Jul 28, 2010 07:18AM

Mindlikewater, D_comp & Life

So we are back in the studio tonight working on one of my faves of the new tunes so far...called, Morning Rain...sort of about how being more chill about things is the way to be...If I have learned anything in my years so far on this Earth...it is that anger and frustration gets me nowhere...I have been thinking a lot about my focus in life and with music...music has always been a release for me...a place to put my thoughts...feelings...what have you...I have always done what feels right at the time and usually that pays off...getting mindlikewater back together was a no brainer...we were all in the right head space to do it...and I am happier with this band than I have ever been...D_composure...is for the most part...over...it was a very cool time in my life...I had the privilege of playing with Matt Short and Bill Jarrett...Joe Butera...Jason Mooney...Todd Walker played some Hi hat...lol... and it was a project that Ryan and I took a lot of pride in...there are a few more tunes to roll out over however many weeks or months to come...we will finish the newest little EP project...at least 2 or 3 more songs left...those songs were written some time ago and just need vocals and mixes...I usually feel something new coming on with a project...a sound...a focus...theme...something...after these songs were written...it was as if a door had been closed...double chained and locked...key thrown away...I feel nothing for the project...I feel I have outgrown the name...the dark vibe...it is time for me to focus on Mindlikewater and a solo thing...and a whole new focus in my personal life...that I will leave personal...the solo record is waiting on a revised master...I think it is dark and beautiful...personal yet relate-able...I have listened to it a few times recently and I feel it is a strong reflection of who I am...so if anyone reads this blog at all...thanks for your support in D_composure...a few more tunes left...stay tuned for new Solo music and MLW...

Jul 21, 2010 08:48AM

Smashng Pumpkins Show Review 7-20-10 Fort Lauderdale

So I usually just talk about my various music things on here but this was too great too ignore. I thoroughly enjoyed the Smashing Pumpkins show at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale (7-20-10) last night. It was amazing. I feel the new lineup is the best they have ever had. The feel is there. Seeing the Smashing Pumpkins in the Gish, Siamese, Mellon Collie, Machina and Zeitgeist eras, I definitely think I have a good basis of comparison. I would say the Machina Tour was right in line with the caliber of musicianship (and over all feel on stage) as this band. They're having fun up there. They have a great chemistry. Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino are really holding down the rhythm section in a way I thought not possible. Jimmy Chamberlin has pretty big shoes to fill but Mike Byrne does the job and then some. I felt Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino brought a lot of energy where it was lacking on the Zeitgeist tour a few years ago. Jeff Schroeder is an amazing guitar player. All of his solos are right on par with Billy Corgan's leads. I don't feel like I miss James Iha very much on stage. I am a big Iha fan but he is off doing his own thing and Jeff is the right fit for the pumpkins. Billy's voice and guitar were spot on. He was playful and emotional. The setlist was the big thing that stood out to me. Great mix of tunes from almost every era of the Pumpkins plus a few obscure tunes and a few new songs. I did notice there were no songs from Gish but heavy on the Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie. A few songs of Adore, Machina and Zeitgeist. They played 2 of my favorite songs ever, "Stand Inside Your Love" and "Eye". I was very impressed with this show. the new material is really good. They played, "Freak", "Astral Planes" and "Song For A Son" off of their new "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope" series available on http://smashinpumpkins.com for free.

Jul 14, 2010 11:04PM

Solo record done.

I need to take a final listen but my solo EP has been mastered. I am planning on pressing 100 cds and selling on Itunes and everywhere else online. Very happy with the songs. Tomorrow I plan on giving it a very thorough listen to make sure everything is as it should be. I am very excited. Also started recording Mindlikewater song number 3 last night. Sounds very cool. Stay tuned for news about both of these recordings mentioned above.
-Joseph

Jul 11, 2010 11:06AM

Mindlikewater Recording Sessions 7-11-10

So it's back to the studio tonight. Around 7pm Jim will be laying down some guitars on Song number 2. 6 demos have been made. The songs are very light hearted while still rocking. A few mellow tunes already in the mix. A few tunes that feel very catchy have already made their way into these six. I feel whatever batch comes next will be the final writing for the record. I feel a very loving warmth in these tunes. A sincerity that is what Mindlikewater is and has always been about. I have done some fantasy writing in the past. This feels more of the moment. Vital. All the more reason why we plan on recording this record in a timely fashion. We are better musicians than we used to be. It is nice to play a song once or twice as a band...look each other in the eyes and say, "Time to record this tune.." Ryan is really playing the producer hat on this...whether he wants to or not...lol...he is doing a fantastic job...I think his recording vision is dead on...very clear and clean recordings so far...letting the songs speak...the sounds are enormous...before we play the tunes I have demos with voice all set...making everyone a part of the tunes from their infancy...I think keeping this record close to our hearts and not letting out each tune as we record is the right thing...I want to release this record locally...play local to support it and sell it as a whole collection...because we are feeling it and it is strong material...pics and videos from the studio are the way we plan on sharing this process until it is done and we release a single...the record...and then more booking to support it..stay tuned...
-Joseph

Jul 08, 2010 05:40AM

Solo Album Status.

Well if all goes well...I should have the mastered copy of my EP...I plan on making 100 cds and that is that. I really am all about recording a new Mindlikewater cd right now so I am not thinking I will be playing any formal shows as a solo artist. Maybe an open mic or two. Anyhow, stay tuned for news on it's release...title...date it's coming out...etc...
Cheers!
Joseph