November
19

Seattle, Washington

After a day of rest at home, I headed over to the infamous Sunset Tavern in Ballard where we would be playing with Alta May and The Valley, two great rock bands from the Seattle area. These guys tore up the stage before we were lucky enough to do our thing one last time. We played our exhausted hearts out and did pretty well.

During our set it occurred to me that I have been down this road before, playing a final show with a band and realizing this moment means more to us than anyone watching us. Realizing that we have been very much alive for the last 66 days, taking in every detail of every moment in a million other places so that every note we play is newly inspired with the things we have seen, done, and felt. Did they notice the difference? Is there a difference? It is impossible to remove yourself from the equation, but I would have to say there indeed was a difference. We may not have been tighter as a band, but I do believe that in the last 66 days each of us has been challenged in our purpose, and we have answered that challenge with a simple statement. Music is important. It is worth travelling 12,000 miles to play indie music every day and prove to ourselves and anyone who cares to listen, that music is for everyone, it is powerful, it is real, and it is one of the only true cultural expressions of our time that is celebrated by all walks of life.

I for one am proud and grateful I was able to go on this trip, thanks to Mike, Chris, Colin, and Gordon for making the tour worth it. Anyone that has read this regularly, or not so regularly, thank you for finding the time, I hope you have enjoyed it.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, the end of the road

November
18

Portland, Oregon

We rose early and headed out of Corvallis toward Portland where we would be recording at Haywire Studies with Rob, the gentleman that booked the tour for us. The studio is in Rob’s basement, a cavernous series of small recording rooms and one basic control room. We spent most of the afternoon and evening tracking four songs which Mike will lay vocals over at a later date. We played our best and felt good with what we recorded considering we had only an afternoon to get it all done.

After we wrapped up with recording we headed over to the venue in downtown Portland where we would be playing with We’re From Japan, an excellent Portland band kind enough to fit us on the bill with them. We had played with these fellas the first night of our tour in Spokane, which seems like ages ago, it was nice to hear these guys play again.

This show marked Colin’s last performance of the tour, and since he is now calling Portland home, Chris, Gordon, and I said our good-byes after the show (our dolphin brother shall be missed.) We left Mike behind for one last night away as we flew up I-5 eager to return to our loved ones early the next day. It is sad to see things come to a close, but a break from the rigors of the road will be welcomed. One more date tomorrow before we can truly recuperate.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

November
17

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is a quintessential liberal Northwest college town. With eclectic restaurants, stylish bars, and progressive thinking the city is sophisticated while maintaining the appeal of a small town. Although we were only in the area for a few hours, my first impressions were that this town is as interesting and unique as Lawrence, Kansas or Madison, Wisconsin, two of my favorite discoveries on this trip. It was strange being here for the first time considering I have lived only a few hours away in Seattle for about five years. I will need to come back and see more.

At the show we played with a great local band and an interesting touring band out of Boston named Junius whom is currently in the midst of their own tour right now. The looks on these guy’s faces reminded me of what it was like to be across the country, far from home, in the middle of a tour. This look isn’t bad, just unfamiliarly nomadic and maybe just a little tired.

After the show we abruptly left town heading towards Corvallis, where Colin’s girlfriend was kind enough to provide us with floor space. One more day before we hit Seattle, it is hard to believe the trip is coming to a close.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene, Oregon