Monday, December 17, 2007

Going on #4

Sooo...yeah - #4. Take THAT.

Good news, I am completely done with the Fall semester of my senior year in college. Now I have 2 weeks of vacation before back to work, followed by another 2 weeks before next semester. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be a super-senior, however. So I won't be going anywhere or doing anything extravegant for awhile.

My animation is finished, and looks quite nice I think. There are always room for improvement, but I'm happy I got the whole concept out and finished on time. I will have a video of it up hopefully tonight when I go in to the lab to present it. I might as well upload it while I'm there. My next goal is to do more detailed animation using photoshop (more traditional stuff). I want to see if I can create something really fluid and beautiful...perhaps to another song off of my brothers cd - or even one off of my own cd. I love doing music videos, because they are like little short films. And I get to skip the tedious task of lip movements for voices...that, and recording voices myself. I would like to give voice acting a try sometime...but right now I'll stick to singing. We don't want to challenge me to much do we?

ASL was finished approximately 1 hour ago as well. My partner is awsome, because she has the same mentallity as me when it came to it. We did a good job I think, but we tried to keep it light and have fun with it. So I'm happy its all over. Now I just have next semester to keep on truckin'.

Rock Opera time begins tomorrow morning. I'm going to really dig into some lyrics and some basic chord progression so H and I have a base to work with durring our session. I hope it works out well, and we have a lot of fun with it...but I want it to be incredibly awsome at the same time. So I get psyched for this vacation time that I have to work on it as well.

Anyhoo - I'm bored now, so I'm gonna jump outa here. Catch ya'll later (whoever ya'll are...if anyone, hehe)

Friday, December 14, 2007

TskTsk..

This is the third time I've updated since Manticore pointed the fact out that I don't update enough either...but where is his follow up to the cookie recipe AND a response to my comment? Hm??

So a few things on the front lines right now...I am finishing up my final animation project entitled "Robots from the Moon" (credits to my brother Carl for the inspiration and awesome music). So when it is finished, you should expect to see some sort of link to it...whether Youtube or Myspace...I have to decide which is better.

Also, I have decided to devote my vacation time to working on an Acoustic Rock Opera...So far the lyrics I have spewed from the depths are ridiculously -- appropriate. We're talking story lines and plots and mayhem, with a touch of campy-ness. But I'm looking forward to coming up with the music part too. I already recruited my friend "H" from work to help out with ideas and vocal backup. Should be freakin sweet, cuz she has an amazing voice (too ^_^). So look forward to that. Tony isn't a part of it yet, because I just want to toy with the idea and make sure it pans out before he has to devote any time to it.

Finally, over the past few weeks I have commenced training for the National Collegiate Championship tournament for tae kwon do at Sanford University this April. I think I'm off to a great start, but now is the chance for me to prove myself because the club is concluded for the semester, and I will have to train on my own while I am back home in PW. At least I have access to a heavy bag and some weights in our basement. Mix with rockin' music, and I should have a routine down to keep my occupied. Now I just have to lay off too many Christmas cookie temptations, and oh-so-wonderful mashed potatoes that I KNOW will be aplenty. But the lucky thing about being home for this is I also have the opportunity to eat really healthy. Food shall be available to me in quantities I require to fuel my needs. I will succeed in my endeavor. Nothing can stop me now, I am a machine built to conquer!

Do you hear that? The sweet sound of "Eye of the Tiger" is aloft in the air...

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Poster Design!


So this is what our poster is going to look like for promoting the band and our current Cd "For the Lost". So I will let you know when they are available to grab one ^_^

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ya want an update eh? EH??

So here you go...the lyrics to my new song "Paper Cups" available to hear on Myspace NOW.

PAPER CUPS:

As a Jack-of-all-trades said,
"you go to sleep to put to bed,
all of your ideas trapped in bottles,
or paper cups if you are cheap."
And though we catch our planes at night,
blood vessels erupt into Redeyes.
We see in colors not yet known,
or black and white if you just like that better.

I should have known (you were left wanting)
This tragic face (can you just smile for me)
Was built with stones that were never replaced (just promise to give it a chance)
You say I'm evil and I'll crush you,
why don't you let me have my way?
Our lives will never be the same.

So tell me how you,
seem to sleep at night,
when I'm on your mind,
Five minutes before you fall.
You look like a fool.
Searching for words that are right here on my lips.
All you have to do is take them.
Well I know it's wrong.
I said that I would stay distant.
But idol hands will be tempted (*huh huh huh huh*)
I knew one day was too long.

I should have known (you were left wanting)
This tragic face (can you just smile for me)
Was built with stones that were never replaced (just promise to give it a chance)
You say I'm evil and I'll crush you,
why don't you let me have my way?
Our lives will never be the same.

I should have stayed away (echo)
I should have known much better (echo)
[X4]

I should have known (you were left wanting)
This tragic face (can you just smile for me)
Was built with stones that were never replaced (just promise to give it a chance)
You say I'm evil and I'll crush you,
why don't you let me have my way?
Our lives will never be the same.
[X2]

Our lives will never be the same [X3]
My life will never be the same.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

A note. - If you are Prof. Manticore, Do Not Read

In light of the Project Hellbeast Corporation, here at RisingSidewalks Productions we believe in a free world economy. Yes, you the people are the driving force of our existance! Under my leadership, our massive hordes of the undead and genetically enhanced humans will bring upon us a new age! All I ask of you is your complete and utter compliance. Worship me as your Goddess among men, and I will lead you to the new Utopia! A Utopia built on the destruction of Big business and united under one front -- RisingSidewalks. Do not be fooled by the charisma of Professor Manticore and his promise to provide you with the means to build your own army of Mutants. His mutant kits are squirming with mind-altering hallucinagines bent to control your monsters for his own will! We must come together under MY wings and lay waste to this sesspool called Earth, and the light in our eyes will reflect the fires in which we will watch it burn.

Come! Join me! And we shall take Manticore and Project Hellbeast -- that which is rightfully mine!!

Monday, October 22, 2007

RisingSide design

Check it out peoples! Here is one of the designs I've been working on for future RisingSide goodies. Hope you like ^_^.

Do you thrive in the night? Or do you shine in the sun? Choose your risingside.



Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Monday, October 15, 2007

Hello again

Sorry for not posting recently. I understand that some of you are requesting how to recieve one of the RisingSide debut CDs. There are a few options available to you. First, you can come to a show, we will always have them on hand. Second, if you are patient, we are trying to set up an official release show for everyone and you can get them there. And finally, if you absolutely cannot wait, if I know you, you can email or call me and we can set up a time where I can run a CD over to you, etc. Maybe even hang out a bit as well. So let me know your decision on that!

Furthermore: There is a show at the Acadia Cafe this Thursday if you are all interested. We are playing with 4 other bands, and finishing the night off. Music is from 7pm - 12pm, and we go on at 11pm. It's a late one, but totally worth it. Looks like some of the other bands are going to be a lot of fun too. You can get more information on our myspace page

email is rawsugarband@hotmail.com (for now)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

CDs are in

Just a heads up, that Cds are in and ready to be sold. Now, before you jump the gun and start barrading me to purchase them, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. We WILL be having a Cd release show this month, so info on that will be up this weekend, so you can come and purchase the Cd there.

2. If you cannot make it to the show, I will definitely get one to you if you are in the immediate area (ie, bring it personally, etc).

3. If you are not close to where I live, I am currently setting up a system to purchase online, and then the Cd can be shipped to you. More info on that this weekend as well.

4. No, just because you are family, does not mean you get a free cd =P. BUT! Tony and I will personally autograph your copy if you so wish.

5. PLEASE - I beg of anyone who purchases the Cd to NOT burn it for other people. Tony and I are not a big money making corporation or label. We are poor college students who have fronted the money and worked really hard on producing this Cd. The distribute it, when it is VERY affordable and would help us out, for free would just be a slap in the face...and so help me I will hunt you down and kick the living shi--ah...hehe. Yeah, just please be kind to emerging artists. That goes for all of them out there, not just us. It's already severely difficult to make it in the business. Now, if we were a huge contract signed band, getting a big paycheck anyway, we would understand if you wanted to share the music with people. Of course, we would still encourage the cd buy, or online, but we ourselves can see the temptation to get sweet sweet music for free. Thanks!

ANYHOO - sorry about the rant, but some people do like to ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks for the support everyone! You guys Rokk!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Bringing you up to speed

Ah, so much going on and so much on my mind these days. I thought I should bring all of you who even bother to glance at my blog, up to speed then. First order of business:

Our band name has changed from the legendary 'RawSugar' to 'RisingSide' (and I know what your thinking), due to stupid california cover band conflicts. But, screw that, we changed our name and are good for life on this one. So with that change, we are official on our CD as well. We will be recieving our CDs from CopyCats Media this week, and then will have info on how to purchase said CDs on here, and on our myspace (I know for a fact it will be available for download on iTunes, and CDbaby). Also, an official band website is being concieved in my mind, and will be birthed hopefully soon. The CD release party and show will HOPEFULLY be on the 29th of September, but I will be able to confirm this tomorrow at some time late in the evening. Also looking to make some pages on other band/music support sites as well and will let you know about it on here.

Second:

RisingSidewalks.com has been at a standstill, yet again (many apologies), but my writer has not been getting me the script I have requested. But I can understand he has been busy as well, with new jobs and a new apartment and a new kitty (^_^). So, if I don't get one from him in the next few days, I will take over writing so I can update for next week (until he can get stuff in order and come back). I am also in the process of redesigning the site as well. I've been learning Fireworks so I can take over site tech stuff, but that might not go so well. So either the Huffman will keep up with it, or I might recruit my buddy Blake to be involved. We shall see.

Third:

I'm in advanced Animation at school this semester, and a lot of my time I suspect will go to that class. I have several small projects, as well as a large one ('bout 4.5 minutes) to work on. I am going to put my project from last year on here for you guys to laugh at very soon, as I got a webcam and can now record stuff and put it up. I still am videocameraless and also can't find the quicktime video, just the DVD of the work. ANYHOO, this will be funfunfun, but crazywork all ovah the place.

SO AS YOU CAN SEE. I am busybusy, but I'm trying to figure things out. Tony and I have to set up Fall show dates and all that jazz, and I got my other classes, and work, and tae kwon do stuff, and OMG IM GOING TO GO CRAZY. But fear not! I will still attempt to keep all of you informed on my sanity. And by all of you, I mean maybe one - or not a single freakin person who reads this - but ya know, whoteva.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

CD BABEH!



Alrighty, Alrighty! For all you cats that are interested, I recently finished the CD this weekend. Art is practically all finished...a tase is posted above. I need to do a little more arranging, etc on that end, but it is pretty much ready for duplication and packaging =D. I will give you all a heads up when and where you can purchase them when they are ready. So with that, I shall bid you adieu.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Arariel

Here is a new poster/promo picture of Arariel in RisingSidewalks. I like her character, so I think I'll hang on to her for awhile at least. Don't know when she will make her next appearance, but we'll see. But, here it is anyway. Next week will hopefully wield a new comic, if the apartment move doesn't take up all of my time. Cheers. =)


Friday, August 24, 2007

Meh heh...

So, spent 5 hours on the CD last night. Final touches, mastering, levels. I was stuck doing it alone, because Tony's stupid apartment kicks him out a week early AND he got locked out, so he couldn't move right away. Half of the songs are done done done, like really done. Like, won't be touched any more, because the are - done. The other ones just still need little things here and there, but are pretty much squared away. Tony and I are going to completely redo 'Fighting September'. We just aren't satisfied with the original take. But being anal about things can have its upside. For one, you guys will enjoy listening to it much more.

One thing is for sure, I definitely have a respect for the production aspects when it comes to music. We think playing and writing songs is hard, wait till you have a shot at recording and producing it. It's a real pain, your never satisfied, and there are a million things you have to learn (tricks and tips) and it takes FOREVAH. I mean, I wanted to be done in May, and here we are months later still rushing to finish it up so we can send it for packaging on time. I'm definitely pressed for time. Managing a band (because we don't have a manager) and putting time and money into it is a tough deal. Don't get me wrong, I actually love it - I feel so accomplished. It's like having your own business and figuring things out. It brings responsiblity to a new level, and you are kind of forced into it, so you can't get away with shirking it at all (which is important for me). But it is hard work, just like any job. I don't think people really see that side to it often. They just think it's a bunch of goofing around and having a good time.

But with the school semester getting under way. Our goal is to get the new Freshman crowd into our music. We will have to bump advertising, toss out free Demos and information. We need to get in touch with the masses. We are all about the fans. 100% at this point in our careers. We believe in doing this for the people who listen to us, and offer us their time. And we love it. So, things to do list now, and then I'm done:

1. Finish CD this weekend (including artwork)
2. Monday, send out CD for packaging
3. Practice, practice, practice
4. Run around and book shows for fall semester (RELEASE SHOW #1)
5. Advertise and sell CDs
6. Get to know people in the industry, and other bands to play with
7. Always writing new stuff =P

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

028: The Assignment - Part 3


This one is the last of the three part series. A little extra story to feed some ideas. I don't plan on making the story line be the main part of this comic, as I enjoy randomness. It leaves room for the creative mind. But at least this way, we won't have to explain everything that happens all the time. It will make sense in some ridiculous way. Plus, this helps with the angle Evan wants to go in with the next set of comics. So have fun reading, next one is up next week.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

027: The Assignment - Part 2

Moving on to strip TWO of our three strip story line. This one introduces a new character, which may or may not, stick around for a while. Perhaps just making guest appearences when punch lines need a little extra "su'm su'm". So have fun checking it out. Next post will be probably on Tuesday morning. Cheers.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Check out my new wheels!



2003 Ducati MONSTER 620ie

SICK!

Monday, August 13, 2007

The Assignment - Part 1


Hm, so here we have the start of what seems to be a duh duh duhhh...storyline. I'm planning for this to be no more than 3 three panel comics. I should have the second of these 3 out by the end of this week, and then the last on Monday so we can move along to more hilarious matters. Not to say that these comics will not be funny of course. But it will give an opportunity to open more doors for comic ideas here. Plus, it gives insite to exactly what Jack and Raine have gotten themselves into. So I hope it ends up making sense, and I hope it tickles a funny bone or two in the process. Have fun kids, and I will see you later in the week!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Guest Comic

My wonderful friend Chris created this comic as a guest strip for my website. His character, Pouttie, is from his comic Moonblink, which he is working on putting a website up for. I will place a link to it when he has it ready. I really love his art style, I think it is so unique - and beautiful. He does a lot of comics about philosophy and human nature, which I really dig. And he tied those ideas in to mine and Evan's story line very well, don't you think? Anyway, check out his myspace page HERE to see some more of his work. I'll probably throw up the drawing I did for him in return later tonight.

Monday, August 6, 2007

025: "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid"

The next comic is now up. Click on the picture to follow the link. This one developed on my bus ride back from Milwaukee to Minneapolis. It had to do with a conversation Evan and I had about throwing things in restaurants and stuff. I thought it a bit hilarious. Story arch coming up, followed by more adventures! I'm really having a lot of fun with this now. Especially since I got some layouts done so I can skip tedious steps. =P

The CD for my band is coming out soon. The release party has been delayed due to certain parental vacations. Plus, it might be a good idea to have it when everyone is back at school. But hopefully the CD will still be available online for people out of town in the next few weeks, so cross your fingers!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

024: Push Over


Hello Ladies and Gents. Here is the link to the new comic up on RisingSidewalks. I am actually quite proud of myself, as I have been able to stay on track with this comic business for the last 2 weeks. True, that this only means I've done two new comics, but that is a very big step for me. Especially considering I was back home in Port Washington, Wisconsin most of last week and through the weekend. And yet I still managed to update on Monday! I have to give myself a pat on the back once in a while to keep my spirits up for this project. Now, all I have to do is start rolling on my senior animation project. And THAT is going to be freakin awsome.

I'll try to have one of my old flash animations up here sometime this week for people to enjoy, and (hopefully) get some laughs out of.

Monday, July 16, 2007

New Comic!

Hello everybody!

Today is a special day, because I have finally started on the reboot of my comic. The first comeback issue is available at the picture link below. Now, all I have to do is get one up for next week. *crosses fingers*. I've been trying real hard to get my priorities straight, and this is one of the things that I really want to do. Along with my music, comics and animation are my passion. I just have this horrible tendancy to...procrastinate. I'll admit it, and it has gotten me into binds before, but it is a part of who I am. But, I am attempting (yet again) to turn a new leaf. I won't make promises, because I don't want to break them, but I will try as hard as my little brain will allow to keep things on track. I hope this will also be a fun experience for me as well as my readers. Thanks for your support!



Friday, July 6, 2007

Music Update

Tony and I played a show last night at the Acadia Cafe on Franklin and Nicolet. It went extremely well I thought, considering we hadn't played a live show in a month or so.

A few bands played before and after us. We didn't get a chance to stick around for the last band from Chicago, but we enjoyed the music from the ones we did see. Particularly HeatherLyn, a songwriter and activist. Her music was politically and environmentally charged. Very beautiful voice; crystal clear. I encourage you to check her website out, where you can learn about her as well as ways to get involved in some good causes. Another solo performer did very well, his name is Phil Berbig. I don't think he has a website out there, but keep an eye out if you enjoy some great pure folk music. He did a hilarious tune about Wayzata, MN and how disgustingly 'white' it is up there, haha.

This Sunday Tony and I are planning to finish recording our CD and get the damn thing over with. Hopefully it will go smoothly and we will have a kickass CD for you to take home this month.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

And...another

Here is another banner sent to me by meh friend Moonblink. It takes after our song "Scars" and here was the quote that he attached that apparently inspired him:

"...And we kissed and we held on with our fingers, And the shade has forgotten how our bodies had touched, And the branches will tighten and twist into knots, And our throats will echo this sometime after..."

It's really fun to see what people can come up with for images inspired by a song. Heh, especially when it is a song you've written. Again, many thanks to Moonblink for his support.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Another Banner


Meh friend on myspace made another banner inspired by the song 'Hope'. I just uploaded it to our myspace page and he had a listen and surprised me with this. I'm glad that our music is inspiring to people such as him. They are the ones that keep us going and make everything worth it. We have a gig this weekend and next at the Acadia Cafe (7/5/07). Check out our website or the Acadia website for information if you want to come check us out. =P

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Let's Rocket!



A friend on myspace through together a little CD cover for fun in tribut to the music from my band. I thought it was pretty sweet, and very nice of him. We are still working on cranking out the CD as we speak and are looking for a July release. I'll keep everyone informed as things progress, as well as information on how to purchase the CDs.



In the meantime, check out our page for a preview of some of our songs. =P

Monday, June 4, 2007

RisingSidewalks back in action!

For anyone out there that is interested - my site RisingSidewalks is back in action starting this week. I will have the new strip up tomorrow morning. Here is a cover picture to calm those hunger pangs..





Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Apartment Hunting

So I'm looking for a new apartment. The one I'm at currently is upping rent and doesn't have parking, which I think I desperately need. I really don't care where it is as long as it falls under these conditions:

1. Affordable
2. My own room
3. Easy transportation to campus (i.e. bus, lightrail, bike, walk, etc.)
4. Not a craphole
5. Decent enough neighborhood

I'll either have 1 or 2 roomates. I need an answer from one of them like NOW before I go check places out, cuz I'm not going to waste time on looking for 3br when all I'll need is a 2br. So, hopefully it will work out soon.

On another note, the Bella Luna Fest was a big hit. I enjoyed it very much and had a great time. The nights were pretty chilly, but the days were nice and warm, so that made up for it. Got to know some new bands, and even hung out with some of the guys from DownLo, because our neighbors new them and we shared a fire. So all in all, good weekend.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Bella Luna

Well, I'm heading off to Bella Luna Fest in Albert Lea, MN this afternoon. It shall be a 3 day weekend of music, booze, music, and more booze. Oh, and some marshmallows. It's a camping trip, so there shall be fire and good foodstuffs cooked over said fire. I'm going with a co-worker who invited me. We are getting free entrance because we volunteered to help clean up on Sunday morning. We were lucky and got the good shift - not during any headliners AND its only 6 hours instead of 8, like everyone else. So I'm excited! I haven't been camping in forever and I really miss it. True that this isn't like the traditional style camping out in the woods and whatnot, but it works for now.

I'm also looking for people to go to 10K fest with me in July...so if I know you and you know me, and your interested, give
me a heads up. We need to book tickets and a camp site ASAP. =D.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

I must apologize

First off, I must apologize. I found it quite Ironic that my first post was to ensure that my blog will be a happy place. Shortly thereafter, I defaced it with rantings of my unfortunate event. Yes, I was not in the best mood to learn that my motorcycle had been towed, but I should not have taken it out on this blog...that is what my deadjournal is for. And yes, sadly I have one of those things. I rarely use it at least - it started some time ago when I was a bit younger and more angst filled. Now I have actual problems, just like any adult. It really puts things in perspective. But I shall persevere (thank god for parents =P).

So, later today I will put up a make-up picture to help everyone forget about my whineyness.

In other news, check out this great comic!

Monday, May 21, 2007

God DAMN it.

I get home...and my motorcycle has been towed. Shit.

$280.40

I swear to God if that doesn't include the ticket I am breaking something.

I really can't afford this. I need people to pay me back what they owe, and then I might be all right. If this didn't happen and they payed me back I would have been all right in the world. Now I'll just even out to where I am now.

My landlord is at fault, and I for being gulable. She told me that I could park there, when I told her about owning a motorcycle. Its small, and doesn't take up a parkins space, so putting it in a small area wouldn't be a big deal. I thought this was all worked out. I'm an idiot. I'm not going to get any help with it either. But I was damn nice enough to call her and tell her that she should NOT tell anyone to park there, even her boyfriend, who never had trouble before.

F@*!

Getting Started...

So I guess I'm going to start up this Blog. I have owned a few blogs before, but none that I really paid any attention to. I was never for something like this because of all the bullshit that gets posted. It just seemed a reason to get obsessed that wasn't necessary in my life. Plus, all the things I've read in the past from other people sat heavily on my soul. So here I am going to try to make a (hopefully) upbeat record of all of my personal works; whether it is my web comic (RisingSidewalks) or my homemade animations, or any information on my band (RawSugar).

This is just an opportunity for me to have a little fun and share with the world just what the Hell it is I do. So stay tuned, I will throw up some pics, drawings, videos, music files, etc.


ENJOY!