Catching up / Winding down

Apologies AGAIN for the long delay between posts.  On the way West, I was playing a show in a different city almost every night, so I really established a show-playing / driving / blog-posting routine.  But since I landed in Portland for Xmas week, I’ve had lots of time off between shows, so I’ve been seeing sights and spending time with friends & family.  The way back East has felt a lot more like a “trip” than a “tour.”  I need to make sure to rehearse plenty this afternoon so I’m nice and fresh for tonight’s show!

Anyway…I played Monday in Albuquerque at a venue called “Muykind Colectivo”, a surprisingly big space that presumably used to be some sort of church (because I assume that the kids who run it now didn’t build the shiny stage that’s in there)…apparently they’ve been open about a year and putting on 2 or 3 shows a week!  Cool!  My set was ok…I was a bit rusty, since I hadn’t played a show since Jan 2nd in San Fran, and the crowd didn’t seem too into the whole “audience participation” thing, which is pretty crucial to my set.  I wouldn’tve expected a city like Albuquerque to be “too cool.”  Oh well.

The other bands who played were Albuquerque Boys Choir (from Albuquerque, obv) and State Champion & Giving Up (on tour together from the Midwest…they had a few overlapping members).  From stage the Midwest bands were like “come talk to us after the show, we want to make friends!”  But before the show I had made it a point to approach them, introduce myself, talk about touring, offer help with equipment, and just generally be friendly…but found them to be pretty unresponsive.   To me it seemed like there was some discord between their perception of themselves and their actual behavior.  I mean, they weren’t rude or anything and I don’t mean to talk shit…it just would’ve been cooler to feel a sense of community with other touring bands, especially since it seemed like they were, in concept, seeking that out as well.  I liked their music though, especially “Giving Up,” who had a cool boy/girl unison vocals thing going on, which I am a sucker for.

As for Albuquerque Boys Choir, they were the ones who got me on the bill for this show, so I was very grateful to them, but unfortunately they weren’t able to make it to the show in time to see my set, which was disappointing.  But they were super apologetic when they did arrive, their set was fantastic, and they and their friends were super nice/fun to talk to after the show.  After seeing my album cover, one of the members told me they were having a “spirit animal dance party” this weekend (amazing!), and that she was going as a bear!  Lucky for her, I had extra bear ears in my car…so I gave her a pair!  It was a nice moment.  Special thanks (and apologies) to Ru Kuwahata, who made the ears, which were supposed to be used in the “I Would Hate to Be You” video, but weren’t.  I’m glad they were finally put to good use!

After Albuquerque, I drove 6 hours to the middle-of-nowhere town Van Horn, TX.  Not much to say about Van Horn, except that I’m tired of watching ESPN, and the show “Celebrity Rehab” makes me uncomfortable.  But, after 8 more hours of driving, yesterday I made it back to AUSTIN! (aka my fav town).  I’m writing this from the best coffee shop in the world, The Bouldin Creek Cafe.  I’ve been here 30 minutes and I’ve already eaten a delicious meal, been complimented on my tattoo, and received a hug from the owner.  The best, I tell you!

I’m playing a show tonight at MoMo’s, probably the largest venue yet on this tour, so I hope people show up!!  I’m playing with the great Kacy Crowley, and the show starts at 8pm.  If you know anyone in Austin, please tell them to come out for this one!!

Thanks again to anyone who’s still keeping track of me through this blog, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

xo,  P