Take risk.
Top 10 moments of 2021
1. Interviewing my all time favorite band, We Are Scientists on 89.9FM WKCR radio NYC and being on the guest list the next night to see them
2. Watching Orioles vs Mariners in Seattle during the John Mean's no hitter then driving to Mt Raineer to watch the sunset that evening
3. Meeting Andrew Yang at his election party and enjoying a free open bar while being on the guest list
4. Biking DC to Aslin Beer Co in Alexandria, VA and back to DC to end the night at a bonfire party
5. Driving through Blue Ridge Mountains and Smokey Mountains in the same day, on one of the most scenic drives of my entire life
(All w LJ)
Continued at the end of the blog...
January
1.1.21 - I woke up with my girlfriend (LJ) in her bed and shortly afterwards we started our commute to Culpepper, VA. In what looked like an antique shop, filled with dozens of old chairs was actually our AirBnB in the middle of nowhere. T-Dog, our host was delightful, but to be honest we were creeped out by him when he told us his mother was buried in the backyard of his home next to his cat. Anyway, the next morning we hiked Old Rag Mountain and what a moment to start the new year after spending the past 14 months in the rockies (Colorado), now with east coast mountain views. Later that evening, we made our way to DC and sat at the National Mall eating Ethiopian carryout as the reflecting lights on the water caught our silhouettes.
The Hive Pt 2 video - I managed / curated a Baltimore based music compilation series that featured 12 local bands/artists on one album with the mission to donate 50% of our proceeds back to Living Classrooms Foundation. The teaser video is here! We also released videos every other day of the artists performing their track which is available here.
1.20.21 - The Inauguration at the capitol in DC. LJ and I drove to DC and made our way to the capitol. Unfortunately, the whole ceremony was barricaded and unwatchable. However, we stood by a little corner that had a small view of the actual event. There were protesters, a hippie on roller skates, and people standing on cars. We stood away from the crowd on a side street to watch the inauguration from her phone and were photographed by several of photographers. We had no idea what was going on .... I asked why they were photographing us. They told us it was a sign of unity - our heads touching, hands holding, while wearing matching colored coats (adorable, right?)....
We walked around for a minute and a mob of people started yelling "Andrew, Andrew!"
Guess who?
My old texting buddy, Andrew of All Gas No Breaks. We use to text a lot last summer about setting up an interview on my radio show in Denver, oh and music too I guess. Got to say hi to him, hung out for a few minutes and walked around DC for a few more hours. Just like that, new year, new president and back to Baltimore to watch the celebration in the hospital sock lounge while drinking brews w/ my gal pal.
Hiked Catoctin Mountain. Stayed in cabin with no electricity and wood burning stove for two nights at Dawson Cabin in Clearville, PA. Hosted a radio show on Shady Pines radio DJing the finest music every Monday.
February
BWI - DIA
Did I ever mention I have a weird thing about digging up my past... No? Well, surprise! I was actually subletting my room in Denver the past few months with no clue if I was going to stay in Charm City or go back to the Mile High. Unfortunately, when I was planning on moving back I got COVID and when I got better, I met a girl.
In early February, I went back anyway... why? why? why? I don't know. I moved all my things back with me, but this time I sublet my room in Baltimore with the intention of coming back for the long term. During my time back - my living situation changed, my roommates changed, the organization I worked with was laying off people. It was a sign that my life had changed and it was time to say a final goodbye. Not even two weeks back, I notified my landlord and roommates I was exiting Colorado at the end of the month and I did.
However, during my time there I hiked Lookout Mountain in -5 degree weather with a person I met on the internet. I camped on top of my friend Amos' Subaru Crosstrek in St. Isabell National Forest, hiked Pikes Peak the next morning (seriously AMAZING views). Caught up with all my Mile High Homies, and walked around Denver Botanical Gardens on an icy cold deserted day. Saw Fancy Matthew (Weird Touch) DJ which is legit my favorite thing to do in Denver, the best of the best. Lastly, I had some The Shaky Experience stickers made and they finally came in and I put them up around the city. I DJ'd on 92.9FM / 89.7HD3 (NPR Affiliate) one last time and said goodbye CO!
89.7FM WTMD's Baltimore Hit Parade hosted by Sam Sessa is arguably as big time as it gets in terms of recognition in the arts and music scene in Charm City. Melody ($100 Girlfriend) and I were interviewed on the show about the release of The Hive Pt 2 and the bonus track written and recorded by students of the organization. Shortly afterwards, the digital and physical album, the project's commitment and teamwork finally paid off. A real feel good moment...
WTMD interview can be listened to here
The Hive Pt 2 on Spotify, available here
March
Just chilling with LJ, one day and we came up with the crazy plan to make this month, the month of adventures. We planned a trip to Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, Smoky's Mountains, and Mt Mitchell. We also planned out a bike trip from DC to Aslin Beer Co in Alexandria, VA and back. This was one of my favorite moments of this year.
Drove to DC, got out the bikes and rode along the George Washington Memorial Parkway trail most of the ride. Listening to music, enjoying the great weather, cycling along the water and green spaces. We got to the brewery, had delicious pizza and amazing drinks. Just relaxed after a 1.5 hour commute and then made our way back to go to a bonfire party in DC that night. It was truly a moment of feeling alive with another person I genuinely cherished being around. It was over 30+ miles round trip via bike.
My best Denver friend visited me in Baltimore this month. We walked over 10+ miles around the city, showing him everything that makes Charm City so incredible. I think we walked from Charles Village to Lexington Market to Ministry of Brewing in Fells Point and made our way back to go to my backyard bonfire gathering I was hosting that night with all my friends. We got lit, like super drunk and it was great... till the next morning. His last day here we could barely move. I started to drive a car to DC and nearly puked as I turned on the ignition. Still made our way to Fort McHenry and Edgar Allen Poe's grave, somehow though and it was great.
The day James left, LJ and I started driving South, on our way to Winston Salem before our big hike the next day. We stopped in Richmond for tacos (Don't Look Back Tacos, highly recommend) and sat in a grassy area by Richmond Main Street Station. The sun came down perfectly and it felt like another genuine moment of feeling alive. This memory has so much replay value in my mind. The scenery reminded me of M83's Dead Cities, Red Seas, and Lost Ghosts album cover (probably worth Googling). Got to our destination for the night, ate pad thai, went to a brewery, called it.
Next morning, we hiked 6 miles in Mt Mitchell which is the highest peak east of North America. The nature was incredible. It was cold at times, hot other times, and foggy in parts where we couldn't see. Overall, the experience was breathtaking. It had it's ups and downs, but damn the trip was amazing. We drove down to a dispersed campsite that had an old chimney in standing alone in the middle of a juggle area. We set up our tent there and made dinner. Shortly afterwards, we got undressed and started bathing in a stream of water. It was magic and after all that we cracked open beers and started a fire.
During the rest of the trip we drove through Blue Ridge Mountains, in a very deep fog while listening to
Educacion and
Auditory Research on repeat and it was the best beautiful thing ever (seriously, the best). We hiked in the smokies, camped out in an absolutely astonishing campsite within the park. Ate pancakes and explored Gatlinburg, TN. Swam in a waterfall and drove along some of the most scenic views in the states.
Asheville, NC was followed by that. We ate at this super good vegan restaurant called Rosetta's Kitchen. Absolutely delicious, can't recommend enough. Had beers at a thrift store themed bar called Fleetwood's, incredible. Drank at a few breweries and stayed at Bon Paul and Sharky's hostel. We got a private room which was it's own mini-home out back of the building and the next day stayed at Sweet Pea hostel. After a week + on the road, we drove back and stopped at another amazing vegan spot called Core Life Eatery, bowls were so yum. The trip was amazing, the nature, waterfalls, camping, hiking in the woods, breweries especially the sour beer one was all an unforgettable experience.
Hiked North Point State Park, Loch Raven, Pretty Boy Reservoir this month as well.
April
Interviewing... a passion I developed when I started my first on-air radio show and podcast in Denver. This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Kip Berman of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and Deep Tan. Both interviews were pretty legendary for me. Kip's was incredible because I've been a fan of his band since I was 20 years old. DT was amazing because I had the honor to utilize my platform to help share the story of a remarkable artist and their journey to where they are now. The content aired on radio and my drive to be a full time music journalist continues its pursuit.
My girlfriend accepted a residency program at a hospital in NYC. This was very challenging for us because ultimately I knew this would end our relationship. She bounced back and forth from Baltimore to NYC often looking at housing. Although, I worked remote this entire year and conducted my interviews remote as well. I thought it would be best to let her find her own path. During that time I started making big changes in my life. This included attempting numerous new recipes, composting full time, and obsessively running. I ran with several of running groups this month, some including - A Tribe Called Run, Faster Bastards, Cool Tuesday's, 410 run day, Nblorg running group, No Meat Athlete, and more. During this month within our relationship we fit in other cool things too. Going to Orioles vs Seattle Mariner's game, hiking Loch Raven, watching the Q documentary (amazing), and spending a lot of the time laying in the park. Later that month, she flew back home to Washington state which I would follow later.
A couple of other things worth noting this month are:
I won two tickets to Orioles opening day!
I canvased Balto Vintage and Normal's Bookstore to sell The Hive Pt 2 cassette tapes which now they both do.
Lastly, one of the most important projects I ever worked on, The Baltimore BNote Green Currency celebrated its 10 year anniversary. I played a huge role within this organization by the leading the campaign of the release of the B10 and B20, as well as getting the second denominations featured on LED Baltimore during Artscape weekend. Of course, networking and coordinating the needs of 230 local businesses within Baltimore City. As well as meeting with former Mayor Shelia Dixon about implementing a plan to expand our outreach. Anyway, truly a special moment for me being with the founder on the day of a decade after it's release.
Daily Record article on BNotes featuring me on the front cover sharing our story.
May
I flew from Baltimore to Seattle with a layover in Charlotte, NC. LJ picked me up and we drove to her hometown of Enum Claw, WA. Met the parents, hung out in the hot tub, passed out after a long trip. The next morning, we took the train to Seattle. We stopped at Waterfall Garden Park in downtown Seattle, got amazing pad thai, and explored the city. We walked around The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, all the classic spots. We eventually got to our Airbnb which was in the Capital Hill neighborhood and went to some of the most amazing bars I've ever been to including Cha Cha Lounge and Unicorn. I am a sucker for places with unique aesthetics and these places took it to the next level.
Next day, went to Amazon Go grocery store, which has no cash registers. You put what you want in your bag and it charges you. Very futuristic and innovative, I loved it on a low key tech nerd vibe. Shortly afterwards, we met her parents in downtown Seattle to go to the Mariner's vs Orioles game and John Means had a no-hitter which was breaking news all over the country (NY Times, NPR, etc.) kinda wild tbh. After the game, LJ and I drove 3 + hours to Mt Raineer and watched the sunset from the mountain top. It was such a spectacular moment, the drive there was amazing. The nature and scenic views were surreal. It embodied everything I feel we work so hard in life to enjoy. We drove back and hot tubbed the rest of the night.The rest of the trip we ate good food, checked out antique shops, thrift stores, breweries and had a great experience.
Seattle to NYC
My adrenaline rushing from so much uncertainty. Waking up early in Enum Claw and flying to NYC at like 4am was wild. Getting there and taking the train to our hostel, arguing, exhausted. Our lives were changing, we checked out apartments together in Manhattan. I was mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. That night, we drank beer in Central Park and walked around on a dark, empty night, sat by a lake in the park, and had a moment of reflection. We bounced over to an Airbnb in Brooklyn, had amazing vegan food at V-Spot with my friend Kasia. Got cocktails at a spot I'd been dying to check out for years called The Commodore.
We were in the city for over 7 days (a part of me felt like I honestly wasn't sure if I was coming back to Baltimore, my life felt so intense) and it took everything out of us, incredibly tough time with a few good times. Some of the highlights were hanging out with my friend Aaron Pfenning (from the band Chairlift), exploring Ridgewood neighborhood with my friend Coleman, and taking a ferry to Governor's Island. After a crazy week +, LJ and I said goodbye to each other one final time at Ground Zero and it was such an emotional moment. Life is so strange sometimes because just like that, we met back up in Baltimore at Checkerspot Brewing and created a new plan for the move. It was honestly, absolutely ridiculous, but love is blind. Things were changing fast, our lives were racing in different directions fast, and time was still running out fast.
The rest of month highlights. I went to Baltimore Innovation Week (virtual), hung out with my old neighbor Dan Deacon at a drum circle, I ran 10 + miles around Herring Run Trail and back to my apartment, LJ and I renewed our passports, I bought the Ancestry kit which was super fascinating to discover my results being most of my family have passed away, great reflection, visited extended family in Laurel, DE. Went to a few different IKEAs with LJ and shopped around.
Lastly, went on a road trip to Rehoboth Beach, drank beers, hung out with friends, laid in the sand, and stayed at a campsite. Next day played frisbee on Bethany Beach and had the best time ever.
June
6.1.21 LJ moved to NYC. A week later, I packed my bags and we were living in Uptown together (Morris Jumel Mansion neighborhood). During our first month there
we took the ferry to Rockaway beach, the tram to Roosevelt Island, watched the sunset from our rooftop, and drove a moped around the city. Other cool things worth note were my other best friend James (Vermont) came down and we went bar hopping in Manhattan. The next day James, Kasia, LJ, and I went to a rooftop party filled with Georgian's and got pretty lit. I met up with my friend Aaron Pfenning and we got Dokebi which is a super amazing food spot, then walked around Williamsburg. Later that night, I took a ferry back to Manhattan and the lighting of the city was absolutely incredible as I was in the middle of the water on my way home.
I would still occasionally come back to Baltimore. Although, I was now primarily living in NY, some of my things were still back home and my mail. I had signed up for Baltimore Marathon in October and was ready to train my ass off which is exactly what I did. I got two new pairs of running shoes, fasted on June 1st for 30+ hours, printed out Hail Higdon's marathon training guide and put in the miles. I ran with Riot Squad and A Tribe Called Run while occasionally in Baltimore and ran with Dyckman Running Club and We Run Uptown while in NY. One evening, I ran 10 miles at dreaded Druid Hills with Faster Bastards and 10 miles with Wolf Pack. Another night, I ran with WRU to Fort Tryon Park and DRC 7.5 miles through Inwood Hill Park and thought I was going to have a heart attack, those guys are fast uphill. I came back to Baltimore and ran a 5 mile Pride run, another time I ran Tribe and a friend gifted me a house plant which I still have. Another experience was running from Uptown to Fort Lee Park, New Jersey and back. My first night ever running in NYC in early June, I ran a half marathon under an 8 mile pace the entire time. In total, I ran 108 miles this month.
Other highlights included taking daily free improv classes via Zoom with Terri of The Radical Agreement Project (highly recommend to check it out). Disc golfed with my friends in Druid Hill and Churchville. Saw my Hive Pt 2 pals The Flying Faders at an outdoor, byob show. Darsombra at Ottobar outdoors, incredible. Thrifting with LJ, trying lots of great vegan spots like By Chloe and Marty V's, cooking at home, wine and beer on the rooftop. Walking LJ to her first day at residency then going back home to work and meeting up afterwards was always a life highlight.
YANG GANG - if you don't know, I'm 100% Yang Gang and when Andrew Yang was running for mayor I was beyond excited. On election day, it was rainy outside, my gal was sleeping all day from a 27 hour shift. I made a few calls and sent a few emails and found the after party Yang was booked to have his election party at. LJ woke up, I told her the news and she was in shock. I have lots of experience during my time in Colorado getting into big events, music festivals, concerts, etc as press while working for the NPR affiliate in Colorado. Unfortunately, most my clothes were dirty and I didn't have my dress shoes. So, LJ dressed up and
I wore my Adidas joggers, Birckenstocks, a striped shirt, and a denim button up I bought from h&m that night that still had the price tag on the shirt at the end of the night. We went to the party, I told them my name was on the guest list w/ a +1 and they let us in. As soon as we entered, there was a girl that served us free glasses of champagne. We drank them as we walked around a fancy rooftop in downtown Manhattan, it honestly felt natural compared to the life I had in Denver in press. After our champagne, we made our way to the open bar for some craft IPA's. Just a few moments later, the man, myth, the legend came out and gave a speech dropping out of the race on a beautifully lit stage with Yang signs everywhere. It was a bittersweet moment, but he did come around afterwards, we snapped a photo together, and I briefly got to talk to him about my time with community currencies. We continued to enjoy the open bar, LJ went to the bathroom. I asked the server if she could snap a photo of me next to the Yang sign. The server said "You're kinda cute". I said "oh, thanks! I like your outfit". She replied "I've been watching you and your girlfriend all night", "Oh, really?" I replied. LJ came back and after a few drinks later, we were drunk and as we were walking out the server said "bye James, call me". LJ asked what that was about. I told her what happened and the conclusion was we were all attractive, sweet person.
July
4th of July is a challenging time for me every year. My adoptive mother Lisa passed away two days prior, in 2019. This 4th, LJ and I went to a firework gathering her friends were hosting in Prospect Park in Brooklyn that evening. It was easily the worst night of this year for me and created a lot of adversity moving forward. However, still tried making the best of a rough time by watching fireworks on the rooftop in Uptown. The next day we took the ferry to Rockaway beach which we absolutely loved. This month had its ups and downs, but some of the highlights included going to Le Chile for dinner, The Honeywell, and Harlem Pub for drinks, trying new vegan recipes and eating them on the rooftop while watching the sunset. Eating Pad Thai on Hightower Bridge, running with a new running group called Hare Runners, still with WRU and DRC as well. Running 8+ miles from Uptown to NJ again, biking to Fort Tyron Park and having a picnic. Going out for covered dinner and drinks with residents. Watching Jobs the movie and hanging out with Leo "Pumpkin Spice" Lowrida the cat on the couch. I biked from Uptown to Fort Tyron to Queens to Riverside Park and back one day. It was a moment of reflection as for my girlfriend was working longer, more strenuous hours, and we didn't get to hangout as much anymore. I specifically recall biking for a few hours that day and realizing my time was coming to an end within the near future, I was no longer happy. My life was going in a much different direction and staying at our home often times made me feel empty.
This month, I hustled my ass off trying to find a radio station to submit content with. I applied to several of stations in NY and had a few meetings with some including NYU radio. None of which I could come to an agreement with
till I met with WKCR 89.9FM NYC. I was offered a remote, on-air spot after an interview and tour of the station. This changed the game for me and allowed me to have a platform again to follow my passion of sharing the story of my favorite artists. I started with messaging my favorite band and they replied and put me in touch with their booking agent and that story is to be continued in August. Psychic Mirrors, a super amazing Miami, boogie, funk band were my first interviewee at my new home station. Interview aired and we tuned in and celebrated with joy that we both made it in our careers to the same city. I sent out emails, messages, spoke with booking agents, curated my best questions, and researched how to continue to improve my show. One thing I learned was keeping content consistent. That advice gave me the motivation to start a short podcast series called Composing a Confession where friends and I review and rate strangers missed connections in about a 10 minute segment.
This month, I did lots of other things too such as continuing my marathon training, ran the Believe In The Run HQ opening, Tribe runs, improv classes with Terri, started a group chat for the new compilation to be released early 2022, went to a friend's birthday for everybody party (hilariously amazing), adventure room with DC friends, started working for the Baltimore Timebank LetsBMore (remote) which has become a new deep passion of mine.
August
8.1.21 I ran Central Park NYC Half Marathon and the next day I ran with A Tribe Called Run in Baltimore with just two and a half months left till my first full marathon I was starting to feel ready. Running an official half marathon and receiving a finisher medal was important to me because I started a goal a few years ago to run a half in all 50 states and hadn't done NY yet.
A couple of weeks later, LJ and I did a huge bike trip from Uptown, NY to Fort Lee, NJ to upstate NY and back. The journey was amazing and felt truly like another special moment in our lives. Biking along the water and on a very green trail was spectacular. We stopped at the boarder and ate at a savory delicious spot with outside seating, relaxing after a kinda long trek. While there, I noticed my friend Kip (The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart / The Natvral) was playing a free show in Brooklyn the next day. I sent him a text asking if he would play our song "Ramona" live,
he agreed to it and I was ecstatic. We made our way back and made dinner with drinks. The intensity of our go, go, go attitude within our relationship was at times challenging, but I loved it and felt like carpe diem. The next day, we went thrifting in downtown Manhattan and shortly afterwards we made our way to the show at 18th Ward Brewing. We caught up with Kip and had a couple of beers together. He played his set and asked "Do I have time for one more?" The sound engineer replied "Yes!" and Kip then
dedicated us his last song. Needless to say, that moment meant the world to me. The first time I saw Kip perform was with his full band at Siren Music Festival in Coney Island in 2010. I never thought, I would become friends with him, interview him, and have him dedicate a song to my girlfriend and I. Later that night, we stumbled into an art gallery in Williamsburg that had free drinks and snacks. Someone took a polaroid of us while we were standing in the backyard of the gallery next to a tree and paintings of plants. It was a long day, but filled with some of the best memories of this year for me.
We Are Scientists - my favorite band of all time, I've seen them over a dozen times live. They always deliver within their music, live performances, and hilarious satire videos. I interviewed them this month via Zoom and curated the most in depth questions I could think of knowing lots of their history and catalog. It was truly one of the best moments of my life and then hearing it air on 89.7FM WKCR NYC radio felt even more magical. The next day, LJ and I were on the guest list to see them perform Elsewhere in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, their show was rained out because it was suppose to be on a rooftop. However, they did perform an acoustic set indoors instead and was still magical. Afterwards, we made out way to Star Bar, right down the street for drinks at a candle lit table. It was one of the most perfect moments of my life. I just interviewed my favorite band on FM radio, got guest listed, drank beers at a vegan restaurant with my girlfriend. Honestly, I can't ask for more than that.
Underground Music Showcase - a music festival of discovery in Denver. This festival usually has about 20 famous bands during a three day weekend and about 300ish local, touring, other bands (think SXSW style). I've played the festival in 2018, sharing the lineup with (Alvvays, Deerhunter, Frankie Cosmos, White Denim, etc.) and I played in 2020 (livestream) from my living room. I covered the festival in 2017 and 2019 as press. I realized my 5 year anniversary with UMS was coming up and I couldn't miss the opportunity to go back to my other home, one more time. I sent an email requesting to cover the festival, but with my new station, WKCR and was granted approval. I interviewed a few bands from this year's lineup including my friends Gila Teen, Motion Trap, and Neil Frances as well. The fest was incredible, catching up with old friends, hung out at DOM, watched amazing shows, getting free food and drinks. My favorite part was going to the 7 year anniversary Weird Touch party hosted by my friend Fancy Matthew that also owns a boutique called FM clothing which I highly recommend checking out.
The party, people, vibe is like nothing you've ever seen before. Truly a dark, dance, freaky, disco ball hang and I got to enjoy it all with my Mile High homie, James.
The first night I was back in Denver, I camped out with my friend Amos on top of his orange Subaru Cross Trek again in Lower Chins Reservoir and it was absolutely breathtaking. Being surrounded by a beautiful outdoor scenery, drinking beers by a lake, listening to good music, and sleeping on top of my friend's car was the best. The next morning, we hiked Guanella Pass which is one of my favorite mountains in all of Colorado. I started feeling the altitude on the hike, but damn it was good time being out there with my friend. On my way back east, there was a hurricane and my plane took an unexpected layover in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I was stuck there for hours and everything felt kinda crazy, but overall time passed and I made it back home hours later.
The side notes of this month are biking with No Coast Mafia, continuing my improv, recording my new solo album with Tristian (Gay Baseball), seeing Super City live at Patterson Park, hiking Lake Roland, and continuing my short podcast Composing a Confession.
September
This month was truly the month of change for me. LJ and I had been bickering for weeks, our schedules weren't aligning, and I wasn't happy in NY. Three of my closest friends were coming back to Baltimore for extended periods of time. The end was nearing and it was bittersweet. After almost a year of us dating and visiting over 10 states, flying east to west coast together, countless adventures, and everlasting memories, our time had come. I was spending significant more time out of New York and was enjoying my life a lot more that way. My friend Mike and his girlfriend had been doing van life for the past few years. They came back to Baltimore for the month and we all caught up, went on hikes, and hung out in the van. Thom and Kristine came back after living in Hawaii the past few years and it was incredible getting to be back with all of them again. We did two nights, three days camping trip in Elk Neck State Park and it was amazing. Two of the most significant moments with all of them back was watching old wrestling videos with Thom and Mike (we all use to live together in LA and do this). The other was releasing my
new EP and playing at the grand reopening of North Avenue Market with Shy Lust and Strawberry Sleepover and having all my friends be there Thom, Kristine, Alex, Ben, Randy, Michael Reggie, Chris, Wyatt, and more. Oddly enough, earlier that day before my show I ran a half marathon hungover out of my mind after doing bike party with Thom and after at Monument Brewing after party. However, the show was still great and had a happy ending.
10.20.21 I woke up in my bed by myself. LJ and I briefly talked about coming up one last time to say goodbye and grab some things I left at what was my home. I came up and everything felt different as if I knew this needed to be my goodbye. LJ came home, talked, got back together, and it was a fucking mess.
We Are Scientists had me on the guest list that night at Elsewhere for the make up show from being rained out last month. I went out, saw my favorite band, hung out with Aaron, and came back home around midnight. The next morning, I woke up to LJ and everything continued to feel different, time was racing till my farewell. She went to work and I got called on to cover a concert in Brooklyn that night with the station I work with. I requested to stay with my friend Kenny in Bushwick and he happily had me over. We didn't end up going to the show, but instead ate pizza, drank a lot of beer, listened to dance music, and talked about life. The day after, I woke up and took the train back to Uptown and finished the music video. I sat on the rooftop and watched the sunset by myself, but with joy knowing I was sad, but this is what I needed and honestly wanted. I came back down and LJ got home, we laid on the couch together, ate pad thai, talked, showed her the
music video. What is the music video you might ask? Well, it was a joke we came up with in November of last year about the abundance of picture frames in our house for a song we cowrote called "
You've Been Framed". After almost a year later, I finally put together the music video, showed her, and it was a moment. That night, we went to bed, LJ woke up at 4am before going into the hospital to say goodbye and it was an emotional time, another wreck very early in the morning. That was Leah and my final goodbye to each other. I packed my things, pet the cat, and said goodbye hours later. I stopped in C-Town, got some gummy worms, took the train down from Uptown to Time Square, and waited for my bus to come to take me back to Baltimore.
Other highlights included - Interviewing The Go! Team and Mux Mool on WKCR. Emma cutting my hair in the most hipster style it's been in 10 years. Hiking Loch Raven then seeing F City outback of Howl in Hampden. Watching Chimney Swifts with Ella then accidentally falling into the Jones Falls water. Going to Orioles doubleheader with ATCR. Having a girl confuse my bike for a "ghost bike" at the Washington Monument. Lastly, seeing Blunt Bangs at DC's Comet Ping Pong. The show was so AMAZING like absolutely the best of the best. Their sound is so crisp, rocking, fun energy. I've been a fan of the singer's other band Black Kids (I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend House To Dance With You) for years!!! So seeing him live, especially at Comet Ping Pong where I saw one of my other all time favorite bands, Thieves Like Us.
October
Running a marathon has always been a huge goal I've always wanted to achieve. I remember years ago, my Dad asking me what did the 26.2 mile sticker meant on the back of the car in front of us. I told him what it was and he asked if I ever ran a marathon and I said no. That inspired me to change that narrative because I knew I could do it, I just never put in the time and commitment. This year after running with several of running groups in NY, Baltimore, and Denver I decided this year was the year. Lots of people in my group, ATCR had already signed up and motivated me even more knowing I wouldn't be out there alone.
10.09.21 - the Baltimore Marathon, standing at the start, I was so nervously excited. My body was experiencing all types of unique sensations. The alarm rang and everyone started running. I darted past a majority of the crowd in the beginning. Once I got to Druid Hill, running through the Zoo, the reality set in that this was actually happening. I ran down to the harbor and a large amount of Tribe was there cheering us on. I did a big arm flex to rally back and I was feeling extra good. I made it to 13.1 miles within an hour and 48 minutes. I started to burn out, but kept going till I hit Canton. At that point, I was roughly 16 ish miles in and had been running with a rando for the past few miles. I looked at them, they looked at me, and I stopped and honestly thought I was done. However, I knew I couldn't quit, I blasted Journey - Don't Stop Believing followed by Slim Guerrilla -
Instagram Pimpin' and made moves. I rushed all the way over to Druid Hill and there was a guy decked out in Ravens gear, sitting in a fold up chair, singing all the classics from a boombox he had next to him. I dashed down to Wyman Park, to Maryland Ave, and made way to the finish and stopped at 27 miles in 4:17:17. I definitely wanted to do better, but for my first marathon, on a very hilly course, I'll take it!
During this month I did so much!
DC stuff - I went to Porch Fest in Adam's Morgan, DC and hung out with my friends Ben, Zack, Jamie, and Chris. I went to DC Bike Party w/ Cole and Travis and biked 20+ around the city. I saw Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing live at 930 Club with my friend Zack. My friend and former guest on my show Christoph now plays in Wild Nothing so that was cool seeing him.
I interviewed Graham and Dave of Tokyo Police Club, separately. This was a dream come true for me. I've been a huge fan of TPC since I was 17 and saw them at a Myspace Secret Show at the old Talking Heads Club in Baltimore (City Hall neighborhood). That show and their debut EP "A Lesson In Crime" honestly helped shape who I am today and definitely helped me develop as a person throughout my late teens, early twenties.
The Shaky Experience - a band I started in January 2010, just had our 11 year anniversary show. We've played a show literally every year since we started. In the early days we were bad, like really bad! Now we're good, like really good, especially live. We released an album last year during the pandemic called "
More Famous Than Food" and I think it's my best work to date. We played The Depot as their featured artist series this month and had plenty of friends come out for a reunion show of Thom and I doing what we love. This month I also played a show at The Crown as Pelvis Presley with Cascading Elephants, Clean Breast, and The Expanding Man and it was a blast.
I celebrated my 15 year anniversary of being vegetarian October 1st. I started when I was 16 because I grew up in poverty and was tired of eating only fast food and the cheapest canned goods we had. It was a very long journey till I started eating healthy, but after lots of trial and error, I now love cooking and attempting as many new recipes as I can. Thanks Anie, Ella, Emma, and Liz this month.
November
WHAT IN TARNATION!?!?! - NOLA/Jackson (MS)
What was initially a joke, quickly turned into a serious inquiry of what if. Shelby and I both without immediate family and or plans for Thanksgiving, booked an excursion to New Orleans. She drove down from Mississippi and I flew to NOLA Thanksgiving evening. During my flight, I was sitting in the "lucky seat" and under my table tray was a flight voucher that was announced by the attendant over the intercom followed by all the passengers clapping for me. I landed, Shelby picked me up and we rolled over to our AirBnb which was literally a box inside of a warehouse that had a bed in it. Throughout the night, we biked to Saturn Bar, Tiki Bar, and Bourbon Street. The bartender at our last bar looked like a guy possessed by dark magic or the fact that "we never close" as he told me while I was pounding back beer's finest version of champagne. We biked back after a couple of games of pool and crashed in our box for the night.
The next morning, we biked through a cemetery near St. Claud, had a delicious brunch at Satsuma and explored a vintage shop next store. Throughout the day, we biked along the Bywater, snapping photos of "Extreme Danger"-ous things, sat on some swings, and listened to Death Cab. We played Cards Against Humanity's Black Friday scavenger hunt which was very fun throughout the day too. Walking up and down Bourbon St, Jackson Square, hung out with some dogs and rabbits, went to a very well done, vampire themed shop, drank an eggnog daiquiri at Blacksmith Bar, ate at Bywater Brew Pub, went to Vaughan's for solid live brass music, and ended at J & J's for pool with a brother and sister that claimed the brother had previously been wanted by the FBI.
Biked around City Park then onto Buffalo Exchange thrifting and Turkey and The Wolf restaurant is how we started our next day. The thrifting followed by the food was so good and complimented well with our Mountain Dew daiquiris. We started our commute to Jackson, MS with an imperative detour to Lynard Skynard monument which was not far our of the way. We were two just simple kinda man and woman, driving to Shelby's town like any free birds would. We went to a really good show at The End Of All Music record store and closed out our night making food at home. All of the following day, we explored Jackson and I absolutely loved it. Very great, small town vibes, can't say enough good things about it. We biked along a new trail from the Children's Museum to a farmer's market area and back, sat by a body of water and enjoyed some local crafts.
That night we drove to (off) a cold pier (into the water and sank) and listened to Hearts of Space (Baby Bottle Pop theme song) in the dark starring at the lit up bridge. It sincerely was the best thing I could have asked for during this trip. Such a moment, I'll never forget. We drove to another water front of what I thought to be much further away (after pulling the car out of the icy water) and parked under a tree, watching the water hit the grass we were parked on. Absolutely, the best time ever. The next morning we explored Eco Shed co working space and it was a delight. Shortly afterwards, I was dropped off at the train station and caught the train back to NOLA. The ride was incredible. I can't emphasize enough taking this train ride, the views were outstanding. Made it to the hostel, they let me stay the night for free (thanks to this
article). Walked around Bourbon, shot pool with fellow travelers, it was great. The next morning, I walked 3+ miles down Magazine Street to Slim Goodies followed by Auduborn Park, took the street car back to Canal Street and caught a bus back to the airport to make it back to Baltimore. Seriously, one of the best trips I honestly could have asked for, absolutely loved it all.
During this month I interviewed Maia and Felicia of Dirty Projectors (separately). I ran with Tribe / Charm City Run / Nblorg / Faster Bastards. Went to see Nada Surf live and talked to Matt about coming on my show. I've been working tirelessly on this new compilation series that is scheduled to be released early next year with a listening party to compliment the release. I've been working with an album artwork designer, logo designer, mastering engineer, over 12 artists, and a local school. All details coming in December. Shout out to SF and MM
I grew up listening to Stone Temple Pilots. In fact, other than The Beatles, I would say STP was Lisa and my shared favorite band together. A day before their show at Rams Head this month, I emailed their band manager asking to cover the show. He replied and gave me a phone number to call, I called it and it turned out it was him. He said yes, happy to give them. I had a +1, brought Thom and we had the best time ever. It was such an amazing show, playing all the hits, great stage presence, and overall incredible experience. As promised, I gave a solid review of the show on-air the following week.The next day, Thom and I played The Crown as The Shaky Experience. Ari and The Buffalo Kings, Flying Faders, and Outside Smoke played too. It was such a great live performance by everyone. We primarily did witty banter with cardboard cut out people we found and played half our set too, everyone seemed to love it. This month was truly special to me.
December -
My 32nd birthday 12/5/21
Two days before I drove to Assateague Island with a new person. We got there at night, set up our tent, started a fire, and drank local crafts. It was an excellent way to bring in my birthday, The next morning we walked along the beach, snapped polaroids, and made our way out. Just a few miles up the road is my adoptive mother, Lisa's grave so we stopped by which I am eternally grateful for. That evening I joined several friends at 29th Street Tavern for drinks for my countdown to three, two. I got pretty damn drunk, and almost didn't make it home, even though I live so close. Amazing experience, very thankful to have had.
Press:
This month I covered Annie Hart and Kip Berman (The Natvrl / The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart) at Songbyrd in DC through my radio program. Very solid performance by both bands and my third time seeing Kip this year.
I interviewed Christoph Hochhiem (Wild Nothing, Always You, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart) which was a pleasure being I interviewed him 5+ years ago through my university channel when he was on tour with Beach Fossils in Denver. It was cool catching up. Lastly,
I was interviewed on The City That Breeds podcast about my current project, Staycation Compilation which comes out 1.7.22
Random:
Had a bonfire Christmas eve and played drunk baseball with really good friends. Another friend gave me $200 in Crypto as a Christmas gift, wild. Went on a date with a girl named Leah that lived in Saldi Arabia, felt super weird. Ran 4.5 ish miles to Believe In The Run holiday run, ran the 5K, drank lots with my closer running friends, and one of them suggested we run back to our neighborhood, so we did (quite drunk). A total of about 12 miles for the day,
My end of the year 750 miles of running in 135 runs in 102 hours.
States I visited - MD, VA, PA, CO, NC, TN, DE, WA, NY, NJ, FL, LA, MS, DC (bonus).
Top 10 highlights of this year (continued)
6, Running my first ever marathon in Baltimore and being cheered on by my friends and running group
7. Biking from NY to NJ to upstate NY and back along the Palisades trail followed by going to see Kip (TPOBPAH) perform live and dedicate a song to my gf and I
8. Spending my first week living in NYC w my gf by taking a ferry to the beach, tram to an island, moped around the city, and running a half marathon to get to know my new home
9. Pelvis Presley EP release show at North Avenue grand reopening. Seeing all my friends and playing this lineup was the best
10. Releasing The Hive Pt 2, giving half our proceeds to Living Classrooms Foundation, and being interviewed on 89.7 WTMD radio about it
Bonus: 11. Hanging out in Mississippi on a dark, chilly pier. Absolutely the best time, loved it so much.
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Things that work for me that may work for you -
A daily gratitude list - I've updated this every single day of my life in my phone's notepad since July 2nd, 2019
Answering monthly self reflection questions then emailing them back to myself to review later
Creating a report card and plan out on how I plan to achieve a passing grade for my goals
To Do List: When I check my phone, I'm often looking at this list to update it or see what I need to work on next
Always seek ways to improve. Think to yourself, how can I improve my life even by 5% right now. A few significant steps that helped me include carrying around a reusable water bottle, failing then getting better at new things like new recipes, meditating, self reflection, reflecting on blueprints, focusing on changing my mood not my mind.
"Love everything that happens to you, not just accepting it, not just tolerating it. Think this is for me, I choose this. I wanted it this way and it's the best fucking thing that ever happened to me." - Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic
Why?
This year was the best year of my life because I did everything I wanted to do. I tried my best to embody the mindset of if I were to regret something - I'd rather regret of what I did, then regret what I didn't try. My day to day was filled with working remote from home in a minimalist apartment, working on several of projects I'm extremely passionate about, hanging out with people I love, and learning from others.
Favorite tracks released in 2021
We Are Scientists - I Cut My Own Hair (This was super hard because the whole album is good, but here ya go)
Blunt Bangs - Eau Caroline (rocking to the fullest, can't get enough especially live)
The Killers - Another Life (The feels I have listening to this. Lots of nostalgia)
Psychic Mirrors - Screenshots Of You (5/5 track! The best, literally the best, unpredictably creepy in the best way possible)
The Go! Team - Let The Seasons Work (A marching parade gone rogue)
The Natvral - Why Don't You Come Out Anymore? (Kip is the best guy on Earth, love'm)
Mux Mool - Boom, Boom, Boom Yeah (Brian absolutely delivered so hard here!)
Leon Vynehall - Ecce! Ego! (taking the bus back and forth to NYC. I often listened to this track. It felt like the perfect track representing a time stamp in my 3.5 - 5 hour frequent commute lifestyle)
Beirut - So Slowly (forever, Beirut will always do it right)
Who all did you interview this year, James?
We Are Scientists, Psychic Mirrors, Kip Berman (The Pains of Being Pure At Heart / The Natvral), Deep Tan, Gila Teen, Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club, Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club), Motion Trap, Neil Frances, Mux Mool, Maia Friedman (Dirty Projectors), Felicia Douglas (Dirty Projectors). Interviews can be listened to here
Thank you WKCR NYC!
My music
Thank you for reading!
If you have any questions, feedback, or just want to say hi! Reach out to me:
Instagram: @jamesrichardlane
Twitter: @jameslanee
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