How long has it been? Almost 3 years now since my first ever performance in a little coffee shop wedged into Winona's downtown scene. At least what you could call Winona's downtown scene. I remember back to that day, Being overly scared for the task at hand... Plus, It didn't help that it was a morning show so I was practically sleeping as I sat up there on stage. There really wasn't much people there listening but that was okay... It was something new to me.... Something grand to me. No one could have taken that moment away from me. Even with mistakes, miscues, and the occassional word-slip (which still happens to this day), That moment will forever live on as an iconic scenario for me.... A place, and time, where this all grew wings.

3 years later... 170+ shows later... 3 Albums later...

To be honest, The shows don't always carry the same weight that they once did. It's not that I don't enjoy writing music or that conveying my own creative output isn't interesting. Nah. That's all very good and grand still. The problem I have, these days, is trying not to lose my focus on the kind of musician that I really want to be.... Losing my focus as it pertains to sticking to my guns and generating something artistic versus something "catchy".

I found myself starting to write with "catchy" in mind... In a sense, to those who are music purists, I was selling out on a small scale. Sure, the songs still had meaning, however, there were certain tracks that just felt hollow to me... But... I always followed that "hallow" mindset with a simple... "Well, people will like it at least...", And then and there... I lost myself.

When I moved up to Minneapolis as a professional musician I was quite green to the process. I thought I could change the course of my career with a cheap computer printer, word of mouth via facebook, and hoping (almost praying if you will) that something would catch. Sure, I landed some amazing opportunities... Did some things that I will forever remember... However, I lost myself to the mindless drone that ONLY cared about "Turn Out"... About how many people may, or in most cases, may not show up at an upcoming show. I began to lose grip of the creative output and began to focus obsessively on the "business side" of music... Hoping, and again praying, that people would take notice and enjoy what I was putting forth.

Now.... I'm being very out there... very honest at this point. This is how the inner workings of a musician tend to go. You create when you're looking to convey a message... It practically seeps out of you during the writing process... You get super crazy excited to project it to the masses (or in my case... 4 people. ha) and then you ultimately reap the "Hell" that comes when you see your recent project fall by the wayside... Struggling for air... Struggling for attention.

"Fragments", one of my greatest achievements as a writer however not as a recording engineer, was a snapshot of a very "angry" period in my life. I put everything into that album... My sanity would agree... I couldn't find a way to truly record such a loud, an angry, album out of my own computer (as I don't use other studios... I go complete old school with my own studio). Each song took 5-10 takes, not because they didn't turn out well from my stand point vocally... but... Because I couldn't find a way to not deliver feedback on the track. So, When it was all said and done, you could imagine my happiness...

HOWEVER... The months that fell behind the release of "Fragments"... I slipped into a sense of hybernation....

Didn't write a new song for almost 6 months at a time... Didn't promote the album as It wasn't really drawing attention... Stopped creating hard copies of the album because of the same thing... Overall, I had come to a point where I was so heavily burnt out to the thing that I loved the most... That I needed to step away...

And step away I did... For the last year, almost, I've been playing a light show schedule (probably to continue, however)... Picking my dates... however, hoping (and once again praying) that I could at least pull in 3-4 people for each one of those shows despite the fact that I didn't play much anymore.

And now, It comes all full circle as I'm back in a place where I want to write.... Not to write something catchy... Not to stand ground as some "great performer".... But rather, To convey a story... convey a message... Register something creatively.

Thank you to all of those who continue to listen, come to shows when you can, etc. I appreciate all of you greatly and always will.

Cheers.

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who came out to see the show @ The Trempealeau Hotel last night. It was one of the shows for me that truly reiterated why I absolutely love what I do. The process of standing before a crowd of receptive strangers (and not so strangers) and conveying my music is a high that I cannot explain. Last night was def. one of those shows as I found myself completely lost in my music. Overall, it was an amazing night and I wanted to thank those of you who came out to listen to some tunes on a freezing Wisconsin night.

For those of you who have not made the trek up to the Trempealeau Hotel... Do so! A great work staff, amazing food, and a scenic view that will leave you fixated. Everyone I encountered at the Hotel (especially Mark) was extremely nice and very supportive through out the night. All in all, The Trempealeau Hotel is now one of my fav. places to play.

Now to the next show, I will be traveling back to where I had lived for the last year and will be playing a show at the Fine Line in Minneapolis! (www.finelinemusic.com) If you live in the area and want to check it out... Go to the website as it grows closer to the show and print off a free ticket from the site. When you click on the calendar and then the date of the show (March 25th) there should be an option to print off a ticket. You'll use that at the front door and it will take care of the cover charge... So it's 100% FREE! Yep, Free... Love that word.

New music will be coming shortly. I have a month to really sink into recording and plan on getting a lot of the new stuff recorded. I'm not sure when the files will be released to the internet, however, once I get some stuff finished you'll def. be the first to know!

Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease...


Tony

For those of you who don't recognize the subject of this blog then you must not know much about old school Notorious B.I.G. hah. Well, either do I... but that song always sticks in my head (Granted, He says "I'm going.. going.. back back to La Crosse.. La Crosse". So, close. Right?)

Getting past how my mind works.... The subject is the truth! I'm heading back to live in La Crosse in less than a week. I've spent the last year of my life here in St. Paul, MN and have truly enjoyed it. There are a lot of things I'm really going to miss about the area, however, in the end it felt best to move back home for various reasons (both personal and professional).

Upcoming Shows in the La Crosse Area

So what does this mean for me & my music? The only real change is that if you live in the La Crosse area... You'll have a better chance to see me play LIVE! As of right now I have a few shows set for the La Crosse in February:

Feb. 19th in Winona at Winona State University - "Mugshots",
Feb. 21st in La Crosse at The Root Note
Feb 28th in Trempealeau at the Historic Trempealeau Hotel

The Root Note show will go down as my first show back in La Crosse, So I'm hoping to draw in some people to come check it out! It's 5 dollars at the door. With the place being relatively new to the area (especially as a music venue) I'm hoping that the place can continue to develop and stand the test of time. We NEED some more venues in the La Crosse area. So, if you're looking for something to do on Feb. 21st... Check out the show!! Please... With a cherry on top? Yes, I'm rambling.

When are you going to release new music? It's been forever....

It has been forever.... I agree. However, there are reasons it's been awhile.

Firstly, I took a couple months off from strenious performing, recording, business, etc. due to the fact that I was starting to sense myself losing focus. I've been playing shows consitently every week for the last 2 years and I think I finally hit my "breaking point". Not in some psycho-I'm going to run down the street naked-where are my pills? kind of way but really in more of a personal-I need to slow down right now-take some time off for myself kind of way. This ushered in months of Writer's Block but for the first time... That was okay. I wanted to give myself some time to re-charge my batteries and ultiamtely come back to where I am right now... excited, focused, and looking forward to the next chapter of my career.

Secondly, I released "Fragments" this last summer and really wanted to give the album its due. It was the first album I ever had available on iTunes (Crazy to say... awesome to know) and really was a step in a new direction lyrically. I stripped away the more quiet and melodic tones of "Mourning the Cause" and ran with a much more angrier tone. I've said before that "Fragments" wasn't written... it just happend. That's where my mind was and it came out in the music... Pissed, Jaded, Drained, Gritty... That's "Fragments" to me. I'm happy for making that album and will forever look back on it as being the day I artistcally threw caution to the wind and went in a new direction. So, needless to say... I wanted to give "Fragments" as much of a shelf life as possible.

Thirdly, Recording.... "What a drag... dude". (Love that commercial). It can be fun, however with the whole "time off" deal... It's been hard to really sit down and begin to record again. That's slowly lifting though now... Which is good.

Wait... So you didn't answer the question... New Music sooner or later?

Yes, I ramble... I never get to the point (even with my own questions. hah). Yes, new music is coming. I promise. I've written a handful of stuff since the release of "Fragments" and I'm stoked to get them out to all of you. It may take awhile to do so as I really need to decide what I want released and what needs more work. However, I'm focused (there's that word again) on bringing some new recordings to all of you here on Zeeee-Internet. With moving It may push it all back a little further but I think the new stuff will be well worth the wait.

What's this about getting updates on shows straight from my cell phone?

I'm glad you asked... Tony. (if you haven't noticed yet... I'm in a weird mood this morning)

There is a new service called Broadtexter that is absolutely going to change the way musicians get the "word out" about upcoming shows & any other major news they have in store.

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All you need to do is type in your cell phone number and pick the regions that you reside in & you'll receieve texts a few days in advance of a show in your region. This way you don't have to run to your computer and keep on searching back to see what shows may be in your area.

I 100% promise that your cell phone will only be used for this purpose. There will be no spam coming your way & your cell phone number will only be part of my texting list... Your number will not be released to any other company.

So, Sign up!

So... I like your music... You seem weird but I still like you... how can I show my support?

It would sound more sincere if I just didn't write that.... but... ohh well.

The main thing you can do to help show support is to come to shows in your area! Honestly, it is ten times more fun to play to a room full of people (even if it's just 4 of you) versus playing to a bunch of empy seats. Nothing deflates your confidence more than playing a show to nobody. If you like my music or if you don't like it all that much but want to get out and see some live music... Check out my upcoming show schedule (or sign up for my text message updates) and come to an upcoming show. I'll love you forever.

Also, If you think that any of your friends, family, and/or robot that you made in your spare time would like my music then send them to www.tonyzobeck.com. Your word will help me more than anything I could ever do promotionally. Again, the only way one can stay afloat in this profession is if people are taking notice & that is 100% the hardest part of the job. Hands down. I can write and perform in my sleep (ask megan).. However, if no one knows what I'm doing... I'll end up playing to the people working at the venue.

All in all.... Thank you!

I'm thankful to those of you who have been along with me over the last two years. Whether it was going to shows, listening to my music, buying my albums, telling your friends about me, offering words of encouragement, and/or magically pretending to play along side me at shows... I truly appreciate it all. I love what I do and I hope to continue to do so for as long as I can.

In the end, Thank you St. Paul... I'll be back to play up here in the Twin Cities a lot over the next few years... for now... I'm heading back to my hometown, La Crosse. :)

Cheers.

We tend to be over dramatic about our love of music. To some music is an absolute escape from the rigidity of the real world. Some use the lyrics of others to make sense of their own lives. In a sense, using others as a catipult to their own happiness/sense of being alive. That's always been my place. The overly dramatic music lover who, instead of shouting to the ceiling, bottles up their own connection with music... however... Knows that without music.... I would have no outlet.

As a songwriter I have spent the last 4 years of my life documenting my up's and down's... My in's... My out's... My surreal triumphs and my often expected failings. While the downfalls were always much eaiser to conjure up a true emotion towards, It was both sides of the coin that made this all possible.

There is nothing more draining.... more emotionally stimulating than playing your own music in front of people. Leaving your "heart lying bleeding on the floor" for all to see and walking off stage with no real sense of self left. A blank slate... Nothingness... Not really in the sense of disconnect but rather the opposite. After spending anywhere from an hour to two hours indulging in my past and present through my songs... I find myself so overloaded by the end that there is literally nothing left.

This is why I always seem completely "out of it" after my sets. I will never be the musician'ie type (or I guess "Rock Star" type) that will want to sit around and talk about how great of a set it was. I love to hear what people have to say about the music that night... or how the set went for them... however, my first thought after a set (without fail) is wanting to go home. Not because I don't want to see people... Not because I don't want to embrace the moment.. but rather, After you've let everything go... After you've opened yourself up on stage or everyone to see... It's hard to stay even remotely confident. Does that sound weird?

For me, Writing music has always been a way "out"... a way to make sense of my life and to tell a story for others to take with them. In a sense, It's a weekly "Story Time" like you would find in Kindergarten. Everyone fills around the stage and listens in as the story unfolds.

Recently, I've found myself taking more time for myself... Not necessarily booking a billion shows a week and spending every waking hour on my computer conducting business on behalf of my music (Music Marketing, Promotions, Booking, etc.) Not because I found myself growing tired of what I love... but rather trying to separate myself from the craziness that is the business side of music. It may seem like nothing... Like it all comes together by itself somehow, however, it's really a 24/7 kind of en devour. Something that if not regulated (time wise) could end up being your dictator.

By taking time away from the business aspect I've found myself actually lifting my writer's block. It's been going for quite some time now as I was way to bent on event turn-out, promoting my music, pushing radio play, etc.. That my music, my mindset for performing was taking a major hit. I found myself thinking more and more as a business man (which In some way is needed) and less as a songwriter. With that being said, I knew time had come to make that change... To slightly step away mentally and try to stagger my way back "home".

All in all, I can happily say that I've come "home"

Pre-Journal Comment: I would like to thank EVERYONE who has been so unbelievably supportive of me and my music over the last year and a half. Whether it's someone who has randomly seen a show and still continues to make it a point to check out future shows, those who frequently visit my website looking for something new to read up on (new music sooner or later here), or those who have been there for me since day one... My true friends who stretch from everywhere in WI, MN, and ND. I truly appreciate you all & am so very moved by your dedication. Thank you.

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It's been awhile since I've sat down and actually formulated something... so... I thought I'd come along and write a random, most likely not-so-focused, journal entry to let you all know where I'm at, what I'm doing, and really... whatever comes to mind at 12:30 at night. hah. Besides the fact that a good bowl of cheerios sounds amazing right now.

After a few months of a quasi-self imposed writer's block... I've finally found myself mildly capable to throw together a few new songs. :) Coming off of recording process & release of "Fragments".. I found myself unable to really string together a thought that could carry long enough into a song. It's a lot of work to draft an album, actually record it, and then produce all of the artwork & physical copies. If you don't love what you do... Then you might find yourself losing touch with your own sanity. hah. So, after the release of the album I found myself utterly burnt-out. Still focused on my music, still in love with the process of being a songwriter, and still just as excited as I was on day one to continue playing shows.... However... Mentally I was starting to see the wear and tear of putting so much thought & effort into the new album. The album came together great and after it finally released... I found myself taking a big mental break. Not only did I want to go somewhere else with my music (in a sense... Trying to work with different subject matters), however, I also knew that I needed new experiences to really start to drive some new points.

Therefore I mentally took some time off over the last two months to re-charge my batteries and truthfully give myself some time to take a breath after a year & a half straight of non-stop business. I've come out on the other end now... With the kind of connection with my music that I always wanted to sustain. The excitement for new music... The focus of putting together lyrical pieces... And the overall idea that I can now see exactly why I love what I do.

Will there ever be a job out there that will give me the kind of self importance music gives me? Will there ever be a employer that will allow me to taste the high's and low's in life without even realizing it's taking place?

I know... I know... sounds "too deep" for some, but that's where I am at with music. I've always lived by the motto of "leaving my heart lying bleeding on the floor" when it cames to my music. Standing up infront of anywhere from 2 to 100 people... Spilling my experience... My emotions... my life... out onto others. That's not to say that there is some creative aspects of my music that is not entirely focused on my own life.... However... Even those songs that I do write in that light... Still take on the connection with my own life. That's what I believe music should do.... reach out to you and somehow make you better understand your own life... Your own experience through someone else's words & sounds.

So... Where am I going from here?

As I've said... I've written 4 new songs (really 3 of them, however, the 4th is one I wrote awhile back but never released or played in show) and am extremely excited about what they bring "to the table". Lyrical strong & gripping none the less. Here are the new songs to look out for in upcoming shows (or in future releases)

"Questions" - About the concrete questions that we all have in this world... Why are we here? What is our purpose? Is there some sort of "Being" looking over us or are we all just living in a world of circumstance & randomness?

"The Plight of our Senses" - Stop running through your life at full speed... Not paying attention to the beauty that lies around you. Stop and revitalize your senses.

"Bend before you Break" - The final line of the chorus says it all.... "You must bend before you break".

"Untitled" - Yea, I know this doesn't help you to look out for it but the song is so new that it's only a matter of 3 days old. It has no name as of yet but is about the process of not pushing away your own past. Embracing what you've gone through... Who has came and went... and why you are the way you are. It's your past, It's your life's blueprint... It's who you are.

Outside of the new songs, I've been in the process of booking my Fall/Winter seasons and will be all over the MN and WI area. I tend to keep my traveling kind of short (especially in the winter due to weather) since I hate driving. Yep, I really really hate driving. I zone out waaaaay to much and it's probably not good for me. That's why living in the Twin Cities can be rough as I feel like there are a billion cars all over the place and I'm hoping that they all obey the traffic laws and don't hit me.. haha.

Before I head off in closing, Here are a few personal tidbits to know....

* "Without a Trace" is one the best shows on TV. I've seen every re-run like a billion times however have yet to actually sit down and watch a new episode when it airs. (Another great TV show... "The Big Bang Theory". I guess I'm stuck on CBS programming these days.)
* If you live in the St. Paul area.... "A Fine Grind" is by far one of my fav. coffee shops. Very chill, good music on most nights and they have one of the most comfortable couches to kick back on and forget about what's going on outside. You'll lose yourself in thought there.
* No matter who your candidate is.... Get involved!
* While I'm sure it's not best to talk about politics as it pertains to me being a musician and what not... But there has been a long standing tradition of musicians, and artist's alike, who have spoken out and made their own voice heard in another light. With that being said, I can't help but proclaim that I would love to see Barack Obama as our next president of the United States. I am a firm supporter of his and have been since his keynote speech back in 2004. I know that there are different opinions on who would be best to lead our country and for that I'm happy to live in America. Where we can have those debates in a civil & overly relaxed manor.

It's now been over a month since my new album, "Fragments", has come out and I can't even begin to describe how happy I've been with its release. Album sales are going strong, feedback is coming in quick & positive, and I've been able to shop the album around to many different avenues for potential radio play (both internet and radio-radio). It's truly been an amazing last month.

When I was putting together the final track listing for the album (just before recording) I knew that I had something special with this album. Every track had something to say.... and could say it on its own. The whole album took on a life of its own in the sense that while there was some change of pace songs ("Fit Me In" & "Place & Time")... The rest of the album felt like the kind of music that I myself would listen to (Something that is a huge step for me ever since I started writing about 4 years ago). This album has taken on a much more aggressive mentality than the last one ("Mourning the Cause")... To the point where a couple of the songs are what I call... "Polite F' you" songs. Not going overboard or being mean by any means... but conveying a real emotion of letting go & understanding that things will not always be as they seem.

With that being said... I'm happy to say that my new album is now available for download on iTunes! This was something I really wanted to do with the new album (as I didn't with the last one) as it's truly the best way to get your music out to others. It's quick, easy, painless, cheap & everyone knows how to use it. So, with that being said, stop by iTunes and plug my name in ("Tony Zobeck") and you'll find my new album "Fragments" there for purchase (either as a full album or as individual tracks).

Coming off of this album, however, I've found myself in a state of writer's block. It always seems to come around every once in awhile... but.... This time it's been far more annoying. With that being said, I've been able to write 2 songs that I actually do like a lot (and am in the process of working them over as we speak). I know.... It doens't sound like Writer's Block if you're able to write songs that you like, right? All in all, I can tell that there is a lot there for me to write about... it's just not coming up.

So, I've decided to take a step back for a short while and focus on the music that I have.... While living life in a perceptive state. Taking my mind away from the constant hustle of being a professional musician (ugh.... Business is not fun) and start to soak in some new inspiration for some new tunes. All in all, I feel that this will help me to open my eyes and continue to evolve as a songwriter (as that's my  main goal).

Anyways, I hope you're well & maybe I'll see you at an upcoming show!

Cheers.

Tony

This week has proven to be a big week as it pertains to the release of my next album, "Fragments". In my last note, I announced the name of the new album (as stated before "Fragments") and also went into depth behind the creation of the overall themes that were laced through out the album. I wanted to fill others in on what I was working on and ultimately what they can expect in the end. Partly because it's fun for me to talk over the details of the album... and Partly because I'm hoping that there are some people out there who are genuinely excited for its release.

With that being said, I wanted to post this note and show you the artwork that has been developed for "Fragments". Below are two photos... One is the cover of the album and the other is what you can expect to see on the CD label itself.

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Album Cover

The cover was developed by Megan Berg. We wanted something that would coincide with the theme that naturally develops when you hear the word "Fragments". Something that was torn, broken, and ultimately jaded in a way. We both felt that this cover expressed that feel.


CD Label

This is the actual sketched out picture of what is seen on the Cover of the Album. I'm a big fan of rough-edge sketching and tried to continue with the theme... Just now with a more rigid and darkened way. When this photo is laid on the actual CD you can only see half of the figure... However, It still carries the feel that I was going for.

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As you can see it's very "Indy" in the sense that you're not going to end up with an amazing design done by a computer software. However, I am very happy with what we have put together and would be much happier with this than if I did have a "mass produced cover". For me, Music has always been a form of expression... A form of art... A way to document your life (whether it is real scenarios or created) and leave something behind for others to listen to. This artwork pushes that vibe I believe... Someone who is focused more on the music... Focused more on the art of making music... Than trying to fit within the mold of "popular design".

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Schedule for the Rest of the Week:
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Friday, June 6th - Release of a few tracks from "Fragments"
(On Facebook, Myspace, & via my website - TonyZobeck.com)

So, check back on Friday to hear some new Music from the album!

Cheers.

Tony

This is a big week as it pertains to my second album release! I am still a few tracks away from finalizing the entire album, however, I do have a lot of the album art done as well as a good portion of the audio files finished and cut. So, with that being said... This week will be full of releasing information about the album as well as a few audio tracks by the end of the week.

On Today's agenda, I will release the name of the album & dissect the theory behind it all. Let you know how this album is different than my last and ultimately let you know exactly what tracks are finalized for the album.

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The album is entitled "Fragments". When I was kicking around ideas for an overall theme I kept on coming back to the themes of "being broken", "torn apart", "in the dark". A lot of the subject matter on this album leans towards a more aggressive approach to story telling. I have always been a songwriter who wants to stand out on his own two feet instead of following the mold of most singer/songwriters (ie: Soft love songs that bore you). So, when this last album was finally released ("Mourning the Cause" - June 2007 Release) I quickly went back to the "Drawing Board" and started to develop a new avenue for creativity. Stop worrying about the subject matter I would tackle & start writing songs that would reflect the state of mind that I was in. Then when you add months upon months of crippling cold weather (Midwest.. don't ya love it?).. I ended up on the other end with a bunch of songs that not only challenged me as a vocalist and as a guitar player.. but also mentally and emotionally. There was a sort of transformation that took place where writing was no longer a process of playing it safe.... it was now a process of true self expression.

The tracks began to pile up... Some I kept... Some I threw by the wayside but all in all I wanted to make sure that whatever made the album fit in with my vision for this album. I wanted a change.. I wanted to produce something that was more meaningful and powerful than just another Singer/Songwriter album. Acoustic music can be a powerful... powerful form of music if you play your cards right & I wanted to make sure that this album delivered on that front.

With that being said, Here is the track listing (In no particular order as I still have to work that part out before its release)

1. Read Between the Lines
2. Take it as You Want
3. Final Breach
4. Same Ole' Cliche
5. Drought
6. Place & Time
7. The Long Way Down
8. Insomnia
9. My Great Escape
10. Fit Me In

Some of these songs have been released in other fashions before ("Read between the lines" via produced video & "Final Breach" via the live TV show recording I did), however, even those two songs have seen a long of change since their initial releases (Not the same takes). Other songs like Insomnia, Take it as you want, The Long Way Down, & My Great Escape have all been major parts of my set over the last year.

That brings us to the three songs that are relatively unknowns. "Same Ole Cliche" is a song that has been part of my set recently and is a great blues track which focuses on the notion of leaving your hometown. "Fit Me In" was a sly groove track that I wrote awhile back (that rhymes.. nice.) about catching a glimpse of someone from afar and wanting to create enough courage to actually say something. I've played that song twice in show and it originally was not set for the album but in the end I enjoyed the song so much that I felt it would be a nice "change of pace" on the album. Finally, bringing us to "Drought" which is a brand new song that I've only played once in show and is most likely a true unknown to everyone. It's about a character who is coming off of a lot of crap and is asking the new person in his life to bare with him as they sort through it all... coming off of a drought. It's a great acoustic rock track with a couple different add-ins that are new to my recordings (Same with "Insomnia" as well).

All in all, I wanted to put together a well rounded album that would truly jump out of your iPod speakers and speak for itself. An album that would take you in and then spit you out... tired... drained & focused for more. I do believe that this album delivers that notion.

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Schedule for the rest of the week:
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Wednesday - June 4th : Release of Album Art Work
Friday - June 6th : Release of a few songs from "Fragments"

For more information stop by www.tonyzobeck.com  or  www.myspace.com/tonyzobeckmusic

After months of suffering through yet another midwest winter... Spring is finally here! Isn't this an amazing time of the year? Everything is coming back to life, you can actually strip down a few layers, and spend most of your day outside for the first time in close to 6 months. I am truly an outdoors person (not in the sense of camping really... more just a fan of being outside when it's nice out) so this time of year is close to heaven on earth for me. haha. I've never been a fan of running to my car in subzero temps (but who really does like that) so as everything thaws out you can't help but feel like everything is on the up and up.

With that being said.... I'm in the process of recording my second album right now and am very happy with what I've put together so far. While the last album carried more of a softer Singer/Songwriter style (as I was learning the ropes about everything from recording to writing music) this album really jumps out at you with a lot more power driven angst. This album is certainly very personal to me & diagrams a lot of loss that has transpired over the last year in my life. These situations have only fueled my writing process and I'm very happy to say that this album looks to be a step or two above the last album ("Mourning the Cause").

I have always been very happy with "Mourning the Cause", however, enough has changed since the recording of that album that I don't feel like it's a great representation of myself anymore.  At that time I had just decided to go the route of a professional musician and was learning the ropes in a lot of different ways. I was too afraid to make everything perfect that the songs came out somewhat "bland" and "over thought out".... So, my goal with this album was to not hold anything back and really take you through the "ride of the song". I wanted the subjects, the emotions, the overall feel of the song to jump out at you without much thought. Therefore, the recording process has been somewhat tiring as I've been very picky about what versions of songs I actually keep and which I throw away.

I currently have 3 tracks (out of 10) finnished and am looking to continue recording next week after my guitar comes back in from the shop (It needed some repairs as I'm pretty sure my bridge got warped due to the dry winter in my apartment). As of right now, My goal would be to have the album out in the first week of June.... However.... I'm not really sure if that is possible given the time frame that I have (factoring in the 5 or 6 shows that I still have to play this month).

All in All, I'm setting a realistic projection that the album will certainly be ready for sale sometime in June of 2008. That gives me around a month to cement the rest of the tracks, create the album art, and then go forward with making hard copies to sell at shows, etc.

As the Album moves along I will be posting new information about how everything is coming along. For instance, In a couple of weeks I plan on releasing the name of the album as well as a lot of the album art that you'll see when you pick up a copy. I want there to be a general vibe for what to expect with this album and really feel that releasing info like that will help to get my point across.

Before I go I just wanted to thank you all once again for your undying support! This past year has been like a dream to me & I can honestly say that I have loved every second of it. The highs and the lows have shown me that this is exactly what I want to do with my life and to know that I have your support truly validates that for me as well.

Thank you again.

Now go out and enjoy the weather.

Cheers.

Tony

When I first moved to the Twin Cities I didn't really know what was going to come of it. I knew that I wanted to play bigger & better shows while also living in a city that was twenty-million times more focused on music than La Crosse. However, I never would have thought within my first month of living here that I would land a show like the Fine Line Cafe straight out of the gate.

The Fine Line Cafe: