Communication

Sorry to disappoint you gang, but I didn't go to a show this weekend.

I've been taking some time the last few months to make some changes in my life, and I've been noticing how important one thing really is: communication. Here's some tips I've learned for effective communication:

1. Say what you need to say. This can be difficult at times, especially if the conversation is about something unpleasant, but I'd rather be honest and speak the truth then feel like I have to lie or hold things in. I've found that can only make things worse. People respect honesty, and words that come from the heart. Don't let anyone intimidate you, either: I figure, if I can talk to rockstars, I can talk to anyone! After all, we're all human beings made of the same genetic material occupying the same planet. No one is any better or any worse than anyone else.

2. Follow up. This has beneficial to me when I've been looking for new jobs, and it has gotten me a few interviews. It keeps you in the interviewers' minds and lets them know that you take them seriously. Make sure to say "thank you" as well, especially after an interview, meeting or when someone has done something nice for you. People need to know that their efforts are appreciated.

3. Make time, not excuses. I know life is busy, but making a brief phone call or sending a text, even if it's just to say hello, takes just a few seconds. No matter if it's once an hour, once a week, once a month or once a year, taking a little time to say "hello" to a family member or friend might just be the highlight of their day!

4. Keep the communication lines open. This can be difficult when life is pulling you in more directions than a Stretch Armstrong toy, or when you're trying to talk to people who don't always respond or might not feel like talking at the time. Communication is so important in any relationship: romantic, family, friendships, classmates, coworkers, group affiliations, etc. All of these relationships require regular two-way communication to be successful.

5. Listen. This is a key component of any conversation. Picking up on a person's tone, inflection, the words they say and even the pauses between sentences can be very important. Devote the time that you're not speaking in a conversation to actively listening to what the other person says and how they say it, so that you can respond appropriately. Empathize and apologize when you need to.

Well, that's all I have for now - thank you for listening. Be back bloggin' at ya in February! Until then, have a great week, everyone!

You Know You're at a Flipp Show when...

1. You see four guys on stage dressed in crazy clothes.
2. These same guys are bouncing around on stage as soon as the music starts.
3. You find yourself fancying a lightning bolt-shaped guitar.
4. You see some familiar faces in a tiny bar.
5. You look down on the floor to find it covered in cereal.

I had all of these experiences and more last Saturday night at the Red Carpet Nightclub in downtown St. Cloud for the fourth Flipp reunion show. I ran into some old friends and spent some quality time with new friends who like a lot of the same bands that I do. Never a dull moment at a Flipp show! I was surprised when the band came out for the encore dressed in pajamas, but I've been to enough of their concerts to expect the unexpected, and to always have a great time.

Next show for me will be at O'Gara's in St. Paul to close out January. Until then, keep on rockin', folks!

Winter Metal Meltdown

This past Saturday, I attended my first rock show of 2017: an all-local heavy metal fest at the Amsterdam Bar in downtown St. Paul, MN. Even though there weren't a lot of people there on a frigid January evening, I still had a fun time with old and new friends.

After stopping by a local watering hole for a bite to eat, I parked a couple of blocks from the venue, and braved the sub-zero wind chill to find the corner bar. I got there in time to see the masked metalers Rooin play live for the first time in almost a year. The Slipknot and Mushroomhead influences were evident in both their songs and their stage outfits.

After a quick set change, it was time for me to see the Kings of Tyrus live for the first time. A little more melodic metal, I enjoyed their set and chatting with a few band members afterwards.

Soon, it was time for the return of local favorites Karma Sutra. Their thundering songs and stage antics kept the crowd huddled together near the front of the stage (although that could have also been for warmth on this cold night, too). I made a point to grab a set list afterwards and check out more of their music online later.

Finally, it was time for headliners Mithya to take the stage. It was good to see the St. Paul natives rock a stage in their home state for the first time in a while. I had fun enjoying their set from the front row, while avoiding the craziness of the mosh pit behind me and keeping a watchful eye on my friends. Everyone was safe and had fun, and I ended up buying a Mithya T-shirt after the show.

I didn't get to see all of the opening acts, but it was still good to get out in familiar surroundings with good people again - cabin fever was starting to set in with the chilly temperatures.

Next rock show will be my first time seeing glam rockers Flipp play at their old stomping grounds at the Red Carpet Nightclub in downtown St. Cloud, MN in almost 15 years. Until then, have a great week, everyone! Don't forget to get out and support your favorite local bands!