Under The Bridge

Kickstarter campaign for a new album

2010-12-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hello! My Kickstarter campaign to help fund a full length Bridgework album is up and running. There are a variety of incentives for donating. I don't receive any funds unless I reach my goal of $3500. I appreciate any and all support!

For more details go to Kickstarter

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

New Beginnings - Live - Boston MA July 8, 2010

2010-10-27T13:38:00.001-07:00

New Beginnings 7-8-10 by jamfox

Jango Online Radio

2010-10-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,

You can now find Bridgework and John Renaud (me) on Jango. The links are included below. Jango is a great site where you can create your own custom radio stations, much like Pandora or Last FM, but with a little more control. And independent artists like myself can pay to have our songs introduced to listeners who we think will appreciate them.

Bridgework - http://www.jango.com/music/Bridgework
John Renaud - http://www.jango.com/music/John+Renaud

You can also friend me as a listener - my user name is JamFox

Thanks!

Under The Bridge (9/1/10)

2010-09-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

July, 2010:

The main reason I planned two separate trips to Vermont in the same month was to attend two different weddings. But I like to make the most of my trips back east by getting around and playing some gigs so I set up shows in Boston, Burlington, Richmond, and New York.

The first trip home started with a delayed red eye flight out of LA resulting in a missed connection in Newark. Waiting for the next available flight to VT, I came across a guy jamming in the terminal, switching on and off between accordion and violin. I sat close by to listen and do some people watching. Everyone assumed that we were together since I had my guitar with me, and I thought about trying to jam with him, but in the end I just sat to listen, write, and sip some watered down starbucks. The strangest thing was the lack of applause as he'd finish up a song; just aloof airport silence with perhaps a few reverberating claps.

I arrived in Burlington VT with just enough time to get my rental car, pick up my friend Matt, and hit the road for a 4 hour drive down to Boston. It gave Matt and I time to catch up, as we hadn't seen in other in 7 years or so. I played that night at Hennessy's Hooley House which was in a pretty happening part of Boston. My high school friend Stephanie showed up to see me, and my college roommate Nick showed up after I had finished my set. The real fun was catching up with everyone after the gig, and figuring out a place to stay for the night since my original connection never showed up.

Woke up early the next day (moderate hangover) and soon Matt and I were on the road back to VT. I played that night at the Radio Bean in Burlington, one of my favorite spots in town, and one of the most gracious venues to artists of all kinds. During the first few songs there was this drunk girl sitting up front making sarcastic comments about things I was saying, and talking loudly over me as I was playing. All I could really think the whole time was; "What a bitch" and "should I ask this girl to leave?" Thankfully, she left on her own after 3 or 4 songs of my penetrating evil gaze. Perhaps I was a bit on edge myself after two nights of little sleep encompassing a cross country flight, another show, and 8 hours of driving. But its always great to play in Vermont, where I have by far the most support. Thanks to all the folks who came out on a dreadfully hot and humid night in Burlington!

The rest of the trip was great - a BBQ with friends, Geoff and Jessica's wedding, and a treasured visit with my Aunt Monique suffering from terminal cancer but in good spirits as always. Waiting at Burlington Airport for my flight back to LA I even ran into a cousin, and got to catch up with her and her twin boys.

While I was back in Los Angeles working and preparing for the next round of travel and shows, it became apparent that Auntie Monique's six month time frame was more a matter of weeks, which quickly turned to just days. The Monday I was scheduled to leave for Richmond I got the news that she would most likely not make it through the night. I canceled my Thursday gig in New York City, and purchased a flight to VT from Virginia. When I arrived in Richmond Tuesday morning she had passed away.

Despite the situation, I had a pretty good day catching up with former Bridgework bass player Erik, and his wife Christa. They gave me the quick tour of Richmond, and that night Erik joined me on stage for a few songs. Special thanks to Laura for setting up the gig at The Camel, and everyone else who came out that night.

The next day, Wednesday the 28th, my birthday, I flew back home to Vermont to be with my family and grieve the loss of Aunt Monique. My brothers and sister all came home too, making it the first time our whole family, parents and kids, had been together in over 8 years. Although we come from a rather large extended family, Monique's passing was especially difficult as she was the closest Aunt to us and was the most present in our lives. As it turned out, the Saturday that her funeral was held was the same day as the wedding I had originally intended to travel home for anyway. After the funeral I did attend the wedding, although I passed on the reception to have some more family time.

An eventful July 2010, to say the least. Congrats to Geoff and Jessica, and to Nic and Tansy, for tying the knot! Sorry to my New York friends, who I hope to see again very soon. And to Auntie Monique: Know that we love you, miss you, and will continue to live with your example and influence everyday.

NYC on July 29, 2010 - Canceled

2010-07-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

My travel plans for this week have changed. I will no longer be going to New York City as planned.

All the best,

John

For The Good Times (5-28-10)

2010-05-30T15:17:00.001-07:00

If Boston has a home away from home (in LA anyway) it is most definitely Sonny McLean's in Santa Monica. They've been having some acoustic performers there on Friday nights, and while its not exactly what you'd consider a music venue, it actually has more to offer a struggling music guy like myself than most places. For one, the place actually does have its own crowd, so it wasn't so embarrassing showing up knowing only a couple people were coming to see me play. Second, there was no cover charge to get in, and third (and this is the real deal-clencher) they gave all of the performers a generous $50 food/beer allowance. It was almost like getting paid.

I arrived on Friday as the fourth quarter of game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals was winding down, and Boston was sure to emerge victorious. The place was packed, and pumped!! I was more than a little frightened at the thought of trying to play original acoustic songs for a liquored up crowd of fanatics whose team had just made the NBA Finals, and were perfectly content singing along to Sweet Caroline or chanting Beat LA! But not to worry, I was assured that we wouldn't start any music until after the game crowd had dispersed a bit. I was also pleased to discover that I wasn't the first one scheduled to play.. phew! But it was a last minute gig so I was going in to do my thing and have fun. And knowing I had $50 worth of free beer to drink, I intended to use it! . . . and I did.

Some shots from Elise's camera phone:

For The Good Times (5-17-10)

2010-05-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I went up to Pasadena last night to play a solo acoustic set at the Old Towne Pub. It was a Monday night, and I was pretty certain that nobody was going to come see me play. There was a small gathering of locals at the bar to watch the Lakers and Dodgers games, and that was basically it. I felt a little guilty going up to play (at least the games were over), but in this kind of situation what can you do? So I go up to do my thing and by the time I'm done the place has pretty much cleared out except for my girlfriend, my friend Judd, and Sebastian A. Bach (who I had met at an isgoodmusic event a couple months back).

Being that nobody else was scheduled to play, I suggested that Sebastian play some songs. He said ok, and after disappearing for what seemed like only a few minutes he shows back up with 4 or 5 energized people who are all ready to hear some music!! The remainder of the night consisted of trading off the guitar and mic amongst anyone who wanted to play, and we all had a blast busting out Elliott Smith tunes, Pearl Jam, Tragically Hip, more of our respective original stuff, and even a little Bob Marley!

Sometimes this crazy world of music is only as good as what you and those around you are willing to make of it. All in all, it was a good night.

Check out some of Sebastian's music at www.myspace.com/ohyeahthefuture

April 2010 Update

2010-04-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Just wanted to give you a quick update as to what I've been up to, and what I'm working on for 2010. I'm currently in the pre-production phase of the next bridgework release that will likely be a full length CD. I'm having fun working out some of the songs before stepping them up toward some kind of final version.
I can't say exactly when it will be done, but I'll keep you posted throughout the process.

I'm also starting to schedule some solo gigs on the east coast for July.
I already have July 9 confirmed in Burlington, VT and I'm looking for a Boston area gig for July 10. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

I'm also looking to schedule some gigs in Richmond VA, Washington DC, and New York City which will happen later in July.

I really need all of the help I can get to help offset the costs of these efforts. If you haven't already, please donate a few dollars, and download my latest EP HERE

Thanks!

Some videos from 3-1-10 at Air Conditioned Supper Club

2010-03-07T23:05:00.000-08:00

More videos from 3-1-10 on you tube:

Hey Answer 3-1-10

Every Now And Then 3-1-10

Play That Song 3-1-10

Last minute showcase

2010-02-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'll be playing a 3 song set at Unurban Cafe Saturday night at 10:30 for Java with Javelyn indie night. : )

11 x 17 World Disappears posters.

2010-02-11T00:23:00.001-08:00

I have a lot of extra posters from the World Disappears Release, and I'd love to send them out to anyone who is interested in one. Contact me at bridgeworkmusic@gmail.com if you'd like one.

2009 Acoustic Video Playlist

2010-01-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

A collection of live videos from 2009

John Renaud on isgoodradio Thursday Oct. 15

2009-10-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. I will be in the studio with Jon Hershfield tomorrow, Thursday Oct. 15th, on http://www.isgoodradio.com We'll be spinning some CD tracks, plus I'll be performing a few acoustic songs live. This all happens at 12:00 noon Pacific Time (3PM for my east coast friends). I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a guest on the show. Tune in!

Santa Cruz, CA / New York City / Burlington, VT

2009-07-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

Just got back to Los Angeles a couple days ago after my trips to Vermont and New York City. The weekend prior to those travels I had gone up to play an acoustic gig at Asana Tea House in Santa Cruz, CA.

Santa Cruz was cool, and I actually stayed in Salinas for the night which was considerably cheaper. I think I know where the world's lettuce supply comes from now. And I also learned that John Steinbeck was from Salinas, and took in a quick tour of the National Steinbeck center.

Later that week I was off to my home state of Vermont to visit with family and friends. I then took a train down to New York City, a good 10 plus hour trip, but I'd driven so many times and never taken the train so I wanted to try it. New York was awesome as always, and I played my first gig there at the upstairs lounge to The Living Room, called Googie's Lounge. Some great Syracuse Alumni friends came out to support me, and there was also a pretty good crowd there that stuck with me throughout my set (including a couple from Torrance, CA).

The next day I flew home to VT (again) with just enough time to eat dinner, plan out my set list, and head down to Burlington for my gig.
I was excited to see so many Vermont friends come out for me, and also my friend Rugrat who before then I only knew through facebook. That was really cool. Got to experience the Burlington fireworks that same night in celebration of the 4th, and they never disappoint.

Thanks to everyone in both New York City, and Vermont, for making those two of my most memorable gigs to date.

Bridgework on The Web Show Network's "Musician's Spotlight"

2009-06-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Bridgework's interview/performance for The Web Show Network's "Musician's Spotlight" segment is now airing. Go to http://www.thewebshownetwork.com and click on the Musician's Spotlight link.

Bridgework March 2009 update.

2009-03-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Some recent developments with the bridgework project have changed the scenario for this year considerably. Scott (drummer) has decided to move to Texas, which leaves me back at square one. I'll be doing the solo thing for a while, and hopefully some new bandmates will come along to start bridgework anew. But I've got plenty of work to do on my own for now, so I'll focus on that, and keep you posted.

Thanks,

John Renaud

"World Disappears" One Year Anniversary.

2009-02-26T01:14:00.000-08:00

I just happened to realize, while working on our website this evening (early morning), that our EP "World Disappears" is officially turning 1 today, the 26th of February 2009. Man, time sure does fly. I think I'll sit down and listen to the whole thing (all whopping 20 minutes of it), and reflect on 2008 a bit.

Truth be told, 2008 was a tough year. Every artist tearing at the shadows of obscurity knows, especially in todays vast music landscape, that cutting through the static is a battle often laced with doubt and frustration. All you can do is put on a brave face, and hope and pray that the time and effort you've invested will pay off somehow, even if in the most humble of ways; a little validation, a little encouragement to keep braving the elements. It seems that fate was not working in our favor in 2008, as every effort to make this EP known basically fizzled out in a prolonged series of submissions and follow ups that yielded little to no response. Which of course one expects to a certain degree, but in this particular case I seriously began to wonder if there weren't energies blatantly working against me. Stupid, I know. I thought for sure we'd at least get a spin on Locals Only, or Check One Two, or one of the local college stations. And I was pretty sure we'd get a few reviews out of the various publications and blogs I submitted to. But alas, it wasn't meant to be for this one. As 2008 dragged on, the lack of response honestly began to get me down.

Yet in the wake of this hard fought 2008, a simple and uplifting truth resurfaced; a truth that is at the very core of why I (and so many others) make music in the first place. I have to. Its that simple. So, ultimately, out of 2008 comes a more refreshing and humble perspective for 2009 and beyond. All I can really do is try my best, and focus on the simple purities of why I do what I do. Hopefully some decent music will come out of it, and some doors will open up.

As I write this now, listening to "World Disappears" through and through, I can honestly say that I think these songs sound pretty good. Not bad for DIY. Overall I'm not ashamed to say I am proud of the EP that Scott, Erik, Wes and I made.

John Renaud

February 2009 Update

2009-02-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

For those who haven't heard, Erik Kutzler, our irresistibly geeky, pez collecting bass player, has moved on to start a new life in Richmond, VA. He is also engaged to be married later this year.
We are very happy for him (and Christa), but it has left quite a void for us. The search for a bassist is on.

In the mean time, Scott and I have begun tracking a new EP. The EP will once again be recorded at our lockout, mixed and produced by us, and will hopefully be complete in a couple months.
We won't be able to afford any duplication this time, so the tracks will most likely only be available as downloads (or on homemade CD-Rs).

And what about Wes? (you may ask). Many of you know that we spent last year basically playing as a 3 piece band because Wes (also known as Jack) was working out of state for most of the year. Given the nature of his work, it isn't realistic for us to expect him to be regularly available. All that said, Jack is the man, and we love his style and input. He will most likely be contributing to the new EP, and appear on stage with us from time to time.

While all of this is going on, I've been playing the occasional acoustic gig on my own, and trying out some new material. The next acoustic gig is March 8 in Venice at the Air Conditioned Super Club.

As always, thank you so much for your interest and support.

John / bridgework

A new home for bridgework news and updates.

2009-02-18T15:18:00.001-08:00

This is it : )