Yeah, I'll admit, it has been way too long. Be aware when I say that pregnancy totally takes its toll on your body, mind and mainly your creativity. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get an update finished. I didn't find this out until about 3 months into my pregnancy. What a year it has been! I fell madly in love TWICE. Once with my main man and then with my main woman. They both mean to world to me, and I look foward to spending the rest of my life with the two of them. I hope you all had a good year despite the challenges evil brought upon us. Look to 2002 for more love from one another and the WebMistress! 01/02
Since its been so long, I thought a quickie update of my favorite musicians was in order. I've been kinda out of the loop, so I haven't heard anyone new recently. Usually I would have an Indieport feature to offer in this section, but I have to check out my relations with the webmaster and see if I can continue. If I'm lucky, you'll see a feature come February 2002. I know I'm missing a few such as Michal The Girl, Drew Blood, Bionic Finger, Reid Paley, Circus, David Dragov, John S. Hall & King Missile, I know there are few more. I miss them all! I'll catch up with them soon enough. The LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR is in effect, but probably a little limited until I get back into the groove of what is going on. The calendar will start to show more places and bands in NJ, as well as NYC. Although the site changes once a month, the LMC is updated constantly, so stay tuned kiddies!
Calendar
I'm very happy to announce the long awaited release of Lach's newest CD Kids Fly Free (Fortified) in early fall. Since we last saw Mr. Antifolk, the album was done, but there were post-production issues. Now, the cd is in stores and he's about to embark on a tour of the UK in March with his fabulous band The Secrets. The busy beaver has also signed a deal with The Agency Group, a pretty hip booking agency. Although he's busy with the band, and his label, Fortified Records, somehow, Lach manages to keep the Antifolk scene wheels turning despite the tragedy of 9/11. This summer's Antifolk Festival was brilliant. The WebMistress managed to tote herself (belly included) downtown to catch some of the festivities at Tompkins Square Park. All got to rub my mighty belly filled with a tiny Madison, including Lach. The Antifolk.net site was launched at this time. Yes, the WebMistress was working with Lach behinds the scenes to make the site happen, but hormones just wouldn't cut it. WMT had to bail out of the gig, and still prays to this day that her old buddy Lach can forgive her. I also wish I could fix the site, but its not mine to fix. Slowly, but surely, the site is up and running. It needs love in the worst way, but who am I to judge. Disregard my comments cuz I'm still going through post-pardom. PLEASE check it out! Until we catch up with Lach, buy his CD & check out his MP3 site!
My, how we've come a long way! In the past year we've seen Joie/dead blonde girlfriend deny his fans press, and playing a variety of music venues besides Sidewalk Cafe & The Raven. I spent months begging Joie for a copy of his newest release Pretty as a Picture because he was holding up the release, and only playing his newest morsels live. As an artist he has the right to shop around to see if he can get a deal, but on his terms. In early 2K1, there was an interesting article on Joie, with a true to life image in the fairly new Shout NY magazine. This too was on his terms. As soon as the scanner is up & running again, I'll try to post a copy. When I made it down to NYC for the Summer Antifolk Festival, I was delighted to run into Joie. Girls, every time I see this man he looks better and better! YUMMY! And what a flirt! Anyway, I purchased a copy of Pretty as a Picture (Insideout Rechords). As soon as I got into the car to head home, I popped it in. This CD is a must have. Although a little more polished than his discs of the past, it still contained the raw voice that is Joie/dbg. Again, Joie on his terms, staying true to himself and avoiding the "sell out" syndrome that musicians of his talent can easily fall prey to. I'm also quite thrilled that Joie is playing Love Sexy in NJ (See the LMC), which is a comfy hole-in-the-wall that's much closer to my home than my old home at Sidewalk Cafe. (Gosh, how I miss Sidewalk.) Joie's .com website is temporarily out of service, but as usual his MP3 site is up and running with a few snippets from his newest release. Keep an eye of this one; he's growing prettier by the day. If you want a copy of his newest CD, you can't get it from Antifolk.net as revealed on his site, you have to get it from the man himself! "Vhat a country!"
Long Island's very own Early Edison is still plugging away and getting places where they plug. In the past year they have gotten lots of press, lots of rotation on the radio (FM & Satellite), lots of gigs including a special INVITE to CMJ & at The Hardrock Cafe, and an "in" with the Brooks family (Mel Brooks that is). And just recently, I heard through the grapevine that there may be some sort of work with Sony in their very near future. I met Chris the drummer during my college adventures and I have seen the band grow up, out and stronger as a unit in that time (2+ years). Stayed tuned to their site for which way this dynamic four-some will go! And if you haven't checked out their self titled disc yet, its a must have for any party. Check it out!
My old friends, The Housepets (formerly known as Jonas Grumby) are still buzzing about. Yes, the WebMistress was working with THP in the beginning of the year, but once hormones took hold of the Mama-to-be, she lost interest. In the past year, there was a name change for the dynamic trio, and fair play at venues such as CBGB, WetLands and The Sidewalk Cafe. I also hear that Schwartzer plays a solo-pet gig here and there. They've had plans to go into the studio to record a 2nd full length record, under the new name, but rumor has it may be a greatest hits with a few new tunes. If you were able to get a hold of the rare self titled sampler they recorded last year, it had 3 great new tunes. If not, you'll have to settle for MP3 versions on their website. I still love these guys so much and I'm TOTALLY looking forward to more new songs, but until then, I'll continue playing the sampler & Elephant Angel (Hi-Test). With the lyric & music combo of Matt & Matt, backed up with Yam's melodic beats, their music rocks. With another year gone by I'm desperate for more. Best bet is to attend their live shows where you can hear new songs pour out of their very souls.
Last we heard from the beautiful and talented Katie Elevitch, she had released her EP Becoming (KteCreator Music) to great reviews. Since then, girlfriend has gigged up a storm, lost her entire band, and then submerged herself deeper into her career (I didn't think anyone could go that deep) and repackaged herself as a solo performer. Kte performs solo, with various very talented performers (including her brother Nik). You can see Kte play at all sorts of venues and showcases throughout Brooklyn & Manhattan. Kte's also got a new site. YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT HER SITE! I enjoyed the design immensely and hope it is kept up to date. I like her journal concept, but wish it was more up to date with a more recent entry than September. See for yourself. You need to meet the lovely woman herself, to obtain a copy of her EP. Can't wait to hear more from her.
One of the longest lasting record labels run by artists was put to rest this past summer. I was quite shocked when I received a message from Mike D (CEO & co-founder) in my email in mid-August. At first I thought it was a joke and then I could tell by the tone that it was for real. The one time hobby turned into an artistic venue to be reckoned with in less than 10 years time. It was the one-time home for Luscious Jackson, Sean Lennon, Buffalo Daughter, Money Mark and most recently At the Drive-in. Mike D was sorry to let it go. "Over the years the Grand Royal family had grown to include some of the most talented musicians and staff in the business. It's tragic that the same growth has also produced an overhead and infrastructure that can no longer viable. Our intentions were always simply to create a home for exciting music and the people who were passionate about it. It really sucks that we can't continue to do that." I see it as a door closing and another opening for the Beastie Boys label. I look forward to their next adventure. From what I can tell the website is still selling off goods that fans may find valuable, including an archive of past articles, music and videos as well as merchandise of all sorts.
Although I've been quite the fan of both Redman and Method Man, I'm sorry to say their adventures in acting will never surpass that of their predecessors, Ice-T or Ice Cube. Both 'Men' have a history of being the rawest of the old skool crew, so I never thought that in a million years they would do a movie. It's a money-making business, and perhaps they could be the Cheech and Chong of the 21st Century. I will admit that through their lyrical rap achievements, I have laughed my ass off many, many times. With all the smoking they did during their Blackout Tour, maybe they convinced themselves they could make movies too. Seeing as their money making names are plastered across the college circuit, if anyone could pull it off they certainly can. But don't take my word for it, check out the website to see more of what How High (Universal) all about. I look forward to the dvd release and its probable future cult classic success.
Okay, I'm a big fan. I can't be the biggest because I buy their records and don't crack the seal for at least a year. And I have to sadly admit that I have never seen them live, but heard they are worth the dough spent. But I wonder how they can be the highest grossing act, when their music constantly changes, attracting a different fan base. The only thing I can think of is that I would probably pay any amount of money to see Bono, live. Although if he were to do some sort of XXX movie, I would never leave my home, therefore avoiding any concert scene involving U2. Hehehe. So, am I still a fan? Actually, its Bono's lyrics they keep me looking for more. I take the music for what its worth. I find the Bono/Edge combination invites listeners to enjoy a mental visual into Bono's head. Although it's sometimes an ugly place, I find his reality is somewhat soothing. Their music leads me to conclude that my world isn't so bad after all. Rumor has they are playing half time at the Superbowl this year. Mmmmm...My tivo will be ready and warmed up!
Yes, I disappeared off the face of the scene, but I was surely lurking in the shadows. I was watching life pass me by as I created life myself. The life of the WebMistress came to a grinding halt. It was a battle that took months to overcome, as I could no longer hang out in the seedy underbelly of NYC with my own underbelly growing. Too much beer, cigarettes, sleepless nights and single men looming. My previous life contained nothing stable, except perhaps my love life. No, that's a lie; it too grew with my belly. I wanted so badly to continue my life without change, in fear I would grow old, fat, and homely in less than 9 months. WebMistress Tuesdae changing to Tuesdae Cleaver over night? NOT! Maybe Tuesdae Ward, but surely not Cleaver. The mind plays terrible tricks on people, especially, when hormones are peaking. So, it turns out, I'm all right. I'm not fat. As a matter of fact, I've gained a bit of much needed weight in all the right places. I'm not feeling too old, maybe just a few months older. I feel like I've gained another life! Teehee! And homely? No way. The closest to homely I've gotten is being at home during the day instead of at work! HA! Speaking of work, that's what this is all about here. I'm looking forward to getting back to work. This issue of my Bullsh*t is the start. I have plans...muhahahaha! As usual, I've got plenty of ideas and I'm going to attempt to push myself towards all of them. This includes searching for a scene here in NJ while looking for my old one in NYC, booking bands and establishing myself again. Interested? You'll see, you'll be sorrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee!!!! Oh yeah, and after having a little girl, I'm totally still into women. After so many years of searching and being with Man, I look forward to her showing me the way of wooooman. Peace. U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
Circus, Early Edison, JaNeTvOdKa, Joe Bendik, Joie/DBG, The Housepets, Katie Elevitch, King Fly, Lach, Mighty Purple, Reid Paley, Rome 56, Skirt, RJ & The O
Beastie Boys
The Beatles
Beck
Filter
God Lives Underwater
Luscious Jackson
Method Man
Nine Inch Nails
Nirvana
Red Man
Smashing Pumpkins
Stone Temple Piolets
U2