Babble

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Band on the Diaper Run

November 2007 - Posts

  • In Austin

    We love Austin, it ain't no secret.  Sometimes we pretend we are moving there, but we do that with Portland, Chicago and of course San Francisco as well.  We went down to play the Fun, Fun, Fun festival and another show.  We also did some recording with one of our favorite people, Jim Eno.  

     

     Magnolia got play with Drew, Jim's daughter. They are the same age.  Our nanny overhead the following conversation between the 3 year olds.

     Mags: "Does your mommy play music too?"

    Drew:  "No, my mommy takes care of babies at the hospital." 

    Mags:  "My mommy and daddy both play music."

    Drew:  "My daddy works in the studio to pay the bills."

    Mags (while nodding her head and speaking with a little 'tude)  "Uh-huh, I know."

    They totally have it figured out. 

     

    It was hot and I couldn't quite reach the harpsichord.  Doctor says big baby, again.  Or maybe eating those watermelon seeds finally worked. 

     

     Magnolia loved mixing the song for us.  She had a total tantrum minutes after this shot.  Typical producer.





    Our nanny ruled.  She brought all sorts of surprises for Magnolia and she took her swimming every day a the hotel. 

     Our hotel also hosted a little person's conference while we stayed there. When we first walked in, there were at least 50 little people hangin in the lobby.  This directly led to a conversation of why a large group of "short people" (whom she assumed were kids) didn't have a mom or a dad with them.  I was just thankful she didn't say anything about Santa since we had just seen a Chirstmas movie where the elves were played by little people.  It could have been really embarassing but it just turned into a conversation about how everyone's bodies are different.  And from then on we just agreed to say hi to people when we stare.

     

    This is the last show we'll do pregnant.  I'm proud to say I stood for almost the whole set in the heat.  I think we still brought it.

     

     

     

     

    Now we're off to Minnesota to see family since we won't be traveling during the winter holiday (baby time).

    Show reveiw and live pic 


     

     


  • Gestating (A New Record and a New Baby)

    Last year we toured for ten months with our then 2 year old.  This year we've changed it up a bit, played sporadic shows, we've taken our time writing songs and we have been quickly learning how different a 3 year old is than a 2 year old. And since I love making lists,  here's what we've been up to in a list I like to call "What's up with the Band on the Diaper Run:"
    1. Acoustic Shows (grand piano style)
    2. Festivals (like the recent Fun, Fun, Fun fest)
    3. Writing songs and recording them (various places around the country)
    4. Starting Mags at preschool (she hasn't cried once)
    5. Renovating our new house (annoying and messy but will be cool)
    6. Filming a commercial (separate trailers on set, and we're not selling out, just saving up)
    7. Playing benefit shows (Darfur relief, green earth, afterschool writing programs, we're good people)
    8. Singing backup on Letterman (Feist is nice) and playing a New Pornographer's wedding (cover band with Neko Case, anyone?)
    9. Gestating (a new full length record AND a new baby)

     ACOUSTIC TOUR 

     

     

     We added members for the acoustic tour and played at small, intimate venues (Joe's Pub, top) and also at the Museum of FIne Arts in Boston (above). Linnea Weiss rocked on cello and Christian Owens shredded on bass and vocals. They both rule.

     

     

     

     

      

     


    After owning the place at soundcheck, Magnolia begged to come on stage for the first time during a show. She didn't want to get off the stage (you can see her crying in the picture as we waved goodbye). I don't think we've created a monster but I do know that she expects to be on the stage at every concert we take her to.  Oh, and she wants to be a a mermaid or at least a redhead all the time, hence the raggety, red wig.

     

     

     




in

About the Blogger

Mates of State

Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel

Kori Gardner is the organ-playing half of the band Mates of State; her husband, Jason Hammel, plays drums. Known for their vocal harmonies and euphoric melodies, Mates of State has been described by critics as "unabashed joy", "honesty at its best", a "two piece with balls", and "a band that you must see live." Their daughter, Magnolia, was born in 2004 and started touring with the band at 10 weeks. June, their second girl, was born early this year. The whole family is touring the world right now. Hear their latest album, "Re-Arrange Us" at www.matesofstate.com, or myspace.com/matesofstate



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