Absolution - Band Interview

!±8± Absolution - Band Interview

On Saturday, April 8th, we got to sit down with yet another incredible local band, Absolution. They
had just finished playing a set at a March of Dimes Benefit show in the Schuylkill Mall. What
transpired was one of the best interviews we've ever experienced, and a seven page transcription
of our conversation. I get the lucky job of reviewing that transcription and editing it down.

Absolution is made up of four musicians from all over Pennsylvania (plus one guy who apparently
never got the memo that he's not actually a member of Absolution - just kidding, we love you, Bill!)

The band's new singer, Chad, has been with them for just over a year and the band has been
writing some new material with him. "It's starting to feel like this is the way it's always been," they
told us. The band is looking to refine their live shows by taking a critical look at their own
performances, and by inviting others to voice their opinion, no matter if it's positive or negative. "We'
d rather people say, 'You know, it was really kind of sucky today,' Or, 'There was no energy.' I'd love
that, but it doesn't happen often."

The band will also be taking the majority of the month of June to finish recording their first full-
length album, which will be released independently. Be sure to get out and see these guys while
you have the chance!

Absolution was one of the bands participating in the Last Band Standing competition which
showcased some of the most talented bands in central PA. They were quick to mention their
appreciation and enjoyment in the competition which allowed them to perform with other local
bands. "You know, it's cool that Vera Cruz is doing that, that they're setting everything up and
allowing people to get out there and have their stuff heard. Not a lot of people are doing that. They'
ve helped a lot of bands get out there and at least be seen by people."

One of the things that impressed me about Absolution was their appreciation and admiration for
other bands and the organizations that support local music. They can remember every band they'
ve played with and have such a high regard for others in the music business. It's great to see that
kind of attitude, that kind of support.

"I don't think original music would be around right now if it wasn't for people like you guys and Vera
Cruz. It seems like it was going downhill. Everyone wanted to go see a DJ or party bands, and
original music was just dying. We really appreciate groups like [Word of Mouth], Vera Cruz
Records, The Divide, NEPA bands and fans on myspace. There are so many, I don't think I could
name them all. We really appreciate that. And all the bands do."

Our trademark question: What do you think of the local music scene?

It's getting better. I'm loving the original stuff. I'm loving the bands' twist on cover songs, you get a
band doing their own version of a song. We're getting a lot more bands starting out at a younger
age, like when I was in high school and starting a band there was probably like 5 bands in the
area. And now it seems like everyone is in a band in high school. That's great because it's going
to turn into more talented bands when they get to be our age, because if everyone started out when
they were 14 or 15 years old, you're only going to get better. As long as you keep playing your
instrument, you've got to get better. It's not like you can get worse at it. I'm going to be really
excited to see the scene in this area about 10 years from now. All these bands that are 15 are
going to be in their mid twenties. Playing while they're in college, meeting people in college and
playing. It's going to be great.

Chad: A lot of the bars in the area, if you went to them a few years ago they would ask, "Do you play
any covers?" And if you said no, they said, "Well, you can't play here." It almost doesn't matter
anymore.

Tom: We had one experience at Goodfellas where after As Each Day Dies won the battle of the
bands, they invited us to come back. We played that show, and we threw in a couple covers,
because we weren't sure what they wanted. And they wanted more originals. It was great to hear.

Boge: I remember saying on stage, "We've got one more song, do you want an original or a
cover?" And it throws me when people want an original song."

Absolution - Band Interview

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How To Go On Stage And Make People Laugh Part 3

!±8± How To Go On Stage And Make People Laugh Part 3

Many comedians, such as George Lopez, Nick Cannon, and Minnie Pearl, grew up poor and if they didn't have athletic talent, what could they do? They had a sense of humour, and made a living from it.

For most people, going up on a stage is the most gut-wrenching experience known to man. But, now that you know the basics of humour through reading this series, let's see what it takes to actually go on stage.

* First, you need good material that's funny (obviously). Assemble about 30 or 40 jokes, funny stories, life experiences that you can think of. Cull through them and pick only the best. Then time it by reading in front of a mirror. It should fit into your allotted time on stage.

* Don't try to "wing it" by just saying whatever comes to mind, thinking you're funny when you're not. That's a surefire way to bomb; both you and the audience won't forget it, and some may walk out.

* Start off small in some little-known club or cabaret. That way, if you don't do well, it won't be a national catastrophe that ends up on Inside Edition some evening. Start in small venues, then work your way up. Make a video on YouTube or other video sites with your best material. Be creative, but in good taste; it could go viral if enough people like it.

* Have confidence in yourself. After assembling a great collection of jokes and stories, practice in front of a mirror, and look confident. One comedian, Herb Shriner, back in the 60's, often came on stage while the audience was applauding and the band playing. When the applause died down, he said simply, "Hello". That was it, and for some reason, the way he said it, people laughed. But that was his trademark. Develop your own trademark or schtick.

* Fourth, as they announce your name before you go to the stage, take a deep breath, hold it a few seconds, then let it out slowly. This helps relax you.

* Fifth, have cue cards handy, if possible, in case you have stage fright. But don't let it look as if you're reading the cards; it will look as if you're not prepared. Act natural; be yourself.

* Never drink or do drugs before going on stage, not even one. Liquor makes for loose lips, and you could say or do something you'll regret for a long time.

Next, if someone heckles you, let it pass. One well-known actor from a well-known sitcom was doing his routine, when someone started heckling him, and he returned with his own remarks. But someone was capturing all this on video, and it went viral.

Things turned ugly and that comedian's reputation is in tatters.

Remember, a heckler has nothing to lose; you have everything to lose. So be well-prepared with good material, start off small, be creative, have confidence, and treat your audience with respect. The ability to make people laugh will give you an incredible high, and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

How To Go On Stage And Make People Laugh Part 3

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BHS Prom Assembly 2009 - Tour

!±8± BHS Prom Assembly 2009 - Tour

Took 35 people about eight hours to construct. The theme is All You Need Is Love. Highlights include a double decker bus, rainbow floor, piano keys, vinyl disk with the trademark apple logo, floor with Beatles quotes and the band name in glow in the dark, octopus garden, and strawberry fields.

BHS Prom Assembly 2009 - Tour

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