Chronicle Caucus

Turn up The Radio!!  What's up fine ladies and gents that so graciously and kindly follow this blog.  I hope New Years wasn't too rough on ya, and hopefully you're filling the ol rock n roll gas tank for an awesome beginning to 2012. 

Now, not that I believe in that Mayan stuff about the end of the world happening in 2012, I do believe in this:  You have to live every day like it's your last, so this whole, "I'm living 2012 as if it's the last year on earth"...news flash...I've been living like that since May 10, 1981!!

2012 has a lot in store for SSP, and I can not wait to share it with you as we climb this mountain together.  So in the words of Kix: "Hold on...Hold on Tight...I'll Make Everything Alright!!" (that's right I quoted Kix!)

First order of business, all this talk of politics and voting and republicans and democrats, one can't get lost in all the YouTube babble and forget about the yearly Austin Chronicle Music Poll where you the listener gets a chance to voice your opinion.  Whereas there are a lot of awesome bands out there, here @ the SSP Camp we ask that you please take a quick second, click that link ( or HERE ) and vote Snake Skin Prison as Austin's Best Metal Band.  Last year we clocked in at number 6...so let's stuff those ballot boxes!!  Remember if you don't vote than you can't complain (my mom used to tell my dad that).  You can also check it out HERE on Facebook.

I typically despise voting contests, but will save you the ranting and raving, you can check out a previous blog entitled "V is for Victory" if you need some more rock n roll doctrine!

I'm also super excited to announce Snake Skin Prison has been invited to play The Texas Independence Fest.  This takes place the first weekend of March, at The Cotton Gin and Longhorn Ranch in Maxwell Texas.  Now if you're saying, "Where in the Eff is that??" as I did...you can hit their website HERE and they have all the info you need from Bands to Camping to Pictures from last year.  They have Early Bird Tix for $30!!  That's a steal.  Last year David Allen Coe and Down headlined, so I'm super pumped to see who the National Headliners are this year.

Alright, so in closing what did we learn here today?
-Vote SSP in the Austin Chronicle's Music Poll as Best Metal Band
-Get them presale tickets for the Texas Independence Fest...the biggest festival in Texas
-If you don't vote you can't complain
-I have gotten really good at creating hyperlinks within my blog

Over and Out!
MB

Smokin EggNog!!

WOW!!

Let me say that again...WOW!!

If you didn't make it out to this year's "A Very Metal Christmas" then I'm sorry to say you missed one helluva night. Shot Blocks...Chair Massages...Holiday Drink Specials...VIP...and much more!!  Final count through the door was 380 people...not too shabby for the weekend before Christmas.  I personally would like to thank everyone involved from Chronolung and Yayo for putting on great shows to The Parish, our sponsors: Insite Magazine, Massage Envy, and Grahams Treaty Oak  Wine and Spirits, and all those in the SSP Camp that worked hard to promote, sell tickets, and make this a night for the books.

We also had Austin photographer Debbie Jane there, and you can check out all the gnarly photos she took HERE .  So with all that being said, be sure to get your mind right for "A Very Metal Christmas 2" cause we are definitely doing this again next year!!

Now moving forward, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and got if not everything...most of what they asked for.  Among the awesome gifts I rec'd I was also pumped to get the "Ruff" mixes for the new tunes we recorded and I must say it sounds delicious!!  I can't wait for the final product to hit the streets.  Be sure to keep a close watch, cause we'll have more detail on that soon.

Also!! Snake Skin Prison is selling our SSP Hoodies...we only got a limited number printed, so you better get yours today...what better way to keep warm while beating the streets to all those live shows you like to attend :) ... Email us HERE for details!

I was asked this past weekend of my favorite Christmas Memory...and I had to think long and hard about it.  Now remember, I think it's safe to say that we were a middle class family, we definitely weren't rich, but weren't poor...bent but not broke as I like to say.  I can remember being a youngster and getting up @ 3am!!  and I can remember once older, after one too many spiked egg nogs wished I could sleep until noon.  Regardless, thinking back I want to say that my favorite...present...memory would be when my Dad got me my first electric guitar and amp.  I remember turning that baby on,   didn't know the first thing about Highs...Mids...Lows...the only thing I knew was to turn them all up!!  And that I did.  Luckily now I have Keef to help me with all that nonsense :) ... the guitar was an Ovation (yes Electric) Ultra GS.  That's when the beast was first fed...I dove into Early Metallica, Megadeth and Ozzy.  I also waded my way through piles of Lynyrd Skynyrd southern fried licks.  I fell in love with that guitar, and still love it to this day.  And believe it or not, I still play it almost every day.  I'll trade a car...I'll trade a pedal...I'll trade an amp...but I will never EVER sell/trade a guitar...and here she is to prove it...15 years later...

So remember kids...Snake Skin Prison loves ya and thanks you for your support through a VERY Successful 2011, and I already warned 2012, we're about ready to grab him by the balls...

I hope you all have a very safe New Year's...please don't drink and drive...in the words of my old boss Paul Ball, "we can always get another car, but we can't get another you!" ...

See ya on the streets...
MB

I Want my SSP!!!

"Now look at them yo-yo's, that's the way you do it
You play the guitar on the M.T.V.
That ain't working, that's the way you do it
Money for nothing and your chicks for free"

Well I ain't on MTV; definitely ain't getting money for nothing or chicks for free, but one might argue we could be close.  It has definitely been a super busy week for us here at the SSP camp!  Last night, we finished up a new song in the studio then hauled balls up to KLBJ to Rock with Loris Lowe on Local Licks.  We have been pumping the EFF outta "A Very Metal Christmas" and just released this promo video for your viewing pleasure: 

If you were witness to last year's show at the Parish, our album release for "9 Kinds of Bad", you know what kind of party we're talking about.  We have been pounding the pavement selling Pre-Sale tickets and I believe we might still have a few left...but they are selling as we speak (which is a great feeling).  You can get your ticket HERE .  I can't stress enough how easy it is to just hop online, place the order, have them set to "Will Call" and BAM...not only did you save money, but you don't have to keep up with a ticket.  Just show up!! 

Also, I know a lot of people were wanting to come in from out of town and were inquiring about a hotel.  Well, here in SSP Land, we try our best to take care of YOU first!  Management reached out to a couple hotels downtown, but unfortunately, our reputation precedes us...they were afraid of the "after party" factor, thus we were unable to get a block of rooms.  Seriously?? Snake Skin Prison...After Party...is that even real??  However, if you check on HOTELS.COM you can get hotels for as cheap as $70...and the last time I checked that's better than a DWI...remember kids...use your noggin!

VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP

We have VIP packages Available!!  for $30 (this doesn't include admission, so you would have to buy a ticket as well...$40 total) you get: 

VIP/Band Access only Full service bar
VIP/Band Access only Area
Snake Skin Prison Spiked Egg Nog (while supplies last)
3 Drink tickets includes SSP Holiday Shot Block
SSP Stocking Stuffer
SSP Holiday chair massage provided by Massage envy
Signed Official VMC 12x18 poster

You will be able to upgrade at the venue as well...fyi...remember PRESALE TICKETS HERE you know you're gonna wana...EVERYBODY's Doing it!!

VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP VIP 

Also...whew this is a lot of typing!  We will have new merch as well...just in time for those Christmas Presents!!  

Snake Skin Prison has been hard at work in the studio, but also in the Lab writing new music.  So get your mind right, this isn't just going to be a Snake Skin Prison show...This is gonna be A Very Metal Christmas!!! 

"Get your money for nothing, get your chicks for free
Money for nothing, chicks for free
Look at that, look at that
Get your money for nothing, get your chicks for free (I
want my, I want my, I want my SSP.)
Money for nothing and chicks for free
Easy, easy"

Aimed at You!!

 As most youngsters growing up in a hard working middle class family, I wasn't handed money to spend.  Once I got to a certain age and needed (or so I thought) things, I would bug the crap out of my parents, and most of the time their defenses were strong.  So, typical Matt Ballengee, instead of going without I started to hatch a plan on how I could make some cashola.  

I did several jobs, put up hay (twice...and that was enough), ran the clock for basketball games or kept the books for the slow pitch softball games (thanks Coach Boothe!)...but the one occupation I did regularly was mow lawns.  So on the hunt I went...in search of the lawn to be mowed.

So, a cousin's hubby, we'll call him...uhm...well how about Ed...lol...he took a chance and gave me the job of mowing his yard.  Now mind you, this wasn't a very big lot...not even half an acre...maybe not even 1/3 of an acre...but that wasn't the selling point for me...the selling point??  Self Propelled baby!!  Easy $$. 

I mowed a couple times and Ed paid me, and then one day I was in his living room, after working the mower, and he said, "ya know what you need??  Turn around there and pick a CD...that can be your payment..."  I turned around and man O man, there had to be a thousand CD's!!!  I was like, "holy Cow...CDs!!  These are better than tapes!!"  I thought for sure Ed was rich.  So I was looking and looking, keep in mind still fresh and developing my musical tastes...so I really didn't know what I wanted...or should take.  After several minutes, Ed goes, "Here...hell it ain't that hard...this is the one you need!!!"  

Now granted, he could've handed me Madonna...Vern Gosden...or Run DMC...but nope...he handed me a CD that I quote as a definite influence on myself as a musician...

PANTERA "COWBOYS FROM HELL"  

I remember going home and blasting that baby enough to where my parents thought I was gonna burn the house down and start a cult...they had never heard anything like this, my dad's like, "boy this ain't The Freebirds of Southern Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!"  But something just kept me playing it...I can't explain it.  

And that my friends is how you know you got it.  When you can reach out across the country and infect people's lives, hearts, and minds with your music.  And regardless of what kind've music you're making (in my book as long as YOU are making it...be it with a guitar...a banjo...a trumpet...any INSTRUMENT)if your music does that...it's better than gold.  

"Better than gold??  Matt you're crazier than a shit house rat!!!"  <---that's probably what you're thinking...well actually that's exactly what I am :).  However...

This body is just a vessel and will carry us as far as it can...then we will move on...but the music...the music my friends will last for ever...whether there be an ear to hear it or not...it will never die.

Today is the day Dimebag Darrell died, and even though I never met Dime...he reached out and touched my life, changed my life, blew my speakers, and gave me something to strive for.  

For that I am very thankful.  

So crank the Dimebag of your choice folks, scare the parents a bit (it's good for them), sling a black tooth grin if you so choose...and remember....

WE'RE TAKING OVER THIS TOWN

Don't forget our Christmas EVENT!!

PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE CLICK HERE!

PRESALE TIX AVAILABLE ONLINE CLICK HERE!!!

Save the Blessing for the Final Ring

Money Money Money...oh how people long for it every day; then get it and realize it brings more problems then they could ever imagine.  One of Kid Rock's Lyrics (yes I'm quoting Kid Rock, his album "Devil Without a Cause" I can listen to from beginning to end without skipping one song) states, "I wish I had your life, and I know you wish you had mine..."...or something to that extent.

I remember when I was younger my mother told me, "Matthew, you can make $30,000 a year or $300,000 a year...you're still going to spend it."  And you know what that's true.  My first job I got, working at a video store (BEYOND VIDEO FO LIFE), making $5/hr...straight cash...why you might ask?  Cause cash don't leave no tracks that's why :) ... anyways...I remember thinking, "Man if I could only make more money...I could afford the things I want and need!!"  Like a new stereo for my truck, or a new combo amp...yeah those are things I definitely need!! LOL.

Then as I progress down this twisted highway we call life, I had a job making $10/hr...DOUBLE what I was making at Beyond Video.  DOUBLE...had you told me while renting a "Girls Gone Wild" video that one day I would make double...I would've laughed in your face then offered you free popcorn...

However, making $10/hr still wasn't enough...I still found myself spending it and needing more.  EFF!  If only I made more money...so I moved to Austin, chasing that neon rainbow and got a job making $16/hr...Oh...now we're talking...take me straight to the dealership and I'll have one of your newest...hmmm..wait I still need more money...If only...

If only...sounds like a statement of someone that's going to wish their life away...always dreaming and wanting more, never being satisfied. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in wanting more and using that fire to burn the desire to attack your dreams, however, that doesn't mean you shouldn't appreciate the things you have...the time you have...or the family and friends you have...cause trust me sweet cheeks...NONE of that is a guarantee.

And you can take that to the bank!!

I thought about this whole money deal when hearing about the NBA lockout.  I assume it went something like this:

Owner: "Sorry son, we're gonna have to take a bit more off the top, gas is rising and filling up my Hummer SUT isn't cheap."
Player: "What?!?! are you nuts??  Have you filled up a Lambo lately??  I need more money, insurance is a B!tch"

LOL...Maybe...

Then I thought...wait a minute!!  I got it the answer to this whole debacle...let's treat em like unsigned bands...then it would go like this:

Owner: "Alright son, you've practiced really hard, and you're really good, you got a big game coming up...so we're going to pay you based on attendance...not all attendance, just the people that quote your name coming through the door, then after taking %'s for my costs...we'll pay you"

Something tells me you'd get a better quality game real quick...and they probably wouldn't be arguing about gassing their Lambo...

Either way, I think it's a bit of a shame, with everything going on in the world around us and these jokers can't even get the season underway.  Hopefully with no NBA, people will have more disposable income to get out and support some music!! 

This weekend SSP Travels to San Angelo to our home away from home known as The Deadhorse!  I've spoken of The Deadhorse before, but if you haven't checked them out, you should...it's more fun than one should have in one day!!

Then SSP has in order off to prepare for the Christmas Event of the Year!!

Snake Skin Prison Presents "A Very Metal Christmas!!" 

 

We are pre-selling tickets for $10.....they will be $15 the day of...so if you're planning on coming you better hit us up.  Anyone in the band can help you, or you can email ME HERE . 

If you were in attendance at last year's Album Release @ The Parish then you know what's up!!  This year will be double the action...And you can take that to bank as well!!  

At about 0:40 sec you see a great shot of the crowd that came out!!
Click HERE to see more vids from that Killer NIGHT!!


Alright...Keep those heads held high and the tolerance held higher...
We'll be seeing ya on the FLIP!!

MB

Everybody's Doing It

So we're selling tickets hot and heavy now!! After a killer weekend in San Antonio, and San Marcos the weekend before; "A Very Metal Christmas" is alive and running!! We've also added the first band to the bill. Austin's own, "Chronolung"!! CHECK EM OUT!!

Snake Skin Prison headlined The Deadhorse in San Angelo a while back and these guys were on the bill. I personally was impressed and when the time came to start booking for VMC (that's A Very Metal Christmas for you newbies) I knew these guys would work well.

MORE bands to be announced, this party is just getting started folks...so you better save your drinking money and get your Presale tickets today. Only $10 if you pick them up from someone in the band....soon to be available online via Front Gate Tickets...and of course if you're going to be a hard ass...you can pay "day of" prices of $15.

December 17th it's going down, it's on like Saigon, I promise you this to be the biggest event Snake Skin Prison has ever been apart of, and definitely the LOUDEST Christmas Party Austin has seen \m/.




Also...Snake Skin Prison is hard at it writing new tunes, preparing to hit the studio before the end of the year (fingers crossed). If you've caught a live show recently, then you've heard some new tunage...but there's plenty more where that came from. So spread the word...get excited!! It's a great day to be a part of Snake Skin Prison...and a part of it you are!!

Top 5 Songs I listen to when it's too late to call anyone because the rest of the world is sleeping...I'm sitting there watching cigarette smoke dance against the wall and the sunlight shimmer the the trees outside my apartment
In no particular Order
"Over and Under It" - Five Finger Death Punch
"Crazy Horse I Am" - Black Label Society
"What Ya Gonna Do" - Hinder
"Fall of the Peacemakers" - Molly Hatchet
"Venus Bound" - Unknown Hinson

Live Life Like You're on Vacation!
Imma blastin off!!

MB

Good Night Austin Texas...wherever you are

Welcome Welcome my faithful blog reader!! It's been a while, since I put the pen to the paper in the form of this blog, so I figured I'd better touch base before you forgot about me!!
Things have been busy for The Rock n Roll Pain Train...let's see, we played Tulsa (first time outside of the great state of Texas), and we have also scheduled our Christmas Event, "A Very Metal Christmas"....I'm super stoked for this event, it's more than just a "show"...it's gonna be an event...of epic proportions.
Click the Poster to view the Event on Facebook Now this next part is very important...so I need you to take a minute and focus...you will see this material again!!
Tickets will be $15 the day of the show, and $12 if you order them online presale....HOWEVER...being that Snake Skin Prison is on YOUR side, we have physical pre-prints: For $10!! Save some money peeps! You can get them from myself, Keith or Marc...just shoot whoever a message and let's sell some tickets!! Now...check this out!! Let's say you're outgoing, good looking, highly popular, and just flat out a good sales person...Let's say you're a go getter that likes to show off your people skills and initiative. If this describes you, I got just the thing. If sell some tickets for SSP's "A Very Metal Christmas" then you could get the following: 1. Sell 5 Tickets and Keef will buy you a Jager Bomb
2. Sell 10 Tickets and Keef will buy your ticket and a jager bomb
3. Sell 15 or more tickets...and SSP will give you Keef...fo life

Seriously :) ... just collect the $10 each from your rocking friends, hit up someone in the band, and we'll make arrangements to make the swap. It's like a drug deal, just not illegal. There is a lot of info still to come, the lineup is being finalized as we speak, and if you know anything about Snake Skin Prison let me just say the "wheels" of creativity are turning and this will definitely be an event you don't want to miss. Check it out!! HERE Invite your friends spread the word and help make "A Very Metal Christmas" the shindiggity!!
Alright, now with all that being said, we had a great weekend in San Marcos, had a couple hurdles thrown into the mix, but when you mix good friends and bottles of booze, there's really nothing you can't overcome. For those of you that missed the debut of Knuckle Keefers Sammich, it was actually really good and totally cool. For reasons that are none of my business, KS was in need of a bass player and in my Love Juiced mind suggested they contact Keef!! So...Keefers filled in and did awesome.
We also got to pull out our newest creation, "The Place the Sun Doesn't Shine"...I'm really digging this jam, and I think the crowd was as well. We don't have any video footage of it yet, but I'll post the lyrics for ya's...


<Well the sun came down but it never come up…oh them mountains stood way too high Life is hard living above ground….but it’s harder workin down in the mine Oh…you break your back infect your lungs…pray the mountain’s mercy received Blacken your body for the hourly wage…it’s the only life you ever would live

That bright light fades the deeper you go down...the air is hard to breathe Most go in and most come out...but nothing is a guarantee

Set em up top and drill em down low…the money gets blacker with time Said their ain’t no life if their ain’t no coal…everyday your life’s on the line….

The Place the sun doesn't shine

You see a man’s gotta do what a mans gotta do…to keep his family covered and fed And if you ain’t gonna leave you get your ass underground…slap the helmet down on your head It sure ain't easy, and it sure is tough, Lord they doing it every day 12 hours in and 12 hours out, pray the mountain don't take you away

Set em up top and drill em down low…the money gets blacker with time Said their ain’t no life if their ain’t no coal…everyday your life’s on the line….

The Place the sun doesn't shine


Also, I'm excited about SSP hitting up the studio and recording some new tunes in the next couple months...a lot is about to change, I can feel it.

Come see us in San Antonio this Saturday!!



Till Next Time!
Adios!!
M 2 da B