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2011 was kinda bananas. I think the original plan was to kick ass and make a lot of progress on this dusty old music career of mine but that hasn’t really happened so much.

People have been asking me about my record and I really appreciate that you guys are looking forward to it despite all the radio silence from me. Honestly I’m still struggling with it, getting the songs how I want them while not going all Chinese Democracy. It’s a tough balance.

But it’s moving forward now and I’m optimistic I’ll be able to wrap it up soon. Thanks for your patience and support. Have a sweet 2012.

I turned 35 yesterday. Luckily I had a flu also so it’s all uphill from here.

I’ve decided to get my mid-life crisis over with before 40, so I’m off the antidepressants, in two types of therapy and I hired a personal trainer. While it wasn’t a disaster, I’m not interested in doing the next 35 the same way I did the first. So I’m trying to put some work in on that.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, I really appreciate it.

Trying to be a pro up in here but it’s quiet, not too interesting work:

1) Working on the new album – met with Rob Cosh who I worked with on Out of It and it looks like we’re good to go. I just need to finish off the tracks. Also I’m trying to decide on album artwork.

2) Working on the live show – adding lights and visuals and working on improving the general live sound and presentation.

3) Planning – I have a sheet of paper here with Brad Sucks stuff (releases and promotion etc) planned out until next June. I feel so legit looking at it. Legit and overwhelmed.

4) Video – trying to get some video stuff going for the next record. It’s an area I never really enjoy but I should probably do it.

5) Website fixing – tidying up this place a bit. Upgraded bbPress, added Facebook connect and fixing my mailing list software since I haven’t sent out the Brad Sucks mailing list in forever.

6) Secret projects – plotting out some new projects which have so far involved a lot of meetings.

7) Maintaining my mlkshk account – this thing doesn’t update itself you guys.

But enough about me, how are you?

This one’s been a struggle and I think it still needs a bunch of work, but I’m calling the demo done and I’ll come back to it. I was trying to do something a bit different and ehhhh I dunno:

I Need to Love Myself More and You Less (demo)

Anyway, that’s a wrap on the demos for the next record. You can listen to them all here (warning: spoilers). Gonna take a short break and then start hassling friends for feedback and then I’ll make a bunch of decisions on what needs to be fixed. And then fix those things.

Tired of staring at this demo, so here you go:

Come Back (demo)

Should be track #8 on Guess Who’s a Mess. Only one more demo to go and then I get to start finishing this bad boy off.

I’m off to Boston today to do a panel thing at Rethink Music. and an interview at the Berkman Center. If you’re around there be sure to say hi.

I have another song demo nearly ready to go which means that’ll be nine out of ten done for the next album, holy smokes! The tenth track is getting there as well. With luck I’ll be working on finishing the record by the summer. So that’s nice.

Hey party people. Got a few real world things coming up, which I must share with you:

Thing 1: On April 27th I’ll be in Boston at the Rethink Music conference (a Harvard/MIDEM/Berklee College of Music joint). I think my panel’s at 4:45. And I think I’m doing something at the Berkman enter while I’m down there.

Thing 2:

(Poster by Geoffrey Gibson)

Saturday, May 14th I’ll be playing Kingston with Dave Norris & Local Ivan at The Mansion. I believe it will be six Canadian dollars. (Here’s the Facebook event.) Next:

Thing 3:

(Poster by Bill Mead)

Saturday, June 11th we’re playing Ottawa. I don’t know who the opener will be yet, but I’m sure whoever it is will be great. I’m trying to only play one show a year in my hometown so if you miss this sucker I’ll see you in 2012.  (Here’s the Facebook event.)

If you can attend or know of anyone who might, please spread the word. Thanks!

Here’s a hard rock type demo. Track #3 on the next album! Slow and steady wins the race:

Fluoride (demo)

Hey, here’s another messy demo:

Guess Who’s a Mess (demo)

It’s the title track and will probably be track 6 on Guess Who’s a Mess.

Last night’s show was fun, thanks to everyone for coming out. These three shows I’ve done with the new band have been pretty encouraging. I’m not someone who actually really enjoys performing or being on a stage, but I do get a huge kick out of an energetic, happy crowd and instigating a good time.  So I’m gonna let that motivate me into more show bookings and hope it’s enough.