We're just about to trudge our way across the finish line, we made it through 2017, and it was a rough one. I don't think we would've made it without each other. I want to thank each and every one of you who has listened to our music, come to our shows, bought and displayed our merch, dropped us a 'like' on social media, said a kind word, or supported us in any other way. It means the world to me. It's been a year of great change, as many of you are aware.
When I first began MSD as a solo project all those years ago, it was a way for me to create the music I wanted to hear, and say what I wanted to say without compromise. I could lock myself away and start working on music and expressing whatever I was feeling without needing anyone else's approval. In other words, it was art. Building a band around that was a much different experience, people all have different preferences, different goals, and different things that motivate them. It's not as easy as just creating what you want to create, you actually do have to meet the approval of others. It was a valuable part of the journey, but it's been a pleasure to return to my songwriting roots, and words cannot express the gratitude I have for those who have stuck with me and had my back through it. There's all of you constant listeners who have remained, of course, but also trombone player/multi-instrumentalist/accomplice, Jhef Zurx, J. from Recycling Lost Cities, it was a blast to collaborate with him. And especially, thank you to my partner, Katey, who has been eternally patient and comforting, and continues to contribute to MSD and KBOR Records in countless ways. I love you.
I'm looking forward to another year of new music, touring to new places and meeting new faces. We have our video for "Western World" coming your way, and at this very moment, we're recording the last couple of songs for our new album "Fainting By Numbers."
But to really start this year off right, all of our music is now available for download on a "name your own price" basis via our Bandcamp page. All donations are much appreciated and very helpful in this capitalist dystopia, but we value you just as much even if you can't donate, and I don't want money to stop anyone from listening. Art should be free for all to enjoy, it should transcend the binds of capitalism.
Thanks again to all of you; all of our friends, all of the wonderful bands we've had the pleasure of playing with this year, the staff, bartenders, venues, promoters, and volunteers that have worked hard to make these shows happen.
We have a lot to do, a long fight ahead of us. Trump is still president, and he's only a symptom of an entire system that's only doing more damage, to the poor, to the youth, to vulnerable communities, to our mental and physical health, and all we have is each other. See you in 2018!
Yours for the O.B.U.,
Monty O'Blivion