February

Hey All-

So, if you've noticed, February is a little light on the schedule. There's a good reason for this: We're gearing up to record an acoustic release. Yep. We've got a whole bunch of Irish / Scot / American trad songs we've done over the years (and some new ones!) that we've decided to put down. As much as we've turned into a crazy folk-core band, we still have our roots in the pub and in the kitchen, drinking and playing all night long.

There are a couple of reasons why we're doing this: We figured it would be nice to have some of this stuff available that we've been playing since the start of the band. We figure, what the hell, it would be fun. Maybe I'll actually remember all the goddamn words to Finnegan's Wake without slurring them too badly. Also, we're looking to use this to book more pubs, and actually make some goddamn money - Our van is dying (I spent 4 out of the last 7 days under it), and we're all shit broke. THE GLAMOR OF PUNK ROCK.... It would be nice to get back out on the road, you know? That way people can quit bitching to us about it. Our last tour showed us that the US is full of a whole bunch of awesome fucking people - We'd like to see you all again, and have the chance to make some more friends along the way.

The only downside of touring? We can't afford to make a living off of it, yet. Hopefully in the next year or so! Wouldn't that be neat?

Moving forward. Annie and Chestnut are doing a side project, the Lady and Her Felon. It's pretty rad. You should be able to find them at any of your favorite online time drains (Facebook, Myspace, Reverb Nation, yadda). I'm too lazy to toss up any links, but that's okay because you'd have to be deaf and blind to miss Chestnut's promotional blitz. They should be recording in the next few months. Eventually, I'll add it to the links section of the website.

Also, doing my (Jonny Swagger) own solo stuff, too. My adventures with harmonica have been fairly successful, and there's a burning in my blood to get back out on the road. Cause you know, being a punk playing solo acoustic is TOTALLY COOL RIGHT NOW SO I GOTTA GET IN ON THE ACTION. Bwahahhaaa.... Anyways. I should also be recording in the next few months, probably in my goddamn bedroom, as to not annoy Hutch with my perfectionism and the fact that yes, I want my boot stomps on the recording. I love the fact that we have pretty much a full studio set up in the band house. I can honestly say the first studio that I recorded in was far less equipped than what we've got. Been toying with the idea of setting up a blog, too, to go around it.

Alright, that's all for now. Back to getting orders ready, then off to work. But first, more coffee. Don't forget our awesome upcoming shows in March, especially our St. Patrick's day bonanza.

Hugs and Kisses,
Swagger