Posted by The Dot Hongs on February 22, 2010 at 9:31 am.
We loaded out of the venue the next a morning with crossaints stuffed with Ham and Cheese. Our sprinter van is almost too big for us, but at least it is an automatic. Opening up the tour every night is a solo act named Southerly from Portland, OR. Krist is the frontman of the project and is traveling with us. Please check out his material on the net. We took a short drive into Germany to our first city (Munster) at a venue called Amp. Classy vintage patterned wall paper, couches, lamps, and framed painted artwork and/or photographs with cat heads pasted over human bodies. The show was fun and after our set the promoter DJ’d a killer session to a packed house. Serious dance party til 5 AM, followed up by Gyros. I didn’t expect to go to sleep with the sun rising on the 2nd night of a tour, but it happens. Every club so far has treated us so nice, and the sleep accomodations have been awesome. It’s one thing to hear about how you get treated in Europe, but to see it is different. I’m very thankful about it and this whole experience so far has been educational in a great way! We had a short drive to Bochum and I ventured out to shop at some clothing stores. H&M had some super neat clothing that I haven’t seen in the states and were cheaper! The crowd was very respectful and the venue put us up in a neat hotel who had a desk clerk that looked like Cory Haim. Throughout our drives we have been dipping into some gas stations, and noticing how fresh and tasty the food is compared to American gas station food. It’s pretty sweet. Next was Geissen at Muk; a lovely two floor art/music compound. The staff cooked up a delicious pot of lentils with curry, salad, and fresh bread. The owner and promoter gave me a prep talk to loosen up the initial “isolation and new comer to Europe vibe”. At the end of the night he took us into a Nazi bunker that was later turned into a police training operation. The walls, the ghosts, and the lighting were so intense. More to report soon.
Posted by The Dot Hongs on February 19, 2010 at 2:53 am.
When I saw America last I was crossing off my “to do” list, working on new material, finishing season 4 of “The Wire”, working and running around like a maniac. I said my Goodbyes over beer with friends, and spent the afternoon eating at my favorite Pizza spot with my best friend. Cab driver Mr. Michael Antepi drove us to Newark, and discussed his 2006 adventures in Amsterdam. Wild times. Our flight went by quick to Brussels and over to Amsterdam. I watched the original “12 Angry Men” again (one of my favorites). The promoter of the venue was sweet enough to let us have her apartment for the for 3 days, and much time was spent over at her boyfriend’s art, book, and record store called “Delicatessen”. We did dinner and a movie (Emilio Estevez’s “Repoman”). This apartment is lovely, and it’s a great way to start the rush of a tour in a country I have never been to before. I made my way to Tasty Bread Bakeries, and those wild coffee shop! Mike Fadem brought a special travel size coffee grinder and has made us all Stumptown Coffee with Ray Charles playing in the background. Born to Lose indeed! The venue was set up very classy, and people watched us over the balcony. Everyone involved with tonight’s show treated us incredible, and the crowd had a blast with us! All the locals made me feel welcomed. Amsterdam is very beautiful, special place. Please visit when you save up and get the chance. I hope to return here soon, but I can see how much trouble this place can be for the American party kid. I will post more photos from my cell phone I can’t upload. It’s refreshing and I needed this.
Morning cupcakes, Coffee, Nina Simone and I am off to Münster. The city was founded in 793 by Frisian Ludger.
Posted by The Dot Hongs on February 8, 2010 at 9:12 am.
On February 17th 2010, I will embark on a mission I haven’t been able to accomplish or yet discover. I already sense a strong feeling of enlightenment, and perspective change on this trip. Kevin Devine was kind enough to let me tour in his band in the United States of America the past two years, and this month he will be dragging my wild self with him to Europe. This is a dream of mine with lots of anticipation, and I will be reporting on the Bicycle Recorder from time to time while I do on preproduction for album #2. Below are the upcoming dates I will be with Kevin in Europe and US:
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 26, 2010 at 10:34 am.
KEXP posted this video yesterday of us performing at the Cutting Room Studios (NYC) in November. The video is for the song “Judy the Alpha Queen” and brings back fond memories of that fine day. Check back soon for free mp3’s of the session!!!!
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 23, 2010 at 4:31 pm.
Hey,
We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of those who made there way out to 92Y Tribeca last night with Kevin Johnston and the Rockstar Society. I had a ton of fun hanging and watching both bands perform. We have never headlined before proper in New York City, and didn’t expect to share the night with such a supportive vibrant crowd. I wont forget this one, you’re the best!
We will be performing at Brooklyn Bowl on February 3rd supporting The Constellations. Doors at 6pm, Music at 9PM, 21+.
This upcoming week my brother and I will be a part of Kevin Devine’s Goddamn Band for a 101.9 RXP presents Celebrating the release of the Kevin Devine/Manchester Orchestra split 7″ “I Could Be The Only One” on January 27th.
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 22, 2010 at 1:24 pm.
A last minute reminder to those in the New York City area; we are playing a headlining show tonight at 92 Y Tribeca (check previous posts or our shows section for the details). Thanks to those who entered the ticket giveaway contest! The contest is now over and you should be contacted by this evening, so, thanks and we’ll see you tonight!
For those who are coming tonight we are playing with the full crew plus some bonus members and other surprises! Good times? You damn right!
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 13, 2010 at 8:24 pm.
The workers at 92Y Tribeca are letting us do a ticket giveaway, or what I call a “recession special“. Please comment on this post below, and list your email address. Our interns will put you in touch with master of details.
On a side note to the wave of the future…
This morning on my way to work I exchanged words with a young high school “thug” who told me to hurry up when I went to transfer to another train in a very nasty fashion. I was once a teenage loud mouth fool who got himself into stupid places. Just be wise, respectful, and grab onto whatever it can to educate you to be a better version of yourself. Spread the word, big bird!
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 7, 2010 at 10:53 am.
Check out these video clips of Brian on the show “Breaking the Mold” filmed at Marywood University during our last tour with Person L and John Nolan. Part 1 and 2 are interviews and the last two are acoustics performances. Enjoy!!!!
Posted by The Dot Hongs on January 6, 2010 at 10:54 am.
Hello all,
Chris Bracco produced our album, and shortly after worked on Kevin Devine’s Brother’s Blood with Mike and I at Headgear Studios. One of his fans worked on a video for “Another Bag of Bones“. Check it out.
