The Mines ~ Blog

When We Build, which is to say, When We Write Songs The Mines...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:42:26 -0500

When We Build, which is to say, When We Write Songs

The Mines are back to the drawing board, showing up weekly to our rehearsal space just to create.

No shows to prep for, no talking about marketing or other business stuff, just creating to create.

It’s probably our favorite time.

I would go so far as to say it’s the one thing that has kept us making music together since 2004.

The attached video is directed at computer user experience designers, but so much of it has to do with what we’re trying to do when we get together.

Part of the draw of the video is Wilson’s delivery. He speaks very slowly, forcing the viewer to really concentrate on the words and ideas he’s expressing.

Either way, tons of ideas to think about.

A Very Special Show featuring The Mines... Autumn Goes Acoustic

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:49:35 -0400

This is an early show for us… The Mines hit the stage at 8:30pm!

More information can be found on the concert listing page.

Here’s an exciting new video for our song...

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:44:53 -0400

Here’s an exciting new video for our song “Runningman” from our new CD “Fear Is Easy”. The footage is from our live show at Frederik Meijer Gardens August 9, 2011 shot & edited by James Morse, Chris Coleman and Alan Ledford. They did an amazing job. Thanks guys!

"Fear Is Easy" CD Release Party @ The Pyramid Scheme

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:35:21 -0400

"Fear Is Easy" CD Release Party @ The Pyramid Scheme:

Here you go friends… The official CD release party for The Mines new CD “Fear Is Easy”, with special guests Chasing The Sky & Frame By Frame. Click the link above for the Facebook event with all of the details.

The show is being held at the new Grand Rapids club The Pyramid Scheme on Friday July 1, 2011.

Doors Open: 8pm
Show Starts: 9pm

The Mines hit the stage @ 10pm

18+ $7
21+ $5

Two Years in the Making ~ The Mines release new CD

Wed, 25 May 2011 18:53:32 -0400

Friends of The Mines,

We are happy to announce the rocket has left the pad! Our 3rd CD, “Fear Is Easy” is now available as a download and/or physical CD from our website, or from us directly if we happen to cross paths in your town. (It will be available on iTunes in the next few days, so check the store daily and you’ll be rewarded!)

Listen Online and Buy Now

The planning for this CD started nearly 2 years ago. We had written and arranged the songs since the release of “People Music” during rehearsals & shows and were really happy with them — it was time to record. We brought on producer/engineer Joel Ferguson (Papa Vegas, Verve Pipe), to bring magic to the recorded versions — and his contributions were outstanding!

We mastered the CD at GBP Studios, where the mixing board from the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios now resides, giving the final album a brilliant shine and warmth.

The photography for the CD came from acclaimed photographer Thomas Hawk, who generously allowed us to choose whatever we wanted from his vast collection.

Listen Online and Buy Now

You can listen all you want — to the entire album — on our website right now, so go check it out!

More show announcments coming soon. Stay tuned.

Greg, Ethan, Troy, Todd
~The Mines

Live Show, New CD and a Chance of Hail

Thu, 12 May 2011 21:20:00 -0400

Live Show, New CD and a Chance of Hail:

The Mines return to Festival of the Arts Grand Rapids for 2011. The weather is always unpredictable — we had to cut short our set one year due to a hail storm — but there’s one thing you CAN count on…

This year, we’re promising a brand new CD: “Fear is Easy”. Pickup your copy after the show.

Online purchasing details will be announced soon!

Closing in on Final Mixes

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:21:42 -0400

We’re making progress everyone… the last few weeks producer Joel has been cranking out mixes of each song and emailing them to us.

Then of course, each of us listens and puts our 2 cents into reply’s to him which he then addresses. Who knows if each of us is telling him opposite things like “turn Greg’s guitar up!” and “Greg’s guitar is too loud!”, but it seems to be working out. Somehow Joel is able to make sense of it. With each fresh mix it’s sounding better and better: Tighter, gooier, warmer, more exciting, more like the songs we hear in our heads when we play them together.

Hopefully we’ll wrap this up in another couple of weeks, then we’ll head to Lansing to master the CD at GBP Studios and finalized the artwork.

Still a bunch of work to do before release, but it’s nice to know we’ll be able to get this in your hands “soon”.

~The Mines
Greg, Troy, Ethan, Todd

Who are The Mines and why should I care?

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 11:38:38 -0500

A very long time ago you might have interacted with a band call The Mines, and from time to time The Mines would release new music on CD and a popular digital format, which you might purchase, and The Mines would play shows all around Grand Rapids and the midwest, which you might attend.

Given that a very long time ago (17 months in fact) The Mines started recording a new full-length CD, which has taken waaaayyy longer than The Mines ever could have expected, The Mines played less and less shows and released no new music.

Finally, The Mines are nearing the end of that long time and are putting the finishing touches on the new CD, finalizling the album artwork, prepping a new website, working on a new music video, and booking some new shows.

This announcement is about an upcoming show, in the Chicago area of all places!

So those of you in or around Chicago… or those of you who love to drive great distances because road trips are fun… this show is for you:

The Details:

WHERE: Penny Road Pub
WHEN: Friday, March 25, 2011 - 10:30pm
STAGE: The Rock Room Underground Stage
WHO: The Mines 10:45 - 11:30pm, Thalium 11:45 - 12:45pm

Tickets are $6 and available at the door. Attendees have to be 21+.

We have more details regarding the venue and directions on our website at this link:www.theminesonline.net/dateDetail.aspx?DateId=152

If you’re interested in seeing some of the recording process, visit our youtube channel: youtube.com/theminesonline.

If you like Facebook, visit our page at: facebook.com/theminesonline.

Enough Already!

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:58:14 -0500

I know, I know, stop talking about the new cd and just release it already! I would if I could, believe me. But hear me out…

First of all, to bring everyone up to speed on what I’m talking about… We, The Mines, have been working on our 3rd CD, “Fear Is Easy”, for over a year now. We had no idea it would take us this long when we started, but when you’re a part-time band like we are, and the intent for this CD is to take more time to experiment with sounds, parts, etc… in the hopes that the quality of the final product will be that much better, then it’s bound to take longer, and the hope is the final product will be worth it.

So anyway, on or about mid-November, I personally had had enough of this cd: the songs, the recording process, the mixes, thinking about what else the songs needed, listening to each part over and over and over, etc… Basically I was fried and really needed to step back and take a deep breath. So I stopped. I told the rest of the guys I just needed to step away from the process — and they continued working with Joel (our producer) without me.

So for most of November and all of December, I didn’t listen to any of our music… didn’t play it… didn’t really even think about the band. And that’s a strange thing for me since we’ve been living and breathing this thing since March of 2004 when we first started jamming together, and I tend to always be thinking about it in some way or another.

Well not only did I step away from the band for awhile, I also got to step away from work, and the good old United States, and even North America for awhile… How’s that for a change in perspective? My family and I just returned from almost 2 weeks visiting family and friends in South Africa, where I did happen to hear a couple of Mines songs when they played on my brother’s ipod while we were out driving one day — but those were from People Music. Other than that, I’ve heard nothing of The Mines recently… Until tonight. So my veins were completely Mines-free when I climbed into my car with no intention of listening to “Fear Is Easy” and decided to put it in the CD player, to give it a fresh listen.

On the way home from the movie theater tonight, having finally gotten a chance to see “The Social Network”, I popped in an old mix of the 9 songs we’ve been working on for so long — not even the latest, most worked-on mixes — (I haven’t even heard those yet actually). The mixes in my car, weren’t even “mixes” really, just output from the computer that happened to have all of the parts for each song on it, with not a lot of effort to make the individual parts work together to paint the picture, the sounds were just all there, blobbed together. And I listened, and listened, and listened…

Well, I wish I could say “wow” and you’d believe me. I wish I could type “you’re really gonna like this” and you’d get it. I really wish I could say, Merry Christmas, the CD’s getting duplicated as we speak, or head on over to http://store.theminesonline.net and download the new songs right now!

But I can’t, because we’re still working on it.

Let it be known that the official line from us, The Mines, is that “Fear is Easy” is the best collection of music we’ve ever done! And, really that’s not just a line. We really believe it — or at least I do — but I bet the other guys would say it as well.

After stepping away from it for a month and closing my eyes and ears and just letting it sit for awhile, even just listening to the not-so-mixes, I can tell. Even with my guitar too loud, or burried, or Todd’s drums not eq’d to melt your face yet or whatever… it’s still really exciting, and I think you’ll think so too.

So sit tight people. Please bear with us during this “under construction” period. Traffic will start flowing any day now. Or next week… ok more like bear with us for a few more months. We’re going to do our best to wrap this up neatly ASAP — certainly before the next holiday season approaches us!

Download a few more tracks from iTunes while you wait. I hear you can get the Beatles on there now! If you like that sort of thing.

Greg
(for the rest of The Mines)

Wax Cylinders

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:30:00 -0500

For those of you keeping track, it has been over a year since preproduction began on our album “Fear Is Easy”. Never in the past have we taken so much time to get the music right, and I can proudly say, never have we been so proud of what’s happening.

And….

Tracking is almost complete! There are a few auxiliary pieces left to layer and tweak, but we are nearing the final stretch of the recording process. In a few weeks we will begin mixing and then it’s on to mastering and duplication!

For those of you who have eagerly awaited its release, I’m so happy to say that it will have been worth the wait. During the recording process it’s easy to feel like a slowly wilting houseplant, reaching deep for that 23^rd take, but after listening to some preliminary mixes I can see that the work has not only paid off, but this will definitely be the most monumental Mines release. The magic we were digging for has indeed been found, and we can’t wait to bring this stuff to the surface to share with you.

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Army Baby The Mines continue recording...

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:35:13 -0400

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Army Baby

The Mines continue recording their 3rd CD “Fear Is Easy”. This video, recorded August 13, 2010, highlights recording guitars for a song called “Army Baby”. Featured in the video: Guitarist Troy Hatfield, Guitarist Greg Lockwood and Producer Joel Ferguson.

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Promenade The Mines continue recording...

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:41:08 -0400

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Promenade

The Mines continue recording their 3rd CD “Fear Is Easy”. This video, recorded August 13, 2010, highlights recording guitars for a song called “Promenade”. Featured in the video: Guitarist Troy Hatfield, Guitarist Greg Lockwood and Producer Joel Ferguson.

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Running Man The Mines continue...

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:21:51 -0400

Tracking Guitars - Troy - Running Man

The Mines continue recording their 3rd CD “Fear Is Easy”. This video, recorded August 13, 2010, highlights recording guitars for a song called “Running Man”. Featured in the video: Guitarist Troy Hatfield, Guitarist Greg Lockwood and Producer Joel Ferguson.

Tracking Keyboards - Behind The Eyes The Mines continue...

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:27:39 -0400

Tracking Keyboards - Behind The Eyes

The Mines continue recording their 3rd CD “Fear Is Easy”. This video, recorded March 24, 2010, highlights recording keyboards for a song called “Behind The Eyes”. As the band was listening to the current mix of the song with producer Joel Ferguson, someone suggested cutting an additional keyboard track, so Ethan sat down and what you see is how the track unfolded.

Featured in the video: Vocalist Ethan Nickerson, Guitarist Troy Hatfield, Guitarist Greg Lockwood and Producer Joel Ferguson.

Have you heard about the Prospecto Music Festival?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:38:42 -0400

We’ll let the festival organizers explain it in their own press release below, but just a quick note to say, we’ll be playing this brand new festival in Grand Rapids on September 23, 2010. The festival is during the world-famous “Art Prize” festival that is in its 2nd year during the same week in Grand Rapids.

We perform Thursday night, September 23 @ Billy’s in Eastown.

For more info on Art Prize, go here: http://prospectogr.com/

============================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2010

Prospecto Music Showcase Announces Detailed Schedule, Sale of Single Day Event Passes

Prospecto Musical Showcase and Sonic Experience has released the detailed daily schedules for the three day event, held at nine different venues, in Grand Rapids, MI, September 23 – 25. In addition, Prospecto has also announced the sale of a Single Day Pass that allows ticket-holders access to one day of concerts at all nine venues.

Event Pass Details – VIP passes are available for $200 and include limousine bus transportation between venues and VIP access at all shows, including bypassing waiting in lines. VIP tickets also include access to see Tokyo Police Club on Wednesday, September 22 at The Intersection and A Place to Bury Strangers on Sunday, September 26, also at the Intersection. Three Day passes are available for $60 and grant fans access to all shows at all venues, on the three regular days of Prospecto. Individual Single Day Passes are on sale now $26 per day, and will allow concert goers to attend shows at all venues for one day. VIP, Three Day and Single Day event passes can all be purchased at www.ProspectoGR.com.

Thursday Schedule Highlights – Baths, Dosh and El Ten Eleven will perform at Founders Brewery and Taproom while Ozenza and Easy Action tear down the walls at Mulligan’s Pub. Juke’s will feature Torontosaurus Rex and The Go Rounds, and Michigan ska-kings Mustard Plug will open for Presidents of the United States of America on The Intersection Main Stage. See schedule online for all bands and times.

Friday Schedule Highlights – Chicago’s Flosstradamus will perform with My Dear Disco at Billy’s Lounge, while Louie’s Rocket Lounge will feature The Smoking Popes. Indian Jewelry will perform at Founder’s and The Sazerac Lounge will feature Man at Arms along with Paucity. Phat Kat, Will Sessions and GZA will hold down the Main Stage of The Intersection, and Detroit Techno Militia’s DJ Psycho is scheduled to spin a late night set at Sigma 21 above Louie’s. See schedule online for all bands and times.

Saturday Schedule Highlights – Birds of Avalon will take the stage at HopCat along with Chip Fundy, while across town Walter Meego and Small Brown Bike takeover Billy’s Lounge and Mulligan’s Pub. On the Westside of the city, Kuzzin’s will feature Friction Record’s Ghost Heart, and Sub Pop’s Retribution Gospel Choir will play Louie’s Rocket Lounge. Grand Rapid’s hip-hop favorites La Famiglia are slated to perform for a yet to be named headliner on Intersection’s Main Stage. Sigma 21 will feature a late night DJ set by Snake Hips Wizardry. See schedule online for all bands and times.

The above is a mere glance of each night’s events. The full, detailed schedule for all days and all venues is available now at www.ProspectoGR.com.

The Prospecto Musical Showcase and Sonic Experience, held September 23 - 25 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, features over 90 national and local musicians and artists. Visit www.ProspectoGR.com for a complete list of confirmed performers and venues, tickets sales, news and more.

Tomorrow Night - Show @ Meijer Gardens

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:21:05 -0400

Tomorrow Night - Show @ Meijer Gardens

Next Show: The Mines @ Founders - Grand Rapids - July 29

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:33:09 -0400

Next Show: The Mines @ Founders - Grand Rapids - July 29

Photos from Mexicains Sans Frontieres (7-9-10) show

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:54:05 -0400

Photos from Mexicains Sans Frontieres (7-9-10) show:

Thanks to Anthony for these photos from our show… Follow the link to BackstageAllAccess.com to see the photos.

"Fear is Easy" Show Announcement! ~ July 9th!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:14:07 -0400

Okay, so the Mines have had two of our last three shows rained out in the past 3 months - including festival, which is pretty sad. BUT FEAR NOT!!

We have decided to pull our heads out of the recording studio (where the magic is happening), and offer a raincheck to those disappointed fans and friends who came to see us…

…but this will be NO ORDINARY SHOW!!! We will play most of our new, yet to be released record titled (this is the first time it has been printed):

“Fear is Easy”

The show will be at a venue on Division called Mexicains Sans Frontieres (across the street from Skelletones, or Mixtape or whatever you know it as). It is a magical place that has vibe for miles, and if you ask us, it’s one of our favorites. Those of you who were there for our first Mines Experience will remember it well - we still hear people talking about that show, and that place.

Here’s the address for you map types:
120 S Division Ave #226, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

So grab your friends, get your keys - there’s no time to stop and think about it, just come to the show and don’t look back!

Friday, July 9, 2010 Show starts at 8pm – All Ages!

Cost is $5, BYOB or BYO snacks or BYO bees, wait, no bees.

Your friends,

the Mines

Listen to The Mines: store.theminesonline.net
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/theminesonline

Recording Update: The Work Continues...

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:15:01 -0400

Time for an update on what’s been going on with the recording of our next CD.

First off, we have landed on a CD title that has us all excited. (Sorry, but the title is going to remain top secret for a little while longer). Having a title that we all love is a big step in the right direction!

The current plan is that the CD will include 9 songs — unless one final song comes to us out of nowhere that we just have to include.

Kirk Duponce, who created the excellent art for our Metropolis CD (dogeareddesign.com), has just signed on to tackle the album art.

Last Sunday, Todd finished recording the drum tracks for all of the songs.

All but 3 songs have the bass guitar tracks finished, with Ethan recording the remaining tracks in a few weeks.

Four of the songs have almost all of the tracking done, and a good chunk of the mixing.

Greg will be tracking his remaining guitar parts in a few weeks Troy will complete his shortly after that session.

Ethan & Greg will finish their vocal tracks after that, and the mixdown will follow those sessions.

So as you can see we have a plan and we’re working it one step at a time.

We’re really excited about getting these songs to out in the world, but at the same time we want to make sure they’re the best we can make them, so thanks for your patience — and for even caring about The Mines.

If you’re interested in a inside look into our process, check out the video series of our recording process at youtube.com/theminesonline. We haven’t been publishing every minute of the sessions (don’t want to bore you too much) but just posting short 1 to 2 minute highlight videos of various parts of the process. Check it out if you’re interested.

Todd, Ethan, Greg & Troy
~The Mines