Stay at home Rock Star

Gettin' Press

2011-10-13T11:55:00.001-07:00

I was interviewed and written about in the San Diego Reader by Jay Allen Sanford. The article is here:

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2011/oct/12/musician-interviews-chad-cavanaugh/

go check it out!

Dead Man Walkin' Pulp Vol. 1

2011-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's dark and I'm awake.

Body aching from a few hours before. It's been a while since I had to jump from the fire escape of a fourth floor to escape a 'collector'. I buried a Louisville Slugger in his dome, but, a dome like that only stays asleep if it becomes the new home of a cannon ball. Not a wooden bat. He'll probably use the splinters to clean out his teeth when he comes to.

The rain beats down like a snare drum on the AC unit propped in the window. It's already 80 degrees and the humidity is 100%.

It's sweaty...

The rain stops suddenly. Another sound grabs my attention. It's foot steps. I expected it. How long could I go without this coming my way. The rain starts up again, even harder. Perfect. It means I don't have to tip-toe to get my sawed off.

The silhouette grows on the window of the side door. It's a large shadow. They never send a small shadow. Always the big lugs. Usually just out of the joint. The type of guy that is more comfortable in the Hell that is maximum security prison than he is with freedom. In the joint, he's the boss. Nobody is above him on the food chain. His word is law. The warden consults with this type of guy when there's a problem within the walls of the pen. A guy who's skull can take a crack from a Louisville Slugger.

The sound of the door handle jiggling. My heart beat stays steady. I've prepared for this moment. Somewhere in the back of your mind, when you deal with a guy like Verducci, you know you HAVE to be ready for a moment like this. because it's going to come. Whether you're paid up or not. This is how Verducci covers his tracks. He sends these big lugs as 'collectors'. He's not interested in repeat business. He's interested in not having his name spoken in the same breath as his 'other business'.

Especially during election season...

The door handle is pulled through the door and moonlight shoots through the opening where the hardware used to be. Now my heart rate jumps a bit. I pump the sawed off. A universal sound that would make any man turn and run, only serves to help this 'collector' determine where in the dark I'm crouching. He barrels towards me.

I empty three shells into him. One to the left shoulder, one to the right knee and the third seems to have buried into his stomach.

He buckles over to catch his breath. I chamber one more shell. He looks up at me, the moonlight outlines his larger than life head. I pull the trigger and the larger than life head becomes a larger then life splatter mark across the wall by the door.

They know where I am... it's time to move on... Once again I'm a dead man walkin'...

A new sound enters my ears. My daughter. She's woken up.

opportunity

2011-09-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Opportunity is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
1: A favorable juncture of circumstances
2: A good chance for advancement or progress

When I think of the United States of America and why it exists, I think 'Land of Opportunity'. Because think for a few moments at the myriad opportunities out there waiting for you to grab a hold of them. Yes, I said that YOU have to grab hold of THEM. Nowhere in those definitions does Merriam-Webster mention a handout or entitlement of any kind.

If you sit, with your hand out, palm up, waiting. Waiting for someone to give you everything you need, waiting for someone to help you out, waiting for anything to start your life for you, then you're going to end up with an extremely fatigued arm because that hand will stay outstretched for a looooooooong time.

Don't wait for a friend that promised you something, go get it. Don't wait for a government handout, go make it happen. Don't wait for a ride, get to walking.

Make your own good fortune happen! Yes, it's hard work. But hard work is necessary. It's necessary because once you've broken your back achieving your goal, the end reward will have a value that cannot have a price affixed to it. Get something easy or for free and it will have little or no value, period.

Make it happen, don't wait to see if it will happen.

The song 'Opportunity' written/performed by Chad Cavanaugh, all rights reserved

Can't Never Could

2011-08-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Can't never could...

These are the words of a very wise and very successful man. A man that didn't operate on 'can't' but on 'can'. His name is Dr. Tom Malone.

Think of the massive walls the word 'can't' builds. Think of the numerous life experiences and fond memories never occur because of on contraction. Can't.

Think now about a completely different word. Can. The exact opposite of can't. Can is a key, it opens doors. Can is a bulldozer that knocks down Can't's walls. Can is climbing new heights, breaking new barriers, smashing old records and filling a scrapbook full of memories. Can is a rich, full life.

You Can take control of your life

You Can take control of your diet

You Can choose to love instead of hate

You Can determine who is allowed in your life

You Can have happiness

It's quicker and easier to say than 'can't'. Can went to the moon, Can scored 100 points in a basketball game, Can won 8 Olympic medals, Can is a shot of adrenaline to the psyche which is the most powerful weapon on a human.

I Can, I Have and I Will again! So Can you!

More Than Just A Bean and Cheese

2011-08-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's the most non-descript item on any Mexican food places menu.

Bean and cheese burrito.

Nothing fancy. Nothing earth shattering. Three basic elements. Tortilla, refried beans and cheese. But when done right, it is a masterpiece. The most purest form of simple perfection and for me, the telling tale of whether or not I'm going to patronize a taco shop.

Many people argue over the carne asada, the mariscos, the fish or shrimp tacos/burritos. All of those items are nice and all, but when a place takes the time, puts forth the effort and shows the true love of the basic ingredients it speaks volumes to me. You see, it's more than just a bean and some cheese. It's an indication of caring.

In the theme of simplicity, I leave this at that.

What'd He Say? Que ha dicho?

2011-08-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Had it not been for a news article on July 9th, 2011, I would've never heard of Facundo Cabral. Unfortunately for Senor Cabral, myself, and millions of adoring fans around the world, it was an article about his untimely death.

He was an Argentinian singer/songwriter who grew up impoverished and without formal education. He had to walk miles and miles just to seek work to support his mother and many siblings. He was abandoned by his father at an early age and as an adult his wife and child died in a plane crash. He was considered a rebel and is particularly appealing because to me he is akin to the Irish balladeers that sang songs of Irish freedom. He was a voice for those not happy with politicos and officials and his death is considered an assassination.

Facundo Cabral was the definition of 'street cred'.

This is a life most would never want to live. This was a life that spawned music that would inspire millions around the world and especially in South America.

So, once again, I'm late to the party. I only heard about him after his death. Thankfully we live in the day and age we do. All I had to do was type his name in to my Pandora app on my iPhone and voila! I have a Facundo Cabral station.

The first song ever played on my new station was 'No Soy De Aqui, Ni Soy De Alla'. And it is beautiful, well crafted and weaves a story through delicate string play that I cannot for the life of me tell you the meaning of because it's in a different language. No clue. My limited Spanish allows me to pick up on a few words or phrases here and there but over all. Couldn't tell ya...

But here's my point in all this. He begins his songs with an introduction of the song, as most singer/songwriters (myself included) will do. Create the background for the story before singing the story. He introduces, sings and composes so brilliantly, that, even with a language barrier, I feel like I know the song. Even though I don't. It is a true gift to be able to speak in a foreign tongue and STILL connect with those who don't speak it.

So, if you have Pandora, create a Facundo Cabral station. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

*the image of Facundo Cabral was taken from latinorebels.com.

In Measured Steps

2011-08-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

In measured steps he makes his rounds
the click of heals the only sounds
He stands erect so straight and tall
with pride and dedication responds to the call...

That was a few lines from The Vigil, a poem we commit to memory as a Sentinel of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I have the honor of being part of this very small, very elite group. I am badge number 408. So today, as I continued to hear about people making preparations to evacuate or board up their homes for the impending doom of Hurricane Irene, my thoughts went to Arlington National Cemetery. Between sections 7A, 48 and the Memorial Amphitheater. There is a white marble plaza that holds one of the most sacred places in the United States.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Right now, as you read this, there is a US Army soldier standing guard. Regardless of the elements. Regardless of the dangers. He is there. Standing vigilant. And he won't leave until properly relieved.

Keep the Sentinel in your thoughts and prayers. Along with all of our service members. They embody what it means to sacrifice personal freedoms and personal comforts for an ideal that has been fought for, that many have died for and many more have bled for.

*I copied this picture without permission. I do not know who took this photo. If anyone knows I would like to credit them, then ask for belated permission.

Let The Revolution... Continue!

2011-08-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

To clarify, I'm completely late to the game and I acknowledge that. But that doesn't change the fact that I love to take the lead and run with it. I recently discovered juicing and I'm loving it. In typical 'me' fashion, I tell everyone I come in contact with about it. The amount of natural energy I've received from the most natural of sources has me befuddled. The first couple of days I thought maybe it was a placebo effect. But it continues without fail. I'm energized!

I'm off of coffee (I drank 3 or more cups a day) and off of soda (3 or more cans a day) and I'm doing my best to stick to the micro nutrients, fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts. Something i learned about watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross. I recommend this movie to anyone looking to get inspired to make a real change in their life. As I've said before, I'm not a doctor, a nutritionist or a physical trainer. I'm just a guy that has a burning ambition to be the best me I can for my wife, my kids and you!

So I'm gonna share some things I do that can combat the hurdles people have of being too busy.

1: If you are a TV watcher, i.e. you have your favorite shows that you watch to relax at night or wind down and you don't have time to go to a gym, this does not have to be a stagnant time. During commercial break get on the ground and do ab crunches. Alternate by doing push ups. Start with your knees on the couch and gradually progress to having your feet on the couch. Commercial breaks are typically 2-5 minutes, This is plenty of time to get many reps in and get a good work out, WHILE YOU WATCH TV!

2: Park as far as possible from the store you are going in while doing errands. On the way out, use the bags as dumbbells to work those arms and shoulders (as long as you didn't just buy a TV)

3: Go to a gym! We go to the YMCA. They have a great daycare and its included with the membership. Our kids love it there and have lots of friends there now. I was apprehensive about this because if you know me, you know I don't want anyone watching my kids but me. But they've definitely won me over.

4: After dinner, go for a walk. Eating dinner and going straight to bed is a great way to get fat. It doesn't take a doctorate to know that. And stop making dinner the heaviest meal of the day. Keep it light. This is a great time to stick to the micro nutrients!

5: If you have a hard time motivating yourself, find a friend to be accountable to. Push each other to be better each day

6: Have a goal. 3 pounds a month if you're looking to lose weight. It's not a lot but after a year that's 36 pounds! If you are able to do this and do basic activities such as walking, crunches, push ups and squats you'll be a new you within a year. Think about how fast a year goes by. Exactly. Do it!

7: Cutting soda out of your diet completely will help the previous goal by leaps and bounds. Diet or not, soda is made of syrup. It lingers. It never benefits you. Yeah, I know. It tastes great! So does McDonald's and other fast foods. I never went to a fast food place believing I was getting some nutritional value from it, I went because it tasted good to me. Plain and simple. I have just chosen to avoid it all together.

8: And always, if you're physically capable, take the stairs

The main thing to remember is this: You can do whatever you put your mind to. Nobody can stop you from becoming a better you because you decide what you do and do not do with your body with regards to what you put in it and how often you exercise.

So, back to my clarification. I'm late to this party. But I'm at this party now. And I intend to make it a better party than it was before. So, let the revolution... continue!

Follow or don't...

*I'm not a doctor, these images were taken off of google images. Always consult a physician before embarking on any new exercise or diet regimen

Ch-Ch-CH-Changes

2011-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

A little bit of back story on me...

I grew up painfully skinny. The best way to describe my physical stature was as that of a Preying Mantis. In High School, when we'd lift weights for basketball, I could barely bench press the bar. I could eat all day, to try to gain weight and put on muscle mass, but inevitably I would LOSE weight. Now, people I know that have always had trouble losing weight hear this and say that they wish they had my problem.

No you don't...

There was nothing awesome about being in high school and looking as my mom best described as "looking like I just got rescued from a concentration camp". Her words. As a young man, when the hormones are starting to kick in and your measured worth is in size and speed and strength and you resemble a walking skeleton, it affects your psyche.

Getting out of high school, I enlisted in the US Army Infantry. At the end of basic training and Infantry school, everyone was excited to see that they had put on 10-20 pounds due to the rigorous exercise we were just put through. How much did I gain? Well, I felt much stronger. I felt like I was growing physically. So when I weighed in one last time I was in complete shock to see that I went from a weight of 139 pounds at the beginning of basic training to a final weight of 139 pounds... I hadn't gained an ounce. I'm 6'5". I'm not 5'6", where 139 pounds is a good weight. I'm tall. Really tall. And I looked like a standing coat rack.

Fast forward to recent years. My metabolism slowed down. The weight started packing on. I peaked at around 240 due to heavy drinking and late night eating. I didn't recognize myself in photographs. I was in denial about being fat after years of being emaciated. But after seeing so many photographs and realizing that I'd become larger than desired, I knew it was time for a change. On May 27,2001 I stopped cold turkey all drinking, smoking and drugs. I went off and on to different gyms and did about 5 or 6 different exercises repeatedly and didn't make much change.

In 2002 I began surfing nearly every day and my waist line began to trim down but that ended in 2004 when my surfing went from almost daily to maybe a couple times a month. I no longer went to a gym until mid 2006, where I fell back into the routine of doing a few different exercises but not a complete body workout. Add to that a new found love of gelato and living in a building that had a gelato shop in it and you've got a guy who's not very physically fit... Again...

In the past year, we've been going to the YMCA. I go at least 3 times a week though I try for 5 times a week. This time around, I've made sure to commit a day to all parts of the body and core for a total package, so to speak. In the past month and a half I began focusing on the nutrition aspect of exercise as well.

Now, we have a juicer. If you don't have one, I highly recommend one. I've maintained a weight of 215 for over a month now and I've increased strength in all areas of my lifting. I'm feeling pretty awesome about myself now and looking forward to getting in even better shape. As I like to say, I take seriously being a trophy husband ;-)

My whole goal for all of this? I don't want to be a body builder. I'm a musician, a singer/songwriter. Not a body builder. I want to be in peak physical fitness/health in order to be able to do stuff with my kids as they grow and age. I want my wife to look at me and get excited. And if I can, I'd like to motivate others to do what they can with regards to living a cleaner, healthier life.

If I can motivate people to get off the couch and go walk or do push ups and ab crunches during commercial breaks of their favorite TV shows then that would give me a great sense of accomplishment. To see people take back control of their lives inspires me and makes me feel good.

I've watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" four times now and recommend it to everyone I know. If we can individually hold ourselves accountable to the way we've lived, the way we've stressed our bodies with over eating and other indulgences and have people, on their own, come to the conclusion that they want to change than that would be a beautiful thing.

The best time to start is yesterday and you are capable of taking back control of your life. I believe in you!

Cheers

This is me a couple weeks ago

*Always consult a physician before taking dramatic changes to your lifestyle in regards to diet and exercises. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, just a guy that is trying to better myself. Follow along or don't

My New Best Bud

2011-08-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

I was walking hand in hand with my mother, a cancer survivor. We were about to complete the second official lap of the 2011 Downtown San Diego Relay For Life when my mom motions to a familiar looking man walking towards the event. I quickly realized who it was and we did a U-turn and made a bee line for him.

"Hey coach!" I said to him, "You think I can get a photo of you and my mother?"

"Let's do it!" He replied, emphatically. Adding, "Do you wanna get in the photograph?"

Who says no to that?

Bud Black, manager of the Major League Baseball San Diego Padres (for my out of country friends and non sports enthusiast friends) proceeded to talk with my mother for a few minutes. Never indicating he was in a hurry to get anywhere but right where he was. I won't share what it is he said as it seemed to be personal to him. We thanked him for being at the event and for the picture and he thanked us for what we were embarking upon for the next 24 hours.

In the next couple of hours, we noticed the coach walking with various peoples of all ages and talking with them and posing for pictures. He is a public figure that could've easily made an online donation, not dealt with people and went about his day. But he came out, in person, hung out with the 1500+ people that were there on the Embarcadero North Marina Park on this overcast morning and he made me a fan of my new best bud, Bud Black.

Thanks, coach. Now, hit 'em where they ain't!

An Army Amassed

2011-08-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Years ago, a silent killer crept...

This killer went undetected, taking with it the young and the old. It preyed upon the weak AND the strong, it did not discriminate against color, creed, ethnicity. It just continued to feed its endless hunger for life. And there wasn't anything anyone could do.

But one day, this killer was identified. It was no longer invisible. It was still a mystery, but, a mystery with a face and a name.

An Army amassed. Scores of people, all ages, all walks of life, all physical conditions, took up arm in arm against this despicable beast. Serene grassy knolls became tent lined battle grounds. Where this Army marched, armed with knowledge, armed with an indomitable spirit, armed with a purpose. The purpose was to put an end to this beast once and for all.

The beast still attacked, still preyed upon the innocents, but now, for the first time, the beasts' bite no longer cut deep into the flesh. Wounds healed, sometimes wounds were prevented from ever happening. The Armies saw this and their spirit grew stronger. They began to carry a weapon with them that can defeat any enemy.

Hope.

The battles still rage on. Across the world in research facilities, in schools, on fields transformed for 24 hours into a beast slaughtering gauntlet. This beast still claims his prey but in fewer numbers than ever.

An Army amassed. And said "no more". This Army will not stand by, helpless with hands tied ever again. The Army is me and the Army is you and the beast is cancer

Legendary Moments With Legendary People

2011-08-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last night, in the village of Rancho Santa Fe, I was fortunate to perform my music in the welcoming environent of Timmons Galleries

It is set back behind a craft store, restaurants and other offices in the village and is an open and inspiring space operated BY Leigh Timmons. She is a friendly soul that greets people with a warmth that I haven't experienced in an art gallery before. This month, she is showcasing photographer Neal Preston and his incredible moments captured in the lives of some of the most iconic performers of rock n roll.

The gallery is an open artist loft with stained concrete floors and walls lined with beautifully framed photographs of Bob Marley, Prince, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and many more. The photos were taken during live performances and personal times of the artists. To perform my songs within this space last night, amidst the legends and icons, was both humbling and a huge honor. As they weren't there in person, I felt as though I was performing for them in spirit.

Next Thursday, August 11th, I have been asked back to perform. I'm incredibly excited to return to such a creative and inspiring space to perform again. The event takes place between 5:30 and 8:30, with complimentary wine and ambience a la me.

I encourage you, if you're a lover of music, photography and art, to please take the pleasant, winding drive to the heart of Rancho Santa Fe Village, meet Leigh and support her gallery. Located at 6024 D Paseo Delicias Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.

I'll see you there next Thursday!

Top 10 Summer Sandwiches... That You Can Spell

2011-07-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

So I came across a link posted by one of my favorite morning show hosts, AJ from AJ in the Mornings on Star 94.1. He always has great lists and funny commentary on them. But the list I saw today was full of stuff I couldnt even pronounce, or afford to pay for.

So, in Coffeehouse Rebel style (whatever that means) I decided to create a top 10 list of Summer sandwiches, FOR THE PEOPLE!

10: White bread, lettuce, mayo and peanut butter. My dad always made it. It sounds disgusting, it's awesome. It's number 10
9: Wheat bread, mayo, Tapatio and leftover chicken.
8: peanut butter & honey on wheat bread
7: Jelly (your choice) and butter on white bread
6: cold cuts of ham and turkey w/ sliced cheese (cut in half angled to create triangles, not rectangles-hi tech sh** here) w/ mayo and mustard
5: hot dog sandwich on white bread with sliced pickles
4: peanut butter and jelly on white OR wheat, crusts optional
3: Grilled Cheese w/ Ham
2: Fried bologna on white bread w/ yellow mustard. Notice I specified YELLOW MUSTARD. Not Honey mustard, Dijon mustard, Aeoli...
1: The F**k yeah of all sandwiches made in your home, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato on toasted sourdough with mayo. The BLT!!!

Now this is a top 10 list!

*disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, this list is a list of stuff you can easily make at home, on a budget. Eating these won't guarantee you to become 6'5" and awesome, like the author. This list in no way, shape or form indicates that I do not love the Gaglione Bros Sandwich Shops

Why Frodo's Journey to Destroy the Ring of Power Wouldn't Work Today

2011-01-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure that most of you are aware of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you haven't seen the movies, you've at some point heard the story of it... probably. Maybe not. I'm going to assume, for the sake of this post, that you have.

I'm pretty sure that Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring would've failed miserably if they had to take their journey today. You know why? Four Square... Twitter... Facebook.

The Fellowship would've looked something like this on Facebook.
Frodo's FB Status Update would read: got a ring from my uncle. It doesn't heat up. Gonna take it to Mt Doom to destroy. Maybe I'll take it to a pawn shop instead LOL!

The comment thread would look something like this
Samwise, Merry, Pippin and four other friends Like this

Samwise: Mr Frodo, I'll totally go with you after I get done planting some pipeweed.
Merry: and by "planting some pipeweed" he means "masturbating to Rosie"
Samwise: Shut up, Merry!
Pippin: Yo, F, let's all go. I know a dope bar called the Prancing Pony we can go to and get pints!
Frodo: @Merry LOL @Sam-meet me at my house when you're done (wash your hands
first;-P) @Pippin- forealz? Is there a cover?
Smeagol: That sounds like fun, Precious
Frodo: Precious? Who the f*** are you? Who the hell is Smeagol?
Smeagol: No, Precious, We were friends with your uncle Bilbo, Precious. I'm an old family friend.

-Frodo has blocked Smeagol-

Smeagols FB Status Update: We've found the precious!
Comment thread:
WitchKing Agnar: I'll ready the Nazgul
Sauran: I'll send my army of Uruk-Hai. Where did you say they'd be?
Smeagol: Precious didn't say they would be at the Prancing Pony
Smeagol: Sh!t...

Later that night...

Frodo Update: Frodo has checked in to the Prancing Pony w/ @ Samwise, @Merry, @Pippin and 23 others

Next Day: On Twitter Feed for @MiddleEarthNewsShire: 4 local Hobbits found dead, hacked to death by ring wraiths. Authorities say they were tracked online and slain in their sleep.

End of story...

Moral of this story? Four Square is a stalker GPS. So next time you decide to tell everyone you're jogging, alone, at some remote lake...

Signs In Nature That A Buzz Word No Longer Has Any Meaning

2011-01-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

We've been told to go Green, eat Organic, Raw, Locally grown produce and use Sustainable products. All of these had a value of some sort at what time. They had their own respective integrity as they applied to something real. Until...
A house is built under the guise of being "green" and it has a massive "green" lawn. A green lawn that requires a lot of water. Water that is supposed to be conserved because the reservoirs are low. A high rise ion downtown is boasting that it is environmentally friendly and "green" and has a massive water feature/fountain... I'm scratching my head. It's like the Hummer with the "Go Green" bumper sticker. Then the word "organic" is taken from its purpose of describing a way a food is grown naturally, free of chemicals, steroids etc. and applied to a way a person paints someones interior walls or gives a dissertation. It's the super lifted, independent contractor 4 x 4 diesel truck that boasts "sustainable energy" on it's non bio degradable door magnet (not to mention the massive tires that eat up three times as much fuel)

Here's my point. I'm not against people having grass in their yard, or lifted trucks that guzzle gas, or fountains in their high rise community or anything like that. My issue is with the raping of a word because it's popular. Taking a word that has a meaning and bastardizing it to stuff their wallets, knowing full well it's bullshit that they're selling, is something that is just wrong.

Okay, I'm done stumping. Can we agree that the term "Handcrafted" should be reserved for something you actually craft/build by hand. Like a wooden rocking chair or a knit scarf. Thank you Starbuck's for sending the word "handcrafted" the way of the Dodo.

Street Level

2010-12-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

She came into the world at 4:55am. She is perfect...

Zeya Rogue Cavanaugh is our baby daughter. At the time of this she is 1 day and 13 hours old. As our daughters before her, she will undergo numerous changes over her life. She will transform physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. My daughters are my greatest art.

My music is my second greatest art. Like my daughters, it is ever changing. My inspiration, style and feel are always changing. Ebbing and flowing, waxing and waning. It never stays to one style or one genre. That is why I created the term "street level" as my music genre. The one constant is the fact that I'm telling stories of my life. Sharing experiences, hopes, dreams, failures and triumphs that are relatable to anyone you meet up with on the street.

Street Level.

As my daughters will change over the course of their lifetime, it will be changes that are necessary for the health and growth and enrichment of their life. To expect them to never change would be a silly notion. As is with music. To expect it to be the same over and over again is a strange notion. How is an artist supposed to truly create and expand and delve deeper into the well of inspiration and creativity if stifled by conformity? Art is change. Art is not safe. Art is not stable. It will always change if it is to maintain its health.

Street Level.

Expect to continue to see a varied style in what I deliver. Be open minded to changes you hear in it. My goal is to keep you on your toes, not knowing what to expect except that you will love it.

11 years later

2010-12-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

I went to see the Matrix in the theater over 11 years ago. It was ground breaking. Remember? Trinity jumped up, stopped, and the camera panned around her. Neo dodged bullets by doing the limbo on top of a building and he was finally able to see everything in lines of code.

All mind blowing

Within months, each of the Wayans Bros made a spoof with the stop panning motion shots. Those movies sucked just like the other abortions they make. Music videos used the graphic stylings of the Matrix, every computer geek had the trickle down green code as their screen saver. Probably thinking it would get them laid when they finally lured a stripper over to their house. Pretty sure both never happened.

The gigantic leap of faith that Neo took in taking the red pill over the blue is completely insane, with hindsight. This was still around the time that roofies were fairly new. So it wasn't weird for that time. But in watching it now, I can't help but imagine the newspaper article that would've been written a few days after Neo, nee Tom Anderson, took the blue pill. Given to him by a strange man in a dirty old Victorian house (neither should be red flags, right?) It would've read something like this.

"A body was discovered today, believed to be that of missing software developer Tom Anderson. No suspects are yet in custody but eye witnesses said they saw him leaving a rave, with a strange woman clad in a leather body suit that is known to associate with a man that goes by only "Morpheus". Further research into this "Morpheus" has revealed an address that leads to an old Victorian house that neighbors described as abandoned, apart from the 1950's Dodge Dart that is occasionally parked outside, and the quasi gang of leather clad goth/emo kids who sneak in there at night. It is suspected that this house may be a factory for a new drug known as Roofies, or "date rape" drug. Police say they are treating Morpheus as a suspect. We'll be following this story"

I still like this movie, unfortunately, nobody involved with it still has a career, except for Elrond of Rivendell aka Agent Smith aka V for Vendetta. He is this generations Han Solo/Harrison Ford of the Star Wars trilogy episodes 4-6.

The following movies were entertaining, even as you watched them jump over a pool full of sharks. Now, to wait for the VH1 episode of "Where Are They Now: the Matrix Cast"

PS, those sunglasses with no ear holders never took off. Sorry...

Home Concert

2010-11-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

Last night I played a house concert. Except it wasn't in a house. It was in a driveway in a military housing community. A drive way concert. There were a lot of military wives and a lot of kids. The husbands were deployed, serving our nation,. Preserving our freedom. Ensuring people like me that I'll be able to continue singing and writing and speaking my mind. Sometimes my opinion may not be to their liking but they're making a sacrifice for that anyway.

The sacrifice and commitment go both ways. These women, holding down the fort and keeping the home fires lit, were inspiring as well. These are the other halves. These are the backbone of the family units. They raise the kids, they endure sleepless nights. They don't always know when they'll get to speak to their loved one, so far away. They also have a hard job. They are Wife, Mother, cook, chauffeur, teacher, doctor, event coordinator, story reader, diaper changer, comforter and disperser of bad dreams.

To see the commitment within these ladies was humbling. I'm away from my wife for a day and it sucks. I couldn't imagine the long deployments and the loneliness that would ensue. That kind of commitment and love is what inspires the greatest songs, the most memorable movies. I was lucky to be able to entertain them for a couple hours. I am thankful to the men and women in our armed forces. I'm also thankful to the spouses that hold it down on this end as well. You are all inspiring and I commend you, and thank you!

Comments Sections

2010-11-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Every time I see the term "OpEd" I just think someone spelled "open" wrong. Anyway, talking earlier about the comments people leave on the newspapers online page in regards to specific articles. What happened to these people to become so blatantly hateful? It's like they hid in a closet, with all this pent up fury, waiting for Al Gore to invent the Internet so they could anonymously be tough. As one Twitter/Facebook friend said, "I'm all for snark, but this is just hate", He, like myself, uses his real name. Not trying to hide behind anything. You gotta appreciate a person like Mike in this day and age of people trying to hide within the anonymous confines of the web. He is the writer of the Owl and Bear: A San Diego Music Blog.

I like expressing my opinion. I like to come across as funny a lot of the time. It's my inner need to be a stand up comedian. I have a lot of love for those guys and gals that get up there and bare themselves to a sometimes stoic audience. Check out Christian Spicer, Rajan Dharni, Mal Hall and recent winner of the Rockstar Energy Drink Comedy throwdown, Zoltan. All funny individuals. I was thinking about the art of stand up the other day and how it parallels with music. Both require the ability to tell a story. Both require a sense of timing, meter, cadence and rhythm. And both require a fearless sense of "Hey, F**k it!". Because whatever you put out there, it has to be done without apology or regret. Otherwise, nobody will buy into it. Will you offend some? Sure. Will you lose some audience? Sure. But they weren't your audience to begin with. It goes the same with music. Gotta write and play what you know and feel or it comes across as fake and lacks a genuine quality people identify with.

All I know is, in America, when a guy wants to leave his family, he says he's going out for milk. In Chile, they say they're going to work in the mines... for 70 days... and hope the mistress disappears, I guess.

Have I Told You Lately?

2010-11-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hello, sexy... Yes, you. It's been a while, hasn't it? Please forgive my absence. You're always on my mind but not always accessible. What have I been up to? Where to begin...

I'm a daddy and husband first. I love my girls. We're at 32 weeks pregnant with girl number 3, or as I like to call her, baby to be named later. We do have a name for her. But you won't know it until she's introduced to the world properly. With a Facebook/Twitter/Blogger post. Welcome to 2010.

I'm super proud of my oldest daughter. She has grown in an intellectual and emotional manner this year that makes me so proud. She is really taking that next step toward becoming a tween. Her grades are vastly improving and her care of her little sister is so sweet. My youngest daughter is growing so fast these days. She's speaking more and more. Learning her letters and numbers and colors and potty training. These two bring me to the verge of tears on a daily basis because of how awesome they are. I'm sharing a very private, intimate part of myself right now. My girls practically bring me to tears with their little faces, tiny voices and their massive amounts of love they show me.

My wife and I are super excited for our new baby girl. The crib is already put together and I'm keeping the December calendar pretty clear in case of emergency. Our due date is January 1st but we've had the tendency to be very early. We're registered at Babies R Us under Cavanaugh, Sheila and Chad, if you were interested in doing a little something for us. Any little thing is greatly appreciated.

I'm a rock star second. Looking forward to playing the San Diego House of Blues December 14th. Before that, I'll be playing the Ice Cream Socialists show this Sunday, November 14th at 7pm. At Mueller College, 4600 Park Blvd in University Heights. It's all ages and admission is $6 or a plate of food to share before the show starts.

On November 27th, a Saturday, at Cafe Libertalia in Hillcrest (3835 5th Ave) I'll be performing. It's gonna be very cool because my musical guest is coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico. His name is Aaron Lewis and he owns Chroma Studios. He is also a childhood friend and this will be the first time we've seen each other in over 2 decades. We've been looking forward to performing together for a couple years now so I'm very excited. Admission is $6 and it's all ages.

A new album is done. It's a live album recorded live at Lestat's West in Normal Heights San Diego. It's called "Chad Cavanaugh: Live On Adams Ave". I didn't call it Live At Lestat's because after some research, I've found that there are a ton of "Live at Lestat's albums out there. You can check out the live tracks at www.reverbnation.com/chadcavanaugh. I'm really stoked on it. Jerris and I have been having a lot of fun playing these shows and have some pretty cool stuff coming up in the near future.

We got love for you! Remember, CoffeehousE RebellioN and We Got Love are available on iTunes(Search words "Chad Cavanaugh"), follow me on Twitter (@ChadCavanaugh) and like us on Facebook-search pages "Chad Cavanaugh".

RIP Adam Dickmyer, Badge #528

2010-10-28T19:31:00.001-07:00

Some of you know, others may not. I am a veteran of the United States Army Infantry. While in the Army, I had the honor of serving as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. From 28 Dec 93-14 Nov 95 I walked my tour in humble reverence. It is a rare honor to be down there. The badge I earned, #408, is a badge that has fewer recipients than the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are few in numbers and a tight bunch. The best way to describe it is a family.

Today, 28 October, 2010, I received a message that one of our brothers fell in combat in Afghanistan. His name is Adam Dickmyer, badge #528. Let me say that losing any service member is a tragedy and its affects are felt wide and far. This particular loss hits very close to home.

So as you read this, as you go to a play, drive to work, grocery shop, speak your mind in a debate, vote, go surfing, paint a picture or any other activity you do on a daily basis that may be anything from mundane to earth shattering, remember this. Remember that there are those out there that have sacrificed everything for us to be able to do this. They gave up everything for complete strangers, including their lives.

I wrote a poem before I took my last walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The last walk is a very emotional ceremony. Mine occurred on 14 November, 1995. I read this poem right after I walked.

In the bitter cold of Winter
when no one is around
and the blazing heat of Summer
with endless crowds abound
He cares not who comes and goes in his life
or who stands outside the chains
His only goal, a heartfelt mission
is to guard the unknown remains
No one knows where he has been
Nor where he will go
Except for the four that lay in the ground
For only they truly know
and when the Sentinel is in Valhalla
he'll hear the four cry
thank you for watching over us
thank you for standing by

Rest In Peace, brother Tomb Guard.
Adam Dickmyer, badge #528, KIA 28 October 2010 in Afghanistan

Holy Awesomeness, Batman!

2010-10-04T12:44:00.001-07:00

Radio Sophie, the CBS San Diego affiliate statin that plays me a lot and shows me lots of love has featured me on their site. Check it out! Check this out!!! Featured on Radio Sophie! http://radiosophie.radio.com/2010/10/04/chad-cavanaugh-imagine-dragons-and-more-unsigned-sunday-weekly-playlist/

WooHooo!!!!! What an awesomely amazingly fortunate thing to have happen!!! Thank you Cristy and Jane for Unsigned Sunday and all the love!!!

2010-09-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Break yo self, FOOOOOL!

Live Video Live

2010-09-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

We opened for Sarah Tiana of Reno 911 on Sunday September 19th at the Onyx Room in Downtown San Diego. Live Comedy Live is produced monthly by local comics Christian Spicer and Rajan Dharni and they're HILARIOUS!

Street Team Wanted and other thoughts

2010-09-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

How much can I write before the baby wakes up. Okay, here I go.

I'm looking for people to be a street team. You don't have to be in San Diego to do this. If you are willing to volunteer a little bit of your time to support my music and my fan base then please let me know. I will be extremely grateful for your help and will be more than happy to find ways to get you free stuff that pertains to my music as I get it. For interested street team members, email me at chadsstreetteam@yahoo.com.

I'm currently booking house concerts for October/November. Think "VH1's Storytellers" in your living room. It's an awesome experience for you and your friends you invite over. Makes for a great dinner party. Hit me up for details.

I'm super excited about playing these upcoming shows. 9/14 at the House of Blues! 9/19 is Live Comedy Live, 9/26 at 11am is at Lestat's for the Adams Ave Street Fair (CA's largest street fair) and that evening(7pm) at the Comedy Palace w/ Mark Christopher Lawrence from NBC's Chuck (Big Mike). Can't wait to rock this thing!

Again, for interested street team members, email me at chadsstreetteam@yahoo.com. Thank you so much!

Help Keep Music/Arts In School!

2010-09-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Music and art education is as essential for the growth of a child as (w)riting, reading and 'rithmatic! You can help keep this a possibility this Saturday night!

Brick by Brick, 7pm, 21+ and $15 to get in for a night of local bands, including yours truly, and comedy. Awesome raffle prizes available as well. Please come out and help this cause!

The money helps my daughters school. She attends a charter school, which doesn't get the same funding that public schools receive, so we the parents must come together to make a difference and we're reaching out to you! Please come out and have an awesome time this Saturday while supporting an incredible cause!

Thank you so much!

Not Everything Sucks

2010-08-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a lot of hating going on in the social networking universe. Whether it be people hating on movies, music, restaurants or other people. Or maybe I just follow/am friends with a bunch of Hipsters. Because, really, nothing makes YOU look more awesome then tearing others down to detract people from your short comings. We all know that.

So I've come up with a list of things that I really like that I notice people hating on.
1) The new Clash of the Titans movie: When it came out, all I heard was how disappointing it was and that it fell short of the original movie. Nope, it's one of my new favorites. I've watched it ten times since last Tuesday because it is that awesome and that much fun to watch.
2) the San Diego Music Awards: I have friends that are nominated, I am NOT nominated. I couldn't be happier for them. Good luck to them all. They should all be pleased to just be nominated. I hope they have fun at the event. I am not an awards show person. I don't care for them. I understand they have a purpose in society. It's not my type of competitiveness but I know my friends are in to it so "Hell Yeah!" to all of you.
3)US Soccer: In the US it is easy to make fun of this sport. It doesn't produce much of a score, they allow ties and nobody is dunking over anybody else. It hasn't fulfilled an "appeal" to the masses yet. But! Soccer was my first love. It is an awesome sport to play. It can be hard to watch but I am pleased with the advancements in US Soccer. We aren't up to the worlds standards yet on the men's side but could very possibly be. As long as we have 11 players on the pitch that believe it, that's all that matters. Our women's team is awesome. Way to go, ladies!
4) Country Music: How often do you hear "I like anything but Country"? I hear it a lot. Country is a fun genre of music. It is story telling, boot scootin' (which means dancing) It's girls in tight jeans with thighs that could strangle a bull and music that shows American pride. I grew up on it, learned how to 2 step with my mother in the living room while it played from a phonograph (that is not a joke) and it invokes a spirit of hard work, family and country that I also cite for my reasons to serve this great nation. I like both kinds- Country AND Western.
5) Faith: It's popular to make fun of people of faith. It's really easy, too. Lot's of people call it a crutch, something to lean on for weak and stupid people. Also, there are people that spew hate and misguided agenda under the banner of their faiths. Whether it be the Taliban(Islamic Faith) Westboro Baptist Church (Baptist) Priests molesting young boys (Catholic Faith) or people protesting abortion clinics, fearing gay marriage and burning Korans (Christian Faith) the actions of these peoples in no way reflects the true nature of the faith they "Claim". Let me not forget the "bullhorn guy" that only serves to annoy everyone. I have a good grasp on my faith and what it means. It's not too hard for me to define "Unconditional love" and "All inclusive love". I know it's real and it makes me happy to have it in my life. I voted no on Prop 8, I don't push my agenda on others, I don't blow people up and I have love for all people. People that don't subscribe to any faith at all are exercising their rights. I fully respect their decisions to live their lives the way they want.
6) Being American: A lot of people around the world wanna hate on Americans. A lot of Americans that I have known also subscribe to this belief that being American is embarrassing and it's mostly based on a political tie. Guess what, I love being American. I come to tears about every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I love where we live and the diversity it has. I love the opportunity, changing landscapes and people of all walks that have come together to make it what it is.

There you have it. Me being positive about stuff.

Hmmm...

2010-07-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Do you think farmers play Farmville? Probably not, since they gotta get up early and maintain a FARM!

However, I can see Mafiosos playing mafia wars. During the down time when they're waiting outside a guys house that they gotta whack. Or when they're hanging out at the docks in the early hours of the morning waiting for deliveries of mafia stuff. Like hair gel and cheap suits. They keep missing out on the shipments of diction, though it seems.

Does anyone else think it's fishy that the "organic" industry sells stuff for real expensive that doesn't keep for more than a couple days, forcing you to buy MORE organic stuff?!?!?! It's a racket, I tell you. Preservatives preserve! How did you miss that concept? Oh, because you don't sell as much product as frequently if it keeps. I got it now. Okay then, good talk.

I've made fun of vegan stuff before, and then I ate a vegan "candy" bar called a Trio. I found out I have some vegan in me.

I saw the new Clash of the Titans and loved it! What a fun movie that was. It wasn't really anything like the original, which I'm assuming made so many people say they hated it. The original was made out of Play Doh. The new one was made out of CGI. They're both awesome. Different stories altogether but a lot of fun. Talk about making it your own.
A lot of times people will cover a song and play it exactly as the original. Others will "make it their own" and put their own spin on it. Either way you do it you'll have haters and you'll have fans. I guess you just gotta do it the way you're happiest doing it (that's what she said)

If you haven't guessed by now, I've been sick and my head is a bit foggy so I dart around. It can make a fun drinking game-"Guess Chad's Next Topic".

When snot comes out and looks like guacamole, you may have a problem.

Ya know what is fun?(not really) Having an itch in your throat that let's you cough all night. Sweetness! What's better is when you finally get to sleep by 2am and your baby wakes up at 4am. SCORE!

I really want to get more tattoo's done.

You know that moment between sleep and consciousness? that fuzzy, warm time? I think THAT is reality. The rest is just expectation, disappointment, happy, sad, work, frustration and energy expulsion broken up by naked time and the occasional cheese cake. Well, maybe not, there's also the times when you see a little person grow and become part you and part them and part clinically insane person. I just try to laugh through it all and look forward to Cheetos.

I have over 400 DVD's and their alphabetized

I wear size 13 shoes in some brands and 12's in others. How is their no standard in the shoe industry? If we can't get cooperation their, how can we expect to achieve world peace?

I don't care what anybody says, google is way better than looking up sh!t in an encyclopedia and it's not a hindrance to our kids. It allows them to more quickly move on to discovering more info.

Quagmire completely destroys Brian the Dog over a steak dinner. It was classic, if you haven't seen it, you're missing out. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbnssEZ_Xk . Completely brilliant.

I love you...

I Had Fun

2010-07-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

I got a call from the music director of Carlos Santana's new restaurant, Maria Maria, on Tuesday. I was brought in to play last night (Friday) and have been asked back for the next two Thursdays. There's no part of what I just typed that doesn't kick ass. Last night, I had fun. It was a good sized crowd, a restaurant crowd, which is typically a crowd that is more tuned to talking, not listening. But these people were great.

They pipe me through the whole house and outside to the massive patio. It was a lot clearer out on the patio than inside due to acoustics but still a good time. I look forward to going back and next time, I'm getting some food. The menu looked really good. Everyone I asked said they thought the food was great!

Now, today, I shall spend with my girls and in laws. Finish up a new song I've been working on and the likelihood of me eating donuts is pretty high at this point. It's overcast right now, at 6am. It feels good. The heat will settle in later and we'll all wanna hang out in a cold bath so I'm gonna love this moment.

Tomorrow afternoon I will be performing 4-7 at Hennessey's Tavern in Pacific Beach. If you are in the area, come on by. I gotta song I wanna sing to you

Am I Blue? House of Blues!

2010-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm excited because I just booked a date at a place I've wanted to play for a long time... the House of Blues, Downtown San Diego.

It's not on the stage I ultimately want to play on, which is the one downstairs, but it is a chance to get heard there. And they will hear me ;-)

It's September 14th... grab your calendar because you need to be writing this down. I'll wait... you ready yet? Okay, September 14th at 7pm. The Voodoo stage. It is free and it is ALL ages. Bring your babies! But I really want to see your faces in those seats. Please make plans for it.

September 14th, 2010 7:00pm PST
House of Blues; Voodoo Stage
1055 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Some Days

2010-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Some days seem to last longer than others. It's the whole Einstein-theory of relativity-thing. Anyway, I'm happy to say, that this year is flying by. For multiple reasons. One, watching my daughter grow seems to freeze time while secretly speeding it up in some weird Jedi Mind Trick way. One of the others is because of music.

June was a busy month as was May. A lot of travel and a lot of shows. It was a genuine blessing to be able to perform in all the places that I did and for all the wonderful people that came out for it. From fundraisers to weddings to parties to bar/restaurants to Main Street Concert Series to Singer/Songwriter Day to open mics to the excellent radio time. All the new friends and fans I made along the way make me realize how fortunate I am to be able to do what it is I do.

Thank you all for your love and support! Remember, We Got Love is available on iTunes as is the CoffeehousE RebellioN. Please tell your friends all about it. Word of mouth is what I strive for.

Thank you all so much.

With Gratitude

Agree To Disagree

2010-07-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have a friend. We don't always see eye to eye. He's one of my favorite people to hang out with because I believe we embody the freedom of speech and the right to our own opinions in a peaceful, friendly state.

From politics to religion to sports, we usually find something to disagree on. But there is something nice about being around someone who isn't going to agree with you solely for the fact that you're friends. It's even nicer to know that we remain friends with our differences. It shows that people can coexist and thrive in the same space without the same mentality.

I'm pretty thankful for this, besides, it keeps you sharp. It also opens your eyes to other viewpoints on things. You just have to be willing to open yourself up to it and listen, as opposed to waiting for your turn to talk.

Who Do You Think You're Benefitting?

2010-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Something happened earlier that completely shut off my filter. The thing that usually makes me bite my tongue. And I don't care if people don't want to be my "friend" anymore after reading this.

How in the name of common sense and good consciousness can people be putting on benefit concerts for the gulf??? Nothing sends a message to BP and big corporations everywhere that they can destroy whatever they want and we'll pay for it, letting them off the hook, like a benefit concert. To be very clear- I am sickened by what has happened in the Gulf and we know who the responsible parties are and they are NOT the American people.

Haiti was an event that no man made effort could have prevented. Those people were and are in dire need of help. Same with the flooding in Tennessee and other natural disasters of the like. Raising money to help those people out is honorable and admirable. It is people coming together to help other people after being devastated by an unseen force that is unstoppable.

Big oil, BP in this matter, is a seen force. They can be stopped. They could've prevented this had corrupt politicians not looked the other way for a price. Now we have an ecosystem destroyed. We have an entire coastline of people that are facing even more trouble with hurricane season approaching. Hurricanes are going to pick up this oil and hurl it hundreds of miles inland. More than the Gulf Coast is in trouble.

But the burden isn't on the Americans pockets. It's on BP's. They are responsible. Don't you see this? THEY ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!!! They ignored warnings to save money.

Not one American should pay a dime for this. Donating money to help just tells BP that it's okay what they did. That it could've happened to anyone. Don't do it next time, slugger!

Holding a benefit concert is self serving. It only shows people that put it on and participate in it to be seeking face time in time of crisis. That is also referred to as Exploitation.

Yeah, I'm pissed. If you don't like that, too f***ing bad!

Insomnia: How Media Murdered Media

2010-06-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

It's 2:27 am. The baby isn't awake. Why am I?

The glow from the iPhone screen bathes silhouettes in an eerie Anime style. Contrasting the contours of the room. Some items recede into the darkness while the corners are pronounced along with the lines of my hand and forearm that are extended, holding it.

Avatars scroll in a vertical manner, accompanied by 140 character or less stories of what is happening RIGHT NOW. Each one more important than the last.

We are our own news sources...

Avatars don't always match the story. The 20 something young girl making kissy face while taking her own picture appears not only attractive, but as if life will always be great. But her 140 character or less story contradicts that image. The guy standing, basking in the love of the sun with arms outstretched and eyes closed, obviously posing for the cover of the movie he is living in his head, seems to embody the perfect life, where there are no dishes in the sink and the laundry is always done, is stressing over some work related issue. Meanwhile, the black and white, highly contrasted image that evokes the Crow and all things Goth, has just announced an engagement.

All these things seem to clash at 2:36 in the a.m.

SO why am I up? Why is there a vampire outside of my window? Why are we, the chosen few, cursed with thoughts racing so fast that our eyes have to open to avoid a ticket, blessed with sleeplessness.

Friendster conceded to MySpace conceded to Facebook conceded to Twitter. Social networking is the dagger in the heart of traditional media, which can only try to contend with the up to the second update world we have come to live in. Media is murdering media. And it doesn't even know it. News channels and radio stations report events 12 hours or more after the entire world has heard about them. As the world has grown larger and larger it has somehow managed to make itself smaller in an imploding manner.

It's now 3:43 am. The baby just woke up. She said she had to "pee pee". That is breaking news. Heard here first. That is the life of the Stay At Home Rock Star. Yesterday I played for countless people on a large stage and later on a smaller, more intimate setting in two different parts of town. At the smaller venue, I began playing a Dave Matthews Band song, "Crash Into Me", which I learned for a wedding a few days before. The girl behind the bar was in love with the song and said it evoked memories of 8th grade for her. How old am I??? That was followed by the search for food for my wife and followed by the Family Guy Volume 8. Followed by waking up while those in the Twitterverse are just signing off of their perspective channels.

While emptying the little potty I had the thought- "why go to school and study journalism, graduate, search for a position at a news source. Possibly intern and try to become a correspondent and finally move your way up to the news desk as an anchor? Why try to get your own radio show when you can create it instantly online. Just let everyone you know hear about it and slowly build a following. Why? When you can be the next "Shit My Dad Says"? Let's not pretend that we don't all have some parental figure in our lives that says wacky stuff. This guy was just the first to put it out there. As Friendster conceded to Myspace conceded to Facebook conceded to Twitter (which now seems to be getting competition from 4square), "Shit My Dad Says" will be dethroned by a multitude of one uppers from basements and attics across the country, 140 characters or less at a time.

It's 3:54 a.m.

Turn the Page

2010-06-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Bob Seger, 1973...

Just completed a 2000 mile two and a half day journey with a 2 hour show in between. It was awesome. We played out in eastern New Mexico, a stones throw from the Texas border. A town that typically sees country/western, heavy metal and Tejano-Norteno music. The good people of Hobbs had a great time listening to us. We had an awesome time playing for them.

We left Thursday at 2am San Diego time. Got to Hobbs at 6:30 New Mexico time. Watched the Celtics beat the Lakers and found myself unable to go to sleep. Finally fell asleep around midnight-after 23 hours of being awake and 1,000 miles of driving. Woke up at 5am. Headed down to the radio station at 8 or so and did an on air interview at KZOR 94.1fm. It was a lot of fun.

Went back to the hotel and met up with Jerris who stayed up longer than me. We got into the car to head down to the venue to meet with the sound guy. As we got in the car we turned on the radio. It was playing a promo for our show that night. WOAH! How cool was that?!?!?! They played the promo over and over during the day. What a cool feeling it was. They were definitely excited to have us there.

Fast forward to that night. Did an on air radio interview before the show, got up and played to the crowd and had a blast. Got to sleep by midnite, woke up at 3:45 and got back on the road by 4:30 New Mexico time-3:30 San Diego time.

We got back at 5:30 last night and was greeted with an earthquake. Awesome.

5 Weeks

2010-06-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's been 5 weeks since we got the membership to the Y. I've been going every day, except weekends, on occasion twice. Rewind back to December 27th.

We just got to my brothers house in New Mexico. It had been about 18 months since I had a gym membership at this point. To give a little background about me, I grew up extremely skinny. I was between 6'2" and 6'5" in high school. I weighed in at between 110-140 lbs between Sophomore to Senior years. My sophomore year I started out with a ruptured appendix that was initially diagnosed as an inflamed lymph node and was told I'd be fine. A week and a half later I can't eat, can barely stand up and am constantly throwing up. So we go back to the hospital and a different doctor says "looks like your appendix ruptured, we're gonna have to get it out of there". Now I have a lovely 4 inch scar on the right side of my abdomen from where they cut me open and had drained abscess from my body for 8 days. That is why I was 110 pounds.

So I've always been sensitive about weight. But people are NEVER sensitive towards skinny people and feel it's appropriate to walk up to someone and say "You are so skinny!". Now, to a woman it seems like a compliment. I'm not a woman. They are the worst words I could ever hear.

So fast forward to 2006-07. I have a gym membership that I'm using all the time and getting stronger and bigger. My weight stays around the 225-230 mark. Yes, I've doubled in size since those horrible days in high school. But being as tall as I am, it's a good weight. I'm at a point where I've got some decent size and feeling good about myself. Now fast forward back to the 27th of December, 2009. 18 months without a gym membership and my brother looking at me. He says. You've really gotten thin in the upper body...

What a crushing blow. I have little girls to protect. I can't be thin in the upper body! I'm supposed to be a super hero of sorts.

All of that has changed. 5 weeks back in the gym. Feeling great and getting back to super hero status. It will be interesting to see where I am in a year...

All Time Favs

2010-06-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Cartoon Edition:
In no particular order, these are the cartoons I absolutely love and wanna watch all the time.

The Maxx
Samurai Jack
Bugs Bunny i.e. Kill da Wabbit
Futurama
Family Guy
ThunderCats- HOOOOOOOOO!
Afro Samurai
Scooby Doo (pre 1985)
Tom & Jerry (pre 1985)
Woody Woodpecker show to include Chilly Willy
Ren & Stimpy (not the new crap they brought out in 2000 or whenever. The one that had weird voices, the originals with the Stupometron Helmet and Powdered Toast Man saves the pope)
The Ralph Bakshii rotoscope movies (Wizards, Lord of the Rings)

That's all for now...

Feel free to add your favorite in the conmments section

WOW!

2010-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Really, WOW! That's what I was saying last night at the show I produce in downtown San Diego. The Coffeehouse Radio Live at Java Jones East Village saw an incredible array of talent last night. From bilingual crooner Benjamin Myers, Folk/Pop songstress Hilary Michels to guitar picking, soulful singing Aaron Kimball. It was an event that will be talked about by those in attendance for some time.

I love when the talent that I book brings such a diverse style of music to the table. Benjamin Myers is a North County Singer Songwriter that has roots in Spain and sings in both Spanish and English. A smooth delivery over intricate chord progressions and accompanied by his neighbor, Darryl, they really delivered a sound performance in what I consider to be the top room in downtown for acoustic music.

Hilary Michels went next. Usually she sings while playing piano, backed by a full band. But recently she's been inspired to pare it down to a trio where she performs vocals and is backed by a lead and rhythm guitarist- Vince and Colin. It was in incredibly upbeat and fun experience. She is going to be featured on Women of Substance Radio in a few weeks up in Hollywood. Out of the numerous submissions to perform the inaugural event-she was chosen in the top 5!

Closing out the night is one of my favorite people to watch and listen to. Our third North County resident of the evening, Aaron Kimball. As I sat and listened I was reminded of an American version of the UK's rising star, Bobby Long. Intricate yet melodic guitar picking with a voice that is steady with relevant lyrics make Aaron easy to listen to. An interesting stage presence keeps you on your toes for sure.

If you haven't been out to a Friday showcase that I put on, then you need to readjust the way you live (if you have any interest in music). The amount of talent that has come through the doors at 631 9th Ave is tops and the layout of the room make it ideal for this event.

If you're thinking that Live acoustic music by singer/songwriters is just a night of some guy or girl strumming a guitar and moping about life then you are sorely mistaken. This is an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, funk, hip hop, folk and all around toe tappin' ass shakin' good fun.

The next event will be an all girl showcase (except for us) on July 9th. Put it on your calendar! It will feature Alyssa Jacey, Heather Green and Jaylen Grene! Disclaimer: line up subject to change without notice, so don't sue if it happens.

HOLLA!

Dark Stuff

2010-06-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

I had four friends commit suicide last year. I think about them daily. It never sits well. Why? Is always the question that comes to my mind.

Shit gets tough in life. That'll never change. But the amount of commitment it takes to take your own life... seems to me that all of that energy could be put to good use.

When the days get short, in the Winter time. I get depressed. I think it's called SADS. That's when I write most of my songs. I take that depressed energy and try to make a positive out of it. Sometimes it's because I didn't eat much that day and my chemical imbalance kicks in. None of this should come as a surprise. I'm an artist.

I try to be positive about stuff but that's not always the case. I have a lot of rage that builds up sometimes. I see stuff going on around me that I have no control over and it gets me furious. But I don't like the idea of getting upset over things I can't control.

I think the worst is people who aren't genuine. People who are your friend if you can do something for them. When you can't do anything for them, they forget you. Or people who don't understand reciprocity or who just flat out miss the point on what it means to be a friend.

Ultimately, in life, we're lucky if we can count our real friends on one hand.

Why did they take their lives? Why did that guy lay his head on the train tracks in Oceanside on Sunday. Why is there a massive double standard in the world that pertains to anything you want it to?

Why do I internalize stuff that depresses me...

"The Crying Indian"

2010-06-03T20:58:00.001-07:00

Do any of you remember the commercial from the 80's where the Native American man would walk around, see trash on the ground, and cry? I do. Vividly. Many jokes have been made about it in the years since but now it seems as if there were ever a time for the comeback of "the crying Indian", it would be now.

Seeing photos from this ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is heart breaking. People in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida will forever be effected by this tragedy. Now the people that have been working on the cleanup are getting severely ill and officials from BP are saying not to jump top any conclusions because it may be "food poisoning".

I remember seeing the white sand and crystal blue water of the Florida panhandle. Will my kids ever get to see it? It reminds me of the fact that I learned how to swim in Mission Bay in an area that now posts a sign with a skull and crossbones. Multiply that times a million and you have the gulf.

My friend Eric posed an interesting question to me today. He asked "what if this oil were like an insulant from the magma at the core of the Earth? Now that it's spewing uncontrollably, is it like all the insulation being sucked from your home? Leaving it defenseless against the intense heat of the Earth's core?

Can you imagine a massive void being created in that area and the earth just collapsing in on itself? I wonder if this is something that was ever brought up? I wonder if this was something that was brought up and immediately silenced due to the amount of money oil generates. What the hell do I know? I'm just a stupid singer/songwriter. College drop out. What would I know of the planets make up. The different layers of the earths crust, plate tectonics, geothermal catastrophe possibilities. How do we know it's not like a big game of Jenga- and all the middle pieces have been removed but one. One piece, with the Western Hemisphere teetering upon it above an abyss of molten rock and gas.

What have we gotten ourselves into?

I like to reference Dr. Suess' The Lorax. It is so fitting. Big business destroying the environment for big money. When all is used up, they pack up and go leaving a trail of fractured life and pollution. Getting away with it by greasing palms and high priced lawyers at fancy lunches striking deals for each other, just in time to make their tee times.

The Indian is crying. I don't have anything happy to say. This disaster sucks!

June... No Gloom

2010-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's already June! Awesome! You know why? Lot's of cool todoings going on 'round these here parts.

Friday night, Java Jones, 631 9th Ave downtown San Diego at 7pm. I have joining me my very talented friends Hilary Michels, Aaron Kimball and Benjamin Myers. It's free and it's all ages.
Saturday from 5-7pm at Hennessey's Gaslamp 708 4th Ave I'll be playing the Happy Hour and it is also free and all ages.
Then I'll be shooting up the road to the 92103 to help raise money to save the boobies! 3834 5th Ave is Java Joe's at Cafe Libertalia. It'll cost you $5 and there will be raffle prizes as well as this awesome lineup: Derek Evans, Rob Deez, Jon Lall, Kelsea Rae Little and a special guest.
Sunday, I'll be playing a private House Party out in San Carlos.

And that's it for San Diego because we'll be heading East on a little Southwest tour that will be awesome!

The following Friday I'll be in the OC playing a very special wedding for two awesome people. I met Mike and Saphoura downtown while playing and they loved me enough to have me at their wedding. I love that!
The 19th will start off at the San Diego County Fair on the Chevy Paddock Stage for the 6th annual Singer/Songwriter Day that showcases the best singer/songwriters in the county. This is my second year in a row playing. Pretty sweet. That kicks off at 10am.
Then I'll be heading south to play the hennessey's happy hour again from 5-7. I love that room. Come find out why ;-)
the next day I will be performing a wedding for another good friend I met through playing in downtown. I'm very excited to be a part of Thai's big day!
The next Friday, the 25th, We'll be back at the SD County Fair on the Plaza Stage headlining that stage from 9:30-11. Get your chocolate flavored bacon and dance your ass-ass off to us on the big stage.
Saturday the 26th, back at the awesome Hennessey's Gaslamp from 5-7pm to make it the happiest two hours ever.
Sunday the 27th will wrap up the month with a fun night of Comedy featuring headliner Chris Clobber and my good friend, the funniest Kurdish man in America, Matin Atrushi.

other shows may get added at any time so keep your eyes peeled.

No Next Times

2010-05-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago woke up and didn't know where I was. Didn't know who I was with. Didn't recognize myself in the mirror. It was then and there that I realized I was going to die soon if I didn't change something about me.

This morning, nine years later, I woke up in my bed, with my wife and my youngest daughter in our home. Like every morning, I thank God that I'm alive. I'm grateful to have two healthy children, a loving, beautiful wife and a second chance to live.

I don't dwell on the whatifs anymore. They had their chance and lost. Instead, I look forward. To birthdays, holidays, weekends, Mondays, 2:45pm, car rides to the store, times on the stage at my shows, hearing my songs on the radio.

Not bad for a guy that should be dead. So I make the most of this second chance. I make the most of this time. I tell people I love them, and mean it. I wouldn't want something to happen and never have taken the opportunity to express how I really feel. There aren't any guaranteed next times. I'm not afraid of people think of me. My wife and kids think I'm pretty cool. That's all that matters.

Three years ago today an incredible woman took me as her husband. I am a lucky man. I am a blessed man. I know this. I love this. I love you!

Tattoovolution

2010-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tattoos are awesome. I love them. I have 9, currently, and can't wait for more. But I've noticed an evolution in tattoos over the decades...

Years ago, tattoos were pretty much only found on bikers, inmates, sailors and whores. They weren't a mainstream thing, mothers and daughters didn't get them together for their birthdays and athletes didn't have them.

Then, in the 90's, they became something people were getting more often. You'd see a guy in a suit next to a guy in a golfing outfit next to a biker in the lounge of a tattoo parlor. The big thing in the early to mid 90's was to get the tribal work done. Usually an arm band or something down the back. For the ladies, the tramp stamp started to make its presence felt. And Dennis Rodman happened, also.

Let's talk about the tramp stamp for a minute. It became known as the tramp stamp for a reason. It was a tattoo on the lower, or small, of the back. In the late 90's, if you were at a club talking to a woman, and she showed you her tramp stamp. You were pretty much guaranteed to take her home and do what you want with her. Not really the case anymore. Now, the lower back tattoo is present on all types of women.

The tribal arm band, or any armband in general was a tattoo that guys got to because it was thought to be tough. Like barbed wire around the bicep. Nothing said, I should be the captain of the football team like the barbed wire tattoo around the bicep. Not so much anymore. You don't see a lot of guys coming out with armbands anymore. Now, it's the sleeve on the forearm or upper arm or the entire arm.

So tattoos pretty much were reserved for the arms and upper backs on guys and lower back, hip and ankles of girls. Not so much anymore...

The bar continues to be raised. The Sailor Jerry style is in full effect(there is even a rum available called Sailor Jerry) and guys and girls both are getting full neck tattoos along with tattoos on the face. Hands and fingers have found their way into the mix as well. No part of the body outside of the bathing suit area (think speedo) is off limits. Even the insides of the mouth. Even athletes are fully engulfed in ink.

What does this mean? It means the body is a canvas and tattooing is an incredible art. It isn't even permanent anymore. With laser removal or cover up work. Can't wait for my next one.

Things That Didn't Succeed

2010-05-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've decided to create a new series devoted to things I believe would not succeed. Not to be negative, just for a laugh. Each one will be on a different topic.

Today's topic: Potato Chip Flavors
1) Owl Flavored
2) Spackle and Cream Flavored
3) Dental Cleaning Dust Flavored
4) DVD Flavored
5) Liver and Onions Flavored
6) Golf Club Handle Flavored
7) DNA Flavored
8) Chum Flavored
9) Petri Dish and Salt Flavored
10)Embalming Fluid

I'm sure they were all tested, and failed. Feel free to add your failed flavor ideas...

A Day In The Life Of the Stay At Home Rock Star

2010-05-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more fulfilling then sniffing out a bogus lie from someone who has worked hard on their "sincerity". Pleading for sympathy for knowingly committing a crime by making themselves out to be the victim. I don't have a lot of sympathy.

I'm waiting for my point of contact to get me into a parking garage downtown yesterday. I was brought down to perform during a wine tasting event at a downtown community and the buildings have secure, underground parking. As I'm waiting, a woman with her small child comes walking quickly out of the garage on her phone. She looks distraught. At first I surmise that someone who she is to be meeting is running late. Then I realize it must be worse.

MY POC gets in the car with me and we roll down our window to ask the woman what is going on. She says that there is a man sitting in her car down in the garage! She happened upon him, inside the "secured" garage, while holding her child! We park my car in my assigned spot and I quickly run back to her, asking where her car is located. She points me in the direction and says her husband is down there and that she is scared because she thinks this guy may be with more people. I sprint down the ramp and find the car.

Sure enough, a man is sitting in the passenger seat. The owner of the car is speaking to him from the back seat door on the drivers side. As I get there I notice a backpack on the ground. The owner of the car says to me that the guy claimed to be homeless and hungry... So I ask him what's in his backpack, he hands me a small satchel. Saying his passport was stolen, he's here from France and he is hungry. I ask him how he got into the garage. He said the garage door was open. About that time, the cops arrived and took him. He's in jail, his French accent probably doesn't exist anymore...

In my years living downtown, I was aware of numerous break ins in downtown garages. Groups of thieves would steal the "fobs", the garage remotes, and go into the garages and search for unlocked cars. This occurred all the time. This so called "homeless" guys story was so full of bs. If you live in or are visiting downtown and parking in a "secured" underground garage, make sure you lock your doors. ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS! These criminals are lazy, that's why they steal. If you leave your doors unlocked, they will get into your car.

So after the adrenalin rush wore off, I went upstairs and played a fun wine tasting event. The community was a group of awesome people, neighbors and friends, that put together a really cool event. It wasn't all thirty somethings, either. The ages ranged from early 20's to the 60's. They all mingled well. It was very cool.

Moving along, last night-or very early this morning, I should say-I received multiple phone calls within a 15 minute period from an unfamiliar number. When I get woken up I don't go back to sleep. I texted this number to ask who the hell was calling me at this hour??? They responded with "Cynthia?". I wrote back that they have the wrong number. They responded with "Wild" then "woodys?" then "Phil bar fight".

Feel free to call (619)942-6277 around 2 in the morning and then text them inane bullshit. Drunk dialing a wrong number is garbage. Thinking it's funny is even a larger heap of garbage then dialing the wrong number. What would be funny is if people would return the favor. It probably wouldn't be so funny to this person. They'd probably take exception to it. They should rethink their life.

Target Market

2010-05-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

One would assume that I might be speaking about Target...

There are times when I can't sleep or I'm woken suddenly, as abruptly as a body decelerates if falling from a building and hitting pavement. Sorry, couldn't think of a better way to describe it. That is what I was trying to avoid this morning when I woke up at 3:30am. Deceleration trauma. What a horrible nightmare that was. Clinging to a slippery mattress at the edge of a 60 or so story building. Freaking out, on the verge of a heart attack.

Years ago, I would have these and wake up and turn on the TV. It was then that I would ponder the question, "who the hell is the target market for this infomercial???"

3:30 in the morning and a 30 minute commercial for male enhancement pills is on. There is a panel discussing its proven formula. Really? This is the time slot? 3:30 in the morning? You're targeting single men that can't sleep? What good is "enhancement" for someone who ain't gonna use it? It's like advertising Levi's to the Amish or OroWheat Bread to a Cylliac. While you're at it, advertise diapers to the infertile that have been prohibited by the courts to adopt.

Moving along, in my smooth transition style, to one of my all time favorite movies. Monty Python and the holy Grail. To quote Dennis, "I'm 37, I'm not old"

Advertisements I would like to see:

A) A pill that makes excessively, chronically hairy people become the exact opposite. You know the people I'm talking about. The ones that look like they have insects legs poking out of the tops of their shirts... on their backs! Usually, this person is a recently captured member of Al Qaeda or an individual that is on vacation here in San Diego from some remote location. Maybe I'm the one with the problem, but the hair shirt is odd and arm hair that can be combed belongs in the deep recesses of the Pacific Northwest and Ft Benning , GA. (if you're keeping up with this, you know of what I refer to)

B) The old cereal commercials. They were awesome. Cereal is awesome. It needs no more explanation

C)A bad breath detector that you can wear like a necklace. If you encounter bad breath, an alarm goes off. Therefore, it's not like you're telling someone they have bad breath-which can be very uncomfortable to do- it would be the device. And the person couldn't argue with the technology. Usually, the first sign of someone that doesn't brush their teeth is them licking their teeth when the subject of brushing said teeth is brought up.

D)A "You ain't gonna like this" warning device. A device you can program to know what your likes and dislikes are. So when you come across a foreign food or a foreign film, for that matter, or the Lifetime network, it will go off and warn you. So that you don't have to lose that part of your life. Just don't keep it on your person when entering certain places like the DMV, or a Rob Schneider movie, as this is already a given.

Thank you for bearing through my sleepless ramblings. As always, take with a grain of salt and lighten up, will ya? :-)

For some more hilarious musings, check out my friend, Comedian Rajan Dharni, at http://rajansblog.com.

P.S. If you stare at his picture, you'll notice his beard growing.

Poncho and the Creepy Thing

2010-05-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

There are all manner of creatures that give us the willies. Creepy-crawlies, spiders, spider webs, silver fish, joom bugs, stink bugs, centipedes, millipedes, snakes, ugly dogs, Kerry Steigerwalt's eye...

So here I am, the lone man amongst many women. The 6'5" 225 pound former Infantryman, one time bouncer, one time practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Shi Do Kan Karate. The go to guy in my house when something creepy walks up the wall or across the floor. Let me tell you, coming from a family that is genetically predisposed to cringe at the sight of spiders, this is not a fun position to have. Spiders freak me out. Watching those 8 legs move independent of each other is just skin curling. I almost always have to fast forward through the scene in the Return of the King where Sam and Frodo encounter Shelob, the tarantula.

So you can imagine my trepidation when my then 4 year old daughter screams, runs out to me and says "Daddy! Poncho's creepy thing!"

Ummm... what is that supposed to mean? Did my little Rat Terrier, Poncho, get attacked by spiders? Is he crawling with centipedes or fleas or mites or Kerry Steigerwalt's eye?

No...

Some say red rocket, others call it lipstick. My daughter called it "creepy thing". For some reason, my dog got "excited". So much so that it wouldn't go back in. He stood there, embarrassed look on his face, with his back hunched. He could barely walk. My wife began to laugh. We now knew what the creepy thing was.

WARNING: IT'S ABOUT TO GET GRAPHIC!!!

There was a knot toward the base of his "creepy thing" that wouldn't allow it to go back in. He began to whine as if in pain. I felt really bad for my little buddy. He even looked like he was embarrassed. It was as sad as it was funny. It took some work to get it back in but he is happy and healthy to this day. And every time I hear the word "creepy" I can't help but get a mental image of my poor dog, hunched over in embarrassment, with his lipstick stuck on the outside.

*On a side note, check out my friend Zoltan's comedy at www.zoltancomedy.com. As I did not outright steal his Kerry Steigerwalt joke, I was definitely inspired by Zoltan to poke fun.

Why???

2010-05-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

I find it funny that fast food restaurants have websites with nutritional information. Why? I half expect to type in the web address and have a single page pop up with nothing but the word "none" positioned prominently in the middle of it. A Times New Roman font with a letter size of 36 so that nobody misses it.

First of all, who is going to a fast food place for nutrition? Really? Here's a hint. If you order food through a speaker, and your food is shoved at you through a hole in the wall in a paper bag, there is no nutrition. NONE. Don't try to justify it by saying, "It has lettuce and tomato" or "I ordered the salad" or "I got a diet Coke".

The "vegetables" that come on fast food are fairly suspect. The salads seem as real as a McRib and Diet Coke isn't going to offset three double cheeseburgers.

Let's face it, this sh** is just tasty and addictive.

I get fries at Golden Arches. Because they friggin' taste good. I get double cheeseburgers because I'm a carnivore and I love that stuff. Throw bacon on it and we'll be new best friends.

Subway makes me questions the choices I make in life i.e. the time I spend standing in line watching gloved hands handle this supposed good for me food. I can't get that time back!

I guess it's true that we don't always love the things that try to love us...

Having a nutritional website for fast food is like the BS premise of being "earth friendly". Stop pretending like you can save the earth. You can't. It doesn't need you. It heals itself. Start speaking in truths such as : Let's preserve ourselves! Let's find a way to help us live longer here. We as humans need these resources, not Earth. They are Earth. They're fine. The only thing we need to sustain is our ability to thrive. You'd get a lot more people to act in an "earth friendly" way if you labeled it differently. Ask them to behave in a "Save your OWN ass" way. Watch how many people start recycling after that.

Last question about this. Why is it that things that are "green", "organic" and/or "sustainable" cost so much green? I'd have to sell one of my organ(ic)'s to get enough green to sustain my family. I call bullsh*t on the whole thing.

Oh yeah, try to sell global warming to the people that live in the heart of this country, suffering through -30 degree temperatures. Hot enough for ya?

Take it all with a grain of salt. Don't get involved with cock fighting and love the people around you... or at least try.

Genre

2010-05-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I'm asked all the time to describe my music to people I meet for the first time that haven't heard me yet. Usually, they're looking to pigeon hole me into a style or genre. I've looked at all the genre's and don't know that I actually fit entirely into any of them.

A little rock, a little acoustic, a little blues, a little reggae, a little ska, a little hip hop and some folk. I don't really know what Indie means but you can throw that in as well.

So I've decided to take matters in to my own hands and create a genre that best typifies what I do. I call it Street Level. On the Street Level of life, you find truth, you find grit, you find some dirt and trash. You see graffiti and you see hardship. The gravity of life culminates on the street level. As opposed to the Penthouse level of life. The place where economic conditions don't matter. A place where fast food is something your chef whips up in 30 minutes instead of an hour.

No, street level is the level of the people. It can be ugly sometimes but it never lies and you will always find a time in your life that you can relate to it.

Street Level, the genre, is the best way to describe my music. The front porch story tellers and the street corner prophets. The barber shop big mouths and the fly on the wall. I tell stories about life that make you laugh and make you cry. Make you feel the pain of loss and the joy of birth. It's real life brought to your ears over a simple chord arrangement that you'll hear on the street.

Street Level... it's what you hear when you listen to me.

Kullers, Colours, Colors

2010-05-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

When my parents were growing up, there was no color. Everything was in black and white. What??? Are you an idiot? (you ask yourself) Nope! I have proof! Go watch Nick at Nite. The Honeymooners, Leave It To Beaver... must I go on? They lived in a world where "Shucks" was a curse word. Everybody tucked their shirts in, kids wore their hats correctly and lawns were all neatly manicured. Boys asked girls to the sock hop and shared a soda or a malt (because they tasted different back then and were good for building strong bodies and minds. On occasion, kids from a different school, and you knew they were from a different school because of their Letter Jackets, would show up and a rumble may occur or a race down a wide and unused street would settle a score. People would find out about it days after by word of mouth or telegram.

However, when I was growing up, everything had a kind of washed out sepia tone to it. Kids hair was getting longer. We wore our hats backwards kept our shirts untucked and rode skateboards. We crashed hotel parties after the prom and snuck out of our houses, taking our parents cars. We'd meet up in fast food parking lots and get in gang fights. You knew who your friends were by the colors they wore. And we could reach those friends by pager or phone.

So what are my daughters gonna do? Obviously, they live in an HD, 3D Liquid Crystal Display world that can be paused at anytime. Thousands of opportunities at their fingertips. Will they choose the boy they like because of how cool his hovercar is? Will they only date boys whose parents have time shares on the moon? Will they congregate with their friends at WiFi cafes, synchronizing their handhelds and DMing each other because "talking is soooo 2005". It's a crazy fast hi tech world we're in and it's only getting crazier. My girls don't know what a cassette tape is. My dad had to tell me about the phonograph.

What will our kids teach us about? From black and white to super 3 dimensional high definition liquid crystal display, one thing remains constant.

We all have to do stupid homework...

blank

2010-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have no idea. No idea whatsoever to write about today. I could tell you how I finished up two songs yesterday that I'm stoked on. I could tell you about the dream I had where I was on tour in a camper van but every road I tried to drive down was closed off. I could tell you how my youngest likes to sit on my shoulders now and calls it "back pack" instead of piggy back-even though it's not a true piggy back. Or how my older daughter is just about ready for guitar lessons. She can already sing.

So I don't know where to go with this. I think I'll just get off of here and practice. Good lord, Barney just came on... a purple dinosaur teaching Spanish to kids.

Oh, I know what I can say. Here's something that maybe I shouldn't spend any emotion on but I saw a little scooter take up an entire parking space. I felt like that was complete garbage. There's motorcycle parking everywhere. Why waste an entire space on a quasi vehicle??? Then a woman driving toward me (which was the wrong way as I was on a One Way) was yakking away on her cell phone and wanted me to get out of her way!?!?! DO you ever read bumper stickers that piss you off and you start hating the person in that car? Haha. But what if someone who believed the exact opposite of those stickers messages was just borrowing that car. Then your Spy Hunter like Oil Slick would be wasted on them.

I realize this has taken a turn for the worse. Oh well. Since I'm heading down this path, I will leave you with this one thought. On Mother's Day, mom's come first, but I'm pretty sure they became mom's because daddy came first. You're welcome...

Don't Judge Me

2010-05-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

January in Ft. Benning Georgia is freaking cold! It was 1992 and I was finishing up Infantry School. It was the last week of January, we were on FTX (Field Training Exercise) and it was just after chow(that's Army for dinner). I was standing around with three other buddies and we were sharing stories about whatever it was we did or would do if we were back home and not in the middle of a forest freezing our balls off. Sorry for that colorful language. I can't think of any other way to best describe how horribly cold it is out there.

So a fourth buddy comes running from the treeline, where he just went to pee. And he's frantic. He starts saying that there is a "monster or some shit out there... it was watching me. I could hear it". He didn't see anything but heard something he described as sounding very large and breathing heavy. It was heavy footed and didn't try to be stealthy. Being the good, caring friends that we had become to this guy, we laughed at him and called him an idiot. He swore up and down he wasn't kidding.

In the meantime, one of our buddies snuck off in to the treeline, started snorting and stomping around on all fours, sounding like a beast was out in the treeline. The buddy that claimed to encounter the beast while peeing began to freak out and was about to turn white as a ghost when our friend emerged and we all had a big laugh at his expense. But he didn't laugh.

That night our squad went out on a recon mission. We returned some time around midnight. We talked about the mission and then went to our hasty fighting positions where we would wait out the rest of the night. A hasty fighting position was two helmets wide by my body length by 6 inches deep. Then you build up a mound over it to look somewhat like natural terrain. The idea is that an approaching enemy wouldn't notice it at all. you build one along side your battle buddy. About an arms length away. Then you have this pairing of hasty fighting positions create a perimeter for your platoon or company or whatever.

So to get some rest, you take turns sleeping. I'm awake, staring out at a treeline and nothing else going on. The moon was out, casting some light on the earth. I had put out trip wires that were OD Green. It was made from 550 Chord. It was dark enough to where an approaching enemy wouldn't see it and trip on it, setting off flares and alerting us to the movement and allowing us to see where they were. This is important to mention. And here is why.

I begin to hear something making a lot of noise as it approaches us (I knew this because the noise was getting louder) I at first thought that maybe it was a deer or something of that nature. But I couldn't really see because it was still in the treeline. When it finally emerged from the treeline and slowly headed my way I really didn't know what I was looking at.

I first tried to imagine which person in our platoon or company was THAT large. Was it our Drill Sergeant? He was a large man. But he wasn't that tall. Was it some local Deliverance type indigenous hillbilly out looking for opossum? No way. This thing was as big In the chest as it was tall. It had long nappy looking hair, almost like Predator, and it had a face that jutted out. So was it someone in a Gas Mask? Nope. It breathed. More like snorted. You know how when it's cold outside you can see your breath? It exhaled so heavily that a plume of air shot out and then lingered before it dissipated. I began to realize that this might be the thing that scared our buddy earlier. I gripped my M-16 tight then realized I only had blanks. I nudged my battle buddy who I heard whisper the words "what the f**k is that?"

This creature approached our position, and stopped. It looked down at where our trip wire was set. Something I don't believe any human could see. It looked back up and stared right at us. All I can remember is dark orbs where the eyes were. It spun around, again, when it did this I could see how physically massive it was, and plodded back off into the treeline. Long lopey steps. Very heavy footed. Not human.

Had to be a Bigfoot.

Most people who have encountered Bigfoot talk about the smell. I don't remember a smell. Most likely because we had been out in the field for about a week with no shower and we stunk so bad we couldn't smell ourselves.

I'm not insane, I just saw what I saw. Some people believe. Others don't. I don't care about theories and whatever else people conger up. That thing was real, it was in Ft Benning, GA, which is also Columbus, GA which is the South and West area of the state. It is very remote and full of wild stuff. No, I haven't been abducted by aliens, too.

Stay At Home Alone II

2010-05-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

So here I find myself, Saturday morning, house to myself. What do I do? Well, so far the bathroom is cleaned, laundry is half done, the baby's room is straightened up and the dishes are done. This is the second time in years that I've had this situation. I say in years but I should also mention that the last time this occurred was a couple months ago. Last time I had designs of getting songs written. Instead, A movie marathon occurred. It was awesome.

However, today, a couple songs are already in the works and I am hoping to get to more of the new movie. Due to back to back to back performances, I haven't had writing time at night. That wasn't a complaint.

Home Alone with the Stay At Home Rock Star. You best believe I'll say that it was a party. So really it's up to the reader to define exactly what a party is.

And it's only a half day alone, I'll be playing the happy hour at Hennessey's Gaslamp downtown from 5-7pm so there will be some adult interaction. Come by and interact with me

Voyeuristic

2010-05-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I was playing at a club in downtown San Diego. The place is best described as sexy with a vampire feel to it. Since I have fangs, I feel right at home there.

I get placed on a stage that is over 5 feet off the ground. The back wall is all LED lights and when it is all lit up it is awesome! I play for the supper club. A two hour period where they have an incredible deal where you can get three items from the menu for $20. The menu is insanely good. I think they lure people in with their food so that the vampires can feed on the diners later on. Awesome!

I had a group of friends in last night making lots of noise which makes me a very happy entertainer. The two hour set went by way too fast. When it was done they began to get ready for the night time crowd and the DJ's. It was my time to exit.

But not before I got a chance to catch up with Kristen Renee. She is the lovely young lady that books me for these gigs. We talked about the fact that she is also a singer/songwriter. Long story short, she'll be playing with me on May 21st at Java Jones Coffeehouse. It shall be a fun night.

This is the original social network. Where people actually speak face to face and create opportunities for each other. I have fun being part of both types of the social networking realm- online and face to face. However, I have contemplated leaving the world of online networking because it can be a grind but ultimately, I think it is too beneficial to ditch all together.

Walking down 5th avenue in the Gaslamp is like walking through a lineup of the cities most beautiful people. And by beautiful, I'm not just speaking of the long legs and sleek bodies. I'm also talking about the people that are looking for food, money, work by claiming a corner early on and performing for the passersby. There is a haunting beauty in each of their stories as well as tragedy. The broad ends of the spectrum remind me of my life. The celebrity like times on stage where people want to get to know me, and the times I've been sitting on that corner where people want to avoid me. We're all the same in some fashion. It's the difference between a paycheck or two, and that's about it. Be thankful for what you've got.

And finally, home on the couch with my best lady. Quiet time together, the girls both asleep. Watching the Marriage Ref which turned out to be quite entertaining. Then a nice 2:30am wake up call by a cranky toddler.

I gave up on sleep, but not on hope. I gotta whole lotta love at home and I feel a lotta love from the people that see me perform.

I'm a lucky vampire

Please Respond

2010-05-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

You know me as a singer/songwriter and a stay at home dad. The Stay At Home Rock Star. But did you also know that I am a veteran of the United States Army Infantry? My MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was as a front line foot soldier. Qualified expert in most weapons, communications, basic medic functions. I volunteered right after the first Gulf War. I went in to be an Airborne Ranger. I was 18 years old.

I ended up serving my time in the MDW (Military District of Washington) area. I was a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. I was honorably discharged from Active Duty in February of 96. I was fortunate to not have to serve in a combat environment. However, the reason I went in to serve my country was the opposite. To go to combat. Looking back now, I'm fortunate that I did not. I am proud of my service, I was available to get where ever they would send me. I was ready to fight and I was ready to die. I was also ready to kill.

For the first 15 weeks I was in a total immersion environment. Being programmed to think the way of the Infantry. To look out for the guy to the right and left of you. To be ready to give up my life for them. To be ready run into a hail of gunfire the life of a brother without the thought of my own safety. After the 15 weeks was the graduation.

And a completely different human being than anyone knew 15 weeks prior.

So why was it that, they would take the time to wire me into a lean mean killing machine but not take the time, 4 years later, to return me as an adjusted citizen, able to take on the tasks of civilian life. Where was the decompression? I have friends that I served with who could never quite cope with life back in the civilian world and turned to alcohol and ultimately took their own lives. There was nobody there for them. It's as if they were used up and spit out and forgotten.

Today, in a federal prison, sits a young man that served his country. As a US Marine. He served multiple tours in the Middle East, in intensely stressful combat situations. He experienced the horrors of combat and charged forward.

After returning to the states, the nation he served, the nation he wrote a check for in the amount of "up to and including his life", he experienced what numerous combat veterans experience. 50 years ago it was called Shell Shock. Today it's called PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Because of this experience this veteran committed a crime. And now he sits in federal prison.

Let me tell you why this doesn't sit well with me.

This man gave up the freedoms we enjoy every day to serve. He served honorably. But now the government just forgets about him? Here's what I would like each and every person to do.

Write your congress person. Tell them that you want to see implemented, immediately, a "decompression" program for those who serve our nation. There is a basic training coming in, there should be a basic training going out. It should be mandatory for all combat arms veterans and be done while in their last months of active duty service. It should be a program that helps these people adjust back to the civilian life they left behind. This time should be used to remove the edge from their psyche and reintroduce compassion that is devoid from combat training. And any of our service men that have experienced these problems and are now behind bars should be removed from these prisons immediately and sent to proper treatment facilities where a real rehabilitation process can occur.

I'm sending my letter now

It's My Story, I'm Stickin' To It

2010-05-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Every time you listen to one of my songs, you're listening to a piece of me. You're listening to an experience from my life. You're listening to my hopes, my dreams my anguish. Not just random words strung together for fun, with the exception of 3am Vampire. I haven't had a vampire proposition me at 3am... yet.

It is the soundtrack to my life. I have always hoped that the soundtrack to my life could find meaning in your life. Stories that you could relate to. Some of the stories IO hope you won't have to, like Dead Man Walkin' or House Ain't A Home. Other stories I hope can remind you of good times in your life, like We Got Love or I'm A Daddy and She Don't Know.

Being a songwriter, I am fortunate to have the many things in my life to inspire me. Being a Husband, a father, an artist, an athlete. Having compassion and a sense of humor and balancing the two. Sometimes it can be heard. Sometimes the humor can tip the scales on the compassion. Sometimes it's the other way around. All I know is this, we have to seize every moment, every opportunity to live. We are never guaranteed a tomorrow. Our only guarantee, really, is that fact that we are, in fact, at some point going to die.

Track 5 of We Got Love is called Best Start Livin'. I won't take for granted all the things that I've been given and we're all gonna die so we best start livin'
It's very true. Live it up. Laugh it up. Clap it up. Howl it up. Don't hold back and wonder what could've been. Make the moment happen and be present in the now.

Long Ago, In A Galaxy Far Away...

2010-05-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but those words were pure magic to me as a kid. And by "as a kid" I mean yesterday when I was watching it... again...

Today is May the 4th. Kinda sounds like May the force. Like May the Force be with you. On Twitter I saw something funny. It was my friend Scheff that had posted that today was Star Wars Day because of "May the Fourth Be With You". How awesome is that!

Now, I realize that he didn't make this up. But he is the first person I heard it from. So how can I claim to be such a Star Wars nerd if I didn't ever put that one together? Good question. Allow me to dodge it.

Few movies still give me hope like Star Wars. I hope I can get into the Starfleet Academy. I hope I can fly an X-wing fighter. I hope I can battle the Empire. I wanna play in the treehouses on Endor.

Do you think there are steroids on Endor. Like there's an Ewok gym where there are some massively buffed out Ewoks that have no sense of humor? Like, if you asked them "Hey Ewok, how's it going?". They'd just look at you and be all huge and in a monotone, Michael Clarke Duncan like voice say "Yub Yub".

I have free time sometimes. I don't always use it wisely. But lately I've been writing a a couple new songs- oh, by the way, I'm done talking about Star Wars- AND I'm writing a killer new screen play. It's not about a killer. I'm just excited about what it is. I envision a red carpet walk for this one. Be on the lookout.

Movies and Sich

2010-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

I used to write screenplays. As in for movies. I wrote four. Never sold one. Never tried to sell them. I didn't know the first thing about trying to shop it around. That and constant inebriation prevented me from making anything of it. However, I recently found my screenwriting software.

I got an idea...

I'm currently writing a new screenplay. Let's just say I'm excited about it, so you should be as well.

Mothers Day is approaching. Sunday, May 9th is the big day. I'm excited to honor my mama and the mother of my children. I'm surrounded by awesome women. Women of substance. Women with a backbone and a sense of humor. To all the mothers out there, may your day be special and filled with loved ones!

I Felt Like Harry Chapin

2010-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Growing up I remember my parents, one of the last things they did as a married couple, going to a Harry Chapin concert. I remember the t-shirts they bought. They had the half silhouette of a guitar and Harry's name on it.

Cats In The Cradle is a more popular tune by the late folk singer but the ones I remember most are the ones my dad would sing fervently in the car. The song about the mashed bananas called, 30,000 pounds of Bananas. Or A Better Place To Be. Or one of my very favorites, Mr. Tanner. A song about a man who finally gets a venue to perform the music he loves only to be panned by critics.

I saw a documentary on Harry Chapin once. It talked about him, even well into his fame, showing up at birthday parties to perform songs for kids and adults. Then going off to perform some larger concert venue. I always thought that was really cool. As a singer/songwriter, I dreamed of the day when I could do that. To be able to entertain people. To have people want me to entertain them as well.

Last night I was fortunate to play a dual birthday party. It was at a house in North Pacific Beach, a neighborhood in San Diego just a couple blocks from the Pacific. We set up on a jacuzzi deck and performed for an hour and a half for a wide range of people. Ages from early twenties to well into the sixties. It was an awesome group of partiers who had a great time dancing along to what we were playing.

Once we were done it was time to break down. I had to get to another part of town to close out a very special night for a friend of mine.

My friend, Tanya Susoev, was having her first public gallery displaying her photography that she had shot while travelling around the world. She had originally asked if I could play this event but I was already booked. But I said I would definitely be there for the last hour of the event. She has been such a big supporter of my music that I really wanted to give back to her in a supportive way as well. So introduced her to another singer/songwriter I knew who turned out to be a big hit! I knew I could count on Brian Bosen to do a good job.

When I arrived, Brian had taken a break from playing. I saw Tanya and a few other people I knew there and a bunch of people I did not. It was awesome to see all the people that came out to support her. I played the last half hour or so of the night, getting the ladies up, dancing to Two Nickels and a Dime, All I Have to Give and Bumper Stickers.

As I was leaving the venue, I thought to myself, Wow, this is what it must have been like to be Harry Chapin. To show up to places, share your stories in song and then off to wherever else. In my case, it was off to be with my best lady. But not before I was sent on an errand to get coffee creamer.

I felt like Harry Chapin, and the Stay At Home Rock Star. I am truly blessed

the Day After part three

2010-04-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

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...

I Have An Idea

2010-04-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

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.

The Day After part one

2010-04-27T11:21:00.001-07:00

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

Truly Blessed

2010-04-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

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...

A Day In The Life

2010-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Eggs and Bacon

2010-04-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-04-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

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.

We Got Love

2010-04-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-04-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

SPAM... Mmmmmm...

2010-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

Yay For Pizza

2010-04-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Crustaceans aren't Commanders

2010-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

Let's Just Hope, Okay?

2010-04-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

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...

In the Blink of An Eye

2010-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

I was playing Peek-a-boo with the little one this morning. A game I've played with her since she was 10 months old. Holding the blanket over my head, saying "where's daddy???", and then pulling the blanket down and saying, "Here I am!".

It makes her giggle uncontrollably every time. It's the most incredible sound in the world. Your child's laughter.

But as I did it a second time, I noticed something very different. Something I wasn't ready for yet. She was tall. Because she's no longer a baby. Even though I still refer to her as the baby. She's a little kid. On the verge of leaving the toddler stage. She speaks and runs and identifies too many things to count anymore. Yesterday she was just trying to roll over. Now she climbs into the car to get into her seat.

In the blink of an eye, your child, or your life, changes. It grows, evolves, changes whatever word you wanna use to describe the fact that things never stay the same. How did I use that time? Was it meaningful? I like to believe so. Did I miss any opportunities to be a better daddy? I hope not.

No book can truly put you on a path to be a better parent. The only way to be a better parent, in my opinion and experience, is to be present and available.

In the blink of an eye, life happens...This Wednesday at the Ruby Room, 1271 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103, Life will be happenning in a musical sense. Come check out the band as we rock the Ruby Room's stage for the first time ever.

It's gonna be epic.

Roller Coasters

2010-03-25T05:57:00.001-07:00

When I was in college I wrote a paper on how life was a roller coaster. Ground breaking... I know. Yesterday was a great example of that.

Started the day off with exciting news on some new gigs. Picked up a final cut Master of my new full length album, We Got Love. Had fun at the San Diego Zoo with my 2 year old. Picked up my 8 year old from school-her teacher said she's been doing really well! All awesome! All great things.

Back in to my car park area to see someone in my rear view walking from my back yard into the alley. Ran to the side of the house to notice all of my recycling* was gone. Sprinted into the alley while this low life peeled out out and ran from me like a coward. I chased this truck on foot for about 50 meters or so and got the license number.

Called it in and loaded my girls up because we had to go to a doctor's appointment. Meaning the dispatcher on 911 can't take a report because I had to leave. I won't go into detail but my daughter seeing the doctor was more important. On the way to the doctor, I saw a squad car heading towards me. I flagged him down and it was the officer responding to my call. I was able to get him a good description etc. and from our conversation it appears that this is becoming quite a problem in the neighborhood. So it was good (lucky) I was able to run into him.

Get to the appointment at the Family Health Center (I know, I know. This is truly the glamorous life of a musician) and we wait around. They were much more prompt than normal which was a good thing. We had a 1:30 appointment and were able to lave by 3:45. *sigh*

So my adrenaline is still going, I'm pissed off about this thief, excited about the new album but most of all just wanting my girls to feel loved, safe and help them create fond lasting memories. By the time I picked up my wife I was ready to go to sleep. It was 7pm. I was done. Too many high highs and low lows. But we live to see another day and have an opportunity to make the most of it. Which we will.

*side note. In the state of California you pay 5 cents per unit on bottled and canned drinks. It's called CRV. So if you buy a twelve pack of soda, you automatically pay 60 cents on top of whatever the price is AND tax. Same with water etc.

Come Hang Out With Me!!!

Tonight: Hotel Indigo's Phi Bar 6pm 509 9th Ave SD CA 92101
Friday: Java Jones Coffeehouse 7pm 631 9th Ave SD CA 92101
Saturday: Wit's End 9pm 420 Robinson SD CA 92103
Sunday9(solo): Comedy Palace 7pm 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd SD CA 92123

Stay At Home Half of the Rock Star

2010-03-22T19:56:00.001-07:00

Before you pre heat your oven- check to see that nothing has been stored inside of it. Or you too can take in the wonderful aroma of plastic melted at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

I have these things called cupboards, or cabinets, depending on what part of the country you are from. Normally, you take the doors on these things, open them up and place things inside of these cabinets in a neat, orderly stacked manner. In a way so that you can access these items at a later date when you might need them.

The oven, however, is not a cabinet. Nor is it a cupboard. But this past weekend someone thought that it was. This someone is a loved one but right now we are wondering why they used our oven as a cabinet.

Remember, I am the "Stay At Home" rock star. Not because I play music from my home. But because of other forces that have forced our situation in to the scenario where I stay at home and raise the baby during the day. At night I go out and play shows. That's the rock star part. This is a domestic rant.

Don't mess with my system. Everything has a place and I have that set up. If you take something out you should return it to where you took it from. That's how it works. The world will spin properly on its axis if these rules are followed.

Thanks for letting me rant.Your loving...

Something For Beth To Read

2010-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. Let's just say it's been technical difficulties and move on, shall we? Hi! Lots has happened since I last wrote. I'm stoked about the band. We are sounding tight and melting faces off and that is such an awesome feeling.

Here are some killer shows we(the band) have lined up that you should attend:
March 26th: Java Jones 631 9th Ave 7pm all ages free w/ Will Edwards(awesome)
March 27th: Wit's End 420 Robinson 9pm 21+ free w/ Sharon Hazel Township(awesome)
March 31st: Ruby Room 1271 University Ave 21+ w/ Scott West Band(awesome)
April 2nd: Java Jones w/ Lindsay White, Jon Lall and Jeffrey Joe Morin
April 9th: Java Jones w/ Cindy Santini, Megan Combs and Rusty King
April 11th: Comedy Palace 8878 Clairemont Mesa 21+ free w/ Kim Thompson
April 15th: Lestat's 3343 Adams Ave all ages
April 18th: Live Comedy Live @ the Ken Club 21+
April 23rd: Java Jones w/ Lovella(Lindsey Yung), Cal Durant & Troy Davis.

After attending these shows you'll easily be able to sing along and make you voice heard for when we do a live recording- TBA.

During this time I have some solo performances as well that you will hear about via Twitter (@ChadCavanaugh) and Facebook (facebook.com/chadcavanaughmusic).

Bring lots of friends with you. The sound we're putting out is DOPE! You won't be able to contain your rump from swaying back and forth. Your feet may take control and start moving around. It's okay, you're not sick. You just caught the Groove!

Word of mouth is awesome and for all of you spreading that word I thank you! Please don't keep your love of my music a secret. Shout it out and tell as many people as you know. Tell them they can hear it on the radio as well. Rock 105.3, Radio Sophie 103.7, Fearlessradio.com, uclaradio.com.

Lastly but not leastly- my second album is about done. It's 12 songs being produced by Bryan DiFabio of DFab Studios and the finishing touches are very close to being done. A full length album! Yes!

I hope you're as excited as I am!!!

Warning: Explicit Content

2010-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

By the title, you've been warned. I'm a musician. Yes, but I'm also a father. Of two little girls. Two precious little lights in the world. I will do whatever is necessary to protect them. By whatever is necessary I mean WHATEVER is necessary. I think preventive measures should be part of that.

During a chat room conversation yesterday there was talks about how to maintain civility through tragedy. That rage fantasies and witch hunts are fueled by anger and hate. Then someone brought up a great point. It was described as an old parable that says "if a hungry tiger wanders in to your village and begins eating your children, what do you do?" which led to the point that by killing the tiger, it was not an act of hate or rage but of preservation of life. Life that deserves to live, in my opinion.

Let's just say that I am outraged that a state appointed psychiatrist warned the DA and the judge of this monster over 10 years ago and the DA and judge completely ignored the warnings-cutting a deal that allowed this monster to only serve 6 years behind bars instead of 30. Had the warning been heeded, there wouldn't have been the tragic, senseless loss of life that has occurred here in San Diego County. Chelsea King was a light in this world that will be sorely missed. Also, if he was spending so much time at his mothers, in a different county from where he was registered, then he should've been registered. For his mother to do nothing about that is unacceptable. She can't be oblivious to the monster she created. Yes, I am calling her out as well. That doesn't mean people should vandalize her property, though.

Here's what I think should happen to this monster. Tie each limb to a separate horse and let them run to the four winds. He'll be ripped into multiple pieces and won't die right away. Then see how callous and unremorseful he is. Other offenders will see this and think twice before committing these heinous acts. YES I'M ANGRY!!!!

I also know that lives are lost daily overseas in the middle east. The lives our service members. Let me say this about them. It saddens me every time we lose a service member. I am a veteran of the United States Army Infantry. I have lost fellow brothers in combat. It sucks. As an infantryman, I knew what my risks were when I went in. It doesn't change the fact that one lost soldier is one too many. But I, personally, was aware of this risk.

Chelsea King went for a run. She wasn't enlisted in the military. She went for a run. And a monster stole her away from her parents and from the world that she was making better by her presence.

Amber Dubois is still missing. Children across this world are missing, abused, exploited every day and it's tragic.

Love your kids. Make yourself aware of your surroundings. Teach your kids the buddy system. I pray that I never have to go through this. It's a broken hearted community in San Diego.

You Heard It Right!

2010-02-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

On an exciting note. The band debuted this past Friday night at Java Jones Coffeehouse. It was awesome! Noe Anguiano is my new bass player and Jerris Dunnaway my new percussionist. What a fun time. On an even more exciting note, we'll be playing again on Tuesday at O'Connell's Pub.

And it doesn't stop there...

The Ruby Room will be booked for mid April, either the 16th or 17th. Check www.myspace.com/chadcavanaugh for more info to come on this and more dates.

And...

The radio play continues! I can't tell you how awesome it is to hear my music on the radio. It never gets old. It's like "kid in a candy store" awesome!

Come out and check out the band. You're gonna love how we sound. More ALWAYS to come. We're currently working o stuff that we'll be debuting in a month or so. It's awesome to have two people like Noe and Jerris to play with. You heard it right, Chad Cavanaugh is now a band!

Believe... Don't Believe

2010-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Evolving happens all around us. Always. Life is constantly changing and that is really the only constant. Just like music. It changes, evolves, ebbs and flows. How is Nu Metal doing these days?

In 1999 there were a lot of bands that broke on to the scene with 7 string guitars in dropped D tuning and it was Nu Metal. A fusion of metal and Pop and Hip Hop and whatever else. Today, most singer/songwriters I know are using Dropped D tuning. Not for every song. But it's common across the board. Probably has been off and on forever. But the genre of Nu Metal has gone the way of the Dodo. So to speak. In it's place has emerged bands like Rise Against and Cage the Elephant. The Black Keys are another one that are just straight forward rock, a little dirty and awesome to listen to. I also liked Nu Metal. I like music, period. I love writing and playing it as well.

As music will inevitably change over time, there will always be those who want to hold on to a specific genre and not ever embrace any other type of music or amalgamation of genres. It's okay. Being that music can be recorded, leaving a lasting, documented history of it, they can hold on to it forever. For them it can be timeless. My inner most hopes and dreams are that what I write will ultimately be timeless. That any generation will be able to listen to a song I wrote and performed and have it be relevant to their day and age. That is the hope. I believe I've done that.

I believe that my daughters will play my music when they are older and it will make them feel like I am with them. In hearing the familiar strike of the first chord of the songs they've listened to since they can first remember to the last note of each song. I hope it can make them feel my love for them even when I'm long gone. I hope it does the same for you.

Believe, don't believe, but be open to change

That's Not Me?!?!

2010-02-22T10:48:00.001-08:00

Can someone tell me why the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are playing on my site? It's baffling me. I went to my myspace site and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs started playing. What kind of joke is this? It has nothing to do with whether or not I like them, it has everything to do with the fact that I'm not cool with squatters.

If you came home and found someone in your living room, feet up on the sofa, drinking your last Yoohoo, you'd probably have issue with that. Right? Get your f***ing tent out of my campsite, son, before I go Grizzly Adams on your a$$ (does that mean I'll grow a beard on someone?)

Ugh...

I'm not good w/ technical difficulties. Things are just supposed to work.

Moving along. Last night was the Acoustic Alliance, which I am now honored to say I am an alumnus of said event. It was a lot of fun but went really late. And the little one got up really early. But now she's back down and I'm back online, until AT&T digital fails again.

So the past week had a bunch of cool shows. Ran into some old friends and made a bunch of new ones. Met people who are in the same community as me, the singer/songwriter circle, but sound completely opposite of each other. It was really cool. Some very talented people played on stage with me last night and I look forward to playing with them again. Some very genuine people on their own paths in life and I'm glad our paths crossed.

Stay tuned for upcoming shows and chicanery.

Things We Already Knew

2010-02-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

"I'll take 'things we already knew' for $1,000, Alex"

I heard today in the Twitterverse that Mtv has removed the word "music" from their title. I haven't seen this as being confirmed but what I can say is that we knew Mtv hasn't had anything to do with music since 2000.

It's like everyone tip-toed around this Mtv character at parties and in meetings not wanting to damage its fragile ego. Like a kid that's been living in denial. Like a CEO that tells its investors "we're doing great!" while behind him in plain site the business is falling to pieces and the stock is plummeting.

We already knew it wasn't about music for them. I'm happy for them, if it's true, that they finally came out of the closet and are owning up to what they are. A Reality Show channel that does nothing more than provide entertainment for the voyeuristic society that we have become. We as in the people that watch it. I don't. I had to Google "the situation" to find out what people were talking about. I don't have cable. You're welcome.

So I guess the question is this, who is going to get to use the name "Music Television"? I reminisce often about the days of first having Mtv and being able to watch shows like Headbangers Ball w/ Ricki Rachtman(sp?) and Yo Mtv Raps w. Fab 5 Freddy and later Ed Lover and Dr Dre. People like Denis Leary, Jon Stewart, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Colin Quinn become household names but few may remember that they were on Mtv in a small capacity. Denis Leary had a rant about how Mtv should be Ctv, for his love of all things Cindy Crawford. Colin Quinn was the co-host of Remote Control and Adam Sandler was an ancillary character on that show. Jon Stewart had a show on there as well as Ben Stiller.

Programs like Liquid Television brought us Beavis and Butthead & Aeon Flux. The Idiot Box furthered the career of the guy that starred along side Keanu Reeves in the Bill and Ted movies. These shows were woven in between music videos. Lots and lots of music videos.

As a little white kid in the desert southwest I was able to learn all about cool hip hop dance moves, rock n roll hair styles and fell in love with the girl from the Young MC video-as did many others in the mid 80's so don't hate.

Will we see a return of the television channel dedicated to music, and not to the sordid behind the scenes lives of the music makers? I don't know, as "video killed the radio star", "reality TV killed the video channel"

Creators f Music Television, probably not fist pumping

Surprises, the Good Kind

2010-02-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

When you least expect something is when it usually happens. So making a life of no expectations should lead to a lot of awesome surprises. Unfortunately, I'm more excitable than a Chihuahua that just ate a bag of chocolate covered espresso beans.

Yesterday, as I was checking my Twitter, I noticed my name but it wasn't the brown color normally associated with being referenced in a Tweet. Turns out, it was a Tweet about another follower/followees latest artist review. I have seen in the past that this person writes about a lot of artists on his blog so I checked it out and was really surprised, in an awesomely good way, to read the article on me. It was titled "Straight Boys Need Love Too".

Having a completely unsolicited article/review of your work and having that review being favorable is pretty damn awesome!

So to you, Howard, I say thank you. Thank you for such an awesome and positive write up about what I love to do and for the surprise, the good kind.

It's A Celebration

2010-02-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

I believe everything is worth celebrating. No milestone or accomplishment too small in my book. But this is a huge milestone! Two years ago, my daughter Kaia was born.

It was the day before Super Bowl Sunday. My wife and I were about a month away from having our baby, according to the ultrasounds. She had been wanting to go get a stroller/baby car seat for some time and I finally caved. But we still had almost a month before the arrival of our little one.

Super Bowl Sunday. The Giants and the Patriots squared off in a historical game! This would be the first time in decades that a team had a chance to go unbeaten from beginning to end. Not since the Miami Dolphins did it in the 70's. The Patriots were 18-0 and the clear favorites over the Giants that seemed to have arrived at the Super Bowl by complete luck. Nobody outside of the Meadowlands thought they had a chance.

My wife made a awesome dip consisting of melting a block of Velveeta cheese over a can of chili. She removed the chili from the can first and discarded the can. She's thoughtful like that. The dip was excellent but definitely something that was going to cause trouble later on. But we kept eating it. After half time, my wife went to lay down. Had to be the dip.

A little over an hour later, a miracle of a catch was made which was followed by an unbelievable touchdown catch made by a guy who would later be in jail for concealing a weapon and shooting himself.

Note to self: Don't shoot yourself with a concealed gun. Makes you look like an idiot.

Moving along. The game ended and I went in to see how my wife was feeling. I saw a look I've never seen on her face. Pain. She is tough. Like way tougher than Run DMC and their claim to be tougher than leather. She was in serious pain. But we were a month away from being due.

About an hour later, we were in a birthing room listening to the anaesthesiologist ask condescending questions of my wife while slowly putting the epidural together. Within seconds our little baby came out, without my wife having to push.

She was here! She was tiny. She wasn't crying, just sticking her tongue out. Was she okay? They cleaned her up and brought her over to me to cut the umbilical cord. It was tough. It was like trying to cut through the chain of a bike lock. Then she was whisked away to the NICU, the intensive care for babies. She needed to be observed since she was early and tiny. 4 lbs 9 oz tiny. When she would eat she would stop breathing and turn blue.

Today, our little Kaia Blue is two years old. It seems like yesterday. The reason why I'm the Stay At Home Rock Star is two.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Reciprocity

2010-02-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Life is a two way street. You can't expect it to always go in your direction...

What you can do is learn to go in each of those directions. Best summed up as give and take. Within a community it is awesome to see this kind of reciprocity. Last night I played at the Comedy Palace in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego. There was a great line up of comedians and an awesome headliner. There was also a great number of comics on hand just to support as an audience. I love to see that. A friend of mine, Alyssa Jacey, was there from my music community as well. It was awesome to have that support from her. We were able to talk afterwards about upcoming shows and possible shows together in the future. Great networking going on.

For the most part, the San Diego music scene is an incredibly supportive community. Most of the musicians I know are as busy as I am with shows so you can't expect them to come out but yet they still do. On Saturday night I played to a packed house, opening for an award winning Improv Comedy troupe, the Hinges. In the audience were my friends/fellow singer/songwriters Rob Deez and Lindsay White. Seeing them there was a huge boost for me. They are people that I love and it just makes you feel good to see them in attendance.

I look forward to seeing them perform and supporting them in the near future, schedule's permitting. Rob puts o a show every Thursday at Java Joe's, 3835 5th Ave in Hillcrest called Grow Folk Sh!t that you can catch, Lindsay will be playing at U-31 in North Park on Feb 10th with her full band (you can her my duet with her at my MySpace page. A song called Daydream, inspired by Lindsay) and Alyssa, just off of her successful CD release/Video Premiere show at the Belly Up Tavern will be opening for Shawn Colvin on Feb 13th.

Remember, life goes two ways. Give and Take. Become proficient at both.

The Siren and the Cajonero

2010-01-30T05:57:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time there was a Cajonero. He travelled the lands far and wide, following the rhythm of life with his cajon. It was his charge in life to provide a beat to life as it occured around him. From simple conversation to the hustle and bustle of a city street to the wind blowing through the trees, he sensed the rhythm in it all and would play his cajon to make life whole. For what is life without rhythm?

During his travels, he realized that his cajon hadn't fully reached its purpose. Although he had enhanced the life of all the occurrences around him, there was still one thing missing.

The locals on the coast spoke of a Siren. A figure of mythology that dwelt just off shore in the foggy morns that drew in the fishermen, mariners and sailors with her voice. Hers was a voice so mesmerizing that the men at sea would follow its sound, even into trouble. But unlike the mythic dames of yore, it was this Sirens intent to find the right accompaniment to her sultry, seductive tones. To date, no one had proven to be the one to match perfectly with her voice.

When the Cajonero came to this seaside burg, he overheard the locals speaking of the siren. Intrigued, he decided to wait for a foggy morn to catch her voice upon the still, damp air. For weeks no fog had rolled in and the Cajonero spent his time in the town square providing a rhythm to the life of this drab, colorless village. Slowly bringing life and purpose to the daily routine of this village, its denizens began to grow accustomed to the rhythm of life the Cajonero provided. The town elders approached him and asked him who he was and what his business in their town was.

He explained that while his intent was to pass through, he became intrigued with the tale of the Siren. That it had become his mission to hear her and have her voice move his hands. The elders warned of the danger inherent with the Siren. Many men at sea had been lost forever to her voice.

The Cajonero didn't waiver.

It finally came to pass that a thick fog blanketed the fishing village one morn. Within the dense veil the subtle sounds of the Siren began to meander through. The Cajonero awoke to her voice and began to walk toward it. He followed the sweet sounds to the end of a rocky jetty where the sea suddenly calmed and the tide went out, giving the Cajonero a dry path to pursue the voice. The voice grew louder as the Cajonero came upon a large rock where sat atop a woman who's beauty was matched by her voice. When she saw the Cajonero she stopped singing. She knew something was different about him. This was no fishermen, mariner or sailor. No, this was a man that would complete her voice.

She smiled down at him and motioned for him to ascend the rock. No sooner did he reach the top, and the Siren, did the tide come back in. Stranding them atop this rock.

She began to sing, he began to play.

Last night at Java Jones we had the pleasure of being seduced and mesmerized by the siren like voice of Brenda Xu. Accompanying her on the cajon was Ben Kent. How good do you think these two are to inspire such a story? I found myself mesmerized by her. Sometimes being put into a trance like state. The rhythm and timing of Ben's cajon playing are impeccable. He plays as if his life was meant solely to create the perfect beat, in perfect time and perfect harmony with the voice of the siren.

It was a night of music that I would follow into the densest fog. It was a pleasure to have them both play. Don't miss your chance to see them.

Brain Garbage

2010-01-29T15:53:00.001-08:00

Is it true that we only use like 15% of our brain? What is the rest of it doing, loitering? Panhandling for booze? I'm trying to get it off it's a$$ and come up with some more songs to write.

But apparently, the left part of my brain isn't listening. It's the creative side. Pretty much the only side of my brain that works. Ask me to come up with a song for you based on a theme and it'll be done in 15 minutes. Ask me to create a budget and I'll hunch forward slightly, drooling, and become catatonic.

It's an affliction, this creativity. It comes and goes when it wants. Hanging out with those cells from the wrong side of the brain. Smoking. Spray painting graffiti on the sides of the imagination train that was supposed to bring me ideas. Curses! Thwarted by my own rogue brain cells!

Usually, during this time of the year, I'll write 15-20 new songs. Something about the short daylight hours depress me and spurn ideas for songs. But this year has been lean. Two new songs have arisen. and it's almost been a month. But I'm guessing that ultimately, quality over quantity is what is important.

So, to you, left side of my brain that is being sparsely used. Get off your lazy behind and fire into gear before I evict you with a bottle of turpentine (what???). If I could, I'd eliminate the brain garbage with the rest of the household trash on Thursday. Trim it down to that 15% I supposedly use and start saying that I'm using 100% of my brain...

Comm"u""n""i"ty

2010-01-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

Community is an extremely important thing. Having many people capable of performing various functions in harmony together makes life easier. What I know how to do may be something you aren't capable of doing. So I can perform it for you. What you know how to do may be something I am incapable of doing. So you can perform it for me.

Having multiple people performing the same thing for others can create a healthy competition and can help those performing to step up their game in order to make sure that the absolute best service is being performed. In some instances, like in music, it's even better to have multiple people doing it because it creates a variety.

So I say that you can't spell community without "u" "n" "i".

You can't have a community without you and I.

With that in mind, let's all keep in mind that the world will not revolve around one person, ever. It is as important to support those around you as it is for those around you to support you. Reciprocity is a key to a healthy community. Respect for variety is a key to a healthy community. Respect for each other is a key to a healthy community.

Unity is better than division, always.

Dreams and Child Rearing

2010-01-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

How many of your favorite artists can you think of that grew up with an ideal childhood? I can't think of any. It makes me wonder something.

If traumatic/non-ideal/broken home environments create artists, then how do you rear a child in a loving environment and encourage them to be an artist if that's what they want to do? I say it's totally possible. I think encouragement to follow a dream is the greatest gift a parent can give to their child.

It was 85-86 and I was in 7th grade. I loved riding my skateboard. Tony Hawk was becoming a household name for skaters and he was just a couple years older than me. I watched him pull off incredible maneuvers in pools and half pipes in Southern California from my home in Southern New Mexico. We didn't have much of a scene at that time. We had one drainage ditch we could ride and had to look far and wide for a half pipe. We began building really crappy launch ramps and quarter pipes. We eventually built a half pipe in a friends grandmothers back yard. It was awesome. By this time it was summer before 8th grade and we spent that summer constructing this beast and skating it all summer long. However...

In Southern NM in the mid 80's you were considered a trouble maker if you rode a skateboard. Constant harassment from cops for crimes committed by gang bangers (another obstacle to avoid for us) and minimal support from the city (they would pour gravel down the side of the drainage ditches we would ride to keep us off of there)led us to pursue other avenues. Like drinking and drug experimentation. So instead of getting exercise and pursuing what would become one of the most popular of the extreme sports of today, we became degenerates.

Tony Hawk, on the other hand, and his friends were getting sponsored and supported and were travelling the world and today he has sponsors such as Club Med and Video Game companies and snack foods. As he rightfully should. He was the image of my childhood. The image of how, with the proper encouragement, love and support, a child can grow into the farthest reaches of his/her imagination.

Nourish your child's dream. Regardless of how far fetched it may seem to you, remember that you once were a child with a dream and that NOTHING is far fetched to the mind of an 8 year old. The worse thing you can do is cap or stifle a child's dreams.

Professional skater, musician, writer, doctor, lawyer, teacher, astronaut, cartoonist, actor, law enforcer, builder and on and on. All are legitimate. All exist. All are options for our kids. And for US. Because I have never stopped dreaming and don't plan to. Because without the dream, you wouldn't have seen me on stage playing my music, heard my songs on the radio or seen me holding my baby.

Heaven and Hail

2010-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Go to Heaven for the climate and Hell for the company.

I believe this was a Mark Twain quote. Correct me if I'm wrong but it was turned in to a pretty phenomenal song by a friend of mine, Dave Booda. He was my featured performer last night at the Coffeehouse Radio Live @ Java Jones East Village.

I first heard this song a year ago. Dave and I sat side by side o stage at Swedenborg Hall for the Songwriter's Acoustic Nights Showcase. We each were allotted three songs to play. That was one Dave played. It went over extremely well. So he was kind enough to play it for me again last night. It was like having my own semi private Dave Booda concert. Semi because there were a handful of other people that came out as well. The down pouring rain and the hail kept people away.

Eventually, in San Diego, people will need to learn that rain will not melt you. Is it wet? Yes. Will it kill you? If you're driving and trying to text and talk on your phone at the same time, possibly. Is it fun to be out in? Yes! Is Dave Booda's musical performance worth braving the elements? Absolutely!

Dave has a secret that I won't share. After March 9th I'm sure he'll share it but until then I won't spill it the way I did last night. But the good news is that you will have more chances to see him perform here in San Diego. I would highly recommend it.

Daves singing and guitar playing are easy on the ears. His presence on stage is very calming and he's a guy that's easy to like. His 5 track CD, Datcho Willy will get worn out in your CD player. My personal favorite is All My Love. It's a song that continues to stick in my head and I have no intention of evicting it.

Check out Dave soon. Next up on his calendar is Escondido Joe's on January 29th. He'll "be giving all his love for you"

photo taken from Dave's site. I don't know that clicking it will get you to iTunes but you can try

Music

2010-01-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

Who am I kidding? Music has shaped my world since I can remember!

1976, Las Cruces, NM: I vividly remember my dad's vinyl collection. Cap't & Tenniel, ABBA, Dr. Hook etc. In my sisters room was the Eagles Hotel California. These were all on vinyl. The 8 Tracks were in the car. I remembered how scared I would get when they would sing "they stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast". A Beast?!?! Yikes.

1977, San Diego, CA: In the back of my Uncles' VW bus with my cousin Joe, we wold sing Walk This Way by Aerosmith from their Toys In The Attic 8 Track. We would laugh and point towards our eye as if we were walking into our eyeballs. Because we were idiots. Because we were 4 years old. Whatever...

1980's Las Cruces, NM... again: In third grade I had memorized Freeze Frame and Centerfold by the J Geils Band along with Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap by AC/DC and I Love Rock N Roll by Joan Jett and the Black Hearts. I slowly realized I had the ability to memorize all these songs I loved. That Summer, my song was Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant. I would sit by our stereo, which was also a record player. A Massive phonograph that I would stare at and wait for the magic to emerge from. On Wednesday nights, I would two step dance with my mom to the country western station.

The sounds that came from there. Wow. The people singing couldn't have been real people. It was impossible to ever be that person. Wasn't even worth dreaming about.

In 5th grade my brother introduced me to break dancing and my cousin, Moe from San Diego, introduced me to Newcleus' Jam On It. Rap music. It made sense to me. It rhymed it was fast it was awesome! Then the Beat Street soundtrack and Ice T on the Breakin' soundtrack rappin Reckless. Trips thru the desert with my dad introduced Louis Prima, ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, Manfred Mann and the Earth Band, Johnny Cash and the Highwaymen. Harry Chapin and Neil Diamond were played a lot as well. We would listen to a cassette tape called "Hooked On Classics" as well.

All these incredible types of sounds that were pouring into my ears. It was an overload a beautiful, beautiful overload. In high school we finally had Mtv. Mtv showed music videos. They had a show called "Yo Mtv Raps" hosted first by Fab Five Freddy and later by Ed Lover and Dr. Dre. Not the Dr Dre from NWA. Wait, you don't know about NWA? Eazy-E? Red, Yella, Ice Cube, Dre and Eazy-E were NWA. The front runner was Eazy-E and the whole group followed shortly behind spawning such mc's as the D.O.C. Up North from Compton in Oakland was a rapper named Too $hort rappin' about Freaky Tales and The Ghetto. The Digital Underground was doing the Humpty Dance and a young kid named Tupac was "clownin' around when he hung around with the Underground". No one had died yet.

When I went in to the Army, I began listening to soundtrack themes like Conan the Barbarian's Anvil of Cromm by Basil Poledouris and Heavy Metal like Pantera and Slayer. Training to kill made me appreciate heavy metal music. Towards the end of my Army career we were listening to a lot of Techno and Industrial music. At one time, a buddy of mine took me to see a show at a little restaurant. It was Leon Redbone.

A roller coaster journey through a wide variety of sounds has led me to where I am today. A singer/songwriter with a broad base of musical influence. I feel bad for people that only listen to a certain type of music. It's like eating the same piece of bread for the rest of your life. It'll nourish but won't help you flourish.

From not daring to dream of even being a person that I heard on the radio to being the person being heard on the radio. What a trip...

Rhythm and You's

2010-01-22T10:10:00.001-08:00

"Music transcends hate, political lines, race and religion. The only thing more beautiful than music is the heart that created it."

This is something I posted on my Twitter recently and truly believe. It's a quote not from some ancient philosopher or great humanitarian. It's a quote from a very simple place. A quote from my heart.

Music is everywhere. Cultures are defined and recognizable by their style of music. In every village, every town and every city around the world, there is someone that plays music and is beloved for it. Throughout the world people share a love for the SAME song on many occasions. People who are at odds with each other probably share a similar playlist in their iPod. Warring gangs probably have the same CD in their cars. Competing nightclubs and radio stations will play the same songs. It is the glue that connects, sad to say, invisibly and unknown.

People will go to a concert to hear a band and mingle with people they might never ever talk to outside of the venue. But why? Why not continue the relationship. Why not let music bridge divides and heal old wounds. How better to coexist with one another than with harmony and rhythm?

John Lennon said to give peace a chance.

Why not let music have a chance to create peace?

photo by Alfonso de Alba of I.Am.Lost Photography

Alter Ego

2010-01-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

There's a movie out there that you watch repeatedly or just channel into your thoughts whenever you are doing something. A character that you think typifies exactly who you would be in an alternate dimension.

I am Samurai Jack.

I am trying desperately to find the song I wrote about this awesome cartoon created by Gendy Tartakovsky. This has got to be my favorite cartoon and character of all time. This is in a list that contains William Wallace, Conan the Barbarian, Riddick, Jedis', King Leonidas, Mickey O'Neill, James Bond(as played by Daniel Craig), that kid from Stomp the Yard (because I secretly wish I could dance like that) and Beowulf.

I fancy myself a bad ass warrior, for the most part. And in my defense, I'm a veteran of the US Army Infantry- a real warrior. trained in some Shi Do Kan Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Qualified expert on numerous weapons and Combat Life Saver qualified. Now I can add to that resume of training the instinctive, primal, genetically coded need to defend and protect my little girls.

None of this really has anything to do with music. It's more of a thought I have when walking away from a show through alleys and dark streets. It's the that I channel my Samurai Jack alter ego. Rockin' a crowd and then fighting crime, seeing that justice prevails. Can you tell that I'm the youngest of four and had to occupy my own time with my imagination? Haha. There are days when I'm not sure which is my reality and which is my imaginary world, but then the baby will cry and need a diaper change. Reality rears up. It doesn't have an ugly head. It has the beautiful, angelic face of a tiny little person that calls me "daddy".

One of the few people that can melt the heart of this samurai.

The Guitar

2010-01-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Many people who create have a favorite tool they use. Whether it be a brush for painting, a chisel for sculpting or a pen for writing. It is the tool that is most comfortable to the artisan and is almost a kind of good luck charm.

I have a guitar.

It's a Takamine G 230. The first guitar I ever got. My sister got it for me. I honor her in my own way by always using it to write my songs on. It's as if she is part of every song I write because it is composed on the guitar she bought for me so many years ago.

My sister is well and good. I don't do it as a memorial ritual as she will most likely out live me. I just hope that the songs I write upon it will be able to have as meaningful of a life as my sister has led. She'll deny any accolades towards her but I'll say just how awesome she is. She is awesome. In every way imaginable.

So my Takamine G 230 is my tool of choice. It has acquired a number of tattoos over the years and has the look of a truly travelled guitar. The thing sounds awesome in an intimate setting. It was, for all intents and purposes, my "girl" for the years leading up to the time I met the woman that I now call my beautiful wife.

But Takamine never got jealous. She understands her worth. She knows she has a huge amount of value in my life. She has endured two children so far and a two puppies and of course, my wife. She has played on the Vegas strip, at beaches, in parks and in countless houses and apartments. She has been the subject of many photos and drawings.

She's my Takamine. She is my co-writer. Am I her tool?

Throwing Things At Walls

2010-01-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

You heard the term "throw it against the wall and see if it sticks"?

I think it refers originally to boiling spaghetti. I could look it up on Google or Wikipedia or something like that but I'm gonna go with my notion. When you boil spaghetti, you know it's ready, when you throw it at the wall and it sticks. Yes, that sounds like the beginning of a verse of a song but it's not.

It's a saying that relates to ideas.

Now, I don't write a song, ball it up and throw it. I "throw it" by playing it repeatedly until it is committed to memory and then unleashing it on the public. If the public reacts favorably then it is safe to say that it has "stuck to the wall". If the public does not react well then it hasn't cooked long enough or it just wasn't good. It happens.

I've heard that for every 100 songs you write, 2 will be good. That's a daunting statistic to an aspiring songwriter. But sometimes it's easy to write 10 songs because ideas will come at you in a rapid fire manner. Sometimes all of these end up being songs you'll never end up using in your repertoire. But the exercise of writing is very healthy as is any kind of exercise.

Once the song is something you know is favorable, it comes time to play it over and over until you absolutely hate it and hear it in your sleep and the hook repeats like a broken record in your skull. Now that you can't stand the song, it's time to perform it for the public and act like it's your favorite. Isn't that sweet? But with the proper mental frame-realizing how blessed I am to even be able to play songs for people- I've learned to not hate the songs but love them more and more.

Because each song is a relationship. There is a birth, there is a discovery/learning process and an evolution and a love that grows, for me, with each song. A very personal place dwells in each. I can see the place and time in my mind where the song was born. Where I first threw it against the wall to see if it would stick. The parental like pride I feel when a song is well received is the same a parent feels when their child does well at anything.

You listening to my songs and sharing your time with my song is a very meaningful thing to me. When I get comments from people about having one of my songs in their head or singing it in the shower or that their kids actually dance around while listening to it is a gift. I thank you for that. For taking my song into your heart and your home and making it part of your family so to speak.

And now: the Chad Lasagna

1 lb lasagna noodles
1 lb of ground beef
1 lb of Jimmy Dean Regular Sausage
1 can Hunts tomato sauce
Shredded mozzarella

Boil the noodles for 10-12 minutes and drain. Get a 9x13 baking dish and lightly grease.
Brown the meats and drain. Put them both in a bowl and mix them together, make sure they're not too chunky.
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Lay three strips of lasagna in the baking dish, top with tomato sauce spread across the top of the noodles. Top with the ground beef/sausage combination. Top with mozzarella. Repeat this process 2 0r 3 more times depending on the depth of your baking dish. The last layer will be lasagna noodles, sauce and mozzarella.
Cover w/ foil. Bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes.

Guaranteed to make you a member of the clean plate club.

The Troubadour

2010-01-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

I'm the troubadour/not the man you're lookin' for/I know where the gettin's good/that is why I came back here for more...

It's from one of my newest songs titled "the Troubadour". I'm pretty much i love with it. The same way I fall in love with most of my songs. The others don't get jealous. The only feeling or emotion they have is whatever I give them at the time I sing them. It makes it very easy for me to pursue other songs. Now I don't treat humans this way. No way. My wife is number one. Whether I'm around her or not. She will always retain that spot. But with songs it's different.

Yesterday I had my guitar case out, singing and playing for the crowd at the farmers market. It's a great time. It reminds me of the montage i the movie Once where you see Glenn Hansard playing throughout the different days and the people hanging around and dancing and throwing money in his case. That was me yesterday. People hanging around, dancing and throwing money in my case. People do that because they like what they hear and it makes them happy, triggering a physical response which is dancing. Followed by smiling and laughing and throwing money in the case. It's great when people are happy.

People respond favorably to music when there is a good variety. A set list is very important just as a script is to a good movie. It tells a story. It establishes a character, it develops the character and the it brings the character through different challenges and triumphs. Up and down goes the tempo of the set. Drawing in the attention, getting the listeners to fall in love with the character and then taking them through the highs and lows. The fast songs to the slow songs. How will this movie end??? The suspense is riveting!

But if that movie only had one speed and never deviated from it, if the character was never challenged in any way or faced adversity of any kind, it would be a BORE!If the radio station only played songs of the same meter and cadence over and over again, if there was only a high tide or a low tide...

There would be no growth in the person, no excitement in the play list and no waves in the ocean. It would take the DYNAMICS completely out of it. It would be rendered undynamic. Not dynamic. Dynamicless. Adynamic. One of those is the word. Not sure which one until I hit spell check)

PART II: YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE

I am a troubadour. I don't have a boss. I don't go to meetings. I don't have clients. I don't wear suits, unless I feel like it. I don't do karaoke and am not looking to take direction in what and how I play. I spend enough time going over my arsenal of songs and strategically placing songs in certain positions for the purposes of story telling. It is designed to have an Ebb and Flow. A up and down. A dramatic build up to make it more memorable. It's entertainment. The people paying for the entertainment don't always see it that way. Most of the times at certain locations they want the music to be upbeat the ENTIRE time. They are the ones paying for it so they're entitled to that opinion. But this is my blog and I'm entitled to mine. As they're saying this, basically saying they aren't happy with the fluctuation in music, the people that are listening-the shoppers, patrons, drinkers and eaters- are more than happy with the selection, the time changes, the meter changes, the variation in song styles. It comes back to this; variety is the spice of life. Without spice, there is no flavor.

Flavor is good, it tastes better than money...

photo by Tommy Bryant

If Dylan Wore A Skirt

2010-01-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

The Coffeehouse Radio Live was treated to something pretty damn awesome last night. Former featured act Will Edwards showed up to play, that was sweet. Dennis Driscoll made his debut as a listener (Long overdue) and we had a young man all the way from Co. Wicklow in Ireland named David Benett who was awesome.

But the night was capped off by yet another outstanding Featured performer.

She is best described as Bob Dylan in a skirt- but with a voice. A penchant for songwriting that is unapologetic, personal and very relatable. Lindsay White is a musician that wears her emotions on her sleeves, musically speaking. After listening to her you feel like you've known her forever. And that's a good thing. She's a person you want in your life. A bright smile, a sharp wit and a voice that can be set on your ipod to "repeat".

Lindsay is accompanied by her percussionist, Joel Mendoza. Joel is flat out awesome. I get to borrow him from time to time from Lindsay. The two of them fill a room with not noise, but music. A sound that you don't want to stop. Joel brings the boom on his Machudo Cajon with his ankle shakers, tambourine at foot and impeccable sense of rhythm.

Another great night. Another brilliant night. Don't miss out on the chance to hear Lindsay White!

Song Writing

2010-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

I write everything I do. I don't work with anyone on my lyrics. However, I do draw inspiration for lyrics from others from time to time.

I just finished writing a song called "Let Your E Go" and it was inspired by my friend Missi, the DJ for Rock 105.3. She had posed the question "what would the world be like without ego?". I responded with a song. My friend Lindsay White once posted a status update on Facebook that related to how being at a mindless job can suck the creativity out of you. The song "Daydream" was born. My friend Stacy Tyree was at a stop light when she witnessed quite the ironic episode of hate and the song "Bumper Stickers" was born. So inspiration for song writing is everywhere and within everyone you meet.

So maybe I should've begun this post with "Everything I write is inspired by people places and things around me. Sometimes it's an act of kindness or a question posed by a friend that can spawn a new song" as opposed to "I write everything I do". Maybe my ego got in the way and I should let my E Go.