Check out the September issue of Punk Globe!
http://www.punkglobe.com/hotgossip0913.php
http://punkglobe.com/thejanuariezinterview0913.php
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Summer Bittersweet Stuff
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
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
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
And the Beat Goes ON....
Whoa!! Here we are in the middle of a bunch of travel. Tomorrow morning we head to LA for the ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo. I attended a few years back, and it was one of the best experiences I've had in the industry. Looking forward to seeing old friends, new friends, family, and meeting some awesome folks! For the record, we want to personally thank Corbett, Dan, Estebo, Gilman Street, Urban Wolves, Mad Judy, Point of View, Break Anchor, Joe, Erik Anarchy, Linc, Red Room, Patty at the Baby Bar, Catholic Guilt, Ray's Golden Lion, Jeff, Ooooz, JFKFC, The First Losers, Deadeye, Darrell's, Dan, Jack, Half Rushmore, Rocket Surgery, Skyeler, Lullwater and Favors the Bold(yall were outta control!), NWCZ, Darrell, Sherrie, Cody, Ion Storm, Super Desu. Thanks for everything!
Last time I wrote, we were preparing for our tour, which has now reached its final leg. We have played some great shows with some great bands and met some great people. We also played some not so good shows and encountered some not so awesome conditions. But that's okay, cause we got some new songs out of the deal! Tri-Cities will have its very own song! haha! For those who don't know, Hanford is located near Tri-Cities. It is a radioactive dump, and according to the locals, it has produced some radioactive tumbleweeds. In an effort to identify them (if they happen to blow into town) authorities had them painted bright pink. They say if you see a pink tumbleweed, call the government and they will give you $500. There is much more to this story, and it will be told soon!
Anyway, I took some photos and video while we were out. It's not the best quality by any means, but you'll get the gist. No pink tumbleweeds, though.
And finally, here's some rough video from Tri-Cities.
It won't let me link one of our news songs... just go to our youtube page: thejanuariezband
Stay tuned for photos and video while in LA. Can't wait to share!
As soon as we get home, we have a show at The Comet with our Bay Area friends, Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits and Seattle's own Bottlenose Koffins. This show is gonna kill! It's already broken Beau's shoulder, and now City of Industry will have to delay their debut. Check out this here little video from BJE! It will all make sense.
We've been singing this song like mad!
Well, that's it for now! Send us a message if you wanna catch us in LA.
much love!
j-knee
Last time I wrote, we were preparing for our tour, which has now reached its final leg. We have played some great shows with some great bands and met some great people. We also played some not so good shows and encountered some not so awesome conditions. But that's okay, cause we got some new songs out of the deal! Tri-Cities will have its very own song! haha! For those who don't know, Hanford is located near Tri-Cities. It is a radioactive dump, and according to the locals, it has produced some radioactive tumbleweeds. In an effort to identify them (if they happen to blow into town) authorities had them painted bright pink. They say if you see a pink tumbleweed, call the government and they will give you $500. There is much more to this story, and it will be told soon!
Anyway, I took some photos and video while we were out. It's not the best quality by any means, but you'll get the gist. No pink tumbleweeds, though.
Catholic Guilt
Spokane
Spokane
Rocket Surgery
Mount Shasta
Urban Wolves
Break Anchor
Point of View
Yall know what this is
Weed, California
Erik Anarchy
Erik Anarchy
Mad Judy
I can't find the photos from Eugene and Tri-Cities for some reason. I know they are up on FB and Twitter. sigh.
And finally, here's some rough video from Tri-Cities.
It won't let me link one of our news songs... just go to our youtube page: thejanuariezband
Stay tuned for photos and video while in LA. Can't wait to share!
As soon as we get home, we have a show at The Comet with our Bay Area friends, Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits and Seattle's own Bottlenose Koffins. This show is gonna kill! It's already broken Beau's shoulder, and now City of Industry will have to delay their debut. Check out this here little video from BJE! It will all make sense.
We've been singing this song like mad!
Well, that's it for now! Send us a message if you wanna catch us in LA.
much love!
j-knee
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Februariez are Already Here...
The Februariez are Already Here…
And I didn't send out a newsletter for January. Personally, January has always been a busy month: my b-day, taxes, planning for the new year. Historically, it is the doorway to the year, which I have always found intriguing. I like doors. Doors are utilitarian and aesthetic. You can let things in, or lock them out. You can filter what you want, allowing in light and sunshine without the accompanying insects. There is no end of beginning with the doorway, and you cannot close one door without opening another. During the segment of the year between the Winter Solstice and Candlemas, I lay low, working on new music, planning the following year, reflecting on the past year, making decisions, and throwing out the things that no longer serve me.
So we have some cool stuff to announce!
First of all, we have had some amazing reviews, as well as an interview, this year!
We've also been receiving quite a bit of internet radio play as well as commercial airplay! We have a couple of more interviews coming up, too! Be sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay posted!
Thursday February 28, I will be participating in the ASUW's Everybody, Every Body Art Gallery and Fashion Show! It's an annual event that celebrates and promotes healthy body image awareness. I will be performing an intimate 3 part piece titled The Mirror. "This work is an exploration of a reflection of past, present, and future selves and identities. The aggregate of these reflections illustrates my understanding of the nature of refraction at an emotional and social level. We are what we project." The first part of the piece has never been performed anywhere, and I'm actually kinda scared, cause it is soooo hard to play! ha! Come out and celebrate!
In March, We are heading out in somewhat of a fractured tour. I don't know how many of you know, but I am married with 2 boys. This makes traveling difficult. Granted my kids are now in high school and middle school, it is still hard for me to take time off away from home. The fact that I'm doing ANY of this amazes me. I got pregnant when I was 24, and I had believed at that point, that my life as a musician was over. (Though I never sold my gear, I must have had an inkling…) I took SEVEN years off from playing. I would pick up my acoustic every now and then, and I retained most of my theoretical knowledge, but my chops were gone. After I graduated college and got my kids in school, I searched for a job that would employ my newfound skills, but the only good playing job I could find was writing for an online porn magazine. I made really good money, but I hated my audience. I hated what I was writing about. I hated the objectification. I was so angry about the whole thing, because the doors weren't opening for me the way they had before when I was playing music, and I was promoting something I didn't agree with. A few months later, I was cruising Craigslist for jobs, and I saw a posting for a guitar teacher. I had experience teaching and working with kids in particular. I had years of experience playing, but I was out of practice. I wanted to get involved again, so I emailed with my resume asking if I could volunteer. Instead, they wrote me asking me to teach. I tried to to turn it down, saying how out of practice I was, and again, they insisted. The door had opened, and there I was teaching music with the likes of Laura Viers, Lori Goldston, and Rachel Flotard. What's really funny is that I didn't know who any of these ladies were, except for Lori, cause I had met her back in the early 90s when she worked with Nirvana. What's more is that I learned that Lori and Laura and I shared some close mutual friends. Friends who have nothing to do with music, but who have everything to do with life!
That was 7.5 years ago. I have been writing, playing, practicing, and teaching ever since! Slowly and deliberately, I keep moving onward and upward. I remember asking Laura how she got where she was, and she told me she took one step at a time, making each goal, each step attainable. I have carried that gem with me ever since.
I am still setting goals, and I'm still juggling a family, a home, teaching, session work, writing music, the band, and all the business work that goes into running a band. So we're going out on three 4-day excursions beginning March 14th. We are still trying to sort out a few last minute dates for confirmation, but this is what we got! Some doors open on their own time...
March 14- Spokane, WA The Baby Bar w/ Catholic Guilt
March 15- Tri-Cities, WA Ray's Golden Lion w/ J.F.K.F.C. and The First Losers
March 16- Shoreline, WA Darrell's w/Rocket Surgery and Half Rushmore
March 17- Tacoma, WA NWCZ radio interview
March 28- Eugene, OR Black Forest w/ Lullwater
March 29- Berkeley, CA 924 Gilman St w/ Cold Feelings, Break Anchor, Mad Judy, Urban Wolves, and Point of View
March 30- Somewhere tba
March 31-PDX Red Room w/Ion Storm, Erik Anarchy, Super Desu, and Fluid Spill
April 17-21- LA ASCAP EXPO
show tba
April 22- Seattle The Comet w/ Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits and the City of Industry
May 4- Seattle The Skylark w/Animals in Cars and Sources in Code
And some time in between we will be getting that video together. The line up changes kind of put everything behind… but not too far, cause we are already planning our next album!
We're really looking forward to playing out and seeing you all again! It's been too long!
Much love!
J-kNee
PS, I have created a personal tumblr page where I have been posting poetry, random photos, and other musings. Check it out!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Happy Holidays! Tour Re-cap and Confessions
Well hello everyone! I am finally getting around writing about the last few months, which included the release of our debut full length album, AUTHENTIC (and I am unable to express how exciting this has been), the supporting shows (even more exciting), and all the cool bands, people, and venues we met along the way (by far the best part). Special thanks to all the new folks who joined the mailing list!
So last time we talked, it was October. (That seems light years away from me now…) We were in the building up phase, I guess. (Recording, mixing, and mastering the album feels like last year.) And it was so easy compared to the stress of getting the timing of everything else right. See, I've have never done this before. Ever.
Sure, I've recorded and released stuff before, but I've never actually planned anything out. In fact, I don't think I've ever truly planned anything. As I'm writing this right now, I have no plan for what I'm going to say. I just go with it…
This album was the most collaborative thing I've ever done. I have to be honest about myself here, but sharing, collaboration, and compromise have never been my strong suits. I prefer to tell people what they should do, simply because I think my way is the best way. I know I have run a lot of people off intentionally and inadvertently. I don't regret any of it; my mistakes are only that. I am what I am, and no one can change that except me.
That all said, if I don't know how to do something, I will ask for help if there is someone clearly more qualified than me. I know this sounds funny, but it is appallingly true. (I used to try to hide this from people, but I don't think I had anyone fooled.) And what's worse is that I really do want to collaborate. I love the idea of it, but I digress.
When this band started (and I suppose you could say it started in 2007, since we are playing some of the songs my previous control freak of a project played), these were my songs. I wrote the lyrics, the bass, the melody, the harmony, the guitar, (I have pulled people in to play lead or add a part here or a backing vocal there, but those were all works for hire.) It was a way for me to get a sense of potential collaborators without feeling obliged.
Over the years, these songs have evolved, but I didn't realize how much they could change by sitting back and letting a drummer play. Every drummer I have ever played with took the music home and studied it before showing up to play. Reno is the total opposite. He listens to what is happening right then, and plays what he feels. It is the most awesome thing ever. These songs are no longer only my songs; they have become Reno's songs. They have become The Januariez songs.
Right after we recorded, Tony rejoined us. Tony and I have been playing together since 2007. I think his records say 2008 (cause that's when I released the EP for that band), but I distinctly remember playing the Skylark November 2007 with him and his band Mofius backing me up. Seeing Blind was on the bill, too! That was my first show after taking a SEVEN year hiatus to have babies and go to college. Not only had I not been on a stage in 7 years, but I was singing and playing guitar, whereas in the past, I had always played bass and sang backups.
Mofius never played with me again, but Tony stayed on for the next two years until it was clear to me that I needed to kill the project and figure out something else. I quit drinking and focused on recording an EP that would not only help me find some solid people to work with, but also might garner a little attention. That was the January 16,91 EP. By the time it was released (June 2011), The Januariez were a four piece band with shows on the calendar. By the time of our first shows, we had become a trio. After our SXSW trip, Josh quit, and I asked Tony to sub for a few shows and step in on the recording. Tony filled in until we found Brian. Brian was with us only long enough to record, whereafter we begged Tony to come back.
(Part of the deal was that we would help out on Shai Azul projects… I am actually working on lyrics and vocals for one of their songs now! I will share the details when it becomes more detailed. )
So Tony is back, and he has asked to play some songs from the old band. And Reno has requested we play some of those songs, too. But it's crazy, cause they aren't the same songs anymore. And then we've written a good handful of new songs. We already have enough material for another album! And what is so awesome is that the new songs are truly collaborative. There is no planning! They just happen!
Back to the album...The recording process, the mixing, the mastering, the manufacturing, the artwork, all of that, came together pretty easily. There was no stress. We set reasonable deadlines with lots of flexibility. We hired Blue Shoes Media to help us with PR. And the booking of the out of town shows was relatively painless. The only show that was really difficult to book was our CD release party. It was kind of an anomaly. We wanted to do something different, and well, it was different! Note to self* in booking a CD release, stick with the venue you know! That all said, I'm glad so many of you came out to support us! And I'm super stoked we got to play with The Black Tones and Three For T. Check them out!
We also played a pre-release show in Tacoma at the New Frontier. For some reason, I thought it was on 6th Ave, and I went up and down 6th Ave until Reno told me it was down by the Tacoma Dome. doh! But it was fun! We played with Sources in Code and Sleeper Cell which are made up of Tacoma guys I have known for a long time, some of which share long sordid histories. It was cool, we swapped CDs with Cody Foster Army, we played a fun set, and a ton of friends came out, including my old restaurant pals.
The rest of our gigs were in towns we're never played. They were our best shows!
FRIDAY NOV 2 @ EAST END
w/ Pink Slip
This show kicked ASSS! It felt like we were playing in a basement! All the bands we played with were awesome, and JAmie Stewart from a local radio show Emotional Weather Report broadcasted live. I wish we had photos of all the bands we played with, cause the show was stellar. I have a crapberry, and aside from no memory, the photos wouldn't be worth it. Check all these guys out!
FRIDAY NOV 9 @ RAY'S GOLDEN LION
w/ Leona X
Ray's Golden Lion is a monument to music! I didn't know what to think when we got there…it's a Mongolian Grill with a bar and a stage. Word is that the likes of Ike and Tina Turner and Frank Sinatra have played here, as well as the Reverend Horton Heat. As of last month, The Januariez have, too. The show was all age, and we played to an enthusiastic crowd and shared the stage with some killer bands! I'm just glad we played before Leona X, cause they killed!
SATURDAY NOV 10 @ THE CABIN
w/ Old Mutt
Playing The Cabin was like playing The Poggie Tavern in West Seattle. We didn't start until 10pm, and there were quite a few colorful people in the bar, esp a regular we re-named Sparky. I don't have a picture of him either. The other band, Old Mutt, were a bunch of minors doing these Black Sabbath style songs. They were really good!
SUNDAY NOV 18 @ BLACK FOREST
This was the last show for the season. The Black Forest was super cool! We were really stoked for this show because the guys in Bobby Joe Ebola are good pals with my friend Fluke who puts out a fanzine. I love it how small the world is! I wish I had some shots from the show… if someone does, please share!
So what's next? We will be releasing an exclusive Xmas edition of Authentic, sometime next week (see first few paragraphs). All the songs are backmasked. It is titled: FAKE: What the Songs Really Mean. Or something like that. We haven't really given it a title yet. We'll share the title when it's released next week. In the meantime, gotta figure out what I am really saying. The free album download will be available via bandcamp.
Also, our SXSW documentary video has been delayed. We had a goal date of the album release with a deadline of March 2013. We intend to have it out by then, but for the moment we don't have a real date.
And finally we have begun booking our spring tour! (The madness never stops). We will hit the towns we just played and step out a little with dates in SF and LA. SF date will be in March, and the LA date will be in April. We should have more details after the new year. Keep checking our website for details!
Thanks again for reading! We love you!
PS Keep an ear our for our single "Dying Man" on your local college station or college hour. We've been getting radio play across the nation. If you have the inkling, call and request us!
And one more thing...I am going to be deleting most of the content on my personal profile on FB before the new year. I really need to ditch it. You can find me on Twitter or Google+.
And one more thing...I am going to be deleting most of the content on my personal profile on FB before the new year. I really need to ditch it. You can find me on Twitter or Google+.
Have a great holiday!
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Album is Here!
Okay everyone! I know I've not posted anything since June. And the last time I posted, I said something about recording an album. I also spoke of a new bass player. Prior to that, we were traveling, playing shows, and shooting random/not-s0-random video.
An entire season has gone by. Now it's time to show everyone what we've been working on! Firstly, our CD release party for our debut album, Authentic.
The Januariez CD Release Masque!
feat Three for T and The Black Tones
special prizes for peeps in costume!
Drink Specials
SATURDAY OCTOBER 27th
El Corazon Lounge
$8 advance/$10 day of show
8pm all ages
You can purchase tickets online at: http://www.cascadetickets.com/apps/calendar/performer.php?performer_id=3021
We spent a chuck of July with Jack Endino. Recording, LISTENING, mixing, LISTENING, mixing, and more LISTENING. And I think we got ourselves a good CD.
We are super excited!
But wait! There's more! We have set up something of a small tour. Here are the dates so far:
Oct 20 Tacoma, WA
@ The New Frontier
with Sources in Code, Shrouded in Veils, and Midnight Graves
Oct 27 Seattle, WA
@ El Corazon Lounge
with Three for T and The Black Tones
Nov 2 Portland, OR
@ East End
with Pink Slip, The GoodSons, and Right On John
Nov 9 Richland, WA
@ Ray's Golden Lion
with Leona X, Static Box, and Tragedy Within
Nov 18 Eugene, OR
@ Black Forest
with Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits.
We will be adding shows throughout October, so stay tuned to Twitter or Facebook.
Now, onto bass players. As you know, my old friend Tony Rivera stepped in to help on some gigs while we found a replacement for Gorilla. As it turns out, we all reached the conclusion that the three of us are a really good fit. So Tony has officially joined us as the permanent bass player! Yay Tony! In exchange, I will be providing vocals for Tony's solo project, Shai Azul.
And now the bit about the video….
We had planned to make a short documentary about our travel to SXSW last March. Well, the direction of the video has somewhat shifted. With Gorilla's departure, the new album, and everything else, well, a shift seems to be in order. We plan to have some footage ready to go with the official CD release.
So that's it for now! It's been a very busy summer! We're really excited to share our work!
Until next time!
xoxo
J-kNee
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