My tiny interview

So, I decided to check out Tim Pyles Free local Casbah show last night and see what all the hoopla was about. It turned out to be a pretty good time. You really can't beat a free night with free food.

Allie and I showed up around 8 and Tim had already started his show. I was hoping to at least get a quick note on air, but there seemed to be a line of bands ready to be interviewed.

We hung around for a while, caught the opening of a couple bands playing that night, ran into an old Aubergines friend and drank a couple drinks.

I figured the end of the show was near so I walked over to Tim to make my presence known and he asked if I wanted to promote any shows. Of course, we have The Beauty Bar show August 5th, so I did a quick mention of that. I couldn't hear what he was asking me, so I may have sounded a little off, but hey -- you can't ask for much.

I also happened to meet Rosie of San Diego Dialed In and we talked about how hard it is to make a living while playing or covering the music scene in San Diego. She does a killer job, though, and if you ever want to get a glimpse at the happenings in the scene here, check out her blog.

All and all, it was a good night. I got a quick interview, cheap drinks, good people. I'll be back next month.

Now I need to some how or another book this CD release show at the Casbah...wish me luck!!

Progress!

So I've taken this week off work to finally finish this album. Matt and I are so excited to get this project off of our chest and out to anyone who wants to listen.

This week hasn't really felt like a vacation, but I didn't think it would. Friday was spent in the Juvenile Court supporting my girlfriend Allie as she testified (long story). The weekend flew by, then Monday Matt and I got to work. We cleaned up some vocals, and started working on the intro and the transitions between the songs. Tuesday, I had some time to enjoy my vacay before band practice.

I happened to write and record a song yesterday, so today we decided to include it. That took most of the day, but we did manage to finish some more transitions, and I think a few hours tomorrow should put a wrap on the project.



The feeling we're getting listening to the album finally come together is incredible. I forgot how good these songs sound and how complete this album is.

I can't wait to hear what you think of it! I'm also finishing the script to give to Otto to start our graphic novel. Finishing that may take a while, but I'm just letting you know we'll be working on it ;)

Much love,
Matty

Is there anybody out there?

More than likely -- not yet. But that's OK.

This is my personal diary for all those who want to read. Even though it's titled The Jupiter Sound Clash, this won't be all about my band. If you know me though, you know that my band pretty much consumes my thoughts.

So here's the deal. I'm a singer, songwriter, guitar player, band manager, boyfriend, friend, son, biker, poet, and customer service specialist. Actually, scratch that last part. That's not "me". That's just something I do so I can afford to be those other things.

My band is The Jupiter Sound Clash. We're good. At least, I think we are. We are in a really neat period right now. We ditched our last band name, sat down and made some goals, and are working, working, working.

This is never easy, though. It's a shame I put so much effort into something and can't afford a meal or pay rent with it. But that's art, I guess. I spend hours in front of a piano and playing guitar and gain nothing but inner peace. You can't eat inner peace.

But when it comes down to it, that's not the point. For years, I didn't want to even be in a band, not along try and make a living doing it. Money and band drama always seemed to distract from what was at the core of making music. But I was talked into joining my first band, and I couldn't imagine not having one now. I realized, maybe four or five years ago, that as long as I was putting this much effort and passion into music, I might as well make it my career.

At this point, I'm more focused and trained than I have ever been. I know this band will succeed, I just need to convince everyone else that it will. I need to convince music listeners to come out to a show, and music promoters to book us. We have some shows lined up for September. The Beauty Bar has said they would fit us in an August show, but I have a feeling they'll be booked up through the end of the month. We'll see. Tim Pyles told me he'd like to see us in the Casbah. I think a CD release party there would be amazing.

This never ending album project my be coming to a close next week. There's not too much left to do. Just change and add some vocal tracks, some effects, and sounds and transitions, then go sit in the car and listen. Good times and celebrations will be had by all.

All in all, this blog will be a progress report on The Jupiter Sound Clash project, as well as a glimpse into my mental state. I'll try and update it once a week, but don't hold me to that. Hopefully, you'll find some humor or get to know me and the band better. For those pursuing music -- or anything difficult for that matter -- you may be able to relate to some of these rants.

To everyone reading, welcome. Hopefully, you'll be back again!

-Matty