Last night we played our 10th gig, possibly our last for 2011. It may not sound like much, but those first 10 gigs, especially when spread out, can be hard work. I'd love to see the stats on how many bands make it to 10 gigs - I reckon less than half actually would. It's a lot of time & effort for very little reward, most people would lose hope and give up.
Why? Well you're still learning the songs, learning to play music with each other, relate with each other, figuring out what works, giving up a lot of time for home/band practice, gigs, travel - and you don't even have any real fans at the start (no one knows who you are!). Even booking the gigs is hard work - after booking the first 2, I've been more than happy to pass the baton to Ana! On top of all that each band member has to fight their own disillusionment at times - are we ever gonna get anywhere? But fight on we have. All whilst juggling familys, careers, study etc
The easy, fun, rockstar life people believe in is far from the truth - at least in the beginning anyway!
But looking back over the year, we've actually achieved some pretty great firsts:
* settling the line-up
* (re-)naming the band (Taun)
* recorded Taun's first EP
* learnt 9 intricate songs
* developed a web presence (website, facebook, twitter, blogs etc)
* begun networking (manager meetings, getting to know other bands etc)
* first merchandise (t-shirts)
* first gig
* first band comp
* first 10 gigs
* first radio interview/ airplay
* first commercial radio airplay
For my part, I'd like to thank Mike for inviting me along for the ride - helping bring Mike's songs & long term vision alive has been a real honour to be a part of. It's also been great getting to know both Mike & Anna, developing the Taun family. Playing with 2 amazing musicians has been a great learning experience for me, helping me push myself - and hopefully me them. Anna's tireless work behind the scenes managing the band has also been invaluable!
So hopefully the hard work in Taun's inaugural year will all start paying off next year - the foundation has been laid for something great to be built, with lots more exciting things to come (and more hard work!). Some of the things we may be doing in 2012 include Taun's first overseas tour; an EP launch; full length album recording (& launch!); and possibly country & interstate tours - and of course more local gigging.
So thanks Mike & Ana - and make sure the rest of you join us for the ride in 2012! [Oak]
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Real in the real world
The word perception i have come to learn , has taking on a whole new meaning in this little world of mine ,an alusive concept that if not tamed , may have the power to break me today .beauty/everything is in the eye of the beholder they say , how true is that ? , they define preception as the ability to see ,hear ,or become aware of something through the senses and of late , i must admit , my own preceptions have been working over time against me ,causing friendly fire despite my best intensions, as water reflects the face of a man , so the heart reflects the man,and the point I"m trying to make ?, absolutely no point @ all , need to gag this loose cannon ,peace and out ! ( Real )
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
The end is nigh....
What a crazy month November has been!!!
We've had two gigs cancelled, picked up three more, entered numerous competitions, got into the final five for a local festival (winner announced on Monday 5th Dec), seen the Grand Final of the Rockingham Battle of the Bands, played alongside of Recovery, Revolver, Black Ink, World a Fuzzy, Mick has a black lung, Valmara, Living Dying, Victory Risk, Swiss Shepherd and The Cold Acre, gone to see Silver Grenade, TungXsten, Bears and Dolls, Stonefield, Split Second, Jebediah, Calling all Cars, F@#$*& Up (Canada), Tenacious D and my personal favourite the Foo Fighters. We are so spoilt for music entertainment here in Perth!
With December looming at our doorstep, meaning Christmas is but a few weeks away (there I said it!) we still have at least one gig lined up and awaiting to see how we fare in two comps! Whilst I hate the whole band competition thing, as a new band, they are a great way of growing your fanbase... most people come to support their friends, or drop by the pub for a cold one and in the process are able to listen to your music ;o) you also connect with the other bands and I guess become a part of the local music scene, which is pretty cool.
As a band we have ticked off alot of our short term goals this year and hopefully tick of a few more in the coming year. With everything to gain and little to lose we take on this challenge with the tenacity of a pitbull... by taking a huge bite, shaking the life out of it and never letting go. So before we all get caught up in the crazy season.... I would like to wish our fellow musicians, friends, fans and followers a safe and happy holidays and if you get the chance.... come watch us live at a venue near you.
Oh and before I forget... if we can get a 1000 likes from any one place in the world... YES ANY one place in the world, we will come to a town VERY near you and play a gig especially for you!
So be safe, peace and blessing..... [AnaMac]
We've had two gigs cancelled, picked up three more, entered numerous competitions, got into the final five for a local festival (winner announced on Monday 5th Dec), seen the Grand Final of the Rockingham Battle of the Bands, played alongside of Recovery, Revolver, Black Ink, World a Fuzzy, Mick has a black lung, Valmara, Living Dying, Victory Risk, Swiss Shepherd and The Cold Acre, gone to see Silver Grenade, TungXsten, Bears and Dolls, Stonefield, Split Second, Jebediah, Calling all Cars, F@#$*& Up (Canada), Tenacious D and my personal favourite the Foo Fighters. We are so spoilt for music entertainment here in Perth!
With December looming at our doorstep, meaning Christmas is but a few weeks away (there I said it!) we still have at least one gig lined up and awaiting to see how we fare in two comps! Whilst I hate the whole band competition thing, as a new band, they are a great way of growing your fanbase... most people come to support their friends, or drop by the pub for a cold one and in the process are able to listen to your music ;o) you also connect with the other bands and I guess become a part of the local music scene, which is pretty cool.
As a band we have ticked off alot of our short term goals this year and hopefully tick of a few more in the coming year. With everything to gain and little to lose we take on this challenge with the tenacity of a pitbull... by taking a huge bite, shaking the life out of it and never letting go. So before we all get caught up in the crazy season.... I would like to wish our fellow musicians, friends, fans and followers a safe and happy holidays and if you get the chance.... come watch us live at a venue near you.
Oh and before I forget... if we can get a 1000 likes from any one place in the world... YES ANY one place in the world, we will come to a town VERY near you and play a gig especially for you!
So be safe, peace and blessing..... [AnaMac]
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Hello!
Okay, so I know I've been pretty slack lately and not posting anything on this blog.
So I figured due to my great neglect of not sharing the garbled river of thoughts and impressions that some would call my consciousness, I would revisit some of the thoughts that have passed through my head (however fleeting they may be) as I type.
Okay, first thing that comes to mind is the very recent WA Music Mangers Committee that I attended. There was a phenominal turn out by Musio's and Manager's alike, to listen to the great insights of Rosco Stewart, who if you don't know who he is organises the BDO Perth and helps manage the 'Novocaines' and has had years of experience with bands like Karnivool, Sleepy Jacksons, so on and so forth. Rosco has what he terms the 5 S formula for Success which can be read at:
in a post by Aaran Gicquel, who by the way took great notes. Otherwise jump over here...
http://www.bitcrusheverything.com/?p=363
One of the things that occurred to me after hearing Rosco, is that the current independent music is on its way back to being controlled by the Managers and less by the record lables (due to internet piracy... but that is a whole different can of worms). Don't get me wrong record labels still play a part in the music industry and are still great for publishing and distribution, however in this day and age, and with advancements in technology; most savy artists, managers and self-managed bands have the ability to do alot of this stuff themselves. The single greatest thing a manager can do for their artists is to network with other managers and bands and plug into the appropriate "Scene" (one of Rosco Stewart's five). For me I guess this started with the 'One Movement for Music Conference 2010' hosted here in Perth, which gave me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some AMAZING artists and their management, listen to music that I probably would not have gone out of my way to listen to before. Among these artists were Mama Kin whom I absolutely adore, Stonefield the 70's Rock sisters who were snapped up by Martin Elbourne to play Glastonbury 2011, Jeff Martin formerly of the Boston Tea Party who did a tribute to John Lennon and the list goes on. One of my highlights had to be spending some time with Seymour Stein, an absolutely amazing man with a wealth pool of experience in the music industry. The second was meeting up with a small group of managers, who for the past year have networked on various occasions, shared and supported each other to move their artists / bands / music / ventures into one of the most dynamic industries in the world. Steve, Shayne, Marissa, Tony, Dave and Meesha... here's to one year down and another about to start.
If you happen to be browsing the net check out :
The Indie Project, which was launced earlier this month
http://theindieproject.org/
Musos Garage about this launch Thursday this week
http://www.musosgarage.com/
Other than that, go out see a band that you haven't seen before and if you like them, indicate that you do by giving them a like on their facebook page, or posting an encouraging comment to show your support. Most Musio's appreciate the feedback, I know we do.... Peace Out!
[Ana Mac]
So I figured due to my great neglect of not sharing the garbled river of thoughts and impressions that some would call my consciousness, I would revisit some of the thoughts that have passed through my head (however fleeting they may be) as I type.
Okay, first thing that comes to mind is the very recent WA Music Mangers Committee that I attended. There was a phenominal turn out by Musio's and Manager's alike, to listen to the great insights of Rosco Stewart, who if you don't know who he is organises the BDO Perth and helps manage the 'Novocaines' and has had years of experience with bands like Karnivool, Sleepy Jacksons, so on and so forth. Rosco has what he terms the 5 S formula for Success which can be read at:
in a post by Aaran Gicquel, who by the way took great notes. Otherwise jump over here...
http://www.bitcrusheverything.com/?p=363
One of the things that occurred to me after hearing Rosco, is that the current independent music is on its way back to being controlled by the Managers and less by the record lables (due to internet piracy... but that is a whole different can of worms). Don't get me wrong record labels still play a part in the music industry and are still great for publishing and distribution, however in this day and age, and with advancements in technology; most savy artists, managers and self-managed bands have the ability to do alot of this stuff themselves. The single greatest thing a manager can do for their artists is to network with other managers and bands and plug into the appropriate "Scene" (one of Rosco Stewart's five). For me I guess this started with the 'One Movement for Music Conference 2010' hosted here in Perth, which gave me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some AMAZING artists and their management, listen to music that I probably would not have gone out of my way to listen to before. Among these artists were Mama Kin whom I absolutely adore, Stonefield the 70's Rock sisters who were snapped up by Martin Elbourne to play Glastonbury 2011, Jeff Martin formerly of the Boston Tea Party who did a tribute to John Lennon and the list goes on. One of my highlights had to be spending some time with Seymour Stein, an absolutely amazing man with a wealth pool of experience in the music industry. The second was meeting up with a small group of managers, who for the past year have networked on various occasions, shared and supported each other to move their artists / bands / music / ventures into one of the most dynamic industries in the world. Steve, Shayne, Marissa, Tony, Dave and Meesha... here's to one year down and another about to start.
If you happen to be browsing the net check out :
The Indie Project, which was launced earlier this month
http://theindieproject.org/
Musos Garage about this launch Thursday this week
http://www.musosgarage.com/
Other than that, go out see a band that you haven't seen before and if you like them, indicate that you do by giving them a like on their facebook page, or posting an encouraging comment to show your support. Most Musio's appreciate the feedback, I know we do.... Peace Out!
[Ana Mac]
Monday, 24 October 2011
What's new?
We are currently in the process of learning our new songs... We have unfortunately had a couple of gigs cancelled at the last minute, but that's life eh? So rather than pick up a few more gigs to replace the cancelled ones, we have decided to learn the new songs to prolong the TAUN experience at a live gig :o)
We are planning to have a live gig shortly... however with Christmas just around the corner (there I said it!) most venues are pretty solidly booked, however after a very interesting conversation with Jake of the CABALLEROS I'm seriously thinking of getting our own venue, grabbing a couple of great local bands and doin the deed ourselves.
We then have our EP Launch just around the corner and our Asian Tour following very closely after that, so lots of things happening and enjoying the down time to add to our rep. So if you have been following us to our gigs... watch this space and especially our social network (facebook and twitter) for updates of our next performances.
For a laugh (well it makes me laugh!) check out our asian network XD gotta love technology!!
http://www.indievox.com/taunband
We are planning to have a live gig shortly... however with Christmas just around the corner (there I said it!) most venues are pretty solidly booked, however after a very interesting conversation with Jake of the CABALLEROS I'm seriously thinking of getting our own venue, grabbing a couple of great local bands and doin the deed ourselves.
We then have our EP Launch just around the corner and our Asian Tour following very closely after that, so lots of things happening and enjoying the down time to add to our rep. So if you have been following us to our gigs... watch this space and especially our social network (facebook and twitter) for updates of our next performances.
For a laugh (well it makes me laugh!) check out our asian network XD gotta love technology!!
http://www.indievox.com/taunband
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Eeeew Bugs!
Ok I have to share this bug story.... I was driving home from Perth last night, when something catches my eye on the dash. It's a rather large cockroach, not minding too much I carry on down the freeway, when it occurs to me that its getting closer to the steering wheel. I then have visions of it crawling up my leg or arm while I'm driving and me trying to hit it, becoming a dangerous situation. So I pull over and try to squash it. I lose sight of it, so I carry on, then I hear this scratching noise on a plastic bag and catch sight of it, so I drive off the freeway, onto Leach Highway and find somewhere where I can kill this thing! Only... with all the new development on Leach, I have to drive a few more minutes to find a side street to stop. 10mins later, I park the car jump out and try to find this bug (a bit frazzled by this time) I can't see it anymore... assume its in the bag and tie the bag in a knot, jump back in the car. Then having a thought... 'what if its not in the bag' flashes of bugs up arms and legs come back to mind, so to be safe... I crank up the AC till its freezing in the car, I figured that since I only really see Cockroaches in the summer they must like the heat and dislike the cold. So shivering I drive back towards the Freeway home only to find, the intersection is a little different than what I remembered it... I miss my turn and drive 10mins in the opposite direction before I can turn around to get back on the Freeway! So beginning to have veins popping out of my neck and freezing my backside off I finally get back onto the right Freeway and on my way home yet again, however not entirely at ease, constantly glancing around the car for the next 30 mins looking for that damn bug. I get home and am finally able to relax! Next morning I totally fumigate my car till I can barely breathe, lock it up and rather happy with myself figured that if that bug is still in there it's dead! Hours pass... I decide to jump into the car and go pick up a few things from the grocery store, not a care in the world. Make it to the shops, do my shopping come back to the car and guess what I see?? THE DAMN BUG IS NOT ONLY STILL IN MY CAR.... ITS ALIVE!! Aaaaargh I grab it, squish it between my shopping receipt then throw it on the ground and proceed to drive over it... only to find I missed it and its STILL ALIVE!!!
Conclusion...... that bug was meant to live :p
Conclusion...... that bug was meant to live :p
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
A piece of me.
Well it's the middle of another week and as usual I have a hundred and one things to do; most of which I am already accepting that may not get done. So before I rush out the door, I thought I would share a little of my world with you..
My world is filled with busy schedules, music, gigs, organising, workshops, meetings, school, daycare, study, cooking, driving, cleaning, family, friends, work of the unpaying kind and some work of the paying kind (less than the unpaying kind). I often think that people are missing out on all the things I have to offer, however I can only offer these amazing 'things'between the hours of 9am and 2.30pm Mondays and Wednesdays, so maybe its just my deluded imagination that thinks that...LOL! At the moment my potential is been held at bay by 'responsibility', so until I fulfil my responsibility I am in the process of preparing for what is to come. That is once the rigid boundaries of fulfilling my responsibility are satisfied, which will eventually come... I have to make do with the limited time and resources by which I function in my own creativity.
You may say... "So how are you creative?" I'm glad you ask.......
I love to draw, take photos and experiment with what I see to try to bring out of an image, the things I see. I have found a friend and solace in (of all things) instagram. It has the perfect way of capturing what I see, how I see it (which is rare) I often see things as shades of dark and light. With mainly dark highlights, but always with light, however small penetrating the darkness. This is a glimpse into me.
To be continued...
[Ana Mac]
My world is filled with busy schedules, music, gigs, organising, workshops, meetings, school, daycare, study, cooking, driving, cleaning, family, friends, work of the unpaying kind and some work of the paying kind (less than the unpaying kind). I often think that people are missing out on all the things I have to offer, however I can only offer these amazing 'things'between the hours of 9am and 2.30pm Mondays and Wednesdays, so maybe its just my deluded imagination that thinks that...LOL! At the moment my potential is been held at bay by 'responsibility', so until I fulfil my responsibility I am in the process of preparing for what is to come. That is once the rigid boundaries of fulfilling my responsibility are satisfied, which will eventually come... I have to make do with the limited time and resources by which I function in my own creativity.
You may say... "So how are you creative?" I'm glad you ask.......
I love to draw, take photos and experiment with what I see to try to bring out of an image, the things I see. I have found a friend and solace in (of all things) instagram. It has the perfect way of capturing what I see, how I see it (which is rare) I often see things as shades of dark and light. With mainly dark highlights, but always with light, however small penetrating the darkness. This is a glimpse into me.
To be continued...
[Ana Mac]
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Gig Day
So what do us rock star types do on a gig day? Pretty much the same thing we do any other day! Unforunately we're not quite in the same category as the Stones or U2, so we fit under the 'poor struggling muso' stereotype instead - which means day jobs.
So for me, gig friday means getting up early, catching the train into Perth and spending most of the day stuck behind a computer screen. All in all, the best thing to do is try and relax, treat the day as normal, and try not to think about the gig. Because other than tuning guitars and packing up gear there's not much time for anything else after the work day is done. So why stress? Alas, this is often easier said than done.
But being a Friday, there's is one major highlight compared to a normal day for me - Nandos for lunch! So now I'm well fed, just need to get through these last few hours before Taun rock Rockingham for the first time!
Wish us luck! Peace out [Oak]
So for me, gig friday means getting up early, catching the train into Perth and spending most of the day stuck behind a computer screen. All in all, the best thing to do is try and relax, treat the day as normal, and try not to think about the gig. Because other than tuning guitars and packing up gear there's not much time for anything else after the work day is done. So why stress? Alas, this is often easier said than done.
But being a Friday, there's is one major highlight compared to a normal day for me - Nandos for lunch! So now I'm well fed, just need to get through these last few hours before Taun rock Rockingham for the first time!
Wish us luck! Peace out [Oak]
Monday, 29 August 2011
Blogging repost
Ok, blogging... whilst not a new phenomena, slightly alien to this newby. I guess with blogging people share what's on their mind, in their heart or a bee in their bonnet! This may be a little of all those things and some... So...most of you who don't know us as individuals and or personally are probably wondering what this TAUN thingee is about. I can only speak from my perspective, I'll leave the guy's to put their own spin on it. For me TAUN is an expression of work, passion, general love and respect of music and musicians, excitement, nerves and last but not least WORK! I think its great for musio's in general to perform and express themselves with music and the like, as a hobby; but.... I think those who are unable to switch off the drive or passion of it, can see it as a bit of a curse and music expression and performance eleviates that somewhat. For me music allows me an outlet of creative expression, I haven't been able to paint of sketch for a number of years and music suffices. TAUN is a part of this expression, although Bass playing is something that I can do and enjoy doing, vocals are what I really enjoy. TAUN has been a part of my life for a number of years (although under different names) and what most people listen to now in regards to TAUN is the manifestation of years of frustration, disillusionment combined with belief and hope of what could be. Most have heard the saying that 'God helps those who help themselves...' I believe there is some truth to this statement, Not in a sense of taking what you want for the simple fact that you can (i.e. ripping off someone) but more in a sense of WORKING at what you are capable of doing and not trying to control, what is out of your control. To some extent TAUN is hard work in the sense of preparation and on the other hand, allowing the flow of occurrances to happen as they will... not because of chance, but to some degree... divine intervention. My Mum use to say that if something good came your way then "someone upstairs is looking after you." What do you believe?
Is fame and fortune earned through:
*alot of hard work and a little 'devine intervention';
*a little hard work and a lot of 'devine intervention';
*all 'devine intervention';
* all hard work and no devine intervention.
and why do you think that?
Let me know, I'm genuinely interested.
Peace out... [ANA MAC] :o)
Is fame and fortune earned through:
*alot of hard work and a little 'devine intervention';
*a little hard work and a lot of 'devine intervention';
*all 'devine intervention';
* all hard work and no devine intervention.
and why do you think that?
Let me know, I'm genuinely interested.
Peace out... [ANA MAC] :o)
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Life as a snail...
what does life of a snail look like in the music world.... us! It's taken ages to be able to get the band mix right, get the vibe of the music felt and just the ability to gel with those who you work with to achieve your music goals. At times it's been like watching paint dry! But I'm glad they say (whoever they are) that good things come to those who wait... We have come full circle, not without pain, heartache and sacrifice, losing band members we loved in the process has not been, nor ever will be easy! But with some positive and reachable goals, we are now ready to 'pay our dues' and 'do the hard yards' to market this baby to maturity!! While I despise the grind, I do enjoy the journey.... More thoughts from my head and heart to you later!
Peace Out!!
[Ana_Mac]
Peace Out!!
[Ana_Mac]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)