I've Become Fodder

This morning, my co-worker, Andrew, and I were both fodder for the morning show at the radio station where we work. Apparently they overheard us excitedly discussing Andrew's new laptop, and thought it was worth sharing with all of Columbus.

Just to get the nerd facts straight, he bought a MacBook Pro and NOT an iMac...there's a big difference! And technically, we're not IT guys...we're interactive media guys. So...yeah...get it straight!

Hmm...I guess we had it coming.

Listen here for all the juicy bits.

Production Update

I've created a new MySpace page to host some of my production samples. For information on availability, rates or a list of my favorite superheroes, shoot me an e-mail.

There Goes My Hero

On Tuesday night, I attended my first Cincinnati Reds game with my father (I got the tickets for him as his Father's Day gift). As luck would have it, it was Ken Griffey, Jr. night in honor of his hitting 600 home runs.

Growing up as a kid, Griffey was my hero. My family will tell you that would be putting it lightly. And although he was traded away from Seattle 8 years ago, it was a strange feeling to be in a different ballpark, in a different city, seeing a different collection of fans claiming him as their own.

I guess with the Mariners in such turmoil right now, it's hard to watch our former superstar bring glory to any other city (even if the Reds are in last place as well).

Maybe I just need to learn to share.

New Music

I just finished producing an EP for a new friend of mine. Samantha Leslie has just released her first record and I was privileged enough to be a part of it. I produced, mixed and mastered the project. I also lent my hand to most of the instrumentation. If you get a chance, check out her music and leave a comment or two!

Seriously, It's Cold Out There

I know that I'm new to the Midwest, and I still have yet to see a lot of things that are commonplace to folks out here. But today, I looked out my window and was surprised to see that the Olentangy River, which runs behind my apartment, was completely frozen over! Growing up in Seattle, I had never seen a RIVER actually freeze over. Lakes, yes, but not a moving body of water.

So as you can see, it provided a few minutes of much needed procrastination.

A Sad Sight

I know in my house that the Christmas Season is finally over when I see the sight of a gingerbread house in the trash.

Yes. It's true. We make gingerbread houses every year. Growing up with my family, it was an all out, smack-down competition. Come to think of it, it's still that way. We have WAY too much fun doing it. I look forward to it and plan for it all year.

But, now that the foundation is cracked, and we're sick of the perpetual smell of sugar in the air, it's time to let go and start planning for next year.

Back in the game

Last night, I went out for the first time and participated in an acoustic open mic. I had a lot of fun. I tried out a new song I wrote last week, did a couple Threefold songs and ended with a Carpenters cover.

I've really had the burn to get back out playing music in front of people. Yesterday was the first time I'd performed by myself. I've always had someone with me until now. It was exciting and fun for me. We'll see what happens with it.

Inspiration

You never know when inspiration is going to strike. Last night, as I was loading out from a gig at which I ran sound, a song hit me out of nowhere. By the time I was done loading the trailer, I had the whole thing laid out in my mind.

I raced home to my notpad and madly scratched out the words that were flowing through my mind. After about 15 minutes, it was finished. Finally. I broke through the blockage in my mind. And I was really satisfied with the results as well. I was so excited, I couldn't sleep. Today, I put the polish on it, and all is well. I'm off to the races now. One down...

songwriting blues

For the past couple weeks, I've had that feeling inside that it's time to start writing songs again. Everyday, I sit down with my guitar for an hour or more, ready to pen my next musical creation. However, the songs are eluding me. I'm feeling rusty and out of shape.

I've never been much of a lyrics guy, and I've always written with someone else. I've always done alright in collaborative settings, but doing this on my own is really challenging me. I have a bunch of nebulous ideas and hooks floating out there, I just need to gather them all together and put something together! I'm sure that's easier said than done.

To be honest, I don't really know what my goal is with all of this for today. I just feel like I have something inside me waiting to be created...

My Day with Switchfoot

So something really cool happened the other day. Switchfoot was here in Columbus for a show, and they decided they wanted to do something fun for the folks in town. So with some help from 104.9 The River, they setup a surprise acoustic show at Tree of Life Christian School.

I was asked if I'd be able and willing to run sound for the event and also make a recording for the radio station to air later. Naturally, I said yes.

The band arrived around 10AM and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with them beforehand. We exchanged stories of being on the road and how to brew the best cup of coffee. Very important, life changing stuff.

As we were all getting ready for the big surprise, someone came up with the idea to use me as the comedy scapegoat before bringing out the band. The kids were all rounded up into the gym for an "assembly". Jake Sommers, the afternoon DJ at The River, went out and told the kids they had this great, new, up and coming artist (me) to come play some tunes for them. They all gave me a very nice, warm round of applause as I went up to the mic. Once I got up there, I pretended to be embarrassed and unprepared. I called Jake back over to save me, and I think it was effective as I heard folks in the audience offer me words of encouragement and consolation.

Jake apologized for my lack of professionalism and told the kids it was a fortunate thing I brought some friends with me who could bail me out. Naturally, when they realized it was Switchfoot, they went nuts. Jon, the lead singer, came out with an acoustic guitar and sang a few songs and answered some questions as his bandmates sat behind him in support. Overall, it was a great surprise for the kids at that school. It's not every day that a multi-platinum band decides to do a free, private show just for you.

The recordings turned out great:

1. Meant to Live
2. Head Over Heels (In This Life)
3. Dare You to Move

Here's an aircheck from Jake's show the next day that mentions my little role, and here's the audio from my portion of the event.

So, here's my excuse

One of my pet peeves when going to someone's personal blog is reading some long, rambling post about how the author in question is sorry that he/she has been neglecting his/her online musings, assuming that throngs of people out there are just WAITING to hear what they thought about last night's episode of High School Musical.

Well, I neither watch that show, nor will I make any such apologies. I just really have had nothing to say. Since arriving in Columbus, I've spent the bulk of my days job searching and trying to comprehend the magnitude of the devotion expressed for the Ohio State University football team. I mean, I knew they were passionate out here. I guess it was just still a little surprising.

Anyway, all is well, and when there is something interesting to report, I'll be sure to do so.

Killer Moose

Yesterday, I went to the Mariners game with my buddy, Ben, who owns Centerfield Sports (shameless plug). The game was disappointing for Mariners fans (who incidentally sounded as though they were outnumbered). The Red Sox dominated the afternoon en route to a 9-2 victory.

But, not to be outdone, the Moose attempted to take out Coco Crisp on his way out to centerfield in the middle of the 5th inning. If you missed it, here's the clip:

Jars in Shorts

I had the priveledge of going to see Jars of Clay at the Gorge Amphitheater the other night. I've gotten to know those guys pretty well over the past few years, and it's always nice to catch up a bit when they are in town. Last summer when they were in town, I took them to the Curiosity Shop in downtown Seattle for an eye opening experience with all the crazy, random junk in there.

This time around, it was me who had the eye opening experience. I ran into the guys a couple hours before the show and after exchanging hugs and handshakes, Steve excitedly told me that I was in for a treat as I was going to see something during the show that some of their friends and family back in Nashville had yet to see.

Needless to say, I was excited to find out what this surprise might be. Maybe a new song? Maybe a cool cover tune? Maybe Steve bought a sweet new guitar he wanted to show off? Nope. None of the above.

As the band took the stage in the blistering heat, it was immediately obvious that this "treat" was the startling vision of all six band members joggin out on stage in old school short-shorts. As jarring as the image was, I have to admit, it was quite classic and a perfect representation of their great sense of humor. Not to mention that it was probably the most comfortable way to play a set in 98 degree heat. They finished off the look with matching polos and the classic tube socks with color stripes on top.

I did my best to preserve the moment with my camera phone, but alas, the photo does not do it justice. I got the attached photo from 'woman4life' over on the Jarchives boards.

Ohio Here we Come

Many new things are on the horizon in the Nystrom household.

Karen and I are planning a cross-country move to Columbus, Ohio next month. Karen is going to attend the Ohio State University this fall in persuit of her graduate degree in the History of Art. It's going to be a major change for both of us as we have spent our entire lives in the Pacific Northwest.

The past few weeks have been a blur as we prepare for the journey. We're scrambling to complete a seemingly endless to-do list all the while attempting to make time for everyone before we ship out.

As of right now, we plan to leave Seattle on Monday, August 13. So, if I haven't seen you in a while, and you're in Seattle, give me a shout.

My Public Address

Last Saturday, I filled in at the AquaSox game as the PA announcer. On the surface, this might not sound like such a big deal, but in our ballpark, it's by far the toughest, most demanding position.

Our PA announcer is not only responsible for reading dozens of scripts throughout the evening, but he's also the audio engineer and quarterback for the entire operation. What I mean by that is our PA announcer is personally responsible for any audio you hear in the stadium and he's also the one making sure the game starts on time and that all promotions are executed properly. Most other venues will have one person announcing, another person cueing audio and yet another spotting and managing production.

Daunting as it may sound, I had a great time Saturday. Everything went well. My favorite part of the gig is selecting music for the evening. It's not as easy as it sounds to choose 70-100 songs for an entire evening. But I was wholeheartedly up to the challenge. I was able to explore some musical landscape that is not often revealed at Everett Memorial Stadium.

The Frogs Are Back

Last Night was Opening Night for the Everett AquaSox. And other than the typical, minor kinks that come with the first game of the season, everything went really well. The team played well, the fans turned out in droves and the post-game fireworks show was awesome.

2007 will be my 12th season working for the team. Currently I'm there in a more limited capacity that doesn't require me to be at all the games. However, I do plan to be at the ballpark quite a lot this summer. The ballpark is an intoxicating place. You just can't get away from it.

Last night I roamed the stadium taking photos for our sponsors and future print materials. After the game, I helped write the team press release, which was something I'd never done before. In two weeks I'll have another first when I fill in for our PA Announcer for an entire game as he's out for a wedding. I'm really looking forward to it.

Jay Buhner and Dino Rossi were both on hand last night for the festivities. I have to say, once again, that I'm always impressed with Buhner. He goes out of his way to connect on a personal level with his fans. He sat for at least an hour before the game signing in the autograph booth. Not to mention the fact that he probably signed 500 more from his seat in the stands.

I'm Working For Jay Buhner

Those who know me know that I'm a huge fan of baseball. I've worked for the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, for going on 12 seasons. When I'm not on the road playing music, there's nowhere else I'd rather be than at the ballpark on gameday.

During my time with the ballclub I've met dozens of current and former Major League Baseball players. Guys like Phil Niekro, Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken, Jr., Randy Johnson, Alex Rodriguez, Felix Hernandez and many others have made it exciting to come to work each day.

No one impressed me more than former Seattle Mariners right fielder, Jay Buhner. In 2001, Jay made three injury rehabilitation starts at Everett Memorial Stadium with the Everett AquaSox. I also spent an evening with Jay in 2004 when the team was handing out bobblehead dolls in his likeness. I've never seen someone give back to the fans with a more willing and genuine attitude than Jay. Each night he was in town, he made it a point to sign autographs for anyone who was willing to stick around long enough to get through the massive lines.

That being said, I was thrilled to learn this week that Jay has purchased a minority interest in the AquaSox. This can only mean good things for the club. Jay plans to be at the ballpark this summer and intends on bringing some of his "buddies" along with him. If you're a fan of baseball, collect autographs, or simply looking for a fun way to spend your summer evenings, be sure to check out the AquaSox. Minor League Baseball is a crazy kind of fun that is worth the price of admission.

Opening Day

This week saw the start of yet another baseball season. It truly is the time of year when all fans have some glimmer of hope that their team will somehow find glory come November. I, however, am not so optimistic in regards to my beloved Mariners. Nevertheless, I'll be there to support my team despite the end result.

Bleak outlooks aside, there always seems to be something magical about Opening Day. You can feel the anticipation in the air as the ballpark comes alive with fanfare and great food. In my lifetime, I've only missed the Mariners opening day 3 times. It's a ritual I look forward to with anticipation every year. This time around, I had the privilege of taking part in the production of opening day ceremonies at Safeco Field. Part of the gig allowed me to be on the field for most of the pre-game activities. Best of all, the day concluded in victory for the Mariners. Let's hope they make it a habit.

Courtside Adventure

Tonight, my wife and I had the rare privilege to sit courtside at the Seattle SuperSonics game against the Washington Wizards. It was a hard fought battle that ultimately resulted in defeat for the good guys. Gilbert Arenas scored 42 points including a last second shot to win the game for Washington.

Even more impressive were Arenas' shoes. Tonight he sported some crazy, multi-colored low-tops that were seriously awesome. I could have sworn I heard him tell Kevin Calabro they were designed by Gucci. But I could be totally wrong on that.

Anyway, needless to say it was an awesome night.