dope Blog and Journals

I got back from Amsterdam today and it was very wet weather, but we had a great time. My mother's family are Dutch, so I have a soft spot for Holland. It was devine to be able to drink my favourite Dutch chocolate milk drink again, Chocomel. I haven't seen Chocomel on sale outside of Holland apart from some parts of Germany.

Yummy! Or Lekker! as it's said in Dutch. I brought back a couple of cartons of this drink.

The infamous Red Light District isn't at all sleazy as people may think. The prostitutes who pose in the windows are all legal and regularly health checked and they are not just cheap looking types, they are pretty much all gorgeous and are considered part of the city's major assets. Taking any photos or videoing any of these girls isn't allowed and they are treated with respect, which is what I think should be done about prostitution all over the world. As the world's oldest profession, women who choose to sell themselves for pleasure should be able to legally and not be prejudiced against because of what they choose to do to earn a living. Brothels are legal in Holland, Germany, Australia and some other parts of the world, so they should be legalised everywhere. If they did that in the UK, the street walkers and curb crawling would soon stop.

I don't smoke or drink, so the legal weed smoking in Amsterdam was out for me. My boyfriend tried a hashcake or "space cake" as they are called, just because he wanted to see if it had an effect. These are made from chocolate and look like brownies, but the receipe includes added cannabis. I was worried that if I ate one I would end up feeling sick. Chocolate mixed with dope sounds gross. I took a few photos about town which I will have to upload tomorrow night, because I have to go back to work.

View of one of the many canals in the centre of Amsterdam. This was close to the Leidesplein area, where our hotel was.

My older sister and her friend stayed in another hotel just about 10 minutes from ours and Velvet Revolver were staying there!! Their concert was last night and they all went, but I am didn't get a ticket and my boyfriend isn't really into them. I will be getting the photos and videos soon and upload whatever there is from the concert. I read here on Buzznet main page that Scott Weiland is leaving Velvet Revolver to re-form Stone Temple Pilots. I have to say that this information must be true, because my close sources spoke to Scott in the hotel lift yesterday and he said that STP may be back in action. None of the band were hanging out together, either and at the concert fans were saying it would be the last time they were going to see Scott sing with the band. Simple Plan were playing at a venue near where we were staying called The Melkveg and I like them, but my boyfriend hates that kind of music, so going to see them was out of the question. The concert was sold out anyway. My sister got a picture taken with Slash which I will have to wait to get e mailed. She's gutted that she chickened out of asking Scott for a photo, but they met in a lift and in the bar, and I would never ask a rock star for a picture while in a lift or in a hotel bar.

Velvet Revolver's tour bus outside the hotel in Amsterdam.

Another thing I just thought of, I thought Scott Weiland was recently in rehab, so Amsterdam must have been tempting for him as being somebody who has a history of drug use!

Turns out Aimee hasn't played this kind of music in a band before, either. So we were trying out this song 'Paranoia' by a band called Dope... It's easy... it's just remembering the structure, which is as follows...

INTRO
TAIL 1
INTRO
TAIL 2
VERSE
BRIGE
CHORUS
TAIL 1
CHORUS
TAIL 2
REST
VERSE
BRIDGE
BRIDGE
CHORUS
TAIL 1
CHORUS
TAIL 2
TAIL 2
TAIL 2
TAIL 1
TAIL 1
REST
CHORUS
TAIL 2
TAIL 1
TAIL 2
TAIL 1
TAIL 2

WTF is that?! Pain in the ass is what it is...

Aimme showed me some stuff from local bands and we have all agreed that they're shit. Her dad's band was recording while I was there. Well, her dad (guitar), brother (drums), and their singer were. The singer's cute kind of alright. Hold on for more on that. Her dad randomly offered me a beer, so he's cool in my books.

What else happened... I woke up at, like, 3:00PM?? today... I fucking hate this. Martin tried to wake me up at 8:00AM, and I think Kerry called me at 1:45PM to try and get me up...

Still no job. Mehhh.

Peace. <3

WARNING:  This entry is long (like Miss E-long, haha)... and perhaps a little sappy. I won't be offended if you don't read it. I just felt like actually writing more than a few sentences tonight.



Someone once asked me why I bother with such little bands.
I asked, "Why not?"
They proceeded to tell me what a waste of time it was, and how "nobody cares."

I always chuckle at this.

Maybe it's just me, but I enjoy helping people out, especially if I see potential in them. I don't care how big or little they may be. Do you know how amazing it is to watch a band grow right in front of your eyes?

Six years ago, very few believed in a band like 30 Seconds to Mars. The early demos caught my interest enough to pay for a $30 ticket on their first national tour opening up for a band I had never heard of at the time (Revolution Smile) and another band that I absolutely hated (Puddle of Mudd). I patiently waited in line for hours to make sure I got myself a good spot for the only band I cared to see.

I carefully watched their set, and saw potential in them. I believed in them. As time passed, friendships were formed, and as more time passed, business relationships were formed. I still stick by their side to this very day. I believed; I supported; I scratched their back, asking for and expecting nothing in return. I was one of those relentless promoters.

...And now, many years later, look what they have grown into... and it's been absolutely incredible to watch on my own. They went from almost nobody believing... to almost everyone believing.

On a smaller scale, take Dope for example. They're no 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, T.I., Justin Timberlake; or what have you... and although many people either hate them, or still have never heard of them-- I am proud of them. Nearly ten years of watching them under their work ethics and grow in their own ways, and they have yet to give up-- nor will they for quite some time, I can assure you.

It's inspiring. It's motivating. It's refreshing.

That's why I 'bother.'

Five Finger Death Punch took over the second stage this year of Korn's Family Values tour.

I remember long ago, shortly after I had just moved to Los Angeles, I had met Zoltan. There were times I thought he might have been a bit ridiculous, but I saw something in him the more I got to know him-- quite the special talent. Although I wasn't fond of one of the previous bands he had been with, I wasn't going to deny the guy is one killer guitarist.

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't as glued to his side as other bands in my life, but I do recall hearing tidbits here and there for pieces of music he had been working on [what would later become the metal masterpiece that they now publicly hold].

There was a long, long break that I hadn't listened to any of it, even when Z had called me up, asking me to take their new promo photos [which would later end up on the album]. I still hadn't really heard the adapted pieces...

...But I remember how I looked and how I felt the day I took some time from the road to stop by a record store and pick up the finalized album that had just released.... and it blew me away. I wouldn't shut-up about it. It was all I listened to in the Strata van, playing songs on repeat to make sure I caught every single little detail of every single instrument and lyric. Every now and then I would sit up and smack Hrag or Ryan, shoving one earpiece at them, demanding they listen to this part, or that part.

I attended the last show on the Family Values tour today in Irvine, CA.

Now since my Bloodsimple boys had to cancel out of the last three shows due to Tim's tooth infection, there was now only one band that I really wanted to see-- Five Finger Death Punch, of course.

I went there expecting a show. What I got was quite the reunion.

Miss Angie GoGo and I arrived, parked, picked up our passes, and went in. We lingered in the heat as Z was busy with press. As I took a moment to wander and check out the merch booths, I hear someone calling my name, "Oh Sarah Doooope!"

I look up, and lo and behold, it's my old buddy Derek, who does a lot of merch and tech gigs on tour. Massive hugs ensued, followed by, "What are you doing here's?" on both of our accounts. I had no idea he had started working for Hell Yeah, and he had no idea that I was home from tour. We reminisced and walked around... and suddenly, I see someone I haven't seen in a year at the least.

There is an incredible man in my life named Ro Kohli.

Most are familiar with him through his past work with Roadrunner Records. He was the best boss to ever hit Warner Bros. Records back when I worked there. He was the very first one in that office who spotted my potential, believed in me, and relentlessly pushed for me. (Ro was the one responsible for making WBR actually hire me and start paying me for my design and code work.)

Both of our jaws dropped as we ran towards each other, screaming in glee. Neither of us could believe it. There we were, staring at each other, face to face, in the flesh once again. We played the "catch up" game, and he handed me a business card.

"I need you, Sarah."

I looked at the card. War Machine. His marketing company that he had been trying to get under way for a while now.

"It's time."

We eventually parted each other as Angie and I decided to kill more time under some shade, still waiting for FFDP to get onstage.

My Ocean beeped, informing me I had a text message. This time it was from Rebecca Clark, a great friend of mine, as well as an amazing photographer [her and her sister both] in the rock and comedy scenes. (Granted I see her more often these days than most other people in my life, but it is always good to see her, plus... it had been a couple of weeks.) She informed me that her friend had just spotted me, and that she was waiting to receive her passes at the door, as well. We would meet up later before shooting together in the pit.

4:50 came around, and Angie and I made our way to the second stage.

As I wait for set-up to finish, I see a lovely girl. I take a double-take, squint a bit... and then become giddy. It was an old friend, Jen, who I hadn't seen in three years? Maybe two.. but either way, it had been far too long, and I definitely was not expecting to see her there.

We hugged each other, and like I had done with Ro and Derek, we played the "catch up" game for a bit. She expressed how proud she was of me for keeping myself busy with all sorts of projects, and I feel the same for her, keeping herself busy with model and movie work.

Five Finger Death Punch were about to start. I made my way further into the photo pit, and someone had stopped me from up front, asking if I was a part of some other Photography thing, or if I had known if any of the other photographers were. I apologized and informed him that I was not the one he was looking for, and that I honestly did not know if anyone else was. He then asked me who I was.

I started to introduce myself, "Oh, my name is Sarah--"
"She's Sarah Dope!" Someone else had finished my name for me. The other man had continued to try to tell the other how I was the one who did the photography on the album... but the man and his lady had already known.
"Oh! We were just talking about you a few days ago! Your work is amazing!"

I think I blushed, and thanked them repeatedly. I am always appreciative of those who dig my work, and even more appreciative of the ones who tell me so, no matter how many times I may hear it. It is always, always appreciated, and it always puts a big smile on my face.

The band went on. Metal madness galore, and I loved every single minute of it. There was so much energy in the crowd, as well as the photo pit as all of us ran around, trying to get our own shots without getting in anyone else's way.

At one point, someone had tapped me, and I look to my left-- Kirsty Lingman, another great rock photographer who I also hadn't seen in a while. We gave quick smiles and hugs as we both dove back into our jobs.

After the set, I needed to head out. I was in the middle of saying my goodbyes to the boys as I, once again, hear my name being called. "SARAH DOPE!"

This time I turn to see Adam Grayer, band coordinator for Jagermeister. Yet again, someone else I had not seen in quite some time.

There were many hugs and "how are you's?" as usual. And, of course, in good Adam fashion, offers for free Jager shots. I looked at him as if he were crazy. In this heat? No thank you.

Someone walked up to me to hand me his business card, saying he had seen me online earlier. I looked down at what I was just handed-- It was the President/CEO of HollywoodMusic.TV. I thanked him as Adam made a comment, "This girl is amazing! I love this girl. She and I are immortalized in print together..."

He continued to talk about the Tour:Smart book, complimenting my contribution to it.

From there, it was time to head out back to Hollywood.... with a big smile on my face from the day. I had just run into so many people who had been watching me with hope; with faith; with belief.

It's days like these that remind me what an amazing family I really have.



P.S.... Those live shots will be coming soon.

So during our long drives on the road, I have spent my time sticking my nose in Tour:Smart, reading every single page and every single word in print.

Reading through it all, I found myself in a pool of memories.

You see, Martin Atkins and Curse Mackey were just a couple of the people who were there for me since day one.

[Never heard of 'em? If you like bands like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Killing Joke, Grim Faeries, Evil Mothers, Pigface-- do some more research. Dig deeper into their long pasts.... and you will find your answers. Never heard of Pigface? Well, dig deeper into the pasts of Trent Reznor, Danny Carey, Chris Vrenna, Godhead, Dope, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Meg Lee Chin, Hate Dept., Voodou, Chris Connelly, Pitchshifter, Jared Louche... and the list could go on and on and on... literally. Seriously, do your research!]

These people  were just two of a small handful of people who were around when I first started to get into the music industry in general; and long, long before I even though of touring; long before I began taking photographs as a profession; long before I began designing and programming; long before Alicia Simmons and I even knew each other existed. I was still a little teenage girl in Missouri, growing up.

Years ago, I was still quite young, and I was still "just" that passionate music-crazed fan who worked on a couple of streetteams. I didn't know many people in the business back then. I had my Dope boys; and my Godhead boys. Eventually, it was time for Godhead to tour with Pigface. Was I stoked? Fuck yes I was. Being a big fan of them for years, and they were finally hitting the road again?

I went to a few shows on the tour, mostly keeping to the Godhead boys-- my friends. It was through them that I had met Curse and Martin for the first time in the flesh.

Back then, I never imagined I would be asked to collaborate on a book with some of the industrial music underground's finest. Then again, I didn't imagine I would be working for Martin's label (Underground Inc./Invisible Records), either.

Sure enough, one night I received an email from someone at the label, informing me that Curse had passed along my information, recommending they contact me because I would probably be willing to help them out; and would probably be good at it. So from then on, I spent time helping them promote their shows, their artists, their album releases-- to the best of my ability. With time and hard work, one of their artists would come through town, and I would have a simple spot on the list or an all access credential waiting for me at the door.

Through time, relationships were built-- great business relationships, and some amazing friendships.

In this book, there is a small part where Martin talks about how even the "smallest" of things from the people he (or any band, for that matter) meets on the road can go a long way... even so much as a box of donuts.

The first time I read that, I got a good little chuckle out of it.

I clearly remember one day on the Godhead/Pigface tour, I had stopped at a Krispy Kreme to get some donuts for myself. While I was at it, why not spend a few extra bucks to pick up a box for the Godhead boys, and another box for the Pigface kids? I remember the excitement in Curse's eyes and the big grin on his face as I handed over the box...

...I believe those donuts were devoured within a few minutes.

Back then, I would always do kind, little things like that for bands that I was friends with; but thought nothing of it, really. No big deal. I was on my way to the venue to meet up with Professional Murder Music, and got hungry. So I stopped by a sub shop to grab a bite to eat. I was already there, why not give the bassist a call and ask if any of them wanted anything while I was already out?

And now here I am, many years later... and on the other side of it all. My mother just drove six hours to meet up with myself and Strata in Memphis, TN. With her, she brought a small care package of snacks-- chips and cheeze, some sweets, energy bars... and homemade banana bread. We currently feel as if we have died and gone to heaven. It sure beats the greasy fast food restaurants on the curbsides or the lack of choice around some of the venues we have been playing.

This loaf of homemade banana bread is probably the best thing on this tour so far directly after the release of the new album.

One small memory snowballed into tons of memories of running around with Pigface and crew from my beginning to the time Mikey Miller and Curse sat there trying to convince my mother to letting them kidnap me for more of the tour... to every single stage performance I've seen (which, for anyone who is familiar with Pigface, should know there is always always debauchery)... to the time Martin was giving me a few extra pointers in the front of the Blue Note in Columbia, MO... to the early stages of my photography interests and Michelle Walters sitting with me in St. Louis, MO, raving on and on about how much she loved my work... to my Dope boys collaborating with them on a new CD, creating a remix of "Bitch"; and Curse, knowing my past with those guys, dedicating the song to me at a tiny, tiny show in Kansas City, MO in the middle of a bad snow/ice storm.... to the time Edsel Dope got sick, woke up dry heaving in St. Petersburg, FL, had to be sent to the hospital, and Martin forming a "Get well soon/Edsel we love you!" song onstage that night... to the harsh winter and nothing but black ice on the roads in Chicago, IL, and somehow we all made it there in one piece (sort of)-- but the next problem was, "How do we sneak Sarah Dope into the hometown show?".... to the time I got called out and dragged onstage by Curse and Deadstar Assembly in Ft. Lauderdale, FL during "Suck"... You name it.

Some of my favorite moments and the best times were with members of Pigface; old and new.

Fond memories aside, as I continued through this book-- this collaboration of what feels like one giant underground family, I read things that I wish I would have known back when I first started; things I know now; and things that formed new ideas for me and my future work.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again-- Hell, I'll never shutup about it..... but this book is truly a brilliant piece of art.



www.tstouring.com

Martin Atkins - www.myspace.com/martinatkins

Curse Mackey - www.myspace.com/cursemackey

Pigface - www.myspace.com/officialpigface

Underground Inc. - www.myspace.com/undergroundinc

Tour:Smart on MySpace - www.myspace.com/toursmart

I went to the thrift store yesterday and found a book called, A Dictionary of Word Origins by John Ayto.  I opened to a random page and read a random entry and found the origins of one of my favorite words in the English language.  Now, I don't keep it a secret that I am a junkie, but I thought it was interesting and worth sharing.

DOPE::  Dope originated in the USA, where it was borrowed from the
Dutch doop 'sauce'.  This was a derivative of the verb doopen 'dip',
which is related to English dip.  It was at first used as a general
colloquialism for any thick semi-liquid preparation, whether used as a
food or, for example, as a lubricant, but during the 19th century some
specific strands began to emerge:  notably 'drug', and in particular
'opium' and 'varnish painted on the fabric of an aircraft.'  The
effects of the former led to its use in the sense 'fool', and to the
coinage of the adjective dopey, first recorded in the 1890's.  The
sense 'information' dates from around 1900.

 

www.myspace.com/summerofsin

ADD THE PROFILE. SPREAD IT AROUND! HELP PROMOTE THIS TOUR, AND LET'S MAKE THIS A SUMMER TO REMEMBER!

www.myspace.com/dope
www.myspace.com/makeshiftromeo
www.myspace.com/bleedthesky
www.myspace.com/anewrevolution
www.myspace.com/manntis

(and for those curious, YES, I will be appearing at select shows all over the country...)