Bauer (S.F.), and live studio performance on KDVS' Cool As Folk. I'll be playing tons of new material.
January 21st
I was called upon to open up for one of my favorite songwriters last night, Mr.Sean Hayes. As usual, I was blown away by his set, especially his new material. Tonight he'll be in Placerville.
I'm working out the kinks in around seven new songs, some of which I will introduce at my next show at Luna's in Sacramento. That night will be a great one.
This weekend will be a great one for music. Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsome, Vetiver, Bright Black, Entrance, and others will be playing in Bolinas, CA. I'll be there tomorrow...what an incredibale lineup.
January 4th
I'm looking forward to my next few shows, all of which will be in San Francisco, and with great musicians.
My Top 10 Albums and Top 5 shows of 2004
10.Deerhoof - Milk Man
9. Jolie Holland - Escondida
8. Blonde Redhead - Misery is a Butterfly
7. Joanna Newsome - The Milk-Eyed Mender
6. Bjork - Medulla
5. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing In The Hands & Nino Rojo
4. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Abattoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus
3. Liars - They Were Wrong So We Drown
2. Jason Webley - Only Just Beginning
1. Shannon Wright - Over The Sun
5. Hot Snakes - Slims
4. Joanna Newsome/Devendra/ - Old Ironsides
3. Jolie Holland - The Palms Playhouse
2. M. Ward - Cafe Du Nord
1. Jason Webley - The Pirate Ship
Just wanted give a shout out to Michael Lehey who put together the most definitive folk/indie best of list for 2004. Check it out at: http://coolasfolk.com
December 11th
Had the opportunity to play with both Obo Martin (S.F.) and The Zim-Zims this weekend. Also got to chat it up by one of the greatest living performers, Artis The Spoon Man (Seattle).
Davis is quickly becoming one of the single best spots to see live music in the west.
Thanks to the D.J.'s at KDVS radio who helped me to chart #3 on their weekly top 30 list. Check that out here.
December 5th
Re: The Show at The Pirate Ship 12/3/04
Much love to Knock Knock, Judith & Holofernes, and Griffin Walker for playing what I believe to be one of the best shows I've seen in Davis all season. Once again, The Zim-Zims backed me up at the end of my set. It was great to have a mellow portion of a show, and then leave the audience with a little more edge. The Zim-Zims, and The Pirate Ship's own Playboy Millionaires will be at G. St. Pub this Saturday.
On a bad note, I had to reluctantly cancel some northwest dates because of the money situation. I feel horrible canceling on any shows at this point, and am really bummed that I still haven't seen Portland or Seattle.
Good shows coming up in S.F. Look out for that.
November 15th
Just got done placing Large Painted Rocks around downtown Sacramento to advertise The Zim-Zims/Garrett Pierce show at The Fox & Goose this Saturday. Funny how many nights I've spent with Jake, Eric, and Teddy (Zim-Zims) yet we haven't played a show together around these parts. Their new e.p. is great so check it out at http://zimzims.com.
Both of our albums are at http://tonevendor.com
Got some NW shows in the works for December, look out for those shows.
October 29th
Great show last night with Gina Villalobos. We just set up another show at The Derby in L.A. on November 10th, so I'll be busy with that and the other shows this next month. Dia de Los Muertos, Elections, Gaza Strip...theses are important times.
October 12th
C.D. release shows are over, and I already feel that I should be back on a Greyhound heading to an uncertain venue full of strangers.
Davis was a shakey one, with the combination of flying solo for the first time in a while (Morgan Neely is back in N. Carolina), and having a month haitus from the stage, I felt my set wasn't true to the sound of the album. The turn out was fine, and I was happy to see the e.p. in everybody's hands.
San Francisco was great. The audience was small, but respectful as it usually is at Club Deluxe. The strangers who were around reacted well. I Sold a few c.d.'s but most notably was witness to an amazing set from Modesto/S.F. group Judith & Holofernes, who are one of my favorites around here right now. Went drinking with them after the gig, and had the fun that I've grown to expect from every sojourn to "the city".
L.A., my home, was suprisingly brilliant. There was a large crowd at The Scene the whole night, and the sound and energy was greater than any other that I've experienced in that lost city. Sold out of my C.D.'s, and watched Gina Villalobos and her band play the alt-country thing better than anyone else can right now.
Santa Cruz was my favorite gig. Less than twenty people, but so attentive and open to what I was doing. Best show in a long while. I opted to put away the microphone, and p.a. Wish I hadn't sold all of my c.d.'s in L.A.
Already planning the NW tour for winter. Been writing new material.
But, if you haven't checked out In His Arms pick it up through tonevendor.com, Tower (Davis), The Beat (Sac), Aquarius (S.F.), Sea Level (L.A.).
September 26th
About to play the first of four c.d. release shows, first one's in Davis. The album sounds good, mostly because of Eric Ruud's amazingly unique mixing style (he sat out on his patio for most of the sessions). Also need to point out that my friend Morgan tore it up on the guitar and Dobro before leaving Davis behind for North Carolina. Not to mention, that Nick Julian is one of my favorite cellists and his parts on tracks one and four on the e.p. still blow my mind. His band Antennas Errupt is an experience, check them out.
So, it's Delta of Venus, Club Deluxe, The Scene, and somewhere in Santa Cruz. If I don't see you at one of the shows, e-mail me for a copy of In His Arms.
August 29th
Finished recording the album. Sounds great. I'm expecting to release it the last week of September. Should be in stores shortly after that, but you can contact me to reserve a copy.
I'll be playing some shows, kind of a c.d. release thing, in early October. A couple shows are booked in L.A., with confirmation on S.F., Sacramento, and Davis shows around the same time.