I wanted to update about something that is near to my corazon. (and if you know me you know I'm saying it core-a-zone). Anyway I am a vegan and I am vegan for a reason. I believe in animal rights, I believe in the humane treatment of animals, and I believe that animals are not human play things. They were not put on this earth for our personal profit, entertainment or consumption. So, I do have a job, it's a little job and I don't work that many hours but I do have a job. I work for a lawyer and my boss has a non-profit animal rights group as well. This group, which I assist with, is called The Hailey Foundation. (the website is dorky I know, I didn't do it)
This group focuses on raising awareness of animal abuses in Texas and especially in San Antonio. On Tuesday night there was an event at a wonderful little restaurant called India Palace, that graciously provided us with a full vegan buffet for 15 dollars a plate. (i know kind of steep, but being vegan can be that way sometimes) Getting back to the point, San Antonio Vegetarian Society and The Haily Foundation celebrated World Farm Animals Day on Tuesday night. This buffet was accompanied by two delightful speakers from local animal rescue sanctuaries. These sanctuaries focus on rescuing farm animals, hence the reason they were asked to speak and they rescue domestic animals as well.
The first speaker has a sanctuary 30 miles west of San Antonio called Sunny Day Farms. This lady, nearly broke my heart, she was a younger lady with a child that put her entire life into this sanctuary. She is really grassroots and has but one employee. She spoke of outreach to children and has opened the farm every Saturday for educational and recreational tours to children and adults. All SDF asks is a small donation of 5 or 6 dollars. Then the founder of SARA Sanctuary spoke and this sanctuary has a few sponsors, they work with San Antonio Food Bank and HEB helps them out where they can as well. SARA is located in Seguin, TX and has over 300 dogs at their facility. Both are always desperate for volunteers, donations and sponsors.
This post is not to get anyone into veganism. I am not trying to convert anyone here. but if anyone is interested in helping out people who devote their lives to helping creatures, beings, fellow earthlings that were put in situations less fortunate than nature intended, that are getting a second lease on life being rehabilitated and living on a sanctuary, then please check these places out. Volunteer your time, Donate a few dollars, Spread the word. Anything helps, they're local and they're grassroots and they need help. I personally feel the urge to go out there and get my hands dirty but I encourage everyone to help in anyway possible. Oh and sign up for their email lists to hear about their fund raising events. I know they have a few coming up.
And maybe if anyone can let me know, for every dollar donated I will donate an hour of my time. Just tell me "hey i donated 2 dollars" or "hey I donated 50" and I will say---there goes my weekends. haha. Thank you for reading this and I hope it helps make a small difference.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Monday, 27 September 2010
Crotch on Fire
I go to shows quite often and I like going to shows so I usually go to about 3 or 4 a week. The show I went to last night is my review for tonight.
This was Crotch on Fire's final show. One member of the band moved to Chicago and the band has decided to dismantle. I don't know why for certain though. Anyway this 5 piece all male band started off their set with a Lisa Frank cover, an all female band that played their last show last at Korova a week before. Grrlz Just Wanna Have Fun.
Starting off with this song gave the show a really light mood with crowd interaction and a song many people knew. The band spoke casually to the crowd, most of the members no doubt the band knew. The singer insisted on telling us what the songs were about, las hijas de chingada did this too. I'm not sure why because the lyrics are incomprehensible. "This one is about skateboarding" he says then "this one is about heroin". I want to write a song about heroin. COF is a screamo grindcore band, Kind of punk//hardcore. They were good, but sounded even better after they borrowed a guitar from Guards. There were technical difficulties and a guitar had to be replaced asap or there would be one less player of the band that night. So Guards' new guitar player, Grayson, graciously offered his.
"Have you ever heard of Finger Print?" a friend asked me. Of course I say no, and of course I look them up. Finger Print was a screamo/punk/hardcore anarchist band from France in the early 90's I think. and an obvious influence. but If you saw COF in the past month or so you probably caught one of their last shows. They claimed to have played their last show last night. Wish them luck with their other band endeavors.
This was Crotch on Fire's final show. One member of the band moved to Chicago and the band has decided to dismantle. I don't know why for certain though. Anyway this 5 piece all male band started off their set with a Lisa Frank cover, an all female band that played their last show last at Korova a week before. Grrlz Just Wanna Have Fun.
Starting off with this song gave the show a really light mood with crowd interaction and a song many people knew. The band spoke casually to the crowd, most of the members no doubt the band knew. The singer insisted on telling us what the songs were about, las hijas de chingada did this too. I'm not sure why because the lyrics are incomprehensible. "This one is about skateboarding" he says then "this one is about heroin". I want to write a song about heroin. COF is a screamo grindcore band, Kind of punk//hardcore. They were good, but sounded even better after they borrowed a guitar from Guards. There were technical difficulties and a guitar had to be replaced asap or there would be one less player of the band that night. So Guards' new guitar player, Grayson, graciously offered his.
"Have you ever heard of Finger Print?" a friend asked me. Of course I say no, and of course I look them up. Finger Print was a screamo/punk/hardcore anarchist band from France in the early 90's I think. and an obvious influence. but If you saw COF in the past month or so you probably caught one of their last shows. They claimed to have played their last show last night. Wish them luck with their other band endeavors.
Monday, 20 September 2010
The Reserve
I wanted to do a review on a band that makes me feel like I may be their only fan. The Reserve probably has a fan base that consists of mothers, sisters, best friends, and an occasional girlfriend.
This band consists of (or consisted of, drummer may have left) three teenage boys. This now duo of a group are named Christian and Forrest and I am guessing are now open for a drummer. This is an instrumental band with ambient, 80's rock/metal influences but also a latin vibe. Being from San Antonio there is an obvious Mexican culture base that is being reflected through the Reserve's musical endeavors.
I eat this stuff up, if I can hear a band like Mahavishnu Orchestra sing in Spanish I'm going to love it. Oh hello The Mars Volta! OR when Beirut recorded that album under "RealPeople" that was influenced by his stay in Mexico. Bexar Bexar and his spanish guitar, this stuff makes me melt. So when I saw a song called Guitarras De Mi Alma I was sold. Hello what's this? I like it.
Downloaded their 3 track demo with their decently lengthy songs, the shortest song being 8 1/2 minutes. :))) This demo sounds like three young boys are jamming out while recording while the music sounds very improv it can also be impressive. I have listened to the recordings a few times and jut it on repeat and relax. Unfortunately Guitarras is not on their demo but it is on their myspace so I suggest heading over there to give it a listen. These kids aren't really on the scene, maybe they're just starting out or maybe they don't want to be playing shows. They got to go school in the morning, homework might be piling up. Anyway I really like these kids they may not have the most original sound but it's something different for our scene.
They opened up for Deer Vibes about a month ago and it was a show I unfortunately missed, it sounded promising. So I can in no way judge their live performances only their recorded sounds. I enjoy this band and hope for their prosperity.
Download Demo Here.
This band consists of (or consisted of, drummer may have left) three teenage boys. This now duo of a group are named Christian and Forrest and I am guessing are now open for a drummer. This is an instrumental band with ambient, 80's rock/metal influences but also a latin vibe. Being from San Antonio there is an obvious Mexican culture base that is being reflected through the Reserve's musical endeavors.
I eat this stuff up, if I can hear a band like Mahavishnu Orchestra sing in Spanish I'm going to love it. Oh hello The Mars Volta! OR when Beirut recorded that album under "RealPeople" that was influenced by his stay in Mexico. Bexar Bexar and his spanish guitar, this stuff makes me melt. So when I saw a song called Guitarras De Mi Alma I was sold. Hello what's this? I like it.
Downloaded their 3 track demo with their decently lengthy songs, the shortest song being 8 1/2 minutes. :))) This demo sounds like three young boys are jamming out while recording while the music sounds very improv it can also be impressive. I have listened to the recordings a few times and jut it on repeat and relax. Unfortunately Guitarras is not on their demo but it is on their myspace so I suggest heading over there to give it a listen. These kids aren't really on the scene, maybe they're just starting out or maybe they don't want to be playing shows. They got to go school in the morning, homework might be piling up. Anyway I really like these kids they may not have the most original sound but it's something different for our scene.
They opened up for Deer Vibes about a month ago and it was a show I unfortunately missed, it sounded promising. So I can in no way judge their live performances only their recorded sounds. I enjoy this band and hope for their prosperity.
Download Demo Here.
Friday, 17 September 2010
This Is Me Rant/ Review
Hanging out with the people I do makes me question some things.
Is Xry the male equivalent to Wunderland?
Am I in any way qualified to write a blog?
Do I really know anything about music? or is this just the ramblings of a fan?
Do I have enough background in music? When I mentioned I liked AOD but their songs were a bit long, my friend said 'yeah must have been listening to the last Mahavishnu Orchestra albums too much'. but I was like, I don't know who that is. looked them up and was like...oh yeah.
I wonder if the only reason the three people that read my blog only read it because I'm semi-cute. maybe silly boys think my smile has charm.
Then I kind of want to be like Brooklyn Vegan and talk about Japanther and Andrew Jackson Jihad. They're not local but they played with local bands. i think.
Seeing both of them made me happy a bunch of nice guys that can appreciate hip hop and make great music.
Oh and Japanther's obvious Rasta influence with quotes from Haile Selassie I famous speech to the UN about Africa, their telephone microphones, what a bunch of cuties (that's a professional term). Alex is living the dream being a vegetarian, Jewish, Rastafarian touring with a band. a cool band.
When I heard the quotes from Selassie's speech I was drawn in, I felt more people were drawn to the music after that song. It was like, wait I know this. Then when I spoke with the members of the band later, and Alex told me he had Rasta influences I was at first like cool me too. Forgetting about that song, until this morning when I was like OH OBVIOUSLY!!!
but $15 shirts? Who has $15 dollars for a shirt, I don't even have $15 for groceries!
Anyway I wonder a lot thanks to my friends, they name drop local bands I haven't heard or heard of. or dislike bands that I think are pretty good.
Do I only say certain bands are good because I'm friends with some of them?
Is Xry the male equivalent to Wunderland?
Am I in any way qualified to write a blog?
Do I really know anything about music? or is this just the ramblings of a fan?
Do I have enough background in music? When I mentioned I liked AOD but their songs were a bit long, my friend said 'yeah must have been listening to the last Mahavishnu Orchestra albums too much'. but I was like, I don't know who that is. looked them up and was like...oh yeah.
I wonder if the only reason the three people that read my blog only read it because I'm semi-cute. maybe silly boys think my smile has charm.
Then I kind of want to be like Brooklyn Vegan and talk about Japanther and Andrew Jackson Jihad. They're not local but they played with local bands. i think.
Seeing both of them made me happy a bunch of nice guys that can appreciate hip hop and make great music.
Oh and Japanther's obvious Rasta influence with quotes from Haile Selassie I famous speech to the UN about Africa, their telephone microphones, what a bunch of cuties (that's a professional term). Alex is living the dream being a vegetarian, Jewish, Rastafarian touring with a band. a cool band.
When I heard the quotes from Selassie's speech I was drawn in, I felt more people were drawn to the music after that song. It was like, wait I know this. Then when I spoke with the members of the band later, and Alex told me he had Rasta influences I was at first like cool me too. Forgetting about that song, until this morning when I was like OH OBVIOUSLY!!!
but $15 shirts? Who has $15 dollars for a shirt, I don't even have $15 for groceries!
Anyway I wonder a lot thanks to my friends, they name drop local bands I haven't heard or heard of. or dislike bands that I think are pretty good.
Do I only say certain bands are good because I'm friends with some of them?
Monday, 13 September 2010
The Cove
Playing at The Cove usually means playing for tips. The Cove usually has people that want exposure for really small time or starting out/unofficial bands. I think of their open mic night where anyone with a guitar can sign up and sing a couple songs if they'd like. But when I went to the Cove this passed Thursday the situation was a bit different. Although I had never heard of this band, and they had a tip jar, I assume this band was a big deal. Hailing from Sydney Australia this country band was talking about their next single entitled, Texas.
Now, I know they're not a local band but the Cove is legit local and a great hangout. I went there for Vegan Thursdays, where this local, sustainable, organic friendly restaurant/laundry mat/car wash has a vegan "special" on the first Thursday of every month. This special is in addition to their already vegan friendly menu. The Cove frequently has live music from open mic night (as I a fore mentioned) to touring bands (such as this one). Every time I've been there someone has been playing. The Cove is a real casual dining experience, very picnic with your friends and family feel to it. They are famous for their fish tacos and SOL food and their eco friendly environment. SOL food I mentioned earlier as Sustainable, Organic, Local. Plus they have a full bar with wine tasting and beer tasting days.
In their single Texas, Chucks Wagon (the name of the band), mention The Cove, San Antonio, Texas Country singers and the Texas Country genre. I am familiar with TX country so it is refreshing to go back to a different genre and sound. Thanks Chucks Wagon. Oh and just in case, CW will be back in San Antonio soon, so check back at their tour dates if interested.
the cove
606 W. Cypress
San Antonio, TX 78212
Usually open late, until 11 on most nights.
Except Monday where they close at 3.
Now, I know they're not a local band but the Cove is legit local and a great hangout. I went there for Vegan Thursdays, where this local, sustainable, organic friendly restaurant/laundry mat/car wash has a vegan "special" on the first Thursday of every month. This special is in addition to their already vegan friendly menu. The Cove frequently has live music from open mic night (as I a fore mentioned) to touring bands (such as this one). Every time I've been there someone has been playing. The Cove is a real casual dining experience, very picnic with your friends and family feel to it. They are famous for their fish tacos and SOL food and their eco friendly environment. SOL food I mentioned earlier as Sustainable, Organic, Local. Plus they have a full bar with wine tasting and beer tasting days.
In their single Texas, Chucks Wagon (the name of the band), mention The Cove, San Antonio, Texas Country singers and the Texas Country genre. I am familiar with TX country so it is refreshing to go back to a different genre and sound. Thanks Chucks Wagon. Oh and just in case, CW will be back in San Antonio soon, so check back at their tour dates if interested.
the cove
606 W. Cypress
San Antonio, TX 78212
Usually open late, until 11 on most nights.
Except Monday where they close at 3.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Xry Tour Kickoff
As you may tell, I tried to do this video a few times.
So I might've said the same thing over and over in most of them, note the joke about my heels.
but I they are all different.
All 7 are pretty cool.
I want to say of all the (maybe creepy) things I found on the internet. from a basic google search. I did not know, that Michael Swellander wrote for backbeat magazine. and I should've because he writes a lot and I've seen him at shows before. and my friend told me he did, but I didn't realize it was the same person. Anyway. because he writes for Backbeat, I really really really considered not posting this entry. He probably has a red marker and is marking all over his computer screen right now. (who loves comma splices? I DO!)
So just click read more.
So I might've said the same thing over and over in most of them, note the joke about my heels.
but I they are all different.
All 7 are pretty cool.
I want to say of all the (maybe creepy) things I found on the internet. from a basic google search. I did not know, that Michael Swellander wrote for backbeat magazine. and I should've because he writes a lot and I've seen him at shows before. and my friend told me he did, but I didn't realize it was the same person. Anyway. because he writes for Backbeat, I really really really considered not posting this entry. He probably has a red marker and is marking all over his computer screen right now. (who loves comma splices? I DO!)
So just click read more.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Pedicab/Eets Feats
The other day I went to Pedicab Monday. Every Monday Pedicab bar has ladies night before 11pm. This ladies night includes vodka shots and dollar off selected beers meaning, for those interested, ladies receive a free shot as they walk in, every Monday except this past one of course.
Pedicab is a really casual cyclists bar, family friendly in the heart of southtown, right next to blue star district. Also, on Monday they have 10 cent wings. I don't care about this being vegan and all but others are like "OMG 10 cent wings!!!!111one".
Anyway I'm going to Pedicab Mondays with a friend and I noticed the hip-hop dj is outside...strange they usually keep him in the sauna (aka inside). Oh this is another reason I go on Mondays it is hip hop night. I really enjoy the resident DJ there and the atmosphere of the bar. We go inside and the shots bucket/container is not there…darn. Bought an overpriced beer for me and my mate then noticed a band was setting up on the stage inside. Oh how cool we’ve casually showed up to a show. So, this was a punk show with a lot of big name local bands including Sticky Bandits and Nightmare something, I don't remember. We only stayed for one band though and it wasn’t either of them. It was a group from Austin/San Antonio (according to their myspace) called Eets Feats. I went to lengths to find out their name.
Obviously this is a punk band that I have never heard of before. I am not in the punk scene and I usually only see bands that I know personally, so it makes sense that I am unfamiliar with this band. I prefer to do reviews on bands that I don’t frequently see that’s why I have haven’t done a review for Hydra Melody, Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Daytes, Sohns, Deer Vibes, Tryptic, I don’t know who else. But I see those bands all the time.
So this punk band, which isn’t part of “my scene”, consists of three high school looking boys. They sound like a typical band of this genre. A loud sound, screamy vocal, and a solid beat. I felt that I could get lost in the beat, and I did, for the alternative was to listen to my friend complain. She didn’t like the Pedicab’s relaxed atmosphere; she prefers the bustle of The Flying Saucer. Anyway it reminded me of my hardcore days and getting lost in the energy. The moment they started everyone stood up to watch them play; people there were very loving, friendly, really enjoyed the band. In contrast to the shows I frequent that are very pretentious and people are trying to like or dislike the band more than the next person. It’s a different feel and a refreshing take on a show. Although I, in most cases, do not like punk music I would go see this band again. For the crowd and the band.
Pedicab Bar & Grill
415 E. CEVALLOS
San Antonio, TX
Pedicab is a really casual cyclists bar, family friendly in the heart of southtown, right next to blue star district. Also, on Monday they have 10 cent wings. I don't care about this being vegan and all but others are like "OMG 10 cent wings!!!!111one".
Anyway I'm going to Pedicab Mondays with a friend and I noticed the hip-hop dj is outside...strange they usually keep him in the sauna (aka inside). Oh this is another reason I go on Mondays it is hip hop night. I really enjoy the resident DJ there and the atmosphere of the bar. We go inside and the shots bucket/container is not there…darn. Bought an overpriced beer for me and my mate then noticed a band was setting up on the stage inside. Oh how cool we’ve casually showed up to a show. So, this was a punk show with a lot of big name local bands including Sticky Bandits and Nightmare something, I don't remember. We only stayed for one band though and it wasn’t either of them. It was a group from Austin/San Antonio (according to their myspace) called Eets Feats. I went to lengths to find out their name.
Obviously this is a punk band that I have never heard of before. I am not in the punk scene and I usually only see bands that I know personally, so it makes sense that I am unfamiliar with this band. I prefer to do reviews on bands that I don’t frequently see that’s why I have haven’t done a review for Hydra Melody, Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Daytes, Sohns, Deer Vibes, Tryptic, I don’t know who else. But I see those bands all the time.
So this punk band, which isn’t part of “my scene”, consists of three high school looking boys. They sound like a typical band of this genre. A loud sound, screamy vocal, and a solid beat. I felt that I could get lost in the beat, and I did, for the alternative was to listen to my friend complain. She didn’t like the Pedicab’s relaxed atmosphere; she prefers the bustle of The Flying Saucer. Anyway it reminded me of my hardcore days and getting lost in the energy. The moment they started everyone stood up to watch them play; people there were very loving, friendly, really enjoyed the band. In contrast to the shows I frequent that are very pretentious and people are trying to like or dislike the band more than the next person. It’s a different feel and a refreshing take on a show. Although I, in most cases, do not like punk music I would go see this band again. For the crowd and the band.
Pedicab Bar & Grill
415 E. CEVALLOS
San Antonio, TX
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Jungle Noize
BandEra productions is a fairly new production company here in San Antonio. I always want to promote small business and anyone I know who works hard to be known and established locally. That's why I feel partially drawn to talking about Andrew Maley (Junglenoize), James Wells(HOaX productions) and Robert Salinas (Blackbird Sing), it also helps that i know their girlfriends/wives who tell me about all the sacrifices they make to be part of the SA scene.
So, as I mentioned BandEra Productions is the product of Andrew Maley, the bassist of Jungle Noize. Maley dips his hands into many projects and activities, while going to school full time and working he has three bands and this production company where he sets up shows for his bands and friends. In particular I want to mention this passed show on August 27th in Helotes.
The lineup was Sohns, Fareview, Jungle Noize then Hydra Melody along with live painting on two very large canvases. Each canvas had it's own artist, so both painters were painting their own side to make a full picture. The painting ended up being two gods, a sun god and a moon god fighting over the sacrifice of a man, a man who's proportions were 10 times that of the people carrying him. This painting will be the feature of an upcoming art show that will have both artist's works. The show was very entertaining, well put together, in a comfortably sized venue, not too big but big enough to house more people than were there.
Jungle Noize is a jam band but with a direction. Honestly, here is what I remember of their set, there was a lot going on. There was a light show, a video camera, man taking pictures, tall drunk guys standing in front, and a shirt that can be scribbled on with a lazer (I can explain more about that last bit later). Oh yes and I remember these amazing lyrics, "this is not the one, oh no" and "this is the one, oh yea" haha I'm not criticizing the band they obviously do not focus on lyrics at all. Vocals are not really a big element in Jungle Noize as opposed to the musical variations they try to produce through chords instead of words. Lyrics are actually absent in most of their songs anyway because they jam? Typically the words Jungle and Noise produce a thought of a different sound than the band produces. Think Tarzan running around in the rain forest, this scene would have "jungle noises" bongos, fast beats representing a heart beat, maracas representing leaves rustling and none of this is present in our Jungle Noize. Our Jungle Noize is more like Metallica on acid, they think "oh yea we're a metal band" somewhere in the middle of their songs then change their band to a funk fusion sound. This is a truly fusion band with their surfer singer, hippy bassist and I can't quite classify brothers, guitarist and drummer this band has an element for everyone.
Oh about the lazer shirt, it's weird. they painted a shirt and this guy has a lazer that will scribble on the shirt. so people would get the lazer and scribble whatever on the singers shirt, but then it just fades away. I don't really get the point of it but it was a cool effect for the show.
So if there is an event hosted by BandEra productions, a flyer made by HOaX or a song by Blackbird Sing I recommend it be checked out. Local San Antonio represents building up San Antonio's music scene and local scene through independent business. Word of mouth is the best exposure, support local sa.
So, as I mentioned BandEra Productions is the product of Andrew Maley, the bassist of Jungle Noize. Maley dips his hands into many projects and activities, while going to school full time and working he has three bands and this production company where he sets up shows for his bands and friends. In particular I want to mention this passed show on August 27th in Helotes.
The lineup was Sohns, Fareview, Jungle Noize then Hydra Melody along with live painting on two very large canvases. Each canvas had it's own artist, so both painters were painting their own side to make a full picture. The painting ended up being two gods, a sun god and a moon god fighting over the sacrifice of a man, a man who's proportions were 10 times that of the people carrying him. This painting will be the feature of an upcoming art show that will have both artist's works. The show was very entertaining, well put together, in a comfortably sized venue, not too big but big enough to house more people than were there.
Jungle Noize is a jam band but with a direction. Honestly, here is what I remember of their set, there was a lot going on. There was a light show, a video camera, man taking pictures, tall drunk guys standing in front, and a shirt that can be scribbled on with a lazer (I can explain more about that last bit later). Oh yes and I remember these amazing lyrics, "this is not the one, oh no" and "this is the one, oh yea" haha I'm not criticizing the band they obviously do not focus on lyrics at all. Vocals are not really a big element in Jungle Noize as opposed to the musical variations they try to produce through chords instead of words. Lyrics are actually absent in most of their songs anyway because they jam? Typically the words Jungle and Noise produce a thought of a different sound than the band produces. Think Tarzan running around in the rain forest, this scene would have "jungle noises" bongos, fast beats representing a heart beat, maracas representing leaves rustling and none of this is present in our Jungle Noize. Our Jungle Noize is more like Metallica on acid, they think "oh yea we're a metal band" somewhere in the middle of their songs then change their band to a funk fusion sound. This is a truly fusion band with their surfer singer, hippy bassist and I can't quite classify brothers, guitarist and drummer this band has an element for everyone.
Oh about the lazer shirt, it's weird. they painted a shirt and this guy has a lazer that will scribble on the shirt. so people would get the lazer and scribble whatever on the singers shirt, but then it just fades away. I don't really get the point of it but it was a cool effect for the show.
So if there is an event hosted by BandEra productions, a flyer made by HOaX or a song by Blackbird Sing I recommend it be checked out. Local San Antonio represents building up San Antonio's music scene and local scene through independent business. Word of mouth is the best exposure, support local sa.
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