Trying to make a Living- Get a REAL job.

Not too long ago... a friend of mine asked me: "When are you going to get a 'real' job?" This got me to thinking about the variety of jobs that I have had over my lifetime and I decided to make a list.

1. Paper Route- I delivered the Clipper to anxious readers in Farmington. The worst part was waking up at 4am to roll and rubber-band all of the papers.

2. Edit Technologies- I was an industrial Print technician assistant.

3. Mike Schaff Airbrushing- I worked at lagoon as an airbrush artist by the "Colossus." I would paint t-shirts for couples that featured naked silhouettes in beach scenes with their names in the sunset. I was 16. Once, a hispanic family asked me to paint 8 shirts that said,"Brown Pride." I had to keep telling people that they weren't for me.

4. Pizza Hut- I started as a cook and shortly made my way to the cut-table. As if that weren't enough for most ambitious teens, as soon as I turned 18, I went on to be a delivery driver. This was at the height of my Queensryche obsession and I would listen to my favorite mix tape in my Nissan SEV6 all night long. P.S. the illuminated Pizza Hut sign made me an easy target for high school bullies that could spot me a mile away... again and again. Joanne, who I think I asked to prom 3 years in a row (we went together once), worked here for a short time. She was a vegetarian and her brother, my manager, would have her make all the "meat-lovers" pizzas.

5. Pineview Builders- I worked as a carpenter for a while building houses along the Wasatch front. Our foreman was a big guy with red hair and beard that we called sasquatch. I leaned most of what I know about swearing and sex from this job. I also learned that,"if it's broke, get a bigger hammer." so...

6. Olde St. Rose Restaurant and Gift Shop- This was an old church in Layton that was converted to a restaurant where I worked as the "handy-man." I would do odd jobs around the place painting or fixing things for food. Joanne, the quintessential high school crush that I would have sacrificed all my household pets for, worked there as well. I had frosted tips and never got anywhere with her. so...

7. Structure- On a dare, I went into Victoria's Secret to apply for a job. When I got one, I didn't ever figure out what the secret was, but I did find out that Structure was a part of the same corporation as VS. I shortly transfered to the Crossroads Mall Structure location in Salt Lake where I would eventually meet the lead singer for Lynch Mob. I would also develop a crush on my manager Emily. Emily, if you are reading this... call me.

8. Mission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

9. Olde Towne Catering- While I was in Brazil, my mom and sister had started their own catering business and had landed a contract catering Citi Group's lunch at the layton call center. This is where I would meet Casey, who would later show me the true meaning of Truth or Dare in my uncle's hot tub. She would go on to be affectionately know by the nickname,"undies girl." That day I had woken up a boy... but I went to bed a man. Casey, if you are reading this... call me.

10. Beyond Fitness (Gold's Gym)- During the short time that I had a membership to Gold's gym, I was approached by the guys the manages all the personal trainers. He offered me a job as a trainer. I asked if I needed to be certified at all and he said no, he'd teach me everything I needed to know. After a week, I was wearing the Beyond Fitness polo with the collar popped and life was good. I also began to recruit others to work with us. The criteria that I was given went something like this,'look for good-looking flexible girls... then sign them up. I'll teach them the rest.' Finally, after about a month, I was Promoted to "Head Trainer." Again, I was the "Head Trainer" at golds gym! If you know me well, this is a funny story.

11. Copelands Sports- This was one of my favorite jobs hands down! I began working in the Board Shop building skate decks in the summer and selling snowboards in the winter. It was great! Then I moved my way up to the "Outdoors" department selling camping good and skis! After that, it was on to the Ski Shop, where I got to use the heavy equipment to wax, grind and tune skis and snowboards. This was great because my usual day consisted of sharpening my Samurai Sword on the ski grinder, listening to Steve Vai and Watching Karate Kid on VHS for hours on end. Finally, with such a sterling record of service, I was promoted to the Bike Department! Here I would usually just work on my own bikes, listen to music and make music videos on my Mac.

12. Tucanos Brazilian Grill- This was a no-brainer. I learned portuguese in Brazil and the selection of ladies that work at Tucanos was as choice as the top sirloin. So, I signed up and became a meat-server. It was easy because you don't have to take any orders for drinks or deserts, you just walk around with a huge knife and a hunk of meat on a stick. When people want what you got, you pull over and slice 'em off a piece. After a while, I became the "Lead Server." This meant that I was in charge of prep for each shift, making sure that we had enough of each meat to serve for the night, and sometimes I could help run the grill. Only down side was when I somehow managed to cut my forehead with my knife while at a table and actually got my blood on a dude's shirt.

13. BYU Custodial- This job was pretty cool. Only thing was that it started at 3 am. Other than that, it was great! Walking around, listening to Def Leppard and Porcupine Tree all by myself, it was pretty chill, and as soon as you get your work done, you can go. Easy. I worked exclusively cleaning up the basement of the Joseph F. Smith building.

14. Banana Republic- This was by far one of the most professional places I have ever worked. I don't have any jokes to tell about this place. I loved it. Everyone there was awesome. I started as a salesperson and made my way to working on the visual team that would create all the displays for the store. This was where I met Larissa. My banana angel. She was the only girl to literally "take my breath away." All I ever wanted was to keep her safe and warm. But, she had a boyfriend, and I'm pretty sure he had a pager on his belt (this was 2006). I couldn't top that. Larissa, if you are reading this... well, come over. We can watch The Notebook together.

15. Contender Bicycles- This was where I have worked until recently (2009). Great job! They always took exceptional care of me. Awesome location too. It is right at the corner of 9th and 9th in SLC. You have Great Harvest on one corner, Barbacoa on the right and the Coffee Garden just across the street. Oh yeah! and the Tower Theater is right there too! I got to meet people that will be my friends for years to come by working here. Good times.

16. Celebrity Limousine- Yeah, I was a limo driver. Ha. It was awesome. The hours sucked. 4 am pick-ups at the airport and weddings till 1 am. Overall, I loved the experience and hearing Dumb and Dumber jokes all day. Insisting on carrying couples luggage to the honeymoon suite so that I could see inside the room was probably my favorite part. That, and eating left-over treats from the receptions. By far, the coolest honeymoon suite that I saw was at "The Inn on the Hill," just south of the Utah State Capital.

Well, I think that's it...

Plenty of Shows this Weekend!!! Check it out!

No Excuses! If you wanna rock, there is a plentiful banquet this weekend in SLC!

Friday June 19th:

1. Radio Rhythm Makers Playing with Kate Ledeuce and The Soul Terminators and Boom Sticks- Urban Lounge- Doors @ 9pm.

http://www.myspace.com/theradiorhythmmakers

http://www.myspace.com/soulterminators

http://www.myspace.com/theboomstx

2. Royal Bliss- Tracks Brewing Co. (1641 N Main St Tooele, UT 84074-8023 (435) 882-4040)

$15 Adv/$20 Day Of

http://www.myspace.com/royalbliss

3. Drop Dead Julio- The Huka in Murray- 8 pm.

http://www.myspace.com/dropdeadjulio

All great shows! I will be hitting up the Radio Rhythm Makers show for sure this time round!

My Drum Cover #9- Dream Theater

I think some people were worried that I don't take the drums very seriously... so SUCK ON THIS!

More Cowbell! Cowbell Confusion:

So, I am assuming that just about everyone I know has seen the Will Ferrell "more cowbell," skit on SNL. If you haven't, check it out. Chances are that you have been pretending to laugh a lot of jokes at a lot of parties that refer to this clip. And, if you find that you don't get invited to a lot of parties, this may be one of the reasons why. But a lot of people have had a couple questions about this video. So, here are some answers and some interesting perspective on the controversial cowbell.

First, in the skit, Christopher Walken plays the role of Big-Time record exec. Bruce Dickinson. This fictional character is NOT to be confused with the very real Bruce Dickinson, lead-singer of Iron Maiden. In the clip, Walken's character is portrayed as helping to produce the song, "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," by Blue Oyster Cult. BOC insiders claim that in fact, Walken's character is meant to portray the actual founder, manager, song writer and producer for BOC, Sandy Pearlman. While there actually was a record exec by the name of Bruce Dickinson that worked at Columbia records, he did not have any involvement with "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." Although, we would later work on the band's Greatest Hits album.

Second, some have wondered about the prominent presence of the cowbell in the actual recording in the first place. Sometimes, people really do have a fever, and the only cure is MORE COWBELL. It may well be that the cowbell was used where and when it was in the song simply because it sounds good. That's cool... but here is a fun perspective on way many bands use it.

Consider this:

When recording, the vast majority of bands will use a "click-track" in their headphones that helps them to consistently play the right tempo and stay on the beat as much as possible. The click-track is not a part of the actual recording, but is simply provided to the musician as a reference beat to play their part to(you probably already knew that).

Sometimes, when you are recording you have a problem with what is called, "bleeding." This just means that somehow, a sound is being picked up by the recording microphones that shouldn't be. This can happen with the click-track. When a drummer sits down to record his parts, he will often be literally surrounded by microphones on each of this drums and cymbals. If the click-track in his headphones is too loud, it may "bleed" and get picked-up by one or more of the very sensitive mics around him. Well, sometimes a cowbell can be an EXCELLENT way to mask or cover up some bleeding of the click onto the actual recording.

Some Classic examples of brilliant cowbell articulation:

"Welcome to the Jungle"-Guns 'n Roses: at about 3:23.

"Reach for the Sky"-Firehouse: at about 1:10 going into the choruses.

"River of Love"-Lynch Mob: full-throttle cowbell almost the whole time!

"Girl Money"-Kix: If I had a nickel for every time he hit the cowbell!

"We're Not Gonna Take It"-Twisted Sister: during the intro.

"Dance the Night Away"-Van Halen: cool cowbell groove in the intro.

"Got No Shame"-Brother Cane: classic 4 count up front and heavy during the chorus.

"Photograph"-Def Leppard: heading into each chorus.

"Shake & Tumble"-Firehouse: no-fear cowbell exploitation.

Did I miss any? Please let me know! Comment below!

Dare to Dream!

This is a Clip from "The Two Coreys."

Highlights:

1. Bip-bip-ba-dip-a-I-love-you!

2. The intense neck grab.

3. The look of sheer terror and confusion on her face.

No matter how bad things get. It may get worse. Like this.

Dare to dream.

Thanks to Bill for inspiring this post.

My Drum Cover #8- Magic Dance- David Bowie

These songs and videos are meant to be different so don't take them too seriously. For a more serious video, check out my Dream Theater Drum Cover.

My Drum Cover #7- Breakaway-Big Pig

These songs and videos are meant to be different so don't take them too seriously. For a more serious video, check out my Dream Theater Drum Cover.

My Drum Cover #6-The Last Dragon

These songs and videos are meant to be different so don't take them too seriously. For a more serious video, check out my Dream Theater Drum Cover.

Still Waters Run Deep... or whatever. Kip Winger

Kip Winger. Nuff said? Perhaps. For some, the first thing that comes to mind is the jail-bait anthem of 1988 "Seventeen." For others, the name brings nothing but a blank stare. But, for a select few, the mind travels to a more excellent place... the fist-pumping call to irons: "Battle Stations," from the Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey Soundtrack (or "Rare and Unreleased"). But hold on. Before you laugh or roll your eyes, writing Kip off as just another big hair glam-rock has-been... a bit of history.

1961, Charles Fredrick-Kip Winger is born in Denver, Colorado to 2 jazz musicians. He is introduced to classical music in his ballet class (!) and at age 16, begins a personal study of the greats. That same year, as the teenaged Kip sent a demo tape to Alan Parsons, he could never have expected that he would some day wind-up singing lead vocals for The Alan Parsons Project. As if that weren't enough, after studying composition in New York, Kip would go on to share the stage with Alice Cooper as his bass player! It wasn't until 1987 that Kip left AC to focus on his own project that would come to be known as the "Winger" we all know and love.

When Winger went the way of the buffalo as most 80's Metal bands have, Kip was only just beginning his career as a solo artist. It was in New Mexico that, face-to-face with personal tragedy, Kip released 3 solo albums before settling down in Nashville to begin work on his 4th solo creation: From The Moon To The Sun. Which is why we are gathered here today.

Personal vocals with an intimate feel like that of Peter Gabriel, and an occasional guitar slide recalling a David Gilmour-Pink Floyd, this work has the variety and story-telling feel of concept album. In fact, the track What We Are reminds me a bit of Kevin Gilbert's landmark Shaming of the True concept (A long and complex story for another day). And, by the end of the disc, I feel more like I've finished a movie than an album. A third of the tracks have found their way onto a playlist of mine entitled: Rainy Day. Strings, piano, 12-string guitar... you name it, this album has probably incorporated it somehow.

If you pride yourself on the diversity of you music library, and you are looking for something completely unexpected and different, this album is worth a shot. - Dave Boyd

The video below is Track #8 California a "MUST LISTEN."

Red Bull Gives you WIIINGS! and HUGE hair apparently

Where Have I Been?! New OSI Album!!! Insane!

I am on another planet right now listening to the latest album from OSI (Office of Strategic Influence). This album has done nothing but blow me away from beginning to end! If you have never heard of this project before, this is an excellent place to start! If you have, you will NOT be disappointed by this latest release entitled "Blood."

Named after a US government agency that had originally been created to generate pro-American propaganda in the turbulent post-911 climate, OSI was created by Guitarist Jim Matheos of Fate's Warning. Enlisting the iconic Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy as well as Keyboardist Kevin Moore of Chroma Key (he was also DT's first keyboardist) all that was needed was a bassist and someone to take up the mic. Sean Malone of Gordian Knot and Cynic was chosen for the bass position and Moore, who had been recording scratch vocals for the project, seemed the appropriate choice to finnish out the album behind the mic.

Mix in a couple cameos from other members of the Prog community like: Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth) and it would appear that things couldn't get any better. That is... until you get Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson) on drums for this most recent album!!!!

This guy has come to be one of my favorite drummers to date! While in interviews, Harrison expresses that at heart he has yet to really consider himself a Progressive Metal drummer (definitely one of the most influential and forward-thinking jazz drummers), his contribution to "Blood" has made this my favorite OSI album yet! - Dave Boyd

Try B4 you buy!!! Just click the video below and see what you think!

Huge Weekend!!! Tons of great shows!!!

If you are looking for something to do... this weekend is going to be GREAT!  Well, kinda sucky too because several Killer shows are going on at the same time.  The following are HIGHLY recommended!

Friday June 12th: 

***Kings X @ Club Vegas SLC

Top-Notch International Band... local Band price!!!

Saturday June 13th: 

***The Street w/ Sunset Strip @ The Abyss Grand Opening on North Temple SLC

The Street is one of the most energetic rock shows around!  Original Music and a few covers.  Sunset Strip is an outstanding Cover Band that delivers the real deal 80's Metal Experience!

***Broke City @ Kilby Court SLC

Great Guys... Great Music!  Chosen to play the X-96 BASH!  

***Dirty Love Guns @ Club Vegas SLC

Nuff Said... 

No excuse for staying home this weekend!!!  

How To: Getting Into a Band

Up front, I'll tell you that the greatest opportunities tend to come by way of personal referrals that do not require any type of formal audition at all. So, Rock Star secret #1: It's all about who you know. No. Better yet: It's all about who knows YOU. Chances are you have got some serious skills... or just a lot of balls. Otherwise, why would you be considering auditions in the first place? But ask yourself: Who knows that you play? Who cares? Seriously.

Who do you know that is aware of your talent and who really cares? Are they people that are involved with the music scene in any way, shape or form? You may be sitting around thinking to yourself: "Damn! I'm good. How come I'm not playing live shows 2-3 times a week? I have a ton of friends, and they all know that I play. I'm better than most players I've seen at shows around town... why don't I have bands knocking my door down?" It may be due to the fact that the vast majority of your best work has taken place in your parent's basement and not on a public stage. If you are like me, you hit up a local show, get the sweaty palms, and that feeling like you are going to explode if you don't get to jump on stage and show everyone what you got. "If they only knew!" Yeah... ha ha... if only.

Here is a list of things that you can do to get on a stage ASAP:

1. BECOME what you are. Dumb? Just listen.

What do you play? Guitar? Bass? Drums? Well... BECOME it! BE a drummer. You'll be surprised that when you do, it'll change the way you talk, walk, think, behave. When you are at a party, and someone asks you: "So, what do you do?" Do you answer: "Oh you know, just work and school." Or, "I'm just livin' the dream. You?" Get in the habit of telling people: " I'm a drummer!" Start thinking that way when you are practicing. "I'm a drummer, this is what I do. This is what I am!" What do you do when you have spare time? What would a drummer do?

2. Look the part.

Do you know what kind of music you want to play? Who are some of your influences? If you could play for any band in the world who would it be? Jump on youtube and watch their videos. Buy some of their concert DVDs and look at how they dress, how they move. It's one thing to play music that you love. It's quite another to LIVE the life that creates the music that you love. Do you need to get a hair cut? Do you need to grow it out? Maybe you need to hit the gym or go clothes shopping. Remember that YOU are your business card when you are out at shows and mingling with other musicians and potential band mates. They can't hear you play every time they meet you, but they can and will look at you. Many of their initial judgments about you will take place long before you have an instrument in your hand. Remember that the way you look and move is a HUGE consideration to a band that plays a lot of live shows.

3. Get a legit business card.

Yeah, a good one. Not a freebie card. Do you really want to be a musician? Others will know that you mean business if you have a card. Besides, if you meet a band at a late show, they may be a bit tired, drunk, distracted etc. They still have to pack-up all their stuff before they get to relax. Chances of a call-back are slim-to-none unless they have a way to remember you. Perhaps a picture of yourself or your gear on your card will make it stick.

4. Go to as many shows as you can.

Quite often, musicians get their "big break" simply because they were there. Where? In the scene... in the mix. At the show or at the studio. You know, it's not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the local recording studios are. Bookmark the local venue's websites and their calendars. Add them as friends on Myspace or what have you. These are the places where it all happens. These are the places to be and to be seen. Talk to people. Rather than asking for favors, ask for advice. People LOVE giving advice.

5. Time to NETWORK.

Myspace, Youtube, Facebook etc. You know all about this. If not, call me... I'll hook you up. Start a Blog. If you have all of these, maybe there are small changes you can make to increase their impact. Look at your profile, your pics, your personal info. You can use the hobbies, favorite music, occupation and about me sections on these sites to your advantage. Refer back to #1. Are people looking at your profiles? If not, RULE #1 for generating interest in your page is: take a sincere interest in other people's pages. Comment on their pics and stuff. Join their blogs. Once in place, do all that you can to link them all together. Place visible links wherever you can to allow people easy navigation of your material.

6. Post some content.

Do you have any pics involving you and your instrument? Audio and video are even better! If there is any way at all that you can display some audio or video... DO IT! Make it as easy to access as possible. Use tags, descriptions and labels to make sure it will pop up in searches. You will be sooooo far ahead of the pack if you can refer people to your material online. I've noticed that this is one of the first things bands want to know. If they don't ask... it's because they are not used to people being so well prepared. Exceed their expectations! Make the content interesting. Use lighting, body language or whatever you have to make your stuff unique. Avoid being too serious. Be real. Make your content enjoyable, fun, funny and entertaining.

7. Be reachable.

Have email, voicemail, text and phones ready for the hurricane of response! Be quick and reliable in replying to calls and emails. Being on top of your communication says a lot about your dedication and work ethic as a musician. You will have a HUGE edge on the competition if you are the easiest to get a hold of.

It's hard to get anywhere if you and your family are the only ones aware that you play. Get out there and mingle. Be seen. Be heard. - Dave Boyd

Free Iron Maiden Mouse Pad! Thanks Metal Hammer!

So the latest issue of Metal Hammer magazine decided to make my day and give me this sweet Iron Maiden mouse pad!  Life is good. 

Want to be a Rock Star? Read on:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn't serve the world.  There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so other people wouldn't feel insecure around you.  We are born to manifest God's glory within us; it's in everyone.  And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  - Marianne Williamson

If it is in your heart and in your veins.  Make it happen.  If you don't, who will?  Music heals people and even saves lives!  Music changes the world.  

In the words of AC/DC: "it's a long way to the top... if you want to rock and roll."  And, "for those about to rock... WE SALUTE YOU!"  

Work hard, educate yourself, prepare in any way possible, believe in people, be good to people and Go For It! 

Great Video! Great Band! Kamelot

I'd have sworn that Kamelot is one of the best Euro/Scandinavian Metal projects around. But, while their current vocalist Roy Khan is Norwegian, Kamelot actually got it's start in Tampa, Florida!!! AMERICAN metal! Well, kind of. Once momentum started picking up, the band began focusing most of their touring and recording efforts in Europe (surprise surprise... supply and demand). It's pretty obvious that attention to detail is high on the list of priorities for these guys. Not to mention the fact that they are every bit as clean and precise in their live shows as they are on their studio work. Man! What a novelty! These guys are a lot less cheesy than many bands that share the genre and a ton more approachable and palatable than those on the hard edge of the pack. If you are going to check 'em out (and I highly recommend that you do) This is where I would start:

The Black Halo:

1. Soul Society

2. Moonlight

3. The Black Halo

4. Momento Mori (favorite)

Ghost Opera

1. Human Stain

2. Rule the World

3. Love You to Death (favorite)

4. Ghost Opera

- Dave Boyd

My Drum Cover #1 The Fame

My Drum Cover #5-Vanessa C.

These songs and videos are meant to be different so don't take them too seriously. For a more serious video, check out my Dream Theater Drum Cover.

My Drum cover #3- Broken Glass

My Drum Cover #2 -NIN