So, here's the deal. A few days ago I was informed that my squad will be leaving the relief effort on the 22nd (This upcoming Wednesday). This is good for you because:
A) The Indie Sabbath will be back in full force sooner than planned, bringing you that same material that has been described as "Cooler than a polar bear's toe nail" and "So fresh it'll turn your chest into a pair of glass cutters."
B) [There is no B. Actually there are practically no Bees anymore either. Hopefully they can make a comeback].
Over the past week or so, things have been going crazy in Canada. No, I'm not talking about the teary-eyed riots in the land of the Canuckleheads. I'm talking about NXNE, the indie festival that rivals that of SXSW. I've always had dreams. At one point in my young minor/adulthood, I wanted to make the term "Can of Whoop Ass" a reality. My plan was to hire Chuck Norris to train a bunch of midgets. I'd then pack them into individual cans and mail them to people who I hated. When they opened up the can, a midget would pop out and kick their ass, having them literally open up a can of Whoop-Ass. The thing is, most dreams don't come true because most dreams are ridiculous (like that). When my dreams get crushed, and my life seems to be going nowhere, it is the festivals and shows like NXNE that bring me up.
Let me dedicate this Sabbath to NXNE (Which our new Indie Contributor Nathan Wrote an excellent little tidbit about that you can check by clicking on any of the words in the past sentence you've been reading). I've spent the past week sitting behind a desk out in the pastures of pleasant music, milking the cows of Indie Rock. Things got messy, but I was able to jerk and tug my way to some deliciously satisfying results. This week I was able to come away with 26 jugs of that silky elixer, guaranteed to fill you up and leave you with a sensational feeling from ear to ear- just be sure to wipe off that milk mustache when you're done (don't wanna let anyone get the wrong impression).. So without further ado, grab that cow by the utter, hold on tight and let's start sippin' on that milky goodness- white like Aladdin's Hammer Pants and fresher than a batch of cookies (Unless those cookies happen to be dipped in this creamy white elixer).
- © Scott Julian
Like I said above, my time down here in the danger zone is coming to a close. While I am relieved to be able to get back to a normal life, I will miss this, and it does not mean I want to leave. Let me be clear- if I could stay here for another month I would- but that's besides the point. I cannot say how much this experience has impressed me. The destruction is unimaginable, the stories I've heard are overwhelming and the volunteer effort is hands down the most heartwarming thing I've ever been a part of. To finalize my coverage down here, I've got a few pictures to peep on. I will never forget what I have seen here and only wish the people of Joplin the best during their lengthy recovery. It's going to take time, but restoration will arrive.
- © Scott Julian
The past few weeks I've been working the homeowner intake desk, and the work here has slowed down tremendously. To utilize our time in a semi-productive manner, my friend Alli and I have engaged ourselves in a slew of random and nonsensical activities- mainly doodling.
- In this edition of Strung Out Disaster Relief Doodles- "Pacman Goes Wild"
I think the downtime in addition to the the fact that we're both a little off our rocker has made us both go a bit crazy, but given the circumstances I think that's acceptable. If I hadn't had her there to entertain me I would have passed the time doing random things like singing along to opera music or asking people what gender they are- neither of which are remotely appropriate things to do in a professional setting like this. It isn't often that you are able to act a complete fool around someone and still maintain the same level of respect and reputation with them, so thanks Alli for making my life easier and joining in on the insanity.
- Alli and I
About a week ago I ruined a lady's day. She was beginning to fall towards me, and I stepped out of the way. When she looked up and asked me why I didn't catch her, I, without thinking, said "I was scared you might crush me." These are the moments in life where you realize you've made a mistake. As she looked up at me, confidence shattered and fury building behind those masquera caked eyes- I kept wishing that I could take the words I just released upon her back. The idea of going back in time is ridiculous. Telling her that (although completely honest) was a mistake. Posting the track 'Show Me Your Stuff' by Diamond Ring -even though it is a bit old- is far from a mistake. The Toronto-based band played at NXNE this year and have been getting a ton of good feedback. Definitely a band to keep your eye on in the months to come.
Lets get real. Any farmer will tell you that some cows make better milk than others. It's science- Some chickens make better eggs, some people make better babies- some cows make better milk. Why waste time sorting through the different manatees of the land when you could have someone else do that for you?
THE LUX GALLONS:
You're welcome. Here's a list of the cattle that proved to be concoctors of the finest Milk Drank these past two weeks, starting with
Vetiver – Fog Emotion
John Gold – A Flower In Your Head
The Raveonettes – Apparitions – Single
Butcher The Bar – For Each a Future Tethered
Marissa Nadler – Marissa Nadler
Smoke Fairies – Through Low Light and Trees
The People in the city of Joplin are experiencing and living with a tragedy that is on a scale most of us cannot imagine. I can only encourage you to volunteer, or at the least donate. Just because the story-whored news stations have moved on does not mean that everything is fine in Joplin right now. If you haven't donated, go ahead an do it. Text the word "disaster" to 85944 to donate $10 to Recovery Efforts in Joplin, MO. I hope you guys enjoy the music this week. Keep the people of Joplin in your thoughts and prayers. Here are some links below if you're interested in volunteering, donating or just supporting the people in general. Thanks for reading.
Information on Volunteering: CLICK HERE
Information on Donating: CLICK HERE
Share Stories and Support: CLICK HERE
Upon this day, I declare that Indie music is leaps and bounds more pure than anything else, and the Term "Indie" means not that a band isn't mainstream, but that a band has been able to hold on to its roots, even through fame and fortune. While the wonderful thumps and womps of electronic music gets me grooving, It will always be the Alternative Indie Rock that guides me to the homeland. And for that- I both thank it and applaud it- for it has brought me great pleasure in the past and will so in the future.
Creep on me via Twitter @RonnieEarmilk
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WANT MORE SABBATH? Check out Week 5 HERE.
@INDIE ARTISTS: If you are an INDIE ARTIST and would like for me to promote your music, whether that means on the Sabbath, an artist feature or an interview, email me ronnie@earmilk.com. Include 'Ronnie' in either the title or the opening of the email so that it will be filtered to my indie music selection and I will review the content and get back to you as soon as I can.
