The New Weather Machine RSS

Upcoming shows

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-08-17T13:39:09-06:00

A couple chances to catch the New Weather Machine live and see some of the new songs:

August 28th @ Bigwood III
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142582269101043&ref=ts

September 3rd @ The Slice w/ Kill Matilda from vancouver(soon to be of montreal)

Condensed information inside a letter box

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-07-19T02:10:45-06:00

My hands and voices are finally coming back into shape after the few weeks I was away from playing music.
New songs are coming along nicely.
The tone of the new album in progress is taking shape.
The lightning and thunder tonight was fantastic.
I’m going to be reconfiguring my recording setup next week.
I’ve been listening to the bowie mix of Raw Power, the 1970-1978 Sabbath box, the wonderful 2nd disc b-sides and live tracks from the not supposed to buy Radiohead reissues, Mudcrutch, and the new Dead Weather.
Rickenbacker 330’s are not for me.
We will be playing this Saturday at the Slice with Edmonton’s Red Ram and Mattias Kroller for Red Ram’s cd release party.

Im Back

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-06-28T03:51:04-06:00

No really I am. I was in europe for a good part of the month of June taking in the sights, sounds, and food of France and Spain. Im still re-orientating myself and catching up on on what I missed or didnt do while I was gone, but I managed to focus my efforts and record another quick and dirty demo today. This one’s called End of the Road, I hope you enjoy it.

Jon

Another new demo x3

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-05-14T08:05:11-06:00

Im in the tough-but-good position of having written far more songs in the last few days than I have had time to do proper first demos of. This new one I started writing a few days ago, but finished it up and recorded it last night. It’s called Hold On and can be found for a short period of time on the music page. The recording was a fun experiment of 451’s, yippie. I’m also pleased to announce that I’m going to start recording a new record this month, that will hopefully be finished and out before the end of summer.

Another new demo

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-05-05T04:56:56-06:00

Ive been strangely busy the last week or so now that the school semester is done with tons of writing and recording/mixing work for a few other people.

Here’s the story behind this new demo:
I was in the middle of writing this new song a couple weeks ago when I realized it was the last day to have songs in for the South Country Fair songwriting competition. On a whim I finished the song and threw together a quick demo which with Ive been lucky enough to move on to the finals with (on May 15th at the Slice). Another opportunity that required having a better demo of the song came up on the weekend and this is the result. The song’s called Razor Heart Strings and can be found on the music page.

New Demo up, First Line

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-04-19T04:51:30-06:00

Yesterday, Jesse Northey and I recorded a tune we wrote with Branden Hamilton back in February for a school project and although its not really a New Weather Machine song, I thought id share it with you. I’ll leave the song up here to download for a short while, but if you miss the download it will be on the music page for a bit. Here’s a little break down of who did what.

The song’s called First Line

Lead Vocals - Jon/Jesse
Guitar/Bass/Backup Vocals - Jesse
Drums/Piano/Mixing - Jon

Written by Martin/Northey/Hamilton

Wild is the Wind

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-04-09T03:13:04-06:00

Not that global warming needs any more arguments to support it, but +15 degree weather, flip your mobile home over winds, and snow should not happen on the same day. I heard something once about showers in april(and not the kind the guy down the street needs to take) and that saying just isnt holding up its end of the bargain. Showers dont need to be scraped off your car window. There are only a couple weeks left until of this shit ideally, and then for everyone that doesnt live in a hurricane zone, things can get much better.

Ive been playing around with the 51 tele reissue ive got for the last few days, and although its very primitive, unforgiving, and not that much fun to play, it is actually a lot of fun to play. Something about the weird overtones and “plank of wood with string”ness of it is inspiring. The finish on the neck is pretty gross though and seems to collect dirt like a sponge, but Ive managed to write quite a few songs on it in the last month or so for one reason or another, which in my book makes up for any short comings as a facilitating instrument.

Ive been listening to some albums I wouldnt normally put a lot of time into lately as a means to research some recording gear ive got. Among these are Pet Sounds, Van Halen 1, LA Woman, late 60/early 70 Frank Sinatra, and some favourites like Harvest. The specific reason doesnt really matter, but what does matter is that the 2007 Remix/Remaster of LA Woman is just terrible. Every subtlety of the record was bastardized and over exposed, as were the weaknesses of the band that previously slipped under the radar under the guise of intent. I dont understand the purpose of remixed albums for the most part. I mean really, a million years ago when the record was made they were in a moment of time and took a 40 minute snapshot of that moment, for better or for worse. A million years later, when the initial creative decisions have been long long forgotten, someone gets paid to strip all the uniqueness, charm and spark. Now, the awful remix is the only version you can buy and the mystery is gone. Ive always thought that I would like to hear a remixed Beatles catalogue, but this serves as a fierce reminder to be careful what I wish for. Garbage +1 - 2007 rev. of LA Woman 0.

Advantage and Introspect

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-03-17T02:49:46-06:00

An exploration of different creative perspectives today has both piqued my curiosity, and completely ruined the very little tv I watch. The basic idea is that there are 6 possible view points in a given scenario or dilemma. If you are aware of the classification, the roles are easily identifiable in most television shows and social situations. Maybe it’s just that insight into the creation of something I know nothing about stole a piece of the magic, but in any given scene of an episode of Law and Order the characters fall so perfectly in these categories that the obvious scene writing formulas ruin the sense of social drama. That being said, using perspective swapping as a creative tool out weighs knowing that a fictitious cop will side with a fictitious rapist. This supports ideas from a book im reading about how different personality types are perceived in social situations. The benefits and disadvantages of appearing shy, outgoing, mean, deceptive etc. exaggerate themselves over time and dictate the strange, awful, and wonderful the things that people do or dont accomplish as well as opportunities that present themselves. Anyway, on to music.

Now I know that last month I was talking about a side project album, so i might as well mention that. After the first 2 or 3 get togethers life and school regrettably intervened, and only a few songs were written. I wouldnt mind recording a couple of them in May or June just for a souvenir. Speaking of May and June, Im gong to start recording the next Weather Machine record in May, and planning to have it finished by July or August. Although I havent really come to any conclusions about who’s going to be playing on it or anything, Ive been enjoying the writing process and think this is going to be an somewhat of an oddball album.

If you’re looking for something new, try a mono overhead or check out my brothers sculpting site.

February, new side project album, Treeline, and the possible return of david bowie

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-02-02T23:00:19-07:00

February is upon us and, as some of you know, its Record Production Month. The basic goal is to write and record 10 songs or 35 minutes of music solely in the month of February. Last year I had a go at it, but did start until the last few days and only really got 6 songs written and 4 recorded, which I suppose is a fail. This year I’m taking another swing at it, but I’m starting at the beginning of the month and have recruited 2 of my classmates to join in on the fun. We’ve got 3 songs written and, given that today’s the 2nd, I think we’re in relatively good shape . The group is yet to be named, but I’ll keep you posted.

Hmm what else, oh yes! There are a number of happenings being spoken about on the interweb that could lead one to believe that Mr.Bowie will actually be making a go of it this year. I am currently in the hopeful mindset that Tony Visconti is recording a record for him right now (check out his twitter account). There’s a ton of stuff online if you look around.

The recordings I’m doing for treeline have been turning out quite well. While I haven’t done any proper mixes of the tracks yet, I have been experimenting with a Michael Brauer inspired mix method that is quite challenging and quite powerful. If it works out the aural payoff is definitely worth it.

As far as whats going on with The New Weather Machine, I still working on new songs and sounds. The other day I got a couple of new pieces of gear that are going to have a pretty significant influence on said sounds in very positive way. Especially if you like 1964-1968 british invasion music. hoorah!

January Update #1, what's going on?

jon176@gmail.com — 2010-01-22T14:46:34-07:00

Hope everyone is having a david bowie new year. As long as the weather stays warmer I’m peachy. Working on some great new music I’m excited to share with you in the coming months. Im also doing some recording for a local band called treeline that may surface in the near future and is definitely worth checking out.

Free Christmas song #2 ver 2009, now featuring less sex sounds!

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-12-18T02:40:26-07:00

If Ham Santa (posted below) was a little much for you to take (understandable) here’s a brand new improvised Christmas song (we did one take and didnt write anything before hand) that might be a little easier to digest (than Ham Santa, see how funny?). Thanks to Jason on the bass, Cale on the keys, and Clayton on the drums. *christmas songs are down try again next year*

On friday the 18th The New Weather Machine will be performing at Henotic in Lethbridge. Our set starts at 9:30 in the main room with other bands to follow.

Ham Santa, free Christmas song

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-12-11T15:00:40-07:00

In an effort to stimulate tradition and invoke the festive spirit, I would like to share an improvised Christmas song that my old band recorded last year. Hopefully we'll do another one this year and in 15 years there will be a space age holo-disc of holiday favorites.

For your listening pleasure, Ham Santa:

*christmas over try again next year*

November Update, new music, free cd's

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-11-16T22:17:31-07:00

It's been a month since my last update, time flies! I've been very busy working on a bunch of new songs and with school. If anyone who really really wanted a copy of the free "November Basement Demos" Cd I was giving out through the Facebook group and didn't get one, I found a few more copies in my travel bag. Email me and a copy is yours. Some of the songs found on the Cd are on the music page and should be up for a month or so.

The tough part of this next album is just keeping focused with a genre. As far as new songs go, they're stylistically all over the board. I've got a good idea of where I want to end up, but I'm also not going to stop myself from working on song that isn't going to fit into that idea so I'm just going with the flow. The coming months will tell which direction it goes.

If you haven't joined already, check out The New Weather Machine Facebook group. I just gave away some free demo Cd's through the group, and will have more exclusive stuff in the future.

I'm trying to add and update a few things on the website including the addition of comments to posts, and updated bio/faq, and a few other things. If you find something that isn't working properly please let me know so I can fix it.

Currently listening to:

Get Yer Ya Ya's Out Remaster - Stones (1969)
Is There Anybody Out There - Pink Floyd (1980-1981)
The Airborne Toxic Event (2008)
Rory Gallagher (1971)

the future is here?

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-10-09T03:05:44-06:00

I was looking through some pictures i took a couple months ago and found this one. I must apologize. I should have alerted everyone immediately that jetpacks were finally available. I was keeping it to myself all this time but can keep the secret no longer.

October update 1

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-10-07T01:52:02-06:00

For the last couple weeks I just thought i broke my website, but it turns out that I installed Snow Leopard and forgot to update my website program too. Oh well, its all good now. On to the update:

-Currently listening to Animals, The Mono Beatles Box, and Rory Gallahger (who I’m enjoying quite a lot at the moment)

-So after a string of a few great shows I've decide to not press my cd release show in anticipation of a more planned live album a bit in the future. Not saying that it wont happen, it just wont happen soon.

-Tomorrow I officially start my new recordings. This might yield a short run EP, a couple new songs on the website, or a dent into the next record depending on how everything turns out. Im going to start by knocking down the songs that I think are complete finished as far as writing goes, then move on to the stuff that might need a little work. For any non-writers out there, that is always the trickiest part because you have to pick and finalize the individual parts of the songs, the arrangement, certain words or whole verses, etc and basically decide on the final version of a song (even though you may have a hundred different variations you could use).

Im really genuinely excited for the new sounds and ideas I’m incorporating. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them.

-The show last weekend at Henotic with Pilot Speed was alot of fun. The PA wasn't ideal, but it worked out pretty ok. The band played great and we did quite a few songs the first time as a 3 piece as well as a couple brand new ones. Props to Jesse and the Dandelions (who also played upstairs) for putting on a kick ass show.

till next time...

Another new demo up

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-09-26T04:39:21-06:00

For the first time ever tonight a New Weather Machine song was recorded with some people other than myself, and i thought i would share it with you. Its just a demo, and im trying some new things out production wise, but I hope you’ll get the idea. Thanks to Brad Brouwer for the drums and Jason Schultchen for the bass! The demo is called Drifters Moving On.

Video Section, pictures

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-09-19T23:55:51-06:00

Ive added a new video section to the website, and in turn have uploaded a couple of songs from last thursdays show at the Blarney Stone. Ive also got some new pictures from the gig up as well. Big thanks to brad and jason for doing a fantastic job, and to everyone who came out to the show(especially from out of town)!

New demo up

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-09-14T23:49:32-06:00

A couple days ago I was figuring out what my set was going to be for Dr.hook. Instead of taking the easy way out and just learning a couple of covers, I wrote a couple of new songs. I had a couple hours today after a couple of classes, so I put up a couple mics and did a demo of one of the songs. Its up on the music page, the song(which is still a work in progress) is called If No One Knows, well for now anyway.

Dr.Hook/Upcoming shows

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-09-10T17:14:44-06:00

In the next few weeks I have a couple fun shows. The first being an opening slot for Dr.Hook(Cover of the Rolling Stone, Sylvia’s Mother, etc) at the Blarney Stone on Thursday September 17th, I think tickets are $30 and can be picked up at the venue. I know I said the last show was going to be played as a 3 piece, and it wasnt, but this one will. Some new songs and different arrangements, good times! On Saturday October 3rd I will also be playing at Henotic for Meester Lethbridges Birthday Fundraiser as well.

I put a decent amount of new pictures up as well from last weekends gig if you’re looking to kill time at work or something!

Jon

the internet declares summer is over!

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-08-24T23:53:07-06:00

I just read in some sleazy email that summer is over. There’s always a moment or two of disappointment every year when that realization occurs. My mind always goes directly to halloween and frost, the months between the summer and the snow have a tough time creating an impression against costumes and and scraping windows. On the bright side, maybe i can get a new jacket...

Let’s see what do we have coming up.... On September 5th at the Slice, The New Weather Machine will be playing alongside a huge roster of local talents including Planet Telex, whatever Shaela’s band is called with an extra person, Treeline, and the Skillet Lickers. Itll be a first playing playing as a 3 piece with the fabulous Brad Brouwer and Taylor Ackerman. The idea of the night is relatively compact sets, so there’ll be a few new songs and a few old songs.

Speaking of new songs, Ive been doing demos and things, and one way or another will start proper recording next month. Ive also put up some new music on the music page, including a couple live tracks.

Other than that, I made the decision to jump ship on the day job and pursue a music degree, so we’ll see how that plays into the equation. Its looking like it will open up my schedule a little bit, and im ready for the change. Until next time

End of july update, new album, instrumental album

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-07-28T04:47:32-06:00

Its been a couple weeks, whats new? Hmm the other day I ruptured something in my neck causing both what the doctor likened to a “bad chiropractic adjustment”, as well as extreme pain. That was pretty cool, well it is if I recover soon. Im getting sick of walking like a robot(the bad kind), not turning my neck, and sitting up straight. Oh well, the sleeping for 20 hours isnt so bad for now.

Just prior to the injury, I managed to complete the mixes the upcoming instrumental album. This is not a New Weather Machine, but a side project I am part of. The record is 10 tracks of sort of jazz, sort of rock, jam music. I will have it available on the site when its released, there still is a lot of papers and packaging to figure out so it will be at least a few(6) weeks.

The writing and song development is going well for the next Weather Machine album. Expect some new sounds. Im looking at having an EP but ideally an LP done by November. I am currently planning on recording with a least a couple other people, schedule permitting. My new distressor is sitting and waiting for me to overuse it.

Well, time for more to take some more T3’s and dream about and the fantastic voyages David Bowie and I could go on together.

synth pop dreams

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-07-07T21:48:45-06:00

Last night I assembled a small group of people who have a secret love for 80’s new wave pop music and we recorded a very tasty rendition of modern english’s ill melt with you. thanks to tyson, taylor, and clayton for making this diet pepsi moment possible.

As far as new music goes, still working on new songs for the next record and doing some pre production stuff so i can really nail the sounds im looking for when the time comes. im just about finished the mixes for the live album, and also just about finished the mixes for an instrumental cd im working on with a couple of guys from around town.

until next time

CD release, umm release?

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-07-01T04:33:21-06:00

So after a prompting on the weekend from a friend about the recording of my cd release party, i’ve decided to finish the mixing i started many months ago of the show and do a very limited pressing of the show. I haven’t listened back to the performance for a few months, but i really think there are some fantastic moments and that its worth hearing. I think its time to go to bed for the evening, but ive just about finished up the mix and will hopefully complete it in the next few days. Look for it on the web site and on itunes in the next month or so.

Avengers Assemble! or maybe not

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-06-28T05:02:49-06:00

June has been a rather interesting month. For some reason when you make plans to get certain things done, life has a way of interrupting and replacing. Hmm notable things in June.....

We’ll the most fun and disappointing was my crazy week writing and recording a theme song for a new animated tv series for Marvel’s Avengers. Unfortunately for me my song did not get selected for a very silly and fixable reason, but thats life. You can judge for yourself, the song should be posted on the music page by the time anyone reads this. **Please note that I had lyrical and content guidelines to follow!!** There are some cheesy moments, but really, its for a cartoon for 35 year olds and the song is supposed to sound like the foo fighters, ac/dc, and led zeppelin. hmm

Ive been working on 3 particular songs that will definitely be on the next album, which hopefully will be sometime before the end of the year, maybe early fall if im lucky.

Im also finishing up the mixes on an instrumental album that im part of, which should be released sometime in the near future. Ill have more details as it approaches.

dont forget to wear sunscreen and listen to your fair share of david bowie. actually this week you can have a pass to listen to emotional rescue a few times too.

jon

a very positive week

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-05-27T01:19:47-06:00

normally i wouldnt make a post about virtually nothing, but this week has been pretty decent so far. I also know that there are a few people checking the site for something new to read, so you know who you are - heres something new to read(i also put up some new pictures for you)!. the prospect of my music in movie and tv placement has surfaced again and its kind of fun and exciting. i am excited about at least 4 of the new songs im working on for the next album. not saying that there are only 4 good songs, but there are probably only 4 truly finished songs. its really just been a very positive week.

im hoping to have a new demo or two up in the next couple of weeks as well. The songs im working on are..hmmmm maybe more singular than plural? does that make sense? to fill my desire of not redoing what i have done already, im trying something totally different as far as song writing goes, which i hope will work out for the best for someone at least.

before my late night ranting gets too ridiculous, im going to bed.

jon

sasquatch festival

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-05-25T01:54:37-06:00

finally home after the long drive from the gorge in washington. i went down for the first night of the sasquatch festival and it was pretty awesome. basically a lot of people all just wanting to see some cool bands and crappy overpriced food and beverages. super nice weather, very cool vibe, and the v bomb dropped over a loud speaker within 2 minutes of walking in the gates. i mean really, what more could you ask for besides an auntie anne’s pretzel?

my only regret is that i didnt get to stay and camp for the full weekend but at least i can remedy that next year.

on a side note - some ideas on the next record kind of came together during some portion of my trek and i think what i want to do is making some sense. that or im still a little delusional from whatever the giant mosquitos were pumping into arm/head/neck

One Take Basement Tapes

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-05-12T09:13:06-06:00

Jason and I recorded what i think has been the best of the “one take basement tapes” recordings. if youre not familiar with the idea yet, basically we get together for a drink or two, pick a random song(which lately has been beatles stuff) and then in as few passes as possible record the track with usually only one take per pass. It can be quite a challenge sometimes but is quite a lot of fun. Last night we did “Im So Tired” off of the white album. Check it out on the music page

New Pictures

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-05-06T01:51:04-06:00

I added a bunch of pictures to the photos to the picture page that you might want to check out. i had a pretty exciting weekend! as i go through my pictures ill add some more over the next few days.

jon

End of April Excitement

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-04-22T01:59:29-06:00

Coming up in the next 2 weeks I will have some of what is probably the most exciting stuff on the website. I dont want to give it away but I can promise it will be worth checking out!

Ive also added some new pictures of me flailing about at the last show courtesy of my friend norm. check it out

Brand New Song Up

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-04-02T18:17:45-06:00

The first new original track since the album was released is now available for you to listen to on the music player, or on myspace if youre into really low quality. The songs called Falling Apart, you can have a listen before you hear it live next friday.

April Showers: New Weather Machine and Dennis Classic

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-03-30T10:13:07-06:00

Some upcoming shows to coax April showers.

On tuesday april 7th Dennis Classic will be hosting jam night at the slice. Should be a delay and fuzz fest.

Shortly after on friday april 10th (which is a holiday) there will be a treeline and new weather machine split show. Im excited to see some of the great new material they’ve been working on live.

roooooooaaaaarrrrr

tada

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-03-25T01:40:42-06:00

Havent posted an update in a couple cold weeks so i thought i would post some thoughts and what im up to. currently im writing and doing some demos of new songs. i have one in particular im excited about and hope that it works out the way i want it to. as a songwriter, i think that the ability to properly translate what you have in your head lies somewhere between not knowing nearly enough and knowing to much. its why the “legacy” artist cant write important music and the amateur sounds like he should keep his day job. its why slick nashville country can be so bland. its why lame indie rock can suck so badly. im sure it doesnt just apply to music, other forms of creative art probably suffer the with the same issues.

as a listener i want to hear a bit of struggle. i want to see dripped paint where the artist took a chance and was unsure if it would payoff.

i do however think that this eventually comes around as well. after the knowledge saturation point has been reached and sustained, a new avenue is opened. there lies a true master of craft whether it be songwriting, painting, building, speaking, design, etc.. a master is ultimately someone who is truly aware of what they dont know.

in regards to music i can think of very few good examples. its seems like these artists eventually had some sort of break through very very deep into their careers, and somehow harnessed the ability to put out very brilliant, very direct communication. this might be a turn off to some people as the most direct communication can be simple and incredibly threatening. it can be uncomfortable if not taken in context because of the instant level of connection.

ultimately i think that there is a sweet spot somewhere in the middle that resembles or exceeds mastery of craft, when someone knows enough to accomplish the desired task, is fully aware of the unknown, but is still hungry enough to put in some real effort and take a chance or two.

Until next time david bowie

Jon

Early March: The Future

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-03-09T23:39:51-06:00

So now that the first album is done, boxes of discs pressed, interweb littered, and cd release party complete - whats next. Thats a good question, a question ive been thinking about for the last couple months. Lets start with start with a short recap.

-after “29 Months” my debut album was completed. as planned I was able to play all of the instruments, write all the songs, mix and produce it, and somehow figure out how to pay for the replication and mastering.
-the record was well received, ive managed to get it in the hands of a healthy number of fans both locally and abroad via the internet with regrettably minimal promotion
-the cd release party was a success, the band did a great job of presenting the album material live. it was a lot of fun and very gratifying
-during the month of february i took part in the rpm challenge(make an album in the month) and though my best efforts were put forward in the last 10 days, i did not complete it.
-ive been writing a fair bit lately and have recorded a few new songs - some of which im excited about
-found 2 collections of bowie material that i had never heard from 64-66

that about sums up the last few months for me as awesome or anti-awesome as it sounds.

however the question remains, what do i do now? i have a few different options for consideration. i can:

-pursue promotion and perform of the “The New Weather Machine” album solo or with a band
-put effort into some visual arts im interested in, including photography, painting, video etc
-put a legitimate band together, work on new material, and play some gigs
-record another album by myself
-record another album with other other musicians but not in a typical band format
-listen to david bowie until im “defecating ecstasy” - (we are the dead - 1974)
-do some dennis gigs
-stay/remain in isolation and read books
-do nothing at all

of course im always open to suggestions, and my short attention span will probably cause me to change what im doing 4 or 5 times before something sticks, but i do know that i a) dont want to repeat myself and b) improve on what i have done. Im not sure what exactly that is but im sure i know what it isnt. will keep you posted

jon

Appearing Tonight on the TV

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-02-25T14:55:59-07:00

If youre one of those crazy people who like to watch the tv and its stories, I will be on it tonight between 6:00 and 6:30 and again at 11:00 and 11:30. The piece on me should be about 15 minutes into the show which can be seen on whatever channel City TV Calgary is at your house. I havent seen the bit yet but my silly interview is in good hands so the potential is there! And remember, I can see you from inside the tv.

Thank you

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-02-10T20:43:42-07:00

I have been extremely busy over the last few days and especially the last few weeks but would like to make a delayed special thank you to everyone who came out the the cd release. it was very successful and I appreciate the support. I recorded the show and a few good pictures were taken. Possibly in the next few days or weeks i will make a little section on the website for those of you who couldnt make it

CD Release Party Poster

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-01-29T18:41:48-07:00

Just a reminder for everyone about the all important CD Release Party next friday february the 6th at the slice bar and grill in lethbridge. I will be doing a live recording of the show so i look forward to seeing you all there! heres the poster to check out:

i also added some new pictures to the photo page.

New FAQ section, Solo acoustic performance

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-01-23T02:20:17-07:00

I have added a new section to the web site to help answer some questions that I get frequently and/or to give you something to read because youre probably trying to kill some time at work or school or something. I will update it as necessary in an effort to keep it relevant so check back with it often.

I will performing a brief 30 minute solo acoustic set this Saturday at the Slice Bar and Grill in support of Treeline. For those of you who want to pick up an early copy of the album so you can familiarize yourself with the songs before the big cd release party on February 6th, that would be a great opportunity to do so. Also, I updated the music page and there are a few new tunes to check out.

Keep warm, there are at least a few more cold days in this stretch.

iTunes and Amazon availability

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-01-20T19:28:20-07:00

As of today the album is official available on itunes for download and on amazon.com for download and physical purchase. If you havent picked up a copy yet this is the easiest way yet of getting one.

Positively 2009 and the Official CD Release Party Date

jon176@gmail.com — 2009-01-18T04:31:18-07:00

Hello everyone. Hope youve had an acceptable holiday season and start to the new year. Next week we finally get(close) to what we’ve all been wanting for the last 8 years. I know a rod stewart stomach full of people are as excited as me about it and rightfully so!

On friday we did Dennis 9:The Worst Dennis Ever out at the CMI in Coaldale. Thanks to Paul, Kyle, Jason, and Tyler for putting on a great show! Look for some new pictures on the picture page soon.

With the current state of the economy and the global recession, its easy to look at the glass as half empty. Compared to the impending eruption of the super volcano in yellowstone, the time bomb of the mayan calender, and the idea that Israel has the second largest store of nuclear weapons in the world (see pic) - loosing some money or getting an extended holiday from work looks like a walk in jelly stone park.

On a more important note the date for the Official Cd Release Party of the album is February 6th. It will be at the Slice Bar and Grill in Lethbridge and will tentatively feature Treeline, Crystal Kid(from Calgary), and of course The New Weather Machine. This will be the first performance of the album in its entirety and should be fantastic!

Early Christmas Present

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-12-18T05:45:51-07:00

Sometime in october Red Rock Rebellion wrote and recorded a special Christmas song. Here’s a little background:

The song was initially a jam we recorded to test out some new recording equipment but setting up and getting the recording going, we didnt have enough time to do record a proper song. It would have been a shame to not finish anything at all, so we ended up just leaving a vocal mic on and doing 2 or 3 passes through the jam we had recorded. The end result was for one reason or another a Christmas song with the express purpose to make the listener feel uncomfortable. Without further ado I present

Ham Santa - C 2008 Red Rock Rebellion

Jason Oakes - Guitar/Percussion/Vox
Shad Chollack - Drums/Percussion/Vox
Jon Martin - Bass/Percussion/Vox

Feel free to enjoy, hate, share or delete!

News, Digital Availablity etc

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-12-16T14:05:35-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who has shown their support and bought a copy of the album! Then initial response has been really good and in the next couple weeks there will be an article in the Lethbridge Herald about myself and the album.

Speaking of the album, it is now available to purchase in physical and digital formats it can be purchased at

http://cdbaby.com/cd/newweathermachine

it will also slowly trick out on amazon mp3, itunes and the like.

Dennis VIII

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-12-08T18:05:42-07:00

This thursday December 11th Dennis will be performing at the Slice Bar and Grill. This Dennis adventure features the biggest Dennis lineup yet, and even more David Bowie! See you there!

Album Now Available!

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-12-02T20:25:28-07:00

So after 2 and a half years The New Weather Machine album is finish and is now available. Starting today it can be purchased for $12 from gigs and my web store. Within the next couple of weeks it will also be available at a few local shops as well as online from iTunes, Amazon, etc.

The first track, Sink Like A Stone, is now available to listen to on the music page to listen to.

The official cd release show will be tentatively be held on January 30th at the Slice.

Enjoy!

Album semi-officially complete

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-10-06T23:58:16-06:00

So the album is finally finished. It was mastered last week and after some mastering revisions the music is ready to go. I am still deciding on the album artwork however so the final record still a couple weeks off.

I think its amazing how different it turned out as a complete piece that what i had though initially, or even than what I thought 2 weeks ago. There is only one song left from the original batch i was going to use. There are 11 tracks in total, several of which were added, written, and/or recorded in the last couple days of completion. Nobody has heard it except for me and the mastering engineer so i am excited to get some feedback. Stay tuned - brand new music and more info in the coming days.....

Jon

Live this Friday

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-09-24T19:06:07-06:00

I will be performing an acoustic set in support of Treeline at the Blarney Stone in Lethbridge this friday, come down early to catch some of the new songs!

Jon

The final push

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-09-20T04:14:44-06:00

So this will probably be the real last pre album update. I am diligently working to put the finishing touches on everything, adjusting the mixes and changes things just for the hell of it. I have yet to decide on the final track list, but there will be 10 songs, maybe an extra one or two if it swings that way. I ended up deciding on recycled paper digipaks for the physical copies and an excellent mastering studio in toronto for the mastering.

Ideally i will have some sort of cd release party at the end of november or early december depending on a whole pile of different factors(including assembling a band :p) but im not going to start getting into that for a few more weeks.

Jon

ps no one is going to get upset if you listen to a david bowie record right now

Album Update

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-08-30T01:18:49-06:00

So I think this may be the last pre-completion album update. So my finger has finally recovered from its sliced and gashed state, and I just have 2 little lead guitar tracks and a vocal to do and then the album will be completed. All the tracks but one have been mixed and are ready to go. I am figuring out what I want to do as far as album art goes, it’s a lot more difficult than I was anticipating. The record has changed drastically since its original inception. I think only a song or two are still remaining from the original track list. I had some indirect advice from Brian Eno which led me to let the project go in a different direction than I had planned - for better or worse i suppose.

I have some stuff to figure out about mastering and replication, and then theoretically I should have the album for sale on the website.(As Im writing this an 80 year old Chuck Berry is playing on Leno, awesome!!). As a bonus Ive added a new beatles song to the music page. I should note that all the beatles songs are recorded one take, no fixing, barely mixing, so you get what you pay for. haha

Anyway more info later

Tons of New Pictures Added

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-08-15T01:44:35-06:00

I got a shiny new camera today so while going through some old pictures, I thought id add some more to the site. So in addition to yesterdays music player, today ive added a ton of pictures from as early as 2004 up until now. They should come up in cronilogical order, but no promises. Check out the photo page while you listen to some tunes in the pop-up music player.

Jon

New Music Page

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-08-13T22:24:09-06:00

So i have added a music player to the site. you’ll need flash to use but in some peoples opinion its worth the trade off. It will open a new window so you can use the site and listen to music at the same time.

My finger is re-covering from a knife based injury, but there will be lots of new music soon.

Super Quickie - updated

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-08-10T01:48:18-06:00

So Jason from red rock rebellion and I got together tonight to play some beatles stuff and for a challenge we decided to learn, record, and mix a song in under an hour. we only did one take of everything in order to get it done it time, but we did do it. i thought somebody might find it interesting!

*update*
i spent another 5 minutes on the mix, so this is a revised version.
*now on music page

David Bowie

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-07-28T01:59:47-06:00

Sorry for the lack of updates as of late, here’s a little bonus. Last week we recorded a version of Changes, its just a quick mix that i did and it hasnt been mastered and all that but you may find it enjoyable.

*now on music page

Jon

Dennis 7 and 8

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-06-07T21:22:57-06:00

So if anyone attended Dennis 7:Lucky Number Dennis (last wedensday) or Dennis 8:A Tribute to Dennis(last night) congratulations. Dennis 8 i felt was one of the better Dennis spectacles , particularly because my new Hiwatt made its debut. The show was recorded so perhaps I will find the best combination of Hiwatt and David Bowie and share it with you.

Dennis eh hem 6 (apparently) and album title!

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-05-02T02:18:09-06:00

So I apparently this Saturday the third is actually Dennis 6, which I will call "Have Six with Dennis". Dennis seven will be somewhere else. The material for the show is pretty interesting, really good themes this time around. Due to even more personal changes, there will still be 5 sets, but 3 full on band sets and 2 acoustic sets from myself and taylor. Songs from the upcoming album will be featured among others. I have finally picked a title for the new record, it will be called(unless I change my mind, ha) title has been removed I have a few titles in mind, and I think this one will work best, but you never know.
Anyway, see you on Saturday!

May 3rd - Dennis 7: Lucky Number Dennis

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-04-23T22:16:16-06:00

Just to let everyone know on May 3rd there will be a special Dennis show. One of the members cant make it so we will be getting another guy or 2 and doing 5 mini sets. For one of these sets im looking at doing just songs off the upcoming album. Speaking of which, as we speak I have some of the tracks being mastered. Exciting!

Anyway the May 3rd show is at The Slice, where one can see music and eat delicious pizza as often as needed and I think we might have the show recorded as well, in which case Ill have some live stuff to post here. Stay tuned i guess!

Upcomming Live Dates

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-03-11T20:10:33-06:00

So it turn out there are a few live dates all the sudden so I may be adding a new portion of the site to post them. One coming up this weekend with my old band Red Rock Rebellion, and several with Dennis.

Anyway......so if you live in Lethbridge im sure you are, were, or know a bunch of people who got sick. I am included in this list and have been reasonably ill for the last few weeks with what im going to call laryngitis and a cold at the same time. I was being quite productive up until then and now my voice is shot/recovering. Oh apparently I have to go practice now, will update again soon.

Jon

As Promised...

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-01-18T19:58:24-07:00

Here's a couple tunes from last weeks Dennis 4 gig for those of you that missed it or just cant get enough. enjoy.
*now on music page

If anyone is interested in getting a copy of the show email me and ill email it to you. If dennis does make a return there will be some original music. They are very short notice shows what we play can be limited. Im making good progress on the Weather Machine album, Ill have some more information about it in the coming weeks.

Jon

ps i put a some new pictures up as well

Dennis 4

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-01-12T04:56:17-07:00

Thank you to everyone who attended Dennis tonight. After just getting home i feel that the gig was very successful and perhaps enough of a boost to warrant a planned Dennis show. After i review the recorded material from tonight, i will post a song or two. Paul, Kyle, and Taylor did an excellent job, again thanks for everyone for coming out.

Jon

Dennis 4:The Return of Dennis Strikes Back

jon176@gmail.com — 2008-01-09T12:22:49-07:00

So the pseudo band Dennis will be making a return to the stage this Friday January 11th at the slice. Everyone is encouraged to come down and support the drinking habits of a some local musicians.

There is also some sad news regarding David Bowie, the gig at the coachella festival was a hoax. I have been hurt personally by the bastard(s) who made the fake bill, I will set an example and not write an song about my sadness.

Christmas Update

jon176@gmail.com — 2007-12-26T02:42:50-07:00

So Christmas is finally over. All kinds of things have been exchanged, the economy has been stirred, another Bee Gees Greatest Hits album was released.... I hope everyones Christmas was a safe and enjoyable time. If you didnt get what you wanted for Christmas, just remember David Bowie is playing at coachella in 2008, and thats a better present than anyone could possibly buy you.

My new website, though hideous, is now stable. I have the technology. The album, what of the album? I wont bother going into boring details, but i have a couple songs to do vocals on, a few songs to mix, and one little piece to do from the beginning, and the theoretically i should be finished. I know it may be tough to believe but i do actually have a bunch of tracks finished and mixed and everything. no, really

I did a show a couple weeks ago with a pseudo band called Dennis. I had a great time and perhaps in the coming months we will do another gig. If we decide to do a bowie theme maybe ill put some video up for those out of area or unable to attend.

Ive been doing a bit of writing lately, and although ive been going out of my way not write to until im finished with this current batch of songs, it exciting to hear new things and different sounds.

Well its late and i should probably go to sleep at some point - so im off put on my inside copy of Diamond Dogs.

Jon

Fixed Website

jon176@gmail.com — 2007-12-24T12:52:14-07:00

The website has been repaired. its even uglier than it was before, but hopefully i can remedy that after i figure out how to use this program a little better. Remember David Bowie this Christmas time!

New Website

jon176@gmail.com — 2007-12-19T20:49:54-07:00

So Ive decided to make a new website. Im using a new program that will hopefully make the site a little more useful and easier for me to update. In a week or so i will post a real update and will start updating regularly after that.

Jon

update: apparently i broke the website, i will try and fix it

2007 Pt.2

jon176@gmail.com — 2007-08-06T20:06:38-06:00

Another much needed update today. Lately I have had a hard time believing how fast time passes. In the last year and a halfish I have recorded three different versions of the album, and am working on the fourth version, yet it seems like I started not that long ago. Unfortunately I didn’t but I am still trucking away at it. I hope it is worth the wait for anyone who cares to listen and worth the effort for me personally.

Well version 4 is starting to sound like the one that will eventually be heard by the public, for better or for worse i need to finish this project and move on to another. As of today and just judging from the drums, it sounds more like Led Zeppelin than the Stones if that means anything. Ideally it will sound more like me than Led Zeppelin when im done.

For better or worse ive decided to nix the inclusion other musicians for this current incarnation. I hate having people come into to record and do all these great musical things only to scrap the track and do it again. Ive also decided that im going to be playing here and there acoustically in the near future instead of trying to do the whole band thing until the record is done. As far as Red Rock Rebellion goes, I would classify the group as “in limbo”, not because of personal issues or anything of that sort, but the group has lost interest in playing covers. The gigs have played recently are probably the best we have done as a three piece, but they are few and far between. After working primarily by myself for the last while, im starting to miss the traditional sitting in the garage with real people hacking through songs. It really is the best part of playing music. I wish to return to that as soon as possible.

Just for the hell of it im going to make my semi-annual album release prediction how about October 31st? Wouldnt that be frightening?

Jon

2007

jon176@gmail.com — 2007-04-04T20:06:09-06:00

Oh boy, its been a very long time since I’ve made an update to the site. I got an email the other day that got me thinking about making an update to the site. Im not going to explain much, but heres a status report.

At least half of the material i initially planned for this record has been replaced for one reason or another. The focus and lyrical content of the album has shifted. I now have around 5 hours of material that i have recorded in the last year for this project. I have a title and basic art design figured out. Because of the journal entry dates im realizing that The New Weather Machine began official existence on april 20th of last year, and would very much like to be started on another record before that time this year.

I hope that helps, i promise i will have a significant update soon.

Jon

Did I Win?

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-07-14T20:05:28-06:00

Well, the short answer is no. I didn’t even get close to what i needed by my deadline, but im also not behind on my time table. Curious? I had allotted time for both tracking and mixing - and instead of doing all the tracking, then all the mixing, ive been doing both to give my self a break on one task or another.

Anyway so right now im looking at the beginning of august to have the finished product in hand. I continually underestimate the sheer amount of time and work(and money!) that goes into a project like this. The worst part is, as soon as im done im most certainly starting on another one, a labour of love i suppose. I dont understand why bands take 5 years to release a record. We have the technology.

Album Update #3(a long one, now including a tracklist)

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-06-27T20:04:17-06:00

Alright, so where was I? I promised a real post right? Well here ya go.

I wasnt able to get as much done as I had hoped(or anticipated for that matter) but as of today 2 songs are completely tracked, 2 other songs are about 80% tracked, and 2 songs are 50% tracked. I am hoping to put a tour together for the fall and in order for that to have a possibility of happening I need to have everything tracked by friday and all the necessary stars would need to align, but it can happen. A lot of work that is, but it can still happen. A couple of the remaining songs will be difficult to do, and the others hopefully wont be too difficult.

My other band played a festival this weekend and it was pretty awesome. Huge pro stage and production from some company out of Cranbrook, they did an exceptional job of making our noise sound like a proper band.

Im really happy with how the finished tracks are turning out, with the addition of other influences on the music in the form of real drummers and bass players, the songs are really taking form. I think one of the most important things you can have while writing songs is an open mind. Just because you wrote a song one way, doesnt mean you cant change it later. It may sound awkward at first because youre not used to it, but a little time can provide you with new perspectives on old things. That sounds like a fortune cookie. I love cookies.

I do however know what songs will be making an appearance on the still untitled album. Though the songs, and the names of the songs may change, the current tracklist is as follows:

Wind & Wildfire(working title)
Leave The City
Just a Little Longer
Straight Outta Hell
No Light
On The Rise Pt.1
I Am The Tree
What Do You Wanna Do Now?
Black Mistress
Meet Me In The Morning
On The Rise Pt.2

Currently the total running time is an estimated 47 minutes. I have been trimming the fat in order to meet the ideal album time of 42-45 minutes. So far this has been an excellent learning experience for the next album - and like everything else in life, it takes far longer than expected. I am extremely determined to make my tracking dead line of friday june 30th. That will give me a week or so to mix the album, usually it would take slightly longer, but i have gone extra mile while recording to get the source sounds as good as I possibly can, which make the mixing process much more painless. I have done the best I can to create the most with what I have(which isnt much). After Im done recording and have a little more time Ill provide some picture of my “”studio” and gear.

For me,the last few months have been a highly creative period, and because of the ‘concept’ nature of the project I have a lot of material I have written that I cant, or am not using for one reason or another. The 30ish unused songs will make doing the next album easier. Some pure crap, some real gems. I guess that only time can tell. lol maybe im getting ahead of my self just a little.

Anyway, if I can get it all done, friday night we’re going to have a celebration at soundgarden with the chevelles. If it doesnt get done we’re(well I am at least) going to drink away my loss of a tour at soundgarden with the chevelles. Either way somebody wins.

Progress Report

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-05-21T20:02:15-06:00

Finally the tracks are starting to be recorded. So far the bed tracks to 4 songs have been recorded and I have been working on them as much as I can. Im pretty happy with some of the guitar tones ive been achiving.

Anyway, I have another session with a drummer tomorrow as well as friday. Im hoping to have all the bed tracks finished by sunday and everything recorded and in the mixing process by late next week. I have to keep this short so ill post again on the weekend with more in depth details.

Dont forget this friday The New Weather Machine will be performing at The Slice Bar and Grill. Band members include Jason Shultchen and Brad Brower.

Album Update #2

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-04-27T19:59:13-06:00

Unfortunately due to a few foreseen and unforeseen event the recording has been pushed back. Fortunately one of the things delaying the album is a string of new songs that I think fit well in context to the rest of the record I have planned. Included is a first for me, a power ballad of sorts. Well maybe its not a power ballad but its got a couple of the cheesy and necessary elements. I didnt really plan on it, but it is what it is. lol . It can be found for a short time on the Rock and Roll page. I also had the opportunity to re-write bits of a few tunes that i was unhappy with.

Primarily the delay comes from a few other things though, including my amp giving out on me, work, and some other personal things.

Anyway, the end result is a handful of new tunes and some new demos. Originally I planned for 40ish minutes of material but from the looks of it it will be more like 60 or 70. The amount of songs in the pool is growing faster than i can work, and im not looking forward to have to pick out the final tracklist, but eventually I have to say “when”. Maybe I could do a double album.............

Dont forget Saturday May 12th I will be performing an acoustic set in support of Red Wine Smile at Tommy G’s Pub in Lethbridge.

Album Update

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-04-20T19:58:09-06:00

So I’ve whittled down my song pool to 16 songs, of which 12-14 will be used on the record. Recording will begin early next week. Now that the songs have all been recorded and demo’d in some form, tracking everything should only take a week or so(less any revisions). Im anticipating mixing also take a good solid week, depending on what comes up on the schedule. I’ve chosen a mastering house to master the album, which has roughly a 5 day turnaround, as well as a CD duplication house with a 2 week turnaround. So right now we’re looking at 3 weeks for recording and probably another 2 or 3 weeks for post production, which puts the record out roughly at the beginning of June.

Also on Saturday May 13th, I will be performing a solo acoustic set in support of Red Wine Smile at Tommy G’s Pub. I will, in some form, be playing a selection of songs that will be featured on the album.

In the next few days or so I will also be adding some video to the site.

Cheers

Welcome To The Machine

jon176@gmail.com — 2006-04-20T19:33:32-06:00

Well here we begin. Officially my new project The New Weather Machine is a go. I’ll bring anyone who cares up to speed.

-Im working on a mildly ambitious concept album
-In the last 3 months or so Ive written roughly 30 songs for the project and have demo’d about a third of them
-The album will be 40-45 minutes long
-I will be doing as much as I feel comfortable with for the project including all the writing, mixing, and producing
-Touring and live performances of the album will happen at some point, right now its impossible to tell when - but sometime after the release of the record
-The album will be released sometime before the fall(sooner rather than later)

I guess that about sums up the current state of the project and the “band”. I thank you for checking out the site and the music, and hope you’ll stay tuned.

Cheers,

Jon