Blog Report: 12/25/08

Evening people,

So I'm sitting here in complete shock. As I type this, it's only a day or so till Aces Down goes on stage, and I can't believe that this is happening. It's like a massive dream or whatnot, it's way too good to be true....

*Deep breath* OK, let's get down to business as usual before I get into a full-on mushy speech made for Disney films and 80's flicks.

So the show is in about 1 and a half days. Scary. Now, I've been around, and I've done a few shows as previously mentioned, but this is unlike anything else I've been a part of. To be working with these talented bandmates has been a blessing and I am excited to see where this takes us.

So for all those curious about going to the show and need some guidance getting there, here's some help from our friends at Google Maps: (sorry for our Facebook readers who may not be able to see this)


View Larger Map

We hope to see you there, at 6PM, Tom's Gourmet Marketplace, Northborough MA.

-MC Larny

P.S. Happy Holidays! So consider this a gift that you will definitely be wanting to check out all Saturday: MC Larny on Twitter

Blog Report: Week of 12/1/08

Hey everyone, it's another episode of the Blog Report. Sorry I didn't do one last week, but you know, stuff happens.

So as the show gets closer and closer (December 27th, Tom's Gourmet Marketplace, Northborough, MA), it's only getting better and better. The jam sessions are becoming more focused, and more of the band members have been getting involved with it. I'm honestly more pleased than you can imagine with the assembly of talent in Aces Down. It's like nothing I've ever imagined.

The setlist is also looking very appealing too. I won't give away a single thing here, but there will be some stuff that surprises you....wait and see.

Speaking of the show, I've been reminiscing the past shows I've done since I started this rap stuff...and it's pretty fond memories. While the shows themselves were all spread out and hard to get, it was quite a feel, quite a rush. Let's take a stroll down memory lane:

1. October 2005: Town Hall, Northborough, MA: Totally unexpected. The gameplan was just go to a show that some of my friends were playing, and have a good time. Little did I know that I would get my chance to be part of the action. As the story goes, I got called onto the stage by a friend of mine, who was part of a crazy jam band. I freestyled live on stage, captivated the crowd, "accidentally" started a moshpit (believe it), and among other things, proved that this was for real after all.
2. April 2006: ARHS Battle of The Bands Tryouts: The story behind this: I considered forming a band so that I could try and enter the high school Battle of the Bands. Now, I know you're wondering, "A rapper at Battle of The Bands?!" and to that I say, "Whatever." I didn't care, it would've been perhaps a great way to get exposure on a big scale at that time. I talked to some friends of mine, and we got a 3 piece unit going. We tried out, and everyone who was watching us was feeling it. For a tryout, it was pretty intense. The downside of this: We didn't get in, by 1 little point. Crushing defeat there, but you can't win alll the time....
3. August 2006: House Party: This show was a mess. There's no way around it. I think this was me at my worse, and not the type of environment I'd like to work in again. Not saying that a house party is bad, it's just that it was a disaster on that one night. First off, the sound system was not what I hoped for. Second, the set was 100% improvised, because of that first issue I touched upon. And of course, there was that one band who was on earlier that took a few shots about me on stage...I think they were called Y.A.F. I don't believe they exist anymore...
   
4. November 2006: Yet Another House Party: So after befriending the guys in T.I.P., I was invited to freestyle at a show of theirs. I went, hung out, had one heckua time there. Good times.
   
5. January 2007: AHRS Variety Show: Totally awesome. Another one-off band formed, this time a 4 piece, featuring Neil Bsechle, Morgan Thrap, and Mike Corey. Performing the song, When It's Over, off the Enter The Unknown album. A different arrangement and for what it was, it was quite impressive. I'd say that was perhaps my best performance period. And I'd love to do that song again...
6. June 2007: FSC Orientation: Again, this was one of those "out of the blue" performances. Story is, I was part of a group of freshman who had to create a presentation on a school policy. So I kinda gave the idea of "Let's do a rap song!" 7 minutes later, I wrote a song about some sort of technology policy, and kinda bit O.P.P. by Naughty By Nature. But hey, it was all in good fun man.
7. October 2008: FSC Open-Mic Night: So....it was a long long time since I picked the mic up again. Long story short, I went through some issues that required me to step away from music for a period of time. I came back in January 08, dropped an album in August 08, and here we are. Feeling as if I needed to get back on the stage, I wrote a song, memorized it in 5 days, and spit it. The crowd was really appreciative, and at that point, I realized that I was right back in the saddle again.

So that brings us to today.... show number 8, for those keeping score at home. It's amazing how over 3 years, you evolve and see yourself change. You see the songs you created evolve, you can feel it happen. You meet people you'd never expect, and you watch people leave your life for periods of time, or in some cases, for good.

But that's enough sentimental chatter from me. It's been a long and crazy 5 years rapping, and here we are. I can't wait for the 27th, to perform with Aces Down, to give people a show that you can't forget.

Peace out,

-MC Larny

P.S. Be sure to click on the banner below.

Or if you can't see it, myspace.com/acesdownma. Add us!

Aces Down Profile: Ari

Name: Ari Shuris
What I Do: Vocalist/Acoustic Guitar
Influences: Brandi Carlile, Cat Power, Incubus, John Legend
Active since: Writing since I was in middle school, Singing since start of high school, making music 2 years ago
Experience with Bands: No prior experience with bands...just random jam sessions over the years

Reprinted from an earlier post

This semester I feel I’ve finally dipped my toes into the whole music-making thing. As a visual media production major, producing is what I love to do – film, music, poetry…I’ve been singing all my life really, and picked up the guitar a couple years ago, after watching my brother play for 15 years. Whenever I’m back home in Princeton, we jam and inspire each other. It’s a constant growing process. Since I’m away at school, he’s always interested in seeing what I’ve written and I’m always in awe of his raw talent.

I’ve lived in Princeton most of my life. It’s way too small and I’m dying to get out there and to get my work noticed. After school, I plan on moving west where the sun is bright, and where I know I can get a jumpstart on my career. I’m all about living in the now and travel, so I know this plan will be perfect for me as an individual.

After interning this semester at a radio station, I was exposed to so much talent and creativity. I told myself this really was the year to start to start working with people who have the same enthusiastic minds and spirits as me. In the studio, I feel like all I can do is be an artist. This is the only way to be really...an artist. I love the energy that flows in the room. I feel the mutual understandings between all of us…working hard, working creatively, doing it freely. It’s a no pressure zone, but I feel there’s a little bit of pressure...good pressure…to do my best. After all, I am my own worst critic! I am amped on getting my words, voice, and emotions heard. I’ve waited so long for it really…I’ve been holding back for sometime…keeping it private, personal…but my love for it has freed me. _A

Blog Report: 11/21/08

Yep, it's another Blog Report, and like most other things, it concerns Aces Down, for the most part.

Let's start with some bad news. The Ari Shuris/MC Larny collaboration material ain't making it out before 2009. Yeah, it sucks, but in the end, it was all a matter of time, and also putting out a quality product. You'll hear some of that stuff eventually, so just wait. It's still coming...

But the good news is that Aces Down is for real. Yep, it's really looking good. We've done a couple jam sessions with a majority of the band, and I, for one, am very excited for what this collective effort can accomplish.

You'll be hearing about the remaining members of the band in detail during the next few postings. But now, it's time to announce the full line-up of Aces Down....

MC Larny: Rapping

Laura Sacchetti: Lead Guitar/Some Vocals

Chris Tobin: Drums

Brett Banik: Rhythm Guitar/Keyboards

Ari Shuris: Lead Harmonic Vocals/Acoustic Guitar

Victor Bebo: Bass

Niko Matses: Electric Percussion

We even got some jams together recently, and if you're on our Facebook page reading this, check out the music player on the side of the site. If you're checking this out on Myspace, then check out the music player on the main page.


That's all for this edition of the blog report. See you next time.

-MC Larny

Aces Down Profile: Laura

Name: Laura Sacchetti
What i do: Lead Guitar, some vocals/writing lyrics
Previous experience with bands: nothing that lasted
Active since: 2008
Influences: Alice in Chains, Jimi Hendrix, Tool, Metallica, Led Zeppelin

So about me... I'm Laura, just joined Aces Down, and its the s***. I have played the guitar since i was 12 (i stole my brother's guitar, which i fixed up and perform on today) and i am completely self-taught. I kalso play the piano, which i have been playing it since... well, ever since i could remember. I also attempt singing from time to time.

My style is bluesy-hard rock/metal. I tend to improve a lot of my solos because it just sounds better and more authentic. I like to play loud, and my neighbors surely hate me. ;) rock on.




-Laura

Aces Down

It's official. The live band is here.

Enter Aces Down.

Now that you know, it's time to take a crash course about each member of the band, one by one.

Starting with: MC Larny!

Name: MC Larny
What I Do: Vocals (Rapping), Beat Assembler
Previous Experience With Bands: Yes
Active since: 2003, officially in 2005
Influences: Public Enemy, Deftones, NIN, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, A Perfect Circle...

OK then, I'm MC Larny. I'm the guy who brought this band to life, though I really can't say it was all my work. I've been rapping for about 5 years now, since high school, made some CD's here and there. I've also produced all of my music myself too, and while I didn't have a clue what I was doing back when I started, I taught myself, drawing on my influences (too many to name) and my brief experience with musical instruments. As time went on, I got better, and defined a style of production, as well as a rhyming style too. I also learned how to put emotions into the music as well, also basing it off experiences from life as well.

In high school, I played with a few bands that my friends were in, and while none of them actually lasted as long as I wanted to (at best 1 show), they were very inspiring to me to actually make this happen, and put on a great live show. For a while now, I've been patientially waiting to do this, but just couldn't find the right people, and get it going. Finally, it seems that I've found the right people and they all have talent oozing from their pores.

All I know is, that this is exciting and I can't wait for December 27th, when we take the stage. Who know what can happen.....

-MC Larny

Stay tuned for more profiles of the band...

11.9.08 Update

Ok, this one will be quick but worth reading. The live band for the December 27th show has been set.

The official name of the band is coming soon. So keep your eyes on this space.

-MC Larny