| Update 4 |
[Oct. 21st, 2005|01:35 pm] |
Hey alright...here goes.
Seems to be cases of the sniffles are being passed around Berlin. I don't know
how cold it is there at home, but it reminds me of late late fall here. This
Thursday is the last show on my list. If you ask me though. If you plan a
European tour of your own...start in Germany and skip most of England. German's
are very open to a variety of sounds within the same night...so long as its
good. They will ask you what genre you play and as annoying and shallow as that
is they at least pay you and feed you etc.
The amount of anti-Bush stuff can reach annoying levels. I haven't had but one
potential problem in Berlin. My friend Chris from the band Hope Lost Hope and I
were hanging out talking and some guy asked if we were American. Then saluted
us like soldiers. He asked us if we hated Muslims (he was Turkish Muslim though
he wouldnt admit it). Then he told me that he likes to pee on my "banner" and
burn it. He asked if that bothered me. He told me he hates America and how we
pray over our "banner" in school. For a Muslim praying over a flag would be
idol worship...possibly a good way for his cleric to spread hatred. Then he
gave the finger to the Coca-Cola sign cause he hated that too. Which I don't
mind cause I like Pepsi. Anyway when he realized I wasn't bothered by any of
his ranting he then gave me a hug and told me he loved me. Weird night.
I ended up burning the CD's and selling them for 5 or 6 euros. They have been
selling nicely. I won't have pics for you guys just yet. Just wanted to let you
know that my goal was Berlin and I made it here. Wish I had the actual CD's to
sell, but I've had fun anyway and other than paying for a plane ticket I've
made enough at shows to keep me floating without dipping into savings and all.
Until next week. Bye.
BENJAMIN |
|
|
| Update 3 |
[Oct. 11th, 2005|01:35 pm] |
Hey USA'ers
I played Leeds, UK on Wednesday the show was decent. Some people at the show
had actually heard my stuff online before hand and decided to come. Granted
they were 15 year olds, but they kept making signs and holding them up for me
to read. Like "We love Mr. Indiana" and so on. The next morning I hopped back
on the train to Worcester to see if my CD's had made it. I had a few days to
spare before heading back up north to Newcastle (near Scotland)...the CD's
never came.
I hopped aboard a train for Newcastle that was set to arrive at my pick up
point in Darlington just in time to sound check and play. On the way there a
train in front of had broken down. So we stopped in Blakedown and waited till
the track ahead was clear. Some teenage kids in front of me started talking to
me and realized I was American. They quizzed me on the bands I was into. "Do
you like Green Day?....sure. Do you like N.E.R.D.?...ehhh I dunno. Do you like
Bush?...yeah I like Bush okay....YOU LIKE BUSH, HE'S A ----!!!!...wait, the
band or the President?? The President...I'm not always pleased with what he
does and I don't care to talk politics really". Deep down I was really
impressed with the depth of knowledge this pre-teen had with American politics
(ha). So they asked me to play them some music & I did.
Newcastle: I had a great time. Played the Georgian Theatre (built in 1766).
The back wall was all original untouched stone. Share the stage with my host
Darren Reay (very kind man), and Adrian Carney (I think)...an Irish group of
two...amazing, depressing and fantastic music!!!!!!!!!!!! After the show went
with Darren and friends to their favorite hang-out and sang kareoke (??). That
night I was kissed by four complete strangers 3 of which were men. It wasnt a
love at first sight type of kiss...it's just an example of how friendly and
warm the Scottish/Northern UK'ers are. Next morning went to the beach with
Darren and his dog Marley (in Seaburn, UK). Later that night played a
vegetarian restraunt called The Waiting Room (very fun, very tastey, very warm
and friendly crowd).
THE CD's: Next morning caught a train to Worcester to check if my CD's
arrived. No CD's. It's been 2 or so weeks since they have been sent. I tried
talking to the US Postal Serivce, but lucky for me it was Columbus Day!! So I
had to catch a train to Hayes so I could go to Germany. That is where I sit
right now. In a town called Hanau outside Frankfurt. Woke up at 6:30 AM,
caught a bus to Cambridge flew to Frankfurt Hahn. Plane diverted due to
fog...sat at another airport for an hour (in our seats). Returned to Hahn.
Caught another bus (after waiting an hour) to Frankfurt Int. Airport (one and
a half hours away!) jumped aboard a train to Hanau arrived about 7:30PM. Long
day. Show tommorow. Sorry no pics this time.
You can pick the CD up at Von's, Downtown Music, and Campus House...should be
$10.00. You can hear samples at www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
Cheers
BENJAMIN |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Oct. 3rd, 2005|11:09 am] |
Hey Gang,
Word. Word to your mothers. Word to your fathers. Word to my mother and father
who just recently joined the mailing list. Word to Mr. Schrumpf there at
Campus House. I thought I would include a paragraph of greetings to you
all...kinda like Paul to the people of Rome.
Now that the greetings are complete I'll move on to the issues at hand. CD's
will start becoming available at Campus House in the next week or two so be
sure and pick one up. All the money of CD's sold at Campus House go to charity
work and not me...I know that will make a few of you happy. Plus there is some
shivering kid in Lafayette who's hoping you buy 10 copies to give to your
family and friends this Christmas.
Campus House: 1000 Northwestern Ave. West Lafayette, IN 47906
(mushroom building)
****************************
THE TOUR IS GETTING STARTED:
I'm having a wonderful time. People here in Worcester, ENGLAND have been
wonderful host. Inviting me over to eat and showing me around. I will be
returning to this area in November, but I'm just about to hit the raod for
most of October. It will take me north on Wednesday to Leeds then up to the
Newcastle area for two shows. In Leeds I will be playing Wednesday at a
Starbucks (they are on every corner here too). The next day I will play and
chat for a bit on the University radio station. Then I'm playing at an old old
theater on Saturday night in Stockton (south of Newcastle) then the next night
at another venue in Eaglescliffe. Catch a train for Stansted airport and fly
to Frankfurt, Germany on the 11th of October. Then more shows.
WHAT I DID THIS PAST WEEK:
I went for a hike in the hills outside Worcester called the Malverns. From the
tops of the hills I could see Whales and for miles around. The hills are
actually 15 feet lower than what you would officially call a mountain. Great
veiw, very steep and rather windy at the top. The clouds where rolling in the
distance and they reminded me of the Simpsons ("Do-Dute dute do do do dooo dun
dun duh dunt.....the simpsons").
I've been to Warwick Castle in the town of Warwick. It's everything a castle
is in your dreams. It has a creepy dungeon and torture chamber. It has towers
and walls and a mote all around it. It has royal chambers....the gambit of
castle things.
On the way back from the Castle we stopped in Stratford-on the-Avon. Which is
William Shakespear's hometown. Just ate fish and chips them drove on back to
Worcester.
Just this morning I went to a High School and played a song at their morning
assembly. Today it was 9th graders. I'll be going back Tuesday morning and
Wednesday morning to play for the other grades as well. This week is called
Harvest Week in England which is similar to our Thanksgiving. So my good
friend Larry shared a few words about being thankful for what we have and I
played a song that seemed to fit the theme. The kids were awesome.
*****************************************
Well...thats it for this week. I do check my email as much as I can. So feel
free to email me if you like. I'll be sending some photos to go along with
some of the things I talked about in this letter. Bye bye.
BENJAMIN EZRA DECKARD
www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
deckardb@purdue.edu
PS: If you follow the link above you can listen to some of the songs off the
new CD. |
|
|
| BEN'S EURO UPDATE #1 |
[Sep. 26th, 2005|06:57 am] |
"WARNING I'M TOO LAZY FOR COMPLETE SENTENCES OR TO PROOF READ"
Flight over was smooth sailing. Rather cloudy over the Altlantic. By the time
I flew over Ireland all I saw was the lights of the city below. It was enough
to bring a former Irishmen like myself to his knees.
I was met at the airport by a fellow named Tim Harris. Tim is my friend
Annie's brother. We had met once, 3 years before in his apartment in Hayes.
Hayes is an intresting, but often critised section of London about 5 minutes
from Heathrow. Understandably so. It full of "CHAVS". Chavs are typically
teenagers that wear athletic training pants, sometime jacket included, some
have chains and a baseball hat that ride on the top of their head. They enjoy
the good things in life like stealing candy from petrol stations and sporting
bling. They are white.
FUN FACT: Hayes is also where much of "Bend it like Beckham (spelling?)" was
filmed. Hayes is also where many parts of the Mr. Bean show where filmed. Like
the famous scene where he loses his swimming trunks at the public pool.
After Ryan and Annie came down to get me, we went back up to Worester. I spent
most of the morning in Worcester wandering the Cathedral. Hearing about all
the battles that were fought from the inside. Like King Charels vs. Commander
Cromwell and other nastey bits I won't mention now.
MUSIC: On the same day I located the first venue I was to play in. On Peirpont
street in Worcester at a venue called Marr's Bar. The guy told me to come in
and see him when I got into town. I was to be the opener for "Clearwood".
Anyway I left my name and number several times just trying to get in touch
with Brain Marr. Never did see him or hear back. On the day of the show I went
in with my guitar and said, "So. I am playing or not?". They said yes the show
starts at 9. So I ran out told everyone come back at 9. When they say it
starts at 9 it means all opening acts should be done by 9. So I complained and
they let me on at 9, but I could only go till 9:15 PM. The audience was really
nice and very quiet. Wouldn't you know Brian Marr was standing in the back.
After the show he told me I was good and I should open for The Believers in
October. I told him that if people are going to pay £5 pounds to see me they
are going to have to get more than 15 minutes and my name should be on the
sign out front. I told him how I was trying to get in touch with him for
several days now. His reply "oh yeah, the boys said you had been leaving
messages".
Eat my poop Marr. I'll be in Germany throughout October. I may be too lazy for
complete sentences, but you're too lazy to return a phone call, to run a venue
or write my name on the sign out front. He's known I was to open for Clearwood
since MAY 2005. The people there were very nice listeners and very polite afterwords. I head off to Leeds in a week. Napoleon Dynamite is quite popular. Peace out.
BENJAMIN EZRA DECKARD
www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
PS: If you want some pictures that go with it. Leave your email address in the comment section. |
|
|
| update |
[Sep. 6th, 2005|09:05 am] |
It was a great night. I played what is most likely my last show before
Europe. The ironic element is I opened for a band called Two Dollar
Bash (www.twodollarbash.net) and one of the members (Mark) set me up at
his venue in Berlin for October 18th. It just so happened they were
coming through this area on a tour of their own. So I've played with
them here and will play with them there. Second ironic bit is 3 of the
four are Scottish and the other French, but they all live in Berlin. On
top of that they play American roots music. Great show. Happy crowd.
Other than that I have bought my plane ticket. Chicago - London (Sept
21st)....return November 23rd. It cost me $593.00 round trip through
STA Travel in the Union. After taxes I really counldn't find a better
deal online.
Gotta go.
|
|
|
| long time my friend |
[Aug. 5th, 2005|12:16 am] |
|
Wow. Its been a long time since I've said hello to anyone on here and I apologize. I have been beyond super busy and stressed. My whole summer will be coming to a head within the next week. I am finished with classes!!!!!! Finished !!!! Woooo.....and let me tell you "formal education" and I have been fighting each other for a long time and I won, but it was a close one occasionally. I will be walking the stage on Saturday at 9:30 AM. However they like to add all sorts of crapola to those ceremonies so most likely I wont walk the stage until 9:30 PM...at least it will feel that way to me.
Then! My CD project is pretty much wrapped up. It feels like things are out of my control right now. I have to get the thing printed and pressed and back to me before I leave for my European tour in about a month. Plus I'm praying every couple minutes of everyday that I will have enough money to afford it, that my CD will sell, that I make it to the trains on time. I can handle being away from home, but the reality of what I am attempting is starting to set in as the date approaches. Check my music profile out here: www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE or HOW TO FIND THE CHEAPEST AIRFARE EVER? I need your help! Still havent bought a ticket cause I'm not going to leave until I have a finished CD in my hand. My first European show isnt until September 25th. So I have a little grace period before I start banging on peoples desk, but not very much.
__________
Im playing a ton of shows in Lafayette before I leave.
AUGUST 6th, 10:00 PM @ Hunters Pub Down Under (3rd & Ferry in Lafayette IN 47901)
---- "hoot night" with all sorts of musicians all night long
AUGUST 20th, 9:30PM @ Boiler Market (320 West State Street, West Lafayette 47906)
---- with "A Wonderful", on tour from New York (www.myspace.com/awonderful) $2.00
AUGUST 31st, ?:?? PM @ Boiler Market (320 West State Street, West Lafayette 47906)
---- with "Jeremy Buck", on tour from California (www.jeremybuck.com)
September 5th, 9:30 PM @ Boiler Market (320 West State Street, West Lafayette 47906)
---- with "Two Dollar Bash" on tour from Berlin, GERMANY!! (www.twodollarbash.net) $2.00
___________
PS: sorry...I wrote this quickly and did not spell check. |
|
|
| BIG STUFF |
[Jun. 3rd, 2005|10:53 am] |
|
I leave for my week long internship in Nashville, Tennessee next week. I'll be operating cameras and those big video display screens you see in the picture below. Basically its a country music festival so if you like country music you should be jealous of who I'll be bumping into. If you're curious the link below will tell you who.
http://www.countrymusictravel.com/www/id4.html
--------
Other than that the show in Chicago was a blast. My next show is at Hunters Pub Downunder in Lafayette starting at 10PM (must be 21 or have a beard).
I'll be hitting the studio today at 3 to lay down a new song I wrote last night.
LATER!!!! |
|
|
| the latest |
[May. 19th, 2005|10:45 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  anxious | ] |
Yellooowww...
I will be hitting the studio tommorow afternoon for a few hours. It's just a demo session, but in a way demo the sessions establishes the tracing paper for each song...and ultimately what does and does not go on the finished product. After demos are finished then I will bring in all the extras and work with them on seeing the vision. I will be the producer for the most part and Paul Kim will be engineering, but he's an incredible musician & producer himself...and he has a lot more experience than I do. I'm hoping I can finish writting some of my "in the works" songs to throw into the demo sessions.
I need to get some photos taken as soon as possible so I can get my press kit thrown together so I can reach the next step of the European Tour planning. Speaking of which Irvine Travel is about $130 more than STA Travel (on air fare that is).
On another note: I start my last class ever in a few days! Can't wait for that to be over (that should get another exclamation point or three)!!!
I was contacted yesterday about booking for 3 more American shows (all in one day?!?). A guy at The University of Chicago booked me for June 1st. Boiler Market wants me to play tonight here in town at 9-11 PM. Then my friend Marianna wants me to play tommorow night at a benifit show for shoeless children in Frankfort, IN.
Later.
BENJ... |
|
|
| GOLDEN CROWN |
[May. 16th, 2005|03:29 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  bored | ] |
Indeed it will be golden crown on my tooth (not silver or eggshells or something like that). However, I do want to encourage you all to behave in a fitting manner. Though I will have a golden mouth I will not see myself as better than you...and likewise you should not be jealous. It is important that we store up our treasure in heaven and not on earth. We need to see those around us as the treasure and let the unending quest for silver and gold fade away from our hearts. Naked we entered this world and naked we will leave.
"The journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step"...it really has little to do with anything I was talking about, just thought I would throw that in.
(if this post makes no sense to you read the previous entry) |
|
|
| WHatever |
[May. 9th, 2005|11:25 am] |
I will be accepting a top honor Tuesday afternoon from the denist in Bloomington. So I'm going to be headed home until Thursday most likely. The award is a crown. I don't know if it will be gold or silver, but gold would be nice.
Other than that the good ol' Indiana Pacers will be moving on to play best of 7 against the stupid Detroit Pistons. All this after blowing out Boston in game 7. So basically they are in the NBA finals if you didnt already know.
I played a show Saturday night at Hunters Pub Downunder. I played a pretty solid gig and it was recieve really well. Which is nice because it was a completely older audience...those are nice to play occassionally. SInce I have respect for my elders. It may lead to a bunch of local shows this summer. Which is all Ill probably play considering I have to be recording...and dont want to leave town till its finished.
Well God Bless.....I've gotta get rolling on home now. My crown awaits. |
|
|
| Some creativity for ya to sink your teeth into.... |
[Apr. 26th, 2005|05:58 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  cheerful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | James Taylor | ] |
Hey.
Things are just fine. Thanks for asking.
Here's an old poem of mine I found.
----------------------
Words
hanging out like old men
Dreams
like a braile pillow
Are heading off to...
As if I even knew
----------------------
I had an idea today. I've been trying to design my album cover. Try to get a title and a cover finished before the cd is out so I can at least print promotions material for it. I want to be sitting on a horse holding my guitar. The horse will be more photogenic than just me...but also kinda odd.
My idea for the malconents music video "Get Out" (I will shoot in May) was originaly to have a pack of 50 girls scouts chasing the band through Lafayette. I asked the local girl scouts if they would be interested....they said NO. I might still be able to get some girl scouts or a few talented and young actresses to do some chasing. If anyone has a little sister in girl scouts or anything let me know. |
|
|
| Joanna Newsom |
[Apr. 22nd, 2005|12:14 pm] |
|
One of my friends is living in Whales right now. She was able to go see one of my favorite musicians live in London yesterday. She said they allowed her and a few others to sit up on the stage for the whole show. Apparently Joanna didn't sau a single word the whole time. She just played. As soon as she finished she rushed off stage and was gone. Peole were a little weirded out by it, but her flute player told my friend that she is indeed weird.
That doesnt make like her anyless than before though. Joanna Newsom is incredible.
If you guys don't know who Joanna Newsom is here's a link. ( <A href= )
.
 
|
|
|
| EUROPEAN TOUR |
[Apr. 22nd, 2005|02:08 am] |
|
If you have time to check my music page you'll see a list of my European Tour dates for Sept-Nov.
I don't have any filled in solid yet. However, many are close to being official. I still need help in France and Switzerland. If you know anyone who lives along those routes you think might make: a tour guide for a day, a place to sleep, a booking agent...let me know. Otherwise pray or cross your fingers....whatever you do....and this might just work.
Anyway. Germany looks like they will pull through, all my UK gigs might, the two I'm hoping to get in Austria look good and the Netherlands looks great. France and Switzerland are tough, but not critical.
Thanks.
BENJAMIN
|
|
|
| Long overdue update. |
[Apr. 19th, 2005|09:48 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  bouncy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Joanna Newsom - Milk Eyed Mender | ] |
Ive been busy emailing a ton of people in Europe about the tour I will be on this fall. I've had a decent responce. One guy in the Netherlands will pay my train fare to and from, plus a place to stay, whatever is made at the door and VEGAN food! I'm not really a vegan, but the truth is I'm not picky about what I eat....so yum yum. A few places in London have requested me send them demos. A pub in Manchester is taking me in. I'm on top of things at this point. I hope to have the specifics available by mid-July.
On the school front things are winding down quickly. I've been attending the women's softball games to see Diana and Katie play. The team is doing well and so is my minor sunburn, thanks for asking. I'm still trying to figure out which STAT class I will get into so I can graduate...I am on a waiting list still. Otherwise I will be here at school all summer, workin', recordin' and so on.
This weekend I will start shooting the live part of The Malcontents video at their show. If you want to see them play or be in some crowd shots, they are having a show at 115 Stadium (I think)....on April 23 (9:00 or 10:00 PM). Then I will get storyline stuff shot this May.
Oh and there is an awesome show coming up. When Josh Garrels and I playing in the Union there were over 200 people there stopping in the hallways and so on. Well this time I have Josh coming back and another guy Mike Reeb from Chicago. Mike has a voice like an angel and good songs to match. I'm excited to have both Josh and Mike under one roof with me.
I'm making "bookmark" flyers to hand out. You can print these off 6 to a page in WORD (put in 2 columns). Give some to your friends.
|
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Apr. 6th, 2005|02:41 pm] |
Oh one more thing:
all you MySpace people need to add my buddies band, at least give em' a listen.
Plus he's coming to play on May 4th me....which you'll hear more about later.
http://www.myspace.com/seventytwoothers
BENJ...
|
|
|
| Good News |
[Apr. 6th, 2005|02:29 pm] |
I think its going to rain today. It is still nice out though.
The good people of Germany, UK, and Switzerland are opening their
venues for me to play when I go to Europe, hopefully France will soon
follow. I won't be able to confirm anydates until I have a plane ticket
in my hand. I can say doors are opening and inroads are being made.
Check www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
New MP3 will be up later on tonight! "Home" (The Blue Hand Studio)
Don't forget:
|
|
|
| HEY LOOK AT THAT! |
[Apr. 4th, 2005|05:37 pm] |
|
...
how was my day today? not so bad. I worked a little bit, went to class...pretty average.
It looks like I wont have a good copy of the new studio releases for another day or two. It is still being mastered.
I was getting excited so I think I jumped the gun on mentioning it.
TAKE CARE ALL'
BENJ... |
|
|
| SHOWS, NEW MP3's and more |
[Mar. 29th, 2005|01:52 pm] |
Well.....I have a show coming up April 9th at the Java Roaster with 2 other bands. "The Days" and "Autumn Blue". I believe it is a free show @ 7PM.
MP3's and other INFO.
http://www.purevolume.com/thedaysin
http://www.autumnblue.com
http://www.myspace.com/benjaminezra
-----------------------------------------
There is a second Josh Garrels show in the works! Might be a house party for it at my place. It might cost 2 dollars. We're talking about setting it up for finals week or just before then.
------------------------------------------
CHECK MY MUSIC PAGE OUT FOR THE NEW MP3's. They should be up tommorow or later tonight. They are fully produced studio tracks. From the upcoming August release.
OKAY Party on people, but try and study too.
BENJ.... |
|
|
| SAD SAD SAD |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|10:36 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  angry | ] |
Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies, and Pinellas Park, Fla., police officers arrest 10-year-old Joshua Heldreth, of Charlotte, N.C., for trespassing on Woodside Hospice property in Pinellas park, Fla. Heldreth was attempting to bring Terri Schiavo a glass of water. Schiavo's feeding tube was removed by court order Friday, March 18, 2005.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just thought this was absurd. Why must they starve her to death? Why not give her a lethal injection?
Its another reminder that the world is a very sad place. I feel for the ladies family; on both sides of the issue. I just think this should be debated while she is alive and not debate it while she is starving to death.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
| COMING SOON |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|11:03 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  groggy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Blue Eyed Soul - Wilco | ] |
"Collective" the Campus House all-original compilation album is alllllllmost finished. I will get a chance to hear the final mix down on Monday then it will be sent off on Tuesday to be printed in large quanities (1000 to be exact). I have two tracks on the project, "Home" and "Deceas" which I will post on MySpace, but not for download most likely. I'd like to make them downloadable, but I'd say someone will have to buy the CD then share with friends from that point...that way I don't care. I won't be making any royalties off my songs either way...but the tiny tims of the world will be. I think a lot of the money is go towards the local homeless shelters and forgein disaster relief funds ect. It should be available for purchase online.
This summer I will finish the rest of the songs for my first true album. Paul Kim will be producing that with me as well! I can't wait.
--------------------------
Here is my summer agenda:
- TAKE STAT 301 online (anyone done this ?? care to comment)
- WORK AT TEXTBOOK DEPOT
- INTERN ON A HUGE TV PRODUCTION EVENT IN NASHVILLE, TN (week long music festival)
- RECORD CD
- FINISH SHOOTING, THEN EDIT MUSIC VIDEO FOR "THE MALCONTENTS".
- GRADUATE
- SAVE UP FOR EURO-TRIPPIN' |
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