Photos from 2005. Was just about to drop in a big ol 455 in there. Didn’t really know what I was doing. Probably should have been making music with friends instead.

So I’m ramping up to get my new album finished and out into the world. The thing is I’m not sure exactly how I should do it. I really like the idea of a CD and album artwork and something that you tangible that you can hold onto, and the full-length album experience. Maybe I’m just nostalgic. Ever since the first time I heard OK Computer, I had to listen all the way through. And remembering back to high school driving around in my Ford Econoline listening to Helmet Meantime album on infinite repeat. I love the idea of the album, but I’m not sure anyone else does anymore.

Should I even release a CD at all? Does anyone buy CDs anymore? Or are you happy buying tracks as digital downloads from artist websites, iTunes, eMusic, etc? Should music just be free? Or would you feel bad taking music without paying for it? Should I offer the album on a USB thumb drive? Or put together a book of art, photos and illustration that goes along with the music?

I read a good blog post by Scott Andrew, who had some similar questions last year when he was getting his new album together. It does kinda suck to have so many songs just sitting there, waiting for me to get the whole album done. I could just release them one by one on my site– as I spend random evenings working on new music. So, should I dump the whole album idea? Or really find a new and interesting way to make it work?

Had a great time playing with the SongFight.org regulars down at the Spot Cafe and Lounge this past Friday. Got to see a bunch of fighters that I haven’t seen in a while as well as meet a few new shiny happy faces. Got to hear a bunch of classics and some new songs by The Seamus Collective, Merisan, Ross Durand, Minty Handy, Ken’s Super Duper Band ‘n Stuff, and Evil E. I played a few newer unreleased songs, ‘Computer’, ‘This is Old’ and an yet-to-be-titled song, which I currently call ‘Edison hates this song’ because my dog Edison howls like crazy when I play it. Below are some photos courtesy of Ross Durand. I’m trying to get back into the swing of things and play more shows and get this album finished, and SongFight always seems to help me get going again.

The website that really helped me actually finish songs is having a show in Culver City, CA tonight. Come on out. Here are the details:

:::: Friday March 28, 2008 – 7:00pm
:::: SONG FIGHT! Show!
:::: Spot Cafe and Lounge
:::: 4455 Overland Ave.
:::: Culver City, CA 90230

And the lineup:

The Seamus Collective
Merisan
Ross Durand
State Shirt
Minty Handy
Ken’s Super Duper Band ‘n Stuff
Evil E

I can’t believe that Don’t Die came out nearly 4 years ago. I have been working on new songs and writing and recording but sometimes the shit in my life piles up and I can’t quite get everything finished. But I’m finally there, 10 songs recorded and almost ready to go. Still putting the final touches on some vocals, and then it’s off to meet with producer Chris Fudurich (Nada Surf, Jimmy Eat World) to provide his expertise with mixing and production. I like the sound I get in my little 8′x8′ bedroom studio but it’s nice to have someone that I trust stick their ears to it.

I’ll be playing some of the new songs at Crane’s Tavern in Hollywood, CA on Sunday March 16. I think I’ve finally worked the glitches out of my gear setup. Two digital Echoplexes and a bunch of pedals. No more acoustic guitar, I’ll be kicking it with my $150 Fender Toronado. Come on out and see some live loop versions of the songs and have a $3 Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Look out for a new State Shirt album coming in early 2008.  I have about 15 tracks in the works, most of which were recorded here in my Los Angeles bedroom studio… although I did do a few overdubs with friends out in Massachusetts. I hope to have a few more guest stars as well, some of them will be announced here. Lastly, if I can make it happen I will have an amazing producer make it all sound shiny. And hopefully if I can get my shit together, there just might be a limited-edition EP coming in late ’07 as well. Stay tuned!

I thought it would be cool if Alaska senator Ted Stevens and indie-rocker Sufjan Stevens joined forces to form an action hero team. Since I wasn’t able to actually make this happen, I decided to waste some time and do a few sketches of them both. Luckily my brother turned this into something much cooler.

::: Witness Ted and Sufjan take on Hillary Clintron!