We haven't dissapeared, We Promise

Time doesn't just fly when you're having fun; it moves quickly in 360 degrees at all times, making months into days and days into minutes. The only exception comes with sleep. Time does not exist at all from when you lay down to end the day to when the alarm sounds. No times seems to pass in those hours. But, since the last update from the band, it seems not that long ago I was typing to inform what we were up to. Yet, it really has been the longest hiatus in SP blog history.

When your rhythm guitar player thinks you should update the blog, then it probably has been a while.

We'll pick up with the band right where we left off: with the band not doing too much. And not because we don't desire to. We truly do. But as I stated earlier, time is precious and hard to come by these days.

One ray of light in the darkness of non-progress happened about two weeks ago. Usually the band works on a song with all five of us in the room, all at our instruments, working on the song together. Two weeks ago, though, Luke and I locked ourselves in the 146, and both at key boards and computers, wrote a song. An entire song. We even have a Reason track to go with it, and had a demo recorded by the end of the day. Just a personal opinion, I think the song could turn into a monster. So, that is some progress and some work being done.

We do have something for our fans this holiday season, though. If you venture to our facebook page, we have two Christmas songs for any to listen and download. Recorded live around this time last year, if you need help getting into the Christmas spirit, one listen of these songs will have you jollier than old St. Nick.

Random S.P. Fact

Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

Since I, and the majority of the band really, have been playing Modern Warfare 2 (which our good friend Brandon Batchelor is a demigod at) so much recently, I guess I have video games on the brain. Back in high school, KK and I, along with some other classmates (maybe including Luke; my memory is fuzzy) planned, and started pre-production on a video game, including the soundtrack. KK and I composed most of the soundtrack, and let Jake and Lee hear some of it one Sunday, which both liked. So, as well as being musicians, we may have some video game designers in here. So, don't be surprised if a side project comes from somewhere in the band involving video game based music. The guy who is tied to be our number 1 fan and I already have a few video game based songs.... All I'm saying is, don't be surprised.

As always,

JPP

P.S. Good luck to the Cowboys Saturday night, as they travel to play the undefeated Saints in New Orleans. Hopefully good will triumph, and God's team can end the week with a victory.

It's Something...Well, Not Personal, but Close

The members of Something Personal are busy these days, but insidiously enough, not with Something Personal pursuits; it's an axiom that seems wrong, but be assured, we're being productive doing whatever we're doing.

Be it playing in a hodge-podge country band, recording vocals for a friend, or just extensive school or work.

Something Personal (minus 1) played at Harelton, TX, last Friday night, and we (minus 1) all agree: we had a blast. You may wonder where Harleton is. Well, its closer to Oklahoma than Nacogdoches. Go to Interstate 20, get to Longview, and go north a ways. After a series of roller coaster-esque roads, you arrive at this football loving town. And in this football loving town, we had a blast. Thanks for letting us come and play some originals, and worship with you. And a big thanks to the Whataburger located on the north side of Longview. Pretty much the best Whataburger we've ever been to. Maybe the best Whataburger period.

So, progress report time. The tempered steel of two new songs, hammerd carefully, yet forcefully, are now two steps away from being completed. That metal needs to be plunged into a barrel of water to set the steel (or, finish vocals) and then a nice coat of metal finish lathered in (or, mixed and mastered).

But, like stated earlier, these things are currently on hold; not because we don't want to, but, because our proverbial plates are so full. Not to mention, the anticipation, whether it be for an upcoming movie, sports game, or date, is often better, or so its said. Is that the right phrase? There's some old saying about that, I'm pretty sure.

Random S.P. Fact

Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

Though each member of the band can play the other instruments as well, here's a "shout out" to Lee Harrison, who has now played rhythm guitar, bass, back ground vocals, and as of last Friday, lead guitar in the band during performances. It's truly rare to find talent like that. And to find so many Robin Williams and Jim Carrey jokes. So, next time you get the great luck of seeing Lee, shake his hand for a job well done.

As always,

JPP

Almost Contiguous, But Not Quite Yet

Some things are hard to diminish, even over time, do not lose their luster, and never change.

Like the chance to nostalgically replay what is basically an interactive memory of your childhood when it's not your turn to record, and you're not required to be in the recording room.. And, naming your character in said game with a reference from another nerdy interest. Anytime there's a chance for Princess Zelda to say, "It's up to you to save Hyrule, Han Solo" or Navi to annoyingly chirp "Gandalf, what would Saria say about this?", you must take that fortuitous opportunity.

This all occurred this last weekend; we finished (mostly) what we hard started the weekend before that. We are just coordinated enough to juggle school, work, and our collective schedules to eke out time for such things, and the result of such labors have been enjoyable. Vocals still need to be put down, but, besides that moody section of work, everything else is down. Technical errors were few and far in between, and most everything went smoothly. Smoothly does not mean fast though. Except with Lee and I; we knocked out his entire recording, two guitar tracks for every part he plays, in about 15-20 minutes, even throwing in a little Easter egg, buried in the mix, for Luke to find later.

And, when we were not recording, or running the system, just outside the make-shift recording room is the main area of the BSM. Namely among the things in that place are two large screens with projectors. Almost like a Pavlovian Response, we expeditiously arranged the right wires to plug in a Wii and a PS3, nearly making time not recording better than that of recording.

To all who watched us via our webcam, thank you! Though it may seem voyeuristic and odd to watch us in this capacity, we appreciate each and every viewer. It shows support and interest in the band. Though, it could just mean people are watching us for comedic purposes, prodding and poking fun, akin to a Riff Track. Though, we tend to think it is showing support and interest. It's more comforting that way.

So, getting the thought train back on the right track, new songs are conterminous, and we really want you to hear them. We'll be sure to let you know when they are available for hearing as soon* as we can. They are near.

In other band happenings, last Thursday we were blessed to worship with many of our friends at SFA's BSM. The set list was one of my favorites we have done, and a sentiment that we all shared was vocalized by Luke. It went something to the effect of, "I forgot we were on stage, leading worship. It felt more like we were just singing with them, not for them. It was almost easy to forget they were even there."

Of course, any night were Jon Foreman is covered, piano is played upside down, and the stages are configured in a creative, almost professional looking way, tends to be great, even after the great atmosphere and ambiance. And, I even got to sing on two songs. How about that?!

Once again, thanks to everyone who was there, enabling us to hear the crowd over our loud monitors, sharing a wonderful moment with us. While this whole band thing is fun, and an avenue for our creativeness, nights like that are the real satisfaction, and the reason we do it.

Random S.P. Fact

Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note. Like we've said before, Something Personal has many "Officials". Like the Official Video Game, the Official Pizza place, and the Official Mascot. Today, we're going to discuss are very important "Official".

The Official Football Team of Something Personal is The Dallas Cowboys, also know as America's Team, and God's Team (the hole in the roof is so "God can watch his team play"). Even at some of our fantasy team's expense, we root for the 'Boys and cheer them forward every time they play. While not quite a religion, it's more than a sports team. It's a family, a following, and the Official Football Team of Something Personal.

Good luck against the Falcons this week, Romo, Ware, Barber, and the rest of the 'Boys.

As always,

JPP

*(Commas and italics can be used to convey pauses and emphasize words and phrases to help convey to the reader how you'd like them to read. This can change the connotation of sentences, and add an extra layer of meaning to what you write. I will sometime knowingly use commas in incorrect fashion just guide the reader in how I would like the sentence to be read. Writing tip #2)

A Treatise on Hype

You may have seen this, or this, or this.

You may have heard this, this, or this.

You may have watched this, maybe this or even this.

But, there was a new masterpiece in the works this very day.

Okay, maybe that was too much hype. Let's try that again

Hey, how was your day? Good. What all did you do? Yeah? That sounds good. What did we do? Well, we planned on recording drums, bass, rhythm guitar, some vocals, etc this afternoon for two of our newest songs. Though we only got to work on one, with heavy hearts, that intense labor was very much worth the time. Not saying this latest recording is a masterpiece, but, it's unequivocally the best recording Something Personal has produced. And, we can tell this even though Jake hasn't laid down the lead guitar tracks, Luke still needs to finish up some of the vocals, and the whole thing E.Q.ed and mixed.

For those of you wondering, the song is "Carry Me", written by our friend and yours, KK Smith. You may have heard it live the very few times we've played it. We are very excited to finish it up and let you all hear it, like a new father, embracing his new child, swathed in a small blanket, walking to and fro his various relatives eager to present the child to everyone.

Once again, maybe too grandiose. But, do expect good things.

This coming weekend we will finish up that song, and hopefully knock out our other new one as well. The visage of our next musical offering, may it be another demo, or full length, or any combination of the two, is starting to appear different, but in a great way.

You may have also seen we had a web cam filming the entire experience. We apologize for any remarks, or unconscious behavior that may have shocked or offended. But, we're glad for all who tuned in. This may feel like spying, or some type of creepery a creeper would do, but, it's actually just another way to support the band. We appreciate all our viewers exponentially more than you know. Once again, maybe too much, but, it's just another brick in the "theme-wall" I'm building. Apparently, so are bad analogies.

Oh, and I think you should know: David Crowder*Band has a robot drummer. Who plays on some songs. Along with their human drummer. Yeah. * B-Wack, the human drummer assembled Steve, the robot drummer. And Steve is really good. And he is a ROBOT.

Random S.P. Fact
Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

Since I'm talking directly to the audience in this post, how about we dive head first into some Something Personal history, friend?
(abridged version)
Our humble beginning is in Center, TX, when Luke Lengl asked Phillip Porterfield to play bass, which Phillip had recently acquired, in a band with him. So, in a rag-tag band, including Phillip's older brother, the band played a few places, named some old, early-high-school-garage-band sounding name. After a few personnel turn-overs, we asked an already good friend of ours, KK Smith, to try play drums with us. So, in August 2004, he came, things clicked, and we went racing from there. Fast forward to 2007; by now Luke has taken over lead singing duties, and we were a guitar player short. Enter the virtuoso, Jake Rogers. Initially leading worship with us at SFA's BSM, we quickly added him to the already illustrious band of Something Personal. Jump again to 2009. After playing bass and guitar with us at the SFA BSM for around a year, Lee Harrison's harmonies and subtle, tasteful rhythm guitar riffs persuaded us to add him in that February. Now, there is Five, a good, solid, prime number.

And there you have it, a brief, nostalgic history of the band. Now you know, Super Fan.

As always,
JPP

*(Notice a series of shorter sentences implies more dramatic statements. Writing tip #1)

A Model Weekend

All day Sunday we desperately tried to evoke any part of this.

Needless to say, Lee debonairly conveyed a similar look. The rest of us sat in ants or received numerous instructions on how to stand "properly" or couldn't quit laughing or wore a sweet, tie-dye t-shirt. Yet, despite all odds, Mr. Mark Goodwin pulled the proverbial rabbit out of his talented hat. As we gallivanted around the greater Nacogdoches area, hitting such hot spots as old trains and down town, we sat and stood in variations formations, almost soldier-esque, enduring the heat and still trying to look cool and professional. And, of course, we made fun of each other, ruining various takes (or maybe enhancing them?) and just trying to figure out how to not look idiotic as we sat on rocks and play our instruments without any amplification. In the end, our trust in Mr. Goodwin paid off, and the quick glances at the small screen adorning the back of his camera proved that trust true. Our thanks and very big appreciation to Mr. Goodwin for taking the time to help us out, and having a afternoon of being productive AND having fun. Those two words don't often share a sentence, unless in contrast to one another, opposing one another like warring armies. But, for one afternoon, they held an armistice, and had peace.

And just know, we looked good.

The show Thursday night went very well, with Considered Rubbish and Worsham doing a bang-up-job. Thanks to all our fans who came out to support us! It was great to see all of you. I'm pretty sure I saw more S.P t-shirts there than any other. Kudos all around!

As for upcoming news, the photos will be up soon, I'm sure, as soon as Jake (and maybe me as well) have our way with them in photoshop. I'm thinking about giving Luke a tuxedo t-shirt and clown-shoes in one photo. Maybe give KK a pet money on his shoulder. Anything's possible in photoshop. Anything.

And, if you'd like some new recordings from Something Personal, there's an app for that.

Well, maybe not, but, we are going to start tracking two or three of our new songs, putting time and care into them, a personal (get it?) gift to all our fans.

After a busy weekend, we're tired, but, content. Only better and greater things to come.


Random S.P. Fact
Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

By request of two of our own, we'll be discussing something of great importance in this entry. Pizza
Three different places fix our need for this delicacy, depending on the circumstance.
When in Center, the Pizzeria is how we get the fix, making arguable some of the finest pizza in the area, or anywhere.
In Nacogdoches, our home base, if we order for delivery/take-out, Papa Johns is where you will find our feast.
If we're in more of a mood to eat at the place, and for cheaper, Ci-Ci's is hard to beat on pure value. Buffets shudder in fear whenever we come close, because we can devour a TON of food together. Especially pizza.


As Always,
-JPP

Brevity in Glorious, Efficient Action for All To Read and to Remind of Important Things

Get it? It's something called "Irony".

Just a quick, mini-blog:

To quote a movie that I've recently discovered I'm partial to:
"Hugh Fennyman: So what do we do?
Philip Henslowe: Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.
Hugh Fennyman: How?
Philip Henslowe: I don't know. It's a mystery"

And honestly, that's what it feels like most of the time when writing songs. Don't ask us how the process goes, or our laid-out plans to build these things. Most of the time they just come. There is indeed an air of mystery about it.

I say all of that to say this: this Thursday, with doors opening at 6:30, The Five will be opening for Kyle Worsham at First Christian Church of Nacogdoches, and over the past two weeks Something Personal has concocted a few brand new, audibly pleasing tunes that we are going to play, along with some modifications to preexisting songs. So, we encourage you to come out, proudly adorn your S.P. t-shirts, bring some friends, and hear our new sonic experiences. And to witness Luke frantically manipulate a Kaoss Pad. So, remember. Something Personal. Thursday. 6:30. Starts at 7. New songs. Awesomeness. Something Personal.

There's no need for a "Shameless Plug Warning" this time, because there's no shameless plug. It was unashamedly written above. But, Facts abound!

Random S.P. Fact
Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

There's something to be said for the narrative power of a long running TV series. Just the sheer hours spent consumed and involved with these stories and characters is staggering, and allows for some pretty nifty stories and crescendos and moments. And The Five have four favorites.

Lee: Andy Griffith
Luke & Jake: Lost

Phillip: The Office
KK: Firefly

As Always,

-JPP

Busy is as Busy Does

A wise man once said, "Good work is satisfying. Great work is tiring." Hopefully that means the band did a great job, because most all of us were haggard by this Sunday afternoon. In case you haven't heard, and odds are you haven't, we had the privilege to play Friday night atNacogdoches Community Church and then Saturday evening at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX, and had a great time at both. Any of you who are reading this, and were at either event, thanks for coming out and supporting us!

And, since the entirety of the band was together for extended periods of time this weekend, business was consequentially brought up, and inevitably, what our funds need to be directed toward. While some of the band, who will not be named, proposed and valiantly fought for a device that would add an element of flavor to our live shows, others thought of more prudent and safe investments. So, our faithful fans, be here now informed: we are in the talks of adding either equipment, or, implementing an apparatus that would metamorphose the landscape of our live shows drastically.

Back to actual news, though, both shows went very well. Late Friday night we had the privilege to have a fun shin-dig with Nacogdoches Community Church, including covers of U2, The Beatles, and Relient K. Not saying we're as good as those bands, it would not be an exaggeration to say the songs sounded good, and things went well. Of course, any evening that "Gorilla-Man-Gun" gets played is a good evening. The next day we had a rendezvous at Taco Bueno, and then swiftly followed our GPS's down to Lufkin to visit Luke's cousin Mardy, and play for his church. Coming from recondite South Louisiana, Mardy spoke with a Southern draw different from our own here in Texas, but the name of Jesus sounds fine called out in any accent.

Yes, even Wisconsin accents.

The back to school rally went well, with students and adults alike in attendance; the crowd was lively and loud, despite the absence of a Bubbler.

While at both of these shows we played one or two original compositions of ours, here in two weeks or so we will be playing a set of nothing but originals. Though some of you have bared witness to some of our lesser known original songs, most have only heard the big two (“Come Out Of The Dark” & “Break From The World”). In the coming two weeks The Five is planning on polishing up some that have obtained rust, and finish one or two that are very nearly completed and have them shiny, nice, and new for Worsham's CD release party. So, if you like our original music so far, its a safe bet to say that you'll like our newer songs as well. Though they differ in style to some degree, you will still be able to find the "Something Personalness" in each one. Some bring the rock, while others quietly court it in a more subtle way. But, we're excited to play some new music for a fans who have probably deserved a taste of them before now.

In this last paragraph (Did I just break the fourth wall?) I'd like to thank Jessica Ruminer for all of her tireless help this weekend. The same woman who keeps K.K. in check also works our merchandise table. It’s an aspect of being in a Christian band that is odd: we need support and funds to continue what we're doing, yet, it often feels odd to either preface a song about Jesus, or inform afterward, we have a table where you can buy things of ours. But, everywhere we go people have been more than kind and generous, and seem to think we're good enough to warrant a purchase of a CD and/or shirt. This weekend, and a majority of shows that we've had The Table, Jessica has done a great job. And, truth be known, we've had several helpers on different occasions, whether it be Josh Smith helping load equipment, or Lauren Lengl or Lin Monk behind the table. Maybe one of the best blessings the Lord has granted the band is amazing friends to help us in our endeavors. So, to all who have helped in one way or another, listed here or not, thanks from the entire band! May you live long and prosper. Or, more realistically, we pray God will bless you as you've blessed us.

Now that the mushy stuff is over, let's get to machine-efficiency-like business

***SHAMELESS PLUG WARNING!***

Just a reminder, Thursday September 24th, we're the opening act for Worsham's CD release party, and we'd love to see a lot of our fans there. Don a Something Personal 8-bit Band shirt, bring a lighter to wave during "Break From the World", and an appetite for tasty music. ‘Cause we're concocting a delicious stew of melodies, harmonies, and beats to refresh the pallet and fill up the soul.

Random S.P. Fact:

Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

At every Something Personal concert (concert, not worship service) be sure to scan the stage for the lovable, and tragic, Mr. Bill, a bobble-head that is the band mascot for all intents and purposes. Either on an amp, a stool, or hanging from the ceiling, he's been seen in numerous places around the band as we play. Looking for Mr. Bill during the concert is just one of the many fun things you can enjoy as The Five perform.

With sore calluses from the weekend,

JPP

An Au Courant Endeavor

People have marveled at singer-song-writers aptitude to cultivate words and music together into a cohesive pictorialization for as long as they've been around. And that appreciation doubles when one actually tries this for themselves.

We've been working on some new songs recently; either revamping and re-upholstering old ones, or, taking a crack at writing new ones. The muses of music seem to gift us more than the muses of prose. Melody and music seem to abound during these sessions, yet words are harder to come by. After sundering the same verse 30 times, you begin to wonder how songs are ever written. Luckily for us all, though, inspiration sometimes strikes, and serendipity has been kind to us. This last Sunday we started construction of a completely new song, and very nearly completed it. An entirely original song, no less. There's even a D-augmented chord in there. Feel free to be impressed.

There's an old joke that goes something like this, "What do you call someone who hangs around musicians? .....A drummer."

While this generalization is often, and sadly, true, KK may be the exception that proves that very rule. We also arranged a song he had written recently. And, whenever you hear the song, it may surprise you. It doesn't sound like a "Something Personal" song. I'm tempted to recite a collage of other bands to try and describe what it sounds like, but, I think that would just hinder the awesomeness of the tune. Just be ready to lose your socks when you hear it.

And the truth is, several of our most recent works haven't sounded like "an S.P. song", and honestly, that's a good thing. Growth is the sign of life, as it's said, and the fact that we're still getting better (Lord knows there's room for improvement), and still developing only means the best it yet to come. A common fear of artists is the same self-fulfilling-fear of Miley Cyrus: becoming stale.

So, we're being diligent to compose new and better things, and have an album as soon as possible for our great fans. For as little as we've played, and as the minuscule amount of music we've given to them, our fans have been amazing and more supportive than we have ever hoped. Any fans that can sit through five or six of Lee's jokes definitely deserve more than we can give.

I guess this should have come first, for a bit of explanation, but, we're hoping to have a weekly or once-in-a-while update to let people know what we're up to, and assure them that their favorite band is indeed going to fulfill its promises of new music and albums and things that bands do. So, don't be expecting Bradbury or Tolkien or Hemingway, but Porterfield....whatever that means. I guess you can extrapolate that things might get wordy, and things might get goofy.

***SHAMELESS PLUG WARNING!***

Thursday, September 24, in the year of our Lord 2009, S.P. will be playing at Worsham's c.d. release party. From what I hear, we'll be playing some fresh-from-the-oven songs, so, feel free to come see us open then leave. Just joking. Stay for Worsham too. They're definitely good.

Random S.P. Fact:

I will also include random trivia from the band so that our Super Fans can distinguish themselves from and above other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

Something Personal has many "Official (blank) of Something Personal"s...Meaning, there's an Official Fast Food place of Something Personal, an Official Pizza Place of Something Personal, so on and etc. Now that this has been clarified, here's the fact.

The Official Video Game (Current Generation) of Something Personal is Fallout 3. Every member of the band expresses much knowledge about this interactive art piece. Ask any of a question about the game, and marvel the coherent and concise answers that you can obtain from any of The Five.

As Always,

-JPP