I’ve been playing guitar in bands for the last 14 years. From “The Search for the Yetti” to “the breakup? album” I’ve enjoyed creating music in the studio. I’ve always hesitated at the idea of playing live because of my shyness. In 2003, I played my first live show in the 2nd floor of an old church on Ashland Avenue, but it hasn’t been until the last few months that I have really begun to enjoy it.

I think the best way to share this is to breakdown a clip of hwn doing our thing. The song is called “Mesmerize”  and was filmed at hwn’s last show of 2009.

Reasons why I love this clip :

1. (0:07 seconds–0:12 seconds) The WOO!

About an hour and half before showtime, the band was sitting in the green rooms warming up. I received a text from my father saying “Your aunt is coming.” I was happy that she was coming this night because we were playing her favorite song, “Mesmerize.” I looked to my right and saw Darby (our drummer) smiling wide. Hesitantly I asked him what he was thinking. He just laughed and said “Well, we can all expect a big ‘WOO!’ during the first break.” At the time I just thought he was being silly, but sure enough the first break hit and out came a “WOO!” It’s really the crowd interaction that makes being on stage so much fun. For future reference, we encourage all woos.

2. (2:39 seconds) The Stand-Off!

I didn’t notice this during the show, but the audience sure did. At about 2:35 Joe decides to conquer Eug’s bass world and promptly struts over. I think it’s Joe’s body language that really gets me. His chest puffs outward and says “I am rock.” It’s like watching a nature show. The cheers make me think that the audience agreed with him. It is also quite possible that the cheers are for Eug since we all know Eug is everyone’s favorite.

3. (3:00 seconds-3:37 seconds) The Solo!

I can only tell you how inspired I am by Joe’s guitar playing these days. But at 3:00 he really just lets it all hang out. The next 22 seconds is balls to the wall, fret-melting-solo perfection, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Joe shows us level 11.  The guitar goes up and over while the knees drop down. Who can top that? I try to show some love @ 330 with a little bow down hand dap.

4. (2:15 seconds-end) The Rhythm Section!

Mesmerize was born in the studio amid synthesizers, acoustic guitars, and a wall of effects. The transition from album to live was not an easy one. We struggled to find an arrangement that gave the song the credit it deserved. It wasn’t until  Darby found the fine line between keeping the groove going and funking up the beat that we were able to make the leap. But what I want to focus on is the energy the rhythm section provides in the vamp out. Joe and I are really able to let loose during this section but this wouldn’t be possible if it were not for Eugene (who is beast on bass) and Darby (who brings the thunder). It is really the energy of these two that pushes and pulls us through 2 minutes of guitarmageddon.

Although I haven’t yet reached my goal to perform flawlessly on vocals I think this performance stands the test of a few months time. Learning to appreciate the energy and interaction between the band/the audience/the music is what makes performing worth it.

Thanks for reading. We hope to see you out at our next show to kick off Twenty-Ten.

hwn’s Rock’n’ Roll Bailout show

— El Presidente, Jason Abraham