Thursday, June 16, 2016
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Unimaginable in Lincoln
I just learned the authorities have charged the Lincoln, NE woman
with lying about attack and she has turned herself in...
In many ways the LGBT community is feeling relief, relief
that the “horror” described by the individual in question turned out
to be one individuals cry for help as opposed to the actions of three unnamed
individuals lashing out in hate.
The Lincoln community (and many across the world) came
together under a basic premise of trust and overriding desire to care for each
other. The actions of this one
individual have left many of us fighting feelings of anger and frustration and
wondering if this might set us back on our bid for equality and respect. We cannot control the actions of
individuals, however we each have the opportunity to choose what we will now focus
on through this situation.
I choose to focus on the love, support, and goodness of a
community that acted out of trust and belief for a fellow human being. If the worst that is ever said of the
Lincoln community is that they trusted first, it is a good day to be from
Nebraska.
Thank you to those who investigated and did the due
diligence despite the pressure of an impassioned community. Thank you for those who will have a
part in healing a community that fell victim to the deceit of one. Today I am
grateful that although we haven’t come far
enough to believe the events accused are not possible. We have come far enough to know that
the horror and unimaginable accusations remain just that –unimaginable in Lincoln.
Labels:
anti-gay,
Charlie Rogers,
community,
crime,
kristie stremel,
LGBT,
Lincoln,
NE,
Rainbow Jane
Monday, August 13, 2012
How to be a good band member.
How to be a good band member.
photo by Angela Bond |
By: Kristie Stremel
BUY A STAGE TUNER
Buy the tuner that mutes when you step on it. Nobody wants
to hear you whank on your high E note in between songs!
SUITCASES
No suitcases in the band van. There is simply never enough
room and good amps/guitars are more important than your clothes. So grab a
plastic Wal-Mart bag, throw in your toothbrush, toothpaste, and clean t-shirts…
and get in the van! We already miss sound check because you brought your mom’s
suitcase from last years Bahamas Cruise.
HOTELS
Always try to get a ground level room close to an entrance.
This will make it easy to load guitars after the gig so they can sleep with you
at night, where they are safe. Leaving a guitar in the van is like leaving a child in the
car. Don’t be a douche bag parent.
DRUMMERS
If there is a drum or cymbal on your set that you do not hit
during your set… take it off! Nobody is impressed with your 19-piece drum set,
unless you are spinning in a cage upside down and play them all with great
intention.
BASS PLAYERS
If there is a string on your guitar that you do not play
during your set… take it off. Personally, I think there should only be two
strings on a bass. But that’s just me. And let us not forget the wise words of
Lou Whitney, “there is no such thing as an interesting bass line.” (At least in
a rock song) Keep it simple, keep it in the pocket, and may the kick drum
become your best friend.
LESS TALKIN’, MORE ROCKIN’
It’s always been a good motto. Everyone can appreciate a few
short stories and antics in between songs, but if you rattle on for more than
two minutes… you need to go talk to your AA sponsor.
SONGWRITING CREDIT
I’m not going to argue about this one anymore. If you can
sit down and play the music and melody from beginning to end… you probably
wrote the song. However, great parts that enhance the song should be taken into
consideration and a percentage split should be discussed and executed in
writing before you enter the studio.
GIGS
Work smarter, not harder. Always book your gigs 4-6 weeks in
advance. This will give you time to send promo to radio and rags and let your
fans know you are coming. Anything
less is just a waste of your time and the club’s time.
CDS/DOWNLOADS/MERCH
Stop giving your music away for free! When you do this, you
are saying your music has no value. However, do give away stickers, picks, beer
bongs, whatever promo you come up with to promote your band. Everyone likes
swag, but your tunes should never be your swag. Ya dig?
DRINKING
If you are going to drink before a show please be in
vibrational alignment with it. Everyone is out to have a few drinks and have
some fun, but do not get effed up before the show. People bought a ticket to your
show to see a live performance, not see a train wreck on stage. Trust me on
this one… give them the best of you!
THE SOUND PERSON
Don’t be a dick to the soundperson. They have the suck buttons and they
will not hesitate to push them. Also, if they do a good job, tip them. Yes, tip them.
EAR PROTECTION
Wear earplugs on stage or in practice if you can. I have
never been able to sing with them in, but I wish I had taken the time to learn
how. Now if you want to have a conversation with me, you have to speak directly
in my right ear or write me a note! This also applies to emotions; if you have
feelings for me, I will never pick up on them… into the right ear or write me a
note.
AFTER THE SHOW ETIQUETTE
Talk to your fan/friends after the show… even if it’s for a
couple of minutes. Even if they want to tell you a sad story about their kitty.
Even if it means you get your ass grabbed by a stranger (side note: my guitar
player doesn’t mind this) (another side note: sorry mom). I’ll admit this has
always been a difficult balance for me. After driving for hours, loading in,
sound check, and performing, it’s sometimes hard to connect with people after
the show. However, I always try to remember if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t
be playing shows. Here’s my point, because I do have one, don’t be a dumb rock
star, be humble and say hello. That’s all.
SHOWER DAILY ON THE ROAD
‘nuff said.
BAND RELATIONSHIPS
I’ve only seen a few of these relationships work. If you
decide to date a band member, all we ask is you not let it affect your work. If
you learn the songs, play them well, and show up on time… I could care less who
you are kissing. And while we are on this subject, please don’t date a Yoko
Ono. If she doesn’t like you being on the road and playing music, break up
right now!!! I’m serious, run for
your life!!! If your lover doesn’t like what you do, they must not be in
vibrational alignment with who they are or what they do. Therefore, they are
not a match to you. Cut them loose so the Universe can bring you someone REALLY
special. However, if he or she
DOES support your work, put them first and love them fiercely!
MISSING BAND MEMBERS IN THE MORNING
(Big sigh) Ok, first, check the van. If they are not there,
find the college campus and drive around. When they jump in the van, each
member is allowed one hand smack to their head.
SONGWRITING TIP
If you write a song about someone, don’t tell him or her. They
are not privy to your perspective, therefore, they won’t understand.
KEEP THE OVERHEAD LOW
This is simple. If you want to live your dream and play
music… don’t listen to anyone or anything but your heart and keep the overhead
low.
Have fun and good luck!
xo, KS
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