Weather has been weird lately.
Neutrino had a guest this week. Joel from Seattle. He is a friend of Stacey's and a great improviser. He began the Neutrino Project in Seattle (though he's no longer doing it today). It was great to have him join our cast. The show went well with only a few minor sound problems (one shooting location had a live band performing while we were there, so it was impossible to hear anything other than loud surf-rock.)
While here, Joel introduced me to a new "band" (it's actually just a guy from Florida who makes music similar to the Avalanches. He uses lots of samples and fun beats.
Here's a sample:
Coconut Monkey Rocket
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
close to Neutrino
with this round of the Neutrino Project (Portland Instant Movie Project) we have two gentlemen scoring the film. One on keys and one on guitar.
I have been putting the opening credits together this week and felt like I had to come up with a proper band name for the two of them (instead of 'musical directors')...
so I decided on HORSEFIGHT.
I think that's pretty tough.
I have been putting the opening credits together this week and felt like I had to come up with a proper band name for the two of them (instead of 'musical directors')...
so I decided on HORSEFIGHT.
I think that's pretty tough.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
big news from camp curious
Many good things have suddenly been happening this week. Along with the Neutrino Project opening in 8 days (exciting) we have possibly found a space to call our own.
It's a shell of a building with 3500 square feet of emptiness on the inside... which means we'll have to plan it out and build it however we want. There's a lot to consider when you talk about building a theater from nothing. Stage, backstage, seating, tech booth, lobby, bathrooms, etc. etc. etc. it's a little overwhelming.
second piece of great news:
Stacey's animated short Ruby Rocket has just been picked up to be turned into a series.
They made a development deal (by 'they' I mean Stacey and her partner Sam) with a company who is fronting them a bunch o' money so they can write and create 5 more episodes in the same style as the pilot they created:
third:
I've been asked to coach a local longform group (formerly known as 5 days shy) and I couldn't be more pleased. I didn't realize how much I missed coaching until I started with these guys. That was a big part of my life in Chicago. I was coaching/directing more often than I was rehearsing or performing. It's something I'm good at and I enjoy doing. I've been introducing the crew to new forms, which is probably my favorite part of coaching a longform team.
four:
Swingers is going. It's our longform show that the six of us Curious Board members do Saturday nights at 10:30. We had over 20 people there for our first show, which is way beyond what I was expecting. It was a decent show that will only get better the more we play.
hooray.
It's a shell of a building with 3500 square feet of emptiness on the inside... which means we'll have to plan it out and build it however we want. There's a lot to consider when you talk about building a theater from nothing. Stage, backstage, seating, tech booth, lobby, bathrooms, etc. etc. etc. it's a little overwhelming.
second piece of great news:
Stacey's animated short Ruby Rocket has just been picked up to be turned into a series.
They made a development deal (by 'they' I mean Stacey and her partner Sam) with a company who is fronting them a bunch o' money so they can write and create 5 more episodes in the same style as the pilot they created:
third:
I've been asked to coach a local longform group (formerly known as 5 days shy) and I couldn't be more pleased. I didn't realize how much I missed coaching until I started with these guys. That was a big part of my life in Chicago. I was coaching/directing more often than I was rehearsing or performing. It's something I'm good at and I enjoy doing. I've been introducing the crew to new forms, which is probably my favorite part of coaching a longform team.
four:
Swingers is going. It's our longform show that the six of us Curious Board members do Saturday nights at 10:30. We had over 20 people there for our first show, which is way beyond what I was expecting. It was a decent show that will only get better the more we play.
hooray.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Raconteur news
The Raconteurs are happy to announce that in one week’s time their second album, entitled Consolers Of The Lonely, will be available EVERYWHERE Tuesday, March 25th.
“Album” meaning: full length vinyl, CD and digital formats; and “everywhere” meaning: local mom and pop Indie retailers, corporate superstores, supermarkets, iTunes, Amazon, the band’s own website and any other location that could get the record up and going this quickly (some places couldn’t move this fast, so they will join in as soon as they can).
It contains 14 new recordings and is being released globally on Third Man Records in conjunction with our marketing/distribution partners, XL Recordings and Warner Brothers Records.
The album was mastered and completed in the first week of March. It was then taken immediately to a vinyl pressing plant. Then to a CD pressing plant. Then preparations to sell it digitally began. March 25th became the soonest date to have it available in EVERY FORMAT AT ONCE. The band have done no interviews or advertisements for this record before this announcement.
The purpose: to get the album to the fans as soon as possible and as we promised. We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding it’s availability, reception or perception.
With this release, The Raconteurs are forgoing the usual months of lead time for press and radio set up, as well as forgoing the all important “first week sales”. We wanted to explore the idea of releasing an album everywhere at once and THEN marketing and promoting it thereafter. The Raconteurs would rather this release not be defined by it’s first weeks sales, pre-release promotion, or by someone defining it FOR YOU before you get to hear it.
Another purpose was to also allow people to have their own choice as to exactly which format they would like to hear the album in IMMEDIATELY, rather than having to wait for their favorite format to become available. The band are also not releasing any version of this record that contains bonus tracks. Musically this album will be the same as the band created it no matter what format it is purchased in (The sound quality of each format however, is a different story. The Raconteurs recommend hearing it on vinyl, but the choice is of course up to the listener).
The band also prefer that fans buy the album as a whole instead of breaking up the tracks, but until iTunes and other digital services allows bands to release their albums with the option of NOT breaking it up, it will be sold in that fashion on those particular sites. On the band’s website however, the album will be sold in its entirety as an mp3 at 320kb bit rate. Also in Japan, fans will be able to download the record via their mobile phones, as that is how a majority of recorded music is consumed there.
The reason we are announcing this release one week ahead of time is because of retail pre-ordering and stocking, information about this album’s imminent release was bound to come to light and could be confusing to fans. Also in the event that the record leaks, we didn’t want this method of release to be seen as a REACTION to such a leak. It’s not. The actual worst thing about a leak is the usual poor sound quality, akin to watching a movie on a wristwatch instead of in a theater. Which for the album’s creators is a bit of a letdown, but again, it is completely up to the listener.
There will be a video up on the internet for the first single, “Salute Your Solution”, on the 25th as well, provided it gets edited in time. We just filmed it the other day!
We hope not to confuse anyone with too many options, or deny them the formats that they like best. The Raconteurs feel very strongly that music has worth and should be treated as such. Thank you to all those who respect music in this fashion, and thank you to our label partners for working with us to get this album to fans in as many formats as possible all at once.
Thank you, and we hope that you enjoy Consolers Of The Lonely.
Sincerely,
The Raconteurs
“Album” meaning: full length vinyl, CD and digital formats; and “everywhere” meaning: local mom and pop Indie retailers, corporate superstores, supermarkets, iTunes, Amazon, the band’s own website and any other location that could get the record up and going this quickly (some places couldn’t move this fast, so they will join in as soon as they can).
It contains 14 new recordings and is being released globally on Third Man Records in conjunction with our marketing/distribution partners, XL Recordings and Warner Brothers Records.
The album was mastered and completed in the first week of March. It was then taken immediately to a vinyl pressing plant. Then to a CD pressing plant. Then preparations to sell it digitally began. March 25th became the soonest date to have it available in EVERY FORMAT AT ONCE. The band have done no interviews or advertisements for this record before this announcement.
The purpose: to get the album to the fans as soon as possible and as we promised. We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding it’s availability, reception or perception.
With this release, The Raconteurs are forgoing the usual months of lead time for press and radio set up, as well as forgoing the all important “first week sales”. We wanted to explore the idea of releasing an album everywhere at once and THEN marketing and promoting it thereafter. The Raconteurs would rather this release not be defined by it’s first weeks sales, pre-release promotion, or by someone defining it FOR YOU before you get to hear it.
Another purpose was to also allow people to have their own choice as to exactly which format they would like to hear the album in IMMEDIATELY, rather than having to wait for their favorite format to become available. The band are also not releasing any version of this record that contains bonus tracks. Musically this album will be the same as the band created it no matter what format it is purchased in (The sound quality of each format however, is a different story. The Raconteurs recommend hearing it on vinyl, but the choice is of course up to the listener).
The band also prefer that fans buy the album as a whole instead of breaking up the tracks, but until iTunes and other digital services allows bands to release their albums with the option of NOT breaking it up, it will be sold in that fashion on those particular sites. On the band’s website however, the album will be sold in its entirety as an mp3 at 320kb bit rate. Also in Japan, fans will be able to download the record via their mobile phones, as that is how a majority of recorded music is consumed there.
The reason we are announcing this release one week ahead of time is because of retail pre-ordering and stocking, information about this album’s imminent release was bound to come to light and could be confusing to fans. Also in the event that the record leaks, we didn’t want this method of release to be seen as a REACTION to such a leak. It’s not. The actual worst thing about a leak is the usual poor sound quality, akin to watching a movie on a wristwatch instead of in a theater. Which for the album’s creators is a bit of a letdown, but again, it is completely up to the listener.
There will be a video up on the internet for the first single, “Salute Your Solution”, on the 25th as well, provided it gets edited in time. We just filmed it the other day!
We hope not to confuse anyone with too many options, or deny them the formats that they like best. The Raconteurs feel very strongly that music has worth and should be treated as such. Thank you to all those who respect music in this fashion, and thank you to our label partners for working with us to get this album to fans in as many formats as possible all at once.
Thank you, and we hope that you enjoy Consolers Of The Lonely.
Sincerely,
The Raconteurs
Sunday, March 16, 2008
new music
I got some new music over the past week and I'm surprised by what I like.
First of all, I am a big fan of this band:
And I was excited to hear that they were working on a new album. THIRD is the name of it. For their previous two studio albums Portishead had really good beats, interesting sounds and samples, but on THIRD they're a little lacking. I'm hoping it's not mastered so all the levels are off... we'll see once it's officially released.
Then there's these guys:
I was a fan of their first album two years ago. It got a lot of play immediately and then it got to be too much. I was hoping they would be stepping it up for their second album, but no such luck. Simple beats, simple structures all around. It's not terrible, but there is no new ground cover on this sophomore album. Odd Couple...
And the big surpirse:
Holy Crap. I enjoy Jamie Lidell's debut album Multiply. Wasn't crazy about it, but I listen to it every now and again and find myself bobbing my head to it... but JIM - I'm amazed by the sound he has developed. Jamie Lidell has officially crossed over into Motown territory. Smooth and soulful with plenty of handclaps, jazz piano and backup singers to make it sound like Barry Gordy was lending a helping hand in the creation of this album. It's not my usual cup o' tea... but I really love it.
First of all, I am a big fan of this band:
And I was excited to hear that they were working on a new album. THIRD is the name of it. For their previous two studio albums Portishead had really good beats, interesting sounds and samples, but on THIRD they're a little lacking. I'm hoping it's not mastered so all the levels are off... we'll see once it's officially released.
Then there's these guys:
I was a fan of their first album two years ago. It got a lot of play immediately and then it got to be too much. I was hoping they would be stepping it up for their second album, but no such luck. Simple beats, simple structures all around. It's not terrible, but there is no new ground cover on this sophomore album. Odd Couple...
And the big surpirse:
Holy Crap. I enjoy Jamie Lidell's debut album Multiply. Wasn't crazy about it, but I listen to it every now and again and find myself bobbing my head to it... but JIM - I'm amazed by the sound he has developed. Jamie Lidell has officially crossed over into Motown territory. Smooth and soulful with plenty of handclaps, jazz piano and backup singers to make it sound like Barry Gordy was lending a helping hand in the creation of this album. It's not my usual cup o' tea... but I really love it.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
mid March 2008
There has been a lot of good music released lately. There has been a lot of good music pre-released/leaked lately as well... so it's a good time for music.
SXSW is happening this week - and being in Portland, OR (the NW Austin) I feel a little out of it.
Seems I'm in flux.
My day job, while the work environment is fine - is getting monotonous. I spend the majority of my 9 hour workday sitting in front of a computer looking for something to keep me entertained. The worst part of it is I have things I can be doing (writing reviews, researching writing assignments, etc) but I'm not motivated to do any of it while I sit at my work desk. I try to manufacture the feeling of motivation, but I have found no successful way to do it.
The Portland Neutrino Project opens in two weeks, which will certainly keep me busy - and I just started shooting the opening credit sequences. My plan for them is pretty big and will take a lot of work to complete. I'm hoping to get it done in the next 9 days. All the actors are coupled up and we shoot a genre-specific "scene" for their opening credits. It makes sense in my head, but is hard to explain. Hopefully I'll complete it and post it here in the next two weeks.
We also have a long-form show called SWINGERS opening this Saturday night. I don't expect much of a turn out for it, but you never know. I'm looking forward to having a run of longform shows again, but I know it will be difficult to retain that energy if the houses are small. Hopefully people will be interested. We'll see...
It's rainy.
Afterall, it is Portland.
PS - I'm pretty sure this is for real - and it makes me laugh.
SXSW is happening this week - and being in Portland, OR (the NW Austin) I feel a little out of it.
Seems I'm in flux.
My day job, while the work environment is fine - is getting monotonous. I spend the majority of my 9 hour workday sitting in front of a computer looking for something to keep me entertained. The worst part of it is I have things I can be doing (writing reviews, researching writing assignments, etc) but I'm not motivated to do any of it while I sit at my work desk. I try to manufacture the feeling of motivation, but I have found no successful way to do it.
The Portland Neutrino Project opens in two weeks, which will certainly keep me busy - and I just started shooting the opening credit sequences. My plan for them is pretty big and will take a lot of work to complete. I'm hoping to get it done in the next 9 days. All the actors are coupled up and we shoot a genre-specific "scene" for their opening credits. It makes sense in my head, but is hard to explain. Hopefully I'll complete it and post it here in the next two weeks.
We also have a long-form show called SWINGERS opening this Saturday night. I don't expect much of a turn out for it, but you never know. I'm looking forward to having a run of longform shows again, but I know it will be difficult to retain that energy if the houses are small. Hopefully people will be interested. We'll see...
It's rainy.
Afterall, it is Portland.
PS - I'm pretty sure this is for real - and it makes me laugh.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
say yea
I haven't been big into Yeasayer. I thought the album they released last year was pretty good, but it wasn't one that I wanted to listen to over and over.
The current take away show makes me want to listen to the album again and hopefully get into it a little more.
The current take away show makes me want to listen to the album again and hopefully get into it a little more.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Evangelical Headlights
Evangelicals are currently touring this Country with the Headlights.
The two bands have done covers of each other's songs... it looks like they're in Loooove. oooooohhhhhhh:
The two bands have done covers of each other's songs... it looks like they're in Loooove. oooooohhhhhhh:
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
'N
walk it off
I have been a fan of tapes 'n tapes since the first time I listened to the Loon in 2006. I've seen them live three times and they always put on a great show. I am looking forward to walk it off for sure.
I have been a fan of tapes 'n tapes since the first time I listened to the Loon in 2006. I've seen them live three times and they always put on a great show. I am looking forward to walk it off for sure.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Brit Pop
I recently discovered the Bombay Bicycle Club.
The lead singer has been described as having a wobbly singing style.
I like it. What do you think? Turns out these kids are still in High School. 17 years old with 2 EPs and their own label. I wish I had this much talent at 17.
The lead singer has been described as having a wobbly singing style.
I like it. What do you think? Turns out these kids are still in High School. 17 years old with 2 EPs and their own label. I wish I had this much talent at 17.
Monday, March 3, 2008
the early years
I'm a big fan of Holly Golightly and all the music she puts out. She started her career as a fan of Billy Childish's band The Headcoats. The four girls in Thee Headcoatees were big fans of the band and soon decided to start making their own music. With the name Thee Headcoatees, they started playing sets before The Headcoats. They released one proper album and one collection of songs/album.
Kyra Rubella, Ludella Black, Holly Golightly and Bongo Debbie were Thee Headcoatees.
This is one of my favorite Headcoatees songs:
Kyra Rubella, Ludella Black, Holly Golightly and Bongo Debbie were Thee Headcoatees.
This is one of my favorite Headcoatees songs:
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Rockabye Baby!
There is a label / collection of people known as Rockabye Baby who have a series of cover albums out. They take some of their favorite bands and recreate their songs for children. They turn the songs you know and love into playful, almost creepy playtime tunes. They say the songs are turned into lullabies for children. Everyone from Coldplay (which is almost lullibied to begin with) to Led Zepplin gets the treatment. Here is one of my favorites.
tell me that's not creepy.
We went out to see Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind last night. M'eh. The idea behind the movie is creative, but the creativity found in every other Gondry film was not there. This movie just seems 10 years too late. Not because it all deals with VHS, but everything about it. Even the film quality made it look a little older. I'm guessing that was on purpose. Jack Black wasn't as terrible as I was expecting - probably because all the acting in the movie was half-assed by everyone (nice cameo, Sigorny Weaver). I don't know what's happening to Michel Gondry, but it seems his films are going downhill. Boo.
though, I did just find a "sweded" version Michel Gondry did of the trailer to the movie he made.
If you haven't seen the movie, "sweded" means he has made the movie (trailer) by himself.
tell me that's not creepy.
We went out to see Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind last night. M'eh. The idea behind the movie is creative, but the creativity found in every other Gondry film was not there. This movie just seems 10 years too late. Not because it all deals with VHS, but everything about it. Even the film quality made it look a little older. I'm guessing that was on purpose. Jack Black wasn't as terrible as I was expecting - probably because all the acting in the movie was half-assed by everyone (nice cameo, Sigorny Weaver). I don't know what's happening to Michel Gondry, but it seems his films are going downhill. Boo.
though, I did just find a "sweded" version Michel Gondry did of the trailer to the movie he made.
If you haven't seen the movie, "sweded" means he has made the movie (trailer) by himself.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
weeds
I don't watch a lot of television.
A few months ago I got through the first season of Weeds. I heard it was a good show. I didn't find the writing very believable, so I stopped watching. I'm picky that way. I'm often not a fan of what other people tell me I will love. I kinda have to discover things on my own to really appreciate them (for the most part).
I know this is a little old, but Man Man covering the Weeds theme song has been on heavy rotation on my playlist this week.
A few months ago I got through the first season of Weeds. I heard it was a good show. I didn't find the writing very believable, so I stopped watching. I'm picky that way. I'm often not a fan of what other people tell me I will love. I kinda have to discover things on my own to really appreciate them (for the most part).
I know this is a little old, but Man Man covering the Weeds theme song has been on heavy rotation on my playlist this week.
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