MAY 20, 2010

UM. Right. OK. It's been awhile. But it's not as we we've been idle! Just.....not updating the website. Apologies, kind audience. But here I am and, first, there is a great show on the horizon for all you New Yorkers!

We have played two super super fun shows recently. The Bruar Falls show with Mr. Brett Ralph, his band, the Kentucky Chrome Review, and the Undeciders - what a great night! Honestly, on that rainy Sunday night in Brooklyn we were all in the best version of the back room of Anybar, USA imaginable. And the whole night felt like a big, warm hug. Kentucky was in the house, clearly, so this meant--DANCING to Antietam! I had such a swell time chatting with Mr. Hunter, Mr. Loewenstein...much love all around. This shot of Tim is by Brett Ralph. Also go here to check out his latest book.

Then there was Derby Eve. I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend it with than Rope. Josh Clark's crew were, well, just amazing! The guitars (3) weave and helix and split off and go sit in opposite corners then call and respond and twine again. Love it! And it was so great to hear the Radical Dads and make their acquaintance. Look out for them - go see them. I hope to play together again! We pushed the baby songs out on the stage again, more of them this time. Baby loves the spotlight! I love this moment in time when they are so new and still growing as they come out of my hands and mouth...Derby Day not so good on the betting front again this year...but the shot of Eagle Rare before the set I had was quite good. I never have had that before....

And what better to do on the third day, after a glorious Derby Eve gig and a fabulous Derby Party?...hop on a plane and go to Barcelona. Tim and I took off for one of our favorite spots on earth, and the theme of this trip was Modernisme wizard Josep Jujol. Pictures, in general, of many places, people and things will be hitting the website this summer (some for sale if, um, anyone wants). For now, here's one of Jujol's most amazing creations in St. Joan Despi - the Torre de la Creu.

Finally, we are looking to a busy July and August, during which time both the Rizzo/Key record and the Antietam record will be mixed at the Seaside Lounge. More about that later. Later is soon--your webmaster promises!

MARCH 15, 2010

The Chessie Hit Factory has been busy in the last month. Rick Rizzo visited for a weekend and the next Rizzo/Key disc tightened up in focus with a fall release set on Thrill Jockey. It's always nice to do the long distance convo, but even better in person, even though Artic conditions prevailed at Chessie Remote. You would think the boy would come from Chicago braced for those wicked Lake-style winds, but we had to take a break from recording to get him some protective gear. And take breaks when our hands were going numb.

Key made a trip out to the Seaside Lounge to play on a tune by PG6. They have been recording with Josh Clark and the tracks are stunning. Mr. Gubler and crew, well they got soul in spades and we can't wait for the record to come out.

Work is progessing on the next Antietam record...stay tuned. I (Key) just have to smile whenever I hear this batch of paens. We will be sharing quite a few of them at our next two NYC area shows.

JANUARY 23, 2010

Check out our producer Josh Clark's appearance as a loving caretaker of analog sound on Forbes.com today!

JANUARY 13, 2010

Finally, the site has launched. We have a lot to say, so expect updates soon and often. The other big news at camp Antietam is that we have started recording a new album at the Seaside Lounge for release some time this year.

Recently we played on a bill at Maxwell's to support Terry Karydes in her struggle with Parkinson's disease. It was such a fun night, including sets from the Individuals, the Schramms, Dennis Diken and harmonizing crew, James Mastro in a couple of guises, Freedy Johnston closing the night on energetic, hard-strumming acoustic, Kate Jacobs, George Usher, Elena and Boo and the incomparably foul-mouthed diva Tammy Faye Starlight. It was great to see our old friend Jared Nickerson play his bass (effortlessly and authoritatively) again in a couple of combos; he deserves big props for getting the show together and making it run so well. And thanks to Terry for showing me what true life bravery is like.

A little earlier this fall Antietam took to the streets to ride for Team Agoraphone/Other Music in the Bike MS event. Fellow team member Andre Theisen caught the three of us as we came down the last leg on the Henry Hudson. I was encouraged by my stamina, having never ridden thirty some odd miles on a bike in my life!