Today I returned from a visit in Austin TX to my life in Long Beach, CA. I am inspired to scour my bathroom clean and hook up a turntable. It started with a lighter that reminded me of the song 99 cent lighter(featuring WILL.i.am of the black eyed peas) by Blood of Abraham, which I only have on vinyl. I became obsessed with hearing it. Thus the quest to put the right audio input to the into the amplifier and get the speakers hooked up correctly. Alas, there is a reward at the end of the quest. I am listening to 99 cent lighter on vinyl now and it is a visceral treat. Which reminds me of my week in Austin and seeing Gayle Gold and Criminal Tower live. I got excited, blogged about it, then shot e-mails and MySpace messages to musicians and promoters. Deena Odelle (Gayle Gold singer, writer and artistic-type) is passionate about her work like I am so she sent me a great e-mail with detailed info about her band members and their musicial backgrounds. It's really fascinating so I want to share with you what she wrote me. If you want to see photos and video from the show, go to the previous blog. Here's a picture of me with the band...it's becoming a tradition to get these photos whenever I can. Note from Deena: Hey great! very fun. You're awesome. Next time I'm in Cali I'm gonna email you and see what good music is going down. Just so you know (if you want more juice) though (Gayle Gold) is a new band, all the band members are already known for other projects. Here's some background on us that might give you more insight: Sam V. (guitar) is the main song writer. He is also Gary Barftits recently (mentioned in the Austinist) who just came out with an album called Good One, Cheryl on Instincto Records. Chad Allen: (synthesizer) was in Oblong Boys and Zom Zoms. He also founded Low Red Center. Low Red Center also just came out with an album that's #3 on the KVRX Charts!!! Winston Reed Chapman (drums) is a former member of Austin indy-pop sensation Belaire and just formed a group called Bob & Barbara, who already have been signed to Business Deal Records. And I'm the woman behind Nanobangbang- a variety show that's worked with over 10 local musicans. I'm also in Low Red Center and so is Sam Gary. Phew!!!! Also, if you want some musical comparisions-- Gayle Gold is influenced by Frank Zappa, Fred Frith, LiLiPUT, and Pataphysics. OK hope that's some good leads and info for you! Frank Zappa - You Are What You Is is available on iTunes. Watch the YouTube Video here. In my opinion, connecting with people and their stories and influences is what life is all about. It is fascinating to me the series of events that lead us to where we are in life. I feel like we miss some of that when all of our information and interaction comes from the mass media or a select group of co-workers or family members. For me, getting back into live music has provided that charge that makes life enjoyable, flavorable and interesting again. The music scene is very happening and vibrant. Get out there and experience it even if you just start by visiting some MySpace pages or buying something unusual on iTunes. P.S. Most of the links above go to MySpace or iTunes so you can check out the music for yourself. Happy clicking.