SXSW 2010
March 20, 2010 08:01 PM
Happy Eisley headlined their set at Maggie Mae's Rooftop Thurs. night 3.18.2010 at 1am.
Basic Report
SXSW is unlike every other festival. First - it's in the South. 2nd, it's in Texas. We have the classic festival grounds (ACL) but that's not South By. Instead of wide-stretching lawns, there are buildings, instead of huge fancy stages with logos branded on porous screens, there are streets lined with hundreds of venues... bars, historic clubs, tents, roof-tops, basements, sidewalks, stores, restaurants, etc. There are endless meetings... endless people talking endlessly about bands... and they all come from all over the world. Add beer, Tex-Mex, BBQ, Boba' Tea and plenty of coffee; you're in music mecca.
iPhone shot looking out the upstairs window of that great Vietnamese/Tai place on 6th.
iPhone shot at that great Vietnamese/Tai place on 6th. Green Curry - Yum.
New Music If I had a dollar for every time someone told me about a new cool band, I could have funded our entire trip. New music is blaring, booming, blasting out of every edifice. Walking down 6th street sounds like you're inside a sub-woofer that pics up 20 different radio stations all at once.
I planned on writing something smart. I wish I had time to discuss every single activity, interview, meal, beverage, show, person we ran into and hugged... but I don't. I don't even know where to start; 4 days at sxsw is a lifetime. I'm quite sure you'd become trifle bored and leave the Trolley forever if I got into that kind of minutia... so I'll scan my brain and throw down words quickly (dumb, not smart). I never claimed to be a writer. I'm an impassioned hack.
Paste Magazine/Pure Volume show.
Paste Magazine/Pure Volume show was interestingly great. Please support these entities because they support us. Paste is the best; check it out... and try comparing Pure Volume's site management tools and interface to myspace. Not knocking anyone but I wish Pure Volume was the winner in that game. I recently updated. Anyway - hey thanks to all of you 21+'rs who came out, sang loud & stayed late. What a crazy night. Maybe because it was an open bar.
Highlights: playing after Jakob Dylan & Nico Case, meeting our attorney face to face and seeing his cool haircut that he was embarrassed about, seeing old friends, talking to Josh (a pioneer at Paste Magazine), doing an interview outside in the thunderous noise, running into old wb peeps who no longer work there, trying to get Christie in but not being able to and accidentally losing Weston's $700 in-ears.
Same show - Chauntellelegant.
The band sounded great in most everyone's opinion even though the system was under-powered (you couldn't hear the vocals... pretty much from every band). Also - every set went over so at 2am people were still in line trying to get into eisley's show but weren't allowed (guess it was supposed to end at 2). But none of that stuff really mattered. The entire night was great and we appreciate Paste and Pure Volume so much for the invite.
Same show - Sherrimouthy.
Same show - Stacyupwardly. Couldn't get shots of the backstagers.
Publicity - We did tons of interviews. It's what you do; and it's good. I'll post them if/when they're up. We actually did a decently long interview w/ Adam from absolutepunk.net. There were others... and surprisingly, all seemed to push beyond the typical question: "So what's it like being siblings in a band... do you guys fight?". Give me a break in the face. How they do get tired of this question. But it's better to get the question than not to get the publicity.
I told you there were mostly bro's. Is this a good sign? Perhaps the ladies don't stay out so late.
SXSW - In my opinion, this - our main showcase - was better than the Paste/PV set based on pure volume alone. That was a funny joke.
We were also in the final 1:00 slot on this set. I'd say we had a slow start; line check only but the band/set built in momentum. A few sound issues to work out. Our publicist from Paradigm told me minutes after - "wow... what a finish..." and that seemed to echo the general crescendo reciprocated from the many Austinoids in the front. Thanks again for coming, singing, making a fuss. You guys are so adorable. Wait... i saw mostly dudes. Don't take that wrong. I just mean, Eisley fans have certain identifiable attributes/behaviors. I recognized those.
Stacy straps on a LaRose Tele' for new smash, world-wide non-wb single - "Sad". jk. what the hell is a single.
Kashmir - We got to meet, talk & hang out those guys (the ones we never stop talking about from Denmark). Super nice people... (and their team/crew). We approached them in the street, walked several blocks together, talked about music, their new record, how we even knew about them... before getting into lots of the technical stuff backstage. They even speak good English. Mostly, they make great Rocket Boys... and Barcelona.
So good. We were eating and doing interviews while of the bands but... the entire showcase was good. And the PA was actually adequate.
Music Sessions - What a great little theater; and amazing people. I don't know if they do everything in that theater... seems they do. They videotape and track bands (sessions). I'm pretty sure they have an actual recording studio now. Anyway - cool thing happening there. I only took one blurry pic of the 90 folks in there.
4 Song acoustic set at Sessions Music. If you get a chance to do this, take the offer... they're great.
Here are a few more random pics taken Friday before we left.
iPhone shot taken while zooming past an old something.
-------------------- DO NOT READ BELOW THIS LINE. GO DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE ---------------------
Random notes: We ran into our old friend Fred who is no longer doing his own color. He has a new band w/ Andy from Hot Rod. Can't remember the name of the new band. dern. He's such a nice guy. We also ran into an old friend who mixed the band on a short tour who's now doing management... I asked him if it was any band i might know; he said, "yeah, her name is Feist". We also ran into my good friend Peter Jesperson from New West Records... I forgot to get him a copy of "Fire Kite ep" again. shizzle. Also ran into Mica from Tooth n Nail, and "O" from Reeve's Oliver, and hung out for a few hrs with Andy from Paradigm, finally met Steve Tilly - a promoter/fan of eisley from the UK, we all stumbled into the rep who used to work for Ben Sherman but doesn't anymore and we stayed with an old friend of my wife and mine from the 70's (thanks Childress's)... and tons and tons more... if I forgot anyone, sorry; but who really cares about this drivel.
On the way home (in the van) we all at once spontaneously clapped and thanked everyone for working so hard to pull it off. Then everyone fell asleep except for Mark who drove us mostly out of guilt since he accidentally ran jumped a curve and popped the tire and bent the rim in 3 places while he was driving in circles while waiting for us to have fun... until speed racer took over. Any guesses?
SXSW 2010 was a joy. We felt cathartic... thankful. Thanks SO much for making it amazing for us. I hope we contributed to your joy in some small way. Actually, I mostly hope you liked the new song; did anyone hear "Sad" at Maggie's? (you couldn't hear it at Pure-V) The track rocks. I couldn't hear it live very good at the club; i was right up front. Comments? Be kind.
It's freezing outside again here. Kim took Sherri to Dallas to meet Max in LA. It was snowing. Come on Sprinnnnggg. No more Winter!! pleeassseee! Gotta go.
bd
p.s. the stage manager from the Pure Vol show found Weston's in-ears and I was able to get into his show around 3:30am to pick them up even tho' the stage had literally just collapsed and giant drunk dudibro's packed the house.
p.s.s. it snowed here too.
Boulder Show w/ Pics
March 11, 2010 06:28 PM
Stacy in blue during her stellar performance of "Ambulance" Tuesday night
at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Hey everyone. Hope you guys got the e-blast. If not: here (it's now on-line). We've been diligent in our effort to re-establish all communication streams including this one. I feel like we might have left the previous post (leaving WB) on pause for too long but on such big news it seemed important.
Aftermath. Not surprisingly - fans loved the news. We've received a tremendous rally of support. Every message in our on-line world was positive. Sure - on the outside, there were a few negative remarks. I started to devote a decent chunk of real estate to topic but in a moment of clarity, I aborted. It even included apologies. I hate drama; even if I created it. Peace.
Anyway, things are good, things are happening faster, we're getting more opportunities, we're finding favor with more people, getting inquiries from more entities/ organizations, we're breaking some molds, shattering myths, getting the word out, moving forward... things are happening faster, going so much better. Thanks for being so encouraging.
Boulder Scurry
A great experience. Not gonna lie... the 17 hr drive up [1 show] the 17 hour drive down was brutal... especially the coming back part. We headed for Tyler at 1:30am. To be fair, the 3am to 6am jaunt is wicked on every tour. But it was fun... the Boulder part. And even the drive was pretty ok thanks to iPhones and gas station crap food.
The Program Council people at the University of Colorado in Boulder were so nice to us. How can you go wrong with tons of college kids helping, catering, marketing, interviewing, loading in/out, etc. The whole day was amazing. In fact, perfect. Thanks to everyone who helped put that event on and to all of you guys who came.
REVIEW - Here's a quick interview/review from CU Independent. They're a college media group: Boulder Student Review
Hope you guys enjoyed the night. I don't typically critique Eisley shows and I'm not going to... but all the things I needed or expected to hear/experience at an Eisley show were peaking in a good way in Boulder - clear/present vocals, dynamics, ambient textures/nuances, a balanced mix, that moody Rhodes, big guitar sounds (especially specific parts that are critical to the song... but also tones/volume), pitch, those mesmerizing harmonies... humor & honesty.
Yes, the low frequency that came from Sherri's mic on "I Wasn't Prepared", was unexpected and difficult to eq that room; the house dudes were struggling to figure it out. Tweaking on the overall eq fixed it. Still, no big. I'm their biggest critic... gotta say, I had a big smile.
Glenn Miller actually played here. So did The Grateful Dead, The Ramones, etc.
Collin, bro' merch dude seems preoccupied with a certain unidentified girl from CO Springs. Come to think of it, he didn't sell much merch Tuesday night.
Hope you CO people can come to a show when we're on a proper tour (Denver or Boulder). The rhythm of a tour helps build consistent/better technology, stronger performances and an overall - a good vibe. Anyway - thanks again for coming; wish it could have been a longer set but you get the idea.
Sherri was sick but didn't look or sound it.
Weston under the influence of himself drinking water.
All the Other Whatever's We're Supposed to Be Talking About.
We've been quite busy. SXSW is coming up next week. Here's the link to the e-blast in case you didn't get it: e-blast on-line. I'm not going to repeat all the content in that newsletter but all the SXSW dates/times/info is there. Go get it.
Stacy returns tonight; the next 3 days will be nothing but rehearsal... more like cramming. They're taking out a new song. ARE YOU COMING? After sxsw, we'll have time to think, talk more to you guys about the going's on'z. We don't know details about the future other than we'll get this record out as quickly as possible and tour it. To re-sign or not to re-sign - that is the question. We're split, depending on the day, mood, how much coffee we've had, but the unity in this band is never in question; there will be an answer; we are certain, confident. In fact, there's never been as much.
At the very least, a new foundation for how we manufacture/distribute has to be laid. After SXSW, we'll make a decision as quickly as possible and move on it. We've had label interest and some discussion, even been close but so far, it hasn't been right. Gun-shy. It has to be right; it has to make perfect sense. We appreciate your patience. Again, if the right label doesn't step up, we'll just do this. It's more about you getting the music one way or another... and bringing the live presentation to your market.
5-6 Underplay!
No one is reading this far down but but - speaking of 'presentation to your market' - we are discussing the possibility of doing a short 5-6 underplay tour up through the Midwest the last week of June. Yes. Why so short? We don't want to take away from a bigger 2010 headlining tour. The inspiration? We're returning to the cornfields of West Illinois to play a show at an old alma mater of ours - Cornerstone Festival (July 2nd). Thinking we'll make 4-6 stops on the way up. Why not visit some wonderfully quaint B markets and make some new friends?
I'd rather not list suggested markets yet until I get our agent involved. If I say - "Memphis or St. Louis or Little Rock" but Marty can't find a promoter/club for a certain date in that market, it's a no go. Wanna keep everyone happy. You can look at it on a map. Gotta keep it lean.
Baton Rouge:
We loved that experience. Great people... Joe from the band Norcio promoted the show; killed it. They said it was the first time the Spanish Moon sold out since April '07. We'll probably go back. Thanks Louisiana for coming... and singing louder than the music in the room. Here's something the LSU paper did: Baton Rouge interview.
Also - it's feeling like Spring in East Texas and that can only mean one thing: Sherri and I will be happy. We love Winter but hate being cold. Gimmie the sun. Gimmie Spring, mild breezes, ice drinks, flowers, green things. I'm ready to mow, weed-eat again. Bring it.
Happy That.
bd
Eisley Leaves WB
February 08, 2010 10:00 PM
After you read below... click on this clip and dream of an Eisley future full of constant musical
offerings outside of conventional label mindset. I'll post one with better audio *Details/credits
below. Read:
Dear Eisley fans - By now many of you might have noticed that Eisley has neither a 3rd album out... nor a release date for it. There's a reason for that. We've been waiting patiently to fill you in on what's really going on. Tonight everyone was hanging out at the house; we all just said, "let's start talking about this".
Opt'ing Out - No one has any idea how long we've wanted this. In September of '09, just before the Say Anything tour, our contact at WB called and outlined an option for Eisley to leave the label. He agreed we were likely going to get over-looked again. Big layoffs, several well known acts tanked... he had the power to help: "If Eisley wants to be one of those bands who just sits on the label and basically makes records... fine - you should stay... but that's not what I'm getting...". Us: "We never wanted to re-sign. We made it very clear a year ago; we wanted out...but you guys pushed us into staying... if we can get off, yes... please".
Ever heard of an annulment? More like ripping up a contract we worked on for a year. The ink was barely dry. Surprised by this news? Of course you aren't. Upset? You might be - but only because you were expecting a record this Spring. But I've heard the silent screams and the verbal complaints all along the way. Sorry if we're being candid or whimsical with this info; this is old news. We've been operating indie since before Fire Kite ep was ever manufactured but haven't had the urgent sense to drag you guys into the chagrin.
Chronopsis' - Short run down of what has happened during the last year: 1.) Began working on current LP Summer '08 completely outside of WB's knowledge (we decided there was no point in continuing). 2.) We begged to get off the label (actual quote: "Please... tell us where we sign to get off this label"). 3.) They held our feet to the fire, said they wouldn't drop us (option on a 3rd); they insisted we negotiate something that would be good for both of us... spoke of their "retooled label" and about how everything would be different (you can trust me). 4.) We continued working on the record (they got involved financially) 5.) We eventually signed a new deal, made plans for the SA tour 6.) The phone call (para 2) with the good tidings that they would let us out of our deal 6.) We amicably ended of our relationship (hand shake. legal shiz in process) and hit the road happy campers (SA - main support) 7.) WB held up the ep order and you got pissed 8.) WB failed to provide the merch they had promised (we had to scramble, pay out of pocket w/ only about a week before first showdate) 9. We got happy... returned back from the tour 10.) Holidays. People got married. Current. Life is great.
We're not choosing this post to articulate super-personal feelings on this issue but surely you've been reading between the lines. WB's questionable handling of Eisley's career from the dating all the way back to 2002 has been the source of much frustration both from the band and fans. I've been speaking cloak & dagger for nearly 2 years. What a relief to be at a place where we can talk openly about the future.
Nice Bunny Words - We're way more thankful than pissed. Business is business. Sometimes things go wrong. The industry basically crashed, burned and began rebuilding during the time Eisley was on WB. And let's be honest... there was a lot that went right. The same thing probably would have happened anywhere... on any label. The band made music, grew, toured, made more music, toured... repeat, etc. We are still in relationship with the key people at WB and have many friends there who recently came out to the LA show. This honestly isn't sour grapes. We appreciate what WB did for Eisley and hope the best for them. I think it's fair to pose the question: where would Eisley be today without WB? Whether it was the best road... it was the road. We can all ask - "what if..." but what would that accomplish. It's best to be thankful.
It might be fun to go back and talk about all the ridiculous problems we experienced at some point such as wb not releasing Eisley's major label debut in the UK... or perhaps - why they pulled the plug on that ridiculous fan site they insisted on (remember the failed attempt to send fans their cheesy prizes earned through point accumulation?)... we could talk about why they (admittedly) didn't push "Combinations"... or why after 7 years being on a major, the word "single" referred only to text on the paper label stuck to the cellophane on the jewel case (featuring the single: "Invasion") but let's not dwell on the past. They probably blame us. Let's talk about the future.
Long Awaited LP3? - I think you're going to believe it was worth the wait when you hear it. I refuse to bloat. And whether it sounds like a broken record or not we are finishing the record... making it better ourselves. The tracks are being approached from a final edit/magic sprinkles/mixing standpoint.
BUT - we have to make important decisions about the release of this record. All about new options. The band is leery of the current wilds of the industry and we're not entirely sure we want to resign. Majors are all requiring 360˚ deals (screw that) and many indies are incapable of doing more than we could do ourselves. Not saying we are not open. We are. Eyes wide open.
Labels - The good, the bad, the indifferent... I'm not being cocky but any label interested in signing this record/this band is going to really have to want it. They're going to have to be in love with this band from top down or we're not going down that road. They'll have to answer some tough questions. In this market, they might rather not.
Being on a label doesn't mean you're going to be pushed. Not saying WB didn't push Eisley. Just saying - there are no guarantee's. Even if your torch (A&R or significant person - a project manager, etc.) is super powerful and is really into your band, sometimes they're dealing with uninspired, rank and file 'ney-ney' people behind the veil who don't care about your band or have been given another band to push instead of yours. Labels sign SO many bands. That's the game. You can get overlooked as bigger bands take priority. So - it's very possible to be legally signed but practically dropped.
For example - Eisley's radio person was never on-board. She once told me: "yeah, i just don't really get Eisley... never have..." (quote). Everyone loves what they love and I'm not saying Eisley writes singles. I am saying that 'radio' wasn't a battle we could have never won while on WB.
I plan on writing several more successive posts about all of this... signed vs unsigned, what labels promise vs what bands give up, etc. I've learned a few things from working w/ 7 departments at wb, working on the jots and tiddles of a contract w/ an attorney for almost a year, from reading and experiencing first hand the reality of this changing industry... blah, blah, blah. Seems like lately so many bands, managers, promoters that I know are talking about all the crap they're dealing with. Just today I read a very heartfelt message from OK Go to their fans [edit: since then they parted ways and are on their own.] So if you guys are down, let's talk about it. Post a comments here or in Laughing City. Could be entertaining.
SXSW - The purpose of SXSW is to let the industry know what we're doing, stir the pot, showcase live music, let key people hear tracks, see what the interest level is... either find a label we really believe in or release this ourselves. It's really that simple. I could have written a book. Be glad I didn't.
Please come if you can. You can get in line, pay - without a badge. We're stoked over this line-up. Kashmir is one of our favorite bands. Our SXSW contact set this up because she knew this. Also, the Rocketboys are good friends. They're great. I've heard great things about Barcelona.
SXSW Showcase - 3/18 MAGGIE MAE'S Rooftop
SilverStarling @8
Rocketboys @9
Goldheart Assembly @10
Kashmir @11
Barcelona @12
Eisley @1am
Moxie -
1. vigor; verve; pep.
2. courage and aggressiveness; nerve.
3. skill; know-how.
One of my friends at wb (a high-up) once referred to Eisley as "the little train that could". I know he meant well but I would never characterize this band as this huffing/puffing little engine trying to climb a steep mountain but I can certainly attest to their level of perseverance and commitment to what they're doing.
I think it does take moxie but Eisley is not merely trying... they are being. Sure - the business side of this can be discouraging but you don't give up on what you are/who you are just because things are tough along the way. I've said it many times (read exhaustive study in previous journal): this is not about status, fame, popularity, money... or even about the struggle. You don't track your success by how fast you make it up the mountain or whether you even make it to the top of the mountain. It's not how many downloads you get or how many "next big thing" articles they write about you. It's not about whether Rolling Stone thinks you suck or if they think you are the "new god's of new metal" (where is Evanscence?). You don't win by being more popular than your peers.
You win by writing, recording, releasing music you love, are proud of. You get it out there however you can. You win by connecting with people through music. You win by influencing the world around you with your art. Hopefully along the way, you make the difference in someone's life. Hopefully you create a musical backtrack they can call their own. You define yourself by how you positively influence others in space and time. You use the talent God has given you.
*The Silver Springs Video - That's a Stevie Nicks song. Darren King is playing guitar, Jeremy Larson is playing piano at his studio in Missouri and Brandon Goodwin caught it on tape. This honestly was not planned. They were just hanging out... jamming... decided moments before this song just to push the button (track it); Brandon grabbed his video cameras, pointed, taped... edited.
I love it. I thought it was a great segue into more dialogue about how to approach the new world. Eisley hopes to do more and more and more of this kind of collective work... and more importantly - to create more and more and more Eisley music outside the industry construct - with it's worn out, old model conventions. We basically want to do what we want to do. That doesn't mean getting out of the biz', the game, the industry... it might mean we get in deeper. It might mean things like - if we want to play Cornerstone Festival, we do it. We don't care what anyone thinks (Dave Bazan, the atheist, plays CS - drunk). If we want to play a random one-off show in Louisiana, we do it. If we decide to make a live, collective video/recording of Eisley and their enclave of family & friends, we do it. Get it?
The End - We live in a technological world that affords the weak and the strong to be able to create. The digital revolution has changed the music business forever. The industry that monetizes music might be slowly losing the battle but music itself is winning. Major labels are no longer able to dictate what is good or what we should like. iPods are the new compact disc. We now listen to SO much music - from Grammy winning (recycled) artists to our friends' bands who live next door. Anyone can record a record. If small, start-up bands can write & record their own music, play shows, tour... how much more can Eisley accomplish - with or without a label. After all - that's how it all began. This is only the beginning. When you hear the new album, I think you'll agree.
We love you all.
bd
p.s. The Silver Springs video is also on Yahoo - that's great publicity but the sound/video quality suffers: http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/StacyDuPree/Silver-Spring--218627935 so if you aren't super stoked over the YouTube quality, I also posted it on our server. The quality is way better than either: http://www.eisley.com/myspace/Silverspring_small.mov