Envinity

On Turning 30

2011-02-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Thirty.

Man. That sounds old.

I tell you, turning 30 brings with it a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings.

Perhaps it's simply the importance we place on big fat round numbers that makes it so strange for me. Anything divisible by 10 seems to feel important to us, for whatever reason. In reality it is no different than turning 23, 14, or 17 and 3/5ths. And yet...

...it feels different.

30 Is the New 20

You know, it wasn't that long ago that turning 20 was the same as turning 30 is today. Probably about 50 or so years perhaps.

Turning 20 at that time was the passage from teen to adult. From immaturity to professionalism. And that's how 30 is viewed today.

As we shed our "wild & crazy" 20s, we're supposed to accept 30 as the time to begin settling down, becoming more serious, and getting a career. Time to stop going by "Jimmy", and suddenly become "James".

In fact, most of the people in my age bracket are doing just that. They're married, some have children, almost all have some sort of traditional career, and they have houses. You know, real houses. With a mortgage payment and everything. Wow, how adult.

Well fuck that. I can't think of anything worse than that scenario, for me. Seeing that shit makes me shiver with disgust with a Billy Idol lip curl.

To quote Mr. Horse from Ren & Stimpy: "No sir, I don't like it".

Putting Away Childish Things

One major trait of people who have officially moved into adulthood, is that of seriousness. Perhaps things are changing these days, but it still lingers as an acceptable stigma. It's GOOD to be serious all the time. "James, stop joking around! This is serious! Act like an adult!"

Gone are the days of being spontaneous and silly. Of following your crazy, unattainable dreams. Of living against the grain. Of doing whatever the hell you want.

Not for me, lady and gentleman (yes, singular). Don't you worry. I'm still fighting that unwinable war everyday. The dreams of my childhood burn brighter than they have in years. And I have no intention of giving up. In fact, I'm fighting harder... and hopefully smarter... for them.

Long live the passion of the dreamers.

Hindsight Is 30/30

One thing that happens to many people on a big round number like this, is personal reflection. What have I done? What did I accomplish? What do I regret? What did I do that mattered? What would I do differently? And so on.

Indeed, I am no exception. Though I reflect like this at least once a day. Usually followed by intense sobbing and vomiting.

I've gone through plenty of shit in the last few years. Dramatic personal and professional changes that have reshaped the person I am now. And pretty drastically in some ways, I might add (and did).

Sure I've made plenty of mistakes. I've taken an uncommon approach to living my life, which has not won me any awards so far (but I'm nominated this year).

I've followed my heart and my dreams and managed to put out 3 albums that mean a great deal to me personally, each chronicling monumental periods of growth in my life. I've learned many new skills and abilities which I have yet to tap into, and have learned a great deal about who I am, what I want, and what matters to me. (Some say, the most important philosophical questions).

And I would not trade them for anything... accept a snap bracelet. (Does anyone still have one of those?)

To Envinity And Beyond

I like to look at it this way: my 20s were a time of drama and upheaval, where I learned about a million new things about myself and the world. But my 30s will be the time in which I finally make things happen. A time where I finally put together everything that I've learned and experienced to create something that really affects my life directly... and get this... in a GOOD way! (Yeah, I know! Crazy).

I actually look forward to this next decade, and have already begun implementing the first stages of my grandiose plans for personal glory and satisfaction. In essence, I'm going to be creating my own reality, in which I also create my own happiness and fulfillment. Neat eh?

We'll see how that goes. Obviously, if something shitty happens, it'll end up making another emotionally-laden, tragic album. (As usual).

The Big Three Oh

So, what will I do for my big three-oh birthday you ask?

Honestly, nothing much. As time moves on, I slowly let go of my attachment to holidays and rituals. Birthdays, like Christmas or Easter, has no real significance to me anymore. It's just a day. And yet...

...I still feel the social need for making my 30th birthday into some sort of event. Why? Because that's what everyone else does. Even though I'm not for holidays anymore, I still feel that lingering social pressure to do... "something". And I don't like that. Not one bit.

Which is why I'm not going to do anything.

Take that, unstated social expectations!

The Roaring 30s

And so, with mixed emotions, I ungracefully leave my 20s as of Saturday, February 19th.

Thirty.

Man. That sounds old.

But I don't feel old. I feel as childish as ever.

And I intend on staying that way.

-Niko

Want To Know What You Can Expect From Envinity In 2011? [VIDEO]

2011-02-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hey friends,

Do you want to know what you can expect from Envinity in 2011? Sure you do.

I took a quick break from my very busy schedule to let you in on my secret plans.

It's a quick 4 minutes, so press play below to learn what you can look forward to this year!

Or watch a larger version on our Vimeo page.

Niko

John's Guinness Fastest Guitarist Attempt Video

2011-01-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our guitarist, John Taylor, has long desired to be the fastest guitarist in the world.

For quite some time, he's been practicing his ass off in the hopes of beating the current record set by Tiego Della Vega who played 'Flight Of The Bumblebee' at 370 beats per minute (Hint: that's fast).

Always being one to embrace competition and pain, John, after killing himself day in and day out, is finally ready to make his bid for fastest guitarist in the world.

Eric, Bryan and I all wish him the best of luck!

Now, check out the video below. It's pretty damn fun!

Niko

All Your Forum Are Belong To Us!

2010-12-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays. (Actually, to be honest, I don't really hope that, I'm just supposed to say that based on common social tact and etiquette).

Guess what "peeps"? We have a new hang out. In fact, I built it for you. With my own two hands. And you're invited! (Like me, like me?) *Gives puppy dog eyes*

ANNOUNCING THE ENVINITY DISCUSSION FORUMS!

Recently, I've noticed the lack of any place to hang out and talk for our little tribe. Have you noticed?

Sure, I can post (occasionally) on facebook or the blog when I have something to say, but there is no good way for us all to just talk about things we're all interested in, and form a stronger bond for all of us odd, overly-emotional, pseudo-intellectual, sarcastic elitist types.

You know you're one of us. Admitting it is the first step. (There there. Have a tissue).

Obviously we have topics about Envinity, since we're egotistical, hedonistic, and in need of social validation; but we also have a huge open discussion area for topics on film, literature, music, society, relationships and more. ("More"? That could mean anything! How mysterious!)

Sign up (we order you) and help us cement our tribe by posting some interesting discussion topics, and let's make this a worthwhile place to hang out online. (Or else...)

Eh?

EH?????

Damn right.

The Envinity Discussion Forums

Niko

P.S. Your hair looks really nice that way.

SUPER KEEN RADICAL BLACK FRIDAY SALE (not really)

2010-11-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

You've seen retailer's advertise discounts of 50%, even upto 75% off products for black friday, right?

Well fuck that. Here's what I'm going to do:

For black friday, Moira's Lake is 100% FREE!!! WHOA!!!

That's right, our epic emotionally-draining mind-fuck of an album costs you nothing!

http://www.envinity.org

….

Okay, perhaps there was some sarcasm above.

You all know that Moira's Lake has always been free, hence the joke.

But….

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...

Remember those projects I hinted that I'd been working on for a while? (See previous blogs).

Well, what if I told you that Moira's Lake would not be free for much longer? Hmm?

*GASP*!

Yep. You heard me. By early next year, there will no longer be a free version of Moira's Lake, so get it while it's still free.

…Or on second thought, wait. I'm really excited for you to finally see what I've been working on. It's ten kinds of awesome. The wait will be worth it.

Enjoy your over-hyped super-commerical spending experiences,

NIKO

P.S. Yes, I exist.

Enjoy The Silence

2010-11-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Really, it's been a whole year all ready? (Yep, "already" is actually two words. Crazy).

Yes indeed, it's been an entire year since we first released little ol' Moira. If anything it just makes me feel that time is increasing in speed. About this same time next year I'll be stuffed into a retirement home yelling at the nurses about the green beans being out to get me. GOD DAMN YOU LINEAR TIME!!!! (crane shot, camera zooms away)

As cool as it would be to have something to present to you exactly one year after release, I don't. Not a god damn thing. (I know, what a buzz kill, right? I'm an ass).

So you may be wondering then, what is going on over here? Stuff? Things? Both? Neither? Both/neither/both? 10010110?

Well, as I said in my last two videos (here and here), I have been working on many things (yes, but what about "stuff"????)

I have to admit, the projects that I'm working on right now are a bit overwhelming at the moment. It seems that they increase in scope every few weeks, requiring me to rethink my approach(es), and incorporate new ideas and content.

Did that sound vague enough for you? Do you want me to be even more elusive with my language as to talk about what I'm working on without actually saying what I'm working on? Sure you do baby. Sure you do.

There's just so many things to work on, think about, plan, and create. But hey, look on the bright side, it'll probably all fail miserably, right?

Point is (finally), I know it can be frustrating when you follow a band, company, or product, and suddenly you don't hear anything from them for a while. It's as if nothing is happening. Or it least it SEEMS like nothing is happening. (Those fucking jerkoffs!)

I understand how the silence looks from an outside perspective, which is why I'm taking time out of my extremely busy schedule of running for U.S. Senate, to tell you that we are going quiet for a reason… a sexy reason (sexiness not valid in UT, CA, OH, and MD).

Generally I don't like to post something if I don't have anything to say, (which I don't), but I thought a break in the silence would be nice, otherwise you'll probably think ENVINITY doesn't care about the true god-fearing, salt-of-the-earth, red-blooded Americans. (Which we don't).

As I hinted at in the videos (remember? The ones I just mentioned a few paragraphs ago? Jesus!), I am working on several projects at once, most of which actually go together as one BIG project (ooohhh…. so vague). The most important thing is that the projects are good, and I'd assume you'd agree with that, and therefore don't expect them this year. Maybe early next year. Who the fuck knows anymore. Just know that I'm working on many, many things. PLEASE know this. Please???

I'll obviously give you more information once everything is close to being ready. Just please remember, when I go silent, it's probably because I'm working on something (and no, it's not the 4th record quite yet. Patience).

Enjoy the silence.

Niko

Waste Hours Of Your Life With These Re-Linked Podcasts

2010-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Evenin' folks,

Just a quick testament to my apathy, I've finally re-linked the 3 missing podcast we did last year.

"What missing podcasts?"

After we released Moira's Lake at the end of October 2009, we recorded three hour-plus podcasts talking about the album, how we released it and plenty of less important things that we thought were funny (which you won't).

DA DILLY YO

A few months back, my web host decided to take down all of my media files (yes, including the zip file for Moira's Lake, and all 3 podcasts) without telling me (nice fellows). After someone told me that they were unable to download the album, I quickly found an external hosting solution for Moira, but apparently forgot about the podcasts...

...UNTIL NOW!!!

...Pshhhh... You don't care. It's old news. And I mean OLD news.

Regardless, they are finally back up, so in case you missed them last year, or are simply a masochistic-type personality who loves enduring over 3 hours of non-stop punishment, you'll find them below.

No, still lower.

... A little lower...

There they are.

Envinity podcast episode #1 (11/30/09 - Niko & Bryan)

Envinity podcast episode #2 (12/16/09 - Niko & Eric)

Envinity podcast episode #3 (01/23/10 - Niko & John)

-NIKO

Video Confessional 17: What The Hell Am I Working On?

2010-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Salutations,

This video is the followup to my video last week about getting back in some proverbial saddle (a saddle made of proverbs?).

You can watch the first one below if you haven't already:

Envinity Video Confessional 16: Up And Running Again

Today I continue by telling you a bit about what's going on behind the scenes, what I'm woking on, and when you can expect something from me. (hint: NEVER!!!!!!)

(For a slightly larger video size, click on the title of the video which will let you view this directly on Vimeo.)

See ya,

NIKO

Envinity Video Confessional 17: What The Hell Am I Working On? from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 16: Up And Running Again

2010-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oh...

You're still here.

Oooohh... this is awkward.

Well then, might as well put up a video then eh? EH?????

Today I discuss being back in action (as they say). After not being able to work on much creatively for a while, I'm back in the saddle (again, as they say).

I'm also back in black, and back in the high life again. Just to cover my bases.

-NIKO

Envinity Video Confessional 16: Up And Running Again from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 15: Are You In A Band?

2010-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello my pretties,

It's been a while since my last confession. (I've always wanted to say that).

Today's video is part of a small backlog of videos I made a few months ago, and never uploaded. It's entitled "Are You In A Band?" and it deals with my odd mental and emotional conflicts about being in a modern band.

No, this video is not uplifting, nor will it instill you with heaps of confidence (which I hear I am supposed to do). In fact, it's a bit depressing, vulnerable and honest. But hey, it's real. And I'm all about exploring the human condition these days. What makes us do what we do? Or in my case, what makes me NOT do what I DON'T do.

I have some less downer videos coming next, but I just wanted to share with you some my feelings and thoughts over the last several years.

And if you've ever wrestled with your own strange life issues, I'd love to hear about them. Share your weird mental/emotional conflicts in the comments below.

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 15: Are You In A Band? from Envinity on Vimeo.

Want some cool Envinity T-Shirts, posters and stickers?

Video Confessional 14: Creating Unique Albums

2010-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

And...

I'm back.

Hopefully everyone is doing better than I am these days.

I have been quite busy, but sadly, just busy with things I don't want to be busy with. If that makes any sense.

I still have a small backlog of videos I have not uploaded yet, so I found some time to put together the next video I recorded which leaves off from the last one about doing something for a reason.

In this video, entitled, "Creating Unique Albums," I talk about how I approach each album as a new and fresh experience, a generic road map for Envinity going forward, and the downsides to taking this path.

Videos may be a bit sporadic for a while until I can get some personal things in order.

As always, comments are usually on our facebook page.

See ya,

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 14: Creating Unique Albums from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 13: Do It For A Reason

2010-05-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Here's something that crosses my mind from time to time, especially when I browse news about bands.

Does it seem to anyone else, that many bands just go through the motions of putting out a new album, instead of waiting for an important reason to create a new album, or piece of art?

Perhaps you don't agree.

However I do.

Check out my observations on "doing music for a reason" below.

As always, come leave some feedback on our facebook page.

Tolerate your weekend!

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 13: Do It For A Reason from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 12: Lyrics Vs. Story

2010-05-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

I'm going to hitch onto the topic of 'story' from last time, and today, discuss why there are two separate components to the text of Moira's Lake: Lyrics and story.

So, why are there two pieces of text for this album?

How did the idea come about?

What is the difference between the two?

And how did writing a concept record change my approach to writing?

Find out the answer to these questions, and much, much less in the video below.

Come leave some feedback on our facebook page.

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 12: Lyrics Vs. Story from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 11: Music Or Story First?

2010-04-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Waba waba waba,

Have you ever been curious as to how one would approach writing a concept album? For instance, would you start by writing the whole story first, or writing the music first?

Well, have you been curious about that?

Eh?

Obviously no. You don't give two shits about it.

Which is why I'm going to answer it.

On Moira's Lake, did I write story or music first?

It's like the chicken and the egg all over again.

Pretend you enjoy this.

Come leave some feedback on our facebook page.

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 11: Music Or Story First? from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 10: On Playing Live

2010-04-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies and gents (though it seems to be mostly gents right now, let's change that),

Today, I give you a part serious, part humorous video about our experiences playing live in Envinity.

Along the way I discuss what happened to the live show, humorous comments from drunk people, and where we may be headed (potentially).

Make sure to enjoy at least one thing. Bare minimum.

Come leave some feedback on our facebook page.

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 10: On Playing Live from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 09: Music Hasn't Changed Since 1995

2010-04-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Salutations,

I'm going to go on a quick digression away from Moira's Lake and my own personal struggles, and talk about an observation I had from simply walking through a mall one day.

From one small moment, I extract a whole theory on modern music and what it may say about our generation.

What is it?

Pssshhhh....

Watch the video... foo!

-Niko

As per usual, comments are probably on our facebook page.

Envinity Video Confessional 09: Music Hasn't Changed Since 1995 from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 08: Music As A Storyteller

2010-04-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Crotch (or "hello", if your prefer),

You're probably aware how much of a difference a good film soundtrack makes to the overall emotion of the film. When done well, it will tell you what the characters are feeling, and what action is happening on screen, all through the audio alone.

In the end, we feel more connected to the characters and the world they inhabit.

Thanks music!! *Cheesey thumbs up*

In Moira's Lake, I borrowed (stole) this same technique of using the music to tell the story.

In the video below, I philosophize, as usual, about the ways in which music can be a storyteller.

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 08: Music As A Storyteller from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 07: The Modern Struggle

2010-04-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Generic greetings,

I have to admit that I've been rather conflicted lately about what I'm doing with myself, and where I want to go.

Some days I find myself fully engrossed in what has been, at least so far, my main passion (music), and other times I can find a million reasons as to why pursuing music is one of the least important, and most superficial things I could ever do.

Trust me, I literally have a million reasons.

In this video I touch on a bit of my recent struggle against the person I thought I was, and the goal of trying to discover one of the most important questions: "what do I want?"

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 07: The Modern Struggle from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 06: Why Digital?

2010-04-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

There has been a long standing conflict for many musicians dealing with the emergence of the digital age, and the familiar past of physical media.

I personally broke through my own silly barriers with Moira's Lake, releasing my first ever digital album, and in doing so, went against many of my previously held principles about how things should be.

So is that a good thing?

Is it pure evil?

And if so, what color?

In the video below, I discuss how the option to go digital came about, and how I feel about it. (Squishy).

-Niko

Envinity Video Confessional 06: Why Digital? from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 05: Why Free?

2010-04-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Retracing my steps into endless spirals of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, we touch on the idea of releasing an album for free...

...But not just any album...

oh no.

An album that selfishly matters to me, the guy currently writing this!! YES!!!! ME!!!!!

Why put out an album for free, when we could have made MILLIONS???? (Nay, BILLIONS!!!)

You'll have to watch.

HAVE TO.

-Niko

(Comments will likely be on our facebook page)

Envinity Video Confessional 05: Why Free? from Envinity on Vimeo.

Video Confessional 04: Technology Woes

2010-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Because it's timely, I've uploaded this video about my technology metaphorically taking a dump on my chest, and how much we take our tools for granted. (Answer: this much *makes gesture*).

Comments can usually be found on our Facebook page.

Envinity Video Confessional 04: Technology Woes from Envinity on Vimeo.

-Niko

Video Confessional 03: The Reality Of Success

2010-04-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Fo shizniz ya'll,

I tell you, working on this slow laptop makes things very... um... what's the word? ... oh yeah, "slow".

It took over two hours just to bounce off this video.

But hey, that's more time to bond with my... my... *stares sadly at the floor*

Here is episode 3 of the video blog entitled "The Reality Of Success" in which I take a super-positive outlook on my hopes and dreams of yesteryear.

-Niko

Video Confessional 02: Disillusionment With Music

2010-04-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Two in a row??

What the hell is wrong with us?

Yes, two in one day. Just to get a feel for the idea of doing video blogs, below is Video Confessional 02: Disillusionment With Music.

WARNING: Contains opinions, and soy ingredients.

-Niko

RECENT ARTICLES:

Video Confessional 01: Introduction

2010-04-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I've decided to make the switch to those new-fangled moving pictures the kids are always yelling about.

Since everyone hates to read words, perhaps talking about things in video form would be more digestible?

Below you will find the first installment of the Envinity Video Confessional.

-Niko

RECENT ARTICLES:

The Files! They're All Gone! Nooooooooo!!!!!

2010-02-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

They say coffee is the best way to start your day, and start it with coffee I do.

A plenty.

But today started me off with one of the best things in life.

Technical problems.

Oh how I love to deal with technical problems!

(Yes, that was sarcasm. I really hate it).

I got a message on the Envinity facebook page from a new friend of the band named Tim, telling me that he had tried to download Moira's Lake, and had instead received an error.

Yeah, that doesn't sound like a good deal to me.

I became a bit worried, and looked into the situation. The website was up, but just like Tim described, when I tried to download the album, ERROR!

It's like the file was missing. But how could that be?

Checking the files on the server I was faced with a startling conclusion:

MOIRA WAS MISSING!!!

"What the hell??" I said out loud, as I continually reloaded the screen.

Still gone.

I looked through other folders and found out that all of the podcast mp3's were also gone!

What the??!!

After spending some wonderful time chatting the day away with customer support, I found out that my webhost apparently does not support streaming media... which was news to me.

"Son of a bitch! What good are you now?!" Though I never actually said that to anyone but myself.

Long story short, I spent the majority of my afternoon off dealing with problems, locating new file sharing solutions, and uploading huge files. Goody!

The good news is that everything should be up and running again for Moira's Lake (if not let me know).

The podcasts will be uploaded and linked back to the blogs again in the next 24 hours. (I know how much you are desperate to hear us ramble on about nonsense).

Over all, kind of a shitty way to wake up and spend the day, but at least it's done now (for the most part). I also took the time to update the download page a bit, which looks better and provides more resources.

Thanks again to Tim on our facebook page for pointing out the problem, and I apologize to everyone who has tried to download the album recently and received an awesome error instead.

I'm tired now. Time for more waking up, with a lot more coffee.

-Niko

RECENT ARTICLES: