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So I’ve been absent for a long time, and there’s a decent reason…

So I’ve been absent for a long time, and there’s a decent reason…

I got divorced.

Yup. Your faithful servant is now The SINGLE Musical Schizo. No worries, though, it’s very amicable and the ex and I get along splendidly. One of the things that this might actually open up is that I’ll have a little bit more time to focus on musical pursuits, but so far I haven’t really done that. In fact, I haven’t played a show since October. It’s driving me CRAZY! The good news is that I have a show on February 12th (Stompin’ Grounds Grill on Anderson Mill Rd in Austin), so that little drought will come to an end.

Speaking of droughts, I haven’t written a song in a terribly long time. The emotions of what I’ve been through the past couple of years are way too intense to try and turn into art just yet, but I’m hoping with a little perspective and distance that it will give me some good material.

One thing that is interesting to me is the concept of being a gigging performer that isn’t married. I’ve never experienced that. I’m wondering what sort of extracurricular fun that will bring. I’m not one of those musicians who started playing to impress girls – in fact, I’ve never understood that, because I’ve always done music for music – but there’s a distinct possibility that girls, or better yet, women, will be impressed with my musical performance. I already look more the part of “the guy in the band” now that I’ve grown out my hair (It’s almost as long as it’s ever been, actually), so that might bring some fodder for future blog posts, too.

I’m going to be a better, more consistent blogger this year, and really turn this into a place for good commentary and perspective on music from a part-time professional musician.

Thanks for everything, and peace be the journey!
TMS

A couple of gigs on the horizon…and a new “Bathroom Schizo” song on the way

A couple of gigs on the horizon…and a new “Bathroom Schizo” song on the way

I have two shows in Austin coming up – one with a new, sort of ragtag power trio with the guitarist from Capital Suspects that has our maiden voyage on June 19th at Stompin’ Grounds up north, and the other filling in with Capital Suspects at Baby A’s Stonelake on Saturday June 22nd. I’m excited to get out and play.

Also, I’ll be singing a song suggested by a good friend of mine as my next solo acoustic video. Not exactly sure if it’ll be shot in the friendly confines of the Spongebob bathroom, but it should be pretty good. It’s actually a good song for my voice, and I’ve always loved the message in it. That should be done within the next few days…

So that’s that in the Land Of The Musical Schizo. I hope everything’s looking good in your neck of the woods…
TMS

Footnote: I never posted this because I wasn’t around, but here is the link to the video for the aforementioned song:

TRIUMPH!

TRIUMPH!

And I’m not talking about the band, no matter how awesome they are. Saturday night’s gig with Roman Holiday was a triumph. It was a fun show, everything worked (well, once we swapped out the power amp on the mains), we all played well, and the trainwrecks were minimal, which is amazing considering we literally played together ONCE since our October gig. Playing with Ned and Lee is like breathing. I love those guys. I sang well (for the most part – Don’t Stop Believin’ and Sweet Child O’ Mine were a little “raga” at times), I played bass REALLY well, and we were a machine. Plus we had awesome people come out and see us, and amazingly, one of the people had been friends at different times in different cities with two of the others and somehow managed to see each of them for the first time in decades. It was a freaky reunion! But I’m so happy that it happened on such a great night.

I’ve placed an ad on Craigslist to try and finally get an original band off the ground. I decided I want to go for something like Fountains Of Wayne – power pop with a sort of modern edge. I’ve had three good responses. One guy has stepped back after hearing my music and saying we’re not a fit, which is fine. Still waiting to hear back from the other two. If for whatever reason I don’t manage to meet anyone to get the band going, I’ll figure out a different strategy and maybe book a few shows and hire some mercenaries.

I still need to get my solo acoustic thing off the ground…just have to finalize a song list, record some new demos more indicative of my current skill level, and start hounding venues for shows. It will happen this time, though. I need to establish as many revenue streams as possible because I need to make more money, and I don’t imagine seeing any sort of bump in salary for my day job. I might actually start trying to teach guitar or bass because that’s another way to make money with music. So if you have anyone who wants to learn the basics of guitar or bass, or even basic music theory as it relates to composition, send them my way.

Thanks to my Roman Holiday bandmates and our friends for helping make Saturday a triumphant return. If you’d like to see more from us, come see us in South Austin (FOR THE FIRST TIME PUBLICLY) at Third Base on March 15th. Hopefully there’s more to come in that department, and with MY music, and as a solo artist. We shall see.

It’s all happening!
TMS

Filling in this week!

Filling in this week!

First tonight (Monday 28th) filling in with Heavy Blue at a private party. We’ll see what happens with that. Then, this Saturday at Bar Louie on 6th Street, super excited to fill in with Capital Suspects (the band I recently quit for personal reasons). Looking forward to both.

Roman Holiday has a gig on February 16th at Hardtails in Georgetown. I’m very excited about that one, too, although I have to admit, right now I’m looking forward to rehearsals for that one more because I miss my bandmates.

No news on the artistic front – no new songs or anything (though I feel like some are coming – that’s a good feeling). I’m just happy to get out and play some shows. Come rock out with me!

TMS