Idaho Music - Message Board

who do you trust

RE: prehistoric | from herrelApr 29 2003 - 17:04

i also have a shit day job which i hate with every fibre of my being which i have to do to pay bills and i resent evry second i spend on it that i ould be spending on my own creative output

reading some of the earlier entrys about carrying on making your art in spite of ever achieveing any success reminded me of a wayne coyne interview i read recently in which he credits the flaming lips success to the fact that while most bands disintegrate after a few years due to the embarressment of despite their hard work, they never achieve anything,

but the flaming lips still carried on going and didnt worry about that............

i found that inspiring, certainaly inspiring enough to share with you all

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 28 2003 - 19:17

"Get Out" is a very good song. Interesting guitar interplay and harmonies and stuff.

RE: prehistoric | from michelApr 15 2003 - 08:56

hey Alex, send me an e-mail if you want the cd, i noticed online they're unaffordable, we'll work smt out. everyone btw listen to 'get out' by JR's band The Grand Opening. Fine song!

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 15 2003 - 04:59

hello guys, thanks for the kind comments. here's an adress to another song: http://www.sundsvall.nu/images/entitet/avsnitt/the_grand_opening-get_out.mp3 not recorded during the same period so the sound quality is not the same but i think the song is better.

sorry for the shitty website adress but if you wanna check us out it's: http://www14.brinkster.com/thegrandopening/story.asp www.thegrandopening.tk will also work. and within a month we'll have a new .com adress.

enough of the promotion i guess.

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 14 2003 - 21:16

Very good, JR. I would also like to hear more.

RE: prehistoric | from brianApr 14 2003 - 20:41

JR, i like the song. the progression of the guitar is similar to a song i wrote. it would be nice to hear more.

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 14 2003 - 04:08

oh well. this is a link to one of the songs: http://www.sundsvall.nu/images/entitet/avsnitt/the_grand_opening-empty_paper_cups.mp3

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 14 2003 - 01:34

that's would'nt give us alot of info on jeff's life. but it wasn't ment to either.

i would love to download some of the music you guys mentioned. but i am on vacation and can't listen right now. no downloading possibility.

i would really love to give you guys a link to my songs as well if anyone would be interested. but the recordingsound of the songs is not good enough. we will record in a real studio at the end of this month, then i can show you. the old recordings were just made on my portable studio.

RE: prehistoric | from JBApr 13 2003 - 01:22

Jeff's day to day life is CLASSIFIED. I can't tell you, and you wouldn't believe me anyway if I did. Right now I'm working on getting us paid from different sources and working out the logistics of my move to NY. Otherwise, I probably do the same shit every day that everyone else does. Except I have my own schedule and my own hours.I go to the store, the bank, the gas station, maybe a used book store, Amoeba records, Starbucks, my dad's house - it depends on the day. I'm really much more intersted in hearing about everyone else's life. Please, carry on...As you were...

RE: prehistoric | from suck itApr 12 2003 - 19:52

This is an open forum. People can talk about what they would like to, unless youre a moderator...?

Ask Jeff or Dale, maybe theyll give you that title.

Until then, suck it.

RE: prehistoric | from meApr 12 2003 - 19:39

ok this is all lovely info, but really we wanted to know "specifically" what the lives of Jeff and John are like day in and day out.....seriously -without the bullshit answers!!!

RE: prehistoric | from canuckApr 12 2003 - 16:14

wow.

don't give up; don't stop creating.

Michel, the mp3's are beautiful; your music deserves to be heard by many more people.

Mr. Banks, after 12+ years of striving to create original art I'm sure you've birthed some beautiful material as well.

do what you have to do to survive but don't stop creating (for us or for you).

RE: prehistoric | from Alex yet againApr 12 2003 - 11:03

Michel, I just looked you up on Google. I found http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Gardin. Now I think I like the song "Alone" (everyone check it out) more than the two songs on your site. Are your CDs available online?

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 12 2003 - 10:54

Ah hah! It worked this time. I really like the songs. I think I may like "Air" more than "Going Down" (which is also good). I can see an I D A H O influence in both of them, especially the latter. Everyone who reads this should listen to these songs. Michel, you should return to music.

RE: prehistoric | from michelApr 12 2003 - 10:11

it's fixed, it was a resolution thingy

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 12 2003 - 08:43

I'm not seeing the word "music" anywhere. I clicked everything I could click and found nothing that looked like an MP3.

RE: prehistoric | from michelApr 12 2003 - 05:36

Somewhat inspired by Mr Banks' account, certainly the disappointment part of it all, i'd like to add some more the previous marking i left on this thread: The long vision widening break from it all as you suggest, Mr Banks could make you reconsider thoughts you have now i'm sure. Tables turn when you least expect it:)
As for me, my life up until a year ago was a ten years long disillusion, putting aside all what's sensible to remain 'free' as in being able to live up to art, or my artistic motive to live, resulting in: no roof over my head mostly, shit relationships, depression while running from commitments of all sorts, jobhopping every half year and disappointed parents, and guess what: my friends envied me, the free bird who can go everywhere and does it too! What a life he leads! But you and I know it is the biggest shit sometimes that can happen to person as the bad overshadows the good side of it all and it makes you restless, sad and feel like a looser on top of it.
So at one point i was like: ok it's not going to happen anymore, fuck it then, and now i sell million dollars worth refurbished drilling rigs all over the world, I go around in a suit during office hours and am happy as hell! Still, the art is there inside, it will remain there, but it became hobby, which doesn't make it less important. It's just that the time to spend on creations is more limited, on the other hand, having a decent job with some nice salary can add possibilities to the artmaking that were never there before. Also, to my surprise, i find more inspiration and am more motivated in creating, as where I had all the time in the world to do it i'd find myself bumming around doing everything but create. I guess I have found some balance which pretty much cleared the mind.
Anyway, a few years back i did a song called Going Down, it's more or less on this subject at a point where i also was about to sell off the gear i had. I never did sell, on the other hand, I also never returned to music after finishing this project. click 'music' on http://www.gardin.nl if you're interested, there's an mp3 of it.

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 11 2003 - 20:22

Mr. Banks: What are your projects called, and are they currently available?

RE: prehistoric | from Mr BanksApr 11 2003 - 19:57

I've lived the starving artist life for many years. Playing 5 instruments quite well at an early age, as well as obtaining a recording engineering degree at a promenent art college, I saved most of my money in my teens and most of my 20s for recording gear. I recorded many other bands, interned at a branch of a worldwide recording studio (Battery), did tons of live sound in my hometown of Chicago.

I have 2 projects, one is experimental electronic, of which I had a worldwide release in 1995 of the "house music" genre. I was scammed by the label, so that fell through. At least Im known by people at labels I contact to shop this music.

For many years before then, I was also in quite a few bands, before being a frontman in a band that I essentially played all instruments, engineered, produced, even designed the CD cover. We played around Chicago for quite a few years, got radio play on major stations occassionally, played in front of 1000 or so people a few times. Capitol contacted us a few times, but nothing ended up showing through.

I also painted and worked on computer graphics for friends cds or show flyers in my spare time.

I couldnt work...I have no idea why.

OK, so I was obsessed.

I ate ramen once a day and a 2 liter of pop to keep my blood-sugar high. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day. I got to the point of depression, got on a few medications and disability after a hospitalization.

To this day, I still havent made much monetarily, though I have a huge collection of visual art, 40 or 50 club friendly electronic songs, 40 or 50 really nice rock songs (I mean youd be suprised of the results from my ten years or so of squalor).

Recently a movie company contacted me regarding a few songs being considered for a soundtrack. I didnt get too excited, it fell through, just like most other avenues in the past.

Im done with it, have tons of gear to sell in the next few monts after a year or so considering that option. I want to relocate somewhere warmer, seasonal depression really sucks.

Ill be 32 in 2 weeks.

So ends my 12 year delusion in the music business. Its always, "Its good, but its too different", or "not as radio friendly as were looking for".

I guess in this ever more conformist western world theres not room for true art.

Im glad youre still doing it, Jeff and Co. I just wish more avenues were open for your music to be heard by more people.

Someone once told me "there is no creation without frustration". I guess that might apply unless one is in a total state of frustration.

RE: prehistoric | from michelApr 11 2003 - 15:28

it all boils down to this:
live up to your crazy fucking dreams! those who are persistent and LUCKY get smt out of it financialy, those who aren't get it postume or not at all. Bummer, but at least they had a goal in their artistic lifes. We shouldn't forget we're in the wrong lane for making money with the artmaking as we do, so get some satisfaction out of it otherwise -which i find priceless. Modesty and obedience to those who appreciate will cost you only, but it will bring warmth into you hearts and make the effort worth while rather then frustrate you.

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 10 2003 - 23:57

i have a dayjob. but when i meet new people and they ask me what i'm about i say: "i'm a musician. i do have a job but it's music that i am into."

i do dream alot, but i am also pretty sure i will have some success in this. i write good songs and people here are starting like my music. i play alot live. i struggle more than many of my musician friends with getting gigs, writing songs, promoting my band. i think i can make some small label to press my upcoming recording. if no one wants to i will release it my self and try to get someone that can distribute it. i would prefer to get a small deal if i ever get a deal. if you come from nowhere you will last for a summer or two then you are over.

RE: prehistoric | from brianApr 10 2003 - 20:21

this is a touchy subject.

RE: prehistoric | from AlexApr 10 2003 - 15:44

Ross, I'd love to hear it as well.

RE: prehistoric | from marcApr 10 2003 - 13:56

actually ross, i mostly agree with you. i too have to supplement what i want to do with what i have to do, to live. i guess i have a sore spot too, and greg's mention of "real jobs' and "what it is you do most of the day" remind me of the constant questioning i get from friends and family. they all think my art is great, and they all want to own some, but they still ask that bloody question;
"when am i going to get a real job?"

i work for my self so that i can control the time i have and use it how i see fit. I was good at maths and sciences, and used the maths to set up as a self employed book keeper. I pick things up really fast, and within six months i was doing accounting and tax returns, thus what i earned increased, and so i could decrease the number of hours i had to work. while i was doing this, i got to meet a wide variety of people, and found that i could offer other services besides the accounting, and so then i started doing some design for both print and the web, and also the occasional illustration, which is alot closer to the fine artist i would like to earn a living at. Being able to work for myself enables me to not only do artwork whenever i want, but also enables me to go to art fairs around where i live, and i am now beginning to make money selling my artwork. Hurrah! i'm slowly getting there! The accounting and business background i have has helped me more than i could ever have guessed. Being a successful artist, has also included me being a successful businessman.

I guess i could have said this earlier, it would have been more of a help. Idealism is a great place to start, and you should never lose sight of it. There are people out there who earn a living being an artist in your city, wherever it is. I understand that it is difficult, i am only just getting to where i want to be, and this is just a beginning. It is very easy to get waylaid by the pressures of living a modern western way of life, but it is possible to do what you want to do in spite of it all.

Good Luck!!!

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 10 2003 - 12:46

i really enjoy that underscore joke as well. it pops up everywhere and it always gives me pleasure. he/she is one of a kind when it comes to jokes.

there you have the adress ross, i am interested.

RE: prehistoric | from ckApr 10 2003 - 11:33

I have a great idea for a new band: Underscore. First release: boohoowaaaaaaah!!!! Cover art: _ Music: The same note over and over... Minimalism at its best.

RE: prehistoric | from RossApr 10 2003 - 11:02

Hey "Underscore", that "boohoo waaaaaahhhh!!!!" thing is a really fantastic joke. Do you have any others?

JR Olsson, I'm currently mixing down a demo track that I'm pretty happy with, which I'd be happy to email to you once I'm done with vocals, if you're interested. I'd need your email address, though.

RE: prehistoric | from _Apr 10 2003 - 09:41

boohoo waaaaaaahhhh!!!!

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 10 2003 - 09:00

let me hear your music ross, where can i find it?

RE: prehistoric | from RossApr 10 2003 - 08:04

As if I haven't come across as a blowhard already... but there's one more thing I wanted to say:

There are so many things sucking up peoples time and energy in these times, that if people spend their time creating "art" of whatever designation, the world is ultimately better off because of it.

RE: prehistoric | from RossApr 10 2003 - 07:59

So Marc, if one is drawn to art, yet cannot sustain his/herself financially by means of selling his/her art, does that make them non-artists (or lesser artists), because of the limited amount of time they spend working on their craft?

I have always been drawn to the arts, or rather, to creative subjects, such as languages, visual arts and music. I spent much of my childhood having fun creating in all of these mediums. Now I'm a grown-up, and have a full-time job, and have a little time to "make art", if you will.

It's the only thing I've ever been good at (ie. I was a train-wreck at maths and sciences.) It's the only thing I've ever enjoyed doing.

I don't really paint or draw anymore, simply because I haven't the time like I used to. I've chosen to spend the time I have writing and recording music (which is also happens to be quite a costly "medium"). And you're right, it is all consuming. Mind and heart and all that. But the ugly truth is that it unfortunately must take a back-seat to the rest of the world. I have to work to live. The shit thing is that "art" has no true monetary value, and so it often gets forced into a secondary, and sometimes tertiary slot in the cue of unfortunate, but realistic life priorities.

All I'm trying to say is that art is an intagible thing that can come from anywhere. Artists are born, not made. There's just something different about the person. It's like a character flaw. It has nothing to do with the number of hours in a day where you work on your art.

I guess I'm a little sore on the subject, because I wish I could work on my music all day. I mean I count the minutes until I can catch the bus home and do so, but there is absolutely no way that anyone could live off of their "art" in this city.

Not to be a jerk, but your definition of an artist is the ideal, but simply does not reflect the realities of a modern western lifestyle. And just because someone is unable to devote the majority of their time to creative endeavours, does not reduce their creative activity to the status of "hobby."

RE: prehistoric | from marcApr 10 2003 - 01:39

without sounding elitist, if you are an artist of any kind, it is that which occupies your mind. everything else comes second place.

If you have to ask, or you do not understand, then i am sorry, but for you creation IS a hobby.

Sarcastic answer no 2.
Sadly the tecnology does not exist yet to transform an idea into a finished peice of work.

So although you may think that any creative exercise is pure inspiration, all of the other parts of the day are taken up in the refinement and production of your piece of work.

RE: prehistoric | from JBApr 10 2003 - 01:14

Sarcastic answer #1:

Well,okay, by day, Jeff is a wedding photographer- IDAHO is just a hobby.

I panhandle and sniff spay paint, but somehow, I find time in my busy "schedule" to help Jeff with his hobby.

RE: prehistoric | from JR OlssonApr 10 2003 - 00:10

beats me.

RE: prehistoric | from the same guy who asked about this the first time and got no answersApr 09 2003 - 22:07

yeah c'mon guys just answer!! why is this question so freakin taboo??? just want to know what life is like for some musical genius types...

who do you trust | from gregApr 09 2003 - 13:49

hey i was wondering if you guys have other jobs, you know, real jobs, or exactly what it is you do most of the day. this is because i want to be a musician too, and am just interested in how your lives work, you know what im saying? ive been trying to think of some sort of backup plan or somethijng to support myself that i will actually enjoy doing... hmmmmm.....
yes yes.... i am expecting many sarcastic answers to this question, but thought id ask anyways.

peace