Oh, and in case you need another reminder...

Our friends at the absolutely wonderful music blog, Knox Road, have posted a cordial invitation to you and yours to join us at the one and only Arlene's Grocery in New York City on Tuesday, July 14th, at 8pm. You can view the article here :)

In Memory

Today was the funeral for a very good friend of the family, Dave DiMarco. He was an absolutely amazing man, who left us (as well as a loving wife and two daughters, both under the age of ten) all too soon. He was one of the most supportive, caring, and generous men I have ever met, and supported our music from the very beginning. I think one of our first shows was a dinner party held in his backyard, where we were the 'hired entertainment.' He was so kind and proud of Kaleena and I, with everything we did. He wished us well on our first trip abroad, even sending us some extra spending money to "buy a nice pair of leider hosen" in Germany. He was the person I called when I had to deal with my shitty landlords losing our housekeys for 3 months without telling us. He certainly gave me sound advice... and the landlords certainly were upset with me for sending a letter certified to their house so that there was a paper trail of this little mishap. But those are really just the tip of the iceberg, and a few things that make me smile when I think about him. The fact was, he was always there; he always loved to solve problems, and always loved to enable people to do what it was they truly wanted. He wasn't just the owner of the company my dad worked for; he was part-owner of the studio as well as the record label. He never gave up on us, and I will never forget him. Today was a really rough day for the family, and I'm sure the next few weeks and months will still hold constant reminders that he is no longer with us. There is never really much more you can say when something like this happens, but as I'm sure he knows so many people thought so incredibly highly of him, including me, and he will truly be missed.

Can't keep it a secret much longer...

...if it's already out on the internet.

Agh! I was just informed that the Armed Forces Entertainment official site has listed our upcoming tour of Kyrgyzstan, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia August 23 through September 16, and so now I do believe it is safe to start blurting it out in every facet of the internet world that I possibly can!

We are absolutely so incredibly excited about this opportunity. Playing for the great men and women of the Armed Forces in Germany and Greenland last summer was so much fun, and such an honor. Not to mention the idea of going out to Southwest Asia and experiencing another culture to the fullest for 24 days.

You know what else this means? Send my regards to Boys II Men, MC Hammer, saltwater taffy, and caramel apples, for I won't be making it to the New York State Fair this year. Or just freeze the last two for me, in all honesty I could do without the first half.

Last Flowers

I want to take a few minutes to blog about this absolutely amazing short film by Vancouver director CJ Wallis titled "Last Flowers." I stumbled upon the trailer (click here to view it) while doing a random youtube search, to find that the cast included one of my very favorite singer/songwriters, Sarah Slean. The trailer really intrigued me, and so I contacted Wallis and as well visited his site to see some of his other work (If you get the chance, check out his short film 'Circumference' as well) to see if the film would be coming out 'in these parts' anytime soon.

Lucky me, he got back to me promptly with dates in the states for the viewing of this film, and unlucky me was told it wouldn't be playing anywhere near me unless I wanted to make the trek to Tennessee or Alabama this summer (I wish). However, yesterday I got a message from him and was honored to recieve the means to view the un-color corrected and temp version of the film, and let me tell you, I would start your cars and head south now if I were you. This twenty minute film has the punch of an epic, and stays with you long after the final moments.

It is a film about an aspiring novelist who works for a funeral home, and attends a funeral for one of his client's families. He befriends the family, and one daughter in particular who shares with him a life lesson so heavy and painful, but still so inspiring and beautiful that you're not sure whether to smile, cry, gasp, or yell at the screen (I believe my response was all of the above).

Especially with everything that's been going on in my life right now, I found this short film especially relevant, though I think that this is one of those films where you probably will always find that is the case. If you check out some of Wallis' other work you'll see that he has a true knack for tackling very sobering material with great ease and fluidity, while also creating bonds with the reader and character that seem stronger than they would logically seem from the short length of the film. Visually and cinematically he is absolutely wonderful, choosing interesting angles for shots and overall a wonderful presentation for the films.

I won't say too much more, as I don't want to give anything away, but I highly recommend this film to everyone. I am not certain as to when the U.S. will be able to view the finished product other than traveling to film festivals in the south, I will keep you posted if any opportunities are available. Here are a few additional pictures from the film that you can view from their flickr account:

No computer... again

So, the past few days have been super busy, and I've been really excited that I've gotten a lot more work to do for Hafner's and La Tresse, but all of a sudden my computer cord stopped charging my battery. Thinking it must have just been the ac adapter (though still pretty pissed), I argued with ebay for a while (not on pricing or anything, just on the fact that I am paypal illiterate), got myself a few unknown charges to SEVERAL credit cards (wtf?), and finally had my dad buy me the one I needed on his account.

Sure enough, it arrived yesterday, only for me to plug it in and find that it still won't charge my computer. And what's worse, is that it will charge Kaleena's, and we have the same model. UGHHH. So this means that I will go back to Best Buy today (it's only been about 3 months since my computer broke before, and I was without it for almost a month and a half), and I AM SO NOT IN THE MOOD TO DO THIS AGAIN. So, for now, it's mom's desktop...

In other news, the band has been practicing a lottt lately, trying out some new drummers, and getting good vibes from a lot of them. It's down to the wire though, because deadlines are fast approaching and I smell another international tour ahead in our near future... more details to come by next week :)

my life as a starving artist...

I think that what I'm doing right now (trying to pull off the whole 'full-time band' thing) is such an amazing opportunity, and yet it can be so difficult sometimes. It's like your job is to be creative on a daily basis, where if you're not doing something with the band you should be writing songs, like it's just 'something we do'... which it is, but lately with everything going on it's been SOOOO HARD to channel that creative part of my mind. My best songs always seem to get written in about a half hour, on some random night, like the melody and harmonies and lyrics just fall from the sky and into my lap. I wish I could control that, that would be rad and I'd probably have made some pretty sweet songs :)

The other side of this is that, being an unknown band (right now!), we're struggling to figure out the steps we have to take to bring us up to that theoried 'next step.' That step, by the way, is what everyone in the industry will tell you is what you want to attain. They may like your stuff, but they'll just tell you to keep it up and wait for the next step... I know it'll come, but goodness gracious, I wish it would quicken it's pace. Given, our album isn't out yet, and I know that when it is good things will happen... even if just for ourselves. We all truly believe in every song on this album, and think it has great potential, and every night we practice we have so many ideas about our live show, songs, interludes, etc to make us an all around better band, and make people like you all (or ten) come and see us and enjoy the experience.

Gah. This is all stemming from the fact that I have writer's block. And I hate it. At least I've been able to keep busy making banana pudding with nilla wafers and black bean soup for my mom. Both so far have been a success, though the soup tastes- and even smells - salty. Hmm.

Sigh of Relief

So, today was my mom's surgery, and we've all been pretty anxious to have this day come and go. Thankfully, it all went well, and they said the procedure went fine. My dad was there since 6am, and Kaleena and I went there once she got put into her own room at 4pm, and stayed until visiting hours were over. She was in such high spirits, and looked great. She should be coming home tomorrow, so I hope to surprise her with making loads of soft foods (but not bland... I'm going to put my cooking skills to the test here) and watch lots of movies with her. She should be out of work 4-6 weeks so it will be a long recovery for her, though she'll probably fight to make it shorter :) Thanks to all of our friends and family who have been there for us!!

Don't listen to these songs alone with me, or I may embarass myself...

Oh, the songs that make me tear up. Some have a good reason, some don't, and some are pretty self-explanatory if you give them a listen. I highly recommend all these songs, they are really quite amazing in their own right.

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead by Stars

I think this is one of my all-time favorite songs, because the lyrics are so incredibly simple, but they're so heartfelt and honest. It so accurately tells a story that not a whole lot of songs are really about, and does it with such emotion in the singing and phrasing that it just gets me every time. Plus, you couldn't imagine a more beautiful arrangement with all the instruments, and the video evokes an 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' type of feeling, which only adds to my reasons.

Never Is A Promise by Fiona Apple

Damn. I haven't really listened to this song in years, because I o.d'd a few years ago after going through a rough time, but this song... damn.

Love Story by Taylor Swift

Dude, it's beyond me as to why this song makes me cry. There are other songs that do the same on this album, but this one for some reason really gets to me. Maybe it's because I think the song is just really perfectly written, and I wish I could write a pop song like that too. And maybe because I've always heard it at times when I've been sad, like leaving Nashville, and so from then on I listen to it and think about that place again.

I should probably do a little elaboration...

I just finished up that last blog and realized I didn't really do any sort of description of my tattoo and why I got it. Basically, it's Joan of Arc's signature. I managed to find (and research to make sure it really is hers!) it a few years ago, and I automatically thought that it would make a good tattoo for me.

I've always been fascinated by her story, and although I'm not preachy or huge into the church (I view religion as a personal thing, and don't feel that I need to share my beliefs with other people to justify what I believe or try and get people to share my beliefs). The bottom line for me is that I think you should be a good person; you should lead a good life and no matter what you believe, who you believe in (or not), you will be rewarded for doing so.

So anyways; over the past year I've gone through a lot of changes and life isn't working out in the ways that I really thought it would (does it ever?), having a constant reminder of such an amazing (and yes, it ends tragically) story and life is inspiring to me. I've always been drawn to her, even from a young age...and not for any particular reason. When a few people asked me "Why hers?" I feel like I may not give a great response ("Because I really admire her"), but it's more of a feeling towards her, her story, and what she means to me in my own life. Plus, it's not like it's a real legible or familiar signature, so I don't really have to worry about people making assumptions about who or what it is... it's just for me.


And, while I'm on another blogging kick, I thought I'd plug this book I'm reading (and thoroughly enjoying). It's called "A Working Stiff's Manifesto: A Memoir of Thirty Jobs I Quit, Nine That Fired Me, and Three I Can't Remember" By Iain Levison. I've always been a fan of non-fiction/essays/pop culture analysis, and his attitude and tone of this book drew me in immediately. The story is about his difficulty trying to find a job in his field (a degree in English), and how he manages to go from job to job, from fish cutter, to waiter... it's hilarious. And oddly empowering. I know everyone at some point goes through what I'm going through, but it's always nice having the reinforcement that it's the truth. And you get through it, get out of it, and move on to bigger and better things. Plus, it's real short, so good for the short attention span! (ahem... me).

Oh, summer.

Alright, well as it seems I've been slacking in the blog department, I'm going to just have to sum up my week in a sort of list-recap. So, here goes:

Monday:
- Michael came out, and the band had a rehearsal. The hunt for a drummer continues, but in the meantime we had the drum tracks put on an ipod and we hooked it up to the PA system. It's pretty rad to have the tracks when we rehearse. We call it RoboCam.

Tuesday:
- Michael and I went out and met up with his friend Trevor at Strong Hearts, then I finally got to check out the new location of Sound Garden (it's been a while since I've been out there! And it's so big... I'm going to have to learn my way around.)
- I should also note that on our way out of Sound Garden we were standing next to a car in the parking lot with a woman and two small children in the back seats. She had purchased a cd, and was opening the wrapping with a serrated switchblade. Oh, Syracuse. You never cease to amaze me.
- On the way home, I thought I would check out the Halo on Marshall Street with this tattoo design I'd been carrying around in my purse for a while. I've always wanted to get it, and I just recently decided (in the wake of being broke, no job... what better idea than to drop some cash on a tattoo, right?) that I didn't know what I was waiting for. I really don't spend a lot of money on 'things' and I made sure that I would be able to have cash to spend time with friends and travel, and since I probably won't be getting a car any time soon (since I don't have a job anymore), I wanted to do this. So I walked in, talked to them, and set up an appointment for that night. It really wasn't bad at all, and getting it on my wrist really was only painful when he went over the tendons. But yeah, I fared very well :)



Wednesday:
- More band practice! And meetings... we have some awesome stuff coming up but I won't tell until it's all finalized :)

Thursday:
- My mom and sister took Bently to the vet, and once again he had a mild attack with his LP (larynx issues), so hopefully he will make it through this summer even though I know it's been getting hard for him. He's getting older, but I do love that dog so much.
- Had to go to a wake for a friend of the family's; it's always so difficult to go through times like that and their family has been in our thoughts and prayers.
- Trivia night at Edgewater. Team Pratt gained a few new members, and our 'no-cheating' strategy is leading us nowhere near number 1. But, beer is still only a buck, and I managed to get quite tipsy for not so much money at all. I'm such a lightweight, but I think that's a good thing for my wallet these days. Plus, I really needed that time with friends, and I look forward to it every week, especially since we usually practice on Wednesday so I can'd do sushi night anymore :(

Friday:
- Did some 'business' following up on some band emails and phone calls, then went out to Rochester.
- Michael and I went to Darien Lake to see No Doubt and Paramore :)
Notes:
- I have always been a fan of roller coasters, but this place really didn't impress me anymore. I hadn't been there in a long time, but the Viper was pretty darn boring. And half of the rides weren't even working.
- The Predator (wooden coaster)... you can kiss my bruised ass. I will never ride you ever, ever again. You hurt.
- The Mind Eraser. You must ride this one in the front seats to get the full effect. This ride made going to the park worthwhile.
- The concert was AMAZING. Paramore was phenomenal, and seeing No Doubt was something I've wanted to do since... 5th grade. And thankfully they only played 4 songs off "Rock Steady," one of them being the only tolerable song on the album ("Running"). Lawn seats were just fine by me, other than the sing-a-long style of all the tweens that were there to see Paramore (and you could tell... there were like 100 mini Hayley's).

Saturday:
- Hung out with Michael in a rainy Rochester. Finally got to see "Snatch."
- Great Northern Pizza Kitchen = Ravioli Pizza = YES. We just got one of these places in Fayetteville (in the Target Plaza)


- Got to see Chris, Annie, and Tommy. And their puppy, Daisy. It was awesome getting to see them all again, such good people.

Sunday:
- Back in Syracuse, cooked my dad a good Father's Day Meal, got to go on a nice long bike ride and prepare for the week ahead of me. My mom goes in for surgery tomorrow, and will be there until Tuesday. Then we have some rehearsals and a couple drummer auditions. Also I hope to be getting some work done for Hafner's and La Tresse.

New Band Stuff!

Super excited about what's going on in the next few days; our new website is going live at midnight tonight (www.thescarletending.com), and we are going to be streaming a new demo on it! It will also be available on Knox Road (www.knoxroad.com), a music blog out of New York City. For those of you that have been at recent shows, the track is called "Exactly What You Want." Hope you all enjoy it!

Also, at the Westcott Theater's Bayside show this Saturday, there will be a silent auction to benefit the Shaun Luu Horrorfest. There you will be able to bid on our newest cd that is yet to be released, as well as a ticket to the cd release show! It goes to a very worthwhile cause, so please go and bid!

In addition to all that stuff going on, we have a HUGE show in NYC on Tuesday, July 14th at Arlene's Grocery. I have never in my life begged friends, family, and everyone else to come out to a show, but I am choosing this to be my exception. I formally request EVERYBODY who can make it out to please, please be there for this - it is very, very important to us!! It's at 8pm, $8, and 21 and over only. The flyer is right here, feel free to print it out if you're in that general vacinity- I will love you forever for it:


We have been practicing a ton and finishing up the preproduction over the past few weeks, and I managed to somehow make laundry a dangerous task. I slammed my middle finter (of my left hand) in the door, and really haven't been able to feel it since it happened on... Saturday? So yeah, that's been rather un-fun. But I'm hoping I'll be able to play my instruments again soon.

I also went to Rochester to see Michael for a couple of days, and got to meet up with my friends Anna (who I lived with my senior year of school), and Jimmy (who's also in a full-time band). I've been so happy for him and the success his band has been having (Polar Bear Club). They've been touring what appears to be non-stop, and are getting a ton of exposure. Also, we passed by their indie theater, The Little. It makes me so bummed that we really don't have one around here. The closest is the Manlius Art Cinema, which is about 45 minutes away from me. I really want to see The Brothers Bloom, and Away We Go, both of which are playing or will be playing at The Little. I will definitely be going to see one or both of them next time I'm out there. Oh, I miss the Opera House.

Trivia Night tonight! Our team managed to win last time, so I'm really excited about tonight... it's so nice getting out and getting together with friends, bummed that more of them can't make it tonight. And also bummed that this is the only time over the past few weeks I have been able to go out; band practice is taking over a lot of my sushi nights, and between going back and forth to Rochester it's always nice to have one night where you know what's going on.

Don't say 'Floppy' around me

If you know me, you know I have three without a doubt words you shouldn't use around me unless you want me to squeak out one of those disgusting cough-gags.

Floppy
...anything using that word (besides a hat) cannot be good.

Crusty
The only thing that i good crusty is pie crust. And even then, don't use that word as a descriptor.

Moist
...combine all three of those words in a sentence and try not to gag. I dare you.

'Lovely' sounds so sweet

I think I have more words that I like that I haven't mentioned, but I really enjoy words that sound classy. I long to live in the world where ladies wore pretty dresses every day and went to the 'theatre' and were called 'lovely' by their handsome gents, and call the play 'delightful'.

lovely
It's just a pretty word, and I like the way it rolls off the tongue. Same with 'delightful.'

theatre
I love still spelling words in their older form (or...canadian form, like colour, grey, etc). Just makes them look classier, but theatre I still pretty much spell like this all the time.

tennessee
mississippi, commitment, beginning... I love words that have double letters. Tennessee and Mississippi win though, they're like the jackpot of double letter words.

I'm in love.

...I want you.

Spitting should be a crime

I really think that spitting should maybe not be considered a crime, but be considered publicly offensive. I'd love to see some guy get a ticket for loogie-ing on the sidewalk.

Thou Shalt Not Spit

Spitting. Anywhere. Public, or in your home if people are disturbed by it. Even worse, when people audibly "prepare" for the spit.