Here’s a clip of the first single off Born and Raised, called “Shadow Days.” I’m excited to share the first bit of sound from the album… Been looking forward to a post like this since October 14, 2010, the first day I started writing this group of songs. Enjoy.
This is me in simpler times. What a wild ride it’s been since that day. Would that I could say I still fit this outfit, but I’d wager it’s roughly the size of my right arm at this point. I’d put money on still pulling off that touque.
As many of you know tomorrow the band and I will be taking the stage at the Horseshoe. What a pleasure it’s been to focus only on one event after a summer of insanity. It’s a terrific brain excersise to juggle a thousand things at once, but it takes its toll on your nervous system. I’m not taking for granted the ability to work from a relaxed place, semi-outside the bubble. It makes for a more pleasant experience in which has otherwise been what I would positively dub a ‘learning year.’
For the show tomorrow, I’ll be playing with the Crass Lads much of the new material I’ve been working out at recent shows. Stoked to get the full ‘vision’ of those songs realized.
Many exciting things coming down the line…new videos…new tour…new recording…Europe and US tourdates. Very exciting.
Hope everyone’s fall is shaping up nicely…enjoy the last fleeting days of single layers. I know I will be. Do stay tuned, and if you’re in the Toronto area, come by tomorrow night!
Spent the last few days seeing old dear friends in Lethbridge. After some confusion surrounding my show in Medicine Hat I’m looking forward to playing. The down-time has been nice, but ive started to feel a bit idle.
I’m also looking forward to returning to Edmonton and Calgary before heading home. Its hard to believe its been almost exactly a year where I was holed up in an Edmonton Best Western, nailing down parts for the record that would eventually become Jacob’s Island.
I have fond memories of one small excursion out to a deserted outdoor show, with a band attempting to pump the crowd up with promises of Nickelback covers. This did not prove successful.
I’m getting excited to get to BC, and am pleased to say this trip has gone by smooth and quick. It will be good to see family and friends, as well as enjoy some time in the sun and on the Beach.
What a fantastic day off yesterday. Starting off with espresso on the back porch of good friends in the prairies, warm wind blowing over me and Ray Lamontagne in the background. Biked around the city and got caught in a momentary torrential downpour while speeding down the country roads.
God how I longed for this in the coldest and bitterest winter moments.
This was followed up by more new friends, cintilating conversation, burgers and microbrewed beverages. Only to be concluded by an epic ping pong match, which I readily admit I lost by a hair, surprisingly decent local herb, and Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure. Much laughter and enjoyment had. Soul food.
As I write this on my blackberry, I’m en route to Calgary, thanks to a good friend saving me from the potential hell of a 15 hour overnighter to Lethbridge.
I must say, middle Canada has certainlu delivered thus far.
Hanging about in Saskatoon after a good night of playing. Something about the wind and grass in this city is so voluptuous and fresh.
Got in last night and slept for what felt like a tremendously long time. Any sleep I am able to muster for a length of time feels like a luxury. I’m staying at a friend’s house in Saskatoon. Mike and mark. Both great guys, and tremendous hosts.
Played the show at the Flint tonight…was unsure how the size and reception of the crowd would be…to my delight they both turned out to be positive. I am looking forward to a few days of R n R with new and old friends. I am heading into Lethbridge on Wednesday…hopefully I can get some song writing done in the next few days.
As was expected, it’s been a whirlwind of 72 hours. I’ve gone from Lop Lops Lounge in Sault Ste Marie to the Apollo in Thunder Bay, before coming through Winnipeg last night and playing at the Yellow Dog last night.
Got into Winnipeg around 7pm. Far and away the smoothest trip yet, partly due to the day-travel and the fact that I’d gotten a good night’s sleep elusive the few nights earlier. One thing I find fruestrating about touring is the lack of time to get really warmed up. I mean WARM warm. So warm that putting on my best show requires no effort. I always endeavor to get to this point, but when I’m getting off the bus, I find the time is lacking. Nevertheless, the show was a great success in huge part to the fantatsic Lindsey White and Jeremy Wells, whom I was sharing the stage with.
As I arrived, I noticed a huge lineup at the Burton Cummings theatre across the street. I was informed that U2 was in town, and killing time before a Sunday show by filming a documentary there. I wondered if I’d get the U2 run-off…which seemed to happen.
A few minutes after I arrived, I was approached by a regular named Graham whom I got into a great conversation with. He told me he recorded bands, and asked me if I wanted to do a bit of impromptu demo recording before the show. This proved a good opportunity to warm up my voice, and bang out a few new songs.
Tonight I continue onto Saskatoon…here’s hoping for another smooth ride! I have my earplugs and shades should blocking my senses become necessary.
Recording new demos at Albert Studios in Winnipeg. May 28, 2011.
As I write this, I have just finished a Thunder Bay set at the Apollo. I am determined to get the closest thing to eight hours of sleep I can. It has been an exhausting 36 hours, chalk full of witnessing crazy bus fights in the dark, and enjoying the lush Northern Ontario scenery. I cannot wait to sleep horizontally tonight.
Oh, and I have a new video for ‘Aurelia’ it’s hit 110 on the alt rock charts, and climbing. Check’er out, and buy my new record on iTunes!
I’m currently hanging out in Lop Lops Lounge in Saut Ste Marie. A good first show had, in spite of my physical fatigue ailing me. The bus-ride last night was relatively painless thanks utilizing sunglasses and earplugs. A woman’s snoring like a gutted wild boar in front of me only permeated a little. What strikes me about trying to sleep on a greyhound is even when sleep occurs, there is no catharsis of drifting off or waking refreshed…the only indicator you’ve slept is the passage of time. Unlike airports, greyhound stations have the desolate character to etch themselves in one’s brain. Got in…wanted breakfast. Couldn’t find breakfast. Then I was sad. Sault Ste. Marie is lovely…it reminds me a bit of Santa Barbara, California, in that there is effectively one important street, that’s very pretty, and has eerily evened stoplights and trees. Went down to the water and managed to sunburn the top of my strumming hand. Stupid sun. Did some busking, sold a few CDs… Some guy told me I should watch out for the cops. I resolve if I’m arrested for busking, that’s the best way I could ask to sully my record. Played the show. Nearly every person in attendance bought a CD, so it ended up being quite fruitful. I gathered and stuffed my enormous boulder of a Europe backpack, and headed over to the greyhound station only to discover the bus was late. Seemed like more drinking was the best course of action. Now I’m sitting on the bus with some interesting characters waiting to take off. Next stop Thunder Bay!
