Hello Kelly!
We're in Lincoln, Nebraska, setting up for the 5th show of the tour and I've managed to sneak away to write a little journal entry.
It's only a matter of time before I'm discovered and forced to set up again ... let's see how far we get this journal though, deal?
Let's see...
We crossed the border on Tuesday and met up with Heath McNease in Valparaiso, Indiana -- that's where our label, 7Spin Music, in based out of. We grabbed some food and slept on the floor of the apartment of Sevenglory, another band on 7Spin. The Red Umbrella guys were also hanging around a bit.
Seriously ... that place could be a reality show.
The next morning we get the phone call from Attaboy saying they've blown a tire. "Well, we all slept in, so you're still a step ahead," we told them.
Attaboy is a 4-piece band ... Amos sings and play piano, Chris plays bass and is also the sound guy for the tour, Jeff plays guitar and Micah plays bass. They've got a friend and a wife on tour with them ... Daniel and Molly ... respectively. :)
So, fast forward to the next night. Green Bay, Wisconsin. Josh and Chris went tanning and we played better than the first night. The crowd was also pretty intense, which made us feel pretty good about ourselves. Ben (our new guitarist) and Pierre (filling in for James) played REALLY well, and the whole set felt really good. It's always a little weird breaking in new guys -- and anyone who's known Hello Kelly for a while knows that we've had our share of new guys. Rest assured - this line-up feels REALLY solid. Everybody fits in great, the chemistry off the stage is amazing and the energy on stage might be the most intense we've ever had ....... and I like to think that says a lot. Heh heh.
The next day saw us in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. While unloading the trailer, a dude stopped me on the street. I wasn't 100% positive whether he was just homely or actually homeLESS, but he opened our interesting little dialogue with: "So LaCrosse is a pretty cool place, but I think a television series would really bring some life to this place. Just think of all the television series based in New York City! Marvel should develop the She-Hulk to take place in LaCrosse ... I could picture her jumping from building to building, couldn't you? But, obviously, she'd have to be really muscular and sexy."
Half of me couldn't believe what I was hearing, and the other half was fascinated by how excited he was about it. I mean, he had a point didn't he? If I was to watch a TV show based in LaCrosse, I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be a show about a hulking female green montrosity with raging sex appeal. Am I wrong? Oh goodness.
The show in LaCrosse was great, though. The sound system was HUGE so I'm pretty sure we were at least very loud. The venue was called Crossfire ... if you live in that area, you definitely need to check it out. They're doing some VERY cool things.
We went out to Perkins that night with some people from the city.
I had a glass of water.
That, my friends, is the life of a rock band.
Yesterday we were in Willmar, Minnesota, playing at the local YFC youth drop-in center. This one was pretty interesting, to be honest. The place was full of the kind of people you don't USUALLY see at Hello Kelly shows: lots of chains, spikes and eye-liner ... let's put it that way. We started our first song - I thought we sounded pretty good - but they all immediately left the room. Everybody left!
Turns out a fight broke out outside and everybody was rushing out to watch the fight! Then everybody came back inside and - much to our surprise - they REALLY got into our show. Some bands would call it a weird night cause there weren't a ton of people - but I think it was an important show to play so early in the tour. I was reminded that God has a purpose for everybody - no matter what they look like, how much they've screwed up, or how much people might hate them. It also reminded me that that's the whole mission of the band. Go figure, eh?
I even talked to this one girl about her book: "The Zombie Survival Guide". Apparently the best weapon to use against zombies is the sword cause it's quiet, it doesn't jam and you don't have to reload it. I gave her an EP and wrote "Use this against the zombies" on it. It seemed to make sense at the time.
We loaded out, started driving at midnight and got to a hotel at 2am. We got up 7am and I drove for another 4 hours to the venue we're at now. Rock and roll, baby. Sound check is happening very soon, so I should go do that.
I hope you're all excited about WrestleMania on Sunday. I know we are!!
We'll write again soon!
francy
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
HELLO KELLY UPDATE
Hello, Kelly!
Let it snow! Let it snow!
I have no idea where YOU live, but it looks like the ice planet Hoth where I live. I just got back from seeing Vantage Point and, thrilling as it was, I think the drive to and fro was more of an adventure than the movie.
For those of you who missed it, I totally just made a Star Wars reference. The force is strong with me.
Onto business!
Hello Kelly has been in hiding for the last little while and a LOT has happened. I'll try to blast through all the news as quickly as possible.
The new record is called "Hello Kelly" and it's releasing on April 15th in both Canada and the United States. The new record features 4 re-recorded tracks from previous releases and 8 brand new songs. As far as the sound goes, we've definitely taken some steps forward - this record has some of our heaviest songs yet as well as some of our softest songs ever. But don't worry - there is also PLENTY of the same energetic pop-rock you've come to expect. And for those who listen to the lyrics, I really think these songs ware gonna make you smile!
We'll be making some announcements about CD Release Shows in Ontario in the near future. Yesssssssss.
We seriously need you guys to tell your friends about the new record! Buy one! You'll find them at Christian music retailers everywhere, on iTunes and on our new website ......
Speaking of new websites!
The brand new www.HELLOKELLYONLINE.com is launching on April 15th too! Video blogs, tour journals from all the band members, mobile phone updates, tour dates ... and even some games, too. We're pretty excited about having an online "home" again. Come visit!
Phew ... okay ... *deep breath* ... AND ...
On March 26th we start the "Rock, Hop and Roll Tour" with Attaboy and Heath McNease.
The tour dates will be up on our website when it launches, but until then you can find them on :
www.myspace.com/hellokelly.
We REALLY want to catch up with you in your city. Seriously - we want to hear your stories and make some friends, so come out and introduce yourselves. Also bring a lot of money for shirts and the new CD. Just sayin.
This is getting super long, but there's lots to tell!
We're very excited to welcome our new guitarist Ben to the line-up. We've been jamming together for a while now, and we're really excited about having him out on the road. (He's a great guitarist and has a very cool taste in movies too!)
In December, our bass player James got married! He's been taking a break from rocking to spend time with his new wife, Sarah - but don't worry! He's coming back on the road in June! He (and his wife) are really looking forward to jumping back into the sweaty van and eating fast food with the rest of us! (Seriously, they are!)
Our good friend Sean will be filling James' shoes until then, and he's really good. (He's a little shy though, so make sure you make him feel welcome! And .... call him Pierre. That's what we call him.)
Seriously Kelly, thank you so much for reading this update!
I know I'm long-winded, so thanks for sitting through it.
Buy the record! Visit the website! Come see us on tour! Tell your friends!
Thanks a lot for all of your support! We're looking forward to seeing you out on the road!
-francy and the HK crue!!
Let it snow! Let it snow!
I have no idea where YOU live, but it looks like the ice planet Hoth where I live. I just got back from seeing Vantage Point and, thrilling as it was, I think the drive to and fro was more of an adventure than the movie.
For those of you who missed it, I totally just made a Star Wars reference. The force is strong with me.
Onto business!
Hello Kelly has been in hiding for the last little while and a LOT has happened. I'll try to blast through all the news as quickly as possible.
The new record is called "Hello Kelly" and it's releasing on April 15th in both Canada and the United States. The new record features 4 re-recorded tracks from previous releases and 8 brand new songs. As far as the sound goes, we've definitely taken some steps forward - this record has some of our heaviest songs yet as well as some of our softest songs ever. But don't worry - there is also PLENTY of the same energetic pop-rock you've come to expect. And for those who listen to the lyrics, I really think these songs ware gonna make you smile!
We'll be making some announcements about CD Release Shows in Ontario in the near future. Yesssssssss.
We seriously need you guys to tell your friends about the new record! Buy one! You'll find them at Christian music retailers everywhere, on iTunes and on our new website ......
Speaking of new websites!
The brand new www.HELLOKELLYONLINE.com is launching on April 15th too! Video blogs, tour journals from all the band members, mobile phone updates, tour dates ... and even some games, too. We're pretty excited about having an online "home" again. Come visit!
Phew ... okay ... *deep breath* ... AND ...
On March 26th we start the "Rock, Hop and Roll Tour" with Attaboy and Heath McNease.
The tour dates will be up on our website when it launches, but until then you can find them on :
www.myspace.com/hellokelly.
We REALLY want to catch up with you in your city. Seriously - we want to hear your stories and make some friends, so come out and introduce yourselves. Also bring a lot of money for shirts and the new CD. Just sayin.
This is getting super long, but there's lots to tell!
We're very excited to welcome our new guitarist Ben to the line-up. We've been jamming together for a while now, and we're really excited about having him out on the road. (He's a great guitarist and has a very cool taste in movies too!)
In December, our bass player James got married! He's been taking a break from rocking to spend time with his new wife, Sarah - but don't worry! He's coming back on the road in June! He (and his wife) are really looking forward to jumping back into the sweaty van and eating fast food with the rest of us! (Seriously, they are!)
Our good friend Sean will be filling James' shoes until then, and he's really good. (He's a little shy though, so make sure you make him feel welcome! And .... call him Pierre. That's what we call him.)
Seriously Kelly, thank you so much for reading this update!
I know I'm long-winded, so thanks for sitting through it.
Buy the record! Visit the website! Come see us on tour! Tell your friends!
Thanks a lot for all of your support! We're looking forward to seeing you out on the road!
-francy and the HK crue!!
NEW YEAR = NEW RECORD
Hello Kelly!
Christmas is behind us, and a New Year is ahead of us! I feel like 2007 went by really fast ... but it's leaving 2008 in it's wake ... and something tells me 2008 is going to be the year when a lot of things that have been waiting to happen ... FINALLY HAPPEN!
I'm assigning all of your New Year's Resolutions! Your resolution is to keep your eyes on the Hello Kelly Myspace and Facebook pages for announcements.
Announcements for the launch of our new website, and announcements for the release of our NEW FULL-LENGTH RECORD.
Your other resolution is to buy that new record when it comes out, but that should go without saying ..... right? : )
If you aren't into New Year's Resolutions, you still have to buy the CD. Consider it a wedding gift for James!
On December 29th, our bass player James got married. That's a big deal! The wedding was SUPER sweet ... and then ... against our better judgement, we played a show at the reception. James family really got into it though ... and it was a lot of fun!
In the same way that Sarah (James' wife) is joining James' family ... she's also kinda joining the Hello Kelly family too. It's great having her around! But don't worry - we won't let her play tambourine or anything weird like that.
Mostly because we're a bunch of jerks. :)
So - just because there aren't show dates up on MySpace - don't be dismayed!
We're still working on the new Hello Kelly record - and believe me ... it sounds REALLY good. Lots of different directions and sounds ... but it's still the same Hello Kelly. I'm hoping to have a bit of a sneak peak in the player in the next couple weeks!!
We'll be in a city near you before you know it - until then, mark your calendars for April 2008. That's when Hello Kelly kicks you in the face with new music!
With love for all of you,
- The HK Crue!
Christmas is behind us, and a New Year is ahead of us! I feel like 2007 went by really fast ... but it's leaving 2008 in it's wake ... and something tells me 2008 is going to be the year when a lot of things that have been waiting to happen ... FINALLY HAPPEN!
I'm assigning all of your New Year's Resolutions! Your resolution is to keep your eyes on the Hello Kelly Myspace and Facebook pages for announcements.
Announcements for the launch of our new website, and announcements for the release of our NEW FULL-LENGTH RECORD.
Your other resolution is to buy that new record when it comes out, but that should go without saying ..... right? : )
If you aren't into New Year's Resolutions, you still have to buy the CD. Consider it a wedding gift for James!
On December 29th, our bass player James got married. That's a big deal! The wedding was SUPER sweet ... and then ... against our better judgement, we played a show at the reception. James family really got into it though ... and it was a lot of fun!
In the same way that Sarah (James' wife) is joining James' family ... she's also kinda joining the Hello Kelly family too. It's great having her around! But don't worry - we won't let her play tambourine or anything weird like that.
Mostly because we're a bunch of jerks. :)
So - just because there aren't show dates up on MySpace - don't be dismayed!
We're still working on the new Hello Kelly record - and believe me ... it sounds REALLY good. Lots of different directions and sounds ... but it's still the same Hello Kelly. I'm hoping to have a bit of a sneak peak in the player in the next couple weeks!!
We'll be in a city near you before you know it - until then, mark your calendars for April 2008. That's when Hello Kelly kicks you in the face with new music!
With love for all of you,
- The HK Crue!
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