Since I was relegated to photographer for last night’s gig (it was acoustic, which means that I don’t usually play); I decided to drown my sorrows of being forsaken by spending money.

I found an ARP Omni on craigslist for a deal that was too good to refuse. The Omni was released in 1975 and quickly became ARP’s most popular synthesizer. It has both a “synth” section and a “strings” section. The sounds that it makes are pretty cool. It apparently became popular with many disco producers in the 70’s, if that gives you any clue as to what it sounds like. The one I got needs a little bit of work, but it will make for a fun project.

In addition to purchasing a new/old synth last night, we had the privilege of opening for Men Women & Children from NYC at Mr.Small’s. Their live show was incredible! They are stupidly tight and they run their setlist like it was a dance party that was being DJ-ed! Although the show was severely under attended, they still put on a great show.

Afterwards, Steve got to discuss all things synth with Nick, MW&C’s synth player. You see, for the past 2 years, Steve has had a love affair with synthesizers. He buys them, sells them, and learns everything about them. His capacity to educate himself on stuff like this is unbelievable. He has now moved on past synths and is on to building his own effects pedals!

Steve’s love affair has rubbed off on all of us. Because of this, our newest album (release date TBA) is layered with many analog synthesizers. We all love the way that using vintage synth elements ties us into all of the music that has come before us and how using those elements allows us to create something brand new!

As I write this, Steve is embarking on a drive that would take a mere mortal at least six to seven hours to complete. Steve consistently does it in something like five (not an exact figure). When he arrives, it will mark the start of the weekend for all of us, though most of us will still have to go to work on Thursday and Friday.

This evening will be filled with rehearsal for tomorrow evening’s show. (If you’re interested in coming, please buy tickets from us here.) I’m not sure what Steve has in mind to play, but most likely it will include a healthy dose of brand new material. Of course, you will not hear it in its normal form, it will be arranged around much sparser instrumentation. We’ve recently resurrected our Silvertone chord organ for this show.

We will then spend the rest of the weekend relearning the songs we recorded in March so that we are ready for our upcoming shows. It could be interesting to see how the songs will work out when we only have 10 hands and 10 feet with which to play them! We plan to be playing consistently starting in October.

I am also excited about some of the ideas we have been brainstorming about. Some of them involve merch items, some involve cutting down on the time between recording and release, some involve the music itself. The next few months should prove to be exciting, so please stay tuned!

friends -

i just finished making what i think will be the last posts on the website and myspace of our old band. it’s a sad and exciting thing to see it laid to rest, but in the end, it will be for the best.

in our society, fall is the real new year, not january 1st. that’s the time of year when school begins and work sometimes shifts. we have labor day to mark the end of summer vacations, and the days start to end a little sooner, the air feels a little cooler. we live life waiting in anticipation of the newness of fall, the change of the seasons, the upcoming changes in our schedules. at the same time, there’s nostalgia and longing for no change - for things to remain the way they were.

but, with good night, states we have our vision firmly fixed ahead of us and welcoming the future with open arms. we hope you’ll join us for the journey here online, as well as by making your presence known at our various gatherings, and by following the story of our upcoming record.

that being said, please join us THURS, AUG 30 for the first good night, states show. details at www.myspace.com/goodnightstates.

peace,
dan