Thursday, April 29, 2010

the Day After part three

Can a 6 string be as effective as a 12 step program? That was the question. And why not just go in to a 12 step program.

There's a reason it's called a "support group". There will be people there to support you. But the idea of a support group, at that time, had a bad aura to me. Foolish pride can block beautiful relationships. Looking back, almost 9 years later, that the support group would've been awesome! I could've met new friends. Networked with like minded people. But no. Not Chad Cavanaugh. Because I'm too smart. (that was sarcasm)

I spent my days alone. Miserable. Me and this guitar. A friend, Mark Kuwik, had shown me the CAGED chords and some scales. I took it from there. Finding issues of Guitar World and Guitar World Acoustic that had tablature of songs I liked. I would see the name of the chord and get intimidated. But when I saw what the actual chord was I would breathe a sigh of relief at the fact that I didn't have to grow an extra finger or hand to play it.

I began writing numerous songs. Usually based in a G-C-D structure. I found that my need to have something in my hands, like a beer or cigarette, was becoming satisfied with this guitar. Slowly and painfully was the learning process. But as the callouses on my finger tips began to grow and harden, my skills began to slowly improve. Next thing I knew, it was 3 months and about two weeks. I didn't feel a need at all to drink or smoke. I had been studying to get my real estate license, get a career going (at the age of 28-better late than never) and had just taken the state exam. Now, all I had to do was wait until Tuesday to get the results online to see if I passed or not.

Up until this time, I was working in a sign shop with my cousin. He didn't really have work for me or much he could pay me. But he made room for me anyway. One of the great acts of kindness shown to me. In surfing terms, it was a great Aloha he had bestowed on me. To give even though he couldn't. He struggled with his own bills but willingly brought me in to help me. How do you repay such unconditional generosity? I was wholly appreciative of this, but knew that I wanted to do more. Hence, the real estate. It could be a pathway to stability. My own home. Become my own island so to speak. So I was rally anxious to get started in Real Estate, and Tuesday was a day I had been waiting for for months. My patience with my situation had long since expired. I was ready to be on my own, cultivate relationships and start a life. But It all depended on Tuesday. Tuesday was the end to months and months of waiting to start a new life...

Tuesday was a day that began with the phone ringing earlier than would be deemed considerate. I didn't answer it. I remember thinking to myself, "I have no love for a phone call this early". It stopped ringing. A minute later, rang again. I heard my cousin go out of his room and answer the phone. I couldn't hear the words being said. I just remember the hurried footsteps towards my door. A rapping at the door.

"Dude, you gotta get out here and see this!" there was panic in his voice. My first thought was that a coyote had gotten a hold of the cat and I was going to have to clean up the mess. Then he said "they flew into the twin towers".

This Tuesday was September 11, 2001.

We sat all day, as the rest of the nation did, fixated to the horrible images on the screen. It had been 3 and a half months. I wanted a cigarette...

To be continued...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I Have An Idea

It is all based on this one question...

When professional athletes get fined for being idiots or big mouthed (coaches as well) where does that money go?

Recently the Center for the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard, was fined $35,000 USD for his comments he made about officials on his blog. Where does that money go? That could be a teachers salary!

I think that the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL and MLS should get together and put all monies derived from player and coach fines in an escrow account. There should be a way for communities on down to individuals to qualify for this money. It wouldn't be a loan, either. It would be a write off for the perspective league and benefit someone in need. It wouldn't be a lottery.

Not everyone could win.

Joe Moneybags (pretty sure not a real person) couldn't get his hands on it. But Jane Teacher or Jim Guidance Counselor could (pretty sure they aren't real people, but you get my drift). Or have it go to a wounded warrior fund or to take care of the families who have lost a mother or father(household provider) to the call of duty, whether it be domestic or abroad. Or to create more parks/recreational facilities kids could use after school/during the Summer break.

Does this already exist? Am I a day late and a dollar short? Does anyone disagree with this idea? How can we make this happen?

My name is Chad Cavanaugh. Singer/songwriter/Stay at home Dad. And I have an idea...

In the meantime- please download my new album:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/chadcavanaugh2

thank you! Love you, miss you!

the Day After part two

So I've just woken up in a strange place and don't recognize myself. It's May 27, 2001. What I'm about to discover is not something anyone ever wants to find out.

I'm the problem.

How did this happen? I thought I was the funny one. The witty one. The charming one. You mean to tell me that people weren't laughing with me, they were laughing at me? You mean to tell me that I was the a**hole? You mean to tell me that I was the bad guy?

Continued failed relationships, numerous jobs that couldn't be held, strained family and friend relationships. A trail of left behind belongings strewn about the country. Parted with a coyote will chew its leg off when caught in a trap. How did life come to this.

28 years old, overweight, no job, no home to call my own and I don't know where I stand with some of the most important people in my family. Where to begin the road to recovery? My brother suggested seeking AA. That was, at the time and in mi=y mind, beneath me. I was still in denial. How funny, I just realize I have a problem and instead of going to where there would be a community of supportive people, I shun the idea. So I've realized there is a problem but I'm not smart enough to fix it.

The one photo on my sisters fridge of me was me holding a beer, eyes red. That's what my niece would see. Not her Uncle but her Druncle. A 6'5" 240 pound mass of uncontrollable drinking and smoking that knew no moderation. The complete opposite of what I had become in the US Army. This realization of degradation was embarrassing. There was a long road ahead of me to right the wrongs and set a course to something worthwhile.

A Takamine G-230 sat within arms length. A gift a month before from my sister. 6 strings. Could they be as effective as 12 steps?

to be continued...

Soundtrack To My Day

They say you should love the things that love you back. I'm gonna give some love right now!

Howard Stump is a music fan. If you ever wanna find out about new artists that haven't hit big yet, he probably has the inside scoop on it. Between him and his friend, Bounmy Sayasane, they got a tight grip on this subject. I mention these two because I have recently been fortunate to "meet" them via Twitter/Facebook. Before I knew it, they both had my album, the CoffeehousE RebellioN, and were constantly promoting it over the social network airwaves. That is a dream come true for an independent artist like myself. To have two complete strangers ,with no solicitation from me, promote what I do because they like it so much. For that I am eternally grateful.

So I wanna talk about an award wining blog site. It's called the Soundtrack To My Day (http://soundtracktomyday.blogspot.com). The author is Howard Stump, @hrstump on Twitter (Follow him). He was awarded the 2010 Best Blog About Music award ( the Bloggies) and loves to share the music he loves from his youth up until now.

Today, my new album, We Got Love, received another unsolicited review. The first was for the CoffeehousE RebellioN. I gotta say I am honored by the words used to express how he feels about my music. It is very rewarding as most reviews come only after you submit your music to a specific periodical. Usually given to someone you may already know. You're never guaranteed anything you wanna hear as it pertains to the review. You can only hope they are feeling what you're putting on wax, so to speak.

So, to Howard, I say a big thank you. I appreciate your support of what I do and the fact that you consistently promote me along with the other musicians you promote. I am truly honored and touched by this!

Let me also acknowledge some other people by their twitter names that are huge supporters and worthy Follows.
@bsayasane, @shemarrs, @caspeta, @janeasher, @unsignedsunday

Thank you all.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Day After part one

I remember the days when this particular day, April 27th, was spent in bed until about 4 or 5pm with a massive hangover. Wishing for someone, anyone just to bring some water. Looking for the cat that took a cr*p in my mouth. Swearing up and down that I will never drink or smoke again. Wondering who is operating the jackhammer inside my head.

Man am I glad those days are gone. Here it is, April 27th, and I feel better than ever. I'm getting older AND better. And to think I figured I'd be dead by now. Not kidding. The path of destruction was, to me, a fun and glorious path. It was a path that was more so one that was, in reality, running from responsibility and accountability. But I justified it by some stupid high reasoning like, I'm cool and everyone else is wrong. Or whatever I had done was not my fault. Everyone else is wrong because I'm too cool to be wrong. Does this sound familiar? Do you feel this way or know someone who does?

Then the ultimate day in my life came-May 27th, 2001. I woke up in an unfamiliar room, with an unfamiliar person and did not recognize myself. At that moment I had an epiphany, a moment of clarity, whatever you call it.

I was the problem. I was the wrong one. I was the a**hole.

This did not sit well...

to be continued

Monday, April 26, 2010

Truly Blessed

What a day. It ain't even over. It's been a bit overwhelming, though. I've been getting a lot of love all day as it is my birthday .I'm truly blessed with hundreds of people that have been very thoughtful toward me. People from my childhood, my high school days, my army days, my bar tending days, my college days, my multiple odd job days and my music days. Along with lots of family, I am truly blessed.

Got an awesome gig booked for June which will require out of state travel. getting lots of radio play and I have a new album available online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/chadcavanaugh2. Go on and download it, because that is what it is there for. For you to download and to listen to. Because I love having people sing along to my songs at shows.

We went to Sushi Deli 2 today. it was awesome. Chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura and on and on. AWESOME! I recommend it! It was lunch special C.

You wanna know what else is really cool? Our zoo. The San Diego Zoo is an incredible world that transports you to the different regions of the world. It's like going from the Amazon to the rain forests of the Congo. From the Chinese mountain ranges to the Serengeti in Africa and from the North American plains to the Polar wilderness of the North and in between. Soaring Aviaries, elaborate enclosures and a topography that is constantly moving up and down. I have fallen in love with this place and its denizens. Memba, the Silverback, and Frank, the baby Gorilla are a favorite of mine. The African Lions up in the Elephant Odyssey can make your skin crawl when they start roaring. A roar that can be heard throughout the park. The Siamangs that share their habitat with the Urangutans are incredibly entertaining gymnasts and the baby Bactrian camel born March 8th is as adorable as it's papa is drooly. Watching the elephants get their mani/pedis up close is a treat as well. If you can catch the polar bears as they plunge it is a wonder to behold.

Here's a little hint from someone who goes weekly- from the Skyfari you get a great view into the Panda enclosure, the Gorilla enclosure and to the Komodo Dragon.

You're welcome...

Sunday, April 25, 2010

A Day In The Life


4am was the wake up call. It was my little one that woke me up. I couldn't get back to sleep so I laid on the couch and watched Avatar for the 40th time in 2 days. It helped me fall back to sleep for a bit.

This isn't every day that this happens. Maybe every other day. Sleep isn't something I do very often. Shows can run late. Bedtime can be 1am normally with a wake up between 5-6. Although sometimes it's 2am or 3am. Sleep is overrated anyway. But I did hear that you can die from deprivation. But you can die from anything. So instead of worrying about what can kill me, I'm gonna live instead.

Making music makes me feel alive. Being on stage makes me feel alive. Playing with my daughters makes me feel alive. Seeing the big, beautiful smile of my wife makes me feel alive. I feel alive daily. I am blessed.

Come to one of my shows and experience my love for music.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Eggs and Bacon

YUM! Love eggs and bacon. Runny yolk with bacon crumbled over it on some hash browns are you kidding me???

It's weird when one of your offspring doesn't show the same excitement over certain foods. It makes me contemplate getting a paternity test. Just to make sure, ya know? Haha. But really. I know they're mine and all. I kid. Parenting is awesome, trying, rewarding, tiring and provides endless material for writing/songs etc. Some nights I span the spectrum of emotions.

Last night at Java Jones Coffeehouse we had an awesome packed house. Troy Davis was my first ever open mic'er to get booked for a featured spot and he did awesome! He had a great showing of family and friends out to support him as well. We were treated to the very talented Lindsey Yung and her new project, Lovella. And the night was capped off by the new band band that is backing Carl Durant. An incredible time, great variety of excellent music and an extremely receptive crowded house! It was what you hope for any time you put a show together.

Then I came home. Put the little ones to bed and proceeded to clean the house. Something I had neglected to do for a couple days and it got backed up. Going from a rock star high to being the housekeeper, which is my job description, can be a weird adjustment some times. It greatly defines the life of the Stay at Home Rock Star. A roller coaster of awesome emotions on both fronts. The pride, joy and struggles of being a parent. The Highs, thrills and occasional disappointments of a musician hustling to get to the top.

Juggling two jobs doesn't make me unique in any way. There are people out there juggling multiple jobs, and I understand that. I can only make commentary on my life. So juggling these to responsibilities keeps me on my toes, makes me use my time as best as possible. It also makes me my own management/promoter/booking agent/hype man.

Come out to the shows, download the albums: http://cdbaby.com/cd/chadcavanaugh2

Love to you all

Friday, April 23, 2010

Green... Earth Day... We Got Love


Yesterday was Earth Day, April 22nd, 2010. The word "green" is associated to products, businesses etc. that are Earth friendly. We Got Love has a green cover. And it's digital, meaning no trees were harmed in the uploading of it...

If you didn't hear already, We Got Love was made available and is being downloaded at http://cdbaby.com/cd/chadcavanaugh2. 10 songs, a full length album. I am fully stoked on it. I hope you will be too. If you happen to download it and love it I would love to hear your comments on it. You can also reach the CDBaby site via my myspace, www.myspace.com/chadcavanaugh and click on the We Got Love button to by the CD (Digital only).

Last night, I performed at Hotel Indigo in the East Village of downtown San Diego. It's at 509 9th Ave. It is downtown's ONLY LEED certified hotel (it's green) and it's dog friendly as well. Besides that, it's a badass place with an amazing staff down in the Phi Bar & Bistro. Also celebrating their launch party last night was Rebuild Global! So we were all around green last night with a huge crowd, awesome venue and my band rocked that joint! The awesome part was when my two year old got up to dance as well. And then she started singing along to my song, "Driving".

Please go download the new album. You can download my first EP, the CoffeehousE RebellioN as well. Thank you for all your love and support.

Up next: Birthday show/Happy Hour at Hennessey's Gaslamp- 708 4th Ave. 5-7pm. Bring everyone you know. It'll be a 2 hour solo set. So all you sexy mutha's get on down there so I can sing to you.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We Got Love


Uploading has occurred and now a couple other minor details need to be taken care of and the new album, We Got Love, will be available for digital download. I wanna make a physical copy CD as well but that's expensive so it'll have to wait.

A couple songs on the album are already getting radio play thanks to Jane Asher and Cristy Westfall at Radio Sophie 103.7fm and Missi at Rock 105.3fm. Thank you wonderful ladies for being such awesome supporters of my music! Those songs are the title track, We Got Love, and track 6, Bumper Stickers.

Overall I'm excited about the album for a) being full length-10 songs and b) the work done by my producer, Bryan DiFabio of DFab Studios. All the beats, string arrangements and synths are created by Bryan. The album is a variety of party songs, meaningful lyrics and the humor you have become accustomed to at my shows.

I hope you all download away, so that I can help feed my little ones. Thank you all for the love and support you have shown!

Chad

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Happy 4/20, But Not Really... Okay Maybe

Today we mourn the passing of an important civil rights leader/activist. Dorothy Irene Height. She lived a long life and made the most of it. May she rest in Peace. Also, Guru of Gangstarr has passed. I got to hang with him at a club I valeted in Atlanta. He was a cool guy and an awesome MC. Also, it's been 11 years since Columbine happened.

But let's take a positive turn now, shall we? April 20th, 2010. Can you believe it's 2010??? My only disappointment is that I don't have a rocket board and I don't have my place in space, like the Jetson's did. I kinda thought everything would be future like by now. I mean yeah, You can handle all sorts of personal business on a global scale in the palm of your hand. True. But not on a Universal scale. So how do we make it happen?

I dunno. I do know that playing music is fun. I do know that watching the little one wave to everyone and say hi is awesome. Could you imagine of everyone had the attitude my 2 year old did towards others? Smile, wave and say hi! How is this not a national policy?.

Be safe out there today. Don't drink and drive. Don't do any kind of substance and drive. Get a cab or stay where you are. You're not as functional as you think.

Peace out

Monday, April 19, 2010

SPAM... Mmmmmm...

Remember when Spam was a Smeat that came from a can. Yes, I said "Smeat". It was delicious with white bread, yellow mustard and fried in a pan. You did the frying part first. Fried bologna was very similar. Right down to the white bread and yellow mustard. So how come mass emails aren't referred to as Bologna?

You know what else has become Spam? Or bologna, if you will? Well, I probably won't go into that. I'm gonna let people figure stuff out on their own. Not my job to educate, only to entertain. And speaking of entertaining...

I love watching the Family Guy. But it's not something I can watch with my little ones. Futurama is borderline acceptable for them and is another love of mine. Samurai Jack is a badass cartoon but the girls aren't too in to it. Well, not so true, my wife will watch it with me. But it's more of a "guy needing to watch something awesome alone" cartoon. Like the Guns of Navarrone or the Dirty Dozen.

So what do we do? Hmmm... well guess what? My ladies love the Star Wars! YEAH! My Star Wars Nerd fantasies come true!

Now if only I can get them in to Monty Python...

Feel free to share your most treasured geek moments with me. It can only bring us closer together.

It's Live.. It's Right There In The Name

Live Comedy Live, a comedy show produced by two very good friends of mine, Rajan Dharni and Christian Spicer, was a blast last night. It featured headliner Ben Gleib of Chelsea Lately, The Late Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson and the Real Wedding Crashers. The show was hilarious. We opened it up with a kick ass performance that got the crowd rowdy and ready to roll!

Stage moments like that you never want to end. But as I sit here in the quiet, getting ready to make lunch for my daughter, I realize that THIS is also a moment I wish would last forever. Kids grow, and fast. I'm fortunate I get to spend most every moment with them. It makes me appreciate even more the service members over seas. Far removed from their families in order for people like me to be able to do what I do. Those people have an incredible sense of selflessness. Their acts allow a total stranger to be completely shielded from what they go through. So that I can play music. So that I can raise my daughters. So that I can be the Stay at Home Rock Star. So I think it's important for me to take the stage every time with a sense of thankfulness and give my all.

So if you see me after a show and I'm a little sweaty, it's because I'm giving my all. It's my way of honoring those that sacrifice for us

Switch gears...

The Live Comedy Live show was awesome. Packed house singing along to tunes I wrote. AND I was played on the radio last night as well. Big thanks to Jane Asher at Radio Sophie 103.7fm and also to Missi at rock 105.3fm for being huge supporters.

This Thursday we'll be at Hotel Indigo at 509 9th Ave in downtown San Diego from 6-9. On Friday, we'll be at Java Jones and the incredible Lindsey Yung will be playing with her band, Lovella. Also playing will be Coffeehouse Radio Live Alumnus Carl Durant and CHRL open miker, the first to ever book a gig from the open mike, Troy Davis. That starts at 7. 631 9th Ave.

On Saturday I will be celebrating my birthday by playing the happy hour at Hennessey's at 4th and G downtown from 5-7. Don't bring me a gift, just bring your beautiful faces and ears. And maybe drop a buck or two in the guitar case ;-)

Love to you all, remember those serving and protecting us. Cherish every moment-we're not guaranteed a "maybe next time".

Chad

Friday, April 16, 2010

Yay For Pizza

That's what Kaia says. She's two. Now that you're smiling, you're welcome.

Last night at Lestat's was awesome! The band rocked the damn house, son! It was a lot of fun. Big ups I wanna give are to my good friend that made it all the way from Argentina, Jimmy Danko. An incredible artist to be checked out at www.jimmydanko.com. Also, my producer, Bryan DiFabio has been a huge supporter as well. Thanks B. It went pretty late but y'all hung in there. Mylena, for bringing friends and being LOUD in the crowd, mucho besos! John, you probably had to clean a pool very early and you still stuck it out. Mad love for you all! Of course, my band mates and their friends/family as well. 'Twas a fun night.

So I said before how I'm growing weary of the social media sites. Let me say that they have been good to me but now they are inundated with a million things going on. In my never ending quest to stay ahead of the curve, I'll be leaving the sites. I will still maintain a myspace page, it's free, deal with it. And I am looking for someone who would like to manage my Fan Page on Facebook. I'll make you the administrator and let you have control of it. The position doesn't pay. You'll be doing it out of love. There isn't much to do other than update occasional show info.

Pizza is awesome, and Domino's has made a good one. They really fell off the radar recently but owned up to it and have come back with what appears to be a nice menu. All I've tried so far was the Big Deal for $4.99. The crust was tasty, the saucy was drastically improved and over all I really liked it. It's no gourmet pizza. But if all you have is 5 and some change, it'll feed you twice. Yay For Pizza!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Crustaceans aren't Commanders

Admiral Ackbar should've been boiled and served with butter. He's/It's a weird character. That's all I have to say about that. Hi. My name is Chad, and I'm a Star Wars nerd. Still waiting on my acceptance letter from the Academy. Maybe they lost it and I have to submit a new one. But before I go off to battle the Galactic Empire, I'm gonna play some shows.

Imma start off with tomorrow night, April 15th, Thursday, 2010. Around 9pm. I will be at the global position of 3343 Adams Ave in San Diego, CA 92115. It's a neighborhood called Normal Heights. You will most likely see a lot of abnormal stuff. That's what makes it awesome.

This night will be the debut of my band at Lestat's. We've played a number of other venues already but this will be the first time at Lestat's. Very excited am I. Speak like Yoda I shall. Play like Johnny Cash/Sublime I strive. Rock faces of you and friends I will. Try not, do or do not says the Jedi Master. So Imma throw some Jedi mind tricks on y'all tomorrow night. By the way-we ARE the droids you're looking for.

Also playing tomorrow night is NYC touring artist Sinem Sinaye. I am looking forward to meeting her as well as hearing her live. So all of you coming out to see us, stay for her as well. She drove all the way from New York. Come on! Well worth it.

I may or may not be growing weary of social networking sites. As much fun as they've been they are equally spammy. I am extremely grateful for all the new friendships I have made along with the old friendships rekindled. As I would like to stay in contact with all of you, I ask that you email me so that I'll be able to keep in contact that way. The shut down of the social sites may occur within the next few days or weeks. It all depends on whether or not I've been able to eat that day.

I will continue to do this blog. If you say blog ten times in a row it starts to sound like "giblaw".

Email me at chad.cavanaugh@yahoo.com with the subject "let's stay in touch" or "you are the most awesome Star Wars fan ever". Then I'll know you read this.

Cheesy, beefy burritos-Casa Cavanaugh style
Take 1lb ground beef and brown
add 1 packet of taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water
bring to a boil, mixing it all together
reduce heat and simmer 2-4 minutes.
Melt 1 cup Nacho Cheese sauce on the stove
Dice up 2 Roma tomatoes into small cubes
Warm medium sized tortillas

With a spoon, spread heated nacho cheese sauce onto warm tortilla. Add two spoonfuls of seasoned beef. Toss the diced tomatoes on and roll up.

Thank me when you're done eating.

Holla

Monday, April 12, 2010

Let's Just Hope, Okay?


I'm on Twitter quite a bit these days. A few celebrities I follow and will chime in on their comments. Never knowing if they'll pay attention, find me witty, respond or just block me. Which is like the Twitter version of a restraining order. Isn't social networking fun???

One of the people I follow is Rosanne Cash. Daughter of Johnny Cash. One of my all time favorites in the entire universe. My dad had me listening to him since I could walk. When he passed away, I cried. I mourned the loss of a priceless songwriter/performer IMHO. Even when he covered songs they became reborn. Rusty Cage, Hurt, etc. His daughter, Rosanne, has definitely carried the torch and done the name proud. She also happens to be an entertaining follow on Twitter AND has responded to a few of my responses to her Tweets. It always makes my day.

Today she Tweeted how it was a good day because ...my toenails are painted purple... and for all of you that have my album, the Coffeehouse Rebellion, know that in the song She Don't Know, the bridge references purple painted toes. So I told her I wrote a song about purple painted toes. She responded with "tell me the line it's used in". I responded with the bridge, "and she lets her hair down, I'm about to lose my mind, she's playing with her purple painted toes, and she never looked so fine". Her response was "Yowza". I responded, "Kinda what I was going for" then I offered to send her the MP3 and later, the album entirely. (of course I did, what idiot wouldn't?) She responded with, "Sure, send it".

Today, April 12th, 2010, is a pretty awesome day just because of that. Let's Just Hope she likes what she hears...