Sacha Sacket's Official Blog

cough cough couch

2010-11-05T18:56:00.001-07:00

Hey all. I'm making up for the last 2 weeks of disappearance guys. I have this hacking cough which just sort of takes over every time I try and sing. One of those things I guess. Just want you to know, the songs are ready and waiting. Hoping to release 3 this Tuesday if all looks good on the vocal front :) Thanks for sticking by me
xoxo

Snake in the Road

2010-08-24T18:53:00.001-07:00

New song of the week! Check it out!

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sachasacket.bandcamp.com/track/snake-in-the-road"&amp;amp;gt;Snake in the Road by Sacha Sacket&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Another day

2010-08-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

So I am starting work a little later today. Working on a song called Creeping at the moment. Need to finish it up, still a bunch of beat programming to get into and other nonsense. It's definitely a fun song. Just got the master to Snake in the Road today which will be released today as well and it sounds great! Phew!

One of my closest friend's mother died this morning and it's definitely affecting me. We were extremely close as families growing up. Our parents knew each other right around when they got married. So we grew up together. Both of their parents have died about a year apart from each other. It's just incredibly difficult. It was a brain cancer.

Hope you enjoy the song today
XO

Coffee Time

2010-08-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

So I had to get up at 7am today and somehow pull myself out of bed to finish up this song today. Last minute as usual for me. The lyrics have been very difficult. It's sort of a cryptic song which is the hardest thing. Writing about a few things at once, personal and universal, and looking for patterns within the words. Every song has a strange geometry to it and it takes time to land upon the shape of it.

So I had to get up at 7am so my voice would be ready around 11a to sing some last tidbits.

Ah the life of a wandering musician...

Why the singer shouldn't mix his own song

2010-08-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

So I am pulling another rather late night. We just finished the mix for Helium which I am releasing tomorrow. Things are always down to the wire lately and I have to get a bit ahead because all this last minute stuff is making me a little crazy. But I am happy we took some extra time with Helium, it's much better for it. Going to get the song mastered at 6am by Nick Moon up in Oregon. He's going to studio super early to make it happen - which I am very lucky for.

Mixing has been interesting lately. I am working with Chris Testa, who has been great. He's done a bunch of stuff with a lot of really cool artists including Jimmy Eat World, Mat Kearney, Paul Simon, Glen Philips, and the Dixie Chicks. It's been a different process for me. I am not in the mixing room at all anymore, just give notes on the mixes that I get emailed to me on my computer. I think it works out better in the end this way. I usually nit pick things to death and sometimes wonder if I am ruining the mix in the end. We often used to do too much back and forth. So this way is working out better so far. Less energy and better results I think.

It's easy to get lost mixing a song when you wrote and played most of the instruments on it. You often want to hear all your hard work instead of listening to the song and following your ear. I just don't have enough objectivity at the end of producing a track. I don't think most artists should be in the mixing room actually for precisely that reason. It becomes more about ego than the song a lot of times. Takes an entirely different mentality.

I have a ton of lyrics to plow through this week, which is always super super hard for me. I am always staring at a wall at multiple points during the day, praying for divine inspiration. My lyric writing has changed a lot more this year though. The process is much more wrapped around the piano. I tend to play the song up to a hundred times until I finish the words. Let it come out organically, rather than sit at a coffee shop with pen and paper. I used to spend days at Starbucks trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together basically. Now, it's more around what comes out of my mouth in the moment and following that thread. I like this way a lot more. I think it took a while for me to get my mind out of things and let the subconscious take over - which is happening more and more with the songs. I am working hard to think less and less and play more and more.

Much more fun that way too.

I wrote a few strange dance numbers today that will probably never see the light of day today. I am still playing around with lots of dance beats, trying to find a way in. Determined to. I definitely don't want to try and write something that Britney would sing. It's more about finding out how I relate to the dance beat and what it brings out in me. Have some really cool ideas, it's just a matter of finding the melodies that stick at the moment. Then I can start doing some cool melding of genres etc that I really want to do.

I am toying with the idea of traveling a bit and working with some musicians outside of Los Angeles. I really want to do it, hopefully late fall or in the winter. We shall see.

It's funny at the moment. I have a whole bunch of songs that sort of express whole different sides of me, different genre wise as well. It was freaking me out a little bit, because I wasn't sure how they related to each other per se. But doing this project has freed me up a lot. I don't have to worry about the cohesiveness of an album as much. I can deliver things more stream of conscious like. That has helped a lot creatively and kept things interesting for me too. Each project requires a whole new set of tools. I have to be quick on my feet.

Anyway. I am watching Galaxy Quest while waiting for the final mix at the moment. I love the movie. I think because I am a closet Trekkie. Not a huge one. but I did love The Next Generation growing up and Voyager. There is something ridiculous and wonderful about it all.

Yes my inner geek is showing a bit :)

Sending LOVE

Return to OZ and electro-rock

2010-08-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty tired at the moment. Just finished my legwork on Helium for the mixer tomorrow. Had to add a bunch of background vox and it took a bit to get things working. Spent a lot of the day working on some new music. I've been getting more and more into electro-rock and even techno. Really want to see where I can take that world. It's been an experiment. Working with various beats and dance synths. We'll see where it goes. Might never see the light of day or it could be a whole new thing :)

Other than that. I am going to spend my remaining 30 minutes before bed having a beer and eating cottage cheese. For some weird reason I decided to watch Return to OZ. Don't ask why. I remembered that scene where she has to find her friends that were changed into inanimate objects. She had like 3 chances or something to pick the right objects. Anyway. I felt like watching it :) Very random.

Helium

2010-08-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit of time again since I've blogged. It gets hard for me to do this for some reason. The process has been tough and challenging of late. I'm dealing with a lot of songs that are almost there. It's like 7 or 8 of them and I think I am just dealing with some fear of finishing. It's a normal thing. And I have to push through. It's the point of this whole project really. To push beyond my fear of letting things go.

Fucking With Your Flow was something that really took a lot out of me that last 2 weeks. I felt like I was wringing a rag as tight as I could to get the last few drops of water out. There is that creative well that you can't just expect to supply exactly what you need all the time. Making something is tricky - it's never logical. It rarely comes when you want it to. And sometimes you have to roll with the punches, even if you aren't sure if you are going to get exactly what you think you want. I think the whole thing is - you have to be willing to jump into an abyss when you are being creative. You have to wander. And a lot of times, I like to decide what a song is before I've recorded it. So there is this whole process of unlearning the song so I can get to the end. And that's where things can get painful.

I need to do something that has nothing to do with music that is more than just watching a movie or drinking a beer at home :) I need to refill the creative well somehow and I am not sure what that is yet. I am also really wanting to start some new fitness regimen. I like doing things dramatically - if you can't tell :) And I like taking on really big fitness goals too. Was thinking about doing some sort of boot camp thing - cause I've never done anything like it. Really need a stress release that is healthy and positive. Things have been very tense with the work load and my constant mental back and forth with the songs.

I am working on a song called Helium at the moment. I've had it for a long time. More than a year actually. And I have all the lyrics and almost all of the music ready to go. It's just that I still have to track my final vocal and I am shying away from it. Which always gets me into trouble. Vocals always take a bit to get into. You can't just expect it to come in an hour. Sometimes it does and you expect that it should always be that way. But it's always when you think it shouldn't be a problem when it bites you in the ass.

I need to just sing though :) at the end of the day I feel the song is there ready to be brought out. I just have to let it go and be what it wants to be.

The promotion angle has been getting to me pretty hard. I really want the music to get out there and there is some sort of block with that. Not sure exactly what it is. Honestly. There is a hesitation that I have always had to present my work to the world. I always tend to hold back. I really love making music and I hate having to deal with the public at large. There are many times when I wish I had someone to help take care of the whole mess and do it really well. That someone could sort of just magically fix it. But the real issue is that I am holding back. If I am honest. I am holding back from letting people to really see the music. Still sorting that one out.

What else? My dogs are the best thing. Every day they are just happy to see me, and having a ball. And it always brings me back to center. They are the biggest stress release.

Anyway. I should get back to Helium. Wish me luck. Sending LOVE.

Cocky (SIRPAUL vs. Robotika Remix)

2010-07-21T21:15:00.001-07:00

New Remix by SIRPAUL is available for free download!!

CLICK HERE

Spanish Carnival Ride

2010-07-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

New Song!
Spanish Carnival Ride
Check it here!

Ever Master a song Three Times?

2010-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit of time since I've been writing. I think in large part because of the work load lately. I have been working to develop 2 rather large batches of songs - totally different genres from each other as well. And also juggling mixing some older tracks. It's just a lot and I am a bit ragged at the moment. I think the hardest part is the picture part for each song - because I am holed up in my little studio all day and don't feel sexy at all ;)

But things are lovely.

We have a show this Saturday that I am excited about. Working to just play all new material - which I know pisses people off sometimes. I think it's exciting though. It's a very creative state. The songs are germinating in front of your eyes :) They often take a different shape in studio but I really like the idea of starting them out with a pure live band arrangement and then expanding from there. At least that is my kick at the moment.

The songs that I have been writing lately are much more low key than most of the stuff I have released so far. More subdued and quirky. I love them and can't wait to get them finished. Part of me feels like I have to write a new chorus for all of them, and the other side likes that they are different beasts and I shouldn't meddle.

We shall see...

Was up till 4am doing a last minute re-mix to Caroline. We got the master back and I wasn't happy with it at all. So I had someone else do it. We mastered again but figured out that the mix itself had issues. Paul was at a dinner, so I had to drag him over around 10pm and we didn't stop for about 6 hours. It was a bit rough, but we got it done, and sent it off for the new mastering guy to re-master it again this morning. I cut it EXTREMELY close.

So basically I had Caroline mastered 3 times. Yes... I have a problem :) But it was a big improvement. There were dynamics in that song that were rather complicated.

Right now we are finally finishing mixing a song called The Outsider. It's a very contemplative song. It puts me in a very thoughtful state. It's very pretty, there's a little typewriter beat, synths mixed with a live band... the production ideas are similar to Caroline actually - but it's a totally different beast. It's sort of this idea of mixing a heavy electronic landscape with a really rock oriented White Stripes-ish sort of band.

Both songs were recorded in one take with drums and bass. The guys played together and just killed it. So it has this very organic feel within a very electronic landscape. It was an exciting thing to watch develop.

The Outsider will be out next week

Okay. Now to finish up this mix and get some sleep!!!!

Sending love.
Hoping to see some of you this weekend at the show.
xo

Caroline!

2010-07-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Helloooooo

We just released new song called...

Caroline

Click here to get it

(or donate more if so inclined)

If you are in Los Angeles this Saturday,

I'll be playing live at MBar on July 10th. :)

Hope to see you there.

Sacha Sacket Live at M Bar
Saturday, July 10, 2010. 10:30pm. $10. 21+

1253 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA

MAP

Sending love from afar...

Cocky and No One's Fool

2010-06-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

We decided to release 2 songs today. New song of the week, Cocky, is available now and when you buy the Digital Album you get the other song (No One's Fool) free!

So click here and get 2 for $1

(or donate more if so inclined)

DON'T FORGET...

I'll be playing live at M Bar on July 10th in Los Angeles. Be there! :)

Sacha Sacket Live at M Bar
Saturday, July 10, 2010. 10:30pm. $10. 21+
1253 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA

MAP

Sending love to you all!

Get ready for a new side of things starting next week :)

xoxo

Phew

2010-06-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

So tired :)
whisked away to Lake Tahoe for a beautiful and romantic wedding. Finally got to meet my lovely goddaughter - which really was just magic. And even managed to get a hike in and enjoy some nature.

finally got back today.

Phew.

Time to get back to it. Needed some input after so much output. It's really important to get out of your space and see life in perspective. If even for 2 nights :)

Got to do pictures tomorrow. Going to release 2 songs on Tuesday. Look out!

Sending love...

Green Grass and Lottery Luck

2010-06-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a few days since I've written here :) Things are going really well. I hit a little roadblock with some of the songs but I think we are almost in the clear. Right now I am searching for the perfect clavichord. I figure if it's good enough for Stevie Wonder, then it's good enough for me. Don't you wish your last name was something awesome like that? Sacha Fabulous or Sacha Spectacular... Sort of makes me feel like a cirque du soleil act/superhero or something... maybe not.

I have a wedding to attend up in Lake Tahoe for the weekend. Which I am both excited for and a little nervous about. I don't like being away from an instrument for too long - especially with my new creative mandate. I might bring an acoustic guitar with me, but planes can be spotty about that sort of thing. Get to see all my friends and their new babies. It seems everyone is having babies or getting married the last few years... and I don't feel ANY peer pressure :)

I think we are going to release Cocky next. It's sort of a different little song, has a retro feel, a bit glam actually and I want to start releasing some of the more electronic, futuristic music I have been hounding on. Ready to show another shade. So we'll cap it off with Cocky and show something new in July.

The hardest thing lately has been trying to promote the music while creating. It's always an impossible feat to do both simultaneously. And it seems I am always caught in purgatory.

It's so easy to feel the grass is greener on the other side and all that. Like U2 or Lady Gaga have it made. They just get to be all creative and have a 1 ton gorilla to take care of their promotional needs. Soooo not true though. I know it. But you can't help but feel that at times.

For some reason this video came to mind. Maybe because I am determined to have it all :)

Colin

2010-06-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

New song of the week - Colin - is available NOW!

Go take a listen and get it here

I felt it was time to do a "Sacha on piano" song and get back to basics. We sort of randomly recorded this song one night when we were supposed to be doing something else. Just got on the piano and pressed record. Hope you enjoy it!

Did you know that my music video to "Used," hit #1
this week on LOGO's "Click List!?" Really exciting stuff! Thanks again so much for taking the
time to put in your vote every week. It's amazing that so many made the effort. And I definitely love you for it. Please help keep me at #1! Vote here :)

ALSO...

I'll be playing live at M Bar on July 10th in Los Angeles. Be there! :)

Sacha Sacket Live at M Bar
Saturday, July 10, 2010. 10:30pm. $10. 21+

1253 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA

MAP

And finally... I just wanted to break it down for a sec and send a really big bear hug to all of you who are buying the songs, emailing me supportive notes, and even donating more than the $1 per song. It really means so so so so much - especially with everything so hectic as it is with the Viscera project.

With everything online and streaming and instant and in your face. Just the fact that you are tuning into what I do, is such a huge blessing. I couldn't do this without your love and support. So I just want to just say THANK YOU REALLY LOUDLY for all the positive energy you have been sending my way :) You are amazing and beautiful. And I appreciate you all so so much.

I hope this finds you all in bright spirits!

Things are lovely here. It's getting time to get to recording again tonight! Been practicing on my beat making skillz and am excited to show the results of my latest experiment in the coming months :) Wish me LUCK! It's definitely something new :)

Sending love from LA...

xoxo

Sacha

Sacha Fever!

2010-06-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

So I finished up the vocals to this song called Cocky. Really glad I re-did them. It has a better feel :) Hoping to get that song out sooner than later - sort of having a love affair with it. They only last so long until the next one comes knocking on my door. But I really am enjoying the song at the moment. perhaps a little toooo much.
too. much. information.

And I started working on new material today. Which has been like a breath of fresh air. I think I was spending too long on some older stuff - making sure it was right. Now I can just make music and not worry about finicky stuff (until I get to mixing of course and then it starts again). Anyway it's much more fun and alive right now. Feel more like a musician now.

If any of you get the chance to spread some of the music around on facebook or by email that would be a huge help! There is a share button under every song at sachasacket.bandcamp.com . If you could take the time to share it with your friends, it would help things go a bit more "viral." :) infect some friends with some Sacha fever! Okay that was cheesy :) but reaaaallly. Would love it if you could.
infect your friends with Sacha fever that is....

and now for a picture of my dogs kissing:

Smooches.

British vocals and techno rock

2010-06-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

So today was great. The allergies went away and let me sing! I had a hiccup with work flow for 2 days but it was good in the end. In some ways I am feeling a bit burnt out lately. Realizing quite profoundly that I want to work on new songs instead of rehashing old ones. I get obsessed with the perspective of the song which - for me - comes from the vocal. Not a fan of just delivering a solid vocal, always searching for something that reflects the mood of the song. Tiny inflections change. Delivery. Sometimes the voice wants to be crisp and other times it needs to be lazy. Breed was a good example of that. It was a hard vocal to nail because it was all in the timing of the phrases and how it was sung. It took me a while to find the right voice. And this one is proving the same. I feel like he is a little British for some reason :) Not in the accent... sort of in the way it is sung.

I am working on a naughty song called 'Cocky' at the moment. The idea has sort of been in my head for years, but I started writing it about 8 months ago and I am finally finishing it up. It started out as pure dance but actually turned into something a bit more interesting. It has this sort of 70ish thing going on that I like. Thinking I might have some remixes done of it - but I have to finish it first before I know :)

For I while I have been experimenting with merging a rock band with dance/techno elements and seeing how far I could take it. A few songs will come out in July that reflect that. It was a lot of fun to work on. And the two separate worlds sort of merged pretty naturally in studio.

Dogs are doing much better now. Jack has gotten used to his dreaded cone and is back to his naughty self. Nice to see.

Just got the masters back from a new song - Colin - today. Which will likely be the song for this Tuesday. Will write a little more on that later in the week :)

All is going well. Excited to get working on some beats and lyrics for this new song that's been itching at me. Hopefully tomorrow while Paul mixes 'Cocky!'

Bises.

Allergies and a sulking dog

2010-06-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

So allergies took me completely off track yesterday and today. Really sux! It happens every year at least once. And it hit hardcore yesterday. About 8 hours straight of sneezing. And Claritin did nothing at all. Sometimes once my body starts going, nothing will stop it. A shower offered temporary respite. So my voice is shot and I was supposed to track vocals the last 2 days. Oh well. Hoping to catch up again tonight. Crossed fingers. Working on getting 2 tracks of lead vox done - hopefully by tomorrow if I can sing a bunch tonight.

My dogs got "fixed" yesterday - so I guess they had it worse than me. :) It was really hard to make the decision but they are really young, so it's not supposed to be as difficult. I picked them up (sneezing like crazy at the pet hospital) and they had tails wagging and everything - so that made me feel better. Jack hates his cone though. Gets so depressed with it on. He'll freeze if his cone hits something. His sense of space is totally off and he's sulking like crazy. Been babying him a lot - but I gotta sing! Wish me luck! Jameson is totally cool. He's totally independent in general and it's almost like nothing has happened.

Sending love from my cave.

Chalk

2010-06-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

So that time of the week is back and a new song - Chalk is available NOW!

Go take a listen and buy it here for just $1

(better yet - forward the link to all your friends)

What's even cooler is that the song comes with a multimedia package. We recorded Chalk in one take as a band, and the download comes with video of the actual recording taking place - as well as some awesome photos we did for the song. I was still cleaning out my ears days later ;)

So for $1 you are getting the song, a video, and a photo story! Cheaper than that gum or soda you bought at your local gas station! You could downgrade that grande latte to a tall and still manage :) All profits go back into this project and help
create cool recording opportunities. So please help an artist out.

I've got a new live show in Los Angeles too! Be there!

Sacha Sacket Live at M Bar
Saturday, July 10, 2010. 10:30pm. $10. 21+
1253 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA

MAP

You can now download my music videos for super cheap! Click on the pictures below to get them!

AND my music video to "Used," hit #2 this week on LOGO's "Click List" this week! Thanks again so much for taking the time to put in your vote every week. Please keep the votes coming!

Sending LOVE

Sacha

sachasacket.com

Too Much Screaming

2010-06-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

So. I had to scream a vocal part today and am contending with a pretty sore throat. I am not a screamer. Not my kind of style - but for some reason, I got it in my head to break with the norm. Should be back to normal by tomorrow. But no more singing for today. I sound like a horse (not sure why that analogy came to mind - but there it is).

I feel majorly behind today really. Got some good work done over the weekend. But wanted to be much further ahead that I am by the week start. Really want to get into some brand new songs this week and get them recorded with the band by early next week. That's still my goal. But we are in the middle of mixing and putting final touches on songs, which is really important. So we'll see how it goes. I have a lot of structural work on the new material before I can bring it into a session - so I am crossing fingers that I have time to do that extremely important base work.

The project so far has been both easier and harder than I thought. Easier in that there is always a lot of energy because new ideas are always exciting and people have been pushed to try new things instead of talk or think about them. I love that and it gives me fuel - which I didn't account for. However, I've really been dealing with my perfectionism lately. Still struggling with letting things go. But I am doing it, and I hope that it gets easier as we go along. Still looking for the flow...

Baby Dance Music

2010-06-13T13:41:00.001-07:00

So we sampled some "baby beats" last night which was a lot of fun. Within a few minutes of recording them, I even came up with a little dance number for everyone to groove to. Going to make these little 6 month old twins rockstars or dJs before they know it!

Tracking some vocals today and in general getting everything ready for the week so we can hit it hard again. Overwhelmed with it all - but taking it step by step.

It's really nice having a place full of dogs and babies. There's that baby/puppy smell everywhere, bottles, diapers, cradles, blankets, chew toys. Very primal and comforting. Have some friends bringing ANOTHER baby over just to visit really quickly. So it's definitely a mad house today. And I am somehow getting work done! Sort of amazing.

Just watching the amount you have to do to take care of twins has given me a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into raising a kid. DEFINITELY skittish now, if I wasn't already before :) Magic is in the air though - and it's wonderful to soak in. Hope they actually stay longer - but seeing as how taxing it is (they haven't really slept at ALL), I think they are going to escape to grandparent's place and get proper help. My music skills are pretty useless for them all :) But they'll come to appreciate it once there is a song to listen to dammit!!!!

Babies are going to play on one of my songs

2010-06-11T17:29:00.001-07:00

We are recording vocals at the moment. Just taking a little break to write :) My place is about to be inundated by babies in about 30 minutes. Have out of town family coming to stay for the next 5 days or more (perhaps 3 weeks - eek!) and they have 6 month old identical twin boys! I flew to South Carolina when they were born (actually spent this Christmas in the maternity section of a hospital) and saw them in their first moments. It definitely does change you. The limitless possibility of new life.

So I am really really really excited to see them again! It's going to be funny recording and having babies in the house at the same time. I think they have to make it onto a song. Want to sample them and turn them into a baby beat of some sort :)

Hoping to get 2 songs close to complete by tonight. There's a lot of work to do! Got harmonies to lay down next! Wish me luck!!!

Third take's the charm

2010-06-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Hey all. So I am pretty tired today. What happened. Well we worked most of the day. I had to rent a mic and contend with LA rush hour. That was NOT fun. But I got it, and we recorded Simon Hancock on drums today to a song that has sort of been one of those things that you look at from every angle until you find the right approach. It's been a hard song to frame. I actually have recorded drums to it THREE times. which I have never done before. So I am praying that I don't wake up tomorrow and decide we didn't capture it again. But I really think we GOT IT this time.

The first session was just a mess. The second time, I got sideswiped with someone else's opinion - and let them have at it - when I knew it was wrong while we were recording it. I think part of me was so frustrated with finding the right part - I stopped following my gut and just hoped it would take care of itself - which it didn't (always follow your gut!). So today we valiantly tried again and I stuck to my guns more. And I think we found it. Crossed fingers. The song has the initials F.W.Y.F. Don't want to give the title away yet - but you'll know about this situation once it gets released.

We have 3 more weeks of intense recording and mixing and then I am going to take a little mini-break to clear the air. I want to try some new recording techniques and have to develop that idea a bit.

I really love the live takes we have done recently. The song I am releasing this coming Tuesday - Chalk - was done that way. We all played it together at the same time and that's the take you are getting. No overdubs. We just added a few little touches of synths here and there because I only have 2 hands. But the organic performance is there and you just can't touch that. I am becoming less and less of a fan of recording vocals separately from the band (or doing each instrument individually) - which is how most albums are made. There is something wonderful about a band just playing live together and capturing the moment.

Anyway - going to sign off for now. Got to go drop off my engineer Paul so he can get some shut eye before we go at it strong again tomorrow.

Hope you are all having sweet dreams!

Surrealist Art Punk Dada Music

2010-06-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

So I am a little bleary at the moment. I think I have been awake too long :) but things are going well. We are in the middle of finalizing 2 songs and finishing up 2 others. It's sort of nuts juggling 4 songs at the same time - but it's also very liberating. We are going with our gut so much more now - which was my intention with this project in the first place. And things feel so much more alive with the creative process. We just don't time to discuss the eq situation on a vocal and why 2 dbs less on this works. If it works, just lower it 2 db!!! (db is a volume term - decibels).

I have this song that I think is one of the more commercial things I have ever written and it's freaking me out a bit. I love this artier kick we have been on lately and the thought of "commercial" just brings back bad memories with producers long gone
BUT the song is who it wants to be. Created with pure intent, kept the marketing campaign OUT of the studio. And who knows - maybe everyone will be like: that song is sooooo surrealist art punk dada.

Here is a picture of my engineer/co-conspirator Paul who is either praying for death or mixing my song. I can't decide.

GIVE IT TO THE MAN

2010-06-08T20:37:00.001-07:00

So that time of the week is back and my new song - Give It to the Man, is available NOW!

Go take a listen and buy it here.

Any profits fully go back into this project and helps create cool recording opportunities. So please help a musician out :) And I really want to thank so many of you for buying the song and donating more than the asking price. I love you for it.

Also, my music video to "Used," made it onto the Top 10 list for LOGO's Click list this week! It's been airing all week on the channel. So thank you so much to all who took the time to vote and got their friends to vote as well. It's great exposure. Please keep the votes coming!

CLICK ON THE BANNER AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO FIND ME

In other news, a song called "At a Time" from my old record Shadowed has been put on a benefit CD aimed to help homeless GLBT youth. It a great cause so please buy it here and spread some love.

Thanks so much again all. Back in studio today cooking up some new stuff. See you next week!

Sacha and Daft Punk Make Nice

2010-06-07T21:26:00.000-07:00
Today has been quite fun. We are still going actually. Probably into the wee hours again. Got a master to Give it to the Man today (which will likely be released tomorrow), tracked extra synth parts to and finished mixing a song called Chalk, and I re-tracked lead vocals to finish off a song called Caroline. Really excited about Caroline - it lightly reminds me of a Daft Punk song called "one more time." I always have the visual of that music video with the blue alien people in my head when I listen to it :) We actually had it playing on the computer while we were tracking drums and bass to it. Right now it's a bit heavy on the synth action, so i am probably going to track some piano to it but effect the piano out, so it sounds like something else. See how that experiment goes tonight. :)

I'm reading a really interesting book at night (it takes forever for me to fall asleep) called Outliers. It's actually really good for all artists/dreamers to read. Sort of a 'how to' on being the best you can be. It tracks famous figures, using their upbringing and even their ancestry to show how it led them to become geniuses. His big premise is that it's not, as much, nature as it is nurture. Fav story was on the Beatles and their first big gig in Hamburg. They were paid to play 8-10 hours a day at a club while people milled in and out. That's pretty much nuts!!! But they went into it supposedly being horrible live (admission by their own manager) and coming out brilliant. All that practice led to something extraordinary. Anyway, I am not doing the book real justice. It's better than that :) If you are looking for a read and some inspiration - pick it up :)

Day before the storm

2010-06-06T17:24:00.000-07:00
Well today is sort of the day before the storm. Spent some time digging holes for plants and a little bit of gardening. I have no knack for it though - just a huge chore if you ask me :)

Going to be hitting the studio hardcore the next 3 weeks on a bunch of songs and won't get up for air for a little while until my show on July 10th :) Have a bunch of ideas and it's time to sort of pull them all together. I work best under pressure, even if I am running on adrenaline/caffeine the whole time.

Going to post some videos of the process in studio for you soon.

We are finalizing the mix to a new song - "Give It to the Man." I am thinking it will be going up on Tuesday.

Been jittery all day because there are so many ideas in my head. Just want to get them down on tape so I can stop mulling. Less think, more DO.

My Dogs have Learned to Dig up Trees and a few thoughts on Mastering Music

2010-06-05T10:16:00.000-07:00
Today we are doing some photos. Going to drive out to Castaic Lake in 2 hours or so. Really excited about it. The pics are going to be something entirely new for me. An experiment if you will. My goal is to do a photo with every song as well. Sort of give a glimpse into the world of that song. Express it visually.

As for the songs, we are finalizing mixes this weekend actually and I have to figure out mastering for Monday. Which is a bit stressful but it will come together. Even if it is last minute :) Mastering is a weird process. Hard to really explain to people. The basic premise is to level the song out and bring the overall volume up. So basically, you don't have to play with your volume knob as you listen to the song. It's all balanced. Bad mastering is when you find yourself needing to turn up or down a song in the middle of it, just to have a comfortable experience. There are of course other things that they do as well, making sure the bass is not too heavy, making the mix sound "warmer," more analogue, etc...

But mastering is a weird thing because you can have this cheapo version done and this super expensive version done and have trouble telling between them. Of course, there are times when you definitely know why this mix costed more - but from my limited experience, there have been moments where I really do not HEAR why this mastering mix costs so much more.

I am still learning to figure out that whole situation. The hardest part is you can spend days mixing a song, and when they master it - the mix is TOTALLY different. And you just have to eat it. So I have a bit of distaste for the whole process. But it's entirely important to do right at the same time :)

As for daily life... my 2 dogs have discovered digging. And pretty much everyday there is a new hole somewhere in the yard... It's hard to stay angry with them though. As far as I understand, you have to find a "good digging spot" for them and encourage them to focus their energy there. That way you channel their instinctual behavior and they don't end up ruining the entire yard. Wish me luck :) Between digging holes with my dogs in "very specific areas of the yard" and finding the "best mastering setup", my days are getting quite "exciting"...

xox

My new project Viscera

2010-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

So. I am going to start blogging regularly now. Share my thoughts and process with you all. I started this new project - Viscera - that I am really excited and terrified about and thought it would be a good idea to sort of drag you along for the journey. I hope you are game :)

Basically, the idea behind this whole project is to release a new song every week. Starting with my first song, Breed, which I released on June 1st, 2010. I am actually hoping to top that a bit and release more than that. But a song a week is a huge challenge in its own right and seems largely ambitious. If I can do more, then bully for me. Extra songs will for the most part be for free.

The funny thing about it is when I started telling friends about my idea, most people thought I was setting myself up for disaster. The first responses usually were sort of from the "Are you crazy" variety. And I guess it sounds a little nuts in a world where most artists release an album every 2 to 3 years. But when I would think about it on my own, it made complete sense.

The thing is... I really do write a TON of music. I have for years now. There are so many songs in my computer that still have not seen the light of day. That no one knows about but me. And that has always bugged me. I tend to write about 5 songs a day. Most of them are not the best, of course. But every few days to a week, one or 2 songs pop out as great jumping off points. Things I would love to make. And I always hated the idea that so many of them might never be heard.

I have two major issues/weaknesses when it comes to Art. One - I am a huge big ugly perfectionist. I can drive people NUTS with tweaking. I can mix a song for a month if you let me. I tend to come up with so many melodic ideas and arrangements, I choke what I am making. Most people can't hear half the things I am trying to put in there. My good friend and engineer Paul Bessone says a listener can only really focus in on about 4 things at the same time with music. This includes the vocal and drums. I am always pushing that with my music (and I still think we can hear more than that - especially on the third or fourth listen). I want the vocal, drums, bass, guitar, and 4 different cool synth parts All At Once Dammit. So there has always been a dialing back of things with me. And I am cool with doing that. I think as I make music, I start understanding that it's much more about the one or 2 GREAT ideas, than the 10 cool ideas all mushed together. It saves some time too. :)

The second problem I have is laziness. I won't lie. I am hugely lazy. It's pretty much the thing I hate most about myself. Most of my life is spent fighting my procrastination. Which after deliberation - translates to fear. I get scared to put myself out there (as most people do I believe). It's really difficult to take real risks in life. Taking leaps of faith. Do things that you have no control over - you just know that you want to do them. Basically throwing caution to the wind and following your gut BLINDLY. And while I believe strongly that it is the only way to live (it's the only time I feel really alive), I avoid putting myself in those places. I have to really force myself into situations where I am challenged. And it takes up a lot of my energy. The whole mental back and forth thing. It's all very cerebral and a month of psyching myself up for something is not the way to go about things.

So in a way, Viscera exists to trump my hobgoblins. Over the past few years, I have noticed that the first takes are where my music is really made. The immediacy of a performance is integral to it being honest. When you have that first musical idea, you just have to get it out there. If you practice it to death, or re-record it over and over - you lose the whole thing you were trying to capture. It's not about every note being perfect, it's not about showing how "talented" you are. Music is about the great REVEAL. And only happens when you are lost in the moment. In those first takes.

My goal with a song a week, is to force myself to allow for that. Because if I don't, then I will not complete this project :) It's just not possible.

Don't get me wrong - there is room for the critical mind. I will put out stuff that I am proud of, that I feel pushes me as an artist. I will always work to create something NEW. But the emphasis has to be rest on the childlike creative ID state. Not the grammar-school-teacher EGO critical state.

I'm gonna keep you all up to date with some of the cool recording ideas we do, and instruments we use, so stay tuned.

I'm in between releasing 2 songs this Tuesday, my crazy art band synth pop song. Or my dark piano torch song... Still can't decide :) You'll see soon enough!

Sending love from The Cave.
xo
Sacha

And in the Beginning...

2010-06-01T16:28:00.000-07:00
Hey Kiddies.

I am about to embark on an adventure.
It is called the Viscera project.

A song a week. For a year. Every Tuesday at 7p Pacific Standard Time.

Starting today with "Breed."

Featuring Joey Waronker on drums (Beck, REM, Thom Yorke), Gus Seyffert on bass (Norah Jones, Sia), and Jermiah Baca. Mixed and Engineered by Paul Bessone. And Mastered by Bob Ludwig.

Written and Produced by yours truly.

Recorded at my own new studio, The Cave.
And
The Bank in Burbank, CA.

So many reasons to do this. And I am a bit breathless. Much like jumping off a cliff.

Will you let me lead the way?

xx

S

Running Away Music Video

2010-06-01T16:20:00.000-07:00
Hey Kids.
Check out my new music video to Running Away! It took a long time to get it out there - but I'm really glad we finally did.

I basically ran and had to purposefully fall down about 50 times. Got super cut up amd bruised. :) We shot it up in the San Bernadino mountains. Those nymphs were running around basically naked in freezing temperatures, so give them a round of applause :)
Hope you enjoy
xox

LA Show THIS Friday, Music Video on MTV's LOGO channel this week!

2010-05-10T13:53:00.001-07:00
A quick reminder for those of you in Los Angeles, I am playing live this Friday! It's going to be a great show. I am super excited about it! So come and bring your entire social network with you...

Here are the deetz

Sacha Sacket Live at Molly Malone's with Aiden Moore
8pm. $10 . 21+
www.mollymalonesla.com
575 South Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-3128
(323) 935-1577

Also, my music video for "Used" is being featured this week by Logo on their NewNowNext video countdown! Definitely check it out if you can! It's playing on rotation all week. We are super excited about it!

Click on the image below to check out the music video.

That's it for now. New music and video coming your way VERY soon :)
Looking forward to seeing you Los Angelenes in a few days!
XO
Sacha

sachasacket.com

New Music Video, Los Angeles Show, New Record this Summer

2010-04-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

sachasacket.com

Hey all!! It's been a while since I've pestered you. Hope this finds you smiling :)

First off!! I'm excited to unveil a new music video for "Used" (directed by Sean Morris). Check it out below (or click here). It was a ton of fun to make (even in the middle of El Nino) and features the amazing circus-performance art-dance troupe - The Wandering Marionettes! Enjoy! We did making it!

ALSO, I've got a show in Los Angeles on May 14th that will kick start a new full length album being released this summer. I worked with so many amazing musicians and am really proud of it. We'll start sharing music next month, so stay tuned.

I'll be playing the new material at this upcoming show, with a whole new live setup. Sacha like you've never seen him before. :) The wonderful Aiden Moore has done me the honor of opening the show at 8pm. I'm a big fan of his new record, so come early and check him out. Here are the details:

Sacha Sacket Live at Molly Malone's
with Aiden Moore

8pm. $10. 21+
www.mollymalonesla.com
575 South Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-3128
(323) 935-1577

And before I forget - some of you still have no idea about a lovely little EP I put out this past winter! For those of you that haven't had a chance to buy or listen to Hermitage, it's available on Itunes here!!!

Or buy the Special Edition!

And that's it for now :)
Sending love from LA! Hope to see you at the show!

XX

Sacha
sachasacket.com

Wintersleep

2010-01-14T14:31:00.001-08:00
I am really enjoying this song by Wintersleep...
Go check it out and buy their music :)

Running Away Video Stills

2010-01-14T11:44:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share some more pictures from the upcoming music video to "Running Away." It's still getting perfected with special effects and other bells and whistles, but the rough cut already looks awesome. Really excited to get it out there. We created our own awesome little Grimm's fairytale.

The thing with a song called "Running Away" is that - you guessed it - the video entails extreme aerobic activity. I love this pic because it's pretty much how I felt the whole day. Was always trying to catch my breath. Didn't help with the high altitudes and 30 degree weather either :)

We also lugged a piano all the way up the side of a mountain. Almost amazed that I brought it back home. It would have been cool to leave it there for some inevitable hiker. It was really in the middle of nowhere and would have been really spooky. But the thing was too pretty for me to part with. In the end, it was all worth it. I got to sport my best lumberjack fashion and wield an ax on camera. Very zexy.

Hope you are smiling...
xox

The Sixty One

2010-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00
Running Away just hit the top spot on "hot songs right now" at www.thesixtyone.com

Go check it out and give me some hearts!!!

Sacha Sacket's New EP "Hermitage" - Available Now!

2009-11-17T18:29:00.001-08:00
Hello all!!

I am so excited to announce the release of my new EP, "Hermitage!" A limited edition of the record is on sale exclusively at sachasacket.com. To get your own copy go directly to the store section of the site. It makes a great holiday gift too :)

The limited edition of HERMITAGE gives a more visual experience of the album, with its unique packaging that includes a bonus track not available anywhere else ("The Sign Was Everywhere") along with extra photos, a personally signed note, and souvenirs gathered from my mountain retreat. The record will be available for download on itunes and other online retail stores in 2 weeks. The lead track, "Running Away" is streaming online at sachasacket.com and myspace, so definitely check it out if you want a preview of things to come!

We also have the music video coming your way very soon. Stay tuned!

For those of you that want some insight into the record itself, there is a great write up below. More surprises on their way in the coming weeks...

Until then, sending love to you all!

Sacha

The new five-song EP was written and recorded by the self-taught piano rocker in a California mountain cabin, to which he disappeared after an exhaustive touring schedule. “When you are on your own and haven’t seen anyone for more than a week, strange things rise to the surface,” says Sacket. “In some cases, issues you didn’t even know were there. You think about your life completely differently.”

“I had surrounded myself with people so I could avoid listening to myself. Sometimes running away to some remote corner of the world is the only way to remember how to do that. HERMITAGE revolves around isolation and how that experience can transform you.”

Based on Sacket's pure instrumental talent, the EP sonically captures his classical leanings, while interweaving electronics and modern rock. On the track “Running Away,” for example, Sacket invokes the spookiness of the cabin at dark with the song’s prominent cello, which first duels with his piano before opening into a delta of rushing alternative rock.

“Used” conjures up a world of sweeping alt-rock sounds, xylophone, and an aggressive cello - which all come to together, immersing the listener in a reflective yet remorseful tale of self-betrayal.
Songs like “You Could” take listeners on a swaying, dreamlike ride through accordion-backed melodies and lyrics that, like any great song of the past, are timeless; and “Hold On and Hope,” guides the listener through a delicate arrangement of rain-like drums, piano, and rich lap steel, which finally crescendo into an exaltation of faith and surrender.

Hermitage’s urgent closer, “The River,” exemplifies Sacket’s vocal range and his magical ability to craft a swirl of sound around the listener with each instrument slowly transforming into the next, as he seamlessly merges synths with intricate piano work and electric guitar.

The track listing and track times for HERMITAGE is as follows:

Running Away
Used
You Could
Hold On and Hope
The River
The Sign Was Everywhere (only available on the Limited Edition release)

Sacha's new site is online

2009-09-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Check it out :)

My New Album is Out Now!!!!

2008-12-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

It's Finally Here!!!

My new CD, Sacha Sacket and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone, is on sale now at SachaSacket.com !

Click here to buy the CD (and naughty Sacha Sacket condom*) for $9.99

Available on itunes soon, so stay tuned...

You have to buy it - just for your very own jet black Sacha condom...

We have some nifty interviews and reviews out and about (cool quotes below), so if you are interested in more details on why I played a certain place called the Zone, check some of these out (1, 2, 3, 4). More will be floating around soon. MTV's Logo has also been featuring the music video, "Judy (for shame)" for the last few weeks in conjunction with the live CD release and I know a lot of you have seen it too. All very exciting stuff! Woohoo!

Also, so you are aware - a portion of profits on every CD will benefit ANSA, a very lovely organization. See below for details. If you are looking to do them some extra holiday kindness, visit their site and donate! We all will love you for it and you'll be helping out some kids that really need it.

And for those of you who have been wondering... There will be new live shows in early 2009! Will keep you in the loop.Very excited to reveal what these busy hands have been up to (naughtiness aside ;)

Wishing you all kind and gentle holiday and new year!

XO
Sacha

Details on Sacha Sacket and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone

"These songs are the result of an artist with a lot to say and an engaging way of saying it. Live at the Zone will stick with you long after you’ve taken the disc out of your CD player." - Edge

"Sacket makes music that's gorgeously grandiose... The songs on Live at the Zone are drawn from Sacket's previous self-released artist albums, but they take on a harder edge here. And this is a perfect introduction to Sacket, if you haven't encountered him and his rich baritone before. Sacket recorded Live at the Zone with his all-female band the LadyKillers. They offer as much heat and tension as anyone else at the Zone on any night." (4 Stars) - MetroWeekly

Sacha Sacket recently brought his all-girl band to a Los Angeles sex club to record his new live record “Sacha Sacket and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone.” The full-length album marks the culmination of a year touring together and showcases a gritty reinvention of his previously introspective work. “For me, the location of a live record is paramount to the energy you aim to capture. There was this immediate intimacy going on with the live show and a strong amount of sexual tension with the audiences. It made sense to capture that in a venue with few to zero boundaries.”

There is more to this than just a focus on the inherent sexuality of Sacket’s lyrics and performances. Because the HIV/AIDS epidemic started in places like The Zone (note: the club permits safe practice only and offers free testing), he decided to go full circle. A portion of profits from every CD are earmarked for ANSA’s “It Takes A Village” program that specifically targets children in South Africa affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS and, with a bit of tongue and cheek, will be packaged with it’s very own Sacha Sacket condom. For more information on ANSA please visit their website at http://www.ansafrica.org

Track list:

1. Brandon Boyd
2. Cockatoo
3. Stay
4. What You Are
5. Desire
6. Judy (for shame)
7. Maybe You Can Save Me (from you)
8. Prod.
9. I Just Can't
10. Chinese Fingercuffs

* condoms available while supplies last.

Prop 8, Obama, and this bittersweet election

2008-11-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

More on the new record and WHERE the Zone is...

2008-10-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

1. Brandon Boyd
2. Cockatoo
3. Stay
4. What You Are
5. Desire
6. Judy (for shame)
7. Maybe You Can Save Me (from you)
8. Prod.
9. I Just Can't
10. Chinese Fingercuffs

Sacha Sacket recently brought his all-girl band to a Los Angeles sex club to record a new live record, “Sacha Sacket and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone.” The full-length album marks the culmination of a year touring together and showcases a gritty reinvention of his previously introspective work. “For me, the location of a live record is paramount to the energy you aim to capture. There was this immediate intimacy with the live show and a strong amount of sexual tension. The songs became entirely different entities and it made sense to capture them in a place with few to zero boundaries.”

There is more to this than just a focus on the inherent sexuality of Sacket’s lyrics and performances. Because the HIV/AIDS epidemic started in places like The Zone (note: the club only permits safe practice and offers free testing), he decided to go full circle. A portion of profits from every CD are earmarked for ANSA’s “It Takes A Village” program that targets children in South Africa affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS and with a bit of tongue and cheek, is packaged with one’s very own Sacha Sacket condom.

Sacha + the Jonas Brothers = ?

2008-10-15T23:49:00.000-07:00
I love when life unfolds so randomly. I went to the City of Hope - Spirit of Life award ceremony for the CEO of Universal Music tonight. It was star studded and very very cool. Had a front row view of Mariah Carey, Rhianna (who was AMAZING), Stevie Nicks, Maroon 5, Robin Thicke... and the list goes on and on... it suddenly hit a surreal state when I was hanging next to Guy Ritche, Randy Jackson, and actually had a moment to chill with the Jonas Brothers...

Had dinner with more power players than I could count... Just nuts to be part of such an exclusive event (that ended up raising $10 million in one night... sheesh!)

Life is unpredictable. You can only seize every moment. Be yourself and believe in that... Take risks... jump into the fold.

Sacha + Jonas = ?

Birthday with benefits....

2008-09-24T16:35:00.000-07:00
My birthday bash/Sweet Release benefit show was a few days ago and thought I would share the shenanigans. The night was amazing.

We ended up raising over $10,000 in one night!!!!

Mind blowing to say the least... So many kids are going to be fed, clothed, educated, cared for... I felt so damn lucky to be part of something like that. I was also so honored to listen to and showcase some amazing music. It was just a magical night and the best BEST birthday.

Big thanks to Roma Maffia from Nip/Tuck for hosting the night. She was absolutely spectacular. So wonderfully funny, kind, and gracious...
Also thanks to ANSA's own Sharon Gelman, Lindsay Crook, Blaire Molitor, Jurnee Smollett, as well as all of the volunteers that made the night run smoothly and kept everything together!

Katrina Parker (above) delivered such an amazing set, and looked quite stunning I might add. Love love love her voice and her songs are so powerful. I honestly could listen to her for hours.

Was really blown away by Jussie Smollett. Such an amazing voice and so much fun to watch. All of them really put on such an energetic show. So beautifully talented and he's a really really great guy. Was very impressed.

An Christopher Dallman began the night with a really intense and inspiring set of songs. We played together ages ago and it was fun to do it again, years later. He related a story I completely forgot about - where we had no mic stand at this coffeehouse gig we did about 4 years ago. We had to tape the mic to a chair of all things. Craziness.

My set was a ton of fun. Always wanted to do a show with a cello and a harp... I played completely new material as well - except for a "harped" up version of Brandon Boyd. It all felt really fresh and exciting to be unveiling new work. Making big tweaks with the live act right now before the upcoming tours - really excited to see what comes out of it and to share it with you all :)

My bday cake!!!! Really tasty btw. Chocolate raspberry. I still never found out who got the slice with my crotch on it...

And here are some various pics I got from the night. Thanks for all of you that made the night so special! It really was so packed and we raised so much money. Yipeeeeee!!!!

Sean! I love you for making it all the way from Philadelphia!!!

And these lovely beautiful kids (Mike, Jason, and Shaunna) drove up from SD (As well as Yazdi and friends - thanks guys!!!) Also, Alex who made it from Mexico! And those of you from the east coast as well! VERY COOL.

The silent auction... which did awesomely well! Thanks for all of you that bought art, etc!

Jordy, Jenn, and David!!!!!!

Philip and Craig!

Marcus and Ilse!!!

Getting my drink on after the show of course...

Rudy, Damon, and Kira!
Dez and Mark!
Rita, Damon, Guy, Amar, and Abby

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!! Will post some video soon!!!!

New Album! Sacha and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone

2008-09-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

New Album Out This November!
Sacha Sacket and the LadyKillers: Live at the Zone
Get your advanced copy - September 20th...

I am extremely excited to let you know we are releasing a new album!!!
To celebrate, I've decided to organize a benefit show and a silent auction for a very good cause, headed by a wonderful group called ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa). And while the record will be available for purchase this November, I've decided to giveaway advance copies to anyone that attends and donates money. We have some wonderful music acts playing that night and it just so happens to be the day of my birthday(!), so please reserve your tickets online ASAP (link below) and bring all your friends. We would really love to raise some great money for ANSA and The "It Takes a Village" Program.
More details to come on the record itself, so stay tuned!

Sacha Sacket and Special Guests perform live in Los Angeles at
Tangier
$30+ ticket donation INCLUDES ADVANCE COPY OF CD
(Must attend event for CD. 1 per guest). 21+
Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 pm
2138 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Special Guests Include: Katrina Parker, Christopher Dallman, and Jussie Smollett

All profits from benefit show will go to:
ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa) - The "It Takes a Village" Program

Buy Tickets Online!

ANSA will be also be holding an intimate silent auction, which will include select items such as vacation getaways, dinners at exciting restaurants, spa visits, gift baskets, and stylish clothing. All proceeds will benefit ANSA.

The damned Batmobile is following me

2008-08-13T13:17:00.000-07:00
Saw Batman a bit ago at the Los Angeles Arclight (which I would rate a 7.5/10 - LOVED the first one) and they were showcasing the Batmobile - motorcycle too.

I think I've seen like 3 or 4 different Batmobiles during my lifetime. It's not like I have been trying to or anything. They just keep appearing in places I frequent for some reason. Could be some weird kind of omen - like I really should buy those rubber pants. Or it has more to do with going to too many amusement parks. Or maybe they pimp that thing out like hell. Keep the Batmobiles on the road for years...
Whatever the reason, it was still pretty cool - I'll admit it. I lazed about it for a full 3 minutes.

Was never a Batman fanatic but will probably be Robin for Halloween (I AM obsessed with Halloween. Plan my whole family and some friend's attires months in advance. Try to coordinate a theme. Yeah, it's a little scary).

If I could have a super car - this is more what it would look like.... Car was parked outside my place :) Not sure what it would do. Something with Pez... Will leave it to your imagination.

I'm all about dinky cars. If I could afford the BMW, etc - I wouldn't buy one until I knew I could bashed it guilt-free. I would have to be that rich. Otherwise I'd get too psycho about little scratches and my friends would probably disown me.

Sacha's Last Show for Lovers and Leaders

2008-07-22T14:23:00.000-07:00
I hope the summer has been treating you to all sorts of wonderful debauchery while I've been away. There has been a world of change on my front and I'm genuinely excited to show what's been up my sleeve this fall and winter.

In the meantime... I felt it important to inform you the LAST SHOW for Lovers and Leaders will be in Santa Monica, CA on July 31st! The songs will not be performed this way again...

We would genuinely love to see you all there and share in the send off.

So please come join the farewell show!

Also! Rate Lovers and Leaders on itunes - HERE!.

I'll love you for it!

Hope you are smiling. Find you soon enough in September...

XO
Sacha

Thursday, July 31st 9:00pm Cover: $7
Sacha performs at 10pm
Farewell Show!

The Temple Bar
1026 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA
Ph: (310) 393- 6611
Venue Website: http://www. templebarlive. com
21+

Ukuleles, Sea Turtles, and Too Much Dessert.

2008-06-04T20:10:00.000-07:00
A lot of you have been bugging me for Hawaii photos. So here you are dammit.

I know I have been MIA and it's all for proper reason.
Working away like a good little boy.

The trip was the cliche in many regards. Absolutely gorgeous, beaches upon beaches, great food, etc. But I loved it for all of that. I needed some time to do nothing (or as one local band put it: Chill-ax - best song title EVER).

This is Kee Beach in Kauai. It's the western most part of the US, and feels like the end of the world. Pure heaven. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

I ate way too much :) Desserts, steaks, 1st courses, 3rd courses... even by MY standards (I am usually always eating something).

I was fortunate enough to attend Ruby and Nick's wedding on the big island... Partied a bit harder than I thought I would. The best part of that week was that Ruby had one of her close friends, Boy, hand make me a ukulele. The business/art/craft is passed through his family. The instrument is rather incredible and to say I am honored is putting it lightly. Quite an emotional moment for me. It's not often you get a genuine piece of Hawaii passed on like that. I know the amount of work they put into it was ridiculous. I learned a bit and played it for their 1st dance together which was good fun.

Cool picture from the outskirts of an active volcano on the big island. It was pretty awesome to watch the lava burst out of the ground. Much more extreme than I expected.

Family and I at the beach. My swim trunks were RELENTLESSLY made fun of the entire time. I am SO done with board shorts dammit!!!!

Went to a beach overlook where there were TONS of giant sea turtles.

Me swimming around with the locals (and sea turtles). Cliff jumping, kayaking, and rope swinging also took place. :)

And 2 landscape pics for you to enjoy - both taken in Kauaii.

So there is much change happening under the surface on this end. We are taking a break for the summer. I won't be nosing about quite as often - but expect much naughtiness in the fall! :)

Skanky downtown Vegas is my love whore

2008-05-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love downtown Vegas. We are staying in the nastiest hotel right now. It's perfect. Downtown is the original Vegas no one ever goes to. Far from the strip. It's skanky, it's dirty, it's poor - but more than makes up for it with character, history, and cheap drinks :) If I lived in Vegas - I would probably find all the crappy bars and spend most my time people watching. The crowd here really is all over the board. Very little bullshit and it ALL hangs out...

Why is it EVERYtime I see "Loose Slots" - my mind immediately THINKS the sign says "Loose Sluts?" I can't be the only one...

They had airbrush tattoos outside - so I got this one for kicks. It lasts for a few days. How Zexy am I?

Love the sign-age...

There is a diRRty strip joint next door to us. I think it's time the band got indoctrinated. Making the girls go before din din. The ladies are probably not top shelf - but that makes it more interesting. Show tonight - wish us luck!

Hawaii

2008-04-23T14:06:00.001-07:00
I'm off to Hawaii for a greatly anticipated couple of weeks of debauchery!!!
Will update with the obligatory waterfall pics and whatnot when I can tear myself away from the poolside.

XOXO!!!!

Pictures galore

2008-04-11T16:37:00.000-07:00
Much too much has been going down. In all the craziness, I thought I would share some pics I had stored up :) some are way old school :)

Ray, Anna, and Travis drinking it up in Vegas.

The lovely Diana who takes care of us so wonderfully every time we roll into town :)Anna is deathly allergic to cats, so I think this picture is sort of hardcore.

One of the craziest things about Tucson is the fact that there are these drive through liquor stores. It just seems like it's begging for trouble to me. Imagine picking up your "supersized" jack and diet on the road...
We stayed with Anna's good friend Amy and she had this intense dummy rattlesnake. I couldn't even get close to it without getting the heebeegeebees. Scared the crap out of me - even though I knew it wasn't real.

Got to see the Space Needle. It is indeed very very cool.

Stayed in Oregon with some family friends. They have this amazing farm near a small town called Coravalis. The whole time I couldn't stop thinking like I was in "The Wizard of Oz" or something. The house dates back to the 1800s I believe. It was seriously beautiful.
Sort of felt like the Wizard of Oz.

Just chillin' at the airport.

Michael and I in San Diego.
Show in Virginia. Marquis turned 21 the day of my show, and I got to witness his first beer run. It was rather fun. Sure it won't be his last :)
Charlie, who basically chauffeured me around during a university show.

The amazing beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. Just like heaven...
Jennifer looking like a pro.

Hayden, me, and the girls.

Jennifer left Harry for Hermione...
The one and only Jeff made 3 of these for me. One for each record, all beautifully put together. Pretty much the coolest thing I have received...
Anna after a hard night :)

Angie and I in Seattle.
And some various photos Arnold took in San Diego!

New TV Appearance!

2008-04-04T17:07:00.001-07:00
Check out our new live TV appearance on Musical Cafe a few days ago. Includes an entire concert taping and interview!!!

New song available for Free!

2008-03-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture to get it!

Glam Santa Barbara bums, Flagstaff kicks ass in both senses of the word, and Hwy 40

2008-03-02T20:48:00.000-08:00
On the way back from San Luis Obispo, I stopped by Santa Barbara for lunch. It's a chichi place really - very much a college town - although insanely rich people live/"summer" there too. The funny-strange-not-haha thing I find when I am there (other than random statues they sell there - refer to a previous blog on that) - are the bums . They aren't quite homeless (or at least seem that way) and have this sitcom-entertainment/hippie quality to them. Because I live right along skid row - my viewpoint might be pretty skewed, but I do think it also informs... Seems you have to do a TON to get through to the A.D.D. collegiate population. Santa Barbara bums are a TALENTED lot.

It's hard to see - because I snapped while driving by - but this guy had a RAT balancing on a CAT balancing on a DOG. It was completely awesome. Very circus. Something I haven't seen before - especially from someone collecting money on the street.

This Indian guy above (who looked really happy but more homeless than anyone else too), was playing a homemade wood keyboard (but sounded like a banjo/sitar) whilst shaking a tambourine with his foot for the back beat. It was really really cool and melodic. Sort of bluesy/hillbilly like. I was impressed with the ingenuity and seeming originality. One of those guys you want to record in studio for a song or something.

And this guy had a whole fishing display out, with a cup hanging from his fishing rod. The sign said something about needing money for bait, but was way more witty than that...

There were more people doing various tricks, etc. Also a whole bunch of hair dyed/pierced/grunged out/tattooed kids (15-18) panhandling. They looked more like runaways-for-the-coolness-factor rather than homeless-without-option.

I never know how to feel about their situation - especially because I see people with SERIOUS mental disorders, horribly physically disabled, prostitutes, crack addicts tooting crack babies, very old and lost senile folk roaming around every day at home. Santa Barbara bums are so glam/fashionable in comparison and just a little offensive.

The other side of me sees a bunch of people that live on the beach, hitchhike all over the country, living hand to mouth for the adventure/excitement of it all. Sort of a paean to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road." I love that book, love the "beat" idea of wanderlust... so at the same time, I know it's a cool and liberated way to live. They are definitely NOT the same as the truly homeless in LA however...

And then of course, it took me 2 hours to get home once I got to LA. This is what I see way too much in life - its notorious traffic situation...
Slept a few hours when I got back and then made the 8-9 hour trek to Flagstaff for a solo show. The drive itself was fine. I thought I was all responsible waking up at 8am, so I could get there early and "freshen up." Didn't account for the time zone change and my need for repeated pee/food breaks - so I arrived 10 minutes(!) before my load-in time. Got to immediately cart equipment, "freshen up" in the venue's bathroom, and perform quickly after that. A really great guy - Cory and his roommate Steven - threw a little shindig after the show, so I partied till about 3-4am too. After getting almost kicked out of the hotel at 11a the next day (the maids just keep knocking and calling you on the hotel phone), I had a rushed breakfast and drove back to LA (9 hours) on VERY little sleep over the course of 3 crazy days. BUT - and a huge BUT at that (without the extra t) - the show was AWESOME. Over a 100 kids came to see the show and were so so so respectful and invested in the moment, I couldn't have asked for a better night. Did not expect a turn out like that from Flagstaff. So all in all - it was intense, but EXTREMELY fun and gratifying. Shout out to Luminaria, who were wonderful enough to open for me.

Donald, above, who along with Irene and Dereck (owners of Applesauce), Jessicka, and other delicious and wonderful friends - helped promote the crap out of the show and drummed up a great crowd. Cannot say how much I appreciate their effort. Extra hearts go to Victor, Cory, Jose, Rachele, and all who came. Here is to the next one in April!

The drive back to La WAS beautiful. Took hwy 40 home, and you sort of graze the Grand Canyon, cross the Colorado River, cruise through the Mohave Desert.... it's just one of those amazing drives you only find in America. Very "home on the range," spiritual experience.

The pictures obviously will never do the landscape justice...

Now I am really rested - thank god - and ready for the new week. Hitting Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson in a few days. Hope to see some of you there!
XO

Sacramento plus ZIMA equals INTENSE Photo Op!

2008-02-26T14:25:00.000-08:00
Well things are warm in Los Angeles. Feels just like summer. Jealous? We had a great run in Sacramento recently - a lot of fun after the show. The venue - Marilyn's on K - is always amazing to us, and the place was packed. Can't ask for better than that.

I was up in the mountains again for a tiny bit. Here is what it's literally like at night. I had to hike up the hill to the cabin again in pitch black (whilst snowing). A car came up as I was walking along the path and it freaked me. Total horror film moment...

Then off to Sacramento! Phew! During the sound check we had extra time for shenanigans. Thought to do expressive photos for your enjoyment.

Jennifer hates to let me play guitar... only acts like it's okay...
I never hit all the right notes it seems....

If you screw with Alexa's drum kit, she will END you!!!!

Probably the cutest picture ever in the world.

All of us trying to look happy/frightened. That equals COOL. Yeah.............

JR, one of the coolest people in Sacramento if you ask me. Incredibly supportive top notch guy.

We got taped/interviewed after the show which was a bit wild. After the show you usually have too much energy and if there is alcohol involved... :)

Jennifer at some point somehow coaxed the camera out of their hands and starting to drink Zima. All HELL broke loose.
Alexa and Jenn with Eric (from Marilyn's). Very very cool guy and uber supportive.

They pasted a signed poster of us on the wall. We all decided to write raunchy lascivious stuff on it. Let our minds run wild. You have to go there to read WHAT. :)
And now the wall-o-fame IS Sacha approved...

On the way back, at one of our numerous Subway sandwich stops (I eat the roasted chicken with no jalapenos thank you), we saw a random ad that said Band-Ana and thought Anna needed to somehow be part of the cheesy aggrandized commercial "rocknroll" give-away moment.

Here is a Live Video for you to enjoy!!! woohoo!!!

And now here I am back in LA trying to make sense of all that nonsense. Going to San Luis Obispo and Flagstaff this week which will definitely be fun (and even crazier - especially Flagstaff I think). We played the Doors cover - "People are Strange" at Marilyn's and it was the show stopper of the night - so definitely look out for it at the future band shows. Yeehaw!

Buddhism and Harry Potter Pillowcases

2008-02-22T17:38:00.000-08:00
Made the drive up to Sacramento today. I got home from last night's show at about 2-3am-ish and had to wake up at 7. We had a fun show and debuted "Hail" and a Doors cover - "People Are Strange." I am definitely sleepy. zzzzzz

My fantastically talented guitarist, Jennifer, has been quite a character study with what she brought into the van today. One of my favorite things being - this book.

You gotta love that right? :)

Anna bought her a Harry Potter pillow case to take on the road with us, so she debuted it today. To much fanfare. When we first started touring together, she spent most of her time reading the last book of the series. Which then led to my song - "Jennifer + Harry Potter = Love."

Now we finally have the picture to bring all this full circle.I think everyone sort of needs one of these bad boys. Completely Sacha approved and entirely awesome. You have to have balls to sleep on that thing dammit (or just be awesome on electric guitar).

The girls take to jump roping outside the car (to get the blood flowing or whatevs). Here is Alexa just before tripping Jenn up.

I love watching people's faces at various gas stations around the country when we all start jumping rope out of nowhere.

Anna in super-Buddhist-concentration-mode. Check it out... Chapter 6.
Here they are having a jump rope threesome....

So now I am heading off to shower before sound check in Sacramento tonight. Hope to see some of you there!
XOXO

A little randomness never hurt anyone...

2008-02-20T17:08:00.000-08:00
Had a fun rehearsal today. Have a new cover song to premier tomorrow and I have to say, it's one of my favorites lately. Love playing that thing... hope to see some of you at the Upland show tomorrow or in Sacramento on Friday.

My lovely bassist, Anna, brought her dogs by to take over the loft. They are really cute, happy, and just a little wild. Even left a nice gift before they ran home with mom. :)

Getting a new haircut tomorrow (it's totally out of control now) and have no clue what to do yet! Any ideas?

Want to get new piercings as well - totally know what I want to do and everything. The pain is giving me a little pause though - it's nice wearing headphones without a sharp stabbing shooting sensation :) Especially when I am recording and all...

It rained in LA today! :)

Cow Hoof Canteens!!!

2008-02-17T18:41:00.001-08:00
I had a very frustrating day today. Came back to Los Angeles to do a bit of bizness, work in studio, and rehearse the live show with the girls. The drive itself was blah but when I got to the city, it was just one of those days where your schedule isn't going to happen, people aren't necessarily looking out for your best interests, and you end up feeling a little like used toilet paper... Basically, too much drama.

So I decided to take off and go to Olvera street. I've lived in downtown LA for 2 years now and haven't been. It's somewhat of a tourist trap, but I think it's quite quaint and worth the visit. Much better than Hollywood Blvd and all that nonsense. They had some dancers with dramatic headdresses on (Aztec?) as I entered the area.

My new favorite thing were these cow hoof canteens they had on sale. How incredibly awesome/gross are these puppies! I kinda want to carry one around with me and offend/bewilder people whenever I get thirsty.

Found a restaurant that looked the most authentic and decided to have a meal. Got seated RIGHT next to a fireplace of all things. It was very very cool. After fajitas and a margarita - I almost felt human again. Now I need sleep. When I work on music I rarely get it.

But..... I am still too riled and wild, so I am going out to Edison Bar with friends tonight. Need society after my sojourn.... then some rest before rehearsals tomorrow!

How I Almost Froze on Valentine's Day

2008-02-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Well it snowed like crazy on Valentine's Day. Out of nowhere, we got hit with over 6 inches of snow. No weather forecasted, I was in a t-shirt the day before. Almost got my car snowed in too. A very close call :) I had to buy chains because of the last blizzard - it's no fun having to put chains on in the middle of a snow storm. Especially when you are a gimpy Los Angelene like myself. So I count myself lucky for that.

The next day everything melted into this giant slush pot. You have to take a dirt path to find me these days. It's very cool - being tucked away. I can blast new songs at 2am - no problem. The only thing to keep me company are the coyotes: declaring a fresh kill; a careful moon gliding through constellation and pine; and the invisible night owls.

I park at the bottom of the hill and traverse the path up to this new little abode. Between that and the soot from the iron stove - I am one dirty boy.

I guess nothing has changed that much

Sending love from afar...

Wood Burning Stove

2008-01-31T01:35:00.000-08:00
New horizons again.
Never know where these things lead and that is as it should be of course. I know, I know.

It snowed 6 inches overnight.
I have one stove to keep me warm.
There is little room to kid. Very little room up here in my little bitty hole.

Amazing how one thing can keep me alive, can keep me going.
One little stove can heat a whole house...

I am reading a lot of Sherlock Holmes of late. Playing with a bit of detective work lately.

Sweating to uncover truth on the tiniest clues ever.

Sometimes that is how life comes... not always, but sometimes.
How much we all play the fool sometimes.
Too many times.
Two times more than not.
And that is okay
and then sometimes it is not...

So
here I go
with only a stove

down my
tiny
rabbit
hole.

Rocks tied in Trees and other such Devilry.

2008-01-19T11:16:00.000-08:00
The cool part of my neighborhood (or one of many), is all the art/imagery/posters that get pasted all over the place. Completely illegally of course. Obey stuff is all over the place as one would expect - but that only scratches the surface. There are tons of kids putting random statements all over the place. And they bring the city to life for me.

Once, about a year ago, someone decided to put 1000s of pinwheels up and down my street. On all the street signs, cars, trees, etc... It was insane. Flashes of color and movement everywhere you went. Suddenly everything was so different. Obviously because now there are pinwheels everywhere... :) ... but there was something more than that to me. It made you look at your day differently, see yourself in some strange perspective. Life had more hope that day.

Another kid would tie up random rocks (some quite large) with these elaborate and beautiful knots and then tie them up in trees. So when you are walking down the street and happen to look up, you see this strange rock suspended in a complex lattice looking thing... there was something marvelous about it. All for free, all completely anonymous... Sort of a signal of life in the industrial-futuristic nightmare that is downtown LA.

The human condition can't be bought and sold dammit. It can't be hedged in by our manic desire for logical progress.

Here are some of my new favs. They change every 2 weeks or so...

And viola - new hair. well not really new - I've had it for a while, but I finally took a picture for the world to see...

Hope you are all being good boys and girls...

Why I am MIA and my nasty fall in the snow

2007-12-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

Things have been quite nice this holiday season. Went to Big Bear and decided to try snowboarding after a 7+ year hiatus. Shockingly enough, I picked it right up the second I locked my boots into the board. Just like riding a bike - who knew :) The slopes are pretty much empty on Xmas eve - which was entirely shocking to me. I expected the opposite. So if you are thinking of traveling here for holiday skiing - I highly recommend it. Very few people on the 24th-26th. At Big Bear, CA at least :)

Had one nasty fall though. I landed flat on my face at the top of a steep hill and LITERALLY ate snow for the entire length of the mountain. It was so steep - there was no stopping myself. I did a few 360s too. Completely ridiculous. By the time I got to the bottom, I was a living snowman. Snow covering my person, in every pocket, entirely up my nose, down my pants... It hurt, but was more funny than anything. My dad got a good kick out of it. :)

Have more family to see tomorrow for a few days in Idyllwild, California and then I drive to the Bay Area to help friends prepare a New Year's party. This whole holiday season has been very jet set-ish for me. Rare for me. I tend to be a homebody near the holidays. Been hard to get to internet and email.

Hope you all got good gifts this year and families are all in line :)

I'll be back soon enough! Can't wait to catch up!

PS - Playing lots of board games and am kicking booty at Clue!

Cormac McCarthy is pissing me off

2007-11-28T19:56:00.001-08:00
I am almost finished with this thing called a book - The Road - by Cormac McCarthy. It has been making rounds among friends and I was gifted it twice over. It is a quick read.

The thing is just PISSING me off. I have rarely reacted so negatively to a book before. I honestly can't remember the last art piece that got such an angry reaction out of me.

Every time I open it I get so depressed, I start mumbling under my breath, pondering the gray lackluster experience we call Life.

I have no idea why people adore this thing. I have no idea why it grates me so much. I love it for making me so itchy and hateful, I abhor it for pushing me to such lows. There is no coming up for air. No chapters. Just a string of words that keep getting worse and worse. No hope from beginning to end. And yet with all of this .... I am still reading.

I have to finish it, just so I can have a cohesive argument for or against it. His writing style is wonderful and original. He has a way with phrasing things... yes. But the story itself is haunting me to the point of direness.

Those of you that have read it already... what do you think of it?

Dr. Lust, Vocal Condoms, and it's SACHA not SASHA!

2007-11-13T01:21:00.001-08:00
Well I have been missing in action from the blogosphere for so long it's ridiculous. Funny how that happens. What's even worse is that I have been collecting pictures for so long now. Thought that I would at least post them rather then let it fade into oblivion. :)

This is what recording looks like at times for me... I will record vocals and piano at my own place most of the time. It gives me time to think about the parts longer and really work on the record in a private way. I prefer to keep everyone else for studio time and my own parts to be on my clock.

My old school pro tools set up at home... just got a new set up actually which I am very excited for.

So I had a show SO freaking long ago in Iowa at Wartburg. They are always so great to me there...

I was even an honorary guest to their dinner before the show. nametags and all :) name spelled right no less... It does tend to win me over when people get my first name spelled right, I get a lot of sasha :) and it's not like it pisses me off - but there is sort of a... pause.

Had a lovely show at Longwood University ages ago. They were really wonderful... tried to get me to do karaoke but I slipped out of it. karaoke is a big no no for me! It just doesn't work for some reason :) I've completely embarrassed myself on those stages in the past. some really bad memories... Notably my version of "Slave for You" still has me in shivers...
how awesome is this and how much would you pay for a voice lesson?
Before a Santa Barbara show at Rocks, we got pizza! See how excited Jenn was?

My sisters dog is rather adorable. I pinned flowers to him on our walk. :) His name is Oliver.
Corey, a friend from LA, sent us a HUGE basket of chocolate and candy to send us off on our tour. It just arrived at the venue (Lestats) in San Diego. That thing lasted us about 2 weeks and probably added a few pounds to each of us (me definitely). It had the GOOD stuff too - snickers, mounds bars - my fav, cheetos, milky ways, musketeers, etc.... Thanks Corey! It was one of the sweetest things to do (sorry - couldn't help the dorky pun).

Chris Robley is one of our favorite new acts that we had the chance to play live with. They tore it up that night.... we are hoping to do more shows together. Check him out and say hi here! See how my name gets misspelled? :)Got dragged to Fatburger for the first time... We have a running joke that I always make them got to Subway on the road. It's usually the only somewhat healthy option when you are traveling. Hardest thing to do is to eat right when you are on tour.

Sometimes when I really have to go to the bathroom - I WILL just break into the girls room - if the boys has been locked for way too long. Jennifer caught me...
I serenaded the girls in the car. I tend to make up songs around people. Not serious ones, like most hear... but completely insane ridiculous ones - just to get a rise out of people. Some of my classics include "Tropical Fish," "Alexa Sexa," Jennifer + Harry Potter = Love," and "Please Wear a Vocal Condom When You Make Sweet Harmony Love To My Voice."

I drag us to way too many Starbucks... see how much Anna and Jennifer love that?

At our Phoenix show we ended up at the most random bar ever. I love stuff like that... Jared, John-Michael (who I've known for years now and has the most amazing place!), me, and Samuel from Allalom.com!

I didn't know what Cheese Crisps were... there was whole convo about them for some reason and then we saw them on the menu. Just love how passionate people got about those things and then freaked out when I didn't know about em. The menu is even insecure :)
It says: "Cheese Crisp - if you need a description for this one, the short bus comes by around 8pm."

I wanted to steal Eric's haircut so I took this picture of him... but it never really worked out. I got a hybrid of my old one with his. It still works, but I think he beat me on haircuts for this month dammit.

Venues always tend to give us free beer you see...

Alexa ran dry and got sad... thank god for her drumming obsession...
Anna's personal beer mug.

We went to this awesome Greek restaurant and started groping the random statues. Yes... I like to grope things... :)

Alexa was having way too much fun over there -so I got invovled myself...Definitely go to the Mad Greek just outside of Vegas. It is hugely popular and there were so many characters in the place - it felt straight out of Hollywood. The food is awesome as well :) just a great experience all around...

In Vegas we played with a lovely band called Pan de Sal. They even had a video display of fireworks behind them. The band is a ton of fun :) call their style ghettotech
They passed out noise makers before the show - so you could play along. :)

Sacramento shows are in a bit of a rough neighborhood - downtown. Both times we played there we end up loading and unloading our equipment amidst homeless people... there is a definite crack problem there. almost an epidemic downtown.
A beautiful sunset. you tend to catch most of them on the road :)

Me celebrating fall and scary enormous pumpkins.Just after the Hayward, CA show. Nick got all the coins to stand upright. It was way more impressive in person :) He and his fiance Ruby are pretty much the most amazingly supportive people. They help so much with our shows up north.

Jennifer finished up the Harry Potter series in the car when we were on the road. It was funny trying to bother her while she was trying to read. I'm pure innocent joy in the car.

Anna all bright and bushy tailed.
the always lovely Alexa.
We ate at a diner and saw this at the front podium. How awesomely random is that. A place called Peters in San Bruno, CA I believe.

I love random signage. We went to a restaurant called "Splash Cafe" in San Luis Obispo. Loved the Clam illustrations... Sorta scary and unappetizing - but oh well :)

I have no idea what this guy is. A dolphin?? It was just disturbing :)
Adam was lovely enough to hang out with us after the show. We ended up at a restaurant next door to the venue where everyone was dressed as vampires (it was NOT halloween inspired). Completely random and freaky. They had a dance floor underneath full of them and no, it wasn't goth. it was just random people in costume having a night of it.

So now what! For those of you that actually read this far... we are working on a bunch of new live material at the moment and I am still writing new songs. Have a ton so far but still feel there is something more to find - so I am trying my best to keep writing and keep focused.

The shows are truly become great experiences - we are really connecting on the stage in a way I didn't imagine. I love that. I've seen all of us grow in some incredible ways. It's definitely affecting the new songs too...

Anyway - I really do want to keep this thing updated more often. So stay tuned!

The White Rabbit

2007-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I was the White Rabbit this Saturday and went wild.
White everything - tux, face, hair, rabbit feet, hands... red nose.
I think Halloween is my favorite.
Nothing better than seeing people
as archetypes.
Lose themselves,
Become something more,
sometimes better,
faulty
but beautiful.

Vegas, San Fran, Crickets, Height Restrictions, and beeeeeeer!

2007-09-11T14:21:00.000-07:00
Beautiful lake somewhere. I believe it is in Nevada - but I can't even remember. One of the best things about touring is all the awesome landscapes you come across.
We stayed a night in Circus Circus in Vegas. I thought it would be fun, but it was pretty horrible. The check-in line was 1 hour long! How does that happen? We were so over it. Barely had time to put our bags in the hotel before we had to jet to the venue. Phew! I wouldn't suggest staying there. Hate to be like that - but it was over the top awful. Hotel rooms didn't supply pens or paper, barely soap... and there was an extra fee for staying past 10am - $15!
the line goes on and on...

We had a fun show that night. Lots of beer and chicken wings I believe. Right after we hit the stage, the next band was so loud we had to hide away in the corridors in the back of the venue just to hear ourselves talk. It was awesome. They were called "broken teeth" and brutally assaulted the stage. Complete metal. It was highlarious that we opened for them. They couldn't have been nicer guys. Metal heads are usually that way though.
I thought this was Bob Dylan at first, but Anna said it is Vincent Price. I think she's right. Whoever it is, it looks like Roscoe from Dukes of Hazzard. He was toting pistols. I wish it was Bob Dylan dressed like a sheriff though. It would make me love him that much more I think.
BROKEN TEETH!
We had a lot of fun chatting after the show... :) Hayden and Alexa!
Doug, Teresa, Jennifer, and Laura!
And the next day we hit up Circus Circus just for the hell of it.
But Jennifer wasn't allowed on some of the rides...
And I just killed everyone at basketball - much to Jennifer's dismay. She tells everyone that she's "good at basketball," but the truth is that I am so beyond her talents... it's like I tell her - it's all in the wrists...
And Alexa didn't win at the ghetto drumming game. The thing was so dated it was really funny... you couldn't understand the rules to begin with :)
She drew a crowd around her regardless...
I made Anna sign up for the trampoline ride thingy.
And we all sort of held our breath...
Up she went and tried to complete a flip.
but didn't quite make it this time around ;)

Meanwhile Jennifer was practicing so she could finally beat me at something. I admire her efforts at least. It's sort of sweet in a "baby clown" sort of way.
She really loves NBA Hoops! (she hit an all time high score).
This was pretty much the only gambling we did. I wanted to play Craps so bad - it's my favorite thing now. But we didn't have time to screw around and lose all my money. I think we put in $5 at the slots and that was it. I didn't even get a bloody mary (for some reason Vegas=Bloody Marys for me, don't ask why).
We really tried with those $5!

It didn't work the way we would have liked... :(
Alexa and Anna were good about keeping my windshield clean. The car was so freaking dirty on the outside. I never wash it... and I don't think I can get away with that anymore :)

We found some really scary candies at a gas station on the way down from I-5. This one is a cinnamon lollipop - except...
It has a cricket in it. They also had some with scorpions, worms, and god knows what. Chocolate covered crickets seemed the most popular...
Anna and Jennifer giving me that ever present disapproving look. But they secretly cherish me... I can just feel it... :)
I was minding my own business and they looked too chummy here...
So I attacked.
And we went a little wild.
No better feeling than beer in the pants if you ask me...
The best part about Brainwash was their Nachos!
Jennifer has a real penchant for fatty foods... she just let's herself go on tour - it's amazing to watch ;)
Anna got a bit carried away with 'em too.
We picked up some hot dogs after the show too on the street - my first time eating something like that... and it was way too GOOD :)
We played a place called the Bistro in Hayward, CA. And it was an awesome show! Really loved the space and the energy of that place. We all had a little too much fun up there, even to the point where the girls got me up there to start improvising a bit and make up some songs :) The girls all killed it!

Someone did a drawing of us all during the show - which we were all amazed with.
We found me, Anna, and Jennifer pretty easily - so we decided that the naked goddess butterfly woman was Alexa :)
on the long drive home...

Anna was really into her paper :)
And we finally got Jennifer to drive! :) It's a little nerve wracking with the trailer and all now - I almost got us stuck in a parking lot at Dennys (Sacramento). Backing up with that thing is a nightmare. Alexa used to drive with a horse trailer, so she got us out of my mess...

Farmer's Market and Rudy Guiliani on Skid Row

2007-07-23T19:52:00.001-07:00
www.sachasacket.com

Went to the old Farmer's Market next to The Grove (in Los Angeles) this past Sunday. It was a great day. Full of sun and idleness. I've gone a few times the past month - really something wonderful. It's been maintained since the 50's and still captures the warm communal atmosphere you feel that decade should have offered. This is me in front of my favorite Crepes place. Deeelish...

My pictures don't do the place justice - if you live in LA and haven't been, seriously check it out. Much better than walking down Hollywood or Sunset in my opinion. If you want historic Hollywood, I really think you find it there (and downtown). Sunset and Hollywood are tourist traps - make the city feel farcical, plastic, and tawdry. The farmer's market gives a truer glimpse into what old Hollywood felt like in it's glory days. I can't help but feel that James Dean hung out there regularly.

Had a strange incident today. Ended up chatting with a homeless guy this morning - not the stereotypical image that often gets conjured up when you say "homeless." There are a lot of people that do a fantastic job of assimilating into society fluidly, so they don't get harassed by cops, etc. I sometimes don't know how much truth I am getting when I get their life story - but I felt there was quite a lot in his.

Regardless, I have been really interested in what is going on behind the scenes on skid row lately. I live a few blocks away from it. When I first moved in, 5th street was seriously packed with people. You could barely drive down the road at times - there were so many people on the streets... A lot of crack addicts of course. The place was dramatic and heart wrenching as hell. You would literally watch prostitutes dragging 2 year olds by the arm and heroin addicts (with heaven in their eyes) drooling in rat infested gutters. Driving down skid row around 2 am is something that changes you. You start to understand how bad the situation really can get. How much harder life actually IS.
How people can simply be swept away.

ANYWAY. The THING is... skid row is a ghost town now. The police have really cracked down on the area because of all the new lofts and construction projects. A lot of money is moving in - and with it - a new exodus must take place. What is striking is that when I drive down 5th now - it is barren. And you begin to wonder where everyone is being put... things don't add up. Shady business, if you know what I mean.

Well - this guy I talked to today told stories of police brutality. How they are forcing everyone south into Compton and further. How they have arrested thousands upon thousands of people. How twenty plus police cars block off whole streets at night and raid. Violate the 4th amendment. Break into tents, pillage belongings, beat up, intimidate... further destroy people's already destroyed lives. The whole bit.
And I completely believe all of it.

He said the mayor hired the same guy involved in the clean up of NY under Rudy Guiliani in the 80s. Which makes a lot of sense. Need to fact check that...

These stories will most likely never see the light of day. Most people in Los Angeles have no idea skid row is in their city to begin with. And all this amazes me.

www.sachasacket.com

edmund

2007-07-18T19:43:00.000-07:00
Ran across a great band... argh! this song is killing me at the moment for some reason.
pop magnificence and beautifully optimistic. Just what I need at the moment. love the random arrangements of things. it has a fun feel to it
Please go check them out and bookmark/buy their stuff. They can use it and deserve attention!

edmund

check out "the search is over" - 1st song on their myspace page.
and buy their stuff here

also check out this band-
Black Lab
their song - Mine Again

Santa Barbara, toilets, and trespassing city sidewalks

2007-07-18T11:25:00.001-07:00
We took this picture backstage last night in Santa Barbara. Soho has a great sound guy, so it was a pleasure to play. People were dancing to some of our songs which was cool and fun to see - although I don't know how they did it to "Brandon." We were all a bit surprised at that... Met some really talented folks last night too - if you get a chance, check out - Simon Lynge and Chris Ayer. We hope to play more shows with them in the future. Always nice to see fantastically gifted folks being so generous in person as well. We shared a show with Chris just a few weeks ago in San Diego - played a yoga studio. Twiggs (the venue) had to shut down because the residents filed complaints against them - so we ended up playing to people lying out on yoga mats. It was seriously random, but the sound was good there too - and that's all that matters :)

This picture was taken before the Awakenings show in Lomita- they have a romper room right next door to the stage - so Anna and I decided to have a little fun of our own. Here she is inside a blowfish.

Life can offer the most random things at times. We were walking down Santa Barbara main drag on State street and passed this statue. It's a kid on a toilet with a biday squirter in his hands. It looks more like a game controller really - and why a kid would have a biday nozzle on a toilet is beyond me. It was so weird that I sorta wish I bought it.

I was walking through downtown LA a bit ago and ran across this on the sidewalk. "Right to Pass by Permission, and subject to control of owners." It was placed every 15 feet or so on the sidewalk. Really struck me as insane. Felt Orwellian for some reason...

Important things in place

2007-06-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

I am so excited :)

Feist

2007-06-18T12:23:00.001-07:00

Really enjoying Feist at the moment.
If you haven't bothered giving her a listen - do it! :)

Brick ovens and Medieval Times

2007-06-13T13:20:00.001-07:00
Summer is starting to scare me.

It's going to be HOT and my particular building is exposed brick. Which is really nice - but the sun sets on my side and heats everything up. Suddenly my domicile isn't a room with a view - but an evil brick oven out to kill me. At night you can actually feel the walls still radiating heat. And you are still cooking at midnight. The air conditioner is from the early 80s and not in the best condition either...

So I have been enjoying this June gloom. But we are nearing July and I just know I am in for it :)

I have discovered you can download vh1's "best week ever" on itunes for free. Definitely worth it. Cracks me up every time.

I went to Medieval Times about a week ago? Maybe 2... it was HILARIOUS. You sort of know you are in for something campy and all that - but the place is fully aware of their cheese factor - and it makes you love them for it. People get absolutely PLASTERED. At the end of the event they offer dancing complete with disco ball and DJ. You have to wade through rump shaking with the Knights of the Royal Order to exit. Probably my favorite moment. You also witness some of the worst acting ever. I wanted to put the princess out of her misery with all the stinky line readings.

It's so wrong - it's beautiful.

Oh yeah - they serve half a chicken, 1 baked potato, and 1 (count em - 1) rib. No silverware (because it's "authentic"). The "wench" made a special point to announce you only get 1 napkin... so sneak some in when you go.... ;)

Jane Austin, faux hawks, and phone booths

2007-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00
Got my faux hawk even further faux-hawked yesterday. Bleached it out (was just red before)... Twas fun. Going out to Room 5 tonight to show it off.

Obsessed with Jane Austin and at the moment. Not sure why. It's sort of hilarious. Went from Grapes of Wrath to Pride and Prejudice. random. I think I needed the levity. It's such a fun novel - Pride and Prejudice. Walks through parks, commenting on seasons/demeanor/furniture... secrets spilt on letters, card playing, bleeding hearts, corseted desires, intricate plot devices.

It has a Davinci Code-iness to it. Very plot heavy, very addictive. Glad I finally got round to it. She makes fun of all her characters yet keeps them close to her heart. Gave a circle of life nature to it. Optomistic and human.

I guess I am blathering. Books. Books. Books. Not very pop culture of me.

Lots of cool new things afoot. Much I can't talk about. New songs springing forth which brings new life. Wrote my first thing in 5/4 on the piano. Not really a song - but might become one - you never know.

Here is some Banksy for your viewing pleasure...

And a still from the new music vid (photo by kayemee) ...

XO

Music Video Pics

2007-05-15T12:11:00.001-07:00

changes in the wind...

2007-04-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

New picture, Banksy, Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance

2007-04-03T23:23:00.000-07:00
There is a lot of graffiti where I live... and it's pretty much art. A renaissance of sorts in downtown LA. Deeper than much of what you see elsewhere (unless you visit heavily industrial areas - the good stuff concentrates there). I find truth in it - there is a compulsion to spark meaning from the meaningless. Boring facade becomes place of note, ugly industrial becomes canvas. Message at every corner. These works behind me are cool to look at but they have a world behind them. There is meaning if you really take it in... if you spend the time.

It's not about your name anymore, it's about what you can instigate, how many boundaries you can push.

I have a huge love for Banksy. If you don't know about him - you need to. He truly is a great artist of our time.

Another recommendation: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Great book I read ages ago. I can't explain it without sounding elitist and high-falutin. It talks of the factories and buildings around us - how we have no idea what so many of these buildings are FOR. What do these ugly facades create? Why they are there? It speaks of how they create a sense of alienation from the world around us, from society. I feel graffiti stems from a need to bring expression back to these monoliths. Humanity over Industrial. Expression over Necessity. Individual over Government.

Life sprung from Concrete...

This painting helped inspire lovers and leaders

2007-04-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

More beloved randomness

2007-04-03T21:38:00.000-07:00
This flyer was on my car yesterday... there is so much wrong with it - I can't even start - but I love it for that reason as well. Mispelling "lose" is so freaking awesome. And having the gall to ask people to send money like that is so damn ballsy.

STOP THE INSANITY!

Look what I did...

2007-04-02T12:07:00.000-07:00
So yeah... it's a new phase of sorts for me. Time for a change. I did the eyebrow and lip piercings about 2-3 weeks ago. What do you think? The lip didn't really hurt at all. It was so simple and effortless. The eyebrow hurt pretty bad - but I have had 2 eyebrow piercings before (in college) and was ready for it. You like?

Just got the industrial yesterday - and I LOVE it. Really happy I got it. BUT... it was by far the most painful. I have somewhat of a high tolerance for this sort of stuff (I think) but the industrial pirecing put me over the edge. The first top ear piercing was freaking bad and I heard the cartillage pop when he shoved the needle into my ear - but the second piercing on the lower part of my ear KILLED. Seriously have not felt something hurt that bad in a long time... Your body gets super sensitive from the adrenaline or something when you get pierced - so anything after that is just death. They also have to measure it up so the bar can go through - so there is all this wrangling going on... and after they pierce it with the needle, they have to push the actual bar through... yeah... it went a little past my pain threshold as a whole - I almost lost it for a second there (I get dramatic sometimes - yes ;) but the experience was completely worth it in a strange way. I just really like it.

I did NOT sleep very well last night though... :) I like to sleep on that side and every time I try to move to it, in the middle of some dream, there was serious pain to contend with...

HOWEVER - I still highly suggest getting one :)

John William Waterhouse

2007-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Jacques-Louis David

2007-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Bugs on my face

2007-03-28T01:58:00.000-07:00
So there are ladybugs in my hotel room. I find them in the most random places... Climbing the edges of my sink while "cleansing" my face, hiding in my jeans' pocket, between numbers 8 and 9 on the telephone... I even woke up to one crawling on my nose this morning.

What does that mean?

Do I get sunny skies?
Good luck?
Great sex for a year?

Or are they teasing me with wishes I should be making?

Random Signage Continued...

2007-03-19T16:34:00.000-07:00
I guess I have a profound love for the randomness of the world. I take pictures of things that fascinate me... So here are a few objects for your appreciation...

Who knew being a "hacker" was embraced so widely by academia? A whole book on Hacker terminology????

This sign is posted new my place and it caught my eye for no reason... just found it really creepy, visual, and unnecessary. Very Big Brother of course...

I was walking through the supermarket and almost choked on my own saliva... it's more horrible than anything I have ever seen in my life... American Idol ICE CREAM? I mean... wha????? Whose job is it to come up with American Idol flavors? And is Triple Talent the best they could come up with??? "Soulful Sundae Cone????" I mean... huh????

I am just in awe of this kind of thing... WHO IN GOD'S NAME IS BUYING THIS STUFF?????? Can someone please explain this to me?

March Music Playlist: Some old, some new

2007-03-07T23:36:00.000-08:00
Thought I would post some music for ya all to chill to... I'll be switching it around throughout the month probably... Enjoy :)

William Fitzsimmons

2007-03-07T10:04:00.000-08:00
So... this guy, William Fitzsimmons, is definitely someone you should check out... His music is really lovely and amazing. Very subtle but deeply affecting. My favorite song is "Funeral Dress."

I've had my eye on him for a while - and it's really nice to see he is on tour - so go check him out if he is playing near you!!!!

http://www.myspace.com/williamfitzsimmons

A New Sacha Site!?

2007-03-05T21:29:00.000-08:00
I was just informed of a wonderful new website called...

The Sacha Sacket Source - www.sachasacketsource.com !

How lovely is that???!!!
Go and check it out :)

In case you didn't know - I posted a new song! Check it out!!!!

2007-03-04T18:18:00.000-08:00
To hear Judy (for shame) - my new single - go HERE!

This is me trying to be cool...Went on a random walk near my neighborhood. Stopped by a mall in Little Tokyo and they had this awesome little arcade. I haven't walked in one in a while and was completely fascinated with the air guitar game. I SUCKED.

Had a show in Klamath Falls, Oregon which had a solid turnout and was a LOT of fun. I hope to return again next year! I took this picture because it felt like a puff daddy/john Travolta moment for some reason... Small planes freak me out though. I am cool with most - but I almost DIED on a freaking 20 seat little thing where they have to balance the weight distribution and make people rearrange before take off. The plane was seriously built in the 60s and we were flying through a blizzard. Ever since I got off of that thing - I have to force myself to think positive every time I get on something other than a 747.

But the drive up to Klamath was beautiful :)

I love random signage... I love that they misspelled Lentil.

Took some random pics and I thought I would share some random outtakes...

So yeah - Judy (for shame) is finally released!!!! I am so stoked you have no idea. I've been waiting months just to start sharing my new album with people and it is finally starting to happen. There are all sort of politics involved at the moment... but the ball is starting to ROLL. I really hope you like it. Can't wait for you to hear more. :)

Some shows got cancelled... Two reasons - 1 being that I got hit by another car :( back from sd
but I am fine and things really aren't that bad...
But what that DOES mean is that I am going to be playing a lot more shows on the west coast. So those of you in California are going to be regaled for a bit this spring :)

New song

2007-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:00
to be posted next week :)
Stay on the look out!

Sister Satan

2007-02-20T12:50:00.001-08:00
I opened for a band called Sister Satan at my Huntington Beach show.
Top that! :)

Album Cover

2007-02-19T16:35:00.000-08:00
For those of you interested...

Lovers and Leaders

1. Hail
2. Judy (for shame)
3. Stay
4. Halo
5. Brandon
6. Maybe You Can Save Me (from you)
7. How Low?
8. Jove
9. What You Are
10. Hallowed (Show Me How)
11. Time to Go

East of Eden

2007-02-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

So there is usually a book tied to an album I create... it's a little hard to explain - but for the last 3, there has been a book that pushed me through the entire creative process.

Alabaster Flesh was Joseph Campbell's "Hero with a Thousand Faces," Shadowed was Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"... I would say that Lovers and Leaders is strongly tied to John Steinbeck's AAAMAZING novel - "East of Eden."
If you haven't read it, I promise you it will blow you out of the water. The movie with James Dean is quite good too. I believe they are making a new one actually...

Ashland, Woodridge Reserve Whisky, and Ryan Seacrest's crotch

2007-02-12T13:29:00.000-08:00
Ashland is lovely. I would totally vacation here. I didn't expect to be so impressed with it. Expected a quiet little run down town - but found something quite different. Very quaint and character rich - it has a Sausalito, CA feel to it. Lots of art, metaphysical, book, and clothing stores line the main drag. The buildings have a sense of history to them. They look at least over 50 years old (and in America - that's old, right?) There is a huge huge Shakespeare festival that has made the town very wealthy. Supposedly a million people go through the small town in the summer to be part of it. They spend all their money, expound on what play had the best elocution (and how Desdemona gave suuuch a dry performance), and then leave the rest of the year to the locals, who reap the benefit of the cash influx. I wonder if people dress up in Shakespearean garb for the festival - like a Renaissance fair or something... that would be a little upsetting I think.

Oregon is just purty - lots of pines everywhere, creeks, lakes, etc. Parts of the state are really exquisite. Did a drive from Bend, OR to Eugene that was off the charts beautiful. The had little motels that literally perched right over gorgeous rivers and forests. I want to stay in one. And everyone is a touch sweeter than normal :)

Had a fun show at Jefferson State Pub. It's a fantastic bar/venue. The bartender and doorman introduced me to Woodbridge Reserve whisky... watch out. Really nice stuff. :) I have been getting into the whiskys a little bit now. There's a whole world out there - not as snooty as the wine stuff - and I guess I just feel like whisky gets straight to the point - no screwing around. I appreciate it for that. With wine, I like to think we talk on and on like the world revolves around our conversations/ideas/insights. Wine makes people entitled, it fills you with a little hot air... With whisky, you just sort of tend to say it like it is - embarrassing yourself maybe but at least the conversations tends to be more truthful.

Don't know anything about the bourbons and scotch yet - but I will make sure to 'study' up on it sometime. Anyway - I had fun chatting till about 1am after the show.We made fun of the door guy for smoking pink camel cigarettes (had no idea they sold them that way - they're hilarious/ridiculous if you ask me), found out there is apparently a big crack problem in southern Oregon of all places, and that the Shakespearean festival is pretty much one of the biggest in the world. There is some good skiing here too but I hear it's all about Mt. Shasta.

That's the Woodbridge to the left btw.

I watched a little bit of the Grammys yesterday. Not too much. It was nice to see Imogen Heap at least recognized and when Flea grabbed Ryan Seacrest in the crotch, I cracked up... especially since after that, Seacrest proceeded to reflect on the Red Hots to every interviewee - as if to get a grasp on some "pressing" internal conflict.

Newest guilty pleasure - Dangerous Muse

2007-02-10T13:10:00.000-08:00
I can't stop listening to their song - Give Me Danger. Total ear candy to me.

I am not a dancer - I feel like a dork on the dance floor :) - but I would LOVE to hear this in a club - I'd totally be molesting people to it ;) Great style too... The lead singer totally reminds me of the lead singer of A-ha for some reason. Something very reminiscent.

Check 'em out! http://dangerousmuse.blogspot.com/

Reed Pub

2007-02-09T01:14:00.000-08:00
Played at Reed Pub tonight. Was a FUN show. I walked in and seriously thought I was going to get my ass kicked for playing a bunch of love songs to some bikers, truckers, and frat guys... It was a tough bar with peanut shells covering the floor, neon bud ads, pool tables, metallica on the jukebox, etc. Instead... they didn't let me stop playing. I ending up going an extra half-hour because they kept yelling at me after each song that I wasn't allowed to stop. NEVER would have guessed it. The Pub really took care of me too. It turned out to be a really sweet night. Many times you really can't judge a venue - the one's you think are just perfectly set up to be the best night ever, can fall way short - and places you want to run away from when you walk in, can become magical and inviting.

Got a funny write up in the local weekly for the show too.
Under this pic it said - "LA singer-songwriter Sacha Sacket bares his soul at Reed Pub. NOTE: Soul Baring may or may not include removal of shirt"

It cracked me up

4 kids told me after the show that they wanted to yell "take it off" at me because they read that - but decided not to test me :(

Reba Hasko

2007-02-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of hers for a while. You should check her out... Reba Hasko

My fav is Kitten. There is something in her voice... it just does something almost alchemical. She pulls something off most musicians in her genre can't - imho.

Random Signage

2007-02-08T00:34:00.000-08:00
This made me laugh out loud.

Did you know that Sleater-Kinney has a street named after them up near Seattle? How cool is that? Wonder who made THAT happen.

Things are good over here. I am in Bend, OR at the moment. Had to drive through a scary freaking snow blizzard on the way here though. Was driving around 15mph at parts and couldn't really see the road. Was also on the side of a mountain. NOT fun at all. It's sort of a psychedelic experience driving through a blizzard against the wind at night. Almost like you are in a space ship going at warp speed or something. I don't get how people can drive 50 through something like that.

Cuffs

2007-02-07T02:33:00.000-08:00
Went to a hardcore leather bar after the show named Cuffs - really random but fun. Befriended 2 fantastic people named Michael and Bubba today. Very real, down to earth, and OPEN. Bubba changed his name at about 16, I believe, from Michael to Bubba... just to paint a picture - he is a very boyish skinny white kid from Montana. Did it as a lark and kept it up. Also said he has never lived in the same city for more than a year since he was 16 (21 now). Bubba rocks.

The bartender there, Christopher, had the raddest tattoo i have seen in AGES. A Freddie Mercury quote.

Don't you love it? He was a lot of fun to chat it up with.

There was all this talk about how Seattlites are passive aggressive. How they'll snub you out of nowhere. I thought it was funny. Everyone here seems very real and unpretentious to me - but that is coming from my LA standards perhaps? I still just can't get over how beautiful the city is. Can't wait to get back.

Seattle Show - El Diablo

2007-02-07T02:11:00.000-08:00
Had a sweet show at El Diablo tonight in Seattle. Isn't the sign fun? Sort of linking Satan to Pan (the whole pagan smear campaign by the Christian Church thing - like how the triton became the pitchfork, etc). That's how I see it anyway

Met some really lovely folk tonight. (Mr. Brandon Shea... if you get those pics, email them to me so I can post them - mine never came out)

That's KC to the right. A real sweet guy. Dropped by to see me play on just a days notice.

A man named Quinn Hubbard was really wonderful to take some cool pics of me tonight. Accountant by day, music photo journalist by night. :)
Thanks man!

Seattle

2007-02-05T21:46:00.000-08:00
Seattle is freaking cool. Love it up here. My first impression is it's a mixture of San Francisco liberalism and New York grit. The Public Market is lovely There is a real sense of community to it - nothing corporate. They kept it very mom and pop - handmade crafts, etc and I completely appreciated it for that. Lots of people going about their day, doing business. Did not have a hint of tourist trap to it (to me anyway).

I feel like people wear more knitted stuff here than anywhere else I've ever been.

Starbucks headquarters is disturbingly huge. I think the city has a love/hate relationship with it. There isn't one Starbucks ANYWHERE near the Public Market (which I found telling).

It's cold, foggy, and rainy here - very Seattle - and I love it.

I met Jean Claude Van Damme's son. He's short, overly polite, a little paunchy, and has a strong Belgium accent. His father's name came out of his mouth about 2 minutes into the conversation :) I watched a hooker accost him in the lobby of my motel. She kept asking for his autograph... and could barely stand up straight. She wouldn't leave him alone after he mentioned his father. He tried to escape, but last I saw - she was still on his tail. It was pretty hilarious :)

Happy Sacha

2007-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Me in studio last month... See how excited I am???? Why do you ask?

Because my new album is coming baby! Are you ready????

New Blog

2007-01-16T12:24:00.001-08:00
Stay Tuned...
Check out the old blog - here