The CHC CD Release Show by Yotam Rosenbaum
Friday we had our CD release show at the Mint. I’d like to thank all of you who showed up and made this evening a memorable one. There is nothing more fulfilling for a band than playing for a house packed with friends and fans (Actually, there might be a few other things, but I’m not sure if this blog is the right place for writing about them).
For those of you who didn’t make it to the show, shame on you! You missed a fun night. But the blame is on us. We should have promoted the show more aggressively. I mean, we only sent about 27 email notifications and constantly harassed you on Facebook. Joey’s phone provider is regretting the day they offered him the Unlimited Text plan (This show might be the reason for the downfall of Verizon). We promoted the show so hard that I almost unsubscribed myself from the mailing list.
“How many times these guys are going to let me know about their freakin’ CD release show, and who the fuck are they anyway? Their music sounds nothing like 2 Cent, and the lead singer looks like a homeless guy.”
Promoting a show, or in other words promoting one’s self, sucks. It feels very awkward to bug your friends, and your friend’s friends and their Grandma to come see you, but it works (and we love it when Grandma comes). As such, Friday night was our best turnout so far and you guys did a good job pretending like you were having a good time.
Another success story of the night was our merch girls. D and Cela were kind enough to work the table. To those of you who haven’t noticed them you should seek help, immediately. These two hot girls sold more CHC shirts and CDs in one evening than what we’ve sold in two years. After the show I stood next to them and for the first time in my life realized how it feels to be a hot chick. There was not one single moment where some dude wasn’t coming over to talk to them. Intimidated by their appearance, the dude would try to make conversation that would quickly turn into an awkward mumble. The girls seemed well trained to deal with this. They immediately seized the opportunity to convince the dude that all he is missing in his life is a CHC shirt. Like a snake who’s being charmed by the flute, the dude instantly reached into his pocket and shoved a bundle of cash into their hands. He couldn’t care less about the shirt. All he wished was to extend this beautiful moment just a tiny bit more. Alas, he was pushed by the next dude in line and the same routine repeated itself over and over again. Next time we should have the girls on the stage, maybe for once someone will actually pay attention to the band.
My main concern before this show was how the hell we were going to fit all of us on the stage. Last time we played at the Mint we were 10 people and barely managed. This time we had Jaxx, an additional backup singer, and Racquel who is entering her 6th month of pregnancy, so we can consider that an additional 2/3 of a person on stage as well. Luckily we all get along very well, so we squeezed in and it all worked out.
We also decided to have the sound level on the stage lower than the usual. I figured I’d use my lighter drumsticks and keep it nice and easy. 2 minutes into the first song I broke my sticks and had to switch to the heavy duty ones. As we were playing Bulls On Parade I kept asking myself if it was even possible to hit the drums any harder.
After the show we headed back to Project Venice and cleared the extensive selection of alcohol to the last drop. At a certain point Nick spotted our Huka and asked me if I would set it up. I was glad to do so and felt he deserved a little prize (after all, his vibes solo was pretty damn good). What I didn’t realize is that Nick is a Huka addict. Three hours after I set up the Huka Nick was still standing next to it. It was hard to see him through the thick smoke surrounding him. Luckily I managed to convince him to start drinking White Russians and gradually he gave up the Huka habit for that.
The rest is pretty much a blur, but overall, not a bad night.
-Yotam
May 19th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
“Promoting a show, or in other words promoting one’s self, sucks. It feels very awkward to bug your friends, and your friend’s friends and their Grandma to come see you, but it works (and we love it when Grandma comes)”. Its just part of the hardship that key for your success. All I can say is good luck and more gigs to come.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
At least your night doesn’t end with disaster or something. All I can say really is good luck with your CD release shows and I hope there will be more to come. Its not really easy to promote a show and CD but who knows after your hardships and efforts and one day will come you will become one of music superstars. Keep on dreaming and never stop achieving your goals.