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h-nd t- g-d

Russell's
2017 homemade project, "h-nd t- g-d,"
is available for free stream and/or download.
The album features 12 songs inspired by age, time, and an intuition that some of our most deeply felt challenges must be endured rather than conquered.
Beginning in January 2018, Russell will present the new songs, + talk a bit about the intent behind them, on the simplemuzik podcast. If you're interested, please stay-tuned at simplemuzik.net!
You
can discover the new songs here, and explore
Russell's entire catalog by clicking here.
Cat Eyes

Russell's
2016 homemade project, "Cat Eyes,"
is available for free stream and/or download.
The album features 13 carefully crafted songs which involve themes of duality, memory, and the emotional mountain tops our inadequacies often bring us to.
Beginning in January 2017, Russell will feature the new songs (+ related ramblings) on the simplemuzik podcast. If you're interested, please stay-tuned at simplemuzik.net!
You
can discover the new songs here, and explore
Russell's entire catalog by clicking here.
Splitting

Russell's
2015 homemade project, "Splitting,"
is available for free stream and/or download.
The album includes 16 songs, written and recorded over the past year, revolving around the theme of splitting - in the sense of breaking - up, and through, and in, and out. The songs are built upon small moments, simple dreams, that're gone, or never were at all.
Beginning in January 2016, Russell will will talk about the new songs (+ related ideas and feelings), and the project as a whole, on the simplemuzik podcast. If you're interested, please stay-tuned at simplemuzik.net!
You
can discover the new songs here, and explore
Russell's entire catalog by clicking here.
Deep Deeper Deepest

Russell's
2014 homemade project "Deep Deeper Deepest"
is now available for free stream and/or download.
The album presents 11 songs recorded at home throughout 2014. The songs are presented in spare fashion, and present a song arc intended to convey the feeling of consciousness, as it awakens and fades, step by step.
Beginning in January 2015, Russell will be presenting the new
songs on the simplemuzik
podcast, and will share thoughts related to the inspirations behind
them. If you're interested, you're invited to tune in, stream, and download.
You
can discover the new songs here, and explore
Russell's entire catalog by clicking here.
Russell
w/ Procrastinistas @ Hotel Utah - April 29
Russell
is playing a show (as drummer) with the San Francisco jazz/rock band the
Procrastinistas at Hotel Utah, Saturday night, April 27. The
show starts around 9pm. If you're in the Bay Area, hopefully you can be
there! Great club, more than one great band, food, drinks, friends, Russell...
win,win,win,win. win. :)
Sat.
Apr. 27, 2013
HOTEL
UTAH SALOON -
500 4th St. @ Bryant, San Francisco, 9pm. Russell with the
Procrastinistas.
Nick
G. Best-Of Compilation Still in progress
Nick
G reports that he is continuing to work on updated re-imaginined recordings
of previous songs (several from 2006 are availabe here
for download). "The idea is to get closer to what I originally intended,"
Nick said via iChat, "I want the recordings to better capture my
original idea." New songs will be posted to Nick's mp3 download page
and myspace.com/nickguerrero
as they are completed.
Spend
Cinco de Mayo with Nick G., Russell David, and Slyway!
May 5, 8pm, Simple Pleasures Cafe
Please
plan to join us at Simple Pleasures Cafe, Saturday, May 5, 8pm, for a
night of music from local artists (all of whom have been featured on the
simplemuzik podcast). Russell will be joined by friends Patrick Kobernus
(of SlyWay),
and Nick Guerrero (of the Mannequins).
This semi-annual musical reunion has been happening for several years
now, and is a great time to visit and enjoy the friendly neighborhood
and community of the Simple Pleasures Cafe. Russell, Patrick, and Nick
would love to see you! For show details, please visit here.
Feb
23 @ the Red Vic!
Russell
is playing with Liz Angelucci (and a solo set) Friday night, Feb. 23,
at the Red Victorian. Liz's set is scheduled for around 9pm-ish, and Russell's
should be around 10pm-ish. Hope you can be there!
 
The
podcast has landed.
The
simplemuzik podcast is now available for worldwide listening! Please check
out our blog sister site www.simplemuzik.net.
Russell is actively seeking guests for the podcast. If you're interested,
please send him email.
Mannequins
at Work
The
Mannequins are working on new songs! The Nico/NickG duo have settled into
their new studio, and are hard at work building a live set for future
shows in and around San Francisco. Future shows are hoped for and planned!
All upcoming shows will be featured on this page, so please check back
often! You can also get all the latest Mannequin gossip (and hear new
songs) at: myspace.com/mannequinsmusic.
Procrastinistas
at Hotel Utah May 24.
The
Procrastinistas (featuring Cassandra Arnold on vocals, Rolf Dieter on
keys, John Levitt and Steve McNamara on guitar, Jay Lehman on bass, and
Russell David on drums), has just confirmed their debut show at Hotel
Utah, Wednesday, May 24, 2006. The show is still in the planning stages,
but the band is currently scheduled to perform with Slyway and Tom Heubner.
Mark your calendar now! And, in the meantime, please check out myspace.com/theprocrastinistas
for more info, and some live mp3's.
Nick
G. Performs at the Evil Art Collective
Nick
G. will be performing versions of his instrumental music at the Evil
Art Collective on Sunday March 19, beginning at 12noon. This is a
Free event, featuring art exhibition, and an opportunity for life-drawing.
Join Nick for a perfect Sunday aftertoon! See link
for directions and details.
Interview
with Russell...
Russell
was interviewed by R.M. Slinky on March 10, 2006. Click
here to read as
they digress about love, music, god, and the new cd.
"A
Fish May Love a Bird" Available NOW!
Russell's
latest cd, A Fish May Love a Bird was released Sat. Feb. 18.
The cd features 12 new songs, written over the past year, and recorded
in the past few months. Previews of several songs are available at Russell's
myspace page myspace.com/russelliswaycool
(please be cautioned, these are not final versions, and may vary in quality
somewhat from the cd versions). Russell intends to play the new songs
in upcoming months in and around San Francisco. When these dates are known,
they will be posted here. To see Russell's 15
year discography go here.
Mannequins,
Russell David, Slyway:
Feb. 18, Simple Pleasures Cafe
Please
plan to join us at Simple Pleasures Cafe, Saturday, February 18, 8pm,
for the A Fish May Love a Bird cd release party! Russell will
be joined by friends Patrick Kobernus (of SlyWay),
and the Mannequins (Nick G & Nico), for a night of original local
music. Free copies of the new cd will be available for everyone who attends!
For show details, please visit here.
"Everything'll
Be Fine" Thanksgiving Song-of-the-Day!
A
new Russell David track is now available for download! "Everything'll
Be Fine" is the first single from the new cd A Fish
May Love A Bird (scheduled for a Winter 2006 release), and has been
selected by GarageBand.com as "track of the day" for Thursday,
November 24, 2005. Due to some enthusiastic online reviews, Russell and
his song will be featured on GarageBand.com's Folk Rock front page for
a full 24 hours! Please visit the page, download the new song, and celebrate
with us! If you like the new song, be sure to check out other new mp3's
now available at Russell's myspace page (myspace.com/russelliswaycool).
For the GarageBand "Song-of-the-Day" page, click here.
the
Procrastinistas emerge...
We
at simplemuzik.com are proud to announce the birth of a new little folk/rock/jazz/blues
band - the Procrastinistas! The band (featuring Cassandra Arnold on vocals,
Rolf Dieter on keys, John Levitt and Steve McNamara on guitar, Jay Lehman
on bass, and Russell David on drums), has been playing together in Rolf's
basement for most of 2005, and are looking forward to playing shows in
the San Francisco area very soon. All upcoming shows will be posted here
as they are scheduled. Check out myspace.com/TheProcrastinistas
for more info, and some live mp3's!
Gun
Gallery Version 3.7
November
2005 begins a new phase in the life of the Mannequins. Nick G and Nico
are in the process of founding the latest Mannequin HQ (also known as
the Gun Gallery) in San Francisco. Once the move is complete, plans are
underway to begin what is unofficially being called the "Manhattan
Project of Live Performance." Nick and Nico will be taking auditions
for new Mannequins band members in December and early 2006, and plan to
be busy performing in and around the Bay Area for the rest of the new
year. Check this site often for updates and show dates.
Upcoming
Double Mannequins Release!
Nick G and Nico are in post-production on their upcoming 2005 release
"Another Bad Creation" due out this Fall. "It's mostly
acoustic and quiet songs we recorded at Nico's place over the past few
months," Nick said from his Gun Gallery studio in San Francisco,
"the rough mix is completed, and we're fine-tuning it as we speak."
This cd will be the third official Mannequins release following 2002's
debut "The Mannequins" and 2004's long-awaited "Deep Sleep"
(so far only available as a bootleg). Nick reports that efforts are underway
to release both "Creation" and "Sleep" at the same
time, answering constant fan request for copies of the lost Mannequins
album. "We never meant to let 'Deep Sleep' fall into nonrelease,"
he said, "it was a complicated thing and still is, but we're trying
our hardest to see that both cd's are available as soon as possible."
There is no official release date yet available for either project. More
details will follow as they are known. See the Mannequins back catalog
here.
Rolf
and Russell are still working together...
Rolf Dieter and Russell David (former members of Mission of Ed) continue
to work together on a new project. The band consists of Rolf on Keys and
vocals, John Levitt and Steve Mcnamara on vocals and guitar, "MathNerd"
Jay on Bass, Russell on Drums, and Cassandra Arnold on lead and backing
vocals. The still unnamed band has been working together since the beginning
of 2005, and has collected a group of songs they hope to be performing
soon in and around San Francisco. A demo cd is underway, and will be available
soon. Visit this page often for news and details on upcoming shows!
Upcoming
Russell, Nick G, Slyway Shows!
Russell David is performing solo, and with the band Slyway,
this Spring! Upcoming shows include Thurs. April 21 at the B Street Bistro
in Hayward (Russell's first hometown show since 1994!), Wed. April 27
at the Cherry Bar, and Sat. May 7 at Simple Pleasures Cafe with very special
guest Nick
G.
For showtimes and location details, please visit this
page. If you're in the area, it'd be wonderful to see you!
Nick
G & Nico in the Studio
Nick G has reported that he & Nico are recording new songs for a potential
third Mannequins cd. No details on this project, or the perennially unreleased
second Mannequin cd "Deep Sleep," are available. When asked
about the release of "Deep Sleep," Nick has only said, "We're
working on a new project now." More details will follow as they are
known.
Mannequins
Part Deux
Rumors abound that the Mannequins are negotiating a reunion in the Spring
of 2005. Nico is reported to be moving to San Francisco to reunite the
magic duo, hopefully for some upcoming live SF dates. Despite this excitement,
the long-awaited release date for the 2004 project "Deep Sleep"
continues to be unknown. All information and updates will be posted here
as they arise.
Gun
Gallery Vers. 3.0
The new Nick G studio (now in San Francisco) is up and running!
Nick (pictured at left) is currently self-producing and recording his
latest solo project "Trying to Be a Human Being," tentatively
scheduled for a Spring 2005 release. "They're mostly folk songs,"
Nick said during our visit, "and I'm using drum machines and stuff
to give it a new feel."
Nick
has authorized the release of what he calls a "bootleg teaser single"
entitled "Don't Give Up the Fight." The song was presented as
the opening track on the 2004 Contest Bootleg cd. More details on this
project will be presented as they become available.
Russell
@ Hotel Utah Feb. 23
Russell David will be performing solo along with Slyway
and Tara Tinsley
at the Hotel
Utah Saloon on Wed. Feb. 23 (for details, please visit this
page.) This will be Russell's first show for 2005. If you're in the SF
area, we'd love to see you!
Louis
& Amalgamation
Former Mission of Ed bassist Louis Vega is happy to announce
his new involvement in the band Amalgamation.
They will be playing at the Cherry
Bar & Lounge on January 14. Simple Music encourages all Ed
fans to attend!
Der
Tot von Ed
It is with much sadness that we officially announce the break-up of Mission
of Ed. Citing creative and personal differences, the members of MOE have
agreed to go their separate ways, leaving their unique
blend of folk/rock/blues behind.
Formed in the Spring/Summer of 2003, Ed
was heard and appreciated by many local friends and fans around San Francisco.
Mp3s from their live demo remain available for
download.
The
members of Ed could not be reached for comment, however, all future plans
or projects of the former Eds will be posted here as they are known
Contest
Winners Announced!
The first annual Simple Music Trivia Contest ended August 31, and we would
like to thank all who participated! We are pleased to announce that three
winners have been randomly chosen from those who most accurately answered
questions based on Simple Music artists, lyrics, and history (see
answers).
The
winners are:
RamLu4 (actual name not provided)
Cynthia, El Paso, TX.
Wendy, San Francisco, CA.
These
lucky winners will receive an exclusive "bootleg" cd of rarities
and favorites, including songs by Nick G, The Mannequins, Russell David,
Jonas, and Rolf Dieter. All shipments will be packaged by, and include
a handmade thank you card from, Russell David (winners have been contacted
by email. If you are a winner, and have not received an email, please
write to us at:
contest@simplemuzik.com).
Thanks
again to all who took the time to enter the contest! Be sure to visit
us often for other free giveaways and promotions!
Nick
G - "It's Official."
The
long-feared demise of Nevada County's phenom folkpunk band The Mannequins,
can now be confirmed. After months of speculation and fan gossip, Nick
G has
announced "It's official." Nick performed at several open-mic
events in San Francisco throughout June and July, and appears to be working
out songs for his solo set. "I'm working on a cd" he added,
"and I'll be recording it in San Francisco." The former Mannequin
members are said to remain on good terms,
with future collaboration still remaining a possibility. "I hope
to work with them again someday... but right now we're in different places,"
Nick explained. The final Mannequins cd "Deep Sleep" is completed,
and awaiting final pressing decisions by the band. When more information
is available on a release date, they will be posted to this site.
In
the meantime, Nick is said to be living in San Francisco, writing, recording,
and soon to be recording songs for his new cd. Nick has declined several
requests for full-lenth interviews
Mannequins
disband amid chaos...
Along
with the joyous news that the second full length Mannequins cd "Deep
Sleep" is completed and will soon be available, comes the heart breaking
revelation that this will also be the final Mannequins project. Fans were
startled and saddened as Nick announced the news on the Simple Music Message
Board on Feb. 12, "The album has a name, Deep Sleep. There will be
11 songs on it. It will also be the last Mannequins album," he wrote.
In later posts, Nick cited creative differences, his own recurrent depression,
and the fact that he's "moving to San Francisco soon," as contributing
to the decision. Neither Nico Bailey or Jacob Gouveia could be reached
for comment, and neither Mannequin has posted any response or elaboration
regarding Nick's version of events.
While
there's no way of knowing what all of this will mean for the future, there
is some solace in the building sense of excitement over the release of
"Deep Sleep." And fans have wasted no time in expressing their
joy! News of the new cd "just made my whole month" posted self-described
"#1 Fan" Wendy Glenn (a.k.a. Wendilla). Fellow fan "Kickman"
wholeheartedly agreed, posting "[the release of Deep Sleep] is the
hottest news in months!" Happily, fans don't have long to wait. The
new cd has been mixed, and a final track list has been established. Release
information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
It is currently unknown whether the Mannequins plan to support the cd
with any shows (or a tour) prior to officially disbanding. They were offered
several shows with Mission of Ed in March, but declined due to scheduling
conflicts.
Never heard the Mannequins? You can Meet
the Mannequins, see them Recording
Deep Sleep, and then visit their catalog
to order a cd!
Mission
of Ed "Live EP" Out now!
The
EP demo CD by San Francisco based band "Mission of Ed" is now
available. The CD features 8 tracks recorded live in the Summer and Fall
of 2003. For ordering information, visit our catalog!
Click here to find out about upcoming Mission
of Ed shows!
Factory
Sessions EP
"Factory
Sessions EP"
is now available. Featuring 10 songs by Russell David, the cd is a collection
of mostly sombre, sparsely arranged, songs written and recorded in 2003.
Check it out on the catalog page, and order
your FREE copy today!
"As
a lifelong depressive, the whole thing rings home to me. Like a nice warm
blanket." - Fan reviewer David Lawnkind (read the whole
review).
And
so begins the Mission of Ed...
Simple
Music is proud to host the official site for San Francisco based band
Mission of Ed! The
band began playing their own hybrid of Blues/Rock/Folk in the spring,
featuring the songs of Rolf Hoseman and Russell David, along with Louis
Vega (Bass), Aurelius (Drums), and Andrea DiNapoli (Piano, B3, Synth).
Click here to download the Summer 2003 live-in-the-studio
demo mp3's, find out about upcoming shows, and read band member bios!
Jonas:
Alive and Kicking!
The
new Jonas album "Kicking Pigeons" is available! Recorded over
the last 9 months with the help of veteran indie producer Thurm Weaver,
the album presents 12 new songs, and a special reimagined version of
"Independence Day," Jonas'
first hit from his now classic debut release "Just Add Water"
(2000). The new songs have a distinctive feel that Jonas attributes both
to "the influence and energy that Thurm (Weaver) brought to the sessions,"
as well as his own "spiritual confluence brought about by... continuing
experimentation with Hindu goddess worship." Fans of Jonas' past
work (especially 2001's "Funny, I don't FEEL fine") will be
mesmerized by the subtle mix of artistic continuity and transformation.
"I see the whole Pigeons project as picking up where 'Christ on Columbia
Avenue' leaves off," Jonas said, adding, "I think it's my best
work to date."
We
think you'll agree! Check
out the Jonas catalog to order now!
Open
Studio October 11-12
Russell
David is taking part in the 2003 SF Open Studios! As a result, October
11 and 12 will be the first-ever Simple Music open house! Russell will
be showing his paintings, and releasing his just-published book of poems,
"poems by russell d."
Also showing work will be longtime Simple Music friend, and photographer,
Paul Cramer. Paul has traveled extensively, and will be presenting pastoral
and architectural images from around the world.
Doors will be open from 10 am - 6 pm. 1451
Guerrero St #5, San Francisco. Russell and Paul will be present to meet
and talk about their work.
In
the meantime, get a sneak preview of Russell's
painting!
Mannequins
Rock the Casbah!
Friday
night, May 9, 2003, marked the beginning of The Mannequins Revolution
in Nevada City. The punk/folk trio were in town for their first official
hometown appearance following the release of their 2002 debut album "The
Mannequins." Opening for fellow indie act "The Picture Show,"
the band played for an under-18-only youth benefit hosted by the Nevada
County Library.
"We
thought it was best to do something non-profit, in support of the community
and all they've done for us," said singer/guitarist/songwriter Nick
Guerrero. His bandmates Nico Bailey (drummer/singer/guitarist/songwriter),
and Dave Weiland (Bassist), were in complete agreement.
"Drugs are messed up," added Bailey.
The band played numerous tunes from their critically acclaimed cd, most
notably, Guerrero's anthemic "George Was Here," and the touchingly
morose "Unsuitable Package," written and performed by Bailey.
The crowd consisted of a large, devoted, hometown following, and the band
garnered massive applause as they took to the stage. Some in the crowd
sang along, and even held lighters aloft wistfully, as Bailey sang the
selfpenned folkpop single "L.A." Guerrero followed with the
primal punk rage of "1956." And with these 4 simple songs, the
classic Mannequins energy - the caustic, volatile, passion of Guerrero,
tempered by Bailey's everexpressive nuance - was in full force. The evening
ended with a heart-pounding 20-minute extended version of the cd title
track "Omar is Missing." By evenings end, emotionally overwrought,
several female admirers were reported to actually swoon. Medical professionals
were not necessary, and all affected fans were dutifully cared for by
friends and band members.
The show was the kick-off event for the Mannequins summer mini-tour, in
which they will be visiting Colorado, and several points between. It is
currently unconfirmed if newcomer Dave Weiland will be joining Guerrero
and Bailey for these extended dates.
Want more? Check out more photos of
the Mannequins playing LIVE!
"These guys cover the ground of 15 bands with their musical inspiration,
creativity, experimentation. I've just never really seen anything like
it. And the song 'L.A.' is beautiful beyond words... " (Jim Pilse
of Underground NOW!)
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