Archive for July, 2010

The weirdest thing about me being on the road believe it or not, is that I am actually becoming more tame and normal. You’d think that living on the road, touring, being in a different town every day would make you crazier, or wilder or at least more out going. But no, somehow I am always the exception to a rule.

I feel SO boring.

I like to talk about cooking,the music industry, and bitching about legal problems I shouldn’t be bitching about.

I suppose after being beaten up over and over and over and over by bad luck these last 3 months didn’t help my personality.

Im becoming more dull.

Id rather not say anything than write about how many obstacles we’re hopping over.And, I feel like talking about venues,and food, and accommodations is a waste of time because I honestly don’t want to talk about it, and you honestly don’t really care to read about it.

But if I write exactly whats on my mind, then that probably wouldn’t make too good of a reading material because team Geri X (aka: label, publicist, manager, etc) would come in for the rescue and pep talk me into writing about more positive things and keeping an uplifting journal topic.

I feel myself turning boring, which is making me want to act up. Like a child, which I still actually and literally am. I’ve got my youth, but Im not using it to my fullest advantage.

Im too nice,too respectful, too accommodating, too caring and way too responsible-early 20’s going on early 50’s over here, I tell you.
I’ve got awesome communication skills but I almost hate it.
I wish I could be an asshole sometimes,and do stupid things, and have boundless fun,and not think about the absolute outcome of every action, but Im too responsible.

I sure look like I would be wild.

Don’t ever judge a book by its cover.
Im a good example.

Dear Life,
Im living you to the fullest extent that my responsible little brain is letting me.Please help me be more open to fucking shit up and having a good time. Im not an old lady yet, so I shouldn’t be acting like one.

thanks

ticked off
Geri X

Life in my shoes is never dull. 

Woke up this mornin achy and coughing, although it was a great experience, I don’t think sleeping in smoking bars is a good way to get adequate rest. Greg and I walked down to the small coffee shop we frequented these past couple of days called Cafe Di Luna- amazing coffee and the most spirited, sweet Batista/owner. Then we packed, said our goodbyes, pulled off my second ticket in two days off the windshield and headed for Philly. 

I really didn’t feel like being in the car today. I’m glad I have my jeep to fall back on for touring, but it is in no way a tour vehicle. It’s packed to the top with gear and there’s no leg room. We got to Philly around 3:30, way too early for load in or anything really. The venue we played was a half hour away from downtown, and because of traffic and laziness, we didn’t want to make the drive. So we went down to the movie theatre and haggled the guy at the ticket booth to give us student price tickets to see the Karate Kid. Laugh all you want, it was pretty good. 

After that we went back to the bar, loaded in and played a kick ass set. It felt really good to play for people who were genuinely there to hear music and support it. It was a blast. 

Around 2 hours ago (1:30am) we decided to drive 13 miles from Philly to New Jersey because all the hotels in Philly were $54.99 and over. We found a coupon online for a hotel and drove to it. Our GPS (that has the voice of Yoda) kept getting me lost (thanks Yoda,Fu) and finally when we made it to the hotel, they wouldn’t honor our coupon. Then for the next 45 min we drove around in circles from place to place trying to find a hotel that was less than $50.00.  

Finally we did, the Bel Air Inn. However, the price of a room is $35.00 , but if you want non-smoking it’s an extra $20.00. So, screw everything, we needed a good nights sleep, a decent shower and to feel like normal people for a night. I hate hotels. I think that if you check in after 1am there should be a reduced price, seeing as though you’re expected to be outta there by 11am. Ugh

I’m all showered up and in sleeping attire watching the history channel with Greg while he eats some soup he just heated up. We have a 6 hour drive ahead of us tomorrow back to Virginia. 

This may all sound kinda boring, but believe me, it’s pretty crazy and unpredictable out here.

It’s Bedtime now. 

G

So I am sitting here at Stage on Herr, in the green room where we made a bedroom, enjoying the vibes in Harrisburg PA. 
John (the owner of this crazy amazing place) has been so kind, so welcoming, and so accommodating to us. He’s fed us, given us tours of the town and shared some great stories about his life here in Harrisburg.  Tonight is our last night here and I’ll look forward to coming back to Stage on Herr. 

On the first night of tour I got the “first night of tour cold/sickness” , that seems to be a trend with me. Thanks motel in the ghetto of Knoxville for doin the honors on this one. I am finally getting over the flemmy part of the cold. 

After knoxville we went to morristown TN where we played The Downtown. Coolest little bar/venue ever. You know how you usually find these bar wanna be venues, where “everything is about the music” in a cheesy way to the point where no one wants to go there? Well this place finally got that “everything about the music” thing right. Awesome sound, awesome lights, awesome room, great drinks/drink specials and above all, great owners and operators. I would have never thought that place existed in TN. Alan, thanks got a great night and thanks for the hospitality. 

Then we drove to VA. We had to cancel our show in Roanoke because I was so sick no actual sound was coming out of my mouth. I hate canceling. The next day we drove Staunton, where we drove around for hours in circles calling the venue and the owner of the venue only to find out that it has closed down months ago(WTF?!?people seriously?why wouldn’t you send out a mass email saying- hey, we no longer exist, don’t spend the last of your gas money for nothing). Anyway, the Darjeeling cafe does not exist. That was pointless and I was pretty mad. 

Yesterday we drove here, to Harrisburg and had an absolutely FANTASTIC time. It sounds sappy, but guys, when away from home, you’re lucky to get hospitality. This was hospitality at it’s finest.

I’m the morning we are off to Philly -another place I’ve never been. 
I’ve been taking tons of videos and photos on the camera that was donated to us (thankyou!), but I apparently didn’t get the right USB cable so I can’t upload it to my crappy computer. Looks like ima gonna have to have you guys wait again on seeing those. 

Love you all. Don’t forget about us, well be home soon. 

Geri

Its a typical rainy FL afternoon.

Greg and I are getting ready to head out to Orlando. Tonight we play for friends,among friends. Ed, who is a very special fan of ours, is not only that but a great friend. He’s invited us into his home, in his back yard, to partake in a pool party and later play some tunes for him and his company. It will be nice to have a low key gig. Those are great for exploring old songs and experimenting with new ones. Thats where inspiration is usually born for me. Chances are if you’re not paying attention, Im creating a new song. If you are paying attention, Im being good haha :]

Anyway,
the show at Fly Bar was great last night. Again, experimentation at its greatest. We played without our bass player ( miss you Stevem) so we had two guitars and drums, but it was fun and jazzy. Good company and good atmosphere. I love feeling free at shows. Its unfortunately in my nature to do the exact opposite of what is expected of me. I think my attitude has always been a struggle between rebellion and conformity.
We still did good and had a blast.

On our way out the door now, gotta get to O town.
You guys have a good saturday, go see a show, enjoy the art and passion that goes into a songwriter creating something for the pleasure of your ears-we all do it for you, and can’t do it without you.

Adios,

Geri X

Tonight is a good night. 

I have developed a real positive feeling over the last couple of days. I see my obstacles, I acknowledge them, and I welcome them. I am aware of my path I’m really ready to walk it. 

In the real world, and in dreams, our lives are the same: there is hope, there is conflict and there is resolution. No matter how tragic or spectacular, in the end, the outcome is always the best situation for the greater good. It all makes sense. I think that whatever my heartships, whatever my trouble and struggles may be, in the end, the outcome will be what needed to happen. 

I am sitting tonight in good company, in good atmosphere, missing the road, missing my band and missing the fans, but this is a much needed break and deliberation period. I think I’m ready finally to take the load on without buckling under the stress and pressure. 

I’m back to writing songs and being able to write without expectations, but just for the pure purpose for therapy and getting things off my chest and onto the paper, like heart web strings, making a home. I’m back!

I’m trying my hardest to put aside the paranoia and scare tactics that have been nailed into my head about the music business and taking chances. You know what I say? I am the exception. I don’t are (respectfully) what the veterans and masterminds of the music industry think about the music industry. I am a songwriter and a musician and I like millions out there believe in what I’m doing and will continue on with what I’m doing at all cost, because it’s my duty to, because it’s the only thing I know how to do, and because there are millions of people who need me.

So,I love you fans, I love you music, I love you music industry experts, I love you famous music icons and I love you haters. I am one girl against the world and I am all packed up and ready to come and change your mind.

X