It’s been a very hectic beginning of the year and I couldn’t be more stoked on everything that’s going on. This past week was amazing. What is transpiring right now is, by far, the greatest shit I’ve been a part of. It’s a culmination of who I am and what I’ve been striving to do for 10 years now. It only took a decade, but it’s all worth it.

You can never guess what’s happening next in your life. That’s one main motto that has really come to focus in my life the past few years and I’ve grown to really appreciate it. It scares a lot of people — and rightfully so. Sometimes we’re scared to face an unknown future in this existence.. who wouldn’t?! But sometimes it pays to have optimism in your life compared to that frail pessimism. Why live everyday not looking forward to the next? Life is much too short to live in a dark and narrow tunnel like that. Pessimism is far scarier than optimism — at the end of the day, at least you attempt to turn those negatives into a positive, keeping in mind that no matter what lies ahead, you can always strive to make it that much better than before.

So, in conclusion: life is good. I feel like I may have lost a few friends in the end, but I still love them. I hear them say bad things about me, but I still love them. I don’t think I could ever truly hate someone; no matter what is said about me. Like I said before, life is too short for that. Why hold those grudges? I do wish those people would confront me and just talk it out with me. And even if at the end of the conversation, they still feel the same way, then so be it. At least I could tell them I love them no matter what and I’ll always be there for them, if they want me there or not.

Maybe all of this comes off as too “hippy” for most people, but I do believe that is love is a universal cure and answer for a lot of things in life. I always read quotes that it’s easier to hate rather than to love — but I feel the exact opposite.

And to cap it all off, this is me sending you my love:

I’ve read many articles that talk about how smart it is for celebrities, musicians, and politicians to have Twitter accounts because it’s a smart marketing tool that bridges the gap between them & their fans. I’ve slowly come to realize that musicians who have Twitter accounts, that I’ve grown up inspired and motivated by, are now people I don’t look at the same way anymore. It’s like they’ve ruined their mystique and this personality I THOUGHT they had — that was conveyed through their music.

It’s made me question whether or not I should have a Twitter account. But I also keep it as real as possible, whether it’s on the Internet or in a regular social situation. So I think how I convey myself on a social network is the same way I act in a social setting –which is what makes it intimate.

I’ve had this discussion with other people as well and its definitely been a great topic of discussion. Maybe it’s a dorky conversation, in a sense, but I think it’s important for musicians as well. I, now, look at certain people completely different because of Twitter. Weird.

In any event, it feels good to blog again. That was nerdy of me to say. I’m going to be having a contest soon actually. And I guarantee this blog will be much more up to date on my 2010 happenings compared to my Twitter.

I’ve got some cool videos I’m going to post soon — might be TOO revealing of what’s going on but we’ll see!

Thanks to Nicole Rork for fixing up my blog! Check out her awesome work @ nicolerork.com

Any good band recommendations? I need new music!

Where I’ve been:

As soon as Nicole Rork fixes up my blog, I’ll start updating it more.. *cough cough*

So if I’m correct, the last time I blogged was at SXSW. Wow. I’ve been fucking up on keeping this thing updated. I place all blame on the wonderful, awful world of Twitter.

A lot of changes going on in my life. Never consider any of it bad, really. I’ve grown to be a much more optimistic person than what I used to be previously in my life. It’s something I knew I had to change a long time ago but took me even longer to put the wheels in motion for. Eventually you reach those road blocks that put everything in perspective and you realize change is a necessity; rather than a forced chore. Now I look forward to those changes. In the past I dreaded change. I dreaded any sort of shaken foundation that made me go down a different path than what I was used to. So yeah, different paths are starting to formulate and I’m eager for them. Bring it on!

Recently while I was in Michigan, I had the opportunity to go see Mute Math for the first time. One word: UNREAL. I love watching a band that makes me feel so belittled at a musician — and I say that in the best way possible. It’s a boundary pusher. It opens up that door that makes you want to push so much harder. And not even to be like them or as good as them. Just in a sense that you want to strive for your own personal goals and raise the bar even higher than you had it. I don’t think you should ever be content with just getting to that bar you set for yourself. When you feel you’ve reached that goal, you set the bar even higher and do what you can to attain that. I feel like a life coach right now. Haha. But you get my point. Go buy their new record and definitely check out the live show if you get a chance.

I’ve been having a lot of joy working on a new project in my life: managing. Been working with a great band called Misdelphia. Never have I wanted something to be so successful. Got some great things in the works and you should definitely check them out. New EP is streaming on absolutepunk.net on Monday. Until then, peep out the myspace: Misdelphia

But I’m signing off for now. Moreee updates coming soon on LOTS of things people are wondering about.

Follow the Twitter: Twitter.com/nodirectionhome

The first time I did this it got mixed reviews. Some people thought I was a cocky asshole. And the other half had a sense of humor. So, if you can’t take a joke, don’t read on — it’s that simple!

Here’s a few more quotes that I’ve come across on AP.net or that people have suggested I use in the future.

“You guys look like you were really having fun up there!”
“You guys were in the zone tonight!”
“I haven’t seen anyone play like that in a long time!”
“The crowd seemed into you!”
“I have never seen anything quite like that before!”
“Wow. Speechless!”
“Gosh.. you guys sound a lot like Cinematic Sunrise!”
“Was that a new song you guys played up there?”
“Man, so what’s next on the agenda?”

Here’s some of the negative feedback which I still laughed about just as much. Kudos!:

“The guy from Underminded didn’t actually write this list on his own, he compiled it from people’s comments on his band.”

“So he’s writing down things people say about his bands?”

“Pretty pointless blog. I would recommend not wasting your time.”

“the fucking irony of this blog kills me.”

“dude sounds like a fucking tool.”

Heard anymore good ones?

I’m hearing whispers and mild chatter about some shows..

Only a few shows left. Its been a lot of fun. I’ve been TERRIBLE at keeping this updated, but my Twitter is constantly being updated, so stalk that nonsense. All the bands have been amazing on this tour so far. I love Versa Emerge and everyone in that camp. Fred is my brother because we have the same exact tastes in music – our one disagreement being over Del Taco (he loves it, i loathe it). Ace Enders is brilliant and you need to buy his new record – the songs stay embedded in your head for days on end. The Gay Blades were amaaaazing and put on one of the best, and most unique live show I’ve seen in a long while. Mike Herrera’s Tumbledown is awesome as well! Being able to share a stage with that dude was amazing in itself. I kind of geeked out on him the last night they played on the tour – I think I scared him.

We’re in Madison, Wisconsin today. If you’ve read my Twitter, you will know that I’m very excited by the fact that all my favorite places to dine are in walking distance. I’m going to attempt to see I Love You, Man today.

Like I said, I’ve been sucking at keeping this updated, but my Twitter page is off the chains, homie.

cruise out to the last few dates of the tour! its on! lets go! on 12seconds.tv

Where to begin — there’s really no end point yet. The chaos of my first time at SXSW was every emotion wrapped into one. All of us were talking yesterday how 3 days there felt like 1 long day. I couldn’t decipher what days we had actually done what. But I must say, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I usually don’t fare very well in large festival atmospheres but there’s a different vibe that goes along with something like this. It’s like a dive bar festival filled with every type of personality possible. Everyone is drinking shitty booze, eating junky pizza, and trying to find where the disgusting bathrooms are — from the snobby indie folk to the crusty punk kids — and everyone gets along!

I got to see some great sets and some horrible sets. But the highlight of my trip was being able to finally introduce Isles & Glaciers to everybody. I haven’t had that much fun playing with dudes in so long. It was just exciting being onstage with such great friends and not caring about catering to anyones needs – it was just about the pure need of having fun. Couldn’t have been more happy with the outcome and thank you to everyone who enjoyed the show with us.

Here’s a picture of my wrist and what was required to get into the shows/parties on top of the artist wristband I already had. It’s pretty ridiculous. They need to figure out a different system.

B-South and I have a lot to say in 12 seconds!

no clue on 12seconds.tv