I Have A New Band.
To begin, it is worth mentioning that the 2009 experience for me was not unlike getting unceremoniously dumped by a succession of brain damaged boyfriends who weren’t even cute or good in bed and I never should have liked in the first place. Which is to say: The harsh treatment that I received from the year 2009 was completely fucking uncalled for and probably, mostly my own fault.
I’ll be the first to admit that I did not adapt well to the abundant feast of bad news, failure and ego bruising that I got hit with last year but at the same time, I am not bitter. It’s more of an Irish amnesia kind of thing with me, that I forget everything but the grudge. Definitely not the same thing as bitterness. Am I right or am I right?
Besides, from my rich experience in the entertainment business, crushing disappointment and mercurial conditions are a few of the more charming attributes that keep me chained to the radiator like a neglected but eager puppy. And when I say business, btw, I mean nothing of the sort. I write songs and sing them, so c’mon, who the fuck are we kidding? What I’m trying to articulate is that although I peddle in a low art form and should have done something more substantial with my life, like scraping gum off the asphalt at Dorchester High with my teeth during summer vacation, I am sort of unemployable in any other field. And the Boston Public Schools aren’t hiring. I checked before I even mentioned it.
Here’s the thing: I know for a fact that the worthy accomplishments in life are born when life gives you lemons. Lemons that flirt with you at the bar all night then make out with a girl you don’t like and give her a ride home in a new Porsche 911 only to find out later that you got stuck with the bar tab and your car won’t start. So then you turn those lemons into vodka + sleeping pills! Stupid lemons. Wait. I forgot what I was talking about. Whatever it was, I’m sure it was pithy.
Sometime around last Spring, I ended up doing the ol’ FB re-connect with my old pal, Linus Of Hollywood. We were all, “Blah, blah, blah… Let’s get together and write hit songs for Disney starlets!”
This kind of songwriting mission rarely bears fruit because it’s a thankless, speculative and usually futile task unless you’re:
- Stupid
- A masochist
- Dr. Luke
Ignoring any of that, Linus and I got crackalackin’ and started writing.
As a teenage hit making juggernaut, the collaboration was sort of hopeless due to our lack of giving a shit about that kind of music extremely high standards. We kept writing anyhow. Then things got kind of awesome. So we started a band called Palmdale and now I’m happy again. LET’S TWENTY-TEN!!!!!
Coming Soon. Get Wasted, the boneriffic debut by Palmdale!
- xok
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Kay – as you traverse the self flagellating landscape that seems to be requisite of creative types, remember~you have FANS out here….fans who own all of your cd’s etc, and are waiting, albeit somewhat impatiently, to enjoy (i.e. PURCHASE) your latest endeavor!
Palmdale – BRING IT!
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 am
Kay, long time fan, first time commenter. I got to meet you at the NYC reunion tour show and you were so nice
. You sang Prince’s Kiss when I got up to meet you and it was AWESOME!
Really REALLY excited about this album. I’m currently trying out for a radio show at NYU and if I get it, I’d love to play this EP. It’s a power-pop/rock show, so naturally you’ll fit right in.
Keep on rockin’!
- Gary
January 23rd, 2010 at 7:51 am
Keep writing, Kay. Whether it’s music or blog or articles…you have a gift from the gods in your writing.
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Laughing and crying!
January 24th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Can’t wait for Palmdale!!!
Bring it Baby!
January 24th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
You are SUCH a dork! But I am one of the 10-15 people that is very excited and will help you go “plastic”!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I certainly am eager to add to my extensive collection of Kay Hanley talent!
January 24th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Annie Ruth. As I re-read the blog and made note of the swearing, I thought of you. True story….
February 4th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hola Kay,
I’m Talia. I look up to you greatly and have always identified with you vocally. The reason I’m writing is I read this blog and I feel you more than you could ever understand… My 2009 was shit and I lost the 2nd band, I worked my ass off for. I’ve dealt with my fair share of douche bag, dick, ass holes that take the knock off version home vs the obvious much better package deal.
I’m sorry that 2009 treated you so poorly. I have no idea what you’ve been thru but I’m assuming you’re no longer married because you’re experiencing such things with above mentioned (I apologize if I inferred incorrectly.) I was, however, married to my guitar player in the first band I fronted. While I was pregnant I found out he was still married to his ex wife. Fucking bull shit in my opinion. We split, the band split, and it destroyed me. The bonus to this destruction? I reformed into something better and more aware. I’m sure you’ve done the same thing because you seem like one of those chicks that rocks it.
Regardless of all the bad shit you had thrown at you, you’ve impacted me and my life. I would not be the person I am with out your voice and lyrics. You’ve been a huge influence on me vocally. I push myself harder and try to be the best because of your musicianship.
Always remember YOU are awesome and THANK YOU for everything you do!
Sincerely,
~Talia
PS…. I’m a DJ for 106.7FM an Independent Scottsdale Radio Station. Anything you need…
February 6th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
The background samples are heard very well in the youtube channel, kay’re really an inspiration, and rock it in your blood, I admire you for that, greetings.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Talia -
Thanks for the kind words. 2010 already kicks ass for me and I hope is treating you similarly.
For the record, I am still very much married to USA Mike. My rant had less to do with my personal life but more my career. Obviously, there can be spill-over but I would never have made it through, fists still swinging, without my awesome man and our wicked cute babies. Just felt I should make that clear.
xok
March 6th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
keep on
March 11th, 2010 at 7:48 am
i am sorry, but you pissed me off. i have an irish temper too you know. wish you well in the future. got a good brownie recipe for you! no grudge here.
March 11th, 2010 at 8:01 am
oh yeah, this is a dummy address.
March 24th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Are you threatening me, Adam?
April 11th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Kay, Keep kicking ass,your incredible!!! If you can,please make it the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield,Ma.I`ll be there. I.O.joe
April 12th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Love the new band! Here Comes The Summer! (stuck in my head nonstop since watching the video a couple days ago).