It's funny how you can make all of the grandest plans in the world, but life just dictates what actually unfolds every time. I thought I'd tour all year in support of my most important project so far, Family Album. I thought my family of origin would be present in part for that experience. I thought I'd save up my money and put it towards the making of a new album called Afraid of Flying, slated to be recorded later this year. What actually happened looks nothing like that. I haven't toured at all. My pet fell ill, and I've dedicated all money and time to treating his ailments in the ways that are possible. My guitar evaporated into the vast expanse of Life Lessons and I'm now paying off a new one, little by little. My family of origin... Well, let's just say that outside of my brother and some loving aunts, I'm on my own these days.
I say all that because last night was really fun. Fun enough to be a bit of a game-changer. I'm trying some new things out with my band mates, Jerry Roe and Tim Marks. We're playing a bunch of songs that I've never busted out before. We're developing a new sound, which is much more influenced by punk rock than anything I've done up to this point. And, no one's wearing a dress on stage. After a bunch of years of designing and making my own stage ware, I'm pretty over it. I love the idea of it, just like I love the idea of highlighting my own hair. Both are a terrific waste of time, at least that's where I am on it today. I have a couple Pizza Dream dresses left to don at my upcoming solo shows, but beyond that: expect jeans and t-shirts. Milo Aukerman didn't sew his own clothes. Nuff said.
We played at the Basement, a venue that I've been artfully dodging for four solid years now because I'm both crazy and a holder of grudges. That was a dumb move, as that place is pretty alright to play. The sound is decent, the people are nice and the B.S. is at a minimum. Sold. A solo guy playing an electric guitar and assorted elements of a drum kit (a la the Avett Brothers), went first. I'm a jerk, and have no idea what his name was. It began with "j". We went second, and played three songs from Family Album, and four new ones. It was loud, and mostly pretty good. Because (some) men are weird, I was told by many of them that my rhythm section was amazing. While I agree, I'm always stunned when some dude really tells me that, and nothing else. Learn to lie, gentlemen, learn to lie. JR and Tim do rule, and I love what they bring to the songs. Without them, I'd just be a gal in a Siouxsie shirt yelling at the top of my lungs. They definitely add something rad... But what the hell is wrong with loud chicks who love goth bands from the eighties? Zero, that's what. Anyhow, a local band called Telecommunicators ended the night with their up-tempo dance rock. It's great stuff, and they're bound to ignite any day now. I'd like to thank all of the pals that came to support any of the musicians who played. It was a good first show for us, and I know we'll get better.
Don't get me wrong, I love my last two albums. I have no regrets about how or why I did anything within the process of making them... But, holy CRAP is it good to be playing hard music again. Where did I go? I don't have the answers to that, and honestly, I'm not even looking into it. All I know is that I feel more like myself than I have in years. I have no idea what will come of it, and I don't care. I'm just happy to be a part of the sound. We're tracking demos this weekend. Maybe one will leak onto the interwebs. Anything is possible.
Thanks for listening.
~buick audra
P.S. No one took pictures, but here's our set list:
your best friend
back to Boston
Northern star
strong as you think
younger all the time
tell your friends
unkissed
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