Draw Fire Records

Playing Through Pain

2009-02-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

Saw Bill Mike last night play guitar for With All Due Respect, an new experimental rock/funk combo he fronts with beatboxer/rapper Carnage. Sounded real good for a first time out, especially the rhythm section of Johannes Tona and Steve Goold. But Bill seemed a little subdued -- in fact, he sat on a chair the whole time while he sqwonked out otherworldly sounds from his guitar. It wasn't until after the show when I found out that he slipped on some ice earlier in the afternoon, dislocated his right shoulder and HAD TO POP IT BACK IN! I'm in pain just thinking about it. But the show must go on, right?

Hopefully, the doctor will give him some good news. Or good meds. Or both.

Grain Belt Art Ache

2009-02-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

The Grain Belt Artists present a free multi-media event featuring resident and guest artists working in film, music, performance art, painting, sculpture and photography. This special event will begin with an opening reception on Friday, February 6th, 6 pm-midnight and will continue throughout the weekend on Saturday, February 7th, noon-8 pm and Sunday, February 8th noon-4 pm.

What makes it extra cool is that both Stook! and Aviette will be playing on Friday. Swing by the Grain Belt Bottling House at 79 13th Ave in Northeast Minneapolis to check them out and to see the finest the Twin Cities art community has to offer.

Waking From Slumber

2009-01-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

Time just flies by, doesn't it? Between a website redesign and computer problems and CD release shows by The Bill Mike Band and The Hopefuls, has it really been since July that we had anything new to say? No -- but that didn't stop us from not saying it. A New Year's resolution promising to do better can only do so much, but I guess that is all I got.

It is not hard to get excited about 2009, though. We're looking forward to adding some new faces to the label, working more with other bands we like, playing festivals and keeping the spirit of good music alive. Stook! and The Glad Version are both starting to record their new records -- are fall releases a possibility? Sam Keenan keeps adding to his impressive catalog of songs "in the bank" -- will he stop writing and recording long enough to put his second CD out this year? Bill Mike is already planning a 2009 blitz, working with everyone under the sun -- more music forthcoming from him? Aviette is in the process of doing electronic remixes of their second CD The Way We Met -- coming soon to a danceclub near you? And The Hopefuls -- might their new CD Now Playing At The One-Seat Theater be the best release of 2009 (OK, late 2008 -- so late that it wasn't released in time for the Twin Cities Critics' Tally)?

To find out the answer to these and many other questions, you'll have to keep checking in! We'll keep you posted about shows, conduct interviews with bands, have giveaways -- we're simply going to make it easier for you to get to know the bands who we think make the best music in the Twin Cities. Thank you for your interest -- and look out for Draw Fire Records in 2009!

The Week That Was -- 7/13-7/19

2008-07-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

Been out of town for a few days and didn't get to see Adam's CD release show. Luckily, Adam told me all about it:

It's 1:00 AM and the gang is still here. I set up the air organ, the deluxe reverb, the memory man, the whiteface boss, the cables. I unlatch the case that houses my new squeeze, the Epiphone Emperor. I join two of my best friends on the small, cluttered, electrified stage. We check the mics and the lines. A 57 is thrown over a speaker here. An old fashioned is stuffed into a kick drum there.

As soon as the house music is killed, we launch into "Too Pretty." It feels warm. I can't quite make out the notes, and I ask Grant to clear up the sound in the monitors. I need to hear the highs. My guitar is humming from the F-hole construction and it's proximity to the circuit. The set swells and subsides underneath my diaphragm. "In My Blood" feels like it might catch fire. By "Voices on the Microphone," I'm no longer in the Kitty Cat Klub. I only exist in the verse and the chorus. Tor is the captain, Chris is the crew, and I am just the passenger.

By "Details in the Devils," I can feel my voice starting to give a little under the weight of the tequila and the lateness of the night. Just hold onto that pitch... think high and raise those eyebrows. Travis is pitch-perfect on "Sailors in the Harbor," and Holly swoops into save the end of "Kids on the River" with a special little boy on her lap. Finally, we end the series with "Hallelujah is just Hallelujah," and I'm back in Minneapolis, off the water, back in my skin. The storm has passed, and I can breathe again. Those words don't need to live outside of my mouth anymore this evening. I see my friends and roommates standing at the front of the room. All I can do is smile and hope I get to do this another night.

Damn! Sounds like I missed an awesome show!

The Week That Was -- 7/6-7/12

2008-07-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Big weekend for the Draw Fire family – nice, high profile gigs, receptive crowds, and everyone survived the oppressive heat, although in the case of Chris Salter and The Glad Version, it was looking a little dicey:

As excited as The Glad Version was to have been asked to play at Macy's Day of Music, we were also a bit worried about the weather – the heat index was supposed to be an uber-humid 100 degrees! As we loaded our equipment onto the stage (concrete slab) outside of WCCO-TV, we could feel the heat radiating from all directions. We started playing, and a robust and gracious audience emerged from the lakes of fire that had replaced the downtown streets. Strings melted. Set lists spontaneously combusted. We collectively lost like 30 pounds of water weight. And it was really fun!

We have been introducing some of our older material in our live show recently, and I think songs like Proximity (from our first record) and Honeymoon (from our second) injected some crackling intensity to the performance. We also ended the set with Crocodile, a new song that is making me itch to get back into the studio and start recording again.

But the heat broke a little on Saturday, which should have made it a slam dunk for Stook and Peter Lochner doing a duo show at the Moondance Jam in Walker, MN. Right, Stook?

The post-Gear Daddies, pre-Kenny Wayne Shepard fans weren’t that into us, but the pre-Styx crowd was digging it. I have no idea what that says about our music. It started raining, so the Gear Daddies went on late. I don’t think the organizers had any idea how many people really wanted to see the Gear Daddies, so they made them cut their set short, which pissed a lot of people off. A LOT of people -- and I think we caught a little bit of the brunt of that.

Honestly, we had a great time, ate lots of food my girlfriend wouldn’t approve of, got paid EXTREMELY WELL, and sold a couple of CDs -- one to a guy who was currently having relations with a mother and her daughter. He wanted to go into details, but Peter cut him off…

Ack! OK, too much information!! Hopefully, Bill Mike’s gig with Haley Bonar at the Saint John’s Block Party in Rochester, MN went a little more smoothly:

Brats, beer, good tunes, and a good cause -- Saint John's Block Party went down perfectly. Jim Boquist’s fisherman's hat looked lovely, Haley's pink sunglasses looked lovely, Luke's flannel shirt was lovely, but most importantly, the music kicked ass. Many folks down in Rochester were singing right along with every tune. Yes, I did selfishly shred a bit in this set, but always in context with the song -- taste and respect.

We all enjoyed the backstage ham sandwiches with Cloud Cult, Ari Herstand, Romantica, and Dan Israel. Soul Asylum had their own room somewhere in the school -- maybe the biology lab? The cafeteria? Other backstage fare included HyVee tortilla chips, M&M's, and 3.2 beer. A former Catholic myself, beer and gambling always went together at our church functions.

Another big weekend coming up – Adam Svec’s CD release party at the Kitty Cat Klub on Friday, and Stook plays at the Mad Ripple NYC Hootenanny on both Saturday and Sunday. I’m looking forward to hearing how all of those shows went.

In Studio at The Current update!

2008-06-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Aviette will be performing on the air at 89.3 The Current on Friday morning around 11am!

City Pages

2008-06-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Check out Pat O'Brien's excellent review of Aviette's new album, The Way We Met at CityPages.com

Also, Surly tap beers are $3 all night long at the Triple Rock on Saturday night for the CD release party!

In Studio at The Current!

2008-06-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

What's up everyone?! Aviette's website is all new and fancy! Swing on over to www.aviettemusic.com to check it out and hear some cuts from the new album.

And one bit of HUGE news: Aviette will be doing an in studio performance and interview at 89.3 The Current on Friday the 27th. We'll have the specifics on timing as soon as we know.

Side note: what are your plans for the 4th? Anything exciting that my wife and I can do? Our plans just fell through...

-Zack

The Week That Was

2008-06-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

We had so many Draw Fire bands playing last week, so I thought it would be fun to check with everyone how their shows went.

Stook!, you played at Mears Park in St Paul -- how'd that go?
It was a super fun time with a nice crowd of St Paulites. Lots of picnickers and genuine music fans. We were also fortunate to have John Swardson and harmonica ace Mark Simanski sit in with us. It was our first three hour long show, so we had a great time digging into some deep album cuts from the first two Stook records, as well as some choice Dylan, Neil Young, and classic country tunes. We are very much looking forward to the Moondance kickoff event at the 7th Street Entry on July the 8th as well as the actual Moondance Jam in Walker, MN on July the 12th!

The Glad Version played at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. How did the show go for you guys?
I thought the show went all right. The heckler at the beginning of our set was definitely the highlight. A drunk, sun-burned, shirtless man approached the stage before we turned our guitars on and said, "I know what you guys are gonna do. You're gonna play a bunch of songs that nobody knows but you, and I'm gonna hate it." For some reason, he sat through three or four songs before storming off. Hating it, I can only assume.

Bill Mike played guitar with Peter Schimke at the Soap Factory gallery. Good gig, Bill?
The MEANDER exhibit is up at the Soap Factory for a while. It was well-attended and Peter Schimke and I carved out some rad music for all of the fiction/short stories and poems. I also made triple the money of a token rock gig – ah, yes, the grant world.

And Sam Keenan woke up early to play at 11:30 AM at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival. Your thoughts, Sam?
I thought the show was good. I wasn't expecting much out of a Sunday morning fair gig, but it was fun. It was the first time my kid was able to see the band in action. Perfect for Fathers Day. Plus, we got the band all up and there in time, and that was a miracle unto itself.

Sounds like everyone had a good time -- I'll have to ask Stook and Holly how their shows went this week.

Love Is In The Air...

2008-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's almost time folks! We were very happy to find out that Aviette's record release party is being sponsored by 89.3 The Current. Be sure to listen (like you don't already) in the coming weeks to win free tickets to the show! Aviette was also featured in June issue of MSP Magazine. Copies on newsstands now!

The Way We Met

2008-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

We're super excited to announce that our new record, The Way We Met is finished. We're having our CD Release Party at the Triple Rock on June 28 with Kid Dakota, The Alarmists and The Glad Version. We're going to add new videos and tracks from the record to our website in the coming months. More info soon!

Hearts,

Aviette

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

Here are highlights from last night's Nada Surf show:

1a) The Nomad's sound system.
1b) The size of The Glad Version's cojones.
2) Ira Elliot telling me that his nickname for Chris Salter from The Glad Version is "Guitar George, you know, cause he knows all the chords."
3) Awkwardly talking to Matthew Caws.
4) "See These Bones"
5) Being completely resolved on the topic of songs about cats.

Top Ten Reasons Why We Love The Glad Version

2007-11-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, I am French and I ve been skating in Minneapolis in underwear too, around lake Harriet, that is so cool, you know, feeling free, girls looking at you and all that stuff. That is just my best "souvenir" from Minneapolis. Just keep on, maybe one day I ll be enough couragous to put my video on Youtube like you did...

--fredroller

We Love Stook!

2007-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this message from Stook! about his upcoming show at First Avenue and how much everyone in town loves him:

THANKS AND LOCAL PRESS!

Special thanks to everyone that came out to our CD release party last weekend at the VARSITY THEATRE! If the people watching had 1/2 as much fun as the Jukes and I did...then I am sure you were having one hell of a time! Just a quick note about an upcoming show we would love to see everybody at:

FIRST AVENUE MAINROOM
Stook! and the Jukes
Romantica
Belfast Cowboys
DECEMBER 19th, 2007

Come check us out in the mainroom!

We got tons of great press and we are hoping for some national/international press as we gear up for it in the coming days. Check out some of the Local Love we recieved thus far!

LOCAL PRESS RECAP!

CITY PAGES FEATURE

MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE FEATURE

REVEILLE MAGAZINE FEATURE

ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS

MINNESOTA MONTHLY

HOWWASTHESHOW.COM

CULTUREBULLY.NET

CAKE IN 15

PERFECT PORRIDGE

MORE COWBELL

TIGERBEATPOET

YOU LOVE STOOK!

OKTOBERFEST!

2007-09-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post this message from our friend, Jess Plagens:

Well, its time for my yearly message regarding the Fest under the big tent.
Some of you may receive this a few times even. But here it is: Oktoberfest
runs for 4 weeks starting this weekend (yes, I know its still September). I
will be working dinner and then cocktailing til bar close most weekend
nights, so if you don't pop out to NE Mpls to come see me, you may not see
me for some time. I think almost all of you came out last year-- it is a
GREAT time and I would love to see you there.

Dates are: September : 21 & 22, 28 & 29 October : 5 & 6, 12 & 13

Details and directions and pics available on the HOT new website.

This year as a bonus, I have compiled a list I like to call:

ACTUAL THINGS CUSTOMERS AT GASTHOFS HAVE SAID TO ME

Are those real?
Whats schnitzel?
Is the venison real deer?
Do you get to keep your outfit?
Y'all got Bud Lite on tap here?
You're shhhhhhhhexy...
Hm.. I better just have a half liter, I don't really want to cheat on my
girlfriend tonight.
Do you want my ID... or my phone number?
Can I give you cash? I don't really 'deal' with credit.
Dammit lady, it's my kid! Just snuff him!
It's like Christmas in my nose! (in response to snuff)
Whats a cute girl like you doing working in a place with all these old
women?
See that guy over there? He's gay. really really gay. So gay.
How many of those can you carry?
Does the Riesling wine taste like beer?
What's cider?
Y'all got that liquor made from CORN here, right?
Do you ever just get the urge to yodel?
Who are you? We wanted the other Jessica.

I'm sure there are many many more that I am forgetting. But I will end with
my all time favorite:
"You look pretty hot in that outfit. It would look even better bunched up
on the floor of my bedroom.... Too bad I'm engaged."
See you there!

John K. Samson vs. Some Dude In Audience

2007-09-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Highlights from a Weakerthans show:

1) The view from the stairs at the Triple Rock.
2) Not being asked to move off the stairs like at First Avenue.
3) This exchange:

Some Dude in Audience: Play some Rush! Yeahhhh!

John K. Samson: You know, Rush is on tour too.

4) "Plea from a Cat Named Virtute"
6) "Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure"
5) Arriving at just the right time and leaving with a new hoodie.

Laser Pointers and Puke Covered Shoes

2007-09-10T09:20:00.001-07:00

Highlights from a Flaming Lips show:

1) Hanging out with Kyle in front of the Myth in Maplewood.
2) "Waitin' for a Superman"
3a) A 16 year old dude in a headband yelling, "Yeaaaah, Flaming Lips, All Ages, Yeahhhhh" and then puking over the front railng.
3b) Security lifting the 16 year old dude in a headband over the railing because, "Dude, he needs some air."
3c) Security lifting the 16 year old dude in a headband back into the crowd at which point he steps on Holly with his puke covered shoes.
4) Stephen Drozd saying either "Yeah!" or "Thank You!" after each song.
5) Realizing that a laser pointer provided by the Flaming Lips can keep your dog entertained for hours.

I'm going on a picnic.

2007-08-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

66 percent of Aviette drove to Kansas City, Missouri to see 100 percent the Avett Brothers on Friday. Here's one percent of what happened during the 14 hour drive:

I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing apples, a banana, cantaloupe, douchebags, earplugs, fish, green beans, halogens, an igloo, a jumpsuit, krazy glue, lavender, a monkey, noodles, ovaries, poontang, quiche, roasted potatoes, a Styx album, testicles, a copy of Ulysses, Voldemort, Wonder Bread, Xena: Warrior Princess, a young chicken and Zapatistas.

Sometimes it's good to be a friend.

2007-07-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Avett Brothers from Concord, North Carolina played at the Fine Line last night. It was an impressive show, not to mention the fact that less an i, e, brothers and the, we have the same band name.

"The Weight of Lies"

Disappear from your hometown
Go and find the people that you know
Show them all your good parts
Leave town when bad ones start to show
Go and wed a woman
A pretty girl that you've never met
Make sure she knows you love her well
But don't make any other promises

The weight of lies will bring you down
And follow you to every town
Cause nothing happens here that doesn't happen there
So when you run make sure you run
To something and not away from
Cause lies don't need an aeroplane to chase you anywhere

I once heard the worse thing
A man could do is draw a hungry crowd
Tell everyone his name, pride, and confidence
But leaving out his doubt
I'm not sure I bought those words
When I was young I knew most everything
These words have never met so much to anyone
As they now mean to me

The weight of lies will bring you down
And follow you to every town
Cause nothing happens here that doesn't happen there
So when you run make sure you run
To something and not away from
Cause lies don't need an aeroplane to chase you down

Bicycle...

2007-02-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

Jesse Gialombardi's a winner. Check out the video he made for our song, "Ruling Planets" on You Tube.

Stupor Bowl tomorrow! We discussed riding our bikes to the show, but decided to learn a song about bicycles instead. "Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle. I want to ride my bicycle..."

xoxo,

Holly

Restoration Hardware sells robes?

2007-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I just got a new robe today. I've been looking for the perfect robe, but damn has that thing been hard to find. All the robes out there at the department stores suck. They're all terrycloth or silk or really non-soft cotton. Seriously, why would you want a silk robe? It doesn't keep you warm. It just slides around all sensual-like, which, being male, is not what I'm looking for.

I ended up finding the perfect robe at an unlikely place: Restoration Hardware. What kind of a name is that anyway? Back when I worked at Amore Coffee, they were talking about moving Restoration Hardware into the closed down Sidney's space. I thought for about a year that it was a hardware store. It's a bit confusing really. I mean, couldn't they call it Restoration, Bath and Beyond or something?

Anyway, I love the robe, but am still slightly weirded out that we got it at a store with "hardware" in the name. Cause I would definitely call it "software." Zing!

I'm too sleepy to be blogging. It shows.

Tomorow (Friday) is Holly's birthday! Wish her the best and toast her at dinner.

Cinema Paradiso is a good movie.

Goodnight,

Zack

¡Féliz Año Nuevo!

2007-01-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best in 2007.

Holly

St. Ides Heaven

2006-12-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Like most people, I get stuck listening to the same artist over and over a lot for a week or so at a time. This week has been Elliott Smith, again. Every time I listen to Elliott, I end up becoming obsessed with one song. This time it's St. Ides Heaven from his self-titled album. So simple, but so damn good. You know those moments in a song where you just get chills? Listen to the chorus when the drums come in (they're quiet).

Man I wish I had written this song:

everything is exactly right
when i walk around here drunk every night
with an open container from 7-11
in st. ides heaven
i've been out haunting the neighborhood
and everybody can see i'm no good
when i'm walking out between parked cars
with my head full of stars
high on amphetamines
the moon is a lightbulb breaking
it'll go around with anyone
but it won't come down for anyone
you think you know what brings me down
i want those things you could never allow
you see me smile you think it's a frown
turned upside down
cos everyone is a fucking pro
and they all got answers from trouble they've known
and they all got to say what you should and shouldn't do
though they don't have a clue
high on amphetamines
the moon is a lightbulb breaking
it'll go around with anyone
but it won't come down for anyone
and i won't come down for anyone

Happy New Year.

-Zack

p.s. Email me at zack at drawfirerecords dot com if you don't have the song.

Happy Holidays

2006-12-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe I should move my blog day to Saturday, since I never remember to do it on Thursday. Anyway, I don't really have much to say this week. My brain is sleepy and my creativity is zapped. If you haven't seen this website, you should definitely check it out:

www.stuffonmycat.com

Have a wonderful holiday.

Zack

top 10 holiday gifts

2006-12-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

I was doing some last-minute holiday shopping online today and found a bunch of useful lists of most-popular gifts. Here are some examples:

Top 10 tech gifts:
Nintendo Wii
Sony Playstation 3
T.M.X. Elmo
Microsoft Xbox360
Apple iPod 80GB
Picco Z R/C Micro Helicopter
Garmin Nuvi 360
Bluetooth caller ID watch
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Sling Media Sling Box AV

Top 10 gifts for HER:
Turquoise glass bead bracelets
Wish locket necklace
Cannon Optura 40
The Modern Girl's Guide to Life by Jane Buckingham
Burt's Bees Tips n' Toes hand & feet kit
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Sapphire & white topaz bracelet
"Thinking of You" gourmet gift basket
The North Face Apex Elixir jacket
Black & White Tuxedo Cat Therapy collection

Top 10 gifts for HIM:
Cannon Power Shot SD600 digital ELPH
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Gears of War for Xbox360
Marshmallow Fun Company marshmallow shooter
Kung Fu kids clock card holder
Gentlemen's Chest
Tri-fold wireless mp3 shower mirror
Cell phone backup drive
Monogrammed leather excursion case
Nixon Rotolog watch

Top 10 gifts for paranormal enthusiasts:
Subscription to Whitley Streiber's Unknown Country.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season 2 (1956-57)
Ouija board mouse pad
Paranormal PC
Housewife's tarot
Subscription to FATE Magazine
Crop circle jewelry
Ghosthunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death
Buckland's Book of Spirit Communications
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette

Top 9 gifts for fishermen (Why not 10? I guess one got away…..):
Largemouth bass shirt
Safe Passage ® DS Kit Bag Fishing Gear
Fish finder
Classic Accessories Arrow Backpacker Pontoon
Kershaw chive knife
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Rumpf premium fly tying kit
Mulholland hand-crafted leather angler's bag
Angler's journal

Top 10 gifts for dogs:
Zanies Giggle Peek a Treat ball
Doggles K9 Optix sunglasses
Eastside Collections Anastasia hat and stole set
Casual Canine rock star tee
Casual Canine hooded sports sweatshirt
Shampoo bather brush
Zanies reindeer antlers
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Jingle bell collar
Eyelash Elegance dog sweater

Top 10 gifts everyone in my family will be receiving from me:
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Until We Hear From Dave by Aviette
Kershaw chive knife

I received a couple of holiday treats last week:

First, we ranked in at number eight on The Onion's best-local-albums-of-2006. Surprised is not the word. Grateful doesn't cover it either. When I told my mom about the best-of list, she asked me to bring a bunch of Onions when I visit her this weekend. Which I thought sounded a little funny.

And then last Friday, we received our first-ever song request (that I know of) during a performance at Macalester College. It was the strangest, most warm-and-fuzzy, least expected thing I could imagine. We hadn't rehearsed the song in a couple weeks, but I don't think "Judd Nelson" ever sounded better.

Anyway. Super big thanks to The Onion and Macalester College – you guys made my week. Try to act surprised when you open my gift.

justin.

My Aunt Should Be Struck by Lightning

2006-12-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

So I forgot about blogging again yesterday. I swear I'll get it right someday.
I swear. I don't understand why my aunt hasn't been struck by lightning yet in her life. She goes to the casino probably once a month at least. She only plays keno and she uses the same numbers every single time. Last month she won $4,000 and $400 both on the same night. She goes home at least even probably half of the time she goes. However, she wins a jackpot once every 6 months or so. Last week she won $12,400 and had her picture taken with her winnings.

All I have to say is that I'm expecting some damn good christmas presents or I may have to give Zeus a call...

-Zack

minor 7 = major cool

2006-12-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

So I'm a couple days late for my shift at the Aviette blog factory because I broke my computer doing some preproduction for a recording session last week. On the bright side, the session was great.

We recorded a new song (or an old song – it depends on your perspective) last Friday with Dave Andersen at Minor7 Studios. Dave is recording local bands for the sequel to last year's Friends With Benefits compilation cd. I'm really excited that Aviette will be part of FWB2. Not only does the project benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but it also benefits the Twin Cities music community by showcasing a diverse group of great local musicians. I think Dave said the cd is expected to be released in mid-to-late spring.

Dave really impressed me on several levels. For one thing, I was thrilled with my recorded bass tone – big, boomy, & awesome. Dave's engineering proficiency and professionalism were fantastic. I can't wait to hear the final mix; the rough mix we achieved on Friday rocked. But perhaps most of all, I appreciated Dave's sincere enthusiasm for music. He talked about his dismay that so few people make an effort to seek out new and local music, but he balanced it with his optimistic appraisal of the numbers and caliber of local musicians. He recommended a bunch of local bands – some to hear, some to watch, some with which to share shows. He played a couple tracks he had recently recorded, songs by bands I hadn't heard before, songs I'm glad to have heard.

The super-coolest moment of the day came while we were listening to a rough mix of our song and Dave and I were talking about being in a band; about being involved – each in our own tiny way – in a music scene; about the strange processes of songwriting and recording. At the end of a sentence about the evolution of a recorded song, Dave's face was enveloped within a huge smile and his eyes squinted so tightly they nearly disappeared. It was an unexpectedly unshielded moment of genuine exhilaration for music making. There was no techno-intellectual, encyclopedic-knowledge-of-pop-music, casually-condescending, ironic-and/or-sarcastic rock&roll posturing. There was no posturing at all. There were the sounds we had recorded and there was our shared thrill of recognizing that we were responsible for it.

Usually, at the end of the night – on stage or in a studio – we thank the sound engineer, either explicitly or implicitly, for making us sound good.

On our way out of the studio on Friday, before we could offer our appreciation to him, Dave said he really enjoyed working with us because we made him sound good.

Thanks Dave. You sound great.

justin.

PS – Here's a barely-related side note. When I was searching for a good opening line for this entry, I came across a neat little fact: There are exactly 728 bands in Minnesota (according to the CityPages' MINNEOSTA MUSIC DIRECTORY). It might be noteworthy that Aviette is not one of those 728 bands..... However, Minor7 Studios is one of 75 recording studios in the MMD. Check them out: www.minor7studios.com.

Shapes, sizes, and other things I don't like.

2006-12-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this by saying that I do not hate the band Shapes and Sizes. While the subject of this post stems from Justin's blog regarding our cancelled show with the Canadian band (as well as Justin's favorite shapes and sizes), I harbor no ill feelings toward Shapes and Sizes (the band). However, I do have a few shapes and sizes that I do not like:

1. Grande and Venti: I feel as though the grande is large enough and should be called large or tall (which is often called a short). If we can agree that a grande (aka tall or large) is large enough, then the venti would be an obsolete term...as it should be before words like "double" or "super" get attached to it like they did to the Big Gulp (which, I might add, is the perfect size for a soft drink).

2. Tyra Banks' lips: Back in the day when going to the mall was cool (and believe me, it was cool), a huge picture of Tyra Banks graced the windows of Victoria's Secret shops. The picture was just of her face, and she was kind of pursing her lips in an attempt to look sexy in her lingerie (which you couldn't see). Those pursed lips between her cheeks bore a striking resemblance to what I imagine would be found between her butt cheeks. Unfortunately Holly really enjoys watching America's Next Top Model, and whenever I happen to glance at the television and see Tyra, all I really see is a big asshole saying "Congratulations, you're still in the running toward becoming America's next top model."

3. John Mayer: This fits into both the "sizes" and "other things I don't like" catagories. The size of his head is way too damn big. His lyrics are really bad too. I mean, what the hell does "Girls become lovers who turn into mothers, so mothers, be good to your daughters too" mean?

When I told Justin what I was writing about today he said I was just being contrary, so I thought I would list a few things I do like...in no particular order:

1. Lounging around in a wife-beater, underwear, and black socks.

2. Quotes from Fletch, such as:

Madeline: I'm sorry, who are you again?
Fletch: I'm Frieda's boss.
Madeline: Who's Frieda?
Fletch: My secretary.

or...

Records Nurse: Oh, Doctor, are you all right?
Fletch: Where am I?
Records Nurse: You're in the records room.
Fletch: The records room? Oh, then I'm fine.
Records Nurse: Can I get you something?
Fletch: Yeah, do you have the Beatles' White Album? Never mind, just get me a glass of hot fat. And bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia while you're out there.

and even...

Chief Karlin: So, what's your name?
Fletch: Fletch.
Chief Karlin: Full name?
Fletch: Fletch F. Fletch.
Chief Karlin: I see, And what do you do for a living, Mr. Fletch?
Fletch: I'm a shepherd.
Chief Karlin: [to the arresting officers] Officers, could you excuse us for a few moments?
Fletch: Yeah, why don't you guys go down to the gym and pump each other.
Chief Karlin: Why are you doing this, Mr. Fletch?
Fletch: I like men. I like to be manhandled. I like you.

3. Taking a nap in the shower.

Really, what could be better than taking a long nap in the shower, throwing on a pair of black socks, and listening to a conversation between Fletch and Dr. Joseph Dolan:

Dr. Joseph Dolan: Now, how long have you had these pains, Mr. Barber?
Fletch: No, that's "Babar".
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Two B's?
Fletch: One B. B-A-B-A-R.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: That's two.
Fletch: Yeah, but not right next to each other. I thought that's what you meant.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Arnold Babar. Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
Fletch: I don't know. I don't have any.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: No children?
Fletch: No elephant books.

Kyle

New Job/Winter

2006-12-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

Oops. Totally forgot to blog on Thursday. My bad. However, I now have a few minutes of free time, so here you go.

I got a job! Remember how I mentioned I was unemployed in my last blog? The next day I found out I got a position at Wells Fargo. I'm a Business Payroll Sales Representative. Sounds pretty fancy eh? I trained this week in Bloomington with 8 people from the West coast who flew in for the training. The first day they were here was the coldest day we've had since last February. Ha! Seriously, I think they deserve it though. They get to spend all year outdoors without bundling up and they can go disc golfing all year round. I think they should all be required to visit the Midwest once a year to understand what we go through all winter long.

Very sad about the Shapes and Sizes show. I think it was going to be a good one. However, it just means that more people are going to have to come out to the January 5th show at the 400 bar and help us celebrate Holly's birthday! That's going to be super fun.

My favorite shapes and sizes:

Pancakes
31/32 (which is apparently the most popular or obscure size ever cause I can never find it)
Spiral galaxies
Ingrid's new Toyota Yaris (Stumpy)

Have a good weekend. I'm off to purchase a Christmas Tree (aka, kitties' favorite new toy, I'm sure).

Zack

Shapes and/or Sizes

2006-12-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

As absurd as it sounds, I hope no one came out to see us last night at the Entry.

As you may or may not know, the show last night at 7th St Entry did not go as planned. It's hard not to have your feelings hurt just a little bit after waiting 45 minutes for a door that won't open; parked beside a giant neon Telecaster and Seal's reproachful gaze; staring out the window at bold names on white stars. Alas.

In the end, I felt worse for Shapes and Sizes – whose van faltered in the Midwestern chill – than I did for poor little us. Let's hope Shapes and Sizes can get their van repaired and that it rolls more smoothly through the rest of their trip. Maybe we can find an opportunity to play with them in the future.

In honor of the wayward travelers, I was going to list my top ten favorite shapes and/or sizes, but I think I'll settle with just a few:

Forks – with three big tines rather than four little ones.
Small – I heard a rumor that certain clothing manufacturers and haberdashers are abandoning men's size small, which just seems silly.
Onions – I think they have a distinctive shape (they're not exactly round, and they're not exactly pointy…), and not only do I enjoy cooking with onions, but I also love to read them. Thanks again to The Onion for the very kind preview for last night's show. We promise to play next time.

Justin.

PS. Feel free to tell us about your favorite shapes and sizes.

Mid-Term Elections and Gin...But Mostly Gin

2006-12-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

When DFR decided to begin blogging every day I was very excited to use it as way to vent my frustrations with the current political landscape. So, for my first entry I'm going to write about...music (cut me some slack...we won the mid-term elections and I'm going to take a short break from politics).

Anyway, I was driving to Savers the other day and I was listening to Ryan Adams' Sylvia Plath. It reminded me of the time Holly and I drove to Madison to see him play. He was on the verge of becoming a huge star (and, subsequently, a huge tool, though he seems to have toned it down a little lately) and we were excitied to see him. There's a line in Sylvia Plath that says "she'd ash on the carpet, and slip me a pill, then she'd get me pretty loaded on gin," so before the show Holly and I decided we'd better get pretty loaded on gin. Five hours later and three hours into Ryan's set (he's certainly got some staying power, especially considering that he was the drunkest guy in the room) I overheated (it must have been about 120 degrees in the theater) fell flat on my back and took Holly down with me. Good times...

So back to the present...driving to Savers...listening to Sylvia Plath...thinking about getting pretty loaded on gin. As all these memories came back to me after listening to that song, it really struck me how powerful music can be. I think most music has an ability to transport the listener to some place or someone in their past, good or bad. It often becomes so real you can even feel and smell the air...or taste the gin.

I hate gin.

I loved that night.

Kyle

Hanging Out

2006-12-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we played with Sam Keenan at the new Guthrie Theater. The Target Lounge is located in the building's "Endless Bridge," a 160 foot long cantilever.

can·ti·le·ver [kan-tl-ee-ver, -ev-er]
–noun
1. any rigid structural member projecting from a vertical support, esp. one in which the projection is great in relation to the depth, so that the upper part is in tension and the lower part in compression.

Playing in cantilevers, much like freight elevators and high school Battles of Bands, affords for great banter.

Holly: Isn't it cool hanging out in the world's largest occupied cantilever?
Audience: Groan, look confused, continue sipping extra dry Grey Goose Martini, or, if you're E. Parks, laugh.

See you on Tuesday at the Entry.

Holly

Blogtastic.

2006-11-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here we go. Starting today, someone from Draw Fire Records is going to be updating this blog (hopefully) every day. Bookmark it. Look forward to it. This will be the depository for random bits of whatever from our little brains.

First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Zack Youmans. I’m 23 years old. I’m engaged to an amazing girl I’ve known since 8th grade. I live in Uptown, Minneapolis. I have two kittens. I enjoy disc golf, movies, Jameson whiskey, and all things music. I dislike whiny people, large groups of people, worrying about money, and winter. I book shows for Aviette. Someday I’m going to open a coffee shop.

Today is Thursday the 30th of November and it is my first day being unemployed since my temp job at Wells Fargo ended yesterday. I slept till 10:45, woke up, ate breakfast, sat around for a while, ate lunch with my mom (she was Christmas shopping at the MOA), and now I'm sitting at Amore Coffee in St. Paul working on stuff for the label. So far this is turning out to be a good day, aside from the fact that it's fricken' freezing out. I wish I didn't have to work so I could do this every day.

In other news, The Onion’s A.V. Club spread a little Aviette love in their most recent twin cities issue. They'll be playing with Shapes and Sizes at the 7th Street Entry of 1st Avenue on the 5th of December. The Onion had this to say: "Headlining tonight's show is local trio Aviette, whose recent full-length debut Until We Hear From Dave is still getting plenty of spin in The A.V. Club's iTunes, and seems a shoo-in for one of our favorite local discs of the year." Thank you The Onion.

That’s all I’ve got for today. I’m going to go brave rush-hour traffic to get home with enough time to eat and do yoga before Grey’s Anatomy. (Yep, I am completely domesticated). Take it easy.

-Zack
zack at drawfirerecords dot com

2006-11-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

Gobble Gobble.

89.3 The Current is letting listeners vote for the top 89 albums of 2006. Until We Hear From Dave is on the list.

Voting automatically enters you in a drawing to win a video iPod and 89 downloads, courtesy of 89.3 The Current and Popular Front.

Kisses,

DFR

IndieFeed : Awesome :: IndieFeed : Awesome

2006-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Two songs from Aviette's debut record, Until We Hear From Dave were featured exclusively on IndieFeed. Q: What's IndieFeed? A: A cool series of podcasts that you should check out (if you haven't already). After you subscribe to one, two, three, or more of the podcasts, would you mind filling out the survey about IndieFeed at the website or at iTunes?

In other news, Aviette has some cool shows coming up. They're playing with Shapes and Sizes at the 7th Street Entry on December 5. The folks here at DFR like the folks at Asthmatic Kitty quite a lot and anticipate that this show will be very, very fun.

Hearts,

DFR

Message from Aviette

2006-08-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Aviette,

Three exciting things to tell you about:

1) Aviette has been added to rotation on the 89.3/The Current. If you have a chance, call or send in an email request to help keep us there! 651-989-4893 or 893dj@mpr.org

2) We're having a joint cd release party with Duluth's No Wait Wait on Friday, September 29 at the 400 Bar. The Glad Version and Jason Shannon will also perform. More details soon!

3) Our label, Draw Fire Records is organizing the Twin Cities premiere of Four Eyed Monsters, an independent movie and series of podcasts out of NYC. The screening will take place at the Varsity Theater on Friday, October 6, 2006. This is an 18+ event. Would you take a few minutes to watch one of the podcasts at www.foureyedmonsters.com? If you like it, would you take another minute to request a screening? This way we'll know how many people to expect (did someone say prizes?) and we'll remind you about the event as the date approaches.

Thanks for all of your support. See you this fall!

Best,

Aviette

Draw Fire Records

2006-08-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Blog Coming Soon!