thefollow's Journals on Buzznet http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/ en-us <![CDATA[A River Of Thoughts...]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2427421/ River of Thoughts

The river head turns black and seamless in time without space that lends a heavy hand in the making of one continuous thought branching out likes limber arms and legs running for the goal to keep in mind is that we all could use a little help from time to take out the trash in our minds eye can’t see every angle only for a second has been reduced to fractions in an instant society that needs it all now and forget about the future holds the key to locks that will never turn for our hearts have slowed from wanting over needing the things that can heal our souls for love is love it is.

Excerpt from the blogpost of guitarist, Troy Rickertsen, of The Follow


]]> Buzznet thefollow 2008-05-29T08:49:00Z <![CDATA[FanFiles : A birdseye view.]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2427331/

LOVE, LIFE & INSPIRATION
A FANS POINT OF VIEW
  by JASON LITTON

The first time I saw the Follow I went not knowing what to expect. I had just heard the name around a lot and knew that they were a well known local band. I remember it was a good show but I don't remember much more about it. The second time I saw the Follow, I went because the first show was so good and I still had the song Drive stuck in my head. After the show I remember asking for a set list in the alley behind the Blue Note while the band was loading up their instruments. They couldn't find one and was unpacking everything including the drums and opening cases looking for me one. I remember them even going back inside and looking (and finding) me one. That's when I knew there was something special about this band; they really cared about their fans. Another thing that meant a lot to me when I met the band was when I asked for an autograph they just didn't sign their names, they wrote more and made me feel like I knew them and they knew me,
even before we really did.

I don't know how many times after that I've
seen them perform live. I am glad to be even
the smallest part; it means a lot to me that
they want me there.

Mat is crazy, but in a good way. He always has something funny to say and seems to be in a great mood regardless of what is going on. He knows how to have a fun time yet get what needs to be done, accomplished. He knows what it takes in every aspect to put on a good concert and does his best whether he is playing for 2 people or hundreds. Mat's wife Shannon also does a great job running the lights. She is also fun to talk to.

Amy is one of the world's nicest and caring people. She makes each show feel like it is about the audience even when in all truth, at times; it is more about her and the rest of the band. She's also always trying to feed me and make sure that I have something to drink, it means a lot to me that she cares. She also has a lot of interesting stories and experiences, if one asks. I also think that she has great vocals as well as her bass playing skills.

Troy takes a little more time to get to know than the others, but once you do, you realize it was worth the wait. He kind of has a sense of unexplainable mystery about him. It's not a bad thing; it just leaves you wanting to get to know him more. He knows what he wants to accomplish in his music and knows how to achieve that in each and every show. He also is one of the most intelligent people that I know. He is also an amazing guitar player and vocalist as well as sound engineer.

The lyrics of the band are powerful. You may not always know exactly what experience or what every song is about specifically, but you can always relate them to you personally. For example: in the song Carry On, the lyrics state: "In the earth builds a fire, just as the mountains hold the sun, lost for days, oh it drives me to my knees. I don't know if I've got the strength to carry on". This song to me is very inspirational. It tells of trying to accomplish something or to have something going on in your life that you are not sure that you can make it thru. At times you just feel like giving up but like the song states you can find 'Strength' to 'Carry On' from the people around you as well as in your personal beliefs.

The Follow writes songs of love and hope, of strength and of happiness, and of experiencing things that you never thought were otherwise possible. The songs are powerful and have such meaning that you can just tell and feel the effort behind them. The Follow is not a band that you just want put on and do something else; they are a band you want to just sit and listen to. The songs make you feel better and are uplifting. The Follow means the world to me. Their music has helped me in times when I wasn't the happiest, when I just didn't have a clue to what I was doing. (Like now ha.) The Follow is a band of Love, of Life and of Inspiration. Never in my life have I ever felt as strongly about a band. Mat, Amy and Troy are not just another local band to me, they are the best group of friends anyone could ever ask for. I believe in The Follow and what they want to accomplish thru their music.

* The Follow wants to connect with their fans, meet their fans, hear comments and feedback, and even value constructive criticism. They have a progressive approach, and are open to trying new things. They have a need for more of their fans to be involved in the street team. Everyone has a special part they can play in the growth of the band. Anything from handing out flyers, or helping load band gear, to calling in requests at local radio stations. There are far more ideas, and The Follow wants to hear and implement yours! The website, monthly enews, and myspace all provide great resources to begin participating. As a band grows their fan base grows. If you hear a band you like, you tell others. Fans buy the CDs and merch and come to the shows. The Follow's fans mean everything to the band. They want to build the street team, and it starts with you!
Are you ready to Join The Follow Street Team?

]]> Buzznet thefollow 2008-05-29T08:28:00Z <![CDATA[Live at Mike's Corner Pocket in Jefferson City]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2427291/ TOUR INSIDER
WHERE IN THE WORLD

May 9th 2008 : LIVE at Mike's Corner Pocket in Jefferson City, Missouri

Our first gig at Mike's. The place separates itself from most clubs and venues by having a poolhall feel along with live music. There is a nice riser for the bands, which we used just for the drums. Not that Mat needs a ton of space, but we had extra room out front to spread out. This is a Godsend for the sound, as well as our comfort in performing. The room lends itself well to amplification as well, which is something I'd personally like to see happen in more clubs. Nothing harsher than listening to a band you enjoy when the sound is splitting your skull. Not so at Mike's, cause he's got the corner pocket covered.

We loaded the day before the gig, and man o' man, was it a huge difference is how we felt on gig day. We needed a bit more time setting up than usual since it had been a bit since we'd used our audio system and lights. I love when we use the intel lights, they are like another member of the band at times. Shannon, Mat's wife, runs the show on the visual side. She also knows the ins and outs of Mat's drumkit, setting up and breaking down along side us.

I started acoustically, in hopes to warm up the souls who had come. Some were there for the show, many for the art of shooting pool. It brought back memories of playing pool with my brother. I had a more relaxed diet back then, and I recall eating a handful of those mini-burritos, you know, the ones caked in saturated oils. I can almost feel the sludge bogging down the arteries as I speak. Boy that was fun in the moment. Of course, I always felt seasick after going, partaking the burritos, soaking in the second hand smoke. Well, the smoke is still alive and well, or perhaps the opposite, in the clubs where we play. Not so bad at Mike's. I could actually breathe between phrases while I was singing during the acoustic set. I had the opportunity to play some songs that generally don't make the setlist. Originals and covers alike, even a first time shot at playing Milky Way, one of my favorites by The Church. Starfish is incredible, but many people don't realize they are still making incredible music today!

Our friend Richard made it to the show. Bryan made it as well. I called him Mike for half the night on accident... sorry about that buddy. Mom & Dadio were present, as well at Tom and his sweetheart. He was in a band called Stilljoy, from the Columbia region. Mat was commenting to me just how good Tom is behind the kit. Stilljoy was one of Mat's favorites from Columbia.

The electric set consisted of songs from Origins, nowaitingplease, and Up With The Sun. We also pulled out Tunnel, which is a tune from Lost Sessions. It always goes out to dad. Others include Sometimes, which originally appeared on the Mini-EP Fire Sessions, back in 1994. That one has undergone some retooling. Most of the songs from Up With The Sun were played, with the exception of Strength and In Your Eyes. We have a new song that we're rehearsing and will be playing out live. The song is called Longing, and it has a different feel from anything we've previously done. It's hard to fall far from the tree, meaning that most significant changes internally are mild changes externally, to others.

The night finished well, and I felt like a million bucks about how everything went musically. One of those rare evenings when everything clicks and you find yourself in the flow. Not that we were perfect, far from it! But all times are good times, but the best are just that, absolutely the best. 12 people or 12,000, it doesn't matter because we still get to do what we love... play music together.

SHOUT IT OUT! COMMENT TO THE FOLLOW
]]> Buzznet thefollow 2008-05-29T08:19:00Z <![CDATA[Live at the Woodcrest Auditorium]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2274901/ May 4th 2007 : LIVE at the Woodcrest Auditorium

The Follow had been looking forward to this show for quite some time. Planned months in advance, it required many people with many talents to make it happen. At the forefront was event organizer, Mat Matlack. He spent many working hours in promoting the show. That is actually an understatement. Just the amount of volunteers made my head spin.

The auditorium at Woodcrest holds the perfect environment for a rock n' roll concert. The few times we've played there have been very memorable. This show in particular was different, at least for me. For the first time in a while, I felt really comfortable and was able to disconnect from my surroundings. I'm not sure if it was the extra time spent rehearsing, or if the disconnection was a result from a few days of sleep deprivation. Something happens when you push past fatique. You find that you eventually enter a second wind. Thankfully, that occured when we took the stage. It was a blast. I can't recall a gig where I felt better. As short as it was, only twenty minutes, the set flew by. We played six songs, and the process of choosing songs for the setlist was interesting. We spent time talking about which songs are favorites, or fans favorites, singles, whatever. Next, the song order often changes like the wind. One member feels like the order is most crucial, while another member could feel the order is trivial. Of course, this creates some interesting waves. After considering the peaks and valley's, arm wrestling, we come to a final setlist. The very next day it changed, as the former list would take an additional two hours to sync lighting to the set.

Hearing the newest album by The Afters in a live setting was incredible. Not only were they super nice guys, but the show they put on was great. They had everyone on their feet. Josh, the vocalist, shared stories of faith. I met John, the sound engineer and tour manager for the event, who took time to help me repair my in-ear monitors. The savings could amount to a couple years worth of car insurance, or a couple house payments. While gear may come at a cost, it's definitely worth it, at least to me.

Someone once asked how much time is spent creating the sound, the mix, and the tones of the instruments. I expect that we probably spend somewhere between 75 to 90 percent of our time on the technical aspects and elements. All the time spent really feels worth it, especially when someone comes up following a show, telling how the music or lyrics touched them. That's undescribable.

This past year the band invested in new lighting, including moving lights. Mat programs all the scenes and sequences, while his wife, Shannon, triggers the scenes during our sets. They look like little spinning robots, casting colors about the stage. During our set, at one point, I lost track of the distance to the light behind me. During 'Drive' I nearly toppled over the R2 unit behind me. Poor little chap, just trying to light our way.

So many people helped make the show at Woodcrest. Hey Lori Mitchell, thanks for running all those errands and getting food for the bands. Brad Jenkins, he rocked the house with audio support for The Follow, as well as hours of rolling cables and stage work. Shannon & Stacey, they both ruled the lighting world. JP directed the show, and organized his team. Brice wielding some great imagery, with camera work from afar. I saw Eric, Phil, Christina, Shannon, and Kaleigh, all working cameras as well. Charlie managed the stage. Woody captured the moment in snapshots. Skillet skillfully triggered The Follow's video sequences. Kevin & Heather from KMFC Radio Joy 92 gave their time and announcing skills to the event.

Out front, outside the main auditorium doors, were even more volunteers. Debbie & Kelley sold tickets, while the Zynda boys handed out LED flashlights. Katie and Kelly took the tickets and stamped those hands. Our friend, Jeff Fleming helped with ushering, along with Bill. Barry, Susan & Niki also contributed in the ushering department. Kim & Larie lead merchandising, while Lynne, Tyler, Shelly & Susannah ran the merch tables. Mona Smith had great snacks for the band and I especially loved the black bean salsa! Wait a minute, I don't want to forget about those who helped us load the band gear. I saw Joe & Tyler, among others, pushing in flight cases. I also want to give a shout to Jason Litton, who spent the whole day helping and supporting the band.

I'm looking forward to seeing the DVD of the performance, and hearing how the audio turned out in the mix. It could be weeks before we see it, since we're gearing up next for upcoming multiset shows. Hope to see you at the next show!

SHOUT IT OUT! EMAIL THE FOLLOW WITH YOUR COMMENTS
]]> live rock the afters the follow woodcrest Buzznet thefollow 2008-04-29T09:33:00Z <![CDATA[Live at Mizzou Amphitheater in Columbia, Missouri]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2274871/ June 22th 2007 : LIVE at Mizzou Amphitheater in Columbia, Missouri

When I first heard that we were opening for Third Day, I didn't fully realize the rare opportunity before us. We all had many irons in the fire, and that likely distracted us from feeling nervous abou the show. The band hadn't rehearsed or played together since our last gig in Moberly.

When we made it to the Amphitheater at Mizzou, as they call it, we were greeted by our friend Dave Barlett, who handles all the big events that come through the Mizzou arena. He was riding one of those 2 wheel Segway personal transports, smoothly cutting around obstacles at an impressive speed. A pro at work. Those transports look spaceage, quite cool. Dave directs us towards the stage, where we had helping hands to carry our gear. It wasn't long before we were up and running. Our buddy, Chris Mitchell, who sings and leads music at Woodcrest, helped us on sound for the evening. Once everything was ready, we strapped in for soundcheck. Sccccrrreeeech! The wireless in-ear monitoring system sounds like it's being killed by a cat. So we switch frequencies, to find more strange static. Ok, ok, what really happened... we were on the same frequencies as 2 of Third Days wireless receivers. So the tech crew were kind enough to shut down their devices while we played our set. A blessing. Nice to hear what you're doing.

While we were in the greenroom, Amy and I discussed the song order and the length of the set. It was fun mixing up the setlist, probably because it's like taking away the safety retraints. We snack around on the goods that were provided, then head for the stage. On the way to the stage, I'm handed my new in-ears, they just arrived. I hadn't even tested them, but new the amount of effort Tricia Kaufman did to get them to me. I had to wear 'em. So we all plug in and off we went!

I remember looking out into the audience, seeing all the faces filled with excitement, and it was joyful. It was like a release lever had been pulled, and we were leaving the station. It was possibly the best show of my life. Everything was just right. Amy, Mat, and I were all in our element. It doesn't always click this way. It felt so energizing, and yet so peaceful, all at once. After a decade and a half of playing, I must give pause when I say 'best', because there have been so many good shows. So many shows to be thankful for.



After we watched Third Day rock the house, or more correctly; the lawn, we headed back to the merch booth where we talked with concert goers and met new fans. Everyone shared stories of the night and various other stories as well. It was cool to see the reactions and hear the comments from different people who saw the show. Some talked about the sound, or the performance, yet others spoke of guitar or seeing the cool rockin' drummer. One family even talked to me about my Road ID, which each member also had. Handy for adventurous outdoorsy people who need identification in case of emergencies. You really never know what topic might come up at a gig.

Once the night was over, we headed back down to the greenroom. Third Day was inside, and they all took time to say hello and congratulated us on our set. The singer of the band even commented on how much he enjoyed watching Mat play the drums. A few minutes later, I walked outside and see the lights on in the Mizzou arena. Just inside the endzone stood half the band, playing woofle ball with a few kids. No media, no one else around watching them. Just the band playing ball for fun with the kids. I remember thinking... 'Wow, these guys are for real'.

SHOUT IT OUT! CONTACT THE FOLLOW WITH YOUR COMMENTS ]]> live mizzou rock the follow Buzznet thefollow 2008-04-29T09:29:00Z <![CDATA[Live at the Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2274821/ May 19th 2007 : LIVE at the Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri

You know the feeling, you've been on an airplane for hours and no longer know up from down. You know the feeling, you've entered a region known as the root canal, where someone shoots you up while tusken raiders stare down at you with shiny metal objects. Or, alternately, you've loaded equipment for a half hour, driven for an hour and a half, and set-up gear for two hours. You find yourself playing onstage, not one, not two, but four lengthy sets. You finish and feel fortunate to still have momentum to break the gear down again, only to load it back into the van. The drive home is vegetative, except for the unlucky driver, who slaps themselves continually for alertness, to complete the hour and a half drive home. That was last night. Today feels like novacaine.

It's not everyday that we get the opportunity to play at one of the best venues on the planet. The Blue Note. I still remember going with my skateboarding friend, Mat Matlack, back in the day. He talked me into going to see a group called The Eyes, back in 1990. All I can say is... it changed my life. I'd never seen such passion and charisma, and to be so close to the band onstage, putting out such a compelling sound. To think that so many years later, so many shows later, the Blue Note is still one of our favorite places to play.

Having played in California, Missouri the previous night, a four hour set, we felt a bit like we were living in Jetlag town and Root Canalville. I was still excited to play, for many reasons. Ultra-cool club, with super bands, and it was on a perfect night. I remember looking over while loading in gear, seeing Byron from Filament, smiling and putting out the coolest vibes. Then I see Jeff, who runs lighting at the Note, also in good spirits. It wasn't long before I saw members of Nova Lunacy, all gathered back together onstage. My friend, Charles, who plays bass in Nova and also at Woodcrest, waves hello. Man, what a cool and rare moment this is, among friends and musicians, all putting their time and life into the music they love.

When we took the stage, I stumbled. Not literally, but in the mind. We briefly discussed switching the order of the setlist, with a significant change in the beginning and ending. Well, I was ready to play a completely different show than my bandmates. In about 4 tenths of a second, the change is made in my mind and I start playing the looping intro to drive. My brain already feels lagtime from last nights gig, so I said a quick 'thank you' when I made it through the beginning unscathed. After that, it was a great experience. I was settled, and Amy and Mat were on fire. Seeing them in that way makes me want to break all the chains that bind. You know what I mean? Breaking free of everything that ever held you back. Releasing and embracing the fear. It's exhilerating, really. I'm probably making more of this than I should, but each show I play as if it were my last.

Shannon, Mat's wife, helped cast some cool visuals once again with the intelligent lights. She always does such a great job. I have noticed a great leap in our stage presence since purchasing those puppies, the intels. Little 'R2' units, I call 'em. Shannon brought her friend, Christina, to run lights as well. Another friend and fan on the 'Follow Street Team'. See, the street team isn't only about promoting the band, it's also interactive with the band. There are many places and shoes to be filled by those perfect little feet. Do you need some shoes? We have some you just might fill. (End Street Team Plug Here) Ha ha! Just checking to see if you were still with me. Our friends, Jason Litton and Jeff Fleming, both made it out to support the band and see the variety of acts. Hey Jeff, how are those legs? Pulling a handfull of children around on one super extended bike for 20 miles will test anyones endurance. (Return to Earth) It was a great time, and the changeover between bands was quite smooth. I have Amy to thank for her agility and ability in the speedster department. Man can she move some gear fast. Now, if all the fans reading this will just 'SHOUT IT OUT' and let Amy know how much you enjoy it when she cuts loose, she'll know that it's A Ok to be 'who she is' onstage. She worries about the chords, the song order, whether the people watching the show are ok, everything except allowing herself to enjoy the moment. Mat and I encourage her to let go when she's onstage. She has prepared, practiced, done the work, now it's time to be in the moment. I understand, I struggle to let go at times as well. I've often wondered if it somehow gives us the illusion of control. She has made great strides. I could learn a life of goodness through her. She has a heart of gold.

To sum up the Blue Note show, although the night didn't bring out the masses, those who came were the greatest. A gig to remember.

SHOUT IT OUT! CONTACT THE FOLLOW WITH YOUR COMMENTS
]]> blue note columbia live missouri rock tour Buzznet thefollow 2008-04-29T08:47:00Z <![CDATA[A JOURNEY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM]]> http://thefollow.buzznet.com/user/journal/2166361/ As journaled by Amy Rickertsen (Bass, Vocals, Fatar)

Today we are finally leaving. I can’t believe the organization that went into getting our stuff packed in nice tight little 99-pound bundles. I searched far and wide for containers that would meet the airline dimensions that would hold our pedals and misc. stuff - all my cute vintage luggage pieces that I usually use just wouldn’t take the abuse. I’m terrified of our digital mixing board leaving the security of its shock mount case for a compact lighter version with no shocks. I won’t watch that one as it scales the conveyer belt. What in the world will become of Troy’s tube amp? He did his best to armorize the thing by building wooden face plates that protect the grille and knobs on the front and the tubes in the back - nothing to help if it‘s dropped. He designed a cool plexi glass front that would have been easy to take on and off when it goes through security and customs but in the final placement of some hardware - he uses his fingers to pry something instead of going and finding the tool and the plexi splits open his forefinger and middle fingers of his right hand- basically the two fingers he needs to hold a pick!!!! He goes flying past us saying, “I messed up, I messed up... I can’t look!” At first I am mad, but just because I said, “Wait let me get the vise grips!” And he didn’t listen. Then I move on to being scared. I’m a freak about infection and germs. That’s what happens when you study microbiology. You get to worry about all the stuff you never knew existed. Just like the vise grips, I have no influence on convincing him to go to Mediquick and have them really get his fingers bound up right. Instead I fly down to Walgreen’s and buy about fifty bucks worth of bandages, and new skin goop. I do find a cool new bandade that stretches 360 degrees. By the time we finish Troy says they look like Frankenstein fingers with all the layers of new skin that I kept adding. Maybe somebody knew something was going to happen and it will be a blessing that we don’t have any shows the first couple days in Amsterdam. This will hopefully give his fingers a chance to seal up more. We finally make it to the airport and we will see if we need to employ plan B for shipping our gear to Europe. We really can’t imagine them accepting all of our stuff and keep FedEx in the back of our minds. Miraculously they do. We’re not sure if it’s because it is 5 o’clock in the morning and they just want us to go away but they accept everything and do not charge us for oversize just overweight. This amounts to several hundred dollars saved and we are sort of giddy acting. Could be that we have been up all night and are about to stay up for another day and night. We caravan our parcels over to security and watch them load them up on the x-ray machine. I have missed something funny- Mat reenacts one of the workers talking about our loads. (Imagine this with a southern accent) “This one here’s 99 lb, that one there’s a hundred pounds, another one at 100 lb S H E E E T !” Oh yeah, and I miss Troy’s amp getting wedged in the machine and them having to shut the whole thing down, climb up in there and yank it back out. Where is our camera?
We are on standby for an earlier flight. This is on the good advice of a former baggage handler that told us we would have a slim chance in making our connecting international flight in Philadelphia if we stuck with what we booked. We do not want to be separated from our stuff. That guy was right. Our Woodcrest friends that were traveling with us kept their existing flight and missed the scheduled international. They were rerouted through Scotland and basically did a whole lot of hustling around. We have hours to kill in Phili waiting for our Amsterdam flight so Troy takes off to get in some miles of walking. He covers the airport several times. He looks crazy to me. He is flying by people doing his speed walking since he can’t jog that day. Listening to his mp3 player with his in ear monitors cranking, he is really in his own world. I am off to find a place to mail Jason’s Follow tour shirt. I want him to have the first one of the actual tour since he is the one who travels with us everywhere he can to help the band set up and sell our stuff while we play. He’s a huge deal to us. Too bad we couldn’t have packed him along with us. Oh yeah, and it’s time for Troy’s first bandage change. I don’t really want to look either. Well, it doesn’t look good to me, but at least it’s not green with streaks running up his arm. I resist the urge to add another layer of skin goop. We finally get on the international flight. I can’t believe it - they have movies. We have been so busy lately - I have really missed TV!!! I should be sleeping, but they're showing X-Men!!! It's great... they blow up something on screen & we hit a little turbulence & the plane shakes. It's just like Universal Studios!

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