Below are the 17 most recent journal entries recorded in thoughtbrake's LiveJournal:

Monday, May 11th, 2009
10:31 pm	Our New Album As I write this it occurs to me that this blog actually imports to my facebook page as well...the people that know me personally but don't follow the band (as silly as that may sound) are probably going to be really confused. Maybe. I'm not sure. So it's been a hella long time since I've updated this thing. Album production came to a dead stop for a while...for a variety of reasons. But there is news to report, and I'm now going to do that as concisely as my long-winded brain allows me to. Before I say anything else I'll offer you this...the first public posting of the (tentative) track list for our new album, "Exhale"... Synapse Cocaine In My Cola Come Home James I Don't Trust Mirrors Miss Complexity Radio Quiet Like a Bomb Anastasia's Song The War* Astronaut Gun Shy Fluorescent (Once In a While) *"The War" is NOT, NOT, NOT a political statement, and was actually written pre 9/11 when I was in high school. All of the other songs were written since our last record in 2004. We plan to head back into the studio sometime this week to start putting the finishing touches on. It's mostly mixing and vocal overdubs to do at this point, but we're also working with a new guitarist named Aaron Fenstemaker. The kid can play circles around me, so I'm really excited to have him involved with this Thoughtbrake project. He's already played around with a few tracks including "Radio" and "Anastasia's Song" which has two instrumental breaks of over a minute in duration. We want to do at least an on line release of the record sometime this summer, and then we'll start looking at hard copy. Mostly I just want these songs to finally see the light of day because I'm really proud of them. Also, Myspace has allotted more room for us to upload additional streaming tracks...so look for a few new ones up there soon. Check out our single "Come Home James" if you haven't already. So that's what's up on planet TB. I hope this message finds you well, and we'll see you very soon! LoveLoveLove MAL Current Mood: creative Current Music: The Killers-"Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 6th, 2007
10:30 pm	Keep Cool My Babies... So I'm sorry I've gotten lazy with updating this thing. We've had to take a little break from working on the album for a few weeks, but when we resume next week we'll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We may or may not be increasing the final track total from eleven to twelve. I'm working on a piece that would deal with the recent tragedies at Virginia Tech. This is going to be a very artistic piece as opposed to a radio-friendly pop song. I'm not interested in using this tragedy to promote our record, but I think it's something worth delving into. God Bless the families that were ripped apart by this. I can't even begin to express my sorrow. On a happier note, yesterday was the Derby Day here in the ville. I spent the day at a family party hosted by my parents...which is the way I like it. As far as the record goes, we're about 60% done with the intended closer, "I Don't Trust Mirrors." Arranging this track was one of the bigger challenges on the record. In the end, we went with something simpler than intended, and it sounds better than I had ever hoped. After we finish this one we'll only have two songs left to go before final mixing and touch-ups. Hey, everyone go out and pick up the new Tori Amos record, and be on the lookout for the Smashing Pumpkins single "Tarantula" on the 22nd! I'll be in touch, MAL Current Mood: optimistic Current Music: The New Tori-American Doll Posse! (Comment on this)
Sunday, January 28th, 2007
8:09 pm	TB in 2007 We've basically got 8 songs done now. At least we will as soon as I add the vocals to "Radio." I'm now starting to lean toward this track as the initial single again, but we'll see what happens after we record "Cocaine In My Cola," which now has most of its lyrics finished. We've still got plenty of work to do, but I can definitly see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is going to be an amazing record...a quantum leap ahead of our first two. This one has been more challenging from a writing standpoint. When we were working on "Speak Only In Lies" songs were coming to me faster than we could record them. This time I've had to reach inside and really pull them out screaming...but sometimes those are the best ones. I really like the agression of this record, and I really like that we've just let the songs become what they will. On the first record we were deliberately progressive, and on the second we were intentionally retro. This record is the most pure representation of what Thoughtbrake is that we've ever come out with, and that excites me more than anything else. We've simply gotten closer to who were are as a band. Ryan and I will be seeing the Goo Goo Dolls for the fourth time in less than two weeks. This time it will again be at the gorgeous Palace Theater here in Louisville. I'm also looking forward to the new Smashing Pumpkins and Tori Amos records due out early this year. Hang on for a few more weeks guys. The record is coming. Peace and Love, MAL Current Mood: hopeful Current Music: Whatever shuffles onto my iPod (Comment on this)
Sunday, December 24th, 2006
12:25 pm	Deck the Halls! Sorry it's been so long... We had a marathon recording session the other night where we nailed a new song called "Come Home James." I think it's one of the best recordings we've ever done in terms of production and execution. We also recorded all but the vocals for "Sex, Drugs, etc." which has been around since the Burning Through Nowhere sesions. We did a less than stellar version of it back then, but this one that we're doing now is going to be pretty cool. It's got an energetic dance kind of beat to it, and then through in some electric guitar on top of that. Kind of a fun step in a different direction for us. We might find time to sneak away and do the vocals in between some family stuff tonight ;) I'm still anticipating getting this record out in January...so hang tight guys. And oh yeah... I hope that everyone finds themselves as blessed as we do this year. I want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas from the thoughtbrake family to yours. God Bless, MAL Current Mood: restless Current Music: Goo Goo Dolls (Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006
8:02 pm	Turkey! Hey guys, We're basically done with "Miss Complexity," and also finished an additional track called "Synapse." That one will likely be the album opener. Very energetic...somewhat different lyrical approach than I normally take. It has a very steady drum beat and a crap load of guitars swirling around. I also think this might have been my best vocal performance yet on this record despite having somewhat lost my voice at the time we recorded it. We've never recorded in the fall before...the allergies really screw with my voice. Anyway...that's all for now, but there will be more soon. and... Have a very safe and happy Thanksgiving from the Thoughtbrake family to yours! God Bless! MAL Current Mood: busy Current Music: Kill Hannah's new record (Comment on this)
Monday, October 30th, 2006
6:01 pm	Spooky Weekend So Friday night I headed up to Indiana for some recording, and I met Ryan at a Subway in a gas station to grab some food before we got to work for the night. While we were there sparks started flying from a post across the street, and the gas station lost all of it's power. We had to leave...it was pretty creepy walking across that parking lot when it was pitch black. Then we got to work. "Miss Complexity" is about 95% finished, and though we haven't done any vocals or mixing we also recorded most of the instrumentation for the new probably opening track, "Synapse." This one should be fun. So far it's been a lot less frustrating to work on than "Miss Complexity" was...but "Ms. C" has come out very nicely in the end. I stayed up in Indiana on Friday night, and then the next morning Ryan and I headed up to Wesst Lafayette, IN to watch his Purdue Boilermakers take on Penn State. Purdue lost 12-0, but it was a great trip, and we got to hang out for a bit with Ryan's brother/my cousin Craig who lives on campus at Purdue. After getting back into town I ventured to a Halloween party dressed as Howard Stern... So things are coming along nicely. I think we are nearly 50% done with the record, and I get a little bit more excited with each passing recording session. I'm stil working on a few songs, but the album is really starting to take shape now. I'm a lot less stressed about getting things done than I was at first. Anyway...I'll keep you posted. Everyone have a safe and happy Halloween, and I'll write again soon. And by the way... GO CARDS!!! BEAT WVU!!!!!!! Peace, MAL Current Mood: anxious Current Music: Tori Amos: "Boys for Pele" (Comment on this)
Wednesday, October 11th, 2006
11:22 am	A Complex Evening I'll write more later as things develop, but we got MOST of "Miss Complexity" recorded last night. This is really the first piano driven song we've ever done...but this one still moves. Tracking the drums has been more difficult than unsual do to the slightly different rhythem of the song. We're nearly ready for vocals. Other than that... I'm still writing. I've got a new one nearly done. It's called, "Jesus Loves Clean Hands." I'll explain the title later...lol. I just a few final lyrical decisions to make on that one. I'll be in touch... MAL (Comment on this)
Monday, September 18th, 2006
11:22 pm	Another song for you (and some chick named Anastasia) So we've got a third track, "Anastasia's Song," basically down. I want to give the solo another shot, but other than that we're gold. I wrote this one shortly after graduating from college in May 2005 so it isn't ne really, but I'm very excited about it. It's mostly acoustic, but it kicks up into a very loud distorted mess of electric guitar briefly near the end. Other than that, Ryan and I have full-blown college football fever. It's a great time of the year to be a football fan...and a great time to be in Thoughtbrake. We're going to have a great record for your guys in the not-so-distant future. Drop us a line...stay safe guys. Love, MAL Current Mood: anxious Current Music: Smashing Pumpkins--Adore (Comment on this)
Sunday, August 27th, 2006
12:19 am	Two Down...!!! Okay............................... We got back in the studio today, and outside of a few finishing touches we cranked out "Gun Shy" which clocks in at about 6:11 making it the longest TB song to date. We kind of went crazy with some extended solos...not something we normally do. This song kind of gives me a Tom Petty and/or Oasis vibe. Many layers of electric guitar, a distorted bass line, and our trademark vocal overdubs pretty much make this one up. By the end of our next session I hope to have at least 3 songs totally done and ready to go on the record. Also, we took some pictures, and even some short video of me recording some guitar parts may show up soon on our my space page...so definitely look out for that. It was just awesome to be back at work today and get another song under our belts. I'm becoming increasingly optimistic that we might actually get this record out by the end of the year. Other than that, I'm just ready for some college football next week. Ryan and I will both be watching games of our respective alma maters. He'll be in West Lafayette, IN for Purdue's home opener, and I'll be in Cincinnati, OH to watch my Eastern Kentucky Colonels take on the Cincinnati Bearcats. Watch out for more record news soon...I just can't explain how excited I am for everyone to hear some of this new stuff. Hoping everyone is safe and well, MAL Current Mood: artistic Current Music: A little Seether tonight (Comment on this)
Thursday, August 17th, 2006
12:14 am	New songs available While you're waiting for more significant news on the new record (and it's coming soon..I promise) we've made a few additional tracks available for download on our website. The newly available tracks are... Riot Sweet Apathy Sit and Spin This is in addition to the already available singles from the album... Strange Town Left You Behind Blue-Eyed Something Too Little, Too Late That is 7 out of the 14 tracks. All of them will eventually be available. You can still download our entire first record. In other news, according to My Space we are one of the more popular indie bands in our general geographical area based on their stats. Thanks to all of you out there who are visiting our page and helping us out in that department! Also, we have tentatively decided what the cover of the "Exhale" record is going to be...but it's not time to reveal that quite yet. I'm a year older (23 now)...but I'm still as wide-eyed and in love with this band and our music as I've been from day one. We want to get this new record out to you guys as soon as possible. Thanks, again, so much for all of the support. God Bless you all!!! MAL Current Mood: busy Current Music: Back on a Tori Amos kick (Comment on this)
Sunday, July 30th, 2006
10:38 pm	Random I just thought I'd drop a line to let you guys know we're still around. I'm trying to make myself sit down and finalize the lyrics to the (probable) album opener...a heavy rocker called "Cocaine In My Cola." Musically it's shaping up to be a really energetic song. As soon as I do I'll ad this to my list of songs that are finished and almost certain to make the record...a list that already includes... Radio Astronaut Gun Shy Anastasia's Song Miss Complexity There are a few more finshed songs that may or may not make the cut, and there are several more in various stages of development as well. I'll keep you guys posted, and please drop us a line! Peace, MAL (Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
9:51 pm	Hey, after some programming language issues I think we finally have the Lyrics/Commentary section of the official website up to date. I'd really encourage you all to check it out for the lyrics (and of course my personal thoughts) for every track from both of our albums. Just click on the image of either album cover and THEN SCROLL DOWN. You can then click on any song from that particular record. Here's the link... http://www.thoughtbrake.com/music.htm Current Mood: bored Current Music: Our Lady Peace (Comment on this)
Sunday, July 16th, 2006
10:39 pm	More songs on My Space Hey guys! We've now got two more songs avaialable on myspace (not that they weren't both on our official site already). Anyway, you can now continue to support Thoughtbrake by downloading the TB classics "Strange Town" and "Left You Behind"...both from our second record "Speak Only In Lies." Also, My Space allows us up to four songs...Ryan is thinking of adding "Too Little, Too Late" as the third song. However, if anyone out there has any strong feelings about a particular track, then let us know (leave us a reply here or, better yet, email us at tbmail@thoughtbrake.com). Hoping to get another song or two done in the next few weeks...recording should really get going full blast in August. Thanks a ton to everyone who has given our music a chance...you guys are our motivation for every song we make. Peace and love to everyone out there, MAL (Comment on this)
Thursday, July 13th, 2006
10:06 pm	It's been a while... I have no excuse for not posting for this long, but I do have good news to make up for it... THERE IS NEW THOUGHTBRAKE MUSIC!!!! We have officially kicked off the sessions for the "Exhale" record by recording a very folksy song (and likely an eventual single) called "Astronaut." I got a lot of really positive feedback on this one when I played it at a few shows last year. I guess you could say it tested well. This will be one of the lightest songs on the record...a record that will probably be a bit bi-polar in the sense that it will contain some of our hardest and softest songs to date. Please visit our NEW MYSPACE PAGE and help us get the statistical ball rolling by downloading the track (At a later date I intend to add some additional vocal overdubs...so it's not TOTALLY done yet. Here's the link... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=88139632 Let's talk about the track a bit... I wrote it on my first full day in my new dorm room during my senior year of college, it's basically about using whatever you've got to get through life. In a weird way the lyrics kind of defend those that use others...or perhaps it pities them. Either way, I feel really good about the melody and flow of the song even though it clocks in at a stingy 2:19. In terms of arrangement we're talking about a single finger-picked acoustic guitar (capo second fret) with a thumpy acoustic base and a very subtle (and VERY well done) string arrangement by Mr. Ryan Renn. In personal news, Ryan just got back for a 10 day trip to Wyoming, and I just moved (but only to a different part of the greatest city on earth). I've been playing a bit of golf this week as well. In the wake of this storm, Ryan and I did find time to catch Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows in Cincinnati last night...great show. The Dolls were very sharp. Anyway, I hope this message finds everyone well, and please drop us a line. We need a little support as we undertake the tremendous challenge of improving on "Speak Only In Lies." God Bless! MAL Current Mood: anxious Current Music: Tori Amos: Tales of a Librarian (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, February 14th, 2006
9:18 pm	Happy Saint Valentine's Day!!! So since we will clearly be invited to play some large festival tour this summer (for some reason I can't stop winking...lol)...I figured I would give all of our fans a preview of what our setlist will look like should a lucky festival gain our services for the summer... Riot Radio Bardstown Road Blue-Eyed Something Jane Nero Semi-Sweet Astronaut Bed of Nails Something Real Hypnotized Like a Cigarette Left You Behind Strange Town ENCORE Too Little, Too Late Crucify [Tori Amos] Living in Sin (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, January 17th, 2006
11:39 pm	The more you know... Well, well, well...I just wanted to mention that recently I read the book Piece by Piece by Tori Amos with journalist Ann Powers. What an insightful read for anyone interested in songwriting and/or the music industry. Tori is truly one of the most brilliant people on earth!!! Anyway, things are busy in so many different ways. I plan to put an end to this hiatus TB has been on in the very near future... Keep checking back here for more updates guys!!! Lots of love to everyone! MAL (Comment on this)
Monday, January 9th, 2006
1:42 am	Let's try something new... Hey guys! We're gonna try this LJ thing out and see how it works. Now that we've simplified the process of the band journal you can expect more updates/random rants from yours truly. Well let's get you all up to date... We had a wonderful Christmas, and then two days later Ryan got his tonsils out. I truly do feel his pain...I had mine out near the end of the recording process of our first record back in 2003. Not to worry, he's doing quite well at this point...We got to hang out a bit on Saturday night and he was talking at around 80% in my estimation. As for this little Rock and Roll band we have... We're about in the process of renovating the official site, we're getting some demos ready (record companies look out!!!), and we're in the early planning stages for our next record which is tentatively titled "Exhale." I'm starting to pick up my guitar and write some songs again. Right now I'm working through one called "Hangnail" that will hopefully be on the record when it comes out. The immediate recording future includes a quirky little acoustic tune that tested really well and some of my live shows back in the spring. It's a song called "Astronaut" and we may include it on the demo disc that we're going to send out to the record labels. Other than that I'm watching a lot of basketball. I'll be in Cincinnati, OH tomorrow to watch my Eastern Kentucky Colonels take on a tough Xavier team. So, let us know how you like the new journal format. Feel free to comment and/or drop us a line at TBmail. Happy new year and God Bless!!! Peace and Love, MAL (Comment on this)