TYENCE!

It is finally time for a another edition of...

TYENCE!

That's right folks, TYENCE is back!  And boy do I have a treat for you.  This past week I had the grand, pleasurable, and educational experience of brewing beer.  I joined my brother Stephen and pseudo-bro Danny (the brewmasters) to concoct a batch of porter.  I call them brewmasters for these two fine young men brewed a batch of beer a few months ago that was simply divine.  Truly, the TiaTamara Ale (their aptly titled brew's name as it packed quite a punch and after just a few you might as well say, "See ya tomorrow...") was one of the best beers I have tasted in my life.  And I have tasted a few, possibly a few too many.

Now beer.  How DOES this tasty beverage make its way from an assortment of barley, hops, water, and whatnot into that iconic bottle and into your belly to make you feel all warm and toasty?  Well, FERMENTATION!  That is the key my friends: fermentation.  But you may know this already, fairly common knowledge I know, I'll speak more of this in Part II.  So, let us start with the ingredients:

GRAINS:
Pale Malt: 1.5-2 lbs., Crystal Malt: .5 lbs, Chocolate Malt: .5 lbs, Victory: .5 lbs, Roasted Barley: .5 lbs
HOPS:
Northern Brewer: 1 oz., Cascade: 2 oz, Fuggles: 1 oz

CONCENTRATED MALT (DME):

Traditional dark DME: 3 lbs., Light DME: 3 lbs.
ALSO: Muslin Bag x 2, Ale Yeast x 1

I'm not gonna lie.  I really did not have much to do with the whole process, I was more of an observer and moral supporter of the activity.  Stephen and Danny were the real heroes in getting this brew concocted.  Of course our dear friend and confidant Corey was around to motivate everyone with strange shot combinations.  (BTW gin and Mountain Dew is a BIG hit around here).

Now.  Keep in mind we were using an abbreviated process in which we add concentrated malt and completely avert the malting process of breaking down particular grains into the necessary sugars needed by the yeast in the fermentation process.  Anywho, these are the series of events that took place:

Our combo of water, hops and malt boiling away

About 2.5 gallons of water was heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  At this point the grains were added with the use of the muslin bags.  The two muslin bags are filled with the different types of grains and placed in the water just like tea bags.  These grains are allowed to soak for approximately 30 minutes.  After the muslin bags are removed, the heat is cranked and the concentrated malt is added.  While the malt is added, the liquid must be stirred constantly so as not to let any of the malt reach the bottom of the pot and burn.  At this point, the Northern Brewer hops are added when the liquid reaches a boil and we let it sit for another 30 minutes.  After 30, the Fuggles hops are added and after another 30 minutes we add the Cascade hops.  After a final 30 minutes the pot can be removed from the heat and it must be cooled as quickly as possible.  At this point we add cold water to reach our 5 gallon goal.  Finally, when the concoction has cooled to 80 degrees Fahrenheit we can add the yeast.

My bro Stephen throwing up props to our super yeast
that looks like it is from space

Now all we have to do is wait about two months and VOILA!  Our Mama's Porter (as the recipe calls it) is complete.  I know, it is a bit anti climactic and as Tom Petty says, "The wayee-ay-ting is the hardest part....".  But I believe our patience will ultimately be gratified with a wonderfully tasty beverage.  So, cheers to beer and let's hope it turns out fantastic!

To be continued....

Ty

Our trusty alcoholometer, a type of hydrometer
A reading is taken before and after fermentation,
the difference is an estimation of the alcohol content

Sweet dreams baby beer, I'll be dreaming of you
See you in a couple of months

Movie of The Month

Welcome to my latest monthly addition to 28 North Speaks: Movie of The Month!

For this inaugural installment, I have chosen the 1993 classic Airborne starring Shane McDermott, Brittney Powell, a young Seth Green, and a remarkable breakout role from Jack Black.  Now, if you have seen this flick or go out and view it immediately upon reading this blog post, you may ask the question: Ty, is this a fucking joke??!!  And the answer would inevitably be... yes.  Then again the answer would also be, no.  Truth is this: I.  Love.  This.  Movie.

It takes place in Ohio (fuck yah!), albeit Cincinnatti, involves a surfer dude from San Diego (Shane McDermott) who is temporarily transplanted to the midwest to live with his cousin (Seth Green), and revolves heavily around roller blading.  That is correct.  Roller blading.  Not inline skating.  This was '93, we called it roller blading back then.  At least I did. 

For those of you that are unfortunately unaware, the '90's were the peak of human civilization.  This has a lot to do with the quality of the cinema in those days.  I mean, Jurassic Park (also released in '93), Dumb & Dumber, Land Before Time II... tell me those titles don't cry: This is the best it gets!

Yes, this is all meant to be taken with a grain of salt and a chuckle, but I do encourage those that have not seen this quality film to run out and experience it for themselves.  Thank me later.  Or curse me, just watch the movie.

In other news,  we are only two days away from New Year's Eve and our big show at The Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh!  We are so excited to be rocking into 2013 with such glorious performers as The Poogie Bell Band, The Old E Allstars, and The Bridge City Bombshells.  Some tickets still remain and they are only $7!!!!  So grab them while you can, hope to see you there!!

Tickets/info

FACEBOOK event

Ty

Album of The Month

I know.  Where was the album of the month for the previous like three months.  I'm sorry, I've been slacking.  Nevertheless, I am committed to this cause.  For we all need music to inspire us.  Especially when we spend endless hours per day crafting our own songs.  It is only natural to fuel one's mojo with outside sources.  Music being an obvious culprit and of utmost necessity.

Personally, I have been binging on one of my favorite groups of today: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.  This band, native to San Francisco and now based in Los Angeles, is a bit of an "indie-rock" favorite at this point in their career.  I confess I have not seen them live as of yet, but I hear from first hand sources that they an authentic brand of epic.  B.R.M.C. is now in support of their sixth full length album, Beat The Devil's Tattoo, which I am featuring in this post, with a seventh to be released next year.

B.R.M.C.'s sixth record, Beat The Devil's Tattoo, keeps to their previous standard as a journey through luscious lo-fi soundscapes that are fortified by beautiful, traditional songwriting accompanied by melodies that could soothe a lion.  Amidst the droning traditional blues riffs, the stomping thunderous drums, and the quiet serenity of intimate acoustic numbers are the concepts of temptation and redemption, struggle and victory.  It seems as though B.R.M.C. draws from the dregs of both the good and bad in life to concoct a remedy to your anxiety.  You can bang your head and pound your fists to this record as well as lose yourself in a meditative trance.

Please listen to this record and all other B.R.M.C. releases.

Ty

Puzzles! And New Year's Eve in Pittsburgh!!

Apologies for the crappy picture

That's right!  I'm into puzzles!  Possibly you have figured this out already dear reader.

I am very proud of my most recent accomplishment, Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night.  This one was hard.  Really hard.  It is 1,000 pieces, the fourth installment of a puzzle this size for me and by far the most difficult so far.

28 North Puzzle Arsenal

At this point I have completed, with help of course, seven puzzles total.  Four 1,000 piece puzzles as I mentioned before, and three 500+ jobbers.

Now, I know what you are thinking.  You dorky fucking hipster, you think you are so quaint by entertaining yourself with an archaic form of hobby, why don't you do something more productive with your time?!  Fuck off I say to that.  I find the concentration and meditative qualities of doing a puzzle to be very stimulating.  And I am going to keep to puzzles.



Our next puzzle adventure is a very special puzzle indeed.  One of our biggest fans and friend Megan gave us a glorious gift indeed in the 28 North puzzle she bestowed upon us.  I could not have asked for a more appropriate present.

Next puzzle, Thanks Megan!

And on the suggestion of Taylor, no less, we will be looking into getting a second puzzle table going.  Yes, indeed.  There may be even more ludicrous puzzle behavior in store for the 28 North gang.  I'll keep you posted.

Also, we at 28 North are honored and supremely excited to be playing in Pittsburgh this New Year's Eve at The Rex Theatre!  We will be joined by the legendary Poogie Bell Band, the mega funky Old E Allstars, and there will also be sexy dancing by The Bridge City Bombshells!  This is a New Year's celebration not to be missed.  There will be free champagne at midnight and tickets are only 7$!!  So come join us ring in 2013 (it's 2012 right?) in roaring 28 North fashion, nestled in the bosom of the city that spawned this rock 'n roll outfit.  Can't wait!

Get you tickets early!!!

Tickets/info

Facebook event



P.S.  A quick BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT to my sister Claire and belated birthday shoutout to my dad. Happy Birthday!  Love you guys!

Ty

The Comedy Store

This last weekend we went to The Comedy Store and had the privilege of seeing some fine stand up comedians.  It was a first time for me in the Main Room; it's a great place The Comedy Store, dark and...well it's dark.  Literally, figuratively, that whole thing.  And I like that.

So we got to see some excellent, top of the game comedy including comedians such as Argus Hamilton, Sarah Tiana, Steve Trevino, and Benji Aflalo.

Also got introduced to the comedy of Dov Davidoff that night, he was hilarious.  Extremely quick, witty, and off the cuff.  Now, at a point in his set he asked the crowd what was new, anything interesting going on.  The short silence resulting from no one in the audience desiring to be the object of attention was pierced by Mike proclaiming, "My dog died."  So.  Where does it go from there?  I find the general situation pretty hilarious to begin with, but I'm sure that is not the topic a comedian would necessarily hope to provide comedic banter for.  Of course Davidoff handled it like a pro and said something equally funny and heart felt by asking what the dogs name was and following the answer of, "Joey," with, "I feel like I knew him..."  Which I thought was very funny.  Sorry if that threw you Dov, you killed it.  Dov Davidoff has a FREE podcast you can find here: ROAD DOG PODCAST on iTunes.

And of course the following comedian Marc Maron, a comedian I had not seen yet was most excited to see, came out demanding, "Where's the dude that said my dog died?!" and proceeded to comment on the ridiculousness of the concept of yelling something morbid at a comedian to make jokes about.  But it went no further than that and Maron proceeded to kill as well.  I have never seen a comedian before that can make you laugh and surprise you with incredible insight like he does.  Almost as if he is providing humor that rationalizes one's own discomforts and insecurities.  Maybe that's just simply what comedy is all about.  And maybe I'm just a rambling bonehead...  So by the by, I am a huge fan of Maron, regularly listen to his podcast WTF, and urge you all to sample it as well.  You can subscribe for FREE on iTunes.  In case you haven't noticed podcasts are mostly free guys, and if you're a digital hoarder like me you will be all over this shit.

Other highlights include Bobby Lee.  That dude is bouncing off the walls hilarious.  Mike and Taylor got to meet him outside after the show as well and got a great pic:

Also got to see Chris D'elia for the third time and he is fantastic, very naturally funny, guaranteed big laughs.

So, if you like comedy, check these people out, go to The Comedy Store (or the corresponding, quintessential comedy club in your city) , good stuff.

Til the next

Ty

A Quick 28 North Rundown

As we all gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday, we at 28 North are very excited about the awesome noise we have been making in the studio.  We have just completed the drum tracks for the four new songs we are adding to our record.  I personally had a wonderful time tracking as I always do.  Recording drums is one activity, for me, that combines the extreme focus that accompanies hard work and the true pleasure of performing a task that you love at your core and for which one possesses sufficient skill (hopefully).

Anyway, as we take a short break for the holiday I thought it would be apropos to step back and paint you guys a brief linguistic portrait of what and who 28 North are at this stage.  It has been quite a few years since Michael Lindner and myself began playing the obvious classic rock and Phish covers along with a couple poorly written originals at the Grey Goose (called something else now) in Aspinwall (Pittsburgh).  A handful of players have come and gone over the years, we have played countless shows across the country (and once in Canada!), we have recorded four full length albums, and we have had a HELL of a good time doing it.  Not that it was always easy of course.

So...28 North.

Michael Lindner - Lead singer.  Song writer.  Killer guitar player.  Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, this fun loving guy has a voice that can explode and soothe equally at the same time.  When it comes to dedication, "Lenner" (Pittsburgheese) is a shining example.  Even if being in a band brought promises of sleeping on floors and scrounging for change all of your life, Mike would still be rocking away on stage.

Taylor Netzler - This genuinely nice guy happens to be a shredding guitar wiz.  He can melt faces at the drop of a dime and then make you feel like a million bucks with his silly banter.  28 North has been truly blessed to have Taylor join the group nearly two years ago.  Growing up in Cleveland, OH, Netzler has rock 'n roll in his blood and is basically a guitar legend at the young age of 13.  (Just kidding, though he does make me feel old, ugh.)

Dom Liberati - 28 North's most recent addition.  When you need a tough guy on your side and one who is also beyond polite AND can play a mean bass, look no further than Dom Liberati.  Dom's thunderous bass lines and deft precision have brought a smooth, powerful, and modern approach to the sub-frequencies of our catalog.  Again we are blessed to have such an inspiring and gifted band member to add to 28 North's sound.

Tyler Bond -  That would be yours truly.  Not much going on upstairs here.....,

...except THIS!

That's right folks.  I finished another thousand-piecer!  The one on the left is my recent masterpiece and the one to the right is the 500-piecer I mentioned previously.  So yes, I'm still into puzzles and I have another 1,000 piece puzzle lined up.  

More to come soon.

Ty

Studio Time, Fall Shows, and Jigsaw Puzzles!

That is right folks, we are working our little behinds off in the studio these last few weeks.  It has been an absolute pleasure to work with producer/engineer Gavin MacKillop (Toad The Wet Sprocket, Goo Goo Dolls, Sugarcult).  We know that our record will be a contemporary rock masterpiece when finished and we are more than excited about how it is shaping up.

Along with putting some polish on seven songs we tracked earlier this year we are going to be tracking four brand new songs next week.  With 2012 being a year full of hidden turns, waves of new experience,  and unexpected insight for 28 North, it surely has culminated in some nifty creative juices that have spawned what we believe to be our strongest works yet.  So...we are totally PUMPED about this record!

In other news we've got shows this month of November in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Los Angeles.

On Saturday November 24th we will be at The Thunderbird Cafe in Pittsburgh, PA 9:30 PM

On Sunday November 25th we will be at Brothers Lounge in Cleveland, OH 8 PM

On Friday November 30th we will be at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, CA 7:30 PM

Oh, and I'm super into puzzles these days.  Taylor, Mike, and I just finished up a "1,000-piecer" last week and I completed a 500 piece jobber with border assistance from Mike.  I'm currently working on another 1,000 piece, I'll keep you updated.

The "1,000-piecer". Titanic theme. No big deal.

Peace

tY