Mazinga Phaser II Upstairs
Midlake on the main stage
Midlake again
Am Syndicate: A Dave Matthews Band for people that have heard of Arcade Fire
The Angelus: Pretty damn good.
Red Monroe: Getting there
Festival Logo for maximum product placement
Black Angels on the side stage
posted by stonedranger at 2:06 AM
40 Comments:
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why must wanz put himself at the center of every post.
i guess it's his right, but damn, dude, talk about something without bringing your own agenda front and center for once, pleae......
you're your own worst enemy.
whew, that's harsh. he's just posting his opinion of the festival. i'm confused?
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This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
tree wave doing an eno cover was interesting as well.
I still have yet to hear Treewave, what do you guys think of them? What Eno song did they cover?
"In other words FUCK OFF and get a life. I have one and it's pretty a cool one."
Wow, who knew that a "cool life" could incorporate prolific self-congratulatory internet postings AND telling anyone who dares question your slightly vain obsession with your own reputation to fuck off?
I had no idea that lurking on message boards waiting to post paragraph upon paragraph about how cool you are was the new definition of sucess and happiness. If only we could all be as "happy", "content" or have as much of a "life" as you...
"Wow, who knew that a "cool life" could incorporate prolific self-congratulatory internet postings AND telling anyone who dares question your slightly vain obsession with your own reputation to fuck off?
I had no idea that lurking on message boards waiting to post paragraph upon paragraph about how cool you are was the new definition of sucess and happiness. If only we could all be as "happy", "content" or have as much of a "life" as you..."
-anonymous
I'm not really into calling people out or anything, but the irony...I mean seriously, the irony.
So, What DID the bands get from this? Exposure I guess?
Jay
why is wanz removing all of his comments?
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This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I give up. Nowhere in what I posted did I metion anything about how cool I am or my band. I love my job, I love my friends,I love supporting local talent and I love making music. If that is a crime then convict me. I wish I actually knew who some of these people were who hate me so much, but I guess it does not matter. Maybe if some of these folks actually sat down and had a conversation they might realize that I am my worst critic. It seems like if I post anything someone has to take a shot at me. Scott from Record Hop posted about his bands performance and noone gave him shit and most of my post was about all of the bands I saw not my own. I'm sorry so many people have it out for me. If I have done something to hurt or offend you I am sorry..
Congrats to Lance. I was glad to be a part of the festival. It was surprisingly very rewarding. I saw a lot of good bands. There was a little something for everyone. Can't wait to see where he takes this next year.
Yeah, but... And... Well...
Ah, hell.
Look at the comments on today's it-list. Another venue closed today.
The Double-Wide.
Look at the comments on today's it-list. Another venue closed today.
The Double-Wide.
i wouldn't mind playing WOS again either, but i'll be damned if i play at 12pm again. just not worth it.
and i know lance is extremely busy all saturday and sunday long, but loading my stuff back into my car and seeing lance pulling up AFTER we play... the irony!
anyway, i hope next year it's a one day fest. like jackson on dRc said, "Shoulda taken out the filler and reduced it to one day only."
krm
agreed
Wall of Sound
I've never heard this Treewave band, but I sure as hell would have liked to have seen someone cover Needle in the Camel's Eye. Looove that song!
that was my reaction.... gonna have to check them out.
Wanz, you love yourself and everything you do. The way you come off on this blog makes it seem that you think black arm band will destroy everyones perception of music and will blow everyone away. It wont. Its good that you are proud of what you do but stop acting like you are the fucking prophet of experimental music to the DFW area.
Ah, and that it drives me nuts that you guys were standing right behind me and I didn't know it.
I've been walking around shows lately with one eyebrow up thinking "Where is this mysterious stoned ranger!?"
you'll never find me! NEVER I say!
Wanz ain't on the floor. He's got good music, a rich history of hooking people up with good times,and a heart full of passion. He'll be fine, even with faceless internet buttholes trying to piss him off for no reason. We all love this website, and stonedranger seems like a real solid dude with great opinions and taste, but if this blog just turns into a place where the same people log in over and over to do pointless malicious drive-bys, it could die away just as quickly as it flourished.
It's easy to get emotional when talking about music, and feel like you gotta defend your standpoint to the death, but it's only rock and roll.
^^^^Didn't mean to do that as anonymous.
You guys need to lay off Wanz. I saw The Black Arm Band at The Cavern last December and there was nothing too experimental about it, but it sure was one of the best rock shows I saw last year. I met him through Greg from the Black Arm. His other bands are not really my thing, but he is a good guy with a big heart and has a lot of passion for what he's doing.
most people, if they were rubbing others the wrong way as often as wanz aparently does, would probably appreciate and learn from the verbal ass kicking that he is subjected to on a much too regular basis.
what makes wanz "special" is that he's convinced himself that he is so right in his approach to music and his approach to self promotion that he's become delusional. he labors under the delusion that success is at hand....
fact is, success has never been at hand for him and never will be as long as he constantly pushes himself in everyone's face, impatiently throws together music projects and parades his mediocre brand of psyche-rock in front of everyone and then gets pissed when people don't like it. hello? anyone remember his myspace tyrade when he basically said "fuck you dallas, i'm moving to new york!" he never went, did he? that's just one of a long list of expamples of him displaying his reckless, ADD riddled arrogance.
why do you think he's never been able to keep a band linup together? no one can stand working him. i've known musicians who have worked with him who, after quitting his band, quit music altogether. they feel their experience was SOOO bad, they never want to experience ANYTHING like that again. seriously..
he's probably not even aware of that fact. he's such a knuckle-head....
the people defending him on this blog have good intentions in doing so, but they just don't understand who they're sticking up for.
and another thing...
you may be asking, why throw wanz under the buss like this?? it's so mean spirited!
actually, NO. i'm not being mean spirited.
it's because i think Wanz DOES have something. it's just that he'll never be able to effectively articulate his music until he gets a clue, is truly real with himself and everyone else, humbles himself and finds the songs which exist deep inside of him..
that's all i have to say about wanz.
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I get along with all of my bandmates and the vast majority of my ex-bandmates. If you hear songs that come from my heart and soul. Go see The Black Arm Band. It's not experimental and there are no fancy gadgets. Just a lot of heart. As far as never finding success. Both of my bands have recently been signed and several labels have expressed interest in doing a laptop deathmatch comp(which includes almost 30 laptop artists from DFW).
I tried to move to New York and money and the love of a woman is the only thing that kept me here. After touring up there and hanging out in NYC for awhile I figured out that I was happier living in Dallas near my few friends. I don't know what I did to piss you off mate, but I am real sorry. You really are painting a false picture of me and I would appreciate it if you would stop. If you don't like me then just ignore me. I spend the better part of my time trying to figure out how to lift people up in the local scene(go see Silk Stocking,Shiny Around The Edges and Unconscious Collective) not just myself. I am very humble about my craft. I still think the new mazinga II has a long way to go to get where I want to be.Rome was not built in a day. Right now it is still just a good idea. Each show gets better and that's pretty alright ion my book. The Black Arm Band...........is the best band I have ever been in. Ian and Greg are great songwriting partners and they keep me in check which is why the band works. Our new rhythm section is pretty bad ass. I feel honored to play with them. If you really think I am that full of it come to our show this weekend and see for yourself. I have nothing to hide and I am still growing.
wanz, different anonomyous here. i gotta say, you're fighting a loosing battle on this blog, but it's quite entertaining to read.
i can see what the other person is talking about, but i can also see your points of frustration too.
if people didn't give a shit about you, they wouldn't be taking the time to call you out in such detail. right or wrong, it wouldn't kill you to take criticism and reflect on it internally. you might be able to grow from it.
you're not above growth are you? maybe you should try that approach instead of constantly defending yourself in a public forum.
it's kinda like how in a jury trial, defendant's often don't take the stand. they just let the evidence speak for itself.
i think you're a good guy who genuinely loves music. it's just that sometimes the lines between wanz the music fan and wanz the artist are blurred.
whatever people say, you've been quite a phenomenon these last 13 years or so; for better or for worse....
Thanx. You make a good point.
Ok, I don't normally do this kind of thing, but I feel really compelled to speak my mind here people, speak some TRUTH... and yes, some opinions included.
Mwanza Dover has been my housemate (we lived together for a year), my friend, my brother, and a true artistic inspiration to me for more than six years now... he is one of my closest friends in the world. Even before I knew him well, we ran into each other at shows often. You can think whatever you wish with regard to our friendship, and/or my ability to 'put up with him', but remember *I* know him.
First of all: you all should well know (if you dig good music), just how much Wanza's done for this, arhem 'shithole town'... this whole area actually. If you don't know, or just don't want to admit it, or you're the jealous kind, or you're just one of the many that are kind to one's face, then whisper behind their back... well, for you kids, here's a refresher: Wanz has booked some of the best shows I've ever seen around here. If you really KNOW HIM, you know what I mean. He got the Silver Apples back together to play in DENTON for christ's sake! There have been many a show that he’s booked and/or been a part of in this town, that not only hold some of my fondest memories of any show, but have also been shows that would have never been possible had Wanz not been a part of them. Really, really, killer shows people. I'm now feeling compelled to write a list of bands, but instead... now, I'll just mention Melodica. You can deny it all you want folks, but the fact still remains... MELODICA HAPPENED HERE. Sure, he had the clout to bring it all together. Sure, he, just as anyone would, somewhat selfishly booked these shows with regard to the fact that he REALLY liked all the bands involved and wanted to see them all play, and yes, had his own band play (arhem... who wouldn't after all that work?), but he did it all for you too. He has this passion about him... it's a light. You all just look away too often, and focus on the whispers, and the 'bad stuff'. We ALL have personality quirks, and we weren't all meant to be 'friends', but how 'high school' is it to start completely bashing a person on the internet, in a public forum, just because you had a bad experience with them or you really don't know them well, you've just heard stories, or even better, you're one of the people (I've actually met you, so I know you're out there) that have met him a couple times, whispered a lot (because it sure is fun to speculate) and then... s'funny... name dropped him when it suited you?... yeah, you know who you are. It's the equivalent of writing 'Skinner Blows' on the bathroom wall… childish. I've had my fair share of wide eyes staring back at me in wonder and amazement when they find out I'm friends with Wanz. I've had conversations start with 'Wanz Dover? I hate that guy. Tell me about him!' at which point I falter, laugh a little inside at just how much I loathe said ignorant person, and reply with a very outlandish answer the likes of an R.M.R. quote. More seriously speaking though, the funniest part, the ONLY funny part, is that these people are in such awe, completely fascinated by Wanz, by the idea of Wanz (the good and the bad). They want to talk about him, know about him, figure him out. I can't believe people can hate someone so much, let alone at all, when they don't even know them... there, now that's the humor in it all.
Second of all: Wanza IS one of the most talented people in this town. Maybe most of his projects have been unsuccessful in your book, but success tells nothing around here, you should know that. The best bands in this town have never been anything short of criminally neglected, even the ones that have had 'relative success' have been killed off in the long run anyway. My suggestion: if you're a 'local band', awesome. It suits you? Ok then. You're good at it? Cool, we like you. No one holds it against you for sticking around, why be so freaked out by others wanting a little more? Moving, leaving town (for whatever reason) isn't a reason to hate a person, even less a reason if someone's just dreaming of it, or furthermore venting about it. Our town has its flaws people. Just because we vent and bitch about it doesn't mean we hate it, and certainly doesn't mean we aren't all trying to change things however little/much it's worth. So bands, if you have further aspirations, get out. The same goes for any town. You don't have to move, but hell yes you should play elsewhere, as often as possible.
So yes, I'm rambling. It's ok, you'll get your shot in a minute. Back to Wanz the musician... Not only has Wanz been in the best bands around here i.e. The Falkon, Mazinga, and yes... the spanking new and fiercely kick ass Black Arm Band, among others, the man played with E.A.R., Glen Branca, Sonic Boom... my god people, show the man a little respect. Believe it or not, the man has a somewhat loyal fan base around here, and they post comments on here often. I know a few of them. It's funny how people walk around here talking about how great The Falkon were. A ‘few’ of them actually saw some shows, but a lot of people just 'say' they saw The Falkon (or Falcon Project) because they've heard the stories from those of us that 'were' actually there, and realized that they missed out on something, something special. So now... now that they're dead, The Falkon are missed... poetic. If the Black Arm Band break up for some reason, or decide to quit, the sentiment will be the same. You should be so lucky to see them before they die, then you can be honest when you say how great they were... then, you won't have to lie to look 'cool'. Everybody loves what's no longer in reach. Now that they’re gone, all of these unfamiliar faces have emerged from the woodwork, new faces… people that I wished could have ACTUALLY seen them in their glory… I never saw any of these people at the shows, and I was at all of them. I know that most of these people innocently discovered The Falkon after the fact, and I’m sorry they missed out, but so many people in this town were just apathetic (and I’m not talking about the ones that just didn’t come out for ‘their own reasons’). Wanza supports this scene no matter how flourishing, no matter how weak. He turns you on to good music on a weekly basis, he'll bend over backwards to help you, he'll never talk shit behind your back, AND... to top it all off, he's the best front man in Dallas... you can beg to differ, it's your prerogative, but name a better one without mentioning Daron Beck, (and Liz M. doesn't count, she's number one on the list of ladies). You don't have to like the man; you don't have to like his band(s). Wanza is loyal, and though I may be hurting your manly ego here a little Wanz, he's sweet, genuinely. Opinionated like any intellectual, but sweet as a kitten... umm, a tough kitten, with a huge voice. Yeah he's a guy; I'll stick with the tough part. But really people, if you have a problem with the guy, tell him. Get it out of your system, like any adult, and move on. No reason to harbor such feelings of hatred for someone who isn't hurting you in any way. Don't like Wanz, huh? Big deal. He'd probably still try to be your friend, or at the very least a friendly acquaintance, possibly even if he didn't like you all that much. That's Wanz, that's the Wanz I know, and love. You can’t blame a person for sticking up for themselves when people take shots at them. Criticism is one thing, but just plain shitty, for the sake of shitty… tacky. He puts so much into what he does, and he does it well, and each time he does it, he grows more, he learns a little more. We all should learn a little something from Wanz, whether it be from his mistakes, or his triumphs. I know he has. Oh, and just so you know, if you're his friend, he'll do ANYTHING for you... and if you're someone who calls yourself Wanza's friend and you go behind his back talking trash, shame on you, he doesn't need you, but that's me talking now... the Wanza I know... the one you do, would likely forgive you.
So now, the final point: Who doesn't promote their band? Really??? Yes, there are some that do very little, it's not apathy, it's mere frustration... it's understandable, but however little they do it, they still do it. If you play music, you care about it. It's in your blood. You're somewhat proud that you're able to do it at all. You talk about it almost incessantly, not to boost your own ego, but because you think of it every waking second. If you don't, then you're one of those mechanical musicians... it's just not in your soul. Even those of us who bash ourselves, the 'nothing's ever good enough people' still talk about our music... it's what drives us, it's what we were put here to do... we do it for ourselves, because we couldn't imagine life without it. We also do it for you. If you like it, it makes our hearts swell. If you don't, we really don't care... I'm being honest here... we really, really don't. If 5 people like it we're happy. If nobody does, we still are, because it's an outlet, it's our life, our histories in the form of song. We tell people about our bands, because we've grown up, and we are no longer ignorant to the idea that there are others like us. Others that hear things the way we do. I'm glad when people share their art with me. I may hit the 'deny' button for bands on a daily basis on MS, but I approve a few now and then too. I'm thankful for it. I'm thankful when I find a good band, or THEY FIND ME. That's what I enjoy in life. I'm glad... however few they may be, that there are really great bands out there that take the time to let me know they're there... even if they give me 3 good songs and a barrage of bulletins and comments, the three songs were worth all the words that follow. It's all about the music. It is for me. It is for Wanz. I don't know what you mean spirited ones are all about, but it's not the music. He's not a bad guy. You don't have to be his friend, just show him some respect. Even if it means just growing up a little and knowing when to bite your tongue. *bite*
an uncharacteristically long winded night for...
Mila
and Mila has just won the "Longest Ever Comment on We Shot JR" Award, which means that you're a lucky lucky girl, because you get to drink from the firehose!
biggest waste of cyberspace i've ever read...
someone actually read it! amazing!!!
mmmmm the firehose...
(my mouth does feel a little dry... arhem... cough cough)
and an oh, and a well, and a my my my... and a thank you then fella.
-M
look,you people started in on sam,then lance,now wanz..
get over yourselves and go do something creative.that's the trouble with this city..
"so many critics,so few writing"
L.macgowan
I severely regret wasting my time to read that.
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