How often is too often for a band to play in a city of 370,000? I'm trying to work out a formula I can apply. Twice a month at the same venue seems like too much. Two different venues might be alright. Three shows/three venues in a month is pushing it, but a special event like a house party or a guerilla show under an overpass shouldn't count.

What role should new material play in the equation? I think you earn one show opportunity over the above for each new song you play. So, twice in a month at the same venue is alright if you have a new song the second time.

I don't like to overplay. It's like fucking the audience when you should be "making love". I want the audience to have a rare and special experience at every show. And that group includes me.

We went from never playing, to playing constantly. GS spent time in this trap. It's a feeling I don't like. You never want to seem like a prick, turning down shows and all, but sometimes you just have to. You need to.

The less I write in this blog, the better I think it gets.

"Hey... I'm in a band called ______. Here's a link to our website. We're looking for some constructive criticism. Let us know what you think."

Man, shut up. I hate when people do this. I think that to literally ask for approval of one's music/visual presentation is, like, minus a million rock and roll points, instantly.

I've played in bands for over 20 years, depending on how you define "band". I know that it's important to get your name around. I know it's satifying to receive accolades, but come on. By saying things like this, you only make your band seem needy, which is a huge turn-off for me.

Be more subtle than this at advertising your band. I can't begin to list how many times I've been to a punk rock show and heard some band order (or worse, beg) the audience to dance. I remember this band at the old all-ages club in the 90s where the singer was like "C'mooonnn guys, mosh. Pleeeease??". Fuck you!!!! People would dance without prompting if your band didn't suck so much!! Don't assume you're not at fault here!

In that band's defence, they were maybe 16 years old. This is the same type of thing I'm talking about though. You must get into this mindset: my band is awesome. Our sheer awesomeness is so magnanimously awesome that no mortal would DARE not recognize this obvious fact. Now, keep this to yourself; never state it outright, or as subtext. But feel it. Feel it when you play. Feel it when you write. Believe it, just don't act like you do.

What was I talking about again???

Which Way Is She Spinning?

Clockwise... or counter-clockwise? She doesn't change direction if you remain fixated, but if you watch in your peripheral vision you can will your perception to change, and she appears to spin the opposite way.