Fireworks & Ninja Supplies

Left-Handed Drum Sticks

Nevik — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:15:37 GMT

When I first started playing the drum kit, I set things up for a lefty. My uncle Devon (the music teacher at my little school) told me that I would need to swap things around as they no longer made left-handed drum sticks. I complied. I think I was 7 or so, but certainly naive. :-) He's the same guy that asked me if I was going to join band when I hit 4th grade. I agreed and signed "trumpet" on the form. When I arrived to band class on the first day, he looked at the form and said "You're going to play drums or I'll break your neck." Since I wasn't sure if he was joking or not, I agreed! :D I started drumming in clubs with his band when I was 12. It was in December in Vandalia, Illinois and a big band had just wrapped up their show. I had a little trouble keeping up since I wasn't used to playing that long. Fortunately, the band was kind and also seemed to enjoy the novelty of a little kid playing the drums for them. My uncle and I used to play "Wipeout" together. The crowds were usually people between 40-80 years old. They seemed to enjoy it despite the volume. We played it by request no less than five times in Keysport one evening. They were holding dance contests and gave out stuffed animals to the winners. It was tough to keep up with him. He would put his bass guitar down, come over to the drums, and we would cut loose. The song format was: first two times through were normal, the third time was a triplet feel, and the fourth time through was as fast as we (I) could go! After some years of doing this, I used to think I was doing great, cranking along at a really quick tempo, when I would look over and Devon (my uncle) would be playing some crazy sticking pattern! I'm struggling to keep the tempo and he's playing paradiddles (or other rudimental patterns)! He could play circles around me with ease. He never let me slow down. I felt a strong responsibility to maintain the tempo and not let him down. There were many little things I learned from him about music, life, things in general. He would even let me play my Toto 8-track in the van when we were driving to gigs. He was more like my best friend than my uncle. He recently retired from playing and sold off his gear. I was really saddened by this. Not only because he wouldn't be playing anymore, but I would no longer have the opportunity to drum with him again. I sent him a copy of the Black Drum CD. He said he enjoyed it and was (then) playing it regularly. My earliest memory of him is attending a recital (a duet he played with his friend Doug). I don't recall a lot about it outside of being impressed! I was very young then but it left quite an impression. No wonder I wanted to play his drums when I had the opportunity. Anyway, this is my meandering tribute to one of my best friends, Uncle Devon. If anyone is due a big thanks for the connection to me and drumming, it's him. Otherwise, I might have had my neck broken. ;-) The photo was taken the last time we played "Wipeout" together. You can tell it was a long time ago as I still had hair. :D

"Rakshasa" set free! A gift to the community with love!

Nevik — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:51:37 GMT

The Black Drum - "Rakshasa" was born out of a six-week break from touring with the crazy notion that there would be time enough for one person to write, rehearse, record, mix, master, and design art for a complete package. This personal challenge was met and became a reality despite so little time (not without some hair loss!). Music from "Rakshasa" has been used in films, commercials, and for various choreographies created by dance troupes from around the country (for this I am extremely grateful). In thanks to the amazing support that "Rakshasa" has received, I am gifting it to the community as a free download (it's time to return the love!). The follow-up CD should be completed by November '08. A big ol' thanks to everyone for making "Rakshasa" such a positive and successful learning experience! http://www.legionofdoumbek.com/ :-)

Busted for soliciting...opinions!

Nevik — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:49:34 GMT

Some of you may be aware that I work with a group called Teribus. I could use your input! Teribus would love to have your feedback, comments, criticisms, and critiques regarding the demos from our soon-to-be-released CD. You can listen to the demos on our MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/teribusmusic Teribus has a tribe too! It's full of lunatic ravings, so you've been warned! http://tribes.tribe.net/teribus We will begin mixing this Friday in order to meet our deadline of having the CD ready for release at the Pennsic War. Songs are subject to change (possibly into something more comfortable, or a werewolf!). Here's your chance to act like a producer and have an impact on a recording project! Requests for more drums will upset the pipers. Requests to turn the pipes down will be met with vacuous expressions. Requests to play "Amazing Grace" or "Scotland The Brave" will be met with hostility. :p Take a moment to listen and we'll do the same and thanks! :D

Antici...

Nevik — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:44:27 GMT

...pation! Christina and I went in for the ultrasound today. Wait...let me back up. The other evening she said something like "I think I feel the baby moving." That's a normal thing for a pregnant woman to say, right? So I get curious (killed the cat, right?). I place my ear up against her stomach to listen for any sound my damaged ears can pick up (selectively ignoring the digestive processes). No sooner had I pressed my ear to her belly when I felt a kick to the side of my head! BABY NINJA!!! The ultrasound has determined that Baby Ninja is a GIRL!!! p.s. Don't tell my wife about this blog. She will kick my arse! After all, she is the Mommy Ninja!

Just around the corner...

Nevik — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:07:07 GMT

...and up around the bend. Pennsic is coming soon. Teribus is coming to Pennsic. Recording Teribus music. New computer dedicated just for recording music. Free goodies coming soon to download to your computer. Freedom is only as free as is the state of mind in which it resides. Lend an ear to bend your mind. It will make turning your corner much easier in time. N'red liwl eb het sirft ot ese het centonoincs. :D