September 28, 2008

Just a few things to mention. It looks like we're playing at Rancho Relaxo this Thursday night. I don't know who we're playing with, but this is a last minute deal, and this is a fun spot to play. Great mexican food, and a decent stage. Also, we're now on the friday bill at the Atria fundraiser for Glen Bensley. That is going to be absolutley insane. The bill consists of us, The Stables and Cuff The Duke. Get there early and prepare to sweat. This is a pay what you can event to help raise money for his boys, so please come and support this night.

Thursday October 2: Rancho Relaxo, Toronto

Friday October 3: The Atria, Oshawa

Friday October 17: The Hideout, Toronto

Monday September 22, 2008

The Tribute Show on 94.9 The Rock: http://www.sendspace.com/file/6w9u11

Friday, September 19, 2008

As I write this post, my heart is breaking. Not just for me, but for so many people who have had their lives touched by this wonderful man who we must say goodbye to. It's with sadness and regret that we have to say goodbye to Glen Bensley. Details as to what exactly happened are sketchy, but the only certain thing I know is how much he will be missed. So many of us are in utter shock and disbelief that we won't get to see Glen's smiling face the next time that we play his open mic. It really is and will forever be his open stage, because he was the first one to put on these events at the local pub, or bar. The Hare and The Hound was the first place I ever strummed a chord in public, and it was because Glen beleived in me, and made me go up. From there, I moved onto the Velvet Elvis, and each and everytime I got up to play, I'd tear myself down afterwards, only to have Glen's little hand on my shoulder telling me how great it was. It didn't matter if he meant it or not because he just made you feel better no matter what. I can truly say that Glen is the absolute reason that I play music today, and I just can't get my head around the fact that I won't get to tell him how much I love him. This community is going through a very dark time but the world is a better place because of the love we share for him. I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you play last week as the Shwaltz . I have your cd in my truck today, and as I drive around I listen to your words more carefully, and I understand what they mean just a little better. It's so hard to watch everyone hurt the way they do right now because everyone knows how special you are Glen. You're one of the most beautiful people I've ever known, and I will never forget the gift that you've given us. I love you very much my friend, but it's time we say goodbye and let you get home now. We'll all be together one day soon, and when we see eachother, we're going to sing that Guy Clarke song that you introduced me to, okay? This Stoli's for you. Love you Glen.

Tuesday September 16, 2008

It sounds like this past weekend's Shwaltz event was a huge hit. I was really happy to be gone ip north, but sad to miss so many amazing bands. Next year, I think it's safe to say we will be there with a new set, and some other fun treats. Sean and Brendan played a stripped down set at Isabella's which went great, plus Sean's GF Amanda got up and sang too, which is just lovely. Trish is still gone on her road trip to Portland, and she's been to some amazing spots, and concerts up there too. Apparently she caught M.Ward, and Fleet Foxes. Lucky girl. We miss her and hope she gets back to us soon.

Nothing major to report on the Heartache camp, other than a show that we're part of tomorrow night at Chicago's Diner. This was a last minute gig, and we're doing a stripped down acoustic set, minus T.R which sucks, but we were going to try to jam anyhow, so why not? We've got a new tune we're working on, and although it won't be ready for tomorrow, I think it'll end up on the new album. Speaking of which, our sessions start at the end of October, and I'm praying it all goes swimmingly so we can get this one out right away. Rumour has it that we're doing Vinyl this time around, so that's exciting.

Hope to see you tomorrow, Wednesday Sept 17th at Chicago's Diner on Simcoe St. in Oshawa.

We'll be playing with our dear friends Patrick Dorie, and The Idlers.

Thursday, September 11

So nothing special to post today, other than the fact that each member of this band will be in very different locations this weekend. We played "The Shwaltz" last year, and it was indeed a shitshow for us. I (Matt) played as though my hands didn't know one chord, and although we may have attempted to look dapper, I was indeed a nervous mess as 2 drunken hobos heckled us before being taken away in handcuffs. This year however, Trish is in Portland, Sean and Brendan are playing a set Saturday night at Isabellas, and I will be gone on my annual golf trip to act like drunken high school students once again. I do wish we could play, but after last night's rehearsal, it's very evident that I have some serious work to do in the vocal department. Regardless, Brendan will be DJing too, so check that website up there and enjoy yourself. It should be grand! Miss you already.

Monday, September 8

Hey all, hope you're enjoying the remainder of the summer. Thought we'd drop a line to let you know what we've been up to. We're getting ourselves prepared to go back into the studio to start the next record. There's a lot of excitement in our little camp on how the final product is going to sound. Expect something a little different (but still us) on the next one. Our fellow band member, Sean Maclean, has a fan page up and running on facebook. We've always been fans of his, and we think you'll like what you hear also. http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Sean-MacLean/33158241411He'll be playing at Issabellas in downtown Oshawa this Saturday night (September 13th) at 8pm with fellow band member Brendan Lawless, as part of The Shwaltz. More info on that event here:http://www.shwaltz.com/Brendan will also be dj'ing in between acts for the first portion of the Shwaltz in Memorial Park.That's about it from here. Hope you're well,Cheers,TCH p.s. We've also got a show coming up in Toronto in October, we'll send info when we get it.

Monday Sept. 1, 2008

This is indeed the best picture ever. This is Craig our drummer singing his heart out on stage at his own wedding. I'm not quite sure what song it was, but it was really great. I thought that I'd add a few cool shots from that night up here, because it truly was amazing to be at a wedding with everyone in the band, let alone FOR someone in the band, ya know? That was last week, and I don't think we've even spoken to Craig since, so I hope he didn't leave on tour to start singing for the Mojo's...they're great and all, but we kinda need you for our drummer dude!?

In other fun news, I think this week is our first rehearsal in well over a month, maybe two. I'm really stoked just to be in the same room with everyone to try out some new stuff. Our first tracking session for the new album is a month or so away, so I'm praying I get my shit together and write something new soon. I haven't written a new tune in a long time. Not very happy about that, but time will tell.

That's all for now.