Crushing Krisis

Monthly Archives: January 2010

Apocalyptic Love Song – Arcati Crisis, Live @ Rehearsal

Friday, January 1, 2010

It’s a new year!

Ten years ago at this moment I was a freshman in college with a totally new group of friends at my first adult dress-up party, about to experience my first kiss. And maybe die in the throes of Y2K.

Tonight I am home alone with my wife, and I shaved off my mustache., so I could give her a unscruffy New Year’s kiss.

There have only been two constants in my life that ten years. Music. And Gina.

“Apocalyptic Love Song” is about loving someone to the end of the world and beyond. I think it’s the best song anyone currently living in Philadelphia has written. Possibly the Eastern Seaboard. And I will not rest until Gina wins a Grammy for it. Sometimes I am brought to tears while we’re playing it, moved by the power of Gina’s lyrics and performance.

Encompassing the two constants in my life, and addressing the unknown the always lies ahead, it seemed fitting to end our concert with it tonight.

The future makes me laugh, the future makes me cry
I can see it all in the reflective square of light shining in my eye
I see ripples. I see waves. I hear cries of despair.
And all I can think to do is go on breathing all this air
But I know that for a while the sun will continue to shine
Just as long as at some point you were standing here by my side

(watch in HD on YouTube)

You can download a revelatory version of “Apocalyptic Love Song” from our most recent Live @ Rehearsal CD.

You can watch our entire web concert in sequence via our YouTube playlist.

Filed in arcati crisis, elise, gina, under my skin, video | | Comments (0)

2010, pass or fail

Saturday, January 2, 2010

In perusing the new year’s resolutions of my bloggy and tweety friends, I’ve noticed a lot of hate on 2009.

I suppose a lot of terrible things happened to a lot of people last year, which makes me almost embarrassed to admit it was pretty awesome for me. I don’t have to explain why, because you’re reading my blog, AKA Peter’s Awesomeness Tracker (e.g., wedding, Paris, music festival, skydiving, #bdc, etc).

I also accomplished a lot of personal goals. Not resolutions, mind you – intangible, mutable agreements with yourself that you might choose to honor on any given day. No, real goals – like, “Keep a balanced budget,” “Record X songs,” and “Convert home office to recording studio.” And each goal came with an associated amount of points, altogether adding up to 100 – which meant I could grade myself on my year.

(I know, right? Only I would take delight in making new year’s resolutions into an academic endeavor with a grade.)

I didn’t get a 100% on 2009, or even a C. It was more of a pass/fail thing, and I certainly didn’t fail – in grade or in the obscene amount of important things I accomplished.

The goals were good for something else, too – they let me know what wasn’t important. If I cannot bring myself to tag the last 800 posts from CK’s first three months even with my grade hanging on the line, it’s just not gonna happen.

I kept that in mind as I designed my 2010 goals. I focused less on esoteric personal requirements and more on things I could accomplish and view a product of.

It’s hardly a secret that many of my goals are related to my music – over a third! Last year one of my big goals was to get out regularly to open mics, which I did! For 2010 one of the biggest goals, with the most associated points, is playing shows where I am featured on the bill.

What a coincidence, then, that I am playing my first solo gig at the Tin Angel this Friday.

201001tinangel

I have some more to say about that (CLEARLY!!!!!), but it will keep until the week begins.

Filed in betterment, performance | | Comments (1)

What I Tweeted, 2010-01-03 Edition

Sunday, January 3, 2010

My best and most-interesting tweets of the last week.

Quotes of the week:

I'd like to see one Best Albums of 09 list topped with an actual solid, listenable, loveable album, and not just alterna-flavors of the year #

While getting my music out into the world takes a fair amount of practice and effort, I can keep my blog going by sheer force of will. #

Awesome tool for volunteer PR RT @JDEbberly RT @sylviahubbard1: Publicity Planner for 2010. Authors yr gonna love this! http://bit.ly/79PJnF #

@SarahPsyDeal When it comes to Pizza Hut, I lose all semblance of self-preservation instincts. Only the pizza matters. in reply to SarahPsyDeal #

Dear Universe: Please lend me about $750 so I can buy all of the amazing 2009 albums I so blithely missed upon date of release. Best – Peter #

My wife, the (dessert) pyro. http://twitpic.com/vtcw0 #

If I was on a label the job of the design intern in the doghouse would be to lasso out my hair. Since I'm indie, that's my job. #

South Philly Fowl http://twitpic.com/w30ws #

@NotGiamatti Clue is the best movie ever made. I almost themed my wedding after it, but we couldn't decide which parent would be Mr. Boddy. in reply to NotGiamatti #

Reminder: Candy Canes are not medicinal in nature. i.e., No, Peter, it is not the same as taking an antacid. #

Happy New Year! I shaved my mustache for our New Year's Kiss because THAT IS HOW GREAT A HUSBAND I AM. #

@SarahPsyDeal Every year I would swear I'll get ripped for the music fest & play a set with my shirt off. Please achieve that dream for me. in reply to SarahPsyDeal #

Possibly the best part of recording video while I record audio is capturing all of the awesome moments where I scream obscenities at myself. #

If I ever forget why it is that I want to be playing music I can usually re-kindle it in the span of three live tracks from Ani DiFranco. #

You should follow me on Twitter so you can read my tweet action as it happens.

Filed in Twitter | | Comments (0)

Daily Demo: Icy Cold

Monday, January 4, 2010

Here’s a brand new HD video of “Icy Cold” with beautiful hi-fi multi-track soundboard audio. It comes with a story.

(watch in HD on YouTube and download the mp3.)

Okay, story-time.

Ten years ago (less 24 days) I was a freshman in college, and I wrote a song called “Icy Cold.”

It was an odd one – very oblique lyrics in one of my more unusual alternate tunings (at the time) made it a challenge to sing and play. I left it off my 2000 demo CD Other Plans and, curiously, also did not consider it for my 2001 studio disc Relief. It remained bound to my apartment, where it factored in to a few of my favorite Trio recordings.

Around the same time I wrote “Icy Cold” – 86th in a rapidly-expanding list of songs – I decided that it was time for me to start playing shows.

Being rather ignorant as to what that entailed, I assumed that I would just phone up a local, mostly-acoustic venue where people I liked frequently played and explain that I wrote tons of awesome songs, and then they would invite me to play. (Later, after my initial flush of success, I could upgrade to playing the TLA or the Electric Factory).

The Tin Angel being the only local mostly-acoustic venue that I knew of at the time, I sussed out their booking information and rang them up.

That was the extent of my year-2000 booking experience at the Tin Angel. No follow-up. No booking. No flush of success.

To be fair, I would have been an utter disaster. I know some people so wonderful that their first ever show was at the Tin, but I was not that kind of wonderful in 2000. Sure, I had the awesome songs, but I could just barely sing, and I was playing a guitar that didn’t even especially stay in tune!

Over the course of the past ten years I’ve done a lot to rectify my singing and guitar-playing issues, and I’ve played in a lot of amazing Philly venues – including the Tin Angel, as part of a showcase with Arcati Crisis. Yet, I’ve never fulfilled that original goal of ten years ago – being featured solo on the bill at the Tin.

Well, that’s going to happen on Friday at 10:30 p.m., so when it came to choosing the first song to post in 2010 in this glorious new HD audio/video combo format it seemed natural to choose “Icy Cold” – especially given the slights it experienced in 2000 and 2001.

Plus, it’s really freaking cold out.

That’s my story.

PS: I owe the hugest possible shout-out to Tim Jahn for explaining Adobe Premiere Pro compression codecs to me via Twitter at the eleventh hour (literally) to make this beautiful video possible. Tim writes a blog of occasional, thought-provoking bulletins that I have been enjoying for months. You can also follow him on Twitter.

Filed in betterment, cold, college, demos, memories, performance, self-critique, songwriting, stories, video | | Comments (2)

Unsynced

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I’m supposed to have another video posted for you in an hour or two.

In fact, I do have a video. It’s awesome – more HD, more brand new digital audio, and a song overdue for re-recording.

Except, the sync is off.

Not the whole time, mind you – just starting from about 1:50. I seem to be moving progressively slower than I’m making noise, until at the end of the video I seem to be lip-synching in delayed reaction to a performing Peter positioned somewhere off-screen.

However, that’s not really the case. At least, not in Adobe Premiere when I’m editing the video. There it is crystal clear and perfectly aligned.

Digital video editing is new to me, and I approached it like any other technical skill I’ve acquired in my life – I started doing it blindly and learned more with every mistake. Codecs, lots of mistakes there. Frame rates and aspect ratios, more mistakes. Exporting, metric tons of mistakes.

I’m pretty sure the syncing is not my mistake, as determined by an unreal number of hours of scientific trial and error. Even the almighty Google doesn’t have a lot of light to shed on the situation.

That leaves me on day two of my new project with no product. Honestly, it would have been less frustrating if this happened on day one.

Also, my iPod forgot all of my ratings from yesterday, I think my wallet was stolen on the bus, and I had a dream that Karen O. was following me around the house singing the first verse of “Man” over and over…

…and if that sounds entertaining to you then you clearly are not having the day I am having.

Filed in thoughts | | Comments (1)

Flip Video Hell

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Good news: wallet found!

Bad news: still in video encoding hell.

Since I’m sure someone else on the face of the internet is experiencing this issue, allow me to expand:

My project: Shoot video with my Flipcam while I record audio in my home studio. After mixing the audio, sync it to the video in Adobe Premiere for a studio-quality music video to post to YouTube.

Sounds straight-forward, yes?

The Flip is certainly straight-forward – about the size of a pack of cigarettes and operates with a single button. Its 1280×720 isn’t the crispest, but it does well in all sorts of lighting conditions, and can absorb loud sound at concerts without clipping.

That said, the sound is still through a relatively tinny single mic, so adding stereo multi-track audio from my studio marks a vast improvement.

The problem comes when I import the MP4 into Adobe Premiere. It looks beautiful! However, its timing is every so slightly off – compared to the audio track the video falls increasingly behind. The difference is less than a second, but enough to ruin the visual sync of the audio to the video.

Not only is it visible against the video, but you can hear it via an increasing echo if you turn up the audio from the Flip. And after encoding the problem seems even more pronounced.

I’ve been trouble-shooting this for 72 hours, and I can’t discern the source of the problem. So far, I have:

Installed, uninstalled, and reinstalled all of my various video codecs

Tried encoding the end project in a number of formats

Tried editing with multi-threading on my system turned on and off

Tried converting the Flip video to other formats prior to editing

At the moment I am truly and completely stumped. On one hand, it could be that I’m simply not unpacking the MP4 file correctly into a format that I can edit with.

However, my growing suspicion is that the Flip is dropping and/or inserting some frames, and it would only take one or two “skips” to throw the video off several milliseconds against my audio recording.

I lucked out on Monday with “Icy Cold,” which lags just a hair, but since then I’ve been completely frustrated.

Unless some video superhero comes through with an explanation and a fix it looks like I’ll be hawking my Flip to step up to a more pro-sumer model for my upcoming projects.

Updated: Comments from my personal video superhero, Colin, of SeptaWatch.

MPEG is a compressed format, meaning it uses a combination of dropped frames + keyframes to make up for the lack of real data. When you “decompress” the MPEG, those frames are gone forever, so they have to be recreated. This is an imprecise science. Since the Flip is recording compressed video, you’re not recording with any sort of frame-by-frame accuracy.

The songwriter’s job is never done, eh?

PS: Could it be the audio that’s off? It’s possible, but not probable – I’ve been using Cubase for over two years, and my DAW is customized for it. It’s certainly not a logical explanation

Filed in gear, thoughts | | Comments (0)

Hot off the presses!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

This week has been one of the more technically challenging ones I’ve ever spent as a songwriter, but right now that doesn’t bother me because look what I’m holding in my hands…

Brown Bag Demos discs, hot off the press.

Yes, that’s right, my first physical mass-produced CD release since 2001, and it’s totally DIY by Elise and I:

I decided to put together a CD six days ago

I wrote 11 of the 12 songs from 1999 to 2009

I performed all of the songs solo in my studio from 2007 to 2010

I engineered and mixed the recordings

E shot the photo; we both retouched it

E designed the cover art; I laid out the disc art

E and I worked together to launch the accompanying new website

E originally conceived of the Brown Bag Demos name and execution

More news tomorrow, as I make my solo debut (and sudden guerrilla CD release party) at the Tin Angel – 10:30 pm, $8.

More news on buying/downloading the CD on Monday.

Filed in songwriting | | Comments (2)

Backstage at the Tin Angel

Friday, January 8, 2010

Backstage at the Tin Angel

In the bathroom at the Tin Angel, about to go on. There seem to be a lot of people here. Oh my.

Filed in thoughts | | Comments (0)

Under My Skin

Saturday, January 9, 2010

It’s that time again.

Decades help us mark the time, draw arbitrary lines around styles and changes in our world. Sometimes my memories of “The 80s” are actually from 1992. Sometimes that great 30s pop art I love is from the 20s.

We claim 10 years as something tangible, but can we really understand it? At age 20 it’s half of our lives! At age 30 it’s just the upwardly mobile portion. So when do we understand? 40? 50? Do ten years ever make sense as a discreet, disposable unit the way one, or two, or five do?

I don’t know, and I’ll have to decide in August when this endeavor hits its own decade mark.

By then I’ll have celebrated dozens of other tiny deca-birthdays, as my early songs are all reaching that milestone. I’ve let most of them slip by unnoticed, or unmarked, or just by playing the song once or twice.

“Crashing” marked the beginning of my “modern” era of songwriting, so I marked that one with a recording.

Today marks something else. “Under My Skin.” God, I cannot even believe I am typing this, but I wrote it ten years ago. And, I never stop playing “Under My Skin.” For the first time, this is a song I’ve been living with – regularly, non-stop – for a decade.

So, there’s my measure. This tune took me from 18 having my first kiss to 28 and about to celebrate my first wedding anniversary. 18 and unsure of what life held in store to 28 surer than ever of what I want from it. 18 and barely able to carry a tune to 28 and confidently holding the stage on my own in two gigs in a single weekend.

But, I can tell you all about that this summer. The blog covers that. What does the song cover? Continue reading ›

Filed in under my skin | | Comments (2)

What I Tweeted, 2010-01-10 Edition

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Now I just have to master Adobe Premiere Pro in about 30 minutes. No sweat. #
Gah, video editing was a breeze, but the export options are WAY beyond my current knowledge. I need an Adobe Premiere Pro phone-a-friend! #
@timjahn I would love it if you could! Edited HD flip video to add studio audio. Now exporting for YT. Need to choose File Type & Compressor in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn I'm asking Google too, but I don't have some of the codecs they are talking about, it's a little confusing. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn I think I should be in Quicktime using H.264 at 1280×720? in reply to timjahn #
@dorkabella Oh, i just found something I really wanted you to listen to, what the hell was it… in reply to dorkabella #
@timjahn OOO, I think that's what I was missing – my video was coming out at 2gigs! Let me attempt that. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn Like, four. It's just one song. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn Do i really care if it's 1280 x 720 for YouTube? I guess for people who watch in HD? in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn AHA – File size issue seems to originate from uncompressed audio! Not sure how to amend – need an audio coded, i suppose. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn So, for whatever reason I cannot compress the audio to AAC when I use quicktime, which would explain part of the mega file size. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn Tons of codecs for AVI, but quicktime has zippo. Will try installing newest quicktime on my computer, I suppose. in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn Thank you for jumping in to help. Funny that after all of the setup and performance I did today this is my stumbling block :) in reply to timjahn #
@timjahn You'll be able to see my handiwork in the morning, hopefully :) in reply to timjahn #
@time_diarist I found one! @timjahn, who I've followed for quite some time. I *may* have an HD full-stereo video for you to watch in the AM in reply to time_diarist #
Great band; blew me & bro away opening for Paramore. RT @paperroute Paper Route named in 45 breaking bands of 2009! http://bit.ly/6CUjaX #
@KateFromage I have such an awesome video for tomorrow. All week, actually. Just you wait. in reply to KateFromage #
@time_diarist You can read my favorite piece of journalism by the author I was recently telling you about: http://bit.ly/5hFNk2 in reply to time_diarist #
@KateFromage This week will be all brand-new solo videos with multi-track audio and HD video, all of which I rocked to the ground :) in reply to KateFromage #
@timjahn Everything golden now! My one concern: the color depth of my final output is never as good as in APP. Black is a little faded. ? in reply to timjahn #
@KateFromage I was all over the apologies last night, and then I was like, "Dude, either you're good now or you're not. Fucking decide." in reply to KateFromage #
Today is so far (& will continue to be) awesome, even if I looked like a female Eskimo getting to work due to efforts to preserve my hairdo. #
@brimil Good lord, no. I'd have to sleep sitting up all week! Just afraid it would get flat in a hat. in reply to brimil #
@timjahn Seems like the blacks issue is consistent no matter the compression, as it wound up @ 10k/kbps http://bit.ly/pm1001-ic in reply to timjahn #
Watch video of a weather-appropriate tune, my song "Icy Cold" – live, in-studio: http://bit.ly/pm1001-ic #
MAJOR shout-out to @timjahn for coming to my rescue last night by teaching me about compression in Adobe Premiere! Smart guy, great blogger. #
@katefromage I am so crazy-proud of this production, and it's one of my favorite songs to begin with. http://bit.ly/pm1001-ic #
@wockerjabby New (kinda awesome) version of "Icy Cold" – DL url for mp3 in the description: http://bit.ly/pm1001-ic #
@Billy_Sea Ha, you RT'd it before I could even write you a message :) – you can DL the mp3 from the url in the YouTube description. in reply to Billy_Sea #
#musicmonday Fanfare is one of my fav @dantebucci tunes; See it w/live bass & cello this friday @ our show! ♫ http://blip.fm/~ip9l6 #
My video today is my decade-old song "Icy Cold" – live, in-studio, HD and hi-fi: http://bit.ly/pm1001-ic #
@BarenakedAdam Thanks for the RTs! Are you friends w/the band, or just a dedicated fan? I am LOVING the album so much. #
@BarenakedAdam I imagine their live show is awesome! I hope you are targeting fans of similar (inferior) retro-soul acts on various networks in reply to BarenakedAdam #
As opposed to my typical morning mantra of awesomeness, so far this day sucks, and I don't forsee any chances of it improving soon. #
@femelmed I gladly accept them, though I fear today might be a black hole that will simply absorb them as they near me ;) in reply to femelmed #
@anildash Did you receive resistance to "be less forgiving" from friends/family? I carried a similar mantra, and was occasionally vilified. in reply to anildash #
@socialbrown RT @BethHarte Have you seen @MarketingProfs Facebook Success Stories Case Study? 21 companies– B2B & B2C! http://bit.ly/6RBcyK in reply to BethHarte #
In-depth interview w/Kara DioGuardi. Great stuff about songwriting and why she didn't sign a publishing deal. http://bit.ly/8ezrkb #
Heading home soon to start tracking the compilation CD I'll release @ my Tin Angel on Friday night. Tickets: http://bit.ly/dbdcpm0108 #
@TheOtherJeff That is the last we shall speak on that topic! in reply to TheOtherJeff #
@not_pele Howabout instead of buying a house we buy the Khyber? http://bit.ly/8XYJf0 #
@amanda_nan My old SIM didn't work or even transfer data to my smart phone. BUT, Google phone syncs to Gmail contacts, which made it easier. in reply to amanda_nan #
Wrestling with video codecs for a third night in a row. Seriously, how can it be so hard to sync audio w/a freaking Flip video in Premiere? #
Practicing my super-secret cover to unleash at the show on Friday. It is getting crazy-good. If you come it will totally rock you :) #
Me & @socialbrown is like pop rocks & champagne. #
(and that is one of the more ungrammatical tweets that will ever emerge from my fingertips) #
Just 2 days until my solo debut at Tin Angel! I'm sorry to not mention much else, but that & work encompass my entire life at the moment ;) #
@time_diarist I love those! I am presently a Special K Red Berries addict. The crunchies on the flakes must be something addiction-forming in reply to time_diarist #
@jennlyn81 There will be tons of new video and music to come, don't worry. But, you will miss out on my super-secret cover song :) in reply to jennlyn81 #
Tonight: more rehearsal, compile a CD for Friday, and BAD MOVIE NIGHT with Knowing and GI Joe. Oh my, I better get started. #
@mentalyoga like, not even a hilariously awful bad movie? Just bad? in reply to mentalyoga #
@alexknowshtml His voice is CRAZY. But, I can cover every one of those with cooler guitar arrangements than the other dude… in reply to alexknowshtml #
@alexknowshtml If my video camera was not so much of a bastard you'd have two of them RIGHT NOW. Consulting with @radiocolin to amend. in reply to alexknowshtml #
@alexknowshtml You coming to the Tin on Friday? in reply to alexknowshtml #
GI Joe starts with a medieval flashback? Insta-fail. Oh boy, what a night I'm in for. #
Seriously, this is the best GI Joe story Hollywood could muster? I have two binders of better story outlines I wrote for GI Joes at AGE TEN. #
@DannyBrown She was definitely one of my top five GI Joes as a kid, although Jinx will eternally be my #1. in reply to DannyBrown #
EVEN THE ADR IS BAD. This movie is worse than Transformers. Sweet lord. #
@NealWiser But, the difference is that my movie would be GOOD, and he would be JEALOUS. in reply to NealWiser #
@DannyBrown BTW, Scarlet is also the Sydney-replacement on Alias and the green chick in Star Trek :) in reply to DannyBrown #
@NealWiser Yes, I'm sure it's easier to laugh about when you've been inside of this screenwriting-by-committee BS instead of watching it in reply to NealWiser #
@NealWiser Also, I'm still waiting for someone to do some acting… in reply to NealWiser #
@NealWiser Also, the score is awful. My childhood is disintegrating onscreen in front of me. in reply to NealWiser #
@johhnny5 "Is this scene ADRed?" is one of my favorite games to play when only halfway paying attention to something on screen. in reply to johhnny5 #
I will say that the one cool thing about the GI Joe flick is the utterly simple explanation of vipers, and why every last one is a red shirt #
@johhnny5 Hey, any chance of luring you out to my gig on Friday, possibly with the lovely wife? in reply to johhnny5 #
GI Joe managed to wring out some entertainment value as the ridiculousness wore on. Channing Tatum has no acting ability to speak of. #
Someone needs to launch a franchise on Jensen Ackles. Beautiful dude, great actor. Why is his filmography so lame? http://bit.ly/4EPtBQ #
Bad Nic Cage movies should have their own special awards category. Now embarking on the cinematic journey that is KNOWING. #
@mentalyoga I'm 15 minutes in and it's not awful yet, but I can feel it coming. Still, will be hard to beat GI Joe. We'll see. in reply to mentalyoga #
Knowing, not awful, really. A subtle take on preternatural suspense that was probably below people's excitement threshold. Beautiful score. #
@joshrrusso You love me! Doesn't look like they carry my gauge, though ;( in reply to joshrrusso #
@mentalyoga GI Joe was worlds worse than that. It was wobbly and a bit inert, but really none of the earmarks of a truly BAD movie. in reply to mentalyoga #
Fruit smoothie and mug of Airborne in my attempt not to let any bugs sneak through between this morning and the show tomorrow night. #
@joshrrusso I actually use their "Bluegrass" set, which are custom light high strings & medium low. Medium highs snap too much w/my retuning in reply to joshrrusso #
Compelling AICN list of the top 10 comics/graphic novels of the decade. Makes me want to find my library card http://bit.ly/7hTRBq #
@MVMNT_Mike Late show is doors at 10pm, out by midnight. Not sure on the order – likely going first or second. in reply to MVMNT_Mike #
Brief folo on the bad H&M NYC publicity from earlier this week. http://bit.ly/5l6cfy Collateral impact to brand: any? #
Mixing down final versions of the demo CD I'll have with me tomorrow night @ Tin Angel – my first physical solo disc since 2001! #
@aidenjamestour Thank you! I'm playing the later show, w/Dante Bucci & David Cope. in reply to aidenjamestour #
@sifelaver Seriously. Lots of web comps in that time & 4 AC discs, but not one of my own. No wonder I had 3hrs of songs to choose from. in reply to sifelaver #
@melissa_shae "Electric Twist" is the one that reminded me a ton of Regina. in reply to melissa_shae #
@redmoonriver Hopefully the gap between this and the next is less like nine years and more like nine months :) in reply to redmoonriver #
Just have to fix one song where I sound like I'm in a wind tunnel. Otherwise, ready to start burning! #
@redmoonriver Well, it's all just guitar-vocal. I feel like if I commit to getting them released I can start focusing on multi-track stuff. in reply to redmoonriver #
@joshrrusso Hah, I don't play bluegrass ever. I do tune down to C & A on my low E, but .13s on my high E can't last down to B and up to F. in reply to joshrrusso #
Omg, you guys, I have a new cd! http://twitpic.com/x61du #
So, if this tracklist is to be trusted, I play a lot of ballads. Actually, I think it's more that I'm saving rockers for the next disc… #
@iWIC3 I'll have an initial batch of 20-30 w/me tomorrow at the show & on my person from that point fwd. Also, will have them for DL soon. in reply to iWIC3 #
Totall DIY, baby! I wrote/recorded/performed/mixed all songs + a cover, Elise shot the photo, we both worked on the art. 2010 already rocks. #
So, now my debut at the Tin Angel is also a (guerrilla) CD release party. DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE? #
Today is too awesome to only be the eighth day of the year! Kickoff for my biggest project, new CD ready to sell, & Tin Angel show tonight. #
@gloriabell Doors at 10, music at 10:30 sharp. $8 tickets. Can buy ahead ( http://bit.ly/dbdcpm0108 ) or at the door. in reply to gloriabell #
@lwcavallucci Yes, and clearly need to get more on my game about letting my Twitter friends know about gigs in a more consistent way :) in reply to lwcavallucci #
@lwcavallucci Many, many times. I think I shed a few followers as a result :) in reply to lwcavallucci #
@lwcavallucci Seriously. I mean, the 1st thing it says over there is "Indie Singer-Songwriter," so when I occasionally have a show… in reply to lwcavallucci #
@gloriabell You know I would absolutely love to be singing to your beautiful face ;) AND, I need to come over to see you some time soon!!! in reply to gloriabell #
@Chris_Huff I still need to see you do originals! We'll definitely find ways to cross paths in 2010 :) in reply to Chris_Huff #
I love Debussy solo piano compositions. I need to remember that if I'm having a stressful day I'm just a pair of headphones away from relief #
@conniereece Wow! It is my dream to one day have enough time and instruction to play some of these pieces on piano. My all-time favs. in reply to conniereece #
@SarahRobinson There is something so painterly to his composition, both on piano and for strings. I can hear strokes of a brush. in reply to SarahRobinson #
Voice, warmed. CDs, burned. Hair, floofed. Just about time to rock #
@radiocolin Doors 10, me 10:30, is what I'm hearing. If it starts to fill I might be on a little earlier. in reply to radiocolin #
1 of my fav restaurants; plus, reserved seats 4 the show RT @gloriabell Food/drinks before @krisis concert (@ Serrano) http://4sq.com/66trzq in reply to gloriabell #
Excited to be playing FOR you! RT @EileenOBrien: @krisis so excited to hear you play tonight at Tin Angel! in reply to EileenOBrien #
@paultab that's pretty darn cool in reply to paultab #
It's not too late for you Philly peeps to make it to the Tin Angel for tonight's show! Suit up & head out now to make the 10:30 sharp start. #
@SmashleyDubs thank you!!! Can't wait to make a video of my super secret cover for you ;) in reply to SmashleyDubs #
For non-philly peeps, my new demo disc will be available for download Monday! #
Ellis Paul still up closing the early show (his Cd release), & he is AMAZING. I definitely must meet him before he leaves. Great voice/songs #
@alexknowshtml totally understood! And, I still owe you some hanging out. Connect soon, yes? in reply to alexknowshtml #
All my social media besties are rolling in for the show!!! Hut! RT @melissa_shae: going to see @krisis at the tin angel! in reply to melissa_shae #
@mikeydoc you should walk six blocks north and see my show ;) just realized I'm not fb friends with you (I don't think). Must rectify. in reply to mikeydoc #
I'm backstage being a rock star, where that includes 16oz of voice tea & absolutely no cocaine RT @radiocolin Tin Angel bound to see @krisis in reply to radiocolin #
@Billy_Sea oh, you'll definitely be amongst the first people who will know, don't worry ;) in reply to Billy_Sea #
Haha, I have no doubt! RT @amanda_nan Headed to Tin Angel to see @krisis ROCK his first ever solo opener. I'll be the one screaming, LOUDLY. in reply to amanda_nan #
@jessicaharts and here I thought I was talking about it too much! I'll have a mailing list together next week for just such notifications ;) in reply to jessicaharts #
Just had a very quiet backstage jam w/ David Cope on my top secret cover. Shhh #
Oh my god, my pre-show music is a freaking original LP of Bowie's Station to Station. Now I may be freaking out a little. #
Backstage as the house fills. http://twitpic.com/xamzu #
Oh! You're here! Can't wait to see you between sets. RT @paullucci: I'm @tinangel getting ready to hear @krisis sing! so excited! in reply to paullucci #
Taking a quick breather backstage to tamp down the spotlight adrenaline; relaxing to one of my favorite songs by @dantebucci drifting back. #
@SmashleyDubs haha, not often I get to scream that out in a room full of people. in reply to SmashleyDubs #
@foolingapril felt the same – went in resisting it a little, but was ultimately a convert (despite Worthington being a tepid leading man) in reply to foolingapril #
David Cope is like a walking songwriting textbook. I feel like I should be taking notes on composition. Love him. #
All I have to say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your tweets and your butts in seats. I felt great, and we filled the room! #
@markmag Thanks, my friend! It was a wonderful night at the Tin! Can't wait to share my demo CD with you on Monday. in reply to markmag #
@pattypunker Oh, deets are coming, don't you worry :) in reply to pattypunker #
@NealWiser Thank you, Neal! Now that that hurdle is away, I believe I owe you and @sethgoldstein some columns :) in reply to NealWiser #
@gloriabell @eileenobrien I could not ask for two more wonderful people to be sitting in front of me. Thank you so much for being there! in reply to gloriabell #
@SmashleyDubs I saw that last night! That kid's voice is crazy. He remind's me of Chris Colfer on Glee. in reply to SmashleyDubs #
Meanwhile, I maybe have more makeup on right now than I did at my wedding. #
@paullucci Thank you so much for coming! You have to let me know what your favorites are on the CD so I can play them for you ;) #
@PhillyMarketing I'm similarly inclined to call off socials in the nippy weather; in college I wouldn't leave the apt if it was below 20 :) in reply to PhillyMarketing #
@brimil @amanda_nan @mikeyil @sifelaver @melissa_shae You are simply the best friends/fans I could possibly have. So lucky to have found you #
@rorowe Are you always in town in the evenings? Could definitely catch up with you sometime soon. in reply to rorowe #
@radiocolin I'm sorry I couldn't come out to see you earlier. Thank you so much for coming out & supporting, & for helping my video issues! #
@chelsealynn818 Why do you hate her? I was skeptical of them, but they've blown me away twice live. in reply to chelsealynn818 #
@cheryldoherty Today 4:30pm NBC NYJ/Cin, 8pm NBC Phi/Dal. Sunday 1pm CBS Balt/NE, 4:40pm Fox GB/Ariz. in reply to cheryldoherty #
Regrets of show: Should have restarted Shake It Off from the beginning. Didn't mention new CD enough. Forgot to @foursquare from Tin Angel. #
@Jenniferalyseb Really? I love it for organization. What problem are you having with it? #
@redmoonriver haha, it just seemed like the thing to do! But, the song lost some momentum that way. in reply to redmoonriver #
Originally thought I was just a roadie for tonight's @filmstarband show @ General Lafayette Inn, but now looks like I'll play a set as well #
@wockerjabby WTF, since when do you have a mortgage? How much attention have I not been paying? in reply to wockerjabby #
Cool room to play, did Space Oddity, Wilted, Better, SUBG, All This Time, Under My Skin (10th bday), & Man In the Mirror. 1 more set later. #
Cowboys didn't score from when I started playing, as soon as I stopped drove for another score. You see what I'm saying here? #
Watching wife rock out "world is mine" w/ @filmstarband. Pretty fierce performance, but hard to elevate vox over drums in this room. #
For my next set I'm gonna take a shot at Pokerface w/ @filmstarband's drummer Zina. Either instant awesome or a legendary fail. We shall see #
2nd set: Like a Virgin, Saving Grace, Shake It Off, High & Dry, Tattooed, Regenerate (kinda amazing), PokerFace (w/Zina from @filmstarband) #
PokerFace w/drums was moderately successful considering we had never tried it before. Zina claims she'll record an all Gaga EP w/me soon ;) #
@elizabethmarley I think the fb invite listed them if you still have it in your past events. in reply to elizabethmarley #
@indielawyer Does he ever die, aside from pseudo-death in Matrix? He really ought to die more. in reply to indielawyer #
@dragonballyee That's so genius. I wish she'd do more stuff like that, to show that side of her personality. in reply to dragonballyee #
@brimil Um, so, you are still logged into @foursquare on my phone. If you were wondering why you were in Lafayette Hill last night. #
@iWIC3 I'm trying to do something with my internet plan and V keeps trying to sell me all this crap for my TV. Annoying. in reply to iWIC3 #

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Brown Bag Demos, Vol. 1

Monday, January 11, 2010

I could write a post about how – even after a weekend primarily comprised of sleep – I am still a veritable vegetable after a week of near-all-nighters capped by two gigs.

I could write about how perfect a storm my Tin Angel gig was, but how already I know it wasn’t enough to fulfill this year.

I could write about a slew of interesting links I’ve flagged over the past two weeks.

Instead, I am writing to let you know that my first proper album in nine years is released to the internet at large today – for free, for the moment.* I am exceedingly happy with it, and still on my walk home could find previously unheard nuances in each of my performances. 11/12 of it appeared originally on the blog, although 8/11 of that has been significantly remixed or remastered since its original appearance.

It is called Brown Bag Demos, Vol. 1, as a nod to the lunch sacks E inspired me to distribute them in, and also in a nod to the fact that there will probably be more of these before the year is up. Hell, as Arcati Crisis we released three of them in 2008, so I have to match that before it’s even vaguely impressive.

* It costs $3 for a physical copy at the moment, and I think I have it a bit backwards, because the physical one doesn’t have bonus tracks. But, the physical one does have the hours of hard labor, the stunning disc faces, and the hand-assembled brown-bag slipcase, so if you’re the sort of person who likes to own physical CDs $3 seemed like a reasonable threshold.

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You can download my album for free!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

[This "sticky" post will remain at the top of the page; new posts start below.]

Brown Bag Demos, Vol. 1

Do you like free music? Do you also like me? The intersection of those two interests is my first album since 2001, Brown Bag Demos, Vol. 1.

Brown Bag Demos collects a dozen of my favorite acoustic demos – including many you’ve heard here – all newly remastered. The album is available for free streaming and download at BandCamp. You can DL in any format you’d like – from MP3 to Ogg Vorbis to FLAC.

Filed in my music | | Comments (2)

What I Tweeted, 2010-01-17 Edition

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Today is awesome because you can download my new demo LP! http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
@amanda_nan ROCK IT. in reply to amanda_nan #
And then I was on the website of my Communications Theory textbook refreshing my memories of college for a presentation at work. #
@inflammatorywrt Just started listening to St. Vincent, as well as Thao's "Know Better Learn Faster." I think you would like the latter. #
Have you heard? Today I released a new full-length demo LP. You can DL it for free @ http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
@jedsinger It's actually No Doubt covering it, from their greatest hits CD. in reply to jedsinger #
Do you know what's fun? Not being able to find the art file for your 2001 LP cover & recreating it based on your design skills at that time. #
@sethgoldstein Glad you are digging it! Some of my best work – in songs and performances – from the past few years. in reply to sethgoldstein #
@pattypunker Elise shot that photo on the fly one night when I was on my way out to play. in reply to pattypunker #
@oliviarabe Thank you for checking it out! I'd really love to know what song(s) turn out to be your favorite, if such a thing occurs :) in reply to oliviarabe #
@HallmanComposer Now that I finally have a compilation out, we have to start talking about a possible team-up :) in reply to HallmanComposer #
@gloriabell Your support is incredible. I hope my LP brightened your day! in reply to gloriabell #
@saraiderin Well, the design skills were not many or varied as of a decade ago, so the options were pretty limited :) in reply to saraiderin #
@saraiderin Similar to the game I play when trying to figure out how to play an old song of mine – "what did I know how to do in year X?" in reply to saraiderin #
@saraiderin PS: Did you see that I have a new demo LP out? http://bit.ly/pm
bbdv01 in reply to saraiderin #
@jessicaharts Jessica, if you DL my new album your email will be added to my list! http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to jessicaharts #
@rorowe @markmag @EileenOBrien @supermucho In case you missed the link earlier, you can DL my new album for free: http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
@sethgoldstein Actually, "Granted" is the song I wrote the night before my grandmother passed away. in reply to sethgoldstein #
@JohnLauber Awesome! If you have any favorites please let me know ;) in reply to JohnLauber #
@dixbert Thanks for the RT, and for listening! Hopefully the first of many downloads of my music available in '09! #
After a week of insanity like last week I am effectively a vegetable tonight – & that's after vegging all weekend other than the gig on Sat. #
@Chris_Huff Yeah, the Sat gig was my second consecutive, and both got me home around last call. Did a lot of sleeping on Sunday. in reply to Chris_Huff #
@Chris_Huff I dunno if my youth is worth a Taylor at this point ;) in reply to Chris_Huff #
@Chris_Huff I don't know how you do that. I can pull a super-late nite for a special event, but not regularly, and certainly not 2 in a row. in reply to Chris_Huff #
@Chris_Huff Dear lord, don't you STAY down there when it's five in a row? in reply to Chris_Huff #
@Chris_Huff Can't access that ;( in reply to Chris_Huff #
@Chris_Huff Wow. Next summer you should crash in my mother's guest room once or twice :) in reply to Chris_Huff #
@supermucho YAY. It's been so long since I've done a proper solo release. I am being such a geek about this one :) in reply to supermucho #
@YoungBillyMays Have I downloaded your album yet? No. However, now you can procrastinate about DL-ing mine, too :) http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to YoungBillyMays #
I've said it before, but it bears repeating: @musician_friend has the best customer service ever. It'd be crazy to buy instruments elsewhere #
@redmoonriver Totally me too. in reply to redmoonriver #
@KateFromage What have you been up to?! I haven't seen you all weekend. Here's my new apology-free LP: http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
One day I am going to get this Welcome Back Kotter slash Farrah Fawcett hair totally right and you are all going to be SO JEALOUS. #
@TaraBusch Hah, I would pay to hear Lisa Loeb in a coffee shop. She remains criminally under-appreciated in this area. in reply to TaraBusch #
Been on my mind: What local businesses are you a brand advocate for? Why? Are you surprised by your dedication? #
For example, are you more loyal to a unique business, or to a best-in-class one with lots of competition? #
(In related news, I may consume a second Bonte waffle before heading back to the office. Mmmm, Bonte.) #
Thanks to all who DL'd my new LP yesterday! Please let me know your fav song(s) – help me choose what makes the cut for a full studio disc. #
@dorkabella Hmm. Usually they are crazy-hot and a little gooey in the middle. I'd say it's worth one more shot before deciding. in reply to dorkabella #
@mandy_payne haha, absolutely! Today might be my best effort yet. in reply to mandy_payne #
@paullucci Would you believe it used to be straight as straw! When I cut it at the end of high school it came back in curls. in reply to paullucci #
Did you download my new album? It's on @BandCamp, where you can choose the format/size you want to DL in (for free!). http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
@Blueskyfox I had to be convinced to put that on, but I'm so happy I did. I tend to eschew ballads because I don't play them out as much. in reply to Blueskyfox #
The presently much-discussed Conan O'Brien press release. Disarmingly personal and frank. http://bit.ly/6uGEEv #
Logical negative on why Conan and Fox might not fit (including NBC contract issues) http://bit.ly/6vNEgT #
Purported original Avatar script (PDF) with some deleted sequences http://bit.ly/8kzTjD #
And did I bring my awesome new personal calling cards for the 140 conference? Of course not. Grargh. #
Opening remarks from @gloriabell @ #140conf – communication & community, truly. #
So many people I love and adore in this room. A year ago I was about to be married and had never heard of any of these folks! Amazing. #
"Next person you meet could possibly change your life" . . . Um, paging @brimil & @thatdrew, so very true. #
@JeanetteJoy that certainly sounds like my sort of tweetup ;) in reply to JeanetteJoy #
Lots of #140conf uninitiated in the room, @jeffpulver starting his story from the very beginning. What Twitter did (& became) in 2009. #
We've lived through a period of time from commercial internet to archival. Now, dawn of the lineal age; 500yrs later, world is flat #140conf #
Twitter, ham radio, how we can find a network to connect ourselves to. I've definitely always sought that, too. #140conf #
"Two takeaways from last year were humanity & serendipity. … Let yourself be a little bit vulnerable." Be real, engage. #140conf #
I feel like I'm in a room of people who fundamentally understand what communications means in 2010 that it didn't mean in 2000. #140conf #
(PS: I am at a Twitter-related conference for next two hours. If you want to unfollow me, send me an @ to remind you to refollow after ;) #
Susan Boyle, Avatar, the new media WOM. 2009 tv season, the quickest to drop shows, ever. Why? Exchange of opinions instantaneous #140conf #
"We all have voices, and our voices matter. And we can all stand up and change the world." @jeffpulver talking about @staceymonk #140conf #
Forget changing your life for a second? What if the next person you meet – you change THEIR life? #140conf #
Education becoming more standardized: "conflated the ideas of training and education." But, education should speak to a larger goal #140conf #
What does education mean for citizenry, rather than for skills? "Teach kids to be thoughtful – not nice, but full of thought." #140conf #
Makes a good point: can "devour" information at a faster pace than ever, but are we teaching our kids how to parse at that speed? #140conf #
@PurpleCar My stalking will commence momentarily :) in reply to PurpleCar #
Here's my favorite: make networking platform agnostic for kids (& everyone). Don't learn how to FB, but know how to NETWORK. #140conf #
Loving the words of @chrislehmann – wise man, and a fantastically engaging speaker. #140conf #
Making school social – sharing learning across communities (and distance) to make it a conversation – amongst peers & mentors. #140conf #
"I got tired of murders and fires" "After a lot of expensive mistakes, I made it my mission to end small biz failure" @smallbizlady #140conf #
Good lord, these speakers are just FANTASTIC. Like, whoa. attn: @gloriabell #
Melinda talking about how to create a broader brand in your community prior to launching your product. And BRAND YOURSELF. Word. #140conf #
"Twitter is the best thing that happened to small biz owners. In a niche, target market, you couldn't have a better platform" #140conf #
Important: Small Biz isn't all @smallbizlady talks about, but it's about being consistent with your audience. #140conf #
BTW: I am at a Twitter-related conference for next two hours. If you want to unfollow me, send me an @ to remind you to refollow after ;) #
I would seriously just hand this woman money right now, for no reason. This is freaking talent, right here. #
Forget for a second about going out to find your audience – make it easy for the audience you know is there to FIND YOU. #140conf #
"Keep your tweets up, but make sure you know who you want to talk to before you write one word. Value, not "this is on sale"" #140conf #
Now hearing from @JonathanMaberry – Social Networking for Authors. This is like a lightning round of smart, engaging people. Like whoa. #
It's hard to draw audience, inspiration, sales as an author in a specific community. Not so different than any other kind of artist #140conf #
When he heard about Twitter he said, "I'd rather be eaten by rats than get on one more social network. 140 chars? I write NOVELS." #140conf #
Make sure that even if people didn't walk up to your event from social media, you leave behind a footprint they can step in later. #140conf #
You're the face of your art. "The day when an author could write a book, ship it, and stay at home ended with Kill a Mockingbird." #140conf #
@yellowxbirddd No problem, my dear – I'd never want to lose you :) in reply to yellowxbirddd #
FYI – I am at a Twitter-related conference for next two hours. If you want to unfollow me, send me an @ to remind you to refollow after ;) #
Communities where people have fear of networking in open & of each other. Writers, singers, doing 1:1 DMs – it's still networking #140conf #
@k8iedid Good (remote) evening! ;) in reply to k8iedid #
Social networking begets opportunities for creative professionals. A lot of the attention/jobs trickle to you across the network. #140conf #
AND, Twitter is like an instant background check when you use it well, which helps people connect THEIR good opportunities to you. #140conf #
@markmag AMEN! in reply to markmag #
This guy drives home the point – that if you're a real, live, working writer you're always writing or wanting to write. #
"if you have something negative to say, shut the hell up." Save it – don't make your negative comment on SM. @JonathanMaberry #140conf #
The author of Marvel's Black Panther comic, talking, "can a white guy write a black women?" He LEARNED about apartheid in comics #140conf #
If your message is your medium, your love for the medium shows through – defeats detractors before they can detract. #140conf #
@MVMNT_Mike I think his message was a more "don't shit where you eat" comment on negativity. #140conf in reply to MVMNT_Mike #
How much of staging online events is "build it and they will come"? Only so much as you have a "THEY" to talk to to begin with. #140conf #
"In 2010 every single biz should have a chief listening officer. If someone reaches out & finds silence" someone else will connect #140conf #
I hope someone else took some notes on @JonathanMaberry's answer to me just then, because I was transfixed by his piercing gaze. #140conf #
Thanks all who stuck through that heavy period of tweets. Conference tweets will continue, but not at the same intensity. #
RT @heathie: kids should never be the implied object of their education; they should be at the center of their own education. #140conf in reply to heathie #
@jferst you are awesome; thank you so much! in reply to jferst #
"She looks like she's off the Trans Siberian… Orchestra? Railroad?" – @brimil #
We are all sitting at a table in a bar eating @bagelspice out of the container. #
@yellowxbirddd Safe to come back now ;) in reply to yellowxbirddd #
I am still SO energized by all of the thoughtful #140conf speeches. I want to create a specially awesome day ahead of me. #
@Jenniferalyse Ha, had I seen yr proper face-showing avatar prior to #140conf I would've known I was talking to you! I meant to meet you :) in reply to Jenniferalyse #
@BagelSpice We could wait until we got home to try it. I later made a dip out of it. I like that it has a lemony, zesty taste underneath. in reply to BagelSpice #
@Cecilyk I'm so happy i had hours to bask in your beautiful face and uproarious laughter. What a fantastic evening. in reply to Cecilyk #
I always love Mighty Girl, but this post about an emergency landing is a particular favorite. http://bit.ly/5PIyro #
@PurpleCar Seriously, whatever your daily beauty regimen of the last decade has been, show me the way. ;) in reply to PurpleCar #
@Jenniferalyse oooo, I don't belong anywhere near #tequilacamp. Only horror could emerge from that. Tequila is the wife's department :) in reply to Jenniferalyse #
@jamesbressi James, it was one of my favorite social media events I've attended, & it was just a mini version! Really hoping to come to NYC in reply to jamesbressi #
@BagelSpice Just with some vegan mayo in a pinch. I'll let you know if I come up with any proper recipes :) in reply to BagelSpice #
@smallbizlady Thank you for the inspiring words and ENERGY! I aspire to bring your zeal to every day. Can't wait to hear more from you. in reply to smallbizlady #
@iWIC3 Always good to see your face, my friend! I expect to know ASAP when you have clips online to be heard. in reply to iWIC3 #
@k8iedid I polled my 140-friends & apparently our common connection is @mikeyil? I'd love to see you in person sometime in the coming months in reply to k8iedid #
@chimoose Happy to be a friend of yours, via @brimil! I'm on our company's social media team with her. in reply to chimoose #
@heathie Awesome! You can DL the album I've just released for free @ http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to heathie #
I have @filmstarband's new song "Last Train" stuck in my head hardcore. Here's the video of their 2nd ever run of it http://bit.ly/91HRNT #
Just requested days off for April to attend #140conf, and hopefully also visit @wockerjabby, @sarahcooley, and all my other NYC friends ;) #
@sarahcooley That's going to require slightly more comprehensive research… ;) in reply to sarahcooley #
@phillybosslady, have you ever met @phillymarketing in person? If not, I should introduce you sometime. #
@jenniferalyse @heathie If only we could fit all of the Philly social media peeps into a single sxsw hotel suite… #
@mikeyil @saveasnew Not grokking ytmnd at a glance w/r/t how I could be inspired by it. Halp? #
@heathie @Jenniferalyse @briancrumley @MVMNT_Mike @gloriabell Coincidence that's where they dreamt up @whuffaoke? I think not. #
@gloriabell If only they had those Japan-style of hotels where you sleep in a little canister. All I require is a nice, functional bathroom. in reply to gloriabell #
@mikeyil Or me DOING Gaga… in reply to mikeyil #
One of my fav @joshuapopejoy songs; perfect production on his EP. ♫ http://blip.fm/~j49en #
@heathie @gloriabell @MVMNT_Mike @Jenniferalyse @briancrumley Having grown up on RoadRules I'm obsessed w/the idea. That said, I don't drive #
@SarahRobinson I'm just now fully recovered from my shows! I kicked off my 30days a bit early :) PS: Have you heard the new album yet? in reply to SarahRobinson #
@rorowe You'd think US tech conferences would be all over piloting them ;) in reply to rorowe #
@SarahRobinson Free in exchange for your email, which will rectify these lapses in the future ;) http://bit.ly/pmbbv01 in reply to SarahRobinson #
@SarahRobinson Whoops: http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to SarahRobinson #
Want to donate for Haiti? A friend suggests Partners In Health – operating free clinics since '85 & mobilizing to help. http://pih.org #
@iWIC3 You can sample and DL the new album for free @ http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to iWIC3 #
@keithprivette I'd like to talk to you more about #sxswships! I loved the @whuffaoke concept & I definitely want to find a way to get there. in reply to keithprivette #
The science behind the Haiti earthquake. http://bit.ly/4FyeWe #
I've avoided delving into Haiti news while at work; my brief foray has left me in tears. Please help, if you can, via Red Cross or elsewhere #
I just donated profits from Friday's Tin Angel show via RedCross.org & pih.org. It's not money I ever expected to have; others need it more. #
@heathie @Jenniferalyse @gloriabell @mvmnt_mike @briancrumley I just need to play about $2k worth of Madonna/GaGa cover shows in 45 days ;) #
@paullucci It's crushing to imagine wanting for the most basic of necessities, especially in the midst of a major disaster. in reply to paullucci #
@_sams I think we were sharing the table where I was taking notes :) #
@missrogue Will you be in attendance this year? in reply to missrogue #
@mandy_payne I get very self-conscious about benefiting when someone else is in need. It's part of why I don't like Christmas. in reply to mandy_payne #
I didn't think I liked the Them Crooked Vultures LP on 1st listen, but every time it comes on my mix my ears perk up. Love the production. #
@bkmacdaddy Love those ads, but I feel like the collection waters down what Guerrilla marketing means. It's not just any clever thing! in reply to bkmacdaddy #
So, My Morning Jacket turned into a sortof 80s soft-rock experience, and everyone lauded them. Am I getting that right? #
@alchemistmurph After I posted i thought "What if someone who came responds, 'WTF, I wouldn't have paid if you were going to donate your $'" in reply to alchemistmurph #
@AllThingsGwen I'm just catching up on Evil Urges, and though some of it is admittedly cool, I'm not feeling the general vibe. in reply to AllThingsGwen #
@AllThingsGwen Do you like that album, then? in reply to AllThingsGwen #
Fantastic starting-point for charitable giving to Haiti – more resources in the comments. http://bit.ly/4oY1Ng #
More ways to donate to Haiti relief RT @mashable Haiti Earthquake Relief: 9 Ways to Help Now http://tinyurl.com/y9rxfhh #
@inflammatorywrt "Black Rainbow." Holy shit. That is all. #
RT @thatdrew: Dexter's Michael C. Hall says he's being treated for cancer (Hodgkins Lymphoma) http://bit.ly/5J6YGV (via @jbruin) #
@Jenniferalyse I love @northernhomefc – met at @smcphilly & invited them to my company agency fair. Would totally volunteer w/you sometime. in reply to Jenniferalyse #
RT @CharityIdeas: WSJ: Where to Donate — and How http://bit.ly/585hly #Haiti #earthquake Supplies cannot be distributed; $ best way to help. in reply to CharityIdeas #
@mkaisr slightly breathtaking. in reply to mkaisr #
From noon to midnight my diet shall consist solely of things I can season with @bagelspice #
@jenniepmartin Education can be support. Kids can learn about Haitian culture, cook Haitian food – make it part of their own life in reply to jenniepmartin #
@paullucci Thank you!!! That song has been with me for such a long time, and I am shamelessly in love with my vocal on that version of it :) in reply to paullucci #
@inflammatorywrt Still haven't found my way into the whole things, but definitely some early favs. Alternating that and the Thao disc. in reply to inflammatorywrt #
@jenniepmartin I'm sorry to say I don't know much about the country. Think about things you know & take for granted about other countries. in reply to jenniepmartin #
@paullucci I have a hard time picturing her telling anyone that they aren't good enough. I guess we'll see. in reply to paullucci #
@BagelSpice I just arrived at that same conclusion, except with Tuna. in reply to BagelSpice #
I was given the canister of @bagelspice for free, but given my obsession w/ everything bagels I think it's fair to say I'd have paid for it. #
@saraiderin Ooo, a challenge! Seriously, I really love bagels. High on my list of foods I'd have trouble quitting for good. in reply to saraiderin #
@JonathanMaberry This is the first time I have let Patient leave my hands since they got to Delaware. Thanks, again, for the book. in reply to JonathanMaberry #
Powered through Patient Zero in 2 sittings; turned out to be a major page-turner. Probably ought to sleep if I mean to be dancing in 24hrs. #
Mission? One outfit that's appropriate for icy commute, corporate workday, grog party, rock concert, and dancing. Go! #
@SarahRobinson Good morning! in reply to SarahRobinson #
This is a great, thoughtful article. RT @laermer Moby Died For Our Sins (How Selling Out is Fabulous) New Post on TZ http://bit.ly/61SwkQ #
@phillydesign How many times a week would you say I have to visit Village Whiskey to unseat you? ;) #
@ryandaniel like, at a restaurant, or canned? in reply to ryandaniel #
@danimarirock I do believe I'll see you there, at least for a brief appearance. in reply to danimarirock #
Philly: see @FreelanceWhales on 1/22 free @ noon @wxpn http://bit.ly/7wrMfq and/or that night @KungfuNecktie http://bit.ly/5ZxRZS #
Brief, personal, thought-provoking post from @purplecar – Information Apocalypse: Google and China – http://shar.es/aRGVY #
@anniemal I feel like that is so spot-on that there must already be a Muppets sketch about it out there somewhere. in reply to anniemal #
Via my friend @jettsuperior: Haiti quake leaves #BRESMA orphanage adoptees in danger & legal limbo re: traveling to US http://bit.ly/7pwSnM #
For developments on the #BRESMA situation (& if you think you can have a political connection that can help) check in with blogger @JanePitt #
For developments on the #BRESMA situation (& if you think you have a political connection that can help) check in with blogger @JanePitt #
I <3 David Rees: "Robertson’s point is: it’s bad when nation-states enter into legally binding agreements with Satan." http://bit.ly/7cxpmM #
@TheBloggess I hit your blog for a Bresma update, but then discovered you are obscenely hilarious. Well met. in reply to TheBloggess #
Being adorable w/ @eileenobrien @ Tuesday's #140conf http://bit.ly/7H8P3r #
While the "text and donate" campaigns yesterday were amazing, I see a lot of people who didn't grasp that it was THEIR money being donated. #
@amanda_nan RT @Brandyourself The secret to impressing employers. 10 steps to defining your unique value proposition http://su.pr/70Nf82 #
100s of $s of vintage blazers. Grog @natmechanics w/ crew & @philebrity. This day = awesome #
RT @brimil: Twitter just went and bought the entirety of Sazz Vintage. / @mikeyil @krisis @amanda_nan in reply to brimil #
Oh! RT @EileenOBrien: @krisis "we can do the Obama-bomb car bomb drink since we are drinking to hope!" in reply to EileenOBrien #
@TransitionalTee Just mentioning you over dinner! Be on the lookout for a tweet from @eileenobrien in reply to TransitionalTee #
Tonight is pretty representative of what I'm looking for out of 2010 (except I haven't touched a guitar yet): amazing, dynamic people. #
@jshanley we're under serious discussions, but I want to go interactove *&* music. Trying to find a way to make it work out. in reply to jshanley #
Need some music for your Friday? You should stream or download my new demo CD for free – http://bit.ly/bbdv01 #
Haven't caught up today. Where's the plane out of? Prob could do it if here or nyc. Email krisis@gmail if necessary #
I think my phone is hung over from being doused with beers last night, because it hasn't done a single twitter-thing right so far today. #
Need some music to fuel your Friday? Stream or DL my new demo cd @ http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 #
Most-recent verified journalism re: the breaking #BRESMA Haiti orphans story: http://bit.ly/5uQBEu #
Things that will never get old: strangers (especially gorgeous women) stopping me to tell me how amazing my hair is. #
Continental w/ @brimil @mikeyil to bid @sarahcooley a fond farewell as she departs to NYC. http://twitpic.com/y7chw #
@filmstarband RT @newindiebands We're looking for 10 indie bands to commit one song for a special project. http://bit.ly/6vJTZc #
Note to self: just because someone is kind doesn't prevent them from having disturbing opinions. #
@TransitionalTee AMAZING NEWS! Especially because you were just on my mind last night. All of my love & support & can't wait to hear more. in reply to TransitionalTee #
@_sams Indeed, in addition to my official communications life & stalking various Philly social media events I am also a musician :) in reply to _sams #
@JettSuperior I think we can all make the mistake of conflating niceness with general decency, and also nastiness with lack thereof. Untrue. in reply to JettSuperior #
@badkitty131 @valkrye131 Truly, she even complained that I wasn't snarky enough in person! ;) #
@jshanley Unfortunately, that link doesn't work! He RT'd me before I could delete it. It's http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 in reply to jshanley #
@arikhanson Sharing that same issue (and pile!), but with Health bars. Evil. #nowillpower in reply to arikhanson #
@not_pele RT @saracooley Reknit will take your old sweaters a turn it into something new! This month, it's a scarf. http://www.rekn.it/ #
@amanda_nan If you're serious, we have a friend that breeds them. in reply to amanda_nan #
@amanda_nan Will intro you on FB. in reply to amanda_nan #
Heading out for a lunch meeting to plan marketing & promotions for @ocelotonaleash's May theatre production. Yay for foresight. #
Things I claim I will do this weekend… laundry, record songs, publish hidden blog posts, grocery shopping, listen to (& review?) new music #
[cont'd] balance budget, buy new hair products, hang out w/ @marystewbie, get vintage clothes from @mikeyil, mix drumming demos,… #
[cont'd] set up recording date w/ @dutreblemakers, re-catalog my sheet music, find readings for friend E's wedding… that might be it. #
@lwcavallucci Wonderfully! So many people came out to support, and I released the new album ( http://bit.ly/pmbbdv01 ) in reply to lwcavallucci #
Forgot some to-dos: proof arrangement of "i do not hook up" before TMs start it, finishing learning my new song, write articles for Seth #
Enjoying a mango mimosa @ jones over our first production meeting for the May @ocelotonaleash show #
I just became the mayor of Sazz Vintage Clothing on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/5NgrIS #
Looks like we're going to do costuming for the show with assistance from the Sazz Vintage warehouse! I'm starting to get pretty excited. #
@lizrose91 wish I had tv to watch it – sigourney is wonderful at comedy, and the kind of real star SNL has been missing lately. in reply to lizrose91 #
@ssstaceyface I do believe I am the mayor, or at least I was an hour ago :) @mikeyil @brimil in reply to ssstaceyface #
@avarielwings We felt the same way about the Lupin plot in HP3, with all of those romantic strolls. in reply to avarielwings #
Wyclef's Haiti non-profit "Yele" yields inexplicable profits to him, his associates, consultants: http://bit.ly/5pyqWU #
@jferst I made that coherent and RTd it a second ago :) in reply to jferst #
Despite progress, kids' lives remain precarious: #BRESMA completely out of water http://bit.ly/6qfg8N Need supplies on the ground in #Haiti #
@amanda_nan I may need to purchase that hoodie… in reply to amanda_nan #
@ssstaceyface Haha, I have had that jacket on at least twice this week. in reply to ssstaceyface #
@slcmyers Happy to meet and follow you! I'll be at TrendCamp as well, so hopefully we can shake actual hands there :) in reply to slcmyers #
I know I'm a year behind here, but The Wrestler? SUCKED. Rooney not acting for 2hrs. Major setback for Aronofsky after Fountain. Awful. #
Butch Vig's Smart Studios closing doors ~3/1. Probably can't get the budget together for a Vig-produced LP by then :( http://bit.ly/5qqE1N #
Watching La Matrice en francais to commemorate our anniversary :) #
@justintrawick Are you playing in Philly? in reply to justintrawick #
@justintrawick I'd so love to see you! However, today is my 1st wedding anniversary, so I'm likely not to make it to other social events :( in reply to justintrawick #
Interesting factoid: I have paid an average of $.79 a song for each song in my 2,500+ song sheet music collection. #
In my ideal world, artists would sell full scores of each album bundled with the album at the time of release, to save me all my hunting. #
So, starting my healthier eating this weekend is probably not going to work out since I have to eat the top of our wedding cake today… #
On the plus side, lots more room in our freezer! #
@thatdrew Thank you! I think I'm free all day tomorrow, so just text me if we're getting together, yes? in reply to thatdrew #
@mikeyil I am familiar with this phenomenon. @brimil in reply to mikeyil #
@kg It's a good point, but in general their overhead is just too high to be worth donating to. in reply to kg #
@kg I think a non-profit soliciting general donations for a specific cause needs to be 90% towards the cause, or outline why they aren't. #
Woot, Vikings! NFC Superbowl lineup is win-win for me – a longtime favorite versus a team I can't help but like. Also: my call from week 2. #
Woot, Vikings! NFC Championship lineup is win/win for me: a longtime favorite versus a team I can't help but like. Also: called this in wk2. #
@kg Agreed, overhead is not all! I just think when an outpouring comes for a v. specific cause, it's important the money gets there. in reply to kg #
@kg For charities with broader scope, or that make more decisions of how to apply funding, I understand admin cost as a necessity. in reply to kg #
A brief series of quotes excoriating the Golden Globes as worthless, meaningless. http://bit.ly/77iRx2 #
Even two years later I find it hard to believe a control-freak like Madonna let slip an unadulterated piece of crap like Hard Candy. #
Highest possible recommendation of Izumi sushi on Passyunk Ave. 2nd time here, every plate in two dates has been a major wow. #
@k3v0 Are you walking distance from there? We are as well. I don't think I realized you lived so close to us. in reply to k3v0 #
I am finally in the proper state of mind to lovingly embrace the Phoenix LP. Everything in its right place. #
@k3v0 @planetxerox Clearly we need a S. Philly P-Ave tweetup. #
@k3v0 @mikeyil Certainly mega-cheaper than the big M – sushi $3-6, non-special maki $5-9, apps $9-12. We had a big meal for well under $100. in reply to k3v0 #
@LunaTechie I believe they have to have a functional slider per city regs at this point. If they give me lip I tell them I only carry credit in reply to LunaTechie #
This new song is the death of me. Alliterative lyrics. Syncopation. Switches from pick to fingers back to pick. Gonna be a long night #
@iWIC3 I'm super-nice & tip ok, but it's still a service industry. If they don't want to provide service, take the PPA stuff out of the cab. in reply to iWIC3 #
Once starts out rather unbearably indie, but I am already hopelessly sucked in by Glen Hansard, who is electric and real. #
@arcati81 We should have have just watched Once when we were learning Falling Slowly. He teaches it to her right on screen! Duh. #
@mmmeghan Slowly turning on to the new Swell Season disc, though I didn't love the Once soundtrack. Didn't know he was on I'm Not There. in reply to mmmeghan #
@YoungBillyMays It's kindof like watching our band, especially since we cover Falling Slowly. in reply to YoungBillyMays #
@inflammatorywrt Do you know what I love more with every possible second. St. Vincent. It's all your fault. ALL. YOUR. FAULT. in reply to inflammatorywrt #
@inflammatorywrt I wish the editing were a little tighter. I feel like there's always a second too long on responses in dialog. in reply to inflammatorywrt #
@inflammatorywrt One at a time, dear. I'm still wading through the other 50 albums of '09 I had missed :) in reply to inflammatorywrt #
@inflammatorywrt This is so the personality of our band. And we both met as actors. I'd love to be able to do something like it. in reply to inflammatorywrt #

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What I Tweeted, 2010-01-24 Edition

Sunday, January 24, 2010

My tweets of the last week:

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Trolls Under the Bridge

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

As I spend more time working on Social Media projects at work and at home, one of the most recurring topics is “Trolls.”

It’s a broad topic. Trolls can be anything from vociferous-but-reasonable dissenters to people with an agenda of annoyance and an axe to grind. Each species merits a different reaction.

The Air Force created a terrific Web Posting Response Assessment – effectively, a Troll Taxonomy Tool & Decision Tree – to aid in selecting a response. (Here is a PDF of a recent version, for your reference.)

It’s a great tool – it distinguishes between several layers of negative responses. There are true “Trolls” (negative purely for the sake of it), but also responders are who “Misguided” (negative based on incorrect info) and “Unhappy” (negative based on a corresponding negative experience).

This simple, one-page chart has been a sanity-saver on a few projects in 2009. It forced my teams to stop a cycle of second-guessing – evaluate, respond if-needed, and move on.

That’s why my thoughts went to the assessment last night, when I received a comment notification on one of my videos. The comment was to the effect of “this dude can’t hit a note.”

I tried to objectively place my responder in the tree. Clearly he had a negative experience listening to me. He’s also misguided, because I’m definitely hitting many notes quite well in the video, and his comment wasn’t subjective.

Ultimately, though, he’s just a garden-variety Troll – spreading negativity for some intangible reason it’s impossible to dispute. So, per the Air Force, I’ll monitor it, but won’t respond.

That’s the success of more than my crack Air Force training. Three or more years ago that sort of comment would cripple my confidence. I would probably apologize for his negative experience without ever assuming he was misguided. And I would stop playing the song, probably for months!

Yesterday, he just made me smile. These days I’m a lot bigger than one or ten trollish comments. I sound how I want to sound; if I didn’t, I would have never posted the video.

That’s the same confidence you must have in your brand to make good use of the Air Force tool. If you’re unsure of the product or service you’re offering, every dissent turns into a potentially reasonable complaint.

From there, it’s all apologies, and you’ll be overrun with Trolls.