Band practice. Not something that happens regularly with me normally, but with the upcoming shows in May I'm getting a mostly new line-up with mostly new songs. This inevitably leads to rehearsals. We rehearse at my home which has a space in the middle where we can all fit.
Rehearsals are always good - I like hearing the tracks take shape, I enjoy working on the dynamics of tracks and exploring musicians specific talents and skills and ideas. I find it comes pretty relaxed and easy. What I do find tricky though, is cooking for everyone. I'm looking for any suggestions for a meal for seven (a couple of the band are vegetarian). Particularly I'm looking for food that takes very little attention so that we can rehearse while it 'does itself' as my mum would say. I don't mind preparing in advance and it'll never be unattended so I am able to give the odd stir or two.
The last two rehearsals we ate:
spicy roasted butternut squash (coriander and cumin seed, garlic, chilli, oregano, oil) with roasted tomatoes+garlic, cous-cous (vegetable stock mixed in with the water) and salad, and classic:
Baked potatoes, baked beans and cheese, with spinach and pine nut salad and freshly made carrot, apple and ginger juice.
(- with baked potatoes I always leave them in a bit longer than I think they need and when they come out I bash 'em open and the steam seems to make the innards even more fluffy even if it's a little less elegant than the simple classic slice action)

We have a few rehearsals left before May 17 (first gig - ATP). Any suggestions or recommendations?

I've just come home from two support tours - the first around Europe, supporting Vetiver, the second around North America, with Juana Molina. Whilst setting up both of these tours I asked and was invited to travel with the headliners, in Van and Minivan, respectively (This is a lifeline for support acts as fees are cripplingly low, the cost of transport can make a support tour impossible). I was overjoyed - I've been fans of both for some time (have invited them both to play Homefires). Then it struck me: it's a bit like what I imagine it may be like to go on a blind date. In a van. For three weeks. Thinking of it like that, it suddenly becomes a little less appealing. Of course agents and mutual friends have assured of each others' niceness, but there are thoughts - will my habits irritate them? Will they have strange tics or questionable politics? If so what happens? We can't escape each other, spending at least 16 hours a day together (usually considerably more) in very confined spaces and situations. Nerve-wracking stuff, no?
Thankfully, both Juana Molina and Vetiver are more than gracious hosts and were the equivalent of a really cool, sexy date who is also super fun and intelligent. I got both their numbers...

Hey all.
A lot of people have asked me " what nonsense are you spouting when you say 'hypnogogic shapes' in You and moon?"
I have pasted an extract below (slightly edited for brevity), which explains a bit for those of you with too much spare time on your hands:


HYPNOPOMPIC and HYPNOGOGIC STATES
These dreams involve hallucinations either before (hypnogogic) or after a dream (hypnopompic). These may not just involve hallucinations - the dreamer may hear things, smell things, and even taste things. Such hallucinations usually last for just seconds but may continue for longer...

Some people see small things such as small spaceships hovering. Others see mists which may change color. Others see complex geometric shapes. Objects may be lit up in unusual ways, such as a vision of god bathed in light...

Some hypnopompic dreams involve hearing noises. This may be in the form of a bell, someone shouting a name, a song being sung or loud bangs. The most common type is hearing voices straight after the dream... They can offer a key to understanding the dream. On the other hand the voices heard may just be nonsense and the words meaningless.


I was happily surprised with how crazily appropriate this extract is to the reference in the song (I've only just discovered it). I've also read that hypnogogic (geometric) shapes can be seen when you rub your eyes a bit too hard.

There you go. You can all sleep easy now...

Hey All.
You've probably heard by now that I'm not playing on Thursday at the Astoria - apologies to everyone. The question, of course, is why? Well, it's a weird one, but here goes:
I was invited to play the Animal Collective show at the Astoria by Eat your own ears - London's best promoters, in my opinion. Although AC and Battles are two of my favourite live acts at the moment, I had to think twice before accepting - It was a very early show and I was to be the first band on. I had one major concern. I was worried that people would pay to see an event and that I wouldn't have enough time onstage to play a decent set. I spoke to the promoter and agreed to perform, as long as the band and I could play for 40 mins (as a special guest or something like that). This was agreed quickly (I think ticket sales needed a bit of a boost) and I was announced and put on some lovely flyers. Everything great, the band and I are very excited by this point, really looking forward to playing live again.
About a week ago, I received the line up for the event. Kria Brekkan was added, to open the bill. My first reaction was very positive - I've been very much looking forward to hearing the music Kristen from mum and Dave from AC have been making (I invited them to play Homefires). Then I noticed the stage times - Not only was there this additional band, but AC were playing a longer set than expected. The result of which cut my set to 20 minutes. I contacted the promoter and reminded them of the agreement. I also said that I'd be willing to play a 30 minute set in order to allow for the new band. They said they'd see what they could do.
Two days ago I received an apologetic call from the promoter - not only could he not get me any more time, but AC were insisting that Kria Brekkan (the new addition) go on second, and me first. I totally understand this - of course the Animal Collective dudes want to give priority to the project that is one of their number and his girlfriend. The problem being that we (Adem+band) are left with an onstage time from 6:45pm to 7:05pm, sharp, with very little chance of a soundcheck. I could never have agreed such a set up as I would have felt that I was misleading people into buying tickets for an event that I was barely appearing at, at a time when most people would be unable to attend. Even with this in mind, it has been the hardest of decisions to withdraw from the show - I know that many people were excited by the lineup (not least myself and the band), and many have bought tickets. I am currently organising full refunds for all who do not wish to go (although I'd highly recommend the concert to everyone). It's been such a hard predicament for me. I hope that what I've written explains the reasons for my having to withdraw. I hope you understand, and am very interested to know whether you agree or not or could suggest another fair course of action. Mostly though, I wish to apologise wholeheartedly for letting you down.
I'll see you soon.

There's something incredibly reasuring about being around like-minded people, who make beautiful, serious music. In a summery Austin, at night. In a bar. On stage. Dancing to A-ha. Grinning.