Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Last Christmas
Vacuity - Last Christmas.mp3
I don't know if I ever imagined writing that sentence, but who could have known?
We had fun.
Happy holidays.
Peace.
g.
Last Christmas
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
#32
I ran into Pete at the XM Satellite Radio Christmas party a few nights ago. He has an interesting project kicking off in the new year that I'm quite excited to check out.
Vacuity will be getting together at Art Bar in Kitchener for a brief set of music to bring in the new year. Tickets/admission are $10. This includes food and champagne at midnight.
We also have a special Christmas present for you all. Check back in a day or two and I will have it posted. Just in time for the holidays.
Peace.
g
#32
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Re-Org.
Right now I am listening to Greg set some different tones for We Own the Moon while waiting for my feet to warm in my winter ready Chucks...
I was checking out our ATCOTBS downloads the other day and realized that we are really close to hitting the 1000 mark. Not too bad for just slapping it up there and seeing what happens.
The few things that I learned while doing this was, for 1: People like music. 2: People like it to be free. and 3: If it's something they like, they will pass it along.
Thanks for passing it along and thanks if you continue to do so... we would love to hit a thousand before the New Year.
I wish everyone good luck with the Holidays.
Stay sane.
p.
Re-Org.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
pleasant undertow
this is my favorite part. the magnetic hum. the invisible gravity. the worst part is that just cos you work really hard doesn't guarantee you come out with anything good.
nothing to do but hug yourself and let it take you under. focus the good on the bad.
g.
pleasant undertow
Friday, November 27, 2009
shooting sinking relics
As I mentioned earlier in the week, we have been furiously hammering away at our epk. Last night we shot a live performance of a acoustic sort of arrangement we have for a song called 'Sinking Relics'.
The shoot began at 8pm and ran until about 3am. M82 even dropped in to keep us company!
I'm headed over to the studio to mix down the take of relics. I've been thinking about pulling all the blanket sky audio down from our myspace and putting up live/alt versions of the songs we're working on for this next release. We will see.
g.
shooting sinking relics
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
you light yours - we'll light ours
we're also working furiously toward the completion of an epk. we've never done one of those proper and its about time. it has me thinking about transparency - should we be revealing the entrails of vacuity or crafting what we would like people to perceive as vacuity? a mashup? personally i like things that are very much real. call a spade a spade and all that. if you want to put it inside a nice frame or dress it in a blazer - that's okay - but it keep it genuine. otherwise it reeks of falseness.
this brings me to another arena of thinking though. it has to do with attitude. first let me clarify a few of my beliefs in this department.
1) you need to believe something is possible for it to become a part of your (possible) future. obviously this doesn't apply to things like contracting a disease (H1N1 anyone?). But for something like creating an infrastructure where you can pay your bills via the art you put together it applies in a very real way.
2) having said that - believing in something is not all it takes to bring an idea to fruition. necessary, but not even close.
I recently read a book titled, 'Empire of Illusion' by Chris Hedges. In one chapter, Hedges tears apart the world of positive pop psychology. The negative effects of living in a fantasy world are revealed.
I mention all this because I've always found art to be a way of expressing ideas (profound!). The ideas that interest me and inspire a lot of the things we deal with in our songs aren't always the best party ideas. And somehow entertainment has been largely marginalized as an unconditional "good time". But literacy requires self reflection. Doubt and scrutiny pave the way toward improvement. often the things with no voice are the most in need of a voice. we make music for literate people. If you buy into something like celebrity culture, I hope we can still make you dance, obviously keep listening if you please, but really... we might not be connecting.
I work (as part time as I can) for a corporation that boasts about how much they donate to charities yet pay their employees the minimum amount required by law. A law created by a government that operates in the shadow of business. Meanwhile as good consumers we're encouraged to purchase products (mostly future landfill plot junk), often manufactured under much crueler labouring conditions than 'minimum wage' in a first world country. If you want to critically discuss these types of behaviour you are breaking the illusion. You've got a bad attitude. (imagine the Savage from Huxley's 'Brave New World'.)
anyways, im digressing here which is what happens once i get going. the point i want to make is that I get anxiety as being branded as negative just by proxy. but i dont think vacuity would have been creating music together for this long if there weren't a whole lot of positive in it. for us and for you.
when i get thinking about an epk, i get worried about framing it so it doesn't look bitter. goddamn, the best moments of my life mostly involve this band, but i refuse to put on a shit eating grin and say to the camera, "Everything is alright! One day everyone on earth will be rich and famous. No one will be forgotten. All our troubles will wish wash away."
we're living in truly disturbing times. and as our friends over in the free press camp say - kick at the darkness until it bleeds light.
at the end of every day.
comes the night.
and we own the moon.
g.
you light yours - we'll light ours
Friday, November 20, 2009
Robot Surgery
Robot Surgery
Thursday, November 19, 2009
the new authentic
The band is currently immersed in an interesting juggling act of recording, maintaining a live presence and working out what we'd like to try to do with this next album over the course of the next year. I must say, it is a very exciting time. We're teaming up with some wonderful new people and I think the results will be quite... authentic? :p
yours,
g.
the new authentic
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
maxwells rehearsals
today a friend of ours (thanks Jason!) cc'd us in an email he had sent out to a bunch of his friends, inviting them to our show with Trap Tiger this Thursday at Maxwells in Waterloo. if you're planning on coming out and want to let some people know, cc us and we'll add you + a friend to the guestlist.
many thanks. hope to see you there.
g.
maxwells rehearsals
Friday, November 6, 2009
5th of november
our video recorder - my digital camera - which has provided us with 95% of the picture/video we post is almost dead. the lens sputters and coughs when i turn it on, fully charged batteries are 'drained' and wonky mechanical noises are frequent. it's been a good run, but i fear my canon powershot is headed for the giant electronics landfill in China. where the mercury in the circuit board will poison the groundwater for generations to come. Hello disposable everything. Chuck Norris would approve. Have you ever seen how every piece of military hardware he uses is completely disposable? when it runs out of bullets or grenades - just throw it away.
so instead we were only able to record the audio. afterwards, we were like... hmm, it kinda sounds like an outake from the record, but here it is:
The 5th of November (live off the floor nov 05.09).mp3
g.
5th of november
Sunday, November 1, 2009
devil's night in waterloo
This week we will begin rehearsal for our show at Maxwells (in Waterloo on November 12th). My well loved camera is in its death thralls, but I'll try to capture some of the moments that ensue.
Next year - Devil's Night in Detroit.
g.
devil's night in waterloo
Friday, October 30, 2009
every page we turn
Rob and I will be doing a set of songs with stripped down arrangements (kinda like this) tonight at Maxwells in Waterloo to raise money for CAAT (which is more than just a very large cat).
g.
every page we turn
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
review from music emissions
"Managing to have definitive sound in a cookie cutter genre isn’t easy. A raspy vocalist and grungy guitars are just some of their unique quality. I think we’ve only just now begun to hear of what should be a prosperous recording career for Vacuity. Fans of Jimmy Gnecco and Ours should flock immediately."
It's not too late to vote for us over at music emissions.
Hope to see some of you tomorrow night in London.
g.
review from music emissions
Thursday, October 22, 2009
you'll never play in this town again!
We have paired up with another band from KW called Trap Tiger for an evening of entertainment at Maxwell's Music House in Waterloo. We want to explode this place with people, so mark it down and set aside your favorite outfit.
Cheers.
g.
ps - stole the top poster image from M82. Brilliant image. Cheers Mike.
you'll never play in this town again!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
more north house
g.
more north house
Saturday, October 17, 2009
through the crowd
There were a lot of pretty models, sporting neat, trendy clothing. Some excellent paintings by local artist and our friend, Brianna Harvey, and also Kevin Suess who plays in a band called Trap Tiger. We are putting together a show with them which will be announced this week.
With only two rehearsals under our collective belt, we muscled through a really fun set of new songs and old songs rediscovered. Big thanks to all of those who offered kind words, hi fives and handshakes - it is amazing for us to know that you like what we love to do.
g.
through the crowd
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
instrumental mixes
A number of people have been asking me about obtaining these instrumental mixes. Here they are. (right click 'save as...')
Beckoning (inst mix)
The 5th of November (inst mix)
All Aboard
Enjoy.
g.
instrumental mixes
Thursday, October 8, 2009
welcome to the real world
late night on a rooftop in the city. some feeling of grandeur being up high above everything else. I feel guilty cos it's probably some subconscious ego complex, but some days you gotta give in, indulge. if you don't, someone else will just do it for you.
in between discussions of infinite smallness and infinite largeness, Emeri and i cut some drums for a song we have called 'we own the moon'. a while back, Rob showed us a demo of the song - if i remember correctly one of us wasn't sure it was something we should develop - had a kind of country swing not usual(?) for us. we wrote it, toured with it, came home, changed it, recorded it, decided we liked it better how it was and now have just re-recorded it. sometimes that's the way it goes with vacuity.
is between albums a transition period for everyone who makes music? or is it just some bands? is it just me? always feels like a bizarre period. I'm really looking forward to adding another piece to our body of work. there are so many fascinating aspects to creating music and setting it out into the world - the arrangement of sound in time and the cause and effect that has on emotions is just one infinitely small tip of the infinitely large iceberg.
stick around and we'll try to make something great.
g.
welcome to the real world
Thursday, October 1, 2009
free lunch debrief (with no mention of lunch)
Yesterday afternoon we played some music for Kitchener downtown employee appreciation day. Thanks again to the KDBIA for asking us to provide some music. That's what we do. Our set began right as the construction workers had their lunch. Who knew you could play a form of hacky sack with a safety helmet?
The exposure to the harsh, unforgiving elements has left me with an annoyingly awful cold. I will be spending most of my time asleep until it passes. Then we will be getting back to recording. Its funny, because we always try and try and try to stay away from live shows so we can focus on recording. Every time we do this it becomes more and more difficult to turn down the shows that are always popping up. I think this is a good thing. It feels like a good thing?
Peace.
g.
free lunch debrief (with no mention of lunch)
Monday, September 28, 2009
candle live from starlight
it's a candle in the dark
you light yours - we'll light ours
and as faces emerge from the flame
the light will spread making it's way
and i know you can't leave
but i know you can hear me
please write it down in case we should survive the fires
*thanks for the filming cassie
candle live from starlight
free lunch
At least road is spelled correctly. Now is it spelled or spelt? If 30 seconds of searching on the internet can't answer it, there is surely no answer. Welcome to the future - it doesn't matter if you like it, just try to keep up with it.
We are playing a free outdoor show in downtown Kitchener this Wednesday to help celebrate downtown employee appreciation day. There is music and stores and free lunch involved. You know you are appreciated when you are given free lunch. It's is a bit like saying, "Friend, we don't want you to starve, please have some delicious lunch, on us."
King St. will be shut down between Queen and Ontario. There will be a stage setup in front of Theatre & Co. Will Currie and the Country French will be joining us. Since it is all about downtown, appreciation and lunch - we will be starting things off at 11:15.
Downtown is a place that is changing a lot these days. You should come and check it out.
Hope to see you there!
g.
ps - we are not providing free lunch guys! it's for the downtown employees.
(we still really appreciate you though!)
free lunch
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Solar North House
You can check out the video below:
Thanks Jamie!
g.
Solar North House
this Saturday in TO
We're very happy to be part of yet another stacked bill, this Saturday (sorry Pete), September 26th at El Mocambo in Toronto.
We are samiched in between two most excellent bands - Final Flash and Ketch Harbour Wolves.
Next Wednesday we are playing a cool outdoor show in downtown Kitchener. I will pony up details for that after Saturday!
Cheers.
g.
this Saturday in TO
Friday, September 18, 2009
Who loves Ponies?
Gushing sentiments aside, werd around the bar was that a bunch of people paid to get in after we had already done our thing. Well guys, I'm sorry that you missed it - but you got to see Sex Dwarf AND Spirits and you know what they say - two out of three ain't bad. If that was your last/only ten dollars and you are seriously crushed, I feel for you though. The economy and such... I don't have ten dollars...
Email us and I'll send you something, or you can get in next time for free? Or something! ...Ponies?
Time for me to be unconscious for about 12 hours.
g.
Who loves Ponies?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
361 time machine and Starlight tonight
Tonight we are kicking off Spirits CD Release at Starlight in Waterloo. Our good friends and masters of groove and grime, Sex Dwarf are samiched right in the middle. I believe a crisp purple note of Canadian currency will get you past the door guardian - but they will accept a wrinkled bill too.
It's an early start for us. We'll be on around 830-9.
Hope to see you there!
g.
361 time machine and Starlight tonight
Sunday, September 13, 2009
This episode is a feature on one of our favourite and probably most peculiar venue's that we had the pleasure of performing at on our KILL the FORMAT tour earlier last spring. The Big Lebowski fans unite! This place's dance floor/stage floor was made up of old bowling lane wood and the owner even installed a full length, recreational bowling alley in the back of the venue. No auto ball-return though, shucks. If you're ever in the vicinity of Enderby, B.C. we highly recommend the Crispy Chicken Salad at Lorenzo's.
- E
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tamer than Anything purgatory
We've received a lot of good feedback about these. We're going to be doing some new songs in alternate arrangements over the next couple weeks.
Enjoy.
g.
Tamer than Anything purgatory
Thursday, September 10, 2009
beckoning acoustic
and here is the raft for anyone who missed it:
night.
g.
beckoning acoustic
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
rule #1: don't mix your politiks with your art.
Why Free-Market Capitalism Will Follow Communism Into the Trash-heap of History.
Part two and three are worth reading too.
g.
rule #1: don't mix your politiks with your art.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Who Loves Horses?
The show with Sex Dwarf and Spirits at Starlight is less than two weeks away.
The band will be getting together to rehearse this week. After a brief post-tour hiatus from playing shows I know we're all 'ants-in-the-pants' to play a gig. I hope you all can make it out.
Doors are at 8pm. We are kicking things off at 830. Come on folks. LET'S DO THIS.
g.
PS - if you've got a second and want to help out - vote for Blanket Sky over at Emission. Kudos!
Who Loves Horses?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
fan photo from Elkford, BC
Not sure if this is from $2 highball night. Even a modest tab goes too far when the drinks are that cheap.
Thanks Nikki.
g
fan photo from Elkford, BC
Friday, August 28, 2009
a new song live
Filmed March 20th at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo. We did a bit of music after a very informative lecture from Marc Kielburger of 'Free the Children'.
The first bit of video is from sound check. Jamie Usas (visuals) just happened to be filming. The audio in it's entirety is from a zoom h2 in the audience. Near the beginning you can hear someone ask, "Should I be videotaping?" The answer is, "Yes." No big deal though because the way it worked out you can imagine that the first bit of video is from the past, but the audio is happening right before your ears! Sensory time travel ladies and gentlemen.
:) We still love you April.
g
a new song live
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
haze transforms into steam
I try and try to keep up on this thing but am super easily distracted. I don't think I'd get anything done if there weren't 3 other people in this band.
We've been recording away. last two weeks haven't been super productive. The wind is picking up and we'll be sailing along in no time. I was just listening to a song of ours from 1998. Wow.
In other EXCITING news... we will be playing with SPIRITS and SEXDWARF at STARLIGHT on SEPTEMBER 17th. Clear your schedules ladies and gentlemen because for $10 it does not get any better! This is going to be an excellent night. Working on my sales pitch - how's it coming?
I have sent out the digital carrier pigeon to collect the details, but have not yet heard back. If/when the details come in I will share them with you. I'm pretty sure it's an early start. 8pmish?
Well. I hope everyone is enjoying the swelter here in KW. Can't wait to get this record to you all.
Cheers.
g.
Ps - I thought this was a pretty cool article. especially about the type of people who seek power/control over others
haze transforms into steam
Monday, August 3, 2009
Studya Vidya 01
These poorly chopped up videos aren't going to replace our "Onward, Downward" series. We just don't have a lot of time to be editing mini movies at the moment. I hope you enjoy this stuff, stay tuned for more.
Cheers.
g.
Studya Vidya 01
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
more words from the studio
We celebrated Emeri's birthday on Monday with a cherry fritter and some slurpies courtesy of Hilary and Paul.
We are making good progress on drum/bed tracks. Emeri is committing some great takes to 'tape'. Right now I'm really into multiple drum kits/beats happening at once and there'll be some of that in there. It's amixing nightmare, but totally worth it.
Here is a short video clip of what we were working on today.
g
more words from the studio
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
We'll have some quick little snippets of the new tunes soon enough... stay in touch and check back. Sorry we have been dropping the ball on updates etc. Lots going on, business to music... crazy.
Looking forward to hearing what you guys think, stay tuned.
Thanks
p.
Friday, July 17, 2009
video talk. recording talk.
Emeri and I have spent a number of afternoons working on drums and computer beats for a song of ours that we are currently calling, 'Farsight'. For a while it was looking like this one wouldn't make the cut. At this point I cannot say how many tracks will be on our next release. People believe me - I am pushing for an album of at least 10, but if the magic isn't there, it could be an EP of 5-6. Not sure, too soon to tell, to early to try and say.
Maybe some video clips and audio snippets next post. I will try.
Best,
g.
video talk. recording talk.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
IRIS birthday.... Piano
We first met Carrie in my shitty old apartment back in 2004. We were just releasing our first record, 'The Middle Ground'. Now here we are 2 albums later and onto number 4.
Oh the places you'll go! A back alley almost as far west as the roads of this country go. Across the parking lot a door opens. A slice of light brightens the pavement. The day's warmth lingers, or is it the cigarette Longevity John - the promoter/owner - is smoking that is making my head light? Suddenly a flood of miniature furrballs pours from the doorway. 14 dogs surround me. I reach for my camera, but the moment has passed.
On Sunday - after moving a van full of gear for the IRIS show - we drove to Walkerton to pick up a piano for our studio. It needs a tune, and a little bit of love, but we're happy to have it aboard. Even if it did break all of our backs. What studio is complete without a piano?
We're going to go make a new album now. Stay tuned for lotsa bits and bites until it's ready for you.
Cheers!
g.
IRIS birthday.... Piano
Friday, July 3, 2009
SURPRISE SHOW!!!
Tomorrow night we will be performing at Maxwell's Music House in Waterloo.
Carrie and Todd from IRIS asked us to perform as a part of their 1 year birthday celebration. We love birthdays and 1 Year for anything music related in this town is worth celebrating! Hi fives Carrie and Todd!
We will be opening the evening at 10pm. Afterward you will be delighted by a performance from SPIRITS.
This is not an evening to be missed.
See you there?
g.
SURPRISE SHOW!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
snag grab catch (in the title)
We have been recording demos and doing something that feels like 'pre-production' thought I'm not sure what that means in the land where you pay per the hour to record :).
The last few weeks. High moments and low moments, but I'm excited about our new music. Behind the scenes we are going to be organizing a really cool string of shows to support this next release. We're going to be working closely with Jamie to bring the visual aspect of the set to new places. Also scheming on ways to really roll with the Kill The Format campaign.
Why offer your music for free?
g
snag grab catch (in the title)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Onward, Downward: Episode XI
I've prepared another video for everyone to watch.
You might be thinking, "This particular episode has taken him so LONG to complete!?!"
Yes.
Enjoy.
- Emeri
Onward, Downward: Episode XI
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