I got back from tour this past weekend and it was an awesome time. First and foremost, to be surrounded by people that get you and enjoy making music is freaking rad. I’ve learned to be more vocal about my neurodivergence because I know it’s not any easy thing for people in my life to deal with. As a result, when you are with other neurodivergents who understand—life goes a lot smoother. Chris (cellist, Osi and the Jupiter) said that he realized he was more of an extrovert than he realized being around the right people. Sean, Chris, Aurielia, Logan, Kracker, and I all really got along well and I couldn’t be happier to hit the pavement with them all again.

DIY Tour Life is not for the slouches. It’s a lot of hard work not only in the planning leading up to the tour but also in the day-to-day. You drive yourself, load and unload all of your own gear, and get up and play a set… Or two sets for Sean and I (haha). If I have learned anything from musicians over the years it’s that nothing is handed to you. You have to pay these dues to go where you want to go. Whether you want to be one of those bands who lives most of the year on the road or one who ventures out when and where they can.

I’ve also learned there is a bit of depression that follows a tour coming to an end. While I was excited to get back to my daughter, animals, records, and bed… There is another part of me that felt at home out there as well.

Avowal

I was beyond excited to take Avowal out on the road. With the current line up I feel that we finally have our identity and a full sound. As such, I do not think our recordings do the band justice. But as a live experience, people seem to really dig it. Like a fine wine, it’s an acquired taste, not for everyone. My writing doesn’t fit in neat little genre boxes and as such it’s harder and harder to reach audiences in a world of streaming where you’re only recommended if you can say “I sound like…” This digital age is great for any band that is carbon-copying those successful before them.

As such, I still feel like our live game is how we get heard. We have some locals coming up over the next couple months while we work on recording the new(ish) album. Should have some tracks that we have yet to play live as well.

Party Like It’s 793

Party Like It’s 793 was an amazing experience for Avowal. The feminine energy was undeniable! I spoke with so many women after the show who *got it* — and plenty of men did too. It is just sometimes in metal as a woman it can feel a bit alienating and this show had a nice healthy ratio. Not that it is about gender, I just get excited when I’m surrounded by other strong women.

Overall if you ever have a chance to get to Rigr Crafts Party Like It’s 793 Festival at Brimming Horn Meadery, freaking do it! The performers, the vendors, and of course: the mead! It’s a great time… Plus FREE entry. It’s well-organized and everyone was a lot of fun to be around. I fully intend on making a trip out there next year even if I’m not playing!

Osi and the Jupiter

I’m finally starting to feel like a member of the band. Sean and Chris have worked so well together over the years and when Sean first asked me to play bass I was nervous. I didn’t want to upset their dynamic. I have not played with Chris since Cascadian Midsummer but we picked up where we left off, and then some. At that first show, I wasn’t doing backing vocals, nor was I playing the whole set (again, I didn’t want to disrupt the dynamic), but here, I had nothing to worry about.

I’m excited to do more as a three-piece. Sean and I have had a lot of time playing together. Chris and I are learning to bounce off each other more and more. And I think we all have some great ideas coming together for new material.

The difference between Avowal and Osi and the Jupiter is HUGE. I’m in two completely different head spaces for each, but damn do I love playing each of them. I love singing with Sean. I really enjoy playing bass as well. And playing with a cellist is a challenge I have not experienced since my orchestra days. Outside of Party Like It’s 793, I really loved the sound we had at The Boiler Room in Providence, Rhode Island.

I imagine it is quite difficult to go from mixing metal for the night and transitioning to dark folk with a cello. I think most of the sound guys did a stellar job, some definitely better than others. And depending on the venue, the monitors were hit or miss. Overall, these challenges make for better musicianship. I’m ten times more comfortable on stage than I was this time last year. For that alone, I am grateful.

Axioma

The break I had between sets was courtesy of one my favorite bands and dudes I’m happy to call friends. Axioma are a force to be reckoned with. Their sound was on point and I’ll never grow tire of hearing their songs. They switched up their setlist here and there each night some songs such as Blood Ruminations remained a staple.

Axioma really fit in with every band we played with too. While Avowal can be a genre-bender, Axioma has a distinct sound with a cohesiveness that enables them to blend with just about any doom or blackened band on the planet which made them great with all the openers we had on this run.

Good Times and Good People

Overall, I had a lot of fun on the road. I’m happy to be home and catching up on sleep. Also giving my liver a rest—Ha! This was an experience I’ve wanted for pushing two decades. I wouldn’t trade my daughter or the choices I made to support my family for the world. I’m just thankful that the day came that I could get out there for more than a week and do what I love with people I love.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. If you’re at home get out and support underground shows. If you want to get on the road, network and make it happen.
I enjoyed meeting so many new people who make killer music. I can’t wait to venture out again. Until then, check my Events Page for upcoming events for Avowal, Osi, and sometimes I DJ.