This is what I do...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI2iTSozxvI&feature=share

A video project I recently did. I haven't done too much with my film degree, but I got the itch to do a little something focusing on the sounds I've been creating in my garage.

Nice Hair Wulfgar and Friends...

I booked a show for one of the music projects I'm involved in, and decided to bring some of my friends along. It should be a good time. I don't really know who's going to be there, yet.

Anybody in the Orlando area, if you like your music a little harsh and possibly challenging, put this show for October 23rd on your calendar. It's the first time I've done anything like this.

Wish me luck...

Selling Yourself For a Few Minutes In the Spotlight...

Here's an attempt to put most of what I have, as far as music, out there. I'm working really hard to sell myself, in an effort to get gigs, mostly.

In the past couple of weeks I've gotten some positive response. I'm not really used to that. When you perform a certain type of thing that people aren't accustomed to, it's hard to gauge how and what you are doing. So, here's a selection of songs, solo and collaborations, and a video for all to enjoy.

Latest tracks by Trotsky's Watercooler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AfeOQIMEAE

Gainesville...

I did my first solo performance tonight, and feel like it was well received. Although, I realized I have certain hang-ups when it comes to performing. For one, I'm my own worst critic. When I heard the applause, I felt like it was because the audience felt sorry for me. I shouldn't feel that way, I got a positive response from several people who really liked what I do. I know that some people got tired of me asking, "Tell me the truth, how was it?".
Something else I need to work on is engaging the crowd. I didn't look up the whole time I was up there. Granted, I'm not used to crowds. Gainesville has got a great scene. I got offers to perform in St. Pete and Atlanta. I can take this on the road.
It was nice to meet new people, and people I only knew through the interwebs.
All in all, a successful night. Things ran smoothly, some killer performances, and a surprise pirate birthday party...

Creating Stuff...

Recently, I made my own instrument. It's not much to look at, but, there's something to say about building something out of miscellaneous hardware and using it to make noise.
That brings me to this. In the past few months, I've started to find where I want to be, musically. It's something I seem to be good at doing. Effects, clanging, electronics, small mixers, playing small venues with like-minded people. This is where I want to be. I'm past the point where I can make money doing this, but, that's OK. I know now it's for the art of it.
There's a certain freedom, a freedom of choice, if you will. I've collaborated with some fantastic musicians, there is also the option to lay your soul bare, just you, and your weapons of choice, taking you in different directions, until, finally you reach that feedback destination.
I hope, in the coming months, to further explore these sonic possibilities...

Forget it, Jake... It's Chinatown...

I've recently been catching up with movies I've should've seen a long time ago. Recently, it was Hal Ashby's Harold and Maude and, tonight it was Roman Polanski's Chinatown. Both movies are equally worth the hype.

With Harold and Maude, I can see what influenced Wes Anderson's style. I feel Rushmore is a close to flawless film and see something new with every viewing, but, Harold had to of been a model for Max.

I've recently read a number of Raymond Chandler's novels, so, watching Chinatown kind of brought Phillip Marlowe's LA to life, for me. Although Jake Gittes seems a little more well to do than Marlowe, he has that same swagger and attitude. If this movie were made 25 years earlier, it would have been a role tailor made for Humphrey Bogart.

Next up, Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha...

Narcissism... If it worked for Diablo Cody...

Social networks... Blogs... Is it just a form of Narcissism? I mean, I just signed up on this site this morning, because I wanted to share my thoughts with the ether, and why? For a feeling of acceptance, I guess.

I used to drive a truck for a living, and at that point in my life, it was just basically me alone with my thoughts. Day in, day out. Now, I'm home on a permanent basis, and instead of sharing thoughts and stories from the road, it'll probably be something that's making me angry, amused or confused at that particular time. And, for who?

I think I remember hearing that Diablo Cody was "discovered" on here, so, I'll just keep my fingers crossed. Oh, wait... I have to do something outrageous...