GTG RECORDS

Check this out.

It mentions the Good Time Gang, and the Plurals in the second to last paragraph.

Great article, also.  It was strange reading the bit about the Grand River today after visiting Brenke Fish Ladder last night.

-NPR

this is my first blog-post, so i hope its good!

I haven’t blogged much but I’m gonna give it a try so I can put in my two cents on the whole affair

I kinda wanna start a fractory band.  Anyone else into this?  I missed the original insult, but as I understand that dude was saying that it was bad that Frankie played fractory music, whatever that is?  Insulting the Break-ups, thereby GTG, thereby me,  I think fractory music hasn’t been given a chance yet.  Timmy, write me some fractory songs, and I’ll write some fractory music that goes with your fractory music, and we’ll give fractory the full fractory possiblilitys fractory. Frankie can fractory’s pretty fractory harmonies!

It’s nice out! T-shirt and a jacket weather! But it ain’t gonna be that nice out for that long!!!!!!!!!

-nichplural

I don’t really think it’s too necessary for me to give my account of Friday night at Oade’s. Hattie and Timmy pretty much said it all already. I do, however, have a couple thoughts on the actions/ people involved in the “incident.”

I’m going to spare everyone with my thoughts on personal etiquette. On the chance that that red-haired troll metal guy (hencefore to be known as “Gimli”) does come across this or hear about how those faggy-non-technical-music-playing-fractory-working kids (inside joke) are venting on the internet, I would merely refer him to a book that I found in my Grandma’s basement when I was 10 years old called “Today’s Guide for Young Moderns” by Gay Head. Mainly just because the author is named Gay Head. But Gimli would probably benefit from simple advice on how to talk to people and interact in public/ social situations.

By and large, I was proud of my friends on Friday night. Todd and the MK Ultra Culkin crew put together a great bill and did something positive for the community. These guys don’t get enough credit for how much they do for the both the Lansing scene and the community in general. They took the reins from the irreplecable Ken Knott to run Rendezvous’ “New Music Mondays” series last year, and probably a good 50% of the great musical moments of 2008 that I experienced were on those shows. The togetherness displayed by everyone involved in the Frankie/ Gimli argument made me smile. We watch each other’s backs… I think if Gimli had realized he was picking a fight with a room full of people that are card carrying Cartridge Family members he would probably have thought twice. Side note: we really should get membership cards for tCF. Of course, depending on the situation it might be cause to immediately get you arrested, but other times it may save your life.

My final point I would like to bring up is the part Timmy referred to about me saying to Gimli “When are you playing? I’ll come check you out.” I sincerely meant that in every regard. I’m kind of used to assholes giving me a hard time at shows for not being “something.” In high school it was not being “hardcore,” and on many isolated occasions after that it’s been not being “metal” or “punk” and even “folk.” In my mind we’re all doing the same thing, it’s just different sides of the coin or the cube or what-have-you. Writing your own songs, putting a performance version of the songs together (be it a band or an arrangement), rehearsing the songs, and performing the songs in public takes a lot of nerve, no matter who you are or what you’re doing. I’m not saying that it stresses me out (the opposite is more true) or that I think we all deserve a prize for doing it, but the truth is that there’s a fundamental seperation between people who do it and people who don’t. Some people simply can’t, other people won’t for whatever reason, but creating music is a unique and incredible part of the human experience. I like something about pretty much every conceivable kind of music. It’s true that I don’t prefer metal or rap or country in most situations, but that’s not to say I think those genres have nothing to offer or that the people who play those kinds of music are somehow less legitimate than I am. Music shouldn’t be a competition. When Gimli decided to start shit on Friday night, I challenged him with the core of what I truly believe. No surprise: he didn’t have a band, couldn’t or wouldn’t play music in public, and probably has a whole lot of self-worth issues that transcend his pathetic “appreciation” for music. These people flood music scenes and sometimes do an incredible job of tainting the experience. But fuck ’em. Generally, these people should be ignored – one conversation never can alter the perceptions and personalities of people – but when I walked by Gimli, Sam, and Frankie on Friday night the situation was beyond ignoring. I’m not advocating fighting or anything, but challenging someone’s argument hopefully, sometimes, can maybe lead to some sort of personal reflection later. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll belittle you to the point where you can’t talk and Chris will take you to the floor. 😀

tommygtg

I wanted to use a Back to the Future theme. So sue me.

I have read Hattie’s post and I decided to chime my two cents in on the matter.

I wasn’t there for a lot of it. But I saw enough of it. Basically, the run down of the night.

I went to Lansing, early as usual. Hung out with Tommy while we discussed our hopes and dreams and music. Nich came into the equation at one point. Yada Yada. Tommy and I went and picked up Hattie at Scavenger Hunt and then went and ate an awesome burrito at Chipotle. We hung out for a bit and then ended up loading up and going down to Oades. I always enjoy Oades. I always see MK Ultra Culkin there. Pretty much everytime I’ve seen them is there. They are pretty rad.

Sorry back on the subject. The Break-Ups played a set that, in my mind, is right up there with one of my favorite performances ever. We ended the set, due to request, with “Black Diamond” by KISS. You don’t even have to get me started on KISS and I will spare you all a KISS rants. KISS RULES.

After MK Ultra Culkin, Loren, Tommy and I started loading up the van. Loren was watching the door as I was grabbing stuff and bringing it back out with Tommy. Around the second trip in Tommy disappeared. On one of my trips going in and out, I saw him talking with a big group of people. It didn’t surprise me, Tommy is a well known person amongst the Lansing music scene, so I just figured he met up with someone he hadn’t talked to in a long time. As I walked by him I heard him say “Well let me know when your band is playing man, I’ll come check you out and let you know what I think.” In all honesty, I thought Tommy was networking. Anyway, I finished up a little more loading before Tommy rejoined us. I was walking outside back to the van when I heard Tommy talking about what was happening inside. So, not knowing what was going on, I asked what was up. Tommy informed me that someone told Frankie that she sucked. Thinking that was it of the story, I sort of brushed it off. I thought some drunk douche bag was being a prick and that it was over.

We walked back inside to a chaotic scene. From what I saw, Chris from Narc Out The Reds had the guy who insulted Frankie on the floor and another dude named Digger was being held back. The bartenders were screaming for everyone to leave. Chris was pulled off the guy and Tommy started talking him down. That was about the time Loren started making remarks to the guy, insulted him back. Somehow Tommy started calling the guy an asshole and pointing right at him. Tommy ended up right in his face. Around that time, Hattie started questioning him. Getting right in his face also.

It was at that point where I was thinking “Fuck, I am going to jail tonight.” All these thoughts were going through my head thinking that this guy is going to do something that will result in me fighting with the Good Time Gang. I am not much of a fighter, nor am I confrontational, but I wouldn’t sit back there and not defend my best friends. I still didn’t realize what exactly what was happening, I knew a guy insulted Frankie saying she sucked, I knew who that guy was because I turned around to see Hattie scream “Fuck you!” right at him. Go Hattie.

That was about the time the guy made his exit.

It was utter chaos and it was something that truly disgusted me. I have seen bad bands in my day, I’ve sat through entire metal bills just to see my good friend Zach’s metal band. And I really don’t like metal. But never at one point did I insult any of those musicians for playing. Never once have I said, your band sucks because all you do is play scales up and down and scream. It’s disrespectful and it ruins the entire idea of local community within music.

I truly believe in the idea of the local community. That night was a perfect example of how it should be. The BMP guys came out to support, it was cool. They didn’t come to jeer, they didn’t come to put anyone down, they came simply to support and chant “Black Diamond”. The fact the guy took out his opinion on Frankie is just utterly uncalled for and inappropriate. I will respect the guy’s opinion, you don’t like my band? Ok. I am not trying to please anyone, I am simply doing what I feel and what I feel is my music in the Break-ups. But the fact that he simply told Frankie she sucked and that we sucked pissed me off. (Note: I didn’t learn the whole complete story till later in the night, I kind of wandered off the story.)

I know Frankie is probably tired of hearing of this. I would be too if I were here. But I am glad Frankie is in my band. I consider Frankie a very close friend and she is one of the only handful of people who know me musically. And getting to know me musically is a very personal and spiritual thing. She is my bass player. She is my friend. I feel sorry that she had to put up with that crap. I don’t really show emotion that often, but I love that girl and she is one of the best things that has come into my life. She helped make The Break-Ups what they are today. It wouldn’t be the Break-Ups without her. It’s sad that douche bags like that have to put a damper on such a wonderful night.

But as quickly as that douche bag put a damper on my night, music took him out of my head. What was it that made me forget it? Singing along to “Kokomo” in the GTG living room. Point made.

Timmy-Up

I’ve allowed myself to cool down a little before attempting this.

First I’d like to say thank you to those of you who attended Friday night’s show at Oade’s Hidden Camel. We raised $300+ for the Lansing Food Bank and collected a few boxes of canned goods. Food is good. Don’t give us all the credit though; I believe it was Todd from MK Ultra Culkin who set the whole thing up (they gave an energetic set, by the way, if you missed it).

Over all, it was a great night. Narc Out the Reds had to play with out a drummer or bass player, but still delivered a unfeigned performance. It was really nice being able to hear the lyrics/vocals for once! Then, “Lansing’s most detached band,” Hordes melted and warped our brains for a while with their own brand of nullifying noise. (It was really funny watching my families faces as they watched them!) Their stuff really put my head in this weird space, which I think is their aim, so cheers to them. I definitely want to see them again. After Hordes came Year 200X who rocked our faces off with metallic nostalgia of digital worlds we almost forgot about (if you are/were a gamer, you’d understand).

After all that, it was The Break-Ups turn to take the stage. This was our first real show in quite some time, and we had only practiced once or twice before hand since it’s hard to find time to get together in our busy, not-quite-adult lives. Despite me having too much to drink and dropping two sticks (to my surprise) during our first song, we played a nice set topped off with a crude cover of “Black Diamond” by Kiss. I’m critical, but thought it went well, and so did everyone we talked to that night. (Even the people who are honest and not afraid to hurt our feelings said so! Maybe they were drunk too…) Everyone was having a great time, rocking for charity, drinking and chatting. Oade’s seems to be a good place to socialize.

MK Ultra Culkin took the stage fast, while I was still packing up. I love that band. I scrambled over to awkwardly thrash around to the angry sounds and was disappointed that many people had left after The Break-Ups set. They missed out.

But whatever! We were there to have a good time with a good cause in mind, and it stayed that way until maybe about… 1:30 or so? I was engulfed in one of the many exciting tales of Craig Horky when suddenly people were yelling and on the floor! At a closer glance, I saw that the two guys on the floor were Digger (no surprise there) and Chris B. from NOTR. The bar tenders were freaking out and making people leave. “What is going on?!” I called out to no one in particular. Tommy answered the question all those uninvolved were wondering.

Pointing and fuming, he proclaimed “That asshole right there with the red hair” was causing all the trouble. (Trust me, you don’t want to be around Tommy when he’s angry). I walked over to the guy in his leather jacket with his goatee and strained supercilious smile. He has apparently been picking on Frankie (of all people to pick on) about her bass-playing abilities, among other things.

“Why would you do that?” I asked incredulously, almost amused by his imprudence. He looked nervous and would not look me in the eye, so I got closer and interrogated more. He was obviously too afraid or just too dumb to give me any kind of answer. Maybe he saw that he had already got himself into enough trouble as it was. Eventually, he was made to leave followed by much taunting and hazing from multiple parties.

Yes, we were quick to jump to Frankie’s defense, but it’s not just because we love Frankie and know how hard she takes criticism. We were enraged because the guy had no real argument. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, and I certainly don’t expect everyone to like The Break-Ups. But this guy was singling Frankie out and telling her that she was a worthless bass-player. (Of course he was brash enough to attack the seemingly most sensitive one of us). Again, there’s no argument there either. No one ever claimed that Frankie had mad bass skills, and on top of that, you don’t NEED mad bass skills to play good music. So who told this guy that you do? Wait—who ever asked for his opinion any way? No one did! He was the instigator with no apparent cause, other than his own insecurities.

Now, I avow that Frankie is a simple bass player. Is there anything wrong with that? She’s only been playing a few years and has learned through friends and mostly on her own. I’ve never known her to be a showy or loud person, so why should her bass-playing be? I should think these assessments are all givens.

One more point I must make is that Frankie really is a VERY good bass player. Why? Because there’s more to playing bass than being all over the fretboard. Take it from a drummer; Frankie’s timing is better than most people I’ve played with. That’s saying a lot, I know, but why would I lie? She just has naturally good timing. And when a band has a solid rhythm section, chances are the band will be good too (or you can fool people into thinking so ;)). If a bass player has poor or even medial timing skills, it’s just not good.

We were all fuming about the whole thing for a short while; all in an uproar, but we got over it quickly. Why let it ruin an otherwise perfectly good night? Eventually (I have hope) the instigator will look back at himself and realize how naive and immature he used to be. Then maybe he’ll find love. Clearly, this guy has a lot of bad things inside that need ironed out before he can become a man. He’ll probably have to get his ass kicked a few times first though.

I know that there was much more to all this that I left unsaid; I expect more coverage from Tommy, Timmy, and any one else that wishes to share their account of the night. Let’s get it all out before we bump into him again and take our anger out physically. There’s a good chance that if certain people run into him, we won’t be seeing his pretty nose rings and goatee around town for a while, which is alright by me! Let’s hope for his own sake that he never finds himself at a TCF show either.

~Hattie Plural

This blog here is the new official blog for Good Time Gang Recordings, also know as GTG Records, or just The GTG.  Right now the writer and admin whatever guy writing is Tommy, but I intend on turning over this blog to the other members of The GTG so we can create a funky forum of news, ideas, ranting and all that fun stuff that the internet has fostered so well in the 21st century.

Where should we start? Should I talk about what led to the label, give a rundown on the different bands on the roster, news, what what what what what??!?!

I think I’ll do a combination of everything. Stream of consciousness is the way to go when nothing concrete is occuring. That’s kind of how I approach writing music and (probably) far too many of the decisions I make in my day-to-day life. I attempt to be so many different people at once, and that will probably show through rather quickly in this blog. To give the simplest rundown on who or whom I am, I started this label thing with some of my best friends in high school (tommygtg), my first band, started in 2000 in Ionia, Michigan is Drinking Mercury (tommymercury) although these days I play around the country primarily with a band I started in 2004 with my dear friends Hattie and Nich called The Plurals (tommyplural), but at the same time I balance much of these bands’ activity with another band that my good friend Timmy and I started in 2005 called The Break-Ups (err… tommyup?). There have been other bands in these nine years, and eventually I’m sure all will be touched on, but these three stand as the most promiment ones, at least to me, and the experiences of these bands in particular have shaped my life in more ways than I can comprehend.

What does having an independent record label even mean? The conversations that led to starting this thing occured between Hattie, Nich, myself and our friend Stefan in late 2004, after I spent a class period reading about The Misfits on allmusic.com. I’m sure I’d come across it before, but for the first time I was truly impacted by a certain phrase: the band released its debut album on its own label. This was during the very brief period in my life where The Plurals were pretty much my only band. Drinking Mercury has been on-again-off-again for much of its existence, but from the end of 2004 to the beginning of 2008 we entered a sort of limbo where we didn’t play much at all… there were a few shows in 2005 and 2006, but we barely practiced, didn’t write a single song and it took us two years to put out a primarily acoustic 8 song record. I had spent half of 2004 playing guitar in a band called 2 Minute Nothing, but that had fizzled out in the fall. The Plurals had started as, not a joke band, but as a fun project that was mostly just an excuse to hang out – for instance, we called ourselves The Hillbilly Bugger Boys prior to playing any shows. But with the other bands falling apart around me The Plurals became the focal point of music, and when we started playing out in the summer of 2004, people were very responsive. In my mind, The Plurals truly “Became” at a house party in a trailer in the backwoods of Ionia in August 2004. The show was a messy rush, but in the midst of it all, everything I ever wanted in a band seemed to be in front of me. 2004 was the start of my senior year of high school, so while my 17 year old brain was straining to understand life after high school, music was quickly and definitely becoming the thing that held me together. I began thinking about putting out records and touring. How did bands do that? Prior to this point I had been happy to play a show in Ionia, Portland or Lansing roughly once a month, but it wasn’t cutting it any more. I began using my class periods to find other venues in our radius that we could play and talking to people about recording. I had spent my teenage years playing music, and with all of that I had made a lot of friends. Stefan wasn’t in a band, but he was a close follower of The Plurals, and he would get onstage and play guitar and keyboards on a few songs on occasion. The members of 2 Minute Nothing were re-forming in various capacities – two of them, Timmy and Seth, would soon form an emo-pop-punk band with Hattie and I called My Apology. Josh Hanger from 2MN was talking about doing stuff as a solo artist. We were all talking to each other about all of these things, and the initial nucleus of the GTG was taking shape. With that little byte about The Misfits putting out records on their own label, the last piece came into place. We would start our own label, and The Plurals, Drinking Mercury, and My Apology would all be on it, the idea that Stefan would start some sort of project was included in this thinking, and Hanger and I were in touch about various projects he might be pursue and the label potentially being involved. If we all helped each other make records, we could put a little logo, a catalog number of  “GTG00#” and a web address on the inserts to all of these records, and therefore potentially shed light on each others’ projects.

About half a year after these initial conversations, I learned about SST Records and Dischord Records and how they did things in the 1980s to really challenge the mainstream music industry. Touring stories about Black Flag were infinitely inspiring. Amazingly, anyone was capable of doing something if they really wanted to. At the same time, I couldn’t help but recognize that, not being particularly business-minded people, the chances of us rising up in an SST-like fashion were probably not realistic. The important thing to me is to keep perspective. We are a support net for each other. We help each other make records. We help each other play shows. We promote each others’ bands. We play the music we want to play, on our own terms, with each others’ help. Yes, I do want to get national distribution for our records and have an artistic recognition in the minds of the music world when the phrase “GTG” is uttered. But at this point, I’m fine with our grassroots distribution efforts. Selling a few hundred records around the midwest is nothing to scoff at. The Plurals are making a bid for something bigger, with a wider-reaching fanbase into the east coast, and hopefully any recognition we can get from larger scenes we can use to shed light on The GTG and our beloved hometown of Lansing, Michigan. But it’s the comradery of The GTG that sets us apart. This label consists 100% of people that artistically support one another, most of whom are personal friends (and the ones that aren’t probably just haven’t been introduced). That’s a large part about me starting this blog. We’re not trying to look like something we’re not. We’re a few dozen people in Michigan (one in Boston!) that have something special. We’re going to do everything we can to be whatever we want.

All right, that concludes the attempted inspirtational writings of tommygtg. tommyplural and tommyup have a little to say. The Plurals are playing in Hamtramck tonight (2/5), at The Belmont. We’ve never had a good show in Detroit, so we’ll see what happens. We’ve met a lot of cool people from the Detroit area recently (The High Strung, The Beggars) so hopefully that’s a sign of things to come. The Break-Ups are playing at Oade’s Hidden Camel in Lansing tomorrow night (2/6). It’s a benefit for the Greater Lansing Food Bank, and it’s our first “proper” show since September, so it looks like it’ll be a good time.

I am a patient boy. I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.

tommy