The Sunday round-up

Hey all. While the title of this entry sounds like a sports show run-down, it's more like an update on all things Nocturna :) Things are moving along brilliantly here. We've been a bit "off the grid" as far as updating websites and such lately, mainly because we've been working our cute little asses off on the more core elements of the band, which is to say the music! Getting this phase of Era Nocturna going has been both an interesting and challenging experience. Expanding from one member to 5 (yes, that's right. More on that in a second...) takes some doing, to say the least. The synthesis of live instruments with the sequenced elements of the music has required patience and motivation on all of our parts. But the results, even at this stage of the game, have been overwhelmingly positive. Our overriding goal in all of this from the begining of the new members joining has been to bring Era Nocturna to you in a way that leaves you exhilerated, astonished, and wanting more. Thinking about our last rehearsal, I'd say we're already well on our way to accomplishing exactly that. After a decade of anticipation by fans, this will finally go from an album-only project to a live experience. And when I say experience, that's exactly what I mean. While there are bands out there whose live shows consist of them onstage in jeans and t-shirts running through their songs more or less as they appear on their records, and while some bands who do that do it well, and I appreciate that- Pelican comes to mind; I saw them in 2008 and it was one of the best shows I'v ever seen- however we agreed from the begining we wanted to do something vastly different. We believe firmly-as do fans and others- that this music demands a certain visual representation equal to the power of the music. The execution of this equals shows that are EVENTS. Costumes, props, lights...the ideas we are making a reality as we speak, while I can't get into specifics, believe me when I say it will be something not to be missed. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are vibrating in excitement to unleash this on an unsuspecting public...
Well enough of that. Onto things I CAN actually get into specifics about. As we've been saying over and over again here and in other places on the interweb, there's a LOT going on right now. Being that we're still in the begining of this journey, it's sort of like an iceberg at this point. All you're seeing, through our blog posts, youtube, facebook, etc, is the very tip. Underneath there's a flurry of activity which you haven't seen yet. What does this mean? Several things. Right now we are working hard to overhaul and update our many websites, and tie them into a network of all things Era Nocturna, rather than scattered entities. Look for more info as this comes closer to completion, including urls and links. But that's just one thing. There's so much more. Right now we are coordinating our first photo shoot. Sounds relatively standard right? Wrong. I won't tell you what it will look like yet, but once it's done the end result will be surprising and exciting, and will give insight into who we are...We have our first interview scheduled for the coming month, as well as releasing clips of our rehearsals to give you a taste of what you can expect later in the year. In addition, we soon be releasing the first of regular installments of video messages from the band. These are going to be a kind of free-for-all, a way for us to connect with everyone. Expect video introductions to all of the new members, off-the-cuff conversations, responses to fan messages, and general chaos haha. It'll be fun, trust us. You will only be able to find these on our exclusive Youtube channel, so come check it out and subscribe! In addition to this and other things we're working on, we've also started to talk about and write for the next album, which we plan on releasing in late 2012. Right now we've written only a handful of basic song ideas, and already it's sounding good. It's a bit different than the previous albums, in a very good way. And that brings us to the last bit of business, which I mentioned in the begining...
The first expansion in the next phase of Era Nocturna included myself on drums and Bear Czar on bass. This recent final expansion included a crucial element in our sound, guitar! So we are happy to welcome Dorian James and Kevin Roshandel to the EN family. Dorian brings a swirling, spacious, ethereal sound to the band, interweaving sonic complexities throughout the songs with his guitar. Kevin brings an essential bottom-end and edge to our sound which, while not present before, has become not only an exciting element to the band, but a necessary one. It's one of those "how did we do without this for so long?" situations. Kevin and Dorian are great guys, and their contributions are inestimable. This brings the member count to 5, and the sound of the band to its completion. Now the 5 of us begin the push to the stage... Well...I guess I had more to say than I thought haha. I only intended a quick update. But in light of all of the things we have going on right now, and the things that will be happening in the very near future, it's not really surprising. We will definitely be updating on a regular basis, here, as well as on our facebook and myspace pages, so keep checking back. Be well. Peace ~ Shaun

Rehearsal #2 Coming Up

I spent the evening writing down the lyrics for the songs that I'll be singing on tomorrow. Last week I missed so many of my cues because I'm not used to hearing the music the way it is now. It's amazing how much can change with the addition of people. Lola is still providing the basis for the tracks since synths are essentially the flesh and blood of the music. It's odd to think that a bunch of plastic and mental soldered together has made this all what it is for me now. But that's technology for you.

I don't feel that I ever really embraced technology. I wasn't one of those people who lived for gadgets until recently but even then I find myself frustrated by it.

A lot has been changing with the music now and I'm loving the addition of people to this. It's a lot less... lonely. There is and will always be that ever-present sense of isolation that I've never quite been able to get rid of. I can be in the most crowded places and still feel like I don't belong, half the time I don't, but this makes it easier. Part of the reason I could never bring myself to perform in the past was because I didn't want to stand on a stage alone with Lola playing the shit off the sequencer and looking out over the audience.... alone. In a way I still will be, even with Shaun and Bear and whoever else comes along up there with me. It happens that way when you're singing about the sort of nonsense I do. A part of you, the everyday part I think, splits away while the wounded parts stay behind to show themselves to whomever is watching. "See? Look at me. It's here. Right...fucking...here. She may look strong but look at me. Blood. Scars. Bandages. It's all here."

I get to wondering who put those wounds there. Family? Past friends? Current friends? Strangers? Or maybe it was myself. Taking it all too seriously. Pisceans are truly like fish. Have you ever caught a live fish? They feel so fragile when they struggle in your hand suffocating on the air that you yourself need in order to survive. Sometimes I feel like that fish... suffocating. Flailing within the grasp of whoever or whatever has me at that moment. Gasping for something that isn't air and isn't water. But something. Something that I don't know that I'll ever be able to name. Maybe this journey with the music will help me find that thing. Whether it's expression or simply freedom. I don't know.

It's interesting to think about though.

Welcome!

Well, well what do we have here? It is a blog...

First official practice last night was a hit. Shaun caused us all to nearly go deaf with the pounding on the drums but it was a sure sign of things to come. You are all going to be very pleased.

Bear now needs a tech because she's running on two guitars. Any interested parties are welcome to apply. Payment will be in hugs and alcohol if you're over 21.

I will now turn the reigns over to Shaun.

Welcome one and all... the ride begins now.