The Weblog of Daniel Tashian

Clear skies and coolish weather. Walked early and worked on Royal Plum. Now we need a good letter-head and some stationery. Intimidating stationery. Independant film pays other “big” publisher before Royal Plum. Why? Not intimidating enough maybe. Haircut day, but I blew it off. Maybe tomorrow. Had lunch with J. and my dad. Home and had a short nap. Put some laundry in. Worked on my new idea, for a few minutes, then went to the library. Got “Tennessee Williams Notebooks” and “The Book Of Illusions” by Paul Auster. No movies looked good to me. Bunch of stuff with Whoopie Goldberg. Home and started reading Buchan’s “39 Steps”. Now that’s what i’m talking about!

Doing some Monday-type things. Bored. Ennui. Tired of the single life. Only I don’t really know anyone I would want to ask out. Kind of sad, really. I’ve just always pictured myself with someone paralyzingly attractive, but I suppose they have their faults, don’t they. I thought Carey Ott might come over but he texted to try Friday, so I called J. Maros and she came over and we did vocals on the song “This Is The Life” and it’s coming along. To Hopkins to let the dogs play, my brother was there. He and Karl are getting ready to embark on a long road trip. I’m kind of jealous, I suppose. I would like to go, but not by myself. Besides, I have work to do. I have to chart out these ukulele songs for Dave Jacques, I have to finish the new Seas songs. It’s not like I don’t have plenty to do, I just need to mix some fun in, so it’s not such a boring routine, where everything has a purpose. Throw myself open to the random-ness of the universe. Problem is, you have to have lettuce to do that, and the long and short is i’m somewhat depleted fiscally at the moment. James D. called and said did I want to go to lunch the other day, and I said “As long as when the waitress comes around and says: ‘one check or two?’, you say: ‘one’.” Fun money.  That’s what I need. I want to just go to the bahamas and recharge the brain. Too bad. Have to wait til next year.

Walked, then went back to bed for a while. Reading PG Wodehouse, amazed by the master’s skill. To Troy and Jessica’s to meet Milo, the newest addition to the family: a white-ish kitten with a red collar. Brought Posh with me so Milo could get used to the idea of dogs, and he was very cool. Didn’t run for cover or freak out. Posh was so eager to play. Made poached eggs and watched a moment of the Titans. To El Mariachi and we sat outside and I had the Robert Bradley Special, and drank several cervecas. Playing WsquaredYRD. (Who would you rather do) and some hilarious ones came up. Amy Loftus was there, and Kerri Pisapia and Mike and Mindy, and Kristy West and Marna Taylor, Warren Pash, John and Mark Deaderick. A good time was had by all. Home for a major league nap. Then to Bosco’s and I had Tuna Tacos and we went to the Belcourt to see the best movie I’ve seen in a long time: “The King of Kong.” It was amazing, and, (this is the first time i’ve ever seen this happen): standing ovation at the end of the movie! Home and hit the hay.

Walked early, then spent quite a while cleaning the house. Bob Workman came by, and put some grass seed down, and Posh got out the gate. She was over on the next street, and mainly looking in hedges and shrubs for birds I suppose. She shot out of that gate like a greyhound on retainer! I was furious. Finally caught her and had an impromptu training session re: the gate. To Hopkins, and I watched the documentary about my dad’s band “The Remains”, and it was interesting. Had spaghetti squash for dinner, and it was slightly crunchy. To PM to meet Gordy Sampson and Troy and Jessica Verges and Blair Daly. Gordy’s a good mixer, and quite funny. He’s very good at the game “snaps” and now I want to learn it. I saw the Kings of Leon doing it once. Gordy said to watch “The Prestige” and I will have to get that. I was drinking Chimay and lots of it, and pretty soon I was kind of drunk and it was time to go. We all piled on the Bigshaw, and it took us home. Listened to a little of Anders Osbourne’s new record at Troy’s and it’s so damn good. I had to call him. He didn’t answer. Then, after I was home and asleep, my phone rang, and it was Anders. “Yeah, let’s write sometime.” he said. “You don’t need me.” I told him.

Walked and it was distinctly cooler. I was starting to feel like it would never be cold again. I can’t tell you what a relief it is that there are still seasons. Home and did some chores. Cleaned the kitchen and took out the trash. I would love to have a maid. Or even better, a butler. Come downstairs and the kitchen’s clean, pot of fresh tea waiting. Katie Herzig came over and we wrote a song called “Star Quality” and it came out pretty cool. We took a break from 2-5 and I took a nap and had some chocolate and a walk and a bath. That’s my afternoon ritual now: an hour nap from 3-4, followed by a piece of dark chocolate, a cup of coffee and a mile and a half walk. Then I’m ready to get back to work. Katie came back at 5:30 and we made a work tape demo of our song, and the studio still works. I have to keep the treats coming to stay focused: Whole wheat pasta with pesto- followed by peppermint tea with honey, then a New Zealand apple, just keep the treats rolling. And take lots of breaks. That’s my secret of success. Finished about 11:00. I wanted to write a song for Katie to sing, but I wound up singing it. Oh well.

Walked and had a meeting with my dad RE: Royal Plum Music. I think I might set up one of those base-camp things for it. That way people can log in and see what music they might want to license. We made lots of lists and it was very therapeutic to empty my head of all this stuff, and get it down on paper. Home and Liz came home and she and Layng are going on a hot-air balloon vacation (which I think Layng won in some contest.) To me, the real prize would be to NOT have to ride in a hot air balloon. To International Market for dinner, and it’s delicious, but 2 things: (1)They should give you real plates and forks, and (2) it’s fattening, so I need to only eat it once in a while for a treat. Home and worked on a new idea for a while, and went to Troy and Jessica’s for a minute, then watched a little of some English comedy on WDCN and hit the rack.

Walked early and i’m really drowsy. Although the weather is beautiful these days. Perfect for walking. Went to Jason White’s house for a co-write with Jason and Bill Demain. We were working on a country song called “Five Million Star Hotel” and I could only give it about 2 hours and then I was fried. That’s about my limit with country songs. All songs actually, at one sitting. Made lunch for those guys, and told them about my master plan to produce some tracks for George Jones. I made some salads and then it was time for a nap. When I woke up I made some calls for the jam session. “I’m gonna really try to make it.” said Lex, “I’ve got some other plans, but I’m really going to try.” Then Lindsey Jamieson called, and said he felt like he was coming down with something so I called it off.  Sometimes it can be hard to get musicians in Nashville to just get together and jam, it’s like (laughs) asking a postman to go for a walk! I won’t be deterred on this idea. It will happen eventually, I just have to be tenacious. I have accomplished harder things with greater ease. Made Chilli and The Cantrells, Al and Emily came over and we jammed a bit and I was playing lap steel and it was fun, but I can only concentrate for an hour or so, then I get, well…the A.D.D. starts flaring up. Home and did a little work on the computer, then hit the hay.