Jake The Snake

I Moved

2009-10-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

to Tumblr.

go to jakevp.tumblr.com

GOOOO!!!!

The Almost Update 1

2009-09-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Just Let It Out

2009-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yo Gabba Gabba

2009-09-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

Jonathan showed me this. I laughed, hard.
I have decided this is all my kids are allowed to watch until they are 25.

JAKE

Pictures

2009-08-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

I have no idea who took these. But if it was you, thanks!! I love looking at myself.
JAKE

Been a While!

2009-08-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

I just saw that my last post was July.... Dang.
I talked about starting a personal journal a bit ago, but didn't end up doing it on this last run. I think I was too busy getting between 2 and 4 hours of sleep everyday and spending the other 20-22 hours either in the sun playing music and walking around in the sun or driving a van and trailer. Oh well I guess- maybe I'll start on The Almost tour.
To update you on Where I am Now (maybe a few will get that pun?), I'm typing on my phone in LaGuardia airport(NYC for those playing at home) listening to Thrice's "Vheissu" and waiting for a flight back home. The band and I flew out to NYC from LA, after we finished a 7 show run on the Vans Warped Tour, to do our first live TV performance on MTV's "It's On with Alexa Chung".
To sum up the past week and a half, the word "suprizing" comes to mind.
I had heard many, many, many, horror stories about doing Warped in a van. And by no means was it easy on my body, but the response we got from kids at all of our shows was enough to lift my spirits and transcend the physical drudgery. And I met a lot of amazing people!
I also had a good amount of skepticism in the live TV performance. There is a stigma attached to bands performing on the small screen, because it never really seems to come across the same. Rooms are different, crowds are smaller and more syndicated, there are cameras in your face, the sound is usually no better than a drag queen who is on a 30 year nicotine buzz singing through a set of Coby knock off headphones, underwater. And to say that I and the band wouldn't be a little bit nervous about our own performance would be like Perez Hilton denying his over frosted tips and lip gloss, or his affinity for the color pink and pathological fabrication. But that's neither here nor there.
I, As well as my comrades, felt very pleased with the final product. We had fun, we got across the vision and sound we wanted, given the medium. Its hard to say everything you really want to say when you have a strict, three minute window!
And now that I have been on both sides of the fence with MTV, I'm getting a better look at how this business works. From LA to NYC. Maybe one day I can make a difference?
I hope you can check out the performance on mtv.com if you didn't catch it on TV. I'm very proud of it, and feel like I am really growing into my skin as a professional musician.
Happy first weeks of school to you all!
JAKE

My Tribute to AndyHorst.com

2009-07-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

A tribute to my new favorite blog and blogger. Andyhorst.com

JAKE

Band Camp

2009-07-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

Just got back on the road after two weeks of summer camp. Time for that "post event de-briefing" blog that everyone seems to love so much!

This year of Young Musicians and Artists was very special for me. Among some things being much different than they had been for the last eight years, I went into camp full knowing that this would be my last year (as a counselor at least) in the place that shaped a large portion of my musical outlook and adoration.
It was weird to feel so senior in a place I practically grew up in, but this was a rare occasion when I really felt I deserved it. I would like to thank everyone who ever looked to me for advice, simply for trusting me. I have found real "trust" can be hard to find these days.
The funny thing about camp (I know, it sounds really stupid) is that you really do learn more about yourself from the kids. They teach you so much, regardless of age. The younger ones teach you about how to be simple again, how to enjoy the smallest things. They bring out parts of you that you didn't think you had. The older ones remind you why you're here, and what your doing. It's funny to reflect on myself just three and a half years ago, and the state of mind I was in. The things I thought were important, and the road that got me where I am.
And then there's the music; the real reason we were all are there in the first place.
I came from a world of load ins, cameras, interviews, lights, autographs, merchandise, and "the image". And somewhere in there in is music. But at camp, we are all there to make music. No real distractions, just harmonizing with each other in so many ways. No one cared what guitar I played. What my pedalboard looked like. What shirt I wore. They cared about the music I was making and what they could teach me about it, as well as what they could learn from it.
I love my job, but I hate when I lose sight of what's REAL.

Here's a thanks to Steven Hufschmidt, Chris Smith, Matt Porter, Brian Sanderlin, Jeff Veysey, Thomas Lovett, Eric Singleton Jr., and Chris Taylor. You guys are all great kids with too much potential to not believe in yourselves.
The entire counselor and faculty staff. Here's to never growing old.
My parents. For continually growing in their professions.
Cindy. For making your presence in my life even greater. RIP.

Love you all
JAKE

After

2009-06-08T00:21:00.001-07:00

JAKE

Before

2009-06-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

Cereal Girlfriend

2009-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

After finally reuniting "the J's"at the Van paepeghem family cabin last weekend, Jonathan and I came up with this:

JAKE

Rain City Ambience

2009-05-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hello!
It's been a while I know.
I've started bloging for a website called Rain City Ambience.
Its a music based site run by my friend Kelley Mason, among others.
Go check it out, have a look around!
JAKE

Almost There

2009-05-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Copeland tour is done, and we have been working our way back to LA from Florida, VIA New Jersey.
We have covered a TON of ground in the last week. From Jacksonville to Rutherford NJ for Bamboozle, then all throughout the mid-west for a string of headlining shows on our way to shoot a video in LA- I won't be contributing my "fake-out" skilz on this one unfortunately (fake-out = fake make-out. You're welcome).
Bamboozle was nothing but a crazy whirlwind of juxtapositions. From the blazing sun of the first day to the cold rain of the second, from the hardcore metal bands of one stage to the electro pop-punk of another, from The Used to Taking Back Sunday to No Doubt... So much fun!!! I had a blast playing for the crowd we were fortunate enough to get. I think we all felt really thankful.
I've gotten to do some great things on this outing, form a great tropical day off in Virginia Beach and body surfing in Jacksonville to seeing so many different Universities I'd only heard of, and talking to other people my age doing things differently than me.
Here's some stuff to look at!!

1-View from hotel balcony in Virginia Beach, VA
2-Last night of tour dress prank during Brooke Waggoner set (not the first time I've worn a dress sadly.)
3-Awesome light show in Toronto Canada
4-Last night of tour group picture

Ok, But Seriously.

2009-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

I know it can get a little cliche for touring artists to go ON an ON about how awesome the people they work with are.
So I'm going to spare you.
But seriously, the people I have had the pleasure of sharing the last 30-ish days with have been a joy. I have loved being able to just hang with all of these folks, and have talks about life, and aspirations, and future's, and art, and music. We all know that we have nothing to prove to each other, and it has been a real slice (If I may use the catch phrase of the lovely "Brooke girls").
This recent adventure has presented the opportunity for a lot of my close friends, AKA: the dudes I ride in a van with nearly everyday of my life, to think about the bigger picture. I feel like a lot of us are really starting to get past the strings, the cables, the speakers, the wooden tubs we hit, or the raised platforms and lights. I hope that soon we can all transcend a bit and find an even deeper love for our work.
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do,and so does everyone else in the van. But one of the benefits of being a hard worker (which I think I am) is that I will always want to improve, and I hope to stay great full no matter where this road takes me.
Hope I don't come off too pompous or self indulging, but I think you all know what I'm getting at.
Seriously, though. You get it. Just kidding!

But seriously.

Happy summer everyone!

JAKE

Easter Tweet Fest

2009-04-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone involved in this was in the same room.

Merry Easter!

JAKE

Learning!

2009-04-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!
A blog from the road.
Copeland, Paper Route and Brooke Waggoner are all amazing people, AND amazing musicians. This tour has been very musically gratifying, and there isn't a single unpleasant person out with us!
We have been playing a lot of new stuff this tour, and it was rough at first. Very fun, and exciting music to play, but with little rehearsal time has been a bit sketchy to tighten up. We have a day off that we will spend rehearsing tomorrow, so hopefully it all tightens up soon. I have loved playing this stuff, especially "Playing the Villan", "Somebody to Talk to", and "Keeping on Without You".
I was nervous about this whole deal, being that it was only my second tour, and I got along so well with everyone from the last Ludo outing. It's kinda like moving to a new school, but with a few of your friends. Fortunately, all is great!!

I hope to see you all soon
JAKE

Nashville

2009-03-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Via the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. Hopefully I'll make my connection this time....................

I got a new guitar! And I'm giving her some love tonight. I need a name for her...... please leave an idea!

JAKE

Tacoma

2009-03-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Spending some time in Tacoma with Kyle. We played a show here at the University of Puget Sound last night, and had a blast.
We just finished the mastering of our new EP, "Better Than Nothing" that we have just posted on our Facebook and Myspace pages, and I am really proud of it all. I hope you take a minute and go listen to it! Hopefully we can have all of the artwork done soon and can start the mass production of it.
I leave Tuesday to start the Copeland/Paper Route/ Brooke Wagonner tour, then Bambozzle!!! Yay for music.

JAKE

Well Hello There

2009-03-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd write a bit about being home:

Things have been great here in Boise. Some pretty nice weather, though it took me a while to adjust to what "nice" means in this part of the country again, and I've gotten some good quality time in with friends and family.

Dan and Gavin get into town this afternoon for an acoustic performance, and I am really stoked to see them, and see them play! My friend Travis was on town last night for the Mercy Me "Rock & Worship Roadshow", which was absolutely nuts to see from the side of the stage- very intriguing to see how you put on a show for 12,000 people.

A friend told me that there is an interesting phenomenon that happens when you get off a tour. No matter how ready you are to be home, you soon find yourself wanting to be back in that van with 6 other smelly dudes traveling to a town you don't know to play for hundreds of people you don't know yet. And he was very right! I have loved this time at home, and tried to take advantage of it in every way I could. But I am really excited to head out again to do the things I love doing!

Hope all is well with you all!

JAKE

(Oh yeah, and I got glasses for the first time yesterday)

Save the Princess From The Evil Mushroom King!

2009-03-12T02:25:00.001-07:00

JAKE

If I Could Make An Honest Mistake....

2009-03-11T23:14:00.001-07:00

Listening to The Morning Light, while stuck in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport.

I never thought I'd be the guy who actually missed his flight and had to sleep in the airport for 12 hours until the morning.....light.....

How many more times do you think I can plug that band in this blog?

When I "Wake Up!", my pride isn't gonna "Follow Me Home".
Get it? Oh well. I guess I'll be "Movin' Along"

And the guys say I have bad jokes! Pshh.

JAKE

Making Plans

2009-03-03T11:12:00.001-08:00

Anyone remember this? I do.
I've been thinking about how I want to spend my first March at home NOT enrolled in school.
And I want it to be filled with moments like this one. The cabin, Stanley, the Sawtooths, and good friends.

JAKE

You Gotta Finish Strong

2009-03-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

Crazy night!

Florida has been awesome. Unfortunately i'm now in summer mode, and it isn't summer everywhere yet....
JAKE

All Is Well

2009-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Death is nothing at all, it does not count
I have only slipped away into the next room
Nothing has happened, Everything remains exactly as it was
I am I and you are you
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still
Call me by the old familiar name
Speak of me in the easy way that you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that is always was
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it
Life means all it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was
There is absolute and unbroken continuity
What is this death but a negligible accident
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you for an interval somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.

Cynthia Louise Van Paepeghem Geile,
July 10, 1953- Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009

This was sent to our family by some close friends. I think it sums up what we all want at the end of our journey

JAKE

Dorm Couches are Nice Sometimes

2009-02-23T18:03:00.000-08:00

Andy and I are hanging at the Comfort Inn in Richmond after a good day off.
I spent the day with an old friend, and it was great to catch up and spend some quality time. I think today has been a pretty relaxing day for everyone! A nice day to reset my mind and get re- focused

Charlotte tomorrow!

JAKE

NYC

2009-02-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Walked around town today with Shane after stopping by the FBR/Atlantic label office where I picked up the new Paramore "Final Riot" DVD(Go buy one NOW. It's completely worth it).
After walking about 4 miles and having some incredible coffee and a fulfilling vegan meal, I've decided I love my new job.
Show in New York City tonight, and I'm incredibly amped for it.

Ludo soundcheck:

Sketchy

2009-02-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Richae Swanbeck I have discovered Boise artist Tony Montano. I have secretly been using the sketches he puts on his blog for my desktop backgrounds for almost a year now.
This one really caught my eye though- it made me look at the LOVELY Mrs. Hepburn in a completely different way. A very, somber, innocent, and confident pose. Enjoy!

JAKE

(sorry for stealing Tony, I couldn't help myself)

I've Stopped Counting the Days

2009-02-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Its becoming really taxing to think about what day of the week it is. I have no idea what day of the tour it is anymore, but we had a pretty good day off in Pittsburgh. Some good thai, a failed attempt at the Andy Warhol Meuseum, and a couple really good headwear purchases. Here are some pictures!

Days 2, 3, and 4

2009-02-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

1.The marquis at the Metro in Chicago. Really fun venue!

2. The stage at the Metro- check out Ludo's sweet sign!

3. Fans camped out in front of the Magic Stick in Detroit and made a sign to denote their purpose (crazy or not)

4. Outside the Magic Stick loading out. It is also a bowling alley

5.Green room in Cleveland Hights, OH. I call this one "mac attack". (Bows) Thank you, thank you.

JAKE

First Show: Milwuakee WI

2009-02-04T00:14:00.001-08:00

Such an adrenaline rush- I love playing music.

JAKE

Oh the North.

2009-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm in South Dakota right now. We ran out of gas in Ritzville ,WA. Here is Sean and Gavin walking to a gas station- we ended up flagging down a nice dude with a sweet mullet and stash in a white 80's Nissan who had a few gallons of gas and then went and watched the Super Bowl at a Hooters in Spokane (because it was the only place open for the game!!).
I love touring!!

JAKE

OCD

2009-01-26T02:52:00.001-08:00

WOW. I haven't fallen in love with a pedal like this since I bought the Boss Phase Shifter.

Things are sounding better and better everyday- I can't wait till everyone can hear all the cool stuff we've been doing

See you out there?

JAKE

Seattle!

2009-01-20T13:20:00.001-08:00

Im back! And it feels pretty good to be here. It was really foggy for the first few days, and it seems to be lingering a bit still but generally is awesome here. I've loved hangin' with the guys, and the band is sounding really good! We are about to start our second rehearsal, with vocals and a new pedal I bought today (Boss DS-1). Enjoy!
JAKE

Interstate Adventures Chapter 2

2009-01-19T13:16:00.001-08:00

Interswanger

2009-01-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

FUN FUN FUN!!!

JAKE

My Dr. Phil Moment of the Day

2008-12-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

I was at my favorite bagel place today (Blue Sky of course) on my way to a rehearsal with the beautiful Josh Olswanger, and some things hit me pretty hard.
I am so very fortunate to have music be such a part of my life. Its my job, its what I spend most of my time doing, and it's been the thing to give me the most blessings in my life.
And the craziest part to me is that I haven't gotten completely sick of it yet. Knowing myself (the little bit that I do) I would think that I would have moved on from music like the many other things in many other aspects of life that I have.
This upcoming project Interstate is starting has me really excited. We made the schedule and signed the contracts, and we are getting closer to making the music we want to. Just focusing on creativity, and letting our songs breathe.
I just want to put down in words somewhere how thankful I am to feel like I may have a future in the business of music. I plan on taking full advantage of the worth while opportunities that life throws at me, and I hope some of you out there can enjoy it.
Happy Holidays!

JAKE

Christmas Time Is Here

2008-12-18T09:43:00.001-08:00

The Santa at the Boise Towne Square is not only one of the most convincing looking St. Nick's I've ever seen, he's also got a great sense of humor.
Maybe he's not a fake?

Happy Holidays!

JAKE

Anxiety

2008-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here's another weird feeling I reflected on the other day (yesterday to be exact).

I decided to go to the grocery store down the street from where a good family friend lives that was kindly putting us, (Brianne and I) up for the weekend because we were playing at the lovely Flatbread community oven in Bend Oregon.
So I knew I wanted to get some wine for her, and a pack of AA batteries. Not too complicated right? But no matter how sure of what I need when I walk in to a grocery store, I get this tiny anxiety attack when I enter the doors. Like i don't know where anything is and I can't remember my own name or what wine really is. Is wine next to the kids grape juice? or in the produce section? Is there another type of AA battery? Should I consult the company that makes the product that the batteries are going in before buying? Is there a warranty?
So I take a breath and review what I'm there for. And its all good. But still a weird re-occurrence

I'll post pictures from the trip later tonight!

JAKE

Mini-piphany

2008-11-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you are thinking about something; REALLY thinking about something, and you reach a point of some kind of discovery, or realization and things seem very clear, and then three seconds later its all gone and you can barely remember what your original thought was?

I've been having those a lot lately. I call them, "Mini-pihany's"

It usually happens when I'm walking out to my car by myself. Or riding a chair lift, by myself. I've realized it takes too much brain power to have a mini-piphany and talk to someone at the same time.

It's such an interesting feeling for me, because I feel like I accomplish something so cerebral and brilliant, and then its gone in a second, and i have to work so hard to get back to that place in my mind. And to even think of an example of a subject I have had a mini-piphany about takes having a mini-piphany.

It's a bit early, so I probably won't be able to get much deeper. But I hope this is in some way familiar. I think its a pretty cool new term!

Decisions

2008-11-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't about the election.
(Although it IS important)

I have told many people that being happy is a decision most of the time. But sometimes that decision is harder to make yourself, and you need others to help you.

I enjoy lots of music, and music makes me happy, in general. But here are some people that actually make me physically and mentally feel HAPPY:

Gene Harris:
See "Summerwind" and "Lil' Darlin" Live at the Loa, and "Bye Bye Blues" from Funky Gene's

Nickel Creek:
Pretty much all of This Side

Dave Matthews Band:
Grey Street, So Much To Say

Music From Stanley

2008-10-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

From this summer up in the beautiful Stanley Idaho.
This was a lot of fun- and the radio show they recorded is very well done. Thanks to Dan Costello

Listen to the whole thing here

AAAAAAAnd we're back.

2008-10-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

24 hours ago I was worried about nothing more than my music.
200 miles, 3 hours, 1 Vitamin Water, 1 Monster, a delicious chicken caesar wrap and some York Peppermint Patties later I am at home watching the new Brittany Snow flick worrying about how to write a paper on the correlation between geometric transformations and music.

The crazy a-tonal music I'm going to need to listen to is serving as the rude alarm clock to wake me up from the dream I've been living for the last three days.

Sun Valley

2008-10-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Took the trip up to Sun Valley today- we made it just in time to register and and change clothes and have 30 seconds to hang out before we played our first set with Jason Wanner.

It's warm, sunny, and very positive up here. We packed the room out for our first performance which will always make me feel good. The people come to listen, and that is very refreshing. Its also kind of stressful, because it means I can't be un-original anymore. Brianne and I are continually looking for things to shake it up. But the cool part about it is we walk away from this weekend with ideas and motivation for another years worth of lounge gigs and christmas parties and weddings.

Its nice to get out of Boise for a bit and play in a different atmosphere- as a working musician I fear monotony more than anything. This weekend also is serving as a slight vacation for my mind. I for sure needed to re- focus on some things. This is what I needed:

Some Saving Graces

2008-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Im pretty sure I'm not the only one that got in a bit of a downer-rutt last week. Maybe is was the weather, maybe it was the moon cycle, maybe is was David Blaine. I don't know. But i am much better now, and these are some things that got me through.

1. Blue Sky Bagels. Every morning an everything bagel toasted with the berry cream cheese
2. Chai Tea. I was slightly disappointed to learn I actually like Starbucks' chai....
3. Jon McLuaghlin's new album, OK Now. Just awesome. Nothin' else to it

Dear Mr. O'Reilly,

2008-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Stop interrupting people. It's very rude. Fortunately, you recently interviewed someone who could still mamage to keep his dignity and hold his stance, even in the face of your poinantly ignorant scapegoating and interrogating.
Sincerely,
JAKE

Its Like the Night Before A Trip to Disneyland...

2008-09-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Or your first start on the varsity basketball team, or your high school graduation. The feeling right before you do something that could be monumental, even definitive. There is nothing really standing in your way but time, a restless bed, and those small chances that something may go a rye. And no matter how slim, improbable, or just straight up impossible those chances may be, I still focus on them intently.
Those small things are what ruin my awesome day-dreams. Those little things are what completely turn my stomach when I am sitting in my math class thinking about things that could( and are likely to) be in my future.
The good part of this is the process of catharsis that happens when there is a success. ( My senior year english teacher would be so proud of me right now for using catharsis).
I fell a good sense of accomplishment in that process. It keeps me humble- because I am constantly thinking I am just barely scraping by. I would never say I am a perfectionist, because I settle plenty when it comes to some things. Not in this particular instance, but none the less, I do think I work hard to make things good, because I don't want to be that worst case scenario that always seems to be nipping at my heels.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I'm feeling excited- and its because things could go wrong, or they could go right. Either way, something is going to happen, and it excites me.

JAKE

Post Script- check out This Providence's new song, "Waste Myself" on their myspace page, myspace.com/thisprovidence. Can't wait to see
'em next week!

What it looks like to be wisdom-less

2008-09-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have ZERO recollection of this photo being taken. Good times!
Its a good thing only a few select friends and my family read this blog
JAKE

My Plans for The Rest of This Week

2008-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wisdom teeth out this morning. I've never had quite an experience like I did blacking out after I was drugged. Three hours of my life I just cannot seem to remember

Medley

2008-08-03T23:51:00.001-07:00

YMA (Thanks Anne)

2008-07-17T15:27:00.001-07:00

yes, I primarily went with the ones I am in, because I am selfish.
Thanks Anne!

Summertime

2008-07-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have now been home from the real world vacation we like to call "YMA" for 4 days. I haven't exactly caught up on all the sleep I lost, but i'm getting there, slowly.
But now that I have had some alone time, I've been able to really process the whirlwind of information that was stored through this two week experience.
YMA 2008 was in my opinion, the best camp yet. For those involved, pat yourself on the back. Because regardless of what role (small or big) you think you played, every single one of us made camp this year one of my best memories. The objective was to have fun and make music, and thats what we did. We didn't complicate things, we didn't let the details get in the way. It just happened! And that is what makes YMA so unique.
I have seen a lot of changes in myself over the past year. I feel more confident- in myself and in my decision making. I feel more independent as an individual personality. I feel like a better musician. And the one thing that can assure me that I am a growing, feeling, loving human being is two weeks playing music with people I love being with in a run down dormatory at a liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon.
And even though I had myself more figured out this year, fate/coincidence/divine mercy/karma/....etc etc decided to throw a wrench in it all and give me a bittersweet blessing. No, I'm not going to go into specifics, and I'm not going to complain about it. It really is a blessing, and to me a reminder that we, truly, are not alone.

"We give to live for to with hold is to die. When we give to get, then that is a lie."
-Rich Nace

Interstate!

2008-06-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Some good shows at Veritas coffee shop in Boise, and Great Pacific in Pendleton.

Richae Swanbeck was there too, and she takes better pictures than anyone I know. Those will be up soon

A Productive Saturday

2008-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Idaho Statesman

2008-05-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.idahostatesman.com/life/story/379033.html

Dead Week

2008-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Although properly named, I think the original intent of "Dead Week" is false. Its not that the week is supposed to be a light week in prep for finals- it should be because is make you WANT TO DIE.

I'm pretty sure this is just me though. For anyone who has told me that all my procrastination was going to catch up to me: It has.

i've been able to slide by 'till now. I have close to 25 pages of collegiate red tape bull crap to write in somewhere around 36 hours. On top of practicing for juries, rehearsing a duo for my final theory composition project, sight singing examples to learn, and all this on top of a weekend of playing at the Gamekeeper. And I deserve all the stress that's come with it, so don't feel sorry for me- seriously.

Anyway, here are some cool things that have gotten me through the week:

http://arizonamoms.com/momtomom/entertainment/news-events/woman-kidnapped-her-father

So You Want A Dancer?

2008-05-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

Youth AIDS Benefit

2008-04-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

This should be a great show for a number of reasons- it's the first show with Josh since "releasing" our EP, "The Lost Ones", and because its for a great cause. Its also put on by some local students, which leads me to believe that there may be hope for the future of the music scene on Boise.

We're gonna be selling our EP at the show- and it looks a bit like this:

Sometimes I Get Mad

2008-04-24T08:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I get mad when things that aren't supposed to happen end up happening. It really makes me mad when the deciding factor on weather or not these certain things that do end up happening is simply time.

If my tea had taken just five minutes longer to make. If I had decided to let my shower run an extra shampoo cycle. If I had gone 65 instead of 75 on the freeway. Any of these things and I would not have the ridiculous speeding ticket I got this morning going 31 in a school zone. I received the ticket at about 8:50 AM. Broadway by Garfield Elementary is no longer a 20 mph zone at 9:00 AM.

HATE IT.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place

2008-04-20T01:29:00.001-07:00

The Arbiter

2008-04-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

A cool little article in this weeks BSU newspaper about last weeks adventure

'Snow'ed In - Culture

Press.

2008-04-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

A Great Day

2008-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning to a sunny sky, warm weather, and one of my favorite John Mayer tunes.

Went to church, then got an AMAZING cinnamon roll from the Boise Co-op, and drove back home with my windows rolled down listening to Continuum for the first time in a few months.

Its really just one of those days I am so glad I live in this city. The people around me, wherever I am, are out to enjoy the day. They aren't trying to make anyone feel smaller than them, they aren't trying to push to the front of the line with no regard for who they knock out of the way. I just feel good today.

Planes, Trains, and Really Nice Hotels

2008-04-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

I just got home from the whole trip, and am enjoying the first internet usage since Sunday in Spokane before going to New York(aka the last post).

New York and MTV were all much of a blur, but it was all exiting. I didn't end up winning the TRL competition, but I gave it my best shot. There really wasn't much I could have done better, except maybe had a bigger mouth for "bow tie bobbing". Who was in the think tank for that one?

My only complaints about the whole deal are that Brittany had no choice in who ultimately went to LA with her. I really like Jason, the guy who won. But I still cant help but wonder what would have happened.... In all honesty? I think she dug me.

The things I did get out of the trip though were VERY worth while.

For starters, I got to spend almost three days with one of the coolest dudes one could have the pleasure of growing up with. I hadn't seen Pete in almost two years, and it felt so good to hang out and talk about the good ol' days. It's amazing what some people remember!

I also got a glimpse of a part of society that I think is really something worth striving for. If I can do this whole career thing right, it's gonna be a hell of a ride.

I got to see the actual inner workings of one of the biggest television networks in the biz, and learned a lot about what I like, and more importantly what I DONT like. It is possible that I am under contractual obligation to not say anything bad about a certain network, so i'll just play it safe....

I got to spend three days in New York, at one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in for three days! Right in Times Square? Come on. Pete and I did a lot in the small amount of time we had.

And lastly, I got to meet Brittany Snow. It may have been brief, succinct, and slightly awkward towards the end, but I have been looking foreward to it for a long time. I did say I was going to give her my number, and i'll have y'all know that I did my best- there really was no opportunity to do it at the studio, so I commissioned Jason (the real winner) to give her my digits if he happened to get the chance at the premier.

I will leave you with the mementos I have left.

The Eve...

2008-04-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

Alarm set for 4:00 am?

Check.

Bags Re-packed?

Check.

Numbers saved to call after the taping?

Check.

Mind completely boggled?

Check.

Nerves completely shot because I am flying to New York tomorrow to meet Brittany Snow?

Check.

They're GRRRRRREAT! (for my hopeless bracket)

2008-04-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

In a year for the straight and narrow when it comes to brackets (with the exception of Davidson. WTF?) , my bracket has seen some light!

My Tigers have no love for the Bruins , and yes the pun was entirely intended. I have no respect for the guy who can run the floor in just under a half an hour.

The second half of the Kansas/UNC game has just started, and I am so exited to see Hansbrough get out worked. Don't get me wrong, I love to see a white boy like him be successful, but he is just too scrappy for my tastes.

Anyway, I am going to go ahead and speak for Pete when I say we are insanely excited to be watching the championship game from the Big Apple, on the eve of my National Television debut... just crazy. It still doesn't seem real.

Kennewick-ed

2008-04-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Hotels. We are in Kennewick, after a monstrous day of singing. Three schools, and five total performances of Whitacre's Cloudburst. Im almost ready to burn it. I love Eric Whitacre, but even Bohemian Rhapsody can get old after so long....

I have spent a good amount of time reading the Itinerary and flight plans and junk from MTV. Coolest thing so far? We get picked up from the airport by a limo- sign with my name on it, the whole schpiel.

The more positive comments I get on the video the more confident I get, but I don't want to get my hopes up too much. I know I'm in trouble when I start making plans for the Wednesday and Thursday in LA, but I just can't help it!

As I type, my roomies and I are having some major cool conversations about teaching, drama, marriage, all the good stuff. So I will leave you to look at all the cool pictures I took of myself.

Anticipation much?

2008-04-03T00:53:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2 AM, and i leave for the Meistersingers tour in close to 4 hours. I have been slowly packing since about 10:30.

I KNOW I am going to forget something. I just know it. Before i go on trips i write a list down of stuff i need for the next day, but something always goes wrong. I either forget to write something down, or I see something on the note the next day before I leave and make only a mental note to remember it later. And then I forget it. Its all pretty standard though. My only hope is that in the next few days I will remember what it is I forgot in time to maybe obtain another on the road, or that one of my travel mates can cover me.

I think maybe now I am realizing this blog is just for MY own good. So I have something more tangible than the Facebook "Note".

Oh well I guess.

I was watching "The Hills" tonight as I was waiting for some laundry, and I got to thinking about if I made it to LA next week. I have had a weird craving to get my California medication in- I really only can take so much of LA at one time, because in all reality i don't like it at all. But living in the northwest you need to be reminded that somewhere it can be sunny and bright and warm, almost unconditionally. I hope I get the chance!

Lets Start Off On A Foot

2008-04-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

I have started a blogsite. reason being, I hate blogging on the facebook's and the myspace's, because I feel like whenever I do I'm begging someone to pay attention to me.

So here's my alternative.

This is me trying to be John Mayer, yet again. I plan on posting cool guitar stuff, tales from trips, all my deep thoughts, and all the fun stuff that goes along with those.

Starting off with a trip from Boise, through Seattle to New York, where I will be a finalists on a TRL video competition. I am one of three, and if Brittany Snow picks my video on Tuesday, me and my buddy Pete are flying to LA to go to the movie premier of "Prom Night"- this is all crazyness. Absolutely one of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me, and its going to be a huge adventure.

I plan on posting some pictures from airports and hotels, and keeping you updated on how nervous I am to meet the woman of my dreams.

all for now

JAKE