News Archives 2002
12-24-02
by Scott (Scojo) - Happy Holidays Setheads! Hope you are all having a kick ass holiday season. Today is Christmas Eve Day and I'm sitting in Scottsdale, AZ at my folks' place. It's freakin' raining...can you believe that? I thought I should give you the lowdown on the Doc Maynards show last Friday and remind you that we are playing Alpental on New Years Eve and The Sit & Spin on Jan. 18th.
We had a week to rest up after the tour. We needed it. Ricky and I both found ourselves napping at virtually every opportunity (not together, mind you). I had the pleasure of seeing God himself perform (not Ricky...but Peter Gabriel) on Tuesday night. It was an awesome show, though for the second half I was seated next to one of those guys that loves to sing along, out of key, to every song. I was about to give him a Merry Christmas crack to the cranium with a blunt instrument..but didn't want to get blood stains on my fleece.
The show at Doc Maynards was very cool. It was mildly attended, but all of Pioneer Square was slow that night. The best part about it was the response we received. We naively thought we'd put on a "tight" show, but found ourselves plagued with gear issues out the wazzu. But the crowd response was so awesome that we all put it behind us and had an absolute blast. It was good to have the legendary Yuri B back on the stage with us. He makes Joe C look like a dead midget. Whoops, that was insensitive wasn't it? Oh well, I've been home for 6 days out of the last 4 weeks, so I'm about as sensitive as a Republican Convention right now.
Thanks to Myk and Sugarbang (nice job) and Life Without Sun for some great tunes to warm up the show at Doc's. Please don't forget that we have a big show at The Sit & Spin on Jan. 18th. There are rumors that The Fighting Machinists may have a new CD to release that night, as may we. We assembled a "compilation CD" for our tour that has some previously unreleased tracks and some cuts from previous records on it...so if you'd like us to make it available...let us know.
Thanks everyone for your support. Thanks Amber (not mine) for the WONDERFUL artwork on the front page. And thanks to the fat cat executives at the 4-5 record labels that still exist for only offering a handful of decent bands on the radio, so that we don't get overwhelmed with good music. To them, let all the Setheads extend a loud, "GTFO!!!".
-Peez Owt, Scojo
12-16-02
Home
Howdy Ho Setheads! Here lies the final installment of the tour diary for M-set's West Coast Tour #1! I have to catch you up on several nights, so let's get right to it.
Last time we heard from the M-set boys (i.e. us), we were headed for Chico. Ah…the triumphant return to Chico. The Red Room in Chico is one of the best clubs we've played. And that's saying a lot because the stage is small, there's no lights, and the monitors are almost inaudible. But James, the soon-to-be owner is the first owner I've met that cares, that actually appreciates musicians, and that is aggressively trying to establish a "scene". Oh, and Sierra Nevada is brewed in Chico, so it's my version of Mecca. Four times a day I face south and pray to Pale Ale.
We had to get up early to drive to Eugene (not ours) the next day. It's an 8 hour drive in a vehicle that isn't a 1978 Ford Econoline, getting 6.5 miles to the gallon, with a trailer being held together by gum, during clear weather. But unfortunately, we WERE! And the weather going over the THREE mountain passes that stood between us and Eugune, was TERRIBLE!! Oh, and did I mention that we were all operating on about 4 hours of sleep? These truly are the days.
The Eugene (Oregon, not ours) show was at "Good Times". Yet another club where the guy booking it CARES! and does his best to bring good bands, and lots of bodies in the door. We weren't disappointed. The opening band (pocket face) was a kick ass ska band and a perfect set up for our set. When we hit the stage there was a healthy crowd and they ate up everything we cooked.
Their were tons of dancers in the audience, including the two Japanese guys from Pocket Face, who were inspiring me because their smiles were so big and they were having a blast (by the way, that whole comment about Asian Beef Jerky? That was a joke ;-). Jamie's uncle and cousin came out, as did Jamie's dad (a total, and pleasant surprise to Jamie). Big thanks to them for all their support.
We attempted an after hours party back at our hotel after the show, but the only magic of the evening was going on in the vicinity of Ricky's pants. The lessons of the night were: 1) Chicks don't like Scotch; 2) Good Times means Good Times; 3) There is a Ricky; and finally, 4) There is an inexhaustible amount of jokes that come from being in a town called, "Eugene" when you have a guitar player named Eugene. I overheard Jason innocently telling someone that "we're pulling out of Eugene" and damn near blew milk through my nose (and I hadn't been drinking any milk).
The ride to Portland was a breeze. We'd been driving 6-9 hours a day for the past two days, so the two hour drive was as easy as Angelina Jolie after a couple of Red Bulls. We got to Portland early, so we hung at Steve (ever-twisted, ever-funny) Kemp's place. I went to Safeway and renewed my continued assault on whole chickens. I seem to be winning that one (unless you consult my colon).
We played at McMinnaman's White Eagle in Portland on Saturday. Our first impressions once again betrayed us. Until that night, they had only hosted Singer/Songwriter types with acoustic guitars and "Alt Country" groups, so we expected to hear "Would it hurt you to play some James Taylor?!" screaming from the audience. Nope.
Since we opened the show, the crowd was minimal when we started. But right away they seemed to connect. Not only that, but people started showing up out of nowhere. I smiled inside because I realized that our final show was turning into a good one. We played our hearts out, sang our hearts out, met some wonderful new friends, and heard some other great bands (Kleveland & #3 Breakdown). We got lots of new fans on the mailing list, sold a good chunk of CD's, and had a great time talking to everyone. Big thanks to Matt Slessler and Ryan (sorry Ryan, I can't remember your last name) with Neurotic Charisma for getting us the gig (and the one in Eugene), Steve & Julie, Ray & Shane, Steve, Yuri Purple, and Hot Jamie for hosting us at her house for the post party. If I forgot to mention anyone, it's not because you're not significant, it's because I'm a tard.
The post party was notable for one reason. It was the minute I looked at the clock and realized it was 6:30 a.m. and I hadn't gone to bed yet. Sheesh. It's not like there was a huge party going on, it was just a handful of us…and it's not like "the beer was flowing like wine - and the women instinctively flocked like the Salmon of Capistrono", but for some reason, Scojo, yes me…stayed up until 6:30 a.m. - which, for those that don't know me…is as rare as Trent Lott at an NAACP meeting.
The next morning we opted not to hit our normal breakfast digs and head straight for home. The ride was mostly uneventful, and actually not brutally long…which is what I thought would be the case. When we got our first view of the Seattle skyline, we all sat up and took note. There it was, our home town. Home base. Our own beds. Our own fans. Our own showers and toilets. Valhalla.
Shawna graced us with a KICK ASS lasagna dinner and apple pie. Double yummy. We sat around and reflected on how exhausted we were and how, given a few days notice, we'd pick up and do it all over again in a heart beat…sans Los Angeles.
I've learned a lot about a lot, this trip. I've seen high expectations fall to low realities, and low expectations soar into the highest highs. I've learned that Los Angeles may be where the big money suits decide 95% of what we have access to in recorded music, but it's the towns outside of LA where music is still truly alive. I've made new friends. I've run in the ocean. I've sipped scotch underneath the Santa Barbara stars. I've laughed until it hurt…several times. I've seen the hospitality and smiles of SO many people that my faith in this damned human race has actually been raised.
But if you'll indulge the selfish praise, the number one thing I've learned on this trip is that M-set's number one goal is to make people smile - to give them a chance to escape from the cares of the world…just for a little while…and we do it really, really well…whether there are 6 people, or 600…my boyz are simply the best. Those truly were the days…I can't wait to see more.
Peez Owt!
-Scojo
12-12-02
Leaving Santa Cruz
Well, I guess the ominous task of leaving the ocean behind for an indefinite period of time is now upon us. I am very sad. The ocean has been good to us. It's brought us entertainment, exercise, sunsets and a gaggle of hot married women jogging down the beach.
We spent a lazy day at the beach yesterday. I made a trek down the beach to the local store because I needed my daily dose of beef jerky, phone calls, and asian people. When I got back, we rallied the troups for a long walk down the beach with a football and bare feet. The water was cold, but we managed to keep warm by pretending to be professional football receivers….only with no talent…and beer guts…and no money.
We covered about 2 miles of beach when we stumbled on a creek running into the ocean. Someone asked, "Do you think this is fresh water?", which was Eugene's cue to pick up a handful and sample it. Within minutes we noticed a sign that said, 'Do Not Drink Creek Water - subject to periodic contamination", so hopefully the creek was neither contaminated…or on it's period. Either way, Eug will be ok, his mouth has been more disgusting places than his hands have, and if he gets the runs, we can probably bottle it, and sell it at the hippy coffee shops as "Organic Energy Drink".
The show last night at The Union was good. We were treated to free food (see "Free Food Kicks Ass") and some great coffee. The Union is much like The B&O Espresso in Seattle. Healthy foods, great coffee and tea based drinks, and lots of armpit hair. You can almost smell the patchouli behind every corner.
By the time we went on there were about 10 people in the audience. We didn't know what to expect, so we just cranked right up without comment. By the looks on the faces during the first song, I could tell that we were being as well received as a rubber cement football, thrown to Terrell Davis on a hot summer night.
By the end of the set, we'd managed to make about $25 dollars, get a free meal and witness Eugene dropping G strings like the girls at Jason's work when Gary Payton is having a boyz night out. So all in all it was a worthwhile show. Big Thanks to Amber (not mine) and her friends for driving all the way from San Jose to see us. It was great having them there to cheer us on.
After the show we went out with Amber and her crew for a round of drinks. We sipped pale ale, mused about life, warded off really drunk guys, found out that God rewards cash donations from a Russian missionary and managed to almost freeze our nipples off. So off we went to camp.
I was tired, so I pretty much drifted off right away. Eugene was on the bunk above me and I think he was sleeping as well, but when activity is going on and Eugene is in the vicinity, sleep is a relative term. The rest of the bunch sat outside with a fire and various firewaters until about 4 a.m. - when Jason entered the trailer and exclaimed in a single malt tone "I'm gonna watch South Park, huh…huh…huh…" So we popped in the "Anal Probe" episode and drifted off to sleep.
This morning found me up early and off to the showers, then back to the store for beef jerky and Asians. Perhaps I should make beef jerky out of Asians and cut out the middle man. After a walk down the beach in front of multi-million dollar houses and a moment of introspection on the cliffs, I headed back and we packed up. So now we're on the highway to Chico and the first of our last three shows of the tour. I'm ready to be home, but not a moment of dread fills my head for the next few days. Except maybe the trip over the Siskoyous through the snow, in a van, with a trailer that's held together with duct tape, Eugene's barber shop gum and the power of the Lord. Pray for us.
-Scojo
12-11-02
Beachside, Santa Cruz
G'mawnin' Setheads! I arose to the sound of surf and snoring, so I decided to go for a walk, get me some jerked meat (also known as beef jerky) and write y'all the next installment. There's not much to say really, but here goes.
We arrived in Santa Cruz after a beautiful drive through some large hills, or possibly small mountains. We stopped to get lunch in this small town just outside of San Fran and figured out that we'd accidentally stumbled into the Beverly Hills of the area. I grabbed a smoked turkey leg and a baguette from the store (flashbacks of Europe '90) and Ricky slipped a handbill to a beautiful young woman in a beautiful new car. She was courteous to him, but I'm guessing that since Ricky's outward appearance doesn't scream "Huge Bank Statement", that her interest was purely in checking out his ass.
The drive was beautiful. Lots of pretty small towns with pretty large real estate prices. I stopped to get a coffee and hit a bank machine. My account balances are as low as an hour alone with Jamie in a small room with a can of Crisco and a slide ruler. Shivers. There's nothing like being unemployed and being on tour. Always one foot in the employment line at Burger King.
Once in Santa Cruz, we cruised around The Boardwalk. "Lost Boys" was filmed there, so all I could do was say, "those damn vampires" all day long…that, and gawk at all the passers by. We decided to head to the venue we'll be playing at tonight to see what it was like. On the way, the electronics on our trailer breaks started shorting out like a night with Herve Villachais (Tattoo) in a small room with a can of Crisco and a slide ruler. We had to stop at an auto parts store and buy a few parts so that this morning we can hopefully solve the problem.
After surveying the options for over night slumber, we decided to head back out to the campground that we'd stayed at a few nights back. When we arrived, we realized that the place was busier than a night with Eugene with a can of Crisco and a pitcher of dirty martinis, so we had to be "good boys" (i.e. keep our noise to a minimum). The extent of our evening was sipping Keystone "Premium" (the premium tasting specially lined can), chasing waves, watching Lord Of The Rings and speculating whether or not Chris and Michelle were having phone sex.
I have now filled up on jerked meat and am ready for the day at hand. We have 10 hours to drive 10 miles, then we play a coffee shop called "The Union" in Santa Cruz. It could be a fun gig, unless the shop is filled with frantic students, trying to get some last minute studying for finals. If we do, there may be a hippy riot. Lots of chanting of libby catch phrases, picket signs with things like "Hey Stop It Man!" written on them and tofu being thrown at us with the best of intentions.
12-10-02
San Francisco/Santa Cruz
Well gosh a golly Ma! Give me two in the pink…cause last night was The Shocker! San Francisco last night broad sided us like an unshaven Graham Satterlee on a Jagermeister binge!
We got into town and were treated to showers at Jamie's brother Chris' house. That was cool because our "skin to crust ratio" was getting pretty high. After a quick check of the emails and phone calls to our various friends, family and pieces of chocolate cake, we headed off to the venue.
Kimos is a gay and lesbian bar…sort of. Yes, you are greeted by a transsexual, hosted by a gay bartender, and the loafers there are slightly less effected by gravity than at other bars…but it's actually a pretty good blend of heteros and non-heteros. My prediction about which M-setter would garnish the most attention from the gay community was correct. Chris successfully defended his "I Attract Gay Men" crown (or should I say tiara) last night.
I have to admit that my first instincts were that the show was going to suck. My instincts betrayed me. From the moment we started, people began funneling in in droves, and they watched every moment of our show with smiles and intrigue. Ricky worked his magic and sold enough CDs to get us gas money for today. I think he could have made $150 more for us, the hard way, but he was unwilling to "take one for the team".
After our set, we were treated to "Burke" - a
San Francisco treat that the word "Quirky" sticks to like a piece
of toilet paper to Jason's underpants after a night in Santa Barbara. Check
them out for sure. Our friends Dave and Darlene drove clear from Reno to
see us, stopping to pick up Janet along the way. They even got a hotel room
near by for post show festivities.
The post show festivities were the most outrageous of the tour thus far.
We packed all of us, the Burke folks, Dave & Darlene, Janet, Chris and
Amy (Jamie's brother and cousin), and a host of other freaks and frolickers
into a hotel room and attempted to party at a reasonable level…but
alas that lasted for about 10 minutes.
The first noise complaint rang in, then the second, so Ricky and Darlene went to the front desk and got a room that was more isolated for us to continue the fiesta. That room lasted for about half an hour…but I think the acoustic guitars, Patron and "Ricky on 11" were too much for the neighbors TWO FLOORS BELOW to handle…so the manager came up and threatened to kick us all out. There were rumors of cops floating around, so Chris and I headed back to the trailer to avoid the fray.
This morning I woke to find that the cops had in fact shown up, kicked Dave and Darlene out (they slept in their cars) and shut down whatever remnants of the party that remained. Luckily, no one ended up in jail, or worse…in Roslyn, so a wonderful time was had by all…except maybe our gay Irish friend, who found out that Chris is, in fact, married.
Today we are making a lazy way along the side highways of San Fran, on the way to Santa Cruz. It's a beautiful drive. Windy, scenic and lots of MILFS. I just drank a large cup of coffee and am feeling the smoked turkey leg I had for lunch moving around and asking to be released to the world. I think Eugene is worse off than I though…his muscle to poo ratio is in the red.
Thanks to Dave & Darlene, Chris and Amy, Amber (not my Amber), Janet and everyone who came to see us last night. It was truly a great gig and, except for the 30-40 business travelers that we sent off to their daily routines with a severe case of sleep deprivation, and the arrival of the cops, it all panned out much better than expected. Now we have a night off in Santa Cruz. Then tomorrow night, The Union in Santa Cruz will get a dose of acoustic M-set. I'll close with the following observations: 1) Ricky goes to 11; 2) Gay men love Chris, and 3) I'm really, really fucking hot. ;-)
-Scott (Scojo)
12-09-02
Just outside of Santa Cruz
Hey there Setheads! We are knee deep in the tour and are finally well rested and our vocal chords seem to be on the mend. This morning finds me at Seacliff State Park in Aptos, CA (just outside of Santa Cruz). We're on our way to San Francisco and it's raining like an SOB. It feels like home.
Last night we pulled into a camp site that had full hook-ups, so we actually had full electricity! The only downside to right now is that I haven't had a shower since LA, so I'm smelling a bit fermented right now. If you poured a gallon of week old pale ale into a manure spitter, then shot the contents onto a t-shirt and cargo pants, you'd get an idea of what I smell like right now. Luckily, we found a laundromat, so I finally had a chance to get my gear into some suds.
It's funny how the ocean turns grown men into little boys. Last night we ran out to the beach and played a little game of "Keep Away From The Waves". Remember when you were about seven years old and saw the ocean for the first time? As a wave went out, you'd run towards it, than another wave would crash in and send you running up the beach to keep from getting soaked? That was all six of us last night…compliments of the Clan McGregor and the Popov family.
These last two nights have found at least one of us fully in the bag. Jason woke up looking like warmed over Ricky. He's feeling "yucky", but is managing to be a real trooper. My desire for the normal rock and roll tour trappings (sex, drugs, etc) has been almost non-existent this tour. I think that sleep deprivation, a bad case of "flat ass" (a condition caused by long term exposure to van seats), and ripe personal aromas are currently ruling the day.
I'm finding that my ability to produce funny journal entries for you on this tour is more difficult than I'd expected. I've thought about why, and the only conclusions I've come to are: 1) Writing a journal in a van is not conducive to creativity. The vibrations make it difficult to write, and Chris' ass has been merciless. 2) We are actually laughing almost non-stop on this tour, but they are all inside jokes. It'd be impossible to explain all the gut busters we've had unless you were three sheets to the wind when I explained them, and you'd seen Tommy Boy, Jaws, Monty Python and The Holy Grail and Ace Ventura in the last few weeks.
Remember that we are playing at Doc Maynards on Dec. 20th. This show will likely be a must see. Think about it..we will be returning from 12 shows in 14 nights. We will be well rehearsed and the comedic banter on stage will likely be in full effect. I am pushing to have a world premier of Eugene's top notch Herman Munster impersonation on stage that night as well.
Well it's off to San Fran. Tonight we play in a Gay & Lesbian bar. I can't wait to see how the satirically chauvinistic, hetero humor of M-set flies. I also can't wait to see which one of us wins over the most hearts of the gay community. My prediction is Chris.
-Scott (Scojo)
12-08-02
Highway 101, California
Howdy Ho Otra Vez Setheads! I have the pleasure of writing to you from highway 101 in California, just south of San Luis Obispo. This is a beautiful part of the world. Yesterday we struck out from LA and headed up the coast. Just north of Malibu, at a place called Zuma Beach, we all got out of the van, took off our shoes, and waded in the ocean at sunset. Damn, it was beautiful. The sun was just coming down and was big, orange and a site to behold.
We were all in great moods because we had nowhere we had to be, and a long time to get there. We pulled into Santa Barbara and had dinner. Santa Barbara is like a HUGE Kirkland…only you can walk down the main drag with just a fleece jacket, in the middle of winter. Very cool. We dubbed Santa Barbara, "Santa MILFA" (see movie, "American Pie) because there were SO many hot women over the age of 30 wandering around.
We decided to head to El Capitan Beach State Park and camp for the night. It was a wise decision. We were just a few yards from the beach and the "stars were out in force and the moon was shining oh, so bright". We wandered down to the beach and hung out on the rocks while the waves crashed all around us. It was incredible. In our slightly inebriated state of mind, I was able to stay mindful of the fact that the tide was coming in, so we didn't die…which is nice.
We went back up, started a fire and sat around musing about the tour thus far, how great it was to just chill out for a while and sang songs with our still strained vocal chords. I went on a mission to find a satellite floating through the skies, but I didn't find any. But I did manage to get a great look at the Milky Way.
Today we got up, went back down to the beach, met our new friends Steve and Shelly, and chilled some more. A wonderful time was had by all….except maybe Chris because he appears to have lost some of his laundry. When you're on the road, laundry is kind of essential.
Well, we're pulling into Pismo Beach and I'm gonna dip my toes in some surf. Perhaps more later…if I don't write more later…I will close with two statements. 1) The Central California coast is one of the coolest areas in the world; and 2) These are the days.
-Scott (Scojo)
12-07-02
Los Angeles
Ah, the bitter-sweetness of life on the road. We all prepared ourselves for LA to be potentially the most important stop along the way, but also quite possibly the hardest and most disappointing. We got a blend of both.
Wednesday evening we played my alma mater, The Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. It was great to see the place and hear how much more expensive it is than when I was there. The venue was a performance room that funneled right out onto Hollywood Blvd. The attendance was medium, but the response was great…even several nods of approval from passerby's on the street.
Shortly after the show we headed out to the Troubador to catch a rare show by Jason Falkner. Falkner has been a mutual band favorite since the get go. He put on an amazing show with a total of 8 brand new songs and a plethora of old chestnuts. All of us wished we could have been a bit less tired for such an eclectic experience. A word of advice friends: drink up before you head into a club in Hollywood… a Bud Light will run you between $5 to 7 dollars per bottle. Not for the feeble walleted! However, it was well worth the trip down the strip and the $10.00 cover charge.
The next day was basically a veg-a-thon. We had a kick ass hotel in Pasadena, thanks to Chris' smarter and better looking half, Michelle. The sun was shining, we threw the football, sat in the hot tub, watched TV and worked very hard at doing very little. We were all preparing ourselves mentally AND physically for the show in Santa Monica that night.
We arrived at the "14 Below" in Santa Monica bright and early. Wanted to make sure we had all of our ducks in a row. The venue was admittedly a bit ragged. It had a dive bar vibe and a small main room. The stage was decent though. So we loaded in, sound checked, took advantage of the ½ price nachos, and prepared for whatever and whomever showed up.
We knew going into the show that several of our friends had planned on being there, but had canceled, but honestly…I wasn't prepared for the start of the show. When we hit the stage, we were playing for Jason's mom, and our friend Pooja who is now living in Santa Monica. I was frustrated…until the first note, but after that, everything else disappeared.
I'm telling you folks, your boyz of M-set NEVER duck a show. We played with ALL of our heart and soul. The energy and sound of our performance managed to draw in the peripheral barflys and the room slowly began to fill in. Not fill up, mind you…but fill in. When we got off stage, I realized that we had just given a grand performance (including an M-set Shuffle moment when yours truly was caught alone with pants around ankles) and the disappointment of hopes gone unfilled and friends gone unpresent basically washed away.
Much to our surprise, the next band to hit the stage was Butterfly Jones… ex members of the amply successful band DADA. We exchanged praises and contact info after the show over a couple of beers and headed on our way.
The lowlight of the trip thus far happened on the way home. We were driving down a poorly lit road when WHAM! we hit an unmarked dip in the road that sent our trailer crashing into it's frame and basically doing a decent amount of damage to our mobile hotel room. In fact, the damage was significant enough that we all vowed to simply not look at the trailer until we got to the hotel….because the reality of it was not desirable at that moment.
We got back, assessed damage, then went to our room to try and summon up the energy for an after hours celebration, but alas…we fizzled out like a warm beer on a warm day. Your boyz of M-set simply didn't have the energy…please don't tell anyone…we have reputations to maintain.
The next day we had the pleasure of visiting 5.1 Entertainment. They are a cutting edge company/label that deals in the "Surround Sound" field. Very "bleeding edge". Our buddy Rick Stinkfist at Microsoft had been kind enough to record "Hello" in Surround for us and send it to them. 5.1 Surround is the future of music. Period. It really captures the full spectrum of sound and depth. Plus, the format can be recorded on a DVD player, which means the only thing that stands in the way of 5.1 music becoming standard is time.
Kevin Moran at 5.1 played us some samples including a remix of the infamous Fleetwood Mac record, "Rumors" in full surround. Wow..is all I can say. We chatted about the current and future states of music, mused about the possibilities and then said our goodbyes and headed out for The Sunset Strip…the location of our show that night.
The Coconut Teaszer (the venue) was nice enough to slip us on a weekend slot without the typical LA "prepay" (where bands essentially pay to play). The only downside was that it was at 8:00…so the odds of a decent crowd were very slim. And alas, lady luck did not smile on us. We basically hit the stage with a few peripherals watching on, and luckily managed to keep them and add a few others throughout the 40 minute set. During the set I managed to knock over a mic stand AND damn near twist my ankle AND Jason's in one graceless stumble.
After the show, our friend Angela from Seattle showed up! We were all shocked. She had gone to Santa Cruz for Thanksgiving and then just kept heading down the coast. She found out we were in town, and came to see us. Unfortunately, she arrived just after the set. So we packed up, headed out for our hotel and managed to squeak out a reasonable attempt at an after hours party with her and the rest of the boys.
It's Saturday morning, and I'm sitting in a hotel lobby in West Covina, CA and munching on an actually decent continental breakfast. I'm exhausted, frazzled, broke and it's one of the best times I've had in recent memory (next to a little trip to Denver just prior to the tour). We are all looking forward to having two nights off and getting a chance to recover. God Lord, we are hacking up green stuff, coughing at unheard of decibels, shooting Echinacea like it's Jagermeister, and we are only half way through the tour! Sheesh. The great part is that the "pressure" part is over and all the gigs on the way back are going to be fantastic.
Alright, my exhaustion has caused a brain meltdown. Time for me to sign off and get ready for a nice relaxing stroll up the California coast. Oh! Send us an email, put up a guest book entry, let us know what's going on with you! Peez Owt.
-Scott (Scojo)
12-04-02
The Grapevine, CA
Wow, what a long day. We played The Red Room in Chico, CA last night and immediately packed up and headed for Los Angeles. Barring a 3 hour stop at a Rest Stop outside of Fresno, we've been driving straight all night (it's 12:30 now) and we have another 1 ½ - 2 hours to go.
I'll say right now that The Red Room in Chico is kick ass. It's not the largest club in the world…it's basically like a "hip" version of The Raindancer (our old home base), but the management is awesome and the crowds, even on a Tuesday night, are decent.
We pulled into Chico, glad to be out of the cold weather that had been plaguing us thus far. Right off the bat, James at The Red Room set us up with a pitcher of beer and a kick ass combo pizza. Next, he proceeded to give us directions to his and his neighbors house where we were treated to round of warm showers and a place to hang for a while. Very cool…cause we were all getting pretty stinky.
We got to the club and were greeted by our friends Katie and Janet, who had driven an hour and a half to come see us. Plus, Jamie's friend Dave and his girlfriend drove from Reno to see the show. It always makes things feel more special when your friends go to great lengths to show their support. Thanks you guys!
The bands on the bill were all great. The stage was small, but all the bands managed to take full advantage of the spaee. It was kind of a punk pop style evening. Vast Differnces opened the show with a Sum 41-esque performance. Then Indecisive Youth shared their punk pop a la New Found Glory sound with us…with great presence and lots of flair. We played our set…with vocal chords barely intact, but did pretty well all things considered. Then Fisticuffs finished the show with a delightful front man performance reminiscent of Iggy Pop.
God Bless Ricky, he sold a good handful of CDs and got 3+ pages of people on our mailing list. The end of the night saw us with another kick ass pizza, and hugs from our Chico fans…so a wonderful time was had by all, except maybe James, who had to deal with a freon leak as the night was coming to an end. Judging by the smile on his face though, I'm guessing he wasn't too affected by it…that, or the freon gave him a kick ass buzz.
Here I sit, heading over the Grapevine and poised to descend into the bowels of Los Angeles. My voice is tired, our bodies are racked and beaten, but the sun is shining, we have three kick ass shows in the next three nights, we've discovered the best kept secret of northern California in The Red Room…and these, most definitely, are the days…
-Scott (Scojo)
12-03-02
Leaving Ashland, OR
Howdy Ho Once Again! We're pulling out of Ashland after quite an evening of frivolity and excess. We played the "In-Store" as planned. Since it was a minimally promoted show in a small mountain town, we ended up playing for John and the rest of the staff at The Music Coop, and a handful of stragglers. Luckily, a beautiful young lady named Christina who was working at the Homeopathic Spa in the mall we were performing in loved our performance and helped us set up a gig at The Ashland Creekside Bar & Grill for later in the evening.
The Ashland Creekside is a wonderful little pub with a bar hosted by the ever-effervescent Jennifer. We talked her into letting us do an acoustic set on their stage and she cut us a mean deal on pints…so I felt obligated to oblige…especially because they had Mirror Pond Pale Ale…on of my fav's.
Our set was a fun one. The crowd was small, but attentive. And guess what? We sold enough CDs to get gas to get to Chico! It's amazing what the human spirit will be grateful for when one hasn't showered in several days.
After the set, we hung out and had a grand time with the locals. Our new friend Calhoun, who works at the Ashland Bakery gave us a big bag of assorted breads. Again, free food kicks ass. We tilted pints and chatted and laughed and a wonderful time was had by all…except maybe Ricky, who woke up looking like warmed over death on a bed of sleep depraved rice. Mmmm…sleep depraved rice.
Well hmm, I'm sitting here in the van, trying to think of something wonderfully hilarious to share with y'all, but I'm sleepy, stinky and crossing my fingers that we don't run out of gas on the Siskyou Pass…so I'm not exactly in full inspiration mode right now.
Oh, okay…we made it to the gas station, filled up and are now in California! I'm still stinky and sleepy (and any others dwarves you can think of), but a bit more inspired. So here's more update for ya…
The things that are really standing out on this trip are: 1) Chris' active and foul backside; 2) The terrible gas mileage we're getting, and 3) How kind perfect strangers can be. In regards to number one, Chris has been "active" all trip. He even gave us a display of flaming "personal gas" last night via a lighter and a lot of intestinal muscle contractions. The ever-wonderful Amber got to listen into the festivities via the speaker phone on my new cell.
Regarding number two…we're getting about 7 miles to the gallon. At this rate we are anticipating around $600 in fuel costs…if we're lucky. If there were such as thing as "frequent filler miles", we'd likely qualify for a pack of smokes and a Harrier Jet by the end of this trip. In regards to number three..all I can say is again, "These Are The Days"…
-Scott (Scojo)
12-02-02 by
Tour Diary on I-5 south of Roseburg, OR
Howdy Ho Setheads! After downloading issues…we finally have stuff for you: Here is the first installment of the M-set tour diary! Keep your eyes peeled for more installments in the very near future. First of all, I can't get the 10,000 Maniacs song, "These Are The Days" out of my head…because this tour is the culmination of everything we have worked for, for a very long time.
The tour gremlins came knocking right off the bat. We found ourselves at a rest stop with the trailer wheel-well scraping up against the tire. That's bad. Old springs were the culprit. So we jacked up the axle, wedged in some wood and moved forward with the band aid fix in place.
Show #1 was at The Tonic Lounge in Portland. There was a good size crowd who were primarily the horn rimmed glass wearing, Crocodile Café attending, "EMO" types, so our unbridled smiles and quirkiness left a few with their goateed jaws on the ground and their cashmere sweaters a bit disheveled. The bands were all great, our core fans were cheering and a wonderful time was had by all…except maybe Kurt, who drank himself under the table and was overheard shouting many Gregorian Chants to his almighty porcelain God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…that's what I say.
The after hours party was at Myk and Debbie's house. It was a barrage of beer, Diet Dr. Pepper and Vodka, and salted peanuts. I was the first to call it a night…went out to the trailer and crashed. In the middle of the night I had a dream that I was in a Jacki Chan movie and ended up kicking my toe into the wall. I proceeded to exclaim several forms of blasphemy, in several different religions, under my breath.
The next day we headed for Eugene, OR and were treated to a wonderful dinner by Jaime's Aunt and Uncle. We played a short acoustic set in their living room and then headed out for "Good Times", which is the club we'll be playing in on the way back. $2 domestic drafts and chilled Jagermeister were the call of the evening, as were discussions of what "truly constitutes the highest form of love that a woman can give a man".
This morning we arose to a wonderful pancake breakfast compliments, once again, of Jaime's Aunt and Uncle. Free food kicks ass. Now we are on the road…Jason and Eugene are drawing porn and posting it on our van windows for all to see. Needless to say…it's quite a site. One of the pics that Jason graced us with looks like Marlon Brando with a sex change, getting broadsided by an unshaven Graham Satterlee.
This afternoon we play The Music Coop in Ashland. It's an "in-store" performance that will hopefully sell enough CD's to pay for more gas, beer and cat houses along the way. Alright, I've got a lot of twiddling of my thumbs to do, so I better sign off. I'll shoot you more in day or two.
-Scott (Scojo)
10-24-02
So another kick ass Smooch Knob, M-set, Fighting Machinists show at the Sit 'n Spin. Special thanks to the flash-her-boobs-on-command girl (you know who you are). Why aren't there more girls that will show their boobs at M-set shows on command? I bet there are more girls out there that would, they just don't know it's a good idea, and believe me, it is a good idea! There are some more shows coming up (check the shows section) and then M-set is off to Cali and back for their West coast tour. The Tadpole Trailer will be in full effect behind the M-van. Should be awesome. ROCK ON!
This joke was voted the funniest joke in the world in a study done by a professor at the University of Hetfordshire in England:
A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head.
The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: "My friend is dead! What can I do?"
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: "Just take it easy. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead."
There is a silence, then a shot is heard. The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says: "OK, now what?"
-Yuri B.
10-02-02
Hello Setheads! Scojo coming at ya with the latest from Camp M-set! Friday night we ventured through the aroma and found ourselves in Tacoma. The Shoboat to be exact. Rukus opened the show, sounding a bit like New Found Glory, and I have to say I thought they did a fine job. Check them out if you can.
Next came yours truly. The boyz de la set. We were set up in 7 minutes and spent the next 25 minutes standing on the side of the stage waiting for the PA to function. Ah, the pitfalls of having 4 singers, a new house sound guy and a poorly lit room. Big kudos to our M-set man of sound, Jamie, for doing everything he could to rescue us.
Instant Winner closed the show. I don't know if I've ever seen a band where every member was fully in the bag like they were. It was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, I had to leave early, so I missed most of their set. However! We played with them the next night...
At the Central! Instant Winner opened up with a blazing set that sounded awesome. Again, check them out. They are a metal, ska punk sound that is fun, and groovlicious. Next, yes again...the boys de la set. It was likely one of the best sets we've played in recent memory. The crowd was pulsing (a good size draw I must boast) and we were all grinning ear to ear. It's nights like Saturday that remind me why I put up with with all the bull squash that the music industry dishes out.
Finally, Jodie Watts closed the show. They are a punk, new wave three piece that put on a GREAT show. Frontman Rick Friel works the crowd with the best of them. The highlight for me was, during their cover of "Cars" (you know, "it's the only way to live...in cars" duh duh...schwack! duh duh, duh duh, schwack!), Rick coaxed me up to play bass. He whispered the chord progression in my ear and I went to town. Girls were dancing on the stage, the guitar player was inverted on his head and rolling around, so I joined him. Laying on my back on stage and kicking my heels like Robin Givens on her wedding night.
Keep your eyes on the site! We confirmed a showcase in LA for December and will be doing a full tour of the western states to accompany it. And don't forget our next show is at The Sit & Spin on October 18th! Peez Owt.
-Scojo
09-16-02
Just a quick note to let everyone know that there are some new promo pictures up on our website. See here!
09-10-02
Howdy Hos and Pimps! Scojo here to dish you the latest news from Camp M-set! We had a
FABULOUS weekend in Portland this past weekend:
After a grueling 5 hour drive through traffic, we arrived in Portland to a beautiful club called "Dantes". It's a posh club with a cool vibe and some of the cuter waitresses this side of the Danube.
We played with Herkimer - a great band musically, but they need a new watch because they started late and played long (-25 demerits), and No. 3 Breakdown - a two piece group....very good...very cool. By the time the other bands got done it was 12:45 (did I mention -25 demerits for Herkimer?) so a lot of the Portland Setheads only got to see a partial show...but it was GREAT! Big Kudos to Jamie and Ricky for keeping the M-spirit alive!
The next night was The Tonic Lounge. It's a cool club, a little outside of downtown. The highlight of the night for me was seeing Tim and Phil from The Fighting Machinists doing an acoustic set to open the show. If you haven't seen them, DO IT! (with us on October 18th at The Sit and Spin)
Next came Betty Already who had recently replaced almost all of their members. +5 Intestinal Fortitude points to them. Then came our new friends No. 3 Breakdown and finally M-SET! It was a great set for us. I was feeling loose (oh Scotch and Water...I couldn't stay mad at you) and a little like Jim Morrison with a nipple rubbing fetish. The audience response after the show was AWESOME.
Finally, I want to thank Steve The Poet for coming out (long time friend) - big ups to Myk and Debbie, to Shane, Sean, Shane and Steve, and a massive debt of gratitude to Jamie and Paulie (from Smooch Knob) for hosting us both nights and being such kick ass friends. Let us all raise a glass of Jaeger! Peez Owt Seatheads!
-Scojo
09-03-02
Hello Setheads! Whilst Yuri B. was in Indiana and getting boozed up at the Husky/Michigan game, we had quite a string of shows...so I'll get you up to date.
First of all, we had a string of 3 shows in three nights starting on August 22nd. The first was at EMP. It was GREAT! The crowd really dug us and I ran into an old high school alum of mine, who also happens to be the former bass player for Candlebox, Bardi Martin. The next night found us in Issaquah - all ages show at Illusionz. The sound, lights and stage were AWESOME, but the game of lazer tag before the show was the most eventful time of the night. Well, other than getting home and getting a wonderful email from 2 of the 15 people in the audience saying they enjoyed the show. Thanks guys.
The last night was in Fremont. Snobby Seattle-ites who think Kurt Cobain was God, who think Seattle is the artistic mecca of the world, and who think that bands that smile, have fun and like to entertain their audience are sell outs...well, they can suck my John Thomas..let's just put it that way. It's the first show where I signed off the show by telling the audience to F**k Off and I LIKED IT. The highlight of the night was going in the Porta-Potty, setting my beer down, and having Ricky shake the Porta-Potty SO HARD that it sent the beer flying onto my squatting torso. Mmmm, beer soaked undies...
Finally, we had two shows this past weekend. The first was at Marina Cantina. OH MY GOD! You HAVE to check this place out. It's in Kirkland. it's more upscale, and the girls (and guys) are HOT. Oh, and they LIKE TO HAVE FUN! What a concept. We went over well, needless to say. Look for us again there...and thanks to the band BIJOU for getting us on the bill.
Sunday we played at The Central. Good size crowd. Good bands on the bill. The audience, being that we were back in Seattle, were once again more concerned with sipping their martinis and brooding about life then paying attention to the bands. Thank God for you SETHEADS! Our people are THE BEST! You cheer, you dance, you have fun, you really get into the music. You guys are truly, truly, the best.
Well, that's all for now. I am currently working on booking M-set's West Coast Tour that should take place in November, so if you have any contacts, places to stay, recommendations...by all means email me! Thanks y'all!
-Scojo
08-05-02
What a week. 2 shows in Portland and 1 in Seattle. The first show in Portland, Liver Fest, went great. I think we got some new fans out of that one. The Bitter End was rocking. Friday night was a fun show with 2 great Portland bands that M-set had played with before. After a fun set from 'The Set', The Dragonflies propt it up and Smooch Knob knocked it down. It was great to see the Portland regulars out; thanks.
After a nice breakfast at the Twilight, it was back to Seattle for the Sit n' Spin/Scott's birthday party show. For those of you who missed it there was a new intro, a break in the middle of M-set Shuffle to present Scojo a cake (way to go Amber) and a new song from Jason. I don't know if other bands read this news, but Smooch Knob and the Diablotones kicked ass Saturday and I heard from many M-set fans how much they liked both of the other bands that night and had a great time dancing. I totally agree; great job.
Now the Joke of the Month:
A salesman knocks at the door of a home and it's answered by a 12yr old boy with a cigar in one hand and a half empty bottle of scotch in the other.
The salesman asks the boy, "Excuse me son but is your mom or dad in?"
To which the boy replies, "Does it fucking look like it?"
-Yuri B.
07-29-02
We were recently feature in THE STRANGER as the "best of band advertisers" with our mugs prominently featured. You can see the article at www.thestranger.com/2002-07-25/ex4.html We have NEW MP3's available on our website. Check out our song "TRL" that is being sent to MTV for review as we speak! We also signed an exclusive contract with a local music attorney to "shop" us to the record labels and we are TOTALLY excited.
On a sad note, we recently lost a member of the M-set extended family. Mike Kaneski and friend Andy Menefee were familiar faces as of late at M-set shindigs. Two weeks ago they were attacked without warrant, and sadly, Mike did not survive the injuries. Amber and I were particularly effected as Mike was a colleague of Amber's and we visited him in the hospital shortly before he passed away. I am dedicating my birthday bash on August 3rd to Mike and the joy he gave to many. Thanks Mike.
-Scott (Scojo)
07-01-02
The boys de la Set took the weekend off to recover from the shin-dig at their house the weekend before (pictures). The band will be playing a show at the I-Spy on Saturday. It will be the place to be this weekend in Seattle.
The M-set joke of the month for July is:
Three hillbillies were sitting on the porch. The first hillbilly said "My wife is so dumb, yesterday she drug home a brand new washer and dryer, and we ain't even got electricity!"
The second hillbilly said "My wife is stupider than yers, yesterday she brings home a new dishwasher, and we ain't even got runnin' water!"
The third hillbilly said "My wife is even stupider! Yesterday I was in the kitchen and I saw her purse on the table. Everything was spilled out of it and there was a bunch of rubbers layin there... and she ain't even got a dick!"
-Yuri B.
06-25-02
Hello Setheads! Scojo here, to tell you about the HUGE weekend that M-set had! Wow, I'm still recovering. It all started with a show at The Central. It was HOT in there! So were the women. ;-) Those in attendance got to see Pearl Jam's Mike McCreedy get up and play with The Jodie Watts. It was Jamalicious.
There was no post show party because we needed our rest. Because the next day was M-FEST BBQ. A drunken feast that took place at the Casa De La M-set featuring a KICK ASS performance from one of my favorite bands, "Smooch Knob" - followed by an M-set....set. There was a guy giving piercings on site (many naked body parts), a jam session that went until 5 a.m., many flashings and a full keg, 45 cans of beer, 2 half gallons of vodka, two half racks of Bacardi Silvers and God knows what else was consumed by the 60 or so attendees.
Lessons learned from the BBQ: Don't use Cinnamon Aftershock as a sexual aid, eyebrow piercings make you look cool, 12 year old scotch is the best drink in the world, puking is never fun, and peppercini juice in beer is actually kinda good.
It doesn't stop there! On Sunday, Team M-set participated in the NARIS (the Grammy Organization) Celebrity Bowling Tournament. Celebrities included Krist Novacelic from Nirvana (whom I bowled a frame with...he beat me), Alan White from Yes (whom I ALSO bowled a frame with...and beat him) and Jack Endino (producer of Nirvana). Team M-set actually did fairly well not only at bowling, but at making complete asses of ourselves. Would you expect anything less?
All in all a fun and tiring weekend. BUT NOW! Don't forget we are playing on July 6th with Fighting Machinists at The I-Spy and PLEASE don't forget my big birthday bash at The Sit and Spin on August 3rd. I'd love to see you all there.
-Peez Owt, Scojo
06-03-02
After playing a month of private parties, M-set returned to the friendly confines of the Sit & Spin. There could have been more people there but it seemed like everyone that showed up left happy. The great thing about the Sit & Spin is that I can sit down and have a good slice of pizza, then go over to the washing machines and launder the pizza stain out of my shirt, all the while slamming Gin and Tonics. Then, of course, go and hear good music and watch my and Scott's girlfriends "sandwich" dance our friend Warren. At least he bought us all a round (good sport).
Saturday M-set played what might have been their best show ever (then again it might have been their worst 'cause I wasn't there to see it) at the Shoboat in Tacoma. I haven't been there but I hear it is a lot like the Tacoma Dome only smaller with a little better sound. If you watch closely you might see more shows added to the calendar here shortly.
M-set joke of the month for June:
A woman walks into the store and purchases the following: 1 small box of detergent 1 Bar of soap 3 individual servings of yogurt 2 oranges 1 stick of women’s deodorant. She then goes to the check out line.
Cashier: Oh, you must be single
Woman: You can tell that by what I bought?
Cashier: No, you're fucking ugly!
-Yuri B.
05-27-02
Wurd Uhp Setheads! Scojo here once again to throw some tasty M-set news down your musical throats. This weekend found us in Kittitas (outside of Ellensburg) playing a private birthday party for our buddy Paul Zeck. It was AWESOME. Two roasted pigs, 4 potato salads, lots o' beer, two huge inflatable jumping toys for the kids (adults indulged too), 3 bands and a BUTTload of fun.
We camped overnight (ouch) and went out for barfood breakfast. I had something that was called a bloody mary, but tasted like a blah-dy mary. Ugh. They brought us tarter and ranch for our fries and I thought to myself, "Self, they take potatoes and put them in HOT fat, then bring them to you and have you dip them in COLD fat. What's up with that?" Anyway, I digress.
Don't forget we have a SIT AND SPIN show this Friday (VERY BIG) and a show in Tacoma at THE SHOBOAT the very next night. A total M-set weekend. Thanks Setheads for checking out the site and helping make us one of the biggest buzzwords in the city right now. Mucho Apprecacion De Los Hombres De M-set.
-Peez Owt, Scojo
05-20-02
Howdy Ho Setheads! Scojo here once again to tell you w'assup wit M-set. We played this weekend at The Vashon Eagles Club. Not our typical gig, but we were helping Brad Crumpler (Chris's dad) celebrate his 21st birthday. It's a little known fact that Chris was born before his dad.
The gig was fun as hell. Cheap drinks (Heineken? $2.50 - Mixed Drink? $2.50 - Bloody Mary (unofficial M-set drink)? $2.50). Big ups to Brian (his birthday as well), Ricky and the gang, Michelle and her gang, and Clint and his gang for making the trip all the way up to see us.
We all crashed at Brad's place, which meant some of us were on couches and some of us became one with nature in tents. Amber and I rose early to get breakfast at The Stray Dog..delicious. The rest slept in and chowed down on the mondo breakfasts at The Sportsmans Club.
Finally, we all made the run for the ferry and all made it...except Chris, who was solo in the M-set van. He was cut off by a cop who took the last spot on the boat. Chris took advantage of the time alone to introspect about the current state of the earth, world peace, and perhaps touch himself when no one was looking.
S'all for now. We're playing next weekend in Ellensburg if you want to make the drive. If not, come out to the show on May 31st at The Sit & Spin. It's a biggie and we could really use your support.
-Peez Owt, Scojo
05-06-02
Boat, poster, boat, gig, gig. Not a bad week for the M-set boys. I was pretty psyched for the show on Friday at the Lakepointe and I wasn't disappointed. They rocked. So who exactly was that guy with the laptop computer and the little camera? I don't know. I felt good being the only guy dancing with about 10 women for a good chunk of the show, not counting the really drunk creepy dude who was trying to dance with all of them and let his mojo get out of control. I haven't seen Vicky in a while, where is she? Maybe she'll be at the Sit & Spin on May 31st?
M-set joke of the month for May:
A couple just got married and on the night of their honeymoon before passionate love, the wife tells the husband, "Please be gentile, I'm still a virgin." The husband being shocked, replied, "How's this possible? You've been married three times before." The wife responds, "Well, my first husband was a gynecologist and all he wanted to do was look at it. My second husband was a psychiatrist and all he wanted to do was talk about it. Finally, my third husband was a stamp collector and all he wanted to do was...oh, do I miss him!"
-Yuri B.
04-23-02
Every once in a while even I, Scojo, go to our website. Mostly to see if there's any new guestbook entries relating to something I did, something I wore (or didn't wear), something someone near me did...basically anything about ME. On one such visit, I happened to notice that the "news" is "olds".
Yuri was once again out of town for a show, so once again the news should have come from my sorry ass, but I spaced it. So hear it is: The Central show was kick ass. Talking to the other M-set boys after the show, I heard unanimously that it was one of the more fun shows we'd played in a while. All shows are fun, but this one seemed more relaxed and of course it's always great be in Pioneer Square.
We are finishing up some tracks in Buzz Studios (a.k.a.
our basement) that were requested by some record labels, so we've been very
busy. Luckily, we've scheduled a couple of weekends off to help us recuperate
and get some well needed rest. But alas! That won't last forever! We will
be returning to The Lakepointe on May 3rd - heads up all your northenders!
Come on out and see some brand spankin' new M-set material! A splendid time
is guaranteed for all. (unless you don't like splendid times...in which
we encourage you not to come...cause you suck).
-Peez Owt, Scojocrates
04-09-02
Well, Yuri B. is suffering all week down in Las Vegas. So the awesome responsibility of updating the news falls on my humble shoulders.
This past weekend we said goodbye to old friends: Tim, Steve and The Rain Dancer night club in The U-District. We were honored to play the last show before The Rain Dancer closed it's doors. The crowd was enthusiastic, drunk as a skunk and we all brought the place out in style.
Big ups to Ricky who is the new M-set Merchandise Master. If you need a CD or want to get on the mailing list, track him down, he won't be hard to find.
We all funneled to an after hours party at The White House in West Seattle. Then the M-set van, and several drunk and fading individuals witnessed the sunrise on the way home. A good time was had by all.
Don't miss us this Friday at The Central. Pioneer Square is starting to really hop again and we need your support.
-Peez Owt, Scojo
04-02-02
M-set played an acoustic show at Mulleady's on Friday and didn't get told to turn down once (as far as I know). It was a good show and I had a bunch of people tell me that they like the stripped down (acoustically) version to the band. I think we'll see that again, but not at the Rain Dancer on Saturday, which it turns out, is the last night ever for that establishment. M-set goes way back with the Rain Dancer and it will be sad to see it close. M-set played a gig with Left Hand Smoke there a couple of years ago and that really helped get M-set where they are now, which is, playing there again on Saturday. There will be drink specials so come with a plan on how you are going to get home.
Now the M-set joke of the month for April:
Three guys go to a ski lodge, and there aren't enough rooms, so they have to share a bed. In the middle of the night, the guy on the right wakes up and says, "I had this wild, vivid dream of getting a hand job!" The guy on the left wakes up, and unbelievably, he's had the same dream, too. Then the guy in the middle wakes up and says, "That's funny, I dreamed I was skiing!"
-Yuri B.
03-27-02
M-set unveiled a new intro, which went over very well and a new cover tune, which I would give a rating of "fair to middlin'.'' Over all the set was awesome and there were many chicks dancing. Now we are back at Mulleady's on Friday.
-Yuri B.
03-18-02
This past weekend saw us celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and the blessed birth date of our Thug and Savior, Mr. Yuri B. Since Yuri had his B-day on the date of our Alpental Ski Resort gig, he sadly was unable to attend the "show in the snow."
Alpental Ski Resort is always a friggin blast. The uninhibited regulars make for awesome dancing, mayhem and beers spilling EVERYWHERE! We broke our "thong cherry" that night by dropping trow and flashing parts of our anatomy that are just plain sinful.
I have to say that the population of beautiful women (of all kinds) attending our shows is simply staggering. I don't know what brings them out but I LOVE IT! If you don't already know, all M-set members are complete pigs and give the male species a terrible name.
Please keep hitting the website. Our hit count has skyrocketed and we are planning some cool new features in the near future. And for God's sake, SIGN THE GUESTBOOK. Pass on a "joke of the week", your best M-set pot shot, or hey, send us some photos!! Photos of you, the band, whatever...just submit them for posting on our website. You could win some serious M-set merch!
-Peez and luhv, Scojo
03-04-02
The nice thing about being the opening band, especially if there is a nice crowd, is that when your done you can party with everyone after the set. Well that's what happened on Friday as the M-setters played the Alien Crime Syndicate CD release party at the Crocodile Cafe. I left early, which might appear lame to most, but it was actually rather decent for me. Did anyone else notice there were a lot of tall fuckers at the show? What's up with that? Also, rumors that Graham from Custom Hustler had finally gotten sick of the gay issue, and gone gay, are not true. Just thought you should know. Graham is really a great guy.
M-set joke of the month for March:
A guy walked into a bar with a pet alligator by his side. He put the alligator up on the bar.
He turned to the astonished patrons and said, 'I'll make you a deal. I'll open this Aligator's mouth and place my genitals inside. Then the 'gator will close his mouth for one minute. He'll then open his mouth and I'll remove my unit unscathed. In return for witnessing this spectacle, each of you will buy me a drink.'
The crowd murmured their approval. The man stood up on the bar, dropped his trousers, and placed his privates in the alligator's open mouth. The 'gator closed his mouth as the crowd gasped. After a minute, the man grabbed a beer bottle and rapped the alligator hard on the top of its head. The 'gator opened his mouth and the man removed his genitals unscathed as promised.
The crowd cheered and the first of his free drinks were delivered. The man stood up again and made another offer.
'I'll pay anyone $100 who's willing to give it a try.'
A hush fell over the crowd.
After a while, a hand went up in the back of the bar and a woman timidly spoke up.
'I'll try, but you have to promise not to hit me on the head with a beer bottle.'
-Yuri B.
02-25-02
We had a great show at the Sit n' Spin a week ago Friday. The sound in that place is great (thanks Jamie). Nice turn out, and we hope to do it all again.
Saturday after the Sit n' Spin show we all hopped into a van and drove to Salt Lake City. After spending the night in Twin Falls (Thank you Elizabeth!) we made it to S.L.C. on Sunday. We were so lucky to be the guests of Clay and Marie. I know all of us were blown away by the hospitality and accommodations.
Monday we played the Gallivan Center home of the Olympic Bud World Party. It was a blast. There's something special about having your music echoing off the Mormon Temple in Downtown Salt Lake City. Also, it's cool to see your image displayed on two 30' Jumbotrons for everyone within a few block radius to see. After the show we hung out in the Bud VIP room with Wild Turkey, John (who got us the gig), the US Luge and Hockey team and a ton of free beer.
Tuesday we went up to Park City and witnessed a bomb scare (I guess everyone didn't like us the night before). The highlight was meeting Amanda Fortier, the Canadian cross country skier who was on the shuttle bus with us. She didn't get a medal but her relay team got 8th. Not bad. We all made it home safe and have gone back to our normal, non-Olympic, routines. We'll post pictures (and hopefully some video) of the whole trip when they're developed.
You can come welcome us back this Friday night for our show at the Crocodile, and we'll show you our bronze medals in Bud Light.
-Yuri B.
02-11-02
Thanks to M-set there were no riots in Pioneer Square on Friday. M-set played the Catwalk on a bill with Custom Hustler and co. Graham joined me on stage for GTFO and we all had a nice time.
The show at Mulleady's on Saturday reminded me of night a few years ago when Scojo and I were performing some of his songs acoustically at an open mic night at the Hopvine on Capitol Hill. Everything was going great until after we were done, we were told that they had received the first noise complaint in Hopvine history while we were performing. We didn't play there again. Or the night M-set played the re-opening of the Dubliner and were told by the owner that they were too loud (acoustically) so they packed up after the first set and went out drinking. We didn't play there again either.
But I digress, on Saturday we had fun dancing and singing and listening to Eugene make up lyrics to the Na-na-nah-nah Song. We made some new friends (Kristina, et al) reacquainted with some old friends (Aaron and Kris) and had a good time. Now we have the Sit-n-Spin and the Olympics. What are you doing this weekend?
-Yuri B
02-04-02
The M-set boys are getting prepared for their trek to the Olympics by going out to bars and drinking, and watching friends' bands play. A trip by Scott and Jason to Mulleady's to drop off some posters promoting next week's show turned into 11 M-setters, C. Hustlers and friends swilling beer and watching lesbians grope each other. A good portion of that group worked it's way over to the Old Time Alehouse to watch Tom Parker (one time interim member of M-set), John Hedges (ex-bandmate and roommate of Scott) and a couple other good players put on a good show. As advertised, they rocked.
We have a couple shows this weekend, then a big Sit n' Spin show and then BUD WORLD in Salt Lake City. Kick ass!
Joke of the Month time:
One day two blondes walk into a perfume shop. The one blonde picks up a bottle of perfume that is titled ''Vien Chez Moi.'' The blonde asks the manager what it means, and the manager says it means ''Come to Me.'' So the blonde smells the perfume, turns to her friend and holds up the bottle for her to smell and says "Take a whiff 'cause it doesn't smell like cum to me.''
-Yuri B.
01-25-02
Yo Setheads, Scojo here chillin' in sunny Southern California. My meetings are almost rapped up and then I get a weekend to play in Los Angeles. I'm staying with my good bud Toby, whom I went to music school with in Hollywood, and who is in a kick ass band called Virgil. Check 'em out: www.virgilmusic.com. Keep your eyes on the website as I'll have some interesting pic's of the trip when I return.
-Peace Out, Scojo
01-23-02
Well, half the band is out of town. Yuri is in Vegas, Eug is on the slopes and Scott is in New York and then L.A. meeting with labels. Down below is some news from Scott on his trip. Speaking of trip....that was last Friday night at the Central. Thanks to each and everyone of you that made it down. We had a blast, lost our pants, partied until 7 am, met a bunch of new fans and Smooch Knob is our new favorite band. The shows continue to build upon each other, so make sure you don't miss out on the action at our next big show at the Sit n' Spin on Feb. 15th and you can send us off to the Olympics. That's right, the Olympics!! More news on that next time.
Here's Scott's news:
Hello Setheads! Scojo here, hanging out in NYC! I've been shopping M-set to the major labels and having a kick ass time seeing the sights of the city that never sleeps. My conclusions about NYC: 1) Irish women are hot. 2) Britney Spears on a 50 foot poster in Times Square is hard to NOT look at; and 3) New York kicks ass! Next stop...Los Angeles! Keep your eyes on the website for pictures from my trip when I get back. Send your prayers to the humongous music God that "I Lie To Girls" falls on the right ears!
-Peace Out, Scojo & Chris
01-07-02
The Cirque d' M'set made it's way up to the big frozen top we like to call Alpental, for New Years Eve. What a blast. The dance floor was packed almost from the first song. It was so packed it was hard to keep drunk because the waitresses had a hard time getting over to us. We managed, though.
Two nights before the band played a 'private' show in West Seattle at Jim and Mike's house. I'm not sure who in Seattle was NOT at that party. What a madhouse and a lot of fun.
And this last Friday M-set defied the odds and had a good show at Tommy's. Everyone was telling us that a show 4 nights after New Years would not rock, but it did. There was even a sighting of an "I Lie to Girls" cover model at the show. Special thanks to Samantha for bring out a healthy crew of people and Mykael for bringing the Gas Kings up from Portland, and Ragamuffin for warming up the crowd. The highlight of the night was Myk and I playing percussion together on Time to Play, unless you are a penis lover, and then the highlight was Eugene's meat and tubage sticking out of his thong during M-set Shuffle, or a bum lover and then Chris and Jason made your cheeky fantasies come true.
M-set Joke of the Month for January:
A man walks up to three men sitting in a bar and says that he will bet them $100 that he can place a shot glass on their table and pee in it from across the room. The guys at the table talk to each other and are all in agreement that this could not be done, so they take his bet. The man then walks to the other end of the room and begins to pee. He never comes close to getting pee in the shot glass but ends up peeing on the backs of the guy he made the bet with. After he is finished he returns to the table where the three men are sitting, they are laughing and joking about how they took this guy's $100. They ask the man. "Why did you think you could pee in this glass from way over there?" The man replies, "I didn't, but I made a $500 bet with the bartender that I could piss all over you guys, and all you would do is laugh about it.
-Yuri B.
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