We’re still here.  Teaching guitar lessons and working on new music.  Adrian created his first “virtual” drum beat with Garage Band last week.  Wow, can’t wait to see what comes of it. 

2Tn

We are upgrading our home studio this summer.  Adrian began teaching guitar lessons again and has been asked more than once about recording.  So we’re jumping in.  It’s been been building for a while so we’re committing our time to “building” our studio.  We also found out that we have a friend in Austin who has begun his own record label, that’s encouraging.   Now we’re moving toward being lab rats for a while.  We’ll post some demo work from the lab this summer to give you an idea of what we’re up to.

Thanks for reading,

2Tn

Right now I’m in the process of updating the website.  I know it’s been a while but I had to take care of a few things; like getting married, getting a good PA system, finding a good local place to mix and master, and lastly just grow up.  Sometime this coming spring/summer I’ll be loading two new songs and at least one video (homegrown).  My home studio will be getting a facelift so that’s the last big project before I get to the video. 

If you have the last album, and you enjoyed any part of it, I do have good news.  The next album is looking like it will be a little heavier than the first.  Only two or three songs will have an acoustic guitar or piano this time.  As I grow it seems like I understand why the “2 Tonic Nights” was created; all over again.  I haven’t posted in a while so please allow me a few extra sentences.

The first album, with all its challenges was a perfect first step for me.  It revealed the sound that we loved recreating live.  It showed some creativity.  And it showed that there needed to be a definte goal for the “2 Tonic Nights.”  We gotta keep the moment moving.  Not to give too much away that’s a plain as I can put it.  I’ve also taken the softer songs and developed a solo project for them.  It’s a fitting way to keep the two sides of my music writting pure and ”unjumbled.” 

Thank you for hanging in there with me,  

2Tn 

All apologies to anyone who might have been waiting for us to get it together for some more shows.  Well, I have some good news and some so-so news.

The so-so news.  The 2 Tonic Nights are looking for a drummer who enjoys the music AND is motivated to rehearse.  So if there is an interested party out there let us know.

The good news.  Adrian will be playing solo acoustic shows beginning in August again!  He’s been working on a solo acoustic album that is a folk, upbeat, solebop/reggae thang.  There’s some harmonica, classical guitar and some nasty rythym stuff happening.  He’ll be launching his solo site in late summer.

More good news.  Adrian will showcase some of these songs here in SA during the month of July at the LimeLight’s open mic. and maybe even Sam’s Burger Joint open mic.  Just working out the final layers and whatnot.  All the shows are free and you might catch some other good acts as well.

Let us know if you’re out there!

If I were more prepared I would have mentioned something about these two great artists on their birthday.  Most attention is placed on December for obvious reasons, their tragic deaths.  Next year I won’t be lazy, I’ll remember to celebrate instead of blog. 

Today I remember Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott because he was a friendly guy and a majorly cool guitarist.  He played heavy meatal music so some of you might not know of him.  Regardless of musical taste, I am almost positive that if you walked into a room and Dime was sitting alone he would stand up and make you feel welcome; with a Blacktooth Grin.  I haven’t heard anything to disprove this from anyone, not even from the one person in the world who EVER had a problem with Dime.   

Today I also remember John Lennon because he is arguably the best songwriter ever.  He had the conviction to live his dreams and not let his childhood circumstances determine his destiny.  John had the courage to know when it was time for The Beatles to grow up and never look back with regret.  He gave us unforgettable songs that really, really make you believe one person with a song in his heart can not only change, but save the world.

 John promoted what he believed in.

Hey you, you crazy guy, I saw you having fun!

 The Beatles

Good ol’ Dime, how can you not miss this guy?! 

Last photo of John, 12/8/80 

Dime doing what he loved. 

Has a better song been recorded? 

Far Beyond Driven… 

John and his Casino. 

Dime and his axe.

I hope you have your own heroes for whatever it is you love to do.  Life is better for having music, these two guys made great music for us all. 

Adrian

Here’s an update for the two or three of you watching the developments of my band. ; )  We had a show on 6th street that may turn out to be the last with our current line up.  Steven and Derek are winding up their semester here in the states.  Soon they will be heading to Itlay for their spring semester.  Who knows what they’ll want to do when they return in May.  Both have made statements that they would like to do music in some capacity when they come back. 

Monty is up to his eyeballs, finishing his master’s degree.  He’ll be looking forward to some time off, either to finish his book or just chill.  So all three are doing well and will soon be able to breathe.  The future of the 2 Tonic Nights is unknown.  Just know that we are all on good terms with one another. 

There are only a few shows posted and as of now I’m playing solo.  I think the absence of Steven and Derek will force me to prove myself as a musician.  For some years I’ve tried to imagine my life as a professional musician.  This appears to be the perfect oppourtunity to prove myself as a serious contender for that job.  Playing music and entertaining people is my passion.  So, my dear trio of “fans” (dare I call you that), I’m planning more acoustic shows, and an acoustic album.  

 I don’t want to put the cart before the CD, but I’ll probably have it ready in May sometime.  Deadlines are a nice way to put ones money where ones mouth is.  And hopefully it will catapult me into some amazing opportunities that I can’t predict right now.  Thanks for checking in, and feel free to leave a comment.  Oh, and if you know anyone who books acoustic music hit me up.  I’ll do it for peanuts.

 Adrian     

This photo was taken by my good friend Nelson Jetter, he designed the album artwork.  We had a slamming show at the Troubadour Saloon on 6th street (Austin,TX) last Thursday, Travis and Ryan are the best!  He flew in the doors just as we stepped off the stage, literally.  He’s a busy guy.  So no action photos, just more post show pics.  We might add some video of the show in our “soon to be released” video section.  Hope you like.

Adrian

My audition solo was accepted for “Guitar Wars.”  Alamo Music and 99.5 KISS sponsored it.  I didn’t win but Nathaniel from ”The Venue” booked us for a show in September. Here is a photo from the gig, and more cool news.  We have a Halloween show there on Thurs. Oct. 26th.  We are all picking out our costumes because if you wear a costume, you get in for free!  I’m leaning towards The Phantom of the Opera.  See you there…Adrian

p.s. peep the new guitar I’m playing, bought it from a buddy in Austin. This beauty has had long hiatus, but we’re happy to report she’s received some TLC and sounds great.

Here is a photo and link to Winston Hall, the fella playing with us on Oct. 7th. Winston’s the guy ticklin’ the keys over behind the YAMAHA. He is an amazing entertainer all by himself but was gracious enough to help us out at a few shows this Spring. You are in for a big treat at Salute!

2Tn

We were taking some band photos in downtown San Antonio and tried to get everyone on this ramp but it didn’t work.  This picture is good though, so we thought we’d share it with you.  If you have any requests or ideas for promo photos let us know.  We’re still a DIY organization and have complete freedom to publish whatever we wish about ourselves.  Hope you enjoy!

2Tn