From the midway. I am the piano/violin player, creative partner, and songstress of This Way to the Egress. I have set up this blog to document the whereabout, whoseawhats, travels, trials and tribulations of our journey. It is This Way to my story............
- Lady Egress
- I am the piano/violin player, creative partner , and songstress of This Way to the Egress. I have set up this blog to document the whereabout, whoseawhats, travels, trials and tribulations of our journey. It is This Way to my Story............
Sunday, November 25, 2012
This Way to Sarah: POLISHING TURDS
This Way to Sarah: POLISHING TURDS: "for whatever we lose lose(like you or me) its always ourselves we find in the sea." -E.E.Cummings my favorite poet,.... this quote was b...
POLISHING TURDS
"for whatever we lose lose(like you or me) its always ourselves we find in the sea." -E.E.Cummings
my favorite poet,....
this quote was best in describing the day I had yesterday. We, the six members of Egress piled in the van friday and drove down to virginia beach for the second and final shoot of our "first ever music" video and I have to tell you this whole experience has been a bitter sweet one.
When Taylor and I first sat down and seriously discussed what we wanted to accomplish in a music video, we both quickly and without haste agreed, we wanted it to be a 4 min movie. We didn't just want it to be the band in some ironic or creepy setting, singing and/or performing to the camera, but instead, a story, a story of the song.
This is partially why him and i make such a good team,.... we have very similar taste and direction and he's one of the only people that can talk me down from the "stress" ledges i so frequently climb up on. Anywho, as i digressed.
We had our first shoot at our favorite venue Roxy n Dukes in Dunellen NJ. We shot the majority of the video there that day. We had our friends from The Unholy Sideshow and Hamburger James join us and I was honored to have my Mommy, her Mate, Bobby and my Student Ali Join us for the shoot that day. We had originally planned on shooting the remainder at Coney Island first it was delayed by rain and then, damned hurricane Sandy came and poor coney island was in its path,....... thus the 7 hour trip to Virgina.
Normally I love traveling, wherever it may be,... however I have been sick for about 3 weeks now and was not looking forward to standing on the beach all day coughing my lungs up while we shot the most daunting of shots for the video. It seemed as though, so much had been against us with this video, first we had to reschedule b/c of rain, then the hurricane... now we drive 7 hours and have to shoot in VERY windy, 43 degree weather. We had to recast a key character and we were now short an Egressian. Sand was pelting us in the face (It was SOOO cold, it reminded me of the one birthday I had in February that My mom and myself grabbed Dog and drove to sandy hook at 4am after a bottle of wine.) the wind was working against us, but like my Egress family does, everyone worked together and we alongside of Director, Ben Muri, Polished ONE HELL OF A TURD!!!!
We had nothing but coffee and donuts(not exactly power food) all day,.. there was no where convenient to go to the bathroom,...I literally was coughing so hard I peed my pants a bit,.... but we all pushed through and afterwards treated ourselves to an awful, poorly served hot meal at Dennys on our way outta town. It seemed, even more so then, that the last shot of the day was fitting, it was us driving away in Clarence.
After dinner, We worked out the driving schedule and who would be riding shot gun,.... John drove first so he could sleep before he had to continue his trek to brooklyn, and Joe kept him company, Mat and Jaclyn slept in the back to prepare for 2nd shift and Taylor and I curled up on the middle bench, and this is where I found myself again.
As we rode over the 17 or so mile bridge that weaves above and below the chesapeake bay, the sun was setting, casting a warm and distant glow on the water. I couldn't stop watching the little white caps as we scurried down the highway in clarence. I Love being on the road,... I was having montages of all of the interesting moments I had through out the day and then my thoughts drifted even further to my Dad, and Amy and the others I had lost, to my mom, brother and sister and those I still have, and then returned to me, inside Clarence with my music made family. There is just something about the ocean, something about the sea. That sunset over the chesapeake made the entire grueling day worth it. That sunset will be amidst the montage of life's moments before i die. That sunset and that sea, i found myself in.
I can't wait to see the finished product, I really hope y'all like it. We worked very hard in more ways then I can count to create something we believed in. Something that will exist long after we do. Something you'll all laugh at and enjoy. I will say it again,...
"for whatever we lose lose(like you or me) its always ourselves we find in the sea."
my favorite poet,....
this quote was best in describing the day I had yesterday. We, the six members of Egress piled in the van friday and drove down to virginia beach for the second and final shoot of our "first ever music" video and I have to tell you this whole experience has been a bitter sweet one.
When Taylor and I first sat down and seriously discussed what we wanted to accomplish in a music video, we both quickly and without haste agreed, we wanted it to be a 4 min movie. We didn't just want it to be the band in some ironic or creepy setting, singing and/or performing to the camera, but instead, a story, a story of the song.
This is partially why him and i make such a good team,.... we have very similar taste and direction and he's one of the only people that can talk me down from the "stress" ledges i so frequently climb up on. Anywho, as i digressed.
We had our first shoot at our favorite venue Roxy n Dukes in Dunellen NJ. We shot the majority of the video there that day. We had our friends from The Unholy Sideshow and Hamburger James join us and I was honored to have my Mommy, her Mate, Bobby and my Student Ali Join us for the shoot that day. We had originally planned on shooting the remainder at Coney Island first it was delayed by rain and then, damned hurricane Sandy came and poor coney island was in its path,....... thus the 7 hour trip to Virgina.
Normally I love traveling, wherever it may be,... however I have been sick for about 3 weeks now and was not looking forward to standing on the beach all day coughing my lungs up while we shot the most daunting of shots for the video. It seemed as though, so much had been against us with this video, first we had to reschedule b/c of rain, then the hurricane... now we drive 7 hours and have to shoot in VERY windy, 43 degree weather. We had to recast a key character and we were now short an Egressian. Sand was pelting us in the face (It was SOOO cold, it reminded me of the one birthday I had in February that My mom and myself grabbed Dog and drove to sandy hook at 4am after a bottle of wine.) the wind was working against us, but like my Egress family does, everyone worked together and we alongside of Director, Ben Muri, Polished ONE HELL OF A TURD!!!!
We had nothing but coffee and donuts(not exactly power food) all day,.. there was no where convenient to go to the bathroom,...I literally was coughing so hard I peed my pants a bit,.... but we all pushed through and afterwards treated ourselves to an awful, poorly served hot meal at Dennys on our way outta town. It seemed, even more so then, that the last shot of the day was fitting, it was us driving away in Clarence.
After dinner, We worked out the driving schedule and who would be riding shot gun,.... John drove first so he could sleep before he had to continue his trek to brooklyn, and Joe kept him company, Mat and Jaclyn slept in the back to prepare for 2nd shift and Taylor and I curled up on the middle bench, and this is where I found myself again.
As we rode over the 17 or so mile bridge that weaves above and below the chesapeake bay, the sun was setting, casting a warm and distant glow on the water. I couldn't stop watching the little white caps as we scurried down the highway in clarence. I Love being on the road,... I was having montages of all of the interesting moments I had through out the day and then my thoughts drifted even further to my Dad, and Amy and the others I had lost, to my mom, brother and sister and those I still have, and then returned to me, inside Clarence with my music made family. There is just something about the ocean, something about the sea. That sunset over the chesapeake made the entire grueling day worth it. That sunset will be amidst the montage of life's moments before i die. That sunset and that sea, i found myself in.
I can't wait to see the finished product, I really hope y'all like it. We worked very hard in more ways then I can count to create something we believed in. Something that will exist long after we do. Something you'll all laugh at and enjoy. I will say it again,...
"for whatever we lose lose(like you or me) its always ourselves we find in the sea."
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA'AM and SIR !!!!
Ahhh, Blogging, we'll its been awhile. Its seems as though I only seem to blog when I am very inspired and although I haven't been blogging lately I have been inspired, just so incredibly busy (and lacking a lap top) I haven't made time to do it. BUT!! That means because I am doing it now,....... something has REALLY sparked my interest and Id really like to share it all with you!!!!
We just recently finished our second tour with Joe Black form the U.K among the very long hours, drives, and mildly attended shows there lied a diamond, well two diamonds.
I'll Start with Cripps Puppets!!
Every so often you'll hear a friend speak so highly of their significant other, and say something along the lines of my "boyfriend" is so cool, or my "lady" is so talented, in this instance, Valerie had said, "my boy friend is a puppeteer and he is AWSEOME." OF course i believed her, but I had to see it with my own eyes! The show its self is riveting, I found myself holding my breath so I could hear every word and take in every gesture. Madison hand carves and paint all of his puppets and they are beautiful. You truely dont realize how much of an art it is until you witness this splendor. He accompanied himelf with a harmonica in the key of E and my Personal Favorite puppet was
Sam. E . Minor. I am not sure If Ive spelled that correct, BUt regardless. CHECK HIM OUT, SUPPORT WHAT HE DOES.
https://www.facebook.com/crippspuppets
 |
| Sam E Minor |
Now Onto Vaudevie!!!!
In case you haven't met her, you might know her as being one third of the Southern Band HELLBLINKI, dear friends and touring comrades of ours. When she isn't slaying you with her voice, shredding you with saw, or charming you with her good looks and accordion with those crazy cats she is Vaudevie. She is gearing up to release her first debut album and she was kind enough to invite some of Egress to join her on her album version of You Are My Sunshine!! This is where YOU come into play. In case you haven't Heard Amanda Palmer has set the precedence for independent artists. She has taken the steps and done the hard work to remove her art from the record labels and do it her self. This is the start of a new generation and I hope you'll help Valerie!!!
I was absolutely taken back by her performance as a soloist. As a woman performer and song writer myself, I have never seen such passion and persistence and quality in a female performer!!! She is amazing, talented, adorable, silly and a very dear friend!
SO Please check her out and Love her so!!!
AND SUPPORT THE ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS THAT COLOR THIS WORLD THEIR WAY!!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A little note to musicians, artists and appreciators of both.
I have been very blessed in my life, with support, community and drive. However like most people, I have a tendency from time to time, to stop and wonder, where I am going and why I am doing what I am doing. After returning home from a month long tour with This Way to the Egress, Voltaire, and Hellblinki, I have had a difficult time adjusting back to a "commoners" way of living. Do not get me wrong I have a wonderful job, I have about 30 students who I teach music lessons to weekly, but I have been contemplating my need to be constantly involved in a traveling gypsy band and music and art of any kind.
Faced with issues like lack of money and not necessarily doing the most "responsible" of things, one does have to survive, and having a place to live, visiting the doctor, and things of such require money and in our country we are born and bred to work for more "things", come home stuff ourselves with cheap unhealthy food in front of the computer or television.
I have been feeling rather discouraged with the struggle of being and artist and musician in this way of life. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep a balance, and I have encountered more then a couple of times a feeling of being a "degenerate" or like I am Living in a fantasy world from those who don't understand my choices. It seems more and more, the arts and music are cut from school and lives. Funding is difficult to acquire if you aren't willing to put yourself into thousands of dollars worth of debt at a college that forces you to study in fields you have no interest in pursuing and more and more it seems like the benefits of being creative get pushed aside.
Today and every day I am reminded of the amazing things the arts do for people and families. I have watched my students and their abilities grow and with that comes a sense of accomplishment and confidence for them. I may not, now or ever, understand why the choice of being a musician or artist is not nurtured in our society, but I will continue on and hope that I will one day offer a haven and financial boosts to anyone who is passionate in their choice to make this an avid way of life. Many Many thanks to anyone who has supported This Way to the Egress, or any one in the arts, surrendering their "cushy" 9-5 jobs, working around the clock for little to no pay, studying until your fingertips are numb, making it a point to continue to to produce in a world where CEO's reign. I leave you with this quote,"Without music life would be a mistake"- F. Nietzsche
Faced with issues like lack of money and not necessarily doing the most "responsible" of things, one does have to survive, and having a place to live, visiting the doctor, and things of such require money and in our country we are born and bred to work for more "things", come home stuff ourselves with cheap unhealthy food in front of the computer or television.
I have been feeling rather discouraged with the struggle of being and artist and musician in this way of life. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep a balance, and I have encountered more then a couple of times a feeling of being a "degenerate" or like I am Living in a fantasy world from those who don't understand my choices. It seems more and more, the arts and music are cut from school and lives. Funding is difficult to acquire if you aren't willing to put yourself into thousands of dollars worth of debt at a college that forces you to study in fields you have no interest in pursuing and more and more it seems like the benefits of being creative get pushed aside.
Today and every day I am reminded of the amazing things the arts do for people and families. I have watched my students and their abilities grow and with that comes a sense of accomplishment and confidence for them. I may not, now or ever, understand why the choice of being a musician or artist is not nurtured in our society, but I will continue on and hope that I will one day offer a haven and financial boosts to anyone who is passionate in their choice to make this an avid way of life. Many Many thanks to anyone who has supported This Way to the Egress, or any one in the arts, surrendering their "cushy" 9-5 jobs, working around the clock for little to no pay, studying until your fingertips are numb, making it a point to continue to to produce in a world where CEO's reign. I leave you with this quote,"Without music life would be a mistake"- F. Nietzsche
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Upcoming tour announced at DORIANS PARLOR 1st Anniversary ( & Taylors Birthday too)
photo by Adam and Vanessa Cohen
July 16th 2011 marked the celebration of one of EGRESS' dearest friends and biggest supporter, Gil Cnaan. It was the one year anniversary of his brain-child, Dorians Parlor and also happened to be our very own TYRANT TAYLOR's birthday, AND the new egress tour vans Maiden Voyage.
We loaded her up with a crew of nine and shuddled down the turnpike to philadelphia for the events celebration.
Amoung the excitment id have to say the following were my favorite parts of the evening:
1. the wonderful singing of happy birthday to taylor by our friends and fans of dorians!
2. the amazing gift that our very dear friends and partners adam and vanessa cohen gave taylor. which consisted of a beautiful collage of pictures from all of our excursions together.
3. seeing the enjoyment from the friends, fans, and newbees in the audience during our set.
Anywho, all around it was a splendid time, but now its back to work for we are working on 2 new eps for the tour this fall as well as new songs and antics!!! BWAHAHAHAHA see you in September!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
This Way to Our RECORD Release & our wonderful friends!!!
Photo by M.J McCauley @ www.mjmccauley.com
On June 24th 2011, This Way to the Egress and our Wonderful troupe of Performers, friends, Supporters and frequent offenders gathered at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park N.J for our Debut record Release of "This Delicious Cabaret"!! I have to say, I am still astonished that it has come and gone.
It was a really long couple of weeks leading up to the event, by the time the day had come us egressians were over tired, overwhelmed and desperately trying to be over organized. Regardless, the evening went with out a hitch. We had doubled our kickstarter goal (many thanks to all who helped) and were surrounded by bowling, dancing and all around silliness!
apart of the bill that evening was NY based, Amour Obscur and Hellblinki made the trek all the way from N.C. we started the evening off with a pre doors fire show in front of the lanes ,since we weren't going to allow it to totally rain on our parade. Our wonderful group of friends performed their daring talents while the rest of us musicians played some songs and I have to say that M.J McCauley got some amazing shots ( the photos in this blog)
All around we had a F**kin blast and have begun recording our next album. A million thanks to all who have joined us for that evening!!!!
We are gearing up for 7/16/11 Tyrant Taylors Birthday at the year anniversary of Dorians Parlor with Voltaire!!! Hope to see you there!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SPWF 2011 and The Fire 2/22 Jason Webley & Eliza Rickman 5/24 Frenchy and The Punk & Extraordinary Contraptions
I am so lucky and blessed to share the stage with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Egress performed both friday and saturday at SPWF with our splendid troupe of loyal friends Catalina Askew, Rio, Viktor Devonne, Little Miss Rollerhoops and crew and were joined on the stage by ENSMB on "Jump in the Line" where the entire room burst out into a conga line!!! as well as Rivolta Silenziosa by HUMANWINE, (which on mine and Taylors part was a little rough around the words.) It was a blast and a half and simply cannot wait to do it again!!!!!!!!!!
We were so honored when ENSMB asked us back during their set that evening on the main stage, where we had a repeat conga line, I got to burst out from behind the piano on accordion for jump in the line where I got to run around the audience and enjoy the show from a whole new perspective in the heart of it all, the crowd.
Then sunday rolled around, Taylor and I set out for Philly in support of Jason Webley and Eliza Rickman. The show was the perfect way to end such a crazy weekend. Eliza was charming and capturing and Jason was beautiful as always, i couldn't help but to get teary eyed when he spoke so sincerely about being on the road for 13 yrs and how much it meant to him,
it brought my picture so much clearer as to why i am here doing what we here at Egress do.............................
it's the communities we build, the people we meet and the musicians and artists we can perform along side while doing so.
As if the night couldn't of gotten any better, the adorable and prolific Mary Bichner from Box Five was booked to play after us. So Much to our surprise we got to catch her playing BOX FIVE tunes solo. She was so charming and comical and left me humming her tune "unpredictable" the rest of the night. If you haven't heard it, i highly suggest you check it out!
Anywho, We ran off to play with FRENCHY and The PUNk and the Extraordinary Contraptions last night at The Fire! Much to my surprise the crowd was rowdey and danced even on a tuesday night at 11 pm. Thank you so much to all of you awesome peeps that donated their time and practice to their art and have invited us to join you along the way!!!!
NEXT STOP,.... RECORD RELEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS WAY TO THE EGRESS & ENSMB cover "Jump In The Line"
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