A rare mid-week update

I stay so freakin' busy during the work week (since I don't have that fat publishing contract YET, I still work a day job) I never even look at the blog during the week, but now that the short, short story can be viewed on smashwords.com, I wanted to update ya'll. 

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91532

Also, I do have in my grubby little achey hands (it's raining here today!) the absolute, final proof copy of "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey",  I'll give a good thorough proofing to make sure it's all correct this time and announce an official release date.  I know...anticipation is high! :-D

Peaceful Tuesday to ya'll....big hugs! ~ K

Details...details...

With the paperback version of "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" ready to unveil, I planned the much anticipated release and began to get my completed manuscript ready for e-distribution.  This is enough to make a writer go stark raving mad! All of the different e-versions to format...there's EPUB, Sony is LRF, Kindle uses .mobi, Palmdoc is PDB, there's the standard PDF, RTF, and plain text versions.  AND...AND...all of the online publications use A DIFFERENT ONE!!!  There is a point to my madness here, folks, so stay with me. 

I logged into my Smashwords account to upload a new file, a very short story I really like and decided to give away in e-format for free.  How can you do that, Kathleen, you ask?!?! Believe me, it’s a *very* short story and it's just one of those things that brings a smile to my little round face.  I enjoy writing so much and seriously would give it all away if I could, but there's overhead and paper and printing costs, and such... 

Anyway, I continue to digress, I went into my Smashwords account and brought up my dashboard and accidentally clicked on "Random Encounters" to do a review after I uploaded the short story.  I was massively horrified to find that unknown to me, as no one ever said anything about it, I had uploaded an incorrect version of "Random Encounters" and didn't even know it! Holy embarrassment, Batman!  So, if you are one who purchased a download from Smashwords, my humble apologies for you getting an incorrect version.  It has now been corrected to the right format, however I know that doesn't help anyone who has already paid for it.  Please e-mail me and I'll see that you get a paperback copy of the book to make up for having downloaded an incorrect format. 

In the middle of my cursing, yelling at dead air and causing my goofy black lab to run to his bed and bury his head in his paws, I realized part of my lunacy problem.  It was eerily quiet in my home office.  It suddenly occurred to me there was no music playing.  Anywhere.  This is an odd situation for me.  There is always music playing near me, even if it's with my ear buds so only I can hear.  I do have some consideration for my housemates who abhor my music blasting at all hours.  I knew the lack of music was the reason my disposition was irritating not only the poor innocent dog, but me as well. I opened up Spotify and clicked on "Motley Crue" and soon I was chair wiggling to Vince encouraging me to take a ride on the "Wild Side" and all was right with my warped little world again *happy dance*.

So that brings me to one of the points of today's blog.  A free download of a short, short story titled "Til Death" will be available at Smashwords. I will provide the link as soon as I receive it. I hoped it would be ready for today, but apparently Smashwords is a little behind on the "pending approval" status of uploads and it's not ready yet. By next week I'm sure I'll have it and I can bring it to you. I hoped you might enjoy reading some of what goes through my twisted little (and I do mean little) mind at times.  I think it's a fun story and is at least enough of a distraction to take your mind off of anything clouding your thoughts today.  I will from time to time add to the free short stories until I run out, which means... NEVER!  My tweaked brain never runs out of something to ramble about in print.  Verbally...not so much. 

Lastly, due to having too many projects going at once and not near enough time to give them all their full due, I'm going to release "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" in a limited edition paperback.  There will be 100 copies available for purchase in paperback as you see it on this blog screen with the picture on the front. It will eventually be available in e-reader versions, but the paperback will come out first.  Sheesh...it's gonna take me a while to get all those different e-reader versions done! I'm just one woman, not a machine *snicker*.  As soon as I receive the absolute final proof copy from Amazon this week, I'll release it for sale and I'll announce officially here when that happens.  I do, of course, have to proof the proof copy (isn't that what one does with a proof?) and make extra sure this time all is formatted correctly! Yikes!

My next book, the longest actual novel I have written thus far (not a novella) is going to take me until the first of the year to complete for release in paperback.  I still don't have a cover, which needs to consist of a cowboy image, horses, a beautiful woman who bears a striking resemblance to Gwyneth Paltrow, a ranch with some cattle on the range and that sort of thing, and also the title is coming into question.  More on that when I get closer to a release date.  I originally started "If I Weren't So..." in 2006, and have edited, revisited, re-edited, revised, reformatted...etc.,  and it's one of those that I could keep making subtle changes to forever, but I really want it to be read so will have to find a way to call it good soon and be satisfied with my finished product.  Maybe I'll have a 'name that novel' contest.  Yes! That would splendid! *Happy face*.  I could post a synopsis and let readers give ideas for a proper name.  I'm pretty fond of "If I Weren't So..." but I could be bought (had).  The sequel is titled "Still Wanted" and that will come later in 2012, probably late fall, or perhaps closer to the holidays. 

Hug somebody today! I did and it was divine.  The highlight of my day!   

Fictionally yours,

~ K

"Entitlement" ~ A rare rant, and miscellaneous random ramblings

That word is tossed around far too often for my liking.  What is entitlement?  Encarta dictionary definition: "to give somebody the right to have or to do something".

We are born with some rights.  Basic human rights and the rights conferred on us by our constitution. Entitlement? Some people seem to think that the mere act of being born entitles them to certain comforts.  I get short tempered with people who sit around and moan and complain that life has dealt them a crappy hand because they don't have it as good as the next guy.  Wah!  I realize there are some who from the get go are disadvantaged, but the people I know and are specifically speaking of, have no disadvantages except they are lazy and unmotivated.  So...life didn't turn out with a story book ending? Join the club.  I can't think of any that do.  Even privileged people have problems that I don't envy.  Heartache, death, addiction, unemployment, catastrophic loss, any number of life's curves thrown our way that knows no economic status, or discrimination.  Daily difficulties in life affect all of us, how we deal with them separates us.   Sometimes recognizing how others deal with daily life helps me to take a step back and examine my own actions and reactions.

What turned my normally sweet disposition sour, you ask.  Well...it's been a crappy week. I find that when things aren't going so smoothly, I tend to get more irritable.  I found I was doing my share of whining myself, and that bothered me.  It's too easy to get sucked into the poor pitiful me party, so I decided I'd get it out of my system and maybe I'd feel better.

*

I was reading comments at one of the writer's websites I frequent.  I get so weary of authors who think their manuscript is the most fascinating writing to come about since "The Great Gatsby" (or, insert any classic novel here) whining about not being able to find a publisher/agent, whichever the case may be.  Their attitude is, since they wrote it, and it's finished, they have the right to have it published.  Bullshit!  Publishers, agents and editors are so saturated with manuscripts and queries right now, I'm surprised they can even leave their offices.  I have several stories finished.  I'm not so self centered to believe they are greatness.  I aspire to greatness, and maybe someday I'll get near there with practice, practice, practice...as the saying goes. I have a simple way of storytelling that I hope will appeal to a certain audience. I don't love every book I pick up. I don't love every author I've ever read. I'm sure some readers and reviewers disagree with me. That doesn't offend me.  Writing is subjective and not all styles of writing appeal to all readers. Conversely, I've read many independent authors novels that I thought were terrific and found it beyond comprehension that a publisher had not picked up their novel.  To feel one is entitled to a lucrative publishing contract based on ones own opinion of their art, is unrealistic.

*

I've also noticed an increase in whining about our economy being in the septic.  Not much an individual can do about that, what with our government in such dire straights.  I feel for those folks who have through no fault of their own, lost their jobs.  It's devastating.  I know, cause I've lost jobs in the past and I know how it feels.  I've had to search for a job, so I know rejection and how difficult it is to find a job in tough times.  But, for cryin'outfreakin'loud,  get up off the couch, put down the remote or the game controller, whatever is capturing your attention, and do something positive! No one can make a difference in your life, but you. 

*

What's up with college football?  Every season, we get some college team who had a terrific year, then are slapped with NCAA sanctions on the current season due to violations in the past.  Are college educated people really that stupid?  To believe they can get away with violating the rules to obtain the best players and give them an advantage isn't logical. I don't have a college degree, but my common sense tells me if I violate the rules, I'm going to get caught and pay a price for it.  Smarten up, people. 

*

I've received a few comments in e-mail (why there is a phobia to comment here, I don't know) about my blog.  Specifically, that it is too "unadorned".  Well...I'm an unadorned kind of gal. No glitz, glamour, or frills.  I'm pretty simple, my writing style is simple, and I really don't have the patience to ghetto up the blog for aesthetic purposes.  I like the color, and the serenity of the simplicity. The objective is to communicate, promote my books and give other artists a forum to promote their art.  Putting up video, cutesy snapshots or other photoshopped garb would take away from the main subject.  So, deal with it.  People who know me, know that what you see, is what you get.  I'm not a superficial kind of person, nor do I give in to what is popular or mainstream.  Hence, being an independent artist. 

There. All better now.  Me whining about other people's whining.  The pot calling the kettle black, you say? Well, sometimes we all need to blow off a little steam. And, sometimes...we just feel powerless over some things in our lives that we want to change, but have no control of and it makes us miserable, so we complain, or rant, or take it out on others when we don't really mean to, or it shows in our attitude. What's your rant today? Post it here and feel better.  

Stealing a cue from my friends at Hobart (www.hobartpulp.com, if you haven't visited them, please do):

Things we like: Green olives in spaghetti sauce, the new Camaro SS (in cops-chase-me red!), maple cupcakes with bacon topping from Temptations, non-judgmental friends, NCIS reruns (can't wait for the season opener!), kids going back to school, the burning bushes turning, new shoes, the porch, eating ripe tomatoes right off the upside down vine, a really smooth red wine, new music by anybody putting out new music, the playoffs, fall.   

Things we dislike: judgmental people, chips that break when you try to scoop the dip, flies in the kitchen, vacuum left at the bottom of the stairs (again!), extortion, missing a close friend, expired coupons, work, hurt feelings, new shoes, Lee Child gave Jack Reacher a girlfriend and a house(!), snooty artists with I'm-better-than-you attitudes, grudges.

*

Now that I've gotten all that off my chest, I'll go back to my usual annoyingly sweet self.  I will get back to the business of writing, reading, and reviewing. I have some great independent artists to bring you in the coming weeks.  Something tells me I'll have plenty of time for that now.  I'm currently reading "A Spy At Home" by Joseph Rinaldo and will have a review and interview with the author in the near future.  My apologies to artists who have contacted me to read, review and interview. I've been a little overwhelmed with e-mails on that subject and I decided the only fair way to do it, was first come.  I've had to decline a few simply due to the subject matter not of my interest, i.e. children's books.  I don't have a desire to read or review children's books, so if you're a children's author I will save you the time of submitting to me.  I still need musicians to interview, too, so if you're a musician who would like a shameless plug, please get in touch, speshlk0510@msn.com, or tweet @speshlk0510. 

"Random Encounters" and "LifeLoveLust" are available: www.lifelovelust.webs.com or for e-reader versions lulu.com, smashwords.com, or amazon.com.  I haven't decided yet on a firm release date for "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" but it'll be soon and I most certainly will announce it here first. 

Hug somebody today! I could have used one myself ;-)

Serenely (now!) yours,

~ K

Going to extremes ~ 9/11

   

"More Than Words" ~ Extreme

"I Go To Extremes" ~ Billy Joel

"Extreme Ways" ~ Moby

Some examples of music that contain or are about going to extremes.  Music is so instrumental to my creativity; it inspires much of my own writing as does the written word.  Sometimes I get an idea for prose or short story from something I've read by another author whether it be novel, poetry, blog...whatever someone else has written that sparked my devious pea brain to expand on.  It's that way with many artists I've talked to, others who've created something by inspiration from another's art in some form.  Singing or writing about extremes can take many forms, as these songs demonstrate. Their content is all very different by very different artists. Being extreme in any behavior is almost in any case, a negative action.  Too much or too little of something, anything, can many times be an effort in futility.  No progress is made because not enough was done to further the goal, or too much was given and it dissipates due to overkill.  Even extreme kindness can go the wrong way and smother someone to the point of annoyance.  A good reason not to go to extremes, but find balance.

I struggled with what to write about today.  Not that I don't think it's important to honor those who died in the horrific terrorist attack on our country, I do, but I didn't want to be cliche' about it.  To make light of it by not writing in completeness to show the whole picture would not do justice for those whose lives were tragically changed, or in the extreme case, ended that day.  To go overboard and give too much attention to the barbarians who perpetrated their extreme act of destruction, would do exactly what they want, which is to glorify their actions.  That is the last thing I want to do! Nothing done that day should be glorified except those left behind in the wreckage and ruins who worked tirelessly to help save anyone still breathing.  Paying tribute to those who lost their lives and those lives forever changed by extremists (who consider Americans enemies and want us brutally murdered because we don't believe in their god) in a simple yet meaningful way, is more my style.  I'm a person who believes every little bit helps.  If we all do our part in small ways, it adds up to a collective difference. 

I've read all week first account experiences from people who witnessed the destruction. Most of us probably remember where we were at that exact time, watching or listening in disbelief.  It was like a nightmare come to life on the television screen.  Nothing I can write from that position could come close to what people experienced. Trying to find some way to write about it would be an injustice to those who lived it.  My part is to hopefully, plant a seed of kindness and caring that will grow into others to be more tolerant.  We all have our opinions and those opinions cause disagreements, but it's nothing so serious as to hurt and maim others over. That's a mindset I'll never be able to understand. 

"Live and Let Live" ~ Jefferson Starship

"Imagine" ~ John Lennon

"Leave an Open Door" ~ Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers

All good examples of letting go of hurt, anger, transgressions done to us and live in peace and harmony in spite of differences.  Why is this such a difficult concept for some to grasp? It's very simple to me.  I leave you alone to do as you believe, you leave me alone to do as I believe and we all live in peace, agreeing to disagree.  Instead, there are those who believe anyone who is not with them is against them, is their enemy and must suffer and die.  Not only die, but suffer and die which is a concept I will never be able to understand.  My creator put us here to love each other and take care of each other, not destroy each other.  Sometimes, just letting the music from someone else's soul, absorb into our own will guide us on a path of understanding and tolerance.  That's why music has such a profound effect on my life. Writing comes from the heart and I admire artists who are bold enough to put their souls out there for the rest of us to see in their music, and in some ways judge.  It's enlightening and somewhat redeeming to see honesty and sincerity so freely expressed.

The extremists who persevere to destroy America will not prevail, because hatred only breeds more hatred and will ultimately self destruct in its own blood and vile.  Today I give thanks for living in a country that allows me to speak my mind in such a way, to express my ideas in print without fear of persecution, well...except by those who may comment their own ideas whether in agreement or not, which is most welcome.  I give thanks for people who so selflessly give themselves to defend and protect us, and yes...even for our government which right now is pretty messed up and has our country knotted up in debt and disagreement.  It beats any alternative I can find in any other part of this world.  And, a simple but heartfelt thank you to those who are still living the nightmare of 9/11/2001 for the sacrifices they and/or their families have made.  It's humbling to me and makes me feel very small in the big picture.  I'm just a writer with my own thoughts and ideas, blessed to have a platform to express them.

God bless America!

Somebody you know needs a hug today! Share one with them and rejoice in loving life. 

Peacefully yours,

~ K

 

Refreshed

The playlist says it all.  It was the annual "Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers" show at House of Blues in Las Vegas, Saturday night Sept. 3.  The tequila was smooth and the band was sharp!  Having been addicted to their music since seeing them open for John Fogerty in 2004, I seldom get to road trip to see the band. This was a real treat, well worth the travel to get there.  Met some awesome fans, who like me had traveled quite a ways to get to see this show.  The band did not disappoint!  The Sunday morning after had me wishing I had sipped my Mexican Moonshine a little bit slower, with a heavy head I wrote down details of the show that I knew others would want to know and have already been texting and e-mailing me about.  Those of us who are addicted to this band knew this would be a most special event.  It was announced recently that this "RCPM" show would be a nostalgic journey into the past and we would get "The Refreshments" debut album "Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy" from beginning to end, in order.  This is rare. Without asking the band themselves why that is, speculation has always been that it was preferable to Roger & P.H. that they move on to new, and grow with their music, not stand still in the past.  Roger is well known to be adventurous when it comes to lyrical content, which I think is well...refreshing. I mean, really, who wants to listen to the same music from a band over and over? We've gotten something completely different from each new album the band has recorded and it's nice to not only be surprised by what we get that's new, but also get to experience the changes the artists go through in their own lives.  These are not carefree partying college students anymore. They are grown men with families and serious responsibilities and so the band has a wonderful way of weaving the highs and lows of normal everyday life into the music that we love. "FFB&B" with two of the original four members of the previous and highly successful band, "The Refreshments", was an amazing experience. "The Refreshments", who disbanded in 1998, was rounded out by bassist Art "Buddy" Edwards and cult status guitarist Brian Blush. Those four members of the band when "FFB&B" was recorded were a unique blend of quirky and sass. Four young men who had nothing to lose, everything to gain, and had no fear of pushing the musical envelope to the limit.  They did it with class, a little attitude, and some thumbing of their noses at corporate music empires that lost at trying to make the band conform to their rules and ways of operation. "The Refreshments" walked away from that attempt at control, Roger Clyne and drummer P.H. Naffah morphed into "Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers" and have been independent ever since.  They work hard at playing rock 'n roll for us fans who can never get enough of their Americana and old west gun slinging style of music. A little south of the border quality mixed in gives us fans a nice well rounded sound that we've grown to love.  Bassist Nick Scropos and guitarist Jim "JD" Dalton now complete the four member band that has a tight chemistry that just plain works to the point of perfection.  

The first half of the show was "The Refreshments" debut Mercury album "Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy" and it was a real treat! Flawless from beginning to end, Roger rocked his red Converses and Hawaiian shirt adding even more nostalgia to the music.  He hasn't lost any of his spark from those younger, carefree days.  It was perfect from "Blue Collar Suicide" all the way through to "Nada".  Most of those songs get played in the regular rotation of the "RCPM" shows, but getting the album from beginning to end in order was a nice trip back down memory lane of the '90's when "Banditos" took the band to nationally known status.  The second half of the show brought out favorites from the "RCPM" newest  release of "Unida Cantina", with rockin' toe tapping tunes like "Heaven On A Paper Plate", the haunting "Marie" & tongue in cheek of "Dinero". Thrown into the mix were many all time fan favorites that we've grown to love and expect when we get our music fix from this band. "Beautiful Disaster", "I Don't Need Another Thrill", "Contraband" and the ever popular "Preachers Daughter", another song from 'freshies days, are just a few in the set list that wowed the crowd. Jason Boots joined the band on stage with his trusty trumpet for "Lemons" and "Mexico".  How they never get tired of playing the same songs night after night and still have all the enthusiasm like it's the first time, is beyond me. They are certainly consummate professionals and they enjoy giving us fans what we want to hear. I'm grateful to them for that as I usually only get two or maybe three shows a year lately, so I really appreciate that no matter how many times they play those tunes they still do it with all of the energy and vitality of a first time.  

This was my first time at "House of Blues".  Many fans have road tripped to this once-a-year show on Labor Day weekend, but I had not been able to manage it before now. House of Blues is inside the huge Mandalay Bay Casino at the south end of Las Vegas’ famous Strip.  It’s a perfect venue for a close, sweaty, loud celebration like this one.  It was packed from floor to door.  I don't have a count of how many fans were attending, but it was standing room only.  As Roger usually does at shows, he asked for a show of hands from people who were seeing the band for the first time.  Just a few hands went up, then he asked how many of us were not seeing the band for the first time and the audience erupted!  It was heavily populated by show veterans who've been following the band for years.

A heartfelt, huge thank you to the band for giving us all a little slice of heaven packed into a three hour (or so) show.  It was well worth the 1200 miles of annoying air travel to see and I'm confident the rest of the audience thought so, too, from wherever they came from.  And they gather for the concerts from everywhere; I met people there I have known from years of RCPM concerts,and see only a couple times a year.  There was much dancing, singing every word to every song at the top of our lungs (I'm still a little hoarse today) and even though a little too much tequila had me with a heavy head most of Sunday recovering, the fog is clearing and I can't help but smile at what a great time was had by all.  There's something magical about following this band. Their music is so positive, so uplifting and the energy they give out to the audience is contagious! It's impossible to leave that show without a huge smile, a renewed spirit and knowing that life is grand, love is real and beauty is everywhere!  

Visit their website at http://www.azpeacemakers.com/ for show information and to buy their music.  Sign up for the message board (Zocalo) to interact with other fans and plan your road trip. It's great fun with great people all brought to you from a great band with awesome music! Salud, Peacemakers!

I'll be back next week with more concrete information about where and when to get my latest creation "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey".  I’m reviewing the final proof copy now, and I'm just waiting to formalize a few things before I officially release it.  Meantime, you can order "Random Encounters" and I still have a couple copies of "LifeLoveLust" I'll throw in if you order from my website http://www.lifelovelust.webs.com/

Hug somebody today!

Refreshingly yours,

~ K

Good things come to those who wait

I'm not going to waste a lot space with an intro except to say that my love of music and musicians is well known. Music is good for the soul! This week we have a dual interview with two of my favorite musicians in the business, and if you haven't checked out their music yet, you are missing out!  Most folks know Brian Blush from his famous signature guitar licks and riffs with the '90's band "The Refreshments", who had their first big hit with the single "Banditos" and also wrote and recorded the theme song for the television show "King of the Hill" (which, btw, does have a title, it's called "Yahoos & Triangles").  Jamon Scott is the vocalist/guitarist for the Tennessee based band "The Toluenes".  Jamon has much of his music influence from '90's music and "The Refreshments" especially.  It's a dream come true for these two to hook up in a band together and it shows in their music! Perfecto :-)

Visit "The Toluenes" at www.thetoluenes.com where you can get more bio info and buy any of their great CD's.

Friend them on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Toluenes/108537295857205?sk=wall

I haven't edited any part of their responses to my questions, except as noted. And, now on with the show!

K: Tell us how you two hooked up to make great music. 

Jamon:  I was a huge fan of the music Brian made with The Refreshments.  He always says it makes him feel old when I say this, but those two records were a big influence on me as a writer.  Not to mention the fact that the band name comes from a song Brian wrote for “The Bottle & Fresh Horses” called “Heaven Or The Highway Out Of Town” – ironically, the one line in the song that he didn’t write.  Otherwise, we’d have been called The Gasolines.

Anyway, Dan (editors note: Jamon and Dan Crawley had been recording together many years) had left the band right after “Off the Wagon and On the Lam”, so “Cervezas, Senoritas, Etc., Etc.” was basically just me with a couple of studio musicians.  When I got ready to do the follow-up, I wanted to take a different approach.  I made a short list of musicians I wanted to work with, one of which was Brian.

Brian:  I was living in South Bend, Indiana where I had started a pretty cool band called "The Southslope Cutthroats".  The drummer in the Cutthroats told me that this band from Tennessee was interested in having me play a couple of solos on their upcoming CD.  I checked out their website and really liked what I saw and heard.  So, I contacted Jamon and had him send me the new material that he wanted me to contribute to.  The first song was called "Her Way Or The Highway" and it instantly reminded me of early Refreshments material and I loved the vibe.  I laid down a hook & some lead work on it and it was magic.  I felt right at home with the song and it just flowed.  The other song was called "Dead Horses". (Editors note: "South Slope Cutthroats" recorded one CD together, "Teets" and is available for purchase. Contact Brian @ brianblush_thetoluenes@live.com for details. I highly recommend it! It's an awesome CD) 

Jamon:  When I heard the rough tracks he did for those two songs, I sent him another one called “Kitty”. 

Brian:  As I worked up a guitar hook for the song I started to think about asking Jamon if he would consider having me JOIN the band.  Those first 3 songs impressed me so much and I really felt at home in the musical context of the band.

Jamon:  That was a pretty easy decision for me.

Brian:  Jamon invited me to come down to Nashville to jam with the other guys and go into the studio to track the parts I had written for those songs.  After a killer recording session with Jim Allison at the console and an incredibly fun jam with the whole band up on Boogertown Rd in Gatlinburg, I was totally prepared to join the band and move to Tennessee to start rehearsing & finish the new CD-"Quatro Hello".  The initial move was a little bumpy, but as time progressed, Jamon and I discovered that we definitely were kindred spirits and we were very much musically simpatico.  Since then we have continued to develop into a band that I am proud to say I am a member of.

Jamon:  I guess you could say Brian is the musical equivalent of the proverbial stray dog that never leaves once you feed it.  We asked him to play on a couple of tunes and he ended up joining the band. 

K: What has been the best part of getting together as musicians? 

Jamon:  For me, it’s been the instant chemistry.  I remember when I first heard that “Blush sound” on “Her Way Or The Highway”, I thought, “this just feels right.”  I mean, with three records behind us, we had pretty much established what we were about.  Brian was able to bring his distinctive style to what we do.  The result was unquestionably The Toluenes, but better. 

Brian:  There is always a new kind of energy and vitality created when you collaborate or even jam with new, “like-minded” musicians.  Working with Jamon has re-invigorated my desire to make fun and interesting music.  After a pretty brutal decade, it’s amazing to lay down a good hook riff to a killer story-based song.  Jamon and I aren’t exactly cut from the same cloth, musically or philosophically, but we compliment each other’s pathos.  He’s got a hella nitch for some great one-liners, but he’s deeper than some of the songs show.  I’m looking forward again, instead of back. 

  

K: Any surprises from each other after you started playing together in the band?

Jamon:  The biggest surprise to me is how easy it’s been to work together.  I mean, I’ve been told I’m not exactly the easiest guy to work with.  Then you bring in a guy with the body of work Brian has.  I was fully prepared for him to be an arrogant fucking asshole like me.  There was every chance that we’d end up killing each other.  Don’t get me wrong; we’ve had some arguments…but I don’t think any of them have been music-related.

Brian:  It’s true that Jamon and I don’t always agree on some items, but we have enough of a common thread to respect each other’s ideas and influences.  It’s good to not be too kissy face; it stretches both of our creative identities…and, for the record, he’s pretty easy to work with.  I’m always impressed by his wit and intelligence mixed with fun in his lyrics.  I almost always hear a hook line over his progression and that’s a great feeling. 

K: What's on your iPod, or mp3, cd player...turntable...lol!  What do YOU listen to? 

Jamon:  Okay, I have two mp3 players.  One of them has mostly new music from bands like Rooney, The Shins, Phoenix, La Roux.  The other one has almost every song that ever hit the pop charts in the ‘80’s.  I’m a huge fan of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Wham!, Culture Club…and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

Brian:  I LOVE Phoenix.  That’s my new fix.  I’m also a HUGE fan of the Old 97’s – any of their records at 11!  Ryan Adams – Rock and Roll, Slaide Cleaves’ “Brokedown”.  I gotta give Jamon some real credit for introducing me to some stuff I probably wouldn’t have stumbled onto on my own.  He’s got me listening to the new Rick Springfield…and liking it! 

K:  Is this the best time in life for you?  Are you having the most fun ever? 

Jamon:  Well, I can’t speak for Brian, but I’m having a blast.  We’re planning to hit the road this fall, but I can’t imagine that’s going to be any more fun than the past few months playing right here at home.  As much as I love the energy of the band shows, nothing can compare to the intimacy of the acoustic shows Brian and I have been playing this summer.  There’s just something about the connection we can make in that setting.  It’s actually less of a show and more of a party.  We get to meet and talk with practically every single person at every single show.  The added bonus is that Gatlinburg, TN is this amazing little place that draws visitors from all over the world.  We can literally play the same bar every night and meet people from all 50 states and every country in the world.  I remember one night we met a couple of lovely ladies from Ireland.  Did you get their phone #’s, by the way?

Brian:  Every waking day is the best day of my life.  I’ve been dead twice – way overrated.  I’ve met great people over the years and I’ve fallen from grace at least more than once, but without going through all of my fuck-ups and selfish bullshit I wouldn’t, couldn’t have become who I am today.  Maybe not the “most” fun ever, but life is good and I’m smiling more each day. 

K:  "Quatro Hello" was so well received by both seasoned "Toluenes" fans and fans of Brian's from "Refreshments" and his former bands/solo days.  How can you top that?  What's up next?  Give us a teaser of what's coming up! 

Jamon:  Well, for one, we’re working on a Christmas song.  It’s a tune called “Hola Santa”.  I wrote it a few years back and have meant to record it every year since then, but I always wait too long.  I think this year is going to be the year, though.  We’re hoping to get into the studio in the next couple of weeks to lay it down.  We’re also in the process of narrowing down a huge pile of new songs into what will, ultimately, be the next record.

Brian:  It’s a slice o’ Heaven laying into some of these new tunes.  I got some sass back in my fingers and Jamon’s a top-notch lyricist & songwriter.  I’m grateful people still give a damn to hear ol’ Brian.  Makes me smile.  Next record will be incredible.  Can’t wait to get it cookin’.

K:  I asked fans if they had any questions to ask.  A fan at RCPM message board "Detroiter" asked this of Brian:

I'm pretty sure Brian grew up in the metro-Detroit area, and I know he played in a two piece band here in recent years called Luck and Trouble.

At any rate, I'm curious what his fonder memories might be of the Detroit area when he was younger. Did he play with any local bands in the area? Did he have any favorite local bands in the area? Favorite venues he played or visited?

Brian:  As a kid I grew up on the east side of metro Detroit and what I remember fondly of my younger days was going to BOBLO ISLAND on the famous BOBLO BOAT. I also was a big Tigers fan and going down to Tiger stadium was always great. Of course the music of Motown to Iggy and the Stooges had a huge impact on my musical psyche. As far as favorite venues, I loved SMALLS in Hamtramak and THE LAGER HOUSE in Detroit. I loved going to see THE REFERMEN @ Fifth Ave Billiards. Detroit is a kick ass music town and I have so many fond memories of living there. 

Much thanks to Jamon and Brian for going along with my adventure.  I appreciate your time, guys, and we'll be working together soon!  I've got lots of irons in the fire for road trip dates for them, so all you "Refreshments" and "Toluenes" fans be on the lookout.  They might just be partying in your town, or near your town, very soon and you won't want to miss the fun!

********************

Wasn't this worth waiting for?  Music is such a huge influence in my life and it's fun to get to talk with the musicians that make the music we love so much.  And, getting to know more about bands that I work with is a real thrill for me.  I spend so much time working on the details, that sometimes I miss the personal aspect of getting to know them behind the music. 

I'm still open for any other bands, musicians, artists of any kind to be featured here.  If you have an indie CD, a self published book, an art gallery showing, any art of any kind would be welcome here.  I do have several authors to feature in the near future, my problem has been finding the time to read their art before I can even begin an interview. With "Bright Lights" in the can now and just waiting for release at Amazon and the usual e-reader outlets, I'll get to that hopefully in the next couple of weeks. 

Next week, I'll be off as I'll be in Vegas for "Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers" show and my next blog September 11 will feature a complete review of that event (including other great fans we meet up with) and hopefully the official release of "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey". 

I'm still throwing in a copy of "LifeLoveLust" if you order "Random Encounters" at my website and one lucky person will get an advance copy of "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey".  It'll be random, of course, so get your order in and you might get lucky! Shux...I'll even autograph it for you  :-D 

www.lifelovelust.webs.com

Hug somebody today!

Lyrically yours,

~ K

Feels like the first time

I'm always puzzled by people who use this phrase describing something new that happened and say it...'the *very* first time'. There's even a song by Foreigner with those lyrics (things always come around to music for me).  No matter how many adverbs or adjectives you put in front of the main subject to emphasize, there is only one first time.  After that, it's not a first time anymore, so simply stating the first time is adequate, IMO.

There are first times for everything.  I'm in awe of young children, the toddler age group, who are seeing and experiencing something in life for the first time. Their pudgy little fingers pointing up to a bird flying over.  Their saucer big eyes watching a bug crawling, the shock of cold water when a sprinkler splashes in their face, a flower blooming today that wasn't there yesterday.  Little things that we as adults take for granted and no longer have wonderment about.  It's so cool to see the awe in their faces when they see it (whatever it may be) and see the pure innocence in their eyes.  It's almost sad that as we grow up, we become so accustomed to the simple first times in life that we don't notice them anymore, or they just become a part of daily life and we aren't in amazement of them.

It seems we spend our adult lives trying to recapture that first time.  The euphoria of the first kiss, the butterflies in stomach feeling when our head spins with the high of being in love.  As life progresses and our first times change to things like our first child being born, the second and subsequent are not the same as the first, are they? It gets easier, we know what to expect and even though they're all different, it's still not the same as the first time.  For athletes, ask them the most special and memorable event and most I know will say the first tournament win, or the first super bowl win, or the first world series win. Because first times are more special and memorable than what comes next.  The first landing on the moon is another example.  Most people can tell you what those famous words of Neil Armstrong were, after that, who remembers? I don't.  It's not the first time anymore, so not as special and memorable.

It's a challenge to make events that come after the first time as special and memorable as that first time.  Is it possible?  I remember my first read of a Lee Child "Jack Reacher" novel.  I was so enamored with his style of writing, his ability to not only grab my attention from page one, but hold onto it through the very last page.  With some authors, I'm tempted to read a few pages, and then skip forward to satisfy my curiosity of what happens next.  Not with Lee Child.  I devour every page and don't skip a single word, it's that good.  But, now that I've read several of the "Jack Reacher" novels, even though I love them all, there's nothing like that first one.  Now I recognize his style of writing and I'm not surprised anymore, even though the story still holds my attention, it's not "new".  Been there, done that.

This is a momentous first time in my upcoming release "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey".  It's the story of a bar band who aspires to bigger and better things. My hero Jack Hamilton is a 29 year old guitarist/vocalist who feels his life is slipping away without him having made any milestones, and he's not making much money playing in the band, either.  Bassist Blake and drummer Tom round out the three man band.  They scored an opening slot for a nationally touring band and Jack feels his dream of bigger and better propelling them into the limelight is coming to fruition. An excerpt describing their first time at a big arena show:

~Blake drove through the gate marked event staff only at Crocker Field.  Hells Fury had a big bus and it was parked right in front of the stage entrance door, of course, so Blake parked as close as possible and they could proceed to unload their gear.  Jack got out of the van and stood for a moment to look all around.  He took a deep breath and soaked up the early evening sunshine.  He wanted to remember this moment. It was their first big gig on the road and it was a milestone in their careers.  He knew this moment would never come again. For just an instant he wanted time to stand still so he could take it all in.  Everything was suddenly going by so quickly, he didn't want to miss a single memory of this juncture.  The exhilaration of realizing his dream was overwhelming.  Without any conscious effort, there was a huge smile on his face just thinking about how far he and the band have come in the last few months.  It was gratifying to know his determination of furthering his own personal goals since Tara left him were coming to fruition.  There was a great sense of accomplishment in meeting his set goal.

"What's up with the Cheshire cat grin?" Blake asked as he walked by and gave Jack a hearty pat on the back.  Counter to his usual wisecracking and barking orders, Blake was actually helping unload equipment from the van. 

"Oh...I was just soaking up this warm sunshine.  It's nice to be here.  Ya' know? Really nice to be here.  Don'tcha think?"  Jack was still smiling as he spoke to Blake, and Tom had unloaded his drums and joined them.  They stood together for a moment to take in the feeling that everything would be different for the band after tonight.  Collectively they seemed to know that, and wanted to remember the time and place everything changed for the better.  This was a big stepping stone on the way to their ultimate success. ~

What first times do you remember in life?  What grabbed your attention and there's nothing else that measures up? "Random Encounters" is my first full length book and it will always be special to me. "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" is next and will be ready for reading in about two weeks, give or take a few days, nights, late...late...late nights of editing and proofing, but I promise it will be here soon.  Meantime, you can order "Random Encounters" and I'm still throwing in a copy of "LiveLoveLust" just to balance out the drama with some lighter reading for you.

www.lifelovelust.webs.com

www.lulu.com - for e-reader or paperback

www.smashwords.com -  for e-reader only 

I had lovely conversation with Jamon Scott of The Toluenes this last week and he assures me that interview is on the way! Hopefully, I will have it up here by next week.  Meantime, I do have a list of authors and their new releases I'm going to be featuring here in the near future.  The response to my request for authors to be showcased has been a little overwhelming and I haven't had much time to preview their art, or to get the interviews done what with my own project getting finished.  I'll get back on track with that real soon. 

Hug somebody today and share the love!

Virtual hugs, 

~ K