Silent Films Booking

The Long Kiss Goodnight...

2011-09-06T11:14:00.001-07:00

After 9 years of booking/promoting shows and bands in/around Detroit, I'm finally taking my first "hiatus". What comes next after spending so much time in a "scene" that never really knew how to say thank you? The possibilities are endless. One thing that I plan on doing is making some short, silent films. Outside of that, I need to cool down from all of the stress and failure that came along with running a successful booking agency...

That awkwardness between out of town bands and Detroiters...

2011-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed this awkward moment between out of town bands and people from Detroit? For example: when some hardcore bands play here and people don't move around at all, the band is confused. Big or small crowds, bands seem to be used to some sort of crowd participation. That doesn't always happen and I think this does more damage than anything else. Are we really that jaded here?

A Love Note or Two....

2010-12-25T15:01:00.001-08:00

Me...
September 27 at 3:49pm
Hey, what's up? Are you interested in playing a show on Saturday, Nov. 13th w/ Thieves (IL), and The Armed at Corktown Tavern? If so, get at me for details.

thieveshardcore.com
myspace.com/thearmed
Guy...
September 27 at 8:02pm
working to much and still broke.. whats going on man, i haven't seen u in a min. how you doing? we actually are playing in Cleavland on the 13th. Them bands got that new hardcore style i like that, but do you think our bands would really go good together? you setting up shows now?
Me...September 28 at 12:12am
Yeah. Been setting up shows for a minute and would love to do something with The Ratfinks. It has been far too long. I hate booking the same 5 bands for the same genre and lately the bands I've been working with wanna "color just outside the lines", know what I mean?
Guy...
September 28 at 4:13pm
i hear you loud and clear on the same "type" shit for sure. we want to play corktown i hear nothing but good things about that place. i actually have a couple of bands that i want to bring up here (trading shows trying to get on the road). would you be down to help me set some shit up?
Me...
September 28at 5:09pm
it would be an honor to set up shows with you. keep me posted.
Guy...
November 18 at 4:44pm
hey shawn i want to set something up at the tavern on a sat in jan or feb with us the plain dealers from cleavland, udi, and buttlock (or whatever there bands name is now) i also want to set a show up with for this band money shot from indy.
Me...
November 19 at 8:43am
Sweet! I will email Holly.
Me...
November 23 at 1:27am
I got Saturday, Feb. 19th at Corktown Tavern. Ratfinks, UDI, Plaindealers, and Buttlock? Can you contact Plaindealers and Buttlock? I will hit up Mike Ratt.

Me...
December 2 at 3:59pm
Guy,

Hey, what's up? Holly confirmed Saturday, Feb. 19th...Are you still interested in putting together the show with you guys, UDI, Plaindealers (who are fucking sweet), and "Buttlock"? I would like to get on promoting this show asap.

I hope all is well you and the rest of The Ratfinks!

Cheers,
Shawn
2486885803

Guy:
December 4 at 4:41pm
hey man, my drummer fil went up to the tavern on wed to confirm the date and it was double booked luckly it was with scott aminos new band so he moved his date to the 3rd insted. but yeah thanks for talking to holly for us. mike is makeing a flyer the show right now, ill send it to you when its done.
the line up (from last to first) is the ratfinks / the plaindealers / udi / broken teeth.

Guy...
December 4 at 4:42pm
scotts show is on the 3rd- were still on the 19th i meant.

Me...
December 5 at 11:25am awesome! sounds good. i wanna get on promoting this show asap. thanks for getting the bands together and whatnot. my partner in crime, sara, and i are very excited about this show. .

Guy...
December 16 at 6:33pm
hey shawn i think were a little un-clear somewhere, i was asking you for some help hooking something up, not your booking group. we will be running the door and the show. and since fil confirmed the date (that was double booked) when he went to check it out.... you know what im saying, we basicly eneded up doing it our self's anyway.

sorry for the mix up. im still going to send you the flyer when its done an all that. thanks again tho.

Guy

Me...
December 16 at 6:53pm
Fair enough. Keep me posted.

Me...
December 19 at 4:07pm
Guy,

The message you sent Sara (my partner in Silent Films Booking) was, by all accounts, rude. Especially when she and I are only trying to help some bands we know and love. As your friend and a fan of Ratfinks, I have to say I'am disappointed in how you choose to speak to us. We mean the very best and want to see bands do well. If you don't want our help for this show, that's totally fine but the way you are going about dealing with this miscommunication is counter-productive to making this a successful show. We only wanted to help and what we got for the part we played was a 'fuck off' instead of a 'thank you'.

You asked Silent Films Booking for help on a date where you could bring The Plain Dealers back to Michigan. We did that and started promoting as soon as you told me the line-up. I am incredulous that an adult would choose to conduct themselves in that manner.

We all have the same goals.

Best,
Shawn

Guy...
December 25 at 1:02pm
hows this for rude..

FUCK OFF. you guys are a fucking joke.

you want credit for doing NOTHING, NOTHING. - i was told not to deal with you guys be quite a few people but i still gave you a chance now i see why people dont want to deal with you clowns.

FUCK YOU dont fucking talk to me/us again.

both of you can go fuck your selfs...
Guy

i hope that was rude enough for you Bitch.

Me...
December 25 at 5:36pm
i am sorry you feel this way. we are not clowns nor are we bitches.

goodluck in the future,
shawn

It wasn't suppose to turn out like this

2010-12-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

I wish I could explain the series of events that have led me to where I have found myself today. Friends have come and gone (much like the bands I've dealt with over the years). 9 years of guarantees (paid or not), fighting with people/friends about money, burned bridges, etc. When I first got started, the guy who taught me most of everything I know (Jason Lockwood) told me two things: 1. there are gonna be times when you are gonna have to do things that will make you lose sleep at night 2. this is about the bands and nothing else.

There have, in fact, been times where I have had to tell friends/bands that the money thing didn't work out. Some of these friends won't speak to me anymore, nor will any of those bands book shows through me. It's always rough but I've learned that there will be a 'tomorrow' and the reason why I choose to be a booking agent is far more important than hurt feelings or relationships. No, I don't have the best reputation with some people but what I do have is a reputation (for better or worse). What I have done is my small way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me.

It's not about making a name for myself or the booking company that I started on my own: it's about the bands who struggle to make things work. It's about respect and honesty. Honestly, I respect this craft. I respect anyone who does this and continues to do it long after it's "not cool anymore". If you can stick with it, you have much bigger fucking balls than anyone else on the block (or in the bar for that matter).

while detroit might be a concrete jungle, not everyone can be king kong

2010-12-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Take a good look at your surroundings.

We are in a concrete jungle. This jungle has it's predators and prey (self-righteous, self-absorbed attention whores and scenesters.) While survival is key no matter what, these animals have forgotten the word 'respect'. This generation of jaguars, alligators, monkeys, guerrillas, and snakes has failed in evolving into something great (the true sign of a successful existence). These animals, who's sole concern is to take, know only that: desire supersedes all else. WRONG.

The truly frustrating people is making these wild beasts understand that it isn't just them that has to survive out here. This jungle you stomp around in is at stake. Your domain in which you shit talk is at stake. Pull the foliage out of your face and take a look around. There is no room for single-minded actions. We either work together or we will watch this jungle burn to the ground....together.

Holy Cow, I have not posted anything in a while...

2010-12-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Since the last blog, I have worked for the following artists:
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Kate Nash
Toadies
In This Moment
Daniel Lanois
Guided By Voices
All That Remains
Screeching Weasels/Riverdales
Triptykon/1349

Also, I got to see Danzig and Marduk for the first time (fucking awesome). Highlight of the show? Danzig's mic is cutting out in the third song of his set. Finally, it just cuts out completely. Danzig walk off to "monitor world" (stage left), in the middle of a song. After his guitar player finished the song, Danzig comes back out and says "How many of you have a job? What would happen if you went to work and told your boss that you couldn't do your job?" The scream started booing and whatnot, so Danzig turns to the monitor guy and says "Well there you go, motherfucker. Do your job!"

Nerd alert: I got two extremely important and influential people....Tom Warrior and Matt Pike. Tom smiled and said "Hello". Matt Pike and I shook hands...he fucking thanked me for my hard work. WTF. I did nothing, you are the hard-working bad ass. If you don't know who they are, wikipedia their names. Enjoy!

A few of the past shows booked by Silent Films Booking:

Hellbastard (UK - Metal/Thrash)
Phobia (Orange County, CA - Grind)
Thieves (Chicago Hardcore)
State (Michigan - Punk)
Deep Earth (Chicago, Noise)

Also, I became somewhat of a member of The Plague Years.

myspace.com/tpy

what happens when you bite the hand that feeds....

2010-05-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

As of late, it would seem like a lot of the 'older crowd' is growing restless with the new class of punk, hardcore, and metal kids. I only say this because there was an incident recently, in which a few 'older people' lashed out against the efforts of some younger, wise-ass kids who wanted to create change in their community. This desire to change their surroundings came out of a pile of jokes but when you break away the sarcastic sense of humor...what lies beneath is refreshing, to say the least. In a city where even spontaneous shows have become mundane, it would seem that more than 4 people want to see things move forward (with respect to those who were a part of the past). This is not always the case. Now, I understand the whole 'the way things were' song and dance. What I can't understand is the resistance that is met once you climb up the ladder of motivation. Who the naysayers are, what bands they are from, or what papers they used to write for means very little at this point.

For people who were so dedicated that even at the age of let's say 35+, some of which are still elbow deep in the community they helped build....they sure are a confused, jaded, and disgruntled group of folks. No one is trying to erase what you did with your life. If anything...these four kids are trying to help you.

'with great power, come great responsibility.'

Try me.

2010-02-12T00:11:00.001-08:00

There was an incident at work, this evening and it really made up my mind for me: there was a NO PICTURES/VIDEO rules, which was being broken by some drunk bitch who mouthed off to Jason. Her friends kinda started pushing Jason around...

If anyone ever touches one of my friends, while we are doing our job...I will take my security shirt and mop them with the fucking floor. Try me.

1/27 - Terror Setlist (The Magic Stick, Detroit MI)

2010-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

intro
out of my face
overcunt
last of the diehards
betrayer
lowest of the low
push it away
spit my rage
voice of the damned
let me sink
life & death
always the hardway
keep your mouth shut

One of The Best Times of My Life (as a roadie/merch guy)....

2010-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Winter of 2006. Great White North V. The Nain Rouge, And The Sky Went Red, If He Dies He Dies, Today I Wait, and Day of The Robot (DOTR is a Buckethead tribute which featured ATSWR's bassist, Jordan Pries - they are fucking amazing!)

November 10th - Houghton Lake High School (Houghton Lake, MI)
Novemver 11th - Level II Skatepark (Houghton, MI)
November 12th - 231 House of Muses...RIP (Marquette, MI)

Three days doesn't look like much of a tour to those lucky enough to have been out for 90+ days. I tell you what though, having spent three days which such amazing bands/amazing dudes...three days seemed like a month (in a good way, of course.) That last night was a bummer cause some of us didn't want to go home. First night of the mini-tour was great cause it was at a high school but not so great cause half way through the show, a snow storm hit the area we were in with a vegence. The drive to Houghton, from Houghton Lake, is nothing short of 8-FUCKING-HOURS, so rather than chance it with 20 people in several vans...we stopped and some motel and got to rooms that were connected. Within the first 20 minutes of being in the rooms, at least 9 people had fucked up the toilets (typical of touring bands to take massive shits). After a few 30 packs, 5ths, and some joints, we all laid down (about 4 hours before we had to get up and be on our way to the next show).

The drive to Level II Skatepark was long but it was one of my favorites...Michigan pines are the best trees, I have decided....

I didn't have the pleasure of riding with any of the other bands but I do know, for a fact, that The Nain Rouge van was constantly filled with pot/cigarette smoke...that and music. One record that makes me think of the wilderness of Michigan is Isis' record 'In The Absence of Truth'. We met up with the "Iffy" dudes at Level II (they only played two shows with the tour). The booking agent for Level II, at the time, was a kid who was about to graduate and had figured out a way to "borrow" money from the school to pay for hotel rooms, case of beer, and 5ths for ALL of the bands. We pre-partied at the hotel and whatever we didn't finish...went right in the merch boxes. Being that this was my first time in Houghton, I wasn't sure what to expect. About an hour after doors, there was about 60 kids walking around and it seriously took me 10 minutes to notice that every kid there had already got two or three And The Sky Went Red shirts (they were known for having a 25-shirt selection and novelty items like beer coozees and a dress (some of which was only $5!). By the time Day of The Robot went on, it seemed like there was about 150 kids. The order of the show was as follows:

Day of The Robot
If He Dies He Dies
Today I Wait
The Nain Rouge
And The Sky Went Red

At least 300 kids were there by the time Today I Wait was done. It was madness. Afetr the show, we went to a house party across the street and partied hard (so hard, just about all of the bands were in front of the house smashing bottles.) I crashed out around 6am and woke up around 10pm to people packing up their stuff. Apparently, one of the bands had pulled the fire alarm and almost emptied out the whole hotel. We were asked to leave by the manager and by Houghton PD. It was great.

The following show was pretty much the same: we drank a case and a 5th, smoked weed, and pretended like we were real fucking rock stars. What made the 231 House of Muses show great was an accident the singer of ATSWR, Austin, had during their 3rd or 4th song: he tried and fell into a cymbal. His nose split open and blood was all over his face (there is video of this incident, btw). We all had too much fun just "bro-ing down with our friends". Sometimes, that's all you need.

My Favorite Thing To Do At Work....pt. 1

2009-12-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

I like giving people, especially lame scene kids, dirty looks. Apparently, while I'm far from 'threatening'...I have the face of a grizzled, jaded 20s something (to which I will neither agree nor deny). Maybe it's part defense mechanism (most people are suprisingly afraid of a dude who looks like he might stab someone)....or maybe it's my discontent for people who are trying to "change Detroit" showing through. Those people make me want to vomit. Alot.

Besides the dirty looks, I kinda dig talking to random people (if the conversation isn't interesting, I try to find an excuse as to why I have to keep working. Yes, I have done this to people who are NOT strangers.) Some people have really interesting stories (ie. Thornetta Davis, blues singer from Detroit). Other people, who will remain nameless, should stay the fuck home. Not only do I not like talking to these people...I also don't like knowing they are having fun and I'am not (some people should be banned from having fun for how much of a fucking douchebag they may or may not be.) Problem solving with drunks is another story all together. While some drunks are really easy to calm down, others need to be punched (I hate touching people I don't know but if it's to cause some sizable amount of genuine pain...I'am so there!) Being that I can be a shy person, having worked security and door at shows, I feel a little more comfortable in my own skin. In no way am I thanking my employers for some "gift" I have received...just reflecting on the fact that not every work enviornment is complimentary to the battle against ones personal demons, if you will.

Oh yeah, I like making up names and stories for strangers. Let me tell you, there are alot of really "slutty" girls and alot of guys named "fucking douchebag" that come to shows in Detroit....

December 9th - Crash Kings / Tally Hall Set Lists (The Magic Stick, Detroit)

2009-12-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Crash Kings

Carry On
14 Arms
All Along
It's Only Wednesday
Raincoat
2nd Rate
Mt. Man

Tally Hall

Never Meant To Know
Welcome to Tally Hall
A Lady
Sacred Beast
Good Day
Turn Off The Lights
Cannibal
Spring And A Storm
You and Me
The Whole World and You

A Few Rules On Doing Security

2009-11-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

1. i almost never confiscate stuff, unless the person is being obnoxious.
2. never hit a girl. arm, head, and leg locks are ok. that's it.
3. if someone pukes, they need to leave.
4. if someone falls asleep, they need to leave.
5. if a guy hits a girl in the face, destroy him.
6. if a brawl breaks out, watch out for other security. that's it.
7. guys who go into the girls bathroom get a warning. just one.
8. if a girl fight breaks out, watch...then break it up.
9. some drug dealers get one warning.
10. dont come to work without gloves or ear plugs.

Who the fuck do you think you are?

2009-10-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

You know who YOU are. Step on my fucking toes, I don't care. But let's remember the biggest show you've ever had at your venue was booked by me and one other person (650+ kids showed up and you only hired 5 security guards, for the show.) I broke my back for you and your venue. Friendships were ruined, just so you can make a buck.

Now, I have something you want and you're trying to take it away from me? You're in for a big fucking suprise.

H8INC - Setlist from Oct. 17th w/ Cro Mags, Hellmouth, Voice of Anger

2009-10-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

no soul to pay
clockwork misery
we hate
cross your path
born dead
your time
equalizer
mass extinction
smash

*one of the best H8INC sets I've seen thus far...

You ARE nothing.

2009-10-19T12:52:00.001-07:00

I work the door to a venue within Detroit's city limits, sometimes...

Outside of random punks, hip-hop people, and the random metal dudes...most people who come into this place listen to chameleon-like genre of music called "indie-rock". Worst still...most of these people (90% of which are in my peer age group) look the same, dress the same, and run with the same crews. Not that I'm down-talking loyalty but it's truly sad when you see the same faces, together, at the same places (it's like they dont wanna go anywhere else). Besides the fact that "these people" don't really contribute to their own scene, they certainly have no qualms about being the cancer on the bit of sub-culture that is left in this city we all "love so much".

How in the fuck do you expect bands and venues to thrive if none of you wanna pay cover for shows or beer (especially if you're a musician playing in a show)? Although America was founded on the 'take-and-take' way of life, "rock n roll" was not. Sure, along the way...people have tried to make it about themselves but guess what? Indie-rock (or whatever you wanna call that sound a fork makes when it is dragged across a chalkboard) is bigger than you. It's bigger than your friends. Music is bigger than your shitty plans for "the scene". It's bigger than the group of friends you stagger around Detroit with. Bigger than the mound of coke you put in your nasal cavity.

I spent most of my time with punks and metal-heads, two groups who normally have the worst reputation when in public. At least both of the groups I mentioned have integrity: punks may pay a $12 cover in change but they are still paying. Metal-heads might party SUPER FUCKING HARD and puke somewhere but at least they are paying for their own beers. Shit, both groups could get drinks tickets or free beers, drink all of those, go to the bar, and buy more. "Indie-kids" (or "assholes" as I call them) have a serious issue when it comes to respect for the culture and for themselves. What sickens me more than that whole group is some venue/bar owners are bowing to this fucking behavior.

It is you who will be the death of Detroit. Not us.

Some Venues Have The Dumbest Rules...

2009-09-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few examples of why some venues are making it hard for bands to want to play in whatever town....

1. If a venue asks for a % of merch sales, it should be destroyed.
2. Venues that dont allow touring merch/roadie people in for free should be shut down (the easy way or the hard way).
3. Venues that only allow people to book shows at their place if they are a "regular" or attend meetings (and only those people) are fucking annoying.
4. Venues who dont provide one bottle of water per band member on stage needs to fucking die.
5. Any venue with jaded soundguys/soundgals should either fuck off or fire some of their employees.

Those are just a few....

Cold As Life - Set List - Aug. 29th 2009 @ The Majestic

2009-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

wake up
how much longer
scarred death back
i cant breathe
hardcore homeboy
detroit city
where are we going
10 till midnight
cold as life
addicted

Bad Town & Spick Of It All @ The Garden Bowl (aug. 27th)

2009-08-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last night was interesting. After a 4 hour conversation with one of the original (Michigan) Courage Crew members and Niceguy-Rob, which involved German and Domestic beers being destroyed...our trek to the show began. The true way to start the evening is to listen to something ridiculous like blue-grass country, like us...

We arrive around 10pm or so to a busy bar of new and old punk-rockers. Some people who have been hanging out there as long as some people have been alive. Lots of old, familiar faces are peppered through out the Garden Bowl. First up was Spick Of It All. Per usual, Amado (singer) had props and confetti. They tore through a 25 minute set that included my personal favorite "Ses Pack" (aka Six Pack). It was nice to see people mosh to this band, considering the last few times I've seen them...the crowd seemed "too cool for school".

Bad Town came on next and let me tell you....it was almost like watching Op Ivy: fuck-ups, beers, people moving (fast), skanking. It all happend. For a second, I think I saw a few people smile like it was the good old days. Sad that it takes a cover band to make people feel excited to be out, in Detroit, on a Thursday night.

My suggestion....keep your fucking eyes peeled for the next Bad Town show. For serious.

Tonight....Bad Town (operation ivy cover band) & Spick Of It All (mexican-punk cover band)

2009-08-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight should be rather interesting. Bad Town, a "supergroup" of local musicians doing Operation Ivy covers, is playing with Spick Of It All (also a "supergroup" of local mexican musicians playing punk-rock/hardcore hits with "modified" lyrics to promote being mexican) at The Garden Bowl. Both are doing about a half-hour of songs. The major disappointment is going to be...Bad Town not playing the song 'Bad Town'. More on this later....

Paper Fliers: Still Important or a waste of paper?

2009-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Paper or electronic fliers: what's more effective? I have had arguments and taken part in discussions revolving around what's more effective. Personally, I'm old-school and I will always be old-school cause that's how I learned. While that think seems to be "dated", it still seems to be the "right thing to do". Naturally, I've pulled shows together in a week with no fliers and had a better turn-out than most of the shows I worked on for two or three months. Does that mean I wasted money on getting materials made for a show? I don't think so. Part of what makes being a booking agent interesting is having the better looking fliers/posters.

Until I find a reason not to get promo-materials made, I will keep doing what I do....the way I want to do it.

Stage-Presence (or lack thereof)....

2009-08-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

So what's the deal, bands? Even Black Dhalia Murder (or the original members that are still in the band) remember when they played their asses off to 20 people in a YMCA (and loved it). As we all know, some shows are gonna be better than others for many reasons (and it's not just cause the turn-out may or may not be there). Some of the best shows I've seen had maybe 25-30 people in attendence (example: As Friends Rust & Glasseater in my friend Jason Lockwood's basement in downtown Pontiac, MI...only about 30 something people.)

Rather than bore us with rhetoric about how shows suck these days and how "awesome" it is to play to other bands. No one wants to hear grown-folks complain...especially when it's partially their fuck-up that the turn-out isn't there. I mean, let's remember...the booking agent/promoter is responsible for alot but the lame isn't only ours to wear. There comes a point when people like me should get on a mic and talk about how much it sucks to do all of the work and get blamed for everything but credit for nothing.

You're letting me down. You're letting your friends down. You're selling yourself and your music short...because you have such a blase-attitude towards what you SHOULD be doing (including but not exclusive to giving 110% at every show and working with people who are only trying to help.) It takes a real asshole to point and yell. But it takes a real man/women to get involved, both literally and metaphorically. The choice is yours. I just hope you make the right one.

The Beginning of The (Week)End.....Day 3

2009-07-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

I had intended on writing about the show, last night, but as soon as we got back...I hit a bowl twice and feel asleep (mostly cause I was kinda drunk from the pitcher of beer I drank by myself.)

We walk into Oade's to find Ozenza hard at work on the pool table (make no mistake about this band: they will take your money!). A few people and Beast In The Field showed up roughly about 35-40 minutes before bands started playing. Ozenza went first. Good thing I'm not in a band and would have to follow that. For the past 4+ years, Ozenza has been writing some of the best down-tempo/"stoner"-rock in Michigan. Josh, their drummer, played as if he was channling Gonzo, himself. It was 6 or 7 songs later and they left some people asking the question 'Should I really play after that?'. As of late, Beast In The Field has been using much smaller set-ups for shows. Even so, Jordan still manages to make teeth chatter and lower intestines grumble with discomfort. Jamie's lumberjack-like approach to the drums is far and away one of the best drummers I have had the chance to see and hang out with. Beast's music really does sound like a glacier floating down a river or an avalanche of lava. The best thing one could do, while watching Beast In The Field destroy...? Stand there and take it like a human being.

The night ended with a hot, 40-minute set from Lansing's only REAL doom band, The Plague Years. Off and on, they will play with a bassist. This paticular show was just Derek and Steve. Aside from an extra body not being on stage, one would hardly notice with all of the low-end that is put out. The Plague Years' general attitude is simple: all of "this" will be over soon. Their music is what the apocolypse will sound like, a la vintage amps (ie. orange and green). While the song structures and chord progressions are in fact simple, it is the underlying idea behind their music that is so captavating to yours truly: the end is near and you only have one chance to be who and what you are behind closed doors. Seize this chance before it passes you by like traffic on the freeway.

The Beginning of The (Week)End....Day 2

2009-07-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

I forgot how uncomfortable a couch can be. (Note to self: drink more before sleeping on a couch.) Although I will admit that I have slept on some rather "questionable" surfaces including a washer and dryer, the floor of The Nain Rouge van, and the Caledonia-House couch that was in the living room (if that couch could talk, it would commit suicide from all of the nasty shit that has gone down on it's cushions.) However, I'm thankful to have friends out here who look out for me (Derek, Steve, Kori, and Kori's bf.) The apartment I'm staying at is set in what seems like the "student ghetto" of Michigan State University: basically, it's all college students over here. Rent is about $650 a month. Said apartment is laid-out kinda nice (two bedrooms, living room, a bathroom with a closest connected to it, and a balcony.) Outside of the Nuthouse and Stober's...this is probably one of my favorite places to kick it, in Lansing.

For me, the day of a show is like the first day of school and Christmas all rolled into one. You can almost never tell what's going to happen but you know you want it to happen already. Like I had mentioned in the previous blog, I get to spend the evening with friends (which means I'm guaranteed to have a good time, no matter what.) Ozenza, one of the bands playing tonight is what you might call a "stoner-rock band": think Doomriders, replace the punk-rock influence with classic rock, and you have Ozenza. In my honest and humble opinion, Ozenza is one of the very best (in Michigan, playing that style of music). Certainly one of the most underrated bands, period. Beast In The Field, probably the first two-piece doom bands to not suck in Michigan. Jamie and Jordan are, for lack of a better word, geniuses at what they do. Their music calls upon the classics such as Sleep, Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, and Keelhaul. Jordan is most know for his 'larger-than-life' amp set-up which is taller than the backboard on a basketball hoop. One of the many things I like about Jamie is is his ability to back vans with trailers into tight parking/loading spots (in the words of Brad from The Nain Rouge...Jamie is putting on "clinics".)

Tonight, I look forward to a few things: 1. Obviously, I'm pumped to hang out with friends 2. music worth listening to and 3. the sound-guy freaking out. Wave goodbye, Lansing. It's almost over.

The Beginning of The (Week)End....Day 1

2009-07-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought: Lansing, Michigan is Ground Zero to 'the end, as we know it.'

The drive between Metro-Detroit and E. Lansing is fun, for me anyways. Generally speaking, I'm jamming Sleep's 'Dopesmoker' but this trip called for something a little "lighter", maybe it was the decent weather we got, so I went with Hot Hot Heat and Goatsnake (I know, weird. Indie/Pop-rock and "stoner/doom".)

Tomorrow's show is at a venue called 'Oades Hidden Camel' (Lansing, MI). If it weren't for the slightly awkward location, this bar would be pretty fucking cool. The bar staff is nice enough, their booking agent is a former musician (which means he understands what his real job is), and their drinks are cheap. One of my major complaints is their outdated sound-system. Now, I know...times are tough, no one can afford to sink $8-10k on new equipment but really...for such a decent sized room, they sure do have the bare essentials when it comes to monitors, etc. It's not strange to be asked to turn down and you're at 3 or 4 on your volume. It's rock-n-roll or metal or punk, it's suppose to be loud. Or no? Either way, it's all loud-as-fuck bands (Beast In The Field on Saw Her Ghost Records and Ozenza on Friction Records.) Their sound-guy won't have much of a choice and it will be kind of funny (or annoying) for all of us.

Those who live in Lansing can come to the show or just open the window. It's that simple. See you there.

The Queers @ The Magic Stick - Sunday, March 29th

2009-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

(this was not one of my shows).

Travis Criscola of The Cute Lepers, died the day before the show (a lethal combination of pills and beer killed him in his sleep.) So, my heart goes out to Tavis' family and The Cute Lepers. I've watched people OD'd on pills. One person, my buddy "Rob" almost died in my arms a few years back. Let that be a lesson to the gazillion and one people I know, in Detroit alone, who take pills while they are at the bar.

Anywho, people started showing up late. Suprised? I mean...it is a punk show. The even funnier part was I hung out with Jason Lockwood, who was the only security for the entire show mind you, and Sarah, who was running the door. Apparently, this was a "change" show. By that, I mean alot of PUNKS were paying in change (some got sophisticated and got a hold of dollar coins.) Why I found that hilarious, I really dont know.

The Amoebas, The Clots (ex- Toxic Shock Syndrome), and D.A. (Dougie Tangent of The Dewtons on drums) opened the show. My only complaint about any of them was The Amoebas...if you guys played faster, that would be cool. That's all I'am saying.

The Queers...well, let's say I got a lesson in the power of a punk-rock trio. They are one of the best punk bands, ever. In all fairness, I had never really checked them out and, in a way, I'am kinda glad I let their live show do the talking. As is the case with most bands I actually respect, the live show is key. People who stand in one place, introduce every song as "this next song is...", or talk shit about MY city can eat a bag of dicks. (Yeah, I went there...gonna do something about it? Other than talk shit about me on myspace that is...)

The next Silent Films Booking show is April 25th in Kalamazoo w/ The Plague Years.

the atlas moth @ pj's lager house, march 5th

2009-03-05T22:51:00.001-08:00

on the way to this show, i got a weird vibe like....something was going to happen.
sure enough, en route to the show, i got that text that no promoter wants to get...

'hey dude, our van is crapping out on us...we might not make it.' with that being said, i love flesh eating flesh...but they need a new van so please, donate money or buy what little merch they have left.

anywho, three bands arrived at the same time (tried in absentia, the atlas moth, return of the fight). it was kind of a bummer-night because of a certain bar-crawl across town. one thing i have to admit is i hate when singers of bands remind everyone that it's just you, the bands, and a few friends. yeah, that sucks....sorry but move on. not naming names but someone did that and it always gets under my skin.

the atlas moth rules, live, and i feel bad for anyone who doesnt make it a point to see these dudes.

myspace.com/theatlasmothband

sweet bars....LANSING

2009-02-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

the nuthouse and stober's are my favorite bars in lansing, mostly cause i dont have to deal with lame indie kids or lame hip-hop/metal kids. i suggest you go to these places, if you like to drink stuff that's bad for you.

some rambling about stuff (and a few things too)

2009-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

For the few of us who were lucky enough to go away to summer camp have fond memories of making new/exciting friends, staying up late, forming little crushes, learning new skills, and growing as a young person. We recall stories of when we sat around a campfire and told scary stories or hikes in the woods. Some of us were even lucky enough to steal a kiss or two, whilst sneaking to and from a cabin or tent. There are a few of us who go camping from time to time and spend most of the trip drunk, stoned, or getting laid. Basically, all of those things are the very essence of "being on tour".
Some of my favorite times, on tour, were shared with strangers who I may never see again. The night spent, in the van, getting high and drinking lethal amounts of liquor/beer are (and were) priceless. Each of us who has been blessed with a ticket out of whatever state find some weird appreciation for sleeping in uncomfortable positions, in strange places, with "strange" people. Stolen kisses at a bar, hikes to and from gas stations when the van breaks down, learning how to change a tire on the side of the road (in a snow storm), how to convince cops to not search the van, and how to throw a few punches (when need be)...it's all worth it.

Feb. 6th @ Basement 414: Flesh Eating Flesh / Acoustic Corpse / Balboa

2009-02-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Dont start drinking Seagrams 7 three hours before you play a show...by the time your band is ready to play, you're going to be shit-faced.

The day started off, as it should, at the House of Bass: a blunt, a 7 & coke drink, and 7 & 7 shots. Flesh Eating Flesh and Kayzia of Acoustic Corpse are certainly dopesmokers, so it's no wonder we left late and arrived even later. Finding Basement 414 was an adventure in it's self....we went right to 414 E. Michigan (which is an apartment building.) After having somewhat of a Spinal Tap moment, where we walked through the basement to find the stage door, we came to the conclusion that we were in the wrong building all together. After a few frantic phone calls, we got on track and found the place.

Basement 414 is an all ages venue/art space tucked in a random alley near 'The Nuthouse' (one of the best sports bars in Lansing - fyi: i hate sports bars but L-O-V-E this one.) Walking in was a trip, literally: the space was set up in three rooms that were covered in acid-inspired artwork that was hanging from fishline that was taped or stapled to the ceiling. The guys and I did the once over almost immediately (that means we walked around and looked for places to drink and people who look like they might sell us some drugs.) After loading in and setting up, it was all over: some of us went to the liquor store and some of us stood around, mean-mugging everyone.

One thing I always find funny is bands that are from the area of whatever show...always want to play first or as early as possible (which was the case at this show, with Balboa.) Of course, after giving them what they wanted, they took off as soon as they were done playing (sorry I couldnt pay you guys a bunch of fucking money.) By the time Flesh Eating Flesh went on, they were wasted (at least Kurt, their singer, was blown out.)

After FEF's blazing-set of true death-metal, Kurt let loose: he picked fights with people who worked their. At one point, I had to try and drag him away (fyi: Kurt is 6'0" and pushing 240lbs.) We left after I was told security from the club upstairs was coming down to beat our asses. Needless to say, the drive home was quiet....either because everyone but "Kranker-Man" and Kurt feel asleep or because everyone, amidst the alcohol, was trying to compute what actually happend.

We got home after 4am.

something bands should try to understand about being booking agent...

2009-01-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'll make this simple and as non-offensive as possible: most bands...dont understand the first thing about booking shows ad being a booking agent. The few that do know...are hard to come by. Most dudes (or girls, for that matter) dont have the paitence to deal with booking but when it comes to their band making money, they have all of the time in the world. What I find most interesting is very few bands assume the responsibility of helping promote their own shows (it's no wonder some of you play to the people you are sleeping with and the staff of whatever venue.)

If the show does well, I dont make much money cause bands expect to get paid well. If the show does band, I have to hear about how I'am "a liar" and "ripping people off". Truth is....you are ripping yourself and I off: I spend alot more money promoting than some of you do on gas to get anywhere. You may feel like you are owed something...well, you're right. I owe some of you a punch across the mouth. That's it.

Until you understand where I'am coming from...continue to bitch. Keep trying to drag my slightly good name through the mud. Sue me. Try to break my spirit. It's not going to stop me. Your bullshit won't affect the things I have done and will do, in my lifetime.

Friday, January 23rd: Mean Mother / Marshall Plan / Winnie Cooper

2009-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Alright...Grand Rapids, I love you very much. But seriously, what's with some of you nutjobs?

The drive out to GR took about 2 hours, finding Teazer's took 20 minutes (one thing GR and Detroit has in common is it's metropolis made of one-ways.) By the time we* got to the bar, Winnie Cooper had already started. Teazer's is a sports bar in an industrial district about 6-7 minutes northwest of the downtown area. One of the first things I noticed about this bar, that struck me as "odd", was their lack of a smokeeter (a smoke filter that most bars, i thought, were mandated to have one present.)

On my way to the bathroom, I came around a corner to find a room with a pool table and next to it....beer pong. Yes, BEER PONG....in a fucking bar. Where most bars seem to frown on people getting "out of hand", this bar almost seemed to encourage it. The drink prices were typical, the bar staff was slow (with 4 waitresses, I waited about 20 minutes.) As soon as I got my drink, I made my way to a table in the back, near my buddies in Marshall Plan.

Winnie Cooper is five-piece indie-rock band. Not bad at all, just kind of a weird opener for Mean Mother and Marshall Plan. I hate to say it but by the time they finished up, most people were at the point where they needed to hear something that....rocked?

Mean Mother isn't a band to be taken lightly. Watching them play is like being hit by an eighteen-wheeler...or a soft-tail. One of the two. Since Ben Roeske's depature, Old Man Kelly (from Today I Wait) has taken of his guitar duties and Jason Shrum does his singing. Their new stuff is much better than their older songs (or maybe that it's just time they started playing songs that aren't 5+ years old.

Marshall Plan is a west Michigan gem. A hidden gem, mind you. These guys are great but there seems to be a lack of real interest in rock bands of their caliber. If you have the chance to see them (on the westside...because they almost never play anywhere else), I suggest you do it.

*we = niceguy-rob, jason lockwood and megan

ps. listen to ac/dc when you are driving somewhere like GR.

so it begins....

2009-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

So here we are...my first blog. I've been on the fence about this business but it seems as though I have so much material, it makes sense to start now before I forget it all. In this blog, you will read this about people. People you know and people you dont know. I will say things indiscriminately (that means some people are NOT going to like what is being said about them.) For alot of reasons, I may change the names of some "characters" to protect the guilty. However, in some situations...it will be damn near impossible to protect the terrible name some people hold so dear to their hearts. Fear not, some of this blog will involve my own mistakes (after all, I'am just a dickface like some of you.)

Consider yourself warned, bitches.

We'll start with the obvious decision for my first blog....Silent Films Booking. Basically, I started booking shows because a few years ago, bands I used to hang out with were going their seperate ways and I had nothing to do; no plans for the weekend. Considering I knew just about all of the people one would need to know to become a booking agent, it only made sense. 2002 was the year...and I think one of the first bands I started working with was M59 (mostly because I had a crush on the bassist, at the time. just so you know, her name is rosa.) Things didn't really start getting hot until a year later. Shows started pilling up, like a motherfucker. One thing I didn't understand then (and still dont understand to this day) is there are all of these bands but absolutely NO ONE thought 'hey, someone needs to book these shows we talk about playing....maybe i should learn how to do something other than act like a pretentious prick'. Now, not everyone who I dealt/deal with is pretentious but that is a reoccuring problem with musicians.

I've had the pleasure of working with the very best and nicest musicians, in my eyes. If you would have told me in 2002 that I would do the things I have done, I would have laughed. I'am just one guy doing a job for three or more people. There were shows were I came home drunk (and not alone) because the shows went well. Other times, I didn't want to come home so shitty musicians couldn't find me and rag on me about how I "didn't do my job". Six years later, I'am still asking myself 'why?'. There are times when I wish I could "retire" and just get a regular 9-5 job, like everyone else. My only defense, for people who agree with that last sentence: what the fuck is gonna happen to the music scene we all love, here in Detroit, if I do retire? Too many bands who deserve a fucking chance....won't get the respect or the time of day that they deserve.

2500 Club, Paychecks, Small's, The Painted Lady, Vault 13/Von's, The Magic Stick, Northern Lights, The Factory, The Firehouse (Ohio), Miss Q's (Indiana), The Davenport (Ohio), Mac's, 'The Wesley' (mt. pleasant, mi), basements, backyards, living rooms....and beyond. Anywhere, anytime....I will book a show if people want to see music that isnt BULLSHIT.

The Nain Rouge, Signs Of Collapse, The Plague Years....these guys deserve the credit for giving me the 'show-bug'. I say that because these are the bands that I have spent the most time with. These guys showed/show the most respect. They gave me a chance at making some decisions. I will never be able to thank these dudes enough.

Anywho, I don't know if I will ever 'retire'. One thing is for sure....the goal I had set for myself, six years ago, has come true: Detroit will not be the same, after I start booking shows (especially heavy bands). Bands like Crossing Point (S. African HxC) and Amenra (Belgium, metal) wouldn't have come to Detroit, if it wasn't for the fact that I put my name out there...plain and simple. Too many bands, good and bad, wouldn't have gone past the practice space if it wasn't for my dedication to a thank-less job (and some of you fucking cocksuckers need to remember that.)

I'am proud to be a booking agent. I'am proud of Detroit. Nothing will change that.