Happy Halloween and Happy Early HNT!

This is the third year I have made a mask specifically designed to remove the face as a human element and replace it with mundane objects. The first, an electrical outlet titled, "External Validation" was by far my favorite.




Last year it was a dead-bolt lock titled "The Liberator" which worked to the same goal.




This year's mask is an addition to the family. It is called, "Drink of Me". Enjoy.

Family Reunions are tough...

courtesy of fantasygoat.livejournal

Last night's audition

All in all it was a shitty night. For starters I'm sick as shit. The kind where I feel like my sinuses contain hydrochloric acid. Then I had to dodge off of the mass transit system and get a cab because the TTC couldn't manage to do in an hour with a motorized vehicle a distance that I could've done in 20 minutes on my bike... Which I'd have been more than happy to do if I weren't sick. *gives finger*
And the audition? Not as bad. Just that the guitarist never showed because he has one of those kind of jobs. So instead his counterparts and I conversed for a couple hours about our influences, experience and inspiration. This would have been frustrating if the guys didn't cover my cab fare out of the kindness of their hearts. The cab's credit machine was fuct up royal but that's a whole other ranty post.
We played H. and it went well. On the plus side my singing was yet again appreciated by all. The part I like about this is that I have now had more strangers than friends comment on my voice in a positive manner. It tells me that it is a matter of time before one of these bands says, "Yeah, dude. He's the one." Not that I am nonchalant and certain about it, just that I realize that if I keep pressing in this manner, something positive will soon click.
So, that now makes two bands that I have a possibility of joining - ABO still being the other. The one I visited last night has tastes more similar to my own. Plus, they're educated and in my age group. That is hard to come by as a 29 year-old trying to break into the scene. At first they didn't believe my age. I blushed a bit and informed them that my youthful appearance is one of the reasons I think I still have time to sing rock music. With that, I think they want me on board. A second meeting has been scheduled for Saturday next.

Remember ABO? Stellar timing and heavy noise? Yeah, I barely do either. I got frustrated with waiting for a call back for the second audition they said they wanted. So I followed up:

ABO,

I've sampled a lot of bands out there since I started looking for a decent band to sing for. Of those many, ABO has their shit together the most. Stellar timing and good recordings with solid material. You guys are still my favorite so far and I still remember the high I got from belting it out at your practice... I'd love to try out again if your still searching. But if I don't fit what you're trying to fill, please tell me.

Hubris

Please tell me. I really can take the blunt message if we don't gel. I can take the rejection or whatever criticism comes my way. Luckily, that was not the message I received.

Dude,

We have been all going thru some personal shit these last few weeks...

The band and auditions have been on a temporary hiatus.

The minute we get going and I get the demo with existing lyrics on the go on another myspace (for 2 nd auditions) I will let you know and we will schedule something.

I haven't forgotten, but the band has been on a bit of a break.

That's a relief because I'm certain these guys are going to tour in their future. I hope I get to be a part of it.

Oh My God...

I have an audition for a heavy prog rock band tomorrow. This band gets that writing entire songs in as little as 1 week is difficult. They just want to hear my voice.

Here's the best part. They chose a song for me to do.

H. from Ænima.

heehee. That is truly a gift :)

Parental Arbitration Overheard

MC & B Discussing plans as they continue to procrastinate on their given duties:

MC: "I'm going to voodoo Aaron"

B: "How are you going to voodoo Aaron? He's not in the country. Besides, he's a good person."

Mom: "You're not going to voodoo-doll anybody until you've finished cleaning your room."




Kinda reminds me of something I'd hear in an episode of the Addams Family. I love these folks.

This week's goals:

1. Love the girl

2. Have current website contract ready for testing by Tuesday morning

3. Practice Deftones set-list daily for this Sunday's try out for Deftones tribute band

4. Write witty lyrics for this Saturday's try out for metal band

5. Clean clothes

6. Love the girl

7. Finish flyer/business card contract

8. Love the girl again


My life hasn't slowed at all. Not that I thought it would with the reorganization of career and hobbies but, I am a firm believer that the whole world is in waay too big of a hurry. That is one thing I wish I didn't have to be a part of. Yet greater is the desire to meet my goals head on. To do something great or at least memorable. So I try to release my pent up frustration and anxiety about it when I get behind the mic. It works very well if even as a mere pressure release. So singing more is clearly part therapy for me but I think it also allows me to harness the energy required to make such a thing believable to an audience. Summoning...

And yeah, I know that doing work with a cover band isn't exactly memorable. One friend said to me, "No! A cover band!?" Well, as much as I do see her point, "original" is a concept that will hold more importance to me once I have more experience. Some kind of proof that I can backup my claim to being able to howl like I mean it. A familiarity with the stage. Even being recorded.

These are my driving force this week. Especially the love the girl part. I seem to need a lot of one on one time with her lately. I really appreciate that she has been patient with me and I'm looking forward to giving her a big snuggle when I get home.