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...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
That awkwardness between out of town bands and Detroiters...
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?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It wasn't suppose to turn out like this
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).
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).
Sunday, December 19, 2010
while detroit might be a concrete jungle, not everyone can be king kong
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.
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.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Holy Cow, I have not posted anything in a while...
Since the last blog, I have worked for the following artists:
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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:
Also, I became somewhat of a member of The Plague Years.
myspace.com/tpy
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- Kate Nash
- Toadies
- In This Moment
- Daniel Lanois
- Guided By Voices
- All That Remains
- Screeching Weasels/Riverdales
- Triptykon/1349
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
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
what happens when you bite the hand that feeds....
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.'
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.'
Friday, February 12, 2010
Try me.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
1/27 - Terror Setlist (The Magic Stick, Detroit MI)
- 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
Saturday, January 9, 2010
One of The Best Times of My Life (as a roadie/merch guy)....
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:
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.
Novemver 11th - Level II Skatepark (Houghton, MI)
November 12th - 231 House of Muses...RIP (Marquette, MI)
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
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.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
My Favorite Thing To Do At Work....pt. 1
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....
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....
Sunday, December 13, 2009
December 9th - Crash Kings / Tally Hall Set Lists (The Magic Stick, Detroit)
Crash Kings
- Carry On
- 14 Arms
- All Along
- It's Only Wednesday
- Raincoat
- 2nd Rate
- Mt. Man
- 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
Monday, November 2, 2009
A Few Rules On Doing Security
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.
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.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Who the fuck do you think you are?
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.
Now, I have something you want and you're trying to take it away from me? You're in for a big fucking suprise.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
H8INC - Setlist from Oct. 17th w/ Cro Mags, Hellmouth, Voice of Anger
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...
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...
Monday, October 19, 2009
You ARE nothing.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Some Venues Have The Dumbest Rules...
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....
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....
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Cold As Life - Set List - Aug. 29th 2009 @ The Majestic
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
how much longer
scarred death back
i cant breathe
hardcore homeboy
detroit city
where are we going
10 till midnight
cold as life
addicted
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bad Town & Spick Of It All @ The Garden Bowl (aug. 27th)
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.
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.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tonight....Bad Town (operation ivy cover band) & Spick Of It All (mexican-punk cover band)
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....
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