Monday, August 28, 2017

Singing Serpent Takes Over


Tucked away in the heart of Kensington lies one of San Diego’s best kept secrets, Singing Serpent Studios.
Singing Serpent is a recording studio that doesn’t necessarily focus on making albums (though it does boast a very impressive list), but rather specializes in crafting original music and sound design for commercials. Their extensive list of clientele includes brands such as Google, Nike, SafeAuto, Jack Daniels, Volkswagen, and many others. In addition to the San Diego location, Singing Serpent also has branches in Manhattan, New York and Richmond, Virginia.

Whether it was during halftime at the Super Bowl, before watching the newest viral Youtube video or in between songs on your favorite Spotify playlist, odds are you’ve probably heard Singing Serpent’s work before. The team of composers at Singing Serpent (made up of local musicians) work day and night to create work that is original and authentic. The Singing Serpent team does not just view music as their nine-to-five––it’s just their life. Even when they're not on the clock, the staff at Singing Serpent are working on writing music and performing around the world. The crew at Singing Serpent consistently work hard to create music that they love, which is why they are so successful at their jobs. While many music houses opt to create a library of songs that companies can pick and choose from, Singing Serpent prefers to have a back-and-forth mentality with clients. This means that every track is unique, thought-out, and specifically crafted for clients’ wants.  


In the past few months, Singing Serpent has been especially busy. Outside of working on records for bands such as Hot Snakes and Tera Melos, Singing Serpent has taken ample action to expand as a company and brand.


They recently unveiled their brand new website, designed by Dizzy Spells Productions, which allows visitors to view Singing Serpent’s past work, learn about the team of composers, and take a virtual tour of the San Diego and New York studios. Following the website’s launch, Singing Serpent opened a brand new branch in Richmond, Virginia, headed by industry veteran, Jon Spencer.
Spencer has been playing music since he was a teenager and has fronted and recorded with renowned bands such as Spitfire and Scarlet. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, Spencer served as the Executive Producer and Creative Director for 30th Century Masters, and later as the Executive Producer and Head of Sales for Black Iris Music. During his time at Black Iris, Spencer oversaw many successful ventures such as the Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” and Geico’s “Hike” ad with Aaron Takahashi. Because of his extensive background and diligence, Spencer has the liberty to work on pieces that go beyond the expectation of a typical commercial. Whether he’s dabbling in comedic Kenny G-esque saxophone slow jams or writing parental raps about minivans, Spencer’s work is consistently striking and always well-received.

If you want to keep up to date with Singing Serpent’s always exciting timeline, follow them on Instagram, like them on Facebook, and check out their new website. Whether it be the debut of work, in-depth interviews with bands, or clips of staff members melodizing and jamming, there is something for everybody on Singing Serpent’s social medias.


Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, August 28-Sunday, September 3, 2017




I know I've been quiet around here lately but there's only so much time in a day, and I've just been running out of it. Soccer coaching is keeping us pretty busy, and Nova's derby is quite a time commitment, too. My dad was released from the hospital on Tuesday and seems to be doing okay at home. On Friday night, we went to Kate Sessions for the Lego Batman Movie in the Park and since Nova ditched us for a slumber party, we had a great time dropping in at the Casbah for Chill Clinton and Chugboat. On Saturday night we all went to see Sylvan Esso and it was as awesome as expected despite some guestlist issues at the beginning that were eventually worked out. Sunday is always my work day, but I got done early enough to get some time at dog beach before sunset. This week will be a good (and hot) one, with Pearl Jam Under Cover, more soccer, working at the Irenic on Wednesday, and the Taco & Tequila fest on Saturday. Tuesday through Sunday listings are after the jump. I totally blew it and should've included Monday, but I'll try to get around to adding Labor Day before the week is up.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, August 21-Sunday, August 27, 2017



I had a physically and emotionally exhausting week and weekend so I think I'm gonna hide from the internet on Monday, enjoy the eclipse, a day of rest, Nova's piano, and a nice grilled dinner at home. My dad is doing okay and is anticipating being released on Tuesday though I'm watching my Z kids again and coaching soccer so I'm not really sure how we can help if he is, in fact, released. Over the weekend we did go to see Dead Cross (you can see how dirty my camera is, but financially there's nothing I can do about that for the time being, so it is what it is). Afterward we went to the Casbah but I didn't last long because I was wiped. On Sunday, we had lunch with my sister and fam, then visited my dad for a bit, then went to Casa Beach to see the seals. Unfortunately I didn't account for the assholes of humanity who've decided their swimming there is more important than the colony, so besides four seals on a rock, there were none on the beach. Sometimes I really hate people. We quickly left and instead jumped around the rocks of Windnsea before I came home to get all of this work done and watch Game Of Thrones. There are some great shows this week, though I'm not sure I'll be out much besides Sylvan Esso on Saturday night, but ya never know if I change my mind. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Things To Do In San Diego: Friday, August 18-Sunday, August 20, 2017

So this week has been more manic than most. Nova's back in the full swing of school. On Tuesday, I shot Royal Blood at the Observatory, then caught The Alarm at the Casbah, then closed the night out at Blonde.  On Wednesday I checked in with my parents and my dad was having heart problems, and by the time I was working at the Casbah  for Matthew Sweet, they told me he was being taken by paramedics to the new Kaiser Hospital. Thursday I spent a fair amount of the day with him at the hospital, went to Nova's Back To School Night while Darren ran soccer practice with the kids. Today has been a whole lot of running around, too, but Dad seems stable for now and we'll be on standby this weekend while also checking out Nova's Fall Roller Derby Preview (Doors at 5pm, Tickets & Info Here) , Dead Cross, and Dead Feather Moon. Friday through Sunday archives are after the jump.


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

91X Announces Ye Scallywag! 2017

I went to Ye Scallywag last year and have to say it was pretty awesome. Late October should promise signature San Diego sunshine. But if you want the beer fest part, make sure you get there early, because the tastings end at 4pm when full size beer goes on sale among the vendors. 91X released this information late Sunday night, but what can I say? I lag. Presale starts on Wednesday and regular tickets go on sale Friday. Info below, or check out the page on 91X.com 


91X Presents
YE SCALLYWAG
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Waterfront Park
21+ Event

91X presents ‘Ye Scallywag’! Craft beer, food, and music festival... Just over 100 craft beers and unlimited tastings until 4pm!

Live Music on the Main Stage:
Pennywise
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
The Vandals
Lagwagon
Strung Out
The Adolescents
Western Settings

Pre-sale Info:
Starts Wednesday, August 16 at 10am
Ends Thursday, August 17 at 10pm

General Onsale Friday, August 18 at 10am

Monday, August 14, 2017

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, August 14-Thursday, August 18, 2017


Last week was crazy busy. We got in a day at the museums (with passes checked out from the library), hit Aquatica, started coaching Nova's soccer, and she started school. I was able to sneak in a night at the Belly Up for James Vincent McMorrow and was able to catch Jesse Lamonaca on Thursday at the Casbah. Nova did a derby camp all weekend and we drove out to Sunrise Highway to catch Perseids. I've been feeling a little blah lately but maybe it was just the full moon and I'll snap out of it. Lots of great shows this week and I'll be at the Casbah possibly on Tuesday and for sure on Wednesday.Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Monday, August 07, 2017

Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, August 7-Sunday, August 13, 2017


We got back from the Bay Area last week and after catching up on sleep, were able to catch The Buttertones at the Casbah on Wednesday. On Thursday night I worked at the Rooney show at the Irenic and Friday morning Nova returned home. Of course, we were elated that she's back in California, but she couldn't wait to get a slumber party in with my nieces, which allowed us to see In The Valley Below at Casbah then Chastity Belt at the Casbah, closing the night at the Ken Club. Saturday was awesome as we went to Liberty Public Market to hang out with friends for the afternoon. Sunday marked 5 years since Darren and I met and well, the rest is history, so we spent the afternoon at the Torrey Pines, had dinner at Mona Lisa, and then just hung around catching up on work and our shows. This week Nova starts school, we begin our lives as soccer coaches, roller derby starts up again, and we kick back into the rituals of the school year. There are some great shows coming up so don't sleep on them. Monday through Sunday archives are after the jump.

Friday, August 04, 2017

Celebrating the Life of Jeffrey Joe Morin

Jeffrey Joe, Courtesy John Hancock

Love, Gratitude, and a Zest for Living: Celebrating the Life of Jeffrey Joe Morin

Jeffrey Joe Morin passed on Monday, July 17, 2017 with his beloved, Carina Wheatley, and his daughter, Samantha “Rosie” Morin, holding his hands. He was surrounded by siblings and friends for his final goodbye as he was sung off this earthly stage to “Happy Trails.” His physical presence is no longer with us, but the memories, music, and love that he created over his 70 years will be with us always.

A Celebration of a Life most excellently lived will be held on Saturday, August 5th at Vision – Center for Spiritual Living (4780 Mission Gorge Pl) starting at 1 pm and will include a New Orleans-style send-off featuring the Euphoria Brass Band. Please send pictures or short videos for the memorial video directly to Jeffrey's son in law, Michael Bruner, at Michaelbruner@hotmail.com.

On Sunday, August 6th, Java Joe’s (2611 Congress St in Old Town) will host “Ever Yours: A Musical Celebration of the Life and Stardust of Jeffrey Joe Morin” from 3-7 pm for only $5.

Jeffrey Joe had been working to release another studio album, “Don’t Get to Know Me.” Produced by Jeff Berkley and recorded at Berkley Sound and Signature Sound, the album features original songs by Jeffrey Joe as well as amazing interpretations of cover songs that were the soundtrack to his life. The amazing backing musicians are Rob Thorsen, Sky Ladd, Josh Hermsmeier, and the Euphoria Brass Band as well as other music community notables. The record is set to be released in the next couple months, however, you will be able to pre-order the album for $20 at the musical celebration on August 6th. Pre-sale orders can be made now at https://www.paypal.me/JeffreyJoeMusic/20. Donations to help cover other expenses can be made in any amount at https://www.paypal.me/JeffreyJoeMusic. If you would like to honor Jeffrey Joe further, please consider a donation to Veterans for Peace (https://www.veteransforpeace.org).

Jeffrey Joe’s family and those closest to him have been touched and bolstered by the outpouring of love from friends near and far as well as members of the music community. One of the greatest gifts he left us were his frequent lists of gratitudes. So let’s be grateful that we have the chance to work together to make sure his music is available for everyone to enjoy, and let’s be grateful that we can get together in love to share stories, songs, and tears as we bid a fond farewell to Jeffrey Joe.

Saturday, August 5 – 1 pm
Celebration of Life
Vision – A Center for Spiritual Living
4780 Mission Gorge Pl
San Diego CA 92120
619.303.6609

Sunday, August 6 – 3 pm
Ever Yours: Musical Celebration
Java Joe's
2611 Congress St
San Diego CA 92110
619.274.9989