This is my first post from my new little computer that is perfect for the girl on the go. Welcome, eee PC!!! In perfect fashion, I am initiating this new machine by stopping at a friend's house and sitting down to write.
Bad sentence.
Fun dudes who are making fun of how little this is.
"If that computer were a shoe, I could borrow your shoe."
Our reaction to the size and fun provided by tiny things...
....I must also take a moment to give props to Jim, the amazing Best Buy man who assisted me through my purchasing adventure. He seriously brightened my day and shed some light on a recent event that made me question the popular human culture.
Clothing lines claim it on t-shirts. DJs claim it on the air. Scenesters claim it on the dance floor. Rock and roll is dead. But Friday, May 29, I was transported to the life of a college kid in 1978, watching the future legends of Aerosmith pull off the Draw the Line Tour. Of course, the band I was experiencing was not Aerosmith, but rather Powerspace, whose efforts to stay true to their classic influences and the sound within their souls have succeeded in creating a rock sound that audiences of 2009 can enjoy. Powerspace bared all and laid it down on the line with their fresh-from-the-studio new set as the opening act for Kill Hannah. Asking the audience if they "Believe in rock 'n roll," this band rose to the challenge and proved their ability to channel classics while bringing their energized and raw sound to the stage.
Anyone can pick up a guitar, add some distortion and copy an old solo from their parents' old KISS album. Thanks to the tight groove and colorful arrangements understandably provided by guitarist Tom Schleiter, Powerspace truly rocked. If happiness could be defined by sound, its song would be sung by these guys. Not only did their groove and full harmonies create happy soundwaves, but the guys were happy to be up there. Kevin Kane was a smiling little Ringo on the drums, and bass player Jake Serek was radiant with onstage bliss. I received an apology for a tired set due to studio time when I spoke with guitarist Max Perenchio afterward. But their delivery from beginning to end was anything but tired. New songs like "Red, White and Bruised," "Don't Stop" and another even more rocking tune of which I can't recall the title especially brought an excitement (and even harmonica! Alec Cyganowski channeled Steven Tyler on point throughout this number). Since the title has been lost from my own memory, here is a video to enjoy.
With streaming guitar solos (and well thought out solis, to be exact), Tom and Max's background harmonies add a beautiful warmth to Cyganowski's edgy lead. It really is unfair to single out any member without it leading to a strength provided by another because they all work so well together. The energy onstage creates an atmosphere between the five of them that displays what their hard work and hours spent together can achieve. They all want to be up there, and it shows through the focus I viewed as each member carefully set up, tuned, and checked sound. One may think that after touring as extensively as they have, the guys in Powerspace would be setting up for a show at Double Door like it was no big deal. I admire the technique and dedication that drives this band. It comes through in their passionate (and sweaty) performances.
Check the guitar soli at the end of "Red, White, and Bruised." What fun!
And that is what Friday, May 29 was. Fun. Being transported to a world where hard work and smart musical minds can not only be appreciated but celebrated was a magical and inspiring experience. I give this the Fravel stamp of approval with much pride.
Native Chicago band Kill Hannah will be headlining Double Door's 15th Anniversary party tonight. Excitement has been building up all week because I had heard talk of this band since my arrival in Chicago in August. By the time I had caught up to the hearsay and chatter, the band was already on a fully fledged European tour (with Powerspace's Tom Schleiter subbing in for Jon Radtke). Since learning of this show from the Powerspace website, I decided to really dig deep and decipher some of the mystique behind this band. Every band has its fans, but what I found behind Kill Hannah was an entire community that not only loves the music but supports each other in that love. Thanks to the blog of lead singer Mat Devine, I've been able to learn a lot of what has gone into their most recent record as well as how this band survives in their daily lives. I'm anxious to see how that will transfer onstage this evening. From the recordings I've been exposed to so far, the standouts have been Lips Like Morphine (powerfully sexy, intense and haunting tune), Kennedy, and Wrap Myself Around You (for me, this tune showcases the unspoken emotions behind spoken physical desires). It will be interesting to see how their recorded intensity and almost industrial sound will transfer live. Hopefully it'll be a nice blend between this great acoustic version and the stellar headphone mix of the EP.
Not to leave out opening act Powerspace, whom I mentioned in just last week. I am excited to see the sorts of energy they'll exude after being cooped up inside a studio for the past few weeks.
Expect a full write-up of the experience in the next couple of days. Until then, I'll be residing in the fear that a blonde girl who wears pink and purple will be shunned at a show like this!
Shortly after moving to Chicago in August 2008, I was treated to a concert at the Metro. The headlining band was Cute Is What We Aim For (of whom I had never heard), and the opening acts were Danger Radio, Ace Enders and Powerspace. I had actually never heard of any of these bands, so had no idea of the excitement that would ensue in the hours to come. While I'm not reviewing that show, I will mention that I have almost but forgotten the headliners, and have fallen for the talents behind Ace Enders and Danger Radio, and the mystique that is Powerspace.
Signed by Fueled By Ramen, almost entirely from Illinois (minus drummer Kevin Kane, who hails from Ohio), and almost too smart for their own good, Powerspace has weaseled their way into my mind. I did not want to like this band. During their performance in August, I was impressed by their passion and drive toward a strong performance (though the lead vocals were pitchy at times). All of the members bring an identifiably raw energy to the stage as an extreme compliment to tremendous instrumental talents. Just watch guitarist Tom Schleiter shred this solo. I mean...fuck. Not only is this guy a smart musician but there is talent on the other side of the board as well, as all of their demos were produced by him.
Also, I never noticed a drummer walk onto the stage, but my jaw dropped the moment the first beat fell. Kevin Kane commands the drums with such ease that one would be hard pressed to believe he sleeps behind that throne.
Perhaps I didn't want to like Powerspace simply because I was jealous. I've listened closely to many of their songs from The Kicks of Passion, trying to scrutinize elements of songwriting and production - but have fallen trap to admiration instead. I must admit that I am now anxiously awaiting a leak or even some sort of tease from their second studio album on which they are hard at work with Jonny K.
Maybe the Chicago music scene has created a fan girl out of me. Maybe a new interest in songwriting has led me to follow what those in my age group have already achieved. Maybe I should just shut up and enjoy my new love of power pop.
Maybe I'll find myself at their show at Double Door on May 29.
Since our world of popular music has turned to "techtronica" and auto-tune, I find myself as an artist getting mentally stuck in the jumble. Call it writers' block, call it fear, call it what you will - but I am confused and have turned to other songwriters for inspiration.
So thank you, Ace Enders for your musical honesty and integrity. I've had the pleasure of seeing this musician play twice (the following video from August at the Metro included), and each time I've been somewhat haunted by what he brings to the stage. His lyrics appear to rise right out of his soul, cutting the air with such poignance and emotional sincerity that I found it quite difficult to resist being mesmerized and wanting to know more.
So instead of getting caught up with Reason and Logic and headphone tricks, I took a moment to get back to basics and enjoyed the raw, intense and simple ride that a person with a guitar can take us on.
After days and weeks of thinking of ideas and running around from job to job to rehearsals to events to friends to more than friends to run-on sentences at the beginning of a blog that I'm finally excited to write...I've found inspiration.
This article, found on MSN's homepage, provided 7 endearing stories by higher profile female writers about the 7 types of friends all women need. When I first saw the headline, I thought "7 female friends? That's A LOT! Now someone's telling me that I NEED them? Don't think so..." But the stories that followed (author Jennifer Weiner's description of her crazy girl friend I found particularly endearing), reminded me of what I already have in my life.
#1.) The Sister. Not everyone is blessed enough to have been provided a best girl friend in their lives. For those that have, I hope they cherish theirs as much as I cherish mine. We've gone from riding down the stairs in the same laundry basket to fighting over my bad boyfriend to dancing at her wedding. She's been there through my moves across the country (all 3 times), and is still my favorite person to call whenever I hold the dreaded cell phone to my cheek. My sister tells the truth. I used to get upset when I heard the things she knew I needed to hear, but because of the things I've learned from my other friends and the maturity gained from those truths, I've grown to want to pry that honesty out of her.
#2.) The Soul Sister. Have you ever sat across the table from one of your friends and looked her in the eyes and knew she was feeling your feelings at that exact moment? Or reacted the same way to a situation and giggled together over your "jinx buy me a coke" moment? Or have moved away and know that whenever you pick up the phone, you'll talk like no time has passed? Or the thought of missing them brings tears to your eyes? I don't know what it is that connects me to these 2 astounding women, but I am lucky enough to have 2 soul sisters in my life. One is in Miami, and one is in LA. And both would welcome me with open arms should I ever come knocking.
#3.) The Friend That Doesn't Let You Slip Away When everything is crazy and you think you've pushed as much away as you can, this friend is ready to visit, hug you, support you, and laugh with you. And also ask questions from only the perspective she can have. This friend holds part of your heart because she's seen you give it away to so many people. And yes, she is always up to be crazy with you but still call you the crazy one.
#4.) The Mentor Should this force in my life read this blog entry, she'll know who she is. For the fact this is public domain and I want to respect this person's privacy, I still want to point out the fact that my relationship with her is very influential. I met __________ while she was in constume, as much of the world sees her. I am fortunate enough to know her outside of costume and so very gracious she has let me into that part of her life. This woman holds nothing back, and her fearlessness is inspiring. The goals she has met and continues to set provide me with an example of how I hope to be living. When she knew that is was my 4th day of work, I knew she was special. Her hugs are cleansing, and her voice is soothing. She is someone who has been there, done that, and isn't afraid to offer advice to ones whom she cares. I am truly grateful for her appearance in, and ongoing presence in my daily life.
#5.) The New Friend I am lucky enough to have finally met influential women who not only care to be a part of my life, but care enough to include me in theirs. I feel bad that I am lumping 2 VERY different people into 1 category, but following recent conversations, events, and situations, I think they would understand why I consider it new. And plus, "I just moved here..." The New Friend is someone who starts out inviting you to events going on and reaching out. I owe a lot of my happiness in Chicago to these 2 girls for reaching out to me. Put together by chance, vicinity, or choice - I love them and and grateful for their presence. When I thought I'd lost my staying power and worth, one of them hugged me with sympathetic tears, the other said "Bullshit. You know better than that." I only hope I return them with as much as they have provided me thus far in this adventure!
I spend a lot of thinking time wondering "How come I don't have friends like the ladies in Lipstick Jungle do?" Or, "I want my own cast of FRIENDS in real life." And sometimes even "I want to work in a place like Empire Records. They're all friends and they have so much fun." As my boss reminded me the other day, I already do. "That's called family." That was a big wake up call, and hit pretty hard. Sometimes you really do just have to open your eyes, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and bloom where you are planted. And for gods' sakes, stop concerning yourself with bringing TV to real life. Reality is so much cooler.
Whilst perusing the DC pictures my parents sent me, I realized something.
Top 5 Reasons I Should Not Move Again
#1.) I don't think there are that many cities where you can act like a tourist at the same attractions time, after time, after time (and sometimes for free). #2.) I have great jobs set up with good companies (though 2 are local but great references, 1 is highly transferable, and another is pretty dead-end "servant class).
#3.) What other city would have you simultaneously run on a treadmill and gaze at this?
#4.) I came to Chicago with the dream of being able to grow more as an artist and collaborate artistically in a city that wasn't as commercial as NYC and wouldn't be as easy to feel as though I were falling flat on my face. Finally, after 8 months of residence, I'm collaborating with someone who not only understands me artistically, but inspires my growth, work ethic, and optimistic point of view for live in general.
#5.) And lastly, this may seem a little odd, but I honestly don't want to pose in front of another state at the WWII memorial again.
Our reaction to the size and fun provided by tiny things...
....I must also take a moment to give props to Jim, the amazing Best Buy man who assisted me through my purchasing adventure. He seriously brightened my day and shed some light on a recent event that made me question the popular human culture.
