Good Morning!
Damn! Yesterday was one long ass day! Woke up at 5:00am, got ready and did a couple of radio interviews, then rolled over to the Rockstar set by 6:30am. I guess it is no big shock that Dana went home. After all was said and done, Jill did really well on the Heart song and Patrice is, well, just more rock. No big controversy there, although I would have sent the three of them packing! It's funny that Gilby and I are becoming the villains on the show. We just call it like we see it. Jason is more constructive and Tommy is so sincere that you can just read that guy's face and know what he is thinking. I think it is a way better balance this season on the couch than last season. In some ways, I was more invested in the singers last year, cause I had more of an emotional connection with them. This year, I am more invested in the Supernova guys and their band, so I really feel the need to have their interests be the priority. I was, however, shocked and amazed that Zayra didn't fall into the bottom three. I guess she is making great television and people are voting for her just to see what the next move is on her part... Or the next outfit!
After the taping, I headed over to Capitol and met up with Steve, Stephen and Chris for The Panic Channel press junket. We were there until 7:30pm answering questions like, "Where did you get the name?" "How did you guys meet?" "What does (ONe) mean?" over and over and over again. It was draining but it was fun to get into Panic mode again with those guys as our record comes out in 11 days. After all this time, we actually got to hold our finished album art in our hands. That was a really amazing moment. We recorded a few acoustic songs in the Capitol studio for a radio show and ultimately had a really great time. I was a useless zombie because I was so tired, but Steve, Stephen and Chris really helped carry me through it all. Thanx guys!
August 03, 2006 at 10:25 AM | Comments (90)
Later...?
I'm backstage at CBS waiting to get going on today's elimination show. My money is on Jill or Zayra to go, but you never know, it might be time for Josh to go into his Hootie phase and hit the road. After watching the show last night, I really think Patrice is in danger too. She just didn't sound so good on TV, plus she was super overshadowed by T Lee. In the studio when these guys are singing live, there is a lot of latitude in terms of sonic forgiveness. It always sounds better in the studio than it does on TV. The room sound, the live band and the PA all contribute to a better and fuller sounding performance. As for Zayra, we all know she is totally not right for the band, but I am starting to look forward to what the hell she is gonna do for each performance. It's almost like we get a ten car pile up on stage on a weekly basis. She is kind of like the comedic intermission entertainment.
After the show today, I am going over to Capitol for a press junket with The Panic Channel. It's gonna be a long day! Other updates: Camp Freddy at The House of Blues LA on Aug. 5th and The Panic Channel at The Hard Rock Chicago Aug. 7th.
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August 02, 2006 at 07:21 AM | Comments (188)
Slacker!
Sorry guys, I have been slacking off! Here is a brand new post... Primarily so I can keep track!
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August 01, 2006 at 09:33 PM | Comments (58)
Sunday at CBS
I am sitting in my dressing room backstage at Rockstar as I write this, which incidentally, is Simon Cowell's dressing room. They shoot Idol on this stage too. It's hard to believe we are already a month into this show. Today is our taping for the performances that air on Tuesday. Right now, Tommy is rockin some drums during our break. I'm telling you, if you have ever seen this guy play, you'll know why I keep telling the singers to step up their performances. This is what I have been worried about this whole time. How is anybody gonna front this guy? I'm hoping some contestants accidentally walk by while he is up there. It'll put the fear of God into them. Frankly, it's almost unfair, hahahaha, but that's the name of the game they are playing!
I have heard a rumor that there is some unseen content from the show up at YouTube. Something to do with last week's elimination. When I get a chance, I'll go check it out myself.
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July 30, 2006 at 09:50 AM | Comments (148)
15 Days
Only 15 days till the release of our album, The Panic Channel, (ONe). Monday, August 7th, The Panic Channel will be playing a benefit show in one of our favorite cities: Chicago, Illinois for the Hard Cafe Ambassadors of Rock Tour. Opening for us will be Rose Hill Drive. Proceeds from ticket sales for Ambassadors of Rock in Chicago will be directly donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Tickets for the event are available through TicketWeb. Fans will also have a chance to win tickets through local Chicago radio station Q101 FM.
The Panic Channel's "Why Cry" is now on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown list at VH1.com. To vote for us, scroll down the list of songs and drag "Why Cry" over to the grid on the right. You can vote as many times as you like.
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July 29, 2006 at 01:49 PM | Comments (56)
Scandal
Jesus! Never have we had this many responses in such a short time. Oh, and about the newspaper? I gotta tell you, it's not hard to say to the CBS Public Relations person while on set at CBS, "Hey, go get that newspaper thing with Phil's interview in it." Obviously the band had seen it and when it came time for Phil's good-bye, they wanted to send a message to the rest of the singers. Trust me, he was going anyway. I love how people are looking for scandal and all, but the fact remains... Phil said what was in the paper. If anyone is looking for a job, a sure fire way to not get it is to talk shit in a newspaper about your potential employer or partners before your placement is secure. Bottom line!
When the band deliberates, the break can be anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. I recall the last deliberation to be about 30 minutes. AFTER the band made their decision, we grabbed the story so I could prompt a response from Phil.
OK On to other allegations! The blogs over at MSN. I don't read them and I don't know what they ever said or what they say now. That one I really don't have anything to do with. You can be assured that THIS blog is mine and the few times that it has been edited, it has been by my own hand and for my own reasons.
As for the old "producers" pulling the strings of the show, or the "it's rigged" thing, that is just stupid. If you think that for one minute that anyone could get Jason, Tommy and Gilby to do something they didn't want to do, then you obviously haven't been in the meetings. (Of course I know you haven't... But I have.) HAHAHA. Those guys are hard asses and I have never seen any one of them back down for anything. As for the editing of the show, we have been over this before. We have an hour to fit in so many performances and comments, which when you add commercials comes to about 48 minutes. There simply isn't enough time for everything. At the end of the day, there is no rigging, all votes are as they come in, Supernova alone makes their decision, I sit there and drink coffee and that is that. It is really straight forward. Feel free to create myth and mystery and conspiracy, as it is so much fun to read.
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July 28, 2006 at 06:10 PM | Comments (105)
Philling in the Blanks
Wow! A lot of people are really up in arms about Phil going home! Well, after watching the show last night on television, I would have to agree with the Supernova guys once again. If you think about the direction we give these contestants, Zayra and Patrice are the only ones who listened to it. We keep saying, "change it up". Phil kept giving them the same performance while Patrice and Zayra clearly made efforts to try different things with their performances. We all know there can only be one winner, so I agree that the ones who are willing to take direction and evolve should be entitled to stay longer. Phil just didn't do anything new. As for the "question of Phil's commitment", check this out:
Ritchie said his primary goal for competing is to gain exposure for his band. "I mean, really I just hope to gain exposure. I love my band and I love the music," he said. "I'm not stoked about the music Supernova's popping out."
He said he knows if he wins the competition he's obligated to tour with the band, but that's a risk he's willing to take.
"I may have taken a risk. I love my boys back home, but you know I still have to look out for myself in this world," he said. "I've got to create opportunities for myself, and this is too huge an opportunity to say no to."
Obviously, I should know, of all people, that what you read in the press isn't always accurate, but these are Phil's words in quotes and he has confirmed saying it. If Supernova is looking for someone to represent them and be committed, why would they choose a guy who doesn't take direction in an audition setting and slags them off in the press? IMHO...Supernova might as well keep the ones who want to be there and are willing to try to mix it up.
This was asked right away:
I mean, do you honestly think he is the only contestant that is using Supernova to promote other agendas? For that matter, aren't there members of Supernova that are using Supernova to promote their other projects?
People may be promoting other things, but they aren't talking shit about the band they are in or auditioning for. That shit is unacceptable.
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July 27, 2006 at 12:17 PM | Comments (215)
Hatchet
I'm on my way to watch another Supernova hopeful get the hatchet! If it were MY band, Zayra would be packing her things and going home tonight, but that's not my call. The guys sometimes surprise me with their choices, so it's always just as much as a mystery to me as it is to you guys. There is something about Zayra that is entertaining to watch I will say. I really think that if she went into a more elctronic/Peaches direction, she could be all right, but a rock singer she is not. It is a bizzare season because for me, it wouldn't be a tough choice. The good news is that ones that evolve and grow, get to stay longer and hopefully learn something as well as get plenty of exposure and a crash course in this public life that they are living. Plus, it's just more rock on Network Television, of which I am a huge supporter. I'll check in after the show with a spoiler and another update.
One of my favorite moments from last night's show:
The exchange between me and Patrice. That actually went on for like 10 minutes in the studio. A lot was said but the gist was aired. For the most part, my point was that these contestants have so many weeks to impress the band that they should take advantage of the time and show them different sides. Most people going into an audition only get a few minutes to try out for whatever it is they are trying out for. If you have 13 weeks, why not show the band something new?
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July 26, 2006 at 05:57 AM | Comments (148)
Rockstar/The Panic Channel in Chicago
There is not a lot to report today. Things are dying down and it's back to life as usual. Yesterday's Rockstar taping was a lot of fun. It was probably the most fun we have had on the couch all season. It will for sure be edited down because we have so many performances to get to, but I am honestly excited about when we get down to five singers and still have an hour to fill. It will be total anarchy!
1. Dave why have you decided not to engaged with these performers during clinics etc?
Well, there are several reasons. First of all, when I am not doing the show, I am working on The Panic Channel and preparing for the release of our album (ONe) which comes out in 21 days. Also, this season, the guys in Supernova are so entertaining on their own that I really feel they should be the ones delivering the clinics. The other thing for me, which is a personal note, is that the less time I spend with the singers, the easier it is to be brutally honest with them and not try to tone down my comments. It is hard when you get to know people and like them and then have to tell them why they suck... I mean, why they aren't right for this band. Overall, more Supernova and more honesty from the couch makes for a better show.
Monday, August 7th, The Panic Channel will be playing a benefit show in one of our favorite cities: Chicago, Illinois for the Hard Rock Cafe Ambassadors of Rock Tour. Proceeds from ticket sales for Ambassadors of Rock in Chicago will be directly donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Tickets for the event are available through TicketWeb. Fans will also have a chance to win tickets through local Chicago radio station Q101 FM.
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July 24, 2006 at 09:16 AM | Comments (98)
Going To Work
Today is an all new performance taping of Rockstar which will air on Tuesday night. Be sure to catch the reality portion of the show which airs on the MSN site on Monday as the singers go into their first song writing clinic. We recap it on the Tuesday show, but there is nothing like watching total drama unfold in all it's glory. Plus, we get a chance to finally hear some new Supernova and see where they are coming from musically. It should be a really entertaining episode.
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July 23, 2006 at 09:08 AM | Comments (47)
Panic Updates and Stuff
It's hard to believe that in 24 days, The Panic Channel debut album, (ONe), will be out! We have been updating the site little by little preparing for the release. As soon as Rockstar wraps up, we will be hitting the road again. As soon as I have dates I will be posting them here and over at The Panic Channel site. We do have a special August 7th Hard Rock Chicago show coming up, along with appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Carson Daly, Jimmy Kimmel and CDUSA.
Last night I got together with Billy Morrison and producer Mike Clink to put some finishing touches on a Camp Freddy cover song for a movie soundtrack. For those of you new to this site, Camp Freddy is a covers only side project I am involved with featuring dozens of amazing musicians. We did a version of Cheap Trick's Surrender, with Scott Weiland, Matt Sorum and Chris Chaney. As per usual, I have no idea when that will be out, but I will for sure let you know. The film is called Employee of the Month and features Dax Shepard. You may remember him as the driver who hit the pedestrian when Carmen and I were Punk'd.
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July 21, 2006 at 10:39 AM | Comments (81)
Spoiler: Don't Read If You Don't Want To Know!
***Rockstar Spoiler***
So tonight is the night that Supernova sent little Jenny home. Sorry, Jenny, you cute little thing, I was pulling for you but your vocals on Vaseline were... Not great. You know, vocally Dana DID redeem herself but there is something lacking with her in a major way. As I have stated before, she is an American Idol type, not a Rockstar. As for Jenny, she is sweet, has good style and does her thing, but at the end of the day, she doesn't have the chops to front this band. Honestly, if there was ever a season of this show called Rockstar: Veruca Salt or Rockstar: The Breeders, she'd be perfect! It'll be interesting to see how Josh steps it up next week. Yeah, he did an OK version of Heart Shaped Box tonight, but he's just not striking a compelling chord for me on the hard stuff. When he broke into his song tonight, I stood up with excitement hoping for a riveting performance, but I ended up sitting back down pretty quick. He did, however, get a little "edgy" with his "flanked by hot chicks" move towards the end, but it just felt a tad contrived. He should really go the route of Dave Matthews or Hootie. He could kill it in that market... But a Rockstar? Not so much.
So this The Panic Channel interview Steve and I did today. I guess it will eventually be up at AT&T; Blue Room in a week or so. We never got a chance to find out why, after so many years of answering machines and voice mail systems, that cell phone companies feel we need a recorded woman instructing us how to leave a message.
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July 19, 2006 at 06:46 PM | Comments (112)
A Few Words
So, there are a few questions that I am willing to address. These I'll answer, but I am not taking any others. I figure it's better to say something here than anywhere else.
1. Do you have a girlfriend?
No. I have been living at home, touring, making and promoting a record or shooting Rockstar for the past several months. There is absolutely no way I could be living with someone in New York.
2. What does amicably separated mean?
It means that Carmen and I love each other, we are and always will be best friends. In fact, we are supporting each other through this time. What better way to get through a tough spot than with your best friend?
(closed entry, open door)
July 19, 2006 at 11:39 AM | Comments (72)
Hatchet Man!
I'm off to CBS for the Rockstar taping of elimination day. Bring on the Hatchet Man, somebody goes home! My personal votes based on last night's performances would put Ryan, Dana and Jenny in the bottom three, not because they "suck" or anything, but because they seem to be the three least likely to fit in with this band. I'm still waiting on Josh to surprise us. Out of that bottom three, it is really a toss up as to who I think should go first. Maybe Dana, as she simply seems more suited for an American Idol show than this one. Jenny and Ryan at least look the part and have a little edge. Isaacs is coming down to today's taping. I'll see if I can get a beat from him as to who he thinks is a goner. After the show, he and I are doing some kind of interview on camera for something. HAHAHA. I have no idea what for. I think it has something to do with AT&T;, but I can't in a million years figure out why. Maybe I'll talk to them about the fact that we all know to leave a message after the "beep" and that we don't need a recording of a woman to come on and explain that to us. I better get going, I have a KTBZ Houston phone interview at 6:15am and a 99X Atlanta interview at 6:30am. No, they are not "tell alls" they are to promote The Panic Channel and Rockstar: Supernova.
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July 19, 2006 at 05:52 AM | Comments (27)
The Panic Channel eCard
Check out The Panic Channel eCard and send it to a friend, featuring the first look at the album cover design for "(One)" available August 15th.
P.S. I just want to say thanx for all of your love and support. I'm sure that you can understand that I wish to keep all personal matters private.
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July 18, 2006 at 01:09 AM | Comments (140)
The Panic Channel : Why Cry ~ Rockstar Live
If you are in the LA area, do yourself a favor and come down to a Rockstar taping. They are total chaos! Put it this way, we only have an hour with commercials to air the show, but the tapings take like 2 1/2 hours to do. A LOT of editing has to happen to squeeze in all the performances and comments and video clips and Brooke. The only reason it takes so long is because Tommy, Jason, Gilby and I all ramble on and on and pretty much have a lot of laughs on the couches. It's not that it's "too hot for TV" or anything, but the majority of our rants are pretty much useless, unintelligible, insane and simply awesome! I am really pushing to have the DVD set come out with all of the nonsensical banter included. It's just a different show live. I hate to stereotype ourselves, but it is pretty much what you would excpect it to be. I mean... If Tommy's comments, such as, "Are you wearing panties?" and "Show me the boat, bitch!" are what makes it to air, I'm sure you can only imagine what doesn't!
No video? Get Quicktime.
See and spread the YouTube version!
Yesterday was a first as I did a live edition of Spread Radio Live from my dressing room at CBS. I was joined by Sasha and Paul from the House Band and later Neil Strauss, Lisa Leverage and Kennedy came by and joined me for a few minutes. They all chimed in on their favorites and least favorites. The show was only about 45 minutes, but is now in rotation on Spread Radio Live. Of course, I got in some songs from The Panic Channel as well as a previously unreleased version of Rexall from an early version off my solo album, Trust No One.
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July 17, 2006 at 11:48 AM | Comments (51)
Performance Day
I'm off to check out another performance episode that will air on Tuesday. Only 13 singers left, I'm hoping they turn up the heat this week. There is an all new Spread Radio Live in rotation that was recorded the other day. If you missed it, you can catch the rebroadcast stream this week. Speaking of Spread Radio Live, there is a nice write up in Paper Magazine about the SRL Event we did a couple of weeks ago, featuring KHZ, Killola and The Panic Channel.
Only 29 days left until The Panic Channel album (ONe) hits the stores on August 15th.
July 16, 2006 at 08:53 AM | Comments (34)