Author: buck Date: Sep 4, 2008

Lovers, I've been doing some woodshedding. I've been making beats and collecting them from some friends. I put together this thing called Dirtbike. Actually - at the risk of sounding nuts or esoteric or pretentious - the project is called Dirtbike (I figure it will be an on-going endeavor) and the first piece of it is called Lettersongs (Different Kinds of Dirt). I don't really even understand it myself. Anyhow, it's a new project. It's kind of an album. It's one very long piece and in many ways it's a lot like the original versions of Vertex and Man Overboard. It's an hour and ten minutes long and is very lo-fi (sounds like crap). This is just something I did on my own time for fun - like I said: woodshedding. But I didn't work alone. My old friend and collaborator Jorun contributed an amazing beat that Moka Only raps on. Moka also contributed a beat for a part that was inspired by Vivienne Westwood's Active Resistance Manifesto. There's a "hook" in the song that goes "take action...". I also had input and added production or instrumentation from: Buddy Peace, Emily Wells, Tom Inhaler, D-Styles, Skratch Bastid, Andrew Glencross and Serafina Steer. Oh yeah, and Doseone raps on a part - yes, raps. There's a "song" about Fatty Arbuckle, one about St. Anthony the Great, one about La Golue who was featured in many Toulouse Lautrec paintings. There's also a cover of a weird French song (in English) from the late '70's (maybe 1980). Anyhow, it's a very strange, experimental, un-commercial project. I made it for my own perverted pleasures and never considered for a second that it might be a proper release. I gave a few copies to friends and that's all I ever planned for it. Well, I tell you about all this because it's out there. If you're interested in hearing it, I don't think you'd have to search on the internet very long or hard to find it. The key word is Dirtbike1/3. Before I put it together I felt as though I was sitting on around four hours worth or material of the same sort that I now plan to complete before the end of October. So there may be more of this kind of thing to come - soon. I'm also working on the "proper" follow-up to "Situation" and the Bike For Three! album will be out in January. That's all. Hope you're good. Buck

Author: Buck Date: Jun 18, 2008

Lovers, So, I guess that word is out. I've accepted a big job offer from the CBC here in Canada. And starting in September, I will be on national radio - live - everyday. It's a big step. Deciding to do this has been the biggest decision I've had to make in my life so far. It's a really big deal. I labored over the decision for many days and sleepless nights. So the biggest changes that I'm now facing in my day-to-day life stack up like this: - a daily routine, i.e. regular hours. (weird!) - very little touring. - a salary. - full social benefits. (yes! And for my girlfriend too!) So I won't be sleeping in until 1:00 in the afternoon anymore. I'll be a morning person from now on! It's impossible to say, of course, what this will do to/for Buck 65. But right now, I'm seeing it entirely as a positive. As I've mentioned, I'm working on tons of new music right now and the Bike For Three! album is finished and should be out early in the new year. I can't help but think that the knowledge that I have a certain measure of security in my life (that I've never had before - ever), will create shift in my overall state of mind that will reflect positively on my work. Freedom! You know? I kinda feel like my career could be akin to that of Hieronymus Bosch now, which is exciting (if you know what I mean). So we'll see how it goes! It's going to be a learning experience, for certain. I love radio and have always seen it as my dream job. I had my own college radio show for 11 years and I loved every minute of it. And basically, on the program I'll be hosting, I'll be playing music and telling stories! My two favorite things! I'm sure I'll have the chance to be exposed to and educated by lots and lots of new music and musicians from all over the world everyday. This job promises to allow me to grow a lot. Let me also tell you that although I know I'll be well prepared when I hit the air and I'm very excited, I'm also very nervous. I want it to be great. And I know there will be a lot of scrutiny because this is part of some big changes at the CBC. The format of my time-slot is changing pretty much completely. It's all quite big news here in Canada. So I'll keep you up to date on that. This doesn't mean that I won't be seeing all you beautiful people in countries outside Canada anymore. But it might mean I'll be coming around a little less frequently - which means it will be all the more special for us. I kinda like that. I'll miss you though (sniff!). This brings me to another point. The eBay enterprise... See, before the job offer came along, I was already looking at a some time off the road, having just finished a world tour and turning my attention to a new record (or two or three or four). I was honestly a little stressed about financial outlook for the next bunch of months and was looking for a way to supplement my income. Now that I can look forward to a regular paycheck coming in, it's not so much of a concern. However, this process has been a lot of fun, very successful and super-interesting. Plus, I think it's a great way to make a meaningful, personalized and unique connection with you (my audience). It should be obvious by now that the nature of the music business is changing drastically. People's expectations are completely different now. The value of music is a huge debate, but the bottom line is, people now need and want something special. Something unique. One-of-a-kind items are the only commodity left these days that has real value in this age of easy, rapid and unstoppable file sharing. Touring is becoming increasingly difficult and demanding, plus the market is becoming flooded. There's extremely high competition for the ticket-buying dollar. So given the new realities (whether we like them or not), what can an artist/musician/whatever give to his or her following that is truly meaningful and makes them feel valued and important? I think this sort of plan is pretty much the only way to go. So I guess what I'm saying is that this is something I would like to continue to do. But not so much for what you can do for me, but for what I can do for you. The old ways just aren't cutting it like they used to. I want to give you something you can't download or see on Youtube, basically. I hope that makes sense. So we'll see how that goes too. That's the update. Big things happening in my weird world. It's exciting and scary. We'll figure it all out together. And you can count on me continuing to keep you up to date here. And be on the look-out for some new music very soon (this summer, even). OK. Kisses, buck

Author: buck Date: Jun 17, 2008

Lovers, It's time to put another item up for bids on eBay. For this next one I'm going to get swivey. I won't be doing this often, but perhaps once in a while... So what I'm going to do is offer up an insanely rare piece of my music. So I'm offering up the first thing I ever put out on vinyl. In fact, this is only the second thing I ever released solo (there were a few little things with my old group, Haltown Projex before that). It's the 'Stolen Bass' 7" that came out on Murderecords back in 1994 (recorded in '93). The a-side is a song called 'Who You Frontin' For?' and the b-side is called 'Chin Music'. On the cover is a ridiculous photo of me with an insanely long beard. On the back is a photo of a mock crime scene of sorts. It's all very silly. In fact, it borders on embarrassing, but it is an important part of my history. There might be a few things like this floating around places like stolenbass.com, but the difference here is that this one comes from my own private stash. This thing is crazy-rare. It went out of print long, long ago (I think there was only ever one pressing, so I guess it went out of print later the same year it came out - 14 years ago!). I'm about to post it up after I write this, so it'll be up shortly. Look for Buck 65's Stolen Bass 7" or something to that effect. You'll find it. I think I mentioned this here before, but there is definitely a much more piece of Buck 65 vinyl out there. After Square came out in 2000, or whatever, we planned to release a 7" single for the song Phil. We got test pressings, but then for one reason or another (I probably ran out of money), it was never made. So all that exists is the test pressings. I have two of them. There might be another one out there somewhere, but I'm not sure. Anyway! More big news soon. hug, Buck

Author: buck Date: Jun 3, 2008

Lovers, Good news: we recovered the tapes that were stolen a few weeks ago! So we're forging ahead with the DVD and it's going to be amazing. We have lots of big ideas. Tonight I'm going to post a new item for the eBay enterprise. This time it's going to be the vinyl I've used on stage every night for the last two years. It's a scratch record, meaning it just has a bunch of sounds on it that I use in my songs... to scratch. You know. The record is beat up and the cover of it is covered with backstage passes from all-over the world. People have asked me to sell it a million times and now that my world tour is done and the record is on it's last legs, I figure, 'why not?' You could probably go out and find this same record, but this one is special. I caressed it every night, month after month. I also sweated all over it many nights. This thing is seasoned. It has marinated in my human funk. It's gross... Anyhow, just search 'Buck 65 stage vinyl' and you should find it. People have been asking quite a bit why I'm selling my stuff. The truth is, I like to keep a personal connection with people who like what I do as much as I can, but I also need the money. I know it's depressing, but it's true. I'm telling you kids, it's getting harder and harder to make a living in this business. So help if you can. I just got back from China and it was the most amazing trip I've ever made. It was my first time there. I loved it so much. I can't recommend it enough. I bought a camera while I was there (you can find anything there for dirt cheap), so I'll finally have some new photos for the site shortly. It would be really hard to pick a very favorite moment or part of the trip, but here's a few highlights: - conquering the Great Wall. - the 798 neighborhood. - The Dirt Market. - Seeing Mao. - The Forbidden City. - The Temple of Heaven. - visiting a genuine Chinese massage parlour. - insanely cute babies everywhere. - everyone was really friendly and nice. - generally speaking Chinese people are really funny and silly. - robots! - pandas! - eating dangerous things! - my girlfriend held a monkey (and rode a camel). - berzerk modern architecture/engineering feats. - I saw a guy wearing a t-shirt that said "mind on the afro" on it. I could go on and on. But believe me, I can't wait to go back. It was an incredible learning experience. I have an idea for an album that I will try to finish this summer that I believe is completely new and even downright revolutionary. Stay tuned for that. I can't even believe I thought of it. OK. Let's all make art! kisses, buck

Author: buck Date: May 25, 2008

Lovers, The eBay enterprise is off to a wonderful start. The next item up for bids hits the market tonight! This time it's the baseball uniform I wore in the 463 video. It comes with jersey, pants, and hat. The whole shmear, as they say. Search 'Buck 65 baseball uniform' and you'll find it. Join the team! Ha. Today I reached an important milestone. As I imported the Steady B. album 'What's My Name' into my iTunes, I passed the 10,000 songs mark. I don't know why, but I got real excited about this. I don't know why, exactly. I have around 50,000 records in my collection, but there's something about big, round numbers that I like. I'm plowing away on the next Buck 65 album and I now have 38 songs ready to go. That's a lot of songs. And I don't mind telling you it's all killer stuff. I'm going nuts. No holds barred. Tomorrow I'm going to China. Talk soon. Buck

Author: buck Date: May 17, 2008

Lovers, A week or two ago I mentioned my idea of creating a little eBay enterprise. Remember? Well, the first item is up for bids. It's a pair of shoes with a lot of history behind 'em. I'll probably throw in a few other little odds and ends for whoever takes 'em home. If you search my name and maybe add the words "shoes" and "Glastonbury", you'll surely find the posting. In other news, the other day I realized I'm a bigger Ice-T fan than I had ever considered before. It also occured to me that the Souls of Mischief album '93 'til Infinity' is perhaps of underestimated influence and importance. Gotta blow my nose... buck

Author: buck Date: May 9, 2008

Lovers, I woke up this morning feeling really good about having had a great show last night in Victoria, BC (Canada) and having just one last show to go to wrap up a very long world tour. Then I got the news... I was robbed last night. I'm travelling with a crew right now. We've been filming for a dvd (as I mentioned in my last post). Well, last night cameras, batteries and tapes were stolen (among other things). As far as what we had shot for the dvd goes, we lost just about everything. And what really hurts is that I have been spending a lot of money on this tour to put together something really special. I'm proud of the production we've put together, but it has meant that the tour wasn't going to make much money. Now to have something like this happen is a real blow - not only to morale and the whole project, but also the pockets. It's depressing. Of course, it's a little extra hard to take when this happens when you invite someone into your house, so to speak. This isn't a random act where the perpetrator and victim are strangers to each other. In a case like that, it stinks, but you don't take it personally. But presumably, this was done by someone who should be on my side. Right? I could go off on a tangent at this point, but I won't. I've said all I'm going to say about this kind of thing. Anyway, I'm not writing this to complain. I'm really hoping we can get the stuff back - especially the tapes. We just want to make a great dvd. It's not that we don't want people to have the stuff. We do! We just want it to be great. We're offering a reward. If anyone knows anything at all, please get in touch. Buck

Author: buck Date: May 9, 2008

Lovers!! By the way... Refering to the previous post and the theft, it would be a tremendous help to us if you could send in any footage and/or photos you've taken at the shows. We'll use it in the DVD! How's that sound? Contact information for my managers (the best place to send things to) can be found on this website. Thanks. Hope to hear from you. buck

Author: buck Date: Apr 28, 2008

Lovers, For the better part of the last ten years of my life or so, I've been kinda drifting around. Living here and there, never anywhere for too long a period of time. A few times I moved to new cities thinking I'd be there long term, but it never really worked out that way. What that's meant is that my personal belongings have been scattered and left behind. And while it's quite nice to be unburdened and all, it's also a little sad sometimes too. Well, recently, for the first time in ages, I'm feeling settled somewhere. And as that's happened, I've been able to slowly start collecting my stuff again. And in the last few weeks in particular I've been able to open up lots of boxes and blow the dust off a lot of books. This is exciting for me personally, for obvious reasons, but it's also good news for the world of Buck 65. First of all, I'm finding lots and lots and lots of lost music. Most of it is quite old and on archaic formats like DAT tapes and cassettes. But I'm starting the process of going through this stuff and compiling it. So hopefully I'll be able to share some of this stuff with you soon. I'm also finding lots of thrilling artifacts. Through this process in the last few days, I've thrown lots of crap in the trash. As I've said before, I've always been something of a packrat (I prefer archivist). Some of the stuff was garbage in the truest sense of the word. It's amazing what I thought was worth keeping in many cases. But some of the stuff is kinda interesting... For example, I've found all my medical records going back to when I was a sickly baby. Obviously I'm not going to throw that kind of thing away. But I've also found things like the baseball uniform I wore in the 463 video, the shot list for the Feist video, the shoes I was wearing at the Glastonbury festival four years ago (still covered in mud), or the four track recorder with which I made Vertex. What to with stuff like this? Well, lovers, I'm thinking I might start an eBay account and start offering some of this stuff up. Spread the word and keep your eyes peeled. I'll keep you informed here. But I will probably start trying to sell some primo goods in the coming weeks and months. In other news, the Canadian tour is going quite well. Fun is being had. Last week I played with Symphony Nova Scotia back in Halifax. That was beyond heavy. I know nothing could beat being there, but I can tell you that the CBC recorded it, so hopefully you'll be able to hear the performance soon. Also, we're doing lots of filming during this tour for a music video and a dvd. So come on out and put on your best face. We're trying to figure out all the business of getting the Bike For Three! album out. It's the part of the process that is the least fun. It stresses me out. I had a little freak-out about it last week, but don't worry about that. I think my track for the Johnny Cash record is done and ready to go. I'm about to go to work on scoring another film (sorta). It's a Hollywood affair this time. I forget if I mentioned this before or not, but I've realized that the music work I'm doing now is enough for several albums, not just one. I figure it's at least three album's worth. Maybe as much as five. So I just need to figure out what to do with it all... So look alive and keep an ear to the tracks. Long train coming. Bear hug, buck

Author: buck Date: Apr 18, 2008

Lovers, Hi. I'm in the city where I was born right now: Halifax. Tonight (in just a few hours, in fact) I play with a symphony. I'm terrified. But I really want it to be great. No more Bike For Three. After the show in St. John's, Newfoundland, I got one of the loudest, longest ovations I ever heard. That was a crazy feeling. Most of the time with music, the work instantly becomes a consumer product - something that's for sale and taken out of the artist's hands. It's not always like that with most kinds of art. And sometimes I think that's too bad. My favorite movie store in the world burned down. So did Deyrolle in Paris: my very favorite place in the world - period. Double-whammy. I really like to hang out with babies. I've been spending time with my two year old niece this week and it's really nice. She's so amazing. My sister might be worried I'm turning her into a weirdo. Things tend to get very silly. All I really need now is a good microphone. I saw Al Tuck walking down the street yesterday. I'm going to cut my hair now. Be good. Buck

Author: buck Date: Mar 22, 2008

Lovers, I'm in scrappy ole Liverpool right now. I've holed myself up in a too-expensive hotel. I don't want to go out. Yesterday I ordered room service and finished the last of the vocals for the Bike For Three! album. It will be done very soon now. Alls we have to do is find someone to put it out. We've posted a new song called First Embrace on our myspace page. Give it a listen. I quite like that one... The other day, in a different hotel, I saw something I never saw before. The bathroom had two toilet paper holders, one next to the other, with two different kinds of toilet paper! They gave you a choice! They were really different from each other too! Heidelberg, Germany is the most beautiful place I've ever been. I realized that in Helsinki I accidently sold a t-shirt that I wore when I ran out of clean clothes. So someone out there has my stink. I played in a cave on a miserable night in Bergen, Norway. A real cave. I'm also hard at work on the next Buck 65 album. I got about 16 songs ready to go and a whole bunch more almost ready. This record will be a lot like Vertex in it's format, so I'll be packing in lots of stuff. I'm producing this one myself (first time in a long while) and it's shaping up to be very dirty. I guess the plan is to make a proper dvd this summer. Did you see the Dang video? It's pretty bonkers, I think. I've been carrying a heavy load all over Europe and now I feel like I have the biggest muscles I ever had in my life. It's rediculous. Better go. Buck

Author: buck Date: Feb 20, 2008

Lovers, Holy crap! I'm playing with the Dirty Three tonight! Bike For Three! is getting close to being finished and I'm making major head-way on my next album as well. I'm working like a maniac every day. I lost my very expensive camera. C'est triste. Helsinki here I come! buck

Author: buck Date: Jan 20, 2008

Lovers, I'm here. I'm going to try as hard as I can to finish the Bike For Three! album this week. Then I'm going to get started on the next album, for which, I have pretty much all my ideas together. I just saw Herzog's Rescue Dawn and it's amazing. List-worthy. I'm out of touch and up to my neck. Don't be upset. I'm close. I had a great-great trip to Australia. The trip had it all. The tour was a success. In Sydney, I played a festival under the effects of sun stroke. I don't remember the show at all. I think it was a disaster. I didn't want to cancel. I just want to say that even though I know the music business is in a big mess and a lot of trouble right now, my own personal experience with Warner has been nothing but great for the five years I've been with them so far. And look at the four albums they've released of mine so far! Not exactly pop-top-ten-cover-of-rolling-stone type stuff. I still can't believe I got signed on the strength of a record like Square for cryin' out loud! It's kinda incredible. They've been really good to me and have believed in me without question from the start. Is anyone else bored? I might explode. I hope it happens on record. Paris, I'm coming back to you. Not forever. Have you heard the Buddy Peace mega-mix thing on the URB site? I think it's bonkers. I wanna get it up here on my site soon too. I love it. I'm not so good at building Ikea furniture. I heard my Cribs episode ran. I'm a little worried that editing might make my place look nicer than it is. I hope they showed the piles of garbage. My place is a dump. But they ran it! I don't know if it will prove anything or not. Am I always out to prove something? I need to think... I'm finally getting into Germany for some touring soon. I'm psyched. I'm also going to Finland! Exciting. I gotta go. I'll try not to be away so long next time. buck

Author: buck Date: Dec 6, 2007

Lovers, I'm in Rennes, which is in the Brittany region of France, if you don't know. I'm here attending a festival called Transmusicales. All week I'm playing with Tunng in collaboration. It's going great. But I can't sleep. I'm crazy jet-lagged having travelled here from Portland, Oregon, where the US tour ended (and where we had a killer show, by the way). Right now it's almost 4am. I haven't slept in days and I'm WIDE awake. I'm crazy-tired. I feel like I weigh 500 pounds. But my body just won't let me sleep. I'm going insane. I'm also really excited about some things and so I can't clear my mind enough to make room for sleep and dreams anyway... Rennes is a pretty town and Tunng is a great band. I wish you could be here. But going back to the US tour for a minute, before the show in Omaha, Nebraska, I was talking to a guy who (if I remember correctly) said he drove down from Kansas City. He offered me an orange but I had just finished eating a banana. And for as much as I love the orange-banana combination, I just wasn't ready. Then he gave me a dictionary and a cd of his music. Written on the cd it said "Naming Secrets" and there was a message wishing me safety on my adventures. This cd is the best thing I've ever heard in my life. If the guy who gave it to me reads this or hears about it, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. And if anyone knows anything about this mysterious, magical man, PLEASE LET ME KNOW... Geeze. What else? I don't know... I'm too demented right now to think right. I'll be back soon with some ideas. buck

Author: buck Date: Nov 24, 2007

Lovers, - The US leg of the International Situation tour is cursed. It's too much insanity to even attempt to explain, but a few nights ago the van got broken into and we got robbed. But heads down, we trudge forward. - In the last few days I have seen many, many dead animals. - I might be doing something special early in the evening at the show in Boulder on Tuesday night. Come on out. - We're about to announce a ton of dates for the touring around the world. I'll be visiting many new places. I'm excited. I'll be bringing love with me. - Soon I return to Paris. Few things make me more sick than the sexual objectification of women. - I'm trying to read the biography of Klaus Kinski. Trying. - I'm excited about the holidays this year. It's crazy. - I wonder how Feist is doing... - I'm in Omaha right now. - There was chaos in Chicago. - Ego! Ugh! Bye... buck

Author: buck Date: Nov 13, 2007

Lovers, I'm writing you from The Big O, Orlando - out by the airport. The International Situation Tour is in full-swing. The going is tough at times. I've cried hard and laughed until I cried again. - I just updated the film list. Finally. I've been promising to do that forever now. The list has a new open format. I'm not going to limit it to 200. It's no longer in chronological order too. Maybe one day I'll fix that. But I wanted to make it easier to add to. So now, if a film is "list worthy" it gets added - simple as that. But I've decided to be more strict about what makes it. This may be another way to say it's snobbier now. So now, no matter how important a film may be, if it's shlocky or some kind of guilty pleasure, or a childhood thing, it won't make it. So no Star Wars, for example... - The highlight of the tour so far has probably been San Francisco, with LA close behind. However, the performance of The Centaur in Boston really felt like a career moment... I'm also really psyched about the merch on this tour. It's great stuff. I really love it myself. I think this time around we're going to make extra efforts to make the stuff available for sale online. My favorite items are the hoodies (my first hoodie!), the dope-ass posters, and the pin (badge) packs. - Big Handsome saw a ghost in Baton Rouge. - I saw a spectacular shooting star in Boston. - I'm ready to make music for films. - My next three albums are beginning to come into focus. - I'm sad about the end of Electrelane. - The whole plan for the European touring is coming together. It all gets started in February and I'll be pretty much going everywhere. It's an adult portion. - My back aches. buck

Author: buck Date: Oct 29, 2007

Lovers, - I have Twin Peaks fever all over again. - R-R-Reykjavik was amazing. Weird. Fantasic. Very 80's. The music scene there is so strong and it seems it always has been. It must be something in the water (sulfur? farts?). - The US tour starts tomorrow. Skratch Bastid and I have been rehersing and we have enough ideas for five tours, at least. It's going to be good. Tonight I have to figure out what I need to survive for three months away from home and put it all into the smallest bag possible. Luckily, I need almost nothing. I really hope to see lots of faces at the New York show at the Bowery Ballroom. It's one of my favorite places to play. I love New York. It's a place that still feels like home to me and it will be again soon. Come see me, New York! I have treats! Dallas! Philly! Detroit! Come on out! Virginia! I made you a promise. Let's go to work! As for the rest of you, I know I can count on you. Boulder/Denver - you're my new home. Come gimme a hug. It'll be nice. Family... We got some nice merch items for you to have a gander at too. And be sure to come say 'hi' and give your love to the incredible 'Big Handsome'... - Updated lists for the site are just about ready to go. New rules. I'm excited. I don't know why. - I'm sad the Rockies went so quietly in the World Series. They fell asleep. They're a better team than that. I still believe in them. But I can't take anything away from the Red Sox and their billion dollar payroll. - I've decided that Robert Bresson is one of my favorite directors of all time. Also, Edward G. Robinson is one of my favorite actors. - Oh yeah! The record comes out tomorrow (or today, depending where you are) (Oct. 29/30)! I hope you like it. Please let me know what you think. I heard it leaked and was on Oink and that the download numbers were staggering. I'll take that as some kind of mark of success. - I was excited to hear about a new Sasquatch sighting. But the scientific community is saying it's just a bear with a severe case of mange, which is almost just as awesome. Mangey bear... - I better get back to rehersing. I'll be checking in on the road. Watch out for some new content here. I won't twist your arm, but I'd really appreciate your support on Situation. Give it a look. Thanks in advance... Hug, buck

Author: buck Date: Oct 16, 2007

Lovers, - Two things I love: paper towel and the smell of Fruit Loops. - Go Rockies! - When we sent out promo copies of Situation to the press, the record was incomplete. The version that will be sold will be different - extra material. We had legal hold-ups. - Here's the track-list (I think): Intro 1957 Dang Ho-Boys Lipstck Shutterbuggin' Spread 'Em The Rebel Way Back When Copshades The Beatific Mr. Nobody Benz Heatwave The Outskirts Whitebread (maybe a bonus song) This record was mastered by Bob Ludwig again and it sounds monsterous. - I just watched the Townes Van Zandt film Be Here To Love Me again and I cried again. - The website will be overhauled with a new look for you to see shortly and there will be new goodies for you. - My two biggest influences on my vocal delivery are Billie Holiday and MC Eiht from Compton's Most Wanted. I'd say the biggest influences on the way I perform on stage are Jacques Brel and the paintings of Egon Shiele. - I love Emily. - The Magik Markers album is great. Boss. - The last two great, list-worthy films I've seen are Mirror and The Hitch-Hiker. I'll probably add Detour too. I re-making the 200 list right now... - The Bike For Three! album will be done very soon and I've put the wheels in motion for my next album after that as well. I can see it in my head. - The US tour starts in a few weeks. Then I'll be going to France to do something very special for the Transmusicales festival. Then I go to Australia for a rather extensive visit. Then I have extensive German, French and UK tours lined up. Then more Europe and Canada. Dates will be posted in the coming weeks. - I think some of the best songs I made yet are on Dirtywork. The ones I like best are pretty much never the most popular. That's ok. There's a big difference between my favorite songs I've written and my favorite ones to play live... - I got work to do. See you soon, buck

Author: buck Date: Sep 17, 2007

Hello Lovers, I'm returning to the land of the free (the great, big USA) for another tour in support the release of the new album, Situation, coming out in that neck of the woods on Sage Francis' Strange Famous Records. Take a look at the dates. I hope to see you. I'm getting around as best I can. A few more dates will be added over the next few weeks, so if you don't see your town, hold tight. As well, I'll be coming back yet again in the new year and will be visiting towns that I won't get to make it to this time around. I'm really excited for this tour. I'm excited to play the new material for you. Having said all that, I have one enormous regret that I want to acknowledge right now... Everyone in my camp (all great, hard-working people) did everything humanly possible to pull things together and to try to find shows in all my favorite and most important cities. But we ran into a few problems. Part of the problem is that the tour is happening during high touring season and sometimes finding a place to play was impossible. Trust me, we tried everything. So it kills me to say this, but we weren't able to set up a show in Albuquerque. Of all places... Albuquerque! Ugh!!! We tried everything and it just wasn't possible. The venues just weren't available. But I need you to know how important it is to me to get there. So I promise that I will arrange for something very special there, as a separate event outside the tour as soon as I can get a room. It really breaks my heart that I won't be coming on this tour, but I swear, I'll see you soon. It's a high priority for me... So that's it. Take a look. Keep an eye open. Come see me soon. I can't wait. Buck

Author: buck Date: Aug 31, 2007

Lovers, I'm writing from Denver, which is becoming something of a second home for me. I'm happy. Things are getting very close for the new record. Singles will be dropping in September, we're busy planning special things for pre-orders and deluxe editions, and I'm getting rolling with the press. It all makes me a little nervous. But it's exciting! Also, the touring schedule for the next several months is all being plotted out now. Keep an eye open for some announcements in the next while. Maybe this is getting a little ahead of things here, but the Bike For Three! album is close to being done and the wheels are already turning on setting up a relase for that as well. I'm psyched. I can't wait for you to hear it. If you haven't checked us out yet, take a look at out myspace page. Hopefully this is ok to talk about, but I'm working on some material with Tagaq right now as well. It will be for her record, when the time comes (which should be fairly soon). I hope I make the cut! One of the songs is one of the prettiest things I've ever done, I think. I want to go back to Moscow. Congrats to Skratch Bastid for winning the Scribble Jam dj battle this year. Excitement! Big things, buck

Author: buck Date: Aug 18, 2007

Lovers, There is beauty in my life. Again. So, the Cribs episode was filmed yesterday. I didn't want to say this before, because I didn't want to scare them off and blow what I thought could be an interesting opportunity: I live in a dump. When I first mentioned that this was going to happen, I was amazed at how many people jumped to the conclusion that I must live in a mansion. How the heck would that even be possible?! People must have some crazy ideas about my career and the music business in general. Have you ever looked up the record sales figures for your favorite band (assuming that's not Nickleback or something)? Go ahead, look mine up. Measly. I was brought up humbly. I wore shoes held together with tape. I paid my own way through school. The only thing I've ever inherited from my family was my grandfather's swiss army knife. The only record I have made so far that has made any money has been Synesthesia and that was $2000. Think about that. I eat Ramen noodles for most of my meals. Now don't get me wrong, I love my job. It has lots of rewards outside of money. I see the world (I have to pay for the trips, but nevertheless...). I have adventures. I meet people. It's never, ever boring. I'm not stuck in an office. I don't have to do math. I don't have to cut my hair. I don't consider myself lucky though. I worked my ass off for a long time to get to this point. I think people assume that someone is rich if they ever see that person on tv or in a magazine. But that doesn't really mean anything. There's a system. A game. It's a PUBLICIST'S JOB to get people (including bums like me) into the magazines and stuff. It's as simple as that. Sometimes people who don't even do anything hire a publicist because they want to be famous - Paris Hilton is the most obvious example of that... For the record - as a reminder - I don't want to be famous. I want to make some good songs. I don't need to be rich either. Everyone seems to be really afraid of being poor, but I don't mind it at all. Anyway, I saw doing the Cribs thing as an opportunity to send a good message out there. I really want people to see what the realities are like. I know people who sell a lot more records than I do who still hold down regular jobs... ...Which reminds me. Thanks to all the people who got in touch offering jobs after I mentioned I was looking for one. That's amazing! A lot of the offers have been really interesting - everything from painting houses, to roofing, to farm-handing... I called one person back today. Fingers crossed. One last thing - I don't want you to think that I think you're a bad person if you download music (illegally). I've done it myself. I've heard from lots of people who've told me stories of downloading my stuff, but who've offered for me to stay in their house when I'm in their town. Real generosity. I appreciate that. And I know that times are tough. Heck, a check for ten bucks even showed up in the mail the other day from someone who downloaded something. They said they didn't have the money at the time, but when they had it, they passed it along. Incredible. Maybe that's how the world should work... I don't know. That's all for just now. buck

Author: buck Date: Aug 14, 2007

Lovers, Quick note: - Some people seem to have found irony in my speaking of money woes coupled with the news that I'll be filming an episode of MTV Cribs this week. Please, please, please don't pass any kind of media-brainwashed judgements until you see the episode. If you expect my house to look like Elton John's, you're sadly mistaken. - Inland Empire out on DVD today!!! Backflip! That's all for now. buck

Author: buck Date: Aug 12, 2007

Lovers, - I want to announce that I have found happiness in my life that has been missing for some time now. I'm feeling good. - Yesterday I saw Mary Margaret O'Hara. She walked past me. She looked amazing. She told me she loved me. I blushed. Gosh. - My little myspace posting about the idea of getting a job sure seems to have upset a lot of people. I think it has been misunderstood and taken for complaining. I'm not complaining. I just need to pay the rent, like anyone else. No complaints. - If you want to be famous, hire a publicist - that's what they do. - I think less people read this than my myspace blog. Just a theory. I can't get feedback here like I can over there. I also still believe that I'm one of the most downloaded "musicians" out there. That's another theory I have. And I also still believe I may have played in the wrong place when I was in Ostersund, Sweden. Classic. - I need a bad haircut. - Gotta go. Life is great. I don't care if I ain't rich. I'll make music forever and ever. buck

Author: buck Date: Jul 31, 2007

Lovers, I'm writing you from Paris now. It's weird being back here. It feels mixed up. But I like this new bicycle program the city is trying. Brilliant. This is a crazy week already for the world of cinema. Two giants - including the director of my favorite film of all time - have passed: Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonioni. It's a sad time. But also a time for celebration. Both lived long lives and leave behind incredible legacies. I suggest you watch Persona by Bergman and L'Avventura by Antonioni this week. I'm in a profession that requires a lot of competing for attention, which really isn't in my bones. It's so weird to me. It's just not in my nature. A lot of people seem to have taken my last letter for some kind of announcement of my quitting music. That's not what I said, and it's just not the case. I might need to get a regular job to make some extra money to survive, but that doesn't mean I'll quit music. I can do both. And I will... That's all for right now. I'm going to walk along the river with a baguette... buck

Author: buck Date: Jul 29, 2007

Lovers, Jenna is ok. My other friends are getting help. I had one of the weirdest shows of my life in Ostersund, Sweden the other night. Hard to explain. And I've never seen so many pretty people in my life: girls, boys, kids, old folks. Cripes. Last night I watched the film Tales of Ordinary Madness. It was directed by Marco Ferreri back in 1981 and it stars the great Ben Gazzara. The film is based loosely on Charles Bukowski and his writing (he wrote a book of the same name). I read that Bukowski hated this film and I can understand why. As someone who's read just about everything he ever wrote and as a big fan, I agree that it's not a very accurate reflection. But that aside, I quite liked it as a film. If it was never passed off as a Bukowski-related story, I'd still have liked it. I don't love it. But it's filmed nicely. Gazzara is great as usual. The story is good. There are some great moments. I think this film can be hard to find, but if you have the chance, it's worth a look. I wish I wasn't addicted to chocolate. I watched a documentary this morning about the chocolate trade in Africa and it's a terrible, sad situation. I want to do my part, by not participating in the trade, but I worry that I'm hopelessly hooked. I wonder if my brain and heart can conquer my stomache... Lately I've been considering the idea of getting a regular job. I'm just considering it. Why? Well, I have given up on the idea of making money off records. It's hopeless now. I hope soon to cut it out altogether - I'll just give music away (that will likely mean not manufacturing a physical product anymore). People don't want to pay for music anymore anyway (collectors, don't fool yourselves - your numbers are way smaller than you like to think). Some say that the real money in the music business is in publishing. But what that means, is that a bottomless well of musicians are all fighting for the same 10, 15, 30 seconds of a tv commercial or film. And ring tones? Pass... A few days ago I said something about selling t-shirts on my myspace blog. But I recieved a message from someone right away telling me that they had actually downloaded a t-shirt. Mind-blowing... So what that leaves is touring. Playing shows is the only reliable way for a musician to make a living. But at what cost? For someone like me to actually make a living off touring, I have to do it almost constantly. And while touring and having adventures can be fun, you must give up on the idea of having a real life. That's a hefty price. Not to mention the toll touring takes on one's body. I'd still like to do some touring (enough so that I'm not killing myself). But ideally I could find some kind of job (I'm not qualified to do much) that would offer me a half decent wage and a little flexibility, so that I can get away for a few weeks out of the year. It's just a thought. But if anyone wants to give me a job (I'll consider just about anything), get in touch. I'll make music for as long as I live. But making a living as a musician is quickly becoming an impossibility. I wonder if in the near future in popular culture we'll continue to idolize rock stars if they are are poor people, who work in grocery stores, but write great songs and have cool haircuts... That would be interesting. I can't think of many examples of times when our cultural heroes haven't been provided some wealth as a result of our worship. Thinking out loud, buck

Author: buck Date: Jul 26, 2007

Lovers, I wasn't sure before, but I was just informed that only 250 copies of the Dirk Thornton 7" were made. So if you got one, lucky you. They're all gone now. But we are talking about doing another one soon. We might make Dirk Thornton a 7" only project. I kinda like that idea. I'm in Copenhagen right now - where everyone looks good and the chicken is free. All my new photos were taken by my friend Jenna. Jenna has vanished. I'm worried. She went off to Spain to work as a model back in February and I haven't heard from her since. Her myspace page hasn't been updated in months. She hasn't returned any calls or messages. I sure hope she's ok. Geeze. I have other friends in trouble. I bought 6 dvds at an amazing shop in Dublin yesterday: - La Souffle - Tales of Ordinary Madness - Fear Eats The Soul - Mirror - Two Or Three Things I Know About Her... - L'Armée Des Ombres Good ones. 1957 changed everything. Ghislain Poirier has made a dynamite remix of Way Back When - the first single from the new album. I love it. I gotta catch a plane. Buck xo

Author: buck Date: Jul 21, 2007

Lovers, I'm writing you from London. I had a great, fun show here last night. I was in a talkative mood last night (perhaps to a fault) and spent the entire set standing on a small box so the people in the back could see. I almost broke my neck a few times. Yesterday was a flat-out berzerk day. I'd never be able to fully explain. I don't even have the strength to try. But a small part of it was that there was record-breaking rain in this part of the world. It's thrown the area into chaos. And the Truck Festival (which was the main purpose of my trip) had to be postponed. Royal drag. Truck is one of the things I look forward to most every year. I'm amoung the countless people who are really disappointed. But what can you do? The site is under a few feet of water... So that's left me with nothing to do in London this weekend. Today I wondered (I spelled it that way on purpose) around. And in those wanderings, I ran into my old pal Feist. We've had a knack for randomly running into each other in cities all over the world. We're pretty passe about it now. But we had a chance to catch up and shoot the proverbial for a nice while. I'm really happy for her and proud of her for all her amazing success recently. I think my muscles have gotten a little bigger lately. Monday I'm heading over to Ireland and I'm really looking forward to it. Then I go over to Sweden, which is going to kick a mile of ass, I already know it. Then, at the end of this trip I have to go back to Paris to take care of things which I imagine will light my brain on fire. Paris makes me insane the way only a crazy lover can... Please buy the Tiny Vipers record when it comes out (which is July 24th, I think). You'll cry. My life has been incredibly stressful lately. I wish so badly that I could talk about it, but I just can't. I can hardly stand to have quiet moments right now, becasue when I do, all I can do is think about all this heavy stuff that's happening. I usually don't mind when life throws it's best junk at me. But most of what I'm dealing with right now isn't even all that interesting. No good songs will come of it. But, thank goodness, there's some amazingly great, happy and interesting things happening under the tables and beds right now too. That's what's keeping me from crumbling. I've got lots worth running toward. Another item I should pass on is that it looks like the release date of Situation has been pushed back again - to late October. This is agonizing for me, but I understand why it has to happen. It's for the best. Everyone involved wants to do the best possible job to ensure the 'success' of the record and that takes time. Please hold tight. I swear it will be worth it. Meanwhile, we're getting some remixes together for some of the songs. There's some exciting stuff. Right now I'm especially excited about a remix for 'Way Back When' that Ghislain Poirier has put together. It's dope as hell. Can't wait for you to hear... I better run. See you soon. buck x

Author: buck Date: Jul 11, 2007

Lovers, I'm coming down the home stretch for the HTDD tour. I'm writing you from Cleveland. We have four shows left before I head off for Europe. Things are good. Our two nights in Chicago were phenomenal. Chicago has always been good to me. I lost ten pounds in Chicago. And I was able to do laundry there. Thank god. We had our only full day-off of the entire tour in Chicago. I went out to the movies and saw something lousy. The venue in Detroit last night had a bowling alley. I bowled a string before going on. It wasn't my best game ever, but it wasn't bad. And instead of staying at a hotel in Detroit, we stayed at a rehab facility because the rooms were cheap. That was exciting. Minneapolis was pretty great. We stayed at a weird hotel there too. In Omaha, Nebraska I had a violent accident on stage and lost a tooth. It really hurt. The last time I played in Cleveland, it was opeing for the Dresden Dolls and it was one of my favorite shows ever. I sure have met a lot of nice people (some crazy and scary ones too) on this tour. And I've had some great adventures. I'm sure a handful of songs will come of it. I can't wait to get back to Malmo. I'll admit I'm pretty excited to see Barry Bonds break the homerun record. If I'm in Europe when it happens, I might miss it. Gosh. I feel another great change coming. See you soon. buck

Author: buck Date: Jul 7, 2007

Lovers, I'm writing you from Omaha. Yestarday, driving here from Denver (I didn't want to leave) I saw at least 50 deer off the side of the highway. I take it as some kind of omen. But of what, I'm not yet sure... The group of us stopped to race go-karts, which is always fun. I was hoping for batting cages, but no dice. When the sun went down, the moon was low and blood red. It looked out of focus. And we drove through millions of lighning bugs. Magic. In Denver I had what could be considered a top five all-time vanilla milkshake. I believe the place was called Pete's Grill. Denver was amazing for me, no matter what way you slice it. I can't wait to go back. I listened to the mastered Situation album for the first time last night. Although we still have a few little things to fix, I think it sounds incredible. I'm very, very excited. I really want you to hear it. Boise was weird for me. Maybe I dreamt it. Seattle was one of the best shows of the tour. It's pretty much neck-and-neck with Albuquerque, with Austin close behind... I can't wait to get back to Sweden. Soon! Hold on Scotland. I'm thinking of you... Australia. Home. My niece started walking a few days ago. I wasn't there. Midwest - you're up next. Holding on, buck

Author: buck Date: Jun 13, 2007

Lovers, Let me tell you real quick about the highlight of the current tour for me so far... ALBUQUERQUE!!! First of all, the crowd was not only incredible, they were probably the best I've ever had. Seriously. Amazing. So good. So generous. So nice. So right there. Second, I'm sure I set some kind of merch sales record! It seemed like everyone there must have bought something. Thanks to everyone who came to the merch table/kissing booth to say hello. I really feel like I made some friends. Third, the sound in the room (The Launch Pad) was incredible. I quite like that place - even if it's a little small. I kinda prefer small anyway... Then! The drive from Albuquerque to Tempe Arizona was one of the most beautiful and inspiring I've ever taken. I saw so many songs through my window. What kills me is that I don't have my camera with me! Ugh! I saw so much perfect beauty. I'll have to come back and take the same path again soon. We even drove down Route 66 for part of it. It was so amazing. The other thing I wanted to mention real quick, it that I will trade merch for Polaroid film on this tour. Any item for a roll. Deal? I'm serious. 600 is prefered. How's that? I could really use the money too though. I hope people understand that this is pretty much how I make my living. It's the one reliable way that I can put money directly into my pocket. And of course, the merchandise costs me money to make. I only mention this because I get a lot of people asking me to give them stuff without paying, which I just can't do. But don't worry, there will be more free music in the future. Always. I want to be good to you... OK. I gotta run. Off to the next. kisses, buck

Author: buck Date: Jun 8, 2007

Lovers, The east coast run of this tour I'm on was totally amazing. But then when we got to New Orleans, a bad mistake was made in a voodoo shop and now I believe a hex is on this tour. I really believe that. Since the 'incident', everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. I hope we make it. I think the van will die before my lower back will. We're trying to get it fixed as I'm writing this. I hope we don't miss any shows. Please send us your positive thoughts and wishes, and if you make it out to a show, be at your best. Smile. Blow kisses. Buy some merch. We really need to get back on the good side of the gods... More soon, buck

Author: buck Date: May 22, 2007

Lovers, - Tomorrow I leave for tour. I'm anxious, excited, a little bit nervous... Except for some one-off shows here and there, I've been off the road for almost a year now. It's scary. But I feel ready. Today I have a long to-do list to get through. That list includes buying supplies, like vitamins. - I have to accept the fact that all my plants are going to die. And my pets. Just joking... - Last Friday night I was a member of Electrelane for a few minutes. It was super-exciting. If you get the chance to see them live, do it! - I hurt my shoulder badly 15 years ago and just got around to getting it looked at yesterday. Turns out it was broken. - I hate dealing with tech support of any kind. - Truck Fest!!! - I'm going to try to cut down on sugar and not drink any milk during this US tour. - Last night I wrote an incredibly heavy and dark song for the Bike For Three! album. It felt like it was killing me to write it. Ugh... - I better go. Busy day. See you soon. Kisses, buck

Author: buck Date: May 7, 2007

Lovers, - There are now four songs posted on the Bike For Three! myspace page. Pay us a visit and let us know what you think. - The new David Lynch film, Inland Empire has changed my life. - Equally mind-blowing: The Amazing Kreskin. I saw him perform recently and I still can't believe what I saw. He read my mind once. - We're finally about to mix Situation and it will be done-done. Enfin!! I'm also putting together the DVD component for the release this week. - I've been rehearsing my show for the upcoming tour with Sage. Lots of singing in the shower. I have lots of ideas to lay on you... - Ever see The Beaver Trilogy? Crispin Glover is my hero. That's one smart cookie. - I love Brooklyn. - I have very mixed feelings about 'The White Rapper Show', but I'll keep them to myself. - But I will share with you my thoughts about The Search For The Next Pussycat Doll... I don't know why the hell I watched that show. BUT - I'm glad Sisely didn't win because she's too good for that crap. I also wish I could go on a date with her. - I feel crazy. I better go for a bike ride on my beloved STA. See you soon. Buck

Author: buck Date: Apr 25, 2007

Lovers. Today I came to a few interesting realizations... - I take back whatever bad things I may have said about my record Weirdo Magnet. I LOVE IT! That record is a friggin' masterpiece! Weird that it's material from when I was in high school. But I love how that record was put together. - Looking back, I understand the creative decisions I made in the past and I stand by them. Sometimes I really miss working in that way. I also understand perfectly well why my evolution has gone down the path it has. It was necessary. I wish both ways could somehow exist at the same time, but that doesn't even make sense. But I can't help but wonder what it would have been like if I made records like Weirdo Magnet forver. Maybe it would be awesome. Maybe I would have had more success. Or more fun. Maybe not... Impossible to know. Interesting to ponder. Anyway, I'm really glad that record exists. It's important - to me anyway. Same goes for Synesthesia, by the way. I really love that record too. Those records are fun. - The other realization I came to is that I should only ever record my vocals is the privacy of my own home. Today I listened to many recordings I've made at home over the years, including demo versions of albums like Man Overboard, Square, THB and SHAW. The demos, while always being inferior in terms of sound quality, are always superior in terms of the performance. Always. I don't know why that is exactly. But I've decided today that in the future I will always record vocals at home. I just need to buy a really good mic, pre-amp and a more powerful computer. In the future, my friends, the performances on record will be mind-blowing! By the way, Weirdo Magnet was recorded entirely in the sanctity of my former, super-crappy shit-hole apartment. Ahh, paradise... I guess it's about comfort. - Well, I would also like to mention that there are now three songs for you to enjoy on the Bike For Three! myspace page. Soon there will be a fourth. Take a listen and leave us a comment, why don't you? - Question: is Macromantics the best rapper in the world right now? - I went to Twin Peaks last week (for real) and in a few days I'll post some of my photos from there. It was a mind-blowing trip. Better go. I got a million songs to record. buck

Author: buck Date: Apr 13, 2007

Lovers, - There's a new project I want you to know about. It's called Bike For Three! It consists of myself and Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê from Greetings From Tuskan. We almost have an album finished. The album is called More Heart Than Brains. We have to sit on this record for a while, but we have a myspace page. Check us out. I'm excited about it. - I was reading about Feist in Pitchfork today and they mentioned the One Evening video and referred to me as "some nervous looking guy". That's about right. They don't even know I exist. Thank god. - I'm also preparing a bunch of material to hawk on the upcoming tour with Sage. Be on the lookout for goodies. - I write messages to bands I like on myspace and they almost never write back. Like, pretty much never. Joelle wrote back. And Alison from The Kills. MC Shan wrote back. And Anna Karina. And Peaches. Everyone else is a dink. - I watched the film The Corporation finally. How horrifying. Please reming me to only drink Soy milk when I'm in the US. And to never buy anything ever again... - Oh yeah... Emma from Electrelane wrote back too. I love Electrelane. - OK. That's about all for right now. Go check out Bike For Three!! Bear-hug, Buck

Author: buck Date: Mar 29, 2007

Lovers, I just got back from a trip to LA. It was pretty fun even though the weather was pretty crappy most of the time I was there. - I got to hang out with some of my underground hip hop luminary friends, which is always nice. We talked more about poker than music or anything else. Although we did have a long discussion about the weird BDP song, '13 and Good'. - I went to see my friend K-Os play at the House Of Blues with P.O.S., RX Bandits and Gym Class Heros. Saul Williams came through. It's always nice to see Saul. He's one of the very best people I know. You can't not feel good (even better about yourself!) in Saul's presence. Natalie Portman was there too. I didn't have the heart to tell Sage, who decided to go to the El-P show instead. - I bought lots of great books while I was there. LA has some great books stores. Gee whiz! There's also a lot of good pie in LA. I love pie. - I went to Amoeba and only bought one thing. That's almost weird! I was prepared to buy lots. But all I got was the Ultimate Force record from '88 which has finally been released. It's pretty amazing. - I finally got to meet my friend Sean who made the beautiful 'Blueberries and Bullrushes' painting (he came book shopping with me). I bought him some lunch, but I still owe him forever... We also went to see the Mark Ryden 'Wood Show' which was pretty enchanting. I'm glad I got to see his work up close. - I've been getting tons and tons of mails from people in US cities that Sage and I aren't hitting on the upcoming tour. I'm really sorry. For as impossible as it would be, I do wish we could make it to every city in the country. But when my record comes out at the end of the summer, I'll be coming back and I'll make sure I make it to many of the cites we don't make it to this time around... - I just saw another film I really liked. It's a Czech film from the '60's called 'The Witches' Hammer'. It's hard to find, but worth the search, I reckon. I tried to find it at Amoeba, but they didn't have it. - I saw Ashley Simpson in the airport yesterday. No big deal, really. But although I'm not a fan of her 'work', she was really cute. - I'm going to spend the next four days writing. I plan to write a song a day. I have ideas for four lined up... - In two weeks, we FINALLY mix the new album! Praise god! - I'm going back to bed now. buck

Author: buck Date: Mar 19, 2007

Lovers, I just got back from the out-and-out madness of South By South West. Good lord: heat + St. Patrick's Day + time change = insane. It was great to see: - Tiny Vipers - Sage - Doug Pray - Blanche (Dan and Tracee, I love you both) - Slug - Tunng - The Magik Markers - Busdriver - A-Trak - Peaches - The Kings Of Leon - Ron Sexsmith - Cadence Weapon And it was sad to miss the million other people I was hoping to see. The Big Rig premiere was a great success and it was thrilling to get to meet most of the truckers from the film who made it down for the screening. I was star struck. I bought a Jon Langford painting. I must be nuts. I ate a lot of good food and lots of bad food too. I played three or four times. The first time - with the band - was great. All the other times had problems - mostly technical. That's frustrating. But I think the main point of SxSW is talking to people. I talked a little... I didn't get any free stuff. I think a lot people see getting free stuff as the point. I'm glad to be back home. I have things to ctach up on now. I'm in a weird mood. buck

Author: buck Date: Mar 8, 2007

Lovers, - I'm writing this from the comfort of a deluxe airport lounge. Ahh, the perks of frequent travel. Free soup... - I'm on my way to Austin for SxSW right now. It will be a long day of travel. But it will be worth it. I'm very excited about the Big Rig premiere and the chance to see so much great music. Plus, Austin is lovely this time of year. - I have a few cameras with me. I'll take lots of pictures and get back to you with a full report. - I haven't seen the new David Lynch film yet and it's killing me. God! - The new album is ready to go and I think it sounds amazing. I can't wait for you to hear. I'm also half way to yet another album. I don't know what I'll do with it, but I'm very excited. I hope there's a way to get that too you this year as well. - I really want to go to Bulgaria! Soon! - If you ever get the chance to see Tagaq perfrom, do it and and prepare to lose your mind. I gotta fly... love you, buck

Author: buck Date: Feb 25, 2007

Lovers, No real news. Today's entry is more about philosphical musings. In fact, I think I'm about to totally indulge myself here. You might want to skip right over this one. I came to realize something yesterday. I realized that all my life I've gravitated toward the same kind of person, whether this person is a friend, stranger, love interest, whatever... they're teachers. I need a teacher. I'm not just talking about classroom teachers in the formal sense, although some of the most important and influential figures in my life - who's impact I still feel today - have been just those kinds of people. I've been lucky enough to have some great ones. And unlucky enough to have had some bad ones. Sometimes I can't believe I let them get away with it... But I'm thinking more generally right now. I need to be taught. And what we each need to learn evolves. I've met some people and found that after a matter of minutes in same cases, I had nothing to learn and kept going. I've met others who taught me what they could (sometimes this came in the form of a needed ass-kicking) and when there was nothing left to learn, I moved on. And the very most valuable people in my life are those that I continue to learn from - the ones I'll probably learn from for the rest of my life. I suppose I need to be somewhat interested in the 'subject' as well. I've met some people who had great interest and passion for something I found to be mundane (let's say, I don't know... celebrity gossip, for example) and passed. When I was younger, I needed to learn about lots of things. There were times when I had to learn about cruelty, pain and injustice. I had to learn about insanity and recklessness. I had to learn about things I was afraid of and repulsed by so that I could understand myself better. Although there are some areas here and there that I now have the sense to deem useless or a waste of my time (especially at this point in my life), there's still a virtually endless universe of things I need and want to learn about and understand. And when it comes to areas I'm particularly passionate about, then a teacher is going to be a potent force for me. I hope this doesn't sound arrogant. I still need to learn about the world, and music and science and philosophy and art and so on... But I still need to learn about simplicity as well. And humility. And love. So much more. Some things I could learn from just about anyone, regardless of their age, sex, or where in the world they're from. This all may sound overly simplistic and obvious, but these days, I'm finding teachers harder and harder to come by. It makes sense in way - I'm getting older and hopefully I learn as I go. I'm building up my own experience and hopefully some wisdom. But still, teachers are rare. Many of us are too tired. Too tired to teach, too tired to try. People are tired. This world wears us out. It takes great strength to care enough to want to learn and in turn, pass it on. I don't think I'm much of a teacher myself to be honest. I need more patience. And stubbornly, I believe (as it pertains to myself) in teaching (for better or worse) by example. I tend to be a bit of a masochist in how I throw all my ideas - good and bad - around like confetti. Perhaps it's lazy. I don't mind telling you that I suffer from a little laziness as much as anyone else. I suppose I possess a certain measure of resentment when it comes to teaching certain things. If it's something I've learned on my own, without help from anyone else, I figure, "well, why should I make it any easier for you?" That's one of the major weaknesses of my character. Let me just say, finally, that nobody is utterly useless to me. People are fascinating. All. But I don't chase people down all that often. It's the teachers I run after. It's the teachers I hold closest. I need to learn. I need to understand. It's an affliction. It's downright diabolical. For some reason, I never really understood this about myself before. I never thought about it until just yesterday. I wonder who I learned that from... Buck

Author: buck Date: Feb 19, 2007

Lovers, - Cripes! I just dropped $4000 down the toilet! Literally! Don't ask... - So, the cat's out of the bag now, but yes, I'm going on tour with Mr. Sage Francis this spring/summer. We start in May and we're hitting lots and lots of cities. It's pretty much impossible to hit them all, but we're covering some serious ground, for sure. I can't wait to see you all... - Right now I'm experiencing an unprecedented creative surge. You've probably heard me say that before, but I'm telling you... I can't eat, I can't sleep... I just writing and recording songs like crazy. I feel bad for my friends. Haven't been able to answer any calls (even that of nature, for crying out loud...) - What I'm working on right now is another collaboration with an artist (can't talk about it yet) and I'm being pushed in a way like never before. I'm really being challenged. I love it. It's flattering. Much beauty is being asked of me. Sometimes I feel like I can't do it, but somehow it always comes. I've written a bunch of the prettiest songs I've ever written, I think. One in particular I'd say is THE prettiest. But we're not done yet. Far from it. I think we both hope to make this a life-long thing. It's love. - I can't wait until SxSW. I'm most excited about the Wednesday as far as seeing bands I like goes - Bat For Lashes, Tiny Vipers, Beirut, Blonde Redhead, Tunng... Man alive! - I wish I could write a song like Perfect Day. Or even NYC by Interpol. You know? I want to crush you. - I better run. Love you. buck

Author: buck Date: Feb 12, 2007

Lovers, - I saw one of the best films I've ever seen the other day. My friend Mia from Electrelane recommended it to me and I can't thank her enough for that. It's 'Mouchette' by Bresson and it's part of the illustrious Criterion Collection, so you shouldn't have too much trouble tracking a copy down. But be forewarned - it will crush your heart. - It's one of my greatest dreams to own the entire Criterion Collection. Sigh! - It more frustrating news, I found out the other day that the release date of the next album (which will be finished in a few weeks now) has been pushed WAY back. So we may have a bit of a wait on our hands. This will of course affect my touring as well, so please, hang in there. I'll do everything I can to keep things moving and interesting with the site here, the myspace page and hopefully some interesting collaborations which are in the works as we speak (a whole bunch). - I really, really regret watching the Grammy's last night. Why do I do it? Who friggin' cares? It was interesting seeing the Police and all. But why did I keep going. It's so embarrassing... - Sage Francis's new album is awesome. - Look at this video of my friend Kaleb Simmons doing his thing: http://www.ejb.com/video/15824/Lions_sleep_tonight.html Kaleb is from Halifax (where I used to live and go to school). He's so talented it hurts my head. I'm going to curl up into a ball now... buck

Author: buck Date: Jan 25, 2007

Lovers, - One of my teeth broke yesterday. It wasn't the one I was hoping would break. Better go get that fixed. Don't worry for now, it's in the back. But you know, I saw this amazing video of Iggy Pop from '81 the other day (arguably my favorite Iggy period - New Values, etc.) and he was missing a front tooth. He kinda looked awesome. The look worked for him, I thought. I'm not sure if it would work for me or not. I wonder... - Major announcement time: a film will be released this year called L'Histoire De Richard O. It's directed by French director Damien Odoul and stars Mathieu Amalric. The music for the film was made by me. I'm very, very excited about this, as Damien is one of my very favorite film makers ever. His film Le Souffle is a masterpiece (see it). And this new work is incredible. I can't tell you how much I love it. I'm a huge fan and it's such an honor for me to work with M. Odoul. Watch for the film on the festival circuit this year and for more info, check out damienodoul.com. - Yes! - There are a lot of records coming out this year that I'm excited about. It's going to be a doozy of a year for music. South By South West is going to be berzerk. I'm so glad I'm going... - Speaking of SxSW, I'll be going early this year to attend the film festival, where Big Rig will be making it's premier. It's going to be super-fun. You should come. As I understand it, there will be several screenings of the film during the week. Do try to make it out. It's an important film - not because of my music, but because of the subject matter and the message. - I just found a pink hair on my desk! Where the hell did that come from?! I definately don't know anyone with pink hair. - Time to go. See you soon... buck xxo

Author: buck Date: Jan 19, 2007

Lovers, - I was in Paris a few days ago and honest-to-god, I saw a woman wearing pearls and jogging. Mind-blowing. - My friend Lyle is a wiseman. I imagine he travels town-to-town on the back of some animal. - I like Bat For Lashes. - And I've come to the firm conclusion that I like buck teeth. - I recently recieved the greatest, most beautiful gift I've ever recieved. Several months ago I met an LA-based artist named Sean Luhring. I told him I loved his work and he said he loved mine. I blushed and then he said he was going to make a painting just for me. I told him no, but he insisted. After laboring over it for three long months, 'Blueberries and Bullrushes' was completed. It now hangs on my wall. Sean is a genius and it's only a matter of time before he's world famous for what he does. Take a look at the painting by visiting his myspace page: myspace.com/Hairline_Fracture. - Thanks to the people who got in touch to offer kind words after reading the last entry about what happened to my friends down in New Orleans. It came to my attention that one had to pay to read the article (which is rediculous). To summarize, my friend Paul was shot three times, including once in the face while trying to protect his two year old baby. Paul's wife Helen was killed. The baby is fine (physically) and I understand that Paul is out of the hospital now and is moving back to Canada. This is a story about the best, kindest, most generous people I've ever known. - Thanks for being there, everyone. More soon... buck

Author: buck Date: Jan 7, 2007

Lovers, I hate to give into this kind of thinking (again), but it's hard to believe in ideas like karma and such things when something like this happens... Please read the article below. It's a story about friends from the good old days in Halifax. It's hard to know what good knowing a story like this will do you or anyone. I'm all screwed up by it. I don't know what to think. I don't know why I'm even posting this. This is about the best people I've ever known. I was at Paul's graduation from med school and remember how he got a standing ovation when his name was called. His spirit made him a hero to everyone who knew him there. I need a reason to believe in good again right now... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070105.wxmurder06/BNStory/National/home Crying a lot today, buck

Author: buck Date: Jan 4, 2007

Lovers, - I'm listening to the Magik Markers right now, so this letter might come out sounding nuts... - I came to realize recently that I have a very rare blood type and that someone close to me might need one of my kindneys. I'll hand it over gladly. - My friend Tara is paranoid. Should she be? - Out of the clear blue sky, I got a myspace 'friend request' from M.C. Shan the other day! The year is off to a good start. It doesn't mean anything, but I'm thrilled all the same. - I found out a week ago that one of my songs is in the movie '3 Needles' with Lucy Liu and Chloe Sevigny and other big-shots. Awesome. It's directed by Thom Fitzgerald. I'm a big fan. He lives in Nova Scotia, where I'm from. Last year was an even better year than I realized.. - Yesterday I realized that I pretty much have to scrap the entire film list and start again. It's no good. So many changes... I kinda think the new list will be a lot more nerdy. Sorry. That wasn't the original point. Also yesterday I watched Mama Roma by Pasolini which will absolutely be on the new and improved list. So will Le Souffle by Damien Odoul. And more... - My New Year's Eve in Winnipeg was awesome. Fun, fun, fun. Lots of dancing and singing at the top of one's lungs. And it was fun/depressing to watch everyone else kiss at midnight. - I really want to go to Bulgaria. - I'm thinking that I might try to record my next-next album before the year is over. The album we're working on now has been in the works for over a year now, which is pure insanity. - After having a long conversation with a close friend recently, I came to realize that what I am and have been trying to do is to remove ego from my work as much as I possibly can. This exercise here (the 'blogging') works totally against that. I'm hopeless. - Paris, you destroyed me. I went to you determined to find a little place where some symbiosis could be fed. But the body rejected the transplant. I wasn't good enough. It was a failure. Now I watch all those beautiful films and drop my head. Sometimes I want to hate you out of my own sense of defeat and the insecurity that goes with that. But you would never even notice and what good would it do? I'm embarrassed. There were moments of 'almost'. But that's all... Just almost. I came to you with an idea that I thought you'd like. I thought I understood you. I brought all my ugliness and challenged you to make it as beautiful as you could. I'll take my ideas elsewhere. And by the way, when I left, I had a few stolen souveniers stuffed under my coat... - I gotta go. Plans to make... Love thee, Buck

Author: buck Date: Dec 24, 2006

Lovers, Hope all is good. I'm just checking in here.. If you're taking a holiday for yourself now, I hope it's a good one. 2007 is going to be a berzerk year for me and I'm looking forward to it. On top of the new album and the Big Rig film, there are a few other projects cooking and I'm really excited. One development in particular could be a career defining thing for me. I can't wait to reveal that one... Soon. I just found out that I'll definately be at SxSW this year again, which is always a lot of fun for me. I can't wait. 2006 was definately better than 2005 for me. But it has also been a slow year. Having said that, there was Strong Arm, Pole Axed, Dirtywork,Temporarily In Love, Devil's Eyes, Dirk Thornton, the War Child comp and collabs with Matt Mays, Fingathing, and k-os. Plus I spent much of the year scoring Big Rig (and doing other secret work). Other highlights outside the studio would include the arrival of Grace, playing in Moscow and visiting Bulgakov's apartment, getting dropped from V2, my date with Pam, the Truck Festival (as always), seeing Joanna Newsom live, becoming Anna Karina's myspace friend, the Eraserhead performance in London, discovering Portugese custard tarts, the Razor X record, finding 20 bucks in the pocket of an old jacket, playing Central Park with Feist... I'm sure I'm forgetting plenty of other good stuff. September was a bad month. I spent half the year doing nothing ('resting'), which was probably much needed, but also makes me feel guilty. Lots of music giants died this year. Heavy losses. Let's start all over again... Buck

Author: buck Date: Dec 1, 2006

Lovers, I just watched a great-great film. 'Lunacy' by Jan Svankmajer. I need to add it to the list. It was just brought to my dazzled attention that the Sasquatch-like Sebutones video for 'To Mock A Killingbird' is posted on YouTube. Check it! It ranks with 'Da Da Da' by Trio as one of the best videos ever made. Some thought it never existed. *By the way: don't sweat it if it seems like the audio/visual sync is off - it's supposed to be that way. I'll try to attach it here or on the myspace page pronto. I had a whole bunch of nice new photos ready to post, but then a friend was tinkering with my camera and accidentally erased everything before I had a chance to dump the stuff onto my computer. Drag. I'll try to get out and take a bunch more in the coming days. OK. That's all for now. Be good to each other... Buck xo

Author: buck Date: Nov 25, 2006

Lovers, Give me strength... Work on the new album has hit a few major stumbling blocks. We're set back. I was thinking we'd have the thing done by the end of December. Now it looks like we may have to go back into the studio in January and February and build the thing from the ground up, all over again, pretty much. It's a little crushing, but will probably be worth it in the long-run. I won't bother going into the details of what happened to the work. But interestingly (I suppose) it might mean that down the road there will be two versions of the album - the one we have now and the one that will be released. They might end up being very different from one another. Thing is, I love the version we have now. Hopefully one day in the distant future, our original version will be bootlegged or something. Out of 15 songs on the album, there's probably only one that we can keep as-is... It's pretty agonizing when you can see the finish line, just to get pulled back almost to th beginning again. I don't mind the work - I enjoy it. It's just the punch to the heart of it all. Deep breath. We'll make it. And if everyone involved works dilligently, maybe we'll still get this thing out in the spring as originally planned. Keep your fingers crossed for us. More to come... kiss, buck

Author: buck Date: Nov 19, 2006

Lovers, On the keyboard (in North America anyway), the letter 'i' is right next to the letter 'u', so sometimes when I write 'buck', I accidentally catch part of the 'i' key and end up writing 'buick'. Tonight I can't breate very well (I mean that literally). I've been coughing quite a bit lately and perhaps not taking as good care of myself as I should. Plus the weather has been very erratic. Anyway, I told a friend about how I was feeling and they put the idea in my head that I might have pneumonia. I hope that's not true (don't worry Dad, I'm going to the doctor tomorrow). Anyway, it's probably good I'm not on the road right now. I'll lay on the couch and watch weird films until I'm all better. My friend Matt said he was going to send me some Robert Downey (Sr.) films in the mail. I hope they show up soon. Last week I was in Halifax and I polished off all the vocals for the next album. It's getting very close to done now. It's exciting. We also hooked up an interesting collaboration for one of the songs (right now there will be two guest vocalists on the record). I'm rubbing my hands together... I saw Guy Maddin speak the other day. I'm a huge fan. I wanted to say hello, but I chickened out. I heard he likes my music (or at least knows who I am), but that very well may be poppycock. He talked about the intoxicating effect of certain madnesses - the addiction to one's own demons. I know all about it. That's where most of the songs come from. I now have a big, beautiful piano in my house. It makes me happy. My living room is like a saloon now. Or my house is like a brothel. I don't know... I'm reading Nick Tosches' book about Dean Martin, 'Dino'. It's great. Tosches is such a cowboy. I love it. His writing makes me laugh out loud. I don't have much to say. I just wanted to check in. I miss you. See you soon, buck x

Author: buck Date: Nov 12, 2006

Lovers, The last song of the Dirtywork ep is about to go up. It's called Dirtywork. It's a tough one. It has a little more testosterone happening than usual. What the heck... Don't be a-scared. You also might be able to dance to it. Turn it up loud. I was originally hoping to get DJ Flip to add some cuts to it, but he was too lazy/busy. Maybe later... In the song I mention my old home of Halifax to which I return this week to get some work done in the studio. I'll have some high-powered friends in tow to help get the job done right. I saw what might be the most disturbing film I've ever seen last night: The Piano Teacher. It was great, for sure. But disturbing. I've seen and heard more disturbing things, but as a total package, this takes the cake. The performance of Isabelle Hupert is astounding. Good Lord... French film is out of control these days (in a good way) (and yeah, I know this film is a few years old now...). Just so you know, the Dirtywork songs will be posted here on this website, at a higher bit-rate very soon. So hold on tight. And thanks for all the nice feedback so far. I needed it. Man, I got writing to do. I better run. See you soon, buck

Author: buck Date: Nov 3, 2006

Lovers, Sorry about the problems some of you have been having downloading the dirtywork songs. It's weird. Some people are able to do it, and others aren't. I don't know enough about computers to offer a good explaination there. But please don't give up. We'll stay on top of it on our end too. The next song to go up will be Heather Nights, which is one of my favorites these days. It was posted before, but it wasn't made available for download. Anyway, many of you may have heard it before. I've been playing it live for a while now. It's about the harder sides of my little hometown. I like the new Clark record. And the Demetri Martin record. I feel gone away. In a week or so, I'm headed back into the studio to do more work on the next album. We have 15 songs and they're in a semi-finished form. We're close. Now we nit-pick. What else? I'm learning the camera. Phone's ringin'... kiss-kiss. buck

Author: buck Date: Oct 30, 2006

Lovers, Today is a better day. Last night (sunday 29/10) a new Dirtywork song was supposed to go up, but we had a little glitchy-glitch. But it's up there now... The newest song is called The Death Of Me. I ask that you listen to this one in headphones. OK? See, it's a real quiet, delicate one. There are plenty of tiny touches you'll miss if you don't listen close. My favorite part is when you can hear a motorcycle drive by outside my window at a very interesting moment. It's a perfect compliment. Plus, the bass is very sub-y and and some of the drum touches are very light. I hope that's not too much to ask. If you're in the Toronto area, maybe I'll see you at one of the k-os shows in the next few nights. How's that? I bought a nice, new camera, so there should be some additions to the photo gallery soon. I also need to make some new ammendments to the film list. You're the best, Buck

Author: buck Date: Oct 20, 2006

Lovers, I just thought I'd better check in... These are lonesome days. Down-time is not something I'm used to. And I live in a new cave now. The phone don't ring much, but when it does, I hear my voice echo around. It's cold. I need art. I've been watching films and baseball, but I need fire. I'm happy that Dirtywork is rolling out now. Thanks for all the nice feedback so far. I'm quite excited about the next song up, Days On End. It's very much me-right-now. The work on Big Rig is almost finished. That's very satisfying. I can't wait for you to see. I hope you cry. The next album is getting closer to being done as well. I'm surprised at how much I can listen to it, over and over, without getting sick of it. I hope you'll feel the same. I think I have a title for it now, but I'm going to sit on it. I still need lots of song titles. I have a big pile of books to get through. That much is good. And I don't have to leave my bed, so there I stay. I miss you. Buck

Author: buck Date: Oct 5, 2006