How we do it down south….

In completely unrelated news, I'm in Laredo, TX visiting my folks for a few days of rest. That, and to take care of the excruciating tooth pain that's plagued me since the start of the tour.

One of the less glamorous aspects of being a full-time musician is the obvious lack of dental insurance. That in mind – we opted to take care of my tooth issues in (the mildy sketchier, but affordable) Mexico.

So my mother drives me across the river to Nuevo Laredo yesterday afternoon. We arrive at the dentist's office, who tells me I'll need a root canal. Scared out of wits, I request she use a sedative (see:nitrous) for the procedure. To which she replies:

"Ay m'hijita, you're in Mejico now. The only sedative you'll get here is a knock over the head with a mallot."

It's good to be home.

Two out of three non-descript Europeans can’t be wrong…

Pierre and Silvio officially endorse the 2009 Alyse Black/Aly Tadros European Tour, do you?

Carmen Sandiego ain’t got sh*t on me….

I mentioned a while back I made a New Years Resolution to play in 20 states this year. Well, here's the run down so far…

1) Texas
2) Oklahoma
3) Kentucky
4) Tennessee
5) Louisiana
6) California
7) Oregon
8) Washington
9) Indiana
10) Virginia
11) Vermont
12) Georgia
13) South Carolina
14) Arizona
15) Ohio
16) Pennsylvania
17) Missouri
18) Utah*
19) New Mexico*
20) Arkansas*

*Ok, these are sort of fibs. While I had no official shows (as in, proper "venues") – we did stop through, and I did PLAY my guitar in these states. In front of another actual human being…or, uh…traffic.

Otherwise, that's 76 legitimate shows since July.

In addition to that I will have played Britain, Ireland, England, France, Germany, and Belgium before the new year is out.

Round, and round, and round, and….

I've always considered myself a relatively patient person. That was, until early this morning.

Parking in Manhattan = Seventh Circle of Hell.

…literally.

Wheatgrass only, please.

First day off in two weeks, cozying up at my Aunt Lilian's in Saratoga, CA and catching up on my to-do list. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, we had a string of great shows in the Bay area and I'm really excited about touring Washington State. The 12-hr drive from Fremont to Seattle, notsomuch.

A few quick updates:

1) "Things Worth Keeping" is now available for purchase on CDBABY!

2) I was just featured on last weeks edition of the Backline Show with Josh Shepherd. Sorry bout the swearin', mom. Listen in, here!

3) Another review came in from my buddy & avid music-enthusiast, Duggan Flaniggan. Check it and read up on other great Austin-based musicians on his blog, Flanfire.

4) A few days left leading up to Alyse Black's big CD Release at the Triple Door. There is a little part of me afraid the week will spoil me (Green M&M's, anyone?), but most of me is giddy to get all up in Washington's business with such fine musical folk.

5) If I ever do anything that is not music, it will involve selling everything I own and moving to Santa Cruz. Monday-Friday I will set up shop next to the Crepe Stand at the Farmers Market, using pity tips to buy said crepes. The end. 

For the official sponsors of the “keeping-aly-from-going-hungry-and-sleeping-in-the-car” movement:

Couple things I have learned on this tour:

1. It is virtually impossible to visit LA without getting a parking ticket. Consider it a part of the experience; a party favor, if you will. Accept it, and move on.

2. Beating up a meter maid is never a wise choice of action.

3. No matter what happens, the world is not ending and you will not end up living in a cardboard box. And even if it does, hey, it'll make for great material.

4. My friends and family are amazing. I just realized I've been touring for two straight months now, never having to stay in a hotel once. I've had some pretty awesome home cooked meals, too. There are quite a few people I need to thank- so I'm going to start w/ the Sirens Tour today and go from there.

Now, in no particular order:

Sirens N Boots Tour:

Michael Zuniga (Dallas, TX): The whole band crashed with Michael, pup included, for a few days – and he came to our shows. All with about, I don't know, two hours notice? This would be all amazing on its own- but Michael also let us stay with him for several days on our stop through Dallas a month later. And he fed us some pretty killer pasta.

Carlo (McAllen, TX) – Carlo packed out Rhythm N'Brews – so much so that all the other venues on the street closed down so the bar staff could come check out the show- on a Monday night. And then he offered up his home to the six of us. Genuinly cares about supporting artists and expanding the music scene in the Rio Grande Valley.

Homer (McAllen, TX) – Homer and I met when he invited me down to play "Another Music Festival" in McAllen. I was touched when he brought a bunch of friends out to my showcases – and dumbfounded when he pulled in all his friends, again, for our stop at Rhythm N'Brews. Not to mention the larger-than-life plate of Mexican food he brought us before our show. Make sure to check out his band, Stereo Kitsch.

Uncle George & Aunt Penny (Houston, TX): Came to all the shows, fed us lots of food, took lots of pictures which made my mom so incredibly happy. Thanks for your continued support of your neice's refusal to get a "real job". Ha!

Mom & Dad (Laredo, TX): If I could play house concerts in Laredo every week, I just might. I know pride isn't always a good thing, but I love showing you guys off to my friends. Having awesome parents is fun.

Heather Tadros (San Antonio, TX): Did I mention an incredibly awesome sister? Who will give up her living room, office, and all available floor space so that six people she's never met have a warm place to stay? I love you sis.

John Blackman (Austin, TX): Maker of killer omelettes, cleaner of messy tables, your generousity astounds me. I think hell will freeze over before you ever have to couch surf- but, if and when that happens – I strongly suggest you crash at my place, stay up really late playing loud music, and eat all my food.

JC (Tyler, TX): Met us night-of at Clicks, took us out on his barge at 2am for a late-night lake bash. Both Alyse and I ended up in the water, fully clothed (and completely sober). After which we sat in on a hilarious hour-long tirade on the Baptist vendetta against local music, and why Mike over at Clicks might just be the second coming. Make sure to check out JC's band, The Truman Syndrome.

All in your head.

We’re driving through New Mexico as I type this. There are trains and desert and mountains everywhere. Car is packed full, we’ll be in California this time tomorrow.

Sometimes when we’re driving through the country I try and rewire my frame of thinking – I try and forget we’re coasting on I-10W and put myself where I was in my head driving through Turkey. All of the land & boring desert highway seemed so breathtaking and foreign. The landscape around here isn’t so different. I could sit here incessantly checking my email on my phone, or just put the damn thing down and look around. Pretend I’m in Upper Egypt. And suddenly, all the desert and mountains and trucks seem a lot more interesting. 

I’ve got some goals for this tour. First is, do at least two things a day that freak me out. Tonight I’ll (1) e-mail a singer/songwriter I admire ask to open for him when I head back through LA, and (2) perform a song I love but normally don’t because I think it’s way too dark and makes people (see: me) uncomfortable. 

Second goal. Instead of holing up in my head before/after my sets, I’ll try to learn something new from at least half the people in the room. 

That’s a start. for now.

Been a long time comin’, Part dos

Last year I made the New Years
Resolution that I would put out my first record, and play in twenty new
states. Mind you, had no idea how either would come to fruition at the
time.

So here I am, sitting in sister's apartment in San
Antonio, and in front of me are 1,000 copies of my first album. Well,
technically there are 993 after pre-sales, but you get the picture.

I
moved out of my apartment in July to afford promoting this album and
live on the road. Since then I've played 32 shows across the country.
I'm five states short of my goal, so you can bet there'll be many more
on the way.

In my typical gnat fly fashion, I've got a few updates:

I. "Things Worth Keeping" releases this Saturday, August 22!

That's right! The album will be available on my website,  CDBaby, ITunes, Amazon, and all live shows. You can also pre-purchase your copy of the album now on my website!

Read the official press release in USA Today, or a few more things people are saying about "Things Worth Keeping" :

"Tadros is pretty ballsy." – We Heart Music, Vox

"Tadros wields a voice that travels from lamentive to seductive and
back again, often inflected at first with a touch of the various
passions but never taken by them, remaining collected while focused and
smoky. A good deal of thought went into Things Worth Keeping from all concerned, making it a very impressive debut release." Mark Tucker, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange

"The songs on Things Worth Keeping are more stated than those
crafted richly with catchy pop hooks. Tadros tells stories with slinky,
cool craftsmanship centering around strong acoustic rhythms and her
elegantly worn voice." Brian Tucker, Bootleg Magazine

II. Official CD Release Party & Benefit for The Care Communities this Saturday!
(Austin, Tx)

The Hideout Theatre
Saturday, August 22 2009
6th & Congress Avenue
9pm
(all ages)

View Facebook Invite Here!

The
Care Communities an amazing local nonprofit that provides day to day
care for people with serious illnesses, (ie cancer, aids, etc). A
little over a year ago I began volunteering with the organization, and
met a woman who changed my life; Ana Sisnett.

Ana was a
celebrated poet, artist, and grassroots activist. After a long battle
with ovarian cancer, Ana passed away in January, leaving behind a
family and large community touched by her compassion, creativity and
passion for life. Without Ana I may not have pushed to complete my
album. "Things Worth Keeping" is dedicated in her memory.

In
celebration of her life and the wonderful work The Care Communities
does, a portion of the door will be donated straight to the
organization. The rest will help to fund the remainder of my first
national tour with Alyse Black.

PRE-SALE TICKETS ($12) are available on my website, door will be $15. All pre-sale purchases will include a free album! Seating is EXTREMELY limited, so reserve your slot today!

In
addition, I will be giving out free copies of the album to any one who
agrees to volunteer with the Care Communities. Training to be a Care
Team Member will be August 30, 2009. Check out their website for more details!

III. "Debut Tour" with Alyse Black Underway

Just returned from our first leg of the Debut Tour. Read more about it on my blog!

Next
Monday we will kick off the West-Coast leg of our national tour, with
the East Coast to follow. We are booking, promoting & funding this
entire tour independently; the tour is still developing, so if you'd
like us to stop in your town please let me know!

Scheduled Dates (More TBA)

Aug 19, 2009 – Austin, TX (US) @ Fox 7 – (Live) Good Day Austin Music
Aug 22, 2009 – Austin, TX (US) @ The Hideout Theater – "Things Worth Keeping" Official CD Release Party
Aug 25, 2009 – El Paso, TX (US) @ The Percolator
Aug 26, 2009 – Phoenix, AZ (US) @ Hob Nobs Coffee House
Aug 28, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA (US) @ Genghis Cohen
Aug 29, 2009 – Santa Ana, CA (US) @ The Gypsy Den
Aug 30, 2009 – San Francisco, CA (US) @ Retox Lounge
Aug 31, 2009 – San Francisco, CA (US) @ Rockit Room
Sep 2, 2009 – Santa Cruz, CA (US) @ Moe's Alley
Sep 7, 2009 – Portland, OR (US) @ Mississippi Pizza
Sep 9, 2009 – Issaquah, WA (US) @ Tree House Point – Alyse Black Birthday Bash
Sep 12, 2009 – Tacoma, WA (US) @ Jazzbones w/ Vicci Martinez
Sep 13, 2009 – Seattle, WA (US) @ The Triple Door – Alyse Black CD Release Party!
Sep 16, 2009 – Richland, WA (US) @ Bookwalter Winery –
Sep 23, 2009 – San Antonio, TX (US) @ Candlelight Coffeehouse – Laura Marie's Songwriter Series
Sep 30, 2009 – Houston, TX (US) @ Avant Garden
Oct 1, 2009 – Nacagdoches, TX (US) @ Hotel Fredonia
Oct 3, 2009 – Baton Rouge, LA (US) @ North Gate Tavern
Oct 6, 2009 – Savannah, GA (US) @ Sentient Bean
Oct 13, 2009 – Brooklyn, NY (US) @ Spike Hill w/ Sean T. Hanratty
Oct 19, 2009 – Pittsburgh, PA (US) @ Howlers Coyote Cafe
Nov 4, 2009 – San Antonio, TX (US) @ University of Texas at San Antonio
Nov 7, 2009 – Nacogdoches, TX (US) @ Hotel Fredonia

IV. So what was in your time capsul?

I'm
in the process of putting together a spiffy press kit for promoting the
album. This would be a little package of sorts I'd mail out to
promoters, colleges, agents, and more. I'd like to go with the theme of
"Things Worth Keeping" – and need to keep it cheap (and light, snail
mail can be pricey!).

So what are some things you consider
worth keeping? Family photos, love notes, nail clippings? They can be
things you'd put in a time capsul, or if deserted on an island,
couldn't bear to go without (CHAPSTICK!!!).

Get as creative as you want, and send your answers to me at aly@alytadros.com (or just hit reply)!

————–

That's all for now, folks. Thank you for your love, support, and cozy couches to crash on!

Be well,
Aly

http://alytadros.typepad.com/blog/
http://www.twitter.com/alytadros

Debut Tour, Projectile Press-Ons & Review in Bootleg Magazine.

We're on day three of the "Debut Tour" – no show today, so Alyse, Tink (Alyse's Boston) and I took the day to work on the West Coast tour & get passport photos taken care of (Europe, here we come). After doing a very half-assed at-home manicure, I decided to dish out the $10 and get a real industrial-strength salon manicure. Four press-ons later, I'm feeling slightly ghetto, but relieved I won't worry about blinding audience members at our next show.

Dallas & Denton were wonderful, played a few cafes and had very attentive, thoughtful audiences at both. The people over at Bill's Records are awesome. Anyone who has a BYOB policy in their store is awesome. I love Texas. 

Let's see, as far as news goes…the tour press release was just picked up by USA Today. We've since added on a bundle of new dates on the West & East Coasts. A friend of my sister's donated a bunch of various granola bars (in bulk), and I fear I may OD on fiber by the time the week is out. 

Just received this a bit ago from Brian Tucker over at Bootleg Magazine. Should be out in their September or October print issue.

…you guys get it a lil' early!

———————————————–

Aly Tadros
Things Worth Keeping

With a voice angelic as it is weather beaten, Austin, Texas’ Aly Tadros sounds distinctively romantic, sultry and motherly all at once on Things Worth Keeping. Her earthy delivery, along with soulful vocal timbre, lends a soothing vibe to the whole. Just to be clear, the album isn’t totally a laid back affair. Tadros can be witchy and dole out attitude with memorable results. She tempts just as she enthralls, and her throaty, heady vocals do anything but belie the strength in her voice.

Tadros can sound like Jewel without the contrivance and gimmicks. She has the maturity of Bonnie Raitt and the growl of Chrissie Hynde. Comparisons aside, you get the idea of what Tadros sounds a little like. She can remind you of a lot of singers, but barely, it’s merely coincidence. What resonates about Tadros’ vocals is that they sound fresh, sound genuine and from the gut. She sounds like a woman self aware and in control.

The songs on Things Worth Keeping are more stated than those crafted richly with catchy pop hooks. Tadros tells stories with slinky, cool craftsmanship centering around strong acoustic rhythms and her elegantly worn voice. There’s acid-tongue strength in ‘But a Memory’ and philosophical reflection on ‘Swingset’ in which she sings “Why waste time about playing it safe/when we could give in to gravity and get carried away.” Additional musical flavors come from Ben Sollee’s cello on ‘Keep Up’ and the border-tinged ‘Dressing Room.’ But the ballad ‘One More Day’ is an album stronghold, sweet and soulful, and graced with Justin Craig’s keys. But it’s the brutal open-honesty of ‘Names We Forget’ that stands out the most. Things Worth Keeping simply highlights a performer with much to say and the grace to tell it indifferently.

Brian Tucker
Bootleg Magazine
Wilmington, NC

To Tom & Jose, with love.

Got my very first two online pre-orders of the album today, via Paypal. And we're not even related!

It's like Christmas!!

1AM UPDATE: Make that Ramadan. Just got my third order in, to Istanbul. Erkan, çok teşekkürler!