Live Music Archive

I received the following email today.

Dear Live Music Archive uploaders,

Thanks to your efforts the Live Music Archive is approaching a couple of major milestones. By October 2011 there should be 100,000 shows on the archive from 5,000 bands. There are already over 1.5 million tracks in the LMA.

We'd like to thank you and celebrate these achievements with a bit of swag!

Everyone receiving this email has uploaded at least 10 shows to the LMA, and we'd like to say thanks by sending you an official Internet Archive baseball hat (see the attached photo below) and maybe some other goodies.

If you'd like an Internet Archive hat, rsvp to swag@archive.org with your name and mailing address and we'll send one to you. 




Thanks for your support and your contributions to the Live Music Archive and archive.org.


To which my reaction was, "whoa, I've uploaded 10 different live recordings to the Archive?!?!"

I guess I should rewind a little bit. Back in the days of 2004-2007 (ish), I was going to a lot of local concerts, which introduced me to the taper community. Certain bands and artists gave their explicit permission to have their live concerts recorded (audio) and uploaded to the Live Music Archive so that fans around the world could get to experience shows they wouldn't otherwise be able to attend, or for those fans who were at the concert the ability to relive those good times.

I met a few tapers and became friendly with a few of them - they were known for taping live shows of Jason Mraz and John Mayer, both of whom were taper friendly, and being a fan of both, I wanted in on the action. Which led to me investing in the equipment, wiring myself up before heading to a concert, and stealthily recording these shows. And I say stealthily, because while the artists themselves might be cool with it, the venues and their security wouldn't always be quite so friendly.

I'd recorded a few local musician friends of mine, like Pete Thurston and Saba, but I'd also recorded sets from Switchfoot, John Mayer Trio, Tristan Prettyman, Future of Forestry... but I wouldn't necessarily upload them. The whole process was kinda long, because you'd have to go back and edit the recordings, and I'd get all perfectionist about the sound and not want it out there. So I haven't taped in a long time... I'm not opposed to trying again though, if there's new equipment I can get my hands on that would pair well with my iPhone, for example...

Anyways, I was taken by surprise when I got that email with an offer for a hat... because I don't think I'd uploaded that many shows (and when I search for myself, I only see 4 shows that I officially uploaded)... but it was a neat reminder of fun days in my early 20s.

(Oh - and here's a link to the shows I did upload... http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%22Ryan+Prades%22 )

Opening Weekend!

So after 8 weeks of rehearsals, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has finally opened!

These last two weeks have been insane... But this last week was a lot better, having gotten more used to the rigors of the schedule. And it all culminated in three great performances with one more to come tomorrow afternoon!

Thursday night we had a "preview" performance. This was our first time performing in front of an audience. In the past, Pickwick's (the theatre company) had invited "camps" to come in... but these aren't Indian Hills-type of camps. I forget their names, but these camps serve as sort of juvenile-detention facilities, and the teens get to spend their night out (for good behavior) by coming to see live theatre. They were a great audience, and we even had a little Q&A session afterwards. A good 90% of them had never seen a play or musical before, and they were into it, so it was a cool outreach.

Friday night was the official opening! I wasn't nearly as nervous for this, compared to the night before. I think what also helped was when we got our director's notes after Thursday, I got great encouragement from the director for always being "on" and being where I need to be and doing what I needed to be doing... being new to the company and theatre in general, I think I just needed to hear that feedback. So going into Friday, I was cool as a cucumber. My mom and dad were there for the big night too. They initially told me they could only come to the Sunday matinee due to work issues, but then on Thursday night, my mom messaged me to say she decided to work late the last two nights to finish all her work so they could make the premiere. As much as I'm going to hate living back home again, my parents are awesome. (Oh! And they came out to support me and my cousin at the finish line at the La Jolla Half Marathon two Sundays ago! Again... awesome.) After the show, everyone hung out in the theatre as there was champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries going around.

Saturday was another good day in general... slept in, did laundry, worked out, met up with Chris and Jordan at Artwalk in Little Italy (and bumped into my old roomie and friend Ben), had some pre-show food and libations at El Camino, then rushed my tail back to the theatre (I was 15 minutes late... hate when I do that)... then it was on for another performance, and with friends in the audience too. Ashley, Colleen and Christian came out and I spotted them in the front row, but I tried not to look.

Sidenote time: This is a small theatre, so if you're in the front row, you are like THERE, in the desert with us almost... anyways, I spotted my mom and dad in the front row too the night before (dad wearing his bright red sweater), but I tried not to look at them too. Anyway, when I came into the dressing room on Saturday, two of the guys were all like "hey, were those your parents sitting right in front by the keyboard? They were awesome! They were so into it, and smiling, enjoying the show, leaning into it and rocking out! We would try to perform out TO them!" Haha, maybe I should've been looking in their direction more.

Anyways, I'm sooooo appreciative of my parents and for those friends who came out these past two nights. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but knowing that they're out there just gives you a bigger push when performing, and it's great to have that support, that they would take the time out of their weekend and spend the money to come see the show.

I would take a picture of the cookie (shaped and frosted like a technicolor dreamcoat) that Ashley, Colleen and Christian (and Lea Michele, haha) sent to the dressing room, but I ate it as soon as I got home - and it was good, too.

But here are some pics from the show! :)

And a one, a two, a one two three four...

So.

This whole musical/theatre thing... it sure is keeping me busy and on my toes (literally). This was our first five day rehearsal week, where I'd have rehearsals after work, plus today (Saturday) was a 9am-3pm rehearsal day. I knew going into this that it would be hectic, and it's still incredibly fun and gratifying to be doing this stuff again. But it's also reminded me of a key aspects of myself... the big one being that I cherish my alone/down time.

Prior to this, I could go home after work and relax... and with my roommate/cousin out most of the time and me having the apartment to myself, I could have peace and get refreshed... and though I like going out and doing things (and had tentative plans for tonight which thankfully didn't happen), as an extreme introvert (as I learned from the Myers-Briggs, I am practically 100% introvert), I need that alone time to recharge my batteries. The whole week has been work (in which I get to workout at least), then rehearsals, then sleep, then repeat the next day... So I'm glad that the rest of my Saturday has been me at home, catching up on my "DVR", watching some movies, munching on Easter chocolates that I probably shouldn't have bought and prepping my meals for Sunday/Monday. That "me" time is appreciated, as the week flew by... and it would not go well if I started another full week without some complete R&R. (And I don't mean Ross and Rachel. Though Friends on DVD does sound good right about now...)

Anyways. Rehearsals have been going well. It was a dance week, and while I think I'm looser after I get some alcohol in my system, I didn't think it wise to hit up happy hour before going to rehearsals. So there were some bits of choreography that I picked up well, and others that made me feel like I had two left feet and I had to think about the steps a lot... and me getting stuck in my head overthinking things (pulling a Ted?) is what always gives me trouble, so I've just gotta get loose and get a little funky and go with the cheesiness. And keep on practicing my shoulder rolls and shimmy+box step...

Also, we got an email from the producer saying that we need to give a little bio about ourselves! You know in those theatre programs, how the cast has a little blurb about their experience and background... well now I get to write one about me, in 100 words or less. Since this is my first show, maybe I'll have to pad it with shoutouts. Haha.

The Audition, Part 2

As I sit here listening to the Next to Normal soundtrack, I realize I never did post a follow-up to the audition story... so to continue chronicling this journey of mine, here's how the second day of auditioning went.

I'll admit it - the second day was more nerve-wracking. I knew this was the day where they'd be testing your ability to pick up basic choreography and learn music. Having done mini-productions back in junior high school and having also been in an award-winning guys ensemble (haha, ok - so this was pre-puberty and in a competition of small Christian schools in the state), I knew somewhere deep down buried inside was the capability to "bring it". 

And then I walked inside and saw a girl in dancer's spandex and bending/contorting her body in ways that did not look comfortable to me at all... and that made me nervous. But all the kids/teens/adults around seemed fine. And I'd come to see we were definitely not going to be tested on our flexibility. 

Phase 1 of the night though was to pick up choreography. I've taken a few dance classes of the hip-hop variety and ballroom, and I'll say I'm in the DBNA-range when it comes to my capabilities in this arena, with the potential to be better after some liquid courage. But not too much - don't want to be sloppy! The steps we learned weren't too bad. The girls got it down rather easily, and I didn't feel so bad lumped in with all the guys. And luckily we didn't have to perform a dance solo! That would've been mortifying.

Phases 2 and 3 were learning songs from the show. Some people were obviously familiar with the music already. I mean, afterall it's Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice... serious theatre people tend to be familiar with their work. I, however, had no idea what was going on. I haven't held sheet music since 8th grade! So having to follow along with those pages took me back... phase 2 was seeing if we could learn to harmonize. Not bad, could do that before. Phase 3 was to learn a new song and sing it back solo, and to act it out. We had time to practice outside, so us guys went to practice. It was at this point that someone asked what high school I went to (Asians look young?) and if I played football (I guess I fill out my t-shirts better these days?)... anyways, when it came time to sing the solo, I didn't know that normally the song had a certain style to it... I just sang it straight/simple. I knew I could try to mimic what some of the other guys did, but then again, I wasn't trying to win a specific role. I just wanted to enjoy the experience and see how far I'd get in the process. 

And after that, night two was over and we were told we'd hear results the next day. And the next evening, I found out that I was cast as one of the brothers. It's a small part, but I do have a solo line to sing, and the brothers sing as a group quite a bit, so I still have a lot to learn! So far, it's been great. We've had two weeks of rehearsals now, and it's been exciting to be back in the thick of things. More thoughts on the whole process as the rehearsals progress!

The Audition, Part 1

As previously noted, I decided it was better late than never and that it was time to fulfill my 2009 goal of "go to an audition"... I've always kept watch of local theatre auditions, but never found one that I thought I should give a shot, until I saw an online posting from a local theatre company called Pickwicks Players for their upcoming production of "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat".

Never saw the show, but the listing said to prepare a 1-2 minute song and provided an email/phone # for more info... I emailed, stated how I have zero theatre experience, and they replied "no problem!" They consider themselves an educational theatre company, so having no resume whatsoever was not a problem. 

With my audition booked for Tuesday at 7pm, I started practicing to a song I knew very well... "All That's Known", from Spring Awakening. I found that it was comfortably in my range, and I love the show/song, so it was a good fit. Ordered the sheet music from Amazon, made a copy, and brought it with me. When I got to the audition, no one else was there yet, as you only show up for your time - you're not waiting around and watching everyone else. But since I didn't have a resume, I needed to fill out a quick form. While I did that, two girls came in with their resumes and headshots and each gave their audition. I didn't see, but I could hear from where I was waiting in the lobby... and they were really good and very theatre-voices. Also, a little Asian girl came in to audition too (around age 8 or 9), and even she had a headshot! So I felt unprepared, but I went about filling my form until they called me into the room. 

I gave my music to the accompanist as instructed, and he asked "so what tempo would you like me to play this?" I didn't know I had an option... so I believe my exact response was "Uhhhhhhh... the normal kind." What I didn't consider was the fact that this song isn't your typical audition song. It's not like "On My Own" from Les Mis, or some upbeat Broadway showcase song that everyone has heard before. Nope, I went with a song from the rock musical with swear words in it... at least this song is made to be played on the piano, so that worked. 

Singing to a live accompanist is a LOT different than just singing along to the CD... he started off much slower than the recording, so I had to adjust my singing on the fly to keep in step, meaning I had to think about my steps rather than just singing on autopilot. The song is normally 2 min even in length, but it dragged at the pace he was playing... my bad for not knowing, but now I know for any other future auditions. (I'll probably choose a different song though.) Anyways, I finished (hella nervous and shaky as I was) and they thanked me. As I walked away from the stage, the guy escorting me to the door told me "so they would like you to come back tomorrow." I'm guessing as my back was turned they gave him the secret signal of "yes", haha.

So that was night one. I wasn't expecting there to be a night two (which happened tonight - but more on that later), as my main goal was already accomplished just by showing up and doing it. And I'm so glad I did! I've missed this scene, and I'm happy to have put my fears aside. Officially crossed off the list! 

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...

Turn and face the strain
Ch-ch-changes!

Gotta love some Bowie.

Month #3 of 2011 begins tomorrow, marking the last 90 days in the apartment. With my cousin moving back home to her parents, I'm reluctantly moving back to mine. I'm definitely going to miss having my own quiet space and that feeling of freedom after work where I can just kick back and relax... and oh my God, I'm going to be back in that tiny house with my parents again... okay breathe... breaaaaathhe...

[exhales]

I can do it. Six months, I can do this... saving up money, planning to buy a house of my own, and the time will fly. These first two months of 2011 certainly did, so the six months (at minimum) that I'll be at home should go fast as well. Knock on wood. I'll just probably be asking various friends if they want to go to a bar every evening after work... (Just kidding... kinda/sorta.)

My treat to myself though, at least I'm contemplating, is to go to New York in the summer. See the sights, a Broadway show or two, and escape... I've got the vacation hours, I'll have the money from being at home again, so I think a little action in the Big Apple for this theatre lover is appropriate.

Speaking of theatre, I have an audition tomorrow. A small local theatre company is putting on a production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and I'm going to just go for it. I'm seriously not expecting anything, since I have no theatre resume to my name, save for high school drama class (ten years ago) and skits I've been in at Flood. But since they're okay with that (I did ask first) and I had put down "go to an audition" in my 2009 list of goals (but never did that year or in 2010), I figure "why not now?" I just want to get out there and feel that pressure of theatre again, even if for two minutes. I already have my song picked out and the sheet music too! (It's not Bowie.)

TOW The Cowbell

Back in the days of 2005, I frequented Lestat's Coffee House for concerts on a pretty regular basis. A musician friend of mine, Pete, played a monthly show there and eventually I started getting called out from the stage. Whether that was to bring my camcorder up to him so he can play around with it, or to sing backup to Little Red Corvette ("whooo hooo hoooo!"), I was always extremely nervous to get up there, yet always game. (Such is me - always nervous, but always game. Maybe that should be my motto.) Anyways, on one of his monthly shows, a group of us got called up. Actually, I forget the setup, but we knew we were going up there to join him, which is why I brought my cowbell (which I still have, thankyouverymuch) and Tyler brought a toy trumpet. Luckily, Chris brought his camera and managed to tape this "faceoff" performance of cowbell vs. trumpet during Little Red Corvette.

Thought I'd share this here. :)