And A Good Time Was Had By All

Friday night was the 1st Annual Sand Volleyball tournament to benefit Jesus House, and it was a lot of fun.  There were some seriously competitive volleyball being played, but most of all, the teams enjoyed themselves.  It was a free event to come and watch, and I'm sure next year, there will be at least double the amount of people participating, but it worked out well for a first outing.  

For the band, it was truly an honor to get to play some music and meet some of the coolest people on earth and to learn more about the issue of homelessness.  For example, for each and every homeless person/family (excluding the chronically transient), there is a church, mosque, or synagogue.  In other words, if each church brought in a homeless person/family and provided them with transportation, work, and shelter, homelessness as we know it we cease to exist.  

It would be something our children would read about in textbooks.  

It's tough to maintain neutrality as a band where deeply political or religious endeavors are concerned.  Our guitar player used to the be afternoon drive guy on Supertalk 930, WKY, so he is steeped in political hooplah.  There just so many people in our community who are struggling - not just musicians either.  When there is a chance to come together as a community to help the least among us, THAT is when the mettle of a band is tested,

It was a true honor to be a part of the event and we look forward to next year!

Signal 8

New Head Nurse for Signal 8

Being in a band is a lot of fun, but it's a lot of work as well.  More often than not, people tend to forget the hours of rehearsal that go into putting on a three or four hour show.  For the musician, it's a blessing to be able to do so and it's also a great feeling when things just seem to come together.   It has happened with us at Signal 8 more than we deserve, but we're thankful.  Not only have we been given a great opportunity to entertain for an event that is absolutely amazing - the 1st Annual Jesus House Sand Volleyball Tournament up at Lighthouse Fitness.  It's a great non-profit and kudos to Lighthouse Fitness for donating their space.

We have a huge development in the madness that is YOUR Signal 8 Band.  A young lady by the name of Casey Renea Sherwood has graced us with her presence and is now tackling the vocal duties along with our dynamic drummer, Dean- and making sure that the rest of the Signal 8 band members get their medication on time.  Casey comes from a Country background, but has always wanted to mix it up a bit with rock and country and whatever else we decide to play.  She's a trooper, that's for sure, and we're damned glad to have her as a part of the Signal 8 team!  

And by the way, your Signal 8 Band is working on some new merch for you all and you are flat out going to love it.  

Stay rockin' and stay with us.

1st Annual Jesus House Sand Volleyball Tournament

Sand volleyball has been around for a very long time, but until it became an Olympic sport, there was little hype and it wasn't a household word.  Today, sand volleyball is enjoyed by countless people across the country as an excellent form of exercise as well as a great way to gather friends, family, and colleagues together.

This time, the gathering is for a great cause - October 2, and 3 - Lighthouse Fitness 3333 W. Hefner Road.

Jesus House in Oklahoma City is one of those unique facilities where needs are met, comfort is given, and love is handed out freely - without making the participants "dance for their dinner."  Jesus House meets the needs of people who are hungry, homeless, addicted, and even those dealing with mental illness.  In the 1980s, public mental institutions were virtually shut down and forced to release patients because there was no longer a place for them.  While it may have save the government a few pennies, it costs our culture a whole lot more by having some folks out on the street who should be under the care of a mental health professional.  

What in the heck does any of that have to do with Signal 8 Band?  Well, we are honored and blessed to be on the scene Friday, October 2nd at 7pm or so to entertain, to play some music, and support a very worthy cause and of course, check out some fun volleyball.  This is kid-friendly environment, our drummer is a professional magician as well and will be having a few surprises in store for the kids!  We've already had people asking us if it is a tournament for homeless.  

No.

Teams are set up to participate and if you want to get a 4-person team together, simply hit the Jesus House website and let them know.  MORE INFORMATION HERE.

Y'all need to come.  We promise it will be a wonderful event!

Giving Back

There are a plethora of examples of how the rich and famous give back to their communities and most of the time, it's a sanitized-for-you-protection kind of gig that is created to make everyone feel noble, but often produces little or no result in the long or short term.  Local musicians and artists can do the same, but on a much more intimate and real manner.  

Even if it means just showing up to events that are locally-grown and provide assistance to worthy organizations, it makes a difference.  Particularly if you have some merch to donate and to wear proudly.  When even a handful of us come together to do something for our communities, it shows the unity and strength of the local music community.  You can't put a price tag on that value.

There are plenty of opportunities out there, brothers and sisters.  We just need to do our best to make ourselves available!

Attitude Over Technical Proficiency

If you're like us, you've gone to see one of your favorite musicians perform and though they were technically spot-on during the show, there was a feeling that the performer was just not "into it."  For example, while in the Navy, our guitar player (Butch) drove from Seattle to Portland to see Bob Dylan open for the Grateful Dead.  It was a long drive during the summer months and this was at a time when they hadn't thought much about radar detectors - instead, his shipmate rode with a pair of binoculars, searching for law enforcement.

It was hilarious.

Bob Dylan opened the show before a packed stadium - Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon.  Dylan didn't acknowledge the audience at all and just played three of four songs and walked off stage.  They had paid handsomely for those tickets and they really wanted to see a full show from Dylan.  Now, Dylan was technically perfect, his pitch perfect, his accompaniment was great.  But Dylan just wasn't "feeling it."

The Dead were awesome, of course.

Local bands can have that same problem.  One of our band mates went to a show put on by an Oklahoma Outlaw Metal band.  They were incredible to watch, their sound was beyond anything you'd expect from a local club, but during breaks and sometimes while playing, the guitar player just looked and acted like an aloof dick.  Sure, he was amazingly talented but he was an ass and the crowd noticed it and their applause wasn't quite what it could or should have been as a result, and then, the bar owner didn't make as much money as she should have that night.

Conversely, seeing a band that is talented, but who are funny, outgoing, friendly, and getting into the whole atmosphere is what people really want to see.  Audiences want recognizable, good songs, but they also want to feel as though they are part of the overall experience.

And that is a good thing.  The happier the audience, the more they will spend on drinks.  The more they spend, the happier the club owner.

Let's go make some noise together and not be asses about it.


Signal 8 Band

reverbnation.com/signal8band
facebook.com/signal8band

Email for booking info:  signal8band@yahoo.com

Festival Post-Mortem

Yesterday we were honored to be a part of a new, funky festival that is looking to be an annual event.  The Rockin' the Box Music Festival featured bands from Oklahoma, Texas, and I believe even Missouri.  It turned out to be a lot of fun - despite the heat. 

Signal 8 played a fun set including some ZZ Top, Zakk Wylde, Ramones, Joe Walsh, Puddle of Mudd, and Led Zeppelin.  There were some amazingly talented bands before and after us, and for a little while, we felt as though it wasn't the right festival for us - seeing how old we are and our set selection.  Of course when we started playing, the reception was warm and very enthusiastic. 

The promoters and creators of the event are to be congratulated because it went off without a hitch.  Friday, Saturday, and the bands on Sunday comprised a really cool lineup and again, we were proud to be a part of it.  We hope there are many others like it in the future.  The goal is to change the music culture in Oklahoma, to get folks to support local bands more. 

A Band's Natural Progression

Each of the members of Signal 8 have played with other bands and bring to the table a plethora of experience.  Some bands have a good rapport right off the bat and others simply look like they are going through the motions, playing well, but couldn't give a rip about their band mates - and it reflects in their playing.  Conversely, when a group of people genuinely like each other and genuinely like what they are performing, that too will be apparent.

Most people would rather spend their time watching a band that may not be completely technically correct in their playing, but have a great time and share that emotion with the audience.  For some bands, this is natural, for other bands it takes a little time to develop.  The progression really is quite simple and it is similar to any work environments where the staff enjoys the work.  First, the "get to know you" phase where band members play together and learn the styling and personality of other members.  Second, there is the "I know you, get serious" phase where a set lest is established and agreed upon by band members.  Third, "I like it" stage where the members are comfortable with one another and they are enjoying their groove.  Lastly, "let's have fun" phase takes over and that is where the differences lie between a band that puts on a great show and those who don't.

You see, we of Signal 8 aren't just musicians.  We are also audience members who enjoy a good show and particularly those of local artists.  When we're out and about, there is always an opportunity to enjoy the playing of local musicians and we encourage you to do the same.  

Let's be honest - a lot of bands out there are busting ass to get a record deal, desiring to become stars.  That's all well and good and that is a noble pursuit, one that takes perseverance and determination.  Usually, there are one or two members of a band that are the leadership team - kind of like Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are for KISS - and that leadership team is always scouring the countryside for musicians who have talent and are more talented than the people they are replacing.  And they do a lot of replacing.  Most of the time, these bands have an overinflated sense of self-worth and that is truly sad.  The bands with high aspirations make these mistakes and the news travels quickly in the musician community.

On the other hand, you have your party bands and your jam bands and your club bands who are perfectly content sharing their music in smaller venues and they just want to have fun by entertaining.  Club owners, party organizers, and event coordinators understand this and while they want talented bands, they also want people who have fun and will create an environment for their patrons to enjoy themselves.

Bands will always be progressing in one way or another.  Either they increase the fun factor, or they will suck.  That's the bottom line.

In our opinion...

Signal 8 Band

 

Dean Johnson (Drums, Vocals)
Rick Jackson (Bass, Vocals)
Ron Black (Guitar, Silly Faces)

The Countdown Begins

in Just 14 days, one of Oklahoma City's most original music festivals come to life.  What makes this festival so unique is that it is comprised of bands from the area - Oklahoma, Texas, and I think one from Missouri.  I think.  Each of the bands have busted their butts to get ready for this event and it will be one that you just can't miss.  This is the First Annual Rock the Box Music Festival and it will be an event every year that you'll mark your calendars to be a part of.

Tickets are available through Ticketstorm (click here) and right now, a three day pass is only $25 per person.  Or you can choose the single day pass which is still only $10 per person!  That's cheaper than a 90 minute movie at a cinema - with this, you get a whole day of kick ass bands and the festival atmosphere.

Now, for something completely different…

Soon, we'll be releasing more music for you to check out and that includes a couple originals that are moving, good songs (if we do say so ourselves).  We have some of the most unique covers and they will be guaranteed to get you out of your chair and up on the dance floor.  The goal is for everyone to have fun, to enjoy live music and friends.

Signal 8 strives to create an environment to do just that.

Get your tickets!


Signal 8

Rick Jackson, Bass Player Extraordinaire

Your Signal 8 is pleased to announce that Rick Jackson has been added to the lineup for the band.  Rick is an awesome bass player, and his vocals are spot-on.  Add to that the fact that he is a great guy and one hell of an entertainer.

Our guitar player, Ron, has played with Rick in a couple other bands and said, "Rick is always there, driving the rhythm and adding color."  He continued, "He is very talented and above all, he is one of those musicians who just raises everyone's performance."

Dean Johnson, Signal 8's drummer and vocalist was glad that Rick is onboard because of his stability and desire to play a wide array of music.  "Rick is open to all kinds of music, he's consistent, and he's a little crazy - one of the requirements to be with Signal 8."

Signal 8's former bass player, Jerry Brown, has been dealing with some health issues and needed to take care of himself.  "Jerry is a wonderful professional," Ron said. "When he came to us about his departure, we know that he hadn't been feeling that well.  Above all, we want Jerry healthy."

Ron said that there was a chance that Jerry would be stopping by and jamming some keyboards with Signal 8.

"We just want to see him get healthy and take care of himself."

Stay tuned for more information from your Signal 8!

Check them out on ReverbNation:  https://www.reverbnation.com/signal8band!
Check them out on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/signal8band!

Every Gig Matters

Sounds like a profound grasp of the obvious, doesn't it?  It is definitely true, though.  Whether you're playing the main stage at Rocklahoma or the small, intimate stage of the Blowout Club in Guthrie, every time your band is out in public, it matters.  It sounds cliche' to say, but word of mouth spreads quickly and if you show up to a gig hammered and unable to play, for example, it won't be long until the music community in Oklahoma starts bitch-slapping you with bad reviews and then, no one wants to hire you.

Another problem that is often difficult to overcome is when your front person (man or woman) is a bitch.  Stuffy, attitude-filled, pains in the ass are everywhere and this too can become a severe problem  We've been around and played in a bunch of bands who had a front person who was not only difficult to work with, but whose attitude spilled over into dealings with the public.

We musicians have a responsibility to each other to go out there and leave it all on the stage.  When we do that, when we make every gig count, we set the stage for the next band to come along.  The better our reputations for quality performances and great attitudes, maybe we can get more of these clubs to entertain the thought of hiring live performers to draw in a crowd.

In Oklahoma City, there is a group of people who are busting their asses to make it happen for local talent.  OKC Music Movement warrants your time and you truly should check them out as soon as possible.  We can do this.

Joys Of the Jam

We musicians are an odd bunch, aren't we?  We put in countless hours rehearsing, sweating, driving, and finally we land that gig and the amount of pay earned comes to about $.25 per hour - including practice time.  But we do it because we love it and music is a part of our DNA.  We show up to the venues with our vehicles full of gear, load it on to the stage, and do a quick sound check and if all is fine, we wait for our time to go on.  The sets are carefully planned to ensure the audience has the most fun and entertainment possible, creating a festive and happy environment that makes everyone want to dance and drink with one another.

It's all part of the joys of the jam.

The upcoming Rockin' the Box Festival coming up is a great example of some of the commitment that many bands have made to provide fun and entertaining music and all of the bands involved are participating gratis (free).  Each band has a 45 minute set slot and each band will have practiced for hours and hours to ensure that their set is the best it can be.  Again, it's all part of the joys of the jam.

The next time you go see a band, let loose and enjoy yourself.  Musicians love when the audience is into it and enjoying themselves.  We love that stuff.

Signal 8

Rockin' the Box Music Festival

Well, your Signal 8 crew is honored and privileged to have the opportunity to perform with some of Oklahoma's most talented musicians and incredible bands at the Rockin' the Box Music Festival July 24-26.  The line up for each day is phenomenal, and if you're smart, you'll get your tickets now before it is sold out.  One of Ron's favorite bands is headlining Saturday night - Left To Die.

Here are the performance times:

Friday, July 24th, 2015 

Another Round (Headliner) 9:30 - 10:15pm
Sweeper 8:30-9:15pm
Happy Tuesday 7:30-8:15pm
Soul Torrent 6:30-7:15pm
Area Of Effect 5:30-6:15pm

Saturday, July 25th, 2015 

Left To Die (HEADLINER) 9:45 - 10:30pm
Chaotic Resemblance 8:45-9:30pm
Sign Of Lies 7:45-8:30pm
Evolution NOW 6:45-7:30
Switchbach 5:45-6:30pm
Signal 8 4:45-5:30pm That's US!
Machine In The Mountain 3:45-4:30pm
Killer Strut 2:45-3:30pm
Thunderhorse 2:00-2:30pm
No Light No Life 1:15-1:45pm
Firewolf 12:30-1:00pm
Everfade 11:45am-12:15pm
The Big Kid Show 11:00am-11:30am

Sunday, July 26th, 2015 

(HEADLINER) The Plums 9:45-10:30pm
Theory Driven 8:45-9:30pm
Six Gun Onslaught 7:45-8:30pm
Buxshot 6:45-7:30pm
Burning Icarus 5:45-6:30pm
Southern Lush 4:45-5:30pm
Arise & Devour 3:45-4:30pm
Chasing Jenny 2:45-3:30pm
Autumn On Javine 2:00-2:30pm
No Love For Aphrodite 1:15-1:45pm
Outside The Shadows 12:30-1:00pm
Brought By Fire 11:45-12:15pm
Dead As Yesterday 11:00-11:30am

A New Day, A New Vision

We've come a long way, baby.  Signal 8, formerly known as Mean Machine, has undergone not only a facelift, but a full-tilt, rock & roll, mind-numbing psychological evaluation and guess what?  Here we are!  Here are a few facts about Signal 8 that you should know and this trivia knowledge might help you win cool merch down the line!

Signal 8:  A law enforcement signal for mental patients.  So fitting where we are concerned.

We Are:  Dean Johnson (Vocals/Drums), Ron "Gorilla" Black (Guitar), Jerry Brown/Rick Jackson (Bass/Vocals).

Get your tickets today and come see us!

Where We Play:  We can play bars, clubs, parties, family reunions, festivals, and more.  Our geographical limitations are generally Central Oklahoma.

Music Style:  We're a classic rock band with a bit of flair.  We have some originals that we include in our sets, and the cover songs we perform are done to our liking - and we know you will love them too as others have.  We range from the Rolling Stones to the Ramones to Zakk Wylde to Cheap Trick to ZZ Top to Thin Lizzy to Puddle of Mudd…   You get the picture.

We Are Not:  We are not your typical local band.  We are not passive, but rather are an interactive band.  We are not lazy - when we show up to play, we show up to play and make sure everyone has fun.  We are not pretentious - we know that when we are hired to play, the business hiring us is doing so to increase their profits and our job is to help them do just that.

So, there you have it in a nutshell.  Your Signal 8 Band in Oklahoma City!