I wanted to take the time today to wish Taylor and company well. Her and Shane are headed to good ol' Washington D.C. for the Avon Walk this weekend! Taylor has been busy busting her butt for the past few months and not only received well over $1800 dollars in donations, but threw a charity fundraiser at Silverlake Wine and made t-shirts for the entire "Every 3 Minutes" team. She is truly a "jane-of-all-trades" and an inspiration.
Were behind you Taylor, go show those east coasters how we walk over here on the best coast!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Scene Bar 5/10/09
I am pleased to announce an upcoming Exoneration performance: Sunday, May 10th at The Scene Bar. I will have more details up soon. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wolf! Wolf!
Being a blog about the happenings in Auburn House I rarely step outside the boundaries I've made for myself about topics to cover. However, recently there has been an enormous amount of news coverage on the recent "Swine Flu Pandemic". I figured I would interject...
Growing up I simply assumed the "news" was a show about what is going on in the world. If it happened, and it is important, they will let us know about it... right? My question is why is the "pending pandemic" is getting so much attention? Ever single year, around 36,000 people die from normal, everyday flu and flu related complications. That is a little less than 100 people per day. News coverage? Nope. Last year alone, 13,000 new cases of TB were reported. News coverage? Nope. By the way, 435,000 people die of tobacco use every year without a blink of an eye. Where is all the attention for that pandemic?
I am glad to see the media doing their job, letting us know what is going on in the world. I am sure they think they are doing good by preparing us for what might come. However with the way they turn a blind eye to 90% of the horrors in our world today, its frightening how much attention this is getting. We now have WHO Alert Levels, I think were at level 4 right now and are thinking about jumping to 5. I'm flashing back to 2002 with color coded terror charts.
Something really stuck me last night while browsing through a few news stations. A news anchor, talking about the current happenings with the "Swine Flu Outbreak" said "There has been about 100 deaths in Mexico, but no one in America has been killed yet." Yet? Yet?! What happened to "luckily, no deaths have been reported." Why is the news media so sure people will be dying? This kind of fear mongering is why I rarely watch mainstream news outlets anymore. I know, let's duct tape our houses up so the killer flu won't get us!
I say don't worry about it. Don't let the mainstream news get in your head. They know fear means ratings and ratings means money. It's sad that it has come to that. The latest, currently the worldwide number of swine flu cases has jumped to 90. 90?! There is about 190 countries in the entire world. Do the math folks. I am sure after this is all over Swine Flu will go hang out with SARS and will get made fun of by the bubonic plague and typhoid fever.
Growing up I simply assumed the "news" was a show about what is going on in the world. If it happened, and it is important, they will let us know about it... right? My question is why is the "pending pandemic" is getting so much attention? Ever single year, around 36,000 people die from normal, everyday flu and flu related complications. That is a little less than 100 people per day. News coverage? Nope. Last year alone, 13,000 new cases of TB were reported. News coverage? Nope. By the way, 435,000 people die of tobacco use every year without a blink of an eye. Where is all the attention for that pandemic?
I am glad to see the media doing their job, letting us know what is going on in the world. I am sure they think they are doing good by preparing us for what might come. However with the way they turn a blind eye to 90% of the horrors in our world today, its frightening how much attention this is getting. We now have WHO Alert Levels, I think were at level 4 right now and are thinking about jumping to 5. I'm flashing back to 2002 with color coded terror charts.
Something really stuck me last night while browsing through a few news stations. A news anchor, talking about the current happenings with the "Swine Flu Outbreak" said "There has been about 100 deaths in Mexico, but no one in America has been killed yet." Yet? Yet?! What happened to "luckily, no deaths have been reported." Why is the news media so sure people will be dying? This kind of fear mongering is why I rarely watch mainstream news outlets anymore. I know, let's duct tape our houses up so the killer flu won't get us!
I say don't worry about it. Don't let the mainstream news get in your head. They know fear means ratings and ratings means money. It's sad that it has come to that. The latest, currently the worldwide number of swine flu cases has jumped to 90. 90?! There is about 190 countries in the entire world. Do the math folks. I am sure after this is all over Swine Flu will go hang out with SARS and will get made fun of by the bubonic plague and typhoid fever.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Time Rules
A strange thing happened today. Down in the Karma Diamond during a particularly riff-tastic groove a portal opened up. Shane from the year 2002 emerged looking confused and bewildered. We knew all the energy down there had to go somewhere... Fortunately for us, he arrived fully dressed as Karma Diamond follows Lost time rules and not Terminator.Upon seeing his future self; living in Los Angeles with his own jam pad, two bands, a hot girlfriend, with two of his best friends, '02 Shane became exceedingly jealous. What followed was a bloody, bitter battle to the death. We tried to stop it, but eventually figured this is probably just the universes way of working things out. Taylor made pop-corn.
Unfortunately, '09 Shane was killed. We, of course, got rid of the body through the usual channels. We are now living with '02 Shane, which isn't bad at all. Fortunately, Shane had already written most of the Exoneration songs before '02, although he will end up having to relearn the Anime Club drum parts.
We figured if anyone was going to rip space-time, it should be Auburn House. Welcome to the future man.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Non-Suckiness
Anime Club has been asked to grace The Cat Club with their presence once again. I would assume it's due to their non-suckiness, although it is just a guess.
They will be performing on Tuesday, June 9th at around 8:30PM.
Come one, come all, join the club, you'll have a ball. Sing a song or sing along, with Anime Club, you can't go wrong. You'll leave the show feeling refreshed so rejoice, you just saw Anime Club live, definitely made the right choice.
They will be performing on Tuesday, June 9th at around 8:30PM.
Come one, come all, join the club, you'll have a ball. Sing a song or sing along, with Anime Club, you can't go wrong. You'll leave the show feeling refreshed so rejoice, you just saw Anime Club live, definitely made the right choice.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
My New Favorite Blog
Our good friend Andreas and company have begun a blog about stick figures. Drawings of stick figures. Stick figures throwing up. Consider me their #1 fan. Keep them coming! I hope to see Long Range, Bad News and Shit up soon! By the way they make great accessories for any outfit, plus a great way to break the ice at parties. Not only that, but they could also serve as a warning...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
More Free Music
The first eleven minutes of the jam dubbed "Mountains of Blow" has been added to the download section.
This unrehearsed, instrumental jam was recorded Saturday, April 18th 2009 with Shane on guitar, Don on bass and Billy on drums.
Enjoy.
This unrehearsed, instrumental jam was recorded Saturday, April 18th 2009 with Shane on guitar, Don on bass and Billy on drums.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Anime Club @ The Terrace
Tuesday, May 19th come join Anime Club along with Torches in Trees and our new best friends Swordfights at The Terrace in Pasadena. $5 at the door.
The Terrace
443 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Anime Club will be going on around 8:30, but come early to hang out with the Auburn House crew and friends. Should be a fantastic evening as it has all the correct ingredients...
Anime Club + Food + Cheap Beer = Smiles
It's a proven formula.
The Terrace
443 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Anime Club will be going on around 8:30, but come early to hang out with the Auburn House crew and friends. Should be a fantastic evening as it has all the correct ingredients...
Anime Club + Food + Cheap Beer = Smiles
It's a proven formula.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Our Own Fun
Since the scheduled Anime Club performance this weekend in Downey was canceled due to double-booking and not a single Coachella ticket between the four of us, Auburn House decided to shut down and let the dwellers get in some much needed "time off". Well at least that was the plan.
After a quick run to the store to get an onion, Costco for beer and feast supplies, the dwellers and friends were treated to one of the most magnificent mexi-feasts of all time. Certainly some of Taylor's best work thus far. The great thing about mexican cuisine is that it's simple and no matter how it's put together, it works. What would you call a cheesy chicken, peppered tortilla with refried beans, rice and corn-cake, topped with spicy salsa and homemade guac? I'd call it delicious. Great, now I want a taco salad and a Pacifico. If that isn't enough, homemade flan to polish it all off.
Meanwhile, the boys of Auburn House fueled by the two B's and some inspiration from Raekwon, performed and recorded 40 minutes of improv riffage. Ironically dubbed "Mountains of Blow" this voyage of heavy, jam based instrumental grooves thoroughly melted our faces and darkened our souls upon playback. I would not be surprised to see some (or all) of it grace our pages. Stay tuned.
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing in front of the warm glow of the television, some Wii, hiking, shopping and some outdoor grilling. All in all I'd stamp this one as a success. Maybe next year Coachella...
After a quick run to the store to get an onion, Costco for beer and feast supplies, the dwellers and friends were treated to one of the most magnificent mexi-feasts of all time. Certainly some of Taylor's best work thus far. The great thing about mexican cuisine is that it's simple and no matter how it's put together, it works. What would you call a cheesy chicken, peppered tortilla with refried beans, rice and corn-cake, topped with spicy salsa and homemade guac? I'd call it delicious. Great, now I want a taco salad and a Pacifico. If that isn't enough, homemade flan to polish it all off.
Meanwhile, the boys of Auburn House fueled by the two B's and some inspiration from Raekwon, performed and recorded 40 minutes of improv riffage. Ironically dubbed "Mountains of Blow" this voyage of heavy, jam based instrumental grooves thoroughly melted our faces and darkened our souls upon playback. I would not be surprised to see some (or all) of it grace our pages. Stay tuned.
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing in front of the warm glow of the television, some Wii, hiking, shopping and some outdoor grilling. All in all I'd stamp this one as a success. Maybe next year Coachella...
Friday, April 17, 2009
ARRRRRRRRRR!
Pirates. They are still awesome.
We have gone a long way from the old swashbuckling, peg-legged, one-eyed, parrot donning stereotype. In today's world a pirate could be Somalians in a tugboat with some RPG's and AK-47's or some fat kid at computer uploading a certain upcoming superhero movie. Regardless of who is doing what, pirating has become quite prevalent in today's media. What does a musician think about it all?
While I can only speak for myself on this issue (insert liability clause here) I say go and download. For too long the recording artist has been a slave to the labels they sought out. With technology accelerating, the ability to record, produce and distribute media has fallen into the hands of well... everyone. This has lead to the ability access movies, music, television for free online. Record collections have become iPods, record stores are being replaced with iTunes and the compact disc is going to go hang out with the tape deck and 8-track in the nosebleeds.
How many times have you heard the greatest song on the radio, gone out and bought the CD only to find you just paid 15 bucks for a coaster. Not even a good coaster either, damn thing has a big hole in the middle! Would you buy a car before giving it a test drive? At least now everyone has the chance to "try before they buy".
Although, some would argue that with music, "once you try there is no need to buy." While this is true in many occasions, I look at it this way. Sure, you can go online and get yourself a nice big jpeg of a Picasso or Van Gogh, print it out and hang it on your wall. Probably cost you nothing right? With the right printer and paper, it could probably look pretty good too. Now get your butt out to a museum, pay the admission (if there is one) and go take a look at the real deal. I bet you will see things you never noticed. The topography of brushstrokes, intertwining colors and a real appreciation of all the effort and talent that goes into it.
The same can be said with music. Sure, you can download an entire album for free in a high quality MP3, Flac or ACC (lossless) format. Make yourself a few copies of it on a CD or put it on your iPod. If you are happy listening to a digital representation of sound, go ahead. But I am not happy until I hear a band or musician in their element. Live. There is no protools, no retries or take twos. What you hear live is a bands true sound. The warm hum of a tube amp, the creamy-rich thud of a bass drum and a singers true range. There is nothing like the feeling of being in the same room with an artist giving it their all... for you.
What we are seeing is the beginning of the age of the live. Vinyl is going to come back in a big way as well, heck it's already started. People are starting to wake up their digital slumbers. Put on a 180 gram In Utero and you will see what I mean. If people are happy with their spacefood music, I say let them. It might taste like chicken... Let the real fans take over the industry, back to the way it once was and always should be.
"We're waiting for the dinosaurs to die out. They will die, and we will move into their homes."
-Kurt Cobain
We have gone a long way from the old swashbuckling, peg-legged, one-eyed, parrot donning stereotype. In today's world a pirate could be Somalians in a tugboat with some RPG's and AK-47's or some fat kid at computer uploading a certain upcoming superhero movie. Regardless of who is doing what, pirating has become quite prevalent in today's media. What does a musician think about it all?
While I can only speak for myself on this issue (insert liability clause here) I say go and download. For too long the recording artist has been a slave to the labels they sought out. With technology accelerating, the ability to record, produce and distribute media has fallen into the hands of well... everyone. This has lead to the ability access movies, music, television for free online. Record collections have become iPods, record stores are being replaced with iTunes and the compact disc is going to go hang out with the tape deck and 8-track in the nosebleeds.
How many times have you heard the greatest song on the radio, gone out and bought the CD only to find you just paid 15 bucks for a coaster. Not even a good coaster either, damn thing has a big hole in the middle! Would you buy a car before giving it a test drive? At least now everyone has the chance to "try before they buy".
Although, some would argue that with music, "once you try there is no need to buy." While this is true in many occasions, I look at it this way. Sure, you can go online and get yourself a nice big jpeg of a Picasso or Van Gogh, print it out and hang it on your wall. Probably cost you nothing right? With the right printer and paper, it could probably look pretty good too. Now get your butt out to a museum, pay the admission (if there is one) and go take a look at the real deal. I bet you will see things you never noticed. The topography of brushstrokes, intertwining colors and a real appreciation of all the effort and talent that goes into it.
The same can be said with music. Sure, you can download an entire album for free in a high quality MP3, Flac or ACC (lossless) format. Make yourself a few copies of it on a CD or put it on your iPod. If you are happy listening to a digital representation of sound, go ahead. But I am not happy until I hear a band or musician in their element. Live. There is no protools, no retries or take twos. What you hear live is a bands true sound. The warm hum of a tube amp, the creamy-rich thud of a bass drum and a singers true range. There is nothing like the feeling of being in the same room with an artist giving it their all... for you.
What we are seeing is the beginning of the age of the live. Vinyl is going to come back in a big way as well, heck it's already started. People are starting to wake up their digital slumbers. Put on a 180 gram In Utero and you will see what I mean. If people are happy with their spacefood music, I say let them. It might taste like chicken... Let the real fans take over the industry, back to the way it once was and always should be.
"We're waiting for the dinosaurs to die out. They will die, and we will move into their homes."
-Kurt Cobain
Strength In Numbers
Photos from Exoneration's performance at the Strength in Number's gallery in downtown Los Angeles last week courtesy of Rachel Wade. Thanks again to John Hicks for making it happen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Brain Vomit
I've always wanted to know what would happen if you started a band without a name. I know bands like !!! have tried it before, and ended up with a name anyway. I would want to take it to the next level. "Hello we are . Thanks for coming out tonight!" It immediately solves internet piracy issue. How does one google nothing? I would only release music on clear vinyl in a clear sleeve. Prince tried it by replacing Prince with a symbol, which failed miserably. Just imagine all the awesome conversations that would arise. I would assume in order to discuss it people would have to refer to us as "that band without a name" which in turn, would become our name anyway. Still though, I think it has promise.
I wonder if anyone has ever replaced a band name with a hand signal or better yet, gang sign. It would have to be something abstract enough so people would not be able to attach words to it. Think about it for a moment, music that appeals to the deaf. Maybe I'll start a band in which the name of the band is simply a middle finger. I'm sure its been done, or at least attempted. Probably with not-so-good results.
I wonder if anyone has ever replaced a band name with a hand signal or better yet, gang sign. It would have to be something abstract enough so people would not be able to attach words to it. Think about it for a moment, music that appeals to the deaf. Maybe I'll start a band in which the name of the band is simply a middle finger. I'm sure its been done, or at least attempted. Probably with not-so-good results.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Disc Jockey
Some would argue, with more technology comes a more advanced society. Conquering the everyday task with tools, made to make everyday life easier. But at what point is lazy, too lazy? I don't know if I'm getting old but the "live laptop" thing is getting a little out of hand. Are you still considered a DJ if you don't touch either turntable throughout an entire performance? I would assume at that point you would simply be a jockey. I don't think the little guys on horses would like you stealing their thunder either. Of all the people to piss of... for god sakes, not them.
Now that I've got that off my chest please enjoy this video of Anime Club performing News Flash. I would embed it, but I'm too lazy. Suppose I'm as guilty as the jockey.
Now that I've got that off my chest please enjoy this video of Anime Club performing News Flash. I would embed it, but I'm too lazy. Suppose I'm as guilty as the jockey.
A big Auburn House thank you to Swordfights for hooking Exoneration up with a show at The Relax Bar, June 19th. Stoked.
Today's Words of Wisdom: Touch the vinyl or get jockey whipped to death.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tonight @ The Cat Club
Anime Club will perform live for the enjoyment of all along with The Shattered Atom and Shayna & The Bulldog. $7 at the door / $5 w/ flyer.
The Cat Club
8911 W Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, California 90069
So what exactly happens when a club plays at a club? You could call it clubbing, although that word has a different meaning all together. You could get clubbed on the head while listening to Anime Club at the Cat Club while eating a club while your girlfriend is out clubbing. It's lost all meaning for me now.
The Cat Club
8911 W Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, California 90069
So what exactly happens when a club plays at a club? You could call it clubbing, although that word has a different meaning all together. You could get clubbed on the head while listening to Anime Club at the Cat Club while eating a club while your girlfriend is out clubbing. It's lost all meaning for me now.
Friday, April 10, 2009
I think tonight is going to be a good one...
The Exoneration performance last night was superb. A big thank you to John Hicks for curating the Strength in Numbers event and putting us on the bill. We were very impressed with all the fantastic artwork on display. The night got even better (and a little creepier) when the marionettes showed up. The general consensus about last night's performance was "too loud". We will take that as a compliment. We should have some photos up soon.
Tonight at Silverlake Wine from 5-9PM is The Benefit for Breast Cancer. With your $20 dollar donation you will enjoy free wine, cheese and raffle prizes. Proceeds will go to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade held in Washington D.C. A big thanks to Taylor who made this all possible. Thank you to all the local Silverlake businesses who donated goods and prizes for tonight's event. In no particular order...
After we're good and toasty myself and a lucky guest will be enjoying a night with Monotonix, The Mae Shi, and Anavan at Club Spaceland. Thanks to Joel over at Radio Free Silverlake for the tickets! They always have fantastic giveaways so be sure to check in with them frequently!
Tonight at Silverlake Wine from 5-9PM is The Benefit for Breast Cancer. With your $20 dollar donation you will enjoy free wine, cheese and raffle prizes. Proceeds will go to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade held in Washington D.C. A big thanks to Taylor who made this all possible. Thank you to all the local Silverlake businesses who donated goods and prizes for tonight's event. In no particular order...
All Things Green
Michelanelo
Nicky D's Pizza
Rockaway Records
Still Yoga
Shag Salon
Starbucks
Tara Spa
The Coffee Table (Great, now I want their mashed potatoes)
Zanzabelle
Michelanelo
Nicky D's Pizza
Rockaway Records
Still Yoga
Shag Salon
Starbucks
Tara Spa
The Coffee Table (Great, now I want their mashed potatoes)
Zanzabelle
After we're good and toasty myself and a lucky guest will be enjoying a night with Monotonix, The Mae Shi, and Anavan at Club Spaceland. Thanks to Joel over at Radio Free Silverlake for the tickets! They always have fantastic giveaways so be sure to check in with them frequently!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Few Reminders
Tomorrow Night, April 9th: Exoneration will be performing for the Strength in Numbers @ Gallery X, curated by John Hicks. 6-12pm / Free
----------------------------------
Friday April 10th: Silverlake Wine Benefit for Breast Cancer 5-9Pm / $20 Donation
-----------------------------------------
April 14th: Anime Club live at The Cat Club
Busy week for the Auburn House folks.
----------------------------------
Friday April 10th: Silverlake Wine Benefit for Breast Cancer 5-9Pm / $20 Donation
-----------------------------------------
April 14th: Anime Club live at The Cat Club
Busy week for the Auburn House folks.Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Who has the time for all that?
Taylor does.
Check out her fundraising event at Silverlake Wine this Friday, April 10th. Head on over to Custom Taylor'd for all the details. Some would think playing shows and practicing in two bands, holding down a full time job at a record label while being a freelancing web guru/blogger on the side would be enough for one person. Not Taylor, she won't be happy till she cures cancer too. Kudos.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Strength In Numbers
Exoneration@
Gallery X
Thursday, April 9th: Free 6PM - Midnight
129 E. 3rd Street
Between Los Angeles and Main
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Featuring Works By:
Ahh'd Art, Theresa Morgan, Douglas Alvarez, Brian Nieman, Kitty Brown, Heather Ogle, Lauren Glick, Debora Parks, Patrick Hammerlein, Pelle, Dan Joyce, Lisa Rosso "Nyla", Wayne Kiser, Jim Smith, Lia
Ahh'd Art, Theresa Morgan, Douglas Alvarez, Brian Nieman, Kitty Brown, Heather Ogle, Lauren Glick, Debora Parks, Patrick Hammerlein, Pelle, Dan Joyce, Lisa Rosso "Nyla", Wayne Kiser, Jim Smith, Lia
Thursday, April 2, 2009
After the pranks were said and done...
Why is April Fools day fun? Is it the early morning tape on the mouse-ball gag? Posts on craigslist giving away your roommates dog? Convincing your band mate an hour before the show that you were "too drunk and depressed to go on tonight". Maybe it was Anime Club playing live at The Scene Bar? Sounds like all the above...
Thanks to Taylor and the gang for putting on a great performance at The Scene Bar last night. Is it called The Scene or The Scene Bar? Makes a big difference. Head on over to Custom Taylor'd to hear all about it. Thanks to Debbie for the photos.
Thanks to Taylor and the gang for putting on a great performance at The Scene Bar last night. Is it called The Scene or The Scene Bar? Makes a big difference. Head on over to Custom Taylor'd to hear all about it. Thanks to Debbie for the photos.
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