A few words, insufficient symbols for the thoughts, cannot convey but a fraction of our new reality. A flickering candle in cavernous darkness. We have been blessed to have family and friends — loved ones — who have carefully guarded the light and stoked the fire. Warmth. Tiny rays, their origin hidden from our sight, start to streak through the space. Revealing small, yet steadfast truths. Unveiling the way.

One such revelation has struck me as I squint and strain. We go through this together. No, the death of a child is not experienced by all. Thank God. But each one of us will uniquely experience great sorrows — and joy. Why? How can we even ponder it? Well, we can and we do. We make beliefs, carve ideas, shape answers. We are, after all, creators too.

So, we go through this together. There is some comfort in that. And some despair. My real hope and truth is in the One whose nature we are graciously invited to walk and breath. In and through Him, love and justice are pure and defined.

This may not be your answer. And to be sure, with every answer you are compelled to ask more questions. We cannot know everything in a lifetime. We may say then, we can know nothing! But we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking we’ve raised the white flag.

Your flag will not, will never be, white. Bare. Blank. Your designs may not grace its canvas, but someone’s will. We may not know what to believe, but there are others highly invested in knowing well how to gift beliefs to passive recipients. With eyes and heart open, you will see (more or less readily) subversive pushers right in the middle of any culture. Making designs on your canvas. On your life.

ART is often an attempt at making sense of the senseless. Answering unknowns. Begging questions. Reflecting light. Portraying darkness. Asking, seeking, knocking. Aspiring to perfection. Inspiring through imperfection. Painting the picture with your own hand. Seeing its beauty and its purpose.

I’ve found myself unsure of ART’s purpose in my life. In a world inundated by grabs for attention, surely another attempt at ART isn’t necessary or worth it. But ART’s worth is not in the minds of the masses, but mine. Or yours. And maybe just mine or yours, much of the time. This is not to say that ART never flows into the mainstream (though investors tend to change its course). Rather, that ART is valuable if only affecting one.

But the effect of one can be far-reaching. Whether unbeknownst or unintended. Yes, even in an age of hyper-stimulation and information deluge, there are quiet corners of our minds left unaffected. Your language could be the only one spoken there. It seems this is by a grand and good design.

Arthur’s death seems anything but a grand and good design. Sadly, tragedy can befall us all. Happily, it seems to bring us together. With death comes new life — new love. In a sense, Arthur too was a creator. He created something in us, and inspired the artistic hands of friends and family. Still, it grieves me heavily to know he cannot shape with his own hands, out of his unique soul.

Kelly and I have determined to start a memorial fund in Arthur’s name, and view it as a way that he can continue to contribute. We’d like to raise and direct funds to those creating ART.

To get the ball rolling, I’m releasing a track called “All I Have To Give” and using any and all donations for the song to start the memorial fund. No amount is too small. We haven’t sorted out how to make donations tax deductible yet, but we’re working on it. So if you’d like to contribute something more sizable, just contact me and let me know.

Click below to stream/download.

The image for the track ART was drawn by my good friend and prodigious painter Marc Payzant. It was selected a few weeks prior to Arthur’s funeral. At the time, we had absolutely no reason to think anything would go tragically wrong with the pregnancy. It’s nearly impossible to suggest that this ART is mere coincidence, yet I’m not sure what to make of it. An indication of our interconnectedness? Of God’s hand? It’s remarkable, to say the very least.

To underscore the point, here’s a picture of the casket that I made with the help of some good friends and my brothers the day before the funeral.

If Marc’s drawing was any inspiration, it was deeply subconscious, as I hadn’t viewed it for some time and was simply trying to make something beautiful and fitting with the wood on hand at the shop. The shop is home base for my work at Moore Remodeling, started and run by my friend, Kevin Moore. Building the casket was a cathartic project. Amidst the progressing realness of my son’s death, I tried to approach it as an opportunity to do something for him before he was buried. And then somehow, more gone. We worked into the night, and the finished product is equal parts love and craftsmanship. I’m forever grateful to those involved: Kevin, Derek Whiteman, Peter and Mark Seume, Paul Johnson, Peter McGaughey, and Dillon Sly.

Kelly and I feel blessed to know several gifted artists — painters, craftsmen, writers, photographers, musicians and others. It would be a joy to support independent artists like these who are challenging set minds, igniting imagination and creating beauty. Even the soundtrack for good times.

In addition to track donations, I’ve also talked with friends in a few of KC’s best and beloved bands — The ACBs, Ghosty, and new guys Shy Boys — about doing a fundraising show with me in the next couple months.

My good buddies Konnor Ervin and Kyle Rausch (both from the ACBs) sang backing vocals on “All I Have To Give”. Another pal, Mike Nolte (Ghosty), mixed and mastered the track. The guys in these three bands are producing some of the finest sounding music in this city, or anywhere (as far as my ears tell me). Throw on some headphones and have a listen.

The ACBs
Stona Rosa
“Ocean” single from forthcoming album Little Leaves (video done by KC art favorite Danny Joe Gibson aka DJG)

Ghosty
Ghosty

The Shy Boys hope to release next Spring, and I hope it’s sooner than that. It’s been great hanging out with the boys in the studio during tracking and mixing. Good for the soul. And the album’s sounding great.

The idea is that there’s a lot of good, independent ART out there. Even in our own backyard, it’s far too much to mention. And the majority never see a return on their investment. There’s something virtuous in the act of creating — not for money or self-aggrandizement — but because you’ve been given a gift and want to share it.

An ART auction is being considered, possibly in conjunction with the fundraising show. We’re also interested in getting local craftsmen, culinary artists, and others involved. Brainstorming and detail-ironing in progress. We plan on screen-printing “PEACE AND LOVE” t-shirts and directing all proceeds to the fund. They’d look a lot like this:

Truthfully, it’s been tough to get beyond the shock, sorrow and anger after Arthur’s death. But there is peace in the love from others. And we thank God for the confidence we have that Arthur is with Him. Through this memorial fund, if we’re only able to contribute a few canvases, money to record a song, or anything else to an artist that otherwise would’ve been cost prohibitive, we’ll count it a success. Of course, we hope it will be more.

Any ideas, suggestions, support, and/or donations of assests will be much appreciated and needed. Comment here or email me or contact me on Facebook. Or go old school and call.

Much love to all of you. Thank you.

Rest in peace and love, Arthur Jack Seume.

I’ve got a reason. A new song after a few years wandering the wilderness. I recorded it a year ago and wrote about doing so. With traveling around and whatnot, it remained carefully preserved in the studio on the ADAT tape. It wasn’t until I went to mix it at another studio that I discovered said ADAT is cousin to the VHS. I can’t tell a difference looking at ‘em anyway. And, as history has it, both media types have gone the way of… the CD. Because no one — other than guys like Underground Sound’s, Tom Wagner, who appreciates both obscurity and tape — really uses them anymore, it’s instantly cool and uncool at the same time. I’m not a succinct enough writer to explain why and hold your interest, if I haven’t already lost it.

I’d probably know I had, in fact, already lost your interest if I looked at the “views” on this page over the last few months, but I’ve become less interested in anti-vanity these days. Though no more interested in vanity. Though, I’m guilty of it at times, as we all must be. Especially with Facebook ruling the roost. But if you’re here now, that’s probably how you got here. So like most things, it’s neither all good nor all bad. A particularly useful maxim for this type of thing. Intentionality is the key, I think.

Remember when writers used to write without using smiley faces or LOL’s as devices? The lack thereof created opportunity for deep pools of creativity and insight, on behalf of writer and reader alike. Now, if the smiley ain’t there, the tone must be grimly serious. Although I’m lamenting the loss of critical writing tools, I should also concede (again) I don’t possess the wit or brevity to tell you exactly how or why I got to this topic from the previous. I’ll assume you don’t mind, since you’re still reading.

The digressions of this post thus far have brought it to the dangerous precipice of deletion, like so many of its predecessors that never saw the backlight of screens. Back on to the track.

“All I Have To Give” is in the final stages of mixing with mixer/masterer Mike Nolte of Ghosty fame. He played bass and engineered Ghosty’s latest (and self-titled) album, and engineered the most recent ACB’s album, Stona Rosa. He’s currently finishing mixing on the ACB’s upcoming album, which I’ve heard much of and am anxiously awaiting. If you enjoy listening to well-crafted music, please click on the convenient preceding links.

I’m very happy to be working with Mike and think the track’s sounding great. It is, after all, all I have to give after a few years of absence. So it’s important to me that it’s good. I’ve got several other songs written and am still hoping/planning on a 7″ vinyl release in the next few months. But I’m also pretty strapped for dollars that aren’t spoken for, as per. So maybe I’ll do a Kickstarter and compel you to give me some stacks of cash. Anyway, I’m excited to get this song out to start the rumors about having only faked my death. LOL.

The track art — which I’d like to use for the 7″ too should it come to fruition — is in the works and I’ll have it for you next time. In tandem with the track. It’s very cool and special and will have several sentences devoted to it’s explanation. How bout that?

I leave you with a piece of art done by a friend of mine in Austin, TX, Marcus Payzant. A brilliant artist, he is, and I’m thrilled to have one of his paintings grace a wall of our house.

Marcus Payzant - Yellow Collection

Goodnight. God bless.
-DS

For the last couple years, the injury made several things more tedious — not the least among them, playing guitar. But, after a long while without health insurance — a plight certainly shared by many artists — I’m now covered (thanks Kelly!) and the same gifted surgeon who did my other shoulder (6 years ago) operated and I’m told it was successful.

Rehab will likely be about 3 months, so I won’t be playing out for a while. But, I’m really thankful to have the opportunity for some healing, and hope to be playing without pain soon.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement, friends.

Also, major props to all the KC locals — bands, venues, promoters, fans — who produced and participated in the 2nd annual Middle of the Map Fest. Regrettably, I was out of town this past weekend so missed out, but from all accounts it was another great success. Read all about it on the Back to Rockville blog. Forester took some great photos of the weekend, too.

we study your arrogant devices and note your deficiencies.
you are weak, but we are strong.
you claw for a lost cause. truth reigns.

you are an apparition. an aberration.
you are abhorred.

Truth reigns.

The folks of FOKL Center (556 Central Ave) opened its doors for the first time only a couple months ago, but it’s already getting good love from the arts community. On Dec. 2nd — first friday — FOKL will play host to a joint art exhibition titled, MicDanDanLand. A collection of 3 local artist’s work, MICah Buzan, DANiel Forth, and DANny Joe Gibson (DJG) will be on display and Thom Hoskins and I will be playing musical sets to accompany the visuals.

If you read what I write from time to time, you’ve been introduced to my fine friend DJG. He’s been keeping his new art under wraps for a while, so I’m really excited to be there for its unveiling, as well as the other artist’s offerings. And Thom’s always a pleasure on the ears…

Music starts at 8 or 9pm. I don’t know when exactly I’ll play which is a-ok. I’ll be there early, anyway, enjoying some great art and hope to see you doing the same.

event poster by danny joe gibson

—–

Click below for more info on each artist:

Danny Joe Gibson
Micah Buzan
Thom Hoskins

I’m clearly not a good updater, because I don’t end up doing it. But here I am now, anyway. Life has taken place amidst diverse backdrops these last several months: Austin, TX — Kansas City, MO — Venice Beach, CA — NYC — The Netherlands — Bastogne, Belgium — Davis, CA — and Wheaton, IL for good measure. I haven’t stayed in any one spot longer than 3 months this year and it’s mostly been a few weeks here or there.

I’ll save you — and when I say “you” I mean “myself” — the expense of the detailed chronicles (though it’s probably safe to say my atrophied memory wouldn’t allow for that anyway). At any rate, it’s been great. You can see some sparse, mostly travelling photos here, if you’d like. Sadly, it may be a while ’til the next road trip. After two great years and several thousand miles, the Wookie has taken its final resting place in Chicago after a broken crankshaft bolt dealt a deathblow. RIP Wookie. I will miss you, comrade. Though, I kept your windshield, so I hope to still see a part of the world through you down the road.

OK. Despite it being quiet ’round this site for a while, the kettle’s been brewing at Grassland Records and it’s warming up for a good whistle. You’ll start seeing new life in the next several days. And that life is born of a sheriff. A new sheriff that has come to Grassland Recordsvilletown. And his name is Jacob Fulton.

Jacob is known more as an artist and photographer than a law-man, but if he was more of a law-man, he’d be one from the wild west with a big beard or mustache. At least in my mind. And whilst we’re in my mind, let’s continue the journey.

I should let you know that Jake and I are riding a couple mighty steeds, high-speed on a bad ass ol’ wooden wagon. Stay with us now… we may be going somewhere. You see, being the town’s original sheriff — familiar with the surroundings — I’m holding the reins in our pursuit, but Jake’s crackin’ the whip and itchin’ to grab the leather straps that command dual horse power. Glancing to my left, I see the readiness in his eye and smile to myself.

It’s gonna be a good ride.

If you got lost in that metaphorical dust trail, don’t worry… I did too. So I’m gonna spell it out clean. Jacob’s joining up with Grassland Records and we’re excited to have him. He brings many talents to the table, of which you’ll sample right below here. Jacob picks up where I leave off, and we see much that can be accomplished working side by side.

Have a click on this track art Jacob made for “Speaking of the Devil” to see the full set — one for each song on It Is What It Is. We thought this’d be a good way to explore art direction for the label and coming projects. I hope you like what you see. I know I do.

We see Grassland Records being a communal experience. We love music. It sets things in motion. Hopefully, it brings us together.

And I hope this finds you well.

Grassland Records on Facebook
Grassland Records on Twitter
Grassland Records on Tumblr

HI-Stereo played out towards the Pacific to hundreds of people for Venice’s Spring Fling Fest. It was a killer set that included 2 tracks written in the last month. My younger bro, Mark, came out for the show and stayed a few days before heading back to the middle of the map. Great to be we three brothers for the weekend. Video of the show will be up in a jiff. Crunchy and creamy.

Venice Beach is a beautiful, artistic, expressive place. It’s long been a destination for outsiders, though it’s undergone some changes in recent years as wealth moves in to the area. Funny how folks want to move here for its eccentricity and “hipness”, but then want to run out the people and places that make it so.

Still, in a town once known as much for its violence as its art, love remains very strong and real bond exists between the have-nots. One I haven’t experienced elsewhere and am blessed to share with Pete, who has introduced me to a prolific community that freely gives a world’s worth of heart and mind.

Daily life is something special these days. Every sunrise brings a surprise — a new friend, a fresh inspiration, a real appreciation. And I thank God for it.

I was also afforded a few recording sessions in Lawrence with Tom Wagner in his studio, Underground Sound, while I was in town. Since experiencing Tom’s craftsmanship during the mastering sessions for It Is What It Is , I’d been looking forward to the opportunity to record with him in his back-to-the-future studio.

Tom runs his own top-notch music equipment repair shop during the day and is a lover of vintage sounds — and seeks out the instruments/machines that make them — so he’s got a museum’s worth of tape machines, microphones, amps, instruments and effects. What wall space remains in the studio is taken up by thousands of records, artwork (some his own… and good) and paraphernalia — lots of Beatles.

It’s one thing to collect, but something else to have an understanding and ear to use it. And Tom is one with his studio.

So, catching some time while he was finishing mixing/mastering a great debut album for his new band, Museum (appropriately), was much valued and appreciated. I was also fortunate to have Museum’s talented drummer/multi-instrumentalist, Jason, around for session work on drums, piano, and Hammond B3. We got in the studio four times over a couple weeks, each time for 2-3 hours.

1st sesh: I recorded acoustic guitar and vocals and Jason drums.
2nd sesh: Jason on piano, Tom on bass, and Jason layered B3.
3rd sesh: Some more B3 and acoustic guitar.
4th sesh: I recorded trumpet and we got a quick mix down.

Everything was recorded to ADAT, we all like the sounds, and feel like there’s a real spirit about it. So I’m looking forward to finishing up the mix in the next few weeks, and then thinking about a short run 7″ vinyl single release. Maybe a split with The ACBs.

At any rate, “All I Have to Give” is the first track I’ve recorded since finishing the album a couple years ago and it was really energizing. Credit Tom and Jason for making it happen in less than 10 hours in the studio. The icing on a fruitful month in KC…

I got out to LA on 4/21, which happens to be the 2 year anniversary of a gig in Venice with my bro Pete’s band, HI-Stereo (and my bday, and Pat from HI-Stereo’s bday!). Here’s the flyer that DJG sprayed up for it a couple years back.

Since arriving, I’ve been living on HI-Stereo’s tour bus with my bro and trying out for the band on keys. I’d intended to stay in LA only a couple weeks and then head north to join friends starting an off-grid community, but the prospect of playing music with Pete and HI-Stereo has me putting that on hold for the time being.

I’ve never owned a keyboard, nor had much practice since piano lessons in elementary school, so I’ve got some good rust to shake off. But hopefully I’ll be able to pick it back up pretty quick and fit in with HI-Stereo’s sound. Their debut album is currently being mixed at Jim Henson Studios and is shaping up real nice. Hopefully, it’ll be hitting your ear drums in a couple months.

The trip out here was pretty epic, and I’ve been told I should share it. So here it goes:

I set out westward in the Wookie — my ‘82 VW Vanagon — as the sun was setting on 4/19. After a few hours on the road, my headlights started flickering, so I figured my battery was quitting on me. Fortunately, I passed a Walmart (where I bought the battery) off the highway right around this time, so I pulled off and prayed this store had a Tire and Lube Dept., as only a select few do. This one did, and though they’d closed up shop, got my battery on the charger, decided it wasn’t any good when an hour had passed, and hooked me up with a new one. SCORE. So, back on the road for a while before spending the night in the Wook at a rest area.

Next morning, I was out in the SW corner of nowhere Kansas when my van started dying on me again! So, I spent a couple hours on the highway shoulder with my dog, Rainer, until I could get a repair truck from the closest town to give me a jump. Got to Meade, KS and got my battery on the charger again. Figured I had alternator problems at this point, even though I’d checked that before leaving town, too.

Wandered around, wondered aloud, saw what looked to be the town’s “biggest” draw — the Dalton gang hideout! — and got back to the shop to receive affirmation that my alternator wasn’t working. While the mechanic searched the area for a new alternator, I crawled under the Wook to check it out. After a couple more hours, I’d found and reattached a wire that’d come disengaged. Alternator situation fixed. 5 hour delay… but only $40. I felt blessed to be back moving again, for sure.

Got just outside of Albuquerque when the overheat lamp started glowing ominously from the dashboard. This is never a good thing… especially in old VWs. In fact, when I bought the van, I was told to keep baking soda around in case this light came on as it may mean the engine’s ON FIRE. So I pulled off the highway and made it to a park and ride commuter lot to check the situation. Happily I did not find flames, so I said a prayer and called it a night… hoping the Wookie’d be ready for an long final leg to the trip in the morning.

At about 1 am, I was freaked out WAY HARDCORE by 2 cops politely shining their torches in my grill and rapping on my window. After I’d let out a primal defense scream and sat up trying to gather myself, I was asked if I had a weapon — I said, yes… my multi-tool perched right next to me (ha!) — and they informed me it was legal for me to be parked there, but that they had to “check on me”.

While I waited for them to run my ID, I had a conversation with Rainer about his lack of guard dog skills, and then talked to God some more for a little peace of mind. After all, my van was out of registration/inspection by a month, and my insurance had also expired recently. These are the calculated risks you take when you ain’t got a penny to spend. Cops came back, nothing was said about my tags etc. (thank the Lord), so I slipped back into la la land.

Next morning, bright and early on my 29th bday, I set out into what’d be 25-35 mph headwinds the whole way to LA. Not good when you’re driving a glorified toaster-oven through mountainous terrain. For many long stints, I was drafting semis for wind block and was still only going 50-55 mph with the pedal to the metal. I had 12 hours drive time (in normal conditions… in a “normal” vehicle) to cover to get to LA, so although I was really hoping for something of a miraculous arrival at my final destination that night, I knew it’d be good to get close without any more problemos.

Amazingly, I pulled into LA that night after 16 hours on the road having passed through some intensely beautiful scenery without any issues. A reminder of God’s greatness. If I was more of a picture/video taker and online chronicler of things, I’d have plenty of good stuff to share more on this trip (and on a regular basis). But, as it stands, I only have some landscape pics I took with my phone while driving and waited a couple weeks to share it all. This is how I dooz it. Click the pic of me and Pete if you’d like to see a few more. (I’ve since shaved the goat but kept the ’stache, bien sur)

Thanks to those who prayed and expressed goodwill for my latest adventure. HI-Stereo’s got a gig this Saturday 3pm on the Venice beach for the Spring Fling Fest, so I’ll make sure I get a post up about it next week. Til then….

I’ll be playing two show shows while I’m back in KC. Hope one suits your fancy.

Thursday / 3/10 / 9pm / The Brick

– My favorite KC venue. Really glad they could fit me in on short notice. I’ll start right around 9, play a 30 minute set, and then will enjoy hanging there with you afterwards. Not sure if there’s a cover… No more than $5 anyway, I’d guess.

Saturday / 3/12 / 10:30pm / Prospero’s Bookstore

– This will be a more close knit performance. Looking forward to this one a lot, too. Great bookshop. If you haven’t been, you should this night or some other time. It’s just me playing, and I’ll probably do so for about an hour and a half. $5 cover. BYOB

Thanks to my friend, DJG, for once again providing the show poster. Can’t say enough good about him as friend and an artist. I’d encourage you to check out his prints and order one (or some) when you see something you like.

Hope to see you soon!

Here’s some new stuff to say I’m sorry …

VIDEO: “Leavin” produced by Daniel Myers. I hope you enjoy it. Rainer and The Wookie (my van) both make cameos.

TRACK: A little hip-hop collabo with Dutch group, L4.

I met up with their producer and mc, DNA, one night when I was in Holland over Christmas in ‘09 and we worked on this track the following day. A year or so later, L4 released it into the wild. DNA, aka Arturo, is a friend of mine from my high school years over there, and I’m real proud of what he’s accomplished in music. Check out a couple of their music vids sometime. Here’s my fave.

Over the last few months in Austin, I’ve been working as a luthier apprentice at Collings Guitars. I started out making the bridges and pickguards, and am now setting necks into bodies. These guitars — acoustic and electric as well as mandolins and ukeleles — are truly top-of-the-line works of art/craftsmanship… so it’s been real nice having a hand it that. Couldn’t have asked for a better job to get off the ground here.

Same can be said for where I’ve been staying, just south of the city and walking distance from the creek greenbelt, Barton Springs and Zilker Park (home of Austin City Limits Fest). The room I’m renting is in a great old house (with a nice big backyard for Rainer) with a few other cool 20-somethings. Nice wood and tile floors, stonework, and dozens of mirrors (including fully mirrored kitchen cabinets/cupboards… a mirror maze, if you will) have provided a great background aesthetic for the fun times and fires we’ve had in just a few short months. And DJG’s art hanging up all over the place. Got these two in the corner by the sliding door.

Austin has been very good to me.

But I’ve decided to pick up and move again.

In a couple weeks, I’ll be headed to Kansas City to visit friends and then will be caravanning out west with a few others to start an intentional, off-grid community. We’re all excited and envigorated by the prospects and looking forward to beginning that type of life.

What this means for my music is that I’m working to have more freedom to write, play and record. One of the lessons I’ve learned in Austin is that living in/around nature is good for my well-being and creativity. So, I guess that theory will be tested by what I release next. The pressure’s on now!

Here are the lyrics for one I’ve been working on:

You’re taking all my precious time
And leaving me with nothing I can shine
A lease on life will pay my way
Robbed blind by an eye in the interest of another day

This is what it’s coming to

It’s the same thing everyday
A ball and chain gang we live in society
When paper money from a tree
Ain’t much more than the sawdust it used to be

This is what it’s coming to

And I say that it’s not gonna be easy
And you know that it’s never gonna be
But I can’t shake my love for the rush or the feeling
Before I go so low and get high and mighty free

—

It’s Saturday. Time to go play.

Soundtrack for the Day: Into The Wild!

peace to you.