Wow! This past weekend was INCREDIBLE!! Those on DA and my other sites who have been with me through the long haul know how important supporting local music is to me. To those new, you'll hear similar tirades, get used to it. But I was reminded this weekend of where I'm "needed", and I'm grateful for that.

I am guilty to say that I almost lost sight of that. I know, I'm ready to kick me as well. Several contributing factors: work, little downtime, and being swept up in the madness of Project Roller Rager. That last one was a doozy. (For the record, PRR is 95% done, not posting anything until I hear from the one who requested it, sorry.)

I had all but abandoned the people who have more or less given me a purpose, stood by me, and most importantly BEFRIENDED me and gave me encouragement and support when I needed it. Instead, I decided to frantically chase my own tail on whose tip was a scenario and vision that could never be. A scenario I created and so badly wanted to see become reality based on a few moments of glory during the summer. It was just that---A FEW MOMENTS. Nothing to base my whole life on.

I had since been stuck in the fog, focused only on one thing, and not the right thing. I fell behind on where I was needed, and to those whom were affected by this, I'm sorry. Thanks for not giving up on me and for your belief in my eventual return to my senses. IT'S SO GOOD TO BE BACK.

This is not to say I'm quitting the Bam/CKY/ETC. art, this is to say I need to take a break from it for a while. For one, I haven't been hearing from those who want artwork, which translates to me as they lost interest. I'll finish the main piece and leave it at that until I hear something. I know life gets hectic and whatnot no matter who you are, but it doesn't take more than five minutes to check a message. And simple, sporadic communication was all I requested in return for my time and effort. And six weeks later, still no word. So I'll wait it out. I harbor no ill will, just extremely disappointed in being dropped so suddenly.

How did this weekend of all others snap me out of the fog? Well, I got to see three of my favorite local bands : CIVIL DISTURBANCE, LOKI, and PROSPECT HILL. (Civil D and P-Hill both threw CD release parties.) Friday night we hit the Big Easy to see Loki and Prospect Hill. The Loki guys as always were nothing short of welcoming and accepting. They know very well, I'm all Civil D and do a lot of stuff for those guys, but they're not judgmental and had befriended me all the same. They even wanted to know how Project Roller Rager was going. No joke.

Then along comes Edgar of Prospect Hill (only seen these guys 3 times prior in the past year, mind you), who recognized me (how?) and joined in the conversation. I felt really guilty, as I had owed these guys some fan art since May now, but again, I got swept up in the frenzy...Edgar understood, and even sent some Jager stuff my way via the stage later on. We had chatted for a while about drawing and such, and I promised them some stuff in time for their return in February. And just like old Times, Nikko came to hang out with us st the show!

The next night was Civil Disturbance's CD release party for ANNAROSA. The venue was packed, the band was all over the palce before they even went up, but they took the time to come say hi and thanks for coming out, etc. (They even put me in the CD thank yous, holy crap!! NEVER saw that coming!! thanks guys!) These guys know how to be personable and make you feel in the loop, a part of things, and most of all, appreciated.

I am extremely partial to Civil Disturbance because if it wasn't for them (and Kris's high tolerance of countless correspondences/drawings/stalking lol); I would've remained with the previous assumption that musicians are stuck up and never become involved in the first place. We had a blast at this show, that's for sure! Can't wait for Dec. 12th!!

Another thing about that night: Matt and Ian of Dead Season (and Garrett, their go-to-guy)showed up to watch Civil D. Matt came over to chat with me and Garrett recognized me as "Crystalaki". Sounds odd but it meant something; I don't catch too many DS shows and have seen Garrett only twice that I'm aware of. It made me feel like I must be doing something right with my small role in the music scene if people can pick me out of a packed venue.


It just felt really good being around people who really appreciate who I am and what I do. I needed some time to reconnect with what I was the most passionate about in the first place. And so I'm feeling that passion reignited again. Here's to feeding the flame!

And a few choice Prospect Hill ("Into the Light") lyrics to wrap this up:

"See yourself through this madness; what will you find?
The little things, always overlooked..."

It's true.

So go on out there and support local music, they'll love you for it and you'll discover some kickass new talent right in your own backyard!!