So Halloween is upon us, I had several good ideas for a costume. I was going to be a $.05 Kissin Booth, then thought I would burn my profit buying up Chapstick...so I changed my mind...however it's a secret you'll have to come out to our shows this weekend to see.
Be sure to check your candy, apples, and airplane liquor bottles to make sure they haven't been tampered with. When I was younger, we used to go "eggin" in which we'd go to the local grocery store and buy up all the eggs they had; paint our faces black, put on Camo (cause that's in such shortage in WV), and hit the mean streets. We'd crawl around, egg teachers' houses, cop cars, other eggers. Then we discovered Paint Ball Guns....wowsa...however I will leave that for another story.
So yesterday I met with a friend that I hadn't seen or talked too since August of 2008. We worked together and I changed jobs while he took on more hours and eventually went to Salt Lake city for a short time. Either way, we hooked up yesterday for lunch for the first time in 2 years. As soon as he sat down it was like we hadn’t missed a beat. That's how you know someone is a close friend, when you don’t have to talk everyday to pick up right where you left off…and I think that's awesome. Relationships are like plants...some need a lot of attention, like this plant I bought one time. I don't know what kind've plant he was, I just know he was green and his leaves stood up like spikes, so I named him Spike. Well, turns out ol' Spike needed more water than once a week (when I remembered he was out there), and ol’ Spike went to the green house in the sky. That relationship needed a little more cultivation…as compared to say…a cactus…which would not.
So friends are a lot like that, some need more than others...so here’s to friends…those like Spike and those like a Cactus...let's just remember to water them!!!
So in honor of Halloween, I'm trying to think of the most scared I've ever been...
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Let's see there was one time I went to the Liquor store and was $3 short, luckily the cashier knew me (imagine that) and spotted me until the next time; however that started out scary...
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I've been in several car/truck accidents, but those things happen so fast it's hard to be scared you either make it or you don't, and thankfully I've made it, so that don’t count...
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Honestly, and most people probably wouldn't admit this, but faithful returner to the blogging world...I will not hold anything from you...
When my now X-Wife told me she was leaving...a little over a year ago...and I was sitting on the the back patio of what was soon to be an empty apartment chain smoking cigarettes and drink hot liquor I remember thinking, "now you are truly alone...the person that loves you the most (my mother) is 1200 miles away...you came all the way down here and now you are all alone." And at that point I was really scared, probably more scared than I've been in my entire coherent life, and for about 30 seconds I thought about going home...I thought about packing everything up and driving straight to WV.
And then I thought of the "Spikes" and "Cacti" in my life. I thought of my new friends and family I had made here in Austin and surrounding areas…and as that cigarette smoke danced in the breeze with that brief stint of where fear had grabbed me, fear and doubt aka the Devil's favorite drink, after a short moment … that fear and doubt was crushed and I thought of Robert E. Lee screaming, "RETREAT HELL!!" as he drove his horse into the oncoming Northern Army.
Just as I say in Moonshine Shake, “We’ve got a long way to go, and mama I ain’t coming home!”
So, the moral of this story folks....water them plants!! Both figuratively speaking as well as literally...
Together we Fly, Together We Fall, Together we all see the Death of it all
\m/
Wait till you see NOV 19....it's coming...22 days
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Familia
We all have heard the saying, "Blood is thicker than water..." and another classic, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family."
Growing up in Southern WV, Family values were instilled into me from birth. We did everything together (when able), ate together, watched TV together, went on vacations together, went to Church together. Regardless of how mad my sister might have made me, my mother always said, "One day your father and I will be gone...and your sister will be all you have..."
I know that some people might not have been as fortunate as me, but I was blessed with an awesome family. In one of the hardest times of my life, the first person to call me...was my sister, the same girl that socked me in nuts with my football cleat...she was the first one to call years later when I needed someone...and at that time, I needed someone pretty bad.
So Here's to Family...Love em...hate em...they are still your blood...and that is something special.
My dad's Bday is today. Some of you might know ol Dave, or some may not, but he hit the big 55 today. This same day in 1977 all would be quiet on a plane...flying over the southern swamps...until the trees started hitting the wings...the fateful day Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane would go down...
I remember one day my dad telling me, "If you can play guitar like this (as he blared the solo in Free Bird), you can do anything you want..."
My dad and I haven't always seen eye to eye but what father son combo have?? When I was younger I had a hard time understanding a lot of things, but now that I'm older and I understand what it means to pay bills on time, work a decent job, and make sure you have money for the doctor (and I don't have kids!)...now that I'm older I understand a lot of things, and for that I'm very thankful.
My dad worked away from home, and was gone a lot, it wasn't easy on anyone, but some things in this world don't come easy. BOTH my parents sacrificed a lot for me and my sister, and I feel they raised us the best way anyone could ask, to know the difference between right and wrong and why you should choose right...instead of wrong.
However, with this being my Dad's bday I thought I would give you some of the things he taught me, both directly and indirectly:
-Always Pay your bills...ON TIME
-If it's broke, fix it, if you can't, find someone who can
-Change your Oil
-Go to Church and Read your Bible
-Moderation is key
I could write for hours on stories, as you probably have figured out by now, I enjoy to talk, However I will wrap this one up as best I can.
My Dad has supported Snake Skin Prison and my decision to move to Austin more than anything in my entire life. Now some might say he was just happy to see me get out of the house at age 25...however I disagree...I think he is happy that I have realized what it is I'm supposed to do with my life. He is happy to see me attack something with such a ferocity that nothing will stand in my way and I will give my entire all...for this dream. Just as I sit back at times and smile at SSP...watching it grow and run...bigger, faster, and stronger...I sometimes wonder if that's how he feels, watching me...grow and run...bigger...faster...stronger.
Who knows, if I have a child one day, I'm sure I will answer that question, but until then, this gnarly headed rock n roll band will have to do...and that's just fine by me.
So I'll leave you with some words of Wisdom by my Dad...Dave Ballengee...Teacher, Coach, Boilermaker, a man I truly am proud to say...is not only my Father...but my Friend...
- "Whatever you do...don't let em see ya sweat" - Said before my first football game as starting quarterback in 8th Grade...
- "Only one way to do a shitty job...and that's to do it!" - As I rake sour apples that I neglected for a week infested with Yellow Jackets...
- "You know them things leak right??" - You can use your imagination on this one...
- "....for if that were to happen son, that would be bad...that would be 9 Kinds of Bad..." - this one is for me to know and you to find out :)
\m/
MB
Growing up in Southern WV, Family values were instilled into me from birth. We did everything together (when able), ate together, watched TV together, went on vacations together, went to Church together. Regardless of how mad my sister might have made me, my mother always said, "One day your father and I will be gone...and your sister will be all you have..."
I know that some people might not have been as fortunate as me, but I was blessed with an awesome family. In one of the hardest times of my life, the first person to call me...was my sister, the same girl that socked me in nuts with my football cleat...she was the first one to call years later when I needed someone...and at that time, I needed someone pretty bad.
So Here's to Family...Love em...hate em...they are still your blood...and that is something special.
My dad's Bday is today. Some of you might know ol Dave, or some may not, but he hit the big 55 today. This same day in 1977 all would be quiet on a plane...flying over the southern swamps...until the trees started hitting the wings...the fateful day Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane would go down...
I remember one day my dad telling me, "If you can play guitar like this (as he blared the solo in Free Bird), you can do anything you want..."
My dad and I haven't always seen eye to eye but what father son combo have?? When I was younger I had a hard time understanding a lot of things, but now that I'm older and I understand what it means to pay bills on time, work a decent job, and make sure you have money for the doctor (and I don't have kids!)...now that I'm older I understand a lot of things, and for that I'm very thankful.
My dad worked away from home, and was gone a lot, it wasn't easy on anyone, but some things in this world don't come easy. BOTH my parents sacrificed a lot for me and my sister, and I feel they raised us the best way anyone could ask, to know the difference between right and wrong and why you should choose right...instead of wrong.
However, with this being my Dad's bday I thought I would give you some of the things he taught me, both directly and indirectly:
-Always Pay your bills...ON TIME
-If it's broke, fix it, if you can't, find someone who can
-Change your Oil
-Go to Church and Read your Bible
-Moderation is key
I could write for hours on stories, as you probably have figured out by now, I enjoy to talk, However I will wrap this one up as best I can.
My Dad has supported Snake Skin Prison and my decision to move to Austin more than anything in my entire life. Now some might say he was just happy to see me get out of the house at age 25...however I disagree...I think he is happy that I have realized what it is I'm supposed to do with my life. He is happy to see me attack something with such a ferocity that nothing will stand in my way and I will give my entire all...for this dream. Just as I sit back at times and smile at SSP...watching it grow and run...bigger, faster, and stronger...I sometimes wonder if that's how he feels, watching me...grow and run...bigger...faster...stronger.
Who knows, if I have a child one day, I'm sure I will answer that question, but until then, this gnarly headed rock n roll band will have to do...and that's just fine by me.
So I'll leave you with some words of Wisdom by my Dad...Dave Ballengee...Teacher, Coach, Boilermaker, a man I truly am proud to say...is not only my Father...but my Friend...
- "Whatever you do...don't let em see ya sweat" - Said before my first football game as starting quarterback in 8th Grade...
- "Only one way to do a shitty job...and that's to do it!" - As I rake sour apples that I neglected for a week infested with Yellow Jackets...
- "You know them things leak right??" - You can use your imagination on this one...
- "....for if that were to happen son, that would be bad...that would be 9 Kinds of Bad..." - this one is for me to know and you to find out :)
\m/
MB
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
ALL ABOARD!!
I have had the privilege to work for some very innovative and inspirational people in my life. And now that I think back to it, the jobs that helped 'sculpt' my view of the business world were all under Self-Employed Bosses, that started their own business...in one way or another. My first job, aside from mowing yards, raking apples, and operating the most popular kissing booth in Monroe County WV, was working at a video store called, "Beyond Video".
The owner, and my boss, Paul Ball was probably one of the coolest people I have ever known. I remember one time myself and one of my friends were sitting outside the store, smoking and Paul pulled up. He got out, walked over and asked us why we were smoking. My friend said, "Cause it'll put hair on my chest..." Paul proceeded to raise his shirt where he had a scar running from his throat to his belly button and said, "Actually it'll put this on your chest..." I put out my cigarette.
Paul also played bass and sang in a band called Bad Habitz. They were the shit...period. He was one helluva front man, and everyone loved Paul Ball. I know I did...and still do. I remember before my first gig EVER...I was playing in a southern rock band called, "Southern Pride" and we were competing in a battle of the bands. Paul called me and said, "I know you'll do well, just do me one favor...do not get f*cked up before the show. You will think you're a lot better when you're actually not..."
Paul continued to operate Beyond Video for 10 years total, which is pretty impressive for small town WV, where businesses flop daily. He never carried porn (which I was disappointed), and he always made it right by his customers. He worked hard and made his own luck.
Snake Skin Prison is definitely a business, hell we're an LLC for crying out loud! We have an attorney, a manager, merchandise gal, credit cards, bank accounts, and tax identification numbers. I never thought it would grow to this, but just as most businesses do...they grow until the point where they are operating on their own. I love checking my email list to see that this last month I have amassed 156 emails...just this month! Jan 1 I set a goal of 1000 emails (I had 145) for the entire year, SSP now has 1500+ and it's growing daily.
A friend asked me, "Do you miss WV??" Of course I do...but I do not have one regret, moving to Austin and starting Snake Skin Prison was the best idea I have ever had...and trust me I have had a good one. Just ask my mom about the time I was painting the front porch white when my dog Levi (Lab) walked by and I painted a stripe right down his back, from his head to his tail...he looked like a skunk...that was a good idea!!
Speaking of good ideas, I have another one...wanna see it here it goes:
Get your Presale Tix @ FrontGate Tickets
Another former boss once told me, "Running a company is like driving a battleship. If everything is going as planned, you just sit back and let it run; however if not and you have to make changes, change directions and turn that sucker around, it can be very trying..."
I feel like for the past 3 years, I have been twisting and turning this gnarly battleship known as SSP...and come Nov 19...I will have it all lined up...and ready to put the EFFin Pedal to the Metal...
I dedicate this band to everyone that has ever busted their back for something they believe in...cause only then...when a man has nothing...he will give anything...just to have something.
Here's to Paul Ball and my race to the top...I'll see you there \m/
"You ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here..." - Paul Ball
The owner, and my boss, Paul Ball was probably one of the coolest people I have ever known. I remember one time myself and one of my friends were sitting outside the store, smoking and Paul pulled up. He got out, walked over and asked us why we were smoking. My friend said, "Cause it'll put hair on my chest..." Paul proceeded to raise his shirt where he had a scar running from his throat to his belly button and said, "Actually it'll put this on your chest..." I put out my cigarette.
Paul also played bass and sang in a band called Bad Habitz. They were the shit...period. He was one helluva front man, and everyone loved Paul Ball. I know I did...and still do. I remember before my first gig EVER...I was playing in a southern rock band called, "Southern Pride" and we were competing in a battle of the bands. Paul called me and said, "I know you'll do well, just do me one favor...do not get f*cked up before the show. You will think you're a lot better when you're actually not..."
Paul continued to operate Beyond Video for 10 years total, which is pretty impressive for small town WV, where businesses flop daily. He never carried porn (which I was disappointed), and he always made it right by his customers. He worked hard and made his own luck.
Snake Skin Prison is definitely a business, hell we're an LLC for crying out loud! We have an attorney, a manager, merchandise gal, credit cards, bank accounts, and tax identification numbers. I never thought it would grow to this, but just as most businesses do...they grow until the point where they are operating on their own. I love checking my email list to see that this last month I have amassed 156 emails...just this month! Jan 1 I set a goal of 1000 emails (I had 145) for the entire year, SSP now has 1500+ and it's growing daily.
A friend asked me, "Do you miss WV??" Of course I do...but I do not have one regret, moving to Austin and starting Snake Skin Prison was the best idea I have ever had...and trust me I have had a good one. Just ask my mom about the time I was painting the front porch white when my dog Levi (Lab) walked by and I painted a stripe right down his back, from his head to his tail...he looked like a skunk...that was a good idea!!
Speaking of good ideas, I have another one...wanna see it here it goes:
Get your Presale Tix @ FrontGate Tickets
Another former boss once told me, "Running a company is like driving a battleship. If everything is going as planned, you just sit back and let it run; however if not and you have to make changes, change directions and turn that sucker around, it can be very trying..."
I feel like for the past 3 years, I have been twisting and turning this gnarly battleship known as SSP...and come Nov 19...I will have it all lined up...and ready to put the EFFin Pedal to the Metal...
I dedicate this band to everyone that has ever busted their back for something they believe in...cause only then...when a man has nothing...he will give anything...just to have something.
Here's to Paul Ball and my race to the top...I'll see you there \m/
"You ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here..." - Paul Ball
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Feed My Frankenstein
So if you haven't heard, Snake Skin Prison's Album Release is 11/19 @ The Parish down town. The Hippest of Hip will be there, so you need to do your part and buy up your Ticket TODAY!! Click HERE to purchase it on FrontGateTickets.
My mom is buying one and she's in WV (I think it'll be motivation to get the Ol' Man back to ATX).
Speaking ol Dave, he retires this year, I wonder how that feels. I mean, I personally wouldn't mind retiring tomorrow, but I told him he could always go to work for SSP, driving the Excursion and stringing geetars!
I have a good friend, Sean Claes from Insite Magazine, writing a very cool blog entitled, "52 Weeks of Music Do it Yourself Advice" ... you can check it here.
Some really good advice in that. Being coming from the school of hard knocks, I had to learn a lot of stuff on my own, through trial and error, and through pure luck. Trust me, when I attended high school in WV, there wasn't an elective called, "Music Promotion 101". So mad props to anyone willing and able to share valuable information such as that.
I can tell you this, it isn't easy, and if it was everyone would be doing it. Everyone wants to be a Rockstar, but no body wants to hang flyers on a Monday night after a 3 day binge. But as I have said since I got here from WV, the difference between winners and losers is quite simple:
Winners Do...Losers Don't.
Case closed, you can take that to the bank, cause that will not bounce!!
Let's see, what else have I been up to...our show last Friday @ Red eyed Fly was awesome, had a great turn out and I personally was excited about playing a show where it wasn't over 90 degrees.
Saturday was Chillaxin day, where I caught some killer rays by my awesome pool, as was Sunday.
During the week I'm pretty mild, playing my guitar, and working for the weekend.
No shows this weekend, but don't think SSP isn't busy...check it out:
So put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Come to the show!
Get your Presale Tix
And Feed my Frankenstein
Love Peace and Chicken Grease
mb
My mom is buying one and she's in WV (I think it'll be motivation to get the Ol' Man back to ATX).
Speaking ol Dave, he retires this year, I wonder how that feels. I mean, I personally wouldn't mind retiring tomorrow, but I told him he could always go to work for SSP, driving the Excursion and stringing geetars!
I have a good friend, Sean Claes from Insite Magazine, writing a very cool blog entitled, "52 Weeks of Music Do it Yourself Advice" ... you can check it here.
Some really good advice in that. Being coming from the school of hard knocks, I had to learn a lot of stuff on my own, through trial and error, and through pure luck. Trust me, when I attended high school in WV, there wasn't an elective called, "Music Promotion 101". So mad props to anyone willing and able to share valuable information such as that.
I can tell you this, it isn't easy, and if it was everyone would be doing it. Everyone wants to be a Rockstar, but no body wants to hang flyers on a Monday night after a 3 day binge. But as I have said since I got here from WV, the difference between winners and losers is quite simple:
Winners Do...Losers Don't.
Case closed, you can take that to the bank, cause that will not bounce!!
Let's see, what else have I been up to...our show last Friday @ Red eyed Fly was awesome, had a great turn out and I personally was excited about playing a show where it wasn't over 90 degrees.
Saturday was Chillaxin day, where I caught some killer rays by my awesome pool, as was Sunday.
During the week I'm pretty mild, playing my guitar, and working for the weekend.
No shows this weekend, but don't think SSP isn't busy...check it out:
So put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Come to the show!
Get your Presale Tix
And Feed my Frankenstein
Love Peace and Chicken Grease
mb
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