Rhythm guitarist/hack songwriter/visionary looking to form new band
(WARNING: This note will be filled with insane, OCD-induced lists full of slashes and/or parenthesis, and an unreasonable amount of demands and stipulations.)
Shitty songwriter and rhythm guitarist looking to start a band that is equal parts punk rock and soul music. Looking for like-minded individuals.
Band will be based in New Castle, PA. Must have dependable transportation, unless you can provide a rehearsal space at your place of residence.
Only looking to play 3 to 5 gigs throughout the year.
The Traditionals: "Steel Town Anthems"
A couple of days ago, I checked my "snail mail" mailbox, and stuffed right in there, like a well-packed sausage, was the latest Traditionals album, Steel Town Anthems!
Some thoughts...
1. I used to dress like a weird asshole to make squares nervous. I liked it, and it was fun. I just got bored with it and I was only doing it for the last couple of years I did because I'm a stubborn, contrary prick and I hate getting lectures from girlfriends and my grandmother, and doing something harmless like stabbing my clothes and safety pinning cigarette butts to a sleeveless denim jacket is spiteful and therefore hilarious. Anyway, like I said, I finally got bored with it, so I started wearing clothes that I actually like now.
2. Playing shows is nerve-racking, unless maybe I just got a bad taste in my mouth for it with the last band I was in, or maybe I'm just getting older and the general population of dingbats annoy me more than they used to. Going to shows is only fun if i know 75% of the people there, and the number of attendees doesn't get much higher than 30.
3. I don't care about scene points, credibility, drama, politics, or whether or not anyone can "vouch for me." I do like to meet new people with interests similar to mine, and even people with views slightly different from mine who can "live and let live" (in most cases). That being said, I've met some cool people from my own small involvement in "the scene," and probably will continue to until I finally die of a heart attack from eating too much greasy food and smoking too many cigarettes. I have a lot of good friends. As far as I'm concerned, that's my "scene." Everyone else can suck it.
4. I think the general concept of "unity" is bullshit. If we're down, I'll stick by you. If you're a dick, then basically, fuck you. I'm not gonna stick my neck out for someone I don't care for, just because we wear similar clothes and like some of the same bands.
5. To me, as far as philosophy or whatever goes, the only thing punk "is," is being real and speaking your mind (e.g. not being a fake). So, if you're actually "dangerous" (OH SHIT!), then go ahead and be dangerous. If you're NOT dangerous, acting like it is lame, not to mention stupid. If you're a nerd, be a nerd. A nerd can be the "punkest motherfucker around," as long as he's a nerd all the time and proud of it, and he's into punk, and calls himself a punk.
6. I personally hate the "secret society"/elitist country club attitude that some people have about punk, hardcore, Oi!, etc. I understand it, I'm just not a fan.
These are obviously just my own viewpoints. I'm not trying to sway anyone else's opinions one way or another.
2. Playing shows is nerve-racking, unless maybe I just got a bad taste in my mouth for it with the last band I was in, or maybe I'm just getting older and the general population of dingbats annoy me more than they used to. Going to shows is only fun if i know 75% of the people there, and the number of attendees doesn't get much higher than 30.
3. I don't care about scene points, credibility, drama, politics, or whether or not anyone can "vouch for me." I do like to meet new people with interests similar to mine, and even people with views slightly different from mine who can "live and let live" (in most cases). That being said, I've met some cool people from my own small involvement in "the scene," and probably will continue to until I finally die of a heart attack from eating too much greasy food and smoking too many cigarettes. I have a lot of good friends. As far as I'm concerned, that's my "scene." Everyone else can suck it.
4. I think the general concept of "unity" is bullshit. If we're down, I'll stick by you. If you're a dick, then basically, fuck you. I'm not gonna stick my neck out for someone I don't care for, just because we wear similar clothes and like some of the same bands.
5. To me, as far as philosophy or whatever goes, the only thing punk "is," is being real and speaking your mind (e.g. not being a fake). So, if you're actually "dangerous" (OH SHIT!), then go ahead and be dangerous. If you're NOT dangerous, acting like it is lame, not to mention stupid. If you're a nerd, be a nerd. A nerd can be the "punkest motherfucker around," as long as he's a nerd all the time and proud of it, and he's into punk, and calls himself a punk.
6. I personally hate the "secret society"/elitist country club attitude that some people have about punk, hardcore, Oi!, etc. I understand it, I'm just not a fan.
These are obviously just my own viewpoints. I'm not trying to sway anyone else's opinions one way or another.
NEWS | Stream of Consciousness/Captain's Log
After leaving DCD, I decided I'd give organizing/booking/promoting shows a go. It wasn't nearly as much fun as I thought it would be. I think it's too much pressure. So I quit doing that as well, and for pretty much the same (main) reason I left the band: I realize now that I have no real ambition when it comes to music. I'm much happier and have a better time at shows where there are only 20 people there, and this is true whether I'm on stage, behind the scenes, or simply attending. I never started a band for any other reason than to annoy the shit out of people and have fun while doing it, so if no one showed up to a gig, oh well.
I don't care about making money. No, scratch that; I like making money, but that's never been the goal. The goal was just having something to do, and I don't like being around extremely large groups of people, so having me run a live event is sort of counter-intuitive.
I don't like doing PR, and being nice to people because they might be potential "return customers," and remembering names, and so on, and so forth. I'd much rather go and see some bands as one appreciative member of a small audience. No amount of money is worth the annoyances and stress associated with putting a show together. Sitting at the door and haggling with tight-asses? No thank you.
Not to mention, when you label yourself a "promoter," people start expecting things of you. I like being the guy who does things without ever being asked to do them, like, "Hey, here, I did this thing for your band, because I think you're awesome, and I want to support you, and tell everyone how good you are, and blah blah blah..." As soon as people start emailing and calling me to ask for favors, I don't feel like it anymore. Then it becomes like this responsibility, an obligation, and if I don't do it, then I feel like a scumbag, or a lazy-ass. And I would just as soon avoid the situation.
I'm probably a little nuts. I repeatedly put myself out there, like, "Go ahead, use me, I'm here to provide this service, or that service," and then, as soon as people take me up on my offer, I go, "Eh, I'm kinda busy right now, why don't you contact so-and-so, he's really good with this kinda crap," and then I beat myself up about it.
Blogs are fun, huh?
"Dear Diary..."
Anyway, I started doing an open mic night once a week at one of the local watering holes, Fat & Skinny's, because then I wouldn't have to worry about piss-poor attendance for out-of-town bands who I needed to make sure I gave some money at the end of the night. Just a fun, creative atmosphere for anyone who is interested. It hasn't been doing as well as I had hoped, so it's been cut down from a weekly thing to a bi-weekly thing. Hopefully, if we can get more customers in there in the coming months, we can work it back up to a successful weekly gathering. And it's not limited to music (this isn't a "jam night"). I want to see stand up comedians, magic acts, slam poets, etc. Help me make it happen. The next open mic is on August 24th.
Solo project news: I've finally started getting my inspiration back as far as songwriting goes, so there are 4 new Sam Sinister and the Plastic Sinister Band songs, one of which has been recorded as a final mix and released as a digital single, and one which is just a demo right now. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
Oi! Used to Be a Friend of Mine by Sam Sinister
On a final note, my car is in the shop. Man, do I hate blogging.
'Til the Walls Come Down
I finally recorded something new for the first time in years. It's Dead City Dealers' "Til the Walls Come Down", the way I originally wrote it... as a rockabilly-esque punk song. Check it out. I also wouldn't mind if you shared it. Thanks.
Events | Thursday, June 23, 2011 | Hudson Falcons come to Youngstown, OH!
Hudson Falcons (NJ working class punk rock) make a stop in Youngstown on their latest tour!
Plus Brazen Rogues (CLE), Violent Offense (YO), Sunk In Ships (YO).
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144680578930973
REVIEWS | Dirt Box Disco - "Tragic Roundabout"
Another decent song from another punk band with a shitty name! Check it out, it's a toe-tapper.
Dirt Box Disco - Tragic Roundabout - 20th June 2011 by DirtBoxDisco
Artless Nonculture wezine has been defunct for a couple of years now, but I got this email today from someone named "Maff" (really), who apparently doesn't do his research:
Like I said, it's a good song, though, so if you're into paying money for MP3s, go for it.
Dirt Box Disco - Tragic Roundabout - 20th June 2011 by DirtBoxDisco
Artless Nonculture wezine has been defunct for a couple of years now, but I got this email today from someone named "Maff" (really), who apparently doesn't do his research:
DIRT BOX DISCO - TRAGIC ROUNDABOUT - Debut single released on 20/06/2011
Hello
I would like to submit a song for you to review, "TRAGIC ROUNDABOUT" Debut single, released on 20th June 2011, through Deadfly Recordings, available from, itunes, CD baby, Amazon etc..
taken from the forthcoming yet to be named Dirt Box Disco - EP, Due for release Oct 2011. please have a listen to the song @ http://soundcloud.com/dbdisco/dirt-box-disco-tragic
I can send you the (320kbps) Mp3 on request.
(EPK) here - http://lafango.com/epk/dirtboxdisco
thank you
Maff
Dirt Box Disco
Derbyshire - UK - November 2009, five open minded individuals got together and formed a band! and as they say, the rest is history! continously giging alover the UK, popularity grows! visualy it gets a little stranger every day! but with kick ass, rock n roll / punk / alternative tunes to keep you hooked, your left with a visual bombardment on the senses! you will laugh, you might cry, but you will be singing along before the end of the next song! DIRT BOX DISCO are all about the show, the fun and the entertainment! they are not boring! they are rock n roll!
.
LINKS.
http://www.myspace.com/dirtboxdisco (full Gig listings here)
http://www.youtube.com/user/dirtboxdisco
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DIRT-BOX-DISCO/129060477115572
http://twitter.com/dirtboxdisco
https://dirtboxdisco.bigcartel.com (shop)
http://www.lafango.com/dirtboxdisco
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Fly-Recordings/131138793613025
Like I said, it's a good song, though, so if you're into paying money for MP3s, go for it.
Acts Of Defiance (Boardman, OH HxC)
"[The Disliked] were invited to play a show with Kick To Tha Head and Violent Offense at the Chestnut Street Cafe in Sharon. When we got there, we found out that, apparently, the venue owner didn't know that there was a show booked, or no one ever confirmed the date, or something of that nature. After some convincing by Will, we were allowed to have the show (which no one promoted) anyway, and some last minute phone calls were made, adding Ugly Customer, Talk Shit, and another band from Poland, OH called Acts of Defiance to the bill.
"AOD were all young kids from the 'burbs, with the exception of the singer, Zach Scocchera, who lived closer to rural PA. They played very old school-inspired hardcore punk, with songs that lasted anywhere from 30 seconds to just under a minute. Zach had so much energy on stage, and I'm sorry to say that the only time I ever only got to see them perform was at this particular show. The only recordings they had were the ones on their MySpace page, and I managed to download all of them periodically, as they were uploaded, and I probably have the only copies out there aside from the band members themselves (They weren't bad recordings for what sounded like a tape recorder in a trash can!). There's an interview I did with Zach around that time, and you can read it here."
Tracks:
- Cops Are Criminals
- Teenage Fuckup
- Time Bomb
- I'm Not a Clone
- More Money Than Brains
The Disliked - Cheap Sex & Canadian Booze EP (2006)
This was the original version of Dead City Dealers, where I played guitar (we had a different singer, Fidget, who left shortly after this). The recordings are kinda rough, but I think they're still listenable, except for the vocals not being very clear. Includes the original version of "Lonely at the Top", and the title track, which is where the instrumental for DCD's "Plastic" came from.
- Working Girl
- Queen of the Internet Whores
- Theme From The Disliked
- Used Girl Parts
- Will Punk For Beer
- Cheap Sex and Canadian Booze
- I Hate the Radio
- Liberal Stomp
- Lonely at the Top
Tween Trades Buds For Noms, lol
First of all, my town made national news (again) for negative reasons this morning, which isn't my gripe. I mean, I'm all for truth and honesty, so when something horrible or, in this case, hilarious happens in your own backyard (figuratively speaking), it's only natural that the AP is gonna get a hold of it and spread it around a little bit. My complaint here is that not only does the national interest New Castle seems to occasionally receive almost always involve drugs, murder, juvenile charges, or all three, but on top of that, one of the news articles that comes up in any Google search is from the town itself. And it's poorly written.
The New Castle News reads like a high school kid wrote it. And you know what, I wouldn't be all that surprised if that was true, either. I think maybe someone's kid is ghostwriting for them. I mean, for the most part. After all, we still have plenty of stuff from the Associated Press, and they're usually pretty good about, oh I don't know, stuff like not having typos, or strategically placed weasel words and other biased bullshit in their reports. The main thing that got up my ass today, though, is the frequent use of SLANG.
Take this article for instance. Luckily, the headline alone makes me giggle, so I won't go off the deep end this time, but just read the third "paragraph", or, as we outside of the NC NEWS' staff like to call it, the third sentence. Go ahead.
"The bag of weed". Now, you might not realize this, but the term "weed" is a slang term. I believe the correct, legal term is "marijuana". Why does this bother me? I'll tell you...
It's a news article. It's not your fucking blog, or an opinion column. It's a NEWS REPORT. You don't use slang terms in a news article unless you're directly quoting someone. You don't write the way you talk. You're not talking to your drinking buddy, you're not telling him (or her) a funny story, you're reporting. Write like a goddamn reporter, ferchrissakes.
UPDATE! The saga continues... http://goo.gl/JcSPK ("Packaged pot"? When did it become a misdemeanor to distribute cookware!? ;P)
NEWS | Sam Sinister and the Plastic Sinister Band
I just recently launched a ReverbNation profile for my solo project. All of the songs posted thus far are old, except for a "sneak peek" at my new song, which currently has no vocals (or lyrics, for that matter). You can download the instrumental, if you like crap like that. There's also a store, so if you have a dollar or two in your bank account, download a couple MP3s and make me that much richer. I think the transmission in my car is about to shit the bed.
VIDEO: "Idle Action" by Noi!se
Thankfully, after subjecting myself to the worst commercial pap ever last week, I got an email from Matt of the Tacoma, WA band Noi!se, with 2 MP3 files attached to save me from the dead feeling I had inside. I won't include a download link, since I'm pretty sure these are the only 2 songs on their upcoming 4-way split with Razors in the Night, The Broadsiders, and Sydney Ducks, and the band's gonna wanna sell a few copies (not that I'm one to talk, but I don't trust any of you to actually put money down on one of these after you've already gotten it for free. "Working class struggle", and everything). But if you've got the extra cash, and you're feeling supportive, Google it. It exists, I promise you.
The tracks I got from Matt are "Idle Action" and "The Coming Storm", both excellent servings of American Oi!, my only complaint (and it's a minor one) is the long runtime of both songs (4:49 and 4:15, respectively). But hell, I listen to more and more bands with long-ish songs these days, so I'll get over that soon enough I suppose. Check these guys out!
The tracks I got from Matt are "Idle Action" and "The Coming Storm", both excellent servings of American Oi!, my only complaint (and it's a minor one) is the long runtime of both songs (4:49 and 4:15, respectively). But hell, I listen to more and more bands with long-ish songs these days, so I'll get over that soon enough I suppose. Check these guys out!
NEWS | Shows n'at.
Alright! 2 new shows at The U-Pie added:
April 30th
American Werewolves (Cleveland)
Turbo Lovers (Youngstown)
Violent Offense (Youngstown)
Facebook event page: http://goo.gl/4HVVP (RSVP!)
May 7th
Midnight (Cleveland)
Fishwives (Youngstown)
Horses Have People Teeth (Sharon/Pittsburgh)
Facebook event page: http://goo.gl/4L3ln (RSVP!)
Both shows are 18+, $5 for over 21, $7 for 18-20. Doors open at 9pm.
Here are some music videos to enjoy while you wait patiently for the 30th.
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
American Werewolves (Cleveland)
Turbo Lovers (Youngstown)
Violent Offense (Youngstown)
Facebook event page: http://goo.gl/4HVVP (RSVP!)
Midnight (Cleveland)
Fishwives (Youngstown)
Horses Have People Teeth (Sharon/Pittsburgh)
Facebook event page: http://goo.gl/4L3ln (RSVP!)
Both shows are 18+, $5 for over 21, $7 for 18-20. Doors open at 9pm.
Here are some music videos to enjoy while you wait patiently for the 30th.
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
NEWS | April 2nd, 2011
I know, I know, it would have been really cool for me to have posted something stupid and hoax-ey yesterday, but I don't always aim to please, and I'm sure as hell not as motivated as people always seem to think I am.
But anyway, you may have noticed that I posted some free album downloads (see below this post on the main page). Probably not. But if you did, good for you. Have at that shit.
And I did, believe it or not, have permission to upload all the shit I put up on here, with the exception of the Oi!'s Revenge comp, which is a web bootleg. But, in all fairness, no one asked for my permission when whoever made it put DCD on it. Or anyone else in DCD's permission, for that matter. So finger-fuck you in the bum-hole, Mister I-Have-Something-To-Say-About-That. Exposure, muthafucka! Stop grubbin' the money. Just be happy that people are hearing your band. I don't even know who I'm addressing right now.
HEY! I just remembered - There was a show last weekend in Youngstown, and you most likely weren't there. Shame on you. It was a good time, I'm here to tell you. The Plaid Disasters were there, and so was Crisis In America. Most of all, Violent Offense was there, and they only got through 4 and a half songs before someone took out the drummer with a bottle and gave him a concussion, the poor guy. Was it you? Probably not, but if so, you should owe up to that shit. You owe Luke some money for stitches, you sonofabitch.
Moving on.
The next show, as of now, is The Return of Dead City Dealers show in quaint little Edinburg, PA with CL1 (Toldeo) and Mala Sangre (Erie). I won't be performing with DCD, so please stop asking me. Unless maybe they still can't find a drummer by then, in which case I might fill in, but don't tell them that yet. It's a secret.
The show's at Fat and Skinny's Bar and Grille on May 14th, and it's a 21-and-over (BOOOOO!) show. You can get in the door for the low, low price of five hard-earned dollars.
That's it for now.
--Sam
The Sore Losers - Self-Titled LP (2009)
Austin punk rock, featuring members of Razorwire, Oi!sters, and The Pink Swords. Really REALLY reminds me of Pittsburgh punk, and I mean that in the best way possible. You can get in touch with them via their Facebook page, and try to get them to come out your way. I'm sure all it would take is a promise of free beer.
(NOTE: If you like the album and have some extra money to spend, head over to CD Baby and pick one up. It's only a measly 13 bucks!)
NEWS | Violent Offense, The Plaid Disasters, and Crisis In America in Youngstown, OH on March 25th!
I know this is kinda short notice, but there's a show at University Pizza in Youngstown, OH this Friday, March 25th. The bands are Violent Offense (Y-Town), The Plaid Disasters (Cleveland), and Crisis In America (Beaver County, PA).
You can check out some songs by each band, and download them if you want at my ReverbNation profile. Eventually, I'm gonna integrate a bunch of the ReverbNation widgets on here, but for now just follow the links.
Hope to see you there!
You can check out some songs by each band, and download them if you want at my ReverbNation profile. Eventually, I'm gonna integrate a bunch of the ReverbNation widgets on here, but for now just follow the links.
Hope to see you there!
NEWS | The Traditionals in Youngstown, OH on March 12th, 2011!
GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE! I recently started working on a little side project since leaving DCD. I am now, in my free time, a novice live show promoter. My first event will be in Youngstown, OH at University Pizzeria, a.k.a. The U-Pie, on March 12, 2011. The lineup is The Traditionals (Pittsburgh), Mala Sangre (Erie), and Tighten Up! Pittsburgh's deejay Jeffrey The Boss, who will be spinning the best in ska, rocksteady, reggae, punk, and Oi! between sets and after the show.
VIDEO: "Whiskey Man" (BSFH version)
This is a band I was in briefly, back in 2005, with friends Ray and Jeremy (Mario from DCD was also in it for a stint, during the last few weeks before we dissolved). I cleaned up the recording a little bit last night and added a bass track. I think it turned out pretty good.
The Year in Facebook Statuses, 2010
So, recently our favorite time-waster social media outlet, Facebook, added a new feature in the right sidebar: A list of your own "popular" statuses from 2010. Actually, this might have been one of those features that only lasts a few hours, since I haven't noticed it since yesterday, when I (in true OCD fashion) spent an hour or two refreshing the same page repeatedly while copy-and-pasting all of my own personal favorites. I didn't know what to do with them once I had them in my possession, so I compiled the following list for your own personal enjoyment.
I'm done with being in a band. For now.
This is not a rash decision. I've been talking about leaving the band for well over a year now and going back and forth on what I actually want to do (or not do). I'm just bored and tired of the whole thing.
Everything involved with being in DCD has become all about obligations and expectations, both from within the band and people who like what we're doing and I've become alternately overwhelmed and annoyed more and more frequently as time goes on. It's just not fun anymore.
If Dead City Dealers goes on, it's gonna have to be without me. I'd still like to work with everyone in the band musically, but it's gonna have to be in a much more relaxed and, um, "not serious" manner. I know a lot of people have dreams and goals as far as what they're doing muscially, but that's just not me and it probably never will be.
I only want to play shows and write and record songs when it's convenient for me. Maybe that's selfish, but I can't force it. If I'm not happy with what I'm doing and just putting on a happy face, then that's bullshit. It's fake. I can't be fake. I have to be me. No matter what. I can't schedule my free time or take on responsibilities for other people anymore.
All I wanted from the beginning was to effortlessly write songs that were fun and simple. Songs that I would enjoy listening to if I weren't in the band. Not that that's not what we ended up with in DCD, but it always seems like there's this push to go outside of the realm of what I'm comfortable doing musically, effort-wise and time-wise, and how far I would want the band to go (which isn't very far at all, actually).
This is probably gonna read as being a little melodramatic, but that's really not what I'm trying to do. I'm just stating facts. And like I said before, this decision wasn't made lightly. Point blank: I just need a break.
Everything involved with being in DCD has become all about obligations and expectations, both from within the band and people who like what we're doing and I've become alternately overwhelmed and annoyed more and more frequently as time goes on. It's just not fun anymore.
If Dead City Dealers goes on, it's gonna have to be without me. I'd still like to work with everyone in the band musically, but it's gonna have to be in a much more relaxed and, um, "not serious" manner. I know a lot of people have dreams and goals as far as what they're doing muscially, but that's just not me and it probably never will be.
I only want to play shows and write and record songs when it's convenient for me. Maybe that's selfish, but I can't force it. If I'm not happy with what I'm doing and just putting on a happy face, then that's bullshit. It's fake. I can't be fake. I have to be me. No matter what. I can't schedule my free time or take on responsibilities for other people anymore.
All I wanted from the beginning was to effortlessly write songs that were fun and simple. Songs that I would enjoy listening to if I weren't in the band. Not that that's not what we ended up with in DCD, but it always seems like there's this push to go outside of the realm of what I'm comfortable doing musically, effort-wise and time-wise, and how far I would want the band to go (which isn't very far at all, actually).
This is probably gonna read as being a little melodramatic, but that's really not what I'm trying to do. I'm just stating facts. And like I said before, this decision wasn't made lightly. Point blank: I just need a break.
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