Idiot Savant

5:33pm: Hello?
 First post in 4 years. Holler. Welcome back, Aaron. Maybe. First time in 4 years I have thought of this site... not myspace/FB sounds appealing right now.

6:22pm: myspace.com/aaronmannino

Hit it!

It probably looks the same as last time you looked, but I don't know if I said it here. And there are songs up now. They're just from a demo I recorded a bit back to get solo shows in NYC, so don't judge me just yet. I'm hoping to record the new ones soon.

Danke,
Aaron

12:12am: So I'm back from a week in San Diego. I'm an uncle now. My sister just had a baby. That was pretty cool. I've always wanted to kiss cute babies, but now there finally is one I'm allowed to.

I met the owner of Twigg's (the bi-monthly stomping ground of Jason Mraz, apparently, before he got big), and he asked me to come and play that night at Twigg's. That was great. The sound there is amazing. I might put up a video from that show on my myspace (myspace.com/aaronmannino). So I played my first show in San Diego. I hope there will be many more to come there, because that is a beautiful city.

I bought shot glasses for both my roommates in Mexico, only to find out that one of my roommates is "in recovery", so I felt bad. Should have bought him a crucifix (those are very popular in Mexico) or some other kind of Mexican art.

I've completed and am completing a bunch of new songs that I like a lot, and hope you guys will like them, too. I plan to go into the studio in the next week or so to begin tracking for a new album.

Anyway, that's the scoop, like it or not.

I miss many of you, even though we now live in the same city.... Hope to see you all soon.

XOXO
AM

11:19pm: I finally have an iPod.

What's your name? Who's your daddy? Is is he rich like me? Has he taken any time to show you what you need to live? It's the time of the season for loving.

Happy summer (soon) everyone.

6:04pm: Rufus Wainwright is coming in August. Ben Folds is co-headlining this tour, and I hate Ben Folds (his music, not the man) so much that I'm having trouble deciding whether or not to go. I guess I still have a month or so before tickets are available. The show is at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Funny to be ending your US tour in [kickass] Woodinville.

Other than that, I'm pretty good. You all should check out the whole lotta nothin going down at myspace.com/aaronmannino. Soon it will be a roaring virtual mecca of sights and sounds. Right now it's just a dumb and way too long bio and a picture of two handsome men (ooh la la!).

Peace to my peeeeps.

8:17pm: I heart "I Heart Huckabees"
One of my favorite movies ever. Completely addresses so many topics I have wanted to hear/discuss for years.

9:06pm: Well I'm home now. I'm not quite sure how I feel at this point. LA is really fun, but also really shallow and gross, and lots of people of all shapes, sizes, sexes, etc., trying to have sex with you. That kind of freaks me out. Other than that, it's a great place. I stayed with my friend in Hollywood, and Hollywood is a lot less of an overwhelming tourist mecca than I expected. And due to all the rain this year, there was a deceivingly small amount of smog, etc. Anyway, Hollywood is really pretty. It was definitely my favorite part of LA. I spent a lot of time at the Musician's Institute (where my friend attends). Definitely seems like the way to go if you're going to try to be a musician in LA. It's a big family of musicians (which never seems to happen), and i think you end up with a lot of friends and connections in LA. The education there seems a bit half-assed, but it seems like LA would be pretty daunting, and this at least puts you with a bunch of other daunted people who will support your shows, etc., when you get stuff going.

Anyway, I LOVE SEATTLE. Yup.

10:09am: Hello everyone,

I'm in San Diego now. I've spent time in Ashland (OR), Redding (CA), San Francisco, and now San Diego. Tomorrow I go to LA and stay probably until Friday (I'm going to see old friends in Vendetta Red play Thurs. at the Roxy). Anyway, thus begins my research of Los Angeles.

Ashland, Oregon, is awesome and unique. It's like a utopia for liberals (in other words, it's a hippy town, but it's really cool, trust me). It's just strange because I'm driving through all these small towns that are sort of all the same and have that very rural (need I say red-neck) feel to them, then you're suddenly in this town where all the restaurants have 'vegan' signs and there are theaters on all the corners. It does hold a liberal-arts college, so the feel of the town follows, of course, but it still feels like an anomaly.

I didn't really like San Francisco. I'll give it another chance someday soon, but mostly it just felt like a high-paced (almost insect-like) city without much cool-- it feels more commerce-oriented. NYC is super busy and crowded, but there is an artistic energy that keeps you going any place you're at. San Francisco felt more like flies in my face. But I was alone and without much to do, and it definitely felt like a place you want to have somewhere to be and a time to be there, not a place to wander and get in people's way. Or at least to have a companion to get in people's way with. But those who are in the bay area, take no offense, it is a beautiful city that almost took my breath away at first sight.

San Diego has always been one of my favorite places. I don't know if it would be the greatest place in the world to live as a musician, as the embryonic state this city puts you in would probably make all your songs become trite, and that's besides the fact that there are only 2 or 3 clubs to play here. But if you want a nice vacation and to muddle around wearing flip-flops and eating delicious [vegan or non-vegan] Mexican food 6 times a day while thrift-store shopping, this is the place to be. And the beaches are excellent. I have the first sun-tan I've had since 6th grade or something.

So LA tomorrow....

7:51pm: I don't care what anyone says, the Strokes STILL rule (don't tell anyone I'm on their payroll).

Alright, everyone, I need your votes and wisdom, knowledge, etc. I can't decide... Move to LA.... or move to Seattle. And no voting in order to keep me here for your purposes or to get rid of me for your purposes. I need your kind judgement. I'm driving down to LA at the end of March to check it out, and I'm hitting S. Francisco and San Diego, etc., on the trip, so hopefully I'll be able to make an educated decision when I get back, but your input is still greatly appreciated. Whatever experiences you've had with each city and your opinion on the choices and lifestyle of your dear friend Aaron Mannino are what is needed. My life is in your hands.

A-ron


People, they don't understand
Your girlfriends, they can't understand
Your grandsons, they won't understand
On top of this, I ain't ever gonna understand

8:02pm: This Sunday, Feb. 20th, at the Sunset Tavern, Little Hand of the City farewell show

Yep, this will be our last. We're rocking it with Spanish for 100, Pixel, with DJ Mighty Moss (who is also Evan, our web designer) spinning awesome records. We've got a fun set planned that pretty much includes all of our favorite LHOTC songs. Come cry with us or laugh at us. On Monday morning, we won't care which it was that you did.

The show is at 4PM on Sunday afternoon. Jenny, who bartends the Sunset on Sunday afternoons, just started the 4 o'clock Rock shows on Sundays to give her some entertainment on her shift. This just happens to be our final show. Tip your bartender anyway.

And I'm off to Harvard Law School, where I hope to find a career in public defense. Just kidding, Harvard doesn't take community college drop-outs. I'm still just Aaron on the block. I'm actually going to move into Seattle (at long last), so please give me a hug when you see me.

Peace out, heroes and villains,

XO
Aaron

1:46am: Ted Leo is the man. Seriously. Rocks the guitar and is a totally cool guy.

U.S.E. rules, too.

Anyone wonder where I was tonight?

8:00am: Hey, just wanted to say that Little Hand of the City is playing tomorrow, Friday, at the Paradox, and you should come.....

An Oxfam Tsunami Relief Benefit Show, at the Paradox, Seattle, WA
including
Mon Frere
Slender Means
Little Hand of the City
Darci Cash (from LA)
All ages. Doors at 8PM. $7. The Paradox is located at the MARS HILL building on the SW corner of 14th and NW Leary Way in Ballard, Seattle. 1401 NW Leary Way. www.paradox.org. www.littlehandofthecity.com.

It's a good cause and great show. Hope you can be there.....

Aaron

11:46pm: Happy New Year.

12:01am: I am chilling eating vegan cookies and drinking soy milk. Ah, Christmas.

How are you? I'm fine.

We just worked on mixing tonight. We've had a lot of trouble deciding who will mix our music, and the long delay has resulted in us starting to go ahead and do work on it ourselves. It may still be wise to work with a pro (we've had our eyes on Johnny Sangster), but this is good experience for us, and probably will give us good ideas if we end up working with someone else. And, who knows? Maybe Little Hand of the mix will be the way. We'll see.

Anyway. Yes. Chilling. Real. Yes, real, man. Real.


Merry Christmas to you.

11:26pm: Man, Stevie Wonder is the man. Man.

I believe when I fall in love with you, it will be forever.
I believe when I fall in love this time, it will be forever.

12:24am: I am in love with life right now. Check back tomorrow. It may be (and usually is) a different story.

But I hope not.


A-ron

11:30pm: Yeah yeah yeah yeah.

12:27am: I am the new and improved Democratic/Republican the Bush/Kerry family would like me to be. I am at peace with everyone because I know that Democrats and Republicans kill people in third world countries for money alike. I am so happy to be a Democratic/Republican. I feel so much more at peace.

Go Green. Or Independent, Communist, Socialist, whatever. But don't Unite in Fear with your fellow Americans and support what our government has done and is doing. Protest, riot, fucking blow stuff up if you have to. Just don't stagnate and accept some new idea of "Instead of fighting with your opposing parties members, join in the fight against the Middle East". You know it doesn't feel right in your heart, so don't do it. If it does feel right to you, tell me to shut up, but if what I'm saying strikes a chord in your chest, get out there and make yourself known to the government, and let your feelings be known to them. This is an exciting time to be an American, but I don't think it's going to be the most peaceful place sooner or later. Make sure you're ready to stand up for what you believe in.

That's all I have to say. For now.

6:54pm: Hi,

Thursday, December 2nd, at Studio Seven, Seattle
Little Hand of the City
The Charity Stripe
Kaddisfly
Mortimer
$7. All-ages. Doors 7:30. Show 8PM. 110 S. Horton, Seattle 98134.

then tune into
KGRG 89.9 FM
Sunday, December 5th at 7PM
for an exclusive Little Hand of the City performance on the Local Motion show.

Thank you!
LHOTC

9:23pm: Shall I mention.....

Tuesday, November 9th, at Chop Suey, Seattle
Four Color Process
The Charity Stripe
Coulter
Little Hand of the City
21+. 9PM. $6. 1325 E. Madison Ave.

That's tomorrow night!!!! Yes, yes, yes.

We open at 9PM, so come early!

12:22am: お目当てのThe Waxwingsを見る。っていうかBrendan Benson。それとthe Blessed Light, Little Hand of the Cityも見る。ワックスウィングスにブレンダンがサポートと聞いていたのでてっきり単独でライブやってくれるのかと思ったらギターでの登場でした。しかも俺トイレで鉢合わせ。『うお〜ブレンダンじゃ〜〜ん！！』みたいな。かっこよかったっす。ここにもUSEのメンバーが。。。よくライブ見にきてるのね。


I just found this.... Too bad I can't read Japanese.

I hope everyone is having a good Halloween weekend. I went to a fun party last night. I was Mozart, and I was surprised and happy that a few people shouted "Amadeus!" immediately. Tonight, Pat and I were going to see a movie, but we left too late, stressed out to get parking, and it was eventually too late. Instead we drank at the Blue Moon. There was a band that played who were really good, but we have no idea who they were because no one working at the Blue Moon could tell us their name. But they were good. Even though we'll never know who they were.

Pat and I have decided that we are banding together to try to take down the electoral college system ourselves. We just have to figure out how. Funny things happen to your mind when you're drinking at the Blue Moon and talking politics. Funny things.

10:46pm: Since it is the day before, I thought I should tell you.....

Wednesday, October 27th, at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard
Little Hand of the City
Sunday Morning Music
Doublewide
9PM. $5. 21+. 5433 Ballard Ave., Seattle, WA. www.sunsettavern.com.

12:18am: I found my 'My Bloody Valentine' CD!!!! You probably didn't know I had lost it. I had heard it played at a couple parties, and heard songs here and there, and wanted the album (I'm talking about their album "Loveless") for years, and Mark bought it for me for Christmas. Then I listened to it over and over, and somehow, within probably two weeks, I lost the CD and not the case. I also, around that time, managed to lose the first Shins' record. Well, I found the CASE to the Shins' album, with Loveless inside. I actually recently found the Shins' CD (I think I've loaned it to Pat), but still couldn't find the case. Well now I have the case, and more importantly, I have Loveless back!!! I really need to keep better track of my music. I always seem to lose my favorite albums, especially at moments when I really feel like listening to them non-stop.

Mark and I did more recording tonight. Good times. There is a live review on our show at Graceland last month that is supposed to pop up on Three Imaginary Girls (www.threeimaginarygirls.com) any time now. Hopefully it's an okay review, considering now I've told you. I probably should have waited for it to come up to decided whether or not to sound that alarm.

Peace, my friends,

Aaron

10:24pm: I got an e-mail today saying we are #8 this week on Los Angeles' KWVS. Then tonight I recorded with Mark. He finished his keyboard parts for 'The End' and 'Speed of Time'. I'm so excited for this EP!!!

12:54pm: Wow. Woah. Okay, I'm back here in Seattle. NY was fun. I'll tell you some of the highlights....

Shane Tutmarc from Dolour, Robin Valaas, and I stayed up playing guitar all night in our hotel room one night. This was mostly because it was really late already and we were going to go to a Brian Wilson + Van Dyke Parks Q & A panel the next morning (which I didn't end up being able to get into because two of the badges we needed were attached to LD from Dolour, who ended up sleeping until 2 in the afternoon. But we had a fun night anyway....)

I saw Sondre Lerche play live on KEXP in a cozy room in the Museum of Television and Radio. I didn't care much for his last performance in Seattle with his full band, but I actually really enjoyed this solo performance. I was really impressed, especially since there was cricket-silence before he started playing his first quiet song, and I would have been very nervous playing solo on one of the biggest college stations in the country in front of an oil-painting-quiet audience. Anyway, I thought I would give him a second chance because I really like a couple songs on his first record, and I like his acoustic/solo sound best, and he came through and impressed me. He's touring now with The Golden Republic as his backing band, and I think his last show is in Seattle at the end of Nov at the Crocodile. Anyway, that was fun. I hung out there with Greg from the Pale (nicest band ever) and Cheryl Waters from KEXP, who had my band play on KEXP when I was 14, then again when I was 17, so she rocks my world. She just needs to get LHOTC on KEXP live, and it will really be true love. :)

My dear friend Cristina recommended a restaurant called Zen Palate, where we ended up going TWICE in two days, because it was fabulous, and surpisingly affordable. We almost walked away at first because it looked like it was going to be 30 a plate, but it was actually cheap, delicious, vegan food in a swank environment. We ended up last night finding another really cool vegan place that was also incredible that was only 2 blocks away from our hotel, so we were bummed to find it so late in the trip. I had sandwich that was convincingly like eaten a chicken parmiagiana sandwich, which some vegans are into and some are not. I personally love eating anything that tastes like an animal but required no death. There need to be more vegan places in Seattle. It bums me out that both San Diego and NY had lots of options, and it seems like Seattle would be the most vegan-friendly of the three. Maybe I'm wrong....

As always, I find NY to be musically inspirational, so I wrote about 5 songs while we were there. I need to listen to the scratch tape and see if I still like them. :)

What else, let's see. Met a lot of really cool people. Shout out to the guys in the band the Pharmacy. They opened for the Moldy Peaches in NY, but we weren't there, but met them elsewhere and hung out with them. Nice guys. I guess they're playing the Punkin House tonight (Sunday). The Cribs (from Leeds, England) were staying at our hotel, and they wanted to see the Moldy Peaches. We told them they had broken up 2 years ago. Then we found out later that they had reformed, so oops.... Sorry, Cribs!

Our flight home was hilarious. It was like the LA International Riothouse in the air. We ended up being on a flight with all the other musicians from Seattle. Everyone in Dolour (except Craig, who is staying for a couple more days) were on the flight, The Lashes were all on the plane, Idiot Pilot were sitting right behind me (and one of their mother's came to pick them up at baggage claim, and from her expression, I could see that her excitement of her son getting a big record deal hadn't worn off at all), Frank Nieto (manager for Visqueen, Mates of State, IQU, but I know him because he used to book the Crocodile) was on both our flight there and back, and two members of the Pharmacy were on our plane. Everyone was noisy and reaking havoc in the airport as everyone exchanged their exciting NY stories. Many were half-drunk still at 7:00AM in the morning as everyone shuffled onto the Delta plane. Good times, good times.

I saw United State Electronica play at Piano's. They rocked, and Noah came back to our hotel room the next day and we played songs for him. Also, Shane let me have one of the Dolour badges some of the time so I could get into shows free. Other great shows I saw were Brendon Benson (who I am now a big fan of) Crosstide (who Dolour brought us out to see, they're from Portland, great band), I really liked The Velvet Teen, although Robin hated them and left during the second song. I also saw the Presidents of the United States of America, and I thought they put on a great show. I never was a big fan of theirs, but there stage show is great and they're love of playing music is charming. I saw about 15-20 bands in total, so lots of music...these were just highlights....

Anyway, that about sums up my trip. I'm still bummed that LHOTC wasn't on a showcase, but next year hopefully we can take NY by storm. Mostly I'm bummed we didn't play because LHOTC are my 3 best friends, and it's always more fun with your best friends to share the experience....

Alright.... I'm home. I feel like going to sleep right now even though it's 1:45 in the afternoon. I think I had better shine it on a for a few more hours...