Best Week Ever!
May 5, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
success . Thank GOD … I was sooo nervous . You have NO idea how many people worked so frigging hard to get that monster on its feet , and they were all counting on me to run the thing . Yikes . Happily , I didn’t screw up on the show was AWESOME and so much fun . We have some pretty dope candidates …. Sam , Randy Leonard , Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish were all my favorites . John Branham is also a good candidate … he took a deep screwing onstage and responded with grace and cool humility . He’s pretty sharp , that one .
Then I’m off to LA for my secret mission . Not like Davey’s ultimatum … but more secret because it was lining up to be so amazing , that I was scared to talk about it for fear it wouldn’t happen .
Well , it happened .
Our buddy JT , (who’s turning 50 on May 10th at a huge bash at Dante’s … I’ll see you there .) he had a friend on tour with the Legendary John Doe (ummm … X , anyone ?) Anyway ,
rewind 7 years and I wrote a song that was a bit different from the style I was performing at the time , called “Drive Away ” . A good song that swept nicely into another I had written called “Under You” … they’re sister songs I guess … but under you grew up and left home , while drive away stayed a baby . Anyways , I revisited the song last year and thought … this would be hot as a duet . On more meditation I thought … this would be great with John Doe’s voice .
On a whim I put out some feelers . I had heard that John Doe
was a famously warm and approachable man … what’s the harm in asking ? Soon after , J.T. got back to me that he could get a message to him . Within a week I sent an MP3 to the man
himself .
As I sit here 8 months after our initial contact , with a hot cup of coffee , Davey blogging next to me , in Stephanie’s parents’ living room ,I can now safely announce:
OH MY GOD WE RECORDED MY SONG WITH JOHN DOE YESTERDAY AND IT WAS AMAZING !!!!
To make it even cooler , I had Davey on Bass , Steph on Guitar , our bestest buddy Greg Eklund on drums and we recorded at the Foo Fighters studio with the Southern miracle known as “Lou” manning the board .
This has been the best trip ever . I got to see the whole house band , stayed with Paul and his family for a spell , went to a taping of Rock The Cradle …not nearly the train wreck I expected , it was really fun . The House Band . I just don’t have the time or room to express just how ridiculously good those guys are … I love them so .
Later I went to see Lukas’ new band ” Stars Down ” . I was with Toby and his hilarious JK band mates , we had a bawdy good time .However , when Luke hit the stage , both Toby and I stood stock still , side by side in the balcony and just stared and listened . Every now and then glancing at one another mouthing “Awesome” or “Oh. My.God.” Lukas has put together a righteous bunch of players and I caught myself tearing up a bit at how happy I was for him . He has really good people around him and it shows . His lush , melodic song after song onslaught was a joy to experience . Yeah , maybe I’m bias , but that little fuck can sing and put together a gorgeous phrase that pokes you in the squishy bits . I’m so happy for him … he has so earned this success .
It was great to see Toby as well , he’s doing great and is as wonderfully revolting as always .
All my love and gratitude to Davey , Steph , (and Smith family) , Greg , Paul and my sister-wife Michelle and the goils , the House Band, JT , John Doe , The Foo Fighters , LOU! , Lukas , Kendra and that pig dog Toby Rand . All in all , it’s been the best week ever this year (so far) . Here’s to what comes next !
See you out there ,
xoxoStormer
FRIDAY BABY!
April 9, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
It is soooo time for a show .
I’ve been just writing everyday , which is great and all , but I don’t want to be creeping around inside my own scull for too long with out being able to , once in awhile , get up and freak out in front of 500 strangers . So thank God for Friday !
Saturday is the Red Dress Party , and THAT too will be cool.
In case you are not hip to the deal , it is a gi-normous benefit for aids related research and charities . The catch is , all party goers wear red dresses , boys and girls alike … which brings me to my quick question :
Does anybody know where I can find a red cowboy hat for Jimmy Jamms Beaton ? He needs to complete the look he’s got going , which is a somewhat fuzzy Annie Oakly .
Don’t all go out and get one , just direct me , if you will, to a where one can be found and we’ll get it .
All that aside , this weekend is supposedly going to have gorgeous weather , and two heaping helpings of BALLS . Ah , Spring … here you come at last you elusive bitch .
See you out there ,
xoxoStorm
Storm Answers Your Questions!
March 18, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
question submitted by: whatthewhat (and many others)
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1. What are the plans for Storm Large in 2008? |
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Leave it to WTW to be so to the point and concise … I love it ! 1)Writing “Crazy Enough” and getting it on its feet is my first priority. Editor’s Note: Two shows have since been announced! Click here and here for details. |
question submitted by: writergeekdez
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My partner and I have recently gone vegetarian…but we are still eating a little bit of fish (mostly sushi) for the health benefits. Our favorite fish is salmon…I’ve already baked it with butter and grilled it with a wasabi teriyaki glaze. Do you have any good salmon recipes you’d like to share? |
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I love salmon piccatta (sp?) which is cooking the fish in a crapload of butter , a splash of wine , lemon and finish it with some capers . Lots of garlic salt and lemon pepper and take care not to over-cook the fish . Also…. when grilling , I wrap the fish loosely in foil , cover it with butter (REAL FUCKIN BUTTER , NOT “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS FAKE WAXY CRAP IS NOT BUTTER ’CAUSE IT’S NOT FUCKIN BUTTER IT’S NASTY YELLOW INDUSTRIAL SNOT….” ) Aaaanyway . pats of butter a-plenty , garlic salt then cover it with smoky cajun seasoning , cayenne , some paprika then before you close the foil over the fish for the fire , a slight drizzle of maple syrup . |
question submitted by: bones
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If you could have or do one thing differently in your past, what would it be? |
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I kinda did everything differently … I kid . There were times when I was cruel to people who didn’t deserve it . I was trying to be cool and fit in , and in doing so , was a complete asshole . I wish I had had the courage to be genuinely cool and not have gone that way . Conversely , I also would’ve liked to have kicked the living shit out of a few people in my past who TOTALLY deserved a beating , but I don’t regret letting karma do its thing on those folks .
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question submitted by: moxie
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Where did you live when you were in San Francisco? Were you a “Marina Girl”? (kidding). Do you miss the city at all? |
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I lived on Dolores , 14th and Guerrero , Haight and Scott ,(3 different apartments in the same block) Haight and Fillmore then Oak and Central….in that order over 11 years. The last year of living in SF was me couch surfing and house sitting in SF and Marin and touring . San Francisco is a gorgeous town , but like any human who thinks themselves too cool for school I have very limited patience for it . She’s a beautiful , bitchy town .
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question submitted by: Jett
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Did you love Davey’s “The Ultimatum” blog about the trials of going to visit you in Rochester? Is he that creative around the house? |
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It kills me that D doesn’t take his writing more seriously . He is so ridiculously talented , that guy . Funny in person , yes , but when he starts writing …. my God he’s a genius .
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question submitted by: Spankenstyne
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Any plans on touring Canada if/when Side 2 is complete & released or hopefully even sooner? You gotta admit that was impressive ass-cleavage. |
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When Side two is done , I imagine there will be some tour plans . It’s unlikely that we’ll be done and on the road in ’08 . The beauty and the beast of owning your own label is there’s no deadline for your next body of work . Davey’s ass is a miraculous mass of man meat . My bra has never known greater glory .
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question submitted by: Wimsta
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Since you have always been a thoughtful person (and I suppose even if you weren’t) what are your thoughts on the subject of forgiveness? |
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I think to forgive is one of the toughest and most important things you can do , spiritually . Especially in forgiving yourself . We are talking about a Dantes gig this Spring , so stay tuned on that .
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question submitted by: luscious
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If you were lucky enough to stumble across the genie in a bottle willing to grant you 3 wishes, what would they be? |
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Hmmmm….. I think I’d keep it secret .
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question submitted by: BadBoy
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What is love? |
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Everything .
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question submitted by: Ria
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What would be YOUR “five mil lottery winning” fantasy? |
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Geez . 5 million . After I buy an awesome house for me and D-Lo and set up a trust where we can live off the interest , I’d sneak around and pay peoples mortgages in secret … I’d also like to buy my Dad a retirement home somewhere he could go fishing ,
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question submitted by: lovergirl
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Storm, Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage? If yes, can you tell us about it? |
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Back when I was a smoker , I lost my voice on stage TWICE . Once at my 30th birthday party and once at a cd release party . I’m SO GLAD I don’t smoke anymore .
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question submitted by: alligirl
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What’s your favorite thing for someone to cook for you? |
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I like it when Davey cruises internet porn for hours cooking up terrible things to me when he gets a chance . Other than that ? Who needs food ?
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question submitted by: Dental Floss Tycoon
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What are a few of the key things you do to stay physically fit & healthy? |
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It’s boring , but I just try to eat super healthy and exercise . The thing I’m not so good at that is imperative to optimal health is getting enough rest .
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question submitted by: Snapper Wade
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Are you settled back in in PDX and regaining your health? I’ve been meaning to write you a nice long e-mail but wanted to make sure you were settled in again with time on your hands. |
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I’m much better , my friend . I guess I needed to go belly up and slip in and out of consciousness to teach me a lesson about prioritizing the other R&R … Rest and Relaxation .
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question submitted by: LORETTA KIER
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STORM have you ever sung in VEGAS? If asked would you? |
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I’m not a huge fan of Vegas . It would have to be a sweet ass deal .
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question submitted by: BadBoy
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As a performer has there been an opportunity that you “passed on” and now regret having done so? |
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Nope .
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question submitted by: Dental Floss Tycoon
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Regarding exercise, you’ve mentioned before that you like to cycle around PDX on your bike. What else makes up your regular day-to-day fitness routine – Running? Weights? Yoga? Swimming? |
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I haven’t done shit in two weeks , but I love my bike , love walking swimming and yoga .
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question submitted by: Cloudbrt
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Storm I’m curious about Cabaret. What was it like performing the exact same show eight times a week? How did the different audiences effect your performance each night? |
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I enjoyed performing it every night . There was something new energetically every night , either within the cast or from the audience . Yes it got tedious here and there , the repetition , but I really enjoyed the gig .
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question submitted by: crystal
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Storm, what are some of your favorite fragrances? Not perfumes, but just smells in general. Do you have any favorite cleaning products? |
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Davey’s head smells yummy . I like lavender for a clean smell , I’m enjoying Missonni perfume ….it’s like wine and dark chocolate … I like frankincense and amber …. Oh ….and of course , bacon .
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question submitted by: kiwijane
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First thanks for your time to answer our questions… Cheers from NZ Sarah |
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Ben Franklin for way more than an hour (we’d get baked and go camping ) or maybe Jesus . But if I could get Jesus , I would have a round table with him , Pat Robertson and George Bush . Me and J.C. would ROAST those other fucks . Or maybe Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan . I’d love to see Malcolm school that schmuck .
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question submitted by: wienermomma
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Since I’m having Chardonnay and Girl Scout cookies (peanut butter Do-Si-Dos, which, I swear, used to be called something else!) for dinner, I thought I’d ask . . . what are your favorite GS cookies? Have you bought any this year? ETA: I looked it up . . . they were called GAUCHOS! (Thanks, Mojo!) |
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I’m not into sweets so much these days , but back when I was a super stoner , I had a transcendent experience with some chocolate mint cookies .
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question submitted by: mariposa
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what color will you dye your hair next?? any plans to record acoustic stuff with michael??? i love adam’s bootleg of the show you did with michael back in ’06 and you guys promised to release something….since you recorded “under you” for side one, are there any plans to record and release the other song about davey, “drive away”? |
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I’m loving my new hairs I got in NYC . (Thank you Alicia at Mudhoney …. AMAZING stylist!) I’m now a chocolatey brunette with pink bangs . HOT!
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question submitted by: alligirl
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What’s in your cd player and where would you like to visit, that you have never been? |
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I’ve been going back and forth between Muse and Motorhead and I want to go to Italy .
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question submitted by: Dental Floss Tycoon
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Did the daily Sally Bowles ’Prairie Oyster’ take some getting used to? |
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It was actually a trick cup , the eggs went in , but didn’t come back out into my mouth .
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question submitted by: Spankenstyne
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The Wifenstyne would like to know then if there has been much thought to or any possibility of that wonderful cover of “I Want You” finding it’s way to Side 2? |
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Maybe not side two , but a recording of sex music I’d love to do .
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question submitted by: MATT.CAVANESS
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I saw a performance of Cabaret last November and was stunned at how wonderful you and the entire cast were. Is there any chance that any of the performances were recorded (video and/or audio) for future release? |
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There is an archive video , but no pro recording or video of the performance . Lame , I know . However , due to constant requests (fans AND Davey Nipples … truth be told , more Davey than anyone ) I will record a version of “Maybe This Time” in the near future .
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question submitted by: LauraKat
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Would you ever like to perform in a show on broadway? |
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Hard to say . I love New York , but it would have to be a cool gig . Though I love Broadway theaters … off Broadway is more my peeps .
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question submitted by: bones
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Storm, even though a woman doesn’t want to admit it, aging is rough. It is inevitable and has an individual and different meaning for each of us. What is your take on it, especially as a performer in a profession that values youth and youthful energy? |
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Aging IS rough , but I’m so much a better artist than I was in my youth . This profession does value youth and shiny , collagen rich beauty (Hell , record labels told me I was too old when I was 27… fuckin’ ELEVEN years ago !!!!) However , I now have a confidence that is bestowed only on the crotchety and long in the tooth , and those who have done their art for fucking ever even though they made no money for many , many years . Presently , I’m enjoying my entrance to middle age because I FINALLY think I’m hot , and I’ve stopped trying to impress anyone . And in doing so , I’ve consequently impressed many . Funny , No ?
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question submitted by: LauraKat
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The part at the beginning of Twisted Jimmy that starts out with a woman saying “Well, I have to have something to keep me company while you’re away. Sometimes in the night it does get a little lonely…I reach over and touch it. Then it doesn’t seem so lonely anymore”(sorry if I got any of the words wrong) What is that from?? Is there any particular reason why you wanted that in that song? |
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Paul Mirkavich , my good friend and co-producer for Ladylike , Side One ( more famously known for being the band leader for the RSSN Houseband) slipped that in there … I believe it is from an Ed Wood film … but I cannot recall without all my recording documents .
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question submitted by: MyKids9603
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Did you ever find out who sent in your audition tape for the Rockstar show? |
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Nope …. was it you ?
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question submitted by: Ravyn A.
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What personal experience lent itself to the writing of Lady Like? This song is my personal anthem… My “I’ll put on my stilettos, then walk all over your arse with them song.” |
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I’ve always been as praised and valued for being masculine as I have been vilified . The song is my “I am Woman , hear me roar .”
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question submitted by: Ravyn A. |
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How do you feel about collaborating with other female artists? |
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I dig it , if they’re hot and they party
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question submitted by: Duncan
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Purely fan-based: Where and with whom did you train as a vocalist…just lookin’ from some good vocal teachers. |
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Lis Lewis in LA ( from RSSN ) was wonderful . Razz Kennedy in SF taught me how to not lose my voice … that’s about it .
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question submitted by: Duncan
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Psychological…and likely WAY too esoteric and weird for a simple Fan Q&A: Aging is arguably the biggest challenge a person must face, for once one can no longer define herself as her failing body, her slowing and fragmented mind, or even her friends (for they begin to succumb to death and cerebral dissolution), how can one define herself? If you knew that tomorrow you would wake up without something that you feel defines you now, but could choose what to lose, what would it be? |
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JESUS CHRISTMAS DUDE ! What is going on with you ?!. My hair . I could lose my hair and still be funny .
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question submitted by: Duncan
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Egocentric: Do you remember “The Cricket Guy” (Who made the chirping sounds during a moment of silence after a particularly racy comment, and then later after he brought you wine) from a Sweetwater show a few years ago? I am he, and I really appreciated your approachability and how sweetly you took an awful demo from an obviously drunk fan…thanks. |
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Mmmm…. you’re welcome .
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question submitted by: Will
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What is your favorite airport to travel thru? and why? |
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Saga class on Icelandair through Rekjavick , Iceland . Awesome .
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question submitted by: Billy C of The Billy Boys
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When laying a kitchen countertop, which do you prefer: screwing or nailing? |
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I like it all , fuck face ! However …. Screwing , combined with a wood adhesive , creates a stronger foundation for heavy use .
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question submitted by: Karisa
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What has been your favorite cover song to sing live? why? |
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Favorite cover , “I Want You” by Elvis Costello , as terrifying as it is sexy , favorite combo…. “Sweet Homie Mother Fucker” Sweet Home Alabama mixed with Strange Fruit by Billi Holiday and Bring Tha Noise by Public Enemy and Anthrax . It’s the response to the response from Lynard Skynard to Niel Young for “Southern Man “
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question submitted by: Tsuey |
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What I really want to know is when does a song gets to you? What does it take for a song to make you feel it. |
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Hard to say …. almost always melody first … then if you’re saying anything worth a damn , I might be moved . Rhythm is a huge deciding factor as well .
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question submitted by: Val |
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What advice do you have for a person who writes and plays music over the age of 30 trying to get his or her stuff out there???? Its difficult to find any guys or gals that want to play in a band with you due to age???? |
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No way ! Some of the best players are your age and they’re done chasing pussy and their next line of coke and they’re just into making cool music . Forget your age and just look for people who dig what you do .
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question submitted by: Glenn |
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What are 3 things/items/etc. that ARE A MUST for you to have with you when you’re on the road touring? |
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Oooh . My laptop , lots of water and a good moisturizer .
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question submitted by: Rochelle |
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What is going through your mind when your on stage singing? |
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Get them . Get them . Get Them .
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question submitted by: Laura |
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What did you love/hate about living in NYC? |
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I loved that you leave your apartment and within five minutes , twenty things have happened to you . |
I kid … I’ll sing and write with anyone who inspires me .HOME=SICK
March 3, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
The flu …. how common . I only get it every couple of years , so I suppose because I enjoy such great health most of the time , when I DO finally succumb , I get the BIG ONE , the one that kills babies and old people … the one that goes up to 11 .
Right now , my bones feel like bashed up hockey sticks , my face is a grayish horror mask , my esophagus feels like I ate a big crunchy bag of glass , and , once in awhile , I kick into a coughing fit that sets my lungs on fire . And , for good measure , if I am unsuccessful in hacking up the chunky dark planks of phlegm that come in shocking sizes and colors …. I puke .
I have never been sexier .
I sometimes can sing when I’m ill , but with this , what little sound comes out sounds like a bag of toucans being pushed into a wood chipper . Not pretty . So I’ve had to cancel a handfull of appearances and meetings this week and am resigned to soaking my blankets with stinking fever sweat and exploring the endless duh of cable television while I wallow in self pity .
I don’t know about you , but when I’m sick , I feel useless , pathetic and SO sorry for myself I can barely do anything . But this week marks the one year countdown to the craziest endeavor of my career to date . In a mad , overly caffeinated fit of bravado , I agreed to write and produce an autobiographical one woman show for Portland Center Stage . I thought ” Sure! I’m a walking one woman show … I’ve been doing it for YEARS …. piece o cake … right ? ” WEll , as soon as I agreed to it , I basically fell into random fits of panic and hair pulling on myself moaning ” WHY DID I AGREE TO THIS ?????!!!! I HAVE TO BE NUTS!!!! ” It’s one thing to rock out and run my mouth in front of 800 people at a Balls show , but to captivate an intimate crowd of 160 THEATER people , 8 shows a week , telling old scary truths about MYSELF ?! Not the big fearless sex thug rantings of a rock banshee , but the decidedly UNcool and at times sad story about a lonely kid trying to find her way to herself , by herself , through many missteps , mishaps , fuck ups and freak outs . The idea simply terrifies me and I have actually lost some sleep over it .
A good friend of mine told me once ( and reminds me often ) if something scares the shit out of you artistically , that is EXACTLY what you should be doing . It’s why, I imagine , I ultimately agreed to do this . I was going to call it “Big , Fat , Crazy , Bitch Whore .” But later decided on the simpler , and more theater friendly , “Crazy Enough” . It isn’t going to be my life’s story , but it will be stories from my life that bring me to present day . I’m a singer , first and foremost , and I absolutely credit music with saving my life , so there will be plenty of music … mine and
others . Knowing me , there will be inevitable tangents , rife with explicative filled rants , truths and opinions …. and what else ? I haven’t the slightest . I’m just now getting well enough to write this .
I’m still terrified , and I still think I’m nuts … but here goes .
See you out there .
xoxoStorm
Cabaret turns 100 ?
February 14, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
Today is our 100th show . Geez . It seems like only yesterday I was apologizing to all the gay boys I had to make out with for being an icky girl .
( I have since learned that a lot of gay men , and I mean A LOT , are still boob crazy … umm … well … MEN . They might be thinking about Davey when kissing me , but hot diggetty damn , they sure know their way around a girl ! I love my job .)
Aaaaaanyway …. We’re at the 100th show and the final week here in Rochester . It’s bittersweet because I want to go home now …. I’m kind of more than ready to start the next gig , but I love this show and all my kit kat cohorts . A few are headed back to Portland , but most of them are New York bound . I’m going to miss seeing, smooching , smacking and laughing with Wade , Romain , Amy , Gretchen , The Red Karen , Emily , Pilar , Kristen , Scotty , Buddy , Tim and Tommy , Randy-Marie , Chrisse and Richard …and the behind the scenes beauties Nick and Steph . Not to mention the crew of sweeties running things backstage . Leah , Becky , Megan , Karin , Caroline , KB , my sweet Ian , Aaron , Nate … and the ridiculously hot spot light operators … Oh , sweet sorrow , this impending goodbye . The kind you wanna come up with a very clever and poignant gesture to really let em’ know what they all meant to me .
But I know we will all just get kinda buzzed and say , ” Dude …. you know what …? I …. yeah , you know .” and hug eachother . Which is still fine .
The time has screamed by . I am headed to NYC afterwards to see some friends , eat some REAL New York Italian , Jewish and Chinese food ! ( I miss the die hard NY authentic fill in the ethnic blank cuisine … MMmmmmmmm!!!) then head back to my Davey and my beautiful Portland .
I can’t wait .
Until the next adventure , see you out there .
xoxoStormer
5 Weeks!
February 1, 2008 by Storm
Filed under Storm Blog
Beyond missing home , my love , my friends and my wet walks through Mt. Tabor … I’ve been loving getting back on stage as Sally Bowles with these wonderful people . I get to cuddle naked with Wade McCullem every dang day and smack smokin’ hot Kit Kat girls on their ripe , bouncy butts at random . My life rules . Period . I’ve also been loving my quick spit of solitude , my own place to entertain the voices in my head or to just be quiet .
I’ve also really enjoyed geeking out on all the primaries …. OH MY GOD WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR ??? Everyone is so interesting on both sides . Except Mitt Romney . He , and his hair , bore the shit out of me . He won’t make it past Johnny McCain . No way .
Yeah yeah …. to all my liberal fans who hate all things republican … you will hate me for liking McCain . Whatever . He’s a crabby bastard but I like him as a person, I always have . Sadly I won’t vote for him , but dammit I like him . Huckabee cracked me up a few times too . For a scary born again dude … he’s got a pretty deep sense of humor , he’s a darn good speaker to boot . Romney is a straight up , phoney baloney douche bag . Ugh . He won’t get the nod from the GOP .
I’m still on the fence about Clinton or Obama . There’s a whole lot I like about both . I’m leaning towards Barack … not totally sold yet , just leaning .
BUT HOW AWESOME IS THIS WHOLE THING THOUGH ?? JEEZ !!!I love it . It is easily , by far , the most exciting election in generations . How cool is it we get to see this in our lifetime ?!
Gotta watch the debates now and get rested up for tomorrow . MY DAVEY IS COMING TO SEE ME !!! I can’t wait . Yes , it might make me even MORE homesick , but sleeping with my naked belly against his , just for one night … will be such a sweet escape . Bring the pain of him leaving again , it’s worth it .
Hang in there , everyone . Let’s check in again after super Tuesday .
xoxoStorm
