Hello. I am going to talk about my band now.
Frank is really stepping up to my half cocked ideas. I think the hardest thing for him is that I ask him to play the same minimal beats over and over with virtually no fills/changes whatsoever. He is a time piece. It must be difficult to hold back and just count as I go off with the guitar stuff.
I got the new rig sounding pretty much how I want it now. Its the twin stereoed out with this 80`s Peavey single 15" bass amp. Last night tho I thought it would do some justice to get the twin re-tubed a bit to adjust the level in which it breaks up or gets so muddy. I changed the tubes around before we recorded "The Black Arts.." to give it a more traditional rock tone, but it seems to not be giving me what I want with this new style I am playing. I have also been using APril`s old Contessa hollow body. The guitar is really cool to play, but it needs some work on the pots and the tuning pegs. I have no idea the model, how old it is or anything. Nobody on Ebay has listed one in the past few months and my google search on it has turned up with nothing. I like stuff like that. I will get all of these issues resolved b4 we record this fucking monster.
We brought in a piccolo snare for the drum kit. I think it compliments the new style well, tho some of my drummer bros talk down on that type of snare. Franks rig is cool. That snare, a mid sized kick, 2 cracked up but manageable (they still have sustain) crash cymbals and a mid sized floor tom that pretty much gets little action.
Its interesting to me adding another member to BLX. Its been APril and me the whole time. Frank is a good fit tho, not too intrusive to the mix, but always an informed valid opinion and understanding of what we are doing now. Its taken me a long time to find a third for BLX. We are`nt the easiest people to work with.
Mostly we have been laying low and staying in nights. I have increased the frequency of the BLX rehersals to get all of this stuff out while the whole thing is still fresh and exciting to us, and on the off nights have been taking guitar lessons to help me get to where I want to be for all of this faster.
There are some ideas pouring in with the group about concepts etc around the new album/material. This is mostly APrils department. We talk of a spring tour and recording before christmas time. I feel kind of shitty and lazy not doing any shows locally since our return from the UK tour, but enough is enough with the old stuff. Some folks have written to us and offered to help with shows abroad. It seemingly gets easier each time.
The same struggle is always there tho. I know I will never be satisfied with the music I perform/write. Ive known that for a few years now. Its got to be hard on my band mates dealing with someone like this, especially when I am the primary song writer. I constantly change and re arrange stuff I said was finished a session or two before. To me, this is how I get better...how the songs get stronger. I only want the best for you and me. Maybe its because I love music so much. Fuck off.
The thing is that I dont really give a shit if we get a fat record package or support. I am going to do it anyway. Nothing will really change. The idea of only doing little tours, online only releases, pseudo souped up local showcases has always and now more than ever makes me want to quit this shit. I cant wait to take this new stuff, and practically new band out on the road to do some real work. I will always travel my art.
I think about you guys from time to time. Friends, family, fans etc. Mostly when I am walking to work early in the morning. Sometimes on the walk home through the park. These are good times we are living. Its good to know that.
AP
