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Wow!~

2008-03-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, I havent written for a lONNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG time! 3 big things have happened since then.

1. 2008 - Let it be the year of change.
2. The band is no more. I'm taking year 2008 off (performing wise) to try to accomplish other goals I have for myself (new music, photo and film projects).
3. I turned 27 a few weeks ago. I appreciate all the warm wishes from my friends!

As more things come up I'll update everyone on what's happening. I fully intend on delivering new music, videos and films this year!!! Lots to accomplish!

DVD Reviews and Paul Verhoeven

2007-12-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Ok reviews of my Black Friday DVD's:

As Good As It Gets: Pretty solid picture. Jack steals this movie, as does the script, which is so smart and funny. There were a few zooms with the camera, which I dont care for. I'm a Dolly man, myself.

Last Action Hero: Really disappointed with this film. Still love McT as a director, but full frame really takes away from this picture. I like the film and script, but felt like budget and time restraints really killed this in the end.

Dumb and Dumber: Comic Gem. Something only Carrey could do and still stands up as a great film comedy.

Also have been checking out alot of Director Paul Verhoeven's work, in particular two films called RoboCop and Starship Troopers.

Starship Troopers: Amazing and simply a masterpiece. It's easy to overlook this film. It's known as more of a space - giant bug - topless shower scene movie. When I first watched it I thought it was done well, but didnt understand how well, until I learned how Verhoeven and movie writer Ed Neumeier, really put alot of social and political thought into this and when you learn about their views, the film totally takes on new meaning. Very deep and awesome!

Robocop: I was devasted when I watched Robocop 2 to know that it could be a product of two filmmakers I like alot, Frank Miller and Irvin Kershner (who directed Empire Strikes Back). A truly weak film, both script and direction are uninspiring.

Directly the opposite could be said for Robocop. When Verhoeven & Neumeier team up, something really awesome happens. You of course have the basic story of Robocop's creation, but its the layers of thought and backstory they use that make this into a solid movie. Kurtwood Smith is awesome as a villian and really works well, playing against type. Very impressive movie.

Verhoeven & Neumeier also give great commentaries on both Dvd's...lots of plot, shot and production backstory / information.

Erin's, Black Friday, Christmas

2007-11-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm late!!! Almost 20 days since my post...

1st, ERIN'S SNUG PUB was an awesome show and I appreciate all our friends, old and new, who made their way out to see us. Located a little outside of Madison's East side, ERIN'S is such a nice place, with super frinedly people. Can't wait to play here again...

I survived BLACK FRIDAY! I made out with 4 new DVD's - all for $2-3:
"AS GOOD AS IT GETS": Jack Nicolson's Oscar winning performance.
"LAST ACTION HERO": John McTiernan - one of my favorite directors. I wish it had a commentary though.
"DUMB AND DUMBER": Why? Because sometimes you just need to laugh...
"K-9": I really like James Bulishi's late 90's film work. Cheesy but, likeable. This and TURNER AND HOOCH came out around the same time...both movies have the same premise.

Whats next for me? Well we're trying to find some way to record new songs pretty soon...I'm starting a short film next week called ACTION JACK...I'll be heading to Texas for a few days in December.

Why does it have to get so cold!!!

Buried

2007-11-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Like Mitch Hedberg said, "You know, you can't please all the people all the time... and last night, all those people were at my show." I got buried for my solo show at the Cafe Momo. See here.

Truthfully, it was a good show for the Buzz listener - not for the first timer. I think I did a pretty decent job of presenting the songs in a solo format, which they've never been played in.

It also brings up a good question about the songs. For a listener who is NOT into lyrics and likes COMPLEX things, this music really isn't for you. I've always thought why complicate things? Maybe when I was 16 I tried to "hide" things in songs and not come right out and say things, but now that I'm older I try to put things right out there. I think I like things that are straight forward and honest, because really little life is like that...Its usually abmigious and the unknown.

The most nervous I've been in awhile was that night when I played a new song called "When the baby comes". This song is INCREDIBLY naked and a very straight forward story. It's been done for a while, but I've been afraid to play it in front of people. I really like it though and hope to write more obvious songs. :)

New Moon on Friday? I have no idea. They dont have me on their website and I called to ask them and they dont know who's playing.

This is what I go through.

(R)OCTOBER UPDATE

2007-10-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I've meant to call but havent. Tried to make time, but couldn't. Wanted free time, but havent got it!

MUSIC: We just played at JITTERS in Whitewater and had a decent turnout. JITTERS has had a change of booking people, so they havent had as many shows this year. I actually had a few people come who came to our shows last year. Always nice to see!

We're also playing a few more shows and getting ready to do our new CD in November or December.

ART: I've shot the last scenes for WITNESS, my new comic, so its just a matter of getting the time to put it together. It's been a LONG TIME coming, but I'm in the equivelent of the 4th Quarter, so its getting exciting.

WORK: I've been doing all the Christmas Resest at Home Depots around Wisconsin - Can't believe it! It's so early!!!

LIFE: Many of you know my mom, Becky. Sadly her and my brother Chaz are moving to Texas - By the time you read this, they will be back in the lonestar state.

So, there's the updates!!! Feeling Sad - Think of Kitty. :)

The Natty!

2007-10-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Carl and I just came back from Cincinnati and had a fine time. Ironically, the Midpoint Music Conference was going on the Cubs were playing the Reds, and the Patriots were playing the Bengals on Monday night, so there were tons of people in Cincinnati!

We also played in Purdue at Potbelly's, where they took care of us with their fine food!

Thanks everyone we met!

Updates

2007-09-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to leave on a small mini tour to the Midpoint Music Conference in Cincinnati Saturday the 29th. Carl and I will be playing the day before near Purdue University and the day after in Chicago.

I've turned down the record contract I was offered. Upon examination of the contract by a few different people I trust, it really wasn't a very benficial contract for me and in fact, would cause me to lose more then what I'd be getting in return.

We continue on!

Thanks!

2007-09-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyeon for the messages and e-mails of congratulations on the record deal offer. This as much as yours as it is mine. Without friends and listeners support, it wouldnt be as much fun!

We had a great turn out at our first gig at the CAFE MONTMARTE in Madison. It was great to see everyone and the sound was great!

Next up for Carl and I a trip down to Cincinnati and the MPMF Music Conference.

Later!

Buzz

6 years to the day...

2007-09-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Almost 6 years to the day that I left for California to play with Sean Hutch in pursuit of a music career, I've finally received my first record contract offer. It's a very sobering moment. It's not a huge deal by any means, but an accomplishment on-the-less. While driving to our show last night, I just remember touching the pages and thinking how easy it be to get a paper cut from them - kinda prophetic...

Thanks to everyone who came out at Lakeland to check us out! We met lots of people and it was a very great turnout for such a cold night here in Wisconsin.

Our show for Saturday is cancelled. The club booked two bands for that night.

Post some more soon!

September!

2007-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Wow...over a month since my last post...Ok whats going on...

We're in a "revamping" mode. This meaning, we (Carl, Josh and I) are trying to get back to the basics of playing and bringing various things up to a high standard - tempos, harmonies, etc.

We have a number of shows this week and Carl and I will be traveling down to Purdue and Cincinnati for two shows as well, but our focus is to re-set ourselves so we're the tight band we were last year.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lakeland College
Sheboygan, WI 8:00 PM

Saturday, September 15, 2007
Erin's Snug Irish Pub
Madison, WI 9:00 PM

Sunday, September 16, 2007
Cafe Montmartre
Madison, WI 8:00 PM

Friday, September 28, 2007
Potbelly Sandwich Works
West Lafayette, IN 5:00 PM

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Midpoint Music Conference
Cincinnati, OH

Also I was thrilled to be invited to play at Katie Rozas (Carl's Sister) Wedding in early October.

Thanks for all the continued support! BUZZ

Whats up everyone!

2007-08-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

We played in Chicago at the Elbow Room and have a repeat performance at Big Jim's in Dundee, WI this Saturday! Stop by if you can!

Carl and I will be going to Midpoint Music Conference in Cinncinati in September 29th and playing at a place called the Courtyard Cafe - 10pm.

Below: Breakfast of champions!

Thanks!

2007-07-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for coing out to our shows at the Capital in Madison and the Dry Bean in Fitchburg. A smashing success! Check us out next at the Miramar in Milwaukee and Cude Cafe in Deerfield.

New Recording

2007-06-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We just spent a day recording some new stuff. It'll be awhile till we have it done, but you can look forward to new stuff soon!

June and July are getting booked with lots of shows so be sure to check us out at one of the upcoming dates!

That Thing You Do: Extended Cut

2007-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I was SUPER excited about this version, seeing as how THAT THING YOU DO makes my TOP TEN movie list. I quote this movie literally everyday. However, I grade this EXTENDED CUT a C-.

T.T.U.D. is a movie directed and written by Tom Hanks. The extras on Disc 2 actually amaze me as to how MUCH he put into this. I mean the characters have backstorys upon backstorys that he's thought of. There's great footage of the band rehearsing for a month before even reading the script as well as interviews with 4 of the actors now.

I read somewhere there was a commentary by the actors, but non was on here which let me down...let me down big time!

The extended footage is both good and bad...The good is that much of the backstories are explained and things make more sense. Everyone's charcter
Much of it really isnt needed but if you're really into this movie, any loose ends are solved...Many times though the loose ends they solved arent things I even thought about...Guy and Fay are ALOT more prevelent in this Extended Cut.

There's also a few things I didnt like: The digital transfer seems a bit off here and there, There's extra scenes with Mr. White that explain he's gay which just ruin the character for me, and also a bar fight that just doesnt work.

I guess theres a reason why this stuff wasnt used.

There were a few new funny jokes that made it:::

Fay saying: "Chad's arm is so scary, I've never seen anything swell up that big, that fast."
Lenny saying: "Jimmy...dont take that personally."

Lenny telling Guy, before they play a gig after fighting with Jimmy: "I dragged you into hell, I'm sorry."

The director yelling "You know what scares me?!!? You're the sound man and you dont seem to listen!"

I think the extras of the creation and development are cool, but I think ultimately this extended cut let me down.

Where's Buzz?

2007-05-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, many people are asking me what I'm doing, why the band's not playing anywhere till June etc. etc.

One, I'm alive. I went full time at my job, so I don't really have as much free time as I use to. Any free time I get has been going to my new Comic Book Project "Witness". Check out below for a sample:

The band isn't playing out in May, because we thought Carl was going to be gone this month, so we didnt book anything. Of course, he's not gone. :) We're taken this month now to fine tune some of the songs, and work on new stuff.

We really just threw Pat into the band for our 2nd tour and never had time to really work out things and this has given us time to do so. We're also working up to out 3rd set of material.

Other then that, I'm just working on various Photography and graphics projects!

Buzz out!

Loon's on La Crosse

2007-04-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who came out to LOON'S ON LA CROSSE. It was a great time! I have to thank Scottie B. for helping us get back to La Crosse. I'll post pics soon from the show!

April Update!

2007-04-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am alive. I've just been working alot and havent had time to post new stuff.

We've been rehearsing alot, new material and still working Pat, our new bass player, into the band. Our next show is April 21st in La Crosse, WI at "Loon's on La Crosse": http://www.loonsonlacrosse.com

Some new things goin' on:

You can catch "STILL IN LOVE" (off Reflect the Light) in the upcoming Casper Andreas movie "A FOUR LETTER WORD" http://www.afourletterwordmovie.com Casper also used "SAY GOODBYE" in his movie "SLUTTY SUMMER", available now on DVD.

I've also signing on with Noteborn Music, in an attempt to get more songs into TV, FILM, etc.

Other then that, I'm in love with this movie ROUNDERS, specifically John Malkovich's TGB Character. The part itself has small screen time, but the acting just blew me away...So cool. I'm not the only one. Someone designed a whole website around the character! http://www.teddykgb.org

"The kids got alligator blood...can't get rid of him."

Silver Thunderbird!

2007-03-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Going through old tapes, I've found a jem of a song. SILVER THUNDERBIRD: performed by Jo Dee Messina and written by Marc Cohn (the guy who wrote Walking in Memphis). I LOVE this song, I hope we can maybe play it in the band even. I'm finding, whatever the genre of music, if someone is intent on their beliefs in a music and express it freely, I dig the song. The same thing with Josh Turner's "Me and God", which is blantently religious, but SO religious that I dig it.

"Silver Thunderbird" is about a child that remembers his father through his fathers love of the Thunderbird car. Cohn is a BRILLIANT writer and someone I'm going to study more. I love writers that can translate everyday happening and occurances into great songs. Dylan could do it, Hornsby is great at it and so is Cohn.

I forgotten how much I like Jo Dee Messina. I can even pick out a few things I do vocally that, unconsciencely I got from her. I believe my voice is a mixture of Kevin Block (Sister Hazel), Jo Dee Messina and Jay Farrar (Son Volt). When I hear those 3 singers, I can pick out things I do that they do.

These kids liked the song so much they made a video. At first I was like "what the hell" but its actually kinda neat, till the 2nd verse. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0GQGnNkxLQ

Birthday, March 4th 2007

2007-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes!!! Awesome. Awesome. Cakes, Candies, Gift Cards, and cookies! What else could I ask for...Good friends! Thanks everyone.

MIKE NEWELL, FOUR WEDDINGS & DONNIE BRASCO

2007-02-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of the Oscars, which I can't watch, I'm posting a new DVD review.

I checked out FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL - Spec. Ed. last night. I had fogotten why I picked this up and remembered once I started listening to the commentary track. I heard the familiar voice of Director Mike Newell, who also directed DONNIE BRASCO, with Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

Newell is a VERY talented and diverse Director. Not many people could do a British comedy and then turn around and do a Mob film like DONNIE BRASCO.

My favorite part of Newell is the love and joy he gets from seeing actors work. This is more evident in BRASCO when he remarks about Pacino "CHRIST, THATS ACTING." Many Directors hate actors, but Newell is one that enjoys seeing them work and isn't afraid to share it.

He's joined on the commentary by the Producer and Writer, who both give nice insight on the film and characters and they actually made me laugh out loud a few times.

I dug the film already, but seeing it again, I'm amazed how broad the story is, how many characters they involve and how much real acting went into this comedy.

By the way DONNIE BRASCO is a great film for the GOODFELLAS / GODFATHER lover. Pacino and Depp are very good in it and the story is top notch. Check it out.

BUZZ FEB TOUR: The Aftermath

2007-02-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had a day to reflect on things. It's always weird coming back home after a tour...like coming down after being excited for a long time. It'll take a while to get back into the swing of things. We were going a million miles an hour for 10 days and its weird to not feel that.

We did a really good job as a group, staying together, communicating and not killing each other. This tour was a little easier, because 3 of us knew what to expect and I planned things out where we weren't driving 20 hours a day like our first tour. I was sick for most of the tour, but towards the end felt better.

Justin, our resident superfan, was a champ! Both roadie and cd seller, he did an awesome job and I hope to always have someone equal to him onboard for our future tours. He was also able to take some photos from the road, which you can see here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503017@N00/

Although long and exhausting, touring makes me feel active in my music career pursuit.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support us and buy cd's! Its always, always appreciated!

~Buzz

DAY 7, DAY 8, DAY 9, DAY 10

2007-02-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

I'm home!~ So glad to be home...more on this later...

Day 7: We rocked a little seafood in Providence Rhode Island which was very very rainy. Carl nearly bit it in a park we stopped at trying to show off and the club was very cool.

Day 8: We made the journey down to New York only to hit 3 hours of backed up traffic. Upon arriving in NY City, we stayed at my good friend Noah's pad and got only a n hour or two to sight see. Banjo Jim's rocked and we saw a very cool band, who's pedal steel player had just played Madison! Small world...

Day 9: We left New York behind, only to find Pennsylvania interstate shut down due to lots of snow. We made the most of detours and 3 later found our way back onto a workable road, arriving at the MCC11 Conference around 3pm. I met some great folks, but was unable to hook up with a Producer friend, Rick Slater.

Our show that night was awesome and we had great compliments from the Harrisburg Crowd.

Day 10: Today we all got up at 5am and made it home in 12 hours! We rotated drivers and its really all a blur at this point...

Buzz!

DAY 5 Niagara Falls - Day 6 Averill Park

2007-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

We spent our day off at Niagara Falls and went to the Hard Rock Cafe there as well. We made the long journey to Albany and spent our night here. Averill Park is very close to Albany NY, so we had a good breakfast and most of us were able to do some laundry before our show at Slow Jeds. Debra took awesome care of us there and we were able to get on the road before the big storm was suppose to hit the New England area. Tonight we'll be in Providence Rhode Island for our show at the Penalty Box. Buzz!

DAY 4 - BUFFALO

2007-02-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

Buffalo: Very snowy right now. Upstate New York has gotten 100 (yes 100) inches of snow and we're not even in the thick of it.

Today we left Detroit today and had to take the long way around Lake Erie, through Toledo, Cleveland and Erie.

We have met nothing but great people here. It's reallly amazing me how well our sound and us, as a band, are being except by listeners. We actually have had really great CD sales as well.

We did 2 good sets at SPORTMEN'S in Buffalo and thank everyone who helped this show come together! Tomorrow we have a day off then get back to work in Averill Park, NY.

Buzz

DAY 2 MILWAUKEE / DAY 3 DETROIT

2007-02-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Alive and well from the road!

Milwaukee's shows went smashingly. Carl and I did a bang up job at ORIGINAL COFFEE and later the band went on at LINNEMAN'S. Both shows went very well and we had a great turn out for both. We stayed at The Rozas house and yesterday drove to Detroit.

A strange mixture of burlesque women, beads and make up was our show yesterday. A Mardi Gras show in Ann Arbor, we played a short 45 min set for the Michigan folks. The took great care of us and were very appreciative.

We have a show tonight in Buffalo and tomorrow is our day off in Syracuse.

Thanks for all the support! Buzz

DVD Review: Metallica - Some Kind of Monster

2007-02-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

Instead of leaving last night, I got delayed by a little bit because of being sick, so I have a little more time today for stuff, like getting my hair cut and sending out the new CD to places.

My boy Dan-imal Seiler requested I do a review of METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER, which I'll gladly do now, before I take off to Brookfield.

I've actually had discussions about this DVD with lots of people. Everyone from my band to Mike from Home Depot...

I believe this is one of the most revealing films about "being" in band, and what it takes to keep something like this going. Being in a band is like being married to 3 or 4 different women all at the same time. Each one has needs, wants and their own opinons, yet the all need to come together to form a "union". But ironically, if one wife is upset, it could sink your whole ship. Losing one member, won't kill you, but your nucleus has to be strong or have enough incentive to be strong to where things will be ok and someone else can be brought in.

Metallica goes into recording WITHOUT any ideas for a record. While I don't agree with this type of writing, it is what it is. Metallica is a business, and sometimes in business you get forced into doing things. Then again Metal Music isn't "singer songwriter" stuff so...

I love how the movie was shot by Joel Berlinger (Blair Witch Project) & Bruce Sinofsky, which took 4 years to complete. They also give a great commentary track throughout the film, giving more behind the scenes insight and stories about the project.

Besides a new album, the band is dealing with the loss of Jason Newsted, their 2nd bass player. I thought Jason was a pretty stand up guy for taking part in the DVD, as well as Dave Mustaine of Megadeath, who the band kicked out before their rise to fame, although on the commentary the filmmakers talk about how Mustaine was not happy about how he was portrayed in the film.

My favorite scene is Chapter 20 on thr Dvd, also what I feel is the turning point in the film, where Lars explodes at James in a series of single F-bomb's. The film, as the filmmakes state, is really about James giving up control of the band: control that forced Jason out, control that said James and Lars HAD to write everything, control that would almost cripple the band.

Another very cool scene is them trying out different bass players from Maryln Manson, Perfect Circle & Ozzy... We should all be so lucky...

Tour - Show 1: Jitter's - Whitewater, WI

2007-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

A benefit show for a student at Whitewater, our show was packed (imagine this photo with about 100 people in it) and passed Jitter's capacity. People were in and out all night, but a core of about 40-50 stayed the whole night. I thought it was a good show to start the tour with and we ended up selling a few REFLECT THE LIGHTS and the new CD's. I think I didnt explain the DVD very well and thats maybe why they didnt sell. Stickers will hopefully be here today.

So again, THE BEST IS YET TO COME is available for sale. Check it out on one of our tour dates and here on http://www.digstation.com/BuzzMeade. Once I get back, I'll get it onto CD Baby and iTunes. I might actually be signing with a "record" label that'll get us more digital exposure world wide.

Thats it! Thanks everyone.

DVD Sick Day: Star Trek 2, Ferris Bueller, Buddy Holly

2007-02-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, I felt like dying this morning. I actually felt like a had an alien in my stomache and it ws trying to break out - very bad seeing as how I'm suppose to leave on a two week tour tomorrow. I'm actually feeling a lot better now and hopefully will be full strength tomorrow.

So, seeing as how most of the next posts will be about touring, I'll give you the run down on 3 DVD's I recently watched.

STAR TREK 2: Wrath of Khan: I didn't get alot from Grandpa and Grandma Meade, but Grandpa was a Star Trek nut, so I remember watching many of the Star Trek films on Laserdisc. Revisiting movies now from my childhood, I wanted to go back and see this. First, a few things stand out: Nicholas Myer's directing, Ricardo Mantalban, and the story. I haven't always been the biggest Star Trek fan, especially the early version, but this movie rocks and those 3 things are the biggest stand outs. Mantalban is a star and for good reason. It's sad that this generation probably knows him best in the Spy Kids movie, but this guy was a player from way back and a great actor. Myer gives a great commentary and I find he shares the thinking as another one of my favorite directors, Robert Rodriguez, that creativity over throwing money at a problem is best.

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAYOFF: A classic, but only the earlier version has a commentary by director John Hughes, who also directed Home Alone, Sixteen Candles and Uncle Buck. Hughes gives an interesting commentary. He clearly has a love for Chicago, where the movie takes place, as well as an interesting take on the characters...not always a good take, but an understandable directors take and "plan" for them always. Why this commentary isnt on the newer version of the DVD release, I dont know. Good stuff.

BUDDY HOLLY: A pleasant surprise is that my DVD had a commentary with the director and star Gary Busey. The worst part of this commentary is Busey, who finds it necessary to show us that he sang all the songs and can STILL sing them...He overshadows the director and often takes away from this commentary. An obscure film, its far been one of my favorites about rock's greatest innovator, and hard to believe most of the scenes were improved and unhearsed footage. A must for any lover of music.

See ya on the road!

Superbowl Wrap Up

2007-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

I had very little reception for the festivities, so I had to go back on YOU TUBE and watch the performances again.

People for some reason are dogging Billy Joel about his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Personally, I really really liked it. Most of the times, you get singers who try to stick 300 runs in the song and even sing it in a tough key, which makes matters worse.

I thought Billy Joel sang it basic and strong. People are saying there was autotune all over it. I really don't care. Atleast it wasn't lip syncing like most performers.

Prince rocked it out. I thought the show would be a bunch of songs I didnt know and Prince playing solo's over everything...and while it WAS that, I thought it was done very well, and was received well. Prince is agreat performer and to do all of that in the rain, is awesome!

The game: Again, had stone age type reception, so I couldnt make out the player most of the time, but I think Grossman was the downfall. The Bears had 2-3 chances to really put the game away at different points in the night, and they just didnt have any quarterback to lead them.

I'm posting the tour map today on the website!

Lots and lots...

2007-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for coming out to the Bean Wednesday! We had a great turn out for CLEAR BLUE BETTY, JAYME DAWICKI and me...or is it "I"? Anyway, it was our first and only wamn up show before our tour and it went pretty well.

I've signed with DC Talent out of Milwaukee. Hopefully this will able us to play some bigger shows and widen our future tour schedules.

I'll have our whol tour intinerary up on ths site soon! I'll also be able to update from the road!

Thanks! Buzz

I'm famous

2007-01-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

I dont know who did this, but its clever: http://blip.tv/file/26881

Thats all for now.

Where are your drums?

2007-01-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Things are lookin up...Booked some more dates for the tour, so I'm feeling better about things...We have some great new frineds in Detroit and Rhode Island I can't wait to meet.

I almost killed Josh last night. We got back to my place about 1am and I tried to carry my amp up my snowy, slippery stairs and about at the top, lost my balance and a hold of the amp...Through some miracle, it didn't fall down the stairs and crush Josh in the process. The more I think about it, it's illogical how it didnt fall. Josh must have a guardian angel or something...

I was reminded last night of a bit Beavis and Butthead did. They were making fun of a video, the absence of drums in a video, and while I wasnt able to find the exact video, this one is just as funny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGb5uJwF5NE

I guess more people are reading this thing. Thanks for being one of them. :)

Against the Wind...

2007-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

"And the years rolled slowly past

And I found myself alone

Surrounded bv strangers I thought were my friends

I found myself further and further from my home

And I guess I lost my way

There were oh so many roads

I was living to run and running to live

Never worried about paying or even howmuch I owed

Moving eight miles a minute for months at a time

Breaking all of the rules that would bend

I began to find myself searchin'

Searching for shelter again and again

Against the wind

A little something against the wind

I found myself seeklng shelter against the wind"

...I can write a songs forever and never write one that describes my life more then AGAINST THE WIND.

Joey Wells from Canadian American Records was unsuccessful yesterday in getting money outta me. Apparently Joey doesn't know the meaning of someone in "DIRE STRAITS".

Me: "Joey, I dont have 750.00 to give you."

Joey: "How bout' $200.00 down payment then?"

Me: "If I had $200.00 it wouldn't go to you."

Joey: " Well you can't find someone to distribute your record for that price."

What Joey thinks I dont know is, you can distribute your record all you want, but its never gonna get airplay...Maybe on a few college stations - but without serious $$$ behind you and someone calling the stations to play the song (with Payola), your record will do nothing. Give me a little credit...

I'm really starting to fear no matter what I do, I might never make certain people happy...

I'm older now but still running against the wind.

Belief makes things real...

2007-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Lots happened today...

First THE BEST IS YET TO COME is finished. To recap, TBIYTC is a 6 Song acoustic CD of new songs, performed by Carl and I. My brother Marc produced it, Kevin Arndt engineered and Trever Sadler mastered it. The album is extremely sparce (Vocal, Guitar, Violin), clean and by far the best thing I have ever recorded. We recorded on PRO TOOLS HD as well.

I really have to hand it to Kevin and Trevor. I've known Trevor since I was 16 and Kevin for little over a year. I really feel good that I am able to talk to such talented people about music and relate to them on that level. Trevor worked on CRASH TEST DUMMIES first album, and it was so awesome hearing his stories - really felt great about that. Kevin's production keeps getting better and better.

Movie review: COMING TO AMERICA. Easily my favorite Eddie Murphy movie. This is one of the first times I had watched the unedited version. Growing up, we had a TV version with language, nudity and certain parts edited out for time. Surpringly the movie isnt that much stronger with these parts back in.

First the PROS: James Earl Jones - such a great part for him. It struck me how socially conscience this movie is about the different class systems, but stays within the african american race, which is rare to see. I'd like to see a hispanic movie like that.

Other things I liked: All the cameos of different actors are cool...Louie Anderson has some classic lines. I only caught 3-4 crane shots which add to the production value...Not too mention the make up and special effects were ground breaking at the time and led to what was to be THE NUTTY PROFESSOR.

CONS: 3 Characters break the "4th wall"...This is where an actor acknowledges the audience watching them. When Eddie does it at the beginning, its fine. After that it gets redundent. I think there are a few things, pacing wise, that didnt need to be in the movie.

Mcdowells is classic..and speaking of which I went to McDonalds today - oh my - the last time ever. My stomache can't take it. I did however admire the workers, who were EXTREMELY swamped...They work super hard for 6 dollars an hour. They also got new headsets. :)

New Year, Record Labels and Media Mail

2007-01-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone! Hope everyone had a great holiday and is healthy in 2007!

Not much to post other then that I had an interesting occurance I wanted to share. I was contacted yesterday by a company offering to shop my stuff if they recorded some new tracks down in Nashville. The cost was, of course, astronomical, but the ability to have someone shop my stuff right now to CURB, WARNER BROS. and DREAMWORKS is very enticing.

I'll close with the fact that I always chuckle when I tell the Post office clerk "Send this Media Mail"...because this is usually followed by a smirk, accompanied by the statement "It'll take a LONG time to get there."...I assume this is because they strap all media mail to a donkey and let him go across country, hoping he'll arrive where the address states...hehe. >:)

Laides and gentlemen: The "Rozenburgs!" Congratulations Carl and Katherin...Now we can start filming my reality show about the happy couple "Coming up Rozas" :)

The Mystery of Parson Brown...

2006-12-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I saw HAPPYNESS again last night and this time with a better audience. Seeing a movie a 2nd time allows you to focus on everything else BESIDES plot, since you already know whats going to happen.

I was amazed at how "Kid like" Jayden Smith was - everything was the way he sat to how he carried himself. Most child actors are pretty stiff, because they haven't learned the craft yet and are AWARE there's a camera there - Not this dude. I'm really excited to see the DVD extras on this one and how it all came together.

Gabriele Muccino , the director, made some interesting visual choices as well. Upon 2nd viewing things that stood out to me were the introduction, a car with rich white people whipping across the corner only to reveal the homeless shelter line waiting to get rooms and also the moment the Chris Gardner's wife leaves him there's an INCREDIBLY long still shot on Will Smith...It was very un-Hollywood...maybe because that's the first real time Chris and Christopher are alone in the world.

Also last night, the MYSTERY OF PARSON BROWN was solved..."In the meadow we can build a snowman - Then pretend that he is Parson Brown - He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man - But you can do the job when you're in town."

Apparently, Parson Brown is some type of religious authority figure that I was unaware about. In doing a seach, some versions have REVEREND BEAN which would make more sense, but it's not the Winter Wonderland I endorse. Now If I could just figure out why Kitties wanna knock down snowmen...hmm...

Pursuit of Happyness

2006-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:00

Movie Review: Pursuit of Happyness.

I will never go again to Fond Du Lac or Oshkosh night time screenings of movies. That's audiences are just not cinema savy and that infuriates the hell outta me!

Trailers: Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler? What?And why are Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore still making movies...urg...

I think I liked PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS - It was hard to tell with the teenagers checking their cell phone messages in front of me and the old white guy to my right constantly making comments about "The Fresh Prince" or "where are the aliens"...

I wish I would've seen this either alone, or with a socially conscience minority audience, because I think it would play better...Middle class Oshkosh can't relate to this movie or shut up long enough to understand it.

The film itself, I thought was shot good. They seemed to use an older film stock which gave it a more retro feel of the 80's which worked well. They went handheld alot, which was ok, but kinda distracting at times. I also thought the film was "self aware" alot of times, but the story is what redeemed it.

I liked the story and could relate to it, and suprisingly the acting of the Smith's was awesome. I counted a bunch of times where I was expecting Will Smith to over act, but he showed restraint and his son did an great job as well. He definately has all the best lines in the movie.

I cried at the end and only shared this reaction with an older african american lady to me left. I think you have to experience hardship in some way to relate to this movie - specifically money, homelessness or poverty. I don't think most middle class audineces are going to get it. Like the kids in front of me said after - "WELL THAT WAS DEPRESSING"...Idiots.

New CD, Empire and Princes

2006-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Carl and I recorded a 6 song acoustic CD last week in Milwaukee at THE EXCHANGE. This is being produced by Marc my brother and will be called THE BEST IS YET TO COME. We'll hopefully have copies available at the start of the 2007.

Ok, so I finally watched my DVD copy of EMPIRE OF THE SUN, a movie from 1987. I remember watching this a LONG time ago and found at Wal Mart a few months ago.

First, what A GREAT movie jacket. So basic, but true to the movie. A great design...

Christian Bale (Batman Begins) stars in a VERY early performance - he was like age 12 or 13 or something when he did it.

The whole time I kept thinking how they got the shoots and backgrounds in the movie - I mean this was filmed in the 80's -Turns out the went back to Shang Hii and filmed the scenes in the same place the story took place and shut down the entire city to film - try doing that today.

The film isnt for everyone. It's a story about a British kid, raised in China before the 2nd World War. After Pearl Harbor, Japan invades and takes the foreigners prisoners. The story revolves around his journey through this and growing up along the way. Great performace by Joey "Pants" Pantoliano and John Malkovich. That dude can act in his sleep. I gotta check out more movies with him.

They almost sold out of tickets for this concert to "celebrate" the anniversary of Princess Diana's death. I have nothing to add about this other then, think about how INCREDIBLY tough it is to be William and Harry. First, you grow up as royalty. 2nd, you grow up in world, where you don't know really what that means -Theoretically I suppose they're taken care of for life, but also realize they're guys and young guys CONSTANTLY under public scrutiny. Add to the fact that your mom passes and was such a beloved person...Incredible pressure :)

the JoJo Backlash

2006-12-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems a lot of people were very unhappy with my Jojo posts. While, I appreciate everyone's input, most of you were way off base with your comments.

I got everything from "I think less of you for liking JoJo" to "It's WRONG for a man your age to like that"...

First, I DON'T LIKE JoJo or am obsessed with her. I said I liked the song, not JoJo. Her being the vocalist goes along with liking the song. Anyone who knows me, knows I disect songs and, especially, disect live performances by musical acts.

I dont even know how old JoJo is, but for ANYONE to sing like that at her age is talent. At 15 or 16 none of you were singing professionally, so don't hate...

People are also mad at the content of her songs : JoJo is a singer/performer. She's not a songwriter or producer. She most likely has her songs chosen for her and maybe has 10-15% input on what she records. Her record company isn't stupid. What is she gonna do? Record about 'Tickle Me Elmo' and her curfue?

What's funny is the same people who commented about her songs being about sex are the ones who are neck deep in PEOPLE and OK!, buying into the commercial product the media is feeding them anyway...JoJo is a product. Her songs are a product. If you dont like it, dont buy it, but chances are you already have in one way or another. :)

I'm going to keep liking what I like and if this many people misquote me by one BLOG posting, I can just imagine what happens in the bigger magazines and bigger media outlets...I can't wait. :(

Jo Jo Part 2 ... lol

2006-12-01T02:42:00.000-08:00

So after my post, I listened to TOO LITTLE TOO LATE about 800,000 times. It's pretty much my favorite song. I like the melody and the vocal. Having said that I was really disappointed in her TRL performance on You Tube. I was just getting ready to "JoJo Bash" when I found her Ellen Show performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du8i9Ri-7HA

It's totally different. The first noticable thing is the band. They had alot less backing tracks (pre-recorded tracks playing along with the live musicians) playing (maybe none) and you can really tell in the bass playing and drums. The rhythm section of this band rocks. The drummer and bass player SO take this song out! Without the backing tracks, they are freed up a little and I love it alot better. Love the drum fills before and during the bridge!

True to form, JoJo comes through with the best live vocal performance of this song. I think she hits like 90% of the notes and adds some new stuff as well.

In comparsion, watch her appearance on THE VIEW - FULL of backing tracks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNn3ivgcq58 The back up singers are gone, the drum loops back in and it just lacks something in my opinion. I guess the ELLEN SHOW and THE VIEW have different set ups for audio. I always wonder who makes that call? I'm sure THE VIEW isn't really set up for bands/singers, which is why the bulk of acts run "tracks" in the background when they're on the show.

Speaking of which - finding ANY info on backing musicians is next to IMPOSSIBLE!

Jo Jo and The Dry Bean

2006-11-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

I hate all things commercial and every knows that. Having said that, this song "TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE" is something - only because of the notes at the end. I've watched two live clips of JoJo performing it and although she never hits them exactly like the song (autotune), she comes pretty damn close and thats respectable. I love different voice timbers and I can respect the fact that she can go that high. I can also respect that they didnt run "backing tracks" for her voice, because , of course, the vocal track would've been dead on...JoJo , I salute you. Check it out:

http://music.aol.com/artist/jojo/644941/main#

Last night's show at the Bean was very cool. Speaking of singing voices, last night was the first night I didnt lose my voice during the 2nd set. I actually felt really strong and got abunch of compliments on vocal performance last night.

We got one more show tomorrow in Osh Vegas - Be there or be Square.

Thanksgiving and the Middle Finger

2006-11-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

I'm the worst at updating this thing, but I'm gonna try to get better. I have lots of things to improve on in the new year...

Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has lost it's magic - Grandpa has passed and Grandma isn't in her house anymore - where everyone use to get together. I guess you never realize how special times are until you can reflect on them and appreciate them in the past tense. It's still great to get together, but I assume the magic won't come back until I have a family of my own.

Another thing that struck me while I was at home. I watched a DVD copy of our BEST IS YET TO COME video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wki0IUI9bdI) and I realized something - I have become desensitized to the middle finger. Part of it is anyone who knows David Geschke, knows thats who he IS...Thats his attitude towards things. But whats the other part? I think its that I have become desensitized to that...that kind of attitude. Thats what bothers me the most.

What's the Buzz?

2006-11-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

Ok...I've been doing Journals for a while on my site, but I found on the last tour updating from the road was impossible. Seeing as how I plan to hit the road more in 2007, this seems like a logical choice.

So ok...new stuff...The new site is nearly complete. I still have to do my PHOTO page. All in good time ;)

www.gumballzeta.com has a new look as well. I struggled with combinding Buzz.com and Gumball, but have not decided to do it quite yet.

I can't believe in November. I love Thanksgiving, but get sad for some reason around Christmas. The cold and snow get me down now as well...Don't get me started on the Peanuts X-Mas Special...

We have a few more shows this year and will take a break for the last 3 weeks of December and part of Janurary to re-group in prep for our Feb Tour.

Thanks for reading!