Thursday, July 3, 2008

EV @ The Local on Mem Day Wknd 5/24/2008

Memorial Day weekend & everyone has plans (camping, graduation, out of town...blah, blah, blah). Echovalve is playing @ The Local. That's where I'll be. No doubt.

I fly solo to the show, no big deal. I arrive at The Local & realize that the screen on my phone has decided it doesn't want to work any longer. I walk into the venue a little ruffled about the state of my phone, but still happy to be in the building. I immediately see Jess & Mark with some friends in a booth. I go over and promptly complain about my phone. They take a look at it & then we proceed to do the intros. Jess offers to work on my phone just as I see Ben sauntering over. I go to say hi & decide that we need a drink. I leave Jess to mess with my phone while Ben & I go over to grab a beverage. I decide that we need a pitcher, so we obtain one & go chill in a booth. Menial convo is exchanged. Ryan cruises by, Mikey says hi, Jackie comes over, then Ari arrives. Soon our booth is overflowing with folks we like to refer to as the 'EV family'. At that very moment, I see Dee walk in. I jump up to go greet her (it was our first meeting). She grabs a drink & we go over to a booth to chat it up. I am not too sure what to talk about, so I grab Ryan & they talk for a few. She shares her experiences with Def Leppard & a little about Kid Rock. I bounced from one booth to the other, but of course I ended up back at the booth with Dee. Jay meandered over and sat down, just as I had finished my beer. So, naturally I stole a sip of his cocktail. Good lordy, I think I grew chest hair it was so strong.... I did the introductions & we all conversed about randomness. Mathieu walked by & parked in the booth behind us with Mikey & Jackie. I dug in my purse for the gum I picked up for him on the way in. I tossed it over & he informed me that the piece he had in his mouth, he'd been chewing since 5:00 Friday. Impressive.

Eventually we made it into the venue. Both Ben & I wanted to catch Midnight to Twelve. Everyone said they were good. Plus, some of the boys from Crazy Anglos & Rehab came out to see their set, so they must be alright. & they were. Dee was quite impressed & I really thought they rocked. I didn't enjoy them as much as the Nigel Dupree Band (they opened up the last EV show I went to), but they were impressive. As I was watching M212, I spotted Boze, the frontman of Crazy Anglos. I know it's lame, but I recognized him from MySpace. I found that to be extraordinarily lame, yet fantastically humorous at the same time. I approached him, said hi & took a snapshot. It might have been one of the most lame acts I have taken part in. Oh well, moving on.

We drank & chatted til it was time for the headlining act, Echovalve. I positioned myself in my usual spot, right in front of Jay. I usually try and get Jaime somewhere near me, cuz he is fun to rock out with. Luckily I landed in between Jaime & Karman, with Diablo right behind me. Good thing he is a nice guy, cuz I repeatedly stomped on his toes. Sorry!! This location was true prime real estate. Plus Ben was behind me to my left, so I could assist in the consumption of the cocktail. Suh-weet. The boys played, I sang along with Karman & shot up my middle finger at Jaime every time Mathieu said 'Stand Down'. Apparently while Karman & I were chatting, Mathieu said something about something that had to do with me.... I am still not sure what was said. But, thanks buddy. I really appreciate all the musical genius you put in my ear! Anyway, I was a drunken, singing, sweating mess & having a fabulous time. So, the set was coming to an end & it was time for 'Operation Guitar Give-a-way'. Somehow, I luck out a lot in this sweepstakes. Hmmmmm.... ;)

So, the show was great & I was Tipsy Lou Who. Ben offered to let me ride with him & crash. His buddy Gene was going to scoop us so that no one had to drive. Yay. Turns out Jay is coming along as well... with me, Paige, Ben & Gene. We gather Jay & start to walk towards the car. This wierd dude yells for us to hurry up & get to the car. Uh, we were already walking in that direction. He gets a little too close for comfort & suddenly he is up on us & people start to yell. I jump in the middle hoping no one will hit a chic. I was not in the mood for a fight & whatever mess that might bring along with it. Fortunately my antics dissipated the arguement & we all got in the car. Feuf. Drama avoided.

So, we get to the destination & crashed....on bunkbeds. hee hee. I can't remember the last time I slept on a bunkbed. I think it was summer camp, 1982.
The next morning, Ben & I rode in the back of Gene's truck to our cars at The Local. It was another fun filled Echovalve night.

****I was advised that I need to talk less. Listen buster, I realize that I flap my jaw. I'm working on my loquaciousness. I am still slightly intimidated by the fact that I actually interact with you guys. So, you are going to have to deal with the nervous chatter until I feel comfortable enough with silence. Many thanks for bearing with me through this tough time.

---->>>Big shout outs to Lenzi!! I met Lenzi for the first time & she's friggin AWESOME!!

still Masquerade show stuffs

Ok, this post may be a bit lame and a little off of what really happened because a) I'm not really in the mood to write this and b) It's been a little while since it happened & my memory isn't so good.

So, I had some folks over to my house before the show. I invited only a select few over. Aisha arrived first (she works with me). Then, Tony. Tony and I go way back, almost 10 years. Then the rest of the crew started to filter in. Bridget and her son, Matt, arrived. Nikki (who I had just met at the last show, but she was a real cool chic), Jess & Sheldon (more cool peeps I had met at EV shows), and then Reggie and his crew (Reggie is my security!).
We all hung out for a bit. We munched on some apps and had some drinks. We jammed out to Echovalve and just kind of chatted amongst ourselves. Jackie text me to come on down to the Masq, so off we went. We took 4 cars down. In my car was myself, Nikki and Tony. We blasted Echovalve and were all singing at the top of our lungs. Since we were carrying on, we didn't hear the phone ring sooooo many times. It was Jess & Sheldon and they were lost. They needed directions on how to get to The Masquerade. I did my best to navigate for them (I stink with directions). We stopped for gas and cruised into the Masquerade.

As we walked in, we said our hellos. I went down the steps and saw Jay first (it always seems to happen like that). We chatted for a sec and then I went over to say hi to Ryan and his dad. Then, over to say hi to Mathieu. All of the guys are so gracious and friendly. Rock on.
We made our way over by the stage and jammed out to 'Love Said No'. We struggled through the next band and then it was time. The main event. The feature players. You can feel the vibe in the venue change. The anticipation is heavy in the air as the boys set up. It's like a teenager right before the bell rings at last period.

So, Jay is testing his equipment and we settle right in front of him (that is my spot at every show, not just for EV). People start to crowd the stage, jostling for position. It is cute, really. I just milll about, letting the newcomers up front so that they can soak in what I already know. I am now positioned comfortably between Nikki and Tony. This time I was super excited to have Nikki by my side, belting out every word with me. Suh-weet. I rocked around for the whole set. I sang with Jess, Nikki, Sheldon...well, pretty much whoever was near me. At one point Mathieu really leaned into the crowd. The girlies up front all had instant sparkles in their eyes. It is so neat to watch the reactions of the crowd. We rocked out for what seemed like hours. I was really living in the moment, but every so often I glanced over to make sure Tony was enjoying himself. He was bobbing his head and had a grin on his face. Mission accomplished, another Valve-O-Holic has been created.

So, the show ends and Mathieu steps into the middle of the crowd and jets back to the merch table. That was pretty rad. I liked that move. However, what was about to happen made me much happier. Jay was about to hand his guitar to Sheldon (who is very shy), but he wouldn't take it. So, I got it. I knew that Jay wasn't trying to give his guitar to some lucky fan...but, I played along. I unplugged the guitar and went to run out the door. ahhahaahahaha I traded Jay his guitar back for his beer. I am no fool. I drank 1/2 of it and returned it with a smile. I think that Jay is one cool dude.

We meandered around to the merch table to say bye to everyone. Mathieu had some posters, so I decided to get all 4 boys to sign one. Mathieu had the only Sharpie. So, I got him to sign and nabbed the Sharpie and passed it to Nick. He signed and dripped sweat onto the poster. I promptly licked the bead of sweat off the sheet. Yeah, I am so that chic. I grabbed the marker and had Ry sign, then went over to Jay. He put the beer I had drank 1/2 of down and went to sign the poster when he spilled beer all over it. I was not about to try and get each of them to sign again, so I wiped it down and handed Jay the marker. He rolled with it. So, I got my hancocked poster and mosied on home with Tony and Nikki.

On the way home we stopped by Waffle House and grubbed. When we got back to my place, Tony jumped in his car and went home. Nikki crashed at my place. It had been a stellar eve. I enjoyed myself immensely. I love the ECHOVALVE. ;)

Masquerade Show 02/26/2008

First off, I am going to put out there what we all feel/think/say... this blogging stuff is hella wierd. It's like a diary that I am letting the world read.... um, b-a-r-f.

Soooo many of you have told me how lame this shit is and how only those wierd emo kids with gobs of black eye liner and no dates do this shit (yes, I said shit.... I also say "suck it".... I'd say other things, but I am now affiliated with some cool ass dudes called ECHOVALVE & they have an image and those boys deserve the best...so, I'll leave it at that.... ;) )

Moving on....---->>>>
I wasn't going to post about this show......but, well......posting is good for business, so here I am. If you have read my other posts, this one starts like all the rest. There is a disclaimer, "If you are offended easily or are a juvenile, RUN FROM JEN"..ahhahaha...no, really. You have been warned. I am the coolest UNcool person in the world.
~please remember I am a promoter~ ---->
This was a Tuesday show and weekday shows are super-doooper hard to promote if the band isn't a nationally recognized act. So, I asked myself....How do you get people out to this show on a friggin Tuesday??? First answer to come to mind is....either you pay them///or you give them free drinks.... But, this is ECHOVALVE, damnit. People come see them cuz they are siiiiick. Simply stated, **their show is off the hook, **the guys are superb individuals & **the music will move you, your cousin and your mother. {uh, hello} At this point (in my promoting mind) what I fail to realize is that they are not a national act (YET. Quote me on that.} Mkayyy.... My mission is to get people to the show. Not just bodies, I want people that are into the music. So, if you like mediocre, go back home. My job is to find those people that have passion and heart (Thanks Reggie)...I am not here to fill the room with numb bodies. I don't want people to come to the show for any other reason exept for the fact that ECHOVALVE rocks their fucking face off. Perhaps I am being irrational, but I have never done any promoting on a local level. I have worked with established acts so, then my job was easy... I am not good at 'easy'....
I heard ECHOVALVE once and knew that they were destined for greatness. These boys have talent. Period.
Please don't think I am best friends with the band, because I am not. I am simply aquainted with the boys. I am honored to have hung out with them, to have connected with one or two of them, to be able to work with them.... I am a fan just like everyone else. Urrrrghhhhh.... now I am getting all emo with gobs of black eyeliner. That is just gnarly. barf.
Since that was so lengthy, I am going to make this into 2 parts. I am so done with this right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Stay tuned for details of me licking Nick's sweat, Jay's handing over the guitar to me (not the brightest idea), Mathieu leaning in for a photo op with an interesting character & Ryan's dad being the coolest....Stay tuned.....

Monday, February 18, 2008

Attention all EV fans!

Hi Echovlave fans!!!!! Your blog could be posted right here!!! Send your Echovalve stories, feelings, wishes, etc. to echovalveatlanta@yahoo.com for consideration!!! :)

Even if you haven't been to a show, let us know what you think about the music!! blog it up!!

Luby's show 01/26

Ok, EV fans.....this is my first blog, so get ready! It is off-the-cuff। No edits, No re-writes. I am a bit like the band, "In Your Face"....so don't get all offended by anything.


Let me start with a little about me. Name's Jennifer. I roll with Go Big Jen! Promotions. More importantly I am a huge fan of the sweet sounds of Echovalve। My first show was at The Darkside 07/29/2006. As a birthday present to myself I rented a limo, stocked it and purchased 10 tickets to the show for me and my pals. I have been hooked ever since. I go to as many shows as I can and support the band the best way I know how. I spread the word of their musical talent. That is what brought us all here right?? I thought so. So, get out there and create more Valve-O-Holics! Lord knows I have. Oh yeah, you've seen the stumbling around shows like intoxicated fools. Ok, enough concerning that matter.....


So, Saturday night we arrived at Luby's around 930~ish. I came with my bud Erin and other bud Greg (of NEEDEEP). We get in and head for the bar. As we were getting drinks, Mathieu came up he was out of beer, so we obtained another for him. We chatted very briefly and he was on his merry way. We were leaning on the bar making random conversation when Jay comes up. He says hi and actually stays to chat for a few. He talks music with Greg, gets a beer and is then pulled away by some young ladies. Before he gets away, he tells me where Jackie is posted and I meander over to say hello. I get over to her table and greet Jackie, along with Mike and Ben. As I am making my way backover toward my pals, I see a familiar face in the crowd. It is Jim Jimmerson. I had invited him out to the show....it was his first. Ah, the Echovalve virgin. Little did he know he would soon be an EV addict ;) He was complaining of being tired and might leave. I scooped Jay away from whoever he was talking to and ushered him over to save the day. Somehow when a band member says stay, fans listen. Go figure. So, we chat for a few and then the opening band is done and I see the boys making their way up to the stage. Yay.
Every show I think I am going to be able to relax and just watch the show. Just take in the awesomeness. Negative. When you hear the first strum of Jay's or Ryan's guitar, the first beat Nik pounds on his drum, or even the first murmur of Mathieu checking the sound of the mic....your heartbeat quickens, your blood pressure rises....You can't help it. Your stomach gets all queasy as if you have just won the lottery. As the first song starts, your head thrashes to the beat and you begin to belt out the lyrics. You are jumping around involuntarily. You raise your hand and put up the horns. OK...like this has never happened to you. If it hasn't you obviously have never been to an Echovalve show. Get your ass to The Masquerade on Feb 26th. I'll be there. You can watch and learn. Feel the music. Well, now that I have ruined the moment with my blatent promotion.....I apologize. Just know that at Luby's this past Saturday, the crowd was so engaged. There was energy like I haven't seen at a show in a while. It was sweeeet. If you weren't there, you missed out. ((Feb 26th...)) hee เคนी


This wasn't my first show and it surely won't be my last। I hope to meet all of you that have been emailing and commenting the page. You are a huge part of what makes all of this so great. Rock on people!


~JEN

Luby's acoustic show 2/16

I am not sure where to begin with this one....this night was lots of things....lots-of-things.......


I roll into Luby's (keep in mind I am rolling in solo due to the fact that I had come straight from work-yes, I am a die hard fan & will attend a show by myself). I step in the door & wait to let the guy know I am "on the list" (yeah, I am cool shit now)... Jay comes walking by. He looks up and appears excited to see me. {Between the fact that they actually know who I am and the stress of my day, I almost wet my pants.} He says Hi, I vented about the obstacle course that was my journey to the show. Then, Nik walks up and says hello. I swig his beer. Ah, that was nice. I actually make it inside the venue and up walks Ryan. I say Hi to him as well & he points me in the direction of Jackie. I get over to the table and set my keys and camera on the table, say hi & then head for the bar. I needed a drink after the day I had just had... So, being stressed about the day and the trek to come see EV, I began to unwind. Really unwind. I bring a shot of jaeger over to Nik and we chat it up for a sec. A few days prior he & I had talked about him possibly signing a stick for me & he remembered. He actually brought the stick with him. {Again, I almost wet my pants} He grabs the stick & signs it. I immediately take it out to the car so that it isn't damaged or stolen.... At one point I recall Jay & I talking about getting the Echovalve 'e' on the inside of our lip. I think I recall Mathieu shooting that idea into the dust...Jay, if you read this...I am so down. Let's go! So, I make it back over to the table and chat it up with Jackie and Mikey. We suffer through the opening acts & finally the guys hit the stage. Finally.


We drag chairs up to the front of the stage and everyone sits down to take a listen. I float around from side to side and front to back (when I am hype, being in one place is not an option....) In the mist of my 'floating' back and forth, I knock the mic (I think more than once)...almost took out poor innocent Mathieu's mouth. Oh my dear God. How embarassing. How clumsily disgusting of me. barf. However, Mathieu made a joke of it and moved on. He actually said my name while he was onstage. The fact that he said my name almost (not really, but hey...look on the bright side..) made the incident ok. They play on. When they are done, Jay leaves the stage. Something was awry. I was too engaged to realize just what it was....
So, the show raps up and I am still quite the social butterfly, still buzzing around & chatting with new people I just met. I heldped the guys get their stuff into the trailer. I was going to crash at Jakie's. Somehow I ended up riding with the guys. Here is where my night gets interesting. Well, not crazy interesting....just extremely surreal. So, now I am in the back of the van riding down the road with all 4 guys. I am experiencing a severe bout of nerves. I am generally an extreme ball of energy, mix in a lil' booze and outrageous nerves & you have a trainwreck of randomness leaving my mouth. When I am with my pals, we tend to blurt out phrases that make sense to us, but no one else. Well, I was blurting out all kinds of things only my pals would understand & the guys were not following at all (not that they should have been, if someone yells, 'suck dick, get money'...I know the general thought after that...not quite what I was going for...it's an inside joke, but whatever). So, I am chilling in the back of the van, driving down the road. We stopped & grabbed some vittles. We talked...well, they talked, I stumbled over my words... I would say something and realize it either made no sense or was just stupid, but I couldn't seem to keep my mouth shut. Urgh.... I do recall saying something about writing this blog....Damn, I am special.


We make it back to the house & I get the tour of where they practice & where they sleep. At this point I am still trying to process that I am actually there and the experience is real. I finally end up crashing on the couch (Ryan offered up his bed & he'd sleep on the couch, but I really didn't want to put anyone out). When I got up on Sunday, I sat on the lanai with Mikey and Jay and talked about lots of nothing. Nik came out for a sec & chatted for a moment. All I could think about was how the hell I ended up there & how absolutely awesome it was that I was there. Mike ended up taking me back to my car. That was a night. Nothing super crazy, but definitely blog-worthy.


FYI:::many happenings and goings on were left out of this blog due to the fact that I cannot recall them accurately or I am protecting the innocent (ahhaha, really I just cannot recall cuz I have no memory whatsoever). Also, I am extremely embarassed that the first time I am totally hanging out with Echovalve outside of a show, I am a complete mess. Urgh, but oh well. When folks see you at your worst, then can really appreciate your best.....hahahahahahaaa.
ps--->If you were there that night, please feel free to add your 2cents. I am sure people would like to know the real goings on, instead of my botchy story.... ;)


ADDITION-->
Ok, I feel the need to add this..... I have been spreading the musical genius of Echovalve because I am a HUGE fan. I do the promotions thing & I am pretty alright at it (Go Big Jen! Promotions)...plug.... Anyway, these guys are real nice, good people. I can say that now since they were so gracious to me the other night.
I never experienced that phase where you really worship a band. Sure, I was into music. However I didn't over obsess about anyone. Seemed kinda pointless to me. So, I really think I am totally going through that phase now. Now it has a point. Now I can get involved and do what I am good at (when it's not in a bar late at night....), which is get the word out about this great new band. The poor boys of Echovalve are doing a fab job of not killing me or issuing a restraining order (which after some of the crazy shiznit I said Sat night is amazing). However, I think Jay may have ordered me a muzzle...hahahahaa. I am a real Chatty Cathy. I'll work on that....
Ok, just had to get that out & add my own 2 cents.....
Thanks for reading my madness! <3, Jen