Last night when we were busy spilling drinks all over my copy of Sly's 'Fresh', #MandatoryReporter entered Big Streamo At Large, and can now be heard at zero cost for a digital eternity.
It's an album about how limitations can set you free-- how self-discipline is our best defense. It attempts to answer the questions posed by the last record, 2023's #BurnOutLoud. It makes me feel like a little kid again.
I'll be announcing some big fancy shows very soon. You have my word.
Welcome to another riveting game of "BUT IS IT PROG?"
Here you'll find me alongside fellow huge heads Nicholas G. Arcari (left) and Dr. Dan Ricker (right).
Yes, we are playing as a trio on Sunday.
Yes, there will be stacked keyboards.
Yes, there will be double necked guitars and double-string basses.
Yes to any and all roto toms. (BYORT)
Yes, there are sections in 7/8 time.
Yes to probably capes.
Yes to progressive politics.
BUT IS IT PROG??
Finally kicked Spotify.
You probably don't need me to tell you why that so-called "music service" is bad news bears. Look it up -- it's on the internet.
That said, no side-eye intended to my peers who choose to keep their catalog available!! I am doing this because I'm inspired by the tenacious @deerhoof and @kinggizzard , who predict a movement towards making obsolete this increasingly hollow regime. I want to be a tiny part of that.
To my literal dozens of "monthly listeners" -- all 57 tunes are still available on BandCamp, Apple Music, and every other known streaming service -- for now.
Alternatively, I would be so flattered to send you files, maybe even give away some CDs. Please don't hesitate to message me.
Spotify has never been a part of my plan for rock superstardom. Good riddance.
Also, Go Mariners.
I believe nostalgia is the adversary of rock and roll, and yet here I am on April 28, reflecting on last spring's epic #MandatoryReporter release show at Maria Hernandez Park, one year ago today. I would almost go as far as to say it was The Day The Good Guys Won, but as we all know, King Worm kicked my ass. Oh well -- it was the first nice day of the year and all of my friends showed up to dance, sing, and have sunflower duels. Some even helped clean up! Sam and Trevor Forrest took these photos, plus hundreds more.
While I work on getting some more shows on the books, please enjoy the new "Late Work" single -- it's a mish-mashed footnote to #MandatoryReporter, hopefully enough to keep our fertile minds occupied while we toil away at my next grand experiment. Brandon, Tanner, and Zach played, Tanner mixed, and James mastered.
Nothing to see here, folks!
Just reading Bachelard in the Backyard and polishing up the solo to "Limelight".
Somehow I managed to persuade the powerful and attractive @dead_t00th rhythm section of @jamespatrickduncan and @mikey_coco_diamond to join me AS RUSH this coming Friday at @purgatory.bk for their second annual Werewolf Bar Mitzvah. It's excessive, and we like it that way. Happy Halloween, indeed.
The Two-Man Show returns to Manhattan Island next Saturday! Everyone's mutual friend Samuel "@chafing " Stroup used the latest in rock software to design our evening from his rolly chair in Logan Square.
I've been looking forward to supporting "Virginia" Valentin Prince on his East Coast takeover. I'll post the ticket link in my thing. Meeeeeoowwwwww!
Sending out a wide-eyed congratulations to my fellow dwellers in the holy-unholy land of Oxa, as the long-awaited concept- half-album COMING FOR GOD is upon us. This time it is tangible. Indeed, a special nod of reverence toward @iamoxa herself for her follow-through and force of will, not to mention her spirited singing and authorship.
As anyone can tell from this photo, I played bass on this record. As of yet, it is the weirdest music with my name on it. I dig it.
(@pytnabnr took the photo during the recording session)
The rock never stops!!
Got a sweet, sweeeeet, saccharine evening ahead this Friday in the Lower East Side. Beyond elated to finally share a stage with my longtime pals in @massiemusic , the pride of our crumbling nation's capital. Plus I get to watch @babyyagafux and @thevacantsnyc , see what all the buzz is about, you know...
I convinced Nick Arcari here to learn a comprehensive batch of VBS songs new and old. They happen to be your favorites. We're gonna perform them as a duo, kinda like the White Stripes except we're not divorced. I think we want to play loud, too. Cancel your spa day.
Greetings from the capacious in-betweens of North America!!
I'm fresh off the Annie Collette NORMAL NOW International Tour 2K24. It was my first with a capital "T". Ten shows in as many days, followed by a righteous homecoming at @babysallright and an absolute hoedown of an encore in Harrisonburg Rock City.
As cathartic as it was to catch up with old friends (and the sister of course), it was always hard to repack the Corolla and leave after breakfast. That said... the Outlaw Quality of that lifestyle is undeniable. Why would anyone ever do anything else?
Sending my lifelong gratitude toward Annie and Nick for having me. Next post will be a VBS update.
