Half Robot-Half Man. I Am At Your Mercy (Part 1)

Half Robot - Half Man. I Am At Your Mercy (Pt. 1)

After many months of glorious isolation from my typical days while we were recording and touring, I decided it would be in my best interest to integrate myself back into society. Ironically these days what it means to
"socialize" has changed and for a lot of people and this is especially true for musicians. Socialization is done on a social platform and the digital platform and every indie band across the country is trying to find a balance. Many music business experts believe that most importantly the modern musician needs to be leading this double life. Eventually will it be that every musician will become half robot - half man?

Musicians can choose to plug themselves in at anytime. As musicians we now can capture our music and broadcast our angst to the entire world wide web. No label, resentful promoter, police officer breaking up the party, or disc jockey is going to stand in our way! We are telling the whole world just WHO we are from our cell phones and laptops while we sit at tables with strangers and friends in coffee shops and on trains discussing exactly what it is we are typing about on one of the thousands of social networking sites we have the access to have a profile on.  Why is this necessary? If you haven't noticed the game has changed immensely and it is NEVER going back. For worse or better - the good news for you is we are at your mercy.

As if touring, recording, performing, writing, producing, booking, merchandising and finding the time to keep our chops up isn't demanding enough for the independent musicians, the ones that do all of those things are now also expected and often rewarded when we stay in touch on our social networking sites and connect with our fans. Of course we have all fallen victim to and occasionally participated in the FLURRY of self-promotion that comes with this new formula but I ask you - whose job is it exactly to say, define who should and should not be sharing? If it drives you crazy as a fan - let the band know. If a band isn't sharing enough - let the band know. After all you are the one buying the records and going to shows.

The aforementioned gatekeepers of the past, although biased and often driven by greed, at least required that there was some sort of standard.  Nowadays anyone can pick up a microphone, plug in and bellow out the highest out of key note they can reach and SHOVE IT IN YOUR FACE every 10 minutes. So now the power has shifted and the general public or the fans of independent music are the gatekeepers of who is in and who is out. No longer are artists able to sit back and just be artists. Now the best are required to be half Entrepreneur-Half Artist. Fans used to be martyrs for bands, but now bands are martyrs for fans.

Of course, every struggling musician would claim that 95% of the fan community "don't have a clue" or "don't find the patience or time to really listen to what is really going on". I say , "Live with it pal ." Unfortunately that is the way it is, and these days it is expected that you understand your audience not the other way around. The game has just gotten so much bigger. Unfortunately for the new gatekeepers this new business also puts more stress on them too. It's part of the reason Facebook changed the Fan button to a Like button. Being a fan was just too stressful. Now, no longer can you just be a friend of someone in a band. In time you eventually become Half Promoter-Half Fan. Could all of the time bands spend promoting themselves be taking them away from their music? Hell yes.

Don't forget. We are in this together.

You want your favorite independent act to develop? Join their street team or buy another tee. They just might grab a set of guitar strings and write you a distorted lullaby....

Half Robot-Half Man. I Am At Your Mercy.

Playoff Beards Step Aside!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

May 13th, 2010

CONTACT:

Model Stranger

modelstranger@gmail.com

www.modelstranger.com

Playoff Beards Step Aside

Musician Grows Trademark Whiskers for 6 Months Then Shaves Them for Good Cause

Chicago indie rock band Model Stranger has been gaining a lot of attention for their new record Dreams & Bones released on April 24^th, 2010, but they’ve gained just as much attention for the magnificent moustaches that adorn their faces nearly year round. The moustaches have become so synonymous with Model Stranger that since they designed a tee shirt with a moustache on it, they have had trouble keeping it in stock. Well, beginning back in November 2009, bass player Kevin James took his trademark facial adornment to a new level, growing it out maintenance free for 6 months, with the eventual idea of shaving off when the band finished the recording of Dreams & Bones. James recalls, “When it came time to shave it off a light bulb exploded in my head and I thought the best thing to do would be to donate it to charity." He has chosen The American Cancer Society as the recipient of his fundraising.

"In November we were searching for a new drummer and I didn't shave at the time.  We started getting ready to create a new record, and after adding Vincent Joseph to Model Stranger I thought to myself, this is kind of like the situation where hockey players grow their beards out during the playoffs, only mine is a moustache and my playoffs are releasing this new record,” James said.  

James parted ways with his moustache on April 25^th, 2010, the day after the band’s album release show, coming on the heels of completing an 18-show-in-18-day westward tour. James decided to sell his moustache on eBay - not simply "the trimmings" but his actual waxed 'stache still in tact (for the most part).

"Cancer has had a large impact on those around me,” said James, “and what more silly of a way is there to try and raise money for such a great cause?!  The money will be donated on behalf of Model Stranger because, after all, my moustache was for the band. I am sad to see it go but doing it for cause is calming.”

Photo Credit: Mike Hari

Kevin James’s moustache can be found at this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/REAL-MOUSTACHE-SALE-www-modelstranger-com-/280506479434?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414f7d334a

In addition, Model Stranger will be donating a percentage of every Moustache Tee shirt sale that is purchased through June 6^th of this year. Those can be found at this link:   http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110533340067

More information about Kevin James, the moustache, or Model Stranger is available at Model Stranger’s official blog: http://www.modelstranger.blogspot.com. To catch Model Stranger live, head to the Double Door on Tuesday May 25^th when they perform on a Haiti Benefit bill. The show starts at 9 p.m. and costs $7 (tickets here).

Vince-atarian Eating : An Altenate Lifestyle On-The-Run

Becoming a Vince-atarian

About 4 years ago I decided not to eat any red meat in order to maintain a healthier-lifestyle. I thought I would make the job as easy as possible so I set a list of guidelines. To make it easier, I decided Sunday would be my "cheat" day and I would only be able to consume red-meat on that day; the rest of the week I would eat healthy fare and limit my total meat intake to chicken or fish once-a-week, otherwise, no meat. Well I have ADD and forgot to eat chicken during the week and/or "cheat" on Sundays. So here I am today, I will eat fish about once or twice a month, however, no meat of any kind enters my body. Some call it an altered vegetarian, some call it being a pescatarian, I call myself a Vince-atarian. However, eating no meat and traveling frequently can be taxing if you don't know all of your options.

Tips for Life on the Go

Always plan ahead. The majority of my friends (and my entire family) eat meat. This might be difficult for some people to continue a healthy lifestyle around, however, the first thing you will learn is to plan ahead. I always bring along healthy vegetarian snacks so that if meat-alternatives are not available I am not left out of the feasting traditions. I highly recommend Cliff Bars; they are high in protein, vitamins and are made of all healthy-natural ingredients not to mention they are super tasty :) I recommend the "Blueberry Crisp" or "Peanut Butter Toffee." Hummus; also very high protein content as well as a good supply of lean fat and oil (simply mashed garbanzo-beans/chick-peas with garlic, lemon and a key ingredient (my favorite is the roasted red-pepper) compose this spread or dip-type food) and it can be placed in pita-bread, on sandwiches, in salads or bring along some veggie sticks to dip into the hummus for a healthy and quick snack. Crackers, mixed nuts or peanut butter spread on apples are other wonderful ways to collect nutrients through healthy snacks while being mobile. There are also websites to help you get a plan-of-attack on the road.

Keep an Eye Out For

Visit the Happy Cow website. The helpful website lists vegetarian and vegan resources; including restaurants by locality. Before your hitting the road, spend some time researching the various vegetarian places to eat on the road so you'll be prepared when hunger strikes. Otherwise, most cities have Natural Food Markets (i.e. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc.) and/or coops that supply fresh fruit, veggies and other tasty delights for those of us who have nixed meat from our diet. If you are in an even bigger rush for fast healthy, or at least, meat-free food, you still have some really good options.

Burger King. Believe it or not I have eaten a lot of Burger King on the road. They offer a veggie burger which I pair with some onion rings and a drink (I also recommend asking for "Zesty Sauce" it has changed my life) for a very-fast, affordable, meat-free meal. Subway has been my savior for quite some time now, I love Subway. You can snag a Veggie-Delight (I prefer mine w/ lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, green pepper, banana pepper, giardiniera peppers, sweet-onion sauce, light-mayo on honey-oat bread) and they even have protein patty's if you'd like; the patty's are composed of soy beans & veggies and look/taste like a chicken patty. Other options can be found at Quizno's, Taco Bell, Blimpie's, however, these options are not as healthy (more preservatives) and I recommend these (and Burger King) in dispersed moderation. Otherwise, there's always the ethnic restaurants.

Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants always have good vegetarian cuisine and help to recharge those batteries. Mexican: grab a quesadilla with some mushrooms followed by a chile-rellenos (stuffed with rice, cheese and veggies) for a good meal. Chinese: I'm a sucker for Kung Pao tofu with rice. Thai: I could eat anything from a Thai place like Pad Thai, Pad Se Ewe, Crazy Noodles, etc. They always have a lengthy and tasty menu for those of you looking for good meals that do not contain meat. Indian: peas paneer are my favorite paired with curried tofu. Italian: pasta, pizza and eggplant are great avenues at these restaurants. So if you really choose to embrace this lifestyle it is indeed possible to find tasty-healthy options anywhere.

Ask Around

I prefer to find one-of-a-kind restaurants and eateries along the road that aren't franchised out. You can always find a good diner or grill that will serve of fresh food and allow you to maintain your regimen. You should also talk with the locals and find a good place for your diet. While Model Stranger was in Lawrence, KS I spoke with a very nice man and women in their store, 3rd Planet; they referred me to Dempsey's Irish Pub. I know, this doesn't sound like vegetarian friendly place, but it was and all of Model Stranger agreed it was the best burger (or veggie-burger) that they have had. These tasty burger were paired with delicious fries that had been tossed in truffle-butter and parmesan cheese; it also didn't hurt that they had a nice beer selection :) You can read my full review of Dempsey's and other restaurants at Model Stranger's Yelp! page HERE.

Don't Try To Change Your Friends - Just Share With Them

Eating as a Vince-atarian I try to not impose my views or lifestyle onto anyone else, however, if they ask me about it I will inform them of the extreme health benefits and overall lifestyle improvements that come along with this diet. I have more energy, I have a clean and healthy body, I VERY rarely get sick, and it even affects my mental health and gives a positive outlook on life. I even got Kevin James to enjoy some hummus & avocado spread with me and I got Stephen Francis hooked on Veggie-delights from Subway & Sesame-Seaweed Balls from Trader Joes. However, this diet is not for everyone, some people just love their meat :) But whether you eat meat or not, we should all be concerned with maintaining a healthy diet. Especially while traveling!

Love,

Vincent Joseph