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It's done.
Posted by on October 15, 2010
With much sorrow and a heavy heart, I regret to inform you that She Swings, She Sways has broken up. We are no longer a band after five and half years. :( (read more)
Some Words on Porches
Posted by on July 30, 2010
Well, here it is: “Porches,” that new record we’ve been writing about. We like it. Produced by our drummer Jason, who did all the technical stuff, we made a recording we are proud of, and we did it in our own house. I guess that isn’t unusual or special in the wider world of music; many of my favorite bands do just that, but it’s the first time for us. (Ok, we did Six Sad Songs, but this… (read more)
Recording Notes, Part VII: Carl's Note on Mastering
Posted by on July 30, 2010
Here is the last of our recording notes for the new EP, this time from Carl Saff, mastering engineer. You can find him here: http://www.saffmastering.com/. By the way: Holy crap!! I just checked out his site myself, and I see that he mastered the Boston Spaceships' last EP. I friggin' love that band - Robert Pollard and Chris Slusarenko of Guided by Voices and John Moen of the Decemberists. Hell yeah,… (read more)
Get new "Porches EP" for free now!
Posted by on July 26, 2010
It's finally here! Our new "Porches EP" is now available! And the only way to get it for free is to go to http://www.sheswingsshesways.com/ and sign up for our newsletter! (read more)
Jason's Notes on Recording, Part VI: Mixing
Posted by on June 28, 2010
Part VI:Mixing. This is the first time I’ve personally done any mixing in a software program. The Zoom R16 came with Cubase LE 4. So armed with a pair of headphones and my home stereo speakers to A/B the mix, I busted out a rough mix in 2 days time, without any EQing or compression. I’m kind of a geek, so I really enjoyed setting up each folder, labeling and coloring all the tracks, cleaning up… (read more)
Jason's Recording Notes for Our Upcoming EP "Porches"
Posted by on June 14, 2010
Part I:I’ve had a Tascam 424 mkII for 15 years now. It’s just a 4-track cassette recorder. I’ve used it for almost every band I’ve ever been in and recorded many of my friends’ bands too. Trying to make 4 tracks work has always been a challenge. It was always great to hear people say “wow, you did that with only a 4-track”. As much fun as I had with the old Tascam, I’m happy that we’re… (read more)
The Magic Number Three
Posted by on May 20, 2010
Hello everyone! Sorry we haven't been writing much, but it's been a busy time at S4HQ. A lot has changed here, and we, quite frankly, haven't known what to say about it. Even now, we're going to be delightfully vague. Ooooh, the mystery. Right to it: we're now a three piece band, just Jason, Cory, and Troy - guitar, upright bass, and drums. John had to leave the band for personal issues. Diana is… (read more)
She Swings, She Sways Goes International... well... sort of.
Posted by on March 9, 2010
Just recently, Diana left us to study in Brazil. Why she would want to leave all this for sun and sandy beaches, we have no idea. Here she is:"Helllllllo She Swings Fans and Friends!!I am writing you from a little cafe Balneario Camboriu, Santa Catarina, Brasil (google it, its gorgeous!!). The weather lately has been a little rainy, but still NOTHING compared to you poor folks there!The first couple… (read more)
The Sweetest Kind of Fan Mail -- Ss,Ss is for Lovers!
Posted by on February 26, 2010
Here's a message we received from Carrie in Kansas City:"I absolutely love your music. My boyfriend introduced me to it on our first date and ive been addicted since then. We used to take long road trips all the time and when i would start to fall asleep he would play Lullaby and sing it to me. He used to have to travel 2 hours every weekend to come see me before we moved in together and said he would… (read more)
Six Sad Songs
Posted by on February 23, 2010
A lot of people have asked us about this, so we're giving it to all!In 2008, each member of the band wrote and recorded his/her own song on a Tascam four track for Valentines Day. We think the project turned out well. To download it for free, go here:http://www.purevolume.com/sheswingsshesways/albums/Six+Sad+SongsTrack Listing:1. On the Ground, by Wes VanAntwerp2. Shrug it Off, by John Gordon3. Two… (read more)
Youtube Finds
Posted by on January 5, 2010
Here are some interesting clips I found on Youtube featuring us or our music.First, a trip across South Korea with a floating head set to "What I Wouldn't Do": Now, a little kid rocking out to "He Loves Me," probably the cutest thing ever:And then, just us, playing the Redstone Room in Davenport, IA.This is great, people. Keep this kind of stuff coming. We love it. -Troy (read more)
Cory and Jess are Gettin' Hitched!!
Posted by on January 5, 2010
Don't they make a lovely couple? That's right, friends - Our own Cory Canny and merch gal Jessica Middleton are now engaged. It happened at the Middleton family Christmas, which I had the honor of attending. They're looking at dates sometime in 2011 for the wedding.Of course, we'd all like the wedding to happen sooner, but Jessica insists that she "plan" the thing. Congratulations, Cory and Jess.… (read more)
Oliver di Place - Wasted Love Songs Review
Posted by on November 18, 2009
She Swings, She Sways is a six piece band. Between them, they can top the usual drums and bass with twin acoustic guitars plus electric guitar and piano. Or acoustic guitar with two electric guitars and trumpet. They can add in a mandolin or harmonica. And guests on the album bring fiddle, pedal steel, and French horn into the mix. The bass player plays a stand up bass, but sometimes he bows it instead… (read more)
Tour in Pictures and Perspective (Troy's that is.)
Posted by on August 21, 2009
Photos, recollections, and reflections on our S4 Outing of '09.We do this when we leave; we do this when we get home, and we do this a whole damn lot in between. Cory and I take loading seriously. We think our first trip with a trailer was a clear success. I open with this photo because it sums up how I see the tour. I kinda even love the labor. According to the cheesily titled "Rock Bible," "You… (read more)
Summer Tour is Over, and I Don't Like It
Posted by on August 21, 2009
A roundup of our final summer shows:Kirby's Beer Store, Wichita, KS - This is the tiniest most magical place in Wichita. I described it to Jimmie like this: "It's a bit bigger than the van, no - It's like two vans!" The walls, the ceiling, and I'm sure even part of the floor are covered with old posters. Ask Paul the Bartender anything about the bar, and he'll pull down a photo album from the shelves… (read more)
Yay!
Posted by on August 14, 2009
Last night we got to play music and feel like a band again. After spending three days in Houston, dealing with van wreck bullshit and getting awfully snippy with each other, we were able to remember why we're out here. Let me back up a bit. We had two problems in Texas: a broken van and a broken trailer. We ended up getting the trailer fixed. Mark and the guys at Trailer, Wheel, and Frame replaced… (read more)
Shit.
Posted by on August 11, 2009
Two days ago we were on the freeway into Houston. It had been raining; the roads were wet. The semi in front of us screached to a stop, forcing us to do the same. The van skidded on the wet road, giving us three options: veer into a lane of traffic, collide with the rear end of the semi, or take it onto the shoulder and into the concrete guard rail. Our sensible driver chose the guard rail.The result… (read more)
The P&H, Landy's, and our First Trip to Louisiana.
Posted by on August 9, 2009
Day Eight - The P&H, Memphis, TN. When we made it to Memphis and had time to kill, we thought it would be a good idea to at least drive by Graceland. They charge something like $30 a head to go in, so we weren't doing that, as poor as most of us are at this point. As we drove through the neighborhood, our attention was drawn to the circus that's grown up around it. There's the "Heartbreak Hotel;"… (read more)
Summer Tour - A Bunch… Pt. 2
Posted by on August 7, 2009
Second Leg, Day Two - Chicago, Uncommon Ground. I had a horrible misconception of this place before we arrived. Since the name contains the word "ground," I figured it was a coffee house. Turns out it's the greenest restaurant in Chicago; they grow their own veggies on the roof: pretty badass. They fed us in their basement, which was different and reminded me of stories I've read where they only allow… (read more)
Summer Tour - A Bunch of Days
Posted by on August 1, 2009
To the call of the green machine's mighty honk, we're setting off again, tank full of gas; tires full of air; shoes full with feet, and hearts filled with hope. (burp). … And guts full of gas. Playing the Uncommon Ground on Devon in Chicago tonight, then staying in a church gym/home to my friend Jim's theater company. Should be a great Saturday night. I dropped off a bit during the last few days… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Eleven: Lincoln, NE
Posted by on July 21, 2009
I have no idea why I haven't been naming the cities in the titles of these posts. It looks funny to start now, but whatever. I like it. Woke up this morning in our friends Todd and Amy's fantastic house, ate some donuts. Their nine-year-old son Ayrton cooked me some burnt scrambled eggs: nothing a slathering of catsup couldn't fix. Spent the day on the porch listening to tunes. We played in a brick… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Ten
Posted by on July 21, 2009
We started the day with a trip to the Luthery Shop in Des Moines to get the jack on John's guitar fixed. (It came unscrewed during the previous night's show.) We were out of there in ten minutes. Thanks Tim. We drove to Omaha to play O'Leaver's Pub. It's the coolest(?) hole in the wall we know. The great Turtle Moon opened. It was kick ass. People were singing along and bought me drinks afterwards.… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Nine
Posted by on July 21, 2009
Woke up, did laundry, maybe mooched food from our parents, kissed the girlfriends/wives goodbye (again) and trucked it to Des Moines to play Nada 'Nother Sunday at AK O'Connor's.It was a nonstandard show for us - no drums and quiet. We started the show with only John, Cory, and I. After the break, Diana and Jimmie joined us. The highlights of the night were a slow, melancholy version of "He Loves… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Eight
Posted by on July 21, 2009
It's been a few days, so you'll all get to read multiple posts today. So, day eight - played Balloons Over the Mississippi in Ft. Madison. We parked the van and got to sing along to "Every Rose Has its Thorn" played by a terrible cover band. We were waaay into it. We played two sets that night, with a break in the middle for a hot air balloon glow and fireworks. It was great. People were more interested… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Eight
Posted by on July 21, 2009
It's been a few days, so you'll all get to read multiple posts today. So, day eight - played Balloons Over the Mississippi in Ft. Madison. We parked the van and got to sing along to "Every Rose Has its Thorn" played by a terrible cover band. We were waaay into it. We played two sets that night, with a break in the middle for a hot air balloon glow and fireworks. It was great. People were more interested… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Seven
Posted by on July 18, 2009
Spent part of the day today on a movie set in Davenport. Ever since Iowa passed tax credits for film makers and investors, the Iowa film industry is exploding. It would be awfully nice if the same could be done for music. It was a good time. We got to eat lunch with the crew, and Jason got to hang with his film making buddies. Then we headed to Iowa City to load into the Mill. The Mill is definitely… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Seven
Posted by on July 18, 2009
Spent part of the day today on a movie set in Davenport. Ever since Iowa passed tax credits for film makers and investors, the Iowa film industry is exploding. It would be awfully nice if the same could be done for music. It was a good time. We got to eat lunch with the crew, and Jason got to hang with his film making buddies. Then we headed to Iowa City to load into the Mill. The Mill is definitely… (read more)
End of Day Four and Days Five and Six
Posted by on July 16, 2009
Monday (technically Tuesday, but we haven't gone to bed yet), 12:16 am - Staying at the Sabertoothman house. Listened to lp's: Buddy Holly mostly. Sabertoothman is a great band made up of great people - a fellow six-piece, three of whom are siblings. I wish I wasn't the only musician in my family. Tuesday - Ahh. Day off. Woke up and said goodbye to Sabertoothman. Stopped at a Toys'r'us so Jimmie could… (read more)
End of Day Four and Days Five and Six
Posted by on July 16, 2009
Monday (technically Tuesday, but we haven't gone to bed yet), 12:16 am - Staying at the Sabertoothman house. Listened to lp's: Buddy Holly mostly. Sabertoothman is a great band made up of great people - a fellow six-piece, three of whom are siblings. I wish I wasn't the only musician in my family. Tuesday - Ahh. Day off. Woke up and said goodbye to Sabertoothman. Stopped at a Toys'r'us so Jimmie could… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day 3 and Part of 4
Posted by on July 13, 2009
3:30 am - I am drunk and tired. The bartender served ruuuuum and a only a little coke. Woo. The show was great - great sound provided by Mike, on loan from First Ave. He kept the upright bass feedback under control. Since he's interested, no Butterworth, no one got laid tonight. Damn. Monday, 12:30 pm - Back in the van, on the way to Madison to play the Frequency with Madison's Sabertoothman. We have… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day 3 and Part of 4
Posted by on July 13, 2009
3:30 am - I am drunk and tired. The bartender served ruuuuum and a only a little coke. Woo. The show was great - great sound provided by Mike, on loan from First Ave. He kept the upright bass feedback under control. Since he's interested, no Butterworth, no one got laid tonight. Damn. Monday, 12:30 pm - Back in the van, on the way to Madison to play the Frequency with Madison's Sabertoothman. We have… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Two
Posted by on July 12, 2009
3:00 am -- Opened for The Nadas at The Hub in Cedar Falls. Driving into town, we saw broken trees all over. I was told that there were over 100 mph winds yesterday - enough that a medical helicopter was picked up and dropped on a fence and a tractor was thrown into a grain silo - but according to the local paper, it wasn't a “tornado.”There was good energy tonight, and there were plenty of people… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day Two
Posted by on July 12, 2009
3:00 am -- Opened for The Nadas at The Hub in Cedar Falls. Driving into town, we saw broken trees all over. I was told that there were over 100 mph winds yesterday - enough that a medical helicopter was picked up and dropped on a fence and a tractor was thrown into a grain silo - but according to the local paper, it wasn't a “tornado.”There was good energy tonight, and there were plenty of people… (read more)
Summer Tour - Day One
Posted by on July 11, 2009
The Ottumwa Courier's She Swings, She Sways field correspondent, Spencer, interviews Cory on our first night of tour. Get your own valid XHTML YouTube embed code-- Post From My iPhone (read more)
Summer Tour - Day One
Posted by on July 11, 2009
The Ottumwa Courier's She Swings, She Sways field correspondent, Spencer, interviews Cory on our first night of tour. Get your own valid XHTML YouTube embed code-- Post From My iPhone (read more)
Here's what we did last Tuesday.
Posted by on May 12, 2009
Last Tuesday, we started recording the Nadas tune "New Start" for an upcoming compilation to be released on Authentic Records. Here's John and Cory outside of "the Studio."Yep, it's being recorded by Jonathan Natera, who recorded Wasted Love Songs. The space we're recording in is a new venue in Fairfield, Ia. The new Appleseed II studio is being built in the basement. Cory got Jonathan on camera for… (read more)
Here's what we did last Tuesday.
Posted by on May 12, 2009
Last Tuesday, we started recording the Nadas tune "New Start" for an upcoming compilation to be released on Authentic Records. Here's John and Cory outside of "the Studio."Yep, it's being recorded by Jonathan Natera, who recorded Wasted Love Songs. The space we're recording in is a new venue in Fairfield, Ia. The new Appleseed II studio is being built in the basement. Cory got Jonathan on camera for… (read more)
Posted by on May 5, 2009
Last night, we played a few songs on the second-floor mezzanine of Principal Park before the Iowa Cubs played the Nashville Sounds. It was a damn good time. We were a full six-piece band, and we got to introduce our new guitar player, Jimmie, to a real audience.This is a picture of Jimmie.I asked Jimmie to write me a few words of introduction and about playing in the band, and he had this to say:"My… (read more)
Posted by on May 5, 2009
Last night, we played a few songs on the second-floor mezzanine of Principal Park before the Iowa Cubs played the Nashville Sounds. It was a damn good time. We were a full six-piece band, and we got to introduce our new guitar player, Jimmie, to a real audience.This is a picture of Jimmie.I asked Jimmie to write me a few words of introduction and about playing in the band, and he had this to say:"My… (read more)
Iowa Source Article – Ottumwa’s Indie Artists Revel in Their Own Voice
Posted by on May 2, 2009
http://www.iowasource.com/music/2009_05.htmlCheck out this very sweet article in the new May issue of the Iowa Source Magazine! The Iowa Source is Iowa’s only free monthly arts and entertainment magazine. The Source brings a unique regional voice to nearly 16,000 appreciative readers, plus another 15,000 readers online.And this month we’re their cover story! So either stop and pick one up or read… (read more)
Iowa Source Article – Ottumwa’s Indie Artists Revel in Their Own Voice
Posted by on May 2, 2009
http://www.iowasource.com/music/2009_05.htmlCheck out this very sweet article in the new May issue of the Iowa Source Magazine! The Iowa Source is Iowa’s only free monthly arts and entertainment magazine. The Source brings a unique regional voice to nearly 16,000 appreciative readers, plus another 15,000 readers online.And this month we’re their cover story! So either stop and pick one up or read… (read more)