Honey, we need to have a serious talk about punk rock. I'm worried because punk rock is supposed to be untalented, while you are very talented. I'm going to ask you 2 questions, then you can answer to yourself.
Question number one is: What, no Bottlerock this year? Instead, I see your summer shows as being crappy. Perhaps you did too many encores or perhaps the word got around about your new songs, and they are more interested in the classic rock stuff you used to do. I do see a couple of Jazz fests. Maybe they booked you because they're looking forward to hearing your new songs live.
Question number two is: why aren't you playing live shows for people your own age? You said you wanted to make music for people your own age. Sure those kids can be dangerous, but so can old men. Don't count on your booking agent to get you punk shows. The correct way to do punk shows is to organize it yourself!
I know you were taken by that show you did with the All-American Rejects. I can see it in your posture. You're not going to get that feeling by being in the Grace Bowers band. You're going to have to join the All-American Rejects. Then you will have no more control over your music.
I don't dislike punk rock, Honey. There's a lot of punk rock in Shadowplay, but I don't really have any influences. I guess my favorite punk rock song is "Rock the Casbah". But I don't listen to punk rock religiously. I already know how to generate anger and chaos musically.
I know you want to grow musically, but punk rock is not the genre for someone who does Chopin and Eugene's Trick Bag. My shit ass advice about your musical direction is that you ride Mary's train, and when she's not singing you do the Grace Bowers show. Which is classic rock, blues, funk and punk or whatever.
