Audiotree Live

Good news, and bad news.
We'll start with the bad. The Kickback had grand plans for a little East coast tour in September, but those plans were broken down (literally) when the beloved, yet beleaguered band van, The Killdozer, sputtered its final miles and died. With no usable method of transportation for the band or our gear, we sadly had to put our tour on indefinite hold. I am so sorry, dear Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and D.C. friends & family. I was sincerely looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible, but it will have to wait.

Do not despair! There is a device which can bring us together, no matter the distance (you use it everyday, you're using it now to read this blog...), it's called THE INTERNET.

Thanks to the Chicago-based organization, Audiotree Music, you have a chance to listen to The Kickback LIVE, in the comfort of your own home (or wherever you want)! You can listen to a live stream of our performance at Audiotree Live's studios located in the Chicago Loop.

http://www.audiotreemusic.com/music/sessions/atl_thekickback/index.php

Please give it a listen. Audiotree really knows their stuff, all the previous sessions they've done are professionally recorded, mixed and produced, and there's even HD video, which should be up a few days after our session. It's a great vehicle for bringing fresh bands/musicians to your ears.

Vend Send Mend & The Kickback

Capsule Toys, 9 x 12", Colored pencil, graphite, acrylic, tape on bristol.

Above is my contribution for the Vend, Send, Mend show, with all proceeds going to Japan relief. A ton of talented artists, both established and upcoming, also created pieces. You can see some examples of the work at the VSM Tumblr blog. I wish I could be in Baltimore when the show opens!

In music news, the awesomely friendly crew at Love Drunk Studio shot a new live video of The Kickback last weekend in Lincoln, NE. It looks and sounds amazing - a true feast for the senses. Please view and enjoy! Share it! Pass it around!

Oh Lord, Wherever You Are

I've been focusing on music these past months (listening, writing, recording), hopping from one project to next until I found one that stuck. I really couldn't let this go to waste any longer, it was made to be played!

The project that stuck has developed into a formidable power trio, playing a mix of pop, rock, and blues. We still do not have a name, so if anyone feels like throwing one out there for consideration, we would appreciate it.

We just finished recording a demo at Mystery Street, and will be able to show you once the songs have been mixed and mastered by this guy.

Below is a neat little video which will give you an introduction to the band:

I didn't completely drop art though, I've been sketching all the while. Soon enough I'll be able to show you an illo that I'm working on for the Urbanite mag in Baltimore, and some charcoal drawings after that. Consider this blog resurrected.

EDIT: I uploaded the Israel sketches to the sketch section of my website, now you can see them in greater detail.

New Song

Fresh out of the sound oven!

'Love SOS'
Recorded & mixed at 5801 Studios
Produced by Will Donnelly
Drums & Guitar: Will
Bass & Vox: Me

Care to Listen instead of Look?

Art isn't the only thing that takes up my time (although if it was I'd probably be much better), I also write & record songs when the mood strikes.
For the first time on this blog, I would like to share an original score. It's been a long time since initial creation to finished, professional sounding end product, but I hope you can enjoy the change.
'I Beg Your Pardon'
Recorded at 5801 Studios and mixed at Avalon Studios
Produced by Will Donnelly
Drums & Guitar: Will, Bass & Vox: Me

Turn it up!