News and updates:

3.13.08

Ok, the documentary has been progressing slowly - mostly due to my procrastination and questions about my own artistic vision.  Don't despair though, because some great folks have signed on since my last update (mostly off camera stuff), and I am focused and dedicated to get this thing wrapped, edited and premiered this year.  It takes time to get some things right.  Please continue to check in here for any updates, or just email me.

I've recorded an 8 song solo cd called Sonodyne.  Here are a couple  tracks, email me if you want the full album.  It's free.

worse than broke
jennie miller
veronica when i crashed my bike

Beard recorded some new material last weekend, continuing our trend of only recording and releasing 3 songs at a time.  This new material will be available within weeks, most likely for free to those of us close enough to want a copy. 

I'll get around to the site redesign when I have the movie finished - or when some effing people start visiting it.  Once it's updated, this site will look much nicer.  You may just come here when your bored.  To, you know, hang out.

Old Songs from Beard, The Medic, The Malcolm Effect

Youtube videos!

Last FM

I deleted my myspace.  F that S.  If you have only contacted me through that social networking site, just email me instead.

I also do freelance video production and sound recording.

Write me at housesittermedia gmail

Thanks.


 


Why Do Bands Play Shows?

I was asked recently, "Why do you have a practice spot if you don't play shows?"  I was taken aback, because right now for my band Beard, the focus is on writing and recording material that we are proud of.  Live performances couldn't be less important.

We've paid enough of our dues.  We've hauled our gear to venues in the Chicago winter.  We've gotten home from shows at 4 in the morning with our day jobs only hours away.  We've played a colorful assortment of clubs, from the bottom rung to the near-top rung.  We've argued with soundmen, played to empty rooms, and traveled hundreds of miles to...argue with soundmen and play to empty rooms.  Eventually the motivation to continue performing disappeared for me, and all I want to do now is write and record music that I will enjoy listening to.

Friends and strangers all around me are playing show after show, and enduring the same obstacles as me.  Furthermore, they're having fun doing it!

Thus began a critical self examination period.  Was I dissatisfied with my band?  Did I require an engaged and sizeable crowd?  Did I need some kind of recognition or approval?  All these thoughts go against my personal artistic goals.  If I'm feeling misunderstood, is it due to my own inability to communicate?  Will playing live music ever be satisfying?

For answers, I am turning to those friends and strangers around me who are looking for satisfaction in what they are doing, and I'm hoping that this exploration will help me escape my own cynicism and look at live performance from a positive new perspective. 

Thanks for your interest in this project.
Jesse


 
 The following bands/artists/individuals are scheduled to appear:

Steve Albini
Aviette
Bear Claw
Jet Dee
Doug Travis
Fetor
Phil Giallombardo (The James Gang)
KT the Band
Oh My God
PAL
Kenny Rasmussen (No Funeral)
Anni Rossi
Bill Tucker
Unmanned Ship


So far, so good!