Renegade Road

Renegade Road

Inspired by Frank Millers The Dark Knight Returns

Nate:

Each time we do Bushwick Book Club is a new adventure. (If you've not heard about the Bushwick Book Club click here: BWBC) This time around we got the chance to write to a graphic novel, the first I've read all the way through and it was a very different experience from reading a regular ole book. I found it hard to follow at first, but when as the deadline approached I found myself quite enjoying it. Usually, Annie and I have long conversations out on our porch about the books we read for BWBC. It is there we discover what want to write about, what style or genre, and any "hook" ideas we have for the tune or tunes. This time was much different. Annie had a very clear idea what she wanted to write about, and even what kind of song it would be. I guess I was the same when it came to The Princess Bride: I knew I wanted to write a rap battle between the man in black and Vincinni. Her idea was a sad country song.

I guess given that I was going through a break up at the time, and was in a hurt-y place, I was into writing a sad song. Plus, I thought Annie's idea was awesome and it was easy to get on board. The chord progression was easy enough for me to get going, and I certainly helped with the idea of renegade, (Annie kept saying outlaw, and finally I suggested renegade) but mostly Annie took the lead on this one. I think she had about two songs under her belt when we met and this was really a coming out for her. Not to say I had nothing to do with the song, but certainly the majority of the verse and even most of the chorus is her writing, both lyrically and musically. It was a busy time for me and I needed to have some of the song writing burden lifted, while Annie needed to see that she is an awesome writer. Win/win. Now, it is one of my favorite songs to play even though it's terribly sad.

Annie:

Wow. Can I just say how much I love this guy? Truly, I can't put into words all Nate has brought into my life. To a smaller degree, I feel similarly about the book club. It has been a wonderful writing exercise for us providing motivation and structure, offering specificity in inspiration. Now The Dark Knight Returns is one of my favorite books. What better way to celebrate finishing a novel that has truly moved you than to write a song about it. I still feel the same emotional pull I felt reading that last chapter every time we sing our song, Renegade Road. Though it is sad, it is so much fun for us. I would say, just as exhilarating as reading the book.

To purchase the song: Renegade Road, go to our website and click on Audio.

AK Tour 2011 *LIVE Radio Interview!*

So, Annie and I headed off last weekend on our first Alaska Tour! The instant we landed, we were met by the owner of the first venue we were playing (The Rendezvous, Juneau, AK) and taken on a tour of town. Not a long trip mind you, as Juneau has a very short stretch of road, and none that leave town at all! Shortly after we were dropped off at our host house, in keeping with rock star fashion, we were invited to play at the local radio station. I should say, one of the local stations. Juneau has a nice choice of radio stations, with what seems to be a good following. In a player below you can listen to the interview we did live on KXLL. Although we had quite a trip, I have to say this was one of the highlights for me. The sound in the room was very alive and we had a blast talking with DJ Andy Kline. In between the first and second song Andy jokes about Yacht Rock! Huge bonus points to him for even knowing what that is!!

I just wanted to get this up for all our peeps to check out! Please enjoy! More to come on Alaska!

Nate b

Dreams Can Come True

There are a lot of reasons I like being in a band with Nate. This is one of them. I spent my entire friday hunched over the sewing machine cackling and cursing trying to make these ridiculous pants a reality. The deal was that if I made them, he'd have to wear them (on stage!) I can't wait.

The original idea wasn't to embarrass him. No, quite the opposite. I was convinced that we needed these gold track suites, that they would be sick. I remember saying to Nate, "You know, we spend so much time and energy trying to present a professional sound, why shouldn't we appear as professional?" Oh God. I spent many hours searching the internets and came up with nothing. I even scowered the cheer leading websites. So, naturally, I decided to just make them.

I am in the midst of constructing a pair for myself. Can't wait/dread the show we decide to dawn them. It will happen, I have made this dream a reality.

What an incredible marathon of a holiday season. I hope, when reading this, most can agree with me in the sentiment of feeling so blessed, so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family. One of the things that made it so special were the two amazingly creative and rockin' ladies that came to stay at the Bucket of Honey house, Nate's sisters, Sam (left) and Mariel (right.) If you've listened to our music at all, you've heard me sing Sam's lyrics and melody on "Tip of My Tongue." We were so blessed and honored to have her travel all the way from Nashville to perform with us this New Years Eve at the high dive and celebrate Nate's birthday. Here's a pic we took the day before at the market (I'm behind the camara.) Miss you already girls, can't wait for next time!

Shout out to MJ and my little bro Calebwho's birthday's fell right into the holiday madness.

-Annie J.