Everytime I come in from being outside I proclaim to anyone around some detail about the weather, as though it’s never happened before and I’m the first to witness. I noticed this last night, and quickly realized that I do this all the time.
My old man always does this as well, as do all dads everywhere.
At least to me. I was having a text conversation with a friend and this came up. This is my life’s work - I hope I take it a little more seriously than a standard cribbage game.
For the record I don’t really have hobbies. What’s the point. I like to dive into things, the term hobby implies a loose whimsical attitude towards some frivolous task. I don’t do any of those things or have any of that stuff ever.
Style is strong, trend is weak. Style is knowing exactly who you are and dressing to suit, trend is reading a fashion blog and dressing like some dude. I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum in the last week i think. It’s a constant struggle. Getting older is making it easier though, less urge to chase something or some way of wearing - two straps with your backpack and a jean peg or a slightly overside t shirt with some skinny black denim (guilty, but for this example).
This has nothing to do with anything, but that’s something you the reader are pretty used to at this point.
Damn - broken record here, but i’m fucking stoked to play tomorrow night. It’s been ages and I fucking love playing shows. I get nervous, which as someone told me once (I need to remember who as it’s a great quote): “the parts of life you remember are always after butterflies” or something to that effect. If you know who said this, leave a comment. Or just leave a comment. It’s weird to know so many read this but don’t interact. Must just be porn bots. That’s cool too, they need entertainment.
Alright, i’m out of useful shit to write. Hahahaha, useful. Yeah, you don’t get this time back folks, i’m sorry. If i could give you a refund i would.
Nick
Of late i’ve discovered that when i put the wrong layers together, say from a keyboard with lots of textures and noises, the sounds feel like bad colors look together. It’s bizarre and only recently am i able to articulate what i’ve been doing instinctively for the last couple years. Funny how that works. You know you’re getting better at something when you’re able to explain what it is you’re actually doing.
I think i officially have a blog, and i’m blogging right now. Previously this had just been a place for me to occasionally come shit out some words (sorry folks but i’m quite vulgar and this is my blog, so……) and go about my day. Now i’m actively thinking of things and being like “oh shit i should write that down” - of course what i mean is “i should blog about that” but i’m not ready to say that out loud yet. I have some weird things, as we all do.
I have been firing on all cylinders of late, for those of you in the creative process stream you are likely very familiar with the ebb and flow of creativity. I’m fairly lucky thus far that there has never been a “block” - i can always figure out some way to enjoy myself and come out on the other side with something that i don’t automatically hate. Though when the stream gets moving, holy shit, it’s a whole other story. I lay awake at night, and ideas are coming out of nowhere over and over. This is every night lately. It’s very hard to get a good night’s sleep. I think i’m going through a personal renaissance - my wife is experiencing a similar phenomenon in her world. I don’t bring her into this mess though, she’s a private woman.
Final thought - i can see that you are reading this (i don’t know who but i see the traffic, pretty decent actually). Let me know what you have to say in the comment section? It might shut me up, because sometimes i convince myself that i’m just talking to myself on here. Probably won’t shut me up, just warning you.
Later!
Nick
Tonight it dawned on me what a song was about, after it was finished - it was the weirdest fucking thing i’ve experienced in songwriting. Suddenly it was so obvious, and it had been pouring out of me for like three weeks. Not sure how better to articulate this one, though the more into the process of crafting a song into something the more the experience morphs into something much deeper than i expected. I’m going to stop there, because i don’t want to get all hippie sounding. That would fuck with my whole image, so i obviously need to be careful.
Songs also will suddenly bloom into existence - again sounds corny as fuck i know but there is no way to describe it better. I’ve been working on this same song (was just talking about it, try and keep up) and after getting the rhythm section just right and proper (strangely when you lay the bass guitar just a hair behind the kick drum ((just a fucking hair, like barely)) it makes the sweetest groove happen), the song took on a life of its own. I have a perfectly clear vision of what the song will become, and i just have to get there now.
I’m not as stoned as you think i am. Seriously, this is all real life. Happy Sunday night. Hope to see you at Dante’s on Friday - I’m in prime form.
Nick
I don’t really fuck around when I have a show coming up. I rehearse every day for two weeks. When I rehearse I stop and iron out rough spots until they’re not rough anymore. I do vocal exercises and play my guitar until my calluses can sand wood. Don’t like leaving anything to chance even though that’s likely all that everything is. Irony.
Part of staying humble, in my opinion, is putting yourself in situations where people express their honest opinions of your [whatever thing you’re making]. It stings - but it’s never not made me better (intentional double negative, it’s trending). You’re still all assholes, you know who you are. Haha, just kidding we’re cool.
I was proud of myself for the title. Not sure why.
Just added a show on 2/1 at Dante’s (downtown PDX, event link here). Haven’t played live (other than open mics of course) in Portland for a while, so come on down. Excited.
Nick
Writing a good guitar riff is stressful, because to fuck up the song around it is (I’m pretty sure) a cardinal sin. It’s no joking matter. If the riff shows up first, which it often does, tread carefully. If you build a shit song around a lightning riff, you will feel bad. I’m facing this pressure right now, i have a riff that the riff gods have handed to me and i can feel the pressure to make it good. I hope I’m up to the challenge. For all off our sake.
First of three albums is out of demo mode and into final recording sessions. 5 tracks, no filler. Each as good as i can make it. Can’t wait to share. Also can’t wait to make the corresponding videos. Hot damn.
Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve been playing an open mic each week in PDX for the last three weeks, and am going to keep going until I run out of open mics. I’m not putting a list of which ones i’m playing, so don’t ask. It’s not about that. It’s about being able to look out into a (often empty) room and perform with all the gusto of a packed house. It’s fucking hard and it’s great for keeping it sharp. It' also really scratches the performance itch, oh it’s so fun. God damn, a good night of performing can clear away all the internal refuse.
It can be pretty fuckin entertaining as well. Tonight there were three dudes sitting in front who were so stoned they just looked at me, with blank expressions, for my allotted three songs. I played my ass off and did everything I could to get them to flinch, but they didn’t seem to have the ability any longer.
There were some drunk patrons who got pretty into it, and that’s all I need. There is definitely a tangible energy when you win someone or a crowd over. The murmur changes, the applause changes, it’s a whole new vibe. Suddenly they’re on your side, and going on the whole trip with you. It’s a sweet spot, tough to find sometimes. Can’t say I found it entirely tonight at the Triple Nickel (a wonderful establishment, thank you friends), but it was fun as hell.
Thanks for stopping by. I am working on so much new material. So. much. awesomeness. is. coming. Sit tight. Love you all.
Nick
If you find yourself in the deep throws of the evening, and that famished feeling comes over you, i’ve got you covered. I’ve just discovered the perfect combination of flavors for that discerning, yet extremely hungry late night traveler. All measurements loose to the point of being nonsensical.
1 cup Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Granola
1 spoon (big) almond butter
1 spoon (big) nutella or any substitute works (maybe any chocolate works, i encourage experimentation here)
(action required) stir stir stir. this is the hardest part, and some granola will get on the counter. push through. it’s worth it.
1 cup Almond Milk. this is important, i think, but don’t really know why. i had a good reason.
let sit for 2:37. this time is very important to get correct. set a timer.
put on big headphones. put a placemat down or some table cover so you don’t put a ring in the wood. we’re grown ups after all.
find your best stoner album. my experience and approach is that the more cliche stoner album or song, the better it actually is for “stonerosity”. Stairway to Heaven for example? Fucking Awesome super stoned. i bet it’s been years since you’ve thought to put on those big pair of studio monitor headphones, smoke a massive joint (or one or two hits, these days weed is crazy strong), and listen to Stairway loud as fuck. it’s a cliche of stoner rock and roll for a reason: it’s one of the best listening experiences you’re bound to witness in your time here. it’s fucking awesome.
so by now it’s been 2:37, get back to the counter and grab your bowl/spoon combo. bring it to the table, pick your stoner route (carefully please). consumer treat while listening to rock and roll before you go to bed. it’s awesome.
side note: it’s very bad for your to eat right before bed all the time, so i try and do this just on saturday evenings. everything in moderation they say, even moderation - ha try that one out? weird little circular thing that i tried to pull, but didn’t really hit. maybe next time.
let me know what you think about these treats. i just had exactly this thing and did exactly what we’ve been discussing, and i can tell you first hand it’s pretty sweet. pretty sweet indeed.
Welp see you later. keep coming back and i’ll keep making weird shit like this blog post.
nick
I got a bong from a buddy for Christmas. I haven’t had once since college. Really packs a punch. Turns out you can order them on amazon now. How things have changed huh?
I shook my pillow case out before changing it after pulling it out of the closet. I do it all the time without consciously thinking about and for some reason today it caught my attention. I think I do it to make sure there aren’t spiders in there. I do the same with towels before using them, like after a shower or yacht party or something. I’m not “scared” of spiders, but also not crazy about the feeling of them running up my back. It’s creepy. Didn’t someone ask about this? No? Shit. Welp see you later.
Played an open mic last night just to keep it sharp up at the Ranger Station. I was swiftly reminded of two things. First, Portland is such a music town that on any random Thursday open mic you can be surrounded by creative, talented musicians. It’s inspiring. One dude had invented his own instrument and was performing it. Unbelievable. Secondly, the PDX music community can be very supporting and inclusive. I say can be, as i’ve been here for close to two decades and it isn’t always that way. When you hit the right pocket though, it’s incredible and I highly encourage it.
Either way, thank you Portland for all these great years. I’m going to be out playing in you much more frequently in 2019, i’m sure you’ll provide me plenty of interesting and awesome stories to add to my backlog. Love you.
Nick
Happy New Year! 2018 was a big year, and 2019 will be bigger. For those of you unfamiliar with me and my history, 2018 was my first year as a public facing solo musician. I say public facing, because I toiled on my own for a long time before feeling it was ready. I was always a drummer in bands, and decided to abandon being in the back to put myself out front. It’s a tough decision, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and I appreciate all the support from those of you who have responded to the music in anyway. I even like the shit talkers, because it just means that you felt something.
In ‘19, I've got lots of plans. I’m going to put out 3 EP’s, back to back. They will all have different stylistic vibes (that’s all I’ll say for now). I will also release more music videos in the vain of the Ride With You. It was too much fun to not make a whole bunch more of those. I will continue on with the NAVH, though tighten it up a bit, and I will (most importantly) start playing live on a regular basis. It’s going to be a busy year of creating, performing and generally living a life full of robust creative activity. Hope you’re doing the same. There is no excuse for not doing what you love. If I can do it, with two kids and a demanding career, so can you. Get out there.
Thank you again. Feel blessed to have such a fortunate existence that i’m able to do any of this. Hope we all take a moment to recognize the luxury our lives afford us.
Happy New Years friends. Thanks for stopping by and as always - keep coming back and I’ll keep making cool shit.
Nick
1. I will never put out music that I’m not proud of
2. I will never release music that isn’t 100% bullshit free
3. I will always give everyone who touches this work a proper shout
4. I’m now and will forever be thankful that you took the time to both read this far and listen to my music. You’re rad.
Keep coming back I’ll keep making cool shit.
Nick
I’m busy as shit right now - putting out a new single on December 14, a video tomorrow and i’m working on a new album (demo phase). I also had a fucking great barn sesh with a couple friends of mine (Aaron Burget and Archie Heald) and we got a fantastic version of Maggie May down (yes the Rod Stewart song don’t fucking knock until you hear it). I’m also planning on covering two of my previous bands’ songs for this next album out of complete love and respect for the songs. Frankly I miss playing them and hearing them and it’s going to be fun.
Either way, thanks for reading this and thanks for digging around over here. I appreciate the love and support. Keep coming back, i’ll keep making cool shit!
Nick
Hey friends. Been busy in the barn learning all kinds of new video tricks. Built a green screen yesterday, so be on the lookout for all sorts of stoner hare brained videos.
Recently was interviewed by MTM magazine out of Tennessee, it’s a good one. Check it out here.
I have been feeling the pull of new musical material of late, so if I disappear off the grid for a minute you’ll know why. Video is fun, but it’s not the same as making music. This next album will be a lot quicker than my last one, as the production side is getting more efficient. Give me two months. Maybe a Christmas record? Just kidding. Though I’m not ruling out releasing a record on my 40th birthday.
Stay tuned. Love you all.
Below is what it's all about. Please allow the songs to also expand into your world, as they're meant to live loosely, aka the meanings are mine but the songs are now everyones (cheesy I know but I come from a long line of sensitive men).
Track 1 on MidLifeCrisis - End. Theme of this song is existential in nature. I wrote this during the summer of '17 when fires in Oregon caused ash to rain down on Portland in my words "like a doomsday snow." Read between the lines on this one and I'm also writing about the point in a man's life when he realizes he can no longer run away, because what he has, he loves too much. It's a terrifying notion to think that half of the fight or flight option is now rendered useless. This song also has my favorite groove on the record. Try not to move while listening. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
Track 2 on MidLifeCrisis – Once. This song is me talking to me. “Night Nick” as I jokingly refer to the side of me that tends to come out after dark. Quitting drinking allows me to look from a different perspective – the voice is a strong one, and this song is all about facing it down. “Alone and scared with that fire in your eyes.” It also revisits a common theme throughout the album of inertia and movement – something intrinsically tied to staying out too late and taking too much. This song has one of my favorite lines on the album – “the notes you hear won’t make a sound if you don’t move.” Obvious but effective, which is the best kind of lyric. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
Track 3 on MidLifeCrisis – Stay. We get a little personal on this track, though it’s also much broader. Being a man in a relationship is a dauntingly simple ordeal. We have very basic fears, and are easily assuaged. The simple realization of suddenly being left alone, the inability to communicate our feelings, and finally the pleading and desperate last stand as we feel it start to topple (likely due to our own dumb assedness). Guitar lick on this track by my friend Aaron Burget completely transformed the vibe. He’s a much better guitar player than I. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
Track 4 on MidLifeCrisis – Try. My love song. Re-wrote this one at least 20 times. My wife is a rock. She is a selfless, tireless person who absorbs suffering from others as she simultaneously heals them. This is my long winded way of telling her how much I love her, and how her existence gets me up in the morning and reminds me to keep fighting for whats right. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
Track 5 on MidLifeCrisis – Inertia. Things start elevating to higher levels, taking a macro view of our current state through the lens of a 39 year old stoner. The chorus has one of those lines that when they appear you can’t believe your luck – “the loneliness traps the truth and the heaviness forces the tell.” It’s the kind of line that I’m convinced I’ll never top, and I’m also certain I ripped it off from someone. This song explores my own selfishness but is also a blatant social commentary about the cynical and self-absorbed nature of all of us – even in the face of imminent demise. It’s also the only song ever written that uses the line “internet porn bill” I’m certain. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
Track 6 on MidLifeCrisis – Pop Song. A buddy of mine asked “have you ever heard a pop song?” I started this song on the drums, strangely, and retro fitted some lyrics I’d written. In my mind it was a soul song, though being a white guy from Portland it ended up just sounding like indie rock. Go figure. I try to be blunt here – “we’re all gonna die if we don’t start to try.” The bass / key / synth solo at the end is the sound of everything ending. I repeat “need to understand” at the end, really just hoping, of course we probably never will.
Track 7 on MidLifeCrisis – Outsider. This song is about forever living on the fringes. There are people who have never struggled with self control, self esteem or belonging. I don’t understand this crowd. Never have, never will. There are those who have always felt slightly askew from most of society. These are my people. This song is for you, me and us. Let’s go ahead and stick together. Also the only song to ever use the term “schlocky fucker” in a song I’m certain. www.nickarnesonmusic.com
I’ll be putting out an album in May. I’ll start talking about it and previewing it in earnest once the album is finished. If I’m a little quieter than usual, it’s because I’m locked away in the Barn recording all the things. Stoked to share with you all. Selfie of me below because grown men should take more selfies
Nick Arneson Photo