tag:wynnecblue.com,2005:/blogs/the-end-and-the-beginning?p=2WCB blog2019-07-31T09:00:00-07:00Wynne C Bluefalsetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/58373002019-07-31T09:00:00-07:002019-07-31T09:01:07-07:00Troublefaker Stories: End of Part 1<p>Hey again. I'm sure you've noticed it's taken me a bit longer these last couple of weeks to get a comic and story chapter out to you. As it's the finale of this part of my story I will spare you excuses and get right to it.</p>
<p>I chose to let Laurel go. You won't find her on any of our social media accounts because her time as a Troublefaker pre-dates our Facebook and troublefakers.com as well as other modern web presences. It was all MySpace during this time (2005-2008).</p>
<p>I didn't enjoy this conversation. When you're close friends firing a bandmate can be the same as a breakup, and it should be done in person unless you can't help it. In hindsight I should have made the time but I didn't. It broke her heart and mine to part ways. We spoke maybe one or two times after that.</p>
<p>Last I heard Laurel went on to work on her own music projects, calling in a few people from the jam group where we all met. That was many years ago. I hope she is doing well and still playing drums with that fiery spirit audiences always enjoyed.</p>
<p>Some musicians can sit down with each other over a beer and decide if moving forward is the best option. Those types are artists first and then friends. We weren't quite there. It's great to be able to make music with friends as long as everyone's goals are similar. Friendship isn't always enough.</p>
<p>So ends part one of my Troublefakers Stories. I'm glad you stuck with me this long and took some time to let me know how much you enjoy them.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/67dc9c9d657528e223f9c88a3d6b8efb3dad7ad1/original/troublefakers-comic-13-teaser.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<hr><p>For now I'm going to take a bit of a break. Patreon, songwriting, and tracking down images that segue into the next part will be my priorities for the next couple of weeks. I have no plans to stop making comics for you, I promise.</p>
<p>Until then say a little prayer for me that I get everything done on my to-do list! It's time to make music a priority again.</p>
<p>I love you! Please be happy.</p>
<p>Your friend,<br><strong><span class="font_large">Wynne C Blue</span></strong><br><a contents="https://wynnecblue.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wynnecblue.com"><span class="font_regular">https://wynnecblue.com</span></a></p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/58372992019-07-25T22:56:27-07:002019-07-25T22:56:27-07:00Troublefaker Stories: The Talk<p>I'm going to cut to the chase this time.</p>
<p>As long-time subscribers know, this is a chapter I wasn't excited to write about. It was expected, though (can I build suspense or what?)</p>
<p>Despite the post-rehearsal Pumphouse dinners, the rehearsals, the songwriting, and the gigs I can remember, things weren't their best. In hindsight I saw where we could have used a bit more consistency but I chose to ignore it. Behind the scenes Laurel often encouraged me to do new things, gave me advice when I needed it, and was great support when my marriage was crumbling. She was my friend.</p>
<p>For Ethan, the unpredictability was key. He had goals that he wasn't moving toward with Laurel's style of musicmaking. Without consistency his songs weren't getting the development they needed. Sure we could play them, but something always changed.</p>
<p>For Ed it was all that and communication. Bass and drums make the rhythm section and they have to be in lockstep. The incident when we tried to record at my house didn't help.</p>
<p>When they were in agreement they turned to me. What I wanted to do would affect everyone. I had a difficult decision to make.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/f17d2edc0edf0844fdae3584010e82f9213dc001/original/troublefakers-comic-12-teaser.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<hr><p>I hope you have been enjoying these comics as I work my way through this break from my musical journey. The Troublefakers 1.0 story will wrap up next week, and then I will break for a bit to get my Patreon presence solid.</p>
<p>I'm glad you are enjoying the comics, but at some point music will enter the picture again. When it does you'll be the first to know!</p>
<p>Know this: I am grateful you signed up and read my email. I do this for myself and for you! You're always welcome to use the link at the bottom to unsubscribe but I hope you don't - there are so many stories to tell and things I haven't shared with you yet.</p>
<p>Until then I love you and want you to be happy. I mean it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your friend,<br><span class="font_large"><strong>Wynne C Blue</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fake internet points always welcome:<br><a contents="https://facebook.com/wynnecblue" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://facebook.com/wynnecblue">https://facebook.com/wynnecblue</a><br><a contents="https://instagram.com/wynnecblue" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/wynnecblue">https://instagram.com/wynnecblue</a></p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/58207882019-07-13T12:00:00-07:002019-07-13T12:00:42-07:00Troublefaker Stories: It's Different for the Band<p>These next few comics are gonna hurt. I have them all storyboarded out in a notebook with thumbnail sketches not because that's what comic artists do, but because that's what storytellers do. I didn't want to approach this part of Troublefakers 1.0 thoughtlessly and I didn't want to have to make it up at the moment I put pencil to paper. To me, this was and is a big deal.</p>
<p>Troublefakers 1.0 did not live very long. The four of us - Ethan, Ed, Laurel, and Me - wrote and performed together for maybe 2 years. I was going through my photo archive and realized I didn't have a lot of pictures from all the gigs we played together. I have evidence of The Central, Caffe Bella, and the Workshop, but not much else.</p>
<p>Did we really only play a handful of shows? THIS IS WHY TAKING PICTURES IS IMPORTANT - you know what they say, "pics or it didn't happen." Back in 2007 social media sucked, but now there's no excuse! You can enjoy the show, take a picture halfway through the set, then put your smartphone back in your pocket. Post and tag between bands. Easy peasy! The band will love you for it, I promise.</p>
<p>But anyway... For two years we practiced and played. I wish I remembered as much of the shows as I do rehearsals and camaraderie. It might have made things easier.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/46ed4be5f2e6eb42ceb72807b71982c282a125b5/original/troublefakers-comic-11-teaser.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>If you're reading this on the WCB Blog, please head over to the main page and sign up for emails! I send the whole strip to the mailing list and you don't want to miss out.</p>
<p>I decided that this week I'd try an actual comic book lettering font instead of hand-writing the narrative text. The process has so far been pencils, inks, lettering, PhotoShop, then email, and the PhotoShop step was getting to be lengthy as I cleaned up all the mess around words. I picked this font because I recognized the style from some of my favorite comics. I hope it's easier to read, but let me know what you think. I'm always happy to send you the JPG of the comic if it's too small in your email program.</p>
<p>Until next time!</p>
<p>Your friend,<br><span class="font_large"><strong>Wynne C Blue</strong></span><br><a contents="https://wynnecblue.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wynnecblue.com">https://wynnecblue.com</a></p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/58188782019-07-09T13:09:35-07:002019-07-09T13:09:35-07:00Troublefaker Stories: But His Emails<p>Hey again. Y'know I do my best to make sure my email gets out to you on Wednesday, but this week it just wasn't going to happen. I have an HP ENVY 5660 printer/scanner and it broke up with my laptop like a tween girl with a grudge - there was no convincing it to even try communicating... so, well, you get the picture. No scan means no comic, so I had to improvise my solution. </p>
<p>Today's strip revolves around an aspect of band drama that follows me to this day: email. Band emails have filled me with dread for a long time, partially because I tend to assume people don't really like me, and partially because of Ethan. </p>
<p>As someone new to the whole band thing I saw Ethan as the authority on band life and business. He did the booking, he knew the venues, he knew the etiquette -- I didn't have any reason to doubt his knowledge. The years have proven Ethan to be right about half of the time and that's fine. The scene is always evolving, as are we. </p>
<p>But when Ethan had an issue, he wrote about it. We all got the email and if I printed it I'd lose four sheets of paper easy. He didn't ramble either. Everything was well-thought out and often included bullet points. He was very, very thorough. </p>
<p>The one I remember clearest addressed whether the rest of the band was in it to grow and thrive or just dick around (my words, not his) as hobbyists. I wasn't sure what to think of that one, but the more I read the more I thought he was either going to quit or kick me out, and I panicked. Oh how I wish I still had that email, but I don't. It's not even in the archives of my Yahoo account. You'll have to take my word for it, as usual. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/b8ed5e7c248471604f837e0634aa7e83c5931f99/original/troublefakers-comic-10.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Including the whole comic this week so you'll sign up for emails!" />While Ethan no longer pursues music full-time, he does still write. He writes fiction, non-fiction, bits of encouraging insight as a life coach on social media, and sometimes he still writes songs. I put a link to his work in my last email to you, but here it is again in case you missed it: https://www.ethanfreckleton.com/ </p>
<p>Next week is Independence Day and I will be pretty busy with a few family things, so expect to see another chapter around July 10. Until then please feel free to reply to let me know what you think, or to forward this message or its link with a suggestion to sign up! </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57976722019-06-22T12:00:00-07:002019-06-22T12:00:43-07:00Wynne Stories: Interlude 1<p>Hey! How are you? I've been trying to make sure you get my email on Wednesdays. Sometimes it's simple distraction slowing me down, but most of the time It's figuring out what I want to share with you.</p>
<p>Usually I tell you a story and attach a related comic. This week I'm cutting straight to the chase.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/19f34829a508f1558f7ac7eea46d76b4c16118ec/original/teaser-wynne-comic-9.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Subscribers get the full comic - sign up on the home page!</em></span></p>
<p>Clearly I have a lot to work through as well as an understandable case of FOMO.</p>
<p>I have often heard that passion and talent are not enough to succeed. One also has to be true to oneself. This applies to so many endeavors it's ridiculous. Many success stories start with someone else's expectations, evolve with an epiphany, and find their happily ever after by pursuing their truth. It is something I have struggled with and suffered from. (HT to <strong><a contents="Ethan" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B072WFM4V4">Ethan</a></strong>, who has been giving me <strong><a contents="lots of food for thought lately" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ethan.a.freckleton/">lots of food for thought lately</a></strong>).</p>
<p>The music will return. I am stuck between having ideas and not knowing how to pull them out of my head. Lyrics and melody are easy. Guitar is a little more challenging. Rhythm? I can't even. I just CAN'T. I'll figure it out sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>I want to thank you for reading this far and for subscribing to my emails. I want to keep in touch! I'm most active on <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/wynnecblue"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> these days. Give me a follow, eh?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your friend,<br>Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57976712019-06-19T21:16:02-07:002019-06-19T21:16:02-07:00Troublefaker Stories: Just Promo<p>I'm taking this week off from the comics. They take a bit longer than I expected they would and I'm getting to a part of band history I'm not sure how to approach so I'm taking my time on it. </p>
<p>Before I get there I want to let you know I will be introducing some Wynne Stories soon. I had a life before I founded The Troublefakers that is full of stories worth telling. They will include some present-day material as well. I haven't decided if those will be sent to you or kept on my Patreon. </p>
<p>As for Troublefaker Stories, there's still a bit to tell even if it's not gonzo. We did shows all over but the only ones I remember are ones at Merchant's Cafe, The Central Saloon, and Cafe Bella (where we couldn't play covers). I know we played more than that I just can't for the life of me remember. We did have an official band photo, though. Ed and Laurel were not keen on having their picture taken, and I'm doing something with my face every time. I think I was trying not to look fat.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/90abc68232c021deeb17cea8c6de6d379de8232d/original/2006-troublefakers-promo-collage.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#999999;"><em>The tagline evolved into "Forcing people to have fun since 2005" but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one that used it. Taken at Evolution Studios in Bellevue, WA, 2006 </em></span></p>
<p>For the record, I don't use the troublefakers Gmail account anymore. I think I have everything auto-forwarded to my troublefakers.com address these days. Seeing this, how am I doing with the comic likenesses? At any rate, these pictures are pretty much the reason I rarely had band photos taken after this. The camera and I are not friends.</p>
<p>This next one was taken in the Evolution Studios parking lot. I only wish the other one wasn't so fuzzy - it was far more interesting: </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/d8412dc89a6c7bd0bd2f28c89c2c98f056d4c33e/original/2006-troublefakers-promo-collage-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Evolution Studios parking lot, Bellevue, WA, 2006</em></span> </p>
<p>As always, thank you for reading this far and subscribing. I have a lot of stories to tell about this long chapter of my life and I'm glad I get to share them with you. </p>
<p>Until next time, <br>Your friend, Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57805032019-06-08T12:00:00-07:002019-11-17T09:05:40-08:00Troublefaker Stories: The First Demo<p>Heya, it's me again. I am feeling SO much better this week! I guess I needed to slow down a bit.</p>
<p>If you missed any of my past stories I put recaps here on the <a contents="WCB Blog" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wynnecblue.com/wcb-blog"><strong>WCB Blog</strong></a>. AND if you missed an email because you're a fan of the comic just <a contents="let me know" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:wynne@troublefakers.com"><strong>let me know</strong></a> and I'll send you an mail with the ones you missed.</p>
<p>Continuing the story, I did skip a bit and put the Battle of the Bands before the demo. Whoops.</p>
<p>So we needed a demo. Studio time was a bit expensive so we got creative, hashing out the plan to record drums at my house, then adding other parts later as schedules allowed.</p>
<p>I bought thrift store comforters and put grommits in them to hang from hooks I had stuck in my walls to serve as sound dampeners and cleared out my living room so a drum kit could fit in there along with whatever microphones Ed brought with his laptop.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/2b98b6e1560631ffe0850fc7003d67c4e5e58dc5/original/troublefakers-comic-7-teaser.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="Subscribe for the full comic!" /><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>I know the comic part is first this time but seriously read the rest of the story... please?</em></span></p>
<p>Ed arrived and we waited for Laurel. After a time she arrived, very excited about recording but with no drums! She had a really big idea that was supposed to save us time and money but we were too shocked and confused at the time - I don't think either of us remember what her idea was but it wasn't going to work. Luckily, Ethan had some experience with recording a demo and booked time at <a contents="Fastback Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/fastbackstudios/"><strong>Fastback Studios</strong></a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/09cd4afe098994f0276e8bfbc199170f88496944/original/ethan-at-fastback-2007.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>Ethan in action at Fastback Studios in Seattle.</em></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/d575f54076ba6007eefe19d45c57457c94f0d88b/original/img-1098.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>My first time in a bona fide professional studio vocal booth</em></span></p>
<p>Over two days we had a great time recording a three-song demo with the crew of Fastback Studios. My sister was visiting from Birmingham during our session and hung out with us.</p>
<p>The hardest part of the whole thing was waiting through mixing and mastering. It took longer than I thought it would and the engineer was so focused I didn't realize I could give feedback. Honestly I had no idea how any of this worked. The demo turned out great though. Those recordings used to be on <a contents="MySpace" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://myspace.com/thetroublefakers/music/songs"><strong>MySpace</strong></a> before somebody spilled bongwater on their server and lost them all. Oh well.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/ef33d5855f370028d6c745dce7ba64340124ee42/original/img-1094.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>The waiting is the hardest part - every day you see one more card... (zoom to see wall detail)</em></span></p>
<p>I try to keep these stories short and simple but they rarely turn out that way. What can I say? I love to write! Maybe that's why I feel the need to include the comic. Gotta mix it up and make it artsy.</p>
<p>I'll have another strip for you in a couple of weeks as I try to remember more from the Troublefakers 1.0 era. Until then remember I love you and want you to be happy, k?</p>
<p>Your friend,<br>Wynne</p>
<p>https://wynnecblue.com<br>https://wynnecblue.bandcamp.com<br>Find Wynne C Blue and her Troublefakers on SPOTIFY!</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57758202019-05-31T17:58:15-07:002019-05-31T17:58:15-07:00Troublefaker Stories: A Conversation<p>Hey, how are you? I wish I could say I was doing okay. This week has been brutal health-wise, and keeping me away from my workdesk. I posted something about the delays on my <strong><a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://facebook.com/wynnecblue">Facebook</a></strong> page and my <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/wynnecblue"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> (still figuring out how to love <a contents="Twitter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/wynnecblue"><strong>Twitter</strong></a>) - did you see it? Anyway, better late than never. Even through my struggle, I enjoyed creating this comic for you. </p>
<p>Because I've been struggling I just don't have it in me for a history lesson this week and won't be writing a lot. After we finally got away from Battle of the Bands at Merchant's Cafe Laurel and I ended up at the Denny's in Bellevue, WA. I'm not sure how or why we chose that one, but we ended up there at 3 a.m. for coffee and pancakes. The following conversation is real, I just have no proof. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/4f41333b829a2191634d19836fbf7023d19356db/original/troublefakers-comic-6-teaser.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Teaser for Troublefakers #6 - sign up for emails!" />Enjoy this weekend, it's a long one for me with Memorial Day and all. I'm taking next week off and will pick up comic writing again in June. Until then, won't you head over to <a contents="BandCamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wynnecblue.bandcamp.com"><strong>BandCamp</strong></a> and check out my discography? Pick out your favorites and download a few. It will help me out until I can get around to Patreon. </p>
<p>Your friend, </p>
<p>Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57758182019-05-31T17:47:54-07:002019-05-31T17:47:54-07:00Troublefaker Stories: Battle of the Bands<p>Oh hey, it's me, your friend Wynne C Blue. I know I keep saying that but I think it's my thing, wanting to let you know I'm your friend. Cheesy? Heck yeah it is. Moving on... </p>
<p>I have this list on my whiteboard to keep me on schedule for the comics I'm sending you. It keeps me on track and allows me to work on them a little every day. For the last couple of weeks I've been sending you things a little out of order, but they're all really close in the Troublefaker timeline. I'm not going to jump around too much. </p>
<p>This week I want to tell you about one of our first big gigs. BATTLE OF THE BANDS at Merchant's Cafe in Seattle's Pioneer Square. I really can't remember how we got this gig. Every new band gets sucked into a BotB in their fledgling years. We were no different. Luckily it was not one of those events where we were required to pre-sell tickets. All we had to do was promote and perform. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/3fa171635238aa7d533e18b453ece19986755b6a/original/merchants0223tiny.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color:#999999;">The flyer I made for our BotB show </span></em></p>
<p>This show had a lot of money behind it and they put a lot of effort into the production. They were livestreaming audio before livestreaming was even a thing, which meant everything on stage had to have a microphone - every drum, every tambourine, everyone who would make a noise with their mouth - everything. PLUS they figured it would streamline the transitions to have comedians between bands so people wouldn't get bored and leave while they mic'd everything (that didn't happen). Everyone scheduled got to perform, but it took forever. </p>
<p>The Freetown were a six-piece jazz-pop band, all underage, and two of them were fighting a crud of some kind. It showed. I felt bad for 'em but we gave it our best anyway. We won the round and were told we'd be contacted about our next battle. </p>
<p>While this was an experience that sits clearly in my mind from trainwreck to performance to aftermath, I have absolutely ZERO pictures of this performance. All I have is the flyer above. Not even MySpace has record of this show. </p>
<p>That said, this week's comic contains a little hint at what was to come much later. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/bcde92a962d6b5d96e8a7a41aea5cd46e4a1e000/original/troublefakers-comic-5-teaser.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Teaser for Troublefakers #5 - sign up for emails!" />I'm pretty close to that Patreon thing being ready to go. I took a lot of progress photos for this and the last couple of strips and I'd like to populate the page with some content before asking for your patronage. </p>
<p>Next week I cover recording our first demo. Until then thank you for being a subscriber! Feel free to reply with any suggestions, questions, or feedback. It helps me as a creator to hear what you think! </p>
<p>As always, your friend, </p>
<p>Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57466842019-05-11T12:00:00-07:002019-05-11T12:00:38-07:00Troublefaker Stories: First gigs at The Workshop<p>Hey! Again, I hope you're enjoying these stories as much as I'm enjoying writing and illustrating them. I'm still astounded at the amount of people who write to me or approach me to let me know what they think! This email list was never this active before, not in sending and certainly not responses. </p>
<p>Still, it's a way to process the end of what was basically the driving force in my life for nearly 14 years. Some memories are good and some are not. I will try to save you from the not good ones when I can, but I can't promise to candy-coat anything. </p>
<p>So... The Workshop. It was pretty terrible as far as dive bars go - at least in my opinion - I guess they had good beer but everything on the menu was angrily deep fried. The only thing I remember eating there was fries. It was torn down several years ago to make room for condos and a parking lot. I did manage to find a couple of photos, though. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/42db237b7b9c4e910f588c2c9a1f250a0a9d23f9/original/workshop-composite.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>These were taken by some guy named Nigel around 2007, who really loved this place.</em></span></p>
<p>Ethan set up the first gig. I think the owner was a family friend so it was a pretty easy gig to land. Honestly I had no idea what to expect. It had been a while since I last performed with a band and my memories were a bit fuzzy. There wasn't a stage, but they moved a bunch of tables so we could play on one side of the room away from the door. </p>
<p>In digging through my archive I could only find pictures from one of the two gigs I have proof of. Can you guess which one? </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/46ff5e245ac7668483be63a21e872111714723f5/original/workshop-flyers-2006-composite.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>If you guessed anything but the Halloween-themed show, you would be wrong</em></span></p>
<p>We all (except for Ed) dressed up for this show (unless Ed was dressed as a serial killer, you know they look just like everybody else) and Ethan was late because his makeup took longer than anticipated. I went out of my way to sew a Pink Ladies jacket and bought a beehive wig, and Laurel... Laurel went incognito. Or invisible. I dunno, you tell me: </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/b1709f91e2488e83bb7e5ea4f8e416817d980d21/original/halloween-2006-workshop.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>Ethan, Me, Laurel, and Ed at The Workshop 2006</em></span></p>
<p>This week's comic covers what my photo archive could not: Our first gig. It's true that we got booked with metal bands at The Workshop, but we also were booked with them at other venues as well. Ethan said it was just something that bookers do so I accepted it. At the time I was unaware of what other bands were in the scene or that it was possible to offer a bill with more appropriate styles. I have since learned better. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/fae2a32cb00241391e64cf21b6939444bb34134b/original/troublefakers-comic-4.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Comics are up there with music as my main creative outlet, but they take time and resources. I have soft-launched a Patreon page where I offer exclusive and behind-the-scenes content. The details will have to wait for next week, though. I have to get it all sorted first. I can take donations through PayPal and as wynnecblue on Venmo, though, if you can't wait for my super-expensive $1/month Patreon. </p>
<p>As always, thank you for reading this far and subscribing to my email list. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and encourage them to sign up!</p>
<p>See you next week! </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue <br>https://wynnecblue.com</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57466802019-05-07T22:11:12-07:002019-05-07T22:12:17-07:00Troublefaker Stories: The Band Gets a Name<p>Hey, how are you? I've been thinking a lot about what to write about this week. I know in my last message I said I would tell you a bit about the first Troublefakers gigs (if you missed it you can find it in the archive at WCB Blog), but I don't think that makes a lot of sense. </p>
<p>Wouldn't you like to hear where "The Troublefakers" came from? I mean, how does someone come up with a goofball name like that anyway? Okay for one -- Troublemakers is a really common band name. Be that as it may we weren't looking to call ourselves The Troublemakers and get confused with a classic rock cover band in Milwaulkee, Denver, or Pasadena. It wasn't even considered. Ever. </p>
<p>I have torn apart my office and music spaces looking for the printout I made of all the band names we considered without success. The email archive from that time has since been purged of all those messages. Luckily, I was able to find a list of band name finalists in a text file named (wait for it) BAND CRAP.txt: </p>
<p>Re-Make/Re-Model (roxy music) <br>Autumn Almanac (the kinks) <br>Pop Movie (duran duran) <br>Too Late Wendy (duran duran) <br>A Chosen Time (new order?) <br>Guilty Partner (tears for fears?) <br>Leaders/Seekers of Men (depeche mode) <br>Des Grau es FredeShay (sims - "this is good") <br>Deg Deg (sims - "goodbye") <br>Wubalee Frap (sims - "stfu") <br>Twisted Pairs <br>Donkey Hare <br>Troublefakers <br>Passout Party <br>(A few were removed because I might want to use them later) </p>
<p>I know, I know -- lots of stuff taken from "The Sims" video game. What can I say? I loved the game and "The Sims 2" was released that year. Once we settled on a band name I even made Sims of all four of us! I didn't go on a killing spree with them, though. There are only ten ways to kill a Sim in The Sims 2, and I lost interest after five. But I digress. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/a5826f6ec170f7ec2a3f37c7f4ff97b796c08494/original/105-sim-lane.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>Yeah I went there. Sue me. </em></span></p>
<p>The comic below is, sadly, incomplete. I bit off more than I could chew this week but I did promise a six-panel comic in all my "please sign up for my email" promo online. It's a little rough, and I'm a little tough on myself for not being able to pull it off, but whatever. Here you go: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/e6ebf026e1495293b309c36a09825c0f9ef54799/original/troublefakers-comic-3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>While I usually save the full comic for subscribers, for this one I'll make an exception. Enjoy.</em></span></p>
<p>Remember in the last email I sent that I was working on getting a Patreon page set up? Well, this week I've actually been working on it when I had the urge to procrastinate on this. I plan to have it go live in May, and will send you a link and some instructions when that happens. It's there you will see the final shaded, colored, and pencil mark-free version of Troublefakers #3. </p>
<p>Next week I'll talk about our first gigs. That's a promise. </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue </p>
<p>https://wynnecblue.com </p>
<p><em>originally sent by email May 1, 2019</em></p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57383612019-04-30T23:10:43-07:002019-04-30T23:10:43-07:00Troublefaker Stories: The Pumphouse<p>Hey! How'd you like last week's comic? I got a lot of great feedback on it and the first chapter of Troublefakers Stories and hope you enjoyed it, too. If you missed one, scroll back through the WCB Blog to catch up. </p>
<p>Man, am I glad I archive my cell phone photos - there are some things about band life back in 2006 that I had almost forgotten about! Like how a band grows as a family unit when the right people get together. </p>
<p>First, I have to issue a correction (gasp!) for my last email to you. As it turns out, Ed was fresh out of university and brought on by Ethan because they knew each other from work. When Ethan's first band Alectrophobia broke up Ed bought his bass from him. </p>
<p>Rehearsals were productive and Ethan brought songs into the mix already written that just needed some fleshing out. I brought a couple myself, and from there Ethan and I co-wrote the beginning of the Troublefakers library. A few of these songs would end up on my first album after Ethan moved on, but let's not jump ahead just yet. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/ffb86f32e65eef350b44aac1a3d7828c2b2dc322/original/laurel-ed-rehearsal-2006.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#dddddd;"><em>Laurel and Ed at Evolution Studios 2006 </em></span></p>
<p>As far as the Troublefakers 1.0 went, Ethan, Ed, Laurel and I got along well. We settled into a Friday night schedule over at Bellevue's Evolution Studios. Either the walls weren't as thick as they could have been or we just always got stuck next to a deathcore band, but we played loud and hard as well. My only problem was being able to hear myself, something that would catch up to me. </p>
<p>After rehearsals we would meet up at The Pumphouse in Bellevue for dinner and to unwind. It was there we got to know each other and reflect on the night's rehearsal. What do we do next? Who's got a good story? I remember Ethan always ordered coffee and a burger on sourdough. Laurel always had a cocktail. Over time it solidified us as friends. At least I thought it did. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/fc41f09cc9244e99b2b1e306dd2b7c3d3108b27e/original/img-0802.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#dddddd;"><em>Me rehearsing at Evolution Studios with Laurel and Ed </em></span></p>
<p>But these are MY memories. At the time, I was dealing with a failing marriage and still processing a deep loss. Making music with my friends was a welcome distraction. I didn't know where I was going to take it but I knew I wanted to keep doing it for as long as possible. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/05bb304f258f853e1e10a08601825cd19cef26de/original/ethan-ed-pumphouse-2-2006.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#dddddd;"><em>Ethan and Ed at The Pumphouse 2006 (sorry Ethan) </em></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/38329766c5d2ad86fc9516fe7b7098291bb3fd1e/original/teaser-troublefakers-comic-2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" />This week's comic was based on those good times. The Pumphouse is still in Bellevue off of I-405 and thriving. They've made some changes since we last ate there (they got rid of the red plastic tablecloths, oh no!) and there are a lot of Seahawks Super Bowl memorabilia on the walls, but the menu hasn't changed at all. </p>
<p>The original comic is a subscriber-only feature -- sign up for the mailing list to get the full strip! It and all previous full strips will be available on Patreon when it launches in May 2019.</p>
<p>That's it for this week! Let me know what you think, okay? Next week I'll share some first gig stories. If you're a musician you might relate, if not then it will at least be interesting. </p>
<p>Tell your friends and let's keep the conversation going. </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue <br>https://wynnecblue.com</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57224432019-04-20T09:00:00-07:002019-04-20T09:00:39-07:00Troublefaker Stories: Wynne Meets Ethan<p>So this is new for me, this whole honest-and-personal email content email thing. Is it working for you or am I oversharing? I guess time will tell since this is three weeks in a row of writing to you... I do like writing. </p>
<p>Since the Troublefakers retired I've been going back through photos from the first months as a band. Ethan approached me in 2005, but the band didn't settle into its first lineup until 2006. </p>
<p>Everything started with the Wednesday Jam. A group of software engineers from the Fortune 500 software company I was working for gathered in this one man's garage once a week and played songs from "the hymnal," a collection of classic rock tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s (but mostly the 70s). I was invited to join for a reason I can't remember. </p>
<p>The setup took over the host's entire downstairs and had a sound system that was huge and loud. I could barely hear myself but everyone there said I had an amazing voice. I didn't not believe them, but I sure don't know how they heard anything. After a few weeks Ethan introduced himself and asked if I'd be interested in forming a band. Well, of course I was! Classic rock is great, but covers were not what I wanted to do. </p>
<p>Ethan knew Ed from another music project and brought him in on bass. Brian was recruited for drums after his performance at the Wednesday jam. While Ed stuck around for several years and outlasted Ethan, Brian practiced with us once and then disappeared. We eventually learned that he found a touring gig and just went for it, traveling through the US and Europe. How about that. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/f51833f1a04b0006e23d611bed4e7838f3fdc393/original/first-rehearsal-2005.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>The very first Troublefaker rehearsal with Brian </em></span></p>
<p>I brought in Laurel, another drummer from the Jam group. In all honesty, I knew nothing about drummers when I did this. Laurel was a spitfire and I thought she was fun and full of energy. She played with a love for the beat and a little insanity. Audiences loved her as we started to play out. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/5961b04622baabe833d372f957055873cda4147a/original/ethan-and-laurel-at-evolution-2006.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>Ethan and Laurel at Evolution Studios, 2006 </em></span></p>
<p>That's only the beginning of The Troublefakers, though. Looking back through the pictures I'm not just seeing all the photos I took with my flip phone, but little bits and pieces of my personal life. It wasn't a happy time. Ethan's offer got me to a place where I could work through the worst of it. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/28a56de194ee7ec03dd023c7f642418fad61637c/original/troublefakers-comic-1-teaser.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />The comic I created for the email is for subscribers only, which is why the whole thing isn't here in the archive. If you haven't already you should sign up! My plan is to keep illustrating and if I can get one out a week we all win something. The complete one won't be copied to the blog so I can keep it as a Patreon reward (whenever THAT happens. I did start one. It's not ready). </p>
<p>Until next time... </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57139752019-04-11T08:00:00-07:002019-04-11T08:00:37-07:00Troublefakers Stories: Prologue<p>First of all - thanks for reading. I said I would write to you more and I meant it! I know it's a bit lengthy. I post these things on my blog because well, they're basically emailed blog entries. You should bookmark the blog, btw... </p>
<p>Anyway, the show went really well and I am very satisfied with the closing of the Troublefakers chapter of my musical career/life. 14 years, four albums, and ten bandmates later I was ready and not ready - I didn't know I was ready until reality set in and I was standing by the stage in the green room. </p>
<p>Our last rehearsal was that Monday and I wasn't feeling 100%. I wasn't hitting notes very well and I worried a little. I rested up and by Saturday morning my voice had recovered enough for me to work on vocal exercises. Still not quite 100% but improving. </p>
<p>A week of vocal rest gave me a lot of time to prepare for my final performance. I won't lie, the news that I was losing 50% of my band was difficult to process. I blamed myself, my personal struggles, my impostor - I checked off every irrational box on the list of reasons. On the bright side a few people I shared the news with were pretty much of the mind that this wasn't the end of anything. The idea calmed me down so I didn't argue. </p>
<p>On the night of the show, Ron, Ed, and Ethan all showed up to attend the sendoff. I did send them and other Troublefaker alumni an email invitation but had zero expectation of this. Imagine my surprise seeing them! Only Barry was missing, and that was with a good reason. Friends that I hadn't seen at a show in years came to celebrate with us. I was beside myself. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/02e8e26fb4254a06ba311764a0392dd5fc07b2b9/original/original-by-melanie-04062019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>L to R: Me, Dave Pollon, Irene Peña, Donnie Ivan, Ron Allen, Ethan Freckleton, Ed McKenzie, and Jeff Colchamiro</em></span></p>
<p>Irene got a hold of the set list and played rhythm guitar the whole show, freeing me up to play frontman for the first time in what seemed like forever. I was nervous at first but then it all came back to me. I performed for my life with my voice at 99%. Nobody noticed the 1%. Nobody noticed the mistakes. People were dancing and cheering. Afterward there was a lot of love and gratitude. It was an amazing show. If you didn’t go you missed something wonderful. I know, we're older, it’s hard to stay out late and parking is such a hassle... It's okay. </p>
<p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/dc60267e26154c4a1a286543dda146d6e24bff7f/original/performance-04062019.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Dave Pollon, Irene Peña, Me, Donnie Ivan, and Jeff Colchamiro" /></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#7f8c8d;"><em>Dave, Irene, Me, Donnie, and Jeff on The High Dive Stage, rockin' it up</em></span></p>
<p>For me, it was worth it. It has always been worth it. I’ve been avoiding the part of my art that made people come out, and it hit me at the last show. Nobody cares that I’m fat. Heck, me being fat is probably part of what makes my act so amazing. When I’m on the stage and getting into it, I don’t even care that I’m fat. I’m just in it. I’m doing what I was meant to do. </p>
<p>Is it too late to hit the Undo command? I was going to keep writing songs but walk away from performing like that. Now I’m not so sure. I still need to give myself a break from it. Whatever thought the next 6-12 months leads me to, I know it will be something good. </p>
<p>Until then I hope you will stick with me on this journey. Next week's email will have a genuine Troublefaker story in it, starring the founders themselves, Wynne (Me) and Ethan. </p>
<p>It'll be fun. </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue <br>and OH MY HECK follow me on <a contents="Twitter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/wynnecblue">Twitter</a>!</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/57059902019-04-03T15:10:30-07:002019-04-03T15:10:30-07:00Pre-sale tickets on sale now for April 6!<p>I did mention last week that I'm going to pay a bit more attention to you from here on out, and today's email is proof. I may not be performing again for a while but I can at least hold your attention, right? Well, I hope so. </p>
<p>But first, I still have to plug this weekend's show. I'd love it if you attended - gotta go out with a bang and make it count. Get your pre-sale tickets at the link until midnight Friday, April 5 - after that you'll pay a few dollars more at the door on the night of the show. </p>
<p>https://www.highdiveseattle.com/event/1830573 (URL may not be available after April 6, 2019)</p>
<p>I've never been very good at promotion and even my best efforts have failed. It's not that I don't put on an amazing show (I do) but that my audience has changed. Fourteen years of making music will do that. People get older, families grow, and going out to see a live show takes a back seat to all that. I hope you will make an exception this Saturday, get a sitter or take an extra multivitamin that day so I can see you at The High Dive. </p>
<p>If it helps, we're scheduled to go on around 10! That's early in comparison to our last few shows. </p>
<p>After this week's email I'll tell you a little about how I got to this place in my music career. I learned a lot from the experience and from the people I made music with. Some of it isn't pretty, but a lot of it is worth reading about. I can't promise all of it will be the truth since it's only my perspective, but it will be what I remember and I don't want to lose any of that. </p>
<p>Besides, writing it out will help me make some peace with the end of the Troublefakers era and get me to the next chapter. Songwriting is a habit that I don't want to break. </p>
<p>Your friend, <br>Wynne C Blue <br>https://wynnecblue.com/wcb-blog</p>Wynne C Bluetag:wynnecblue.com,2005:Post/56987472019-03-29T08:00:00-07:002019-03-29T08:00:42-07:00The End and The Beginning<p>Hi, I know it's been too long since I've written you. I've said it before that I will get back to a regular schedule and I mean it. Truth be told I never know quite what to write. I have made a habit of saving emailing and blogging for show announcements and random developments in my band lineup. All that is fine and well and good, but not terribly engaging. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.highdiveseattle.com/event/1830573-irene-pena-music-soul-seattle/"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/250822/10a9e95d268df00edc991de7648b0735f1205ac5/original/soulinthecity-tile.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a>That said, I do have news: <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>My last band show with my Troublefakers is Saturday, April 6.</strong></span> We will be joining Katrina Charles, Julia Francis, and KiSMit (SoCal) for female-fronted showcase Soul and the City at Seattle's iconic music venue The High Dive. If you happen to be in town that weekend I would love to see you and have you enjoy the band performing songs I have worked hard on with the Troublefakers over the last 13 years. </p>
<p><strong>Advance tickets can be purchased here: <a contents="https://www.highdiveseattle.com/event/1830573-irene-pena-music-soul-seattle/ " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.highdiveseattle.com/event/1830573-irene-pena-music-soul-seattle/">https://www.highdiveseattle.com/event/1830573-irene-pena-music-soul-seattle/ </a></strong></p>
<p>This is a tough announcement to make for me. I have always thought of my band as a branch of my family, and the albums we've recorded a labor of love no matter the lineup. To end this chapter of my career seems very final, like I'll never see any of them again or make music again. </p>
<p>We all know that's not likely. Facebook and social media have ensured nobody ever really loses touch, and there is no bad blood between any of us. Sometimes things just run their course. Plus, I still have songs in me. Some of them are just flushing out the chaff and some are genuine keepers. I'm not sure what to do with them yet. I have a lot to learn. </p>
<p>As for email, I hope you will continue to subscribe and follow my journey. As I focus on myself for a while I plan to do a lot more writing and illustration. Why? Because MAN do I have some STORIES to tell. And they go back a ways, too! All of it is my own observation and experience, so take it with a grain of salt. If you miss anything, I'll put it up on my blog and include a link. </p>
<p>Thank you for all the love and support since 2005! This is not the end, but the twinkle in the eye of what's next... </p>
<p>Hugs, <br><span class="font_large">Wynne C Blue </span><br>https://wynnecblue.com</p>Wynne C Blue