Blog of the adventures and misadventures of songwriter, Luis Narino, and his astounding band, Noble Creatures, on their journey to make a living through music. Will they make it? I don't know, I guess you'll find out as soon as I do.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Portland Trip & Show
My brother put this video together of some of the random adventures we did in Portland. One of the best trips I've had. Hysterical laughter, beautiful sites, and amazing people. Can't ask for more than that.
The music is from a gig I landed up there at the Canvas Art Bar. Very cool place and great folks. Check them out.
"Since When (What We Want)"
When we try to whisper
All we ever do is scream
When you want to hold me close
all you ever do is leave
We think we know what we want when we want it
But its never enough
So we lose the things we wanted to keep
Left with all the things we no longer fiend
Because since when
Since when
Since when have we ever known just what we've wanted?
What do we want, babe?
What do we need?
How we try to hide it
Oh, the lengths we take to keep it safe
We're trying to deny it
That we're standing at the mouth of change
But I would lay it on the line for you
But we're scared because we both know the truth:
Since when
Since when
Since when have we ever known just what we've wanted?
What do we want, babe?
What do we need?
They say, "don't rock it"
They plead, "please don't stir things up"
But we can't stop it
Cause baby that just ain't us
But we tried
How we tried
Since when
Since when
Since when have we ever known just what we've wanted?
What do we want, babe?
What do we need?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
My first solo tour
In the middle of July I was to be in Kansas for a wedding. 'Be on tour' has been on my mind for the past 5 years, and has recently made it to my official Goal List in the past 2. Seeing as though I needed to venture back home anyhow, I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone. Being a starving artist I figured that I could book paying gigs along the way, sell merchandise, and therefore break even. So I would book it, promote it, play it, and sell it. The plan was perfect! I was excited to say the least, but as with all stories, time proves to come with some massive edits to my perfect fantasy plan.
I began to prepare in April by asking my friends who have been on tour questions and asking for contacts. I mapped out my route and the dates which I'd be in each location. By May, I found myself sending out emails on my prepared list, and also from lists found on the internet, such as http://www.onlinegigs.com/. After the first week of writing emails, I realized that it would be best to have called first, asked for names, and touched base before I shot out emails like a bandit on a shooting spree. So I began to do that. Some people had no idea what I was talking about, but mostly people were very helpful. I would say with 10% of the venues I contacted I was playing phone tag.
Once the emails were sent, it was the waiting game. I would touch base with them each week and a half and see how things were coming along. Maybe my tact is a lot better than I thought, because I managed not to annoy anyone. In each city along the way back to Kansas, I contacted about 30 venues. The phone calls were twice that (and sometimes more), and the emails were twice that as well. Lots of dead-ends, no responses, wrong numbers, broken email addresses, "you need a draw", and lots of "we only do full rock bands". But the one that killed me most was, "we'd love to have you, but we can't afford to pay artists". Playing in Los Angeles, all I kept hearing was about these magical venues outside of California that pay. If you don't know, it's tough for original music to make decent money out here in L.A. unless you get a consistent head count of 30 people and more. These are usually reserved for the hot-chick bands, or the main-stream indie rock scene. The conclusion was that maybe I was going about this whole thing the wrong way, but it was the only way I knew so for the time being I plunged head first.
When it came down to it. I booked none of the venues I contacted initially. Even the ones that said they would love to have me but couldn't pay, because at this point with all the waiting, late June had crept up on me like the crazies on the Venice Boardwalk. There was no time to contact media for promotion and the odds were (if there anything like the venues I know) foot traffic isn't that booming unless there's proper promotion or there's a band there that has a huge following. So, I went to plan C (which occurred to me after racking my brains for a while). I had completely over- looked a perfect music-friendly place where people would for sure be there ready to enjoy and buy music: Borders!
Surprisingly, to my misfortune, there are tons of Border's that don't have live music! I sifted through and ended up booked through some very friendly, and helpful folks in Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The only promotion I could do at that point was contact the local publications and get on their calendar. This process was quick and easy and it was the least I could do (but the most, considering the time-frame at this point). They turned out to be great shows, and yes, people were very receptive and I ended up selling some merchandise! Also, I made some new friends along the way. Some of these people said the next time I came around they'll get me in contact with people and venues they know that would be perfect for what I do. So it begins.
In the end I consider it to be a more of a roadtrip than a tour, but I now have insight. I have more of a handle on what I'm suppose to do. People are very helpful, you just have to ask the right questions. I imagine it's the same with most things: just keep going until you find the right path. Luckily I had a friend to travel with. My buddy and I had an amazing time seeing good friends along the way and some breathtaking sights. Definitely a wonderful experience.
What's next? Portland tour!
Photo Album 1
Photo Album 2
I began to prepare in April by asking my friends who have been on tour questions and asking for contacts. I mapped out my route and the dates which I'd be in each location. By May, I found myself sending out emails on my prepared list, and also from lists found on the internet, such as http://www.onlinegigs.com/. After the first week of writing emails, I realized that it would be best to have called first, asked for names, and touched base before I shot out emails like a bandit on a shooting spree. So I began to do that. Some people had no idea what I was talking about, but mostly people were very helpful. I would say with 10% of the venues I contacted I was playing phone tag.
Once the emails were sent, it was the waiting game. I would touch base with them each week and a half and see how things were coming along. Maybe my tact is a lot better than I thought, because I managed not to annoy anyone. In each city along the way back to Kansas, I contacted about 30 venues. The phone calls were twice that (and sometimes more), and the emails were twice that as well. Lots of dead-ends, no responses, wrong numbers, broken email addresses, "you need a draw", and lots of "we only do full rock bands". But the one that killed me most was, "we'd love to have you, but we can't afford to pay artists". Playing in Los Angeles, all I kept hearing was about these magical venues outside of California that pay. If you don't know, it's tough for original music to make decent money out here in L.A. unless you get a consistent head count of 30 people and more. These are usually reserved for the hot-chick bands, or the main-stream indie rock scene. The conclusion was that maybe I was going about this whole thing the wrong way, but it was the only way I knew so for the time being I plunged head first.
When it came down to it. I booked none of the venues I contacted initially. Even the ones that said they would love to have me but couldn't pay, because at this point with all the waiting, late June had crept up on me like the crazies on the Venice Boardwalk. There was no time to contact media for promotion and the odds were (if there anything like the venues I know) foot traffic isn't that booming unless there's proper promotion or there's a band there that has a huge following. So, I went to plan C (which occurred to me after racking my brains for a while). I had completely over- looked a perfect music-friendly place where people would for sure be there ready to enjoy and buy music: Borders!
Surprisingly, to my misfortune, there are tons of Border's that don't have live music! I sifted through and ended up booked through some very friendly, and helpful folks in Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The only promotion I could do at that point was contact the local publications and get on their calendar. This process was quick and easy and it was the least I could do (but the most, considering the time-frame at this point). They turned out to be great shows, and yes, people were very receptive and I ended up selling some merchandise! Also, I made some new friends along the way. Some of these people said the next time I came around they'll get me in contact with people and venues they know that would be perfect for what I do. So it begins.
In the end I consider it to be a more of a roadtrip than a tour, but I now have insight. I have more of a handle on what I'm suppose to do. People are very helpful, you just have to ask the right questions. I imagine it's the same with most things: just keep going until you find the right path. Luckily I had a friend to travel with. My buddy and I had an amazing time seeing good friends along the way and some breathtaking sights. Definitely a wonderful experience.
What's next? Portland tour!
Photo Album 1
Photo Album 2
We just got a new review!
Yes! We got review from Little Rat Bastard. LittleRatBastard.com is an online resource for music. As they put it, they have "written reviews, as well as original news articles, RSS feeds, links to your favorite artists pages & social networks, plus links to purchase both new & old music alike." Go check them out! In the meantime, check out our kickass review at http://www.littleratbastard.com/?p=5146!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March Newsletter: So Far SO Good! Gigs, News, Max Neptune!
By now we're sure that all of you have indulged your curiosity of Avatar, are thinking of checking out The Hurt Locker and will continue to update your facebook account statuses with random tidbits about the day. Ah, yes. All is well. Except for the Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt tabloids at the grocery store. Will they ever get back together? LOL
Well here's a tabloid for you, Noble Creatures is going to open up for the USA Chivas soccer team at their opening game of the season at the Home Depot Stadium this Friday the 26th!! We are extremely excited & grateful to have this opportunity! In between our set (I'm happy to announce) the "Chivas Girls" will be performing their routine. Of course, I'm sure you'll all be there to watch us mainly, right? ... right?! ...Hello? Anyone? Haha, we don't blame you.
In other news Luis has finished the score to the film Max Neptune and the Menacing Squid. If you love campy, sci-fi, B movie, space-adventures, you're gonna love this. Check it out on myspace, youtube, and facebook!
We would like to take a moment to remind you how much we love you guys! Your support has meant a tremendous amount to us. It is truly a blessing. If you haven't already, don't forget to pick up our free gift for you here. Enjoy!
As always, stop by our website and drop us a line at our forum. Like to Youtube? You can check us out at our youtube account.
Well here's a tabloid for you, Noble Creatures is going to open up for the USA Chivas soccer team at their opening game of the season at the Home Depot Stadium this Friday the 26th!! We are extremely excited & grateful to have this opportunity! In between our set (I'm happy to announce) the "Chivas Girls" will be performing their routine. Of course, I'm sure you'll all be there to watch us mainly, right? ... right?! ...Hello? Anyone? Haha, we don't blame you.
In other news Luis has finished the score to the film Max Neptune and the Menacing Squid. If you love campy, sci-fi, B movie, space-adventures, you're gonna love this. Check it out on myspace, youtube, and facebook!
We would like to take a moment to remind you how much we love you guys! Your support has meant a tremendous amount to us. It is truly a blessing. If you haven't already, don't forget to pick up our free gift for you here. Enjoy!
As always, stop by our website and drop us a line at our forum. Like to Youtube? You can check us out at our youtube account.
Luis Narino & Noble Creatures
MARCH SHOW
Fri 26th, HOME DEPOT STADIUM, Carson, CA 6pm (Band)
APRIL SHOWS
Sat 3rd, GOOD HURT, Santa Monica, Midnight (Band)
Wed 7th, ROOM 5 LOUNGE, Los Angeles, 8pm (Solo)
Fri 16th, OLD TOWNE PUB, Pasadena 11pm (Band)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
BIRD BLOP BLESSINGS
6/23/09
A few nights ago I was headed to a friends screening of his show called, "My Mother Thinks I'm Cool". I dug it, but my story takes place after the screening.
My friend Cassandra had joined me for the night, which was set at the King King in Hollywood. Great joint by the way if you've never been. ANYhow, after the screening I was soooooo hungry so I asked her if she wanted to grab a bite. She said she had just eaten before she came, but that she would come along anyways. I said, "no way, I'd feel rude eating in front of you when you're just sitting there!" She insisted. I insisted. This went on for a while until she said she would get a shake or dessert as well. It was settled, so we headed on our way.
Our conversation, as I recall, was headed in a direction that I know better to lead it down (as far as my part is concerned which I will now share to you). Somehow we got into the conversation of growing old which I responded to her by saying, "I don't want to grow old, I want to I die before then." Such a brash, uncalled for, unadvised, and ignorant thing to say. Yes I know. I apologize for even repeating it in a story. And yes, she called me out on it. Apparently, god did as well because at that moment I notice a small white object fall from the sky and pelt me right on the left shoulder. Confused and curious, I look. "What the!? ...Aw man!"
A few nights ago I was headed to a friends screening of his show called, "My Mother Thinks I'm Cool". I dug it, but my story takes place after the screening.
My friend Cassandra had joined me for the night, which was set at the King King in Hollywood. Great joint by the way if you've never been. ANYhow, after the screening I was soooooo hungry so I asked her if she wanted to grab a bite. She said she had just eaten before she came, but that she would come along anyways. I said, "no way, I'd feel rude eating in front of you when you're just sitting there!" She insisted. I insisted. This went on for a while until she said she would get a shake or dessert as well. It was settled, so we headed on our way.
Our conversation, as I recall, was headed in a direction that I know better to lead it down (as far as my part is concerned which I will now share to you). Somehow we got into the conversation of growing old which I responded to her by saying, "I don't want to grow old, I want to I die before then." Such a brash, uncalled for, unadvised, and ignorant thing to say. Yes I know. I apologize for even repeating it in a story. And yes, she called me out on it. Apparently, god did as well because at that moment I notice a small white object fall from the sky and pelt me right on the left shoulder. Confused and curious, I look. "What the!? ...Aw man!"
I announced, "a bird just shit on me!"
I was bewildered, amused, and a little embarrassed I admit. I mean, at night? Really? What the heck is that bird doing up that late!? ...nevermind, I guess the answer is obvious. At this point I start laughing and make a huge scene about it. She interjects, "See, someone's trying to tell you something" (referring to my blasphemous comment). Immediately I agreed. Gave thanks and apologized, but I was still making a scene of it. That's when I told her, "you know, Colombians believe it's good luck when you get crapped on by a bird." She made a face. "So do Italians!" I argued.
She made her case, "I think your just trying to make yourself feel better for what happened."
We laughed about it and I declared that I was going to buy a lottery ticket first thing the next day. And you know what? I did just that.
While I was getting my car filled up with gas, which the prices are highway robbery by the way (like you didn't know already), I bought the first lottery ticket that caught my eye. It had something about "luck" written on it. I thought it was fitting. I was in a rush, so I didn't get to scratch it until the end of the day. In doing so I find that our poop-wielding feathered friend had just won me 15 bucks!! I was literally laughing aloud by myself. As the mature adult that I am, I naturally texted Cassandra gloating about my fortunate incident. She made a comment suggesting she had a rightful ownership of some of the loot. Being that that money wasn't mine in the first place I agreed to share the wealth.
On a final note, that night at the diner, she didn't end up buying any dessert!
Monday, May 18, 2009
LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION
05/18/09
Last night was truly an amazing, unique, exciting, and creative experience. We were flying by the seat of our pants (as we usually do). It all began on Wednesday when I received a call from my friend Keith. Apparently, they were hired to film a rap video so they had rented a space and some equipment. They would have some time remaining so they thought they would shoot videos for their friends as long as they had the equipment and time. Of course I jumped on the opportunity and sent over a cut from the upcoming EP. The song we chose was Midwestern Child. Although it's not representative of what we do, many of you like this tune and it's still us, so we rocked it.
We originally had booked Saturday, but ended up moving towards 8-midnight on Sunday. Marcos had an early call the next day and he was in the band making a video just before us too. As you can imagine the man was exhausted by the time we got up to film. Unfortunately, Roberto was unable to make it, but it was the four of us; Marcos, Shane, Cass, and me.
I got there at 6. About a block away from the studio I realize I left my camera back home! GO FIGURE! Typical Luis-move. When I got there I was asked to pick out a back drop. At this point we had NO IDEA what we were going to do. As the other band was taping, we brainstormed. It was different, but the directors took it as a challenge and really took off with it! Something about productions that involve different creative talents working together always gets me going. The bandmates, me, and our friends Mike, Keith, and Jayden (who were filming and editing) were all bouncing ideas. It was never a matter of, "this can't be done" it was always a matter of "how can we make this work." Everyone was in their element. The concept was different than the ideas they were working with all day long, so it definitely posed some challenges.
Last night was truly an amazing, unique, exciting, and creative experience. We were flying by the seat of our pants (as we usually do). It all began on Wednesday when I received a call from my friend Keith. Apparently, they were hired to film a rap video so they had rented a space and some equipment. They would have some time remaining so they thought they would shoot videos for their friends as long as they had the equipment and time. Of course I jumped on the opportunity and sent over a cut from the upcoming EP. The song we chose was Midwestern Child. Although it's not representative of what we do, many of you like this tune and it's still us, so we rocked it.
We originally had booked Saturday, but ended up moving towards 8-midnight on Sunday. Marcos had an early call the next day and he was in the band making a video just before us too. As you can imagine the man was exhausted by the time we got up to film. Unfortunately, Roberto was unable to make it, but it was the four of us; Marcos, Shane, Cass, and me.
I got there at 6. About a block away from the studio I realize I left my camera back home! GO FIGURE! Typical Luis-move. When I got there I was asked to pick out a back drop. At this point we had NO IDEA what we were going to do. As the other band was taping, we brainstormed. It was different, but the directors took it as a challenge and really took off with it! Something about productions that involve different creative talents working together always gets me going. The bandmates, me, and our friends Mike, Keith, and Jayden (who were filming and editing) were all bouncing ideas. It was never a matter of, "this can't be done" it was always a matter of "how can we make this work." Everyone was in their element. The concept was different than the ideas they were working with all day long, so it definitely posed some challenges.
The crew had been there since 7am and at the point we started filming they had already put in about 15 hours with their other videos they shot that day. Not to mention the day before. It was STILL a great vibe though and everyone was still excited and giving 100%.
All the way until the end of the shoot I was like a kid in a candy store. I was checking out all the rigs, lights, platforms, sets, and people running around. In the video I wanted you guys to get a glimpse of it, so I can't wait for you all to check it out! Watch for it, it's gonna be something new, creative, and fun!
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