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

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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