FINALLY!!!

As I write this blog, a very cheesy 80's song is running through my head...."The search is over. You were with me all the while." We are nearing our 1 year anniversary as a band (I'll write about that soon) and what a year it has been! I am fully convinced that if we made it through this year, we can make it through just about anything.

Only a few months after starting to play live, we were left high and dry by the drummer we loved most. For the past several months, my booking and playing life has been nothing but over complicated and stressful by having to juggle fill-in drummers and an endless search to find a motivated, permanent individual. Still, we carried on...somehow. We were most blessed to have Jessica from Pink Flag and Gabe from The Pneurotics always having our back. We will always regard them with the highest of respect! They are both incredibly talented.

But, Gavin was our original drummer. He was the first one to hit a stage with us and the most consistant at being there when no one else could make it. Always helping us load and getting our drunk asses home safely. Even though he is my husband, I was truly hesitant about having him in my band. Being a Billy Childish produced artist, he has quite the musical past himself and my pride got in the way. First off, he's really a guitar player and his drumming is very primal. Secondly, I never wanted anyone to make the mistake that he writes any of my songs. I was in bands and writing volumes of songs way before I met him. I was so adamant about this, at one point, I recorded myself one-woman band style to see if I could pull it off. I was ready to go that route. But, as a result of listening to these recordings, I realized that primal sounding is exactly what I've been looking for from a drummer. Think Hasil Adkins, Joe Buck, Natty Brooker from Spacemen 3 or Gossip.

At that point, the funniest thing happened. We were asked to play the Swannanoa show and no one else could help me that day. As always, Gavin stepped in and we had a great experience. I began reflecting on all those husband/wife bands I know...Red Collar, Beloved Binge, Juanita and The Rabbit, Sequoya, and Sawteeth McTweedy. And, I began to see things differently. When we were married, Gavin knew that I would be dedicating the rest of my life to this rollercoaster ride. At times, he says my work ethic is astounding and more driven than anyone he's ever met. So, in thinking about these bands, I became inspired by the mobility they have as a couple and how I never, once, ever looked down on those women for being in bands with their spouse. Pride goeth before a fall.

When I spoke with Darby about it, I had much hesitation in my heart, but if I remember correctly, her words were, "What are ya? Stupid? Of course!"

So, help me in welcoming Gavin (a.k.a Agent Ugly ) to The Virgo 9 tribe. We are very proud to have him.

-Teresa

Time for an Evolution

It may seem that I have been a little quieter than usual, but I assure you, it's the calm before the real storm begins. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes in our camp. For a few months, I have been feeling an internal need to grow into more of our potential. Upon starting this project, neither Darby nor myself expected the support, reception or constant gigging we were about to face. We are most grateful, but I feel it's time to evolve a little bit further than our initial expectations of ourselves.

The next couple of months will see us going a little lighter on the shows than we have have over the past year. We are not wussing out. In fact, little could be further from the truth. We are getting ready to begin recording our first full length album and would prefer to shift our focus a bit while doing so. In addition to that and in our usual DIY style, we will be, with S67's help, screenprinting our own shirts and working on a proper press kit. We are also going to be adding many of my new and older songs to our set. And I will be working hard to get one version of us or the other out to neighboring states this winter.

On top of all of this, we have joined forces with new partners in crime, Subdivision 67. We are thrilled to be part of such a positive and talented group of DIYers. Motivation like these folks is rare, and it's an honor. Please hit the link on the side to learn more.

On a more personal note, we have added a new member to our V9 family. His name is Coal Train. For a few months, I have been carefully considering (especially with the thought of touring alone) adopting a puppy. I went back and forth and came to the conclusion that if it were meant to be, it would happen. Animals have always had a way of finding me. During the consideration process, it seemed that every dog in Durham knew what I was thinking. Everywhere I went, I made a new friend. I really didn't expect it all to happen so quickly, but upon going to a party last Friday night and being told Coal was shelterbound, I knew what I had to do. By Sunday, he was laying on the couch with me watching movies. He is an awesome dog. He only barks at the door, loves my cats, and even knows a few commands. Let the evolution begin.