BadFolk

Whooo!! What a weekend! I have TWO bands, not just MaidRite. The other is called Bad Folk, and that is self-explanatory. We are a roots inspired group that mixes it up with lack of knowledge and pure inspiration. Some, who do not understand the basic origins of traditional music, will give us the comparison of Uncle Tupelo...the honest truth is that both bands do the same thing--listen to the traditions.

Punk inspired Rock--well if you don't get the message you might be into fashion and top-40 radio play. Punk is a real genre that existed (OhMyGod!) 30 years ago, and everything else since then is just fashion. Like, how did grunge with their ripped up jeans and squatter accommodations become a multi-million dollar business??!! A real part of America becoming a commodity. I bet those kids in Seattle didn't make as much money as the record companies or clothing manufacturers.
So this is one of BadFolk's D.I.Y. projects. Yeah, we released it this past Saturday. It is a split single 45 record with another local band called the Rats and People. They really rock! Their side of the 45 is called 'I Sang to Heather Nethereye'. Folks in St. Louis don't understand the huge amount of talent that is right under their nose. I've lived in this city for over 20 years, and the majority of the population is looking elsewhere for talent and new ideas, and they are missing the big picture...

Please check out:
www.myspace.com/badfolk
www.myspace.com/ratsandpeople

Maid*Rite Music

I have two bands. This one, Maid*Rite, has just released our first EP. It is a six song CD that we had recorded back in January with Jason Hutto at his studio, Smoking Baby. At the time, we had a lovely fiddle player, Catherine Cathers. Since then she has left us for the warmer weather of Florida. Replacing her, is Jennifer McDaniel who plays clarinet, recorder, and our Maid Rite washboard.
Here we are playing at Mangia on South Grand in St. Louis. I wish I knew what the hell we were cracking up about...Anastasia Swan took this photo of us.

Instead of the usual band t-shirts, I've been making some of my Rodeo Revival wear for the band. The yoke is both decorated on the front and back--the back having the Maid*Rite name.

It's great fun to have folks come out to our shows decked in these one-of-a-kind shirts. For me, it is like seeing an old friend who's come to visit.

Cool links to check out: www.myspace.com/maidrite
www.myspace.com/anastasiaswan
www.myspace.com/mangiaitaliano