Welcome, welcome to this very special edition of…well, the very first dual publication of this blog. If you haven’t noticed, nobody’s posted on the Buzz in a while. It is, as they say, what it is. There hasn’t been much to write about. I’ve been kinda doing my own thing, making art, living life, and protecting my peace. All that yada yada aside, welcome once again to the Daily Tentacle/blackhat Buzz, where I give you the deets, behind the scenes goodies, and the hot goss…I’m kidding, I’m totally a professional. Totally.
This last Saturday, October 10th, Doug Strange had a release party for his new single, Small Town Blues. It popped off at the Living Room in Victorville, CA. It’s a hot and exclusive little venue I’ve heard more than a few people talk about, but mostly because they were interested in playing there and none had yet been able to manage to get booked. How did Doug pull it off? Probably charm and good looks, or they just liked his vibe and his music. I have no idea really. However, it definitely happened and I have pics to prove it.
Photos by Patricia Strong and Jennifer Bayers – CrystalEye Imagery 2026
Of course I couldn’t make it, once again, but I did speak to almost all the musicians (Troy, where were you?) and even a couple members of the audience. All so that I could get the goods to you fine people. (totally not because I’m nosey…) While I am sad I couldn’t be there, I did make the event flyer. So I’ve got that going for me, which is nice…
I was able to get Doug on the phone Monday morning to get the details from his perspective. He said that the venue was great for what we were trying to do. They were professional and it’s the best ACTUAL music venue in the High Desert. He noted that there were a few technical difficulties they had to manage on the fly, but overall it went really well. His last remarks were that it was a really cool experience and that he is grateful for everyone that showed up to support him and the other artists.
Photos by Jennifer Bayers – CrystalEye Imagery 2026
The whole crew was there playing their original sets along with Doug. Ian Seabolt said, “I thought my set was badass. I think all the performers did really well and I think overall it was a successful show.”
Photos by Jennifer Bayers – CrystalEye Imagery 2026
Jenae said, “The show was really fun to play, I’ve been wanting to play the living room venue for a while so it was awesome to get up on that stage! I also really enjoyed the energy and different vibes of all the different projects coming together to share said stage.” I hear she’s injured a finger in the most punk way possible; MOSH PIT!!! It could be a bit before you see her or the Legendary Hangover on stage again given her injury. Time will tell frens. Keep an eye on the socials for updates.
Photos by Jennifer Bayers – CrystalEye Imagery 2026
Matt, who ran sound for this show, remarked, “The Living Room is well renovated from the last time we threw a show with Loose Affiliates. And it gives a great underground/Indy vibe that makes the stage feel cozy. And the staff were quite nice and helpful. Jenae has particularly improved upon her craft as well, able to keep pace randomly playing along with my complex ass house music I had going on in the background, as if it was instinct, which is a good mark of musicianship. Doug still played a great and entertaining show despite being nauseous as hell, which is telling of how well he knew the material he created.” Patricia Strong, of Troy Story Band sent a few photos and gave me a little blurb as both a singer and audience member. She said, “The vibe of the place was neat too. Quite a few people came out for a rainy evening. I enjoyed the Troy Story set and Troy played a few other songs too that I just kinda sang from the audience lol.” Unfortunately of the pics I received, none included Ms. Strong. Lighting issue I was told, but I know how that goes.
Photos by Jennifer Bayers – CrystalEye Imagery 2026
I don’t remember how long ago that Affiliates show was, but I remember how impossible it was to take pics with the lighting in the old venue. Soooo pink… Anywho, I also talked to two audience members. One said they had conversations with a lot of other attendees and was thrilled by how nice everyone was. They also mentioned that it was great to see that so many people came out to support Doug and that they admired his dedication to music. Both audience members commented on the great vibe of the venue but the second audience member, Jessica, had even more to say about the show, “it was my first time at this venue, the lighting and sound level were perfect and everything was so cool to look at, even the bathrooms lol hard to pick a favorite set, though i did rock out pretty hard when legendary hangover played Weezer, Doug’s country covers of personal jesus and stressed out slapped real hard too”. She went on to say,”It’s really cool, every wall is different and the lights are nice and dim, very cozy vibes.” When asked about their excitement for Doug’s new single they said, “I am! So far I love both the small town singles, especially the blues one. I’m very excited to see where this project leads.”
Photo by Patricia Strong – 2026
There you have it. It was a great time with great music as always. I’ve heard Small Town Blues and it is actually one of my favorite Doug Strange songs to date. This country/americana/blues sound really works well for him. I too, am excited to see where this project and the music video lead. More on that part later though. I have all the behind the scenes stuff ready to go on that one too.
That’s it for this one folks. Until next time, folks.
-Pi (The Lost Octopus)
Oh and if you want to check out the single yourself, you’re in luck. It came out today, October 14th, on Spotify and Apple Music. What are you waiting for? I did the hard part for you!
