Hours and Hours at the Tower
Can't sleep again.
So how's a bout a recap...
Spent the day at the Capitol tower with The Panic Channel. Today I actually really felt like a "Capitol Recording Artist". Here's why:
We've been signed for almost a year now - but I haven't spent much time at the tower, it just always is looming there right down the street where I live, keeping an eye on me (and me on it). Today we had a whole mess of press to do, also an acoustic performance for FMQB.com. So we were there all day.
The day started at 1:30ish and we set up an acoustic circle and played "Why Cry", "Blue Bruises", and "Outsider". So far those are the most fun to play acoustically. I'd like to see us try "Teahouse" and "Go On" soon as well. We did our first interview in between the performances, and that will be sprayed out to various radio stations soon. We saw the actual CD artwork, (well at least the booklet no actual finished jewel case yet - maybe tomorrow for that) and signed about 400 of the fucking things, and a few Fender Stratocasters, then went on to more interviews.
Dave had been up since 4:30am (Wednesday is taping day at Rockstar), and I was feeling for him. We did interviews with CNN, Reuters, Campus Circle, GO TV, AP and a few others. Got to be a blur after a while. After the whole thing was done, I stayed behind to get my own private tour of the Capitol recording studio with my new friends Dan and Jess. Jess did some on-camera stuff for us in some upcoming music video footage that will be online soon, and she's in the audience in the "Why Cry" video. Her friend Dan works in the Capitol Recording studios in the Tower. He offered to give me a tour, and I jumped at the chance - I had thought that when you signed a deal at Capitol, they just cruise you around and show it off first thing, but that's not the case.
Capitol was the site of the recording of arguably the best phase in Frank Sinatra's career - the comeback years. I am a huge Sinatra fan, and listen to him at least a couple times a week. It only gets better with time. As I grow, I get new meanings from the lyrics, and his vocal style changed so much through his life. You can hear a song he sang in his younger days, and it sounds really clean and precise. The same song, re-recorded in his fifties, gains a richness - a world weariness that's sad sometimes, intense in others. Took me a while to really get a taste for him, but once I got it - he's just the absolute best. Not to mention the fact that songwriting and orchestration was at a creative zenith in those days. The work of the musicians and lyricists that wrote those songs and played those tracks that make up what we now call "The American Songbook" are the masters of their crafts. Besides the old Brill building in New York, I can't think of a more timeless epicenter of that old magic style of music.
Dan made a special point to let me sing my acoustic tracks through Frank Sinatra's own vocal mic, which really made my day.
The three of us explored the studios, then went up to the roof of the Capitol tower, by this time it was night and the city was all tiny lights. I've written before about the romantic concept of the Capitol tower I've had my whole life. I think every musician does. It's like the Mecca of Recorded Sound - the holy land. Constructed in an era that was so much simpler, the proudness of it's purpose breathes art into it's architecture.
There are 13 floors in the Capitol Tower, then just above that - the doors lead out to a wide round roof, with the giant capital letters about 12 feet above. The view is gorgeous... 360 degrees of re-affirmation of your faith in Los Angeles.
Ok, gonna go give it another shot.
11 days.
Comments
sounds like you had an awesome day! and i bet y'all are on pins and needles waiting for the album release - me too!
super cool that you got to sing using Ol' Blue Eyes' microphone!
have a great day, steve..
Posted by: traci | August 3, 2006 06:49 AM
love this post. maybe know that everything is all inked and set you can bring out the old one you wrote about capital... it was very inspireing
Posted by: wendybird | August 3, 2006 07:06 AM
I think that was maybe "now"... way to early
Posted by: wendybird | August 3, 2006 07:07 AM
Good to hear from you, Steve. This whole buildup is much more interesting and exciting with your posts. Without them, well, it's like waiting to buy a CD...
Posted by: Mike | August 3, 2006 07:14 AM
11 days and then... ...some more days and then finally :)
sweet dreams
rp
Posted by: rp | August 3, 2006 07:30 AM
Great story telling as ever. Frank is by far the most evocative crooner of our time (for me anyway.)"like someone in love" fantastic, Chet Baker also does an amazing version. Sounds like a busy yet magical day.
Posted by: JJ | August 3, 2006 09:16 AM
Steve, I am so happy for you. It's been a privilege these past two years watching TPC from the beginning. What started out as just an idea, grew through writing, recording, mixing, touring, and now you're nearing the release of (ONe). I hope you enjoy every moment as much as we all have, and best wishes for everything ahead. Thank you for letting us come along for the ride.
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | August 3, 2006 09:42 AM
OMG OMG!! you got to use Frankies mic??? That is sooooooo cool! I too love Sinatra. I was raised on Sinatra. Though I love the Capitol year (Witchcraft, I've got the world on a string etc...) I'm more of the Columbia years fan. "Put your dreams away" has to be my all time favorite Sinatra song!
Enjoy the up coming days, you so deserve it! Try to get some rest!
Posted by: Robin | August 3, 2006 12:05 PM
Steve-What is interesting about the Capitol Records building, beside the huge music history, is the guy who built it. Welton Becket was a really unique architect/desinger. I am amped to read that you rocked through Sinatra's personal mic. Sweet....
Posted by: brett | August 3, 2006 02:52 PM
I had a pretty crappy day at work today, but seeing an update on here has put me in a better mood.
That is really cool that you got to check out the recording studios. Frank Sinatra is one of those artists that raised me. My parents loved Sinatra and my first musical memories were his songs.
Man, down to 11 days now.. The record release is probably the craziest and busiest part- The world will finally be able to hear and witness all your work. Not to mention that the sales #s will be watched intently. But of course the music, along with all the marketing and press will take care of the sales.
I say we set up an Agent album listening or pre-release party here in LA. That would be rad! I see an outdoor summertime thing where the band can do an acoustic jam in a park.
We can light a sigil and pass out posters or promo cards or something. Even sell some CDs.
Some type of refer-a-friend thing would be cool for the cds- like a free poster or bonus track or something if you get a friend to buy the CD.
M
(eh, just an idea)
Posted by: mortisha | August 3, 2006 09:46 PM
Ha.....David H is performing get in my car rigth now on channel 4 on "america's got talent" HA
Posted by: Wendybird | August 3, 2006 09:56 PM
An absolute chilling read...Congrats on the experience and thank you for sharing...can't wait to grab my CD!!!
Posted by: chrissy | August 4, 2006 07:21 AM
You can never go wrong with old blue eyes!!! How about Tony Bennett....have you given him a try???
Posted by: Cori | August 4, 2006 10:11 AM
i can't wait for the release. we're rocking the bumper stickers!
by the way, check this out - the metallica has some samples
http://www.babyrockrecords.com/web/page.asp?pgs=products
Posted by: mary | August 4, 2006 08:27 PM
Hi Steve-Just found your site today & I just want to say - STEVE ISAACS, I REALLY LIKE YOUR VIBE! Can't wait for the TPC release.
BTW- Are The Doors one of your musical influences?
I ask because you have this powerfully creative/zen-like, Jim Morrison thing going on also. You look like JM too!!
From your June 30th blog- I want to wish you a belated sorry for the loss of Yaphet and I've said a prayer for him. I know how it feels to feel that such a simple, comfortable joy and presence is gone. My cat died at an exact time that I was going through a professionally pivotal time in my life. At that time, every ounce of my soul struggled to balance my public composure and interactions with the wrenching sadness that I was really feeling. It just hurt so bad and seemed so ironic that when everything was going so great, an unjustifiable balancing act just ended up taking away someone that I loved so much. I don't know why that happens.
Posted by: Joanna from Toronto | August 6, 2006 05:36 PM
Steve: To get to sleep easier,why don't you just try something that's very simple that seems to work for me.
When I can't sleep, I just listen to talk radio, on very,very low volume-CoasttoCoast with George Noory works for me because there are long streams of monotone levels of talk and not of lot of loud pitchy sounds that can break your REM (the show is a little out there sometimes-but some of the guest speakers can be so interesting and enlightening because they are so into their research.) Eventually, I just start to drift away.
Posted by: Joanna from Toronto | August 6, 2006 06:07 PM
Steve, Why Cry is on fire at VH1.com!
Posted by: Sue | August 7, 2006 07:02 AM
Steve~
I'm listening to (ONe) http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/panic_channel/1293147/album.jhtml
and Congratulations!!! Your voice is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!! No words can express my appreciation for the beautiful gift you created for us!!!
Kisses~
Posted by: Chrissy | August 8, 2006 10:39 AM
Thank you, thank you, thank you for (ONe)!!
Chrissy, I completely agree...I love this. It's awesome.
Steve, we all love it!
Posted by: Sue | August 8, 2006 10:49 AM
Thanks for sharing your experience! I cannot WAIT for next week! I want my copy of ONe now!!!! I wish I could have made the trip to Chicago to see you but it wasn't in the cards. Gas prices are insane for me to travel! I hate living in nowheresville USA.
Posted by: Dawn | August 8, 2006 01:01 PM
Yay...this is awesome...right when I thought I couldn't wait any longer, I'm listening to (ONe)!!!!
This should hold me over till I run out and by my 4 copies on 8/15 ;)
Posted by: Cori | August 8, 2006 05:48 PM
DUDE YOU FUCKEN ROCKED THE OTHER NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alec from camp teddy | August 8, 2006 07:03 PM
Yo Steve, what ever happened to "Unholy Ghost" for ONe?! That was my workout song (live version) and was hoping a fresh cut would make the album. What a collaborative effort and your vocals are wicked!
-Al
Posted by: Al | August 8, 2006 09:22 PM
can't wait, can't wait....
Posted by: Junebug | August 9, 2006 10:00 AM
Wow...what a great story! Sounds like one of those moments you'll remember for a long, long time. Enjoy this time while you can. Like you said in an earlier post...its the calm before the storm.
Im really glad you're introspective enough to really be living in these moments and thriving because of them! Thank you for sharing your journey with us...
((5 1/2 days!!))
Love, Amber
Posted by: ambersonian | August 9, 2006 10:05 PM
Hey Steve, I posted this on 6767 too but want to catch you both...
Hey, tonight on Leno, can you "give us a sign...give us a sign...please...pleassse"
;)
Yeah, I know you're not playing Night One but just let the Agents know you guys know we're watching!
Kick ass,
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | August 10, 2006 06:22 AM
Hey Steve, can't wait to see you guys on Leno tonight (hope I can stay up that late!)
On another note, have been listening to the CD on the VH1 link...I have to tell you..your vocals on Lie Next to Me...give me goose bumps...such an amazing song that really allows you to shine (not that you don't rock my world on the harder tracks...but that element of vulnerability in that song!!! Just hits me right in the heart!) I love it! When the CD comes out next week I might have to play that as the first track!
Well done sir, well done!
Posted by: MB | August 10, 2006 11:37 AM
I finally started listening to the on-line album. It's very good. I thought a couple songs seemed somewhat unfinished, but the overall quality is high. A few songs are great.
Posted by: Mike | August 10, 2006 02:03 PM
i love the cd - can't wait for release date. saw you guys while you were on the road & loved the show. everything is so tight on it - drums, bass, guitar & your voice. have fun tonite!
Posted by: mary | August 10, 2006 05:06 PM
Oh.My.GAWD! Just watched Leno....YOU FUCKING KILLED IT MAN!!!! Jesus Christ....I just don't even know how to praise the performance...Chris, Perk and Dave were all amazing...but...Steve...all I have to say is that you TOTALLY know how to work that camera boy..mesmerizing! DAYUM!!!!!
Posted by: MB | August 10, 2006 09:45 PM
Steve you killed it on Leno!!
LOVED IT!
Posted by: Robin | August 10, 2006 09:46 PM
Oh I totally agree with the 2 comments above me!!!
Posted by: Adriana | August 10, 2006 09:57 PM
wow, you and your band are absolutley wonderful!! i wish you the best of luck. i am platonically in love
Posted by: lyss | August 10, 2006 10:05 PM
Whoa!!!!
Posted by: Wendybird | August 11, 2006 12:38 AM
Great performance on Leno!! You sounded great Steve...and could the "A" you threw up stand for Agents?! That made my night...I was wondering if you were gonna do something like that. I could be totally off base, but I don't think so. I fuckin love you guys!
Love, Amber :)
Posted by: Ambersonian | August 11, 2006 12:42 AM
Great performance.
Posted by: Mike | August 11, 2006 12:51 AM
OH STEVE you cheeky monkey!
From the TPC site:
"And yes, Steve was giving a special message to all the Panic Agents and Asylum members last night on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" during the band's performance of "Teahouse of the Spirits"."
MB and I were on the phone while watching Leno and when you did the "A" she said "was that a sign??"
Posted by: Robin | August 11, 2006 03:26 AM
Awwww...thanks Steve...that was so cool!!!
You guys killed it...just a great performance...and so nice of you to give us a "shout out", so to speak!
Posted by: Cori | August 11, 2006 05:55 AM
Steve, thanks for the sign! Kristen and I saw it and knew you were sending it out to your Agents. (well, we hoped, anyway!). Then when we thought about it, we were like, "wow, he's on LENO, national TV, and took the time to think of all of us, and throw a sign to let us know". That's why we all love you! And why you have such a solid base with your Agents--thanks.
Also, Why Cry is getting more and more airplay, we heard it last night in NY from a Hartford, CT. station, WCCC--great rock station. :)
Love,
Sue
Posted by: sue | August 11, 2006 06:23 AM
Sounds like a blast
xxx
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | August 11, 2006 06:59 AM
Steve, what guitar were you playing last night on Leno?
Posted by: Eric | August 11, 2006 09:49 AM
You are soooooo hottt!!!
Posted by: Savvy | August 11, 2006 08:37 PM
It's up now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NectTDVORXU
Posted by: OLDSCHOOL | August 12, 2006 04:47 AM
Steve,
You guys kicke ASS on Leno. 3 more days til (ONe).
Later,
Mike from NYC
Posted by: Mike from NYC | August 12, 2006 09:27 AM
well...c'mon then, let's have an update! ;)
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | August 13, 2006 07:52 AM
I'm loving the purple hair! I dunno if it's a new thing, but it's a great look for you.
Posted by: Twisted Angel | August 13, 2006 12:33 PM
Steve, can't wait until tomorrow!!! Your "baby" is almost here!!!! I am dying to hear all of it, and am planning on buying three copies of the CD to support the cause (plus there are different "extras" at the different stores, so I am greedy, gotta have 'em)
BTW as for Sinatra, he is a classic ("One For My Baby" is my all-time favorite) but whaddya think of Dean Martin?? The King Of Cool....how awesome you got to sing into Sinatra's mike--I am so jealous!!!
Enjoy your last day before the release of the CD....from here on out, it kicks into high gear!!
Love,
Elizabeth :-)
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 14, 2006 12:17 PM
wow, 48 comments, you go, Steve...I was asking at the asylum about whether anyone knew if the lyrics on the CD were going to be like the ones you were putting up on the TPC site when it was being reconstructed...remember I asked before..
and here's another thing I'm thinking about on (ONe) Eve...
I keep thinking tonight of the first Panic Channel site..remember,
I wish you guys could bring it back again, just for tomorrow
We know who you are...you are not alone...
Your pain will be our pain...something like that.It made me cry the first time I saw it...
jezzi(full circle,baby!!)
Posted by: jezebel | August 14, 2006 08:29 PM
Officially August 15th in Chi-town! Can't sleep, so friggin excited!
Posted by: Angela | August 14, 2006 11:56 PM
Steve- I wanted to Congratulate you and I wish you nothing but the best. I will be picking up the Cd when I can sneak out of work in the Am tomorrow.
Sincerely,
brett
Posted by: brett | August 15, 2006 12:01 AM
Don't tell me that tonight of all nights you are sleeping like a baby...I just don't believe it.
Posted by: Jen | August 15, 2006 01:55 AM
Today is the day!!
Posted by: Robin | August 15, 2006 03:31 AM
Congratulations Steve...the day is finally here!!!
I hope you savor every moment of it...you've certainly earned it :)
Posted by: Cori | August 15, 2006 06:31 AM
THE day is here!!! (ONe)
Congrats!
The Venezuelan Girl!
Posted by: Marivic | August 15, 2006 07:49 AM
Day (ONe) begins! Kristen and I already have one copy each, from Circuit City for the Tshirt bonus--and will buy the Best Buy version for the download...Enjoy today, every moment. Say hi to our west coast Agents tonight, and think about coming out to NYC for our east coast listening party next Wed. the 23 at Snitch! (almost finalized).
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | August 15, 2006 09:04 AM
Congratulations and thank you, Steve, (and G!) for all that you do! Hope to see ya tonight!
Posted by: Junebug | August 15, 2006 09:20 AM
Day (ONe) starts now.
Congrats on the CD release. I wish you much success.
I'll see you at the Jimmy Kimmel show.
Posted by: Michael Malediction | August 15, 2006 10:31 AM
Good Morning!
I wrote this on 67 too but I wanted to make sure you both saw it...
I can't believe it is finally day (ONe)! It's funny, this is the first band I've felt so personally invested in...thanks to all the amazing access to your world you have shared w/ us. I've met some amazing new friends through the Panic community, and truly feel like we've all been a part of this crazy journey together! Congrats Steve, and Happy Birthday TPC!!
Love, Amber :)
Posted by: Anonymous | August 15, 2006 10:43 AM
Happy Birthday!!! The (ONe) is absolutely beautiful!!! Finally our day has come. Thank you for loving us and sharing your journey with us!!!
Enjoy the ride baby!!!
Kisses~
Posted by: Chrissy | August 15, 2006 10:51 AM
got the album on my lunch hour, and am listening at my desk!
CONGRATS to you all for a killer rockin' cd!!
much success to you..
come to dallas soon!!!
Posted by: traci | August 15, 2006 12:58 PM
Hey Steve. I posted this on the Panic site, but wanted to hit your site up as well.
Just ran out on my lunch break to pick up the debut CD...absolutely LOVE it! From just talking about the album (sorry...I'm old school), to actually having it out in the world and in our hands, you've taken me and all the Panic Agents on an incredible journey. Amazing writing Steve...YOU my friend are a true poet. Best of luck, and thanks for having us all along for the ride.
P.S. How about a Panic attack in Vancouver B.C.?!
Posted by: John D. | August 15, 2006 02:15 PM
Steve, join us!
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
TPC NYC LISTENING PARTY
http://www.snitchbar.com/
Come on down and listen to (ONe)!
Win prizes!
Wednesday, August 23
8-10 pm
SNITCH
59 West 21st Street, NYC, NY
212.727.7775
RSVP:
panicpartyNYC@yahoo.com
see our thread at the Asylum:
http://panicasylum.thepanicchannel.com/showpost.php?p=37192&postcount=9
Posted by: Sue | August 15, 2006 02:34 PM
Steve, I just cannot begin to express how great it was to pull (ONe) off the shelf today...I know that I was late on the train, but you sold me hook line and sinker from the moment that you took the stage in NYC last May. Just a simple congratulations for the fruition of your years of labor!!!! Thank you for being so honest in your lyrics and the music...you can tell that you (all 4 of you) made this album for yourselves and not for some pre-conceived notion of what a rock record should sound like or what a record exec thinks will be sell-able.
Enjoy the listening party tonight! I'm more than a little jealous that I cannot be there!
Posted by: MB | August 15, 2006 05:50 PM
Rockin CD!
You guys were sold out at the Best Buy near me in Chicago!
Posted by: Angela | August 16, 2006 07:06 AM
Steve,
check the TPC site email re: the listening party!
Posted by: Sue | August 17, 2006 03:30 PM
Hey Steve,
The new music is great. Checked out your photos too-- I love the way you see the world.
Posted by: K | August 18, 2006 12:16 AM
Hey Steve,
...I just wanted to tell you that you are great!...I love your music!...bye bye...Goodluck in the future...
Kiss
Posted by: desideria_kiss | August 25, 2006 01:34 AM