Thursday, June 15, 2006
We would like to thank everyone who showed up at the Garfield Artworks show last Saturday and everyone who tried to make it but couldn't. Things went very well and the show was a lot of fun. Thanks to Adam (from Kalon) and Manny for setting the show up and giving us the chance to perform with some great acts.
We have already started to work some things out about the near future of the band, so this re-organization process isn't expected to take long at all. We have decided, in fact, to start hosting our own local shows again, hopefully by the end of this summer and are still open to the idea of playing any shows to which we are invited up until that point (this won't be a true hiatus like the last time). Another part of the plan is to begin working on new material and we will be beginning that as soon as next week. We are trying our best to keep active as much as is possible this time around.
One of the more difficult obstacles we face is, as mentioned previously, confronting changes in our lineup yet again. Most immediately, Krista has decided to take a break from the band for the time being. I don't believe this will be permanent, however, and we look forward to her returning to us when she is ready. In the meantime, we will be looking for someone to fill the vacancy and if we luck out, we might end up with twice the cello once Krista does return. So cross your fingers for us and turn that frown upside down.
More news next week.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
F.A.Q.: "So where is The Student Painters?"
Lately we have been having some internal problems functioning at the level at which a band needs to function. You may have noticed that nearly every set of recent shows tends to be succeeded by a lapse in activity. This is largely a result of several of us having ongoing complications in our personal lives that are currently taking priority, which while understandable does severely limit our potential activity. This, combined with working on plans for the demo we have recorded, explains why things have been so quiet in our direction over the past month.
The good news is that we have a show coming up this weekend and a great show at that. We are opening for the great indie-pop/indie electronica band, Head Like A Kite at the Garfield Artworks this Saturday.
The bad news is this might be our last show for a while. We do not feel that it will be another three year break or even a three month break, but we do need to take some time to make hard decisions about the continuing direction of the band and assess who will be able to maintain the level of commitment necessary to keep us progressing. This is something that must be addressed before we start touring. We are hoping to accomplish this in a few weeks, but it may take a bit longer. We will certainly keep you informed, so look here for updates.
The best news, however, is that we will continue making music in some fashion, whether we are a performing septet, a touring quartet, or a duo studio project. We have been working at this too long to simply give up; especially considering the creative growth we feel we have just begun to demonstrate.
So while our future is uncertain at the moment, be reassured that there is a future for the music of The Student Painters. For now, though, the only future we are concerning ourselves with is the upcoming show and enjoying the performance in the current incarnation for perhaps the last time. For this reason, we ask that you please attend. It would truly mean a lot to us. The other bands playing the show are very good as well, so I cannot imagine that you won't be entertained. We thank you for your support and hope to see you there (let us know if you need a ride).
P.S. We have posted a track from our newly recorded demo on our MySpace page. We will be performing most –if not all- of the demo at the show this week and possibly passing out a few preview CD-Rs.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
The art exhibition show scheduled for today has sadly been canceled due to a scheduling conflict for the advisor setting up the show for Kim Dodin. We were looking forward to the show and would like to thank Kim and Kalon for inviting us to perform. If the show is re-scheduled, we will let you know.
We are still working on the new LP's post-production process. Progress will be announced in future updates here.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Here's the deal: We finished up recording the CD at Apple Kid Studios (right here in the 'Burgh) with Mike Smales and although we haven't heard the final mix, we already think he did a great job. We are not the easiest group to record and he was incredibly gracious, generous, and patient with us and for that we are eternally grateful. We highly recommend Apple Kid Studios for all your recording needs. I do not think there is a website yet, but contact us if you would be interested in throwing some business his way and we will put you in touch.
We completed the album intact as a septet, but as of now will be a quintet once again. Ben and Corey both have had changes in their careers that are likely to interfere with the schedule of our band and being the upstanding guys that they are have opted to resign for now rather than make things more difficult. The split is completely amicable and they will both be missed. We are currently looking for someone interested in taking up keyboard and bells/glockenspiel duties for Ben. If this is you, please drop us a line. As such, we were lucky enough to have Ian agree to sit in with us for those parts at our Mr. Roboto Project show. He did an excellent job and we are glad we could talk him into it. It felt like old times. Make sure to check out his newest project Natura Nasa this Friday [also] at Roboto (The Sea, Like Lead are playing as well). The show itself was very cool, despite a few of us being under the weather. Thanks go to Mike for adding us to the bill. You should all check out The Wayward and Allies. Both bands sound amazing and are very friendly, intelligent people as well. Allies definitely keep the Pikadori spirit alive and are a true asset to the Pittsburgh scene. Finally, we are playing a free show this Saturday night at the HUB on IUP's Indiana campus with two other fine Pittsburgh bands: Great Ants (formerly Align Alike) and COMRAD. If you like the indie rock and/or not paying to see shows, then you should totally turn out for the big show. We'll be there from 9 PM to 1 AM.
Friday, March 17, 2006
We had an excellent time at the show in Altoona last weekend. Many thanks to Soundrive for allowing us to share the stage with them and to everyone that turned out. We had a lot of great feedback, the most flattering remark to us perhaps being a comparison to "soundtrack music, like from a horror movie."
We are taking this weekend off to prepare for recording the weekend of the 25th, so our next show will be on March 28th at The Roboto Project with a number of great acts including Pittsburgh's Allies (featuring former members of one of our favorite area acts ever, Pikadori). This is on a Tuesday night so we realize it's not the most convenient night of the week, but the show starts at 7 PM and will probably be over in time to get home and finish that paper that's due or that novel you've been reading or watch the local news (or at least Charlie Rose) before bedtime. For more details, check our shows page.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Show summary up on our MySpace page.
Don't forget: we have another one coming up this Saturday in Krista's hometown with our good friends in Soundrive. Hit up the shows page for information.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
I want to start this off by mentioning that Ryan and I had the chance to see two amazing bands with some familiar faces on Wednesday at the Garfield Artworks. The first was The Sea, Like Lead featuring an old acquitance of ours from the years when we both had self-doubt about our projects. I don't think he has to worry about that anymore. These guys are masters of the secure lull and captivating crunch method. The second act featured TSP alumnus Ian in his newest project Natura Nasa. They are a purely improvisational ensemble, working on one select theme and exploring all facets of it. Very interesting sounds for the ears. If you have the chance, see these bands.
Okay... speaking of shows. We have one tonight! Yes, details are on our shows page and our MySpace page (pick your poison). News shows added as well. Check it out.
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