Find more about the band at sunspotmusic.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday Geek Reviews - free online music tools
The first tool I'd like to review (I know this is starting off sounding like an adult film review) is metronome online. Years ago you had to pay $30 or so to get an analog metronome that looks kinda like this one, only sucked down batteries and broke the first time you dropped it. Then there was the digital revolution where people made more and more complex metronomes that would subdivide for you, change sounds, drive your car, etc. Metronome online is a return to the old school analog look with the Italian tempo markings and everything, but lacks the single digit intervals and subdividing capabilities. But, it's free and online, so wherever you go, you can make sure you are not rushing. I know, bad joke.
Next is Fruity Loops. If you don't want to sit through years of music classes, try this graphic interface. If you can count to 16 you can hang with the latest pop artists. I personally find the vocal samples hilarious.
Finally is Finale. Ha. If you don't want to spend $500 on the full version, this one will get you where you are going and actually lets you print and save, which a lot of demos do not. The printouts actually look like real sheet music too!
Ta ta for now. Send us your musical creations.
Next is Fruity Loops. If you don't want to sit through years of music classes, try this graphic interface. If you can count to 16 you can hang with the latest pop artists. I personally find the vocal samples hilarious.
Finally is Finale. Ha. If you don't want to spend $500 on the full version, this one will get you where you are going and actually lets you print and save, which a lot of demos do not. The printouts actually look like real sheet music too!
Ta ta for now. Send us your musical creations.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
They tried to make me go to rehab
... but I said, NO NO NO!
Well, I finally made it back home. And I have to thank everyone for the kind wishes I received when I turned my phone back on after the plane landed. I was quite touched when I found a whole slew of text and voice messages wishing me well in rehab!
I'm really sorry I couldn't be at the Club on Saturday, but if anyone was capable of entertaining in my stead, it is Uncle Timmy. So a big fat thanks to Timmy for stepping up to the plate! A true rocker, he is, and he proves it over and over again. :)
As for my trip home, it was fairly miserable. This seems to happen a lot with Midwest Airlines. When we left Milwaukee, there was a 9:30 AM flight that still hadn't left, and it was after 5:00 PM. I think they need to add some planes to their fleet... it seems ridiculous to have to deal with a delay like this when the weather was fine. They said it was because the plane had a mechanical problem that was caught in inspection, which happens ALL THE TIME and just makes me more nervous about riding in their planes.
Anyway, I digress... Needless to say I am happy to be back home and I'm even more excited for the next show & opportunity to ROCK HARD! Look out Eau Claire, WENDY LYNN'S BACK!
Well, I finally made it back home. And I have to thank everyone for the kind wishes I received when I turned my phone back on after the plane landed. I was quite touched when I found a whole slew of text and voice messages wishing me well in rehab!
I'm really sorry I couldn't be at the Club on Saturday, but if anyone was capable of entertaining in my stead, it is Uncle Timmy. So a big fat thanks to Timmy for stepping up to the plate! A true rocker, he is, and he proves it over and over again. :)
As for my trip home, it was fairly miserable. This seems to happen a lot with Midwest Airlines. When we left Milwaukee, there was a 9:30 AM flight that still hadn't left, and it was after 5:00 PM. I think they need to add some planes to their fleet... it seems ridiculous to have to deal with a delay like this when the weather was fine. They said it was because the plane had a mechanical problem that was caught in inspection, which happens ALL THE TIME and just makes me more nervous about riding in their planes.
Anyway, I digress... Needless to say I am happy to be back home and I'm even more excited for the next show & opportunity to ROCK HARD! Look out Eau Claire, WENDY LYNN'S BACK!
Thanks Uncle Timmy and Wendy's Home Safe!
Tim did an awesome job last night and I just wanted to thank him for his great work. The Club Tavern was a blast.
In other good news, Wendy's home safe and sound and she'll be back in the saddle next week!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Still in Vegas.
Thanks to Midwest, I am stuck in Vegas. Normally I wouldn't mind but they are keeping me from rock and that makes me furious and sad at the same time.
Apparently Uncle Timmy has graciously offered up a performance at tonight's show. I wish I could be there!
Thank god for airport bars... This is an absolutely horrible way to end a vacation. :(
Apparently Uncle Timmy has graciously offered up a performance at tonight's show. I wish I could be there!
Thank god for airport bars... This is an absolutely horrible way to end a vacation. :(
Sunspot with Uncle Timmy!
Due to a plane malfunction, Wendy's stranded in Las Vegas right now, so we're getting some help from Uncle Timmy (from BoRd and Govt Zero) for the Club Tavern show tonight. It's gonna be a different experience but it'll still be fun and everyone pull for Wendy to have a safe trip home!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Unbelievable!
Two of my favorite bands are playing here at Mandalay Bay tonight!
Bad Religion at the House of Blues, and Collective Soul at the other theater here.
And both are sold out - waaaaaaah!
Bad Religion at the House of Blues, and Collective Soul at the other theater here.
And both are sold out - waaaaaaah!
Club Tavern addendum for Saturday night
Just a note about the Club Tavern show tomorrow night. It looks like that the opener had to cancel, so we'll probably start at 10 instead of 10:30. We'll be performing two sets during the night.
It's been awhile since we played in the Madison area and I can't to play for you guys.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
OJ isn't here today
.. But I just had one of the most amazing meals of my life at The Oyster Bar here!
Lights out, then party hard!
Looks like Madison is engaging in one of those "feel-good-everybody-turn-off-the-lights-to-lessen-the-carbon-footprint" measures this Saturday night between 8 and 9pm. To make it even cheesier, it's called "Earth Hour".
It's hard not to be snotty about stuff like this. It's my natural instinct. Especially when it comes to resolutions put forward by Madison's nanny state.
But I realize it is good to step back and think about how much energy we waste, particularly when we've reached a point where energy is so ridiculously expensive. The messenger's a cheeseball but the message is still worth listening to. There's nothing wrong with thinking about energy consumption, especially when countless lives have been lost in the past few years fighting over these natural resources.
So, turn the lights off on Saturday night at 8 to conserve and then keep them off and come to the Club Tavern to party with us. We can all just use the light and power at the bar and save the electricity at home.
Here's the cake, go ahead and eat it too!
It's hard not to be snotty about stuff like this. It's my natural instinct. Especially when it comes to resolutions put forward by Madison's nanny state.
But I realize it is good to step back and think about how much energy we waste, particularly when we've reached a point where energy is so ridiculously expensive. The messenger's a cheeseball but the message is still worth listening to. There's nothing wrong with thinking about energy consumption, especially when countless lives have been lost in the past few years fighting over these natural resources.
So, turn the lights off on Saturday night at 8 to conserve and then keep them off and come to the Club Tavern to party with us. We can all just use the light and power at the bar and save the electricity at home.
Here's the cake, go ahead and eat it too!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Smashing Pumpkins Lawsuit
The Pumpkins are suing their old record label for using their name in an advertising tie-in. It's nice to see musicians actually take a little bit of a stand against commercialism for once. Lately it seems that any band will shill for any product that will pay them. I know that record sales are down and that commercials pay the bills, but if it's a product you don't get behind (like Pepsi in this instance, a company whose products I wouldn't try to sell either (but I might rethink that now because they've thankfully ended their financing of animal testing.) But it's a larger point- in the 60's and 70's, fans wouldn't stand for their favorite bands' music to be used as a jingle and now it's commonplace. Desperate for exposure and money, bands do whatever it takes (and I'm not excluding myself, I'd like to think that I'd only accept money from companies whose practices and products I actually believe in. We really do use Amsoil in the van, so I'm glad to put their banner on our vehicle.We really do drink a ton of Jaegermeister, so I don't mind putting their banner up by our merch booth.
Are the Pumpkins taking a stand for their principles or are they just looking for a share of the payday? I'd like to think that it's the former, but does it really matter? In an era where integrity isn't very common, it's nice to at least throw the fans a bone.
Are the Pumpkins taking a stand for their principles or are they just looking for a share of the payday? I'd like to think that it's the former, but does it really matter? In an era where integrity isn't very common, it's nice to at least throw the fans a bone.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday geek reviews
This week: Super Mario Galaxy.
Well, I'm not one for cutesy stuff, but the graphics on this game are outrageous. I'm a big fan of King Boo and seeing him with a helmet with that tongue of his makes me pee a little. If you like fantasy worlds, awesome graphics and don't mind that the cute factor is set to 'Mario' then this game is for you. Oh yeah, Bouldergeist is the ballz.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Government Zero
Kill Junior just played and I hadn't seen them in awhile either. Fucking hilarious and those boys can thrash.
I finally made the pilgrimage
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Nothing says refinement
The new Chicago skyscraper
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy Birthday Wendy!
Welcome to the Oldsville, population: me, Ben, and YOU!
Everybody on Facebook or Myspace, make sure you stop by Wendy's page and wish her a great one.
Everybody on Facebook or Myspace, make sure you stop by Wendy's page and wish her a great one.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Some Pics from Invasion of The GoGirls at SXSW
Hat tip to Dario for finding some shots of us and others performing at the Invasion of the GoGirls last Friday night! Also, thanks to David Weaver (not Darken Rahl, but we love him too) from the Austin American-Statesman for taking the pics.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
RIP Arthur C. Clarke
It seems like we've had sad passing after sad passing lately. Goodbye Arthur C. Clarke. One of my favorite authors and minds and his "World of Strange Powers" was one of the shows that hooked me into the paranormal when I was little.
I feel like we just heard a nice message from him at the New Year as well and I thought how great it was that he was still kicking around and writing. If you haven't read any of his work before, you can read some of his early short stories online. I would start with "The Nine Billion Names of God" for a quick one and move on to "The Star".
Thanks for all the great work, Sir Arthur.
I feel like we just heard a nice message from him at the New Year as well and I thought how great it was that he was still kicking around and writing. If you haven't read any of his work before, you can read some of his early short stories online. I would start with "The Nine Billion Names of God" for a quick one and move on to "The Star".
Thanks for all the great work, Sir Arthur.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday Geek Reviews
I almost crapped my pants last night (and not just from all the Jager people were shoving down my throat :) watching season three of the x-files. Despite the fact that my body was telling me to go to bed after the 19 hour drive and 6 hours at the bar, when episode 1 (where you learn that Mulder is still alive and Scully finds the implant in her neck) ended I HAD to watch the second part-Paper Clip. Today I saw DPO where Giovanni Ribisi is a drunken redneck kid that can throw lightning at people and Jack Black is his buddy from a video arcade.
In other news, don't buy Ford products. The van had some fuel filter/pump issues in Dallas just like last year.
In other news, thanks to everyone that came out for my birthday last night. I had a blast as the lil' law man!
In other news, don't buy Ford products. The van had some fuel filter/pump issues in Dallas just like last year.
In other news, thanks to everyone that came out for my birthday last night. I had a blast as the lil' law man!
Sunspot caught on video in Austin!
Saturday (3/15/08) while we were performing at Agave on 6th Street, a "Million Musicians March" parade went by... Ben ran out there with his guitar and the guy making the documentary followed him back to the bar and captured a little of our show!
Check out the video here (our appearance is toward the end).
Special thanks to FluxRostrum for including us in his video and alerting us to it!
Check out the video here (our appearance is toward the end).
Special thanks to FluxRostrum for including us in his video and alerting us to it!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Home again!
We're back, safe and sound and with renewed energy and motivation to rock harder than ever. Thanks to everyone who made this one of our greatest tours yet!
I'm going to get some real sleep, but as soon as I finish "decompression" I will post some of the pics and videos from the weekend.
I'm going to get some real sleep, but as soon as I finish "decompression" I will post some of the pics and videos from the weekend.
Almost back to WI
We're about to cross the Mississippi and then we'll be back in our home state... It's hard to believe that less than 24 hours ago we were onstage rocking at The Parlor!
I miss Austin already.
I miss Austin already.
Good Morning from the van
I just woke up... And judging from the cornfields surrounding us, I'm gonna have to guess that we're in Iowa.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Driving through Fort Worth
Here is a visual pallette cleanser to help you erase the image of Mike's foot from your mind.
The Parlor
Hoek's might be gone (RIP) but death metal pizza places live on!
Even the bathroom here is hip... Love this place.
Even the bathroom here is hip... Love this place.
3 Kisses
One more show!
The Parlor ar 2pm. Thanks so much to Vic Productions and Typhoon Ferri for cleaning us up off the floor last night.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bikini's afterparty
We just played on the patio outside at Bikini's & now we're relaxing and enjoying the fine food and beverage here!
American Graveyard
Loading up again
The Agave show was once again a blast. We even got to see the 6th street Peace Parade go by while we were playing (and Ben joined in)!
Now we're packing up to head to Bikini's for show #5 on this spectacular day!
Now we're packing up to head to Bikini's for show #5 on this spectacular day!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Josh Daniels Group
Second Night at Joe's
Was even more fun than the first. What a great show! The nuclear tacos from lunch today (which were exceptional in flavor) have resurfaced however, making the van grosser than usual. Everyone in Texas has been lovely. The one thing about playing in a band is that it rose-tints your world because you're meeting cool people constantly. Cool in the human sense. One more show tonight (Trophy's at 1:30am) and then two tomorrow! Will my liver ever recover?
Hot
Ugly Morning
It's off to get some Nuclear Tacos and then it's going to be time to
do it Andrew WK style again tonight!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Droids Attack!
Joe's Bar and Grille
The Swim at Bikinis
Sunspot Road Mania - Ep. 77
Sunspot drives all night and makes it to Dallas on the way to Austin for SXSW 2008!
Sunspot Road Mania - Ep. 76
Sunspot on the beginning of their trip on their way down to Austin for SXSW 2008!
Made it to Texas
We crossed the border & are only about 45 min from Dallas. Cruising right along and the weather is spectacular!
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