May 30th, 2008

So, the studio date to begin recording the follow up to SSD has come and gone. And so far so good. Things are on track (no pun intended) and as for now the scheduled release date is a go. Although I'd just as soon not jinx anything and say what that date is. But I can tell you that it will be a fall release.

The album will be the main focus of effort for the next several weeks and then will begin the task of working towards the fall tour. Yes, there will be a tour! A small but mighty tour, that is. And if all goes well it will kick off in November.

Things are busy as they should be for right this moment so there will be much more in the journal as the process rolls along.

Stay tuned...

April 8th, 2008

So...I promised to update the ongoings of the Steve Gattermeyer Band and now seems the right time. I have a lot of something and nothing to report.

For the most part I have been concentrating on songs for the new album. We head back into the studio in May and we were supposed to, once again, spend the winter months doing a few select gigs and spending the rest of the time learning the new tunes. But as those who know how things go with me you know nothing ever works as planned.

In January we were approached with an offer to do several gigs by way of contract for an outside party. And while I almost always prefer to do booking on my own the opportunity seemed quite worthwhile so we agreed. There was a problem however in that we would have to do longer set times for these shows than we usually do for the "showcase" style gigs we are most familiar with. These would be headlining full evening shows. So we had to go back and rehearse older tunes to fill time. Normally this would be fine but in this case it would have to be simultaneous with rehearsing the new songs. At first it seemed all would be well and good but then more problems intervened.

I have always liked the expression "the ink wasn't even dry when..." and I'd very much like to use it here. Except...

It turned out that the people who were invloved in setting up the shows were anything but responsible persons. And although they claimed so they were far from having a clue how to keep a REAL business running. It is more than fine to keep it indie and book gigs from your den as that's the way I've always done it myself. But when you make it an actual business where others are relying on you you'd better have you affairs in order.

The "businesses" these persons were collectively a part of decided that money was tight and it was time to back out of contracts. One of the shows we had booked cancelled with less than 48 hours notice. Unacceptable! It was quite humorous to see each of them pint at the other when it came time to face the music. And that's how it goes. But these individuals are currently being dealt with accordingly (check you local listings).

The issues did interfere with productivity on the new album and that's what bothers me most. But all will stay on schedule and nothing will be pushed back. I have all intentions to hit the studio in May and have a new slab ready to go by August.

And on that note...

April 3rd, 2008

Wow! January was the last time I was here? I guess so. I think it's time to update this journal.

A lot has happened since January. And I better collect my thoughts before getting this all in here.

Well you waited this long...a few more days won't hurt you. I'll have this thing all squared away in the next day or two...I, um, promise!

January 28th, 2008

It has been almost one year to the date that Roger, Dave and myself had our first rehearsal for the Stockholm Sin Drone sessions. It's hard to believe how fast time goes when you're having fun. But indeed another year is behind us.

This week will mark another first rehearsal. We will begin rehearsing for yet another album. Yes, you read it right. I am excited about this for many reasons but mainly because after the success of SSD it has made me realize more and more why I got back into this after the long hiatus.

The new album will be composed of songs I wrote during the last year. There will be a few new directions which I am quite excited about. And I am looking forward to the process. We will most likely begin the recording in late spring with an anticipated fall release.

Playing with Roger and Dave is in fact a great vibe that keeps me happy to play live with them. And while there weren't a lot of gigs in 2007 I plan on making that quite different in '08. That being said the band will be busy.

Much as last time around I will have more to post as it all comes together.

So here we go again...

December 31st, 2007

Here it is: the last day of 2007. It was a great year indeed!

This was the year that the SGB embraced the digital age full-on. Those who know me know that I have mixed feelings about the format but there's no denying it's power.

Upon Stockholm Sin Drone's release I agreed to exclusive digital distribution to Scandinavia through Inprodicon. And I am pleased at the fact that in Norway we reached the number fourth position in the independent foreign artist category with the single Home Sweet Oslo. This year also had the biggest promotional campaign I've ever done. And for the success we've had I thank each and everyone of you who have supported us in any way whatsoever. We could not have done it without you.

While the live gigs were on the light end in 2007 we look to rectify that in '08.

The SGB wishes you all a safe and happy new year. Big things to happen in 2008 so we look forward to the next 12 months!

October 9th, 2007

I want to start off this new section of SGROCKWEB with an entry about reviews and interviews.

Many of you who remember my former "ranting" section here will most probably remember my entry about music critics. If so do your quick mental refresher and then continue on.

Since the release of Stockholm Sin Drone many in the indie rock music "media" have lent a helping hand to me by writing up the album in zines and webzines as well as those who have been instrumental in helping me set up the current set of US radio spots. I thank you all! Many who have interviewed me are those who are doing some of their first on air interviews and I am proud to be the experiment which you've used to hone your skills. It's been a lot of fun so far.

As for write-ups on the new album: some of you who've done these write-ups have asked me what I've thought of your work. And in turn I accidentally have offended a few people by my sometimes too outward honesty; when some have asked I have replied with truthfulness and stated that I haven't taken the time to read but a very few. And that's not personal it's just the way I do things. I'll explain.

I do not ignore the write-ups but rather I simply don't take time to follow up. Some see this as odd but it's a matter of personal preference. And what I am about to say is absolutely, positively nothing more than my own personal perspective.

I sometimes see on other bands' websites that they list an enormous amount of their press. And this is all fine and well but it gives the appearance to me that they just want to show the world what so-and-so has to say about their music. I would be much more receptive to this idea if the bands also posted the bad reviews as well (we ALL get 'em from someone!) but they don't. I'm not suggesting they insult themselves but if you want your press read then show more than one opinion given about your music, not just the praises.

Press should be fair and open. And therefore I do promote any radio interviews I do whereas my own voice can be heard giving my thoughts entirely and from my own being. And it is for this reason that I choose to do very few written interviews. If MY opinion or perspective is asked I want to answer completely and not be interpreted. My music, in all fairness, can be interpreted.

I personally do not care for critics who insult bands' material. But bands who want bragging rights to the good press should, in MY opinion, perhaps take a little bit of the knocking and show what else is said.

It's not my place to criticize anyone and it's not what I'm doing here.

For those who have done write-ups on me I thank you very, very much. But I am a songwriter and my songs mean one thing to me and may mean something else to another. So my personal preference is to submit my music to anyone wishing to review it and let the cards fall where they may. I believe in freedom of the press and therefore accept the possibility that my songs may get poor marks by the listener. And that's their right. But I do not find myself in the habit of seeking out those opinions by reading the press that's been done. That is for the record seeking public to do. And it's their right to read and form their own opinions. Likewise I do not need to have my ego fed by seeking out my own reviews. I'll play the songs and hope you enjoy them. And as far as I'm concerned that's all I'm interested in.

I hope I've made my point in a way that's not offensive. Because even though I don't read the reviews I do most definately appreciate ALL who write them. And I apologize if I gave the appearance of ignoring the hard work you've done with your craft.

In closing I would like to thank all who have shown their support by giving the record mention.