UPGRADING

blog spot is dead to me, i feel it is the xanga before social networking involved profiling.

please continue your relationship with me here at

http://itsatruestory.tumblr.com/

High Speed Railway (New York Times Report)

I stumbled across an in-depth update about the insides of commuter transiting, an article entitled "Getting Up to Speed" from reporter Jon Gertner of New York Times. Just analyzing this reporters style is very interesting to see that--like real reporters do--he's immersed himself in the idea of railway transiting by taking several different trains and accepting the natural disadvantages of the pre-established system. And there are many so to speak "inconveniences" in everyday transiting; from how many employed drivers are on the payroll, to how that affects time schedule.

I myself am an advocate for alternative transport-- and do not own a car, even though at times I'd seek it much more convenient. Here in SD, it’s hard to be totally stoked about MTS because of all the waiting and potential social "danger" that one must endure/ accept as an honorary frequent rider. I constantly find myself thankful that there is a transit system in SD, rather than thinking why isn't MTS changing? I think this has been the mentality of many riders here in SD and perhaps within the southern Californian areas, because we know that just north of here cities like LA & SF have us beat on the efficiency and comfortably scale by ten fold. Perhaps this transit "intimidation" in a sense is what seems to lead the local SD transit commuters into a lull about speaking out about the changing needs of the system.

I support Obama's prop 1a, but I don't like how he’s been reviewed by several left-wing writers as being simply "jealous" of transiting competitors such as high speed railways in Japan and countries throughout Europe. This is a serious controversy, and shouldn’t be embellished as some jealous adversary in a Sharper Image store wanting the newest thing. I have said before, there are many people stuck between talking and doing, and for once I am proud to say that someone in the big W house is taking a communal stand, for the eco minded and sustainable cause.

I have much concern for the building of this high speed railway. Such as subjects pertaining to the ecological standpoint (the impact on the environment and natural niches which dwell in these personal habitats). Yes, this railway will benefit the movement of human life from point A to point B in convenience as well as resources, but there is still much to question and map out as far as railroad placement. This will be one of the most important issues factored within this mega project--to not damage or obstruct in any major way the natural cycles of wildlife as well as essential plant life. As much as my inner-industrialist mind is supporting this--I have a "circle of life" conscious that cannot stop screaming on my right shoulder.

Another concern I was conjuring was the already common thought that the billions of dollars planned to fund this railway (which is first planned to run from LA to SF, and then in later developments stretch as far south as SD and as far north to Sacramento) is taking a GIANT step towards a single project. Yeah, I hear go big or go home, BUT, I personally think that if each city were budged parts of this funding that the area of focus could significantly improve the mini transit systems of each community. Including bus, commuter light rails and commuter trains such as the Coaster, Sprinter, & Metrolink. This sort of distributed funding could essentially solve or improve the pre-existing flaws found in local transiting systems, as well as up the efficiency and cohesive flow with linking cities--even connecting these cities on a more intricate scale.

Just some thoughts.

Old Toy Trains

http://www.myspace.com/oldtoytrains

I'm really in love with this act Old Toy Trains, there sound is very mature. There's a lot of experimental/ psychedelic out there going for that "I'm different, can't you tell" feel, and that is not at all what I get from this band. Please enjoy them as much as I do. Somewhere in there I get a Vivi Voce idea. They sort of remind me of them, but then again I hate comparing bands because they are both so unique.

Anyhow, I've been pretty distraught lately. The death of a friend of mine, has really left my mind in a state of discontent--and somehow I have let it amplify other areas of problematic concern found within my life.

He was so genuine, there just aren't enough of people like him in this world.

SD IndieFest VI 2010

Well, the UT thing is on hold for me until this fall, which has now given me the time and dedication to peruse a full internship with Danielle Lo Presti's mega project IndieFest VI, which is now on for March 27th, 2010--60 bands 6 stages. Shes a sweet lady with an amazing drive. We're doing feedback questionnaires to send to artists and local sponsors of last march's fest, and trying our best to fuel next years to be even better. I didn't realize how heartfelt an event like this could be for the community until at Tuesday's meeting Danielle read a very personal fan letter written to her about how a father was very touched by the connective breakthrough he had made with his teenage son by attending together. I nearly teared up at his enthusiasm and blessing--never had I heard a father so grateful to bond with his son, it was so touching and beautiful.

Besides that, I was thinking on the trolley today about how I'd like to start a "today I saw" photo posting series. There are a lot of things I feel like I take notice to each day and don't share with others. Certain things that I may see that are problematic and should be open for discussion that I seem to accept and overpass in daily commotion. I think this would be a good way to get to know San Diego and really reflect on its people and way of life. If this is too "indie" of me, please bite me, but I hope that digital images will be cleared than trying to explain mental screen caps to all of you. Let me know, what do you think? Email me: Amandaschoepflin@gmail.com

Things Moving Quickly

Currently Listening to Radicalfashion ^ worrying my head away so much is going on in my life. I'm about to start at UT (Union Tribune), I have found a sound engineering internship with George Varga (Music Head @UT) for his weekly webcast called "Fill In the Blank", a music talk radio-hosted by AmplifySD on their website made to introduce local talent to San Diego. That's the biggest thing going for me since I'm in my last week of school here and about to graduate--n grow up like a big kid now. Also have to worry about moving, which is happening for my family now & for me this August in with a good friend of mine.

I'll be going to City and we'll see what comes of that--I've heard nothing but good things when it comes to their radio classes and graphic design dep.

Girl Talk played at UCSD Fri the 15th at their yearly Sun God Festival, (which my friends and I missed just by a thread! By the time we got in there he was already done!! :[ ) Although another act which i cant remember the name right now I think it was something by the name DVC, After checking the set list they actually were sort of the filler act with over what seemed to be 12+ djs all trading laptop/ mixer times. They were pretty fresh especially when they incorporated some live violin within the mixes. It was fun regardless. If you sort of you know, ignored the girl on girl azn tila tiquilla-esque moments where guys were recording them wet on their cameras, definite college youtube footage. VITAL. (jp) Anyhow, if you want to do something send me an email!

Infected Mushroom in Tijuana

Last night I went down to TJ to see Infected Mushroom at PLANETA TIJUANA, and to my surprise was blown away entirely. The fact that this music group is so established and matured within their scene is truly bittersweet. I don't have the opportunity to really get out and see huge performances, but the energy of the crowd was so intense as well as the energy of the performers. The fact that it was at Planeta was pretty cool in itself, my friends havent been there too see a show but I heard that MSTRKRFT played there before so that was reassuring; its an old theater building (minus a roof) with cement stadium seating in the rear. Found a daytime pic from thier myspace page (shown below).


Crowd was roaring, we got close enough to score a hi-five from the lead guy--which I managed. Although a few crowd surfers once planted up on stage were then pushed back off by security it was pretty hilarious to see the girls all excited and grabbing at his leg and steeling the drumsticks out of his hands.

Another funny thing was my age was not even questionable--managed to get a wrist band; although Kenny suffered difficulty in this area. The not shaving for a week trick didn't seem to do him any justice, although in the end it didnt matter we got him in writstband and all; thanks to Karen's angry Spanish aruging skills.
Good night, can't wait to find a music soul mate.

Thank You All

Theatomrack has become a more "backburner" project, as were all in this transitional phase. My friend David encouraged me to start this back up. So I said hey, why not.

My friend Pico from the Bay Area told me bout Kennedy a fun dance to funk sort of approach to mixin'. You know how hyped people got over Queen? Well combine that vocal feel with Mika's
"Grace Kelly" then slap some funky mixin long with it and tie up your dancin shoes. Thats Kennedy to me, and I dont take it back. Good Stuff. The projects from LA, of course.

Preview of Porfolio

Relocation!

All updates have moved on up!

THEATOMRACK.NET


THANK YOU ALL, hang in there THINGS ARE MOVING!





I love you all,

Amanda Schoepflin

http://www.earthdance.org/

Last year it was comical. To see the hippies dance about.
This year I just might be one of 'em.
It starts at 11am, ends about 4 or 5.
$5, this saturday. Bring a blanket!

Tomorrow Night

Interview with Johnny Bell of Crystal Antlers coming soon.
In the mean time, check him out tomorrow night at
The Beauty Bar tomorrow night! 21+

TheAtomRack.com (Join the Team!)

Hi,

I'm starting a website called TheAtomRack. com which is for the promotion of local and introduction of international artists. Show reviews, artist interviews, photos and archives are meant to serve both the fan and the performer/ artist.

WE are in need of a street teamers /artist photographers. If you are interested this blog and the photos on my Flickr is a BRIEF subject reflection of what we will review on TheAtomRack.com.

The site has a lot of potential to grow to other subjects as well, although our main focus will be band/ and music coverage, we are open to innovative ideas to bring to the table. We will extend our topics to art coverage, fashion reviews/ and event writing, as well as film, once we get going. If you hold any interest in online publication with credit where credit is due. This is your chance!

Positions for reporters are still open but limited, if you have any samples please send my way via email.

Positions on the Atom Team, are accepting Interns, for One: to gain experience in the online publication world for beginning and freelance reporter/ photographer/ and graphic design positions. Two: Learn the process of the music reporting world, as well as interaction and creating contacts with band's/ artists, public relations, managers, and venue's. Three: Allow a place to start a freelancing career either in journalism or photography.

Please email me with some attached form of work or resume at amandaschoepflin@gmail.com for more information.

Best,

Amanda Schoepflin

Director

TheAtomRack.com

Kathleen Balloon Q&A

Kathleen or "Kathleen Balloon", is an all-around artist, with interests in not only photography, art, she manages to turn to music as another form of self-expression. Reaching a point in where she can finally remove herself from the work force, and do what she really loves in her spare time. Instead of working behind a bar, or in a cubicle all day Kathleen now frequents New York to help produce at a Rock n Roll Music Camp during the summer. Aside from helping the youngens, she has embarked on a solo project entitled "Balloon" which holds as her own personal escape from her other band Tsk Tsk, a more Psychedelic / Soul project.

Currently recording in the home base of her bedroom, Katherine is putting out her album "Knee Socks and Lollipops" in her own time making sure to include a large variety of special guests within her music. Although she has recorded her song "corney Island" in a dorm room at a University at New York and has plans of recording at a friend's studio Shabbey Road. Recording is the underside of her goals with project Balloon--what she really cant wait for is to get on the road and playing shows.

I lurked her myspace page and dug up a little info on her, then asked for some more. To get to know her a bit more check out our Q&A. Enjoy.

AM:How long have you been doing music?
KB:I have been singing since I was a wee little girl. I sang in choirs and musicals... that sort of thing. I started messing around with the guitar and writing songs when I was 14. Those songs sucked, but I kept going at it.

AM:How had your project "Balloon" begin?

KB:I sing and play in a heavier rock band, Tsk Tsk, so I needed an outlet for exploring other avenues musically. Some time in 2005 I fell in love and started playing weird chords and singing about sunshine and unicorns and shit, and recorded it all to four-track. Thus Balloon was born.

AM:Where are you originally from? Where did you grow up?

KB:I originally hail from Texas...my mother gave birth to me on an air force base when she was 18. I was moved around a lot due to my stepfather being a fighter pilot. The place that left the biggest impression on me was my great uncle's farm. My brothers and I would climb on haystacks and we'd pick dewberries, which my mom would use to make the most heavenly pies. I would walk in the forest a lot and go fishing in lakes and hang out with the horses. I also lived on this other farm where I had a secret treehouse and a whole lot of land to explore. All the while, I would visit my father in California a lot, and he loved to surf and would always take me to the beach, so the ocean is a big part of my life too. I moved to California when I was 14.

AM:Do you think you had any major influences now or growing up that turned your tastes a specific way when it comes to music?

KB:Absolutely. Gospel choirs. Films. I am enamored by the cinema and find a lot of inspiration in that, as well as in the scores. I was also a dancer and choreographer, so that probably factors into the music as well somehow. Also, simplicity and authors such as Dr. Seuss stuck with me. And hip hop. Much to my mother's dismay, I started bumping Dr. Dre and 2 Live Crew in the 6th grade.

AM:Do you perform live? If so tell me about the last few places you've done gigs at?

KB:Balloon debuted with a live band at the 1269 6th Street Warehouse (in LA), which was an incredible venue and space that I also worked at behind the bar sometimes. I guess it's going down now and that's a damn shame. I believe the last gig I played was either at the Scene with Crystal Antlers, or on KXLU.

AM:What genre would you try to use to explain or describe your music?

KB:I have no idea. How would you describe it?

AM:What is most of your music about?

KB:Life.

AM:Tell me about your existing album (s)? The tracks that are online.

KB:I will be releasing those tracks, as well as some others, on a self-titled album shortly. They were all written between 2006 - 2008.

AM:How do you go about creating that melodic and original hallow-flowing sound, is it where you record? or editing? Are your tracks live? Tell me about your other members.

KB:For the songs that are online, that is all me....I've written, played and recorded everything. Sometimes my best friend Nancy plays viola. Oh yeah, this young lad named Henry played melodica and sang for Corney Island in NY. He is a bit of a genius. He is actually going to do a music video for one of my songs. In the past, I would play with a live band, and we'll hopefully record a few songs together in the future, but they're all kind of scattered about. It was pretty free flowing though. I like to experiment. Some of the sounds you may hear on a song are actually my vocals. I sang in my friend Bron's group, Crooked Cowboy and the Freshwater Indians, for a while, and Katy and I would emulate moogs and other things with our voices. It was haunting and ethereal. I actually learned a lot about my pipes from that experience.

AM:Tell me about "Knee Socks and Lollipops"? What is the album all about?

KB:I am writing the songs for that as we speak. I actually tend to always wear knee socks, if not leggings, because short socks get on my nerves... and I love lollipops because they keep my hands busy and give me sugar. It's playful, and... weird.

AM:Who are these "special guests" that are starring in the upcoming album?

KB:They are some of my really amazing and talented friends. The age ranges from seven to one hundred and one. If I could get an infant to make some noise, that would be sweet.

AM:What are some of your favorite bands/ artists?

KB:My favorite groups are the Beatles, Funkadelic, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival... there are so many, it's hard to narrow it down. My biggest influences are Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Odetta, Bessie Smith, Mama Cass, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Dr. Dre and Andre 3000.

AM:Do you implement any specific mind frame within your music whilst writing or composing? (what is most of your music about)?

KB:No, nothing specific....I just climb into the corners of my imagination. I'll write when I'm moved, inspired, or broken. Sometimes I'll come up with a melody or a lyric when I'm walking the dog or taking a shower. Lyrically, I love metaphors. Ya never know what a button or a rocket ship might really be.

AM:Do you hold any other occupation, or are you full time artist?

KB:I am a writer, and every now and then I am a nanny or behind a bar. As my friend Calixto said (when he was my manager at the Scene Bar), I am "insubordinate". Tis true. I can't stand working or having someone else tell me what to do. I do like working with youth and/or education, because that never gets boring. I used to have this amazing job in the fashion industry but I had to give it the heave ho because being in an office all day took the color away from my cheeks and I ended up a lifeless, blue little bunny. If you're not loving life, you have to figure out what makes you happy and get to it.


Katherine's tour is of now unannounced, but in due time will kick off, for right now she plans to simply write, record, play then tour. Look out for her, keep yourself posted.

http://www.myspace.com/theballoon

Obama '08 Art for Change in Normal Heights

Two doors down from Lestats is a little gallery and framing place called Art of Framing, right there in Normal Heights.Today and tomorrow they are holding a fundraiser for the one and only Obama tell yo Mama that we see some CHANGE in America's wallet. The 33 piece exhibit is called "Art for Change" and is the exhibition of both male and female, amateur and professional artists who are welcoming a new hope for our country. The exhibit's pieces are expressions of grassroots activism towards environmental action, gay rights, racial tolerance, as well as images and paintings of Senator Obama. Not only are the works hangable but they are also wearable thanks to silkscreen art work. All works are for sale and50% of proceeds will go to DNC's Victory Fund to help Obama's advertising campaign. Check them out tomorrow night, for a politically correct event. Ten dollars at the door. Help them reach their donation goal by giving their website here.

Lestats Friday

Billy Harvey from Texas is gonna play at Lestats tomorrow, you should come. If your interested. Shouldn't be very pricey

Check out his web page, I LOL'd, what a funny guy.
http://www.billyharveymusic.com/

Lestats coffee house
3343 Adams Avenue
"In the heart of Normal Heights"
www.lestats.com
______________________________________________________________________

AFTER:

Okay so I went to see this guy, and the majority of his performance was auto loop, he reminded me of Elliot Smith a tad, but I think if he just played his CD and sang the songs on a stage, he must of been working hard in the studio, cause the tracks sound good. I don't know maybe I'm old fashioned but when go to see a show I'm going to see them show their stuff. Agh. My review: if you like his music download it keep it on your ipod. There is a song about cutting a bitch's finger--it's worth it for that alone.

Talented guy.

His eyes in this photo, pierce me like I'm sinning against the lord himself. LAWL