SOUL LOW

Soul Guy Sean

#tbt i miss austin. i miss tour. #RIPSOUTHMOUTH2015

Exciting developments in Soul Lands coming soon / Next show is this Thursday at Linneman's / We miss tour (pic from denver, co)

(Sorry for the wait, we all needed a few days to recuperate) By the time we left Vegas we were all pretty anxious to get the hell out of there. Strange town, man, strange town. Especially when you don't have a gig and are left to soak in that depraved culture (or lack thereof) without direction, purpose, or even the money it takes to (maybe) enjoy it. Ack, anyway. We felt lost, and more than a little anxious that we were driving through the mountains in Shelby, but Salt Lake City was a perfect reclamation, a welcoming back into the DIY fold. We played with a great band, Nora Dates, at their supercool practice space and even got to chat up our hosts - all ex-Mormons - about that particular area of the country's religious climate. Apparently a lot of their beer has to be made at 3.2% alcohol - we definitely weren't in Wisconsin anymore. The coolest thing about that gig was finally getting to meet Tristan, however: possibly our biggest fan, a passionate young man who discovered us on a blog about a year ago. Oh, and he's from Italy. He got in touch with us from half way around the world and let us know he'd be doing an exchange program in Salt Lake City if we were ever in the neighborhood - and as we were setting up this tour we realized we actually would be. It was just the craziest yet in a streak of impossibly cool fan encounters. He brought a posse of friends, we played all his favorites, and together we all hung out after the show - a truly great time, especially thanks to our gracious hosts in Nora Dates. The next day we avoided both the snow and the perilous Rocky Mountains by driving North through Wyoming, and we arrived with plenty of time to hang out and eat Tortas with our old friend, Cecelia. Charlie's old buddies from Boulder also came to the show at a little dive bar that reminded us of home, and afterwards we probably got more smashed than we had all tour. Denver was a great town, everything people say it is, even helping ease us gently into the cooler Midwestern climate. In the morning Cecelia made us a delicious breakfast and we may have checked out the state's newest recreational "attractions". We probably enjoyed Denver a little too much, because we arrived in Wichita considerably late. As we drove down the dark, lampless residential streets looking for our house venue, we all turned to Jake - for this was the only show he booked, and somehow he failed to get a contact number. We were hoping for some reassurance that this wasn't the start of serial killer's trap, but all he could give us was a nervous grin. Eventually we found the address he was told and approached a back door lit by a red bulb, straining to hear any signs of a show inside... It then opened, revealing a room full of scruffy but goodnatured 20-something's, confused by our lateness but incredibly happy to see us nonetheless. We sighed with utter relief and unloaded the car. It appeared that our host, Danny, had just so happened to split his forehead open in a zealous bout of head banging five minutes before we arrived, and with a makeshift bandage he introduced himself, announcing to all that he'd be back as soon as he got some stitches. Talk about commitment. Despite our initial apprehension, Coloradan exhaustion, and needful abstention from drinking (in order to survive our 12 hour drive to Chicago the next day), we played another great show in Wichita and met some wonderful people, all of which lent their full support. It was also admittedly fun to scream "I'M GOING TO WICHITA" along with the White Stripes on the way there. We managed to get on the road the next day at 7:30, fueled mostly by the knowledge that Milwaukee was just one day away. We arrived in a timely manner at the venue, Quenchers in Logan Square, and greeted another old friend, Jorum, who currently works there. Our Chicago buddy band, The Gnar, was headlining, determined to get us drunk despite Charlie and Jake's desire to make it home to Milwaukee that same night. The Gnar boys did not disapoint: the place was packed with both their friends and family as well as Charlie's, we sold out of 'UNEASY', Jesus shirts, and stickers, and later we ended up having a great time at their massive, beautiful, refurbished-industrial apartment, straight out of a movie. It was another perfect night, but despite a lingering desire to stay, the plea to return to our own bed's won out, and I once I was back I couldn't complain. So, the tour ended, for me at least, with a 4:00am desperate slumber at my parent's place in Bay View, and the whole time, despite the late hour, I was simply amazed that we'd made it in one piece, that we'd managed to break even with the band fund, that all of this unbelievable experience was possible at all. I've never felt more optimistic about music, about Soul Low, about the future, and all I can say is thank you, all of you, and stay tuned, because this tour has just fanned the flames - you'll be seeing a lot more of us in 2015. Cheers, Sean Daddy Soul Papa P.S. There's one more *official* homecoming show THIS THURSDAY the 22nd @ Linneman's. I'm on my way back to the Twin Cities for school unfortunately, but don't be like me, be cool! and be there! because this show is possibly the best bill we've ever played on, and we're somehow headlining. Peace. https://www.facebook.com/events/813929645330026/

We're back home now watching Netflix and sleeping for the next week. Tour was lovely and we'll be doing it again soon. RIP #southmouth photo from us maxin In and Out - Fullerton, CA

BLATZ PRAISE POWER MOVE Chicago, IL

Two days left of tour. Tonight we up in Wichita, KS.

The way to Phoenix was littered with sun-strewn hills and cacti, prickly green fingers protruding from the red rocks. It was a mere 6 1/2 hour drive, less than half that of the 14 hour gauntlet to Albuquerque, and the sunset over the mountainous terrain was a peaceful respite from freezing mists and black ice. The temperature increased as we descended in altitude as well, returning to a pleasant 60 degrees by the time we arrived. The all-ages venue, the Trunk Space, had an odd misfit vibe as we pulled into the parking lot: high schoolers milling about with middle aged bluesmen, all waiting for the owner to arrive and open up. There was also - unbelievably, impossibly - three separate people we knew from Wisconsin who moved out to Phoenix independently: Andy from the band Ten Paces, Fire! and Cody and Joel, friends of Jake's from Madison, all of whom brought friends. Who could have guessed we'd have pull in Phoenix? The gig went well despite the odd mixture of bands and ages, and we sold a good amount of merch while catching up with old friends. After a couple beers in the neighboring tiki bar and a couple more in the venue parking lot, we found our way to Cody's apartment and went straight to bed. In the morning we got on the road for our next major destination: Los Angeles, two days there no less. With great anticipation we made our final push west through California's gorgeous deserts and mountains. Eventually we made it through LA's traffic and urban sprawl, arriving at Charlie's Aunt Mary Jane's house in Culver City where we'd be sleeping, 15 minutes from Venice beach. Before heading out to our gig at the Silver Lake Lounge on Sunset Blvd, she treated us to delicious turkey chili and Belgian beer. Though we thought load-in was at six, we instead stumbled into an honestly terrible open mic night, and were even heckled in a truly cliche "you're-not-in-the-Midwest-anymore" LA welcome. Taking it in good stride, we played another good show, our pride bolstered by the fact that (yet again!) we had plenty of Wisconsin support: Charlie's aunt and Jake's uncle, plus all the friends and family they brought along; our best friend Perry's sister, Alex, who moved out there a few year's back; Our friend and singer in MKE's Paper Holland, Joe, who just so happened to be out their helping move a friend in; and even Dakota and Marisa, two cool fans we'd never met who'd simply heard about us from our mutual friend, Phie. Again, who could have guessed we'd have pull in LA?? The next two days we had off, the first again in LA and the second in Las Vegas, time to recuperate after a week of touring and hopefully see some sights. We somehow managed to pick one of the few times it rains in California, but were still determined to enjoy the sweet, sweet warmth. After showers, laundry, and a tune-up for ole Shelbs (She's been running great by the way, if a little sluggish going up the mountains), we proceeded to check out The Museum of Jurassic Technology (hard to explain that one, but incredible. Ask me about it sometime), eat an amazing lunch at the LA County art museum (thanks Mary Jane!), and eventually, despite the late hour, walk barefoot in the pacific along Santa Monica beach, a cold but necessary experience for boys who've never seen the pacific ocean. That night we made our way to Fullerton to stay with Jake's uncle Frank and his family, experiencing yet another Californian necessity: Double-doubles, animal fries, and shakes at In-N-Out. We then had an early night, exhausted even more so by our day of rest. In the morning, with only a 3 1/2 hour drive to Vegas, we took our time with a dip in the hot tub, watching the freakin PACKER GAME, and even checking out Burger Records down the road. All the family we encountered in California were incredibly gracious to us, right up until we left with tamales and a Third Shift six pack from Jake's aunt Katy. It was sad to leave the beauty and warmth of California behind, and even the drive north through the mountains to Nevada was breath-taking, though our ears were popping for hours. By 7:00 we made it to Sam's step cousin Tracy's outside of Vegas, who gave us some recommendations for on and off the strip. As for the rest of the night, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" as they say (though Sam, of all people, did win $20 at the penny slots). Now we're on the road, through yet more mountain country on our way to Salt Lake City, and we're all anxious to get back on stage. It's been two whole days off, long enough to forget you're in a band, and a house show tonight is just what we need to feel at home. Well, until we actually are home in a few days. Till then, kiddos! Sincerely, The mustachioed one that isn't Sam

SMALL BALLERS POWER MOVE Las Vegas, NV

PUBLIC DRINKING POWER MOVE Las Vegas, NV

Yesterday we thought it'd be a great idea to go to the Santa Monica pier for a pic at night. It was also raining. Despite the set backs us Midwestern boys still got our feet wet in the great Pacific. The soul fam is currently en route to Las Vegas for another night off. Our goals are to find Sean a wife and to double the band fund (stay tuned). Tomorrow we're playing in SLC - 7pm at The Space.

TRUE LOVE POWER MOVE Mesa, AZ

ROCK LOUNGE POWER MOVE WHAT'S YOUR POWER MOVE Somewhere in Arizona

With Austin firmly in sight we were in high spirits, the irksome standstill of rush hour only building suspense for our major destination. First, errands: coffee, unloading at the venue, drumsticks and guitar strings, delicious Tortas, and (of course) Lonestar. When we eventually made it back to the Mohawk we found it already packed, a beautiful sight for a Monday. Free Week was everything our buddies in the headlining spot, Little Radar, told us it would be. In fact, we largely owe this tour to their hospitality, for convincing us to come down to Austin after we put them up in Milwaukee about a year ago. Now here we are, on a two week tour including not just Austin but LA - a testament to the true power of buddy bands, the expansive possibilities of simple reciprocity. We were eager to play, especially after meeting at least four other people from Milwaukee randomly at the bar, as well as two friends of mine from Minneapolis visiting Austin on a whim - crazy coincidences. And despite Jake foolishly wearing long-johns and a sweater - darn Midwestern habits - and nearly passing out onstage, it was still a fantastic show with the place packed and digging it. We then crashed at Little Radar's rehearsal space, The Castle, after their equally awesome set. It was a little bunker of a house, where four bands rehearse, record, and party, and which would also serve as the venue the next day. It was windowless, however, and after sleeping in till noon we emerged, disoriented, into the blinding white heat of 72 degree sunshine - just the kind of escape from the deathly chill in our bones that we've been yearning for. What to do with such a day, in Austin no less? What else but Cuban breakfast with Little Radar's exceptionally talented and experienced bassist, Grant, who gave us all kinds of advice. What else but iced coffee, t-shirts, kayaking the Colorado River, eating the finest Texas barbecue? It was just what we hoped for, and when we eventually got back to the Castle, we once again found it packed with Little Radar's friends and fans. They treated us to another amazing show, and we couldn't help but party till the wee hours despite having to wake up at 6:00 the next day for the 12 hour drive to Albuquerque. Many hugs of thanks and goodbye were shared between us and our hosts, whose generous Southern hospitality truly spoiled us. The next day's drive was grueling, torturous even, not just for the long hours, but for the bleak small towns and windy wastes of west Texas, for the carrier atop our van bursting open and me almost losing my sleeping bag, for the freezing mists and black ice of New Mexico flipping at least five cars along our route. We slowed to a crawl of 40 mph and added two hours onto our already hellish drive. Needless to say, we arrived in Albuquerque exhausted, hungry, and with our nerves shot, no clue what to expect from our DIY house venue that night. And yet, we were treated to possibly the funnest gig of tour with a full house of music lovers who liked to dance, as well as the headlining band which had only a drummer and three(!) female bassists, with their gorgeous/intense vocal harmonies sounding between and above the thrumming basses, a true supergroup. We then partied, blowing off steam with this cool crowd, and even got a much needed goodnight's sleep while cuddling with the house cat. In the morning we refueled with coffee and New Mexican breakfast burritos at Java Joe's, a perfect send-off from our hosts Celia and Jasmine. We're currently on our way to Phoenix where warm weather, an all-ages venue called the Trunk Space, and showers await us. While that all sounds amazing, the rest of the tour will have a tough time one-upping the shows that have come so far, which have made all the death-defying drives more than worth it. Your daddiest of Soul Lows, Sean

400 miles to Phoenix

Hour 7 of our drive to ABQ. Post, TX

KAYAK POWER MOVE WHAT'S YOUR POWER MOVE Austin, TX