Welcome back to another SUPER LATE, but also on time, issue of the blackhat Buzz.
I know I promised you all an artist spotlight, but in the depths of my infinite ADHD I completely forgot to talk to Doug Strange about ANYTHING related to his music when I had him in the room… TWICE! I did get to hear a new song or two he’s been working on with Ian Seabolt.
The only thing Doug and I did work on was a sticker design that I am still tweaking and adding to. If you’ve been wondering who the hell Doug Strange even is, this sticker will help you answer that question. Stay tuned for updates on that one. It’s been a fun design to work on so far.
I did get a chance to ask Ian Seabolt about his upcoming single Nostalgia. I think I heard a rumor around the studio that it should be released around the first of the new year along with the Troy Story Band’s new EP Thadon. I am not sure I have heard this song yet, but I always enjoy hearing new (or old) songs from Ian. He is one hell of a lyricist and I’m excited to hear this one. When I asked him to tell me a little bit about the song he said, “…it’s a song about loss, and I wrote it during one of the loneliest periods of my life. I also personally think it will be the first song I release that really showcases my lyricism…” He continued by adding, “I also think it’s one of my songs that should be heard. I have a shit ton of songs that I think are just okay, and probably don’t need to be recorded. This one is more dear to me.” He always manages to articulate his emotions really well through his songs. We have worked together before on lyric writing for a studio project that still has no title, and I have done backing vocals for him on his previous release Hope Street that you can find on Spotify or Apple Music. I am really excited about this latest one. I will update you folks as the release comes closer.
I am still touching on other projects here and there as deadlines get a bit closer, but right now I’m trying to push through more of the clock project and prepare for the final push on the Troy Story Band shirts. All the printed merch has been ordered and shipped and I will have the shirts ready within the week now that we have a deadline established.
A note from Rhey about the 18 Taps Battle of the Bands:
I hear that the Battle of the Bands at 18 Taps went off without a hitch with eight amazing bands. The Out Beyond kicked off the night followed by Los Kombi, The Sways, CFA, Strange Noise, Pieces, Sorcery, and Ill Tiempo ended the night with a fusion of ska and hip hop.
Los Kombi took home first place in the battle of the bands contest with The Sways coming in second, and Sorcery coming in third.
Mike was serving up his famous Philly cheesesteaks which if you haven’t tried one, you’re seriously missing out. 18 taps was a packed house full of great energy. The high desert really knows how to show up and support the local music scene. Los Kombi took home first place in the battle of the bands contest with The Sways coming in second, and Sorcery coming in third.
Things wrapped up around midnight so we packed up and talked a bit then headed home. It’s always a pleasure working with Mike Storm and BG from Local Band Smokeout.
We took a bit of a break the week of Thanksgiving to prepare for the holiday and enjoy some much needed personal time, but started back hard the night of black friday. Matt and Rhey had back to back shows at Frogee’s with TDP. Loose Affiliates, Humble Crumb, G Hippy and a few other folks I didn’t catch played with them on Friday. I was only able to pop in for an hour or two that night and got to see just the Humble Crumb and Loose Affiliates sets, but it was a good time as always. I saw quite a few familiar faces and enjoyed snatching up one of the new ladies shirts Storm House Printing did for us. It is a scoop neck top and they are REALLY comfy. Grab one next time you see them.
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Saturday was another TDP show with quite a few guest bands and acts. I wasn’t able to get much info or photos from the second show as I was otherwise occupied that evening. I heard it was another killer show though.
On Sunday, Matt worked a show with One Drop Redemption at The Music Box in San Diego. I asked him to take a pic while he was there, but he wasn’t actually running the board at this one. The site has their own staff and he was acting in more of a sound management role. Matt has been to some pretty big venues with this group and they’ve got more big shows coming up in the new year. If you like Bob Marley tributes they are definitely one to see.
Rhey and Chris Gonzales have a new Tuesday line-up beginning next week at Frogee’s in Apple Valley. They’ve expanded the Acoustic Gallery Showcase into an Open Mind Open Mic evening that now is inclusive of poetry, comedy, music acts, and more. As always, Frogee’s is 21+. Sign-ups for this event start at 6:30pm. A few acts are pre-booked for this show, so even if you aren’t interested in performing you can still swing by to catch Chris Gonzales, Ian Seabolt, G Hippy, Josh Esposito, and a comedian named Hassiem. Contact Rhey if you’re an artist wishing to participate in one of these shows. We always encourage local artists to come hang out and show off their work. You might even sell a piece or two.
That’s a lot, and all I’ve got for you this week friends. Thanks for stopping by as always. Come say hi to us at a show some time.
If I didn’t tag you and you wish to have your name or social media tagged in a blog please contact me at blackhat.studio.008@gmail.com. It can be challenging to find each group that participated in these events and tag their proper accounts.
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