Woke up this morning, was a chill in the air
Went into the kitchen, your cigarettes were lying there
Your jacket hung on the chair where you left it last night
Everything was in place, everything seemed all right
But you were missing
Missing…
~You’re Missing – Bruce Springsteen

I know, I know. It’s a long overdue missive. I thought about writing every day but there was only ever time time to “think”  and never enough time to “do.” As many of you know by now, I have decided to do something that brings me back to my youth. I am now managing a band. It’s not the first time I have done this.  In fact, this is the sixth band I managed but the first one in 31 years. (It felt odd just typing that out.) You probably have a few questions and I am going to attempt to anticipate them here but to be honest, I’m sure I don’t have all of the answers. I do know this though; the music industry is now a blank canvas. The opportunity to help redefine an industry will be exciting, fun and hopefully, lucrative.  Let me tell you about the band.

ENDWAY

Their name is Endway. They play soul-infused dance rock and they are four 20-somethings from Boston. No band ever likes being compared to anyone else because it puts them in a box, so to speak. But here’s what I think: to me, Endway sounds like Maroon 5 without the hyper-production. And we like it like that. This band still has edge but write and perform accessible songs. I have two songs I’d like you to hear and comment on, if you would. The first one is my favorite song. It’s called My Life. The second is Airplane.  Have a listen and we’ll meet back in a few minutes to discuss.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Can you imagine this on drive-time radio? Can you hear it playing in the foreground of Gossip Girl? As good as I think Endway’s song craft is, its their live show that sold me on them. I am a harsh critic of live performances. Artists that disengage from their fans or play without feeling and fervor, disinterest me. Endway knows how to connect with their audience. The playful patter of lead singer and mesmerizing front-man, Morgan Dorr always keeps you interested as does Kevin McHugh’s frenetic yet always under control guitar playing. You can immediately see that these two have been playing music together since they were in their early teens. The word magic comes to mind. If you’re going to have a calling card as a band being a great live act is a good place to start.

It’s very easy in this business to find people who are willing to put their arm around you and tell you how great you are. Unfortunately, their other hand is in your pocket. ~Paul Stanley of Kiss

I believe in nurturing relationships but I believe in honesty first. Endway has been at this since 2004. They have two self-released albums. They have placed 6 songs on 5 different MTV reality shows. They have opened for dozens of national acts. They played 200 live dates in 2007. And—-they have little to show for it. The reason? There are two ways to make it in the music industry; 1. get lucky or 2. have a plan and execute it. Endway did neither. I am all for luck but having a plan gives you a much better chance until luck comes striding into the room. Will they get pissed off reading this here? No. They know this and I think, it’s the reason they asked me to manage them. My initial reaction was no. “Why,” they asked. “Because I’m already married,” said I. But with Christine’s blessing, here I am. (It doesn’t hurt that she thinks Endway will be monster stars too!)

So where to with Ayewonder.com and Endway? I will continue to write and that’s a promise. I will try to write often. Endway is a very time consuming project because it means relaunching the band and creating a “brand” identity. It’s a business; a creative business but still a business. How can you, dear reader, help? I knew you were going to ask.  See them when they come to your town. Go to the band’s underdeveloped myspace website and demand that they come to your town. (You’ll see the demand  widget.) Please, Please, Please, tell your pals. If you’re from Boston, come and see the band headline the Paradise Rock Club on February 17th. It’s an 18+ show with a 8 PM start. You can buy your tickets right here.  Bring 10 of your friends! Also on Endway’s Myspace page, you will see their tour info. They are heading down the Eastern seaboard for 4 weeks and may be visiting your town.  I will also be attending the NYC show at the Canal Room on the 23rd of January. If you live there, we would love to see you.

And that, boys and girls, in a nutshell, is us all caught up. I hope you all had a great holiday season. Sorry for being out of touch. The photo below is from our signing party. Morgan looks like he’s about to cry. Funny guy.

Possibly Related Posts:

• The Insanity Continues
• Two Days Remain
• Marvellous. Just Marvellous.
• I Feel So Good, I’m Gonna Break Somebody’s Heart Tonight
• Has Anyone Seen the Winter Sun