Chris's Blog

Monkeyshyne Reuion Show!

2011-11-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

That is right a monkeyshyne reunion show happeing December 3rd in Temple, Tx. Oz, Colin, Keith and Chris back together for one night of entertainment. The Green Door is one of the best bars in Temple Texas! Why there you may ask, well it is kind of like an in between point for some of the members of the band. Everyone lives so far away now.

We are ready to rock the house Sloppy Goodness Style:

Details
monkeyshyne
December 3rd
Green Door in Temple Texas

Book your hotel rooms now!

Oh Where is Monkeyshyne...

2011-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

This site hasn't been updated in a while, so I figured I would give some updates on what has been going on. There is some sad/happy news, Keith has moved to Ohio to pursue his career, and make more money! Good for him, sad for the band. But don't worry he is willing to come back for re-union shows!

Oz is still somewhere in South/Mid Texas living the family life. Every once and a while we talk on the phone and reminice about the good old days. And we talk about re-union shows.

Colin and I now run a automotive repair shop (http://www.lonestarautorepair.com) and are trying to get our Classic Rock cover band off the ground (http://www.johnnyblacktop.com).

We miss playing live, and getting to hang out with everyone. Hopefully we will have a re-union show soon... hopefully...

Merry Christmas to All and to all a Good NIGHT!

2010-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all. Be on the lookout for another couple of monkeyshyne re-reunion shows!

Also check out June Halo (Keith's project) and Johnny Blacktop (Chris and Colins' new project) on facebook.

Welcome Back!

2010-04-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the new and improved monkeyshye.com (yah right). Well it isn't so new, nor is it that improved, but at least it is back. Yes we are still around, and yes we still play shows, just not as much as we used to when we were young and kidless.

As you can see Oz is still sexy and Keith is still willing to sport a pink bass.

I am still me, writing smart-ass comments on blogs hoping to one day reach my teenage dream of owning a video arcade.

Tyler is out on injured reserve. And Big Colin is pitch hitting. And yes I mean that in the gayest way possible. Continue to check back for more updates and show dates.

Goot Times

2010-04-25T15:43:00.001-07:00

There are good time and bad and monkeytimes?

And this was a good time!

2008-04-10T11:16:00.002-07:00

2008-04-10T11:16:00.001-07:00

2008-04-08T11:43:00.002-07:00

2008-04-08T11:43:00.001-07:00

2008-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Lookin good!

2007-12-12T09:05:00.001-08:00

My poor finger

Better Late than Never Right?

2007-10-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I probably won’t be invited back to play Joe’s Crab Shack, so much for my future… why you ask? Because we, Keith and I, were late. We were about 30 minutes late. Not because we left late, because the stupid website had wrong directions. So we ended up in Irving looking for a restaurant the was in Grapevine. After a few phone calls we finally got correct directions, but this was during 5/6 o’clock rush hour. We would have been there on time if their directions didn’t suck… I even told the managers that and they didn’t seem to believe me. Sometimes it sucks being a musician because by default you are irresponsible. It is up to you to prove otherwise, and I didn’t do a good job of that.

Other than that the people that did show up enjoyed the night. And Keith and I both had a good time sharing the stage again, just like in monkeyshyne. I did miss the other guys, but it was at least nice to play with half the band. I know I got kind of emotional when I played a couple of monkeyshyne tunes. And I know some of our old monkeyshyne fans got emotional too. It felt good… no GREAT… so if anyone knows of a place that I can play in the area, that is laid back, pays decent, and doesn’t mind if I am late because of bad directions and traffic, please send them my way.

Also I wrote Oz a text message saying "mis u" that his wife got a hold of... She said "I KNEW you and Chris were gay..." then Oz let her listen to the phone call I left earlier that day telling him that I wish he could have been on stage with me. I was going to send Big Colin one too, but he is doing so well with his new life, I don't want to get him all screwed up on music again. I am totally responsible for him being in it as long as he was. But trust me I missed him too.

Back on Stage

2007-09-04T11:03:00.001-07:00

Yes I will be back on stage this coming Saturday night with the cover band I joined. I feel so dirty, like I am cheating on monkeyshyne, but I guess my heart must go on. I am hoping that after a couple of months the guys will all come to their senses and everyone will want to get back together and do a reunion tour. But until then I must fill the need to play on stage and play music. So this Saturday night at the Sherlock's in Dallas my new band 5 Point (or the Shockers) will be playing all night long. The guys are really kewl in the band and the songs we are playing are "fun" songs. The kind of stuff you would hear on a jukebox type songs.

I do know Keith has been kind of jamming with an original hard rock band. He likes it, but he tells me how much he misses playing with the old band. I am sure he and I will get something together, I just have to make time for it. And I need to do it soon so I don't loose my buddy.

I hadn't really talked to Colin or Oz, and to be honest I probably won't...Why? Well because the band was the reason we were together all the time. I have seen it to many times with too many other bands. Everyone has good intentions to stay in touch, but it rarely happens. Yah, I will miss those guys...

It is all over...

2007-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Yep we had our last show this past Saturday night in Temple, TX. And yes it was officially our last show, no more last last shows...until maybe next month. Once again this show was awesome. I think before the first set ended we had each slammed down 5 shots. And one of those shots was some Wild Turkey or what I like to call gasoline... it totally tasted like ass, or maybe I am just getting old. For me the night never really got emotional. I am like the majority of men out there, when the going gets tough or you have a serious problem or issue to solve, you drink heavily and push your feelings down inside as far as you can. This way you don't have to deal with them at the moment. I can't remember the last 2 hours of the night, but I heard it was REALLY good. I even remember one of our fans putting a Coke up on stage and telling me I need to start drinking that... Yah right, if you want to see me cry... Ever day is like a roller coaster, some days I am OK with monkeyshyne not being a band anymore. And then some days I miss it like missing a significant other. Sure I have a cover band I am jamming with, and the guys in it are really kewl and good too, but in the back of my mind it hurts a little. They say time heals all wounds, so give me some time and I will be alright, or maybe every body in the band will be ready to get back together... I can always dream right... I figure I will keep monkeyshyne.com updated for a while, no reason to take it down yet. Plus I will have the live CD and DVD of our last Dallas show for sale soon. Once again thanks for listening over the years. And I hope you continue to listen when I come out with like 15 new bands. Colin, Oz, Keith, you guys will always have a special place in my heart, better go get drunk now before I start crying...

What a Way to Go Out...

2007-08-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday night couldn't have gone any better than it did...OK that's a lie. What could have made it better was having a big record label approach us after the show and tell us they are signing us to a 10 year record deal worth $1,000,000,000's...But then it wouldn't been our last show.

We had a room full of people who really loved what we have done over the years. I was on cloud nine the whole show. When we first started talking about recreating the history of the band, it didn't really seem like it was going to happen. It isn't easy getting everyone on the same page sometimes. But we did, and we were able to play a set that documented monkeyshyne from the beginning to the end.

We started out with Mark(my little brother), Colin and I playing a Klew-T-A song called "I Don't Know." Klew-T-A was the original band before monkeyshyne. Then came Oz. He was so sexy we couldn't say no to having him join the band (even if all he knew how to play was love songs). Oz, Big Colin and I played a couple of tunes with the 3 of us. Then we had lil Colin come up and play a song he wrote for us while he was in the band called "Eyes Behind You." Felt good playing with my lil puddin' (that was my nickname for him). Then he left and then Keith, our buddy in arms, finished out the rest of the night on stage (And actually he played bass guitar on everything, but "Eyes Behind You"). I don't think I have ever seen him move like he did on stage (I think he might have been a little jealous of lil Colin's dance moves). We ended up getting to play 19 songs, but it sure didn't seem like it. It really is true, time flies when you are having fun, and we were having fun.

I will say it again and again and again and again Thank You to everyone who supported us over the years. Came to our shows, bought our CD's, and told us how much we have touched them. It was one hell of a journey, but we have reached the destination. Sometimes I think the only reason I set the goal so high, was so we would never reach the destination, and I would be able to share the stage with the people I love until we were old and crotchety. But things change and people change, and change is a good thing, unless it's just a bunch of pennies...

August 4th, a date to remember

2007-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

This Saturday night is the official end of a rock era for me and the guys in monkeyshyne. We will be doing our last Dallas show at the Curtain Club in Deep Ellum. It is funny because I am one that is OK with change, and actually used to preach that to the guys in the band all the time. But in this particular case I wish it wasn't so, I sure do with I could go on playing with those guys the rest of my life. It will be a great show, and probably somewhat bitter sweet. I hope to see all of our fans over the years out there to make it a moment to remember. Thanks to everyone for the support over the years, it has been one helluva ride.

Love is

2007-07-20T11:48:00.001-07:00

Mokeyshyne on the road makes me happy!

Mg

2007-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mustard gold

hello

2007-07-16T06:20:00.001-07:00

hello

Last Dallas Show

2007-07-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

The date for our last Dallas show is Saturday August 4th. Right now we know that our friends the Opus Flux are playing that night, but don't really know who else as of yet. So if you can make it out that night, we will have little Colin sitting in for a song and we will have my brother Mark playing a song. Mark, Colin and I actually playing in the original monkeyshyne band, but it was called Klew-T-A and we changed the name after he left and Oz came aboard. We will start around midnight and play till close. We have a bunch of oldies, but goodies we want to jam on that night.

I must say I already miss the guys and playing. I have already joined another band (a cover band), and have started talking to Keith about doing and original project. I said it before and I will say it again, it just sucks loosing something that I thought was so great, even if we didn't "make it" we sure did make great music and lived a great experience. As more things progress with my other bands I will let everyone know. Music is in my blood, I just love it too much to quit. I even playing Guitar Hero the other night and found myself bored with the game, because I would rather be doing it live and in front of an audience than playing to a TV.

If you can make it out to one of these last shows and show us that you cared. I know rock bands say it all the time, but it really are the people that make bands tick and rock. Thanks once again for all the kind myspace messages and emails, that made me feel good to know that we do have fans that care.

Point Break

2007-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

If you have not already read on the front page of monkeyshyne.com, the band is breaking up. Yep that's right, after 7+ years as monkeyshyne we are finally calling it quits. It is not because we hate each other, it is because some of our goals have started to change and we feel it is just easier to go our own ways other than try and hold something together. It is kind of like that girlfriend that you love, the sex is good, but you guys are over and you just hold on because it is comfortable. I am sad, but also happy that we were able to stay together this long. I have always tried to drive these guys to the highest levels and put out the best music we could live or in studio. And for many years we busted our butts to make the best music we could.

I always thought we had a chance to become world famous and fly around the world in our own private planes, but I guess it just wasn't in the cards. The hardest thing for me is I really did try hard to achieve something I thought I could achieve and ended up falling short of my ultimate goal. But as they say it is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all. Sure if you want the heart ache and you want to feel like shit...but I digress what is meant to be, is meant to be and this wasn't meant to be.

I do believe we did make a small mark in the music world. We have a loyal fan base, we have been on local and national radio. We have been on national and local TV. We have opened for bands like Los Lonely Boys, Blue October and Lovecracker. We have had some magazines say really nice things about us and others say really mean things about us. We spent numerous hours learning the ins and outs of van auto repair. We spooned on many cold nights...We met all kinds of interesting people and we made pretty decent money on the side.

We will have 5 more shows in the future, 1 in June, 2 in July and 2 in August and after the 2 in August we are done. We plan on having our last show be a BIG Dallas show with many special guests.

Don't you cry for me Argentina, I will be back. I won't quit music, I don't think I can. In one form or another I will be back.

Chris

Episode 3 - Battle of the Bands

2007-05-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's me or what, but damn these episodes keep getting better and BETTER. To be honest I have gotten a couple of phone calls from some of the networks TV stations like Fox, but I am waiting for something bigger...A FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM. That's right, why put gold like this on the TV, when this gold should be on the big screens. Trust me we could easily fill up 1 hour and 30 minutes worth of screen time. Hell I think Oz alone could fill up that time. Well here is Episode 3 attack of the bones... I mean battle of the bands, but that does remind me I need to return that movie...

Episode 2 - The Phone Call

2007-05-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Below is monkeyshynes Last Stand Episode - 2 the Phone Call. I have been asked several times now, why are we doing this. Some people have called it the "WORST F&#^ing TV show they have ever seen." Good, see we believe in laughing at ourselves. See if we laugh at ourselves before you laugh at us, it doesn't hurt as bad. RIGHT? There are a lot of bands in Dallas that get caught up in this, "I am Kewl" thing. See we really aren't kewl at all, we are blessed to be able to entertain people. And even if you think this is the stupidest thing you have ever seen and it makes you just chuckle, we have done our job.

ENJOY!

Episode 2 - The Phone Call

Our Own TV SHOW!!!

2007-04-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

We here at monkeyshyne inc. finally decided, well upper senior management decided, to release a little bit of money for a monkeyshyne reality show. Sure there are a lot of reality shows out there right now, but how many really show the life of a musician? None, so we decided it would be a good idea to let people in on what happens behind those magic curtains. "monkeyshyne Last Stand" is about a band just trying to make it in the craziness of this day and age. For the next couple of months we are going to take you places you have never been, and some where you would never want to go. Believe it or now we have written, produced, edited and directed this film all by ourselves. I know many of you will find that hard to believe, but believe it. Here you go world here is Episode 1 - The Challenge or monkeyshynes Last Stand!

Keep checking back every week for a new episode!!!

Our Own TV SHOW!!!

2007-04-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

Past and Present

2007-04-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

We played without Colin this past weekend and I must admit if felt a little strange. I can't remember the last show we played without him. Plus I can really tell how bad our timing is without him. Well it isn't really me, it is Keith and Oz, a bunch of white boy, no-time musicians. I am really solid, just ask Colin...

Before we got on stage we started talking about doing a monkeyshyne reality tv show. I mean why not, everyone else has one, why can't we. After brainstorming for several hours we had the perfect idea and we even had a theme song, thanks to Oz. I think this show will be really good for us and for the rest of the world. It will really open everyone eyes to the reality of the road and the touring band. And you will be able to see how hard it all really is.

Be prepared monkeyshyne reality TV is on its way!

CENSORSHIP, I will not tolerate this behavior!

2007-04-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Someone in the monkeyshyne camp decided to take it upon themselves and have our photographs censored for some reason or the other. You can go to http://www.scorndesign.com/photo/thumbnails.php?album=264 to see the whole photo shoot at our last show by Scott from Scorn Designs. As you can see the images say "Censored by Senior Upper Middle Management" which means that this directive did not come from me. Just to be clear I am 100% Senior Upper Level Management, there is no "Middle" in my title. What I can't understand is how a picture of Colin's penis does not get censored...BTW Colin you sure do have a small penis...I DEMAND that whomever in the monkeyshyne camp who gave this directive to Scott come forward and tell me why we are CENSORING a ROCK BAND... Colin would be rolling over in his grave if he were dead...

I wish...(a thought inside the head of senior upper level management)

2007-04-02T11:09:00.002-07:00

...that Keith would use a fraction of that intelligence when working for the band. He definitely has potential to be monkeyshyne middle management. I mean his blogs are always witty, and smart.

I wonder what I need to do to motivate him more? Maybe I could apply the D.I.C (Developing Individuals & Choices) method. I know Keith would work well under the D.I.C plan. I think D.I.C would be a great motivator for him.

I could always try employing the P.U.S.S.I.E (People Understanding Social Systems Inside & Externally) method, but I just don't think he would be as motivated about P.U.S.S.I.E as much as he would be about D.I.C

Something tells me that Keith is one of those guys that really likes D.I.C...

Our Last Stand?!?!

2007-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

I believe a few people have been speculating about the demise of monkeyshyne because of our latest CD title "Last Stand." I guess the joke has been kind of lost on most people who are not musicians. Most people don't know what a guitar stand looks like. If you look real closely on the front, back and inside of our CD, we have pictures of a beat up guitar stand. Yes we thought we were being very humorous at the time, but maybe now that I think about it, it wasn't so funny. Oh who am I kidding it was brilliant and I didn't even think of it. I also would be lieing if I didn't say that there is always a chance of any CD we put out being our last CD and "Last Stand" just kind of symbolised that in one bold statement. I think that if we put out another CD after this last one (and we plan too) we will call this one "We Lied..."

Also I just want to say "Thank You" to everyone who came out to the show this past Saturday night. Playing outdoors on that open stage made us feel huge. It was nice to look off the stage and see a big crowd of monkeyshyne fans. Playing music can be GREAT and shitty all at the same time. When you are on stage and people are enjoying what you do, it is GREAT. When you are in hot practice room trying to convince 3 other guys that you are right and they are wrong, it is really shitty. It is shows like this past Saturday that make the shitty times bearable.

(Colin aren't you proud of me I said shitty 3 times in my blog, that's what I call no filtering)

Oh yah and one more thing, that picture the Keith posted on his blog is not a joke...well...I mean that the kewl model people asked Oz to sit in for a couple of pictures...wow...Oz you suck...beautifully...

I regret to inform you...

2007-03-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

...that I will not be able to give up my post as Senior Upper Management. I spoke with the BOM, Board of Monkeys, and they stated that they would rather eat their poo than have a certain Keith Westenheimer run monkeyshyne inc. They pointed out how he ALREADY failed at providing material for the other band members to blog about (read Big Colin's blog, poor guy has no direction). This being minor only amplifies the horribly poopy job he would do on a greater scale.

All the hoards of monkeyshyne fans can now rest easy again. You will still get the quality of experience you have come to know and love from monkeyshyne. Also there are plenty of shows coming up for everyone to enjoy including a show this Saturday night at the Firewater Bar and Grill in Dallas with Josh Goode, The Opux Flux, Superstring and a modeling show. That's right a full blown, girls dressed up, type modeling show. Thankfully I booked this before my temporary stint as non upper management. Now I just have to figure out how to break it to McDonald's that we can't play their "Rockin' 2 Years Old Play Ground Extravaganza" that a certain Westenheimler booked early this week...

Colin please blog about your feelings this week, especially when a certain band member, with the initials of KM, forgets an entire verse of music on his bass guitar. And how since he only plays 5 string instead of six his job should be just a little easier than most...

And Keith I need you to go ahead and come in on Saturday and Sunday this weekend...

IMPORTANT!!!!

2007-03-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

I, monkeyshyne senior upper management, have decided to resign as monkeyshyne upper management and because of this all shows are cancelled until informed otherwise. I have reached this decision after Keith's hurtful blog. What does he not think that I have feelings. Sure I may look kewl, ok I may look really kewl, but on the inside I do have a heart just like everyone else. Sure I may have forgotten to book a hotel room, but to be honest I wanted us to all share in the adventure of finding a hotel. And as far as requesting for everyone to update their blogs, that isn't for me, it is for all of our fans that enjoy reading about us and our lives everyday. I know that work can get boring and always having a monkeyshyne blog to read is like know that cup of coffee is going to be there in the morning.

I am sorry Keith, Colin or Oz if I have made you guys suffer, please feel free each and everyone of you to take over senior upper management. To be kind I made a list of things you will need to do throughout the week:

- Talk to the club bookers - Randy, Danny, Mike, Adam, Chandra, Doug, David, Alex, Janice, Tony and Bill. (don't worry I have numbers and the time of day to call for all of them)
- Balance the books every week. On Sundays after the weekend you need to take all the reciepts during the week and how much money we made and keep track of somehow (I have a spreadsheet you could use, but I am sure it is inferior).
- Update the monkeyshyne website every monday morning
- Do weekly maintanence of van - Usually isn't much unless a hose has busted or a fan has fallen of, or the bolts that hold the alternator snapped, or....you get the point, could be a little work, could be a lot
- Listening and picking out songs that the band might cover. Don't worry when you bring your list in everybody in the band will hate it, so don't put too much time into this one.
- Send out any posters, flyers or mail order CD's for the week. On average that has been about 1 or 2 a week. Unfortunately it takes the same amount of time for 1 as it does for 10, so you are looking at about 30 minutes on this one because you have to buy the envelopes, fullfil the order then drop it of at the Post Office.

Those are all the things I can think of at the moment, but I am sure others will pop up. The good thing is the above things only take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours a week, so between the 3 of you, you should be able to get it done in no time.

Oh and you might want to get on that booking thing, I would hate to miss anymore shows than we already have too...

Retired Senior Upper Management
Chris

Another Message From Senior Upper Management

2007-03-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

Attention

Senior Upper Management would like to apologize for Chris the senior most upper manager for not posting this week. After berating his underlings last week he has gone and done exactly what he asked them not to do (excluding Oz...) But after fixing the van on a Sunday morning from the leaking HOT HOT HOT hose I think that upper management will give him a pass this week for not blogging. Plus upper management believes that Keith and Colin have done a good job of describing the details of last weekend except for that whole not having a hotel room incident. Upper management believes that they are not always responsible for doing EVERTYHING. Upper management believes that Keith, Colin or Oz could have stepped up and shown some initiative and booked hotel rooms ahead of time. That initiative would have shown senior upper management that one of them would be ready for mid level management.

That is all.

Senior Upper Management

Oz's B-Day Weekend

2007-03-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

FYI this Sunday is Oz's Birthday so how about all weekend we make sure he stays full of candy and shots. He prefers Peanut M&M's, red twizler's and Jaegar Bombs...

Happy B-Day Ozzy!

Pee is funny

2007-03-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Management has just pissed himself in fits of laughter after reading the responses of his workers...

That is all for now.

We are a bunch of sorry dogs...

2007-02-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION
monkeyshyne management apologizes for the non-action blogging of them members of monkeyshyne. The members are too busy doing VERY important things like watching TV, sleeping, watching more TV and sleeping some more.

???

2007-02-25T17:41:00.001-08:00

Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why Why

I don't know...

How Would I Feel

2007-02-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Keith recently sent me an email with the following video:
. It is Cindy and Bert covering Black Sabbath's song Paranoid. Not only are they remaking it in a disco style, but they are singing it in German. Now I don't know if I would be flattered or I would be pissed if Cindy and Bert were to do this with a monkeyshyne song. If you watch the video you will notice they are both really kick ass singers and they both look like rockstars. BUT I do have a problem with all the dancers in the video. For gods sake please look like you are having a good time. I don't see how they can contain their emotions when listening to Cindy and Bert. Of course I have seen this reaction amongst many of our audiences at monkeyshyne shows...

I guess what I am saying is I would feel good about Cindy and Bert covering any of our music, but I would want a different video director. Maybe we could get Spielberg, I really liked what he did in that movie AI...

Make a Request

2007-02-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t noticed we are constantly making changes to our new website. Not only are we giving it a facelift, but we are trying to add some things that might be helpful to all of our 1’s of fans.

We just added a new "Make a Request" section where you can look over the songs that we currently play and send us a request when we come to your side of the world. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked us to play something older or a cover song we don’t know at a show and we don’t play it because we have had no time to practice it. Here is your chance to change that. I know that Audra will always ask for “Take a Chance” when we go to Tyler. But I honestly forget what other fans like and that bothers me. This is a way for us to never forget. I can remember Anna from Temple asking us to learn a song from the Beatles called Anna. She asked for months and months and months, but I just kept forgetting the name of the song and the band (easy mistake right, Beatles who?).

Plus if you are new to monkeyshyne music maybe you didn’t know that we even played other peoples music. Maybe you really like “Blister in the Sun” and “Lovin’s What I Got.” And now you see that we play them then that would give you a little incentive to come to our show. I am ok with that (but I will guarantee monkeyshyne’s original music will be better!)

See for me and the guys the more asses we put in the club and in front of us while we are on stage the more energy we get to share with everyone. And of course the better the memory we get to make.

If we are headed to your side of the street hop on over to our request page and make a request, who knows, we may just surprise you and actually play the song you request…

Play it like a man...

2007-02-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

You know we all have to face our fears at some point in out lives. Some of us turn away and run and others stare it down and make that fear our BIOTCH. I have to give props to one buddy of mine who I have watched grow leaps and bounds over the last few years. That buddy is Keith aka Fear the Spork aka Westy aka monkeyshyne's bass player.

When I first met Keith a couple years back he was your typical flyboy. Sure he looked good in a tight pair of jeans, but you could tell all that starch in his clothing was causing him to be a little stiff. Recently Keith decided to leave the Air Force after 13 years of service because he knew he wanted more out of life. And since he has been out of the military he has totally started to take more of a "Life is like a box of Chocolates" attitude, meaning he likes things that are dark, creamy, hard on the outside, but soft in the middle...Ok you get the point, he is much more laid back.

I think one of his BIGGEST accomplishments to this date happened this past weekend when he decided to sport a hot pink bass on stage. Not just for Friday nights show, but also for Saturday nights show. That is right Mr. IAMGoingToKillyouinYourSleep was playing (and totally rocking) a HOT pink bass. And you know what he didn't care what other people thought. He even changed his myspace main picture to one of the pictures of him playing the pink bass.

Let me just be one of the first civilians to say SGTPCFCFPSTGLS Keith Westyheimer I rock n roll solute you dude, you are alright in my book.

F#$%ing computers...

2007-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

I swear I have been trying to post blogs for the last couple days on this damn blogger.com, but they have done this upgrade and I hadn't migrated my blogs yet. Well I have now and now you can see my blogs, see seee seeee. Computers totally suck, they never do what you want when you want. Do they really make our life easier or have we just become more lazy and impatient...Like last week when I was in line at the grocery store there was 1 person in front of me and that just PISSED ME OFF, for no reason other than why should there be lines anymore? I mean I don't have to wait in line to read yahoo news everyday or read fark or look at any website I want. It is right at my finger tips ready to please instantly...unless...your computer is not working...see computers do suck...

Oh What a Feeling

2007-01-23T17:41:00.000-08:00

I can't speak for the rest of the guys, but DAMN it felt great to get back on stage this last weekend. The drive down to Temple, Tx. kind of sucked because of the soggy roads and nipple pinching cold. But when we got to Temple and I held that guitar in my hand I knew my heart was home again. Yes I know that sounds cheesy, you can call me the Cheeseburgler.

Oz and I also tried using in ear monitors for this show. We had tried to use them before and I just got frustrated. This time we bought some better equipment and sure enough I could hear myself 10 times better. After being a musician for so long my hearing has started to go. Don't worry I don't miss it, it just gets frustrating when we play a show and I have to get the sound guy to turn it up so DANG loud.

We have this weekend of and then we are in Tyler, Tx. It has been about 3 months since we have been there and I KNOW it will be a GREAT show. I figure everyone there should be missin them some monkeys and a kewl bald guy...

Kind of Funny

2007-01-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a bit I was apart of the other week. I thought it was amusing so I figured I would post it on this blog for fun. Enjoy, it is about how people almost died and I am singing impromptu music for them:

http://64.23.5.113/dyingEdit.mp3

What a weekend and video

2007-01-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am back from my trip to San Fran. I went there for my B-Day weekend and you can read about it more at http://www.kiddlive.com/blog/readblog.html?who=Chris. It was an interesting trip to say the least.

Here is something else that I found VERY entertaining. Here is a promotional video that monkeyshyne was apart of. It was for a concert series that we honored to play. What is really funny about this video is if you watch near the end you will see me KISS Colin. Yep I said kiss him. I don't know what happened. Sometimes that dude is just so damn sexy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_fSKdwx5Mg

Today

2007-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

days I look back and reflect on all the things I have done in my life and I must say...it isn't much...but lucky for me I still have plenty of time to make up for that. Let's look at a few of those goals I have set since I was a kid and evaluate which ones I have and haven't achieved:

- To have a mustache and own a video arcade - This was something I wanted when I was about 10. Do I have the mustache, no, do I have the arcade, no, but I do have a PS2 and a beard so I was close on this one.
- To retire when I was 30. NOT EVEN CLOSE...I am now giving myself till 40...
- To grow long flowing locks of hair much like the white golden haired Jesus. Nope a thing called heredity happened...
- To play for a successful rock band that tours the world and makes tons of money. I kind of missed this one, I am in a rock band and we do tour Texas. I guess I will give myself partial credit on this one. Plus I do work for a nationally syndicated radio station and they have played many of my masterpieces like "The Weekly Review" and "I Want to F#$@ All Night"...
- To find my soul mate. CHECK, hey 1 out of 4 ain't bad so far...

Let me just stop right there I think I am depressing myself and I think that your B-Day is supposed to be a happy day...

What a GREAT PARTY

2007-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday night my wife threw me a suprise B-Day party and WHAT a party it was. Sure I got drunk, but it was just kewl to see a bunch of friends and family. It is funny because the older I get the more I realize that I can really count the few friends I have on one finger. Or at least those friends that you see often. The older you get the more responsibility everyone has and it is just hard to get on the same schedule and meet up like when you were in college and delivered pizza and had your evenings free, except for Friday night (good tip night).

When I look back and think about all the friends I had over the years it adds up...to at least 10...and that is a TON for me.

Several of my friends there had babies or where having babies, wow I really am getting older. My knees hurt, I leak more when I pee, and everyonce in a while it hurts when I sit down, but I don't think I am ready for a prostate exam yet...

I really shouldn't dwell on those things, I am just going to be happy for the life that I have got to live up to know and all the people I have met along the way.

I'm Back

2007-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

And in one piece. I have a few aches here and there, but I feel alright. I am ready to start the new year off right, I have set no goals and do not plan to. I do feel some great things are going to come our way as a band, fame, fortune, number 1 hits, grammy's, mtv awards, etc. And if we do get those things just getting to play music with my buddies is really enough for me.

I have started writing again. After our new CD I haven't felt too much like writing. It kind of takes it out of you.

The mountains were just unbelievable. I was even just 1 hour away from Colin, but he didn't take his phone with him. I tried calling to hook up with him, I figured he might get a little bored, but I never heard back from him.

WHAT???

2006-12-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

Ok where the hell did Colin come up with his Brokeback Mountain theory between Keith and I? How did a golf game turn into a torid love affair? My theory is that Colin has always had a thing fo me, yep that is right. Maybe it was all the drumsticks he tried poking me in the ass with? Maybe it was all the late night "hey Chris you want to snuggle" comments in the van.

That is right Colin I think it is jealousy. And now that I think about it, it might not be a love for me, but for Keith. That is why you always call him "my" bass player. The only other person I call my is "my" wife. HHMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm Colin is there something you want to say to the world, start off the new year fresh...

Keith you suck I rule...WOW now that sentence just took on a WHOLE new meaning...

Wow Keith...

2006-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

I feel a little bit of embarrassment on your part. I know that you have beaten me in the past, but let’s not live in the past. I personally like to live in the future and the future is called A.C. (After Chris Kicked Keith’s ASS).

Keith here are some pointers for you when playing golf with me in the future and please remember these points are totally meant from a friend to a friend.

1) I know that you like to complain a lot about the “sun being in your eyes.” I suggest you wear some sunglasses. Funny though this last time we played the sun wasn’t even out…

2) Practice makes perfect, unless you are perfect. See I am about as perfect as perfect can be, so naturally anything I do is perfect and you… well you need to practice.

3) I would suggest getting yourself a little putting game. Something fun like this http://www.tottevents.com/backoffice/upload/3681288.jpg.

4) Remember that stick we used to talk about? Although it has been removed I think sometimes you still stand like it’s there, especially when you are looking for your wooden T’s.

5) Last but not least play with yourself more…

I hope these help Keith. You have a couple of weeks before we will be able to play again which should give you plenty of time to get started on these. And of course if you would like me to give you some lessons I could break you a deal, $50 an hour… just for you buddy.

Before Keith Posts His Blog

2006-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

I beat his ASS yesterday in golf. I mean it was a SPANKING. SPANK, SPANK, SPANK, damn I think he is still hurting. If you see him walking funny around the college campus you will know why. Oh yah actually he is out of school for the holidays. That’ll be good for him. It will give him plenty of time to recover.

One of my best shots was when I shot a 2 on a 3 par hole. I putted one in from about 10 yards out. It was a shot in a million, but yours truly nailed it.

For some reason yesterday I was just feeling good. Usually on the first hole it takes me about 8 to 10 swings to sink my ball, but yesterday it only took 5 strokes. The weather was great and I also know that in a week I will be up in the mountains for vacation. For 7 days I get to turn into a snowboarding bum.

Keith buddy, you know I love you man, but what can I say the better man won...

Big Thanks

2006-12-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

to everyone who came out this past Saturday night. We had a really good turnout for the show. Sure we had a number of people we thought would be there not show, but I totally understand that.

I would say before we even hit the stage I was feeling pretty good. Must have had something to do with the 3 tequila shots, 2 Jaegar bombs and half dozen beers. I know I can speak for the other guys when I say it was a pleasure to get to entertain in our home town.

I will have the CD's on sale online by the end of the week if you missed the show. And if you don't want to buy one online I am sure we will be in your neck of the woods soon.

Thanks

Something New

2006-12-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my mess on the main monkeyshyne website. I was trying to be all fancy and change up the look of the site a little bit and I think what I changed it to looks like shit. Late last night I thought "hey that looks really kewl and artsy and such", but today I look at it and say "wow that sucks donkey nuts."

See art is such a tough business, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Take for instance the Mona Lisa, I think that painting is really bad. I mean the chick looks like a guy. But take any picture of a naked woman from Playboy and I would call that art, oh and of course they have great articles.

It is similar to music. Some people hear our music and think "wow this is great!" and other say "wow these guys need to stop stinking up the airways." Of course I would love to think EVERYONE loves our stuff, but I know that won't happen, that is just the reality of it.

Mona Lisa or Playboy, the decision is up to you...

I can't believe it

2006-12-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Nobody has blogged about this past Saturday night. First let me say I truely enjoyed the crowd we had out there supporting us and the Opus Flux (Frolic). Both bands really enjoy each other so it makes it that much more sweat when we get to play together. During the first set I managed to yell out that Cliff our road guy hadn't been laid in a while. All I was trying to do was help, but I guess nobody agreed with my statement.

Then I had another hum dinger, I said monkeyshyne was going to change its name to Aeon Flux and that way when we play shows with the Opus Flux we could Flux all night long...yah it sounds just as cheesy now as it did Saturday night too.

This Saturday is our Dallas CD release at Firewater Bar and Grill. I hope to see EVERYONE there.

And last but not least if you aren't feeling the holiday spirit yet this video may help http://64.23.5.113/christmas.html.

Happy Holidaze

2006-12-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Billy Idol is putting out a Christmas CD and oh my God this is so absolutely WRONG. This guy sings about devirginising virgins, sex and blow and now he is singing about Christmas trees…you got to check this stuff out http://www.myspace.com/billyidol. Is this what I look forward too if monkeyshyne actually ever “makes it.” I can see it right now monkeyshyne sings all your Christmas favorites. Maybe to tough it out a little we can call the CD “Shove a Christmas tree up your ASS!” I know that would make Keith feel much better about it…

That does remind me of a Christmas song that we actually did write and record. I even made a video for it. Of course it is not as gay as Billy Idol because the song is one big sexual reference and that makes it ok. You can watch the video here http://64.23.5.113/christmas.html. Sorry Keith I couldn’t find the original so I couldn’t add you into the actual video so I made you the background instead.

Temple, Tx. here we come! And don’t worry about the cold weather we will surely warm you up with great music and Jaeger shots!

SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS!

2006-11-29T05:41:00.000-08:00

Well this SUCKS! I am getting let go at the beginning of the year at 106.3 the buzz, the alt rock station that I was doing overnights for. The PD said she is having to cut back her budget and if she lets me go that frees up a WHOLE $150.00 a month for her budget. I guess this means I am officially in radio and man it really sucks hard. I thought being a road musician was a crappy job. Being a local touring musician you don’t get much respect or make any money and you deal with a lot of A-hole’s and I am finding out that radio is the same. Music has always been something that I enjoy and I am sure it is something I always will enjoy, but I am finding how twisted it really can be. Plus I am starting to question my talents, maybe I suck and that is why I haven’t gone anywhere. I mean I have been trying to bust into the national music scene for15 years now and I don’t think I am any closer now than I was then. I thought that working as a DJ and working with the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning show might help and give me another avenue with my music, but to be honest I don’t think it has that much. I have had a blast making fun of myself and writing goofy songs, but for the majority of the morning I sit back in a dark room and update a website for the show and to be honest that isn’t that much fun for me. Working the overnight at the Buzz was kewl because I got to be on the radio from midnight to 6am.

When I first got here I had a fire burning inside of me. I wanted to learn all I could and make a name for myself in my new career. I quit a high paying job to work part-time and make nothing. It was a choice that I made willingly. Funny thing is the more I tried to learn other jobs and help out around here the more I got pushed back. It has been a frustrating experience.

Of course I did hate the corporate world I came from too. It was high paying, but my heart totally wasn’t there. Even though every other day I get call or email offering me a job.
I guess bottom line is I am a little frustrated. I have learned the more you want something the more it doesn’t want you. and the more you don’t want something the more it wants you.

2 new songs up on myspace

2006-11-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

We have 2 new songs for you to wrap your earlobes around, High and You Know You Want Me. Go ahead and try and guess what High is about...if you guessed floating through golden streets in a Jesus Christ pose you are wrong, but if you guessed it is about getting high you are right. It is an adventure song between 2 friends looking to expand their minds, stomachs and penises...I will stop there.

You Know You Want Me is a song I wrote about being so dang good looking...Ok go ahead and laugh that one out. It is really about your typical guy thinking that every woman is in love with him and if she isn't she is a lesbian...Oz wrote the lyrics to this one and I must say it has a solid rock backbone.

You can even see a picture of the new COLOR CD cover. We finally decided to break down and pay for color CD's because we feel our fans are totally worth it! That and the great deal we get if we buy them in bulk, but don't let that take anything away from being a great fan.

Check it all out on our myspace page http://www.myspace.com/monkeyshyne.

Enjoy!

Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire

2006-11-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

That is the name of my new ROCK band! Don't worry I am not quitting monkeyshyne this is just a side project that my brothers and I are starting (and Keith). It's an all 80's cock rock and metal band. right now the band is really in the baby stages (also known as the SUCK stage). I figure we will only get together about every 3 to 4 months to "practice", which is good for monkeyshyne and not so good for the new band.

We got together this past Friday night for an all night jam. We started at 5pm and didn't finish till 12:30am. We played for over 7 hours, but amazingly enough we only played 4 songs from start to finish. Collectively we know about 100 parts and pieces of songs with the key phrase being parts and pieces...We even decided on a list of songs before we got together for all of us to learn, but that didn't help much...

In this band I am actually getting to play drums and sing. YES I said play drums and I must say I am not that bad, I am not that good, but I am not that bad. Keith (monkeyshyne bass player) is playing guitar and he is actually good. Pat my 2nd oldest brother is playing bass and if he has it his way he is singing every song. Sean my 3rd oldest brother is playing guitar and singing and Mark my youngest brother is also singing and playing guitar. Together we make up the band called "Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire." The name is an old running joke amongst the brothers and one day soon I will divulge its meaning, but I don't want to give too much away right now. In radio they call that a tease...

Thanksgiving and Boredom and CD

2006-11-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

Holy crap I don't know what to do with myself? I have been having music withdrawls from not playing. Usually my weekends are full of gigs and I don't ever have free time. I have been actually able to relax a bit and get to sleep before 6am on the weekends.

We have had a few problems putting together the CD and getting it ready for the month of December. I wanted to have CD's at every show in December. It shouldn't have been a problem because we had the CD done and had over a month to get the CD cover design done, but things weren't taken care of and now I am in a crunch to try and get it all done. Yah it kind of upsets me that it always seems to fall back on my shoulders, I guess that is just my life. Don't worry though we will have CD's for the month of December.

Kidd's Kids Song

2006-11-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of the tasks during my Kidd's Kids trip was to write and record a song with the kids. Of course I am always up for writing music. It was kind of interesting getting the kids to sing back to me what I was singing to them. Sure it is out of key and totally not on tempo, but that is what makes it so perfect. I wrote the song as a thank you to everyone who contributed to this awesome cause.

If you have a moment go listen to it at http://www.myspace.com/djbananakid. Hope you enjoy!

Kidd's Kids Trip

2006-11-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you know, but one of my jobs is working for Kidd Kraddick in the Morning and this past weekend I joined them on their annual Kidd's Kids trip. I just have to say it was truly an emotional trip. It really helped me to appreciate the things I have and what I am capable of doing. Most of the times we get so caught up in our little worlds we don't realize how great we really have it and how bad some people have it. Most of these kids, even though disabled, were totally acting like kids regardless of their condition. These kids had the strength of men, but still had the hearts of children. I know that it has filled my emotional gas tank for a while. I am sure after being back in Dallas for a couple of days will change that...you know what I mean, like driving in 5pm traffic, and cursing at the F$&#er who just cut you off because you just lost 2 seconds and he just gained 2 seconds when getting home...WHO F$#%ing cares...Or sitting in line at the fast food drive thru thinking "What are you ordering the whole F$##ING store..." once again who cares. Really there are so many more important things like our relationships, dreams and desires...

Deep Ellum my second home

2006-11-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Keith and I decided to hang out down in Deep Ellum. It was just like old times. The parking was overpriced, the drinks were watered down and the bathrooms smelt like a mixture of piss and puke...how I have missed my second home. It was good seeing all the people I have known for years and haven't seen in months. And they always treat me like I haven't been gone that long. Hell some of them even said that the missed me and the band and we have come up in conversation.

Luckily for us there were several good bands that night including Early Pearl, Advent and the Orange. We rocked out and drank ourselves silly. I peed in the sink and tried to puke in the bathroom, but just wasn't feeling it. I didn't want to leave without contributing to the overall smell of the night (just kidding).

Deep Ellum you will always hold a special place in my heart, no matter what happens to you in the future.

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween everybody! The guys and I decided that we needed to all go trick or treating together this year, you know that whole strength in numbers thing.

This year we are going as a bunch of girlscouts, of course this is Oz's idea.

Be on the lookout for 4 six foot dudes looking for candy or beer or cigarettes...

Random Things

2006-10-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

First thing is the CD is now in the hands of a mastering engineer. We should have a final mastered copy by next week. And within the next week or 2 we will go into mass production of the CD. We are going to print up 1,000 CD's. The last batch we went through over 1,200 in 7 months of "I think we're evolving." And we think we can go through a 1,000 of the new one even quicker.

Second thing is Run Run our van is almost leak free again. We discovered 2 leaks this past weekend and the transmission was slipping REALLY bad. I had to start it in 2nd gear then slide it into drive to get home from Wichita Falls. We found the leak and fixed it and also added some leak stopper to our radiator to stop the water leak (I think that will work, but we will find out soon enough).

Thirds but not last another great Dallas band is throwing in the towel. South FM is announcing their last show this Saturday the 28th at the Curtain Club. If you do not have plans, plan on being there. We have known these guys ever since we have been on the scene and Paco has always been very kewl to us and everyone else. Paco, the singer, did say he was going to carry on, but this will be the last time to see the full band. Damn, music is such a beautiful bitch, it makes you feel love as its ripping your heart out...

Those are damn good times

2006-10-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Colin mentioned something to me the other day that always pops in and out of my mind, he said "You know Chris some of the best times I have are with this band and not always when we are on stage." And you know what, he is so right. Getting to meet all the kewl and different people and riding around in a black and white van through Texas is priceless. Here are some pics Cliff the great took just from this past Saturday. You can tell by the pics this was one helluva day.

First we rode motorcycles...Oz helped me get it running right, he is so smart...

Colin and I got scratched from riding the motorcycle...who said motorcycles are dangerous...

Then we played a show in Temple, this is Sean the bartender up on stage singing (or yelling) with me...

This is Keith rocking out with me, I love my buddy even if he gets upset when I ask him to drop me off at the Harley dealership...what are friends for...

Christian from the rock band Frolic and I sharing vocal duties...

See just one day and all that FINE entertainment and it didn't cost me a thing...well maybe my liver and lungs...

MUTHER F$%#$#

2006-10-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am in such a $hitty F'ing mood. I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something, but I am just brewing with hate right now. I think maybe I have some sort of mental issues and need drugs to fix my problems. Am I right? Is it ok to be PISSED OFF and hate everything because you are having a bad day? F-you, F-you, F-you who's next...

Here I just wrote a song about it:

I don't really F'ing care
if I'm bald and got no hair
I need a cold beer that I won't share
cause sometimes life just ain't fair

F-you, F-you, F-you who's next
X-Men has been playing on FX
F-you, F-you, F-you who's next
I live in the metroplex

Ok so the chorus needs a little bit of work, I totally shouldn't have used the word next, it really doesn't rhyme well...

Don't worry as Big Colin always says, "I will get over it in the same pair of panties"...and I still don't know what that means...

Blogs are Back

2006-10-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ok after some talks with the boys, I decided to bring back all the blogs. Like I said before I was just getting a little frustrated with them not getting updated. I think between Keith and I you will at least get a couple blogs a week. Big Colin should update about once a week and Oz about once every 3 months.

This past weekend we had a blast in Wichita Falls and we played a new club in Lake Dallas Saturday. We played to a slew of interesting people Saturday night. One lady around 45 or so decided to show her boobs several times to the audience. One very drunk younger lady decided to climb on stage and play the tambourine right in my ear totally off time and continued to tell me "I don't think I ammm onnn nnn timeeeee...., what you do yo thinkkkkk..." Thank the Lord I am a professional and can handle those situations. Then there was one couple that was dancing all crazy. The lady must have been a cheerleader in a past life with all the splits and high kicks. And at one point in time she fell down and the guy fell with her and they decided to just dry hump right there in the middle of the dance floor...nice...then at one point she knocked his cowboy hat off and everyone but me also saw his hair go with the hat and I missed it. Anyways it was one of those experiences I wouldn't trade for nothing...good times...good times...

WOW

2006-10-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

I guess I pissed of Mr. Westyheimer by removing his blog:

"Oh, I see how it is. Your Royal Lord High-and-Mighty (Yet Still Bald as a Baby's Ass) Chris has decided what the fans of the greatest band in the world (that be monkeyshyne) has wanted. What the hell? I wouldn't take that crap...and I'm pissed you deleted my blog. Gone forever are "Touchdown Jesus" and "Operation Monkeyshyne", among others. Who the hell said you could delete my blog? And by doing so, deprive my adoring female friends their weekly dose of yours truly? Assclown. You and me are gonna have words. Answer your phone, pansy."

Kieth

Well sir I am not High-n-Mighty I just got tired of NO BLOGS...I mean the purpose of a blog is to write your thoughts and write them often. And I have been dissappointed because lately there hasn't been anything to read and I know if I am dissappointed I know other people out there are dissappointed too. Funny I guess it's true, don't know what you got till its gone...

Oh and Keith I guess it isn't too big a deal, I haven't heard anything from Colin or Oz?

Only One

2006-10-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well instead of continuing my disappointment I went ahead and removed the other guy’s blogs. I know there are a lot of you out there that liked to read them, but I can't stand when they aren't updated, so instead of furthering my pain, I will just remove it. I will leave my blog up, of course, and will make sure I update it several times a week as I usually do. Just seems everyone else is just too busy. Colin is working now, Keith is going back to school, Oz is working nights and Cliff well...Plus the guys always had a tough time finding things to write about. I originally wanted the blogs to be a way that we could connect a little more with the people who enjoy our music and what we do. Plus I thought it would be kewl for people to get to know our personalities. We are one of the bands that you can actually approach and hang out with.

If you have a problem with this decision please let me know.

Even Alice in Chains

2006-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

I was totally thrown back the other night at the Alice in Chains concert during a tribute film to Lane Staley. At one part of the video he says "Tonight guys you are really making our security work overtime right now" to an empty room. Sometimes as a musician you forget that everyone has to start somewhere and most of the time that is in an empty room. Most people who come to see us don't really realize how much we appreciate them coming to see us. We, as well as any band, feed off of that energy that the crowd gives us. We need that energy like a smack addict needs crack. Without it we might as well just stay home and play with ourselves...

I LOVE IT when people come out and dance, YELL, SCREAM, laugh, and just have a great time. That is what we are there for, to entertain you. If we aren't doing that we aren't doing our job.

Thanks to all of you who fill out rooms and make our security work overtime...

Radio Convention Bit

2006-09-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I work for Kidd Kraddick in the Morning and every once in a while I get called to duty. I don't mind I actually think I was made for making an ass of myself, it just seems to come natural.

Click here to LISTEN to the Radio Convention Bit. Here I went with Jenna, works at the station, to go sell a song that should be the next big thing.

WARNING: Although the curse words are bleeped you can still get a pretty good idea of what is being said.

Shakira, LIVE and yes I was there

2006-09-25T10:13:00.002-07:00

Shakira, yes I went

Yes I went to the Shakira concert this past weekend and no I am not ashamed. I went with my wife because it was the right thing to do and a lot of times I don’t get to hang with her so I don’t really mind where we go when we do hang out. First let me say that I was impressed with the band she had backing her and yes she can sing, other than that it was almost painful. There were several times where she would grab a guitar and “play.” Me being a guitarist I could totally tell she wasn’t strumming the same pattern that the actual guitarist was strumming. To me that is just a cheesy as lip syncing. I’ve got an idea, just don’t play guitar if you can’t and be genuine. I was also expecting her to dance and move her hips like the whole time, but nope that didn’t happen. She did kind of dance, but not as much as I would expect from someone who is known for her dancing. And the last thing was when she would look around the room you could see the expressions on her face and she would get this shy little girl look, it was pathetic, like “look at me I am soooo cute.”

Overall the show was “eh.” Yes I know you are probably still saying to yourself “What Chris went to Sharkira…”

Last night Oh My!

2006-09-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I sang a song with a co-worker for Kidd at the R&R convention. The R&R convention is a huge radio convention with a ton of radio and record label top guys. We sang a song that repeated the word F%$# in the chorus about 15 times. We sang to the label people at BMG, EMI and Jive records all in the name of a radio bit.

Sometimes I feel very torn about using music for a laugh and feel like it kind of cheapens my art. But then I think about all the brilliant songs over time that poked fun at life. Or even comedians that have written some brilliant songs. For instance "A$$hole" is a song by Dennis Leary that we do live in our PG-13 rated R shows and it is a great song and hilarious. Or I listen to Tenacious-D and just hear brilliance.

I am not saying that monkeyshyne is going in that direction but lately with our new music we sure haven't been afraid to sing about things we wouldn't have singing about 5 years ago. Just wait it is almost here.

Can you try and stay in key?

2006-09-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

When we first started this band 6 years ago WE SUCKED and too be honest we aren't a whole lot better we are just a hell of a whole lot smarter. Back in the beginning we didn't care too much about tuning our guitars or singing in the right key, we just played because ROCK N ROLL wasn't about being professional it was about "feelings man." What a LOAD OF SHIT! Seriously we are all raised on this MTV fantasy of being the next kid who changes the face of the earth with his music and we are so WRONG.

Music really is an art and in any art it is best to learn your tools and learn what past artists have done. Then you mold these things you learn into your own interpretation of art. Then if enough people understand you then maybe you live a life of fame and fortune (1 in a million chance, but you're telling me there's a chance). You must learn though. It almost kills me know to hear a band who sucks and I used to be one of those guys who would never say another band sucked, but there are bands that suck. I mean they can't play in time, can't sing in key and don't understand the basics of building a song and for some reason they think they sound good? HELLO? Are you not hearing what everyone else is hearing? I am totally down for everyone being able to express themselves and song is a great way to do it, just PLEASE take some time and learn your art.

Ok for all those musicians who read this who disagree, chances are you are the ones I am talking about...

(see I really am an asshole, just read Oz's blog)

All Ages Show

2006-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

This Saturday night at the Ridglea we invite anyone and everyone to our ALL AGES show. I guess I want to say more about it, because we NEVER have all ages shows. We also go on early at 8:20pm, so you can come out check out the show and still get a dinner in and get the kids to bed on time.

Colin = GAY

2006-09-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, dude how gay can you be posting about Keith's nice lil ass...

Colin=Gay

My Weekend by Christian Rawk

2006-09-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

My weekend didn't start off so hot, I was called "soft" by Big Colin. He said my butt was not as shapely as Keith's. What does he know, I work out all the time trying my best to look fit for all of our adoring fans. I mean we have to make it big before I can fall off the deep end and get caught up on drugs and to many ho ho's and ding dongs. That hurt, but that is ok, I am a trooper and decided I could handle his remark.

Well I am glad that I didn't take it to personal because shortly thereafter Colin and I made up. We were both wearing our "hole in the knew kewl guy pants" and we knew right then we were too kewl for our knees to have material on them. If you look hard enough Big C is trying to point out all of my tattoos under my shirt, cause that's how we roll.

Then we started and ended the night with several Jaegar Bombs and as you can see in this picture Big Colin must've been feeling bad because he looks WASTED. Don't worry I took care of my buddy, my flabby butt and all...

I know who the father really is? Baby Suri, mystery Solved...

2006-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

There have been many rumors about who the real father of baby Suri is, well I think I know. I mean look at that head of black hair and if you look really closely his skin looks bleached. And notice how Oz says he has this "night shift" job, but we never see him or hear from him during the week?

Yep that is right I am implying that Oz is the father of baby Suri. Usually I don't buy into any of this Hollywood gossip, but in this case the similarities are just to real. What can I say Oz is sexy, Colin tells us this ALL THE TIME, but we do agree.

Oz good luck with your new baby and being apart of the Cruise family. Please be careful about Sciencetology though, I heard they believe in aliens...

What You Need?

2006-09-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

It is funny how life works sometimes. Yesterday I found out that the Crocodile hunter Steve Erwin died. That is not funny. So what is funny? It is funny how someone I never met could influence me so much. When I saw one of his interviews he was overflowing with passion about his work. He didn't care whether it was swimming with sharks or wrestling with Croc's he loved it and it showed. My wife made a comment to me that really rang out in my head, almost like church bells ringing (either that or it was my loss of hearing), she said "At least he died doing what he loved." Now I am sure she isn't the only one who will say this, but it is true. How many of us really are doing what we love. I know for some people it is making money and I thought that was part of it. But I guess it really isn't, at least for me.

A while back I quit my IT day job to go work part-time at a radio station. That was a huge risk I went from make a LOT of money to very little, but I found a job that made me happy. It was kind of like getting on stage and playing in a band, or writing a song that someone else sings. Well after several months I went and got a part-time job back in the IT industry making some extra money to keep me a float. That was only supposed to last a couple of months, but it lasted over a year. Then recently I was asked if I would like so more work from another company for MORE money and I accepted. Then this past weekend the Croc Hunter died and I was jealous of how he lived. How this man could figure out what he loved and just do it, knowing the consequences, but not caring. I have decided to quit both of those IT jobs and once again pursue a career in music. I want to be that man and maybe someday someone will say when I die "At least he died doing what he loved."

New CD

2006-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Keith and I were practicing last night and during one of our smoke breaks we started talking about the new CD and the direction we are going. We both agreed that this new CD is a little more pop/rock and not so edgy as the past CD's. I couldn't really say whether it was a good thing or a bad thing it just is. One of the songs on there is called "High" and it is a real sing along type song about getting high and I wrote the majority of it. It is something that I wouldn't or couldn't have written 3 years ago and to me I would say that is progress.

I think we have constantly changed over every CD we have put out and I believe change is good. So this one will be somewhat of a change. I have a feeling that most of you will really enjoy this one and I have a feeling that 1 or 2 of these songs will get us some national exposure, but I have been telling myself that for 6 years...

A new Language?

2006-08-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend after a night of no sleep and playing in 100 degree weather we decided to stop at Whataburger for a quick bite to eat. While sitting there we started talking about Keith going back to school and pickup lines he needs to use for the young college girls. Colin suggested that Keith speak in a German accent and act a like a German, like a German George Clooney and the girls will just melt.

Then somewhere in the conversation I decided to add in the fact that he needs to tell the women that he has a big penis. But to not be rude about it and say it in German. Of course he told me and I could not get it right and eventually my pick up line turned into "Vee Gates es mi Grande Pee Pee", which basically says "Hello my big penis", but it was a mixture of German and Spanish. Then Colin and Keith coined the phrase "Sperman" a new language that is a mixture of Spanish and German. We are sooo creative...

Warning women on the UNT campus Keith starts school today and you might be hit on by a Sperman...

Keith I don't think u understand

2006-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

You are right Keith I do "appear" to make funny faces in the monkeyshyne pictures, but in actuallity those are my different "poses" something you would not understand...why would you not understand, well because you use the SAME pose for every picture...

let me explain by showing you some pictures, because pictures are worth a thousand words:

Nice no pose Keith

Wow Keith isn't that the same pose...

Oh and you will notice Big Colin also has the same pose in both pictures...hmmm must be a rhythm section thing, no wonder you guys want Oz and I at the front of the stage...

Lead Singer of monkeyshyne
Chris(tian) Rawk

Another Promo Photo Opp Blown because of "The Oz"

2006-08-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is a private email I sent Oz earlier this week:

Dear "The Oz",

Would you please look a little more serious in our photos. Everytime you seem to make a funny face or do something totally out of character while, Colin, Keith and I try very hard to look like "ROCKSTARS". I understand what a few Jaegar Bombs can do to a person, but this is getting our of hand...

Your Buddy and Pal and Lead Singer of the Band
Chris(tian)

I hope that wasn't too harsh...

Its all about the people

2006-08-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of the kewlest things about being in a rock band is getting to meet all kinds of different people. Think about it in one regular day the average person talks to about 5 people, but we get to talk with 20 to 40 different people every night we play (I know we usually have 100's of people out to watch us, but you just can't talk to everyone).

This guys nickname is "Wheel's", and he came up on stage in Tyler to sing "Asshole" with Oz and I. If you haven't heard the song it is a Dennis Leary song about assholes. And it has a line in there that says "I park in hadicap spaces while people make handicap faces." Well Wheel's, being one kewl dude, made a handicap face during that line then flipped off Oz (he was singing it). I mean how kewl is that? This dude doesn't let crap get to him, he is who he is and he is alright with that.

Like I said, we get to meet a lot of kewl people...oh and our shar of assholes too, but that is a different blog...

Tonight

2006-08-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Audra and April and everyone else who lives in Tyler get ready monkeyshyne is coming tonight. Lock up your Jaegermeister and your foriegn cars (its a Keith thing).

"Here we come,
Walkin down the street,
We're the nuttiest band,
you'll ever meet

Hey Hey we are monkeyshyne
And people think we monkeying around
But we to busy call each other gay
to put anyone else down..."

See you tonight...

This Picture make me happy!

2006-08-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Ok I am not trying to be sappy or gay, when I saw this picture it made me feel happy. I declare this the new monkeyshyne promo photo.

Ever since the beginning of time we have been looking for that one pic that describes us. You would think it was easy, but it ain't, not at all. Either we look mean or we look gay. In this we just look like we are having a good time being on stage and playing music. And in the end isn't that what it is really about.

Doing Time

2006-08-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ok here is my take on the studio. It is an experience that every musician loves, but hates. Unless you are a studio musician. I know that the final product we get is going to be incredible. I just have to prepare myself for the frustrations of not being perfect. Thank mankind for computers, to be perfect for us. Can you believe like back in the day when they didn't have computers and were recording with 2 inch tape and there was no Vocal tuner, recording artists really had to be good. Think about "Fat Bottom Girls" that intro is awesome, hell anything Queen did was awesome and very vocal and harmony heavy.

I guess it is true that computers do make us weaker and dumber, before you know it they will be writing the songs for us...THEN and maybe THEN monkeyshyne will have its FIRST HIT!!!

Responsibility

2006-08-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

What happened to people being responsible for their actions and their selves? Funny because most everyone I talk to about this has the same issue I do, but these people I talk to are the same ones who also have this problem. We tend to think about big things when it comes to responsibility, but I am talking about the little things. For instance here is a list that I constantly find people not doing:

- People don't return phone calls immediately or in a timely fashion. Funny because everyone I know has a cell phone so what is your excuse?
- Being late. If you say you are going to be somewhere at that time, be there, that simple.
- Not returning emails. Once again, the majority of people I know work behind computers all day, so what’s your excuse?
- Making a commitment and not following through. That commitment could be something as small as UPDATING A BLOG...(no guys I am not mad at y'all I just thought I would throw in a shot)

I admit I am not perfect and no-one I know is. But dammit let us all try to be a little more responsible for ourselves.

Feels good

2006-08-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

It felt really good to get on stage again this past weekend. Getting a break now in then isn't a bad thing, I am just not used to it. I was feeling it SO much at the show in Temple, Tx. I actually said "If you don't like what you are hearing, get the F$%k out!" And I only think about 10 of the 15 people watching left the club, so that means 5 people LOVED what they were hearing. I think I have a new tag line for the band "monkeyshyne, winning them over 1 at time."

Just KIDDING, there was actually a great crowd at Bum's in Temple and no one left when I made that comment. We danced, we drank and we had a blast. Can't wait to do it again this Saturday. Plus we are going into the studio this weekend! Excellent!

I Agree Ozzy

2006-07-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Oz is sooo right, dude we are a rock band. We should be talking about drugs and sex and duct tape. Dude I am so ready to play in Temple this weekend and melt some faces with our low key acoustic rock style. And I mean MELT baby MELT. Dude I can so see the whole place catching on FIRE when we RIP through "Love is", or the walls crumbling down when we play "Every Rose." WORLD BE PREPARED...

You Go Boy

2006-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know how I am gay, I almost got teary eyed reading Colin's blog. He is so right on. We have done so much in this band and what a ride it has been. I always have had a dream of being a "rockstar" and having that "hit" song on the radio and touring around the world several times. And maybe writing that "hit" song and touring around the world may never happen, who knows.

I know that I have tried and done everything I thought that was right to make this band the best it could be. I have read many music books (writing and business), been in endless conversations about the business and writing with musicians, bookers and promoters, quit my high paying job to go work in low paying radio, helped Colin get a job in low paying radio, written everything from alternative hard rock songs to songs about getting high, practiced endless hours on my guitar and singing by myself and with the band, joined a songwriters association, have toured around the South in a beat up old van to improve our stage performance, built a studio in my garage where we could practice and record, and drank myself silly on many stages all in the name of Jaeger and rawk. Is there still more I can do, hell yes and do it I will.

I actually once wrote a song about it http://www.monkeyshyne.com:443/Songs/IllTry.mp3, it was off of our live CD we did a couple years back and this song still holds a special place in my heart...Dammit Colin now I sound on sappy...You know how I know I am gay...

You know how I know your gay?

2006-07-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Lately for some reason we, the guys in the band, have been on this “Do you know how I know you are gay” kick. For some reason with guys this never gets old, well at least with us. Ok every once in a while it does get on Keith’s nerves. I do recall him saying “dude how old are you guys? 5?” Why yes we are. I guess when you have 4 (now 5 with Cliff) driving around in a van all over Texas with no radio you have to find things to keep you entertained. And calling each other gay always seems to help the time go by that much quicker. You can only sing “Kumbaya my lord” so many times…

It has gotten so bad that it just doesn’t matter what you do you are gay. Keith was labeled gay just because he served his country and they have a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, so obviously to Colin and I that means he is gay. I know that is so bad, the guy has put his life on the line for our freedom and somehow we can turn that into a gay joke. I was labeled gay because I asked a guy on the road for directions to get to our gig in Tomball, Tx. Oz was labeled gay because most people think he’s gay. He is way to pretty to be straight. And Colin was labeled gay because he likes big chocolate salty balls, hold on, big chocolate salty balls…ok maybe Colin is gay. See I just did it right there, I can’t get away from the gay jokes.

Do you know how I am gay? I just wrote a blog about how everyone in the band is gay…

(added 7/24/2006)
Oh and let me not forget our promotions/marketing/road guy/merch man Cliff, he is gay because he likes to hang out with 4 guys that talk about how gay each of us are...

Lyrics to "I think we're evolving"

2006-07-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have had several requests over a long period of time for us to post the lyrics to our last CD. And I figure since we are about to put out a new one, it is ok for us to publish the lyrics. Here are the lyrics to 3 of the songs. Maybe if everyone asks nice enough Oz will post the lyrics to "Dreaming" and if you want the lyrics to "Happy Together" just jump on google and do a search.

Now
No thought to your safety
I was careless and foolish
Persuading you to follow me
And now lately
Never felt more useless
Cause I promised more than I can give

Now is the time
Now is the time to live like you know how

Waiting patiently
You say its time for me to see
How you’re all grown up
I’ve been failing in the choices life’s given me
I know its time to let you go

Tried to be helpful give some good advice
Cause I’ve been there before
But letting go is the hardest part
It’s a scary world

Gone Mad
Come right in step up take a whirl and give it all that you can
Don’t want to worry about the price for this prize because their not going to stand
Throw it slow, throw it easy, throw it any way that you can
Line’em up knock’em down just take your time and do what I can

It’s the choice of a new generation
A generation gone mad
We don’t worry about the things we love
We want to love all the things that we don’t have

Come right over stand in line your just in time for the time of your life
Buckle up strap in hold on tight this rides about to begin
Close your eyes imagine happy time and colorful rainbow lines
When its said and done you where the one that stepped up this time

You are Mine
I overheard you say that I was wrong
And when I said I’m sorry you don’t think I meant it cause it takes to long
Then I overheard you talking with your friends about how our troubles never seem to end
And how mean and you are just pretend

You can say what you want about me
You can say I spent my life just wasting time
You can say what you want about me
Just as long as one day I hear you say
That you are mine
I overheard you say that I don’t care
And when you look in my eyes you see a blank stare and you wish I wasn’t there
Then I overheard you talk the other day
I never listen to what you say
You don’t understand why you stay

Hope you enjoy!

Studio Time

2006-07-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

Studio time is right around the corner and I can say I am excited and prepared to be beaten down. I like the studio, but I am a live musician, which means I have a lot of leverage to screw up. Drunken people are a lot more forgiving then the digital recording device. The first day I am usually totally pumped with energy, but by the 40th hour I will be balled up in a corner in a small dark sound room repeating to myself “You are OK, You are OK, I like me, You are OK…”

This time we are re-recording 2 songs that we have done in the past “Carry On” and “Superman.” We have never really been happy with either one of these past recordings, so we will finally be able to give them the time they deserve. We have 3 new songs we are putting on it as well, including “Get High” the song we wrote about feeling good, or to be completely honest it is about smoking a big FAT DOOBIE, everyone needs a good drug song, right?

Table Scraps Song

2006-07-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went on a rant about table scraps. Well I with the help of Oz sat down and wrote a song about table scraps. It is kind of kewl being able to sit down write a song and put it up on the web for everyone of you to enjoy or should I say the 2 people that read my blog (Colin and Kieth).

Here it is:
http://64.23.5.113/TableScraps.mp3

"No More Table Scraps Please!!!"

Table Scraps

2006-07-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

Table scraps, that is what most of us live for. We sit there at the feet of our masters (bosses) and wait for them to throw us a nice piece of partly chewed steak fat that they don't want because their doctor told them they needed to start eating healthier. And when we chomp into that piece of fat we wag our tails like good dogs and sit backing waiting for more.

I am starting to think there is something wrong with me. I am smart enough to see the problem, but to dumb to do anything about it. I read books, listen to people and try and pick up all the worldly wisdom I can, just to have a chance and improving my life and achieving my dreams. But I feel all I do is chew on table scraps. Sometimes you get steak fat, sometimes you get the large green stalk of a half eaten piece of broccoli and neither are really that good.

Here is a song I am writing about it:

No more table scraps please,
I ain't no dog and don't have fleas,
excuse while I get off my aching knees,
thanks, but no thanks, I'll find another place to eat...

Congrats Keith

2006-07-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

I want to say congratulations Keith WestyHeimer you have made it! You are finally out of the Air Force and it is time for you new life. Luckily for you monkeyshyne is going back in the studio in August and we will record 2 HIT songs that will catapult us to fame and fortune. Dude I know that starting a new life is difficult, lucky for you I am right with you man. I know what it feels like to leave something that makes you feel comfortable (and miserable) to something unknown. Welcome to a brave new world.

My buddy, even though I am no longer his number 1 friend on myspace...

Oz and I look so smart?

2006-07-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that Cliff took of Oz and I talking with the crowd the other night for the Dallas Songwriting Association. If you ask me we really look like we know what we are talking about.

See that guy right there to the bottom right, he has his hand on his chin and was probably thinking "Wow that Oz guy is hot..." or "Wow that Chris guy looks like he would beat my ass, or spank me." actually I am sure he was thinking "Who the hell are these guys?"

In this picture I was explaining that some men are bigger than others. Or maybe I was explaining that if you give out hugs with merchandise you seem to sell more merch...Or I was talking about boobs...

It just doesn't matter where you go someone is always going to yell Skynard or Slayer. Oz and I suggested when learning covers learn some Slayer and Skynard.

Just looking at the pictures reminds me about how smart we really looked. Remember its not whether you win or loose it is how you look when you play...and we looked FABuLous...

Dallas Songwriters Association Speech

2006-07-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Oz and I gave a speech for the DSA. And to be honest it went really well. We aren't really public speakers, we are more like 2 monkeys that like to get on stage and fling poop into the audience. I must say that night we actually made some sense. We covered everything from writing a song, to playing cover music, making money, promoting your band and running your band like a business.

We have been running this band for the last 6 years, so we have picked up a lot of things and most by trial and error. For me it means a lot to be able to share with fellow musicians who want to listen. For instance just simple things like putting up posters and flyers are a lost art. This band used to run VH1 and MTV commercials and overnight radio ads in Dallas. Also we actually make money doing this now. Not tons of money, but enough for the band to run the band.

I said it is a tough business and there is a lot to it. It is a business and 1 out of 10 businesses actually make it past 5 years, so the odds are WAY against you.

I am just proud that Oz and I actually gave something back...other than poop...

Lost Cable Help?

2006-06-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Ok we played a show last night at Sherlock's and I get this email in our mailbox from Graham, the bass player for the Josh Goode band:

"Someone left an instrument cable--not sure if its your band's. If you're missing one, please provide a detailed description, including length, scratch and kinks location, identifying marks, colour, input jacks description, noise level etc etc (a personality profile of the cable will be especally helpful). Also please provide original sales receipt and at least three (3) photographs of Monkeyshyne playing at different venues using the exact cable in question (these must be photographs where the cable is the subject of the picture--ie: not in the background). Also, a detailed description on the circumstances in which said cable went missing at Sherlock's last night, including any eye witnesses that will corraborate your testomony.

Upon receipt of notarized laminated claim form with all the above information, your cable will duly be returned to you.

Thank you and best regards,
Graham
www.joshgoodeband.com"

I am pretty sure it is our cable so if anyone has previous pictures of said cable and anyone can vouch for the place and time that the cable was mis-placed last night that would help. I think this is the cable Oz likes to call "Willy"...

What a Weekend

2006-06-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

I think that this past weekend was one of the best in a while. Lately we have just been firing on all 3 cylinders, like a well-oiled lawn mower! Thanks to everyone who came out to the shows. We wrote this new song called "High" and its about getting high and WOW we get some serious reaction from it. At first I was a little hesitant to want to play and perform a song about getting high, but then I thought Eric Clapton wrote a song about Cocaine? Not that I am comparing myself with him, just trying to justify it to my conscience.

I am kind of excited this Wednesday night Oz and I get to talk about the music industry and what we have learned. It if from 7:30 to 9:30pm. We talk for an hour then play for an hour. Yes I know we don't appear to be intelligent, most people just think we are pretty boys...well they think Oz is a pretty boy, but we have picked up a thing or two along the way. If you are in a band, the industry or just a fun that is curious come on out. Live Mix @ Standard & Pours 1409 South Lamar Dallas, TX 75215, no cover and $1 off all imports, domestics and wine!

DAMMIT, Oz bring over the new Ashley Simpson CD

2006-06-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

I just think part of being an artist is you have major mood swings and this inner void that you have to fill. As I stated in yesterdays blog, having someone like you because you wrote a song they love is unreal. Of course there is the "dark" side to that. The critic that decides you suck green pond scum because you don’t sing out of key and aren’t considered “indie” or “emo”.

I guess we are all guilty of that at one time or another. I can't tell you how many times Oz has come to me with the new Ashley Simpson CD and I have told him "NO, dude I am not going to listen to that SHIT, get it out of my house I just cleaned the floors..." My reason isn't because she can't sing, the reason is I don't like manufactured bubble gum scrape of the bottom of my shoe CRAP. See without even hearing it I have judged it, I am guilty. I guess that is what you call Karma. I guess the only way to make it good is to give that CD a listen. Sorry Oz, my bad...