Scarce is sending a shout out to Martha's Vineyard this weekend, for giving us not only the royal carpet treatment, but by surprising us by knowing all our songs! We arrived off the ferry in Vineyard Haven greeted by Colin, our new friend from the island—rocker, promoter, and Scarce's tour guide for the day, who gave us a lift in his wagon. As we stepped onto the island the clouds litterally parted and the sun came out. Colin and his girlfriend Neddy (an awesome jeweler and artist) took us to a private beach down a long dirt road, where we met up with a bunch of their friends to hang out on the beach for the afternoon. We had such a chill afternoon we almost forgot we had a show to play. We had a quick bite on a dock down in Menusha, fresh oysters, crab cakes, and other delicious delites straight off the dock and into our mouths. Then we headed down for soundcheck.
Nectars, formerly Outerland and we were told Hot Tin Roof, (Carly Simon's bar) was just getting up and running. Second show of the summer that night. The club was great, nice bartenders, clean white towels, even a shower to wash off from the beach. Alex the club manager heard us soundchecking our new song called Circus Boy, and he made sure we had a huge bucket of Magic Hat Circus Boy beer. Sweet. It was Joe's birthday too, and a lovely waitress brought us shots to celebrate. The show started with Loira Borra a lively punk rock three piece, and then Kahootz followed with a rockin set that had the crowd dancing and making us wonder why they weren't headlining. They were celebrating their record release, and I highly recommend buying their music if you don't have any. Elijah and Rob the two main guitar players and singers told us afterward they were the first ones on the island to see us at The Loudfest in Northhampton so long ago and brought a single back to a great local record store named Above Ground Records. So shout out to them both and to Michael who owns the record store for promoting our records ,and who invited us back to play a show their next time.
We took the stage thinking everyone but the bands would leave, and then the crowd surprised us. Not only did they stay but they knew our songs, and they knew Scarce. They sang along to all the songs, and danced, and gave us some much needed love. After an hour of bloody, sweaty, messy punk rock set, Rob from Kahootz put us up for the night in his groovy house in the woods. So shout out to Rob too, hope you enjoy reading the book! We met up with Colin and Neddy again for a goodbye breakfast and talks of another show there in the fall. Felt so much like Halifax there. Great people, great music, good vibes all around. So cheers to you Martha's Vineyard. We will be back soon. Thanks for your hospitality and love of music—and well just being lovely.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Scarce is coming to the UK and Scotland too!
Hey all! So Sally Irvine, fabulous filmmaker, is putting together a great tour in the UK for the fall for Scarce and her Documentary: Days Like These. So far we have confirmed a great Scarcefest of sorts at the Luminarie in London for Saturday October 17th. We will have great bands opening up, the Scarce documentary, then Scarce will play. Then Scenesters DJ's Nick Saloman of the Bevis Frond and Paul Simmons of the Alchemysts will be spinning some groovy tunes for the after party till 2 am. So tell one tell all. Spread the word. A night of all this for 10 pounds!
Here is the link to check out the fest: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=232928075584
Here’s where to go to buy tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/52530
Other shows are also in the making, and awaiting to be confimed. Here are the other cities:
Brighton, Manchester, Nottingham, and Glasgow. We will post those tickets as soon as they are confirmed. Let's make this thing huge! We need your help in spreading the word so we can keep coming back over to the UK. And thanks to all! We can't wait!
Here is the link to check out the fest: http://www.facebook.com/event.
Here’s where to go to buy tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/
Other shows are also in the making, and awaiting to be confimed. Here are the other cities:
Brighton, Manchester, Nottingham, and Glasgow. We will post those tickets as soon as they are confirmed. Let's make this thing huge! We need your help in spreading the word so we can keep coming back over to the UK. And thanks to all! We can't wait!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
UK CALLING
This past weekend was a busy weekend for Scarce, hence the delay in my writing. We were back in the studio tracking the last of the main guitar tracks. For most of the record Chick has rediscovered using his old Les Paul Goldtop which he hasn't played in years. Chick channelled a little Alex Chilton, TREX, Westerberg, and oh yeah Chick too, with his slide. The songs are getting nice and layered but we still have a decent amount of tracking to do with vocals, lead guitars, and the maybe some keyboard from me. Chick would like all of you to imagine me in a bat cape when you listen. He says I get so serious when I play I look like I am in one of those b horror movies. If any of you have copies of Ocean Blue that is me playing the keyboards on that one, so you can have a good laugh when you listen.
Chris Cugini has been a star at the board and adding some nice suggestions for guitar parts and vocal ideas. His rock and roll/pop sensibilities and calmness have made this recording session so wonderful. We are so lucky to have a talented friend in our lives, and you can hear that on the record too. It has been one big family making this record. We literally take over Chris's whole house when we record there, and there is wood everywhere so the sounds are amazing.
Sally Irvine was also here from London to spend some time filming the three of us for the Scarce documentary. We reminisced about where we all started, where we been, and where we are going. We are most excited about where we are going-the new record and the documentary. Sally is beginning to organize a wonderful tour for us and the documentary in the fall in the UK. The cities for the tour being tossed around are London, Brighton, Nottingham, Manchester, and Glasgcow- cross our fingers we will make them all. We will post everything as soon as we confirm.
UK calling, can't wait...
Chris Cugini has been a star at the board and adding some nice suggestions for guitar parts and vocal ideas. His rock and roll/pop sensibilities and calmness have made this recording session so wonderful. We are so lucky to have a talented friend in our lives, and you can hear that on the record too. It has been one big family making this record. We literally take over Chris's whole house when we record there, and there is wood everywhere so the sounds are amazing.
Sally Irvine was also here from London to spend some time filming the three of us for the Scarce documentary. We reminisced about where we all started, where we been, and where we are going. We are most excited about where we are going-the new record and the documentary. Sally is beginning to organize a wonderful tour for us and the documentary in the fall in the UK. The cities for the tour being tossed around are London, Brighton, Nottingham, Manchester, and Glasgcow- cross our fingers we will make them all. We will post everything as soon as we confirm.
UK calling, can't wait...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
CONNECTIONS
Sally Irvine, an indie filmmaker from London, has begun working on a documentary about Scarce. Sally and I met for the first time in London at our show last fall at The Islington Bar Academy. She had just finished reading my book, Aching To Be, and seeing Scarce live brought the book into the present. The show had brought the sounds and sights beyond the words on the page into a sweaty mess of rock and roll. She and I began a conversation that night after the show about bringing the story into film. As an artist she told me she appreciated my honesty in the book and the personal touch perhaps a woman adds to being in the rock and roll mix. We connected as females, but also as artists who love music.
As the project began to unfold, we talked about the pitfalls of rock band documentaries. How stupid rock bands sound when they talk about music, and how rock documentaries are usually about famous bands. Then Sally began talking about making the documentary more like a visual book. A visual story with sounds and voices—more like a piece of artwork. The painter in me connected with that completely.
I got excited the way I do when I sit down to begin a painting or a write a song.— that kind of initial excitement that allows a a work of art or music to move from your mind into motion. I began delving through my old tour diaries and sketchbooks, and my paintings searching for pieces of visuals that Sally could use to express the visuals of Scarce. I wanted to find things that would allow Sally to paint a picture of Scarce in video.
The connections in a band starts inward from the music and the people creating it, and move outward through a recording or on a stage to the listener. Chick, Joe, and I connect every time the music hits the air. There is a sensuality, energy, and drive that we all feel together. It is motion and being. It is feeling alive. Any kind of artwork is about that feeling.
Thanks to all our friends in London, Halifax, Australia, and America for joining and being a part of painting that picture with Sally by talking about Scarce in front of her camera, sending photographs and live footage. Chick, Joe, and I are so thankful to have people who share that connection with us when we play and make music—it is the pulse of what keeps this band in motion.
We look forward to touring in the fall to promote the documentary. Sally and I are talking about a tour, Velvet Underground style, where we show the documentary and then Scarce will play live afterwards. A Warhol party of sorts—Scarce style. Coming to a theater near you this fall.
As the project began to unfold, we talked about the pitfalls of rock band documentaries. How stupid rock bands sound when they talk about music, and how rock documentaries are usually about famous bands. Then Sally began talking about making the documentary more like a visual book. A visual story with sounds and voices—more like a piece of artwork. The painter in me connected with that completely.
I got excited the way I do when I sit down to begin a painting or a write a song.— that kind of initial excitement that allows a a work of art or music to move from your mind into motion. I began delving through my old tour diaries and sketchbooks, and my paintings searching for pieces of visuals that Sally could use to express the visuals of Scarce. I wanted to find things that would allow Sally to paint a picture of Scarce in video.
The connections in a band starts inward from the music and the people creating it, and move outward through a recording or on a stage to the listener. Chick, Joe, and I connect every time the music hits the air. There is a sensuality, energy, and drive that we all feel together. It is motion and being. It is feeling alive. Any kind of artwork is about that feeling.
Thanks to all our friends in London, Halifax, Australia, and America for joining and being a part of painting that picture with Sally by talking about Scarce in front of her camera, sending photographs and live footage. Chick, Joe, and I are so thankful to have people who share that connection with us when we play and make music—it is the pulse of what keeps this band in motion.
We look forward to touring in the fall to promote the documentary. Sally and I are talking about a tour, Velvet Underground style, where we show the documentary and then Scarce will play live afterwards. A Warhol party of sorts—Scarce style. Coming to a theater near you this fall.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
WORD OF MOUTH
I have been thinking about blogging, since I started this one, and thinking what else is there left to say about music? Or about out band? A good friend Everett True (a rock critic and music fan) said on his blog, now that there is the internet everyone is a critic and asked the same question (apologies for any misinterpretation on my part, Everett). What else is there left to say that hasn't been said a million times about a band? A rippin solo, super rocking, changing the world, blah, blah, blah.
When I want to hear about music it is through a person saying you got to listen to it. I don't want to read every little detail about how the music got that way, I just want to close my eyes and listen. I want to use my ears. I don't want to think at all. I want to feel. I want to get lost. Maybe you are thinking now, why did you write a book then? I guess my answer is, the book was about a story of a couple people that just happen to play music. I felt that I wanted to honour Chick, my good friend who has been through so much, and who surprises me everyday. It felt like a story worth telling to me. His life felt like a story of amazing survival against all odds-and is teaching me how to be a fighter in this world.
The record, dear reader, is going great. It is surprising us the directions it is taking us. Chick has been playing some of the most interesting guitar he has ever done. Joe has done some amazing percussion and solid drumming. The songs sound like Scarce but are growing and morphing into the ten years we have been living life. But other than that, I realize you must listen for yourselves. It is ultimately up to the listener to decide. It is up to the listener to spread the word. It all comes down to word of mouth. It all comes down to you.
So dear readers I promise to give you updates on what Scarce is up to, but don't want to belittle you with talking up this and that. I think I began to feel silly about this blogging, perhaps. Or run out of things to say at the moment. Perhaps it is the process of making a record that can be exhausting, and leave you just wanting to listen and be quiet-and perhaps just be. I think that is where Scarce is-just being.
We will be back in the studio this weekend to wrap up tracking, and then move on to mixing and mastering. We are hoping to have the record completed by mid summer and then up for sale by the fall. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and enthusiasm and word of mouth that has kept us going this second time around. Our friend Sally Irvine is working hard on a Scarce documentary that will be out in the fall as well. Looking forward to sharing with you all in person when the leaves start to fall.
When I want to hear about music it is through a person saying you got to listen to it. I don't want to read every little detail about how the music got that way, I just want to close my eyes and listen. I want to use my ears. I don't want to think at all. I want to feel. I want to get lost. Maybe you are thinking now, why did you write a book then? I guess my answer is, the book was about a story of a couple people that just happen to play music. I felt that I wanted to honour Chick, my good friend who has been through so much, and who surprises me everyday. It felt like a story worth telling to me. His life felt like a story of amazing survival against all odds-and is teaching me how to be a fighter in this world.
The record, dear reader, is going great. It is surprising us the directions it is taking us. Chick has been playing some of the most interesting guitar he has ever done. Joe has done some amazing percussion and solid drumming. The songs sound like Scarce but are growing and morphing into the ten years we have been living life. But other than that, I realize you must listen for yourselves. It is ultimately up to the listener to decide. It is up to the listener to spread the word. It all comes down to word of mouth. It all comes down to you.
So dear readers I promise to give you updates on what Scarce is up to, but don't want to belittle you with talking up this and that. I think I began to feel silly about this blogging, perhaps. Or run out of things to say at the moment. Perhaps it is the process of making a record that can be exhausting, and leave you just wanting to listen and be quiet-and perhaps just be. I think that is where Scarce is-just being.
We will be back in the studio this weekend to wrap up tracking, and then move on to mixing and mastering. We are hoping to have the record completed by mid summer and then up for sale by the fall. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and enthusiasm and word of mouth that has kept us going this second time around. Our friend Sally Irvine is working hard on a Scarce documentary that will be out in the fall as well. Looking forward to sharing with you all in person when the leaves start to fall.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
IT WAS SO GOOD, FILL ME ANOTHER CUP
Making a record is like writing poetry. It is hard, inspirational, empowering, and methodical. In the end you have a group of songs that hold together by meaning, time and space. And, just like a poem, when you listen back it feels effortless —as if it just fell together.
The new record we are working on has been the most collaborative yet. We have all
stuck our hands in different parts and pushed them around like a piece of clay. Chick and I have swapped
parts of different songs, changed each others lyrics, added chords, and then Joe turned it all upside down and forced us to remove our thoughts of notes, chords, and melody and simply feel the heartbeat of each song. Along the way, our friend
Chris Cugini has driven us on this journey in his studio at his house. Chris has been a friend for so long that he is a great driver for this band, and has given us the space and time to allow things to be what they will.
We are at the halfway point in the record. Drums and bass tracks all layed down along with some padded
acoustic guitars. Some vocals and rhythm guitars are there as well like sketches of what is to come, and now we are getting ready to build that into something. The music seems to be moving in several new directions off of a single path from which we started on as a band. We are on a journey and we don't know which way it will lead us in the end, but we are moving from one place to another. The movement is the part to feel and to really take in. Where you are headed is less important. I try to bring myself back to that thought in life, but playing music forces me to do just that.
Even the song titles as I look at them scribbled down in my notebook, feel like they tell many stories. Stories that keep evolving. Stories don't stay stationary. Here is the list of song titles as they have come along so far, (not in album order, but does anyone listen like that anymore?):
1. Southern Highway
2. If you did not Know it
3. Jacqueline
4. The Hurricane
5. Break your Heart
6. No one likes you
7. The River
8. Stupid in a cup
9. Circus Boy
10. Between my teeth
11. Slowlearner
Along the way to restarting Scarce and making this new record, I have met people that ask me why I keep doing this "band thing" . You can't possibly make any money off of it. But this band, I realized is much more than just a band making music. It is a part of my family. The day that Joe and I found Chick in his apartment caused a connection so deep and special. It was hidden though and I didn't see it for a long time. When you have found something in your life that makes you grow and change hold on to it with dear life, reader. I walked away once not realizing that simple thing. Chick, Joe, and I give each other that remembrance every time we spend time together— life isn't where you are going. It is where you are. It should always be. It is easy to get lost when the drive in this world is on money, fame, success, things that hold monetary value only. I find now that the simplest things that give your life meaning are the ones that you have had all along inside of you. It is in your power to have that, you just have to make sure you are looking close enough. I feel so lucky that Scarce is my constant reminder to do so.
I will leave you with some of Chick's lyrics that put my head in the space of remembering this thought this morning:
(From the song "Stupid in a cup")
It was so good, it tore me up
It was so good I'm all torn up
It was so good, won't you fill me another cup
The new record we are working on has been the most collaborative yet. We have all
stuck our hands in different parts and pushed them around like a piece of clay. Chick and I have swapped
parts of different songs, changed each others lyrics, added chords, and then Joe turned it all upside down and forced us to remove our thoughts of notes, chords, and melody and simply feel the heartbeat of each song. Along the way, our friend
Chris Cugini has driven us on this journey in his studio at his house. Chris has been a friend for so long that he is a great driver for this band, and has given us the space and time to allow things to be what they will.
We are at the halfway point in the record. Drums and bass tracks all layed down along with some padded
acoustic guitars. Some vocals and rhythm guitars are there as well like sketches of what is to come, and now we are getting ready to build that into something. The music seems to be moving in several new directions off of a single path from which we started on as a band. We are on a journey and we don't know which way it will lead us in the end, but we are moving from one place to another. The movement is the part to feel and to really take in. Where you are headed is less important. I try to bring myself back to that thought in life, but playing music forces me to do just that.
Even the song titles as I look at them scribbled down in my notebook, feel like they tell many stories. Stories that keep evolving. Stories don't stay stationary. Here is the list of song titles as they have come along so far, (not in album order, but does anyone listen like that anymore?):
1. Southern Highway
2. If you did not Know it
3. Jacqueline
4. The Hurricane
5. Break your Heart
6. No one likes you
7. The River
8. Stupid in a cup
9. Circus Boy
10. Between my teeth
11. Slowlearner
Along the way to restarting Scarce and making this new record, I have met people that ask me why I keep doing this "band thing" . You can't possibly make any money off of it. But this band, I realized is much more than just a band making music. It is a part of my family. The day that Joe and I found Chick in his apartment caused a connection so deep and special. It was hidden though and I didn't see it for a long time. When you have found something in your life that makes you grow and change hold on to it with dear life, reader. I walked away once not realizing that simple thing. Chick, Joe, and I give each other that remembrance every time we spend time together— life isn't where you are going. It is where you are. It should always be. It is easy to get lost when the drive in this world is on money, fame, success, things that hold monetary value only. I find now that the simplest things that give your life meaning are the ones that you have had all along inside of you. It is in your power to have that, you just have to make sure you are looking close enough. I feel so lucky that Scarce is my constant reminder to do so.
I will leave you with some of Chick's lyrics that put my head in the space of remembering this thought this morning:
(From the song "Stupid in a cup")
It was so good, it tore me up
It was so good I'm all torn up
It was so good, won't you fill me another cup
HALIFAX IS FOR LOVERS
Being back in the city of Halifax, even in the cold blustery chill of late October, was just lovely. Scarce was invited to come play The Halifax Pop Festival. Living the rock and roll dream—free Hotel, booze, loud music, and all play and no work for three days. Our first night began with wandering down the streets in and out of clubs, and finally settling in at the Seahorse Tavern Inn where we were going to play the next night. Onstage was a DJ and rapper laying down old style hip hop beats and rhymes. Chick stayed at the bar, and Joe and I took over the dance floor. A little hot chick joined our group giving Joe the eye... and Joe returning the favor...but at set end turns out she is dating the lead rapper. Joe and I make a quick escape to the bar to find Chick has split—ditched us in our rhythm section haze of drunken dancing. Joe and I head out to continue the night and me to play wingman at yet another club for Joe. Sipping on my whiskey on the rocks, and ahhh said drunken stupid jock tries to pick me up...and where has my wingman gone? AHHHH...Joe has been distracted by a blonde. A waitress sensing male harassment vibe, links my arm and then escorts me away from him. I am so thankful that women seem to have that inner sonar. And Joe is back again as blondie has disappeared onto disco floor. We try to follow, but she has escaped...Ahhh those blondes.
Drunk, drunk, drunk, finally Joe and I decide wisely night should end and find our way up the hill to our hotel next to the big fort, time for a little drunken sleep. Next day late wake up just in time for our midday instore book reading and acoustic set in a mall. Forgot it was a weekday we set the bookstore happening for, so two people show up. Timing is everything. Still we make the most of sipping Irish coffees out of styrofoam and talking to two very nice people who show up. One of them even offers us a ride to the club for soundcheck (god I love Halifax!). But no one has shown up at the club to give us our soundcheck. We head out to promote the show punk rock style. Chick takes the no thank you helping and goes back to the hotel to chill. Joe and I, the ever ready tourists, head down a nice small street to see if we can drum up some folks to come down to the show. A nice girly shop catches my eye and Joe gladly follows me in after seeing the cute salesgirl through the window. Joe picks out a nice newspaper boy hat for me as then checks out a redhead salesgirl in the mirror. Joe pushes the impulse buy and begins flirting with the redhead as I throw away some money. Joe is encouraging, "looks good, Joyce". Joe tells her about our show. "Cool, she says, I'll try and make it."
In and out of a couple shops repeating our same covert action, and looks like we might have some girls at the show. Our two man PR campaign continues store to store, except I am doing all the buying and asking Joe why this must be so? All in the name of rock and roll, and I am having fun, throwing caution to the wind and my bank account. Finally, hunger wins out over our promo campaign, and we plan to meet up with Chick and his friend Lisa who flew in for the festival. A night of our favorite food, sushi. MMMMM. Then we hang out at Lisa's pad at The Westin. Nice hotel. We make ourselves right at home in the lobby, and the man at the desk eyes us...yep a rock band. GUILTY!
At 1 A.M. we take the stage to a nice full house at the Seahorse Tavern Inn. And just like London, we feel the love spreading out from the room onto the stage. Then we let it all go, sweat, sex, lusty, rocking long set—pure rock and roll bliss. The crowd shows us the love, shouting out song titles, and driving us on into a frenzy. These are the moments when I feel truly alive in this world. That kind of energy can't ever be replaced. It is truly an addictive rush.
After the show we are invited by some friends who own a bar and lounge to come down for drinks. They open the bar just for us, giving us the rock and roll treatment. AC/DC blasting through the stereo. I am informed that this was the same place where we played a party on our first trip to Halifax, but back then it had been a big warehouse of cinder blocks and rubble. In my drunkenness I feel a waft of Deja Vu, but then another rockin' song on the stereo and another whiskey and I am back in the present and hoping that the night can last just a little bit longer. Halifax has given this band another warm welcome and we are feeling the love. Hoping to make it back again another festival next year.
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO HALIFAX. SCARCE LOVES YOU!
Drunk, drunk, drunk, finally Joe and I decide wisely night should end and find our way up the hill to our hotel next to the big fort, time for a little drunken sleep. Next day late wake up just in time for our midday instore book reading and acoustic set in a mall. Forgot it was a weekday we set the bookstore happening for, so two people show up. Timing is everything. Still we make the most of sipping Irish coffees out of styrofoam and talking to two very nice people who show up. One of them even offers us a ride to the club for soundcheck (god I love Halifax!). But no one has shown up at the club to give us our soundcheck. We head out to promote the show punk rock style. Chick takes the no thank you helping and goes back to the hotel to chill. Joe and I, the ever ready tourists, head down a nice small street to see if we can drum up some folks to come down to the show. A nice girly shop catches my eye and Joe gladly follows me in after seeing the cute salesgirl through the window. Joe picks out a nice newspaper boy hat for me as then checks out a redhead salesgirl in the mirror. Joe pushes the impulse buy and begins flirting with the redhead as I throw away some money. Joe is encouraging, "looks good, Joyce". Joe tells her about our show. "Cool, she says, I'll try and make it."
In and out of a couple shops repeating our same covert action, and looks like we might have some girls at the show. Our two man PR campaign continues store to store, except I am doing all the buying and asking Joe why this must be so? All in the name of rock and roll, and I am having fun, throwing caution to the wind and my bank account. Finally, hunger wins out over our promo campaign, and we plan to meet up with Chick and his friend Lisa who flew in for the festival. A night of our favorite food, sushi. MMMMM. Then we hang out at Lisa's pad at The Westin. Nice hotel. We make ourselves right at home in the lobby, and the man at the desk eyes us...yep a rock band. GUILTY!
At 1 A.M. we take the stage to a nice full house at the Seahorse Tavern Inn. And just like London, we feel the love spreading out from the room onto the stage. Then we let it all go, sweat, sex, lusty, rocking long set—pure rock and roll bliss. The crowd shows us the love, shouting out song titles, and driving us on into a frenzy. These are the moments when I feel truly alive in this world. That kind of energy can't ever be replaced. It is truly an addictive rush.
After the show we are invited by some friends who own a bar and lounge to come down for drinks. They open the bar just for us, giving us the rock and roll treatment. AC/DC blasting through the stereo. I am informed that this was the same place where we played a party on our first trip to Halifax, but back then it had been a big warehouse of cinder blocks and rubble. In my drunkenness I feel a waft of Deja Vu, but then another rockin' song on the stereo and another whiskey and I am back in the present and hoping that the night can last just a little bit longer. Halifax has given this band another warm welcome and we are feeling the love. Hoping to make it back again another festival next year.
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO HALIFAX. SCARCE LOVES YOU!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)