Mini Trip to TMEA

Good Afternoon to my followers!

Again, Thank you ALL for the Birthday Wishes I received! I had countless emails, private messages, and countless text(s) throughout the weekend. So other than Valentines Day weekend, there was so much going this past weekend DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO-TMEA, ASIAN FEST, SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO...ETC! 

It was a Beautiful Saturday when I decided to go downtown and hang out with my mom & the NorthSide High School Mariachi Band (From Fort Worth, TX, My home town) to see the Texas Music Educators Association-acronym: TMEA. TMEA was located at the Henry B. Gonzales Center downtown San Antonio which started on Wednesday (February 10, 2016),  followed by performances and workshops. I have been to TMEA in the past (1999-2007) which were held at UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) but have never seen it become so big, that they moved the location to a bigger venue. 

This actually made me feel like there is STILL HOPE for all musicians & TEACHERS (especially me, who's trying to get certified) around Texas! I couldn't get over how many "Family Passes" were around, and how many performances and workshops were going to happen on just that ONE DAY! Even colleges were out to seek out young adults that were interested in the school of  music! This made me realize how much this field is so neglected and surpasses so much. I was happy to see so many different teaching techniques that came out to teach, and to learn as well on the go! So many sheet music and books (which I thought I had a lot of), so many instruments that you could play on and ask about information about them. 

I believe music is in all of us. Just sit and listen to the background music in commercials, movies, restaurants, we HAVE TO have music in some form. Without it, life would be boring and not fun. 

If you want to check out TMEA NEXT YEAR HERE IS THERE WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE & TO BE MORE INVOLVED IN COMPETITIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS,  EVEN MORE EXPERIENCE, CHECK OUT THE SITE!:

TMEA HOMEPAGE

TMEA INDUSTRY 

Posers

This is just random, but also something I have noticed a lot of  in the music scene (past and presently). Posers. Granted that I haven't been out in the scene for quite sometime now, but someone that has been trying to pose a threat to me whether showing up at a show that they know I will be at (from bands and places that I told them about), and try to think we're cool by saying, 'Hi, nice to see you' isn't my forte. Knowledge of people, music and genres is a learning experience (whether from idols or personal experiences: Books, word of mouth, etc.) not something to take advantage of for personal gain.


I used to network (with someone who shall be nameless), and has actually took on the lead of someone who "knows" the music scene.I mean knows every bit and part of it. It makes me wonder if this person is actually trying to get under my skin (which in a sense has), or is trying to become what I would call, a Poser.  This man actually portrayed himself as a knowledgeable music expert of every genre locally (like many of the musicians out there, I took the bate).  He actually told me he admire the Jazz music and tried to have me just talk about Jazz Music through my blog! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, and  R&B music, but MY HEART always is in Metal Music.

Going back to this person, I tried to be friends and go out Socially  to meet with him and check out some of the people he just would promote on his pages he had. So I did, then this guy asked if I wanted to go to the movies as friends. I actually trusted this guy and actual said sure. So after the movies that night, he actually try to kiss ME (EW)! I told him friends are cool and keep it that way. I got really creep-ed out that night. I didn't know what to do but just deleted & blocked him off of Facebook for good.

This guy got so hurt that he went after all of my friends through Facebook, which he had NO CONNECTION to (which were my metal music friends and family), and started to squeeze himself into my connections that I talked to and associated with. They fought against each other (this man and other colleagues of mine) for quite sometime. Business partners went their separate ways and some of them went to this guy (who had NO CLUE of what genre of music most of the bands classified themselves in) and made me feel like the situations that occurred were my fault.

As time went by, I STILL went out, seeking out bands, writing about them (what I saw) and critiqued them, started helping out with other projects.  A colleague of mine had mentioned to me that this guy actually would still post stupid remarks about this "girl" and refer her as someone that messed him up. He also went on by adding bands (that were on MY PAGES) and started to talk to them and try to yet again, squeeze himself into the picture. This is what I call, a POSER. I believe Karma is going to get this person soon, but I can't put harm on him personally, just let fate take care of this guy.

Ending on a positive note, I do wish success to this person and others, but if he ever does read this or gets this, I wish you on your success, but don't try to rub off of someone else's joy for your own gain. Do what you're good at, being social and be with YOUR AGE GROUP! You look creepy with a younger crowd (unless your teaching them something you know), it's gross and seems like your a Pedophile. You personally know most of my friends and colleagues and they also see you as this and as well, they know this story from when this situation took place. I have warn the very young ladies of this and others around me, so they know what you've done, and if you can please, change YOUR WAYS.

I, a [formal] musician, guitarist, pianist, and singer who has 21+ years experiences in gigs, getting hired for music acts, and played for numerous places who knows more than enough music genres, places (from SA to Fort Worth, TX) to perform at, and KNOW people from my experiences. This doesn't mean I'm a Poser of that nature, but someone who LIVED (and still living) a life of this (musician) lifestyle. I'm a nature, I know this, I have been told numerous times. From my family (personally) to people I don't even know. I am in no way in shape or form trying to be 'Popular' or try to get someone's attention because I know this person or that person, but just to say what I see, feel, and hear and compare them from my past experiences to present.

What I have learned from all of this is to be careful of who you talk to, who you express your networking facts and opinions to because it can get ugly, especially on the web! BE CAREFUL MUSICIANS! Make sure the people you social with is affiliated with someone (a known company) and not someone who's going to try to make your name a bad one!

Thank you for reading,

Kat (Kathleen)

2015--Year of Change "ME"

     HAPPY NEW YEAR, MERRY BELATED CHRISTMAS, BELATED VALENTINES DAY ETC....So I haven't gotten around to blog, get back with you guys, read people's post on Kat's Rock Block and such, but I want to assure everyone, I'm STILL ALIVE & DO STILL PLAN ON Going out to shows and events around San Antonio, TX.

     I have however (if anyone hasn't noticed yet), moved back to San Antonio (Officially) January 2015 with a little help from my Fiancée, Stephen (YES!! engaged since October 2014), and my BFF, Laura. My job & position that I hold right now is VERY important. I wanted to share with you guys & gals in the San Antonio Area what I do. 




     I am a Child Care Provider at The Children Shelter. During my training, shadowing, and working there, I have become aware what's being going on outside of my own life. Neglected and abused children that either don't have food, clothing, shelter, or watched from there parents or guardians. I see these kids and babies (yes babies!), and all they need is loving, care, someone to play with, talk, and to be nurtured. I don't know these kids/babies situations, but only they have been neglected or abused in some nature. 

     I noticed that these kids don't have music (other than radio/Cd's) instruments to possibly get there minds off of whatever trauma they have seen in there life, which made me think what can I do or what do I want to do with my life? Yes, continue school, teach again privately, but what can I give back to these kiddos?? So I started to do some research, Music Therapy was what popped up with some of the thoughts I had in my brain. So I saw that UIW (University of Incarnate Word) has a Bachelors Degree Program with that program that will go with what I'm doing as in work PLUS with me having the music abilities from all of the training from past and present. I want to start planning things at the shelter to teach some of the kids some things and finding things to educate them and to sooth them with music. 

I would like to ask everyone for patience if I don't reply fast enough or get back to you, but I assure you all, that I will be in TOUCH! My Goals right now is working on me, going back to school, and to get things going with blogger/facebook/checking out shows etc....


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP The Children's Shelter, Follow these Links!: 

DONATE TO THE SHELTER (LIST OF ITEMS)
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE FAMILY
CHILDREN'S SHELTER Thrift Boutique
SPECIAL EVENTS
CAREERS

Stahl Gorthorl Live at Bonds 007 Rock Bar Friday, May 2nd 2014

I was very excited, and intrigued, of what I was going to be experiencing at Bonds 007 Rock Bar . I knew personally Anthony, from a previous band, and how this project has come from a short amount of time to what it is now. I checked out the Demo prior to the show and as well had a one on one interview with the guys of "Stahl Gorthorl" 


So I introduced myself and asked the young talented men:

K: "I noticed that you guys have a new member from what Reverbnation states on the band's page." 

Anthony: Yes we do but he just joined and is in the process of becoming apart of us slowly. 

K: "Well, I hope to meet him at the next show!" 

K: "What is everyone's age first off? And introduce yourselves" 

Anthony: 15, Drummer & Lead Singer:

Chris: Guitarist, Singer 


Rob: 14, Bass Guitar:

K: What's the gear you like or play with? 
Anthony: Evans, Zildjian
Chris: Ibanez, ESP-LTD, Custom(ed) guitars
Rob: Ibanez, Les Paul, Hartke


K: "What is considered 'Black Metal' to you guys?"
Chris: Freedom of expression 
Anthony: The way of life, it's an art form, heart to the core.

K: "So can you tell me about the make-up you guys use for the performance?"
Chris: This is what my real self is, myself. 
Anthony: Myself, What I am in the inside, hatred that represents self. 

K: "How did you guys form?"
Chris: I just moved here and looked on Craigslist and found a post that[Anthony] posted seeking a guitarist. Then a few weeks later, auditioned and was let in. 

K: "What does 'Stahl Gorthorl' mean? I know a bit of German, and I knew that 'Stahl' means, 'Steel' but not too sure about the 'Gorthorl' Part." 
All: Overall, it means, Killing Black Metal, Murdering. 

K: "What drew you guys together?" 
All: A Friend of Chris didn't working out and Anthony took over and Rob decided to play and them "ONE" 

K: "Who writes the songs? Lyrics?" 
Chris & Anthony: Chris writes most of it and Anthony puts together, lyrics duties. 

K: "What are you guys' influences?" 
Anthony: King Diamond, Sargeist, Darkthrone 

K: "Would you guys' change genres? Why or Why not?" 
 Chris: Yes but No, we all have a side project but we do what we do on our own, and do what we can. Go for the best opportunity. 

K: " 'Swamps of Eden' has a very fast pace sound that the other songs on the EP has, meaning its very hard and crazier sounds, why do the other songs have more of a slow to fast back to slow pace?" 
Chris: I was in an angry place and I believe that's why the song is very fast paced than the other songs. 
Anthony: I was at a dark point in my life which brought darkness empowers through my heart to play this song, compared to the others. 

K: So what are the backgrounds of where your ancestry came from to form the names that you have for the band? 
Anthony: German Roots
Chris: Italian Roots 

Rob: Eskimo Roots

K: WOW! That's insane! Goes to show that everyone is from a different background and yet have the same love and passion for 'Black Metal'. I'm happy that you guys let me have an opportunity to talk and get some photos of you guys playing. THANK YOU! 


***NEXT SHOW FOR THESE GUYS WILL BE: MAY 24th at Fitzgeralds Bar TBA time and showcase SOOOO:
Here is a few links of how to book, check out the bands pages and to contact them: 
Stahl Gorthorl -FACEBOOK
Stahl Gorthorl-Reverbnation, Which are #2 In the Metal/Black Charts!!

[End]

Thank you Javier Limon for taking the photos! YOU ROCK! \m/

-Kat (Kat's Rock Block) \m/


Here is a few photos from the show! ENJOY! 

Embrace The Moment Live at The White Rabbit Friday, February 28th 2014

So I finally got to see what David Flores (Rhythm Guitarist),  has be raving about "Embrace The Moment" band  with sharing some of their music to me via Facebook and just sending me music videos of some of there masterpieces. On Friday night. I took one of my gal pals with me to The White Rabbit  to check them out. I did mention to him at the end of the show, it's not a everyday listen to what I'm used to listening to which is metal/death metal/underground metal. BUT I give any type of music a chance and see what I come across town to either enjoy it, or just ponder of what the musician is thinking as they play their music. I actually overall liked the very talented guys in the band who actually put on a good set. I just wished they played more of the songs that David actually shared with me. There was something, again, 'New' to me with their sound. They did use like some backtracks to their songs to give it an overall feel and some expression to their songs that go with the melodies played and sung by the band. I clearly am still new to this new way of playing live music BUT in this case, these guys did an AWESOME job by showing ME that it's okay to have some kind of back tracks to give the audience a feel of a big BANG effect. I even thought about it going home that Linkin Park did stuff like that and Incubus and that it's okay for bands to do that, gives the songs more of a crisp and a full sound. 
****Embrace The Moment is a Punk, Hardcore, Electronic, Progressive Influenced band. 
***MY Favorite song by Embrace The Moment, "Inside Job Master"

GOOD JOB GUYS & I Hope to see you guys LIVE WITH MORE MUSIC TIME! AND THANK YOU DAVID FOR THE INVITE OUT! I NEEDED SOMETHING NEW TO MY EARS! \m/ -Kat 

Horns2halos, Overexposed, Knights of Darkness, & Scissorjack Live @ Zombies Bar Saturday January 26th

Zombies Bar Had a Great Turn out with Some Great Musician of San Antonio. I noticed this was a Show with Nothing But Men who were playing and performing. The night before, I went to see Ladies Of Mayhem @ Bonds 007 so it was kind of cool because it was a theme or a thing I planned. But any who, I actually was invited by the band's lead singer (Scissorjack), Joseph to come and check out the band. BUT of course, I always want to see what other band's are playing and check out the other great talented guys/gals that headline or play at the shows. As me and my Javi (the guy who took the photos) arrived, we saw that the band, Knights Of Darkness doing a mic check and everyone almost ready to start the show. As the show began, I thought to myself, I hope these guys play some original(s) music because that's my favorite and as well that's what makes(some) band's very unique and rock (in my book anyway). 
My Dream came TRUE! That's what I heard ALL NIGHT LONG! I Was Very impressed with EVERY band made me Feel and STILL have hope, that Music IS STILL ALIVE in THIS CITY! Rock & METAL is STILL Rock'n! 

Here is A few Photos of Saturday Night's Performances: 

First Band Knights Of Darkness: 

Second Band Overexposed From AUSTIN, TX: 

Third Band Horns2halos:

Last BUT NOT LEAST, Scissorjack :

Thank YOU again, Javier Limon for taking the photos for me!  AND THANK YOU Joseph For Inviting US OUT!  


Kat's Block (Side note):
I'm a HUGE Supporter of ALL & ANY type of music (MUSIC IS MUSIC), and performers because, from personal experience(s), I know it does take a lot of courage, time, effort, dedication, & to make everything come together sounding great or amazing (to the band and audience). It's not easy but I believe with my whole heart, Bands of any kind or sorts, love to play for FANS, FAMILY & FRIENDS and Love THE SUPPORT YOU GIVE THEM! Encouragement is the best thing to give ANY MUSICIAN. -Kat \m/

Ladies of Mayhem Rock Show at Bond's Rock Bar Friday, Jan 24th With War On Sunday, Heather Leather, Dirty Rae, Worst Case Scenario, All The Time & Prizmatic

 So Last Week was one of my most challenging weeks that I have ever conquered on my own and tried my best to NOT let it get ME DOWN! So What was the best solution to get me up and going?? By starting the weekend off with a Ladies Night @ Bonds 007 Which featured San Antonio's Best of our Ladies of Metal putting on an ALL TIME Show Featuring : War On Sunday (Which I totally missed, had to work til 8pm, So sorry Ladies, Catch Ya Next time) Heather Leather, Dirty Rae, Worst Case Scenario, All The Time & Prizmatic(Sorry I missed you gals, had an emergency, but will definitely gotta check ya'll out next time, PROMISE!)

So as I got into Bonds second floor, I felt this "Love" feeling in the room. You might ask yourself, 'What do you mean?' What I mean by that is when I looked around the place, all you saw was family, friends from all around, and everyone being so supportive with everyone's band. That's Love. 

So I and my Friend's brother (who's been taking my photos for me to the show's I've been going to), took a few photos of the show and bands we got to see. I would like to have these bands play again, maybe like a once in a month to show San Antonio who ARE these "Ladies Of Mayhem?" 

Why not?

I was Very Surprised how Much Caitlyn did special songs with a few of bands(Heather Leather & Dirty Rae,from the one's I saw)  and was BLOWN away from how she just got up there and Sang the songs FLAWLESSLY! Just like Heather Leather band stated: 'She's the OUR NEXT generation singer!' Totally must agree with the band. 

Here are a Few Photos of Friday's "Ladies Of Mayhem Show" @ Bonds 007(Sorry again for the one's I missed) 

Heather Leather: INCREDIBLE WOMEN! HAND'S DOWN AND SUCH A GREAT SUPPORTER OF LOCAL MUSIC! My Favorite cover that BLEW ME AWAY WAS Them singing a Cover Of King Diamond! A MUST BAND TO SEE! \m/

Dirty Rae: Beautiful Sound & a Definitely a favorite band of Mine! 

 Caityln of Worst Case Scenario Special Guest With Dirty Rae

Worst Case Scenario : A Group of Young Talent that WILL keep old traditions of Rock & Metal ALIVE!

All The Time : A Twist of some Old school punk with some heavy style of rock which made me think of a underground sound. Loved the sound! Keep it UP! \m/

Again, I'm sorry to Prizmatic & War On Sunday Bands that I couldn't make it to see you Gals! All I heard and seen visual photos of y'all show was nothing BUT positive feedback from fans and bands. Keep up the good work Everyone! And Remember, TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BANDS AND VENUES! \m/ ☆Kat☆