Re-Evolution: Reinvention

Way back in the summer of 2007, after nearly a year off, I decided to hit the stage again with a solo project (named after a bastardization of my birthday) called The Virgo 9. Within 2 weeks, I was on stage with a trio and the shows kept rolling in. In fact, they haven't stopped. If I had a dime for every hour I've spent working on this project, I would have a healthy little nest egg.

Within the first year, we had a drummer go M.I.A., a slew of fill-ins, and I had to wing a number of shows solo or as a duo because of the lead guitar player's inability to commit. I was unable to even entertain recording because I feared it would just create more problems. To eliminate some of the uncertainties, I brought back our very first drummer, Gavin, because he's solid and has a great musical work ethic. I'm still amazed I have survived the instability of it all without losing my mind. But, no matter what, I was determined I would not let my ship sink.

Previously being a duo called The Veldas, I knew this would alleviate the challenge of wondering if I would even have band mates for shows which were booked. Still, last fall, I became so frustrated, I began lashing out at people, but could never really put my finger on what the problem actually was or why my heart suddenly felt so black. I knew that something had to be done.

I've been playing music for a long time and projects have a way of evolving. You get more band mates, try new styles, shake up your existing songs, etc. But, my grand plan to slow down didn't help. So, I decided to take a break for evaluation, recording and to find a bass player. Luckily, finding Jim "Bass" Burrow was not only easier than I thought, but also an even better addition than I could have imagined. I knew within 2 songs, he was "the one." Within a few practices, I found myself in awe of both Jim and Gavin. Not only were they helping me find the sound I have been seeking, but they also offered to help me with the behind the scenes stuff too. Sad but true, getting help (even the offer of help) from anyone except Misbehaved Records, was so unfamiliar to me, it set off a light bulb. The problem became obvious.

Music should be made from your heart. In my case, it is. However, sometimes, the lines between loving music and caring about the people you play with get blurry. In my lengthy way, I suppose I'm saying I enjoyed every note Darby and I played together, every conversation we ever had, and every drink we ever shared. But, as time went on and we got more shows, deeper into the recordings, and with my desire to tour growing, I realized that we were very different in our approaches to being in a band. I do not doubt that Darby loves playing. It became apparent my drive was bigger than playing when it's convenient. I'm not saying that it is a misguided philosophy or that it's wrong to approach music in whatever way you choose. It is just not a shared philosophy. I believe in running with the luck we've been blessed to have and I believe in working myself to the bone to make my simple (no rock star fantasies here) dreams come true.

The Virgo 9 now consists of Gavin on drums, Jim on bass, and me doing what I've always done. Our first show as The "newly evolved" Virgo 9 will be Saturday, May 16 @ Pick 'n Bitch. Hosted by the lovely Pinhook.

Hope to see you there!

Teresa

The Stoner Set on iTunes

I am very excited to announce that my solo album "The Stoner Set" is now available on iTunes in the US store and the UK store. So check it out. The album is sort of a collection of my own recordings over the years and has been reissued with a bonus song- an extended mix of "It Feels Like" recorded in Northampton, England with my good friends Mark Refoy and Johnny Mattock.

A month ago The Virgo 9's "Stoner Set" fell through my letterbox and it's taken me this long to decide which song to use on this compilation. The CD is shows off a brightmellow side of this punk-psych band that a whole lot of people have grown to love through their help on previous compilations (in fact they are probably one of the most mentioned artists in conversations I have with people as in "oh The Virgo 9 - I love em"). "The Stoner Set" seemed to have been designed for lounging around and looking at things quietly, tracks like "My Love Overdrive", "Riverbanks", and "I Feel Like" have kept me captivated for weeks. But in the end I've gone for "Gavin's Theme" - a melodic and haunting piano instrumental from as far back as 2004. It always stops me in my tracks when I hear it & so I hope you'll love to hear it too.
- Smally of The Daydream Generation

You can click here!

Or,here!

Much Love,
Teresa

Best Ad for a Bass Player EVER!

So, I posted an ad looking for a bass player. This is what happened:

Post from me:
Why are we looking for a bass player?
We’ve never had one and it’s time!

Who are we?
We’re The Virgo 9. www.myspace.com/thevirgonine We practice weekly and you can look at our show schedule for the general frequency with which we leave the house. We have local label support, releases on the horizon, and some interesting things in the works.

What do we want from you?
First and foremost, the ability to practice and perform all shows listed and a few long weekends away. Flexibility, I suppose it’s called. You must love all music, but have a true fetish for good ole fashioned rock ‘n roll. Having your own equipment is a plus! We’d like you to be a solid player who can bust out some blues runs or stick to the box depending on the song. But, if you sling your axe so it lands on your chest like you just came out of music school, this probably ain’t the outfit for you! Personality is a important…A.K.A. we want someone who actually has a personality and who isn’t afraid to show it onstage or off. Think Lemmy or Joe Buck Yourself on stage w/ Hank III. Though, it’s possibly impossible to find, uprights are welcome as long as you can work it electrified-like!

What do we not want?
Other than thee above, if you are close-minded or have no sense of wanderlust or mischievousness, again, probably not the group for you.

In case this all sounds bitchy, it’s my lengthy way of saying we are looking for a fun and interesting soul with a genuine love for getting out there! Get in touch.

Men or women. Please be under 35!

Post from cowardly local asshat:

Please be under 35!
???????????????????

let's see teresa, you're 34.
darby's 45
gavin's 46....

you're full of shit.

Post from me:

It's very sad that you do not have anything better to do than to verbally attack me on a public ad. Yes, I'm 34 and I'm looking for bassists under 35 due to the changing nature of long term plans. So what?!? I also enjoy my older band mates and it's a guideline. Bands change. How is this your business again? I hope you find some peace within yourself and with your own age. You obviously seem to think you know us. So, if you have a personal issue with me, step up and confront it like normal human being. The email address is attached to the original post and if you know our ages, I'm sure you know where I live. The door is open.

Great way to support local music!

So...any brave souls out there? LOL! Thanks for the help getting our true nature out there, local Asshat! Good to know our pebbles in the pond piss you off!

-Teresa

Other Places You Can Find Us Lurking

Even we have conceded and given into the ways of Facebook

Hate it. Gotta do it.
MySpace

Cool Widgets and Stats
Reverbnation

Sporadic outbursts and comic news updates.
Twitter

"The only way to behave is to Misbehave." Mae West
Misbehaved Records

Southerners workin' hard and getting it done!
Bucket City Agency

Very soon you will be able to download Teresa's solo release, The Stoner Set, from iTunes, Amazon and more!

A month ago The Virgo 9's "Stoner Set" fell through my letterbox and it's taken me this long to decide which song to use on this compilation. The CD is shows off a brightmellow side of this punk-psych band that a whole lot of people have grown to love through their help on previous compilations (in fact they are probably one of the most mentioned artists in conversations I have with people as in "oh The Virgo 9 - I love em"). "The Stoner Set" seemed to have been designed for lounging around and looking at things quietly, tracks like "My Love Overdrive", "Riverbanks", and "I Feel Like" have kept me captivated for weeks. But in the end I've gone for "Gavin's Theme" - a melodic and haunting piano instrumental from as far back as 2004. It always stops me in my tracks when I hear it & so I hope you'll love to hear it too.
Smally of The Daydream Generation

Duke University Union Campus Concert Series Comp. for iTunes

We'd like to thank the fine people at Duke CCS for creating a compilation of local music and including The Virgo 9! You can go check it out and download The Virgo 9 and more great local acts like Grey Young, The Never and Nathan Oliver for free on iTunes! Follow this link:

http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/new.duke.edu.1756814860

Happy Misbehaved 2009!

For several months now, I have been feeling really down. I haven't felt like writing anything other than songs. I haven't really felt like doing anything other than being a hermit. I have refrained from having a huge bitch session on the internet because it never does any good. But, I haven't been able to restrain myself so much 'round these parts. This area, though smaller than many seem to be able to comprehend, is heaving with so many great musicians it is impossible to count them all. But, with highly active areas come scenester pockets. With those pockets, exclusive parties form and earnest, hardworking bands get edged out and ignored. Novelty begins to take precedence over most anything else and journalism becomes twisted by who is hanging out with whom. Someone please slap me if I ever go pointing out my gender (like, duh!) or start going out to see bands I don't like just to be seen seeing them! I mean it....walk up and slap me!!!! Though I've been told I should, I refuse to apologize for saying how I feel or for challenging the status quo. Perhaps, the viciousness with which my thoughts have popped out is slightly uncouth, but if you've never had such a passionate moment...if aren't that passionate about your own musical existence, I feel sorry for you.

Somehow, all these feelings I have been having have been strangely exhilarating. I have been making music for a really long time and even the creeping feelings of musical depression and frustration are, at least, something new. All the driving myself crazy has resulted in me owning my own ship again and reaffirmed my vow to never let it sink. With some of the best friends I've ever had holding me together, I'm feeling much better now. So, I'm choosing not to dwell here. Instead, I'm choosing to look forward to all of the exciting things we are lining up for this year.

There are several releases planned for 2009 courtesy of our new label Misbehaved Records. We are taking it far lighter on the local shows than we did last year in an effort to get out and about and many out of state dates are in the works.

Hope to see you in your town!
xo, Teresa

The Kitchen Sink Stayed Home

It didn’t rain. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that for the past year, it has seemed the skies have been holding back until we have a show. Okay, I’m not narcissistic enough to believe in some sort of divine conspiracy, but when it isn’t raining, I take note. It was cold as all holy hell, but you take what you get. And, I suppose you northerners wouldn’t call 50 degrees all that cold.

We made it to Winston-Salem with relative ease. To my surprise, Darby didn’t bring the kitchen sink. She and Kim accused me of shaming them into traveling lighter. I know they were just trying to economize last time. I have just been such a drifter, packing light is second nature. For years, I owned nothing more than what could fit in my car. Durham has settled me a bit. Though, I do wonder if I will ever stop getting the urge to try new places.

We were a bit nervous to play Elliot’s Revue because we had heard they have issues with noise. Knowing that we like it as loud as possible, we lightened the load a little bit more by taking smaller amps. It was really an exercise in self-restraint.

From the moment we walked in, Jack, the bartender, made us feel at home. He immediately gave me the lowdown on the night’s proceedings and handed me a beer. Less than ½ hour after arriving, Mike, the soundman, showed up with a huge smile. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met such a nice soundperson. He was very conscious of what we needed and really stayed on top of things. Even as we were sound checking, the crowd was talking to us and the majority of those folks stuck around.

It was a new experience in a way that we were the only band playing that night. We had 2 hours to use as we wished. It was also very strange to me because I couldn’t really read the crowd. They seemed like they were hanging out in their living room. At one point, I began to wonder if they were even listening. I really try hard to be involved with the audience, but they seemed happy doing what they were doing and nodding their heads. But, as soon as we finished each set, they really friendly and we unloaded quite a bit of merch. . It’s not often that we play a place and hang out to drink afterwards. Given that we were away from home, it was even more shocking.

Elliot’s Revue, in someway, made us feel as though we were in our living rooms too.