Thanksgiving

...Not hanging out with rockstars, but with 12 other members of my family all under 1 roof. We had a mix of English, Spanish, and Portuguese flying around the household. As crazy and overwhelming as it can be at times, I absolutely love it. Especially my little nummer-nummer nieces (4 of them) who are too cute. This time of family bonding included the following:

- Getting chastised by the parents for drinking too much
- Teaching my niece how to play the trombone (err, sorta)
- Tossing the football around and getting tackled by a Christmas tree
- Playing my baby-grand at home, which I miss
- Eating (obviously)
- Running a 5mi race and getting beat out by a 14-year old
- Avoiding black friday like the plague
- Explaining to my nieces who flava flav is
- Sharing awkward stories of growing up with the family (apparently some were too early to laugh about... should wait a couple of years)

Hasidic Jew Rap

Remember those pesky little ven diagrams from grade school? If you were to make one now, let's say with Table A = Hasidic Jew, and Table B = Reggae/Rap Rocker, that blue middle region would really be narrowed down to one person: Matisyahu. I got to meet Matis and his band at their show in Boston at the Orphuem. However, I did not shake his hand (not allowed) nor did I talk to him for too long because forget being orthodox super strict, he's a for real Hasidic Jew! He was very nice for the brief moments I talked to him, but I did get to hang with the rest of the band after doing the hothand demo. They are super chill, really awesome musicians (a lot of them met at the New School in nyc) and were pretty into the motion inspired technology. The highlight of the meeting was climbing into the luxury tourbus, sipping some brews, and jamming out to some old-school funk tunes. [Matis not present]

This guy

Advice #1: don't date rockstars

This guy especially. I met Raliegh Neal at Vegoose, the big Halloween bash outside of Vegas which they sadly don't do anymore. The whole experience was a blast, and I'm sure other posts will reference my time there, but no story really matches this one. Mr. Neal plays keys with Michael Franti and Spearhead. Hey was also one of the lucky artist winners of the hothand at our backstage raffle. I was doing a demo and giving him the technical explanation of the hothand and how it was totally applicable to keys and how its fun etc. etc. He asks for my card so that he can contact me if he has any set-up issues. Of course I respond, giving him my official corporate nerdy engineering business card for my "real job."

This is the priceless email I receive... again remember at my real job, not personal email account!
"Hello Daniela,
Wow!!! you're hot!!

I mean you are a funky player and seem to be shaking and moving along.
Plus you're gifted with "scientific understanding" too...

But your Biology looks marvelous!!

HA!!!

Is that too much for a first email? No worries my dear, it's harmless...
especially since you live all the way in Boston. I just really enjoyed
your vibes more and more as I spent more time around
you. So... I'm letting you know.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I just wanted to say, "hey".

I'm back in San Fran, just finished unpacking, cleaning up the house a
bit and sitting down to organize cards and connections from this weekend
in Vegas. By the way, did you get a chance to gamble and see a show or
two? I really didn't this time around. I'm kinda disappointed about
that... but then I'm not a gambler. Well at least not that I'm aware
of...

The city is still a trip to me and in the right circumstances I believe
one can have a marvelous time there... What do you think?

So Lady Daniela, what is it that makes you wet the floor with happiness?

Is it centered around your work? Engineering? Is ther a book I could get
on "the passions of Daniela Marquez".

I have to admit, I very curious...

Bless you on your return to wonderful Boston and I look forward to
chatting more and maybe catching up with you in the DC area.

MMMMMUAH!!!!

Raliegh Ral "

You can't really make that sh*t up

How it all got started

"Now this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I liked to take a minute
Just sit right there
I'll tell you how I became the Artist Relations chic for Source Audio..."

Sorry I really couldn't resist despite better judgment.

Anyhow, this company SourceAudio makes some kick ass effects pedals. They are mainly meant for guitar, but have been successfully jammed out with bass, keys, and other instruments. The main concept is that the instrumentalist controls different effects such as a wah, phaser, flanger, etc. just with the motion of their hand as they play. The user wears a ring that is equipped with an accelerometer (same technology as the wii). This ring then wireless transmits a signal to the actual pedal in order to control the filter effects on the pedal. It allows for really expressive playing, a new way to engage with the audience, and some killer sounds that aren't even possible with current pedals on the market.

You can check one of my nerdy videos from NAMM here. Ok my plug is done.

So the guys @ SA besides being super innovative are really awesome. I get to travel (and party) with them occasionally at different trade shows and music festivals. I also do some local gig hopping to go meet artists and try to get them using and endorsing the product. It's a pretty awesome side gig and has led to some interesting run-ins (don't worry I'll tell the Disco Biscuits story at some point).

Obligatory First Post

This is day one in the blogoshpere ... I'm a little nervous, but I'll take the easy way out and reference my fav internet comic: http://xkcd.com/124/

Per the usual blog, I will reference funny happenings, things my parents say, things I do etc... and will also intersperse some fun anecdotes from meeting rockstars like flaava flav and getting to shake his crusty crusty hand.

"Yeaaa boooooy"
"Flaaaaavaaaa Flav!"
...yes he does say these things in real life, and wears the big clock around his neck, its true