Camp Rock is looking and sounding AMAZING. There are times where I will stand and watch the opening of the show, as well as other numbers like "It's On", and I just look at everyone doin their thing...acting, singing, dancing, performing...everyone in this cast is soooo good. I look around and just can't believe that it's all really happening. About 85 people in one room, doing what we love most. Being apart of something so special and so new, and performing our hearts out. It's amazing to sit back and watch it all come together.
My drummer Brandon was recently on tour with Rufio handling business on the road loving life and now my guitarist Brent is on tour with Disney's Allstar Weekend. It's all such a great feeling to see our lives progressing. When we're together AND when we're apart, there's always something happening with Fiasco! and I love it.
One of my best friends David Lei is out on tour in Germany with his group Varsity Fanclub living the dream. I couldn't be happier with allll of our lives. I love where I'm at. In the best band in the world, in a Disney world premiere, and getting fit again.
It's only up from here. LML.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Nights like these need to be remembered.
So far...today is by far my favorite Camp Rock rehearsal. I love full cast rehearsals cause I get to see EVERYONE. And we get to see what Camp Star has been rehearsing and vice versa. I'm gettin really excited for this show to open =)
Got some bomb Juice It Up with Gabe, Leanna and Cristina, then a great 4 hour rehearsal, finished up with a strong 4 hour pool party =) Lot's of great people, friends, cast members, all around amazing conversations.
For the first time, I tried the chair levitation trick with one guy in the chair and 4 of us using two fingers each. It didn't work for the most part...and one time Gabe sat in the chair and we tried it....it didn't work and Orion got frustrated and said, "Man Gabe! You just fat!" haha, it was awesome.
So tomorrow/today...I head to all three malls in my area to buy most of the Shane Gray costumes. I need three outfits. Shouldn't be too hard. =)
Got some bomb Juice It Up with Gabe, Leanna and Cristina, then a great 4 hour rehearsal, finished up with a strong 4 hour pool party =) Lot's of great people, friends, cast members, all around amazing conversations.
For the first time, I tried the chair levitation trick with one guy in the chair and 4 of us using two fingers each. It didn't work for the most part...and one time Gabe sat in the chair and we tried it....it didn't work and Orion got frustrated and said, "Man Gabe! You just fat!" haha, it was awesome.
So tomorrow/today...I head to all three malls in my area to buy most of the Shane Gray costumes. I need three outfits. Shouldn't be too hard. =)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
My voooiiicceee
Wow. Today: I went the Macy's in the Montclair Plaza mall to buy tattoo cover up makeup. $52 gone with in minutes. But I gotta do it for Camp Rock!
Headed to rehearsal and recorded voice tracks from Noon to 6pm, Jodie (theatre mom) was nice enough to order 3 boxes of pizza because we went 2 hours pass our deadline on time and we had rehearsal from 6pm-10pm! Sooo, I ended up singing for 10 hours straight today! I think a total of about an hour of actual rest time. I couldn't believe it. But we got a lot done that's for sure.
10pm a few of us went to Regina's grandma's house....amazing, cause they had a pool, and right away I jumped in. I needed it bad. Lisa made BOMB sandwiches and then we have dessert. Daaamn, I shouldn't have had it, but I ate it anyway. It felt great.
Such a great day, even though my voice was over the 10hour run with in the first 4 hours!
But I love it. I love this show, this cast, this moment in my life.
Headed to rehearsal and recorded voice tracks from Noon to 6pm, Jodie (theatre mom) was nice enough to order 3 boxes of pizza because we went 2 hours pass our deadline on time and we had rehearsal from 6pm-10pm! Sooo, I ended up singing for 10 hours straight today! I think a total of about an hour of actual rest time. I couldn't believe it. But we got a lot done that's for sure.
10pm a few of us went to Regina's grandma's house....amazing, cause they had a pool, and right away I jumped in. I needed it bad. Lisa made BOMB sandwiches and then we have dessert. Daaamn, I shouldn't have had it, but I ate it anyway. It felt great.
Such a great day, even though my voice was over the 10hour run with in the first 4 hours!
But I love it. I love this show, this cast, this moment in my life.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Camp Rock: Week Five
Wow, such a great show. These rehearsals are flying by. I love so much of the cast. Sometimes it hits me and I can't believe I actually got the part of Shane Gray in a Disney World Premiere. Crazzyyy. I worked so hard for the part. It feels good. Opening night will be insaaanee to experience.
The entire cast is getting closer and closer as the days of rehearsal go on.....well MOST of us are =) haha. Realistically its hard sometimes witha cast of 100 people who are all so different. I've met so many different personalities. I love it. Really.
So today, Zooly (Zoolena) came into rehearsal and gave me one of those pennies that you put in a machine and it smashes it and puts an imprint of something on it...well she remembered that one of our first conversations was about how much I love penguins. She went to Sea World yesterday and totally got me a penny with a penguin printed on it! Soooo dope. I loved it...love it still. Zooly's such a thug.
Well we have the entire FIRST ACT done for the show except "It's On"...which will be finished next monday I believe =))
Feels good to be a part of something so big...so fun.
The entire cast is getting closer and closer as the days of rehearsal go on.....well MOST of us are =) haha. Realistically its hard sometimes witha cast of 100 people who are all so different. I've met so many different personalities. I love it. Really.
So today, Zooly (Zoolena) came into rehearsal and gave me one of those pennies that you put in a machine and it smashes it and puts an imprint of something on it...well she remembered that one of our first conversations was about how much I love penguins. She went to Sea World yesterday and totally got me a penny with a penguin printed on it! Soooo dope. I loved it...love it still. Zooly's such a thug.
Well we have the entire FIRST ACT done for the show except "It's On"...which will be finished next monday I believe =))
Feels good to be a part of something so big...so fun.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Years in the making
Okay, let's have a talk...
At age 9, my Dad bought a drum set for the entire family. My four older brothers, my Dad and I would play this set probably every single day since the time he bought it. At age 10, my Dad bought me my first electric guitar. As any aspiring musician would, I practice every single day for a half hour to an hour for about 2 to 3 months til my heart was content with the basic chords I had learned. With in the first 2 weeks of picking up the guitar I wrote my first song called "Thinking of You". Wasn't superb, seeing that I was only 10. I went on to write surf style music. No vocals. With my brother Dennis on drums, we started performing at my elementary school's assemblies on Friday mornings. Went onto Middle School and performed at small gatherings and a few lunch time concerts in the Mutli Purpose Room. At this point I had my own band. Started out with my brother, and then met some musicians in Junior High and formed a band here and there. In this moment in my life, I began to perform at recreational venues all over the Inland Empire. By the time I hit the end of Sophomore year in high school, I was in the band Unforgotten. and had performed at least an under-exaggerated 150 shows. Began to perform solo at every coffee shop and street fair possible. Created a band called Xanimo with a few friends and went "balls out". We performed every place imaginable around all of Southern California. I quit the band and continued with my solo career as a singer/song writer. About 2 years later I joined the greatest band I've ever came in contact with....Understated. With in a year we changed our name to Fiasco!. Fiasco! has changed my life immensely. Instantly we went on our very own "Poor Tour 2007", and a year after that booking shows at House of Blues, Glasshouse, and every venue you can think of on the strip in Hollywood. Summer of 2009, we were asked to go on The Vans Warped Tour '09. Since then we haven't stopped hustling, and here I am now.
Every show that was performed above, for the most part, was "Pay To Play". Which means the band I was in, never got paid for what we did, we sold tickets or literally paid a venue to perform. Because you've gotta put in the time and effort before someone notices you and see's that you're worth the money they're putting up. In the career I'm headed for....I am nowhere near what I want to be doing. BUT, I love every minute of this and I appreciate everything I come across, and I understand that it takes time, money, effort, passion and persistency to obtain what I crave. And I will not stop. I literally will reach fame or die trying. I haven't changed my mindset since I was 10 years young.
I didn't wake up one morning....let's say a year or two...or three ago, and say "Hey, I play guitar.....I'm gonna find some friends who play and sing too, and form a band and walk into a venue and just get shit handed to us." It doesn't work that way. Fiasco! has obtained so much in the past 2 years that we're finally getting recognition and I love it. It's the greatest feeling to see all of your hard work pay off, even if you're not getting paid. Now I will say, now days, we get paid for what we do. Even if it's small amounts. I just love seeing the change, the turning point in a career. Especially one of which is part of the artistic field. Again, I'm taking in every moment now and appreciate aht I have, and just love watching it all unravel. It took years to get to where I am now....and it's going to take a lot more to get to where I'm going.
With that said, thanks to every single family member, every single friend and every single fan that has supported me and my bands since day one. Even if you just discovered Fiasco! at the last House of Blues show....you have no idea how much it means to me that you now have love and support for us. With out any of you....I CAN'T do what I do. I cannot. There would be no reason to perform live if it weren't for you. Thank you so much. I will never forget you. So long as you never forget me =)
And for those of you who read my blog posts....thanks. I use this site to blog my thoughts and moments in life...as well as venting to "no one". But turns out, I check out my profile views and see that I have a coupe followers and I love it. Means a lot.
Daniel Durston
At age 9, my Dad bought a drum set for the entire family. My four older brothers, my Dad and I would play this set probably every single day since the time he bought it. At age 10, my Dad bought me my first electric guitar. As any aspiring musician would, I practice every single day for a half hour to an hour for about 2 to 3 months til my heart was content with the basic chords I had learned. With in the first 2 weeks of picking up the guitar I wrote my first song called "Thinking of You". Wasn't superb, seeing that I was only 10. I went on to write surf style music. No vocals. With my brother Dennis on drums, we started performing at my elementary school's assemblies on Friday mornings. Went onto Middle School and performed at small gatherings and a few lunch time concerts in the Mutli Purpose Room. At this point I had my own band. Started out with my brother, and then met some musicians in Junior High and formed a band here and there. In this moment in my life, I began to perform at recreational venues all over the Inland Empire. By the time I hit the end of Sophomore year in high school, I was in the band Unforgotten. and had performed at least an under-exaggerated 150 shows. Began to perform solo at every coffee shop and street fair possible. Created a band called Xanimo with a few friends and went "balls out". We performed every place imaginable around all of Southern California. I quit the band and continued with my solo career as a singer/song writer. About 2 years later I joined the greatest band I've ever came in contact with....Understated. With in a year we changed our name to Fiasco!. Fiasco! has changed my life immensely. Instantly we went on our very own "Poor Tour 2007", and a year after that booking shows at House of Blues, Glasshouse, and every venue you can think of on the strip in Hollywood. Summer of 2009, we were asked to go on The Vans Warped Tour '09. Since then we haven't stopped hustling, and here I am now.
Every show that was performed above, for the most part, was "Pay To Play". Which means the band I was in, never got paid for what we did, we sold tickets or literally paid a venue to perform. Because you've gotta put in the time and effort before someone notices you and see's that you're worth the money they're putting up. In the career I'm headed for....I am nowhere near what I want to be doing. BUT, I love every minute of this and I appreciate everything I come across, and I understand that it takes time, money, effort, passion and persistency to obtain what I crave. And I will not stop. I literally will reach fame or die trying. I haven't changed my mindset since I was 10 years young.
I didn't wake up one morning....let's say a year or two...or three ago, and say "Hey, I play guitar.....I'm gonna find some friends who play and sing too, and form a band and walk into a venue and just get shit handed to us." It doesn't work that way. Fiasco! has obtained so much in the past 2 years that we're finally getting recognition and I love it. It's the greatest feeling to see all of your hard work pay off, even if you're not getting paid. Now I will say, now days, we get paid for what we do. Even if it's small amounts. I just love seeing the change, the turning point in a career. Especially one of which is part of the artistic field. Again, I'm taking in every moment now and appreciate aht I have, and just love watching it all unravel. It took years to get to where I am now....and it's going to take a lot more to get to where I'm going.
With that said, thanks to every single family member, every single friend and every single fan that has supported me and my bands since day one. Even if you just discovered Fiasco! at the last House of Blues show....you have no idea how much it means to me that you now have love and support for us. With out any of you....I CAN'T do what I do. I cannot. There would be no reason to perform live if it weren't for you. Thank you so much. I will never forget you. So long as you never forget me =)
And for those of you who read my blog posts....thanks. I use this site to blog my thoughts and moments in life...as well as venting to "no one". But turns out, I check out my profile views and see that I have a coupe followers and I love it. Means a lot.
Daniel Durston
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Too good to not blog.
This has been a great weekend to say the least. So much has happened, all in good times.
Saturday Night, July 3rd, my band Fiasco! performed at the Downtown Disney House of Blues. This was my fourth time playing there with this amazing band. First we opened up for The Aggrolites, the next show we opened for MEST, and after that we opened for the almighty, Everclear. Looooved it. This time we were the "support" of the headlining band "No Duh", a No Doubt cover band. We got tpo perform a 45min set, which was awesomeee....it was such a big time slot that we weren't prepared to fill the entire thing out, so we came up with 2 and a half clutch songs to fill in the time and keep the show running. Fiasco! alone, we sold about 50 tickets presale, and about 15 came to the door for us. GREAT crowd. It was packed. The opening band was good, we came in with the clutch energetic performance, and headliner No Duh closed it out with a 20 song set.....yeah 20 songs! I can't wait or our band to be playing big sets like that. That'll be the life. House of Blues treated us so well this last show...We were in dressing room B, with our own shower, Bathroom, TV, drinks of all sorts, couches and just chillllin all day til we went up to perform. I love it. i can't wait til my everyday is that moment. Performing music....paying bills just because I get to make people feel good through my experiences that I express through music. Thank you all for coming out to support any and every show of ours....even since I was 10 years young....it means SO much to me. In a good way, it surprises me that you care to come out and see me and/or my band perform for you. It amazes me, the love and support we get from family friends and fans. With out you all there's no reason I would ever step foot on stage. Thank you <3
Sunday, 4th of July, my 3rd favorite holiday, but a strong 3rd favorite. First Christmas, then Halloween, and the 4th!
Had a small bbq with David Lei, Orion, Gabriel, Alfonso, Rachel, Jayk, Maranda, my brother Daryl, Cristina, Nick (Barron), Jon, Danny, my mom and dad, Maranda's mom and dad, and later on my brother Dennis came and joined in on the fireworks with his daughter and my love Danielle =) After that we headed over to the Lee's house, where we held the after party and got some dope ass games goin on like, beer pong, flip cup and f*ck the dealer. Def sent our friend Alfonso straight the "porcelain god" haha....flushed his glasses down the toilet....clutch story...sucks when it happened, and still does...but about a month from now, he will hold the "epic drinking night" story. I love you Alfonso, Lol. The night ended well....def good times to be remembered.
Woke up the next morning, July 5th, and headed to Vegas to perform with my friend Tay. She tap dances while I play guitar and switch over to a bass drum. It's pretty dope. We got the highest rank in scoring for the national dance competition in Vegas but didn't place in the top 10 =/ But we had a fun night that night. My brother drove both ways, so I got to sleep a lot...uncomfortably in a scion TC mind you.
Got home today around 3pm and had Camp Rock rehearsal frmo 6pm-roughly 930pm....GREAT cast. Love them all....well most. Lol
Had a much needed Corky's visit, and am awaiting my much needed hang out with Jon the love of my (straight) life.
Saturday Night, July 3rd, my band Fiasco! performed at the Downtown Disney House of Blues. This was my fourth time playing there with this amazing band. First we opened up for The Aggrolites, the next show we opened for MEST, and after that we opened for the almighty, Everclear. Looooved it. This time we were the "support" of the headlining band "No Duh", a No Doubt cover band. We got tpo perform a 45min set, which was awesomeee....it was such a big time slot that we weren't prepared to fill the entire thing out, so we came up with 2 and a half clutch songs to fill in the time and keep the show running. Fiasco! alone, we sold about 50 tickets presale, and about 15 came to the door for us. GREAT crowd. It was packed. The opening band was good, we came in with the clutch energetic performance, and headliner No Duh closed it out with a 20 song set.....yeah 20 songs! I can't wait or our band to be playing big sets like that. That'll be the life. House of Blues treated us so well this last show...We were in dressing room B, with our own shower, Bathroom, TV, drinks of all sorts, couches and just chillllin all day til we went up to perform. I love it. i can't wait til my everyday is that moment. Performing music....paying bills just because I get to make people feel good through my experiences that I express through music. Thank you all for coming out to support any and every show of ours....even since I was 10 years young....it means SO much to me. In a good way, it surprises me that you care to come out and see me and/or my band perform for you. It amazes me, the love and support we get from family friends and fans. With out you all there's no reason I would ever step foot on stage. Thank you <3
Sunday, 4th of July, my 3rd favorite holiday, but a strong 3rd favorite. First Christmas, then Halloween, and the 4th!
Had a small bbq with David Lei, Orion, Gabriel, Alfonso, Rachel, Jayk, Maranda, my brother Daryl, Cristina, Nick (Barron), Jon, Danny, my mom and dad, Maranda's mom and dad, and later on my brother Dennis came and joined in on the fireworks with his daughter and my love Danielle =) After that we headed over to the Lee's house, where we held the after party and got some dope ass games goin on like, beer pong, flip cup and f*ck the dealer. Def sent our friend Alfonso straight the "porcelain god" haha....flushed his glasses down the toilet....clutch story...sucks when it happened, and still does...but about a month from now, he will hold the "epic drinking night" story. I love you Alfonso, Lol. The night ended well....def good times to be remembered.
Woke up the next morning, July 5th, and headed to Vegas to perform with my friend Tay. She tap dances while I play guitar and switch over to a bass drum. It's pretty dope. We got the highest rank in scoring for the national dance competition in Vegas but didn't place in the top 10 =/ But we had a fun night that night. My brother drove both ways, so I got to sleep a lot...uncomfortably in a scion TC mind you.
Got home today around 3pm and had Camp Rock rehearsal frmo 6pm-roughly 930pm....GREAT cast. Love them all....well most. Lol
Had a much needed Corky's visit, and am awaiting my much needed hang out with Jon the love of my (straight) life.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"Shambles: My Life" prt. 1
(Insert sarcasm here)
Don't you love it when you're having a shitty, an awkward, wiiieerd day and just when you try to make it better it only gets shittier? I looooove it. Like if I can ask for anything more, it would only be for a shittier day you know?
YEEAAAHH
Comfort food? Nope, just $15 more in debt with myself. My life....shambles. ha *the most emo blog*
I'll be for real...I hate it when friends act like they're on your side and totally trying to please you and the next minute they're behind your back just making it all a bit worse. Unknowingly and unintentionally it happens. Not for worse....but it sure doesn't help for better. Why do people do the things they do? Like hide feelings or hide what they want? This world would be a lot better off if we all just said what was on our minds. And that includes myself. I usually say exactly what I feel, what I want and what should be said, because I never give a fuck, til it comes to friends.
"What's with today today?" -Empire Records
Loooooooooooove today.
Don't you love it when you're having a shitty, an awkward, wiiieerd day and just when you try to make it better it only gets shittier? I looooove it. Like if I can ask for anything more, it would only be for a shittier day you know?
YEEAAAHH
Comfort food? Nope, just $15 more in debt with myself. My life....shambles. ha *the most emo blog*
I'll be for real...I hate it when friends act like they're on your side and totally trying to please you and the next minute they're behind your back just making it all a bit worse. Unknowingly and unintentionally it happens. Not for worse....but it sure doesn't help for better. Why do people do the things they do? Like hide feelings or hide what they want? This world would be a lot better off if we all just said what was on our minds. And that includes myself. I usually say exactly what I feel, what I want and what should be said, because I never give a fuck, til it comes to friends.
"What's with today today?" -Empire Records
Loooooooooooove today.
Hide Away Your Judging Eyes
Sometimes staying up late....and eating an entire dinner at 230am can turn bad?
For the first time it came to life last night.
Reality sets in and there's only so many corners in which we can hide
Here we talk, we meet, we share our life story.
Here I find myself running deep.
There are other places I rather be.
So I drive home to a silent home.
Here my parents sleep.
I'm awake and the world inside my head creeps.
Who here can see what my eyes see.
Who here has lived the life I seek.
"Somethings are better left undone
Some songs, better left unsung"
One minute on top of the world
The next your life is in shambles from the risks and gambles
Here, I stress, no time for rest
I write I sing I play
In hopes that I'll be discovered some day.
Premature facade
Hide away your judging eyes
Nothing here is to stay
These days will be remembered as regretful times
For the first time it came to life last night.
Reality sets in and there's only so many corners in which we can hide
Here we talk, we meet, we share our life story.
Here I find myself running deep.
There are other places I rather be.
So I drive home to a silent home.
Here my parents sleep.
I'm awake and the world inside my head creeps.
Who here can see what my eyes see.
Who here has lived the life I seek.
"Somethings are better left undone
Some songs, better left unsung"
One minute on top of the world
The next your life is in shambles from the risks and gambles
Here, I stress, no time for rest
I write I sing I play
In hopes that I'll be discovered some day.
Premature facade
Hide away your judging eyes
Nothing here is to stay
These days will be remembered as regretful times
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