Monday, January 5, 2009
Why I’m Here, pt. 2: I Put My Sister In the Hospital
Posted by admin on Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 2:46 AM
So yes, I put my sister in the hospital on my first night in Austin, where she and her husband recently bought a house, and I've come to job hunt. She rang-in the new year at St Joseph's. Man.My crazy electronic rock band was invited to play a big show at famous Austin rock club Emo’s for New Year’s Eve, opening for a badass 11-piece soul band called T-Bird and the Breaks. After eight years busting my telecaster playing shows in New Orleans, no one there asked us to play a New Years’ show. We got the show through our new booking agent, who also lives in Austin, because none of the hundreds of good booking agents in New Orleans ever stepped up (did y'all get that joke?).
And while I have no real desire to be a famous touring musician, I can’t say I don’t mind my art being as appreciated as it is here in Austin.I also can’t say I love Austin's glut of indy rock music. For instance, the popular Austin band White Denim? You couldn’t be trendier if you named yourself The iPod Kids, The Thick-Rimmed Eyeglasses, or The Urban Outfitters. Still, Austin is definitely more of a music town than New Orleans. I do respect OffBeat magazine, the purveyors of JazzFest, and other such musical institutions, but many of New Orleans' more original musicians are offended by the way those institutions push a wildly skewed/false picture of the scene in which we participate. I mean, Lil Wayne himself is very rarely credited by the local press as being a representative of New Orleans culture, though in reality he’s probably sold more records in his short career than Louis Armstrong did in all of the last century. And the reason Wayne isn't given this credit is because those powers-that-be haven't yet devised a way to attract tourists based on New Orleans’ rap music legacy. For now, modern day credit is given almost exclusively to artists who are as interested in attracting and extracting money from people who don’t live in the city, as they are being creative. Which is a totally unhealthy environment in which to make art.
It’s also why so many New Orleans artists who’ve played in the city for decades STILL aren’t included under the ‘New Orleans music’ banner, written about in OffBeat and invited to play JazzFest, despite that they are obviously influenced by the city’s neighborhoods, and speakeasies, and Mardi Gras. OffBeat's Jan Ramsey over-harps on how more people should $$$upport New Orleans music, but then simultaneously helps squeeze the city’s musical contribution into such a small, tight box that there’s no way we could be taken seriously as a real music city. I mean, really, you’re not a real music lover if in fact you shun everything that doesn’t smell like New Orleans. New Orleans certainly loves its music, but Austin seems to love ALL music. New Orleans is a New Orleans music town, while Austin is simply a music town.So most of us musicians who don’t give off the odor of old New Orleans relish playing places like Emo’s in Austin. Our band couldn’t have been happier to get the gig, and so played possibly our best show ever. Halfway through the performance, my sister even came up onstage and sang a song we’d written together during college.
Though we hadn’t performed it in ages, she kicked that song’s ass. She hadn’t practiced, but her voice was strong, she wasn’t scared, she gestured wildly at audience members. We kicked it so hard that upon the song’s ending, we simultaneously whipped around to each other and high-fived before she walked off stage. Now, keep this high-five in mind as you continue reading…A half-hour later we finished the show (which included a non-ironic cover of Guns-n-Roses “You’re Crazy” that would have left New Orleanians [who aren’t Lefty Parker] merely brow-furrowed) about 45-minutes before the dawn of 2009.
I packed up my equipment, stepped off the stage, but then didn't see my sister or her husband anywhere. A fan soon alerted me that they’d walked out directly after she’d sung the song. “She was holding her arm,” he said. And right then I knew what had happened. Or thought I did.
See, my sister, who is a kind and gentle soul, was once cheated on by a college boyfriend, which made her so mad she took a swing at his head. She’d never done that before, but he definitely deserved it. Unfortunately, rather than hurt him, she swung so hard she dislocated her shoulder. In the years since, it’s popped from its socket maybe five times. So upon stepping outside and finding their car gone, I believed that my sister had popped her arm out while wildly gesticulating during our song.
From the parking lot I called my brother-in-law on the phone and found out differently...“Yeah, it was the high-five, dude,” he did not laugh. I suffered a headrush that made the world white and almost dropped me as he added, “The doctor wrote on the hospital form: ‘high-five accident’”By the time I arrived at St Joseph's (which some Texans had told me was "walking distance," meaning, in reality, definitely too far to walk) all my sister's tears had dried. After two difficult tries they'd popped her arm back in, given her some vicodin, and she was now laughing about the whole thing, saying it was her shoulder’s fault, not her brother's. But though we haven't seen it yet, someone did capture the whole high-five on video, and until I see it I won't really be able to let the guilt go.
I supposed I'm already doing my part to keep Austin weird.
Comments (30)
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Damn, that was a hard post to finish. I really hope you get a job in Austin and never return to New Orleans. They need you there in Austin. You are so full of shit about "music" that your writing would be perfect for such a "all music" music business town, 10th grade level, the ritalin demographic. Honestly, I am a bit surprised by THE Gambit here. Jeez Louie! Guns'N'Roses covers? Go blow dat'smoke up someone else's ass. Please. But do go.
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Let me guess, you're also one of those conservatives who says "America, love it or leave it"? Well, I think not agreeing with certain things about a place does NOT mean you don't love that place, but that you believe the place you love could do better, be smarter, more ambitious, etc. I love New Orleans and so it makes me mad that people exploit it's traditions just to make money, and at the sake of TRUE creativity. I'd also bet you're an observer of the music scene and not a participant. The participants, the truly creative musicians, will mostly write to me saying "amen." Lastly, I don't know shit about Austin yet. This blog is about me learning. So far I just have this vague opinion that they're more open-minded about music. Your attitude sort of proves my point.
Austin really isn't that weird. It's a small, cool area surrounded by cul-de-sacs, parking lots, and highways. And it is small. You drive ten minutes down the highway (or, more likely, crawl in traffic) and you're in the lame burbs again. I agree it has a better music scene (and BBQ) but, eh, who wants to spend a quarter of their waking time stuck in traffic in TEXAS? I'm not really defending NOLA by writing this. I'm just trying to keep your image of Austin real :)
I run a live music videoblog here in Austin and you're definitely right about this town having its fair share of style-over-substance hipster bands. But we also have a ton of working class "indie" rock bands that are really f'n good. You picked the right week to visit since it's Free Week on Red River St. Emo's, Red 7, Mohawk, Beauty Bar, and Club de Ville... all pretty awesome venues and every show is free until Sunday. Also, you must check out Hole In The Wall (near the UT campus) for country, folk, psychedelic, indie, and punk rock done up Texas style.
I'll agree with olegonzo that this town is small and traffic sucks. But to say it's mostly suburbs and cul-de-sacs is foolish, not real. It's all about where and with whom you choose to associate, obviously. If one is a shut-in or a Californian software engineer who rarely ventures south of Research Blvd, then sure Austin is just like any other city. But for people who spend time on South Congress, Red River, and South Lamar, Austin is pretty damn chill and unlike most cities in the US, let alone Texas. Also, Michael... watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse while you're here!
OK, Michael Patrick Welch, I tried to respond but, well, Kevin is scared of me and has erected all sorts of filters to deal with the local po'no'graffiti. Hey, I don't blame him or THE Gambit. Hell, puppies like me still though. I did throw down a few ahem curse words, but no curses. I also included your email that you sent me instead of laying it back out here. Well, OK. Damn, though... it is getting to where you can't smoke in your favorite bar, make'out on the street car or throw water balloons at priests in this town any more. But perchance Kevin, Editillero, might just excise some of the bad words, but leave you know like... self aggrandizing, sacrosanct. It is up to him... but in case he doesn't allow me this brief (HA!) retart. 1) Nobody calls Editilla: [one of those conservatives who says “America, love it or leave it”] and gets away wit'it --especially in a conversation of New Orleans music. HA! That is rich! Fightin'woids! I mean... all I did was call you a Mall Ratfink. Conservative? Jeez Louie! Love It or Leave It? Well that is correct for me and New Orleans, since I was advocating Louisiana Cessation before the Federal Flood, before America attacked us on 8/29/05. You may think that conservative, but I plead Bourgeois Nievete. 2) [I love New Orleans and so it makes me mad that people exploit it’s traditions just to make money, and at the sake of TRUE creativity.] Michael Patrick Welch you petulant feudalist tart. New Orleans music speaks for itself Sinn Féin. Purveyors of Jazz Indeed! That lucky dog just won't hunt, mon. Kermit, Fats, Tuba Fats, Fat Harry, Dr. John I ain't goin'there wit'who'dat --not enough room here or in Heaven or Hell for even a thimbleful of that Soul. I live in the land of OZ. Listening to them right now: Time is my Revelator as OZ keeps me out of McDonalds wit'a armfull of Throwin'pies. Jus'sayin... the world is going to Mall in a Handbasket, or Austin --whicheva comes first. Sinn Féin. ReBirth, Dirty Dozens. 3) [I’d also bet you’re an observer of the music scene and not a participant. The participants, the truly creative musicians, will mostly write to me saying “amen.”] Up there somewhere you said you will turn 35 Mardi Gras. Happy ReBirth Day! I began my musical career playing street music on Royal in front of Manheim Gallery when you were about 5 years old. I have seen New Orleans without its police force twice: the Police Strike and the first week of the Federal Flood of 8/29/05. The week before the flood I could play 3 hours of original music non-stop at the drop of the hat. Like novelists in this city, well... you know the flow. Yer a Music Writah and I'm a Magazine Readah! Now I feel good to make it a half hour without falling apart. That is just what it is. We'll get there. It is a dark horse what carried da'Reaper. Getting back on it is harder for some, never easy that I have heard, but only serves to prove that Cliche' can kill in the City of Living Metaphor. But the people holding it all together are the Traditionals. Don't lie to me, boy. I am listening to them right now and not a one of them is over the age of 25. And not a one of them has a faux tear tattoo on their cheek. Indeed, I am listening to the Hot 8, Little Liza. They lost one of their own to friends of Little Wayne. Yeah, you can go talk your shit in Austin, but you ain't gonna insult my Herolleroes in the City That Care Forgot and the Presidente Left for Dead. Sinn Féin. Editilla da'Pun New Orleans Ladder
Louisiana SECESSION! Hahahahahah ya'got me riled and misspelling words. La Cessation Indeed! HA! After witnessing the Crucifixion of '05 I did have my doubts --but nevermore. Michael Patrick Welch, you have more than confirmed that She Lives. Viva La Pucelle d'Orléans!
Just to be clear: I haven't excised anything or monkeyed with any comments. Nor have I put on any filters - I don't have admin privileges; I'm just a toiler. Maybe one of the Web or blog folks wants to weigh in here, as I've no idea what's going on. As far as civic partisanism: I've never been to Austin. Nor have I ever been to paradise, and I've certainly never been to me.
Hehehe... youz cats. Well I never been to Heaven But I've been to Hell's Kitchen Well they tell me that I scored there But I really don't remember What bar tender or even gender. What does it matter? What does it matter?
What does it matter indeed. I'm wondering exactly what these posts have to do with the larger context of arts, culture or anything news worthy in New Orleans or anywhere really. Otherwise stated: Who gives a rip? These posts belong more on someone's belly button gazing personal blog or preferably scribbled in a hand written journal and locked deep in the bottom of a desk drawer. Long, rambling, self absorbed and boring. Gambit, you can do better. Also, there are two features that might make these read less like an exercise in a college sophomore's MySpace pathos, and more like professional writing: PARAGRAPH BREAKS and the 'READ MORE' html break. Just sayin'
Thanks for the criticism. I actually mean that. This is totally worth arguing over. To me blogs are self indulgent by nature, editorializing, opinions. It's like tuning in to someone's short wave radio signal. I mean, I get published all over the place and am as objective and cool as can be. Blogs however... I would bet anything though, that you don't see the relevance in what I wrote simply because this particular opinion offends you (ie. that N.O. has faults, and is not the creative hub it thinks it is); cause really, discussing why someone would move away from the city they REALLY love, and putting New Orleans in the context of everywhere else we could live and why, is TOTALLY RELEVANT. I don't know about you, but in my world, moving away from New Orleans is a major topic of conversation among everyone, especially musicians. And yeah, I asked Gambit why the blog takes out my line breaks automatically and they couldn't answer me, so whatever. I think it sucks too, and wish they'd take the time to show me how to fix it.
There is a difference between blogs run by a professional news source (the Gambit) and other types of blogging. To not understand that critical element and adjust one's writing accordingly shows me that you really have no grasp of professional media and journalism best practices. (that and that your blog post was about 800 words too long to be considered readable). And trust me, I certainly understand NOLA has faults as does every other city on earth and the relevancy of needing to leave a city you love for professional reasons. It is an interesting topic, or I should say can be an interesting topic when written by deft hands. Nor am I offended by your opinion, or opinions or whatever regarding music in New Orleans or New Orleans or Austin, or whatever. I just find your posts here on this topic egotistical (as opposed to external and broad thinking) sophomoric (rather than sophisticated), ill conceived (rather than well thought out), poorly written and inappropriate in their current form for the BlogofNewOrleans. It is called the 'Blog of New Orleans', not 'the Blog of Michael Patrich Welch who Can't make enough money in New Orleans and Flees to Austin and Then Whines about It along with Telling us Inane Stories about His Sister'. Also, there is a difference between criticizing your opinion (which I'm not doing) and your execution of said opinion. It's the latter I'm criticizing. NOLA has so many excellent writers and bloggers, many of whom run world class community and personal blogs and do this for free. I just find it disheartening that a professional media source such as the Gambit would pay someone to write what is coming across as personal whining rather than cultural relevancy, especially when there are hundreds of others in New Orleans out there doing a better job of placing the context of New Orleans in the bigger picture. And I think there is a reason no one is inquiring about your sister. No one gives a rat's a**. Once again, where the hell is the relevancy of this to news, arts, culture or anything of interest to New Orleans or the differences between the two cities? So your sister (that none of us know, in a City outside of town, at a show we didn't attend, hurt her arm? So what?) Once again, save it for your personal blog, please.
I lived in Austin for six years. Loved it. I return over and over to visit friends. As an incubator of songwriters, it's a city without peer. I appreciate that a number of indie bands have emerged from there, even if I do think that they would have been arrested for inciting boredom 20 years ago. But I don't see how the assertion that Austin is a superior music town to New Orleans can be taken seriously. New Orleans music offers a stylistic breadth that Austin doesn't come close to. What you deride as "New Orleans music" are the styles that have defined wide swathes of American popular music since the 20's. Today, the funk scene in NOLA is amazing, one of the most vital new sounds I've heard in years. NOLA has terrific songwriters like Paul Sanchez, who successfully incorporating brass bands into his songs. BTW, re Li'l Wayne and Louis Armstrong, since when does CD sales define an artist's value? Armstrong practically invented jazz as we know it. I'll be more impressed with your argument if L'il Wayne's music is still available, listened to, and written about in 2060...
All good, well-put points. I will only say that, aside from Quintron, the new funk I've heard in New Orleans has been mostly the tiredest retreads. Definitely not as exciting as The Meters, who obviously had some original exciting ideas. As for Lil Wayne, I like Louis Armstrong way better. I'm just saying that just as many people know his name and revere him nowadays. And really man, he's one of the few people on today's pop music landscape who sounds really unique, and he's from New Orleans! But rarely is it ever framed that way by the local press in New Orleans, who would rather put Kermit Ruffins on the cover again (I live by vaughn's and think Ruffins is really charming and talented, by the way, just not very original)
And for the other well-spoken slightly angry blogger guy, this is a letter I received two minutes after yours. Someone for whom my rambly trying-to-be-fun little anecdote stimulated the EXACT type of discourse I hoped for: "hey man. i work in mental health here in austin and have been here since the storm. i remember you from NOLA. i read excerpts of your book and i saw your band play a couple times. i know we have friends in common. yeah man, why don't we grab a beer one night this week. i have a buddy with C3 Presents you should meet who i will invite along. i will see when he is free and put it together. i saw your blog and sent it to a friend and he had some interesting perspective... "NOLA is definitely in need of scene builders. It's a really tempting challenge. The intimidating part of it is the limited revenue streams. A place like Austin is ripe for scene building because it has all these lucrative industries going on throughout the city that give young people a pile of disposable income. All through the late nineties and early 2000s, the tech industry was dishing out ridiculous salaries to 20-somethings who attended rock shows 7 nights a week. It gave support to clubs and musicians that then snowballed into what you see going on today. Music wasn't the only thing that benefited from those salaries. Restaurants, coffee shops, and the Alamo Drafthouse were able to thrive and gain a solid footing. In NOLA, I'm afraid there isn't that kind of economic environment. It's a place that will be hard for people to parachute into and just 'make shit happen.'" that's my buddy seth who runs austin skate notes and builds skate parks. any way, i will get back to you soon."
Michael Patrick Welch, Take care when you handle Cliche’ lest you draw offense of Metaphor as neither will honor what they seem in life nor what you would wish of them in death. Or, to quote Jellyroll, "Boy, get up offa'dat typewriter before you offend the damn thing!" That said, whew, Hey everybody, I got a puppy! Last night! And tonight in honor of all youz whoz confirmed poor Editilla's insanity (which is a good thing really since it is the Not Knowing that blowz, Ya'knowz?), in honor of alla'youz fugees far and wide tonight I will name this puppy... (drum roll please) Nola. Nola babe for short. She's a 12 inch long heart breaker yes she is! And a joy shaker! She likes to sit on my lap with her head up against the back of the guitar. That's right, while we both learn "Well I never been to Spain". Hahahahaha lets play some more sing'a'long! (To the tune of that song:) ~Well I got myself a puppy ~and I named her NOLA BABY, ~'cause she kinda likes the music, ~Man I really think she chews it. ~I won't abuse it. ~Never gonna loose it. ~That much it matters. ~That much it matters.
Hmm...To my ears, Big Sam's Funky Nation has created an inspiring and innovative amalgam of trad funk, NOLA brass bands, and guitar rock. I'm pretty impressed with Dumpstafunk, too. While I'm not a huge fan, Galactic's blend of jam band music and funk has gained a big following. Stanton Moore has developed an impressive jazz-funk style of his own that energizes the standard Hammond B3 jazz trio format. I just think you're making an impossible argument here -- like claiming that Southern Cal's football team is as good as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How IS your sister? Seriously. And as for the music criticism, you did bring it up before you got to her injury. Just sayin'. Editilla, please calm down a little. Everybody's entitled to their own critical opinions. I personally see no problems with exploring why people find they have to leave New Orleans - it helps those of us who are still here see how insane a city-planet we live on sometimes, kinda like when we go traveling out of this city for a bit and marvel at the basics of how well things work and how flat the streets are. NOLA is a tough, tough place, and it can really wear on a person, especially in these times. R'fuah shleimah (healing and health) to your sister, and good luck to you!
Liprap, you not gonna ask me about my puppy? Well! I just figured Michael Patrick Welch was about to tell us how his sister is doing. Any minute now... Calm? Me? Down? You Talk'in'ta ME? Hahahahahaha
As someone who grew up in NOLA and now lives in Austin, I'm enjoying this series of articles and hope you'll continue. Also hope your sister is okay.
This might the the most comments on any one blogofneworleans post, ever! I mean, it's no Nola.com 600-lunatics-strong thread, but it's something. Balloons and confetti for everyone!
How dare New Orleanians not like your Guns N Roses song! What's wrong with those simpletons? Don't they know anything about music?! I will happily pay for the UHaul if you promise to never come back. I'm sorry you're the first under appreciated musician in the world. I'm sure it's all New Orleans' fault. I care about your sister about as much as I care about Britney Spears sister. You are a musician. Shut up and play.
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