It was a dark and stormy night...

....and I sat on my computer trying my new homebrew "Lime in the Coconaut." Yes, coconaut like "astronaut." why? no idea. The lightning flashes have been pretty close and I'm kinda terrified to go close to the windows. Something that I've always been worried about is getting struck by lightning. The brew is just great though. Right now, I'm fermenting my next batch as we speak. Its a Wit beer, so I want to name it after either a famous comedian or philosopher. Any ideas? Send them to starvingartistsguide@gmail.com. Both will be served at my upcoming party that is scheduled for some time in either late august or early September. I'm gonna be throwing this shindig at my place all day on a Saturday with my homebrews and some tasty miller high lifes. Last year I went bowling for my b-day, dude-style and it was an awesome time. This year I think I wanna go skinny dipping in Coney Island late late night. Any takers?

This summer is absolutely flying by! I've been having such a great time, and look forward to the fall. I am currently working out the kinks of getting a job as a touring cartoonist for my employer. It should be awesome! Nothing pays the bills like cartooning. I've also decided as a part time gig I will make $10 six racks for people. If you want one, email me at starvingartistsguide@gmail.com, just let me know what kind and when you need it by. It takes approximately 2 weeks to be ready. Oh, and you must be 21 years young. If you are adventurous and have the time on your hands, go to www.mrbeer.com to get a starter kit and launch your own home brewery. However, I got that style and pinasche that you want; nay, need.

I also just picked up Broke-ass Stuart's Guide to New York, which is going to become mandatory reading for anyone looking to make it on a budget in NYC. It's great info, and is also hilarious to boot. Check it out on Amazon for pretty cheap.

Starving Artists Podcast Ep 21

Starving Artist's Podcast Ep. 21
The latest installment for S.A.G Podcast is here, just right click the above link and 'save as' or subscribe to the show in itunes for free. I did a great interview with rocker Neil Nathan about booking gigs and his upcoming release "The Distance Calls" and getting his music on the Californication Season Two soundtrack. With info regarding free booze, the latest iphone app, BoltBus, Mega Bus and Couch Surfing the safe and easy way. With music from Neil Nathan, Alan Semerdjian, Zion Judah and more!

Back with a Vengence

This is just a quick update for those loyal followers...

I meant to do this a while ago but here's a kudos to Neil Nathan and the show he put on at Highline Ballroom two Fridays ago--He rocked the joint and had some incredible talent supporting him. He's got some music coming out on the Californication Season Two Soundtrack, which can be purchased here. He rocked particularly well on his track "California Run" and the acoustic cover of ELO's "Do Ya", which is featured on the Starving Artist's Podcast, Episode 18. His latest effort, entitled "The Nearest Future" is on Itunes here. His live sound and backing band is tight as a polarbear's behind and I'll let everyone know when his next Pirate Vinyl Show will be. Check out more of his music at www.neilnathan.com

Also, a great performance by Alan Semerdjian. His music mixed folk and rock like a sweet sweet long island iced tea on a warm summer's eve. For my fellow upstaters, he's playing the Moon and River Cafe in Schenectady, (ska-neck-ta-dee) NY this Friday @ 7pm! He reaaally rocked my boat with the song "Can't Wait." "When there was something wrong with you" was also a killer track. You can check out all his music on his website at www.alansemerdjian.com. You can buy his music here on itunes or a physical copy at www.cdbaby.com/alansemerdjian. The sound is full with the added violin and flute live... Check out "Can't Wait" below.


In other news, I've been getting a lot of positive feedback with the site and it's growing by leaps and bounds. I've added a few more items in the cafepress store and you can check them out here. Thanks to Meagan and Laura for making such great designs. You both rock! All of the profits go directly into funding promotional support for the site. I've also begun work on the ebook that I will be debuting in late September, entitled "How to live like a Rockstar on Minimum Wage." More info to come.

Also, I tried my new homebrew, tenativly titled "Lime in the Coconaut" and it is fantastic. I will be serving it in Coconut half-shells at my birthday bash/S.A.G. extravaganza in late August/early September. Tickets are limited, so please RSVP @ starvingartistsguide@gmail.com for more information. There will be live music, free give-aways, and a dj.

A long and sure vacation.

Greetings!

I've finally found a moment in my life to let you all know what I've been up to. It's been a wonderful 2 weeks off and I am finally ready to get back on the horse. The last two weeks have been exciting and relaxing; I finally got to get back to my roots and go upstate. Though I was busy trying to relax for one hot second, I also felt anxious to get back on air doing what I love the most--talking to everyone about the music, comedy and art that makes New York City so amazing. And amazing it is. I've been collecting and organizing for the next podcast (which airs this coming sunday!) and I feel pumped to get back on the airwaves. What's more, I got my prototype starving artists guide t-shirt from the printer a few days ago and it's awesome. A few more designs will be showing up, but if you wanna check it out, go to www.cafepress.com/starvingartnyc Feel free to buy some stuff, and know that the selection will soon be much bigger! I'm ready to get back on the wave and ride. See you out there.


Johnny

News Update

Hi, folks.

These are the dog days of summer, and instead of doing a show today I have other things to attend to. However, there will be a special podcast that I will put up next week. Important and fascinating tips and tricks will be revealed. Stay tuned! For those of you who are bored and need something to listen to, check out this podcast mp3. It's reallllly helpful for musicians--
Cd Baby Podcast

Starving Artist Podcast Ep 20

>Starving Artist Podcast Ep. 20

In this episode, Johnny discusses the contest winner for starvingartistsguide.com graphic design contest, the websites cafepress.com, vistaprint.com, overnightprints.com, and Recycle a Bicycle program run out of Brooklyn, NY. With music by Alex Yacovelli, Neil Nathan, Sharon Kenny and Pastora.
Also, for those of you looking for it, the Starving Artist Mixtape Volume 1 is at the bottom of this site now! Still working on my new website!

Starving Artist's Tee-Shirt

Here is one of the exclusive t-shirts for starvingartistsguide.com by graphic designer Laura Worrick. There are other things available @the Starving Artists Guide Merch Table and I will be adding more and more periodically to the store as to keep things fresh and/or clean. If you dig it, buy it! We could use the promo and for every shirt you buy, we get like, $3. You could always donate using the Paypal button to the bottom right, too...

And the winner is......

Laura Worrick!!! For designing me the coolest design for starvingartistsguide.com. Not only did she do the banner that is on the top of the page, she also did some really awesome brand work as well, featuring the subway line circles as art. Good work, Laura! I hope your prize has found a nice home on your wall.
Teeshirts will be available soon! More info to come.

Crazy Days and Crazier Nights

Things have been heating up in my life, not just because summer has officially begun. There are a couple of great shows coming up, and I just wanted to let you know so you could be ready with the sunscreen and miller lime. Here's who's playing @ Siren Fest, Coney Island July 18th!


BUILT TO SPILL

SPANK ROCK

THE RAVEONETTES

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS

GRAND DUCHY

MONOTONIX

THEE OH SEES

FUTURE OF THE LEFT

JAPANDROIDS

MICACHU & THE SHAPES

TINY MASTERS OF TODAY

BEAR HANDS

THE BLUE VAN

JUSTINE D.

DEADHEAT DJS

And best of all, it's free, happening July 18th rain or shine.

Not to be outdone, there is the incredible lineup of the All Points West Festival, just a stone throw away from NYC in Liberty Park, NJ. Started last year with Radiohead headlining two nights in a row, this fest is one of the best. This years lineup is monumental!



For anyone that works with APW, I would love to get backstage passes to do a review for your show. (Stranger things have happened, right?)

And last but not least, friend of the show Neil Nathan will be performing with some other great acts at Highline Ballroom. He's gotten awesome reviews and would love it for you to get yourself out there on Friday July 10th from 7 to midnight! The lineup is at the top!