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3/4/11
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I've decided to blog about a really tender subject, religion. This is a subject
that can make or break one's opinion on you, and can even go as far as absolute
hatred of another. I really don't think there are any other subjects that can
affect a person so much. I, personally, am not a religious man. I don't believe
in god and I'm not spiritual in any way. That doesn't mean, however, that I am
anti-religion.
I truly believe that the world needs religion, or at least it does now. I think
that all hell would break loose if religion suddenly disappeared, or was
outlawed. However, I do believe that people have taken their religion too far at
times. For instance, people who read the Old Testament and believe that the
stories actually did happen are not reading it correctly. The book is a Jewish
book, and any Jewish person will tell you that the stories are meant to help
guide you through life to be a better person. God just wants you to be a good
person, do onto others as you would want them to do onto you, and you will get
into heaven.
Now I have read the Bible, both Old and New Testament, I have read the Koran,
and I have read the book of Mormon. I have even read Dianetics. And the basic
underline meaning behind them all is to be a good person. Which does in fact
make sense. So why do I not follow any religion? I don't want to spend my life
preparing for an after-life that may or may not exist. Also, it seems that any
religion you step into has loopholes and people who don't really know what they
are saying. In my opinion, which I am perfectly entitled to say, people have
taken the original ideas behind religion, and skewed it into something
completely different. I am pretty sure that if Jesus came back, he may not be
happy with what people are doing with his teachings.
Like politics, there are corrupt people in religion. It's led to so much
fighting, countless number of wars, and killing in the name of god. All which
doesn't work in my book. Now here's the biggest issue. I know for a fact that
this little blog is going to offend some people. And I know that in their mind I
should keep my opinions to myself. But that right there, folks, is the
definition of hypocrisy. I am constantly seeing verses from the bible on sites
like Facebook, and there is religious propaganda everywhere. But, the second an
atheist says anything, then everyone has a problem. I think the point to all of
this is freedom of speech. If people are allowed to post religious views, then I
am allowed to post what I believe.
The question I get most is: what if I'm wrong? What if there is a god and I will
now go to hell for everything I've said. Well, then so be it. The fact is there
is no proof that all of the religions are true, and there's no proof that I'm
right either. Luckily, we are all entitled to believe whatever we want. Even if
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2/27/11
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I was never a big car person. Not "I'm afraid to drive," but I don't really
study up on them. I don't go to the car shows, and I spend hours cleaning my car
everyday. If it gets me from point A to B without costing a fortune in gas or
breaking down halfway, then it's my dream car. It also helps if I can fit my
drum set in it, but I have no problem with that.
Honestly I don't get the obsession with cars, to a degree of course. I
understand studying up on them, learning how they run, but there are some people
that go a little too far with their car. Does anyone truly believe that painting
flames on the hood makes the car go faster? Cause it doesn't. If anything it
makes your insurance go up, and the police tend to pull you over more. Why pay
more for a car that can go to speeds up to 200 mph, when you can't drive it that
fast anywhere. It's like buying a train when you have no access to train tracks.
It's just pointless in my opinion. And here's a helpful tip for a number of
people that is way too high. Putting a whale tail on your Dodge Neon does not
make it a racecar.
There will always be people who do things like the above. I'm sure it's part of
the evolutionary process. Not for survival, but more for entertainment. Cause if
you're ever bored, you can go out and people watch. And thanks to obsessions
with cars, you can even watch them drive by. |
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2/24/11
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Its funny how being in a band is very much like being in a relationship. I've
been in many bands, and I've been in many relationships, and I've come to
realize that it really is the same. Except there's no sex in a band. So I guess
it would actually be closer to marriage.
In some ways, being in a band is worse. You're only with one other person in a
relationship, in a band you're with at least two others. Success in a
relationship is created the same way success in a band is. Similar interests and
the ability to be around each other can make things work out a lot easier. You
audition to join a band, and in a sense, you audition to join a relationship.
Except, instead of showing how well you play an instrument, you show how you
talk and act. So once the fun starts, both a band and a couple go through an
awkward beginning. Or is that just me? Anyway, eventually you warm up to each
other and either share all the good qualities, or call on the other's bull crap.
In the end both scenarios either stay together, or eventually split. It's hard
to say if one is better than the other. Both have an equal amount of pros and
cons. You get paid to be in a band, but not in a relationship. Well, you can,
but its illegal in many states. Many of you will read this, especially the
musicians, and say of course a relationship is better. But really it and think
about it. Cause in the end, both can be just as great and suck just as much. |
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2/21/11
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So this short little list here actually took me quite some time. I've noticed
that people can name band after band on their own, but when asked who their
favorite band is, all knowledge of music leaves the mind. It's like how you can
think of every cd you want, until you walk into the record store. So I figured
I'll list my top 20 favorite bands in order now, before someone asks me. This
list is my most current, which is why this is just for 2011. I'll make a new one
when it changes. The bands are in order from my favorite down.
1. The Beatles - I
can't imagine my life without The Beatles. I quite literally listened to this
band from birth. There was a time, when I was younger, that I thought any other
band with four members was just a rip off of The Beatles. There is no topping
these guys. And of course, Ringo Starr is the reason I started drumming.
2. The Who - This truly
is a super group. All four members are the best of the best. I can't think of
one song of theirs I don't like. Ringo may have been the reason I started
drumming, but Keith Moon is the reason I continued.
3. Led Zeppelin -
Here's a band that revolutionized Rock and Roll. One of my favorite albums is
Led Zeppelin II, and I will never get sick of it. Once again, I am bias cause of
their drummer. Tied with Moon, John Bonham is my favorite drummer. And I want
his drum set.
4. The Police - This is
the perfect mix of the two best genres, Rock & Roll and Reggae. The Police is
definitely one of the most original bands. Sting's song writing was amazing,
along with his bass playing, and Stewart Copeland is one of the most solid
drummers around. And with Andy Summers, the band really is perfect.
5. Queen - Fronted by
probably one of the best singers in music history, this band is amazing. Not
only are they great musicians, but they are all amazing song writers. No
surprise that they are the only band where each member has written a song that
reached number 1 on the charts. First song I ever learned on the drum set, Keep
Yourself Alive. So Queen will always be in my top 5.
6. David Bowie - Here
is probably one of my favorite songwriters. This man has written hit after hit,
and he's just one guy! Sure he's had help from various musicians, but as a solo
artist, he is the best. I probably also own every movie he's ever done. And one
of my favorite movies is Labyrinth. What can possibly be better than a movie
with David Bowie and Muppets?? The answer is nothing.
7. Peter Gabriel -
Another genius of music, Peter is up there with Bowie as my favorite
songwriters. Between his work with Genesis and his solo work, Peter is without a
doubt an inspiration to me. And my dream is to one day play at least one song
with Peter Gabriel.
8. Joe Cocker - Seeing
this guy live was a dream come true. Joe mainly does covers, but he makes the
songs his own. The guy has been performing since the 60s, and he still sounds
just as amazing.
9. Pink Floyd - There
were four different versions of Pink Floyd, and every one of them was great.
These guys are the gods of Prog Rock. They are one of the few bands that has
albums I can sit and listen to all the way through. And their live shows are an
experience of a lifetime. Roger Waters performing The Wall was without a doubt
the best show I've ever seen.
10. Bob Marley - When
god gives you lemons, go find a new god. Then put on a Bob Marley record, and
you will feel 20 times better. This man is the definition of Reggae. Not only is
he an inspiration to me, but he has also moved millions all around the world.
11. The Rolling Stones -
Honestly, who out there cannot like The Stones? Like The Beatles, these guys are
the pioneers of Rock & Roll. The songwriting is great, and they have a sound
that's unique and original. With Mick Jagger and Keith Richards leading the
band, The Rolling Stones will never be forgotten.
12. Rush - Take the
best bassist, the best guitarist, and the best drummer, and you have Rush. Here
is a band that manages to sound like an orchestra, and yet its only three guys.
Whenever I feel like giving myself a challenge, I sit and learn a Rush song. I
think it's safe to say that Neil Peart is the best drummer today.
13. Talking Heads - For
all those artists trying to be "out there" and edgy, Talking Heads beat you to
it. And they're genuine. David Byrne is probably the most unique songwriter out
there. And also a great showman.
14. Leo Sayer - Here is
a guy who is definitely a forgotten legend. Leo has written for many great
artists including Three Dog Night and Roger Daltrey. This guy was tiny, and yet
could belt it like he invented singing. Whether it was a Joe Cocker raspy voice,
or a Frankie Valli high-pitched voice, Leo Sayer mastered singing. He's
definitely up there with Freddy Mercury as the best singer in the history of
music.
15. Three Dog Night -
Just like Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night played covers, but made the songs their
own. Each singer had their own unique voice and character, and also meshed
together perfectly.
16. Joe Walsh - Gotta
say that Joe is the best one in The Eagles. But, I'm a bigger fan of his solo
work. One of my favorite songs is Life's Been Good. Joe is an amazing
songwriter, and has a great sense of humor. Many artists write generic songs
about love, but he manages to have a great theme behind every song. Also, Joe
Walsh is another artist I would love to play for.
17. AC/DC - When you
think Hard Rock, you think AC/DC. This band would be higher, but a certain
tribute band I was in kind of ruined it. That aside, These guys know how to
write catchy riffs that burrow into your head and never leave. Every AC/DC song
is simplistic, yet they are also thought out and unique. It is very easy to mess
up an AC/DC song. Every note must be played perfectly, or else the song is
ruined.
18. Yes - Yes was the
first Prog Rock band I ever listened to, so they have to be on this list. And,
of course, they are a great band. Rick Wakeman of keyboards, Bill Bruford on
drums, Chris Squire on bass, these three guys alone are incredible. Put them
with Steve Howe and Jon Anderson, and the band was even better. Even when other
musician's came in, the band still kept to their sound that had many layers of
instruments and great arrangements.
19. Elton John - Of
course Elton John has to be on this list. You can't compare his songwriting to
anyone else, cause its great in too many ways. Him and Bernie Taupin managed to
write music that can be liked by anyone. Elton always had the best musician's
backing him up, which meant he was just as great live as he was on his albums.
20. The Doobie Brothers -
With or without Michael McDonald, The Doobie Brothers pushed so many great
songs. This is definitely a band I want to see live. As musician's they were
great, and as songwriters they were amazing. Between the arrangements and the
intricate yet soulful harmonies, The Doobie Brothers managed to make gold. And
apparently there is a possibility that I'm related to former drummer Chet
McCracken.
So there you have it. I'm sure there are mixed reactions to this list. And I'm
sure I'll get crap from even my own band mates. Who knows, maybe someday I'll be
bored enough to make a top 100 list. A man can dream. Cheers. |
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1/25/11
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Luck must have something to do with it, mainly because it seemed almost too good
to be true when the opportunity to join Arrest My Sister came up. By matter of
chance, I went from a fresh graduate from Musician's Institute to playing
Carnegie Hall exactly one year later. And it was all because of the band I
joined before AMS. The band was an AC/DC tribute band; started by a coke addict
with a DUI to pay off. My audition was interesting. The rhythm guitarist was
auditioning with me, I had to pay for the studio time, and the lead guitarist
was off playing with one of his other 9 bands.
Eventually I got the gig and 2 weeks later the "Angus Young" of the band finally
came back to town. Our first rehearsal, I had to drive out to Hollywood to pick
him up cause his girlfriend couldn't, and that was the first time I ever met
Crazy Tomes. The guy was literally a crazy guitarist, and knew every note in all
of the AC/DC songs we played. And I will be completely honest, I didn't
understand a word he said for the first 3 weeks of knowing him.
Eventually Tomes left, and called me saying one of his other bands was looking
for a drummer. At the time I had 4 other bands and a part time job. At first I
was going to say no, but I changed my mind and said I'll audition. I met up with
Tomes and this other guy, who kind of looked like he could be Tomes' brother, to
get a cd of their music. Tomes did pretty much all the talking, while the other
guy kind of sat there looking half asleep. I quickly found out that he was the
lead singer and songwriter, Scott Siegel. I got the cd, wrote out charts,
practiced once or twice, and went to the audition, nervous as hell. I didn't
really know the songs, and the detailed charts I made were left at home on
accident. There I met Wadada, one of the best bassists I've ever seen, and the
band manager Michael. In April I'll have been in this band for a year. I guess
in the end I can say they liked me. |
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1/19/11
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This trip to Reno for the WFA has definitely been an experience all in its own.
The WFA was a convention designed to let county fairs hire different acts to
perform at their fair. I am completely grateful to have done this and I have to
thank our manager Michael for giving myself, and the rest of the band, this
wonderful opportunity. I, for one, definitely appreciated every moment of this
trip.
Probably the best part, besides playing, was seeing the other amazing bands
perform what was basically the best 15 minutes of their song catalog. The bands
ranged from Pop and R&B, to Rock, to Blues. And there had to have been about a
dozen country bands. They were good, but I am no country fan. One band that
especially stood out was the Blues Brothers tribute band. It was basically like
watching Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on
stage like they did back in the day. This band was absolutely incredible.
It was great being able to meet and talk to the other bands and acts, especially
to study up on how they got to where they were in the music business. As for the
show itself, I don't think we've ever played the medley we created so well.
There were no mistakes, at least none that I heard, and we managed to play
non-stop for a solid 15 minutes. The audience seemed to like us, and apparently
we got a potential gig within 30 seconds of getting off stage. That is pretty
much proof right there of how good we were that night. |
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1/18/11
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This was my second time going to the Winter NAMM show, and it reminded me of
many things I said the first time I went. One of them being don't go to the NAMM
show. For anyone who hasn't been to this music convention, it's basically Guitar
Center on steroids, crack, and a hint of meth. It's completely packed with
people from all over the country who are there to check out the new products
coming out in the music world. Almost every music company from around the
country come to showcase their product, and try to get stores to sell it.
The people that go to the show are vendors, artists, and people who managed to
get a pass from someone. The show is invite only. I managed to get a pass
through my drum company Six Gun Custom Drums. So I was sent as an artist. You
truly see customer service at its best when attending the show. For unless you
are a vendor who will potentially sell their product, the company reps. will not
acknowledge your existence. Which can be nice. Especially when you're someone
like me who is simply there to look around and see what's new on the market.
Actually, in all honesty, I go to see about endorsement deals. Don't get me
wrong, I wont accept just any deal, the product has to be good. Luckily, I
managed to find two great companies who are even willing to give me a deal. TRX
Cymbals from Studio City, CA gave me an endorsement deal form cymbals that are
simply amazing. They have a wide variety of incredible cymbals, and they're
really close to where I live. Practically neighbors. And of course, I found a
stick company that is based out of Canada called Los Cabos Drumsticks. Hopefully
I can get a good deal from them cause they definitely know how to make
drumsticks.
So even though I'm still tired from the NAMM show, I'm pretty glad I went. I saw
some great up-coming products, and I saw my future cymbals. So it wasn't a total
waste of time after all. |
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1/12/11
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As I'm on this plane heading back to Los Angeles, CA, I gotta say that part of
me didn't want to go back. When I first heard about Arrest My Sister's show at
Carnegie Hall, I was excited. But I was even more excited that I was going to go
to New York for the first time. Countless people told me time and time again
that I needed to go to this state. I finally see why they said that. The winter
weather is harsh, the cities are packed with people, the time change is a trip,
and it's impossible to drive yourself. At the same time the atmosphere was
great, the amount of life was thrilling, and I'm pretty sure I had the greatest
pizza I have and will ever eat.
This was an experience I will never forget. Being in Los Angeles all my life
made me think that almost all major cities were pretty much the same. But now I
realize that they have a unique character to them that is different everywhere
you go. The trip to New York didn't last anywhere near as long as I would have
hoped. New York City is not one that can be done in a week, let alone three
days. So I was especially thrilled when my dad mentioned that he would be more
than willing to take me back this year.
Along with Scott's parents who were great to have there, I went with three other
guys who are not just band members, but great friends. I'm definitely glad that
my first time in New York was with them. As psychotic as they are sometimes,
they made the trip just that much more fun. Especially when I discovered that
Scott had the same enthusiasm about the pizza as I did. So obviously we had
pizza every night of the trip. Of course, after being told by about two-dozen
people that I had to go to Carnegie Deli, I went to Carnegie Deli. Between the
chocolate fudge cake, the 6" tall slice of apple pie, and the juiciest, biggest
burger I've ever had, I gotta say that everyone was right. You can't go to New
York without going to Carnegie.
In the end, New York City is quite possible my favorite city in the US. And it's
in my top five best cities in the world. I know I only got a taste of it, but
despite anything bad about the city, I know that I love New York City. I
wouldn't move there, but I will definitely visit as many times as I can. |
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1/12/11
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On Jan. 10, 2011, Arrest My Sister got to play at the venue of the
world, Carnegie
Hall. The thought of that alone is mind blowing. Let alone actually
doing it. I’ve been in the band for a little over eight months now, and
I didn’t think we would be playing on the same stage that The
Beatles, Gene
Krupa, Paul
Simon, and countless other music legends have performed on so soon.
As soon as I told my parents that the band I basically had just joined
was going to be playing at Carnegie Hall, they thought I was either
joking, or I was talking about a different Carnegie Hall. It was very
hard to wrap my mind around the concept. To the point where it didn’t
hit me until the sound check the day of the show. Honestly, how many
bands can say that they played Carnegie Hall? It’s beyond belief that I
can now put it on my resume. Who wouldn’t want to hire us now??
The trip to New
York was incredible, and
to top it all off we played the best venue in the world. It may have
only been one song, but really that’s all I would ask for, to play at
least one song at Carnegie Hall. The show was all around amazing. Every
other performer was incredible. Way past a ton of people on a level of
talent. I heard a girl from England who had one of the best jazz voices
I’ve ever heard, and a kid who can rap so well, that I actually liked
it. And I HATE rap. It was definitely an honor to perform with these
musicians during the of Autism Celebration.
The bar is set extremely high now when it comes to gigs. It’s pretty
darn hard to top Carnegie Hall. The only thing better would be to
headline an entire show there. Who knows, the way things are going, it
may happen next year.
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12/5/10
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I shit you not. Arrest My Sister is going
to New York in January 2011 to play at THE Carnegie Hall!! It probably
won't quite hit me until I get off the plane in New York. That, and the
fact that it will be colder than I've ever experienced will hit me as
well. The fact that I will be able to put Carnegie Hall on my resume is
quite possibly the best thing ever. There are musician's 300 times
better than me that can't even say that. Its all thanks to Arrest My
Sister. It's a good thing I joined the band!! |
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04/10/10
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Once again, I've joined another band. It
seems I will say yes to anyone. Not really. This band came around when
the "Angus Young" of Shoot to Thrill asked if I could audition for them.
And I gotta say, I'm glad I said yes. Arrest was started by lead
singer/front man Scott Siegel. The band has a mix of both original
tunes, which are catchy as hell, and covers ranging from The Eagles to
The Who. And I gotta say, I've been lucky with the amount of really good
musician's I've been able to play with. With a guitarist who can play
any genre ever created, to a bassist who is up there with Victor Wooten,
and of course a singer who sounds like a mix of Freddy Mercury and Steve
Tyler, this is definitely a super group. Be sure to catch my debut show
with Arrest My Sister on Friday, April 16, 2010 at the Whisky. Cheers. |
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