Art direction: Sam Conklin and Jeff Raudebaugh

Gluing and cutting: Jeff Raudebaugh

For more information regarding J RAUD’s mix tapes, and how to order one, go here.

Townes Van Zandt- Townes sure knew how to write a beautiful song, especially regarding heartbreak and yearning. A singer-songwriter from Texas, Townes had a long career spanning from 1966 until he tragically died from alcoholism in the mid-1990s. He played in small bars and clubs, and never reached the fame he deserved. Seek out his songs “Be here to Love Me”, “For the Sake of the Song” and “Come Tomorrow” among others, and you’ll hear what I mean.

The Kinks- The Kinks are possibly my favorite band of all time, and they penned some of the most well written songs in the history of modern pop music. The Kinks are known for “You really got me” and “Lola”-great songs, but if you  dig through their catalogue, you will discover other great tunes that you may not have realized were written by them. Examples include “Waterloo Sunset”, “Days”, “Picture Book”, and “Sunny Afternoon”.

The Verve- Do you remember these guys? They exploded in 1997 with “Bittersweet symphony”, a delicious orchestra / rock song with profound lyrics.

The Sound of Wonder! (Various Artists)- Issued by the Finders Keepers label, this compilation consists of Lollywood (Pakistan film industry) soundtrack songs recorded between 1972 and1980. With incredible arrangements featuring Moog synthesizers, Indian percussion, surf guitar, as well as captivating singing, the songs on this collection bridge the Eastern and Western music worlds. Some of the most interesting and exciting music I have ever heard.

Am I a diva on gig days? A Mariah Carey trapped in a man’s body? That’s a funny thought. I’m not that diva-like. But I do abide by odd routines on gig days. I don’t drink soft drinks. I eat healthy. I might take a bath to relax. I’m a little on edge. I only eat yellow M&Ms (that last one is a joke). Thoughts in my head might include: Will this song go well for that particular venue? Does this guitar strap look good with the outfit I’m wearing?  Is my hair in order?  These thoughts may sound vain, but not as vain as you’d think. I just want to present to you a good performance along with a captivating appearance.

Maybe my nerves go haywire due to what can go wrong during a gig day. I could get lost trying to find the place, or get stuck in traffic. I have to find a parking spot, and then carry my guitar and heavy amp to the venue. Once I get to the venue, my nerves start to settle, though other worries might pop into my mind. A speaker could sound distorted. An opening band could not show up. Is the set going to flow properly? Are the bands I am playing with nice people?

Yet usually things turn out okay. I’ve found I have to embrace my pre-show fears. A good metaphor for embracing these fears is this: vision yourself floating on your back in a swimming pool. In order to do it, you can’t be afraid to drown. You could drown. But if you relax, the water always holds you up. Trust the water and it will keep you safe.

Once I get onstage, the nerves recede. I’ve done this hundreds of times. I feel good. And if I feel good maybe you’ll feel good too. The band is playing great. You, the audience, are my cooks. You feed me energy and I love it. Your energy is like a stew (lots of different vegetables, and spice too). I feed you energy too. It’s a symbiotic relationship, the best kind. We are a perfectly in-sync, energizing group, feeding each other spoonfuls of stew. At the end of the show, I thank you for giving me a good time. The venue empties. I pack up and go home, feeling we’ve accomplished something wonderful.

Tank tops-Light and tight. They make any man look manlier.

Sweet tea- A cooling agent, and liquid gold in my opinion.

Ukuleles – I play one to pass the time. Very Hawaii. Very Summer.

Sweet corn –To tickle your taste buds. And to get stuck in your teeth.

Fried chicken – Preferably from Chadwick’s in Old Town Alexandria, buttermilk style.

Swimming pools – Hotel pools are always fun. Community pools too. Babes galore.

Townes Van Zandt – My current listening. Townes was a Texas Singer songwriter from the 1960s to the 1990s. Great music for relaxing.

Album making-  We are still hard at work on our new album. I’m very proud of the sound of it. Thanks to YOU for supporting our musical endeavors!

Vacations- I’ll be in Roanoke, VA for the weekend. Roanoke is a beautiful mountain city which has the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. It is roughyl 8 stories tall, and is pictured below.

Mekons- A first wave (and first rate) Punk band, started in the late 1970s. They are still playing together.

The Replacements- Minnesota Rock and Roll with Punk leanings. Their bassist was still in High School when they went on a tour back in 1984. Great songs that more people should know.

The Velvet Underground- Lou Reed’s original band; Catchy tunes, good noise.

Ponytail- A great live band, I saw them at the Black Cat, opening for Yeasayer. Sounds like very energetic Noise Rock from Mars.