Insider Blog http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:40:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Why it's fun to be a Pirate http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=500710 All of my friends are pirates. I found this out while hanging out at a party the other night. Of all my friends, I have exactly two that don't steal (aka pirate) music in one way or the other. I still don't know how I feel about pirating music, but I do know that it's a big part of how the band makes money so we can keep making music. Interestingly enough, not a single one of my friends have pirated Watching Judas' music, or the music of any indie band they've seen in concert. So how about you? Do you burn copies of CD's for your friends? If you do, why do you do it? No judgments here- just would love to understand : ) All of my friends are pirates. I found this out while hanging out at a party the other night.


Of all my friends, I have exactly two that don't steal (aka pirate) music in one way or the other.


I still don't know how I feel about pirating music, but I do know that it's a big part of how the band makes money so we can keep making music. Interestingly enough, not a single one of my friends have pirated Watching Judas' music, or the music of any indie band they've seen in concert.


So how about you? Do you burn copies of CD's for your friends? If you do, why do you do it? No judgments here- just would love to understand : )



]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:40:00 GMT FC81FDBD44E5025216284A777E8496B2 Random facts you didn't know about (and don't care about either) http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=495966 1. Christian is responsible for stringing several thousand yards of lights and greenery in downtown St. Charles each christmas. He does it during our christmas break each year. 2. Paul would love to pursue a career in music therapy someday. 3. Dustin Shapiro isn't Italian like most people assume- he's Jewish. 4. Eric has released 2 solo piano christmas albums before he was 17. 1. Christian is responsible for stringing several thousand yards of lights and greenery in downtown St. Charles each christmas. He does it during our christmas break each year.


2. Paul would love to pursue a career in music therapy someday.


3. Dustin Shapiro isn't Italian like most people assume- he's Jewish.


4. Eric has released 2 solo piano christmas albums before he was 17.


]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:40:00 GMT 6C56CB3E3B0193984670F768BE94F1FF Make it a Small http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=493547 It took me forever to figure out that people almost never remember the biggest things in their lives. I know I don't. The big deals never seem to impact us proportionally. I guess it's because we're rarely able to connect emotionally to large events in our lives. I can't attach emotionally to hearing about cancer research, but I can when I hear my father has prostate cancer. Maybe that's why I tend to write about the small things in life; the specifics. They symbolize bigger, more intangible emotions that are too vague to describe in a paragraph. My hope is that next time you do the mundane, you take time look at the small things as significant. It took me forever to figure out that people almost never remember the biggest things in their lives. I know I don't.


The big deals never seem to impact us proportionally. I guess it's because we're rarely able to connect emotionally to large events in our lives. I can't attach emotionally to hearing about cancer research, but I can when I hear my father has prostate cancer.


Maybe that's why I tend to write about the small things in life; the specifics. They symbolize bigger, more intangible emotions that are too vague to describe in a paragraph.


My hope is that next time you do the mundane, you take time look at the small things as significant.

]]> Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:39:00 GMT 64EDEBBEB385BEBFF501417373C2F7FC If you want something over-simplified, you have to do it yourself. http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=461699 At least, that's the motto of this website. I think I could have skipped philosphy class if I'd just read this: http://www.btinternet.com/~glynhughes/squashed/
http://www.btinternet.com/~glynhughes/squashed/


]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:04:00 GMT A15D22E7484F97530ADD3D87C5254E58 Sea Chanties and Stage Dives http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=447062 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TI6eDC7CbEI/AAAAAAAAAFs/0uqQ1Cijry0/s1600/images-1.jpeg">I just was given a concertina. It looks a like this: It's a fascinating little instrument. Somewhere between a harmonica and an accordion. I fell like it's already a fiesty little brother, just begging to be played with. Somehow, I can almost feel the sea breeze streaming through my hair when I pump its bellows. Here's someone that actually knows what they're doing with one:
I just was given a concertina. It looks a like this:


It's a fascinating little instrument. Somewhere between a harmonica and an accordion. I fell like it's already a fiesty little brother, just begging to be played with. Somehow, I can almost feel the sea breeze streaming through my hair when I pump its bellows.

Here's someone that actually knows what they're doing with one:

]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:42:00 GMT 5BE8069A034652264C70879A863FDC12 Ironic http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=443308 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TI6arGFN2gI/AAAAAAAAAFk/2OXmq1OfspM/s1600/images.jpeg">One word- ironic.

One word- ironic.
]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:36:00 GMT 96456B75C239B6804F6565FDBE5E00AE Lyrics to Mood Ring http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=398497 Here's the lyrics to Mood RingMood RingIf I was funnyIf you were charmingIf we lacked nothing but youth and beautyWe're still frail and fleetingAs morning dewWe fell so hard, so don't blame meI'm just trying to change the color of your mood ring The summer of 67'A smokey drag, a voice from heavenMade me think, that you and mebe alrightNow you protestmy snoring habitAnd you swear that the day we got cable was one of your happiestWhen your mother callsYou lie and say your just fineThe father, Son, and Holy folks, The Beatles took their message to their graves Suburbia takes, Suburbia kills, its name be praisedAnd I feel so stuck hereWhen you said that You'd sold your recordsI knew now for sure we had nothing to keep us togetherI sat aloneOn the basement stepsand criedWith the windows downAnd the radio onThe Oldies station's cranking out a stagnant songThe wind keeps rushing through the darknessas I go numb.The wind keeps rushing through the blacknessas I go numb.We fell so hard, so don't blame meI'm just trying to change the color of your mood ring

Here's the lyrics to Mood Ring


Mood Ring


If I was funny

If you were charming

If we lacked nothing but youth and beauty

We're still frail and fleeting

As morning dew


We fell so hard, so don't blame me

I'm just trying to change the color of your mood ring


The summer of 67'

A smokey drag, a voice from heaven

Made me think, that you and me

be alright


Now you protest

my snoring habit

And you swear that the day we got cable was one of your happiest

When your mother calls

You lie and say your just fine


The father, Son, and Holy folks,

The Beatles took their message to their graves

Suburbia takes, Suburbia kills, its name be praised

And I feel so stuck here


When you said that

You'd sold your records

I knew now for sure we had nothing to keep us together

I sat alone

On the basement steps

and cried


With the windows down

And the radio on

The Oldies station's cranking out a stagnant song

The wind keeps rushing through the darkness

as I go numb.

The wind keeps rushing through the blackness

as I go numb.


We fell so hard, so don't blame me

I'm just trying to change the color of your mood ring


]]> Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:59:00 GMT FF7A41F962489341F5BF522006ECEFFB Lyrics to We Are Astro-Nots http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=395515 Several people have wanted the lyrics to the two new tracks on our latest CD- here they are:We Are Astro-notsWe are the Astro-nots High up in the sky Look at our spaceship Look how high it flies We know we may crash and die But that's all right We are the Astro-nots Oh look and see We can fly higher Than a man on a trapeze Watch us fall to the earth with the stars Oh Astro-nots We've come so far
We Are Astro-nots

We are the Astro-nots

High up in the sky

Look at our spaceship

Look how high it flies


We know we may crash and die

But that's all right


We are the Astro-nots

Oh look and see

We can fly higher

Than a man on a trapeze


Watch us fall to the earth with the stars

Oh Astro-nots

We've come so far



]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:54:00 GMT 5644B7258B994B52B5E3B7C7AD2A4336 FIRE! http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=392209 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGxvgBu3uI/AAAAAAAAAFU/4gPOzBcso_0/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-07-29+at+11.48.14+AM.png">I would pay to see someone actually do this.


I would pay to see someone actually do this.
]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:44:00 GMT F621CC2710F190815DB66A471CBBBAEF The Edge and Beyond http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=387570 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGsjcbtvpI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Oj9rdzvO3U0/s1600/cfiles12250.jpg">I don't think I could ever have a house by the ocean. I'd spend the rest of my life staring out to sea.Something about the sea makes me restless. It makes me yearn for something I can't express. I just feel a longing to be swallowed up by it. The immensity of it impossible. It takes up too much space. My brain computes, overloads, and I am reduced to sitting for hours, straining to find the edge of its dark endlessness. Perhaps the reason I write music is because I can't find a way to express what I feel here, and until I do I'm going to keep trying. I feel like a child throwing stones into the water, hoping to fill up the ocean. Like a foolish child, I'm going to continue.

I don't think I could ever have a house by the ocean. I'd spend the rest of my life staring out to sea.

Something about the sea makes me restless. It makes me yearn for something I can't express. I just feel a longing to be swallowed up by it. The immensity of it impossible. It takes up too much space. My brain computes, overloads, and I am reduced to sitting for hours, straining to find the edge of its dark endlessness.

Perhaps the reason I write music is because I can't find a way to express what I feel here, and until I do I'm going to keep trying. I feel like a child throwing stones into the water, hoping to fill up the ocean. Like a foolish child, I'm going to continue.






]]> Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:27:00 GMT 7A3FF35C8D855F3F93416B04222606C6 Darth Vader's Shrine http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=385707 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGrsHP3D2I/AAAAAAAAAEs/-yNBNEV3UCU/s1600/Darth_Vader_Memorial.jpg">An ancient shrine to Darth Vader from the 1600's. They weren't kidding when they say a long time ago . . .

An ancient shrine to Darth Vader from the 1600's. They weren't kidding when they say a long time ago . . .




]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:23:00 GMT 74EC61774783559FE00D0D3421CC3C00 Acoustic CD http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=382367 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGoQWO6l1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/qsMiEHCMio4/s1600/WJ+Acoustic+Album+Cover.jpg"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGoQWO6l1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/qsMiEHCMio4/s1600/WJ+Acoustic+Album+Cover.jpg">We're so incredibly pumped about this new CD! Here's some fun tid-bits about some of the songs on the album:? More Than a Little Scared was written about a really bad date Eric went on, as part of a drama exercise for a play. ? Wig Wam Hotel was written after seeing a documentary about the <a href="http://www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam/">Wig Wam Motel in Holbrook, AZ.? Worlds All Your Own is about a real coffeehouse in downtown St. Charles, and an experience Eric had with a few random patrons.? Jane Fights Back is about a brilliant piano student of Eric's that struggled with severe paranoid schizophrenia. ? The new song Mood Ring was inspired by a really cheesy rap song, heard while randomly tuning through the radio stations on a roadtrip. ? We Are Astro-Nots is the only song Watching Judas has ever written together as a band. Christian is the author of the lyrics, which he came up with in less than 3 minutes.Please support the band, and buy a copy today at our <a href="http://www.watchingjudas.com/store">online merch store.


We're so incredibly pumped about this new CD! Here's some fun tid-bits about some of the songs on the album:

? More Than a Little Scared was written about a really bad date Eric went on, as part of a drama exercise for a play.

? Wig Wam Hotel was written after seeing a documentary about the Wig Wam Motel in Holbrook, AZ.

? Worlds All Your Own is about a real coffeehouse in downtown St. Charles, and an experience Eric had with a few random patrons.

? Jane Fights Back is about a brilliant piano student of Eric's that struggled with severe paranoid schizophrenia.

? The new song Mood Ring was inspired by a really cheesy rap song, heard while randomly tuning through the radio stations on a roadtrip.

? We Are Astro-Nots is the only song Watching Judas has ever written together as a band. Christian is the author of the lyrics, which he came up with in less than 3 minutes.

Please support the band, and buy a copy today at our online merch store.


]]> Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:11:00 GMT 8E3CD4CB3D447B6123F68EBF61FEF686 Interview with Edward Cullen http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=379088 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGlQCL3NfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/E2ejgnzphX0/s1600/edward-cullen-robert-pattinson.jpg">Warning: if you're an Edward Cullen fan, this will fictional interview will probably offend you. Eric: Can I get you something to drink before we get started?Edward: Non-fat organic blood of a pig. Eric: Do you think that being a vampire has affected your relationships?Edward: Undoubtedly. But when you're incredibly hot and over-paid . . . (nudge, nudge) Eh? Eh? Eric: (Adjusts in chair to out of reach of Edward) I see. So what do you have to do for fun?Edward: Sparkle. And look cool on my motorcycles. Eric: Any advice to aspiring vampires? Edward: Sparkle. Eric: Who would you call your closest friends? Edward: Me.Eric: How do you fix your hair if you can't see yourself in a mirror?Edward: I . . . we . . . hmmm. Eric: Before we go, could you smile so we can see those pointy teeth of yours?Edward: Can't. My contract says it.

Warning: if you're an Edward Cullen fan, this will fictional interview will probably offend you.

Eric: Can I get you something to drink before we get started?

Edward: Non-fat organic blood of a pig.

Eric: Do you think that being a vampire has affected your relationships?

Edward: Undoubtedly. But when you're incredibly hot and over-paid . . . (nudge, nudge) Eh? Eh?

Eric: (Adjusts in chair to out of reach of Edward) I see. So what do you have to do for fun?

Edward: Sparkle. And look cool on my motorcycles.

Eric: Any advice to aspiring vampires?

Edward: Sparkle.

Eric: Who would you call your closest friends?

Edward: Me.

Eric: How do you fix your hair if you can't see yourself in a mirror?

Edward: I . . . we . . . hmmm.

Eric: Before we go, could you smile so we can see those pointy teeth of yours?

Edward: Can't. My contract says it.



]]> Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:58:00 GMT B1C41FA758253B2A211030CACEEB39E3 Stepford Life http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=376040 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TFGiAEMU8SI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_YPb09UdyYw/s1600/Stepford23.jpg.bmp">If you ever want to watch a really bizarre movie, watch the 1975 version of Stepford Wives is top of my list. There's just something creepy about blending suburban lifestyles and androids. The thing I was thinking while watching last time was, if someone turned you into an android, would anyone notice? Sadly, I think many people's android counter-parts might fair just as well as they did in their mindless jobs.

If you ever want to watch a really bizarre movie, watch the 1975 version of Stepford Wives is top of my list. There's just something creepy about blending suburban lifestyles and androids.

The thing I was thinking while watching last time was, if someone turned you into an android, would anyone notice? Sadly, I think many people's android counter-parts might fair just as well as they did in their mindless jobs.
]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:41:00 GMT 48ECC472B28923D3A808753C78D6D068 Flying http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=367108 Sometimes I have to fly. It's been awhile since I've had occasion to take to the skies. Sounds silly, but I miss it.I still think that it's silly that they make you take your shoes off. Don't you think that a terrorist isn't going to be stupid to put a bomb in his shoe? Maybe I just don't understand ballistics. I wonder what would happen if in relationships, you had to be as open as you are at the airport with your baggage. You had to show what you were carrying. Out there in the bright sting of florescent lighting. I think their might be fewer people making heart-wrenching mistakes. At least, you'd at least know if their was a block of C-4 buried that you'd forgotten about.
I still think that it's silly that they make you take your shoes off. Don't you think that a terrorist isn't going to be stupid to put a bomb in his shoe? Maybe I just don't understand ballistics.

I wonder what would happen if in relationships, you had to be as open as you are at the airport with your baggage. You had to show what you were carrying. Out there in the bright sting of florescent lighting. I think their might be fewer people making heart-wrenching mistakes. At least, you'd at least know if their was a block of C-4 buried that you'd forgotten about.




]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:44:00 GMT E23FBED853B1969935038E6178B72D95 http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=364634 One of the most ironic things I've read in awhile.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TECMHkL_urI/AAAAAAAAAEE/0neDg98-sGc/s1600/soda_ad.jpg"> One of the most ironic things I've read in awhile.




]]> Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:40:00 GMT DA46789B0E01B86CB96628DC1C509F5D Finding Creativity http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=361873 Sometimes a great blog make my mind go think about the world in a way that I haven't before. Several of the blogs I've been following for years have truly changed my life. Here's my three favorite blogs of all time:http://paintedsouldreams.blogspot.com/<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/rss.xml">http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/'www.forestpark365.comYou never know- one click might change your life.
http://paintedsouldreams.blogspot.com/

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/'

www.forestpark365.com

You never know- one click might change your life.

]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:02:00 GMT B9FDD840FA1744449036DA409B66DFEA Slyvia Lyrics http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=360961 Working on this new song- it'll be interesting to see what you think of it. Sylvia She never had a name She never once let her hair hang down She never once did anything Sylvia She wore a long grey dress Slept in a very very long grey bed She never once did anything Sunday after church she's out working the yard Monday, it's back to the work, and the loop, and the kids and the grind she says Ch. I wish I could break this down somehow Shake this whole routine The grind can make you crazy and tick away your youth and dreams I wish I could take this down somehow blow my mind and just escape from this scene I know that I'm not crazy, don't need someone to save or set me free I just want to be free Sylvia She sold her mother's ring She bought a ticket on a big grey plane She went to 20,000 feet and jumped Sylvia As she was crashing down She saw the lights of her small grey town She couldn't help but think "what a waste." Sylvia The future flashed across her cold green eyes Day after day of the same grey life And suddenly parachutes weren't on her mind Slyvia She wore a long grey dress They laid her out on her long grey bed And

Sylvia

She never had a name

She never once let her hair hang down

She never once did anything


Sylvia

She wore a long grey dress

Slept in a very very long grey bed

She never once did anything

Sunday after church she's out working the yard

Monday, it's back to the work, and the loop, and the kids and the grind she says

Ch.


I wish I could break this down somehow

Shake this whole routine

The grind can make you crazy

and tick away your youth and dreams

I wish I could take this down somehow

blow my mind and just escape from this scene

I know that I'm not crazy, don't need someone to save or set me free

I just want to be free


Sylvia

She sold her mother's ring

She bought a ticket on a big grey plane

She went to 20,000 feet and jumped


Sylvia

As she was crashing down

She saw the lights of her small grey town

She couldn't help but think "what a waste."


Sylvia

The future flashed across her cold green eyes

Day after day of the same grey life

And suddenly parachutes weren't on her mind


Slyvia

She wore a long grey dress

They laid her out on her long grey bed

And

]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:36:00 GMT 88E817F668EF691C1198E694DBDD2CA6 Crayons http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=360930 I always wanted a good set of crayons when I grew up. I was stuck with those hand-me-down bits of colored wax left over from others children's childhoods. Not that I'm complaining. It's probably part of why I'm an musician today instead of an artist. I chose to paint with sound. Next time you see a kid that doesn't have a good set of crayolas, go out and buy him the best you can find. Or a cheap guitar. You might start something. I always wanted a good set of crayons when I grew up. I was stuck with those hand-me-down bits of colored wax left over from others children's childhoods.



Not that I'm complaining. It's probably part of why I'm an musician today instead of an artist. I chose to paint with sound.

Next time you see a kid that doesn't have a good set of crayolas, go out and buy him the best you can find. Or a cheap guitar. You might start something.


]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:22:00 GMT A885D6CE454C0D964C64A8B44ADBC284 When there's a way . . . http://watchingjudas.com/blog.cfm?feature=1284167&postid=358945 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TD3WM-pNKXI/AAAAAAAAADs/TqARELQeNrs/s1600/28f56eed-5388-4e61-a47a-e8b9eb6cf71e.jpg"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSyuUXTUz7Y/TD3WM-pNKXI/AAAAAAAAADs/TqARELQeNrs/s1600/28f56eed-5388-4e61-a47a-e8b9eb6cf71e.jpg">There's someone's will hanging around somewhere. I wish all musicians were this creative.

There's someone's will hanging around somewhere. I wish all musicians were this creative.


]]> Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:17:00 GMT E4B18680EEE830BB27DECCB93ADA763F