A Simple "Thank - you"... and an update!

I just want to thank those of you who have written some incredible blogs to inspire me to start my own. Thank you, Tara Parsons, Annie Meyer, and April Collie. Your blogs are great and so fun to read. Anyone I have forgotten, I am sorry. I'm sure yours are awesome, too! I love peeking inside your lives and feelings! 


I plan to blog more often and hopefully do more interviews as soon as I find more people willing to let me ask them some questions! My readers seem to have really enjoyed them, as have I! Hopefully I will start blogging more frequently so I don't get out of the habit of blogging. 


Dave Krusen of Pearl Jam has graciously given me permission to submit his interview to some magazines for publication but I have yet to hear back from the magazines. I contacted Spin, Rolling Stone, Hit Parader and Drum Magazine, so far. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I may ask Travis Warren if I can submit his interview to magazines as well. Both guys gave amazing interviews and I have had some great feedback. Travis sure gave some fun and interesting quotes in his interview and people have LOVED them!


I have also contacted Brad Smith (bassist for Blind Melon and Unified Theory and founder of Abandon Jalopy) for an interview, who simply replied with one question.. "Where would this interview be posted?".. I answered him with, "just in my blog, if that is all you would like". I have not heard back since then, so he is a possibility, but not confirmed. In addition to Brad, I contacted Chris Shinn of Unified Theory, Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon, Unified Theory and more recently Awolnation and Glen Graham of Blind Melon. I am awaiting their responses, still. I plan to contact more artists from other bands as well. This was just my starting point.

An Interview With Travis Warren

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Travis Warren, from bands such as Rain Fur Rent, The LookOut Kids, and of course, Blind Melon. Travis warned me ahead of time that his answers would probably not be as short as Dave Krusen's, and of course, that was fine by me! He answered my questions pretty quickly and I am excited to share with you what he had to say. Enjoy!


1) What bands/artists are your musical influences and why?

Well this is a tough question because I could be here all day but I will try and keep it as short as possible. As far as my voice goes,Buckingham/Nicks have been a huge influence
(Lindsey is also one my favorite guitar players). My mother
gave me the Buckingham/Nicks album for my birthday one year and I remember the first time I heard it,I had constant chills.The way Lindsey and Stevie harmonized together was very unique and special.They have a magical chemistry together that not too many have.Shannon Hoon of coarse was and has been a huge influence.I remember walking into a record shop(when we still had them: ) when I was about 12 or 13 and my pick came down to Jane's Addiction's "Ritual De Lo Habitual" and Blind Melon's first record.I went with Blind Melon.(on Cassette Tape).that tape didn't leave my Walkman or stereo for months(maybe years even).
I loved everything about it.I would try and sing like Shannon but I could only sing Falsetto back then.Anyone who
I grew up with or knows me well knows Ive been a huge Melon fan for years.I believe Shannon is one of the last REAL
"rock stars" we've had. Maynard Keenan,Staley/Cantrell,Bjork
Elliott Smith and Robert Plant to name just a few.
As far as my guitar playing goes,everyone from Buckingham
to Leo Kottke to Page to Dimebag to Malcom Young.
The list goes on and on.



2) I know that you were/are a huge fan of Blind Melon and Shannon Hoon.. how did you meet the guys and what was it like playing in a band that you were such a big fan of? Were you nervous?
I actually met them through a mutual friend that was
A&R over at Atlantic Records.He was interested in a band
I was in at the time. We were chatting one day and he asked me who my influences were and I mentioned Shannon Hoon.
He said he knew CT & Brad and asked if I wanted to meet
them.Obviously I said yes and the rest is history as they say.
The feeling is indescribable as far as playing with
Melon.I guess the best way to describe it is go and
watch Rock Star! I don't think it REALLY hit me until
months later when I was on the road with them.
Playing those songs on stage is one of the best
feelings I've ever had.
And yes I was nervous the first time I met them. I was
not as nervous when I rehearsed with them for the first time.
I was pretty confident with the songs.


3) Do you plan to eventually attend one of Shannon's vigils?

Ya know I've thought about it but every time it comes
around I've had something else going on around that time.
I actually turned some friends onto Blind Melon several
years ago and they got into them so much that they
went to the Vigil and had the chance
to meet Nell and took several
photo's of the event and brought them back for me.
I still have them.


4) What kinds of guitars are your favorite (brands)?

Well I've had MANY guitars throughout the years.
When I was younger,I would go to all the different pawn
shops in Amarillo and would buy and trade guitars all
the time.It would piss my Dad off.He would always
tell me to keep them and I naturally did the exact
opposite: ) As far as acoustics go,I'm a fan of Gibson
Hummingbirds.I have one and also a 1968 J-45.
I also have a Taylor,Leo Kottke signature 12 string
that I've had for years and is the main guitar I played
in Rain Fur Rent.
I bought a Gretsch baritone guitar
a few years back which has been the main instrument
I've been playing lately.It's the only instrument I use
in my new band, The LookOut Kids.I actually have a friend
back in Amarillo who is building me an acoustic baritone
which I can't wait to get my hands on.Look Out
coffee shops!!!

5) Do you play any other instruments besides the guitar?

Pretty much anything that has strings on it,I can play it.
My Dad is an amazing banjo player and he showed
me a few things on it when I was growing up.
My Aunt Debbie is an amazing
Mandolin player and she also showed me a few things.
I had instruments all around me growing up.I've also
become a decent drummer over the last couple of years.
I'm always wanting to learn how to play
new instruments when I can.
You can never stop learning and the day you think
you know it all is the day you don't know S%*T!


6) Do you do any special warm up routines to prepare your voice for a show?

My routines have changed over the years.When I was
younger I would warm up on jack & coke and what ever
else I could get my hands on.A few years back my
Mom(who is also a singer and a amazing one at that)
told me about taking Tabasco sauce and putting it on
lemon wedges.That will do the trick when your voice
is in bad shape. Now I drink hot tea and just sing
to warmup before shows.

7) How many musical projects are you currently involved in?

Currently my main focus has been the LookOut Kids which
has been nothing but a blast.Our mantra has been to
have fun and screw the politics.Sarah and I do not care
about the labels,getting signed or anything like that.
We just focus on writing good songs and having fun.
If something comes our way,we will deal with it then.
I also still record with my good friend Eli when we can
fit in the time.He actually has a killer band called the
"Wild Feathers" and they're doing great. I also
have a few shows with Blind Melon coming up this summer
which will be a blast.

8) A friend wanted me to ask you about your tattoos. How many do you have? Are those olives on your arm? Do you plan to add to your current tattoo collection?

If I would of known how "trendy" tattoos were going to
get I would of probably never got any.Now I see
grandmothers sporting butterflies on their ankles: {
I actually never counted but I have quite a bit.The first
one I ever got was when I was about 14.My best friend and
I took some acid and he attempted to tattoo my initials
on my back with a guitar string and Indian ink while I
attempted to tattoo a mushroom on my hand.
They both look like shit.The initials on my back look
like a blob and the mushroom on my hand looks like
a penis.Bottom line,don't tattoo when you're on acid; )
And no those are not olives on my wrists. They
are pyramids inside a circle.They have no symbolic
meaning.

9) I know that you are not a replacement for Shannon, but as a new addition to Blind Melon do you feel any pressure from fans to fill Shannon's shoes?

I actually did in the beginning but not so much now.
There is always going to be the fans who hate the idea
of having anyone "replacing" Shannon.No matter what
you throw at them,they are going to hate it.I actually
understand that mentality and to be honest, I probably
wouldn't of seen Melon perform with a new singer either.
I'm such a Shannon fan that I would of put up
a stink about it as well so I completely get it.
On the same token,there are many fans that didn't
get to see Blind Melon preform the first time around.
These shows that we play are for those people.Blind
Melon shows are a celebration of their songs and a
celebration of Shannon.Our shows give the chance
and opportunity for fans to get together and share
and have a great time. Not me or anyone could
ever replace Shannon,PERIOD. Nor do I try or want too.
I do try to sing his songs the best I can and to carry his
spirit to as many people as I can.

10) One day I mentioned to my friend that Blind Melon and Unified Theory should do a "Jam Cruise" type thing.. is that something you would be interested in doing? It seems that a BUNCH of us were very excited about the idea!

Anything is possible! You never know what lies ahead.
I would love to sing with Chris Shinn.I think he
is an amazing singer and It's something I would
definitely be into.

11) Where do you see your future going from here on out?

Well hopefully my future continues to go forward.hahaha
But regardless of that, I will always live,breath and play
music till I die.I don't know whether or not that is a
gift or a curse yet but it is what it is; ) In the last couple
of years I've learned that you have to love and have
fun with what you're doing no matter how big
(or little) the pay check is or whatever the situation is.
the day it isn't fun anymore,
you should find something else to fiddle cake with: )


Thank you soooo much, Travis! Incredible responses!

Another Interview!

Travis Warren, the current lead singer for Blind Melon has also agreed to an interview... soon to come!!

My Interview with Dave Krusen

Today the idea for my newest blog entry really excited me.. I decided to approach Dave Krusen of bands such as Pearl Jam, Unified Theory, and Lowlight. Dave and I have talked a little via Facebook in the past, so I was pretty confident he would be fine with this.. and of course he was.. Thanks again, Dave. Always a pleasure talking with you! Here is how it went:

Tonya Jo Smith May 31 at 10:53am

I was thinking about asking you a few questions, like a mini interview.. and with your permission, use it for my blog.. would that be ok with you? You dont have to answer anything you don't want to. :)

Dave Krusen May 31 at 12:06pm Report

sure, fire away

Tonya Jo Smith May 31 at 12:12pm

Thanks, Dave!

What was the reason for no longer being in Pearl Jam?

What was it like working with the Blind Melon guys?

On the same note, what was it like working with Chris Shinn?

Is there a chance of another Unified Theory reunion (fingers crossed)?

Did you have any lyrical input in any of your bands?

I see that your son also plays drums.. what age did he start?

Does your daughter also have musical talent? If so, in what area?

What are your current projects?

I know that Erica is involved in MusiCares.. how did she get started in that career?

If I think of more, I will shoot them to you! Thanks again!

Dave Krusen May 31 at 2:14pm Report

1. What was the reason for no longer being in Pearl Jam?

 I left PJ to go to rehab, i had a real bad drinking problem and was not able to function.

2. What was it like working with the Blind Melon guys?

 I have been working with Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith on various projects since 1994. I love working with those guys. We always end up goofing around and laughing our asses off 90% of the time, plus, we have a great musical chemistry.

3.On the same note, what was it like working with Chris Shinn?

  Chris Shinn is an amazing singer. He has a huge heart, one of the sweetest people i know. 

4. Is there a chance of another Unified Theory reunion (fingers crossed)?

There is always a chance UT will play again if we could arrange the time.

5. Did you have any lyrical input in any of your bands?

 I don't write lyrics because i wouldn't want to explain what a song is about. 

6. I see that your son also plays drums.. what age did he start?

 My son Jagger is 12 now, he has been playing drums his entire life. He goes to Rock Nation in L.A. and has played a few shows with groups put together by the school. He just started jamming with a kid his age who is very talented and has a band that has a lot of interest already and is playing a Warped show. They need a new drummer and just approached me about Jagger because they've heard through the grapevine that he's awesome. It's really fun for me to watch him progress. i've never pushed him, he works very hard on his own. He goes into the studio and woodsheds on his 9 piece kit (ala Keith Moon circa 1968) for hours, comes out drenched! He's taking lessons, learning how to read music, rudiments, all that good stuff. Now it's guitar too...

7. Does your daughter also have musical talent? If so, in what area?

My daughter Logan isn't into making music, but she has great taste in music. She's a really hip kid. Her thing is photography and art in general, she can draw extremely well. And she's a massive lover of all things equine.

8. What are your current projects?

Currently I am working with John Pringle, Lowlight, a bunch of cool recording projects, i can't think of everything right off the top of my head, and I am playing west coast shows with Ida Maria for the last two weeks of June. 

9. I know that Erica is involved in MusiCares.. how did she get started in that career?

Erica got involved with Musicares in 2006, i think. They love her there. She is director of the west coast. she's helped a lot of friends, people i've know over the years, it's really awesome. One of her territories is Hawaii, which is great. She's been a part of helping people all over the country though.

take care!- dk

My Perfect Alpine Valley Pearl Jam Setlist

I have decided to write out MY idea of a perfect set list for Pearl Jam's Alpine Valley shows.. this may or may not be in the actual order I want to hear them.. I have not yet decided. I tried to narrow it down to 30 songs, which was nearly impossible.. I gave up on narrowing it down at 31. Honestly, I wouldn't really have to narrow it down if I separated the set lists into TWO lists, since they ARE playing two nights, but, this is an idea of what I would love to hear between the two nights.. BELIEVE ME, I had to cut out a LOT of wonderful songs. The bad thing about bands making more and more albums is the fact that you are less and less likely to hear your favorite songs live because there is so much material. Enjoy!


Present Tense
Faithful
Army Reserve
Unemployable
All or None
Rival
Gone
Gimme Some Truth
Tremor Christ
Throw Your Arms Around Me
The Fixer
Better Man
Once
Dissident
Glorified G
In Hiding
Grievance
Porch
Black
Release
Dirty Frank
Last Exit
State of Love and Trust
Alone
Footsteps
Leash
Hold On
Not For You
Smile
I Got Shit
Rain O'er Me

God, Nico and Pearl Jam

Sunday (May 22) I went to church with my friend, Summer. I am so glad she went with me, otherwise I am not sure I would have gone. I used to always need someone with me to do EVERYTHING.. I am more of a grown up now and I very likely would have still gone, but I may have backed out at the last minute. The church we went to was HOPPING. It was quite an experience. We walked in to see a little restaurant and an actual auditorium with a stage set up full of band equipment as if we were at a concert, video screens and all. The band was pretty awesome, for Christian music, which I am not usually a fan of. My excuses in the past for not going to church were things like boredom, crappy music and too many pushy Christians acting almost cult-like, pushing the religion on people. This was different.. we were able to keep to ourselves and kind of stay hidden in the back just to observe. The band started out first.. Pretty awesome with back up singers, lyrics on the screens and SMOKE MACHINES! I still laugh at Summer's "OH SNAP!" reaction to the smoke machines. She was pretty impressed right away, as was I. When the sermon started they mentioned people being baptized and I wondered if they meant THAT day.. wouldn't that be odd.. I have wanted to be baptized for MANY years now, especially in the past five years. The sermon seemed like it was aimed directly at me. He covered everything I ever doubted about Christianity and the bible. I was so glad to be there on THAT day.. the perfect timing to be there. At the end of the service they asked if anyone wanted to be baptized and I hesitantly got up after Summer agreed to do it with me. I could not let the opportunity pass me by.. so I went forward and did it. I did not wear a bra.. big mistake. The dress I had on was not bra-friendly.. and I had to change into a T-shirt for the baptism.. I was very self conscious.. I don't know how anxious I am to see the video of this. Haha! After the baptism we were congratulated by many happy Christians.. It was pretty great. 


The next day (Monday, May 23) was the pre-sale for the Pearl Jam 20th Anniversary Festival at Alpine Valley.. mom had agreed to buy tickets for Steve and me as an early Christmas gift.. so I was at her house before noon to secure our tickets with her credit card. It was a huge event, just trying to get them. The Ten Club website kept crashing and we (the fans) were simply told to "keep trying". I literally tried for eight hours to get the tickets. Twice they appeared in my cart yet I continuously got errors and was not able to complete the transaction.. Finally, the fan club told us to stop trying for the day and that they would resume the next day at the same time, if they had their website server fixed.


Early into trying to get the tickets, Nico decided to reward me in his own little way, by rolling from his back to his stomach. He did this while my mother was gone, with me as the only witness.. then my mom came back and the little pork chop did it again for Grandma to see.. we are all so proud of our perfect little guy. He sure makes it easy to smile, even when things are not going my way. I was so excited to share the news with Steve, but by the time Steve got there it was not happening again. So, Steve will have to wait until another day to see his little miracle perform this new milestone for him.


The next day (Tuesday, May 24th) the tickets went on sale again, as scheduled.. and after some more errors and refreshing my screen several times, I got the tickets! It will be quite an amazing show.. two nights at Alpine Valley with Pearl Jam, Queens of the Stone Age, Mudhoney and soooo many other bands performing. I have seen Pearl Jam at this venue before and it is the BEST place to see them. Tailgaters, with every car blasting a different Pearl Jam song, people meeting each other and making friends..cooking on mini grills, playing horseshoe, bean bag tosses, hacky sacks, or just relaxing in the sun.. even before the concert is an event in itself. The venue is amazing.. Thousands upon thousands of fans singing along to songs I have known so well for so long.. it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.. and I get to experience it again.. twice in a row.


 I am so blessed with amazing gifts in my life. My children are a gift.. music is a gift, Steve is a gift, and my mother is a gift. I love them all dearly and I don't know what I would do without them.

Thought of the day (Wednesday, May 25):
 People sometimes take your kind words and actions for granted and don't think to thank you or take the time out of their day to give you a compliment here and there. A great friend of mine on FaceBook named Lisa Menfi ALWAYS takes time out of her day to give me kind words and compliments and it means the world to me.. she always makes me smile and brightens my day with her praises on the beauty of my family. Remember this.. when you do not reply to someone's comments, compliments or random smiles/smilies people DO NOTICE. Silence is sometimes more harsh than negative words. Never snub a person who thought enough of you to leave you a random kind message or compliment.

A New Beginning

Over the past couple of months I have been making some changes in my life to find inner peace and peace within my family and my relationships with the people in my family. My relationship with Steve has greatly improved and we are happy.. which is SO important to me. We are very good friends and very close and I want to be even better friends and even closer, as we used to be. He is a wonderful man and a great father.. he LOVES his son so much. You can see the pride in his eyes when he looks at Nico, and that makes my heart swell and puts a smile on my face. I am so blessed.. having four beautiful children and a fabulous man in my life.


Steve and I married in March of 2008, during a rough time in my life, when I truly should not have been thinking marriage at all, as I was not even over my ex, but I KNEW Steve was the best man for me and loved me more than any man ever has. He had to struggle with my heart's confusion and took me as I was, knowing what was going on.. and he told me that someday I would be over my past and I would love him back, the way he deserved. Unfortunately, it took me a very long time to get past it all. He tried to hang in there, yet I got worse.. and I divorced him in 2009. About 4 months or so later we got back together and tried to make it work again. We definitely had our hard times and ups and downs.. mostly downs. Suddenly, out of nowhere I was better.. past the old stuff and ready to love again. By this time I had hurt Steve and he was more distant and not as ready to be the way he used to be, and I cannot blame him. He finally came around to the idea and here we are. Now, although we are divorced, we are a FAMILY. We love each other and our children and we are working day by day to become closer and be the family we know we CAN be. Fun, happy and at complete peace with our past and ready to move forward.. together!


I have also decided to become closer to God and be a better role model, sorta-wife, and mother. I planned to go to church this past Sunday, but that did not work out, due to a lack of sleep and the friend that was supposed to be going with me did not end up wanting to go. Instead I spent over an hour doing a Holy Bible crossword, using my bible to look up the answers and learn a little from it. Another friend said she would go with me to church next Sunday, so I will attempt to go again. I can't wait. :) God has blessed me with love and family and it's time I returned the favor and love HIM and go to church.


I plan to use this blog as a journal for my thoughts, venting, and sharing with friends a peek inside my life. Enjoy my journey with me, if you'd like.

Tonya (Twistypoo)