The Accident That Led Me To The World

Change - Anything different would simply be unnatural.

2010-05-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Written on April 18th, 2010

The mountainous drive to Becket this past weekend presented one obstacle which coincidently fortified my wavering belief in fate. On one of the many steep back roads of Western Massachusetts, a pipe connecting the catalytic converter to the engine of my car disconnected causing a quite noticeable change in the sedan’s volume. This portion of my car’s exhaust had rusted clean through – a general wear of salt and time which could not have been prevented. I immediately thought, “the kids’ll sure dig me now!” “But older folks will know there’s something wrong,” as I am quite convinced a repair is necessary. We made it up the mountain a few more miles, parked, and called my sister who is a licensed auto mechanic. She said, “if what you’re telling me is, in fact, what’s wrong, you shouldn’t have any difference in performance beside the volume.” So my car had merely liberated itself from state mandated emission control, and was now free at last to sing. You have to laugh sometimes, at the way the world goes on talking and telling you things.

To avoid a room full of socially awkward kitties, all foolishly navigating themselves and going off into dark corners, the three of us have managed to keep a secret long enough to think things through. Due to changes in focus and responsibility, Zack has decided to relinquish his role as bass player for “The Accident That Led Me To The World.”

(pause for reflection)

The shows posted on our site will be the final shows with Zack Ciras. While changing hands at this stage is awkward, the news is altogether bittersweet. TATLMTTW has, coincidently, taken on the booking assistance of one Clara Rose Thornton (InkBlot Complex) and a tour of the western United States is being scheduled for the fall (October-December 2010). Furthermore, tracks for our new record have been recorded, which means that Zack will be there on the third album. Doesn’t that make you feel better? Please be responsible with this information, do not start rumors, and go back in the reading if necessary. TATLMTTW is not breaking up – a link has merely rusted through, normal and natural.

During this brief period of adjustment, Raianne and I will be touring our new solo records, each slated for release in May. These albums can be found on Nobody’s Favorite Records and can of course be obtained at our performances. Any comments will be received if you reply to our monthly newsletter, or simply post to a social network (e.g. myspace, facebook).

Thank you for listening to TATLMTTW, tell your friends, and keep your eyes open for THE NEW ACCIDENT THAT LED ME TO THE WORLD this fall (no, we will not be changing the name or the acronym).

www.theaccidentthatledmetotheworld.com
www.nobodysfavoriterecords.com

DanBlakeslee.com

2010-01-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you something about Dan Blakeslee. Dan is an amazing artist and an equally amazing person. Forsaking all care of perception, I must say unapologitically, Dan Blakeslee is an inspiration. Listening to, watching, or speaking with Dan is always a joy, and the unspoken depth of his character will leave you quaking, speared with vulnerability.
THIS is his website, but you can appreciate him so much more by witnessing him live and viewing what visual art he has with him in his snazzy briefcase. Once acquainted with his style, one will recognize his touch on projects not directly attributed to him by the man himself.
These are a few shots of Dan and his wonderful band performing at the Hogfarm Studio Annex, expertly run by Los Corrals in Biddeford, ME. And yes, I have full video of the show. Try not to be so jealous...

If I could add...

While driving to a fiend's home an hour+ away from my own, I listened to a demo (4 songs) of DB and band's upcoming release...about 4 times. Though I only have the pleasure of seeing Dan a handful of times a year, he inspires me between visits mostly through his songs. I think I realized something about art. Good art..the best art...is not the artist 'expressing himself.' It's the artist conveying his perceptions of his world, whatever that may be. That's my thought anyway.

Thanks for reading, and do yourself a favor, check out Mr. Blakeslee.

From where I see it

2010-01-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

(These photos were taken during and before our Jan 6, 2010 performance at the Middle East Upstairs show in Cambridge, MA)
This is my mic. There are many mics like it, but this one is mine. Without me, my mic is...well, you know how that goes. But true! This is how Tyler Bussy and AK from Old Hannah look from where I would be singing and quipping.
And this is my 'group' as it were. Mark and Rai, picture here, are doing their soundcheck at the Middle East in Boston, MA. This night we played with Old Hannah, Ryan Lee Crosby and his band, and The Points North. We arrived early and soundchecked first, and took a big chunk of time doing so. Really, though... It's not our fault entirely. The mics weren't plugged in and that took some time. Then trying to get us to sound good is not an easy endeavor.
And this is a closer shot of Rai 'cause she's so pretty. She's often regarded as the nicest member of the band, but I don't know. She may have ulterior motives she's just waiting to unveil. Mostly though, she's probably just nice.
Quite a busy and full stage at the Mid East (upstairs)
This is the charming silhouette of our dear dear friend Lynsey Smith in front of our hand crafted luminescent display case.

Montague Book Mill with You and Yourn

2010-01-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

A short while back we revisited the place whence we launched our Island Gospel album. We were, this time, graced with You and Yourn (click their image below for website). The Bookmill is a great place in Western Mass for a read, a buy, a killer sandwich, and a fine pint of brew. (Click the picture of the old mill to go to their website)

Recording In February / Previously Unreleased Tracks

2009-12-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

TATLMTTW will be "going into the studio" in February-March of 2010. We are very excited to finally get some of our newest material down on something more definitive than a podcast or college radio broadcast. Unfortunately, this material will not be as easily "leaked" until the record is completed BUT, rest assured, we have something in the works.

In January, a music archive will be added to our website; here you will find live and unreleased tracks from TATLMTTW. These songs will be available for you - as something to tide you over. Anticipate one song per month beginning in January, so keep your eyes peeled.

Thank you for listening to TATLMTTW
m.m.

www.theaccidentthatledmetothteworld.com
www.nobodysfavoriterecords.com

Why?

2009-11-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

It's not something to which I'm usually comfortable speaking, but we've recently had many inquiries of the same nature. "Why haven't I heard you before?" or "Why aren't you famous?"

While the answer is certainly multidimensional and probably far beyond my grasp, I think the following thought could have something to do with it.
We are not where they are. We aren't too eager to mingle with them. We seek out you.

There is a true aspect to the thought that it is they who can introduce us to more of you. I respect this and don't begrudge those who have taken advantage of this. We are not very good at it though. And at this point, we can deal with that.

We believe in you as you believe in what we are doing. We just spent the weekend with the owners of the Hogfarm Studio Annex in Biddeford, ME. The performance with The Starving Artist Collective was cancelled due to illness and we wish them a quick recovery. These are just two groups of folks we consider ourselves very fortunate with which to be associated. We genuinely thank them and look forward to continuing our relationship...that's what it is. Really.

We don't have a relationship with them.

These are some photos from Nick's Bar, Worcester, MA, North Star Cafe, Portland, ME, P.A.C.E. Easthampton, MA, and Sierra Grille, Northampton, MA. You'll see us, Brooke Brown Saraciono, Audrey Ryan, and The Points North.

If you posses the time and interest, check out more photos at our flickr page. We have a backlog so it will take a few months to get up to date, but there's a bit up now.

Quick Update

2009-11-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick word, if you've got the time. The Accident has been very busy lately. We've been doing shows, interviews, writing, demos, and all other things pertaining to TATLMTTW and our future. With the final chapter in the works, we're focusing our collective energies into closing our story the best we can. The songs and art are underway and progressing wonderfully. The music is taking on a more classically inspired tone while retaining its delicacy and vulnerability. It is reflecting the mood in our protagonist's resolution.
How have things been going as far as shows and other commercial things? We've been blessed with some great opportunities, experiences, and achievements, and we've hit some humbling moments as well. Though our answer may change daily, we've been experiencing a steady progression.
What can one expect from TATLMTTW in the future?
In the coming months, we're playing a limited number of shows as we work diligently on the Third Album. We are playing out some of the new material and we appreciate your feedback on it.
Our "New Media" presence has grown. You can find us at Twitter, Here, Our Official Site, Myspace, Facebook, YouTube and we always can be reached at our email. This is how you can receive our monthly newsletter too!
This weekend we're very excited to play the Hogfarm Annex with our dear Dan Blakeslee on Sat. and a special One Year Anniversary party for The Staving Artist Collective.
More videos will be added to our YouTube page.
Photos will be posted from the last few months.
Look for us in your favorite local or not so local music reviewing forum. If we're again compared to uncooked food, feel free to rebut.
And MUCH MUCH MORE!

If we could be so bold to ask, we could use your help. If you appreciate what we do, we urge you to contact your local radio stations, colleges, print media, and electronic sources for arts, and request more The Accident That Led Me To The World. And please, most importantly, tell your friends and invite them to a show or to one of our voluminous electronic homes.

Thank you, and we look forward to the next chapter with you! Be well now...

2009-09-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy our video from our day off spent in Temple Maine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Febq4TqJts . I promise a thorough blog will come soon. Full of wonderous insight and all that stuff for which we're known.

Amazing! Really. It's right in the name.

2009-08-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Amazing Things 8.16.09 .

'You know that feeling you get when you find a $10 bill in your jean pockets. Not that you had lost it, but according to your present recollection, you never had it in the first place. Well, Amazing Things in Framingham is almost sort of like that...

After an appearance in nearby Hopkinton featuring on the televised "Wake Up and Smell the Poetry," we had a suspicion that the metro-west area had more to offer than we had previously explored. Even with the increased area expectation, the thoughtful collection of artists gathering in a former firehouse took us pleasantly by surprise.

Michael and Dave (CEO and host, respectively) greeted us at our arrival and went through the evening. The performers were all great and as varied as could be. The room was full of listeners and participants (open mic style) and all seemed authentically interested in the arts and the community. This differs greatly from many of the cities and towns with more artistic notoriety, where you're likely to meet young entrepreneurs forcing bumper stickers like drug pushers or street evangelists, elder folkers emptying their minds and mouths and filling your ears with FirstName LastNames you simply must hear, because they have both a first name and a last name (both precious commodities in most folk circles), and other do-it-yourselfers doing it all for themselves. The Amazing Things crew is a far cry from folk performers living just outside New York ("The City" they chant) offering little save certain wardrobe pieces to distinguish exactly what year Bob Dylan they are emulating.

By the way, did you hear about his recent troubles with law enforcement? ...

Anyway, about the ten spot, AT is a not so hidden gem not so far away from home doing good things. We will be doing more with these fine folks in the future.

Next up: Some of our favorite folks from The Big NH and Somerville, MA

Look Ma! I'm on the TV!

2009-07-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

When Greenfield's finest televisionaries call, you answer! We arrived at the old Masonic Temple, which has been remodeled to hold several different offices and workspaces, and the painfully laid stonework has been unfortunately covered with off-white wall to wall carpeting. In this beautiful practical art, the wisest of the area would meet to share ideas and cultivate growth in their communities. Though less secretive in nature, the meeting hall on Main St. still preserves and presents active thinking in the form of Valley Homegrown. The television performance was aired live in the county and will be nationally and internationally syndicated in a few weeks. Big thanks to the entire crew and all those involved and special thanks to Sara for taking the below pictures save the first. Watch for the video on our website and theirs.

Massachusettes Bookends

2009-07-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Though we hadn't played at either venue, Mission Bar and Midway Cafe proved to be two nights of great music (Woodrow Wilsons and Chris Bell) and familiar company. Side Note: At The Midway, Chris got the most resounding response which was assuredly in no relation to the Celtic's victory of that night... although the applause and cheering seemed to match up very well to the game, and came at often odd times during his set. And WW turned out to not have the Swine Flu and we're all feeling better by now, thank you for your concerns.

The Western New York Bridge

2009-07-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes, the van reached yet another milestone while in Jamestown and on tour with C-Bizzle. We got to play frisbee, go to the Southern Tier Brewery, and enjoy the company of our good friends in and aroung Jamestown. A radio interview for a brand new station was recorded after the performance, which we're told was is to be the pilot broadcast. Below are photos of us in Jamestown and Chris Bell in Rochester. Rochester actually worked out better than it has in the past. The show was very decent and the accomodations for the night were...interested. Thanks for the hospitality!

Biddeford and Beyond

2009-07-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

We really are fortunate to be graced with wildly talented musicians and artists as counted friends and aquaintences. Occaisionally we find the even better luck of having some place to share with each other what we so enjoy. Sometimes other people are there too, and that makes things even better. Special thanks to Gil and Coco. Below are some photos from New York State, Hogfarm Studios, and Paper Cut Zine Library.

Amherst and Worcester... remember?

2009-07-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

The Blog has not been updated in quite some time! So, instead of reliving each moment for which there are photos and/or memories, we've decided to recap some of our activities in a few picture blogs. Below are some photos from a radio show and Forbes House in Worcester. You will see some of our dear friends amoung others. Here is the incomparable Matt Fox and the always lovely The Points North.

Catching Up

2009-07-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Mama's in the Kitchen

2009-03-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

She ain't got no shoes!

Good eats at the Walker Street Kitchen was promised and delivered. Sticky rice, Lentils, Baked Pub fries, chips, bean dip...all the best of Vegan cuisine offered up by the fine folks at the Lowell home venue. Rai started right in helping prepare the food as soon as we walked in the door. Steph and Olivia (Ralpheatsdynamite) were beyond hospitable and all others attending were also wonderful.

Packrat and Coalmine Canary also lent their musical style to the night. Thanks to them, our hosts, and the next burger i ate so hard. :)

There are more pictures of us to be found at Walker St

Location, Location, Lo--where was I?

2009-03-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Great Scott!

Great Scott in Alston is a great local bar to see your favorite Boston rock group. Grinding Tapes Records is a great local record label where you can hear your favorite Boston area folk artist. To a different point, ever mix milk and a mint julep? Or wine and emotions? (Hemingway)
Anyway, we were glad to be invited to participate with some notable artists. Amelia from Mr. Sister, Cuddle Magic, and Alive & Awake each performed. Much Thanks to Grinding Tapes, Great Scott, all the bands, and our friends that came out!

"Keene Community"

2009-03-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

WKNH fm - Let's Get Folked Up!*

We continued the conversation on folk music, the folk community, and some other folks at WKNH in Keene, NH. While waiting at the Starving Artist to meet our host, Thomas, we had a thrilling conversation on the entertainment industry, how it's often easier to get in touch with someone if you can contact them personally, rather than to go through booking agents, management, promotional personnel, etc., and what it means for U2 to really make a good album. To paraphrase, though the musicianship, song writing, performance, creativity/authenticity, and other things we deem important to a good work of art may be lacking, they have their arena anthems, their "hint to Christianity but NEVER say 'Jesus'" songs, their whatever they need to keep their hundreds of employees and dependants financially secure.
We love what the Starving Artist is trying to do in Keene, and it seems thus far they are achieving their goals. With that, off we were to WKNH. During the first hour, we discussed folk music and its currents status, and we played some great songs which exemplify what we love about music as well as some of our friends we truely believe in and appreciate. The second half of the show was our performance, interupted by way of our own.

"The Folk Community"

2009-03-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Whitehaus *
Sometimes a group of people just warm your heart and make you feel welcomed and important. Sometimes these same people have fake plants, broken instruments, and other arty things hanging from the chandeliers. Musicians and guests crammed into room upon room of an old Jamaica Plain home filled with said and instruments, art, maps, records and CDs, screen printing tools...and so on.
Our set was well received and we were very happy to be able to catch up with some long time Boston friends, some folks we've known from out of town, and some new friends, some of whom played the same night. Below are some pictures taken that night. The performances were pretty dark, so none of those pictures came out well. There's Chris (added an empty whiskey bottle to the chandelier art) from The Points North, Laura from The Woodrow Wilsons drinking from a mason jar, Avi Jacob, and other friends.

Southern Independence Tour

2009-02-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Finally! A pot of Gold

You know you live in a beautiful town when there's always a rainbow. Lynchburg is not only a town rife with history of the Civil War, ageless topography, breathtaking buildings from years past, and monuments to lost brothers in every American war, but it is a place of business, emerging culture and arts, dining and brewing, ol' fashioned book-learnin', and home to the White Hart at Inklings.

We found ourselves with something not overly familiar to us this trip-time! After exploring the city au pied and stopping for a late lunch at the incredible Water Stone Brewery and Pizzeria , we were welcomed into the White Hart. One of the crew is from RI (20 minutes from home) and another from Farmington ME (minutes from Rai's family cabin). Smiley down here is the one from ME.

Everyone at the White Hart, from owners to customers, servers to chefs, was fantastic. We had a nearly full house of attentive listeners and played two full sets. Surrounded by books and new friends, we felt safe and creative. Thanks to all involved! The night was capped with complimentary dishes from the restaurant. The food was as amazing as the people.

Our night at the White Hart was much needed and much appreciated. Gracious was our hosts as we were sent back home. Up next is the Cat in the Cradle...

Visiting the Devils

2009-02-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Duke U!

The gothic campus of Duke University in Durham, NC is absolutely beautiful.

We played at the Armadillo Grille on campus. Yep. Sure did.

Chris Calls it Disas-Tour

2009-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

After a restful night spent in Pittsburgh, courtesy our friend Megan, Jamestownian and beer connoisseur, we went back to the van for a however hour drive to Berea, KY. Last we were in Berea, an accidental show bore great fruit. The Black Feather was discovered on the back of a matchbook. The show was booked and within days, the town seemed to clamor to the small city's cultural meeting place, and mutual reception left a warm spot in our hearts for this small college town.

This visit to Berea had a noticeable lack of fruit. The Black Feather is such a pretty venue with great food and coffee run by great folks. The townspeople we met last time were very interesting and genuine people. Even the few we engaged this time were memorable. What went wrong could range from forgotten promotions in town to, well, they say it was cold. We're still working through it. We'll get 'em next time! Maybe...

Pennsylvania Sideways Tour

2009-02-25T08:22:00.001-08:00

On The Road

We always love traveling. Sitting in the van is probably the best thing we do. We really excel at it! Thanks to our good friend Billy Mack, the 9 hour trek to Pittsburgh had a nice lay over in East Stroudsburg. Billy was kind enough to break up the trip with his humour and hospitality. That's him with the universal symbol of welcome.

Then we were off Pittsburgh in the Big PA, our first recognized gig in the city. The Morning Glory Coffee House is located in the Morningside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The owner/operator actually has booked us before, but in his former Providence at the AS220. All in all, he's doing a great thing (providing artists with a space while providing food and drink for all of us) well. The lights, chairs set up, and atmosphere he creates here is just what makes a coffee house a performance and arts center.

Oh yea, that other guy up there is known as The Chris Bell, our good friend from Jamestown, NY and fellow musician. He played in the Big Pitts the night before and stuck around to see us. We feel special! We can be seen together again on April 24 at the Lab.

Joining us at the show was two of the most boca chicas of Boca Chica.

First in February

2009-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Firehouse 13 * Providence, RI

Inside a renovated firehouse, art hangs the walls and song moves the air. Friday, with the company of good friends in the cold, cold night, we planted our instruments, microphones, and selves where the engines used to rest.

With most shows, we started the night with the ubiquitous and obligatory waiting. Always waiting. But, no sooner than the waiting was done, we waited no more. We sound-checked and played our 11 song set, including two newer, unreleased songs. The rather large and engaging audience received us well. We were very excited to see some familiar faces from as far as Keene, NH (namely from the Staving Artist Collective) not to mention from the RI area. Thanks to everyone for showing up and listening well. We appreciate you.

Then, our good ol' pals in Low Anthem performed their well constructed set of favorite, familiar songs, and to counter, a couple of news ones of their own. They also sprinkled their set with a few covers for good measure and had a guest vocalist on a few.

Phoning it in... *

Sunday's performance was as comfortable as you can get. After hijacking my family's living room and telephone land line, we prepared to record with a California radio station. The telephonic performance was as promised...a little awkward. But it was nice, relaxed, and unique. I might have to add that the telephones taped to mic stands was a nice touch. It even provided a nice, hands-free way of listening and talking between songs. I think this form of hand-free phoning might catch on. Watch for the airing and the podcast.

We also learned that phones are like plants and Mark, the sun.

It Is What It Is, Isn't It?

2009-01-25T17:05:00.000-08:00

"The Accident That Led Me To The World" began as, and remains to be, a performance of songs which attempt to convey their unified theme, a plot that started with our first, self titled recording and has continued with The Island Gospel. This, in itself, is abstract and difficult to explain especially through the vehicles of staged performance and radio interview. Many do and will refer to the band (Zack Ciras, Raianne Richards and Mark Mandeville) as simply "The Accident," and there is nothing wrong in doing so. The title can be viewed, in this manner, as a tool of reference containing no more pretense than a hanging sign in a grocery store.

But to clarify our intent, for those who have asked repeatedly, "The Accident That Led Me To The World" is the title of a story, one which relates the philosophical torment of boy who lacks description and character - he who makes decisions and takes responsibility for himself. This story has so far been illustrated by Kristy McColl through TATLMTTW album covers and tour posters; however, it will eventually be told in complete book form, this hopefully putting an end to any remaining uncertainties.
Kristy and I have recently started working on the mode of this book, how it will be laid out, page sizes and what not. In the meantime, Raianne is finishing the layout for a new tee-shirt design, displaying a quote from our newest song “By Way Of Our Own;” merchandise other than records is new to us, but I still see it as an extension of the performance, not to mention how we approach the exposure of TATLMTTW. Zack often times admits his frustration with my inability to explain clearly, through interviews and on stage, the scope of TATLMTTW – my answer to this is “it is what it is.” Music is genuinely appreciated not by what “we” call or label it on the contrary it is subject to the needs and interior whims of the listener. I simply would rather continue playing and singing my heart out than be explaining myself all of the time to people who may or may not even be listening.

After peer editing this blog entry, Raianne had asked that I include that she likes Cara cara Oranges.

m.m.