Checkin' in

Ben Harmless · July 29th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Hey all, it's been awhile, and I've decided to (finally) come back and touch base a little - due in no small part to the urging of a couple of tdpri friends.

I've been busy. I'm working at a local public radio station, helping run it's performing arts studio. I occasionally get to mix some nice live music broadcasts, but mostly work in promotions and marketing. Desk job. Nice for stability...

I've been playing more and more. Some may remember my posting about having joined a randomly-chosen group of people to join a band for a one-month rocknroll songwriting/performance competition, which we wound up winning. We've stayed together, and we're approaching the one-year mark now. We just finished recording an EP which is sooner or later going to be coming out on 7" vinyl. We look something like this: (that's me with the sweat...)

In fact, we recently traveled slightly out of town to play, and had an absolute blast. The major upside of this is that I came home with this picture, which resulted from me handing my camera to my singer's girlfriend (Girl Shawn) and telling her that it's impossible to take a good picture of me:

I also recently completed a project that I've had in the works for literally years. I've always wanted to join the DIY amp-building club, and I finally saved up some money and pulled the trigger on the deal. It's in a temporary protective box right now, but a friend of my family is a talented woodworker who I plan to rent to help me build a nicer box. I'll post in Amp Central a little more about this.

I also recently bought a baritone. Yes, it's a baritone.

I've done a couple of mixes recently (one a live broadcast and one house audio) where people did solo ukulele numbers. It really struck me as just a perfect minimalistic accompaniment for the human voice. It's an instrument that allows a listener to focus on the song and I really like that. I got a baritone version for more range, and the fact that I can throw on a capo and have a standard uke without a problem.

Also, for some reason, I recently registered the domain http://vastglobalconspiracy.com. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but at least I've got that going for me.

So how are you guys and gals?

sean79 · July 29th, 2008, 06:52 PM

Ben. Good to see you're still kicking. Sounds like you've been busy... that random band thing still sounds pretty cool.

Tim Armstrong · July 29th, 2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Harmless

So how are you guys and gals?

Doing great until I found out that MY vast global conspiracy is now rendered redundant!

Cheers, Tim

ps- howdy, Ben!!!

woodman · July 29th, 2008, 07:05 PM

good to see ya back, man! looks like you have indeed managed to fill those empty hours. drop back in every now and then just so's we know you're still alive 'n' kickin'!

Eric Karonen · July 29th, 2008, 07:10 PM

Ben:

We're missing a few old timers! You'all come toToronto again, let us know. You're probably slamming the strings like no-how!! Are you headed to Beijing by chance, lol.

Cheers.

Eric

Paul in Colorado · July 29th, 2008, 07:23 PM

Welcome back home, Ben!

I like the Jolly Roger grill cloth!

studio1087 · July 29th, 2008, 07:23 PM

You've been busy!.....and missed around here.

Sounds like a "good" sort of busy. That's great.

Great photos. Where can we hear the band?? Is there anything on soundclick.com (or anywhere?).

Keep in touch.

John

RodeoTex · July 29th, 2008, 07:42 PM

So what do you do with your spare time?
Good to hear from you again.

Is that a Zemaitis you're up in the air with?

Ben Harmless · July 29th, 2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodeoTex

Is that a Zemaitis you're up in the air with?

Oh, heck no! You could buy six or seven of these for what a Zamaitis costs!

It's my Gretsch Historic Series "Streamliner." Actually, it shouldn't be historic, because I'm fairly sure they never made one like it before the "Historic Series" but hey... It's got humbucker sized routs with Duncan Phat Cats in 'em.

And if anyone really, desperately wants to hear the music, well, keep in mind that this was supposed to be a temporary band, and we play the punk rock, so being named "Spread 'Em!" was sort of a joke.

...And also keep in mind that we had practiced three times before our original recording...

...And keep in mind that the punk rockers often use lots of unnecessary profanity and obscenity...

...And keep in mind that I only wrote the Spread Em! theme...

So, if you dare... Spread Em! on myspace. I consider it all in bad taste, but not actually offensive.

ibobunot · July 29th, 2008, 09:03 PM

Looks like you're having a good time...

J-man · July 29th, 2008, 09:14 PM

Welcome back Ben!

Tim Armstrong · July 29th, 2008, 09:56 PM

Just checked out the MySpace, y'all are GREAT!!!!

The Megatron song has the widest stereo spread I've ever heard. The guitar on the left side sounds like it's coming from BEYOND the left speaker. How the hell did you DO that????

Too cool!

Cheers, Tim

Daddydex · July 29th, 2008, 10:04 PM

Welcome Back Ben!

Dan

Deacon Blue · July 29th, 2008, 10:51 PM

Good to hear from you. I always made it a point to read your posts. Welcome back.

Jeff

TelZilla · July 29th, 2008, 10:55 PM

PIZZA CRISIS!

That is some genius sh1t right there.

ROADMAN · July 29th, 2008, 11:09 PM

looks like life is fun Ben....keep on rockin

trag-o-caster · July 30th, 2008, 02:36 AM

Great to see ya back Ben!

"Pizza Crisis" is GREAT!

Glad to see you so involved in so many interesting things! It sure looks like you're keeping yourself busy.

Good luck with the band - you look like you're having fun!

morroben · July 30th, 2008, 02:48 AM

Good to hear from you...hope you'll be back around on a regular basis.
The band sounds great!

Mid Life Crisis · July 30th, 2008, 04:05 AM

Love Pizza Crisis! Must be a blast to see you guys live!

winny pooh · July 30th, 2008, 04:41 AM

Its good to see that things are well, don't forget to give us the lowdown on your new amp.

Big John · July 30th, 2008, 05:57 AM

Good to see you back, fit, healthy and busy too !!, don't leave it so long ...

lunchbox · July 30th, 2008, 09:46 AM

Good to see ya back!! Looks like your banding is having a blast.

Twangmeister · July 31st, 2008, 12:04 AM

You don't look Harmless to me, dude. Looks as though you're cutting a serious rock 'n roll swath through the jungle of mediocrity. Good to see you healthy and rockin'.

neocaster · July 31st, 2008, 12:14 AM

Holy s*** that's punk like they used to make it when they made it right. Where can I download Pizza Crisis? I'd rather not capture the stream, it just feels dishonest.

It's good to hear from you. Even better to hear no more tales of ill health.

toadman · July 31st, 2008, 12:25 AM

HIYA BEN!!!

July 29th, 2008, 06:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ben Harmless Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany, NY US of A Posts: 3,264 6 Photos	Checkin' in Hey all, it's been awhile, and I've decided to (finally) come back and touch base a little - due in no small part to the urging of a couple of tdpri friends. I've been busy. I'm working at a local public radio station, helping run it's performing arts studio. I occasionally get to mix some nice live music broadcasts, but mostly work in promotions and marketing. Desk job. Nice for stability... I've been playing more and more. Some may remember my posting about having joined a randomly-chosen group of people to join a band for a one-month rocknroll songwriting/performance competition, which we wound up winning. We've stayed together, and we're approaching the one-year mark now. We just finished recording an EP which is sooner or later going to be coming out on 7" vinyl. We look something like this: (that's me with the sweat...) In fact, we recently traveled slightly out of town to play, and had an absolute blast. The major upside of this is that I came home with this picture, which resulted from me handing my camera to my singer's girlfriend (Girl Shawn) and telling her that it's impossible to take a good picture of me: I also recently completed a project that I've had in the works for literally years. I've always wanted to join the DIY amp-building club, and I finally saved up some money and pulled the trigger on the deal. It's in a temporary protective box right now, but a friend of my family is a talented woodworker who I plan to rent to help me build a nicer box. I'll post in Amp Central a little more about this. I also recently bought a baritone. Yes, it's a baritone. I've done a couple of mixes recently (one a live broadcast and one house audio) where people did solo ukulele numbers. It really struck me as just a perfect minimalistic accompaniment for the human voice. It's an instrument that allows a listener to focus on the song and I really like that. I got a baritone version for more range, and the fact that I can throw on a capo and have a standard uke without a problem. Also, for some reason, I recently registered the domain http://vastglobalconspiracy.com. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but at least I've got that going for me. So how are you guys and gals? __________________ "I think I'll go for the life of sin, followed by the last-minute, presto-change-o, deathbed repentance." - B. Simpson

July 29th, 2008, 06:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,895 9 Photos	Ben. Good to see you're still kicking. Sounds like you've been busy... that random band thing still sounds pretty cool. __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.

July 29th, 2008, 07:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,958	good to see ya back, man! looks like you have indeed managed to fill those empty hours. drop back in every now and then just so's we know you're still alive 'n' kickin'! __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)

July 29th, 2008, 07:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
Eric Karonen Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 56 Posts: 1,359	Ben: We're missing a few old timers! You'all come toToronto again, let us know. You're probably slamming the strings like no-how!! Are you headed to Beijing by chance, lol. Cheers. Eric __________________ Sounds the tough horn, and twangs the quivering string. --Pope (1688-1744)

July 29th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 55 Posts: 4,330 3 Photos	Welcome back home, Ben! I like the Jolly Roger grill cloth! __________________ www.tuatha.net

July 29th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,988 36 Photos	You've been busy!.....and missed around here. Sounds like a "good" sort of busy. That's great. Great photos. Where can we hear the band?? Is there anything on soundclick.com (or anywhere?). Keep in touch. John __________________ JLG Carry On

July 29th, 2008, 07:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
RodeoTex Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,283	So what do you do with your spare time? Good to hear from you again. Is that a Zemaitis you're up in the air with? __________________ Turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose.

July 29th, 2008, 09:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
ibobunot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dullsville Posts: 3,456	Looks like you're having a good time... Last edited by ibobunot; July 29th, 2008 at 11:09 PM.

July 29th, 2008, 09:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,273 9 Photos	Welcome back Ben! __________________ Write a wise saying and your name will live forever. - Unknown "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away." - Tom Waits

July 29th, 2008, 09:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 9,654	Just checked out the MySpace, y'all are GREAT!!!! The Megatron song has the widest stereo spread I've ever heard. The guitar on the left side sounds like it's coming from BEYOND the left speaker. How the hell did you DO that???? Too cool! Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

July 29th, 2008, 10:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Daddydex Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,722	Welcome Back Ben! Dan __________________ Teles are like Mr. Potato head

July 29th, 2008, 10:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
Deacon Blue Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Waxahachie, Tx. Age: 65 Posts: 311	Good to hear from you. I always made it a point to read your posts. Welcome back. Jeff __________________ "Boomadilly wah wah bippy bopaloo la whoa!" Thurston Harris

July 29th, 2008, 10:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
TelZilla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cleveburg, USA Age: 38 Posts: 1,967 6 Photos	PIZZA CRISIS! That is some genius sh1t right there. __________________ Thanks,Nick Nec Aspera Terrent

July 29th, 2008, 11:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
ROADMAN Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: delta b.c. canada Age: 53 Posts: 1,131	looks like life is fun Ben....keep on rockin

July 30th, 2008, 02:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
trag-o-caster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Flushing, Michigan Posts: 4,572	Great to see ya back Ben! "Pizza Crisis" is GREAT! Glad to see you so involved in so many interesting things! It sure looks like you're keeping yourself busy. Good luck with the band - you look like you're having fun! __________________ Timothy Jon Lamb

July 30th, 2008, 02:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
morroben Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: california Age: 32 Posts: 1,861 18 Photos	Good to hear from you...hope you'll be back around on a regular basis. The band sounds great!

July 30th, 2008, 04:05 AM	#19 (permalink)
Mid Life Crisis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cambridge, England Age: 43 Posts: 547 6 Photos	Love Pizza Crisis! Must be a blast to see you guys live! __________________ Quiet desperation is the English way...

July 30th, 2008, 04:41 AM	#20 (permalink)
winny pooh Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South London Posts: 1,612 7 Photos	Its good to see that things are well, don't forget to give us the lowdown on your new amp. __________________ my afro ambient side project: http://www.myspace.com/theswyambusessions

July 30th, 2008, 05:57 AM	#21 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 4,690 36 Photos	Good to see you back, fit, healthy and busy too !!, don't leave it so long ... __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

July 30th, 2008, 09:46 AM	#22 (permalink)
lunchbox Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Venice, Fl Age: 39 Posts: 547	Good to see ya back!! Looks like your banding is having a blast. __________________ TWANGALICIOUS!!!!

July 31st, 2008, 12:04 AM	#23 (permalink)
Twangmeister Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lost Angeles, CA Posts: 1,246	You don't look Harmless to me, dude. Looks as though you're cutting a serious rock 'n roll swath through the jungle of mediocrity. Good to see you healthy and rockin'. __________________ "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." http://www.myspace.com/jeremendelsohn

July 31st, 2008, 12:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 35 Posts: 3,521 11 Photos	Holy s*** that's punk like they used to make it when they made it right. Where can I download Pizza Crisis? I'd rather not capture the stream, it just feels dishonest. It's good to hear from you. Even better to hear no more tales of ill health. __________________ "...You don't need faith if you know it's gonna work!" "The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."

July 31st, 2008, 12:25 AM	#25 (permalink)
toadman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: andoverandoverandover,ct Age: 45 Posts: 1,036	HIYA BEN!!! __________________ toadman the plank spanker www.slugnickel.com www.zydecohogs.com "The ultimate result of protecting man from folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spencer