A Year of Recollections

Ryan:
Simply put, 2008 was one of the most intense and emotional years of my life. One which will never be forgotten for both the good times and the bad. New friends came into the picture which helped build the steps we needed to put in place to take our music that much further. Ulrich Schnauss in particular became that one friend I always hoped for since I was a child dreaming of the day I would finally hit the stage. He was not only a huge influence to me, but also one of the most amazing collaborators I've ever worked with. The chance to write music with such a legend brought a new sense of excitement into my life and I am so grateful for the opportunities we had with him, not only in songwriting, but also in touring. The chance to work with yet another legend, Kramer, nearly floored me. It was amazing to have that second ear in my own home studio helping shape such an important album for us. It was an eye and ear opening experience I'll never forget. Having finished the album now and receiving the finals xmas eve was the greatest present I could ever imagine!

Losing a friend a week after the anniversary of another friend who passed along nearly destroyed me. It was quite possibly the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life, but it was also one of the most important learning experiences I've ever had happen. We take everything for granted daily, and it's easy to lose hindsight to it all due the hectic nature of life in general. It opened my eyes and changed me more than anything ever has. It gave new insight into what our music is all about and why it keeps me moving every day. I learned how important it is to let out the tears and the heartbreak through music and art, and how it really can heal the deepest of wounds.

I also learned how important it is to keep a tight friendship with those around you no matter what. My friends, band and family feel closer than ever, and I am humbled by it all.

Here's to another year of amazing events! This time I look forward to more positives than negatives, and I know that no matter what, it's great to be alive with you all today!

Recollections of Memory

Recollections Preorder and A Shoreline Dream live Jan 23 and Feb 26, 2009

So we did it. We finally got it done. And, not just done - but done done. After months of recording, having Kramer from Kramer Shimmy Fame (former ween bassist, Rolling Stone producer of the year, producer of the band Low, etc) come in and help out with the mixing and now that mastering is complete we are in full production mode.

The CD drops on February 10, 2009. You can pre-order at www.tonevendor.com. Just look on the home page it won't be hard to find us.

We are currently booked for two performances in support of the release. The first is scheduled for January 23 at the Marquis Theater on 21st and Larimer in Denver. The second show is scheduled for February 26 at the Bluebird Theater on East Colfax in Denver. We are performing with another Denver based band called Moonspeed - an extremely talented group of musicians.

erik

You can always visit myspace.com/ashorelinedream for more details and band updates.

"the missing"

"the missing" - a shoreline dream from Latenight Weeknight on Vimeo.

album finished!

Two extremes happened simultaneously. Kramer finished mixing our album at the same time as a dear friend of mine passed away. Now I know the true meaning to why the name "recollections of memory" came to mind while writing the album. While it's on it's way back from Kramer's to our studio I wanted to let you all know that this is a very important one for all of us. It personally kept me sane for the past year and a half, and it taught me a lesson about life that now holds very true. Life itself is very fragile. We live in great numbers letting that make us feel secure, while at any moment it could all be stripped away from us without any compromise, no matter how many surround us. We must make our time full of all the love and hope we can. Never take your friends for granted. Hold them dear. Live for life.

I look forward to you hearing this album...

'Ryan Policky

Michelle Brim

Ryan:
More of a personal thing, but I figured I'd blog it since I have to get this out in all ways. I stated the morning with news darker than any monday has ever been for me. The word came in of the death of my dear friend Michelle Brim. It's only a week after the anniversary of my other friend, Scot Gordon who took his life in 2003, which alone almost drained me completely. Now I feel empty. I've lost all emotions. I'm in the so called "shock" mode, and the flashbacks are brighter than ever. Life is so sad really. To see those you love disappear completely has such a huge effect, and can never be explained till it happens. I'm dead inside right now, but full of hope that maybe now she is finally in a happy place, smiling forever, and letting a true love surround her. I love ya Michelle, and I'll always remember you. You changed me forever with all you did. You are truly my little DM.

Au Revoire!

The mixing is complete but the memory is not. The album is simply sounding stellar. Kramer sprinkled in quite a bit of love. Can't wait to reveal it to ya.

mix-o-rama

Mixing it up with Kramer as we speak. Good ole fashioned fun and lotsa hard work. Can't wait to reveal it all to you! For now here's a pic of us in front of the studio.

ready for the final liftoff

Ryan:
Kramer arrives tomorrow and everything is good to go. Got the hookers, the booze, the good times, and the sound of music. Now add the mixing and mastering of a legend.

"hypermode" preview at Filter

Mucho thanks to Filter for posting a preview of what's to come. A new track from the album coming out February 10, 2009, featuring Ulrich Schnauss:

http://filter-mag.com

tracking is complete!

Today is the day. We are now complete in the land of tracking. Kramer is heading to our studio on October 27th to add his "core" magic to the disc. Fun times ahead. . .

Abandon the Media Truck before it explodes. . .

Ryan:
We live in an increasingly dark time that relies on scare tactics, corporate mind washing & increased political anger. I wanted to take this moment to remind everyone to live not for what is told to you by your newspaper, television set or web blog sponsored by Chevy, but to start living, thinking and researching history and the present day for yourselves. I fear that too many have lost touch with reality, and are being controlled without awareness. It's been told through history time and time again, and we still can't learn from the mistakes of the past. It's sad, but it can be stopped. Fear spreads worse than any wildfire, and the current level of fear is way past orange. Think about it. Every civilization destroys itself by this fear spreading and weakening the interior. We must stop it from happening or face a consequence we'll regret more than losing our 401k's. There is truly nothing to fear. Corporations are not our mothers, and we don't have to do what they tell us to.

Freight Train

One of our goals has been to compose music that makes you feel the way that a train does as it approaches from the distance then passes closely. You can feel the energy build as the engine approaches and the rails begin to tremble. You are then somewhat surprised by the speed and sonic pressure as the engine and its cars begin to pass. You become acclimated to watching each individual car as you become adjusted to the speed and presence. It is at that point that you begin to gaze beyond the glass and into the depth of the interior of each car. Each glimpse creates a new story only limited by the briefness of the glimpse and your own imagination.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Germany. With our full length nearly complete, I took the time to listen to our efforts while I traveled through the city and the countryside. As I waited on platforms and rode in cars I compared our work to the sensations that I experienced. And, after everything was done I had a chance to reflect on our efforts during a very long flight back from London. It was during my flight that I wrote my final comments as I listened. The more opportunities I had to listen, the more excited I felt about our work. I feel like everyone has done an exceptional job on composition and recording and the album is sensational.

With only a few more sessions left we will have completed the task of recording our next full length album. And, once we have it completed I look forward to hearing everyones thoughts on the moods and sensations they felt while listening to the album or coming out to a show. We will have to see.


Erik

"manhattan beach" lyrics - FINAL

song: manhattan beach
album: recollections of memory
release: february 10, 2009
lyrics: Ryan Policky

-

all my way
stepping on a love
thousand miles away

forget it all

Insist on a live one
that you borrow
a never ending love

didn't she know you
didn't she love you
didn't she
didn't she

Insist on a live one
that you borrow
a never ending love
a live one
that you borrow
it tears your whole world down

all my way
tripping on a love
thousand miles away

didn't she love you
didn't she love you
didn't she
didn't she

no one
undone
reliving it

3 tracks with ULRICH SCHNAUSS

Just received keylines from Ulrich for 3 new tracks to be released on "recollections of memory". He will appear on "hypermode", "departure" and a tour version of "neverChanger". More details to come. . .

the missing

Ryan:
this week = the missing.
music.
song.
record.
album.
for you.

"recollections of memory"

a shoreline dream

Ryan:
So what is "a shoreline dream"? Where does that name come from? We're asked this question quite often and the only true explanation would be the irony of the phrase. The dream = a glorious life by the beach. The reality = a future wasteland and a horrible place to build a home, building, or city. Humans have accelerated their way of life in search of the future, totally unaware of the consequences of their actions. Doing something before fully thinking it through. Fighting, working and striving for that perfect life. Well, as time advances we have learned something we should have known a long time back. The world changes... all the time. We were clueless in our decision making process and we'll unfortunately pay the price for thinking for some reason that stability of climate, environment and life could even remotely be possible. We built entire empires in some of the most dangerous places on earth. What happens when these places become an environmental war zone? I for one don't think it will be very far off in the future as I believe it's already started. We were just too greedy as a race of people to ever understand. The water has boiled over and we never saw it coming.

Parallels can be drawn to this "shoreline dream" as well. It's not just on the shores, and it's not just an environmental issue. These bad decisions happen every day in many different ways. In relationships, in community, in religious views, and on and on it goes. People forget to think of the consequences of their actions, and we all do it. It's an imperfect world, but one not to take for granted. We always forget that we really have no time at all to appreciate everything around us. We tend to always focus everything into the "dream" of what we want to happen, and not the true "luck" that we're even alive to focus on it.

november 2008 = new album

Ryan:
Some good news to share! We've determined the album should be ready just in time for thanksgiving! We're shooting for November 11th, and plan to leak some samples very soon. On top of this we'll also be doing a swap remix with the engineers! Here's the tentative track list:

1. manhattan beach
2. hypermode feat. Rachel Goldstar of Experimental Aircraft
3. seattle
4. departure
5. neverChanger (tour version) feat. Ulrich Schnauss
6. the night before
7. missing
8. the mid decembers
9. interlusion
10. pasadena (a heartless romance)

still on the album

Working out some fine details on the album as I write this. Trying to figure out timing of when we'll get it out there to you all. Hopefully will know shortly. Stay tuned. . .

the number one flaw

Ryan:
Time for a bit o' ranting and raving if you will. Don't mean to offend, but I for sure am using this to speak some mind. Taking some time out from mixing "manhattan beach" to do this as my ears need the rest. The issue is this. . . I want to see a day where musicians and artists as a whole are all paid what they're worth. Instead I'm starting to see independent artists lose faith and lose money, forcing them to hault their creativity while they figure out how they can actually afford to make it happen.

Why is it that artists starve while the artistically defunct gain enormous amounts of power? Well it's very easy to figure out if you can see that it's almost entirely based on genetic lifestyle decisions developed by previous generations. Some grow up learning that winning the race of financial success is number one priority, while others learn to create and develop new concepts and visions. Problem is most of the time these "creatives" can't think beyond their lifestyle boundaries. They put up a wall when they are put in a situation outside of their norm. And yes, most people do this cause it takes quite a great deal of energy to think outside of your everyday. Artists don't want to deal with money, and business people don't think they can create. But it's when these two simple elements join forces that we can finally realize the full "idea" without any explanation.

I often times see the best creative ideas in music, movies & video games lose all their steam due to the guy with cash and his disciples climbing the same ladder, pouring water down to a seed, which was sadly already burned by the sun. Other times I have taken witness to the best idea finally finding it's way out there, eventually down the road getting destroyed by something copied and distributed in higher quantities.

The true passion of whatever "it" is needs to get out there, and people need to learn to understand each other a bit more. Closing any door, for whatever reason does nothing but hinder the evolution of art. The music and movie industries need to wake up and stop feeding copied art done poorly to the masses. It's destroying art as a whole, and tearing apart the artists trying to do what comes naturally. Only till both sides can talk will it happen.

It's sad, but if you can't operate on both sides of the fence (creative & business) then you're gonna find yourself burned. And it's not that you have to do both, but you need to understand and talk to both in a logical manner. This is the number one flaw of the creative industry as a whole. Communication. Without it, it's nearly impossible to let the best ideas show their full strength.

We seriously as a whole need to start communicating again. And I'm not saying everyone cause there are key people out there making it happen (I for sure know quite a few!). I just think more of us need to do the same, or be doomed with some very lonely futures. The family lives on and spreads itself out there. Why not teach it the right thing to do. Maybe then we won't need to build more jails like the one above.

Yes, it was random, but random is good. Thanks for listening!

Mixing "Manhattan Beach" tonight

Ryan:
After some fine tuning of "Hypermode" it's now time to move on to "Manhattan Beach" for some adjustments. It's a process I generally go through every time I produce a record. I spend a few days mixing, listen to everything in context, get feedback from everyone, and go back for a second run through. After that I'll usually let all the songs sit and do the same process again a month or so later. This allows for a good detachment time period. Detachment is key after recording. If you spend too much time working on something it will be good in your eyes no matter what. This approach let's me come back into it and determine if the songs are working. Sometimes we'll realize a particular track has much more potential and needs more work, where other times we'll realize that we hit the mix dead on and can release it to the wolves.

So far I'm very optimistic about this record. The tracks are right where I was hoping they'd be sonically and emotionally. They have a really nice flow, and once dialed this could be our best effort yet.

Favorite unreleased album

Ryan:
Wanted to take a minute to post my "favorite album which should have been released by their label in 2006 award". The Engineers have been sitting on an album which is to be released digitally this year that is nothing short of amazing. I happened to grab an advance copy and can't stop listening to it on my in-between days of recording.

love is a ghost in america - LIVE at The Parish Room in Austin

love is a ghost in america - LIVE at The Parish Room in Austin from Latenight Weeknight on Vimeo.

ulrich schnauss & experimental aircraft collaborations

So we're getting close on finishing up the album version of "neverChanger" which is basically gonna be the same version as what we played live with Ulrich Schnauss. We've started some rough tracks and I've sent it off to Ulrich for him to add his love.

Also spoke with Rachel of Experimental Aircraft today and we've decided to work on a track together as well! Should be quite an amazing recording. Absolutely adore the Monster Movie album she's on, and it's quite a dream come true to be able to dive into the depths of vox with such a legend. Looking forward to that.

LIVE Review :: FILTER :: THE FALCON

Originally published at the following site:
http://www.uptheantics.com/blog/entry/a_shoreline_dream_denver_july_9

July 14, 2008
A Shoreline Dream. Denver. July 9

Text & photo by Robert Castro

Last night I had the opportunity to witness a transformational night of music, compliments of Denver’s own A Shoreline Dream and German import Ulrich Schnauss. A Shoreline Dream opened their set with an awe-inspiring dream-rock sound that is often compared to Sigur Rós and Vast (lead singer Ryan Policky even going as far as to wearing a Vast t-shirt during their set). The intimate crowd seemed to be riding a tidal wave of musical bliss that was coming from this four-piece outfit. With atmospheric guitar riffs and sonic bass lines, in addition to Policky’s chiseled vocals, it’s no wonder the band has received various accolades from the press, even recording with master producer Schnauss, who took the stage with them for the song “neverChanger” off the EP of the same name.

If I could describe Ulrich Schnauss’ music, I would say it is Herbie Hancock meets Hans Zimmer. At times during his set I, like many others in the crowd, found myself in a euphoric state enjoying the masterpiece of sound he was creating. With complementing visuals, Ulrich conducted his one-man orchestra to the tune of electronic bleeps and beats mixed in with a touch of ambient techno. It was a rare opportunity to catch these two performances in a single night; nonetheless the crowd absorbed every square-inch of musical mastery served to them.

"neverChanger" album version kickoff

Ryan:
So before Ulrich took off we decided to collaborate on a live version of "neverChanger" for the album. Something similar to what we jammed out during the tour. We decided to jump right in by recording the drums and bass today. Gonna hit up guitars and vocals this week and send it on over to Ulrich for his final additions. Will be interesting to see how much different it sounds from the EP version.

the tour is over but the memories live on

Ryan:
What an amazing trip. I can't put into words how much fun we had with Ulrich. From the moments in the car driving across pure hell, to a night of hanging with Rachel of Experimental Aircraft and her man Carlos at their pad, to a few nights of pure bliss onstage jamming with Ulrich, it was utterly superb. I'll never forget it, and I for sure look forward to doing it again sometime very soon.

"neverChanger" TOUR

Ryan:
The tour with Ulrich Schnauss is nearly here and we are fine tuning everything to make sure the sonices are intact. Taking today to finesse the reverb and vocals, and may dive into some recording of "Hypermode" for a little break. Stay tuned for more. . .

video for "projections" - directed by Francesco Brunotti/Davide Chiesa

Projections from Latenight Weeknight on Vimeo.

DIRECTED BY:
Francesco Brunotti/Davide Chiesa

EDITING/POST PRODUCTION:
Francesco Brunotti

CINEMATOGRAPHERS:
Davide Chiesa/Michelangelo Visconti (additional help from Paolo Silvestri)

OUTFITS:
Francesca Cocchi

LIVE FX BY:
Davide Chiesa

ACTORS:
Simona Sala/Chiara/Valentina/Ilaria/Manuela/Gino/Maya

landmark theatres sampler - "neverChanger"

Ryan:
Here's something you don't see everyday. Not only was Filter so generous to offer us a spot on the Summer 08 Landmark Theatres Sampler CD, but the main people at Landmark decided to have us as one of the two highlighted artists on the cover, with the other one being one of my biggest influences "Portishead". My jaw dropped when I saw the disc in person. So amazing to even share the same sheet of paper as Portishead, much less the same CD.

lyrics for "hypermode"

song: hypermode
album: recollections of memory
release: february 10, 2009
lyrics: Ryan Policky

-

oh, let's go
embrace the last snow
and only love knows
how we'll burn

cold hands
break apart

noone will take your life
noone will take me
cause light goes
on and on
our lives know love

oh, let's go
embrace the last snow
and only love knows
how we'll burn

cold hands
break apart

Westword Music Showcase 2008 and the future. . .

Ryan:
So the show went great and I can now zip my lips for a bit. Even though we opened the entire event, people were waiting in line to check us out, and we had some great response, which is a rarity in Colorado territory if you aren't playing dance oriented fashion rock.

Today I've decided to dedicate to hypermode, which is turning out really well! I plan to layer in some more vocal layers, fine tune the guitars (which I'm currently doing) and hopefully get to a point where all it'll need is some fine tuning in the mix department of my mind.

I think I'll post a sample for you soon. . .

hypermode

Ryan:
Today was quite a roller coaster ride, so I figured why not finish it off with some recording of a new track titled "hypermode" that we've been working on for the past two weeks. It's for sure been a good release out of my mind to sit down and concentrate on the music again, and by far the best way to separate myself from all the biz bullshit. Seriously sometimes wish it could go back to the simple days of just writing, playing and having a good time. Tomorrow we play at the Westword Music Showcase, and I have my fingers tightly crossed that more people come out than what I'm used to seeing here in Denver. It's demoralizing to put on the performance of a lifetime to a crowd of 10 standing there looking at you like they're really watching a tv on the wall right behind you. The West coast is where I would call home as at least people go crazy for music without having to push them to get into it with free booze, chicks and cover songs. I'll put on my happy hat, and think positively, and maybe that will work in getting out some people who watch music for reasons other than to be "seen". I'm tired of the music fashion rut of the scene. Do people even like music for music anymore?

calle 20

Very excited to announce our inclusion in a story/interview in the latest issue of Calle 20, from Spain.

CLICK HERE to download the issue in pdf format.
The story is titled "Retazos Shoegaze" on pg. 26

CD's shipped tomorrow

Bundled up all the cd's after another a late night session, which are ready to go out to toneVENDOR tomorrow! Official release is June 10th, 2008.

FILTER MAGAZINE

Many thanks to those at Filter Magazine for putting up a preview of "neverChanger" on their site today as a top Media item. Very excited! Make sure to visit and listen to the track before it's official release on June 10, 2008 on itunes and toneVENDOR

interlusion

Ryan:
After a brief period of distraction it's now back to recording. Finished up some vocals on an interlude titled "interlusion", written by Erik, with vocals, guitarkeys and tweaks in the background by me. Think it'll fit quite nicely on the full length disc.

"neverChanger" toneVENDOR pre-sale

Ryan:
We are very proud to announce the preorder of a very limited run of discs we're hand assembling of the track we more than love. Ulrich Schnauss is seriously such an amazing musician, and we are so proud to have collaborated with him for such a epic sounding track. Double thanks to Kramer who put the magic mastering dust on top, and Francesco Brunotti for the gorgeous photo for the cover. Just click away on the image above to make sure you get one.

"neverChanger" CD COMPLETE!

As of tonight, "neverChanger" is complete and ready to be shipped to distro. Can't wait for you to hear it. The remixes by Cacheflowe and Jap Jap are absolutely stellar. A very special thanks to Francesco Brunotti / Andrea Boccalini for their amazing photo used for the cover art.

"neverChanger" is going to make a very sneak preview appearance on East Village Radio Saturday, April 26th 8-10am EST. You can stream it online by clicking on the link below. Very excited to have you hear it, and very excited to have it debuting on Timmy G's show. Without him, Ulrich probably woulda never heard of us. He was our direct link with Tonevendor, and Tonevendor is where Ulrich picked up our disc.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AT EAST VILLAGE RADIO

master of "neverChanger" ready

Ryan:
This song seriously is such a huge milestone for us and it's now complete! Not only did we co-produce the track with Ulrich Schnauss, but we also had it mastered by Kramer. I never thought in a million years we'd be working with either of these legends of music, but we have, and "neverChanger" is the baby of our polygamy. . .

We plan to launch the song in early summer, with it's first appearance being on the June/July Sampler that comes packed with XLR8R. But as a super sneak preview, we've arranged for it to appear on Fast Forward Reverse in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. Of course more to come. . .

crazy week

Ryan:
Very crazy week. So much going on. Was hired at the end of the week to work on some music for "the north face", which has eaten up most of my day today. First round is due on monday, so it's for sure a challenge. Kramer is finishing up the master of "neverChanger" tomorrow. And to top it off, tonight we recorded a live room version of "the night before" to be on our next release.

The battle moves forward. Time to slay the beast.

Kramer up next

Ryan:
So the individual tracks for "neverChanger" have arrived from Ulrich, and after some small tweaks tonight the song will be sent off to Kramer for mastering. Also have been working with Cacheflowe on a remix, which for sure put us in a coma last night. The song seriously puts you in some weird trance. More soon. . .

EP vs. LP

Ryan:
So we sat down this eve and talked about what we're gonna release. It's still totally up in the air as we're still doing much refinement, and it may turn out to be an extended EP, or who knows, maybe an ELPPP. Does it really matter anyways? People have such short attention spans nowadays, and all we wanna do is release our very best stuff, so I guess we'll just play it by ear. Anything is possible.

We will for sure be releasing "neverChanger" before our short tour with Ulrich, and that is a "for sure". Just waiting on the tracks to be delivered, and once we do some fine tuning, off it will go to mastering.

The joys of recording!

Shows with Ulrich Schnauss and Soundpool

Big news today! We have confirmed our first of a few quick southland dates with Ulrich Schnauss and Soundpool. Very excited about these as not only do we all know Ulrich is brilliant live, but Soundpool is absolutely stellar as well. Can't wait till July!

revisiting "seattle"

Ryan:
After some discussions, and heroin overdoses, we figured out how to bring some life back into the intro of "seattle". Tried out some panning reverb swells, and chamber sounds to get the guitar sounding just right. Looking like we may have another ready for final mastering. . .

mondays suck, but music does not

Ryan:
So no photo today, but plenty of music is in store. I've been working like mad on "neverChanger" and "Manhattan Beach", and this weekend we started a new pass on "The Mid Decembers", with Sean re-working the drums to give it more life. It's been quite a trek, but we love it. More details to come.

Ulrich finished up "neverChanger"!

Ryan:
A few moments ago I received word from Ulrich that he has finalized his parts on "neverChanger", and of course had to download first things first all latenight weeknight style. Upon first listen I must say I am absolutely blown away. His parts have done nothing but make this an absolute epic track!! I cannot wait to reveal it to all of you. Very exciting times indeed!

thanks URB!

almost done

Ryan:
"Manhattan Beach" is nearing completion! A few small tweaks and it should be good to go. . . for now at least. It's time to start diving into some new tracks. Oh, and yes, we're still hanging on the seat of our chairs waiting to hear the final version of "neverChanger". Hope Ulrich is almost done, but not gonna push it.

The Night Before

Ryan:
Got together with Erik last night to write one new song before the latest jeffries arrived today. "The Night Before" it is. Also worked out some kinks with "Manhattan Beach" and once again worked in a new vocal line. Had to decide how to get this certain roar out, and I think I'm close. Also spoke with Ulrich Schnauss a bit more today and our friends in "Tribes of The City". Plans are to hit up a european tour together this year. Would be quite amazing. More soon. . .

chorus recording - Manhattan Beach

Ryan:
Totally changed the chorus on "Manhattan Beach" and I think all is sounding right now. Layered some harmonies to see if it all works with the mix. This track is for sure taking a bit of time, but I think it will be worth it.

Erik on "Manhattan Beach"

Ryan:
Erik Came over this morning and we worked on capturing his tracks for "Manhattan Beach". I think this one is gonna turn out pretty good. Love the overall vibe of the song, and the end is working perfectly. Next step is to add in some vox and see how it's all coming together. Stay tuned.

keys on leap year

Ryan:
No ranting tonight. Just recording. Dialed in a sound for "Mahattan Beach" and I dropped a line in to compliment the track. We'll be recording Erik tomorrow morning, so I was hoping to get this in before he comes over to see what he thinks.

Oh yeah, and today was insane. But I'll leave that for the imagination for now.

distances

Ryan:
Now I'm an official ranter. But it never hurt anyone, so whatever.

It must be interesting watching us as though we were molecular. With the real energy source being the earth, which in turn is molecular is quite interesting. We're all freaking out over stupid petty instances for whatever reason and it never really does any good. I wonder if those visions of burning skies were really just visions of something like a supervolcano.

I mean look at where I live. This place is bulging from something going on under the surface, and as it bulges further and further, eventually it will need to release whatever is causing the disruption. We can only look at it in a short term format till we absolutely force it down our own throats to do some research.

It's sad, but true, theories have to be passed down through mass media. It's the only way we can talk to everyone about something and truly make them believe it to be true. It's great that nowadays we have more freedom in what we watch, and that we can form our own opinions, but at the same time it leads to war between beliefs.

I guess, to get back to the point, we really don't have forever to figure shit out. Eventually a cataclysmic event will occur, and we will be wiped clean. And that's not a fairy tale, as it often seems to be for some reason. We need to seriously think about things a little more often. Nuclear fallout is a pinprick compared to the reality of what the universe has in store. All we can do is ride it out and enjoy what's happening right now, during the dormant stage.

Was that Nostradamus fairy tale about war or changes in the earth happening before our eyes?

global warming

Ryan:
I know it's not recording related or anything, but I was just driving home from Erik's and looked over to see a driver watching a monitor sitting right next to them, which was playing a movie. Now come on. Seriously. The world isn't interesting enough? Being alive isn't interesting? Experiencing "something" was dull? I just don't get it!!

We take advantage of life far too often. I think we forget that one day down the line the world is gonna pop a gigantic zit, called "yellowstone", which is far too similar to "la garita", which in turn is gonna completely change the surface of the planet, minus, say, fish, and things that can survive deeper than the blackest night on a moonless night.

Why are so many people so bored out of their minds?!? I just don't get it. There are so many things to see just sitting right outside your door. And maybe part of this is a speech kicking my ass written to do so. Who knows. . .

All I know is I'm gonna do what I can, while I can, and while I'm free to. Also while the earth is finishing it's cooling phase. Forget "GLOBAL WARMING", try "GLOBAL LIVING". Take advantage of life while you can. It's not always gonna be how it is now. Haha! That sounds like some late-night motivational speech right there. I picture Patrick Swayze right now.

But for fucks sake, turn the TV off already and go outside. Go somewhere foreign. Do something you never thought you'd do. And make sure to remind me to tell myself to listen to these damn words already. So easy to let yourself down. It's the easiest thing to do. It always has been. You gotta force yourself to shut the fuck up.

I wonder what's gonna happen next. I'm not scared of it. But I wonder. How can you not wonder while you're alive. Oh yeah, you could if someone on TV that you "loved so much" told you to not miss another episode of a marathon run of episodes of pointless episodes.

Damn. Just drive. Just watch whats in front of you already, and quit wasting your own damn time. Live, while you still are doing so.

true "latenight weeknight"

Ryan:
I know the headline is cliche, but it really is the way things are, no shit. I originally thought I was gonna take a chill evening after a super crazy day and not do anything at all, but after accidentally putting on the latest recording of "Manhattan Beach" I had to record. My brain wouldn't let me do otherwise, no matter what time it was. So I started laying down some tracks around midnight and think I nailed it. Who knows. . . Looking forward to giving it a listen after giving my ears a rest. Next up is Erik's part. Really looking forward to that.

Drums and Bass - Manhattan Beach

We sandwiched our show last night at the infamous lions lair with the recording of drums and bass for "Manhattan Beach". Still eagerly awaiting the tracks from Ulrich, but we are continuing forward with this track, as it's really on the forefront of the brain. It was really nice to open with it last night, as we had some great response. Will be interesting to see how it comes through on the recorded front.

today is the official "love is a ghost in america" day

To celebrate the hallmark tradition of forced love, we send this video to you all once again.

Lyrics on the 11th - Manhattan Beach

Ryan:
After a somewhat unsuccessful day of shooting to bring in the day of birth I came back to the studio for a rather redeeming night of lyric writing. "Manhattan Beach" is now in full form and ready for revealing to the guys. Love this track. Can't wait to see how it translates on the final recording.

MANHATTAN BEACH
oh all up and down
spread all around
forgotten plans burn away

cold summer cloud
no fun
breathing out

oh
breathe out
breathe out

cold summer cloud
no fun
breathing out
I doubt all your lies
I doubt another blank disguise

oh all up and down
spread all around
forgotten plans burn away

cold summer cloud
no fun
breathing out
I doubt all your lies
I doubt another blank disguise

last day of 30

Ryan:
So we are primed and ready for our show this coming friday, and are also very close with "manhattan beach". Practiced through it a few times today, before doing another test photo shoot. It's my last day before hitting the big 3, 1, so I for sure had to chill with some good friends afterwards. It was quite a day. Almost got in an accident with a 125,000 loaner car, and spent some time throwing bobas into the lake which has accumulated in the front of the studio.

Ryan:
Maura Gramzinski came over and did some shots of us while we worked out some finer points of "manhattan beach". It's for sure starting to really take shape, and the photos also turned out amazing. Will for sure share some more soon.

bottom of the well

Ryan:
How often do we have a date like 2-4-8? Very good question. The last number times 2 equals the next. Maybe that's why I'm all down tonight. That or because of the fact it's snowing again. Seriously! Some towns are reporting over 160 inches!!! I've seen photos of houses nearly covered by snow entirely. Ice age is coming, eh, mr. yorke?
Hiding up in the attic now, waiting out the end of something, or maybe just the beginning of another week. Mondays have always been strange.

a sample

Manhattan Beach with Drums

Ryan:
So the song is coming along very nicely. We jammed it out with Sean, and it's turning out really kick ass. Very excited about it. Recorded a few takes tonight and I think we've nailed down the overall structure. It hits you like a ton of bricks right from the start. . .

first talks. . .

Ryan:
Ulrich and myself had our first phone conversation this evening and things are full steam ahead. Some very exciting things in the master plan. Will make sure to keep you all updated once things become final. Some dreams just come true because they had to. Very thankful to be able to work with such amazing artists!

Props to Powerpoint!

Our buds in Powerpoint landed a spot on Wired Magazines Blog. Congrats to you for making software cool again!!

meadowlark - friday, february 15, 2008

Yarimir Caban "MiMa"

Enoc:

I Just came Back from Puerto Rico and I had the pleasure of meeting Yarimir Caban "MiMa" She's an incredible singer songwriter from Puerto Rico who released an album in 2005 and is currently working on a new one. MiMa's album is incredible and so are the musicians in this album. This Album is sold out but you can still find it digitally (itunes etc.) The album is a blend of Bossa Nova, Jazz, Caribbean music and Yarimir's unique voice. Go say Hi to MiMa myspace.com/mimamusica, check out her music and more about her at http://www.mimamusica.com/
Recomended tracks :
-Fabula para Ivo
-Era Aquello

-Peregrina

-Ojo Avisor

lions lair - saturday, february 23, 2008