Journal Archives
September 2007
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
My show and what is in store....
Monday Oct 18, 2004 - Link to Entry
Molly Molone's, though conveniently located near my home and well equipped with sound equipment, is not the ideal venue for a solo chap like me. It is a big open space with very little audible ambience. It was so quiet in there that my roommate Adam and his girlfriend Jessica took to making talking sounds between songs as to make the room feel a bit less awkward. BUT...The show was a ton of fun and I really played my heart out while wearing Harry Potter Glasses, a Black Mop Top Wig, and a SF trendy brown sailor's hat I commandeered from Katie a couple years ago. Why was I wearing such strange garb you might be wondering? Well I decided to do a Halloween themed show since we are readily approaching the holiday. Included in this theme were a couple Halloween pieces including a Ghostbusters duet with Sam that the crowd seemed to enjoy, a little crazy song I wrote called Crime and Punishment that really can be thought of as the sequel to Hit Man for Hire my first ever composition, and my personal favorite moment of the show, Dave Matthew's Gravedigger. As I began the soft haunting riff Pres cheered and I just let myself fall into the emotion and feel of the song. As I said the sound system was quite good and as a result I had a real strong control of my guitar tone and was able to emulate Mr. Matthew's playing. All the while I just let go and relaxed and my voice was able to dance through the intricacies of the song. I focused on really making my dynamics choices (level of volume variance) stand out for maximum effect and never worried about what would come out but rather trusted myself to pull through. It was probably one of my best moments as a performer and even though Halloween will soon be over I think I'll be keeping the song in my repetoire.
Also played were Allie's Song, Projectionist, The Great Cover Song with Halloween add on's, Forcythia, and my brand new She Wanted More. I botched the lyrics like nobody's business but I think people dug the vibe and eventually I learn that damn song and play it properly! Goodbye unfortunately did not get to see the light of day as I went over on my set time. I really slowed my whole pace down last night and it made the show feel quite a bit better but also of course lead to me to not finishing my set list. Sacrifices, sacrifices.
Alright -- so I'm planning a bit of a musical hiatus. I'm really focusing on developing vocal skill right now mainly for voice over but I could tell last night that it was having a very positive effect on my singing as well. Also I'm putting a lot of extra time in at work as to move up and on as quickly as possible. Though I'm enjoying my mindless days of driving footage to and fro I need to push for advancement as quickly as I can. So I'll be spending extra hours and weekends in editing bays to learn and develop as an editor/producer. Beyond all that I have two scripts in the works that I need to dedicate my free time to. SOOOOO....Jayro.com might go through some major dry spells. I have accepted that this site might move more towards Jeremy Round as an entire entity not just music especially when I start recording voice over and editing spots as I'm sure people will want to see/hear my work and it will be a living breathing resume. But also I need a band to move forward with music right now and until I have a few more of my goals secured I do not have the time I need to be a good band member and writer.
Quick Q & A:
When is your next show?
Undecided. I think I may take the rest of the year off. Stay tuned.
Are you giving up on music?
No! Though I have given up a bit on The Goodbye Project's potential to make money I have not lost hope that it is a solid showcase of my writing and work and a projection of what my future band might sound like. I think I may end up handing copies out for promotional purposes once I have a band together .
What are your scripts about?
Well one is my life story with the rough edges smoothed down and a damn sarcastic woody allen style narrator. The other is a super secret project I'm working on with Sam. Once its in the can I'll tell you more.
Do you like LA?
Without a doubt. I just don't like being 24 much. I would either like to be 19 or 29, but I'm right in the middle. Still every 12 year is supposed to be a very important year according to Chinese custom. And so far quite a few things have happened in my 24th year to suggest that this is the year that will launch the success of the next 12.
Well that's it for now. Until next time thanks for reading, supporting, and loving. Jayro OUT!
More LA Musings - Celeb Citings
Thursday Oct 14, 2004 - Link to Entry
In the past two days I've picked up three new celebrities to my ever growing list. The first of which was Sara Gilbert who I spotted in the Rite Aid parking lot. She was parking her Porsche that looked like it was probably bought with her last Roseanne Paycheck (meaning it wasn't the newest car on the block). She still looked young and was on her cell phone....Exciting stuff...or something.
Today at California Pizza Kitchen I ran into Jon Stamos and the woman who played Judith Tupper-Stone on Dream On, a great HBO series in the early and mid 90's. I nodded at Uncle Jesse and he actually waved to me escalating him to my top 300 favorite celebs. Unfortunately his companion is not nearly as attractive as his ex wife, but I think they were probably just on their way to do some film work or a 987 call across america commercial with Tears for Fears music.
So the stars keep on shooting by as the days come and go here in LA LA land. Kickball starts tonight so I'll finally have a new fitness program. Sam and I are beginning work on an epic new film. And I'm getting ready for what should be an awesome show on Sunday.
Redefining -- Playing to my Strengths
Wednesday Oct 13, 2004 - Link to Entry
In the past week I have been to quite a bit of live music and each event has furthered my understanding of where I need to take my own work. Though I love alt. rock and pop my vocal skills and guitar playing do not entirely lend themselves to this branch of music. I need to be working more towards creating ballads that will better suit the colour of my voice and range. Songs that I have been writing, while creative and emotionally introspective, often fail to play to my strengths. I need to go further towards rock melody and away from tenor pop and I plan to rework some of my songs to be more fitting while taking on a bunch of new covers (jazz, musical theatre, and very specially selected rock) while working on new music for myself that is in that same vein. Eventually I think I will be looking for a situation with a couple strings players, a percussionist, and a keys player where I play bass and guitar pending on the song and a few of us sing.
That being said, this weekend will probably be my last show for awhile. I need to spend my spare time on writing and practicing and recruiting, not preparing and performing. So come on out!! I'll be doing a couple new covers in the Halloween theme and trying some old songs played completely differently and maybe some new songs if I really practice in the next few days.
I became a musician to emote through my songs and to sing my soul out. My songs have allowed my emotion out but have often not been a vehicle for my soul to be heard. Hopefully a balance will soon be found and I will be playing to my strengths.
Calls from abroad
Thursday Oct 7, 2004 - Link to Entry
Not from a lady but rather from foreign nations. After receiving a call from Ari Margolis who currently resides in the religious capital of the world (Jerusalem for those of you out of touch), I started thinking back on long distance calls I have received in the past.
See its kinda scary to get a super long distance phone call on your cell phone. You never know if they are going to charge you some sort of crazy fee or who the hell it is when the number shows up as #32x928 or something of the sort. Anyway, since I currently lack time for a thorough investigation on the topic here's a short rundown on places I've received calls from:
Tokyo, Japan
Kagoshima, Japan
Prague, Czech Republic
London, England
Hong Kong, China
Benin City, Benin (okay I don't know the name of the city -- sue me)
Fort Worth, TX (hehehe)
Paolo, Brazil
Santiago, Chile
Paris, France
Never from Australia or Antarctica....yet!
One week until kickball starts back up. This time I'm on the Pink team.
Seasons are a changin'
Tuesday Oct 5, 2004 - Link to Entry
As I awoke this morning shivering from the cool air that flowed from my open window there was little light pouring through. Checking the clock I quickly saw that it was well pask dawn. "It must be overcast," I thought and promptly snoozed the alarm clock for an additional hour.
Yes, it appears that today the clouds/smog may actually dominate the day. Unlike the wacky weather report in LA Story, today seems to hold little promise of 76 degrees and sun. Finally a bit of diversity in this weather package. Just enough salt to remind me why I love it so sweet.
Yesterday's audition went fairly well. My voice was a bit fatigued from excessive warm up in my car but when I needed my notes they were for the most part there. I sang Run Around Sue after we all warmed up together. I also was asked to sing the bass line from In The Still of the Night. Finally they wanted to see my vocal percussion in action on Toad the Wet Sproket's All I Want. Cake! I liked the peeps but I'm not sure if the group is what I'm looking for. Plus they rehearse on weeknights which just isn't an option for me right now. I'll keep you posted.
As you have probably noticed on the top bar of the website I have rescheduled my 10/13 show to 10/17. Apparently Molly's is a great venue as well and now the show is on the weekend which allows me to show up. Showing up is typically thought of as the appropriate course of action when performing. Who knew?
Finally I leave you with this. Lately I've been thinking alot about politics. After listening to Bill Clinton's book I feel that I could do some great work in our government. I love government and politics and I've learned that I also love service and frankly I miss it (referring to my years in the classroom fools). So vote for me, JDR, 2016, the first Presidential election I will be eligible for (you must be 35 to run). Which reminds me, I'm eligible as of next year for congress. Hmmmmmm......
Get out and Vote PEOPLE! (its my rockstar obligation to tell people to vote--so don't step mo fo)
Addendum: Literally minutes after finishing this entry the clouds burned off and it is now a balmy 80 degree day. Unbelievable. But as the clouds lifted both So Cal baseball squads found themselves down in the first game of their respective division series -- Which brings me to an interesting fact. Since finishing college the city that I have lived in during October has had all baseball teams within a 30 mile radius make the playoffs. FACT! A's and Giants both in '02 and '03. And now for the FIRST TIME in the HISTORY of baseball both LA teams are in the playoffs. You want your team in the playoffs? I will move to your favorite team's city for a base salary of $65,000 with pennant and championship bonus incentives.**
**You are perhaps doubting my mystical influence over the game since I lived with so many years of futility in Chicago. First off it is clear that this skill of mine only activated upon receiving my degree from NU. Secondly, sad as this may sound, my 22 years of life in Chicago enjoyed some of the best baseball the city has seen. The White Sox had 3 (4) division titles and the scrubbies had 2 and a wildcard. Out of a possible 42 (44) playoff appearances, Chicago had 6 (7) which is not bad considering the two teams historically have had a combined 18 post season appearances in 100 years or 198 opportunities. From this research I also learned something very interesting. The Cubs have lost the World Series, ALOT! 1906, 1910, 1918 to the R. Sox ironically, 1929, 1935, 1938, and 1945 -- their last appearance. This brings their World Series record to 2-7 All time. Brutal!! Though much better than the White Sox who have only made it 4 times, Winning 2, throwing 1, and losing in '59 to the Dodgers. Point being I actually lived in Chicago during one of the best historic moments for baseball within its borders.
Auditioning
Monday Oct 4, 2004 - Link to Entry
Over the next month I will be enganging in a series of auditions. It all begins tonight with a vocal audition for an a cappella group. I am not sure what I will be singing although I'm leaning towards Run Around Sue.
By November I should have a band project and a vocal group that I am working with.
Shortest entry ever.
Kickball
Saturday Oct 2, 2004 - Link to Entry
Hey everyone.
If you live in the LA area and you're interested in playing kickball this fall shoot me an email. I've started a new team and I'll tell you how to get involved. Its the best!
Is it sad that I'm cheering for the Giants to win today so that tomorrow's game is for the division (I will be attending tomorrow's game)?
Voice lesson time....I'm outtie...Oh, and I might change my show date. I'll keep you posted.
New Year Resolutions
Friday Oct 1, 2004 - Link to Entry
The birthday celebration of this fine site occurring right around the time of the Highest of Holidays in the Jewish faith coupled with my, lets face it, degeneret behaviors in my pursuit of gambling success has led me to Resolve to be resolute in this time of the New Year. Wow that was a long sentence laced with typos and word play. Let's begin -- shall we?
1. I must write to or connect with 5 bands a week in an effort to become a member and start playing music!
2. I must workout before work 3 times a week and if I fail to do this I MAY NOT play poker for a two week lockout.
3. I must dedicate one night a week to writing and writing alone. If that night becomes filled due to plans I must assign a new night for that week.
4. I must keep my eye on the ball. Meaning I need to be diligent and focused at work. Lately I've been in my head and whiny and that is only slowing my momentum.
5. I must celebrate small victories often. I am trying to do so much that I need to be proud of my action steps along the way.
6. I must continue my studies of story telling through reading/audio books.
That seems like a good list. I've lost focus of how well I've been doing out here and I need to remember why I came in the first place. I feel better :)