I went to 3 concerts this week. Last Sunday, Valentine's Day and the start of the Chinese New Year, I went to go see one of the artists on the Victory label called The Sleeping. I've been to metal/hardcore concerts before, but this one was special. I felt a strange connection with the band because they were one of the artists that helped me to get my internship. Without them I would not have the position I do. If that group of people did not exist, I would not be needed...there may not be a record label at all.Well, long story short, I moved along to the music trying not to get smacked, stepped on, hit or punched by anyone's two-steppin, windmill flailing arms or other assorted body parts. I saw several of the guys I work with, including Rick, Evan and "t-shirt guy" (I should probably learn his name...) and cheered along with them as our band was up there on that stage.
Then this past Thursday I hooked up with my friends from The New Diet (http://www.myspace.com/thenewdiet) at a really funky place called The Empty Bottle to see a great band they suggested called Weatherbox. Wow were they good! The atmostphere of the bar/venue was great too. It had such an odd assortment of decorations ranging from a shark lamp to an ex-ray of a foot (that was missing a toe?) to some old classic greeting cards with funny things written on them. Overall, amazing show. Definitely going to check that place out for more shows...just wish it wasn't so far away and in a bad part of town.
Finally, last night (Saturday) I had the incredible opportunity to go see one of my favorite bands at the Subterranean in Wicker Park -- Ha Ha Tonka. Just...WOW. :) They played all the new stuff from their newest album along with all the old favorites I knew and I just had an absolute blast. Those guys always know how to get everyone dancing and singing along.
Here's a list of websites if you're interested in checking any of them out -- they all come highly recommended. ;)
http://www.myspace.com/thesleeping http://www.myspace.com/weatherbox
http://www.myspace.com/hahatonka
Hmm...now that I have a bit of time I should probably reflect on a few things. In beginning my internship here at Victory, I was never really nervous. I was so tired of orientation, being led around, being in huge groups, etc. I just wanted to really get out there on my own and start doing what I knew I was meant to do here. So what does this mean?
In Lamans terms, I guess it's that I feel that it really showed that I was ready to take on a job -- I was really ready both mentally (psychologically) and emotionally -- to help promote bands and the music they create. I knew from the beginning it would be a lot of work, but I knew that I was passionate about it, so it wouldn't really be "work". And it still isn't.
As far as the skills and benefits I hope to gain? Well I knew from day one that networking would really be of some good use to me. The day I interviewed with Rick, he told me that either the interns at Victory end up working there full-time or the company helps them to find another job in the same field. That would be awesome.
Besides that, I know that I'll learn everything I can about sales/marketing/publicity in the music industry, and even learn things from other departments like accounting and licensing -- I'm getting the whole spectrum here without even trying.
With this whole experience I know I am supposed to make some huge connection between the classroom world and the real/working world and how it all ties in to Chicago. Well, I have discovered that these annoying Wednesdays that mess up my work schedule at Victory are realistically teaching me a lot about the place I now live. I'm learning about all the neighborhoods in Chicago. For instance, the neighborhood/area I work in is called West Loop (near West Side).
I'm also learning a lot about the way the city has transformed over the years, especially after the Great Fire of 1871. Economically speaking, the area where I'm working has declined drastically, and can explain why all the buildings I pass are entirely abandoned. Neat, huh? I'm really learning and understanding why business is the way it is today.
Now here's a little diddly that reminds me of my father. The Ashland/Lake stop I get off at even has a little depiction of the scene.
Amazing. :)
One dark night,
When we were all in bed
Mrs. O’Leary lit a lantern in her shed,
And then the cow kicked it over, winked its eye, and said,
There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.
FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!
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