The Carps ~ You Can Buy Anything You've Ever Wanted

To the greatest drummer in the world...

2010-04-03T00:31:00.001-07:00

To the greatest drummer in the world...

In the summer of 1969, a mail sorter at a New York post office received a letter addressed "To The Greatest Drummer in the World." There was no address or return address and the sorter wasn't sure what to do.

Fortunately, there was a former drummer who worked the front counter of the Post Office who promptly found Max Roach's address and forwarded the letter. Max Roach received the letter and said, "Oh no, I'm not the greatest drummer in the world." Max then promptly forwarded the letter to Gene Krupa, who said "Somebody must've made a mistake." Gene then forwarded the letter on to Buddy Rich. Of course, Buddy had been waiting his entire life for that moment.

He looked at the letter and read the words; "To The Greatest Drummer in the World" and smiled from ear-to-ear as he ripped open the envelope.

He began to read the letter, "Dear Ringo...."

Simply 2010

2010-01-19T23:55:00.000-08:00

So I'm going to just say it simply. I'm poor. And Neil is busy with school. The Carps have done great things. We've grown over the past few years and have played all over the place. I never imagined that "All The Damn Kids" would take us to Norway. But it did. And we are infinitely happy about that.

But when a little indie rock band of our size comes to this crossroads of local act/full time venture, you need to make that critical choice. "Do I leave my day job and try to make this work?"

Now, neither of us have day jobs, but I've spent the better part of 2009 ignoring The Carps to play drums with my friends, Thunderheist and Styrofoam Ones. This allowed me to eat and keep playing music. Neil is in the final throws of his PhD at Oxford, and as you can imagine, it's incredibly intense and time consuming. This means, when we do get together in New York or Toronto or the UK, we spend very little time jamming and writing. Simply put, we don't have what we need to commit to this band and allow it to grow. If we were to try, we would end up being miserable and putting out music we don't believe in. Which, is where we were heading to be quite open about it....

This isn't us breaking up the band. We're just not going to tour in 2010. No interviews, no new single leaks. What we will be doing is writing. Writing until we get it right. Until we get something we believe in. Something we'd be proud to play every single night when we are out there making gas money and sleeping in our van. Making music you are beyond OVERJOYED to be playing make all the difference. And we don't have the time these days to make that music.

I can't explain how good it feels to lay on the dirty floor of a soundguy's apartment after an amazing show. It makes all the struggle and hustle worth it. I really hope that when we come back in 2011 to tour that you guys will still be right there with us. Still listening. Still giving a care about what I've got to say and the sounds we're trying to make.

We really do love you all, and are grateful for the few of you who know who we are and have told your friends and parents to download our music from the Pirate Bay. Thanks.

-Jahmal

Jan.2010

DJ Cleo

2009-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

After playing the Festival Transmusicale this past weekend, we are spending all of our time passing around great african riddims that are really inspring us right now. Getting to spend time with great bands like BLK JKS and The Very Best was great. It was really interesting to finally meet other bands that use Afro riddims as a basis for their sound, and it's still not "world" music. Just very modern, while using the beats that make us move.

Here's a song we are REALLY into right now.

DJ Cleo

The Hickey Underworld

2009-09-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

AMAZING video from a great Belgian band, The Hickey Underworld.

Pay attention!

This is what music videos should be made of. And the songs that accompany them.

Just in case you were wondering, we still make music.

2009-07-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

It's not all politics!

Well, in this case it kind of is...

I wrote this song about how people of colour are struggling all over the world, and there is no difference between the systematic prejudice people face in America, and the deep colonialism in Africa. Just because it's sunny in one place and muggy in the other doesn't change the circumstance.

The original is a thrasher. When we play it live it really bangs. We tried to keep a fair compromise between a song you can dance to and still hear the words. And keep the groove in the forefront.

However, I've been doing tons of remixes of this song, and I stumbled across some grand ideas today and I've laid out a semi-electro/dancehall banger for everybody to enjoy. Even if you don't care about the plights of others.

Just get down anyways.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6239209111287882/

-Jahmal

An open letter to my MP.

2009-05-11T10:24:00.001-07:00

The following is related to the current protests happening in major cities all around the world. The country of Sri Lanka (Neil's mother's homeland) is in the middle of a civil war. We don't concern ourselves with BS politics. We just want peace. Contact your member of congress or MP. Call somebody you voted for and tell them to help out.

---

Hello MP,

I'm writing this message as a concerned citizen. I have been watching the Sri Lankan protests unfold for the past few weeks, and have heard the voices of the Sri Lankan community, and also the voices of the general populace.

I am surprised and outraged by the response of so many Canadians. Things like "Go back to Sri Lanka and protest!" And other comments filled with rage and ignorance.

As you know, we all have the right to legally protest. It's what makes this democracy run. It's what makes this country the place it is. The fact that many have come here to express their disagreement with the powers that be, or speak out against groups with power who are abusing it.

Now while the protests have reached a boiling point, where the safety of other citizens is at risk, nothing has been done by the Harper government to reach out to the government of Sri Lanka to provide peace keeping troops to the area. To help the government come to some sort of peaceful solution. What we are seeing in that country is tantamount to genocide. We need peace all over this world. And helping Sri Lanka is something within reach.

So I implore you, as a by-partisan citizen. PLEASE urge parliament to SAVE these people. It is part of being Canadian. To help and be a country of peace in this world. Certainly, we are adults and understand that the world isn't butterflies and rainbows, but I do know that love exists, and if we can't show compassion for our fellow man, we do not only fail to uphold the euphoric ideals of Canadian culture, but we fail to be human beings.

Sincerely,

Jahmal p. Tonge

2009-04-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

I liked that MGMT record. What I have for them though is sheer and unabashed haterism. I'm fully jealous of them, and not ashamed to admit it. What could be better than having a full on pop single without having to put the member of the music business in your mouth?

But, they are thieves.

Right?

Wait, I'm not the first person to cop this am I?

Le Le Breakfast

2009-04-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

The homie Skeet put me on this months ago. I bought it on iTunes and it's been on steady blast since.

Strange how I wrote a whole sentence in colloquial semi-urban speak.

Video:

Crappy Crap to add to the CRAP you already bought.

2009-03-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

1st piece of crap:

The great thing about this shite product is that you can just hang yourself one time if the mood strikes.

2nd piece of crap:

SEE A DOCTOR. They can blast those nasty things of in two seconds. Are you really gonna be the tool walking around in socks that don't cover the most important part of your feet? The real reason socks exist? Come on.

3rd piece of crap:

Because the most important thing in a fire is to make sure you get out on a step ladder that costs $19.99... JUMP YOU STUPID COW!

4th piece of crap:

I would actually love to see somebody use this. You know those clowns who try to carry on mountains of things onto the plane and clog up the aisles while you're trying to board? Imagine this jackass walking down the aisle with this sex ramp. Hitting you in the head as he bumps and jostles every single aisle. Oh... I want to see somebody with this thing so I can push their heads into it repeatedly.

6th piece of crap:

You're just an idiot to waste $40 on a drum noise making mousepad. Even if it just a grown ups version of a kids toy that says 'moo' and 'quack'.

Next time you are flying over the skys of America, never forget. It's the greatest country in the world. They've got lots of money to buy things. ^^^ That's what we do with it.

-J

Weekend Update

2009-03-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

It is with great pleasure I write to you this evening.

We wanted to give you all a Quick update.

-Jimmy Kimmel w/MSTRKRFT!
Watch Jahmal this Wednesday, March 18th performing beside super talented DJs MSTRKRFT live on the Jimmy Kimmel show (check your local listings for showtime in your area).

-Steamwhistle does it RIGHT.
Whether it will be a triumphant return or a happy moment is totally up to you. Both positive, but the onus is on you to come out and make the Carps return to Toronto the former. Completely tremendous. Be there April 17th at the Phoenix in Toronto to see the Carps along with electro-funk wizards Woodhands. This is like the Boat in 2006... Just alot bigger. Hope to see you there!

-Steeltown!
The economy is bricks right now. That's fine though. The Carps will be recession busting rock all over the hard hit city of Hamilton April 18th. Come out, and bring all of your friends. Hamilton loves The Carps. The shows are always packed. And The Carps love hamilton. Bring all of your McMaster friends and buy them a drink to ease the pain that there will be NO jobs when they graduate.

With love we send you best wishes. And your support means new music. And new love.
Thanks.

-Carps

Oh, did we mention we will in the studio starting April? That full length you asked for? Your patience will be rewarded with aural riches much beyond your comprehension.

Preaching War

2009-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

A small tale of War.

War is a worthless exercise.

There's a little boy in Afghanistan that will join the Taliban and become brainwashed because of this war we are waging against ideals.

Tell the Christians we are killing the Muslims to make it ok.

Tell the rich man we are killing for oil to make it ok.

Tell the young boy we are defending North America so he can live while they die. To make it ok.

They tell me to stop preaching. But every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and man gets up on a podium, and he stands there bellowing down to ignorant ears that they need to "FIGHT! Fight God's war!" And that Israel must win, that Jihad is the only way, and that Jesus needs to be glorified at the cost of the blood of others.

So if they stand and preach every week, who is preaching for the middle? Who is preaching for genuine peace? Real love? The kind of life that goes beyond the bullshite of religion and politics.

You can tune out the preaching if you want. But you need to remember that everything they do affects us too. We need peace and love. That is the only way to make a greener earth and a peaceful earth and a loving planet.

If we don't say it, who will?

-Jahmal

Valentine's Day Check Up.

2009-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Most mainstream hip hop, I don't need to tell you why it's garbage. I know, she got a fat arse and you're in the club poppin' bottles of "bubb".

And underground head hip hop is the same ol'. Rife with dudes trying to rail on the mainstream scene for being "sell outs to the game" and "real hip hop will neva eva die" knowing full well, if any of them were given the chance to make Lil Wayne money, they'd sell their souls faster than the devil could even get a shot at buying it.

Yea, we get it.

So when I enjoy hip hop it's because it attempts to transcend all of that. It's simply about songs. No unnecessary baggage and non sense. It's music in it's own right. Enough so that our parents can't say there was a lack of effort.

And with all that said, I hope you'll check out my good friend KJ. He's an amazing Producer/MC from Toronto and if I dig it, I'm going to be rude and assume you'd like to take a listen.

KJ - Check Up (Prod. Dylon)

Stay safe. Happy Valentines Day. Love you all. Make sure you don't buy a damn thing. The economy doesn't deserve it after the way we've been treated.

-J

Song hosted courtesy of HipHopCanada.com

We Kill You, King of the Forest.

2009-02-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

The new We Kill You stuff is being cogitated and crafted. And so far, it's amazing. Starting with this brand new sculpt for King Of The Forest.

The new sculpt from WKY is destined to be a future collectible for certain. The kind of detail and artistic possibilites that this dunny presents are endless. And I'm looking forward to getting one to put in a glass case. But WKY just needs to hurry up and slap some paint on them!

King of the forest you say? Whodatis?

"Born in the year 1823 into the Royal Deciduous Family, the King was given the name Hickory Bitternut III. His family was responsible for making sure the balance was kept in the sacred peaceful bond between nature, critter and human. In the early 1900's a deadly disease had struck the Bitternut forest forcing all trees and animals to flee so as not to get sick. Hickory was the only survivor of the R.D.F and thus was crowned king, though he never really felt fit for the job.

As years went by, more and more animals started to move to the new kingdom and they all had stories to tell of why they had to flee their home land. One day a chipmunk arrived after traveling hundreds of miles on the back of a fox. He was very sick and died in the branches of Hickory, but not before telling him that it was the humans in their machines that had broken the sacred bond and were the reason for all the disease and suffering. Infuriated by this, the King held a meeting with all the other leaders of the forest to let them know that bond had been broken and humans were no longer to be trusted.

Today, the King still watches over the animals and plants of the forest and keeps the balance of nature in check. He is slowly fighting back at the humans and their machines to make sure that they don't destroy the little bit of forest that is left!"

The one thing I will always love about We Kill You, is that there is no pretense. No BS. It's just cool art. More info can be found at www.wekillyou.net

-J

Recession Proof

2009-02-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

So as the corporations continue to vacation in my parents country and buy coconuts filled with juice from my great aunt on the beach, most of us are trying to figure out how to not lose our proverbial shirts.

Let's set their failures to a score. Perhaps is will assuage the anger. We can't take back all the money they stole from us, but we can mock them, set to song.

-J

The future of tech is cardboard errythang.

2009-02-05T00:14:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this machine. This is a computer designed by a guy named Brenden Macaluso for the Greener Gadgets Design Competition. New York City, February 27th.

In these sucky times we need to figure out how we got to this place.
We've burnt through our resources like Robert Downney Jr. on a bender.

The thing is, should we be surprised to see a computer made from cardboard? Shouldn't we be making everything we can out of sustainable bits and bobs? For all this green talk we spew, most of us are still in the dark about what we can do.

I've got a printer that's been sitting on my floor for ages now because I don't know how to properly dispose of it. Time for a bit of research on my end then eh?

www.wwf.org for starters. I don't know what they are about. Let's take a gandersee eh?

-J
(courtesy of Engadget.com)

Rear them on good wheat, and they shall produce in dividends.

2009-02-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

While all the other kids were eating wheaties before the hockey game, I rode in the car with my pads and jock cup on, bumping real harmonies.

And then I dropped out of high school.

You don't have to do anything you don't want to. Only do what feels right.
And live today. Do something today.
I'm trying to get better.

-Jahmal

2009-01-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

More more more more more more.

Let's have more!!

Don't go trendy "Green". Al Gore doesn't care. He wants you to go hardcore. I know I can do better. We should all be trying to do better. We seem to think that this world is gonna keep rolling when we're dead. Probably not. Let's not be so selfish, for the sake of the poor saps that have to come after us.

-J

President Barack Obama.

2009-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

We were here for this time.
We are here in this time.
Don't let it go to waste.
We can't let it go to waste.

This is a moment for the world.

Because it wasn't only the vote of the American people that brought us here. It was all of us who pushed, and talked and hoped for a change such as this.

But let it be known. In your country, in your hood, you can vote, you can push. We can all raise up leaders beyond the liars and crooks that breed in the halls of so-called justice. We can do it today on Jan.20th 2009...

And we can do it for however long each of us have left.

Don't lose wind man... Because everything that destroys this planet, everything that makes us upset, dejected and miserable, we can fight, and we can change by believing in something greater.

If they say change starts today, it's not about one man in Washington DC It's about you.

Afro Punk festival Summer 2008!

2009-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

We've got so much love for Afro-Punk. Need we say it again?

I don't reckon we do.

Enjoy. Happy Saturday.

-Jahmal

NAMM 2009

2009-01-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

The music equipment gear show, NAMM 2009 officially kicks off today. And being the geek that I am, I've been scouring the net for leaks.

My number one is defeintly the Native Instruments Maschine. This thing looks so dope. I've been using Akai machines to program beats via midi, and while they were ok, I missed a certain tangible quality. So I'm hoping this "maschine" fills the gap. Come on NI, you could do better than that on the spelling though right? (They also spell Control with a K.)

And this is not so much a leak as just an early release, but the new Micro-VR ampeg bass head looks really cool, and I'm keen to check that out as well.

I've never been as poor as I am now. But that doesn't seem to quench my insatiable thirst for more stuff. I can be better though. In time.. in time.

-J
Courtesy of Gearwire & Synthopia & Gearslutz

2009-01-11T01:24:00.001-08:00

This is a copy of my facebook posting...

http://voanews.com/english/2009-01-11-voa2.cfm

The lives of the Israelis who have died are just as precious. But when the numbers of this family feud start to reach 850 to 13? 10 of those 13 soldiers? Something is not right. And that something is war.

We all have the right to do and think as we please. But murder and pain are the lines that nobody has the right to cross.

I've been preaching this for days. But with this war reaching casualties into the thousands, how can you still disagree?

Let me tell you.
YOUR GRANDPARENTS ARE WRONG.

We are fighting the wars of dead men. Those who fought each other initially over land or a woman. They used religion to marshal the people into battle with each other. "He thinks your God is a liar!" And the other, "He thinks your God is a thief!" And every 100-300 years, the war becomes about something else.

When will you decide to stop fighting the war of your fathers? Wanting peace means you put the world first. Others before yourself. And that is one of the major tenants of all religions worldwide. Love for others. And peace for all.

I may sound like a hippie. But love is for real. You can argue about Jesus being black, or being real at all. But love is for real.

2009-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Artichokes !

There's an on going thread on the message board about what folks are listening to. I mentioned that I've been spinning out the platters on my hard disk listening to Maps & Atlases.

So you're a dude, and you can get your member taut.

2009-01-01T22:26:00.000-08:00

Am I overreacting? Or is this the most sexist ad ever?
The way that dudes use naked girls to showcase their products not only offends me as a human being, but simply as a consumer.

What?? Because she makes me get a mild erection that is going to make me want to buy your dumb ass speakers??

QSC audio. If I ever play a venue with your blowhorns, I plan to rip them down, and stab the speakers with my drumsticks. You may be nice guys over there, but this sort of toolbag sock jock tomfoolery is what drives us further into a grave of idiocy.

I can't believe I dropped out of school and some of these marketing morons have paying jobs.

-Jahmal

Women are people dude. You just can't get excited that they have tits.

I scratched his name into my notebook: Elvis Costello

2008-12-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

Probably my favorite artist on the planet. This guy trumps M.J. and Stevie for me. And Lennon, and... Man. I love Elvis Costello. I wish he was my grade 11 English teacher.

-J

2008-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

I've said before how much we love Shawn Hewitt.
He's like a big brother to both Neil and I. We would probably be playing some bad pop music somewhere without him. Without him showing us that making respectable music is about working hard at it. Sometimes it's not only about the first thing that comes to your head.

This is my favorite song off of his Spare Hearts 2008 release. Please check it out.
1-on-One

-

Shot to the head you're better off dead!!

2008-12-22T23:24:00.000-08:00

This was a time when the final dregs of the dopey kid-punk sound was washing away. Yet to bring us the spewing boil of puss and maggots that is today's emo rock. Right in this armpit of time, I heard this song. And along with all of the other incredible rock'n'roll I was hearing all around me, this song had a profound effect. Forgive the overdone singing and Sid Vicious wannabe looks.

The message of this song resonated with me. And as a black kid from Scarborough who was 2 years from dropping out of high school, to hear this on much music crammed between N'Sync and B4-4 and Wave... Man. It meant alot. And Joe strummer started to make alot more sense.

WAKE UP! WAKE UP!

-J

Message Board Launch!

2008-12-22T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,
I just wanted to let ya'll know we've launched the brand new message board. I've been over there with a few folks already, just testing the thing out and getting it primed. It looks good so far, and I working on getting rid of the sucky adverts everywhere.

All in all, if you're the chatting type. Come over there and get up with Neil and I.

Link:
http://thecarps.suddenlaunch3.com/

Hope all is well. Happy Holidays.
-Jahmal

Let's Fall In Love

2008-12-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

I know I'm always boosting music that I think you all will like, but this time, I want you to listen to something that I KNOW you will love.

This music is similar to ours in that it attempts to be whatever it wants. But this music is beautiful. In fact, these songs might be some of the most gorgeous songs I've heard... in my life. I often sit at the coffee shop, or in the park across the street from my apartment and listen to these songs. And think about... things. Things? Things.

Kwes.

http://www.myspace.com/kwes

Please believe me when I say this.
These songs that this young cat from London make are amongst the most inspiring you will hear. They are challenging, but they hit you DEEP. Listen to "Hearts In Home" and turn down the lamps. Or lay in your bed with the iPod on and the blanket up (Canadians).

Kwes is a multi-intstrumentalist, producer, songwriter. He's the guy that makes the amazing movie soundtracks and writes the top40 pop songs. Mark my words. This kid is going to be a force.

http://www.myspace.com/kwes

Again for good measure.

So find your loved one and turn on some Kwes and Fall In Love.

-Jahmal

("Tissues" is a wonderful song as well.)

Happy Holidays

2008-12-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Drummer Boy Project by JahmalTonge

Man, things get really slow for music this time of year. Mostly your favorite local bands playing half-assed Christmas shows around town, your poor friends from small towns who have to make the trek back to the farm and face their parents and answer questions about why they dropped out of Art School.

But! One of the most wonderful things about this time of the year is the Christmas single. And I find that as time goes on, artists with integrity are no longer making hit Christmas singles. It could be that most of my favorite artists don't believe in a God. But whether you do or not. This time of the year is good for just breaking down, and spitting in your boss's face if he asks to much of you, and getting away with it!

So in that spirit, I offer you a Jahmal Tonge christmas single. I know it's not any Carps, but I hope you enjoy.

Happy Holidays. Pass the candle holder my Jewish friends. I got some Kwanzaa to get in.
Let's Fall In Love.

-J

New Sounds

2008-12-08T23:05:00.000-08:00

It's Raining In The Project's But It's Sunny In Africa (snippet) by JahmalTonge

Whether black people are trapped in the brown bricks of Marcy Projects or Jane & Finch or even the desolate fields of Southern Sudan, or the Soweto slums, the same issues exist. Lack of education, lack of resources, and a people's pride and the system's machine work to make sure that they are kept under thumb.

I couldn't begin to go into all of the issues that plague the black community, nor do I think this space is going to be the place for it, but as with everything, I hope something I say might make you want to check it out for yourself and use these thoughts and ideas as a springboard for your own personal edification.

It's not enough to make music to dance to. It needs to say something. But just because it's sad doesn't mean we can't dance. Doesn't mean we shouldn't move. Because in everything we do there is good and bad. And I love dancing angry. And I'm angry most of the time.

I commit to trying not to be a Johnny downer. And I never want that for anybody, but we need to wake up and realize we aren't alone. None of us.

When Stephen Harper* wakes up in the morning, he thinks about his family, and the people that look, think, talk and act like him. He doesn't care about the world at large. And he's the leader of my country. (Fill in your horrible leader here*) Our political leaders, our spiritual leaders, they are human. And they think for themselves.

Don't you ever forget to do the same.

But unlike them, remember we're all here together.

But in the end...
Think for yourself stupid.
Think for yourself.

-J

About Face

2008-12-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

Make something. Write something today. Paint a picture. Doodle on a notebook. But think about what you are making when making it. Make it mean something to you. And only you.

Have fun with it. You'll like it. Trust me.

There are a bunch of bands I've been REALLY geeking out on these days. Maps & Atlases, Cool Kids (yea, the new stuff is dope!) and my old workhorse favorite, Pretty Girls Make Graves. But strolling through the deep pool of skinny jeans and art rock that is the rcrdlbl blog I came across this band called Pivot. I've never heard of them before, but I watched this video and fell in love. These guys are brilliant. Perhaps I'm a bit biased, because the first sound I heard was that of a Jupiter-8. And they hit that geek soft spot in me.

I'll add the link to the rcrdlbl post as well. But watch the video and enjoy.

Warp, you owe me money. First, I was boosting DJ Mujava, now these guys. Send me some stickers or something at least.

Hope the weekend was fruitful for you all. I spent friday nite with Mikey and Chuck as they were in town. I woke up this morning with a balloon for a head. We got it in. Shout outs to Nelson, PJ, Wes and Rich. Hope you feel better soon homeboy.

And to all 32 of you, stay well, and keep your ears peeled for a some new music in a few days.

-Jahmal

Gonakadet!

2008-12-03T23:47:00.000-08:00

As I sit here grinning widely at the thrashing the Conservative party of Canada is about to recieve, I thought I'd make a post about something that got me very excited today. Perhaps even bordering on sexual.

It's this wonderful thing:

This amazing one-off custom was made by none other than WeKillYou. Who of course, designed all of our amazing merch and album artwork.

Check out the site, and pick something up if you can. The WKY custom toy side of things has just EXPLODED, and the ultra limited pieces are being picked up by well known collectors from the states and Japan. We are really proud of WKY for making it happen. (I just hope there's time to keep making things for us...)

WeKillYou also made our latest shirt which is available at www.killthe8.com

Progress on the record? Well, I'll say this. We're alot closer to having an album full of bangers.

And touring? As you know, we only want to go where we are wanted... There's nothing worse than touring for the hell of it. It's depressing and makes me want to quit the band when we show up to find 6 people in the club and a leaky roof.

So if you want to see us in your town, find a venue, tell some friends, and we'll come play. Don't let anybody tell you it's impossible. Some of the best shows I've ever seen were thrown by kids who just wanted to see a band play, that they made it happen one way or another.

We'll likely try to get back to Europe this winter. We'll keep you posted.

Etre bien mes amis. Restez forts, et de lutter contre le trafic de drogue.

Avec Aimer,

Jahmal

Jupiter 8's & Heartbreak

2008-11-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

That's going to be the name of our forthcoming mix-tape. I've been listening to the new Kanye. And I LOVE it.

I say mix-tape in the common hip-hop vernacular when I really mean B-Sides. However, it'll just be a B-Sides album that is free.

And as some of the more technically astute of you may recognize, a lion's share of our songs were recorded with the Jupiter-8 keyboard alongside Neil's bass. (Veronica Belmont was done on the Jupi.) I've been gently hinting to Al P and JFK to let me at the Super Jupiter 8 (ONE of them) that they have over at mstrkrft studios. But no luck there yet. I'll keep you posted.

I guess what I've been encouraged to do with this blog is keep you all in the loop. I'll try to make it a day to day thing. But there are just some days when neither Neil or I will have anything to say, or anything that we might even want to share with you. But I promise to keep you informed about making music.

It's a tough time right now. As we all can tell, most of us are looking at a recession. And when we are playing shows in the summer and touring in the winter, I can get by. But with no shows and CDs not selling, it's job time. So if you see me folding shirts at your local American Apparel, stop by and say hi. (You assumed I'd work nowhere else anyway right?)

Outside of Neil losing his mind from stress at school, and my return to the workforce after almost two years, there's nothing much else to share.

We have started pre-production of the new album. It's going really well. There are alot of big hooks, and LOTS of bass guitar. We are going for the jugular of radio. The music we make doesn't belong there. But I promise you, we are going to be right in the heart of the mainstream, and we will remain steadfast, and not change a single thing. We all know that simple people like simple things. Why don't we all try to do something grand and help get them to a better mental condition?

With your help, we can make all of the douches, morons, and plebs better people. All you have to do is believe.

-Jahmal

Anybody know how to make this thing look pretty?

2008-11-16T18:17:00.001-08:00

In beating all the other artists to the punch, we've made this blog.

We might be late.

-J

In addition, I know nothing about page design, so until someone offers to make a sexy looking blog, I'll be playing around with the templates alot. So don't get to friendly with the page design.