As Told By Chris

New Tumblr

To Clear Up Confusion

It has come to my attention that there may have been some things taken out of context, and some “trashing” of my name being thrown around. I’m not going to post anything hurtful, degrading, or try to sabotage my former band in any way shape or form. They don’t deserve that because they work too hard for anyone to think or say otherwise. If you’d like to read up on the story, I know there are places you can find it. I’m not here to post about anything that was said or done the night I decided to part ways with them. I will agree though, the split was less than amicable.

I’m here to say that all music/lyrics to all of The Baby Grand’s songs were in fact written by Miguel Tenicela and produced by Scott Robinson at Sonic Sweets Recording. This is to clear up any confusion regarding the matter otherwise. While we were all a band, there was no musical collaboration with any other members of the band on the EP “With The Wind” and any further works up until my departure.

As for their future, I wish them nothing but the best. They deserve it, and they all work very hard and push themselves beyond a limit that most people bar themselves to. To me, that says a lot about them, and I’ll always respect that about their work ethic.

I’m not sad, I’m not bitter, and I’m not saying anything further about this. I’m moving on with my life and musical career in the way that I see fit for me. Not everybody is cut out for the way they push themselves, but anyone can reach for the stars. I’ll continue to do that. I won’t go any further, but I have not rested without having a day where I have something in the works for the new year. Keep an eye out.

On a brighter note, I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!

-Chris.

My Statement.

It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to part ways with The Baby Grand. I won’t get into specifics, but there comes a point where a person can sacrifice only so much for what he loves.

I want to thank everyone who’s supported me, because this band did make my dreams come true. To each and every fan of TBG, I hope and know you will still support those guys. I love all of you, because after all, chords are chords, music is music, lyrics are lyrics, bands are dime a dozen, but the loyalty I received from each and every person who’s listened to our music means the world to me.

I wish them the best of luck. I hope you will all support me in my future endeavors. This isn’t the end for me. Dreams never die.

-Chris.

June/College/Perfection/Optomism/December

It’s weird that I decided to call this entry that, because I feel like I’ve been the opposite up until lately. It’s kind of funny that I’m looking at the glass half full now.

It wasn’t too long ago someone close to me was agreeing to take what life had for us head on with full optimism. It’s also kind of funny that same person was the one who gave up and slammed my car door, never looking back. And, it’s also pretty funny that person made me feel so pessimistic about everything in my life, that I was the one who was wrong, who made a mistake, the one who built the brick wall we eventually crashed into. I’m human, I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. I guess my point is you aren’t perfect either, so stop pretending that you are.

I can’t find the words in any songs that I want to play for you, just the ones we drove to, singing together the chorus because that’s all we really knew. I can’t hear those songs the same way anymore, and when I hit the bridge in that one song we play, you still come to mind, even though I know you aren’t watching us.

I wonder if I really have you figured out correctly. I hope what I’ve heard isn’t true, and that you are who I thought you were. You were supposed to be the one I remembered as the one that got away, not the one that falls in line with my past. I’m done trying, but I’ll always be waiting. That’s what being optimistic is all about.

Sincerely,
Me.

There’s an end to every road

I was searching for my work shirt today in my laundry, and came across my 8th grade yearbook. I saw my goofy hair and stupid sweater I was wearing. I flipped through the pages and saw a few friends I hadn’t talked to since they signed my yearbook.

Looking through the signatures, I noticed none of these bits of writing actually matter to me. Who the hell is Luke Osbourne? And why did I find it necessary for him to sign my yearbook? Someone also drew a pretty impressive Trogdor. I do remember a few of these people. My first girlfriend ever signed it saying “I know we had our ups and downs but you’re a great friend and boyfriend (past tense).” Haha. And the one girl I really liked, she said “I promise to call you everyday over the summer. You’ve been a great friend. Keep up your writing and your music. It’s really good.”

Why am I sharing this? Well, as I sit here with my yearbook in front of me, I realize there’s over 40 signatures, but there’s only two out of that 40 that I still talk to. Who knows where everyone else went? It’s like they just fell off the face of the earth.

I lost these relationships in high school without even noticing.

Right now, I look back on my life from high school to this very day. Three bands that I’ve had a privilege to play in, falling in love, and out of love, tons of different jobs, touring half the summer with my friends, and too many good times to count.

I know there’s still something in my future, but one thing that’s dragging me down is the fact that there’s an end to every road. I guess you could say I’ve been on a lot of roads, and there’s no telling if the one I’m on is right, because around every corner there’s sadness at the moment. Where do I go from here?

“Space is just not a place for stars, I gave an inch and you wanted a house and a yard.”

Love & Hate

There is such a thin line that divides love and hate. What can be one happy day after days of being unhappy between two people, can be so hurtful and heartbreaking, especially after it all boils down to a fight over a stupid college party.

Same Line Of Thinking.

I’m not one to read up on Alt Press, ap.net, or any of those sites, but with all of the statements and concerns regarding The Dangerous Summer, I set off on a quest to find more information, and came across an interesting quote from the band Handguns, who I’ve never really listened to…or cared about, to be honest, but this quote pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about a few things in my life at the moment. 

“As many of you know, I parted ways with Handguns back in July due to personal reasons. It felt like the touring life was really starting to take a toll on me and I got scared and did what I thought would be the best decision: I came home, settled down and got a job. Someone I work with asked me if I saw myself doing this job for the rest of my life. It was right there and that moment that I knew where it is I exactly need to be and exactly where I belong: in a van and on stage with my best friends. I’m refusing to give up on this dream I’ve had since I was thirteen. This is who I am and all I know.”

It really got me thinking. I’m not the only one who’s had that dream since he was 13, and my only job is to make others happy with music, and I’ll do anything that helps me accomplish that never-ending goal, and I’ll never lose sight of that for a worthless desk job or a simple 9 to 5 until I grow up and retire and die a few years later of lung cancer or something. 

I knew a lot of people back in high school, and even a few today, who lose sight of that fact. That’s what separates me from them, I guess. I’m not trying to be cocky, I’m just trying to remind some people that some things are more important in life…like following your dream you claim to have. 

That’s all I have to say right now. 

-Chris

Happy.

I’ve had a weird week. After all that happened to me in Baltimore, I took some time off from pretty much everything to rest up and just let my wounds heal. I’m at 90% recovery now, which is awesome. I have to thank the awesome people who have been there for me. The punctures were deeper than I had thought, and will take a long time to recover fully but the good news is that I’m pain-free now (for the most part) and back on track with life. 

I’ve noticed I have been drinking ungodly amounts of coffee lately. Like, it’s to the point where I can’t even leave my house without at least a cup. The guys that own Uppy’s gas station down the street from me have started giving me free coffee because of how often I go in there to buy coffee. I like to mix the Breakfast Blend with the Dark Magic blend. It gives it a rich flavor, lots of caffeine, and a touch of sweetness. Love it. Their hot chocolate is apparently amazing as well, according to my girlfriend. Too bad there’s only one Uppy’s in the world. Thank god its less than a mile from my place. 

So, all of us in TBG hit the studio starting way back in the beginning of this year and started working on/recording our EP entitled “With The Wind”. It’s been a roller coaster in that aspect alone. I’m really happy to announce (at least on my Tumblr) that we now have it on iTunes for $4.95! We’re also playing with Good Old War at The Ottobar on 12/13, and I hope to see you all there! It’s our first big show back at that venue, so I plan on giving it my all. Contact me anywhere and I’ll get you tickets! 

Here’s the link to our iTunes page:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/with-the-wind-ep/id476401622

Please check out the EP, even if you don’t plan on buying it. After all, it’s all about music, not about money. If you like what you hear, then pick up your copy and let us know what you think :) 

Thank you for all of the support, I love you all <3

-Chris

A Statement About Last Night.

A lot of people have been asking me if I’m okay and what exactly happened to me last night. The only reason I’m putting this out there is to remind people to be aware of their surroundings, especially in urban areas like Baltimore. 

I had traveled up there last night to see the Pop Punk’s Not Dead Tour. Upon my exit from the parking garage, I made a wrong turn and found myself in an alley. Cliche, I know. I won’t go into details because I’d like to keep this as personal as possible, but I was the victim of a mugging and was stabbed in my stomach twice. Both of the wounds were shallow, no more than an inch each according to the ER doctors. 

I urge everyone to take precautions when you visit this city, as wonderful as it can be, it can be very dangerous as well. This particular individual had asked me for a cigarette and distracted me, and then pulled a knife, and in a matter of a few seconds, I was bleeding. My advice is to never give anyone anything they ask for from you if you don’t know them. I surely won’t in the future. 

As for my well being, I am doing okay, but still in a lot of pain. Thank you to everyone for the support I’ve gotten on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as via text message. I should hopefully be recovered fully by the end of this week if I stay on the painkillers I’ve been prescribed. 

Please keep this in mind when you visit this city, or any city for that matter.

-Chris