Here's the place to get Nathan's uncensored take on random subjects or events in his life. Humorous, meaningful, or quirky - Take it all with a grain of salt. Or perhaps a shot of Patrôn. Posts are in reverse chronological order, so feel free to start at the bottom and work your way back up. Always good advice, eh?


Title: 1/12th
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Time Traveler
Posted: 2/8/12

January is gone. Swoosh! It was a blur of monumental milestones & merry mundaneness. House repairs, new vehicles, general legalities as exciting as sitting in the DMV & counting the chairs. However, it's all necessary to get through this thing called... life. Electric word life it means forever and that's a mighty long time, but I'm here to tell you there's something else... The next 11 months. Or whatever. I don't know.

One thing I can tell you, that new iPad2 thingy? Yea, you oughta get one of them. I did back in late November. And yes, it is amazing, fun, cool, blah blah blah. I purchased mine primarily to use an app called OnSong, which allows band leaders & musicians to view & organize their charts & lyrics. It's been great, as I no longer lug massive books around or a music stand. Can't recommend it enough. A big chunk of my time is working with that program, tweeking charts, syncing files from my iMac, organizing set-lists, etc. The other apps I currently use a ton are Words With Friend and the CNN app. I dig the way its layout presents all the news.


Title: Classical music
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Classic dude
Posted: 1/4/12

One of my routines is to listen to anything but pop music when driving or relaxing at home. I'll listen to talk radio, interviews, or if I want music it's jazz or classical. I prefer small string quartets or solo piano when it comes to classical, and my favorite composer since I was a teenager has been Frederic Chopin. I heard a collection of his waltz's on New Years day driving back up to Wilmington, and if you've never heard the one in C# minor, you might enjoy giving it a listen. Besides the pensive predominant melody, the part that really gets me are the off-kilter descending notes in the movement occurring from 1:15 to the 2 minute mark. I envision books falling over, or a stack of papers slipping off a shelf. I just dig everything about this piece. Here's a second link of a live performance that embodies a great deal of grace.

My long standing favorite has been the Polonaise in Ab major, Opus 53. Here's a link to the amazing Arthur Rubinstein. Truly breath-taking piece by the master. Try googling for other versions though. There's several astounding clips with variations in tempos and interpretations out there. Enjoy!


Title: The chill factor's what?
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Youtuber
Posted: 12/20/11

So the idea was to write a christmas song that rocked, but wasn't cheesy. "Starbright" was the result, and it's a part of "The Feeling I Got" recording project. I've shared it on my YouTube channel this month for your holiday enjoyment. Give it a quick listen and share with any friends or family that come to mind. It shares some light-hearted perspectives on driving home for the holidays, with a bit of wistful nostalgia. I still enjoy the track a lot and each listen honestly makes me happy inside, kinda like that 5 or 6 year old eyeing the sky and wishing for snow.

I wish you and yours a happy, blessed, love-filled season - And if 2011 hasn't been all you expected, I sincerely hope the next year brings you peace & happiness.


Title: A Day in The Life
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Homebody
Posted: 11/21/11

Last meal I ate today: Tacos around 10pm
Amount of laundry I did today: 3 loads
Favorite part of the day: Seeing my gf looking hot in her new threads.
How many times I left the house today: Uno
What the weather was like on this November day in Delaware: Cold & wet
Cover song played just for the hell of it: Roll Another Joint by Tom Petty
Original song played just for the delicious groove: I Made My Bed
Did Nathan actually make his bed today: Yes, yes he did.
Favorite part of a girl: Haven't I answered this already?


Title: Seriously, that's funny
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Wry Observer
Posted: 10/24/11

Standing on a stage for a living allows one to notice a lot of odd things. For instance... This phenomenon of couples or small groups literally spending 98% of their time glued to their cell phones. And I do not exaggerate here. I think they look up only to order, and I'm sure they'd use their phone for that too if an app was available.

So, just a few questions for these smart-phone addicted dumbies: Why the hell did you even come out in public to begin with? The real world with real people and real experiences is all around you, but there you sit pushing buttons, still checking on anything and anyone except what's right in front of you. Compare: Make believe world... Real world; People bloggin about experiences... people having experiences. My friend, you're missing the whole point of going out! And do you realize how immature, insecure and socially awkward you appear? You barely address the people you walked in the door with, let alone anyone else in the room - It's strrrrange! Unless you're TRYING to appear like a weirdo/wallflower with no clue how to relate to others. If so, mission accomplished.

The satarist Andy Borowitz wrote on his facebook "There is a fine line between social networking and wasting your fucking life." And look, I know there are valid reasons to use your cell phone while out and about, and I utilize mine all the time within reason. But seriously, just try going into a bar/restuarant without it ... You might find you actually end up having more fun, being forced to meet real humans, TALK to people, and notice new things you wouldn't otherwise. Like maybe some dude playing guitar and singing a nice song... Live and in person! What a concept.


Title: Welcome to my underground lair
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Keeping-It-Real-Dude
Posted: 09/27/11

Been quite busy with organizing myself in what is essentially NJ Headquarters. Desk, files, iMac: Check. Audio equipment with a hundred cords: Check. Sharks with frickin lazer beams attached to their heads: Check.

I've written 2 new songs this year that are the start of new material for CD numero five. They're very personal songs about two subjects that are rather near & dear to me: Sex and religion. And no I won't share the titles here, but I have debuted them live a few times, and the reaction has been very good, esp the one about sex. (big shock) The other requires a bit more attentiveness to nuance than one casual listen can provide, ala "Rise Above". I absolutely can't wait to record & share these! But like all things - in due time.

I've now gotten back into my standard work-out pattern, being in a new house and all. This is kinda essential to my life; eating healthy, daily cardio, weight training. And happily these habits crowd out a lot of, errrr - goofiness that tries to derail & interupt my focus. Because, my friend, I don't suffer fools gladly and I don't give my valuable time to people's headgames & bullshit.

Yea I said it... ;)



Title: I like lemonade
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Laidback dude
Posted: 08/31/11

It's the thought that counts. So here's one: I don't wanna die, not yet anyway. So instead of playing a few cool shows around lower Delaware this past weekend, I thought I'd heed the hype and get the hell out of the way of Hurricane Harry. I mean, Irene. (woulda been cooler if it'd been named Harry - just saying). The States and cities along the eastern seaboard were going to be destoyed, my house included, or at best be under a lot of water ala Katrina. All the brainiacs in weather land suggested going west to be safe, so I and the gf and a 6 year old monkey voluntarily decided to do just that - going about 5 hours and 300 miles west to Morgantown, West Virginia.

Yes, it was almost heaven. Getting just past Baltimore, MD the rolling green hills and steep valleys began, making my truck's tranmission miss the flatness of Texas. Morgantown is the home of West Virginia University, and I'd brought my bike, so Saturday afternoon I got my work-out in while exploring the campus. The downtown campus is amazingly picturesque. Sunday we took a slow drive down south (my favorite kind), enjoying the natural beauty and ending up at this funky little zoo. It actually was really cool, especially for being in the middle of nowhere. That evening I stayed in just to watch ESPN as my beloved Texas Rangers took it to the Angels. Niiiice.

And that my friend, is how keeping a positive attitude lets you make lemonade from lemons. Oh, and the house is fine... thanks for asking.


Title: Yes, Home Depot? I'll take one of everything, please
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Wanna be handyman
Posted: 08/21/11

There are some things that don't belong in a basement. Namely, water. Oh, and my stock of CDs. Yea, it's been one of those kind of wonderful weeks. I like the new house here in Wilmington De-luh-where??, and the neighborhood is nice and safe. I got my 1st work-out in at home today, and almost squeezed in a bike ride, but the rain once again scoffed at my good intentions. Oh well... I only lost about 30 or so CDs. Hmmm, what to do with'em... Make some cool hanging art to give away shows? Maybe still sell the physical CDs (cause only the printed material was ruined) and ask folks to give to the "My Damn Basement Has Leaks Fund"?? Idk. Tell ya what, ask me about it at a show & maybe I'll just suprise you with some free swag... or a big hug.

Till next time....


Title: Let's enjoy a mmmmmovie, shall we
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Red Box customer
Posted: 08/12/11

Visioneers w/ Zack Galafunkisyzoyttysuy or whatever: Not for the impatient or closed-minded. My fave part was the note Mr. Jeffers hands to Zack's character in the limo. Soooo true.

The Town w/ Ben Affleck: Simply rocks. Totally stunned at the end when I saw he directed it too. Great pacing, tasteful editing. Btw, ck out Jeremy Renner in the Jeffry Dahmer flick he did pre-Hurt Locker. Awwwwwkward.

Horrible Bosses w/ Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikus, Jennifer Anniston, and some other people whose names don't start with J; Uhhh, Wow!! Literally falling out of my seat funny. Starting to laugh now just thinking about it again. Hell, just go see it - but only IF you like edgy, irreverent type humor. And IF you don't mind seeing Jennifer Anniston in a tight black dress the whole movie. Wait, that was Bounty Hunter... my bad. (but also worth a look. Pun intended.)

True Grit w/ Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon: Very nice old-style movie making, obviously being a re-make. Ending was just a bit abrupt I thought. Young female lead was outstanding, & Matt Damon was great, with all the too-proud-of-Texas lines cracking me up. Makes me curious to see what Glen Campbell (aka Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy) did with that character in the original ... "Ahhh been walkin' these streets so long, singing the same ole' songs..."


Title: When people can be so cold (Thank you Carol King)
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Connoisseur of all things friendly
Posted: 07/27/11

Lately I've been in a mindset of being friendlier & more open to family, friends & acquaintances. I try to call or text more, reach out more via social networks, or give a genuine compliment if something strikes me as... impressive or cool. Why is this? Well first, I'd like more friends in my life; not in a selfish way, but just in a healthy way. I kinda feel we all could use more friends, no matter our station in life. I've found myself lacking in this area at times, and I only blame myself. I've often sent out a stand-offish vibe, either out of fear or grandiose thoughts - But either way, I don't think it served me well. I know I'm often the keep-to-myself type of guy; Eyes down, buy my crap at the check out line, keep the game face on all the time, just waiting for some a-hole to... well, be an a-hole. But ya know, that only makes the world a little colder, to quote Sir Paul McCartney. Secondly, I feel a friendlier approach is worthwhile simply because it's cool to make someone feel appreciated & happy, and maybe my reaching out does that in a small way. Not for the sake of endearing them to me, though that could be a by-product.

On my 2002 Seethe project, I wrote a song called Walls, which deals with this issue to some degree. I still have those thoughts occasionally. I'll sense the odd social retraction by someone and feel that puzzled feeling we all feel. What's going on with them that I don't understand? I know I didn't do anything wrong, but.... WTF?? But ya know, it ultimately doesn't matter. I'm gonna give'em any space they need, or just a positive word when/if possible. Cause that's how I'd want to be treated. Everybody's dealing with their own problems....


Title: Body Heat
Authored by: Nathan Johnson - Singer/Songwriter/Connoisseur of all things beautiful
Posted: 06/15/11

Favorite day of year: Right now.
Fave sandwich: Roast Beef & Swiss.
Fave old movie: Body Heat.
Fave line from a movie: "Do you mind if we talk about this over in the milk aisle?" - Michael Keaton.
Usual past times: Working out, hollering at professional athletes on my TV.
Song: Sailing - Christopher Cross.
Dream gig: Co-writing a song with Paul Simon & playing it live somewhere over seas.
Fave part of a girl: Any part she'll let me touch. No wait, her butt. No no, wait... her eyes.