Built To Spill

Built To Spill recently played two sold out performances at the Troubadour on September 10th and 11th. Rather than playing a medley of hits, they chose to focus on their 1997 Warner Bros. debut album “Perfect From Now On”. Though Built To Spill formed in 1992, “Perfect From Now On” was their first album to accomplish critical success.  Their present day influence is clearly visible in the form of fellow pacific northwesterners Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse. Built To Spill is set to begin work on their next album which will probably show up in late 2009ish, although the release date is far from certain at this point.

I treat my newly discovered bands like a fresh pair of tennis shoes. At first it can be hard to decide what I like about them, and inevitably I wear them out. But the ultimate test is whether or not I go looking for them again. For some reason I trust Built To Spill like my old pair of Asics. I don’t wear them that often, but I always have them on stand by.

Unfortunately, I missed Built To Spill in their prime. As common as that scenario is for me, it is even more common for my favorite bands to be on hiatus. Luckily Built To Spill still “brings it” as much as they probably used to. Their live performance and stage etiquette says it all…but they don’t say much. They managed to move through “Perfect From Now On” almost as if it was being played non-stop (except for short tuning breaks and a “thank you” after each song). Their performances feel honest. Rather than presenting a flashy live rock band image, they appear as a band playing in a bedroom. Each member was in their own moment, allowing themselves to feel every inch of what they were creating, as they invited the audience to be a part of the experience.

While I was not scheduled to work either night, I did voluntarily do lights for both performances. I have started to treat my lighting concepts as more of a medium to express my personal feelings from each song. In that aspect, I become part of my own nightly experience, thus creating a loop of creativity in my own mind.

I want to thank everyone in my life whos existence motivates me to capture what constantly seems impossible. You have helped me uncover something in myself that I can not begin to explain. Thank you.

Built To Spill – “Randy Describes Eternity” September 10th, 2008 at The Troubadour

Conor Oberst Video

Conor Oberst played at The Troubadour about a month ago. Though I felt like the show lacked a certain amount of energy, I enjoyed working with someone as highly influential as Coner Oberst. Regardless of how you feel about his music or style, I think he should be recognized as an important figure for the future of music. There is something to be said about a band that can hold the top two spots on the Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart (Bright Eyes, 2004) while being signed to an indie label. I also respect any group of bands that can revitalize a music scene and make it “the place to be” for aspiring musicians, such as what Bright Eyes, Cursive, and the Faint were able to do in Omaha. Art influenced by art is something special.

Conor Oberst – “I Don’t Want To Die” August 5th, 2008 at The Troubadour

Upcoming Show: Mogwai 9/9/08 at The Wiltern

Mogwai has a show at The Wiltern on September 9th. Their album “Mr. Beast” is one of my favorite albums in my itunes collection. They are among the best I have heard at creating dynamic guitar based instrumental tracks that feature both complexity and emotion. Some of their songs have lyrics, though I do not see them as a selling point. Their music can easily be the center of your attention, or it can hang out in the background while you do your homework (read: instant message).

For tickets: ($22.50)

Ticketmaster, ahoy!

For your viewing pleasure:

Mogwai – “Travel Is Dangerous” Music Video

Rx Bandits Video

I found a neat video of Rx Bandits’ second night at the troub on August 28th. Both nights were filled with jam sessions and drum solos. This video shows one of the drum breaks from a side view at the bottom of the headliner dressing room’s steps. I had the pleasure of running lights for both shows, which was my first sold out light show experience.

Rx Bandits- “Drum Break” August 28th, 2008 at The Troubadour