Sweat, Blood, and Tears

   Hey S.I.Q. fans!
   That would be sweat from walking in the Mint Hill Madness parade (and subsequently running all the freakin' way back to my truck), blood from all the nosebleeds happening to people I know, and tears from just how much my right big toe hurts right now.
   Now that that's out of the way, I wanted to make a comment on our practices and writing sessions. It's very cool when we're writing music to see how each individual member's influences and style comes out in what they write. For example, stuff that I write has a tendency to be very progressive and usually heavy. Phil's stuff is either slow and melancholy or REALLY heavy (he's our resident metal-head). James's stuff varies a lot, but it's mostly progressive with much virtuosity. Corey hasn't written much yet, but his style challenges any conventional formula of songwriting; he really just goes with what feels right to him. Finally, Ashton doesn't write much of the music, but his lyrics are usually very dark and abstract. He has even told me once that he has a difficult time writing "happy" lyrics. Something that will just come with time and much experimentation I suppose.
   Tomorrow I am playing with the Revolution Youth praise band at Mint Hill Madness from 2-2:45 pm. Technically I'm only playing for half of it, because I'll be trading off with another bass player, a friend of mine who I give unofficial instruction to from time to time. But please, come see us play and have a good time.
   BATTLE OF THE BANDS!!! This Wednesday from 6 to 11 pm! There isn't much time left to get your tickets so be sure to grab those ASAP. We need all the support we can get because we are up against several other very talented bands that evening.
   One final bit of news, we are so close to finishing another song, one primarily being written by Corey. We believe you will like it very much whenever you may get to hear us play it.

Cole Millward
S.I.Q. bassist