Brian Bergeron

Last night the band played at the Paradise. I can’t wait to put some pictures up because we looked simply dashing. We dressed up in suits, which I think will be the new Late Greats dress code. I must admit I was nervous because we only had one practice with the full band and Bret (who filled in on drums for the night) but our friends and fans really responded well. I think we played well enough. I don’t think we played great and I don’t think I sang wonderfully but we had fun and for me that’s what the name of the game has been as of late…I definitely don’t try and take myself seriously up there and I try and make it so the rest of the band is smiling and vibe-ing and hope it translates to the audience.

No, we didn’t win. I resolved myself to that from the moment we walked in the doors. We don’t have a big draw…We never have. Hopefully, there is something coming soon in the ways of the that because I know I’ve earned it. I know I pushed that gig harder than any of the other bands and we still lost but I’m not disappointed. I think over the past couple weeks I’ve gained some knowledge specifically as to how I want to approach constructing a fan base. I know it’s funny but I think the suits put us in the right direction. I think we have to start constructing this image of what the band should be and Brian also told me to start ‘thinking locally’ rather than digitally…Obviously, I put a lot of stress on building a local draw but I think we need to put ourselves out there more at local shows aligning with bands that would be a good fit with us. I think Sam R-P, who played first and unfortunately got the worst playing spot because of it, had a very americana sound that I think would blend well with ours and I’ve been trying like hell to put something together with Cassavettes, whom I think would be another good union…But we don’t have many friendly bands in the area. There’s Cahill but they’re friends because they are my friends…not because it’s a good musical fit. Then there’s my buddies from Boston Molasses Disaster, whom I think will be a beneficial union in the future (we’re playing with them on St. Patrick’s Day!)…I’m getting away from the topic of this post.

So, the event was cool. Brian Packer and I got there at 3 for sound check and were out by 3:30. We went and gorged ourselves on falafel down the street (note to self: I owe Packer $7.50) and hung out at his place until the gig. I got there at 6:30 and met with Andy, who was there early and met the folks from Ameranouche, who were all incredibly gracious and complimentary. I don’t think our styles mix too well but I hope I see them somewhere down the road. Time will tell I suppose.

I walked around a bit and was briefly interviewed by Our Stage with Bret and Andy (not that it matters much, but for some reason, I was a bumbling idiot during the interview and didn’t make any sense and said nothing of any substance, but like I said, it doesn’t matter). The show started with Sam R-P, whom like I said before, I enjoyed very much and hope to share the stage with again. After his set, I went backstage and got dressed and got pumped up. It is very weird…I don’t get nervous to play at The Paradise anymore. I’ve only played their 4 times but I don’t get butterflies. I was excited and pumped up but nerves I don’t think equated into it.

We released the new EP last night as well and after our set, James and Tara walked through the audience handing them out. Their work has been fantastic. They often go above and beyond and do things that I don’t even ask them to do. A funny thing happened with the EP duplication. We got hung up with the artwork and the CD was scheduled to be done at 5pm last night. My brother drove to Salem, NH in a snowstorm (thanks Timmy!) and upon arriving, he had to wait an hour and a half for them to finish. THEN, he had to drive back to Lowell in white-out snow conditions and arrived at the show a half-hour after the doors opened…Anyways, he made it and we made it.

We played well. Bret filled in gloriously on drums, Brian played guitar well and Andy laid down the low end. We enjoyed buddying around with the other bands and hanging out with OurStage. We gave out tons of the new CDs (which look awesome by the way!)…Check out the artwork:

Now that the event is over, we’re back in the fire. I’m sitting at Northeastern with James and Tara and we’re trying to put together a tour during the end of March/beginning of April and I’m hoping this thing will come together. We’re going to be executing a marketing campaign for the album…so hopefully that goes well.

Anyways, back to work!

Hurrah,
BB