The Van.

Yep. Say hello to the newest member.

So, I forgot to mention this on the blog, and I mentioned it once on Facebook, but here it is: The Band Van.

What a steal. This 1990 Ford ClubWagon, with 118k miles, was a whopping $475.

Go me!

I'm a big believer that the van makes a touring experience so much better. It not only gives your band character and a great way to haul your equipment, but it makes a place for memories. I know someday we'll be talking and recalling on these crazy times, and something like, "Remember that time in the van..."

Oh man. What Fun.

Okay, Yeah, it's a little rough, but with some TLC, this van will be ready to go!

Oh, and I need a name for it. Suggestions?

My Experience.

Everything you do is a learning experience.


Not to be a Debbie-Downer, but the show wasn't so hot.


Let me rephrase. I wasn't so hot. 



The Underground venue was not only hospitable, but the Bands, Holly Spears, Brent Reed, and Gungor all were incredibly respectful. The management, creative director, the volunteers at the show were all great people, and I couldn't ask for a better group. The sound guys were not only willing to work with us, but even one asked if he could run sound for us at other venues.

The Band itself did a great job, and we were really tight.




I don't know, maybe I'm too hard on myself. It's our second show, what do you expect, right? Every musician has one of those shows. I guess I can't help but to think I KNOW I could've been better.

Therefore, this post is going to be special.


Welcome to the world of Logan Sand's brain.






As soon as I got up that day, I knew I was getting out of the wrong side. (I do literally contemplate which side to get out of sometimes). 
That morning everything seemed off- the way I made coffee, the luke-warm shower, the way my hair fell on my head, the way my clothes were wrinkled, it was just enough to make me feel uneasy.


As soon as I made it to the Band Lunch, it again seemed off. The way I ordered, the change I got back, the way I walked to the table, how I ate, the conversation I had, the way I talked.


Again, in rehearsal that day, we sounded great, and it was a solid rehearsal from set-up to tear-down. But for myself, the way I played, the way I sang, the way I sounded, I got extremely light-headed in the lights on stage, but why? Why was everything so uneasy for me? Why did Logan's world seem like it was off it's axis?


Is it psychological? Is it anxiety? Is it a problem with my inner ear? I don't know, I'll never know I suppose. But let's just say, by the time 5pm came around, it wasn't good.
 I am proud of myself with the fact that I kept my cool. I felt composed. I tried to stay calm. It's all I could do.


My performance? Not the greatest. No way in hell should I have that mentality and go up on a stage. Everyone that plays behind me and on the side of me deserves to have someone lead them in a positive, spot on, fun performance. In all honesty, I don't believe I lived up to my own gospel. As I had felt all day- I didn't feel right. The way I played, talked, sang, etc. 
The show must go on, as they say, and so I did the best I could. I know I have much better shows in me, and now that I know this and have realized some of my own faults (I am human), the next show will be even better.

The band- awesome job, and I'm blessed they are with me and backing me up. 
There is a lot to learn from this business, from the attire on stage to the 5 x 8 canvas with your face on it behind the merchandise table. We'll get there soon.



Overall- The Underground was a good show. There really wasn't anything bad, it was definitely a solid performance. I can't wait to show it off even better next time, I'm not letting down my support (you) and my band. Hopefully in the future we'll be able to play at The Underground and it's affiliates from Michigan to Florida!

A special guest for Friday Feb. 19th: Kyle Tieman

So, I've got good news, and bad news.

I'd like to keep this post optimistic, so let's start off with some bad news.

Well, it isn't really bad news in ways, but Chad (bass) won't be able to make the show on Friday, due to his sister getting married! Congratulations! I'm really glad that Chad won't be there I suppose, but Chad, you'll be missed.

So the good news? We have a substitute on bass, and he may be an addition in the near future on keys/alt.instumental: Kyle Tieman.

Kyle is a friend of mine at CCM, and is also focusing on Electronic Media. He's talented in the industry, and understands it well. He's really a natural when it comes to media, and music. Kyle has been involved with music since 6th grade. He's also what you could call a prodigy. He always says the best things in life are learning new instruments and playing live.

Right now, Kyle currently play drums (as pictured), guitar, bass, harmonica, and keyboards and sing some backup vocals... though his most prized possession is his grandmothers accordion.

Yeah, an accordion.

He currently runs sound for bands, and also leads worship at Trinity United Methodist. He's an incredibly talented guy, and I'm blessed that he's stepping up to the plate and playing this weekend. Come out to the show! Hope to see you there!

What a week...

Well- at least I'm ill in the beginning of the week right?

This has been one crazy week. I guess we all have those weeks. Though, a lot of good has come out of the last couple days.

First of all- Happy Birthday Madison! Madison, who is my girlfriend (:D) and the photographer of the band turned 19 on friday the 12th!! I love you a lot, and I'm glad you had a great birthday!!

Second- SNOW! Though I am a summer loving fool, I don't think I've ever seen a storm come through like this. I went outside, and it literally was a foot deep. Cincinnati has some interesting weather, doesn't it?

Third- Long story short: My body doesn't like this weather. I definitely have the flu or a cold. I'm putting my trust into God and DayQuill to get better by Friday! YIKES!

Speaking of Friday, ah, it's The Underground!

The Underground is a venue that's really special in my heart. There's just something about it: it's charisma, it's reputation.

I'm really big on venues with a reputation. When you're standing on that stage, you can feel the history, the artists who have played there before. Think about it- when I was looking out into the crowd at the 20th century, it's the same perspective as Sarah Bareilles, Joshua Radin, everyone who has played the 20th Century or even stepped into 20th century. Theres something deeper about a venue with reputation and history.

The Underground is similar with it's reputation. It's had national bands such as Datum Point, Jermy Camp, Project 86, OC Supertones, the Newsboys, The Devil Wears Prada, Grits, Relient K, Kutless...the list goes on and on. What a privilege for myself and my band to be a part of this at The Underground. I am really excited! It should be a great show!

Just so you all remember!

Logan Sand Band @ The Underground!

Holly Spears Band (opener)

Logan Sand Band

Brent Reed Band

Gungor

Doors open @ 6:30 - $8 at the door!

DON'T FORGET TO SAY YOU CAME TO SEE THE LOGAN SAND BAND!

Thanks, y'all. Talk to you soon!

Logan Sand Band @ The Underground Friday Feb. 19th!

We're at it again!

Myself and the band have been given the opportunity to open for Gungor.

If you haven't heard of Gungor, you should really check them out. Michael Gungor (the leader of the band), has released 5 albums since 2003, and has a new album, "Beautiful Things" releasing February 16th, 2010. Him and his band are located in the Christian/Gospel worship genre, and he is most noted for co-writing "Friend of God" with musician/singer/songwriter Israel Houghton.

I'll be completely honest with you: I'm really scared.

Let me tell you that I'm not scared of the Logan Sand Band. They are professional, and very talented musicians. I am scared about how the audience could react to my music. It's not in the Christian genre, it can be suggestive, and knowing me, I could do something crazy. Like I have said many, many times: NEVER would I want to offend anyone on stage or off. My lyrics and music is meant to be fun, not controversial.

I hope that the audience there will cheer us on, have fun, and enjoy what the Logan Sand Band can do. As always, I hope to see you there!

Go to www.theug.com for more details about our show, and other shows to come!

If you do come, make sure to mention you came to see us, it gives us good reputation at The Underground, and we need your help!

OFFICIAL RELEASE:

Logan Sand and the Band will be performing Friday February 19. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Logan will play third (expect his show to start around 8:30 pm)

Tickets are available at The Underground for $8.00. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SAY YOU'RE THERE TO SEE LOGAN SAND

Interview with 89.9 FM WHLS Lakota

If everything stays according to schedule, I've been given the opportunity to have an interview with 89.9 Lakota!

Some of you may not have heard of 89.9 FM: It is owned and operated by Lakota High School District. 89.9 focuses on primarily indie rock, interviews, news, and local bands/artists. They broadcast on air throughout the Cincinnati Tri-State area. They're live in school hours/ saturday mornings, and automated programming when off air.

This Thursday, February 11th, Tyler Castner of Lakota East asked me to do an interview on air including playing some of the music from both "Like it or Not" and "New Day!".

How about that, some air time!

The momentum is moving friends. Keep tuned for more shows around the Cincinnati/Dayton area, maybe even a couple shows in the midwest!

Band Intro #6: Jenn Silver

Last but certainly not least, there's one last person I need to tell all of you about: Jenn Silver.

It's really interesting how time flies. All the people you meet throughout your life, and some stay, some leave, some come up sporadically time to time. I can say Jenn has been a friend that's been there for me for almost 3 years.

I met Jenn in December of 2007, knowing only that she was going to sing with me at a church that asked me to play. Little did I know, she had a voice, and that I would be getting the chance to have somewhat of a sister (if you didn't know, I'm an only child).

Throughout 2008, Jenn let me have the opportunity to work on production, from stage, to sound, to lights, she was the one who helped me with all of it. Also, it's the reason I am where I am (CCM E-media, a.k.a. sound/video production). She was not only knowledgeable, but she helped in any way she could, worked overtime, and had fun while learning. It was the best internship any production guru could ask for!

In addition to the production, Jenn also brought me to a new state of songwriting and co-writing. We would sit for hours with GarageBand running, writing songs in such an abstract and unique way. Most people write down lyrics, try to find a rif, a melody, anything and everything. Jenn just plays and sings random words that come to mind... it's a cool process. If you're a musician, I definitely recommend warming up the Apple and simply singing. (FACT: "Searching" off the "New Day!" album was written like this!)

It's interesting and a blessing how much time Jenn has spent with me. Not only with production and co-writing music, but actually being a friend. Being there in some of my worst times, and some of the best. Jenn has been a blessing in my life.

Jenn Silver has a lot of talents. Really, as I'm writing this blog, I keep thinking of more and more things she can do. Graphic Design, light production, sound production, photoshop, websites (both html and flash), playing bass and acoustic guitar, playing the harmonica, AND... most of all, she can sing.

Jenn has a voice of soul. A lot of soul: deep alto blues notes, a lot of 7ths, flats, minors. She also has the talent to find any harmonic part to any piece of music. Let her listen to it once, figure out the words and rhythms, and you have yourself a BGV.

Her and I are like brother and sister, and I love her to death. Jenn, thank you for everything you do.

If you had the chance to make it to the show, you've heard Jenn Silver's music! If not, check out www.jennsilver.com for more sounds.

Band Intro #5: Mikey Evans

It was the end of October, and I had the band ready to play, but I felt like I needed one more thing- percussion. I was really at a loss- it takes talent, determination, and focus to be able to play on stage, especially with the distractions of lights and the stage setup, whatever there may be. But then, there was Mikey Evans.

I remember asking him at battle of the bands to play, and I'll be honest: I was first a little worried about Mikey coming in to play. Though I made a very bad mistake: younger does not mean less talented or experienced.

He's not only a great percussionist, but also an upcoming drummer, videographer, artists, and exceptionally talented in live audio mixing. Remember everyone, he is 15 years old! I am speechless with the talent and intelligence.

Mikey is a senior this year with his brother Matt, due to skipping up a few grades. He also acts more mature than anyone I have talked to his age. It's really a great quality though he may feel out of place sometimes (he may not, but I know I did because of my maturity). He needs to know that it's a great gift to be more mature, but to still have a lot of fun, and be intelligent and knowledgeable in so many things.

He is also involved a ton with the Vineyard Community Church Student Union and isn't afraid to tell buddhists he loves Jesus. His love for God and Jesus is incredible, and the spiritual connection when praying or doing an outreach is what some people desire for the rest of their lives.

I think my favorite quality about Mikey (which if you know Mikey, you may agree), is that he is willing to help out in any situation in any way he can. He's a very reliable friend, and I know that he's a great friend to have.

Thanks Mikey, for sound, percussion, helping out, everything you do! I love you like a brother.