Hi everyone,
Sorry I've not written or posted in a
while...the Januariez were really busy up until June, and then, we
weren't, and now, we haven't been. It's hard to drive a band when the
engine is missing some cylinders, and in our case, there was too much
downtime between shows and tours. One of us would go out of town for a
while, and we'd go without practice for a month or two. After a while,
we lost momentum. Or perhaps it was just me. And in the end, it probably
is only me.
So. We have been on hiatus since June. We
also took a break from late November to March, and we've had to turn
down some awesome shows during those periods. There are only so many
shows you can turn down before it begins to affect your trajectory. The
last query I received, however, instead of turning down the gig, I asked
to play solo, and well, that's what's happening! I have my first solo
gig Aug 26 at The Sunset. Doors at 7:30. $6. I'm first.
As
far as the future of The Januariez goes, I have no idea if and when we
will be playing out again or what that line up will look like. Right
now, it's not moving. Everyone's busy with other projects, and I'd
rather not force it. So for the time being, I will only be performing my
songs solo. What happens along the new path remains to be seen.
With
all that said, I am still performing with live bands, and I've spent
the summer jamming and playing with different people. Most recently, I
started playing with a band called Taxidermy Western.
They are kinda like a Johnny Cash meets QOTSA sort of band. Really
grimy with strong imagery. It's cool, cause for years I've tried to get
lead guitarists to make their guitars sound "like a ghost" on a couple
of my songs, and no one ever quite knew what I meant. I stepped into
rehearsal with Taxidermy, and they busted out that exact phrase in
describing how they wanted something done! Total trip and a good omen!
So I'm singing and making eerie noises. It's fun, and I'm doing
something different and cool. We played our first show together last
Friday at Chop Suey, and there's potential for more. Go like them on FB
and reverbnation!
On a different front, I am back to
teaching on a larger schedule. I don't know if you remember, but I was
hit by a van on my bike almost 2 years ago. I broke/bruised a few ribs,
damaged a lot of soft tissue, and re-arranged my entire perspective. I
just don't see the world the same way, and I know I am not even the same
person. My brain just functions better. I feel sharper. So much so that
I signed on to volunteer with Rain City Rock Camp for Girls.
Rain
City Rock Camp is hands down the most amazing thing I've ever been a
part of. I wish I'd had this camp when I was a kid. Sure it's a rock
camp, but they compliment it with self defense, body image workshops,
media literacy, and self-empowerment! At my interview, they asked me if I
could make an all day training, and I remember thinking, what the hell is going on that requires a full day training?
And well, when I realized the camp's mission, it all made sense. Some
of these girls have never touched an instrument in their lives, and this
camp creates a safe space for young girls to find their power.
Absolutely amazing! Note that there is also a ladies rock camp in the
fall! Perfect for those who have never played an instrument but have
always wanted to!
And then, about the time I joined up
with RCRC, the School of Rock announced it was moving only blocks from
my house. I've been teaching for years, so I dropped off a resume and
cover letter right before they opened. After a couple of follow-ups, I
met up with the manager, and less than a week later, I was hired for a
songwriting summer camp. Currently I am only a sub, but the place is
growing! Looking forward to what's ahead!
That's about
it on the music front. The rest of my life has been pretty busy, too,
but that kinda goes without saying. It's good to be here!
xo
J-kNee