THE HOUSTON SHOW
Tue Dec 30, 2003 1:25 pm
December 29, The Engine Room
Hey everybody. First off, don't even THINK I have pics yet, ok? We got to
sleep around 4:00am. Will work on them in the van today on the way to
Austin.
It's hard being the guy from the band side of the coin to evaluate or
download well-balanced information about how the show went...but you
guys already know I stumble over this after every show, right... so
what's new?
First off...I refuse to comment on all the other bands shows. I heard too
many mixed reviews. We know all of those guys and there is much love
between the bands, regardless of the styles of music and the
performances. I thought they all did a great job. You guys can feel free
to post under this thread any and everything you want about any of the
bands.
Eisley's show started in absolute panic and terror. We had a great sound
check and everything was set; but things went terribly ary. For those of
you (techies) that need to know, the stage crew switched Stacy and
Sherri's vocal channels, so attempts to push Stacy's levels up only turned
Sherri into a loud screeching (cute) Coyote. The venue's crew was slow
to troubleshoot the problem; they thought it was a bad mic chord...but
wouldn't get on stage to solve the problem. Matt, our sound guy finally
figured out what was up and fixed it. Secondly, the venue sound people
are big fans of "loud", so they kept pushing the sub group levels when
Matt wasn't looking...they were peaking - thus the horrid distortion you
were hearing. It took half the show for Matt to figure out what they were
doing. Anyone into pain? Loud isn't always better. Their right side
speaker is partially blown or something.
This kind of panic and confusion typically sends tremors back into the
band and effects their performance. I was proud of Eisley for just pushing
past it... there were a few boggles, but...I like the natural way they
recover. The variables and issues with sound are endless. Indie venues
are notorious for delivering all kinds of problems. Also, Matt is new. That
was his first real show to mix for Eisely. Otherones were in controlled
environments. oh well...he had it sounding real nice toward midddle to
end, right?
We were pretty freaked over the turn out... 550+. Thanks everybody.
Sheesh... and on a Monday night during the holiday's? EISLEY?...who's
never headlined a show in Houston (this is the third show ever).
17 songs! I don't know about you, but that made me happy. And the new
one..."Lost at Sea". I can't get it out of my head..."Congratulations, 'cuz
we made it... all the way home... all the way home...and you know that,
till the stars fall, I'll always love you, I'll always love you". I can't hear
that without my eyes watering. (of course, I'm hearing the melody in my
head)
Well, I still haven't commented about the show overall. I can't say came
off without problems; I can't say it was one of their better shows...but
something about it was wonderful. Can you guys explain that? Maybe I'm
just jaded and I like their songs so much that it doesn't seem to ruin it for
me when there are problems.
The best thing is...and I speak for the band, not just me... is meeting
people and hanging out. Everybody is so cool. Meeting forum peeps
makes it for me. And all our relatives were there...very cool. Thanks
everyone for being so amazing. Eisley's favorite thing to do is play
shows. Touring is not going to be a problem for this band. They miss
home, but love to tour.
The band had 3 interviews. A California web radio host, a Houston
website and a Connecticut college radio station. Whenever those are
up, I'll try to post the links.
It's particularly cool for us to be in Houston since we're originally from
the big city. Sherri was born over there off I-10 at the Heights exit in
some little house. Chauntelle was born in the 1960 hospital and Weston
and Stacy were born in our house in the Woodlands. (i went to Spring
Woods in Spring Branch and Kim is also a native Houstonian) Who cares
where band members were born, but we just feel connected to Houston
in a huge way.
Anyway, you guys can give your comments about the show. I expect that
they'll be all over the map. Hope the sound issues didn't ruin it for you.
(AHHH...Mr. Pine and Marvelous Things was totally botched because of them...I hate
that).
Ok. gotta go. Will try to get some photos up...but I was so traumatized
and involved in the panic at the sound board, I wasn't a very good
videographer; plus Chauntelle and Weston were in the dark the entire
show. Sucky lighting. But everyone was nice at the venue this time;
nobody cussed me out. I made friends with Ed this time. 
Gotta head out to Austin. Thanks everybody in Houston and for those
who drove from Dallas and further... Somebody drove from New Mexico
to see the show! (@%?)
Thanks. Boyd
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