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Backseat Goodbye - Letdown Of The Year (DEMO CLIP) I mentioned...

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:54:20 -0600

Backseat Goodbye - Letdown Of The Year (DEMO CLIP)

I mentioned the other day how I might share a song preview, so… Here’s a 20 second clip of the stripped down demo of one of the songs that will be on the new album. This clip is a snippet from one of the verses. For some insight - the song as a whole is basically about visitng your old hometown after moving somewhere else, and how it’s just never the same once you’ve left… It’s also about how everyone seems to believe their hometown is a black hole that sucks the life out of people (myself included in that belief.)

Please note that this is just a clip from the DEMO, not the final version. The final version of this song does feature acoustic guitar, but will also have drums, bass, and electric guitar. I’ll also note, that when the chorus of this song sees the light of day, it will be surprising in more ways than one.

Album Progress (day two).

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:26:00 -0600

The three simple words in the photo below mark the completion of a song that’s been two years in the making.

The song I’m speaking of has been through many changes before finally finding its spot in the final tracklisting of this new record… It started out as an opening line that came to me a couple years ago which simply said, “Goddamn, it’s a great day for a love song…” and ever since I’ve spent literally the longest I’ve ever spent waiting for one song to come to me. I’ve changed the title three times, from “A Big Love”, to “I’m So Alive”, and finally to the final product, “please.illuminate.me”. I had what I thought was going to be the verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge ready for the longest time, but then a few months back I decided the lyrics just weren’t good enough. So, I scrapped the verses, and a couple weeks ago the right verse finally hit me. Fast forward to today, where I re-wrote the end of the bridge, and made an outro for the song. Finally, after much antipication over a song I was very excited for… It’s here. The only thing else I can tell you about the song is that it’s super-upbeat, and it’s very reminicent of something you’d hear off of my old albums… And it will definitely be one of the singles from the new record.

Other than that, I just have four more songs to finish writing before I’m finished with the actual writing of the album. Last night I finished the song that’s going to close out the new record. The song is tentatively titled “Good Ghosts”, and I really think it’s going to be the perfect way to close out this album. I’ll go ahead and share some lyrics from a verse of the song and let you know that somewhere in these lyrics is what I’ve decided to call the new record (extra hint: the title will be 3 words long):

So, this is what it’s come to
Another ten years of guessing
When and where the good years will find me
I drew all over my arms
Words to my favorite songs
When I hate the world, they remind me not to
Sometimes I wonder
Why the hell I think so much
Most the time I’m all that’s in my way

Lastly, I’ll share that I’ve decided I wanted to be creative with my song titles on this album, instead of just naming them obvious things from lyrics in the songs, I want to make them interesting on their own. As an example, I’ll go ahead and tell you that, as of now, the first track on the album will be titled, “Elliott Smith Is Still Alive”.

Keep an eye out over the next couple days here on the blog, because I think I may give a sneak preview of a demo clip from one of the new tracks.

Cheers,
Chad

The Daydreamers.

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:06:28 -0600

The Daydreamers.:

This spring I’m launching a completely re-imagined street team for Backseat Goodbye. Feel free to follow the new blog for the team @ thedaydreamers.tumblr.com.

keepthelightsout: figures. a show actually comes to Grand...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:59:11 -0600

keepthelightsout:

figures. a show actually comes to Grand Rapids and I’ve never heard of any of the bands.

Well, just so you know, you can check out my music at myspace.com/backseatgoodbye

And if you happen to like it, you can download free songs at purevolume.com/backseatgoodbye

As for the other bands on the whole tour, you can check out their music @
myspace.com/holidayparade
myspace.com/goot
myspace.com/theicarusaccount

If you like what you hear from any of us, then please feel free to come out to the show, we’d all love another person to be there to sing along and have a good time with us! :)

Weird.

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:25:47 -0600

I get this funny/proud/awe-inspiring feeling when I see Backseat Goodbye listed amongst bands I love and look up to… Especially when I really look close and realize I’m the only one on the list that isn’t signed to a label. Makes me feel like I’m doing something right…

Photo

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:03:47 -0600

Album Progress (day one).

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:00:04 -0600

And so, I begin the documentation of my second full-length album with this post…

Here’s where the album stands, thus far:
Possible Songs - 18
Recorded Demos - 3
Finished Lyrics - 4

I’m shooting to choose just 10 songs for the album’s final tracklisting once this is all said and done… With plans to give the left-over songs a home as bonus tracks & b-sides. I used to put as many songs as possible on my releases, but I’ve done some real studying on my own music & my favorite artists releases, and I’ve found that ten tracks really seems like the golden number for a perfect album tracklisting that does over-do it and leaves you wanting more if you do it right… And really, what more could you ask from an album?

As for where I’m at right this second with the whole album process - I’m in FINISH WRITING THESE SONGS mode. Many of the songs have their skeletons, and now I just need to give them personalites and skin… a.k.a. - I’ve got partial lyrics, verses, choruses and chords ready, now I just need to finish the lyrics and add full instrumentation.

I’m very much a creature of inspiration from pressure when it comes to finishing albums I’ve found. In literally four of my main releases ever, I’ve written the most popular songs in the last days leading up to recording. So, really, this is the most exciting part for me. I believe the song that’s going to be that for this album has come in the last couple of days. Right now, it’s tentatively titled “I Get So Lost”, and I’ve had the verses & chord structure for at least a good month or two now, but it never really had a chorus. Then, a couple days ago, a melody popped in my head, and out came what is my favorite chorus of the album so far. The best songs come completely effortlessly and get stuck in your head, and that’s what’s happened with this whole song. I really wanted to make sure not to force it, and waited, and waited, and waited (while beginning to think that maybe the song wouldn’t have a chorus)… Then, finally it came to me. Needless to say, I’m very excited about the song, because not only does it get stuck in my own head, but I find myself playing it on the guitar to myself a lot, just because it feels so good to play.

That’s where the album stands, so far. The date that’s been set for actual recording to begin is March 20th in New York… So, in short, I’ve got 19 days to finish this thing, which isn’t a lot… But like I said, I’m a creature that thrives under pressure, so, bring it on.

In A Room At The Top Of The Stairs.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:18:33 -0600

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for a truly independent artist to write/record an album… Here’s your chance to find out (or my version of that journey, at least.)

Over the next few weeks I’ll be documenting the entire process of the making of my next full-length album right here on my blog. From finishing the writing of the songs, demoing the songs at my apartment, creating the album artwork, finding inspiration, picking the final tracklisting, and recording the album in New York… It’ll all be right here as it comes along. I’ll be posting normal text blogs about it, many photos, and some videos here and there, as well… So, feel free to follow the progress. I’ve never really let anyone in on my writing/recording process, so this should be interesting.

Also, I’ll go ahead and share that I won’t be documenting this process like you’ve seen before with other artists. You know, where they just post song teasers and photos of instruments. My version of this will be about the entire scope of what it takes to make an album… It will be a look inside the things that go right, the things that go wrong, and the accidents that turn into melodies and inspiration.

Cheers,
Chad

Yeah.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:27:17 -0600

I’m sitting here looking over lyrics to possible songs for my next full length… And I’ve decided that I’ve really let too much get in the way of getting this new record done and released. I’ve been waiting to finish writing, record, and release this record for literally about two years now with everything that has gotten in the way…. That simple fact is driving me crazy.

Just wanted to give a heads up that over the next couple weeks I’m going to finish up the writing of this new full-length, then I’ll be heading to NY to record it in March, and I’m hoping to release it in late-Spring.

I don’t know the real point of this post other than I wanted to say the above and also let it be known that it will NEVER take two years for me to release a new full-length record EVER again.

Cheers,
Chad

Spring is near.

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:23:19 -0600

I’m sick right now, folks… But I’m not mentioning that for sympathy, I’m mentioning it to let you know that the day I get better I will be gladly posting more on here :)

Hope you’re all well!

Backseat Goodbye...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:08:58 -0600

thehubriseffect:

I think Chad is a ~~whiny little bitch~~ musician with many negative thoughts.

So Backseat Goodbye’s Chad Sugg just posted a blog about today’s music industry. And I kind of just wanted to say…

Fuck off, Chad. Seriously, you need to stfu about how other bands market themselves. It’s really none of your business and you really don’t need to care.

Those other bands are only “wasting your time” because you’re letting them. You’re letting yourself care about something that has nothing to do with you personally at all.

Have you even considered that these bands are struggling to create music that you oh-so-don’t-believe they’re capable of making? That posting pictures is a way to make up for the fact that they have no new music?

Chad, please.

And I’m sure as hell that those bands out there don’t want to hear your shit. I don’t give a fuck if you’ve been in this industry for 5 years, I wouldn’t give a fuck it was 10 years.

Until you’re famous, and exceedingly successful,

Take your own fucking advice, and “let the music you make speak for itself.”

I’ll just say this, I feel like not enough people speak openly about their feelings about the industry. I know at least three of my closest artist friends that completely agree about what I posted, however, they’re much smarter than me by actually not posting about it. I can definitely understand how I may seem “whiney” to you and many others, but I’m really not trying to simply bitch about the situations I bring up. If you really look, I present the problem from many sides, and make sure it’s known that I’m not trying to point specific artists out.

I also pointed out that I understand it’s all of part of different artists’ approach to their own career, and that’s totally fine… I just don’t agree with it, because I can speak from the tiniest opinion of being the kid that started out with literally nothing other than a guitar and a laptop. So, I know that it is not absolutely necessary for kids to post constant photos to promote their music.

All in all, I feel bad that you think I’m constantly being whiney… I’m literally just presenting my own opinion on my own blog… And I really do try to come at every instance with a level-headed thinking about it. Granted, your post above is your own opinion on your own blog, so I definitely respect it… However, you pointed me out by name, so I simply wanted to respond to at least try and make it clear that I’m not trying to constantly whine about things.

Kids of tomorrow's music industry.

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:28:18 -0600

I write to you today, to ask you to take a step back and look at yourselves. I’m talking to the kids with an acoustic guitar in their room that sing to their walls, the kids in garages playing bass with gloves on their hands because the winter cold is leaking in through the bottom… In a big way, you are the future of the music industry.

Please, pay attention as I speak directly to the kids that are in the industry now…

For the kids that are in the music industry now, not all of you, but the select few of you that I believe are embarrassing the rest of us. See, I understand there are many factors in a successful music career: music, talent, image, lyrics, marketing, touring, etc… The thing I understand, but hate, is the over-exploitation of image. It’s fine to post photos of your band (or yourself, if you’re a solo-artist) regularly… But please understand there is a line that can be crossed (which is why I’m typing this.) I’ll go ahead and share the main point of all of this: If you’re posting more new photos of yourself than new music, you need to stop. If you’re in this industry to post photos of yourself instead of new music, then maybe you should consider taking up modeling instead. You’re wasting your fans’ time, you’re wasting my time, and you’re wasting the future of this industry’s time.

I’m not super worried about this, because I know things will work out the way they were meant to. This wave of making shitty music just so you can say you have a band and post photos of yourself in an attempt to ride the coatails of the people who make music with integrity will eventually end in the form it’s in now. It’ll start up again in a new form, but hopefully it will involve much less autotune and terrible lyrics, and trade that for at least something genuine.

I’m not here to point out exact instances of this occurance… I’m just here to let it be known that many of us in the music industry (at least us behind the actual music) are tired of this wave of kids focusing on their photo comments before their music. Be original, be yourself, and let the music you make speak for itself.

Cheers,
Chad

chadsugg.tumblr.com

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:06:33 -0600

chadsugg.tumblr.com:

I’ll be announcing my next poetry book’s title and cover over the weekend. To keep up with that, feel free to follow my personal blog at the link above.

Touring Bassist.

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:38:00 -0600

I’m currently looking for a new live bassist that lives in or near the Nashville, TN area. If you don’t live near the Nashville area, feel free to send an inquiry, but please note that I’ll be looking at the Nashville offers first… Not to be an a-hole, but because I really don’t want to make someone completely move their life just to come play bass for me. A person that lives closer to Nashville makes it easier for them and myself as far as the whole scope of it goes.

It’s very much preferred that you have previous touring experience, but not necessary. The position you’d be filling would be for live touring purposes only, and will require you to tour around the country quite a lot… So, a love for travel is a plus, too. Also, just so it’s known, I need someone that I believe will fit well with myself and the other live band members personality-wise… To me, one of the absolute most important things about my backing band is finding people I can get along with, and vice-versa. So please, don’t be surprised by my questioning, I’m just looking out for the future of finding a bassist that can stick around for the long haul.

If interested, please send me an email at backseatgoodbye@gmail.com with the subject “Bassist Inquiry”. In the email, please include your age, previous touring experience, previous band experience, location, and favorite movie (yes, I said favorite movie… Don’t worry, there’s no wrong answers.) Serious inquires only, please.

Also, please spread this word around if you happen to know any friends in the area that play bass.

listenersclub: The Decemberists - Raincoat SongFrom Always the...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:20:47 -0600

listenersclub:

The Decemberists - Raincoat Song
From Always the Bridesmaid Vol. 3

To say I love this song would be an enormous understatement. One of my favorites of all-time for rainy and not rainy days. Perfect lyrics, perfect guitar, and perfect melody, if you ask me.

Online Store Sale.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:19:35 -0600

Online Store Sale.:

I’m having a sale right now for everything in my online store. Feel free to check it out at store.backseatgoodbye.com by clicking the link above!

Listener's Club.

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:41:48 -0600

Listener's Club.:

chadsugg:

I’ve started a new Tumblr where I’ll be sharing music by the bands/artist I’m listening to lately that I feel need to be heard. So, if you want to, feel free to follow the new blog at listenersclub.tumblr.com. The first post is already up!

chadsugg: Download my new side-project solo song, “Thrill of a...

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:10:47 -0600

chadsugg:

Download my new side-project solo song, “Thrill of a War Song” for FREE @ purevolume.com/chadsugg.

Thanks to everyone who has downloaded it so far, it’s my first demo I’ve posted for this new music project and it’s already reached the number 14 spot in all of Purevolume.com’s top downloads!

Side-Project Demo.

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:44:06 -0600

Side-Project Demo.:

You can download the first demo from my new side-project for absolutely free right now just click the title link :)

Side-Project.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:17:22 -0600

I’m starting a new side-project, focused on lyrics & acoustic guitar (in the vein of The Weepies, Iron & Wine, John Mayer, Bob Dylan.) Find out more @ http://myspace.com/chadwsugg & read the blog there. Let me stress, this new project will NOT be replacing Backseat Goodbye :)