March 6th 2015

This post is Monumental for me. For those of you who read my last post, You might already have a guess as to why, Drum roll please! I drove MYSELF to this show. That's right I did it. And it was glorious. The night started off really rough for me again. Driving seemed like the easy part of the night honestly, I'm trying not to make this one so personal so i'll just say that coffee helped calm my nerves a bit. (from rabbit foot because duh!) I think that  I've started to feel really pressured about writing.  I still have the want and the drive to write, and to do so for myself. But having a following is pretty stressful, Especially when trying to keep everyone's interests in mind. And The feeling was so naggy and strong this time around I didn't pick up my camera all night. Not even once. I was so focused in the moments. And trying to make myself write it in my head as the night went on. But then it dawned on me that without looking at the night through my lens I can't remember much of anything. It was always the hours of sifting through photos and edits that made the posts pop up in my head and well now I know never to try and pull that crap again.  

But to look on the flip side of it I enjoyed the freedom to jump and throw down with muh dudes without fearing of getting bad shots or breaking my camera. So it wasn't the big of a loss. To pick up my slack, I'll be sharing the great shots Jason from fat rat photography sent over to me. And is very kind-fully letting me use. 

I arrived to west end fairly early again, But It worked out in my favor this time. I was able to spend a few moments hanging and talking with the Sister Kill Cycle dudes. they are some of the happiest "goths" I've ever met. (I say this in quotations because I refuse to label people, But without the label you'd never get the idea of them or what they looked like.)
It's not surprising to me personally, But to you maybe it will be. 

It was the same thing with the guys of The catcher and the rye, I HAVE NEVER SEEN such happy musicians. They were so into their stage performance and despite their looks or their sound they had huge Cheshire grins. I guess I shouldn't say "they" Because my focus was on Mike& Tyler. And at times even The drummer Dante.  
You could tell how happy they were to be on that stage doing something they love. Although I lyrically am not the biggest fans of them. I really dig their sound and all-togetherness of a band. And I'd also like to comment on how awesome Dante's family was. So supportive and lovely. His mom was manning the merch booth While his wife was away, when I went over to glance at what they had. I really enjoyed their designs and I'm currently kicking myself for not buying anything. I really dug these dudes and I was happy to finally have seen them live. It feels like It took me forever, but it was worth the wait. 

Synthetic solution went on first, And started the night off in an old industrial goth kind of way. 
I didn't really like anything about them but the sound. A little too eccentric for me, But hey since when should getting into your music be a bad thing?  I've gotten really into industrial now that I've had the chance to experience it for myself first hand. I love the feeling it brings out of people. At least personally speaking anyway. I hope to start to experience more of that scene as time goes on. Unfortunately I've never really had friends into that kind of thing. But now that I can drive and am less socially anxious I can venture out and find some that enjoy it as well. 

Next up on the list was Machines on blast. I was completely blown away by their set. I kind of just sat there in the booth in awe of everything. I just really enjoyed what they brought to the show and had to offer. I hope to see them in the future! I always come home from west end shows with new bands to love, follow, and swoon over. Jason the sound guy mentioned that the shows are always better when I'm around and I just laughed and replied that's a good thing. I actually had the chance to say Hi to and meet the owner of west end this show around as well. Which was pretty cool. 
They added a stage extension. But I'm not gonna talk about it. Because I was really stoked on it when I heard of it But was let down by it. SKC actually broke it. hahahah Go figure. 

The knowing within killed it as always. Like uh duh. I really enjoy being able to see them so often. It never gets old for me to see people I love do what they love. They pushed the boundaries of this show. A lot of people would probably say they didn't belong in the line up but I beg to differ. They could fit in anywhere. I truly believe they reached people at this show. Or at least I'd like to believe so, And if not At least I can say as always if no one else, they reached me. Tim cut his speech's short. But I backed that. It wasn't really the place to try and make people think. But At the end of the day even their lyrics alone can do that for some people. I have the knowing within, Do you? 
A lot happened, and it was a weird night. But It meant the world to me to feel so loved and supported by everyone around me. Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life, And make sure they know you love and care for them. You might feel like you have all the time in the world to tell them, You might think they already know it, But you don't. And they might not. So please, not for me but for yourselves Go out and tell someone how much you appreciate them. You can never be to thankful, and You can never say I love you too much. I love you. You are loved. I support you, You are supported. Shoot for the damn stars and go take on the night. 


Sister kill cycle was SO AMAZING. And I lost my sh*t when they covered the beautiful people. 
It felt like I was taken back in time, and got to experience A Spooky kid's show before Manson got popular. Everything about their front man and his stage performance SCREAMED MM. But not in a bad way, There was enough of his personal flare to make him stand out and away from that mold people put him in. I was a douche and asked "on a regular daily basis how often do people compare you, or ask you if you're Marilyn manson?" His reply was Ten. And then I got a few stories about it which was cool. I was in awe of him, Because even tho I viewed him as his own entity, It really did for a moment feel like I was meeting a childhood idol of mine. 

Dikk their guitarist, originally from Sweden was my buddy throughout the night. If we didn't talk, he'd at least smile at me, And I thought that was really sweet. One of the greatest guys I've ever met and I seriously hope to spend more time with him And the rest of the band in the future. We talked a lot more that I would've ever imagined and that made the night an experience to remember. Thank you for taking so much time to hang with me. And for scarring me for life when you stapled the condom to your stomach!...... Jk it wasn't that bad But it did make my eyes get big and like go wooooaaahhhhhh (Says in voice of the aliens from toy story) In all this was one of the best nights of my life. And I'll talk and think about it forever. 

The Catcher And The Rye 

The Knowing Within,

HE BROKIDID IT. But luckily Dante stepped in and gave him a snare to use 

Accidentally out of order, Here's the drummer from Sister Kill Cycle 

Sister Kill Cycle

Phone photos.~ Because I feel like it. 

CAAAAANNNN YOOOOUUU FEEEEEELLLL THEEEEE LOOOOVVEEE TOOONIIIGHHTTTTT

Thank you timbooo, For not only taking photos But also for talking so highly of me all night/all the time and just for being the best human to have ever walked into my life.~ I'll always love and support you. (he took this, But wouldn't let me see it and he's lucky it came out so great!)

My love goes out to everyone who's taken time out of their lives to read this. Don't for a second think each and everyone one of my views goes un-appreciated  I didn't think I'd be able to put this night into words, But I couldn't let anyone down. And Once I forced myself to write, It started flowing out of me, I hope this one becomes bigger than the last few posts. Get on it, Make it happen for meeeee.... ~ chyster  

Links to all the bands mentioned... 

sisterkillcycle

Catcherandtheryefl

TheKnowingWithin

machinesonblast

SynthSolutionMusic

fatratphotography

 (Jason's instagram) 

And last but not least, Here's my information for those who might want it. 

facebook.com/cheysterisepic 

(best for contact)

instagram.com/A_Lunatics_lament

 (best for photos / music monday posts)

twitter.com/thebigpurpledot

 (Best for creeping, and knowing about things before they happen)

Untitled

This one goes out to Jason Mineer. ( cough the best sound guy ever. cough cough)
 If you're reading this, Know this post wouldn't exist without you.
I cannot thank you enough for all the support you've shown me. People like you are why I'm here. Your comments and excitement made me want to write. And i'll hold onto that, And try to start documenting more often. *smirks*

With that being said, this probably isn't going to be one of my bests, And i'm okay with that.
But are you guys? I feel like now that I have somewhat of a following I have people to let down.
These blogs aren't just for me anymore. Although still viewed through the eyes of Chyster everything feels so different about the writing process. I care so much more, I'm putting in so much more effort. And i'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared about not being good enough.

But I cannot even begin to explain the amazing compliments I've gotten about this blog. And for that reason I'm fighting to keep it up as much as possible. I haven't been writing as much, Because the Nights I've had probably seem like one in the same to anyone who wasn't there.
I mean come on how much can one write about the same venue, And praise the same band so much before it gets old? West end has become A place of comfort for me. But the darkness of my mind followed me this time around and really put a damper on the night. I think it's because I was surrounded by people who would be okay with me NOT being okay. (for some reason I still feel like death, although the anxiety factors have ceased which is nice time being)

But i'd be damned if I was going to let it stop me. The night was hectic but ended up being an another amazing night.  I don't think I've ever been so out of shooting and into singing my heart out. I've never shot this little of The knowing within. And that's okay with me.
 Sorry to report that I didn't catch enough of every band's set to talk about things properly. Or have photos to show. But I will say that from what  was caught, all the bands were great as always.
 RRE (red rabbit entertainment) Never fails. They are so great about putting bands that flow together, But don't all sound the same or bore anyone. It's awesome how different each bands sound was.

I got to spend more time with the band bro's than normal this show around.
So much goofing off and dancing per usual I swear the knowing within is the biggest bunch of goofs. (although completely professional and serious when need be)
Getting to know them on such a personal level has been the best experience of my life. And it's just the beginning. So get used to always hearing about it. I never ever in my wildest dreams expected a band I love so much to become such great friends of mine. They are my family, Fans included, We are the Knowing within-gers.

(They'll always be super heroes to me! Be your own hero<3 But always have other great ones surrounding you.)

I once made this comment and Can't help but share it here. They're like the band from Scott Pilgrim but opposite
" We are Sex Bob-omb Here to make you think about death and get sad N stuff."
 Vs We are the knowing within Here to make you think about life and be Happy N stuff.
And I've been doing just that lately.

I know hands down I want to work in the music industry, And go back to school to better my chances of actually achieving that. But I'm so confused about which directions to take, or where to start.
There's so much that interests me, Or that I could see myself doing..... ergh. I think honestly tho getting my dang license is the best to focus on for now. I've put it off for far too long. It's time to grow up and deal with it. I'm capable. I'm just scared sh**less . Wow okay I didn't mean to make this all about me. Sorry about that. I just feel like I'm supported, and finally ready to listen to MY KNOWING WITHIN. (cheesiness aside I mean it, They've helped me in so many ways.)
My heart wants wings, my brain want's roots. and I cannot stand their bickering's.

I just want to go on adventures and make my attempts at being a starving artist. But I'm starting to think that that isn't the place to start. I need to become stable and full of growth, Before I can expect to uproot myself and survive.... Life is funny, Just when I thought a door was opening for me It slammed shut in my face. It's still swinging, So maybe eventually when the time is right I'll sneak my way through it. Or maybe i'll break a window.  I'm just so tired of the same old thing, Go figure I'd get too comfortable somewhere and crave for new places to find my place in. A never ending cycle for me. Escapes only last for so long. The worries of my life and mind clouded my work And even my play and it was killing me to the brink of tears almost all night. I can't even understand the things that were racing in my head But oh boy was it buzzing.

In other news, I should be attending Silverstien's Discovering the water front tour Next weekend On valentines day.... And I just might return to tell the tale. Fingers are crossed on that one, I've been in situations before where it seemed like everything was perfect Just to throw me for a loop give up thinking it's not happening only to do a total 360 and end up working out???? So who knows. Not going to stress myself over it. If it's meant to happen it will. (Dear parents, Not driving me won't make my license ordeal any easier just for the record.....! In fact it'll probably just push me further into my dark hole abyss of being stuck. Making it happen is what will push me to suck it up and grow up.)
Also I've been asked by a few people for potential shows/ shoots that I'm really looking forward into making happen. The want seems to be there. But the will to make it work? Not so much. This is my life, It's always going to be. Now I just need the money to follow so I can keep it up..... I can't rely on my parents forever, And what little money I have saved up isn't going to last much longer at this pace. Plus I'm craving new gear. Which is killing me to even think about because $$$$$$$ </3 *siiiigghhhh*

 

These dudes are all about giving back, they've done so much for myself and their fans. And even strangers and haters as well i'm sure!..... 

Whether it's the emotional relate-able lyrics that can help you realize there's light in the darkness, the support of good vibes when around them Or the things they're constantly sharing/ giving away. This time it was original hand written lyrics, and a few other things. But in the past I've gotten broken sticks, set lists, picks, shirts, you name it. They never fail to make someones show experience special.  Even if it's something as simple as Getting high fives or singing into the mic. Tim is the best at what he does. Every single person in the room can be moved. And can feel involved/ special. 

 The stage is his element. It's where they all belong. And it shows. They were made for this. 

You'll struggle, And they will too. 

there's no getting around that. But YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. 

 God is faithful and always provides the pathway, And the strength to carry on.

I live for seeing these guys make differences in peoples lives like they did in mine. 

Every show thus far has been unique and amazing in it's own way. 

But this time around it was really great just to kick back and enjoy the time with my band bros And with some of the within-gers!<3 

West end is the perfect place for it too. 

It's character is so chill and full of hard working good vibe-ing people.  And they put up with all our insanity x) Like James, the drummer breaking a pair of new sticks on the tables while jamming out to dubstep-y rap music? I guess that's what you'd call it haha. Also they have the best south western eggrolls. Okay seriously. Try them. it's worth it I swear. 

If I had the guts I'd look into getting a job there...... Because I really love being there so much recently.

Also HUGE thank you to Jason johansen

 (Yes another jason Crazy To wrap your head around right)  

Of fat rat photography for all he's done so far to help me. 

I've already learned so much and i'm really grateful for it. He stepped in and fixed my camera settings because I was lame and too lost in my head to be shooting manual until he intervened. :) Plus it's always great to watch him do promo shots. Although I often wish it was me taking them... It's highly enjoyable to see him at work. And to learn what I can from him.

He's so great in his own way. :) 

I feel like this was a pretty blah post And I left moments out??? this post was personal enough already. Anyways as always if you made it thus far, Your support and patience means the world to me. I hope you enjoy my rambles.~ Chyster. 

Ps, For those of you who are knew to what i'm talking about, Here's a link to their newest song  An Untold Story and the link to their book of faces! TheKnowingWithin  Jam out, and like them while you're at it! And here's a link to RedRabbit'sFacebook take a moment to check out all the great gigs they have coming up this spring! (personally i'm stoked for The sister kill cycle show)