Band Formations

Putting together a band can be tough.  So many emails, meetings, auditions...  It's a crazy combination of the process you go through when dating and/or apply for a job.  Is it going to be a good fit?  Where do you see yourself in X number of years?  Will you be doing what you're good at and love, or will you just accept a "job"?  But in the end it's all worth it - especially when it comes to music.  Even if you're not a multi-gazillionaire, the ability to play music in front of a live audience is such a thrill and a rush...  people love it and you love doing it - it's totally win win and I guess that why we do it.  Sometimes you go through break-ups and sometimes there are arguments, but when aren't there in a relationship.  Really if you think about it, it's almost like being in a relationship with 3 or more other people.  whew, just trying to coordinate schedules with 2 people can be difficult, but if you're all committed to the end goal (and you all agree on teh end goal), then it'll work out in the end...  I'm going through this now and let's just say I can't wait until it's over :)

Joe Satriani - Ram's Head Live October 22, 2008

Last night, as a birthday present, Michelle took me to see her favorite guitar player - Joe Satriani.

Hellish Rock 07/08 Helloween - September 23, 2008 - Ram's Head Live!

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The Concert List

I've been to a few shows over the years. Not as many as I'd have liked, but a few. I thought it'd be interesting to see the list all in one place... So, here it is...

Metal Masters - August 7, 2008 Bristow VA Nissan Pavilion

Ok - so here's the skinny - Testament, Motorhead, Sabbath (dio version aka Heaven and Hell), and Priest. My first time for Testament and Motorhead and second for HnH and Priest.

Poison - July 31st, 2008 Bristow VA Nissan Pavilion

Saw the "Live Raw and Uncut" tour with Poison, Dokken, and Sebastian Bach last Thursday at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow,VA . It was my 1st time seeing Poison and Dokken and 2nd with Bach (the first was when Skid Row opened up for G 'n R, back in '92). "Horns up" like it was 1988 all over again!!

Obliviousness and Hypocrisy

Why is it that some people can't see the forest for the trees (I love that quote - bonus points if you can name where it came from)? Why is it that people can say one thing and turn right around and do another (that flies in the face of that which they stated) - without even realizing it? Or do they realize it? If they do, that's bad, it’s... well hypocritical – and I hate hypocrites.

Etiquette For a Night of Live Music

This is from Candye Kane's Myspace Blog - www.myspace.com/candyekaneband

HELPING THE BAND
If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain standing onstage. If you're too drunk to stand unassisted, simply lean on one of the band members or the most expensive piece of equipment you see. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up on stage and join in. By the way, the drunker you are, the better you sound, and the louder you should sing. If by chance you fall off the stage, be sure to crawl back up and attempt to sing harmony. Keep in mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, fifth and sixth part harmonies,or a tambourine played on one and three and out of tempo. Try the cowbell; they love the challenge. The band always needs the help and will take this as a compliment. The microphone and PA system are merely props, they don't really amplify your voice, so when you grab the mic out of the singers hand be sure to scream into it at the top of your lungs, otherwise no one will hear what a great singer you are. Hearing is over-rated anyway. The crowd and the sound guy will love you for it.

Band Audition

Well, off to an audition tonight... auditioning for the band Mind Trapp

Heavy Modern Rock... we'll see, it's been a while since I've played a lot of heavy stuff... well since before I got in the Dragons...

oh yeah, and the quitting smoking thing still sucks...