What's Ahead in My World

Yo Yo Yo!

The show this past Sunday went really well. Half Handed Cloud's new album is definitely worth $10. Well orchestrated, arranged and executed, while each track is no longer than a minute and a half. Yet the album seems so seamless... Pretty effing genius if you ask me. Thanks to Alberto for, once again, asking me to play one of his shows. It was fun as always. My only regret was forgetting to bring my video camera to capture Kevin's awesome studio space. Something I WON'T forget to do in CHICAGO!!!!

That's right peeps...Dottie and I leave in 3 days. And I haven't told her that we're not coming back. She'll find out when she reads this. (To Dottie: We're not going back to St. Louis.|From Syrhea)

I've recently decided that I'm no longer going to solicit for Indie Record labels.

*GASP*

But WHY Syrhea? You're album is the shit!
Ah...you're sweet. It has nothing to do with me not thinking my album is good enough, but everything to do with the fact I'm convinced that I can just as easily start my own label. Of course I'll have a lot of business books to read up on...might as well enroll myself in a few classes. I figure if this endeavor is an epic fail, I can always go back to trying to solicit other Indie Record Labels. We'll see how that goes for now.

I sent a fresh new track to the peeps on my mailing list earlier this week and judging from the feedback I've received, some of them are convinced that I should start my own studio. Or at least stop paying money to use other studios. And I guess this could be feasible but I'm not an engineer and I'd rather have live drums on all of my albums. At the same time if I just save about 2 grand (which is about as much money it'll cost to go to a studio) and buy a G5 with Pro-Tools, I could have a start to my own studio. Baby Steps...baby steps... Maybe one day..

But first, I'm planning on heading back into the studio sometime, before June, of next year. This time the songs that I actually play live will be on the album and I won't feel so guilty during the release show.

I've finished the outline to the "Fairy Album" (scratch title) and I'm currently writing a couple more songs to finish the story out. I'm thinking it'll be pretty cool...

...hopefully...

Playing now is either What's Ahead, (a track you've heard via myspace or the website) or My World, an instrumental I just demoed the other day. There will be vocals on the track, I just didn't feel like recording them at the moment.

Oh and please ignore the crappy guitar solo in the middle...I was just trying to get the arrangement where I wanted to. I'm kinda torn: Should I add violin or not? I hear parts but I'm thinking I have too much already...thoughts?

I'll post more "unfinished" demos here in the future...

I figured this is a Music Blog so I should post some tunes from time to time...

Anyway, I think that's it.

I need to go practice for the Chicago shows this weekend.

Lates!

~Syrhea

Deadlines in Sight

A few of you may have seen that I just spontaneously decided to make my own music video...

This is proving to take up more time than I had originally anticipated. I thought I could make a little cheap video with pictures and toys in frame by frame movement, but I decided not to deal with issues of lighting and scenery etc. So I'm drawing it. Got the story board finished in about two hours and started the animation right away. Story board images are below...

click to enlarge












It will have ducks, water, cliques, planning, motivation, excelling, and back packs...Don't ask, you'll see.

So, I'm not too terrible of an artist...I can dabble a little, but what I can't do is dabble with a mouse. The software I've been using requires me to draw with a mouse and only with a mouse...I don't even have shape tools to my advantage. I could just open up photoshop and import the frames in that way, but I actually like the way the video looks in it's childlike cartoonish form. I've animated about 120 frames so far...which is about 20sec out of the 2:38 seconds of the song.

Will it be done before the release of the cd? With everything else that's going on, I can't make any promises...but I really should fine time to practice while I'm doing all of these promotional projects.

In other news, I got the mastered disk back from Jack yesterday. El and I had a little meet with him at his effing awesome pad! I must say, I'm pretty impressed with his work and I'm excited that the rekkid actually sounds like a record. I'm going to let the disk soak into my brain for about a week before I decide if it's a no or a go. Just like what my boss says,
"Take your time, go slow, and do it right!"

Plus I still have a crap ton of research to do, as well as the finishing touches on the album insert...I need to clone myself like Michael Keaton in Multiplicity, so I won't be so exhausted from working my 9 hours, then going home and working the remaining 7-9 hours on this release. I'm tired! But like Mrs. Schwartz says, "You've got to get off of your butts and your buts!"

Hmm...but if I were to clone myself...it's best to clone 5 of me...

...then I'd really be my own band...

I'm off to do more research...

...I've got deadlines to meet...

...that all I got...

~Syrhea

Probing the Biz and the Brain

In this past week I've come to the realization that I have no idea of what I'm doing:

How should I list the album info?
Do the little things really matter?
Should I include the people who helped my stars align or not?
Should I get the album registered with the Government?
Or is my post dated copyright enough?
Does it need some sort of publication?

I have no idea...

...then the paranoia sets in, with all these different scenarios coming about and what I could do to prevent it. It took 2 phone calls and a IM chat to calm my ass down. Not that I was really freaking out or anything...

...you know...

I also found a website that answered all of my previous (legal) freak outs above. Very helpful...so the wheels have slowed to their normal pace and my brain can function once more.

But I need to find a way to kill the little voice of doubt. Of all of the "nay-sayers" she s the most threatening to my success. If there was a way to shoot her (we'll call her Cyrhea...'Mario:Wario' anyone?) out of me, much like what Ed did to Brad in Fight Club, I'd jump at the chance. But, obviously, that isn't a valid option and I'll have to find my own way. I do know that she feeds off of the negative energy from others and I need to surround myself with more "successful" people to fuel my drive...in the positive direction. Lucky for me, I do have two people who's been supportive of me since day one. One of you were even behind me before the was anything to get behind. Two is not a lot, but it's better than zero and I thank you both.

This sudden reflection of my overall conscience of myself has caused me to wonder of the stage banter is taking it's toll on the issue. I think it works, and it's kind of my own way of making fun of myself. I know my close, close friends kinda get the pun/joke but when strangers ask, "Why are you so hard on yourself", it's probably time for a different approach.

I did, for the first time in ages, go out this past Saturday. My Brodurr came up to visit and we hit a Drum N Bass BBQ at a park in St. Ann. (he's a DJ by the way...ahem...A REAL ONE... ...*cough*) We then chilled for a while at a house party and I got to do something else I haven't done in a while. JAM! It ain't...It ain't too much to JAM! It ain't too much...IT AIN'T TO A MUCH FOR ME. LET'S JAM!

I jammed a little on the bass...
Then a little on the guitar...
Then a little on the drums...

Definitely needed the release and collaboration with others. After the session, my bro and I headed to The Upstairs' After Party, which, sadly to say, I ruined the rest of the fun to be had. I can barely stay up after midnight anymore from working myself ragged for the rekkid release. So we promptly left after last call and snapped a quick pic of us.



Awwwww....

The last time we were in a picture together was at least 5 years ago. INSANE!

I will be "getting out of the cave" again for the Sonic Youth show this Friday. See you there? Plus the stellas has the final show before recording fresh demos the Saturday after. (07.25.09) And last but not least, Jovian's Cd release show is slotted on 8.21.09 at the Firebird. So yes, I'll leave my cave for these events but I must stay focused on what needs to be done.

...that is all...

~Syrhea

Shoot Me Once, Twice, Five Times. HOORAY!

Photo shoots and fun!

My good ol' dad has been wanting to get out to new areas in St. Louis to shoot people just to stay loose and to feed his artistic needs. What better person could he shoot, other than his very photogenic daughter... That's right. I jumped at this opportunity, because not only have I been slacking on just getting new media out about this solo project, but just to have some professional looking photos would be nice.

But why would you need these photos? It's not like your solo project plays out that much...

Yeah, thanks...I'm aware of this. And I'll take the time to explain to some of the 'Debbie Downers' out there.


You're right, I don't play out often...I've got three other bands to practice and play for...plus my set up is a bit more complicated...Don't want to play when I'm not ready. But what I am doing with these pictures is building my own website.

I've already got my basic layout complete, as well as a few of the tabs in the navigation bar...A few tweaks on color scheme, setting up shop, and actually writing something of substance and VOOWAHLAH! A website.

I'm heading into Yellow Hat tomorrow (hopefully the last time) to fine tune 4 more songs on the rekkid, pass the rekkid to Will so that Will can pass it to Jack to let him do his magic mastering. YEAYUH! But what good is an album if you have no means to sell it digitally? Ahhh...the website.

Indeed...

Still doing a bit of research on digital downloads but the ship is in motion. I will press about 100 and I plan to use them as I see fit. (Sell Sell Sell!)



But let's get back to the photos...

Fun times with dad...
Difficult times changing in the back seat of a car and praying no one can see...and if they do, no one will call the cops. And it was Hot...in the car. (No air conditioning) Here are several pictures I'm willing to share.


Whu-whu-Whoooaah!


Dad, I have no idea what you want me to do...


Loungin'


Your soul is mine!




Wheee!


Wheee agaaain!




Model wannabe




Unattractive close up...


And another...


I have no idea what I was doing



And now, the one I'm most proud of. I call it the Barack Obama meets a JC Penny Model...Enjoy!



...that is all...

~Syrhea

Delays in Sagas

So...

Yeah...

I'm not too happy right now...

My pedal board is practically finished...FINISHED! But am I going to get to use it at tonight's show? (Viva Voce et al) Nope. Should I really be complaining? Probably not...but I went out of my way to give a local hardware store some business. They promised me my item would be in on Monday... ...that promise was made last Tuesday... have I heard anything yet? Nope. I mean c'mon, seriously? This is why Ma and Pa business are going down... I could have gotten this shit by Friday of last week if I had just ordered it online! I knew I should have done that. What was I thinking?

I guess there's always the July shows. The 3rd is approaching faster than I'd like. Mostly because I'm having a really hard time with volume levels between the Headrush, Repeater and the Jamman. The chain of wiring events goes as follows:

All instruments to Mixer
Mixer to Pedal Board
TU-12
OD-20
Big Muff
Whammy
Small Stone
Holy Grail
DD-20
Headrush
Repeater
Jamman

Pedal Board to Bass Rig

Here's a lovely picture I drew! CLICK TO ENLARGE

With this set up, the Jamman will be the "drum machine" per se, while the repeater takes over the looping and the Headrush and DD-20 can serve their main purpose. DELAY Delay delay delay. Which is a lot of fun and is definitely adding to my orchestrated sound. I still use the Headrush and the Jamman as loop pedals on the old tunes...which is where the problem I stated above lies. I'm not sure if I have the mixer output level too high or if it's the Headrush's or the Jamman's or the Repeater's but my levels aren't fitting in the correct spot with my drum machine. Yes, I could just push the drum machine volume up, but when I do so, it effects all the loops being recorded into it...causing the loop to be louder than the current instrument that I'm playing. And that poor Backline didn't sign up for that. I'm slowly breaking him, and I know it. Which is why I desperately need a PA system to run this craziness through.

So this one seemingly little problem will and can indeed cause me to spend a whole 8 hour day to figure out and fix. This is what I plan to do after I post this nonsense. And the process is painfully frustrating and monotonous. I guess the first place I should start is to re-recording all the drum beats onto my Jamman...this way I'll know that they're all at the same exact volume. I anticipate this alone taking a few hours and I already don't want to do it. But like I said before, I can only depend on myself...I can't let anything stop me...not even myself. So let's get this loopage started right...

But I'm kinda hungry...

I will let hunger stop me...

...temporarily...

I'm going to get some food...

Hope to see some of you at the stella show tonight! It's early, all ages and it'll be fun!

...that is all...

~Syrhea

Pete and the Repeater

It was April 16th, 2009.

I was at work, gmail chatting about tax money. The thread reads as follows:

Scott: sooo... .what is the damage?
me: I'm expected to get about a grand back
Scott: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
me: 400 from Federal and 600 from state
12:55 PM

Scott: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Electrix Repeater????
HeySus Christo, that is awesome.
me: Nah...
not yet
hmm...maybe
I don't know
I want an i-pod too
Scott: hehe
repeater!
1:00 PM

me: Yeah, you're right
I could probably swing both...
Maybe.
Scott: Yeah!
me: I just hate to spend all the money at once on one thing.
Scott: Does this mean we'll have to go to Chicago to buy gear?
me: You know?
Ahhh.
I don't know
Only way I can get a reapeater is ebay.
Scott: haha - nah, I know. It's good to hang on to some cash, for sure!
I can't believe they stopped making that.

---

1:07 PM

me: looking up repeaters now
Scott: lol
me: Look at what you've got me doing!
Scott: awesome!
I am a good influence

---

1:11 PM

me: And I've found one for $600!!!!
Scott: That's good?
me:
let me see
Bidding ends tomorrow
Ahhh...what am I going to do!
Scott: when do you get your funds?
me: Should I just get it?
Scott: With what?
me: Next friday
Scott: hmmm
me: But I get paid this friday
Scott: Well, check it out thoroughly ya know, seller history/references, etc...
me: yeah
I don't even have an ebay account
Scott: do you have a paypal acct, tho?
me: no
I know
it's actually only $530
Scott: Well, you might be able to check it out late tonight when ya have more time, and set up the accts, if ya want to. Otherwise, I am sure there will be more on the market!
me: But that's definitely the cheapest one I've seen
Scott: Wow... of course, the bidding could spike as the dealine approaches.

---

1:20 PM

Where is the seller located?
me: I can't figure it out.
I'm trying to look
it just says he's from the US but he has great feedback responses
Scott: that's weird... I thought they usually had more specific info.
me: he hasn't sold anything in the last year...he has a blue star but the comments left were very positive
http://myworld.ebay.com/cellowings
Scott: cool - I just pulled it up
oh - It's Bainbridge Island, WA... Right across the water from Seattle
Upper right of screen
me: oh..

---

1:30 PM

Scott: Yeah, that is a lot of good feeback, even from buyers
me: You think i should go for it?
Scott: Yeah - I'd drop the seller a line and inquire regarding any known problems... But it looks good, and comes with a foot pedal..
me: I wonder if he'd just sell it to me for a flat price
Damn you Scott!
Now I can't stop thinking about it!
I was going to buy wood to start my pedal board this weekend
Scott: Wood is cheap
me: But my heart needs that repeater!
AHHHHH
Scott: Awww
Sorry!
1:35 PM

btw - I think it is a chic sellin it
I was reading her feedback responses to other people
me: oooo even better!
Scott: that unit really does look pretty mint
I think I want one too
;)
me: and it's not too expensive!
Scott: word - go for it!
me: I think I will
THANKS!
when should I place the killer bid?
10 minutes before?
1:40 PM

Scott: I would be ready to make a little move in the last 2 minutes, actually
me: Ok, tonight I'm going to set up my account...
Then in the last two minutes make a bid at about 550
I know that's 20 dollars over but I really want this now.
Scott: Someone else might have a max bid set higher... If you thought 600 was fair, ya might wanna go that high
me: I think I'll risk 550
Scott: Cool

---

So, that evening, I set up my accounts and by later on that afternoon, the repeater was mine. Outbid those losers in the last 10 seconds. Sooooo didn't see that coming. It seemed like eternity for the repeater to arrive, mostly because I didn't realize that it took 3 business days for pay pal to verify a bank account, as well as another 5 business days to transfer the money to pay pal. But when it finally arrived on April 28th 2009...I was estatic!


I immediately ran to the laboratory and tried to figure it out. (very difficult without a manual) I knew I would be spending every moment I had with Repeat (that's her name) but my time with her was so short... I started building Big Blue (that's the pedal board 'his' name) causing the last time I touched her, to be the first.

I neglected her...

For over a month...

She was probably wondering why I bought her to begin with...as was I the other day. But in the last 72 hours, almost all of my spare time has gone to her. We've already created 2 new sweet songs that we'll bust out together on July 3rd @ City Art Supply. (w/.e and Bill Tucker and Friends)

I must say, I'm enjoying actually using delay pedals...as a delay pedal instead of a secondary and/or tertiary loop pedal with my previous set up. I'm very excited, and can't wait until Big Blue joins in all the fun. Plus, good Old Greg(g) just happens to have a midi footswitch controller laying around his place that I can use to join forces with The Repeater. Big Blue just might be big enough to hold all that hardware as well.

Speaking of the pedal board, it's almost finished. Waiting for the finish to dry and then I can apply all the accessories to my baby...

...dude...I tingle...

I think I might have it finished for the Viva Voce show next week...but I had to special order some parts today, so no promises...

...that is all...

~Syrhea

The Saga of the Pedal Board (pt.1)

So, this past weekend while lounging around town for gear, I was thinking a lot about how I want my home made pedal board to be designed. I don't like the idea of all the pedals being in a straight line because it'll make it that much more difficult to stay center with the microphone. Two rows is a must but three rows is pushing it. Sunday, after having an awesome jam, I layed all of my pedals (and Greg's pedals)onto the floor to start the measurments:
I meant to rotate this picture but I forgot, and now I'm too lazy
This board needs to comfortably hold:

1 Digitek Jamman

1 Digitek Footswitch (optional)

1 Boss DD-20

1 Boss Tap Tempo

1 EH Holy Grail

1 EH Small Stone

1 Digitek Whammy

1 Akai Headrush

1 EH Big Muff

1 Boss OD-20

1 Boss TU-20

With my current board, I have problems accessing the 2nd row of pedals. I knew that I'd have to elevate the 2nd row some how to solve this problem. But which would be easier for me to figure out and measure? Making "stairs" or making a slope...SLOPE!!! Now that I've decided I want the slope, how much of an angle do I want? And this design will most definitely effect the box...so the box must be cut in a slope too? Does this sound right to you all? After about an hour and a half of thinking I came up with these measurements and this drawing... Another problem with my current board is storage. I thought it'd be cool to store the power strip/cables and any other stuff I might need for the stellas or for this project in the board. So I decided to add hinges one inch from the top of the Box #2 to the top of actual board holding the pedals. The bottom of the pedal board will rest on a 1/2 inch strip 2 inches from the bottom of Box #2. I will also leave about a 1/2 inch of space on either side of the pedal board from the the sides of Box #2 to flip the board up when needed or to even feed cables through. (I haven't really figured the cable acess part out yet: But I could always drill holes later...right?) So I believe phase one is complete. Just the basic measurements and ideas for the board. I'll probably head to the hardware store and look lost as hell this Friday to get large sheets of ply wood. I'd like to laminate it as well. But we'll see. I should also go ahead and get a handle, hinges, rubber stoppers, and more hinges to make sure my measurements work before I cut and screw everything up. Wish me luck! ...that is all... ~Syrhea