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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

2.5.08 - 2.18.08: Grammy's onward

It's difficult to write these "post-posts," going backwards in time, trying to remember all that happen. So, why don't you just write them as you go? you ask: well, I abandoned my laptop on this tour in order to have my home/recording computer out with me; at least I have a hand-written diary as reference - good old paper and pen; it will never fail you, never crash, never has to be updated, etc.

Anyway, let's first answer some questions posted some time within the last two weeks:

1. What are you using for a portable recording studio? I use an iMac (3 gigs memory & 500 gigs of storage) with ProTools and the M-Audio NRV10 audio interface.

2. What's your favorite DJ Shadow song?
There are so many, but one that sticks out in my mind right now is "What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 2)" off of Preemptive Strike. I believe it was used for the movie soundtrack Dark Days (a great indy film about homeless life in the abandoned subway tunnels of NYC).

3. If you get some time is it possible to post a video blog and play the bass line of Reset? Yes.

4. Maybe sometime soon you could perhaps (when you get time) put a tips and tricks video up about sampling? Yes, but this will have to wait until after the tour.

5. Is the whole band present when you record? No. Most of the time we work separately and then, share ideas; however, sometimes Paul and I will work on things together, or Paul and DK, or Greg and I, etc. There is no formula.

6. Could get Greg to tab, or record a lesson, for the guitar parts to Typical and Chaos?
I'll ask him, but it's highly unlikely to happen any time soon. He doesn't like computers.

02.05.08: Milwaukee, WI: decent show, but nothing memorable to me; at least, I didn't write anything down about it. Oh well, sorry.

02.06.08: Cleveland, OH: day off, somewhat productive day in hotel room.

02.07.08: Cleveland, OH: great show, best of the tour so far. Why? We had a soundcheck, which always helps, and the audience was right there with us, even though the majority of them didn't have a clue who we were.

02.08.08: Fairfax, VA: This show felt like punching in and our on a day's work. I didn't enjoy the venue, disgusting shower.

02.09.08: D.C. to L.A. flying. Fairly easy flight, direct to Los Angeles, just a bit long but I finished reading Animal Farm, which I hadn't read since high school. Most importantly, I was able see my better-half for this weekend, and we had an amazing time.

02.10.08: This was a historic day for us. I've been thoroughly enjoying it with Wendy. It's been kind of like a second, short honeymoon. In the morning, we got all nice and went out to the ceremonies, starting around 12pm. We were the first nomination up, and as they announced everyone's names, it was nice to be mentioned amongst such talented artists. We made the mistake of not heading out to get something to eat after our nomination was over, and sat through the whole thing basically. We should have gone to eat. We ended up not eating for about 12 hours; it was a long day, but memorable.









2.11.08: (from diary) "I will have to first say that this weekend was a historic weekend. It felt a lot like a paid vacation for Wendy and me. Well, we didn't win, and lost to Johnny Cash, but what an honor that was. I saw countless famous people. Where do I begin? Herbie Hancock, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart, Foo Fighters, B.E.P., Cyndi Lauper, Usher, George Lopez, Kid Rock, Slayer, Seal, Kermit the Frog, etc. Now, when I say I saw them, I was like within feet, sometimes shoulder to shoulder with them. From my seat, I saw a lot of memorable performances: Jerry Lee Lewis, Feist, Beyonce and Tina Turner, Herbie Hancock, etc. I've met more famous people in this year's first month and half than my entire life. Strange."

2.12.08: Syracuse: Spectacular crowd and fun show. Crazy snow coming down!

2.13.08: NYC: After a rough night of travel with snow/freezing rain, etc., we found ourselves in a bus repair shop. Luckily, Dan and I immediately got a cab and made our way into the city. I met my homeboy, Raul Castillo, in Penn Station, and we had a chido day of hanging out in the village and later up at his place in Washington Heights.

2.14.08: Madison Square Garden: Are we here? What are we doing here? Very interesting day, the best part was being reunited with the love of my life, and exploring the city a bit. The disappointing part was that the Garden is actually the ugliest venue we've played on this tour. It's historic and amazing to be there as a part of this long, crazy tradition, but wow, it could use a face-lift back stage. It was also Rob's birthday; so, we hung out at his party after the show; it was fun.

2.15.08: Niagara: day off. cold outside, so we sat in a hotel room all day and ordered in.

2.16.08: Seneca Casino: Little room, but it was a nice change. It felt a little more concentrated energy wise.

2.17.08: off day near Hartford, CT. I did laundry and slept a lot.

2.18.08: Uncasville, CT. One of the coolest casinos on the tour; too bad my better-half left this day. What have I learned on this tour so far? A venue is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.



14 comments:

Loretta said...

¡Perdóneme por favor, pero tuve que escribes y decir que tú y su mirada de esposa tan guapo!

¡Hejole! ¡Wendy mira tan hermoso, como una estrella!

Las felicitaciones en todo estos acontecimientos maravillosos.

Estamos muy orgullosos aquí en la casa de Sassaman.

Oye, tengo una canción de boogaloo en mi página de youtube que pienso que tú quizás goce. . . "Por La Carretera" de La Comparsa Universitaria De 'La Laguna'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZewdaCjMuzc

portorikan said...

Bummed ya'll didn't pull a winner, but it's tough to beat a dead guy, right?

Congrats.

Dylon York said...

Hi Roy,

Im Dylon, one of Darren's friends that you met in Tampa at the beginning of tour. You know the ones that were trying to sneak into the catering...

Im just learning how to use blogger but Ive been reading your adventures and learning a few scales from your videos. I just want to say hi and that I enjoy your writing and pictures:)

Dylon

Jessica said...

So, when I read that it was "Rob's birthday", i was thinking "who's Rob?"..... and then I remembered. i thought that was hilarious.

Chris Zak said...

Hey Roy, great set tonight in Reading (although Philly would have probably been a little better)...

It was nice meeting you - I told you I liked your blog! I got to talk to Darren about the breakdown on "Break the Same," and he said you guys have never done it that way before. I thought it was incredible.

He gave the rhythms more space and kinda teased your ears - because I'm used to him barraging the mic stand - but jeez, when he was up on the keyboard, and you two were working a tight rhythm conversation, I was so blown away. Also, I like the new breakdown of "Control." Different, faster, and I love the groove.

I took some pictures in the pit tonight - check them out: http://flickr.com/photos/chriszak/sets/72157603945095392/ There's this crazy one of Darren where his face is warped, and to be honest, kind of looks like an ogre.

Melanie said...

Wow, Wendy looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm glad you were able to spend time together. Someday I may see about going to the grammy's just to see what it's like. So many bands with people I know in them went this year so I've seen so many pics now. I have been to the Staples Center once, and it's huge!! It would have been pretty cool to see Ringo Starr just because I had a crush on him when I was about 10.

I'm not sure what the E Center is like backstage here, but the sound is really great there, so hopefully that part will work well for you. I can't believe it's only a couple more weeks! I am just a tad bummed I won't be able to bring my good camera in and take pics. Wanna borrow it? LOL MB20 said I'd have to have a credential which I'm guessing means from a publication. But it will all be good 'cause I get to see you all and I'm looking forward to it.

I hope the journey between now and then all goes well.

--Melanie

Bertman316 said...

Carina and I had a great time seeing you and Wendy (hey - we were all together on Valentine's Day!) at the MSG show in New York. Great Picture of you both at the awards, by the way - Wendy looked amazing (hi, Wendy)! It had to be pretty surreal hanging out with a former Beatle!
So, here's a link to my review of Mute Math at The Garden...
Click here to read about MM @ MSG

Kvon said...

I am so glad you got to take Wendy to the Grammy's. Lost to the man in black eh? I miss him! HEY! YOU GUYS GOT TO GO TO THE GRAMMY'S! HECK YA! I really enjoy your blog man. Y'all look cool on the red carpet!
-kev

Melanie said...

I was mistaken about the photo pass because I mixed things up with another concert, but I expect it will be the same. LOL

But I wanted to just say that I hope you read Bertman's review because it's awesome. :)

Anonymous said...

Hahaha.... I had the same reaction to the "Rob" thing. I also had the same reaction to "Dan," but I caught on a split second faster.

kingofbother said...

Thought the show at Seneca was great. It was nice to see you guys again. Were you surprised to see Jen and I? I doubt it. You know by now that we could show up anywhere any time. Crank out that new album. Will ya. BTW what happened to the video? Now my co-workers will think I lied about being in a video. Let me know.

Matt and Jen

samandjeni said...

Hi Roy

It's Jeni, your friend from Sharpie. I've been communicating with Steve and thought I would just send you a hello since you're the one that made it all happen. Found this blog on here and was blown away to read your work and learn about your heritage. I too am Latin-American and spent many of my days in college trying to define what that meant to me. Anyway- I hope the 2nd leg of the tour is going well and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

PS- You have some goodies coming your way that you should be getting in Kansas City.

Ro(bert)o Lopez said...

You should have won but congrats anyways!!...by the way, I saw your article in bass player yesterday. AWESOME!!..thanks!!

portorikan said...

Man, I would love to read that bass player article. Is it online, or just in the print version?


Vintage cab used on MM debut (two 15" Jensen speakers).