Jakob Martin

There’s a distinct moment in every tour when you realize you’re out there for real. It usually comes about five or six days in, right when the snacks you packed are suddenly gone and your clean/dirty laundry ratio starts to shift for the first time. It happened for me today when we entered the Northen section of Oregon and I realized that we are, in fact, just over 1000 miles from home, and that we will be living out of the van for another two weeks. You’d think one would get used to this feeling. But it’s always a little shocking, like “really?! I do this?” Having my brother along adds another element of fun, but also another element of responsibility, because even when your younger brother is a self-sufficient grown up, you still think he’s 10 and feel like you need to watch him cross the street.

We have already had a ton of adventures this time around.  The concerts have been going really well- a lot of you have been coming out and the vibes have been incredible. Had a great time hanging with fellow artists Dan Krikorian and Andrew Heringer. I had a harmonica vs saxaphone battle with Andrew’s sax player in Sacramento which was nothing short of epic. We’ve seen a ton of friends, both old and new, worked on a farm, made applesauce, and met a guy in a bar who had literally just walked out of jail. And Daniel and I have been perfecting our british accents.

And I’ve been writing a lot. I’m thinking about what I want the next record to sound like, and getting excited to start that process again.

Tomorrow is the performance at Willamette University, then off to Seattle, before we start to make our way back down toward the bay area. Stay tuned for more adventure stories. For now, a couple of video clips for you:

1. Working on a new song/being ridiculous:

2. After show…daniel auditions for “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”

Had a blast in redding last night…They always treat us so well. Got to play to a packed house at Vintage last night and then went to check out a house party for some local culture -

My favorite quote of the night came from a girl at the house party who had been whining about being hungry for about half an hour. We finally walk into a room and she’s got a drink in one hand, devouring a package of graham crackers with the other, all while one of her friends is across the room teaching another how to spank someone properly. The girl looked at me and said: “All I need is graham crackers, spanking, and whatever is this red cup, and my life is complete.” I had to rush out of the room to write it down.

Spent the night at the beatiful BridgeHouse b&b where Janelle took great care of us, even though it was her birthday and she could have been out painting the town.

For you facebookers, here’s a little clip of us fooling around @ the B&B

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=570975633449

Today we drive up into Oregon- Looking forward to seeing you Oregonians soon!

Day 2 of the Warm Storm tour-During our drive up to San Luis Obispo…Daniel and I haven’t known each other that long yet, but I’d say there’s a  good creative chemistry growing there.