Recovering. Issue #112

The title says it all! San Diego was great, but to be honest...I've got nothing but sleep ahead of me. However I do have this kick ass video that a friend sent me a while back that I've been meaning to share so here you go...



Next week the blog will be back in regular form with a big trip wrap-up that I think will be a really fun read so I hope to see you then!

Also if your house is as hot as mine is remember to eat a lot of Popsicles...

Stay cool (literally)!

KS

Off To See The Wizard. Issue #111

I'm sitting here on my deck sipping a Red Hook Longhammer IPA, enjoying some quiet, and relaxing before I fly Wednesday to San Diego for the world's largest comic and pop culture convention, San Diego Comic Con. There I will know no such thing as calmness or quiet so I'm trying to enjoy it in spades. I say this because it will be 5 days of selling and performing and sharing a hotel room with six people...and two beds. Late nights, early mornings and talking all day to fans is a great thing, but from all accounts I've heard people think about quitting comics afterward all-together. Oh yeah, that's how we do it...



Jim and I get back in convention mode for KIRBY KRACKLE fresh off the heels of a great show at The Showbox and a great turnout from Seattle based "Krackleheads" as they're called (if you didn't know). The show felt really different to me, and in a good way. The demographic of folks was different than what I usually see at solo shows/Collider, and the crowd danced/sang along with the band and I for almost the whole set. The majority of the faces I didn't recognize, and as a performer who's been doing this for a long time, that's a special treat and validating for how I feel KK is something that is really moving into the next level. It's such a freaking blast playing these songs and I'm really excited about the future.




Mandi and I celebrated our 5-year anniversary last weekend by heading for a night to "The Kennedy School" in Portland. It's an old abandoned school house started in the 1930's that had been bought and reconstructed into a hotel/movie theater/restaurant/grouping of bars while keeping the initial structural integrity/design of the school. It's really a trip and I highly, highly recommend it to anyone looking for a close but seemingly far away destination getaway for the night. I felt like I was in a world within a world; almost Disneyland-esque as walking around the schoolhouse as we were greeted with a variety of bar/eating options.

Complimentary movies?

Swimming in the salt water pool?

It was up to you and it was great all-in-all. Call me easily spooked, but I got the creepiest feeling I think I've ever had as after we arrived and started walking the halls we saw a huge old blown up black-and-white picture on the walls of a guy in a motorcycle outfit with a girl on the back...that looked like me (the guy, not the girl...hopefully). Anyways, it was freaky as hell and spooked me. Maybe doesn't look like me exactly right now, but enough to make me see that's exactly what I looked like in high school. You be the judge...


Because I love this Twitter thing, I'll be keeping up to date on the convention happenings and adventures via my Twitter blog at www.twitter.com/kylestevensband for all interested in following my slow but sure to happen mental breakdown. We love to watch them fall...and by fall I mean little kids. Not really.

Thanks for reading and see you on the other side!

KS

Does This Cape Make My Butt Look Big? Issue #110

I'm assuming not, but you never know...


Last week, the issue of SEATTLE SOUND featuring a story on "Geek Music" written by Seattle Geekly's own Matt Hammond hit stands. A month ago when we did the photo shoot I said I'd share some pics from the day so here you go!








If anyone wants to find a physical copy of the issue you an do so in Seattle by heading to your local Easy Street Records or Sonic Boom Records retail spot.


The Friday, July 17th, show at The Showbox(Market) with KIRBY KRACKLE is something I'm really looking forward to as we slowly expand from the convention showrooms to playing in front of people who don't necessarily know anything about comics/games. It's a good challenge to convert the non-believers and The Showbox is always a great time.


Speaking of which, for those interested in going tickets are $12 at the door but if you email me your name and ticket needs we can put you on a will call list for the $10 advance price. Just reach us at kirbykracklemusic@gmail.com.


As if you haven't already heard enough about Michael Jackson these past few weeks, I find I'm unable to stop from at least commenting on it despite risks of a collective *groan*. I'm not one of the "I'll always miss you Michael" people, nor have I been playing his records in constant rotation since the news came across the feed. I just wanted to share a good memory that I think probably led me in some ways to do what I do today.

Of the few memories that my little 4 year-old brain could store away tightly and pass through to to the present was when I saw Michael Jackson perform the Moonwalk for the first time on the Motown 25th Anniversary special. All I remember was the light shining off his sequined jacket, his twitchy and tight leg and shoulder moves and the fact that I think it was the first time I got chills watching any kind of entertainment. Pretty powerful stuff for a little dude, and so much in fact that weeks later my mom enrolled me in break dancing lessons.

Red/Silver and zipper-laced coat? Check.

Silver Shiny Glove? Check.

Rat-tail? Oh yeah, baby.

I was serious.


I don't think I stuck with it very long, but I remember being in the middle of a break circle testing out my "moves" that I would practice on my Grandmother's green linoleum kitchen floor. I remember people laughing (in a good way...I think), and I can still smell the coat if I try hard enough. Obviously, I didn't go on trying to emulate him in my music (he knew more chords than I do) but I do cover "Billie Jean" now and then as a selfish enjoyment of a good memory. Despite whatever your opinion is on how the rest of his life played out, he truly was a performer's performer. Slick, unapologetic, and undeniably special when you watch him smile through the screen at his boyhood Ed Sullivan performances. Little Soul Man.

I never did learn how to moonwalk. It takes massive coordination and for someone who literally almost trips himself on stage every show he does, it was probably a good idea.


Truth.

KS

ZOMBIE WALK 2009! *or* The Closest I've Been To A Civil Rights Rally. Issue #109

Last week I had mentioned I would be participating in the 2009 ZOMIBIE WALK after Kirby Krackle was invited to play due to the closing song on our debut album entitled, "Zombie Apocalypse"; a social commentary on what it would be like after the undead fallout and delivered via ukulele.

Makes sense right?

With Jim busy with out of town guests, Mandi accompanied me as my infected assistant down to Fremont and for what turned out to be one of the more surreal experiences of my yet to be played out life....


In the weeks prior to the event I was told that the organizers (Fremont Outdoor Cinema) had expected about 2500 for the event and that they were hoping to to break the Guinness record for biggest Zombie Walk, AND largest "Thriller Dance" which came about as a tribute to the now late Michael Jackson. When M and I showed up the line was a couple hundred people long and an hour later after sound check we walked by the line again to see it was now at least over a thousand.


Having some time to kill before we wanted to see the first leg of the walk (about 5 total), we set up at a local outdoor seating restaurant and chuckled at the "Zombie Plate" now listed on the daily menu. It was getting to be obvious everyone was getting in on the fun and a great mood was in the air. As it got closer to walk time (7:30-ish) you could see zombies arriving en masse and seemed to be from all walks of life. There were families of zombies, dwarf zombies (yes that's the PC term so lay off), zombies in wheel chairs, almost nude zombies and the below pictured "Ronald McDonald" zombie. Disturbing and a destroyer of my childhood...thank you, sir.


As with any socially conscious movement, there were the zombie organizers. Standing on raised up tables and preaching to a sea of what was seemingly now thousands of undead infected, the chants of "What do We Want?!" were followed with the perfect rouse of "BRAINS!!!". My favorite chant of the night? The unifying battle cry of, "Zombies Are People Too!"...


Once the 1st leg of the walk started, there is really nothing I can tell you that you can't determined from the video below. I almost wish I didn't know about the walk so I could be one of the hundreds of Fremont citizens that stood wide-eyed with bewildered smiles maybe partially wondering if running would be the better action of choice instead of the omnipresent look of folks taking cell-phone pics. The most priceless thing I saw was hundreds of zombies walking by the "Nectar" club which has a huge iron fence and all lunge towards it with arms sticking through grasping at the patrons inside. From the other perspective it would seem almost too real. So cool!



After the walk the massive horde (reported to be now 4500+) shuffled their way back to HQ to try to break the THRILLER dance record. I'm not sure if it's been reported if they did yet, but I don't know how they couldn't with the sea of inhumanity in the picture below. You be the judge, and I hope it turns out they did.


After doing the dance 3 times (too much) it was my turn to play. I was originally told I had 4 songs to play but as they were way behind schedule I was told the set had been cut back to two. I chose "Naked Wii" and the before mentioned "Zombie Apocalype", which was why we were invited in the first place. I had fun, but barely had a chance to get the crowd primed as I was competing with the massive crowd noise and gathering of folks getting ready to watch SHAUN OF THE DEAD after my performance. I was pretty burnt by that point and didn't stay for the movie, but it was a great time, appreciated the professionalism of the organizers and I think everyone had an awesome night playing rotting make-believe.

Also, make sure you notice the love from Super-fan Irene. You can't buy that kinda loyalty (I've tried) and she made my night just with that. :)


In other KK news, we launched the email list only summer-single exclusive song last Tuesday and were overwhelmed with the response, online coverage and love from COMIC BOOK RESOURCES (the comic industry CNN). They did a fantastic piece on us and you can read it here!
That article, combined with the hundreds of email list members we had join who wanted to get the free song and the excitement that went along with it was all that we could ask for and more. I will say however that I need to figure out some kind of automated entry system for entering the addresses because the amount of hours I spent doing it makes no sense. Didn't think ahead on that one...

The other big news, at least to me, is the fact that I finally stepped up and got an iphone. Being an Apple everything guy except for the iphone had left me a this productivity limbo in some ways that I never escaped while always being jealous of what could be. "Jesus phone" it's not, but really is great when it comes to all the web 2.0 promo/communication I do with fans of KK and my solo stuff and I'm looking forward how the new video aspect of it can be integrated into what I already do. Instant filming and then uploading on Twitter/facebook? Unbelievable. Ok, I'm done... *snort, snort* (pushes up glasses) *untucks shirt from boxers* (Urkle Dance)....

"Did I do that?",

KS

From A Sea Of Salt To A Sea Of Zombies. Issue #108

Where to begin?

First off, today the Free KIRBY KRACKLE Summer-Single, "Ring Capacity" drops so if you would like a copy head over to www.kirbykracklemusic.com and sign up to snag yours!

We'll also be featured this week on www.comicbookresources.com which is the biggest comic book site on the internets! We did a fun interview regarding the album, the new giveaway single and it should be on the front page over next few days. Keep checking...


On July 1st, KK will be featured in SEATTLE SOUND Magazine as an example of the ever-growing genre of "Geek Rock". The photo shoot was a blast and I'll post some photos once they come out next week. I haven't even read it yet, but Jim and I are really excited as it's the first "print media" coverage we've received. Only in 2009 would you say that...


In the last of the KK news for this week, I'll be performing "Zombie Apocalypse" at the Fremont Annual ZOMBIE WALK as the group tries to break the World Record for Biggest Zombie Walk Ever! What does that mean? Well imagine 2000+ people dressed like Zombies and when someone says go they all start walking and moaning around Fremont in mass...it's gonna be awesome! I'm literally losing sleep being excited about the fun surrealism of it all and hopefully when I'm 90 I'll be able to say I rocked a sea of Zombies with my Ukulele. Too Crazy...




Last week Mandi and I set off for Hawaii for my sister Deirdre's destination wedding to her fiance Josh. It was the first time my extended family (grandparents/aunts/cousins) had ever taken a vacation together in my whole life and it was so nice. The wedding was extremely beautiful/Fairy Tale-esque, and the performance of their wedding song went great despite the fact I couldn't look at anyone during it because I would more than likely cry. Crying while singing = UGLY. I thought I was gonna be ok until she and my Dad walked down the isle and then oh man...




While I was there I also had my share of Longboard Lager, got some good wave time in on the board, and wrestled my little brother as much as I could. Upon returning I realized that #1: I don't want to wear pants anymore, and #2: I need to get a pool STAT. Sadly, I don't think either of those things are gonna happen in the near future so I guess I'll just have to head back sooner rather than later! Fred Meyer does have the kiddie pools though...




I don't intend to end this entry on a downer, but I wanted to clear up some confusion and questions that seem to be going around regarding why COLLIDER was replaced by KK for the July 17th Showbox (Market) show. A few weeks ago, Collider disbanded after we all decided that our end goal wasn't the same among other reasons. As with any relationship ending it's a coagulated mix of complexities that I won't go into here, but I more than anything want to thank everyone for supporting the band during it's two-year tenure. It's really bizarre that we just released our album, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I hope that clears some questions up and though the band is no longer together, I hope you continue to enjoy the album we worked so hard on for the past year and a half. :)

Mahalo!

KS

KIRBY KRACKLE Records Summer Single! Issue #107

On Sunday, KIRBY KRACKLE and I went into the studio to record our new Summer Single about the DC Universe hero named Green Lantern. The song, entitled "Ring Capacity" chronicles the character in space until being attacked by his arch-enemy, Sinestro. "Ring Capacity" is a reference to his power-ring becoming depleted as the fight goes on until he recharges it and kicks the villain's ass.

If you were a comic nerd you'd be freaking out...trust me. ;)

Regardless, the song rocks the house hard so even if heroes flying through space isn't your thing, I think fans of my music will really dig this song.

The challenge was to record a full song start to finish, and then mix and master it in one full day. Something I had concerns if we could do or not, but really had no choice as people's schedules allowed little room to breathe over the next few weeks and had to be done ASAP. Collider Producer Don Gunn manned the producer/engineer helm again and made my job way easier as all I had to do was focus on the performance. Bryce Francis laid down some beautiful piano lines and drummer Nelson Estes pounded his way through the song like an angry elephant. I'm really proud of it and I think KK fans will embrace it as an evolution of the band.

How can you get this song?

The song will be released on June 30th as a FREE Mp3 download for KK email list members as a thank-you for making the year such a blast so far Jim and I. If you'd like to join the list just head over to www.kirbykracklemusic.com and submit your address to receive "Ring Capacity" on June 30th.

I'm off to Hawaii for a week for my sister's wedding and in the past month she and I wrote a song together for it that I'm looking forward to playing. I'll be sure to take some pictures to post here next week too. :)


Have a good week and thanks for reading!

KS

A Song In Every Burger. Issue #106

I had this whole blog about BBQ/Grilling, the history of, and how much I love it. One of the reasons I may love it is because pop-culture deems it "manly". That's fine with me due the fact that I can't change my own oil or work on the plumbing system. I gotta take what I can get in terms of testosterone credentials...



Then, this morning I woke up with the idea of how grilling/making a good burger and all it entails is in many ways like trying to write a song. It could be made of beef, chicken, fish, or any other NW politically correct obligatory food item of your choice so no one gets offended. You never know...
Not really sure where I'm going with this on a Monday morning, but let's find out together shall we?


THE GRILL (Instrument):
When grilling a burger, this is the main tool much like my main tool is the guitar when I write a song. The Grill doesn't have to be the best around, but it should be nice enough help you come up with a good final product. Your friends might have a better grill than you, but then your friends may also have a heftier weight of Guitar Center credit debt as well. You want to keep your grill clean and kept up, so you can make sure it gets old and scary when lighting it like mine. Rumor has it that John Lennon cooked an outstanding spare rib on his crappy Coleman, so my old Ducane I guess works fine for me.


THE BUN (Intro):
When I think about the intro to a song, I think about the bun. The bun is the first thing that your teeth (where the taste buds are (?)) experience, and like the intro to a tune it should set the mood for the rest of the song/burger. More often than not, an instrumental of the chorus is used which many times can come off dry like a cheap pack of FRANZ that though delicious (and my old stand-by) leaves you wanting more. For guests (you like) I'd recommend a pack of brioche buns from the Macrina Bakery or some yeasty goodness from the Essential Baking company. Your patrons will be in from the start, and like a song you want people to listen to all the way through will impress from the get-go.


THE CHEESE (Verse): After you get past the bun/verse you tune in to what the song is all about and where you get introduced to the mood lyrically/musically. This is the Cheese. Take time with it and work on your choices for a while as I feel it's one of the most important first impressions to the following verses. Since you want to age it a bit, I try to find an aged block of Tillamook Vintage White extra-sharp cheddar. It'll keep the Damn This Is Good! quotient up without getting them to flip the station to "Deliah". That's not the cheese we want...


THE MEAT (The Chorus or "Hook"):
Ahhhh...this is the good stuff! In a perfect world, everything about the cheese should musically and subject wise drip and melt into a seamless gooey mess diving into the Meat, aka the "Hook" or chorus of the song. This is what we all came here for and man it better be good! It all starts here, and if it's funky/boring/sat out of the counter too long...she's no good. Season it, smoke it, but don't burn it. The Meat/"Hook" should be as fresh and flavorful as when you first wrote/bought it, and unfortunately it's when you over-grill it for to long that it loses it's freshness and what it was about in the beginning. A fine line between keeping the song engaging and making sure it's not pink in the middle...


THE BEER (The Bridge):
There's a theory that the bridge can make or break a song, just as there's a theory that a good beer can make or break a burger no matter how good the rest of it is. I would agree with both statements which leads me to several ways of picking a bridge without it overpowering the 2 1/2 tall stack of goodness you've spent so much time on. In writing songs I constantly have to fight predictability and personal patterns much like I would encourage you you to put the Bud Light down and surprise yourself with something different. My current favorites right now are the Raison D'Etre from DOGFISH BREWERY and the Storm King Stout from VICTORY BREWING COMPANY. Both choices get the point across and make a meal better. If only all of my bridges did (sigh)...


THE CONDIMENTS (additional instruments): Once you've got a great base and the song's essence is complete, it's time for the condiments. Much like my old piano and lead guitar traditionally filled arrangements, you can't go wrong with old stand-by's like FRENCH'S mustard and HEINZ ketchup. You know they fit in perfectly and it's not like they can mess it up any more that it may already be. If it works at the core, it works...


THE SMORES and CAMPFIRE: I really don't want to try to pull a metaphor out of my ass for these two endowments and be called on it, so I'll just say that they're important! If you've got a fire going doesn't someone usually wish for smores? If you've got smores, wouln't you want a fire ordered up? I rest my case. This summer we're making the goodness with REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups instead of a regular chocolate bar. AWESOME. :)



Grilling is another form of creativity that I really enjoy! Having a BBQ is a time when you need to be on, and grilling stuff poorly in some ways is like forgetting your words at a show...both suck and your wife will call you on it when the crowd is gone.

There are Grill Masters and Master song-smiths. I am neither,but I always hope to get better at both...

I'm hungry now,

KS


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