08.01.06

So it looks like I am in another band. It's a metal project in the vein of Lamb of God or Shadows Fall. I am just singing/screaming in this one (back to my roots). Chris from 7Eyes, Darkwaters, NameMeNoone etc. is on drums, Shannon (ex-Mind Vice and Darkwaters) on guitar, and this guy Nick who I just met is on bass. It should be fun. I'll keep you up updated.

08.08.06

I had the third practice with the metal project last night. We have one song 100% ready, and two more in the works. It's really fun so far. Really metal. I can't wait to bring this band to the people. Still need a name...

Guns Down has been playing with a new drummer, so far so good. We wanted to try a few different drummers but it looks like we have two guys to try out. We have played three times now with my cousin-in-law, Jeff and Friday we are going to try out Ryan's roommate Josh. Jeff has done a great job. He learned five songs in three sessions. We'll see how Josh fairs. It seems like Guns Down will be continuing on. I am really happy about that, just wish we could've played Gilman last month.

Ryan and I have started to dig into the editing process on the book. We have made some changes to the text. Taking out things that weren't necessary to the stories and adding bits and pieces in to flesh the characters out a bit more. I thought the proof reading was the last stage, but I guess I was wrong. It's been a neat process so far, but I really just want the damn book to be out there already. Dave finished the cover art and it looks great. I am really looking forward to getting some feedback on this collection.

08.12.06

The metal project is going well. We have a show booked October 13th. Still need a name. We have 2 and 1/2 songs, but we seem to be able to crank them out pretty fast without sacrificing quality.

08.17.06

Well the metal project has a name: Only from the Cold. We have shows booked in October. Just you wait and see.

We were supposed to give Josh (Ryan's roommate) a shot at drumming for Guns Down, but it didn't happen, maybe next week. I really hope we can save the band. I'd hate to see it end on such a sour note.

08.23.06

New band is going well. We have 4 songs (I still need to come up with lyrics for two). I am really enjoying doing metal again.

NameMeNoone is coming along well too. I am writing some stuff I think is pretty good on guitar. It's getting harder and harder to sing and play. I'd like to get a full time singer for the band, someone who can really sing. I don't know maybe I should just suck it up and try harder haha.

We found a drummer for Guns Down. I am really excited to get that band going again. I love the heavy stuff I play in NMNO and OFTC but I have more fun in Guns Down than I have ever had in a band.

08.27.06

Guns Down is doing a short set opening the show at House on the Hill tomorrow Other bands on the bill are Negative Nancy (Sparks NV), Deuce Boldly & Visible (both from Minneapolis). This will be our first set with the new drummer. I am really looking forward to it.

NameMeNoone & Only from the Cold were evicted from our practice space this week for something we didn't do. I am very angry about this. Only from the Cold has its first two shows booked and we only have 4 songs done (only two of which have vocals). It's really frustrating.

08.29.06

We had the first Guns Down show with Jeff on drums last night. It was a short set (7 songs) but it was fun as hell. I really felt good playing those songs with the new line up. Jeff has a different style than Pat had and he brings a totally different feel to the songs and the band in general. Sometimes change is good, the songs sounded great and the whole vibe of show was really fun. Negative Nancy were fantastic, I really like that band. They invited us to do a split 10" with them. I am very excited about that idea. Deuce Boldly were incredible. They are a pretty straight forward punk rock band but with an accordion. It was very interesting to watch the accordion player. She had this great stage presence. Her face was very animated when she was singing and the accordion added a unique feel to punk rock. I found myself mesmerized by the accordion. It's such a complicated looking device.

The NameMeNoone show tonight was cancelled. I was really looking forward to playing with The Esoteric. I guess that's rock 'n roll though...