Our Big Break

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Well, it's official... We'll be having our "Big Break" this afternoon (August 20th)! Just in case you aren't familiar with the "music biz," I'll explain exactly what that means. You see, most bands put in lots of time and effort, struggling, paying their dues, and achieving a minor amount of success after many years.

That seems pretty good for most bands, but the members of The Possum Posse recently took a vote and decided we wanted to go ahead and be super-popular and/or famous. We also unanimously voted against all the time and effort, struggling and paying of dues. We decided that, much like The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, or Antoine Dodson on WAFF-48/YouTube, we needed to schedule a singular event that would catapult us into super-stardom. A "Big Break," if you will.

We weren't sure exactly who you schedule "Big Breaks" through, but we assumed it was either the County Tax Assessor or the Secretary of State. When we called to get the paperwork for filing, we found out that there is actually no official form or document to fill out for a "Big Break." Very strange, considering few bands have even a small "Break." I guess it's just ignorance/avoidance of bureaucracy and this obvious loophole in the system.

We decided to schedule a "Big Break" at the Saxon Pub in Austin. The Saxon Pub hosts such acts as Willie Nelson, Pat Green, Bonnie Raitt, and apparently, The Possum Posse. True, we'll be playing from 3:00-4:30 in the afternoon, but I suppose that's better than 2 a.m. on a Monday night. To top it off, we'll even be recording a live CD and DVD at the Pub to commemorate the event (probably to look back on later and longingly remember the days before the Paparazzi and the screaming fans and the multi-million-dollar private tour-buss/tour-hovercraft).

So, as a tribute to our upcoming "Big Break," we've compiled a few photos of The Possum Posse we've taken along the way. It's a way of saving time and energy later when Ken Burns wants to make a documentary about us and we have to try to do it while on a moving tour-bus/tour-hovercraft amidst screaming fans and the Paparazzi.

Enjoy:

The band was formed in 2002 as "Rascal Red and The Possum Posse" in Clyde, America, TX. We featured Jake on a homemade washtub bass, Lincoln on the banjo, and Jomo on the guitar/mandolin. Jake's outfit was the height of functionality - The gloves protected his hand from the 1/4-inch nylon string of the "bass," the boots protected his feet as we walked from house to house ringing doorbells and delivering hot, fresh bluegrass in 30 minutes or less, and the red union-suit kept him comfortable and let people know he was into fashion/slightly crazy.

By 2005, Jake had joined the army, so the band brought in Daniel Noworatzky on actual upright bass. One of our best shows took place on campus of Texas A&M at Rumors Coffee House. As students prepared for their final exams, we sang them loud songs about pretending to be dinosaurs and dealing with terrifying munchkins (what we believed, at the time, to be erudite topics). As it turns out, many of these students failed and we received quite a large amount of hate-mail from parents. But we did get some positive feedback on our performance from the students, which is what counts.

In 2007 we were hired asked by a friend to play a Texas Independence Party in New Jersey. We obviously had plenty of questions (what?, why?, where?), but simply agreed to play instead of asking. Because Lincoln and Jomo could not afford to hire a decent band, we called up friends and relatives who lived near the East Coast to join us. Please remember; This was a long time ago when "The Posse Sound" was still somewhat formative and malleable, and practice was unanimously decided to be negligible (These days, joining the Posse is an extremely difficult and bureaucratic process). We recruited Taylor to play washboard (rhythm section), Hayes to play acoustic bass (the first and still only Posse member to use/understand sheet music), Matt to riff on the dobro (and mandolin), and Ben to round out the sound and play the Jaw Harp (his primary instrument). As can be seen in the above photo, we "constructed" a stage out of pickup trucks and wooden palates.

In 2008, we got our first gig at an actual Austin venue - The Cypress Grill on William Cannon. Matt had moved to Austin and was available to continue his riffing on mandolin. Somehow, folks managed to keep their gumbo down despite our loudly singing songs about "Bird Poo" during their dinner. We took that as a sign of our musical improvement, even though the restaurant owner did ask we never perform that particular song (and a few select others) ever again.

In 2009, The Posse had a major personnel change. Daniel had a baby, and Lincoln moved to Boston, and Matt moved to Virginia. Jomo met Brian at a Dairy Queen drive-through and instantly a bond was made. Not in a creepy way, mind you. But the two began playing regularly and quickly honed the new "Posse Sound." They wrote some new and less-offensive songs, and got regular gigs, including a wedding - as seen in the photo above - where the band classed up their usual attire per the venue's request/demand. Soon afterward, Robert was added on Banjo as Lincoln's replacement.

Next, Jes joined The Posse on electric guitar. At 13 years old, he asked if the band had a problem with such a young player. The rest of the band listened to Jes's materials and decided they did not. Because Jes did not have a driver's license, his dad, Marty, drove him to practice. And because Marty is the one who taught Jes to play, The band realized he should be playing with us if he's going to be at practice anyway. Thus the band gained 2 superior players for the price of one (well, actually none, since we didn't really have many paying gigs back then). By 2010, the band had actually been paid a couple of times (for performances rather than odd jobs), and Jes had mastered the art of wearing a fake mustache in order to gain entrance into the bars and honky-tonks where The Posse was playing.

More recently, Lincoln has rejoined the band and The Posse's sound has been refined. We added in a foot-drum, made up some new songs, stopped wearing long underwear in public, and even got a PA system! The obvious next step is "Big Break."

So, as you can see, it's been a long journey. Some might say, it's been a surprisingly long journey, given the minor improvements. But in any case, we'll be ready to deliver the new and improved Possum Posse sound this afternoon (3pm) at Saxon Pub. We'll also be giving away FREE KOOZIES TO ALL!!! If you miss this gig, then perhaps you're not even a real fan of The Posse. And sadly, that's a way-too-common thing in today's society.

Why Kids Love The Possum Posse

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Today's blog entry is written by none other than Nolan, a recently-turned two-year-old. In June, the Posse was hired for Nolan's birthday party and was so impressed by his maturity, candor, wit and sagaciousness, that we asked him to guest-author our next blog post. The following is his account of the party, and The Posse's performance. Thanks to Mike Wolfe for the Photos and to Marjorie Matthew for the video.

Hello. I'm Nolan. Upon hearing the news from my Mother that I would be turning two in a matter of days, my immediate reaction was one of anxiety and disbelief. I must admit that I'm a bit under-informed when it comes to human life expectancy, but the idea of doubling one's age in a matter of days is a heavy concept. I consoled myself by recounting the words of the French actor, Maurice Chevalier; "A comfortable old age is the reward of a well-spent youth." Perhaps I do deserve a bit of bacchanalia for all the genteel and benevolent behavior I've displayed since turning 1, but in any case, I couldn't help but feel that it was all a bit grandiloquent. I resolved myself to live in the moment and accept some deserved kudos.

In any case, I conceded that a modest, tasteful event would be a great way for my friends and family to enjoy each others' company and blow off some steam, assuming the appropriate guests were invited and that my favorite band, The Possum Posse, could perform.

I've been a huge fan of The Possum Posse for most of my life. At the age of 1 and a quarter, I attended my first Posse show. While some have argued that The Posse's original music is a bit droll, sophomoric and perhaps even boorish, I found it to be intelligent and profound, with subversive allegorical motifs. I became an instant fan when I heard their recent E.P. "What's Goin' On With Grandpa?" and read this post regarding the band's Miley Cyrus cover. Also, The Posse is dirt cheap and almost always available.

The arrangements were made and the party was scheduled at Buster's BBQ in Lakeway. I arrived via car-seat at approximately 5:00pm. My older brother, Weston, had filled me in on basic birthday party etiquette on the way over.

But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when we arrived at Buster's. This was no ordinary party. It was a TOY STORY THEMED PARTY!!! I can still recall those first few moments of jubilation. The birthday cake decorated with Buzz and Woody, the cowboy hats and bandannas handed out as favors, and the custom invitation featuring what I now understand to be a photoshopped image of Woody and myself together! Ah, the elation!

The band began playing soon afterwards. Of course, the music was top shelf, as always. Always a huge proponent of keen observation, I quickly determined that there were four major denominations within the listening audience:

1) The Confused, but Pleasantly Surprised. These folks came out to the birthday party thinking they might hear some nice soothing tunes and eat a little cake. Upon hearing The Possum Posse's original tune about a wife's infidelity with "the Pepsi Man," set in a West Texas convenience store, this group of people spit out their collective mouthful of cake and thought, "what sort of parent booked this band at a two-year-old's birthday party?" But then, after listening for a while, they realized that the songs exhibited certain high-minded undertones, and actually served as a sort of moral compass. This group of people left the party feeling refreshed. They felt invigorated by the notion that great music is still being made in America, for Americans. And in all honesty, most of them also woke up the next day and revisited the thought "what sort of parent booked that band at a two-year-old's birthday party?"

2) The Unimpressed. These folks showed up to the party with other things on their mind. Obviously, any person with time to kill and an opportunity to hear The Possum Posse would not be able to resist the appeal of the transcendental tones of the greatest band in the universe, possibly ever. But some who attended the party were preoccupied. Sure, some people may say "but Nolan, don't you think it's possible that some folks just don't like the Posse's music?" The answer is no.

Some of the offending distractions included books, iPods, friendly conversation, food and beverage, video games, toys, cloud shapes, leashed dogs, and passing cars. I must admit, even my attention was momentarily stolen by a boisterous squirrel in the large oak tree above the dance floor (as you can see by following my gaze in the picture below).

In any case, this demographic represents a minute birthday party counter-culture that was in no way representative of the overall mood of the party and/or band performance.

3) The Rednecks. This party market segment was the band's "bread and butter." While generally considered to be musically obtuse, these Coors Connoisseurs, which incidentally included my Father (far left), seemed to pick up on the most subtle of social commentary in The Posse's lyrics. In fact, heated debates broke out after several of the band's politically and emotionally charged numbers. Lincoln and Douglass would have been proud. Lincoln and Douglass are two of my stuffed animals, and they tend to enjoy a good debate, but unfortunately, they were unable to attend the shindig.

4) The Kids. Perhaps the most enthusiastic portion of the audience was the children (of which I was, and still am, a member). Most of my friends, including my older brother, Weston, found the music to be infectious. Had there not been a dance floor, I suspect we would have, with no less vigor, shuffled and boot-scooted on top of our chairs!

Yes, it was one of the most memorable birthday parties I've had yet, and has no doubt set the bar high for future affairs.

And perhaps growing older isn't such a worrisome thing after all. At least I don't feel any older. I'm beginning to think this whole "age" thing is a bit overblown. It's probably best captured by English author, Aldous Huxley; "The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm."

But also, birthday parties are awesome! Here's a video of the dance floor...

Banjo in the Band, Yo!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

If you follow Possum Posse politics like so few Americans do, you know that we suffered a huge loss a couple of months ago. Long-time Banjoist, Robert, semi-retired from The Posse for personal reasons. My theory is that he needed to let his fingers heal from all the speaker-blowing, finger blistering banjo shredding. In any case, Robert will still be making multi-instrument guest appearances with the band, but we have been searching for a full-time replacement.

I'd like to say it's easy to find a banjo player in Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World... but it's not. Banjo players typically fall into 3 main categories:

• Technically not very good and/or Undisciplined (see figure A)
• Easily distracted and/or Unmotivated (see figure B)
• Out of our league and/or Currently in a real band (see figure C).

Needless to say, we were excited to hear the news that Ivy League graduate and world-class banjo player, Lincoln (or "Log," as he is known by his friends and minor enemies), was moving back to Austin from the East Coast. Not only is he disciplined and technically very good, he's motivated, focused, interested, and most importantly, available to join the band. In fact, the word "join" is probably not the best term to use for what he's doing. As it turns out, Log was the band's original banjo player. In those days the band was known as "Rascal Red and The Possum Posse" and the closest thing we had to a gig was when we would ring somebody's doorbell and deliver them one of our patented Bluegrass Breakdown-a-Grams (see figure D).

As a founding member of The Posse, Log was known for his onstage antics and immense stage presence. To add drama to a song about cattle rustlers, he once brought a bull whip onto the stage and cracked it during the most dramatic parts of the song. While the old lady in the front row might argue that it wasn't worth the risk, it was well received by most of the audience.*

*The old lady and the band eventually settled out of court on the whole "whipped in the eye" thing.

Since rejoining the band a couple of weeks ago, Log has also undergone some incredible changes. He's brushed up on all the Posse songs, and perhaps most noticeably, has begun tweaking his personal image - as prescribed by the rest of the band. Much like a prize fighter gets out of shape if he or she does not continuously train, an inactive Possum Posse member begins to lose that special something about his or her image that lets people know he or she is a Posse member. As you can see from the following photo collage, Lincoln has some work to do to get back to his "fighting weight." But as you can also see from the photo collage, future Log is predicted to be just as impressive, if not more impressive (appearance-wise) than past Log.

Lincoln's skills will be tested at his first official Possum Posse gig this Saturday, June 25th at Buster's BBQ in Lakeway, Texas. The show is free to attend at begins at 6:00pm. Come on out and see if the new banjo player is up to snuff. Plus, we've got a new shipment of T-shirts and free koozies as long as they last, so you can't lose!

See you there!

Save the Last Dance for Robert

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

If you came out to Thunderbird Coffe last Friday night to see The Possum Posse, you no doubt noticed something a little different about the band. Did Brian get a new pair of boots? Did Jes get a new sparkly green guitar? Did Marty get a mustache trim? Was Jomo sporting a court-ordered ankle bracelet? The answer is "Yes" to all of the above, but that's not the thing I'm talking about. In fact, I'm not even talking, I'm typing. No, the thing is that one of our band members, Robert, was inexplicably missing.

For those of you "Fanjos" out there, you no doubt have noticed Robert's unique banjo techniques. You might know him for his riffs, his rolls, his runs and his rhythms. You might know him as the "DJ" of the band, as we once determined that the banjo is the closest thing we have to a set of turntables - and subsequently relegated him to try to transpose any 808 or Moog parts in the Posse's extensive hip-hop cover song repertoire into banjo music.

Others may think of Robert as the Dance Czar of The Possum Posse. Robert's dance moves have incited swooning, fainting, dance fever, hypochondria, aberrations, mania, seizures, cramps, and bloating among a huge number of ladies over the years and earned him fans from as far away as Singapore and Bastrop. At a recent gig, The Posse earned $80 in tips during one of Robert's dance numbers. Yes, it was all from one solitary creepy dude, but the fact remains.

In any case, Robert recently decided he needed to take a hiatus from the band for personal reasons. We're not exactly sure how long Robert's break from The Greatest Band in The World (Possibly ever) will last, but we do know one thing... until he returns, there will be a proverbial hole in the band's proverbial soul.

In the meantime, we've compiled some of Robert's greatest Posse moments into a photo collage for your enjoyment. Stay tuned for more info.

Fast Times at The Bastrop Academy of Music

Monday, April 25, 2011

A few weeks ago, we were given an awesome opportunity to play at the regionally famous Lumberyard Music Hall in Bastrop, Texas. We thought it might be an opportunity to test out our elaborate scheme of playing a statewide tour exclusively within old closed-down lumberyards. But we also thought it might be an opportunity to have a paying gig. We always take paying gigs.

We arrived and were met by Jeff, the owner of LMH, which he runs in conjunction with the Bastrop Academy of Music. Jeff had papered the town with our show posters, depicting the band as human-shaped music trees, each with an intricate root system. We never pass up an idea for a show poster, no matter how ridiculous or bad.

We set up on a stage that featured a tiny piano just in front of it (see picture). I suppose it is used to teach cats or small children how to play the piano when the lumberyard is moonlighting as a music academy. We were a little late getting started with our show, mostly because we lost track of time pretending to be giants, and also pretending our harebrained scientist spouse, played by Rick Moranis, shrunk the piano. Also, we pretended that I belonged to an immigrant family that pooled together its money to buy the smallest child (me) a tiny piano because of my amazing musical talent at age 3. Playing through the years, I entertained my immigrant family with Tchaikovsky and Chopin, but the family simply could not afford an upgrade. Over time, I became increasingly successful, and began playing publicly. Once I had earned enough money through my tiny-piano performances, I upgraded to one more appropriate for my size only to find that I could not recreate the musical magic on a full-size instrument. I resigned myself to live a life of humiliation and shame as I worked to become the world’s foremost pianist, but was forced to play a silly miniature piano. Honestly, that one was probably the one that wasted most of our time and ultimately caused our late start.

Anyway, we were all feeling perhaps a tinge of frustration after our recent gig, wherein we were asked to play at less than 70 decibels. We cranked our amps and decided to really bring the heat to Bastrop and the Lumberyard Music Hall Listening Audience. It was liberating to sing loudly and to play our instruments as they were meant to be played, holding nothing back and sending wave after wave of honky-tonk bluegrass tones out into the universe. You know, they say that light waves and radio waves can be received thousands of years after transmission by far-away planets and possibly beings… serving as a sort of time machine. I’m no scientist, believe it or not, but I think that perhaps one day aliens might have the technology to pick up sound waves from earth and listen to what happened that night at The Lumberyard. And I think they’ll probably say (or think through telekinesis) to each other “Hey, these guys really brought their A-game that night. You guys are always talking about how we should annihilate the human race, but this… this really speaks to me. I’m not so sure about human annihilation anymore.”

UPDATE: I’ve been told sound waves don’t travel in space. Bummer. Nevermind.

The point is, we had a great show. Tons of locals came out and some even showed their support. We gave away CD’s and took requests. Robert even found a moment during his Miley Cyrus song when the Spirit moved him to play an impromptu solo on the tiny piano. It was magical.

I think we'll return to Bastrop soon. In the meantime, don't miss our upcoming show, Friday, May 6th at Thunderbird Coffee on Koenig Ln in Austin. It's outdoors, but there is NO sound ordinance enforced!!