How is everyone doing? It's been a while since I've sat down to blog with you. How are we these days? Quite fine. As you can see from Henry's blogs we've been busy writing more songs. Just put down a demo for one yesterday and we're writing again on Saturday. We've been rehearsing these at the space of course and practicing for next Friday's show in New York City. If you don't know we're headed back to Crash Mansion. It's Free with an rsvp to rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com. Also there'll be free vodka from 9-10pm. Can't beat that can you? Yes, we can. We'll also be playing with our favorite New York City kids, Radio America. Check out all the details here. We'll have some of these new songs in tow as well. :)

Not much else to say except that we're really keen on making this next record. We're scouting out producers and Ross is jumping around in excitement as is his usual healthy self.

You all are amazing.

Cheers,

Jen

...Rules



Cheers,
Henry

How appropriate that this song decides to come on when it does, eh?

First off— fully aware that talking about the weather is, at best, mundane and terribly banal— today was absolutely gorgeous. Topped out at 81ºF, and it was just windy enough so that you weren't sweating like a madman. The only thing that would've been more perfect is if the pool in my building was open, and if I didn't have to actually make myself go to work. I walked all the way to the bus stop without a jacket for the first time since old man winter came by.

There may or may not have been a slight brisk to my step.

Work, as usual, was absolute crap. Especially lately, all I've wanted to do is walk right out of that place, go home, write 500 songs, and play Super Mario Bros. when I'm finished. But it didn't bog me down like it usually does on Mondays, even with double the usual workload. Thankfully, it's a temp thing and its termination next week is something I've been facing with more joy than dread. I met up with Jen for lunch and got a phone call from a hospital (where I last worked as a temp for 2½ years). I applied for a few permanent jobs through them when I was let go in February, but hadn't heard back— pretty standard for hospitals, but of no immediate help to Henry's wallet. Anyway, the woman I spoke to said a permanent position opened up. I'm fairly certain that since they bothered to call me they're probably going to hire me. Goodbye temping. Hello paid time off.

And with the new cell phone I just upgraded to, I can actually get good reception all around my apartment. No more of the "can you.. hello?... can... can you... can you call me on my house phone? Hold on................................................... House phone. HOUSE," song and dance.

Now before I sound like too much of an adult...

For the last two weeks I've been recording little 30-to-60 second ditties as they came to me, something I don't usually do. Me and Jen have been worked on one of them yesterday and today and it's almost a song. I think when it's done it'll be one of those special ones. We were going over some production notes for the 6 or 7 songs we've got planned out so far. I'm so excited about this record. It feels more.. I don't know.. current? Like we have something to say? I'm the last person to get down on old stuff, like the first album. That's where we were at when we made it, and that's that. It's a moment frozen in time. But that being said, this is the first time we've been working on all brand new stuff for an entire record. It can get difficult, but everyone is bringing their all to this. It's good stuff too (he says modestly), but screw all that. It's been fun, and we're doing our damnedest not to repeat ourselves. And that's really all I can say right now without repeating myself.

Okaly dokaly.. I'm through nerding out for now. At least until Spider-Man's out next week. Gotta work on some more stuff now, so it will probably be another late night.

Jesus, I'm so not rock n' roll it's scary. I'd better go finish that one Miller Lite in the fridge, stat!

Wouldn't you know it.. it's nearly 1am and I still feel good about the day.

Cheers,
Henry

...but I'm stuck at work. Bleh.

There's always tomorrow.

Someone here at work made a very educated (and subsequently correct) guess as to the origins of my last name. That's the first time that's ever happened. In a life filled with "Henry B...buh... burger... Bergerinisstain?", this was a small victory.

Still, I'd rather be home, finishing up breakfast, and working on some tunes.

And now, "Macho Man" Randy Savage:



Cheers,
Henry

Hey everyone.. just piping up here for a second. The polls close for The Phoenix Best Music Poll on the 20th, so you've got 2 days left to vote.

Whenever you get a moment to do so, of course.

Just click here: www.bestmusicpoll.com, then click on Boston and violin! viol bingo! You're set to go.

Specifically, Jen's been nominated for Local - Best Female Vocalist. Honestly, that nomination would've been mine if it weren't for my plumbing, if yaknowwhatimean. But before I sue the Phoenix for discrimination, feel free to write Aloud in for any other category you please.

We're up against a lot of talented folks in there (like the Bon Savants, the Luxury, the Rudds, the Silver Lining, Ryan Lee Crosby etc etc), so be sure to stuff the ballot box with Aloud.

What do you mean I can't say that?

Even if you're not from Boston, it doesn't matter. You can vote for national acts too.

Peace out, homies,
Henry angling for a win in the Rap/Hip-Hop category.

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who came to Friday's show for our set at the WBCN R n R Semi Finals. Thanks for cheering, singing along, and making us feel big. We didn't advance to the finals, but you certainly make us feel like winners. You've been a most impressive bunch.

This is means now of course that we're going to be hunkering down to write new songs for a new record we hope to bring to you as soon as the world will allow. We will of course be making a stop in a little town called New York with our Big Apple counterparts Radio America. Expect the unexpected.. or something. Joining us that night will also be Caffeine (from the UK) and The New York Howl. Big time stuff! Oh and did we mention it's FREE??? Just rsvp to rsvp@annierock.com. And if that weren't enough there's an open bar from 9PM-10PM.

And Boston, set your calanders for a rock extravaganza at Hennessey's on May 24th with those rascals Scamper, the Sterns, and Rooftop Suicide Club. This event with be sponsered by WFNX. This will be a rock n roll riot. And the Scamper boys will ensure all the laughs you can handle coz they're quite funny guys.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!! You blew us away! :)

Cheers,

Jen

PS. A great big THANKS to main Rumble man Shred!

Currently listening : Combat Rock By The Clash Release date: 25 January, 2000

It appears Friday the 13th is Aloud's lucky day. The band have received one of two wildcard slots to advance to the WBCN Rock n' Roll Rumble semi-finals.

Aloud faces stiff competition from Baker, The Silver Lining, and Protokoll.

Come on down to Harpers Ferry this Friday and lend the guys & gal your support once again!

Tickets for the event can be purchased from Harpers Ferry via their website, via phone (800-594-TIXX (8499)), or in person at the venue.

Info:
WBCN Rock n' Roll Rumble
at Harpers Ferry
158 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA
Age/Tickets: 18+/$12
Doors at 8pm

Miss last week's show? Get our little video recap on YouTube.

They grow up so fast, eh?

Happy birthday Rossooooo..

Feel free to send him your wishes (or pictures of boobies) here.

Cheers,
Henry

We got nominated for this thing in the local paper/radio station and I need to get a ton of people to vote for us. So we win. So we can like.. you know.. brag about it. And the best part is that it's actually legit.

Since most of you folks are from out of town, the Phoenix is an independent local newspaper that's incredibly supportive of new and local music. They also own WFNX, also an independent radio station that plays new music all the time (along with the occasional RHCP, but nobody's perfect). In other words, this is not one of those Music Nation OMFG GET A MILLION ZILLION DOLLARS!!!!11 things, which I flat-out refuse to take part in anymore. So no prizes here.. just guts n' glory.

http://www.bestmusicpoll.com

The category we're up for us Local - Best Female Vocalist (Jennifer de la Osa).

There's also an option for write-ins, so if you could please write Aloud in the local categories (with particular attention to Best Act and Best Album - Leave Your Light On) that would rock my world. Hell, if you want to write us in for best local rap act go right ahead! Then when you're done, tell your friends.

You do not have to be from Boston to vote!

Thanks everyone... and apologies for gratuitous use of bold.

Cheers,
Henry

First batch was taken by Joni Lohr, second by Mick Murray. Enjoy!

Hey guys. Let me begin by saying how truly excited we are to be bringing you a blistering set this evening. We're all waiting for it to be 5:00pm so we can go pack up our gear and head over to Harper's Ferry for our Rock n Roll Rumble soundcheck. All the bands playing tonight are fantastic and it really is going to be exciting. So we're on second and hit the stage at 9:50pm.

Cassavettes are on at 9. Then us followed by Ark Royal and closing the night will be Baker (we played with them at Hennessey's back in February).

We're very geared up.. So get on your dancing shoes you sexy little swines and mosey on up to the front of the stage. We play better when you're there to cheer us on.

We love you all. :) :)

Jen