Murphee K dot com MPK Merch http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?ct=5 Murphee K dot com - Officious Website Request for Compulsory License -- REJECTED! http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=85&ct=5 I received this letter from the Library of Congress a week ago.  This is their response to my request for a compulsory license for making and distributing a reinterpreted music track, which they've rejected.  I was hoping that they'd let me obtain a license without entailing much complications (read: I get lazy when dealing with legal stuff, and also: I don't have a manager), but I guess there's no free pass when you want to play the legal "game".

Heh, I just made a pun.

Grrr, guess I actually have to track these people down after all.  I wonder what's the best way to contact the musical deities at CAPCOM headquarters.  Would Select Start know?  Minibosses?  NESkimos?  Beuller?  Anyone?  Anyone?
]]> GP(MPK) double quotes 2006-01-20T23:54:46-06:00 August remix session at Golden Tone http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=74&ct=5 Over the weekend I flew over to Gainesville to remix the album with Rob.

Sorry to keep everyone in the dark.  But it had to be done.  After mucking around with the final mix and deciding not to include the piano tracks, remixing presented itself as the next best option.

After this weekend, it turned out to be the best one.

Peter and I had a conversation long ago about the quality of the "final mix" version in that, and this is solely my opinion, the final mix didn't "hit" me the way I want it to hit me.  So I figured that with a little piano wanking, I maybe could make it sound a little better.

Months later, well, let's just say I'd like to present exhibit A.

So now, after listening to the remix: damn.  Rob managed to make a CD that already sounded good sound better.  A lot better.  I wouldn't go as far as to say it's a whole different album, but after we listened to both this remix version and the final mix version side-by-side, I'm very very tempted to make that claim.  Songs that benefited the most from the remix are the ones that you've (probably) yet to hear, namely "May" and "Two Separate Worlds".  But all in all, every song was a vast improvement, and we were both glad that the album was remixed.

So stick a fork at this phase of the album; recording/mixing-wise, it's done.

Things to do: album name, album art, CD Baby, blah blah blah, etc.
]]> GP(MPK) onward. 2005-08-21T19:45:41-06:00 Why I've been stonewalling this album (and why it stops now) http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=68&ct=5 The reason I am posting this is there was an attempt to impugn my assertion in my previous post that the recording for this album is unfinished.  Perhaps I just knew, based solely on its objurgatory tone, to whom that anonymous message belonged, and on that fact alone is why I've subsequently deleted that four-worded comment.  I've never deleted a comment by anyone other than me before and I wholly regret it because now, you can't see it.

But four words.  Four words was all it took to galvanize an entire process.

How this all started was that in December the recording sessions at McGregor's was completed, and I've listened to the songs and I was very happy with them.  However, it didn't hit me the way I wanted it; don't get me wrong, Rob made us sound pretty damn good, but still I felt something was amiss and I wanted to make some adjustments -- adjustments that didn't have the approval (and for some, it was vehement disapproval) of Craig and Peter.  But I didn't listen.  I pressed on.  On principle, I had to, lest having the very familiar regret of "it could have been just a little bit better" loom over me forever.

What ended up happening, to tell a long story short, is that the adjustments that I made -- placing new piano arrangements over a couple of songs -- didn't sit well with everyone else, even though I neglected to mention (a mistake in my part) that I meant for these piano arrangements to be there in the beginning.  Needless to say, we had some disagreements, and some discussions I couldn't stand being a part of partly because neither side was willing to listen.

Perhaps I may have fallen too much in love with these new arrangements that I was blind to its consequences, I don't know.  To me they sounded like they belonged.

And during all this time, I kept experimenting and making new recordings and it was the same result over and over again, and the months have been flying by with no payoffs, no progress.

No closure.

All of this lead me to conclude that this "experimentation" of the album (and its resultant stonewalling) is not a very healthy decision for all parties involved.  So now, I'm putting a stop to that.

This was not an easy decision on my part because I could have pressed on; I'm effectively fighting against myself with this.  But after listening and considering all sides, I think this works out best for everyone.

The kicker of the discussions (during one of the rare ones where both sides listened) was when I was effectively persuaded that the pianos, even though I intended them to belong there in the beginning, did not belong in the end of it: we've never practiced with pianos, so why should we include them in the album?  If we did practice with the pianos, and this is the kicker, then the pianos would have _evolved_ alongside the rest of the instruments and we'd have different songs altogether.

So now this is why I agree with the anonymous comment poster.  Yes, "...", the recording IS done.  The album will have none of my "wanking" over it.
]]> GP(MPK) out. Finally. 2005-07-15T17:48:14-06:00 Best Locals Only http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=42&ct=5 Craig approaches the podium clutching his "award".

Wow! This is such an honor! Hold on, I made a list of people to thank. I'd like to thank the Locals team at Rock 104 for trusting us to fill Eddie C's to the brink. I'd like to thank everyone who showed up, especially if it was your first time, I'm always up for deflowering MPK virgins. I'd like to thank Matt Weaver of Signal Path for making us 100 buttons, which we subsequently gave away in one night. I'd like to thank Push, who brought the entire class out to party with us. I'd like to thank the Suicide Bombs, for having the good taste to cover a cover by Local Gainesville hero Hanz Schmutz. God bless you boys! I'd like to thank Mario from NESkimos for recognizing a Mega Man song when we play it.

And most important, I'd like to thank my Mom, Elvis, and God. We'll be back.

PEACE!
]]> Craig Ian forgot to thank you. 2004-02-29T20:54:16-06:00 Update Long Overdue (like you haven't heard THAT before) http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=38&ct=5 First things first:  Cocytus is playing tonight (Dec 3) @ Eddie C's.  Peter plays bass for Cocytus.  He tells me that he's got l337 bass playin' skillz.  Ok, fine I made that up...the l337 part I mean.  Making stuff up is fun.  You should try it sometime.

Tonight, within these same confined spaces I dub 'the paragraphs after the first,' I'll finish typing up the updates.  There's a lot of new stuff on the site to talk about, so I promise to be prompt.  Or you can discover the new stuff yourself.  Be adventurous!  And bring that same spirit to Eddie C's and go see Cocytus.

Back already?  That's awesome!  Ok, here goes.

A whole buncha sections were updated since the last post (with ACTUAL content).  They are found here, aqui, dito, hoko [Edit: link removed] and n'ya.

The Bio section reveals our band origins and individual bios, while the Booking section contains our 'band bio' which I felt was necessary.

The Merch section lists Murphee K merchandise.  As a reminder, we're trying to get rid of our shirts.  (Only Adult Medium shirts remain.)  I'm currently researching ways of selling these online other than just emailing us.  Anyone have any ideas?  Paypal?  CCNow?  Cafepress?  If you have an awesome tip, the fastest and most self-gratifying way of telling us is via our guestbook -- and it shall be known how much of a badass you are!  It will be much appreciated.

The obligatory Links page [Edit: link removed] is self-explanatory.

Lastly, since mp3.com is currently dead, I updated the Music link to point to a new section on the site.  The songs you used to access through mp3.com are temporarily down until murpheek dot com is back up and running (Peter is on top of that).  I did, however, manage to record a new song, and it's downloadable [Edit: not anymore :P, 12/04]. It's called "Nusumenai Houseki".  It's in Japanese. I don't speak Japanese.  Clearly I didn't pen it.  But the style is Murphee K and I hope you like it.  Be forewarned: it's might sound weird at first, so it could take a little getting used to.  We're trying to debut this song for our show with Punchline | My Hotel Year | Bayside | The Goodwill on Dec 15th @ Eddie C's (an early show in which we're playing first!).  No promises though.  Speaking of new songs, I re-wrote "Stubborn Star Story" again.  I swear, I must've re-written that song at least 30 times already.

That's all that's new with regards to site-related topics.  Hopefully, that should keep you busy.  Speaking of busy, we're recording that same weekend of Dec 15.  That's hott.  Houston's treating me fine and all's well.  I've been able to concentrate in recording demos and writing new songs and, I think, being able to record the way I used to is a sign of good things to come.
]]> GP(MPK) cannot, however, afford a good night's sleep. 2003-12-03T20:50:35-06:00 ...brought to you by the letters H. O. M. E. http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=37&ct=5 Hey kids, huge news! No, not that, although I must admit I'm excited about Final Fantasy 7's sequel as a DVD movie, and...look at me I'm already off-topic. Stupid A.D.D.

No no, I'm talking about the official release of the H.O.M.E. Compilation CD, and if you haven't been keeping up, there's an exciting show tonight (Oct 23rd) @ Common Grounds to commemorate the release. Seeing as though I tend to rant and follow tangents in a manner that gets cats stuck in dryers (and I'm currently struggling to make this metaphor so I, umm, gah, screw it), I'll just copy-and-paste what Craig wrote in our newsletter below which details the specifics of the release. Speaking of which, please sign up on our mailing list on this page. Believe me, once I get settled in my new apartment here in H-town (ie. finishing up the soundproofing in my closet), I won't be as lazy.

Onward.
The H.O.M.E. Van Compilation CD

42 bands

2 CD's

8 Dollars

Murphee K is featured on disc one, track 17.

We have been promoting this CD for 10 months.

On October 23rd it will be made available to everyone via their website.

For those of you in Gainesville, you probably have been hearing about this for some time, this Comp will be available at many upcoming shows, for more info check out www.gainesvillebands.com.

For those of you not in Gainesville, please check out the Signal Path website and have a listen. Some featured Gainesville bands on this disc are:

the horror - (Gang Punk)
robotix - (Rap)
amanda garrigues - (Singer Songwriter)
sugardish - (Girl Core)
one pump chump - (Ska)
the monistats - (Punk)
the pawn rook four - (Alternative)
morivivi - (Art Rock)
el robot - (Electronic Experimental)
deans on bass - (Jazz)
today doesn't count - (Hardcore)
the remedies - (Garage Rock)
swayze - (Folk Rock)
shermy D - (Rap)
daughters of the revolution - (Post Rock)

and murphee k (NES Core) <-- Thank you Peter

This CD's profits will benefit the Homeless Outreach Mobile Effort (H.O.M.E.), a non-profit organization.

It's a great cause, it's a great comp, it's a CHEAP comp ($8 - $10). Everybody wins.

We will let you know more about this CD's availability in due time.
Something I wanted to mention, the CD contains our first ever, professional-sounding version of a Murphee K song. Thank you Signal Path for all of your hard work in putting all of this together and for putting up with all of us.
]]> GP(MPK) needs more foam. 2003-10-23T20:49:46-06:00 We keep our pants on! http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=36&ct=5 Sunday we played with four bands, all of whom were excellent at their respective musics, but I was most happy with Whatevers Left. Those kids are awesome and heartfelt and learning and doing their best which blows my mind and my heart. Not that I ever forget, but it reminds me of years when I didn't know how to forget myself and it reminds me of wonderful powers of music. I have lots of social theories about music, but it's difficult because we can't just stop our lives, and nothing makes us ten again. So thank you Whatever's Left guys. You rocked my world. Stay with it as long as it's positive. Thanks also for the SNMNMNM weekend. Thank you to My Fav'rite Dancer, shoeless wonder and My Hotel Year, who amazed and unsettled me. Thank you to the woman who brought me a stack of old fliers when I passed out. And Pat, thanks for bringing the evening together. And thank You for being there or reading, here.

And now some orders of business. Murphee K, Inc. has 4 shirts from our first printing: two of the black and two of the blue, all size mediums. If you want one, get ahold of us. They are still eight dollars and I can practically guarantee that you will never see these styles ever again.

George leaves us tomorrow for Houston and a future. Consequently, Murphee K will drop behind the scenes for awhile, but don't get all comfy! We'll be back to rock off your new winter socks in December, hopefully with some new 'songs'.

Those of you in the Murphee know are on our mailing list. If you're new, please get with the Murphee K program and join today (see right hand column). It's safe and it's free and exclusive to those who sign up! And we'll occasionally surprise your email! It's betcha time and I betcha there'll be something up before December rolls around. Good Yontiv!
]]> PWW loves you. 2003-10-06T20:49:01-06:00 Talk Like a Pirate Day - Arrr! http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=33&ct=5 Ahoy mateys! There be booties 'a plenty t' talk about and pillage and I be scuttlin' me brain for a way t' start. Here goes:

On Tuesday, Sept 23rd, thar will be a show o' shanties @ Eddie C's (say that three times smartly). Rubber Room (known by his buckos in t' high seas as Moe) will release his 19-song EP. Then t' Ask Me Later beauties will mesmerize you with t' glint in their deadlights. We'd be three sheets in t' wind at t' end o' t' night so come out and splice t' mainbrace! We will weigh t' anchor @ 9pm so make aye you arrrrive arrrrly.

Drummin' for us that evenin' will be our former drummer, Trevor. He has went on t' account for two semesters in Europe and for t' night he'll be joinin' me hearties!

Yo ho ho, it's finally here! T' landlubbers at Signal Path Records will be releasin' t' H.O.M.E. Van Compilation on Oct 23rd @ Common Grounds. Shiver me timbers! You can collect t' booty for mere pieces o' eight...doubloons ($8). (Har har har, that was a good one!) It's 2 CDs with 42 Gainesville bands. All doubloons go to the Homeless Outreach Mobile Effort (HOME) Van. Oct 23rd will be your first chance t' get t' CD. You can also pre-order it directly from them.
]]> GP(MPK) prefers pirates to ninjas. 2003-09-19T20:45:13-06:00 Homeward Bound http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=30&ct=5 Here's an itemized list of Murphee K-related news from the past three months that I've meant to mention:
  • new site design, downloaded free from owsd
  • Murphee K buttons, made and sold by Mak
  • Waltertainment's THRUST DVD, which includes clips from our Def Talent Jam X performance, a sequenced "live" version of "The Trinidad and Tobago Song", and a short post-party interview featuring myself, Craig, Peter and Mike (of Modern Day 84).  (Matt was somewhere else at the time...perhaps catering to the ladies.)
  • I'm in friendster: my name there is George Perez.  I'm currently setting one up for Murphee K also.
Ok, I'm packing my stuff, preparing for my 14-hour drive back to Florida.  I really missed being there with you all.

Expect some shows for the next several weeks.  So far we are confirmed for our Oct 5th show. More to follow.

See you guys soon.
]]> GP(MPK) out. 2003-08-25T20:42:26-06:00 A new post-tour news post http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=29&ct=5 I didn't know exactly when it happened when it finally dawned on me that we were actually on tour.  Maybe it was during
  • my anxiety-turned-to-elation graduation,
  • the crash course sessions Peter and Nancy Mae had to endure (Matt couldn't make the trip so Peter learned how to play the drums and Nancy studied the bass lines -- each within three months),
  • the wonderful destruction of our practice warehouse after the last act whilst disregarding the importance of slumber,
  • the anticipation of meeting each other's families,
  • the camaraderie within confined spaces in the back of a 80-mile-an-hour Chevy and the capricious directions said Chevy (and mostly sleep-deprived Craig) had to careen through,
  • the undertaking of confirming/re-confirming/performing a good, nay, great show, both planned and impromptu, outside the circuit parameters in Gainesville -- all without prior knowledge and all by ourselves,
or perhaps, most likely, it was during the stress and bruises we imbibed and cultivated, respectively, from a stew containing a dash of all of the above that made the 2-week South x SouthEast tour seem like it was dreaming a white water raft ride with Kevin Bacon, mc chris style -- something to a "wet" degree indeed.

I think it was when we spent a night in New Orleans sleeping on a graveyard that I realized, "So this is what touring is like. Cool!"

In our efforts to heal our wounds with a bit of irregular inactivity, we might have dissuaded some newbies trying to access this site.  So, back from the brink, we proclaim that Murphee K is on a summer hiatus.  However, this hiatus would not consist of the same methods employed to accelerate our convalescence, but rather will be filled with non-show-related activities that will keep us busy (thereby keeping YOU busy) during the next couple of months.  One of them is the H.O.M.E. Compilation on Signal Path Records which will come out very soon!

Until then, I want to personally thank you, the Murphee K listener/readership, for keeping up with our very young band and for making all of this worthwhile thus far.  The experience has been much greater than I would ever have conceived.  Even after so many drinks.

But so far, so good.

P.S. Our newsletter contained a more detailed description of what transpired in our tour as well as a list of people that we have thanked personally.  If you received it, go you!  You received one of the spoils of being one of our dedicated fans.

P.P.S. We have shirts left over from the tour!  Call Craig or Peter.  Or email us.
]]> GP(MPK) out. 2003-07-02T20:41:24-06:00 COLD AS HOTH. http://www.murpheek.com/archive.asp?NewsID=16&ct=5 How are you gentlemen?

Several sections have been updated since the winter break. Notable additions include the Murphee K Forum (now defunct), GainesvilleBands.com chat client (also now defunct) and our newsletter (still intact). Be sure to sign up to receive our newsletter for all the latest happenings. You'll get free stuff if you do (as soon as we have free stuff to give).

As for last Monday's Krieger's show, we tried to ensure that those crazy kids from Cincinnati had a good time. And I think they did. Thank you Dan for setting up us the equipment. We had no chance to survive make your time. HA HA HA HA....

Ahem.

We are currently slated to perform a short set this Saturday at Alligator Rocks. Come early since our set begins at 9:40pm.

We are in the process of recording two tracks for a benefit compilation CD (sponsored by Signal Path Records) for the Homeless Outreach Mobile Effort (H.O.M.E.) Van Effort and the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry. Look for that in the future. Lastly, thank you Gary for attending the show. As promised, here is Cartoon Graveyard's site. (They've changed their name, apparently. At least they told me so. [Update: Well, from the looks of it, they decided to remain 'Funeral of an Astronaut'. Both are good band names. I dunno. I'm done playing Dr. Watson.])
]]> GP(MPK) For great justice, 2003-01-09T20:27:22-06:00