ars longa, vita brevis

Each time I prepare for a new musical project, I embark on a ritual of transferring unused lyrics and concepts from old journals to new journals. Although a new release is a long ways off, I have begun that process as new songwriting ensues. Below are four spreads from the Chaos Theory, Explained journal that was kept. I hope that you enjoy all the madness to the method! For the aural version, Chaos Theory, Explained is still available on CD and for download! The spreads are as follows:

• Journal Cover
• Lyrics for "Don't Panic"
• Visual interpretation of "The Green Door" aka "The National &them"
• Mixing notes for "Enjoy the Funeral" 

I was recently checking up on iTunes reviews for Curious Yello albums and could help but notice something... disturbing? shocking? degenerate? Let's go with degenerate. The listing for Curious Yello's XYZ: Rarities album shows that "Listener's Also Bought" such selections as "98 Degrees" and the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to "Step Up." Really? The satisfying equivalent of Curious Yello's melodic rock for the masses includes stuff like Heat it Up featuring Nick Lachey or I'mma Shy by YoungBloodZ?? Do we not value spelling anymore?!

Ok. Sure. We all have guilty pleasures. I suppose I can't judge. But I assure you, the boys men of Curious Yello will never wear matching pants.

”Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

[poe]

... I couldn't help but post this clipping from the front page of an undisclosed newspaper.

Recent sighting in the Duluth News Tribune Budgeteer! Thanks to Matthew R. Perrine for the good words...

5Q: Neal Peterson's music is the 'Lost' of indie rock

One-time Duluthian Neal Peterson won’t rest until global domination is his. That statement may seem a little over the top — especially considering how not diabolical said musician is — but, man, just listen to that smart new record of his.

The former Curious Yello member recently returned to the scene with “Chaos Theory, Explained,” a slick EP that effortlessly advances the quirky indie rock aim of 2007’s “Riot in Luxury.” Impressed as we were, we thought we’d find out a little more about it:

Budgeteer: I quite enjoyed the highly refined sound of the new album. Have you been listening to any artists in particular who inspired this enhanced musical palette?

Peterson: I’ve always been a big fan of bands who integrate electronic elements into their music, like Radiohead, the Postal Service, Sublime, etc. I would add that, despite being brought up on rock and roll and primarily listening to rock music now, I also keep a large stash of hip-hop, electronica, etc.

But as good as the songs on “Chaos Theory, Explained” are, the EP is also a complete package because of its stellar artwork. Do you use your design prowess during the day to make a living?

I do! I am privileged to be working with two institutions that truly influence my art and music. During the day, I work as a graphic designer for the Minnesota Orchestra and, in the evening, I instruct graphic design classes at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by world-class musicians and artists every day.

I’m the first to admit that I’m a little dense, but ... what exactly is the significance of the knife drawer referenced throughout “Kill or Cure”?

I’ve had this conversation several times before, as my lyrics are sometimes a bit shrouded in symbolism. Unfortunately, it’s out of my control.

I should specify that, although the EP may seem to have some dark overtones, the entire album — at least from my perspective — is meant to be positive.

“The Knife Drawer” could represent a few different things, including our existence on earth and our hope to resolve all the ills.

Growing up in North Dakota, I was surrounded by missile silos. In the early writing stages of the CD, I had an idea about a vigilante of sorts who would take control of all the nuclear warheads in North Dakota. This fictional character would use them to destroy the planet as a way to end all the suffering — hence the image of the abandoned missile silo on the cover and a picture of that same silo from the inside on the interior of the sleeve.

Why a “knife drawer”? In a general sense, a knife drawer contains the tools necessary for creating pain and suffering or something beautiful and precise.

I appreciate when artists release unforgettable EPs over not-fully-realized LPs. So, in honor of this preference, in your eyes what is the ultimate EP out there?

I agree. I love the idea of an EP as an experiment. I think that many artists — or record labels — often forget that, sometimes, less is more. I can’t offer an “ultimate” EP, but one of my favorites as of late has been Matt Pond PA’s “Winter Songs.”

What’s the most annoying and/or awful thing any audience member has ever done during one of your shows?

I’ve always had luck with good audiences. But, my band in college, Curious Yello, was playing a battle of the bands at a biker bar in Fargo once and a mulleted gentleman shouted “You suck!” between songs.

Of course, in hindsight, I can now take this as a compliment.

Don't forget to battle evil with me this Thursday night (NOV 12) at Station 4 in St. Paul...

[File Photo submitted by Neal Peterson]

This is sort of interesting. I came across this video of me playing recently at the Fine Line in Minneapolis. It seems that the camera was physically melting while recording my performance. At least that's the only logical explanation I can think of. n.joy!

The new CD is now available! Pick it up at any live performance. Or you can purchase/download it at iTunes or CDbaby.com. Also—Come out to the Fine Line on October 5 to hear the new songs live! Visit the Performances section for all the dirty little details.

BUY THE CD: CDBaby.com
DOWNLOAD: CDBaby.com OR 

Ever heard of the Six degrees of Separation? How many is this: Bonnie Duhamel attends a Neal Peterson concert. Her son Josh marries Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas. I lost count. Don't get me wrong—I like the Black Eyed Peas. Although, I only own their first album, Behind the Front, which I purchased in 1998 from a 99 cent bin at a record store. Also of note, Fergie wasn't on that album. I digress.

Anyway, a couple months ago, my brother-in-law, Cale, asked me if I had seen the music video for Boom Boom Pow. I hadn't, but upon review, Cale was right: The imagery is somewhat uncanny. I wasn't even going to comment on this until I heard Fergie sing (and I quote): "I'm so 3008. You so 2000 and late." Despite the grammatical errors, we can see that her flux capacitor is a bit off (see diagram below):

Oh, well. The Peas are great, and I wish them the best of luck. Maybe they'll let me open for them sometime or maybe they'd like me to design their next album cover. It's all for the best, I suppose. After all, it's just like my song (Revolution No. 13) from Riot in Luxury says: "We're victims of headphones"...

Thanks to all who came out to the Aquarium in Fargo friday night (Doc Brown was most pleased)! Also, a big thanks to all the media and support: John Lamb at The Fargo Forum, The High Plains Reader, "HPR Night with Raul and Zach" on 1100 AM, T-Bone and Sabe at The Boneyard on ROCK 102, and Chris and April at DM Cooperative. Also thanks to Michael Pink, the glorious Mark Proulx, and Darren Keen for rounding out the night! Check out a shot from the crowd:

Press (Forum left, HPR right):

From the Fargo Forum: The man may be the same, but his songs have changed. That's what you need to know before checking out former Fargoan Neal Peterson's new disc "Chaos Theory, Explained." Gone are the stripped-down acoustic stylings of his first releases, replaced with electric beats and other amped-up sounds. What remains is the singer/guitarist's knack for mining hooks and catchy melodies.

From the High Plains Reader: BEST BETS! Neal Peterson is a North Dakota native who has walked the stretches of life and found success ... His latest album, "Chaos Theory, Explained," is the pinnacle of his solo work thus far, delving into intense subject matters: life, the universe and everything really. The sound that accompanies it is as abstract and multifaceted as the musician, who is also an award-winning artist and graphic designer. ... Most certainly a show worth seeing.