Final Track List For Draw

Quality over quantity. I never understood what that truly meant until last week. If you haven't heard, my time in the studio was dedicated to changing things for the better. The songs I have written over the past year have been reworked. Not only does Draw sound like a cohesive work, but I can now sing them without running the risk of damaging my voice. 

Don't worry, I'm still a tenor. I'm just not a twelve year old tenor.

Ok. Super serious preface done. Time to get ridiculously excited. Ready??

LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND ROCKSTARS!! THE FINAL TRACK LIST FOR MY NEW ALBUM, DRAW!!

1. It Ends Tonight

2. October

3. Hallway Lights

4. A Kiss Is A Kiss

5. The Diamond King

6. Bishop Road

7. Distance

8. Everybody's Hero

9. Under Your Shadow

Stay tuned for news on a new release date in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I'll let you mull over the titles for a while. 

Lessthanthree,

Doug

Draw Is Still Happening

What a year it has been. Corporate peon by day, aspiring musician by night. Feels like I've been doing a lot of juggling. That being said, I think I owe you guys an update.

Some of you have heard the new stuff, some of you haven't. Either way, you are dying to hear new music from me. I'm dying to give it to you. So given everything that has gone on in my life as well as this recording process, I have come to a decision. I'm going against the grain.

It's a formula that musicians have been using since forever ago:

Release single -> Release Album -> Release two more singles -> Go on tour

Or as 2014 would say:

Release single -> Release Album -> Release five more singles -> Get in trouble -> TMZ

While I appreciate routines that work, not everybody is a spoon-fed teen sensation from Canada. For that reason among others, I will be officially releasing the completed, finished album as a whole with a new release date to be determined. Why keep you in suspense any longer? You all have been patient long enough. The least I can do is give you the whole thing as soon as it's complete.

Until then, be on the lookout for some acoustic YouTube exclusives at youtube.com/november7video and trend the hell out of #Draw2014 if you're on Twitter!

Lessthanthree,
Doug

PS: "But Doug, doesn't an acoustic YouTube exclusive count as a single???" Like I said....you've waited long enough. ;)

"Press Release"

It began as a game. Twenty-four index cards with twenty-four things that I felt I could write about and wanted to write about. Day after day, I drew from the deck and a new set of lyrics would hit the paper of a small brown notebook that my mother gave me. For the first time, every single song came out effortlessly.

After a while, I broke the rules I had made for myself. I was no longer waiting until a song was done before moving onto the next. I just got back to what I did best; telling stories and making music. It then became twenty-four index cards, a demo, and a black notebook of unfinished ideas.

One of the many definitions of the word 'draw' is to take from a source. I have been using the cards, demo, and notebook as my sources to create something that felt complete. A drawing if you will. This is where I got the name for the album. With that, I am pleased to reveal to you today, the cover art for my upcoming full length album, Draw.

I took this picture one day from my parents bedroom. By pure luck the sunlight hit through the curtains just right to create the effect showing here. After posting it on Instagram, my friend Jeremy said the most interesting thing.

"This should be the album cover."

Before that moment, I must have had ten million cliche ideas about what the cover art should look like. One of them was very Yu-Gi-Oh-esque. I'm a nerd like that. 

Looking at this, however, I was starting to think that he was right. This picture may have had nothing to do with the album's title, but just like the songs I have created, the picture was effortless. I wasn't thinking about anything or trying to get the right shot. No rules or restrictions. Just me staring into space for less than three seconds. The font you see in my handwriting, written by my finger via picture app.

That's right friends. While most musicians spend tens of thousands of dollars on photo shoots, I made this on my iPhone.

My house will soon transform into a recording studio. All the tools I need to make this record are at my finger tips. I can't promise the best album ever, but I can promise this. This is the best music I've written so far. Creating this work has made me the happiest I've been in a long time. I can only hope that you will enjoy it too. 

Lessthanthree,

Doug

PS: Be on the look out for the album's first single and opening track, "It Ends Tonight".

Draw - Rules Ammendment #2

We are almost two months into the game guys! Everything is going verrrry well! I can't wait for all of you to hear the new stuff! This update, while short, is super important!

In accordance with the definition of the word "draw", the new rule is as follows. In addition to the topics of the Draw deck, any and all past creations or ideas conceived prior to June 2012 are allowed to be used for the upcoming album if and only if they can be reinvented in such a way that makes them complete.

For example, any or all songs from the Black And White EP are fair game.

Resume play!

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Draw - Rules Ammendment #1

Everyone enjoying Draw? I know I am. The first two cards proved to be quite the challenge. Funny thing about games, however, is that rules can be bent broken and/or changed. I realized that while I made a game that would stretch my imagination and writing ability, it really didn't have any reward or consequence involved in the duration. For that reason, I have added some new rules to the game.

All selections will come from the Draw deck from this point forward. As a reminder, when I select from the Draw deck, I must write about the topic on the card until an original song is completed. After the fourth original song is completed, I may select a song of my choice to perform from the Cover deck. As always, I will not be able to draw again until the cover has been posted online.

Once a card from the Draw deck has been selected, I am not allowed to pass it, get rid of it, or trade it for a new card. If I choose to do so, I am subject to an obligatory two hours of piano practice. These practices will consist of playing major and minor scales in every key as well as learning block and arpeggiated chords. In Layman's terms, I'm allowed to pass....at my own risk.

That should shake things up a bit! Resume play!

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Let The Game Begin

Draw - to sketch (someone or something) in lines or words, to take or be dealt (a card or cards) from the pack, to derive or use, as from a source.

Hard to believe that it's been almost a year since Black And White. I remember going to SubCat Studios and chugging down lemon water because my throat wasn't cooperating. Then again, it probably wasn't the greatest idea to enter the studio two days removed from being sick.

Since that time, I've tried to stay musically active. Playing my guitar and singing every chance I get. Learning to play songs I used to listen to as a kid (I may or may not have learned the Ducktales theme song). I confess, however, that I was frustrated. I couldn't come up with any new songs to write and when I did, they were nowhere near as good as the songs from Black And White. So for the last little while I've been trying to find a way to remedy my writer's block while at the same time making the creating process fun. 

Then it hit me! If music is what I love, and music is what I love, why not turn it into a game?!


Ladies and Gents! I give you....Draw! Here are the rules (or lack thereof)!

I have created two decks of index cards; one labeled "Draw" and one labeled "Cover". The "Draw" deck contains subjects that I would like to write about while the "Cover" deck contains songs that I would like to...well...cover. The deck that I draw from will be determined by dice roll. If the "Draw" deck is selected, I will proceed to write about the topic that is on the card. Only when the song is complete will I be allowed to draw from the decks again. If the "Cover" deck is selected, my assignment will be to cover the song written on the card. I may arrange it anyway I choose but I will not be allowed to draw again until the cover is complete AND uploaded onto the internet via soundcloud.

Sounds easy right? Here's the catch. I have no passes, no skips, and no do overs. I must do what the card says, no matter what.

Now I know what you're thinking. How long does a game like this last? 20 turns? 200 turns? Wrong! This game is going to last for a whole year starting tomorrow. I repeat. One. Whole. Year. At the end of that year, the best creations from the "Draw" deck will be produced, mixed and put on an album. The release date may or may not be revealed at the bottom of this blog (HINT HINT).

This game will test me in every possible way I can be tested. And I am so ready for it. Not only do I feel I will create the best music I have ever done but I will be happy doing what I love. That to me is what most important.

One year. Two decks of cards. Endless possibilities. Starting tomorrow, everything changes. Let the game begin.

Lessthanthree,
Doug

PS: Here's the [low budget] teaser! Start trending!

A Very Special #FF

What I'm about to post here won't fit on twitter. Plus I'm too lazy to sign up for twittlonger. For this #FF shout out, here are a few musicians that you NEED to listen to!

Adam Lee - One of my closest twitter friends and in my opinion, one of the best guitarists in the world today. Did I mention he's a huge Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston fan?

Twitter - @AdamLeeGuitar

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/adamleeguitarist

Lisa Somers - Like myself, she also plays originals and covers on YouTube. Also one of my best buddies from Ireland. Show some love for her new original song, "Everything (I Will)"!!

Twitter - @littlelisaabear

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/LisasMoosic

Gavrielle - The reason I got the bravery to turn on my video camera and play music in front of you. Such a beautiful voice and amazing songwriting. Everyone needs to know her name!

Twitter - @gavrielle

Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/gavrielle 

Madilyn Bailey - This artist never disappoints. Her voice makes every song sound absolutely amazing. I strongly recommend the Bad Habit EP!

Twitter - @MadilynBailey

Website - madilynbailey.com

Peter Hollens - It's one thing to perform acapella. It takes great skill to do it solo. This man, I believe, is one of the best guys doing multitrack acapella today. Just listen to everything and you'll be blown away!

Twitter - @PeterHollens

YouTube - youtube.com/peterhollens

Kait Weston - Perhaps I have a soft spot because she's from Upstate New York, but damn it this girl can sing. Her new single, "Last Dance", is absolutely amazing. You're gonna go download it on iTunes right? OF COURSE YOU ARE!

Twitter - @KaitWeston

YouTube - youtube.com/kaitwestonmusic

McKenna Loren - Recently nominated by the Artists in Music Awards for Best Country Artist. For good reason too! She is truly an amazing talent! Check out the new single, "It's Been So Long".

Twitter - @McKennaLoren
Website - mckennaloren.com

If you wanna hear some awesome, talented people, go show some love to these musicians. All of them are rockstars!

Lessthanthree,

Doug

A Dog Chasing Cars

When I auditioned for The Voice, I read the rules from cover to cover two days before the audition. A word was being used in the reading and the audition itself. That word was "identity". It doesn't matter how talented or decorated you are as an artist. You need to present yourself in a way that defines you. One of my mistakes at the audition is that I didn't quite understand what my musical identity was. For that reason, I have been spending the last little while searching for it. Tonight, I have come to an answer.

It's not "who am I as a musician?" It's "who am I as a person?

Heath Ledger said it best. "I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. I just do things." I'm not just a musician. There are so many things I'm into. So many things I'm good at. Musician, gamer, writer, movie buff, Sherlockian, hotel representative, brother, son, and more importantly friend. And I do all of this while following my own beliefs and values. Not once in the past five years have I followed anyone's rules but my own. A free spirit if you will. All the qualities of a rockstar.

Normally, one would associate that term with a famous person. More specifically, a musically gifted, famous person. I say that there's no need to be famous. One who lives for the moment and can find happiness doing so could easily be considered one. Therefore, as of this writing, I no longer consider myself just a musician. I am a guy who lives by his own code and listens to his own advice. A guy who favors music but still tinkers in everything that he wants to get his hands on. Above all, I don't need to be famous. I'm just....me.

A not so well known rockstar making his way in the world.

Lessthanthree,
Doug

I Am [Not] The Voice

I've been telling people that New York was an adventure. In all fairness, that's an understatement. Auditioning for network television is overwhelming. At one point I felt like I was being processed for the Hunger Games. 

ID checks. Bag checks. Metal detectors. Contracts. Follow the people in the red shirts. Make sure you use the bathroom before you get called up. And that was the first five minutes of me arriving.

To be honest, I was a lot less scared than I should have been. Even with all of the other applicants singing their hearts out in the waiting room. And trust me, THESE GUYS WERE GREAT! Even the best of them, however, were not selected to advance. There was actually a guy in my group, who after hearing us sing before him, decided to back out. Dad believes he was fed up with the process. I'm more willing to believe our talents combined shook him (which boosted my already inflated ego).

As I said to most of you already, it was the best no I've ever heard. The producer was a cool guy who really knew his stuff and unlike most judges for these shows, he was very encouraging. Would I go back next year and do it again? In a heartbeat.

I did realize two things after being dismissed. For one, I'm alright with being the "indie guy". It allows me to make music at my own pace and let's me develop an identity. If the journey is anything like this past weekend, I'm stoked for where I may go. 

The other thing I realized is maybe the most important thing. I don't have millions of YouTube views and my name isn't in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons. If you can read this, however, I have you. You guys sent me soooooo much love on Saturday. I can't and never will be able to thank you enough for all of your kind words. From here on in, I don't care if I get famous. As long as I have you, I'm the luckiest dude on the planet. A million times, thank you!!

Lessthanthree,

Doug

I Am The Voice?

My audition is Saturday. Counting my call back pieces, I have five songs prepared for it. How am I feeling?

That's the damndest thing really. I don't know know how to feel. You hear about it all the time. People auditioning/in these reality shows. Some are nervous. Some cry. Some have a flat out panic attack. Actually, if I heard right, 50% of them will lose their shit come their audition.

Me? I'm looking at this through different eyes than everyone else is. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. On one hand, I impress the producers enough to go on TV. By doing so I not only gain thousands of fans, but I, for better or worse, will be critiqued by four of the best performers in the country, if not the world. On the other, I don't impress them and I go home to Liverpool, New York. If the latter becomes the case, I will not, under any circumstances, be sad about it. Why? Because I got brave.

It takes true bravery as a musician to put yourself out there in front of the masses, be it fifty or fifty thousand people. This Saturday, I am auditioning for the opportunity to show the world the true talent I have. Whether I make it or not, I will have a confidence that I've never had before. The confidence to stand in front of people and be myself for once and sing my heart out.

I can't promise I'll make it. And if I do, I can't promise I'll win the whole thing. Here's what I can promise. I will be brave. I will do my best. I will make you all proud. And win or lose, I will return to Liverpool, New York a better, more confident musician.

Besides, I've never been to NYC. This audition's a good excuse to go on vacation.

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Two Zero One Three

Happy New Year, my gentle snowflakes! Let's have a chat!

2012 was interesting. It wasn't bad by any means. Just interesting. I accomplished a lot more than I thought I was going to. The biggest of which was my EP. Click here if you haven't yet ---> soundcloud.com/dmasonmusic

Gotta love shameless plugs!!

For the most part, however, 2012 was a learning experience. At least the latter part was. For those of you who don't know, around Thanksgiving-ish I started to feel a bit off health wise. I won't get into too many details but let's just say two rounds of antibiotics, four panic attacks, and seven doctor visits later, I'm good as new. During this not so fun experience I learned two things.

1. According to WebMD, the only reason I wasn't legally dead is because I was still eating solid food. DO NOT LOOK UP YOUR SYMPTOMS ON WEBMD!!

2. I am not invincible.

The second lesson is probably the most important one. Twenty six years on this earth and I always believed that I was untouchable. Not just health wise but with everything. Even my music. I had this thought in the back of my head of instant fame, thousands of hits, and standing ovations at all of my shows without fail. The truth is, none of these things are given. They are earned.

So instead of starting 2013 with making all of these resolutions I'll never be able to keep, I'm going to make two promises that I can keep.

1. I'm going to take better care of myself. The internet is not my doctor.

2. Be it The Voice, extra practices, or just plain traveling the world and playing anywhere that will give me a microphone, I will earn my place in the music world.

This is going to be a great year. Five days in and I know that much for sure. The best part? I'm starting off as a new man. Let the fun begin!

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Do I Have Everybody's Attention Now?

Why did I choose music?

I haven't gotten that question lately. It is, however, one that has been running through my head. Is it fame? Fortune? The hope I may star in an Old Navy commercial fifteen years after my prime? No. None of those reasons. I chose this, because I love it.

It goes back to that day in Utica. I was playing guitar with Ryan's band and I was in the spotlight for at least two minutes. In those two minutes, I felt the greatest rush that anyone could possibly feel. Playing music for people and getting a reaction. That's what I love. That's what I live for.

Which brings me to my announcement tonight. I want to feel that rush again. I want to feel it on a grand scale. More importantly, I want to make a career doing it. To do so, I need to get some exposure. So for that reason, I am happy to announce the following.

On Saturday, February 16th, 2013 at 2:00pm EST, I will be auditioning for the upcoming season of NBC's The Voice!

I'm tired of being the musician who writes in his bedroom, goes out and plays for twenty people, comes home, rinse and repeat. I want be heard. I want the world to hear my voice. I want to have a room full of people sing my songs back to me. The only way I can get there is through this opportunity.

These open mic nights? Rehersal. The real fun comes in February. What do I have to lose right? If I do awesome, the world gets to hear my voice. Mission accomplished. If I don't, I keep trying. Not like they have an age limit. Right, Idol??

The road to The Voice begins tonight! Who wants to come with??

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Let October Come

What a crazy summer. That's the best way I can possibly describe it. Let's get the important stuff out of the way first.

If I take nothing away from the last few months, one thing will be certain. I will always be surrounded by people who care. If you're reading this now, odds are you're one of those people. For those who don't know, I was on the verge of leaving music, making about 6 years of school completely meaningless. The reason I decided to keep going, was all of you. You told me not to quit. Which means that you believe I'm pretty good at this whole singing thing. From here on in, the only way I'm going to give this up is if you say so.

Now here's the plan for the future.

It's time to promote my Black And White EP. The only way I'm going to do that is go out and play. If pulled some strings so I'll at least be able to go to open mic nights. More than likely I'll be at Red House Cafe and Funk N' Waffles. Either way, I start spreading the word in October. Hopefully, this leads to me getting on some local shows.

Speaking of EPs, after a bit of thought and writing, I do have another EP on the way. I'll begin fine tuning in within the next few months. Once I get some more money, I'm back to the studio again. I can't give away the name or anything yet. Let's just say that creating this round of songs was a scary process.

Finally, I think everyone will agree that I haven't done a YouTube video in a long fucking time. It's time to get back to what I do best. Here's what I had in mind.

"Stay Awhile" by Ryan Star
"It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette
"Snuff" by Slipknot
"Daniel" by Elton John
"Hero" by Foo Fighters
"Lightning Crashes" by Live

If you would like to add to the list, let me know what you want to hear.

You guys don't want me to quit. So I won't quit. I can't. This is what I love. Let October come...

Lessthanthree,
Doug

PS: I've been staring at this web page for months now. Your thoughts? http://www.nbcthevoice.com/how-to-audition/audition-process.php

Three More Days

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an actor who's work has been known for many years. From 3rd Rock from the Sun to his mysterious role in The Dark Knight Rises, the man knows how to entertain his audience. What I didn't know until recently, however, is he has other talents beyond acting. A few months back, I was looking at cover songs as I usually do on YouTube when I came across a little gem. It was Joseph Gordon-Levett holding an electric guitar and performing a cover of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". All things considered, it was a solid performance. While he isn't the best singer ever, he was comfortable and confident. The fact he was able to make a crowd happy with just his voice and an instrument is a true accomplishment. And then it hit me.

That's what I want to do.

Someone once told me that "nothing is ever in black and white". Contrary to her words, the stories I tell in my songs are about as black and white as you can get. They are simple, true, and from the heart. With that being said, I went into the recording studio and performed each one with just my voice and guitar. It was the most comfortable and honest I've ever felt as a musician and I'm finally ready to share it with you. Some musicians make you wait weeks or months. If you're Guns N' Roses, it takes twenty years and a free Dr. Pepper. According to my poster reveal tonight, you only need to wait three more days.

The link for SoundCloud will be posted on the 15th. The first four songs will be available for free download while the bonus tracks will be stream only. Here's the track list!

October
Hallway Lights
Distance
Everybody's Hero
To The Moon And Back (Bonus Track)
Just Close Your Eyes/Metalingus (Bonus Track)

Whether you are loyal to Twitter or Facebook, the wait is almost over. I'm proud of what I have made and am happy to share it with the rest of you. In 3 days, click the link to SoundCloud, download the EP, and spread the word. The more people that listen, the more awesome this experience will be.

Special thanks goes to SubCat Studios for helping me make this record and the lovely Karina Lenartowicz (aka Ms. Nigel Barker) for making the poster.

July 15th! Black And White EP! Who's ready for it?!

Lessthanthree,
Doug

PS: Stay tuned for updates on my Facebook and YouTube pages. Change is ALWAYS for the better after all.

Final Thoughts

I'm not sure if I can quite describe how I feel right now.

Anxious. Nervous. Excited. Uncertain. Happy. Scared. Hopeful.

None of those words seem to do any justice. In a few hours, I will enter a recording studio for ten hours with my voice and my electric guitar. The final product will be my four song demo. Simple, honest, and from the heart. All I can think of now is the people that helped me to get to this point. I'd like to take this time to thank them.

Mark Chatwin - For almost fifteen years, you helped me find confidence as a singer and performer. You never gave up on me, even on days where I had no faith in myself. I've come so far because of you and I can't wait for you to hear what I've created.

Mrs. Linda Nolan - I think that one line in Prometheus says it best. "Big things have small beginnings." Mark Chatwin would never have been brought to my attention if it weren't for you. You truly were the start of my musical journey and for that, I thank you.

Professors Jean Loftus and Todd Graber - The two of you taught me a very important lesson. I can't make it in music on talent alone. It take technique, hard work, dedication, practice, and a clear understanding of the material one is given. Both of you helped me to perfect my craft. I keep the lessons you've taught me in mind to this very day.

Ryan Star - The year was 2002. Your band was called Stage. The night I saw you climb to the top of that amplifier was the night I decided a musician is what I wanted to be. Between that, your advice, and your songs, I can truly say that you have inspired me to take a chance and try to make this dream real.

Lauren Saliba - I doubt you'll read this but it needs to be said. Believe it or not, I want to say thank you. Despite the negativity between you and I, you have actually made quite a positive impact on this musician. Had I never met you, I would have nothing to write about. Thank you for giving me songs to write.

Last, but certainly not least....

Mom, Dad, Greg, and Karina - The four of you have stood by my side through everything. You seen me at my best and my worst and never left my side regardless. The only thing I can do in return is promise all of you that I will make you proud of me. I love you all!

I am ready now. Wish me luck.

I wanna be Supeman
A god in a crimson cape
Not one whose fortune's come too late
I wanna be everybody's hero
Starting with myself


Lessthanthree,
Doug

Who Is Jason Lane?

For those who don't know, I have been a Superman fanatic for as long as I can remember. My best memory from my childhood was watching the 1978 Richard Donner movie. From that moment on, I believed I was Superman. Mom even made me my own cape. Wore that around the house all the time.

Today, that movie has new meaning for me. Richard Donner's Superman is arguably the best origin story ever told. It's sequel was also a great continuation of the saga. Years later, Bryan Singer would continue the tale with Superman Returns. Contrary to popular opinion, I believe that movie is one of the best comic book movies ever made. Not the best, but it sure wasn't as terrible as people say. Which brings us to the question that has been asked on twitter for some time.

Who is Jason Lane?

The answer to this question was supposed to be answered in the form of a sequel to Superman Returns. Since, however, Warner Bros. were more interested in profits instead of depth in their stories, it never came to light. That ends today. The story I share was you continues the story that Bryan Singer started while at the same time paying homage to elements of Superman's vast universe. I'm no novelist, I don't work for DC Comics, and this story will probably never see the light of day aside from anyone reading this right now. To not share this with you, however, is to leave a great story incomplete.

So without further delay, this is the first entry in my continuation of the Richard Donner saga.

THE NEXT SUPERMAN

Episode 1 - Memory Lane

Lessthanthree,

Doug

54 Days

You've been very patient. I know that I have. Five years of patience to be exact. Mark this date.

On June 18th 2012, I will lock myself into SubCat Studios for ten hours and make my first EP. Just so you guys aren't completely in suspense. Here's the track list. These songs can be found on my YouTube page.

Everybody's Hero
October
Hallway Lights
Distance

Let the countdown begin. 54 days....

Lessthanthree,
Doug

I Don't Have A Harmonica

I want to rant tonight. Sometimes you just need to. Keep in mind that while what I'm about to say may not apply to all of you, I want everybody to listen carefully because obviously this doesn't sink in.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am not the best musician in the world. I don't have the guitar skills of Hendrix, I'm not as deep as Cobain, I don't play piano like Mozart, and I sure don't have the voice of Josh Groban (even though I really, really want it). I would like to believe, however, that God gave me an amazing gift that is my voice and with this voice I have set out to become the most REAL musician in the world.

For the record, I, like other "popular" musicians out there, tend to use a four chord formula. The difference between me and everyone else? I'd like to believe I tell a damn good story with those four chords. Speaking of stories, there isn't a lyric that I have written that wasn't true. They are real stories from the heart and put onto paper. For this reason, I don't write a song every thirty seconds. I write when I feel inspired. Sometimes I'll manage three songs in a night. Most of the time it'll take me six  months before I get inspired again. Speaking of time, it's something that NONE OF US have anymore. So in case you're wondering why I don't play five shows a week or have out anything resembling a recording, it's because I have a job that just so happens to be at night. I use this job to pay bills. Sometimes it tires me the hell out. So on days off, I tend to do things other than record, write, or play music. Example: Realaxing. Doesn't mean I'm not passionate, it just means I need a break from everything.

All of those things are not only what make me as a person but they also make me as a musician. I knew that there would be people who get it and people who didn't. And while I appreciate the love from my supporters (you know who you are), I can't help but feel that there is a handful of people that have said or do say that they enjoy what I do but really don't.

Is it cause I don't have charisma? Is it cause I don't have a death metal scream? Perhaps I'm too emo? Are my lyrics not deep enough for you? Maybe they're too corny? Do I not have enough tattoos? Or is it because I don't have a harmonica around my neck?

This is where I hit you with the truth. When it comes to music and my life, I have a plan. I have a mindset. I will be damned if I let anybody change that. With that said, if you do like what I do then by all means thank you and keep listening and spreading the word. If you don't like what I'm doing, sure it sucks to hear that. But I would rather be told that you don't like it rather than discover that you didn't. The truth hurts but lies are far more painful. I would rather everyone told me I sucked at this music thing. At least then I could fix myself so that I don't suck. Trust me, I've become quite good at fixing myself.

The bottom line, if you like my music, awesome. If you don't, don't waste my time by telling me that you do.

Part of me wishes I didn't have to say all of this, but I'm not one to hold it all inside. Blame the Prima Donna in me. At least I feel better now...

Lessthanthree,
Doug

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Tonight's entry comes a day late. Hangovers kinda make it hard to write. I'm sure you all understand.

I'm gonna be about as blunt as I can be. The year 2011, all things considered, really sucked.

Don't get me wrong. There were some great moments. Some of you, however, who know me best know that this was one roller coaster ride I didn't want or ask to be on. Bottom line, this was a year of uncertainty. Where was I going in life? Who could I trust? Does anyone even like me? Will I be in debt forever? Too many questions and not enough answers.

It wasn't until August that the dawn finally came. Boy, did that sun shine. I got a secure job for once. I still do. Through them I was able to get myself some wheels and contrary to popular opinion I was still able to make music. The feather in the cap, however, was New Year's Eve. It's funny how people say "the pen is mightier than the sword." The pen I used that day was used to obtain freedom. That's right. After twenty-five years, I will no longer be a resident of my parents house. It was a big step. Still hasn't sunk in either.

With that, I wash my hands of 2011. 2012 is supposed to be the year the world ends. If that's true, I'm gonna make this year count. These aren't resolutions. Resolutions never come to pass. These are promises.

I will release some kind of CD before the year's end.

I will run Arcon's very first King of Iron Fist Tournament. Details to come.

I have three ideas for stories. I will finish them.

But most importantly, I don't care if I make it in music, hospitality, vitamins, or if I take a new route and go fuck crazy working for the post office. The only thing that matters is that I will be successful.

The new day is here. The slate has been wiped clean. Time to write the next chapter.

Lessthanthree,
Doug

Dear "Santa"

Hey there, big fella! It's me again. You know? The kid who in 9th grade asked for a Dreamcast and got a leather coat instead. I'm not here to hold a grudge though. This letter is more important than any because this very well may be my last letter to you. Don't worry, I'm not dying or anything. I am getting older though. Ever so much more than twenty. As such, I will soon be moving out of my parents' house. For my last list, I tried not to ask for anything crazy expensive but let's face it, I am still a spoiled little brat. Don't get me wrong. I've been grateful for every single gift. A dude like me, however, has an affinity for high-end merchandise. So here we go.

THE FINAL CHRISTMAS LIST

You have the option of sending my one, any, some, all, or none of the following:

- An Anahiem Mighty Ducks Jersey with the Captain "C" on the front and "#96 Conway" on the back.
- An XBOX 360 with a 250GB Hard Drive and the game Sonic Generations or WWE '12.
  (PLEASE NO KINECT!!!)
- A set of Scratch Off Lottery Tickets.
- Funds towards the purchase of a 40" TV be it gift card or cash.

Thank you for all the clothes, video games, Fisher-Price vehicles, and Megazords! Hope to see you again when [and if] my kids ask for stuff!

Happy Holidays!
Doug Mason