We were so busy planning the festival we didn’t do anything about promoting the four new albums we released. But first, how about some perspective. In our first four years as a label, we released a measly four albums. Side hustles have feelings too, so it’s not that we are ashamed of that, it’s just…low.

This year, on the ramp up to Home Skillet Fest, we planned four brand new releases - three out of the four from the original Home Skillet Records Artists, Jed Delong, Silver Jackson, and Little Stones Father - leaving GEO as the only member left to put out a release.

We are going to try and do a series of video interviews for the artists behind these albums - but for now, find satisfaction in listening to these sweet sweet releases.

Jed Delong - Dream Machine

Silver Jackson - Self-Titled

Little Stones Father - Change the World

Jack Ruby Presents - The Cardboard EP 

Our bet was this - Home Skillet Record’s artists could carry most of a show and prep an audience for the headline act we brought in, Sonny and the Sunsets. We also made a big push to release four albums Saturday night. With all of this, the pressure was big on our label’s artists to deliver - and they did.

The night started off with Sam Cavanaugh playing some solo singer/songwriter music while people were filing in. It’s always good to see the up and comers playing their own stuff.

Hank Moore, a local who showed up in town one day with his guitar and a microphone, hosted this show. Hank has always been very supportive of what Home Skillet Records and has been showing up to our events long before we were ever a label - he is a very important part of the music community in Sitka.

Another very talented guitar player, Zach Wass, played a few tracks to get the night started as well. It’s funny, a lot of us play guitar and then we see Zach play and we see what playing the guitar really is. He is gifted.

The first Home Skillet Records act that came up was Jesse Hughey, who was representing his full band, Jack Ruby Presents. Jesse really held it down with a solid set of music, some of which will be released on his next Home Skillet Records project, some tracks were from The Cardboard EP, which was for sale. 

Next up was Home Skillet Records co-founder GEO - he played four tracks, one of which is on Silver Jackson’s latest album. If anything he drank his way into the role of the hype man - his set preceded that by about 10 minutes. 

One of the original Home Skillet four, Jed Delong played a set of new songs that weren’t on his album, which we also released that night. He’s over those songs I guess, but we’re not. Well, I guess he played Louie & the Market - but that’s it! And Dream Machine is a great album - buy it.

Co-founder of the Home Skillet Records project, Silver Jackson, played next with his band.  It was at this point in the night that we progressed from singer/songwriter music to full bands - which means it was also at this point that people began to get up and dance. Silver Jackson also had a self-titled album release - it’s an expansion of his Moves Like Music EP project - buy it!

A long time ago the core group of Little Stones Father played a show that got so rowdy people lost fingers - this is no lie. So you can imagine with their new drummer, LSF put on a high energy show. Before the set, frontman Jerrod Galanin and GEO discussed the possibility of a stage dive - with crowd participation high, they got their wishes and a stage dive was dived. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better LSF begin to throw free beef jerky to the audience - now we know people go nuts for free beef jerky.

Headlining Saturday night’s show was Home Skillet Fest repeat Sonny Smith. We brought up his whole band, “The Sunsets” to really bring the energy needed for a rowdy crowd. As always Sonny Smith played and the audience loved it. Let’s see, highlights include: people dancing on tables, on the stage, and GEO dancing with all the poor underage women whose underage boyfriends are too scared to dance - he sees an opportunity, he takes it! With every festival there are many moments where we pinch ourselves and think, “is this really happening?” When about twenty festival goers got up on stage to dance to Sonny and the Sunsets encore - we pinched ourselves. It was a brilliant moment in Home Skillet Fest history.  Thank you Sonny!

After the show we cleaned up a bit and then headed to the world famous Pioneer Bar to do a little partying and unwinding. I must admit, I didn’t last long - but it was fun to take a deep breath and realize we made it through another year.

Thanks to all those who volunteered and helped. Thanks to my sister Ashia for wrangling us in - we were so organized this year! Thanks to Amelia Budd for helping us get all of our sponsors together - we couldn’t have managed that without your help. Thanks to JoAnn Huff, the accountant, who definitely has us on a track for a smooth taxes year. Thanks to the Ferricks for running our audio/video and lending your equipment, we cherish your continued support and patience. Thanks to the venues that hosted our event: Sheet Ka Kwan ‘Naa Kahidi Community Center, The Sitka Moose Lodge, and The Harrigan Centennial Hall. Thanks to all of our sponsors. If I missed you, please leave a comment and thank yourself - you did a wonderful job.

Lastly, thank you to the community for showing up and making this event something we can do every year.

Look for more media of the event soon - cheers.

For those who were there, you know exactly what I am talking about - the floor literally was bouncing up and down with all of the people - in carefully staying away from the heart of the crowd, I managed to play it safe.

We did sound checks all the way up until the last minute and open the doors a little after 7pm with D-Script, Howard the Duck, and The Love Child.

Home Skillet Records artist, Micelph, as always a good ambassador for the label, got the show started hot. When I walked in (late) and saw him rocking the new brown Home Skillet Fest tee, it became clear where I was again.

An up and coming emcee with a ton of talent is a dude by the name of Understatement who initially hailed from Anchorage, but now is immersed the Seattle scene. He came out the gate hyped as fuck - anyone that brings that kind of energy has a special place in our hearts - especially when playing to a rowdy Alaskan crowd. He played four to five tracks off of his new album which you should see in the store soon.

Last year was a lot like this year in some ways - I randomly roll into the Devilfish Gallery to talk about the festival and standing around looking at art is Jake Good, aka Konsept, aka A/V. And just like last year, it was good to see him in the shop and good to see him play. We can’t wait to drop his album properly - soon.  Of course he hyped up the crowd as he carefully walked through his whole set, of course he did.

Indefinate Etticate is a two turntables and two microphones act - they came up after A/V and went through a set. Both of these guys came down from Anchorage because they heard about the festival - we hope it was good for them - we’re just trying to connect dots on a map down here.  These guys definitely can play.

Home Skillet Records artist Phonetic (who also emceed the whole night) played directly after Indefinate Etticate.  Of course he came out hot - he is the hometown hero of emcees. Him and his crew, Feedus Productions, are hugely responsible for sewing the seeds of a generation of heads. So when Home Skillet Records goes to put on this festival, we do this night for Phonetic and those heads - this is an evolution of all those early shows when those guys were just getting started.

Macklemore came up after Phonetic, he hails from the same Seattle scene as Common Market, who had been at the previous to Home Skillet Fests. He took advantage of the continuing energy of the crowd and put on a really entertaining show - rabbit fur?

Every year we put on this show and we fly in artists from all over the country - but all of them put together don’t compare to the DJ known as Rhettmatic.  He is part of the The World Famous Beat Junkies crew and they’ve been on the scene since ‘92. What I am getting at is the crowd didn’t know who they were getting to see - this guy is a legend. Between the Thursday show being a little on the long side (the crowd isn’t quite in concert shape) and the lack of some proper turntables, we didn’t feel like he got a fair shot to show the crowd what scratching is really all about.  This was our bad - but he came with the kind of constructive criticism that we need to make the festival more pro in the coming years - so big up for that, Rhett.

He DJ’d for an emcee from Los Angeles, California named Medaphore, or MED. When we picked them up from the airport MED was smiling, when we dropped him off at the airport, MED was smiling - it’s how he rolls. I didn’t see him walk in the building when Macklemore had the show going off, but I am sure he was smiling. A hyped crowd ripe for the taking. He came on after a short intermission with Rhett on the tables and pulled together the TRUE fans of hip-hop music and rocked it.

We’re currently putting together the third night of the show - it’s going to be different than the first two nights in that it has a beer garden and is a bigger venue. Tickets will be available at the door - don’t forget to bring your ID.  Almost through - just kidding, we love it!!! We hope to slowly release video posts over the coming few weeks - please check back at this site or follow us on twitter.

Fortunately, it filled up, and for those that came, it was a great show.

Teri Tibbett (two b’s, two t’s) started the night with her set of about seven songs.  Her energy is always right on and it was perfect to see her up there.  She was at the first Home Skillet Fest and has been one of our biggest supporters. In fact, she told me, “I’m going to be here every year from now on.”  We will hold her to it. (if anyone has pictures from her set, we would love to add them.

Next up on the night was Vern Culp and his band, Finely Fine.  I had never heard them before, but they have played around town quite a bit.  Vern has helped us develop our festival over the last few years and it was great to see him enjoy the fruits of all of that.  His set was really well done and polished. He also mentioned his Sitka Arti Gras project for anyone wanting to participate - it’s an art & music festival held in Sitka in the month of March.  We need pictures of this set as well.

Home Skillet Record’s very own Strummin’ Dog and Lee Asnin played the next set. Something about hearing a slide guitar strikes a chord in anyone that hears it - it seems, right.  These guys have been playing together for awhile and for me personally, it was great to see them. The best part is they were having fun - and it’s this kind of familiarity that makes all of the hustle up to the festival worth it.

Our first “down south” act was Sonny Smith.  He had played last year with his band, and will also be playing again on Saturday night.  However, this night was special.  When we first started talking to him about coming up, he had requested to play at the Sheet Ka Kwan ‘naa Kahidi Community House, to which we were obliged. Sonny is a storyteller and he took the crowd on a journey into his world of short stories.  On Saturday, his band, “The Sunsets,” will join him headlining at the Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Tom Brosseau followed up Sonny and headlined the Thursday show. It’s always fun to get new blood in to Home Skillet Fest.  It seems like every year we have a couple of repeat musicians and a couple of new ones. At the end of each festival we hope that both the musicians and the audience walk away happy and excited to come back. Last night, after his wonderful set, we dragged Tom (and Sonnny) out to a late night bbq and stuffed his belly full of blackcod, beer, and rice - a wonderful combo. Tom is exactly the kind of musician we want to showcase at Home Skillet Festival and he really delivered on his set.

All in all we are really happy with the way Thursday night’s show turned out.  We had a sizable crowd and a great set of musicians who kicked off, what we hope, a successful Home Skillet Fest.  Tickets are still available at Old Harbor Book and the Devilfish Gallery, or can be purchased online here.

We will do a video post here soon - look for it!

The Home Skillet Crew is organizing away to make sure that tonight’s show fires on all cylinders - the bummer of it all is that we didn’t get our new albums and the Home Skillet Fest ‘08 official poster.  The printer just couldn’t deliver.  Hopefully we can get them gold streaked to Sitka tomorrow - at least by Saturday.  But be sure to pick up a shirt from the first night - all of the new colors done by Sam Huff at Hecklewood Clothing are hot.

Tickets are still on sale for Friday and Saturday at Old Harbor Books and The Devilfish Gallery, oh and online as well.

I am now heading to the first show - until then.

We also are pushing to release four new albums by the following artists all by the festival: Silver Jackson, Little Stones Father, Jed Delong, AND Jack Ruby Presents - it is borderline crazy to put ourselves through it. Can’t get anywhere in life without a little sweat.

What follows is the most recent schedule for the artists performing at Home Skillet Festival - it’s subject to change, but it’s pretty close to who will actually be there.  Tickets can be purchased here, or at Old Harbor Books and The Devilfish Gallery.

Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House - Thursday, July 17th

• 6:30 Terri Tibbett
• 6:50 Finely Fine (Vern Culp)
• 7:10 Strummin Dog & Lee Asnin
• 7:30 Sonny Smith
• 8:00 Tom Brosseau

The Moose Lodge Family Center - Friday, July 18th

• 7:00 D-Script
• 7:20 Micelph
• 7:40 Offay, AV
• 8:00 Understatement
• 8:20 Indefinate Etiquate
• 8:45 Phonetic/ Astronomar
• 9:15 Macklemore
• 9:45 Rettmatic
• 10:30 MED
• After Party - Kelly’s Sports Pub Encore :free shuttles from Moose (21+)

Saturday Centennial - Saturday, July 19th

• 7:30 Jesse Hughey
• 7:50 GEO
• 8:10 Jed Delong
• 8:30 Zac D. Wass
• 8:50 Silver Jackson
• 9:10 LSF
• 9:55 Sonny & The Sunsets

Actually, HomeSkillet Festival will be more than alright - it will be fun as hell.  We’re still working on options for the night good ol’ Langhorne was supposed to be the headline. If you have any ideas you should probably share them, after all, this festival is for the people man!

I know many of you were especially excited to see Langhorne, we were too - now we’re especially ansy about getting our ticket we bought for him refunded - you see, it’s all relative.  Really though - it’s a major bummer, but we felt like we should tell you now, rather than have you show up in your favorite Langhorne Slim gear.  That’s like getting all dressed up for the prom and not getting to go.

Gem after the jump.

Fast-forward nearly a year and he’s on deck to put on the same show in Sitka, Alaska. Prepare for the energy of the Langhorne Slim show by listening to his MySpace account. He’s got some great tracks on there, I’ve been listening to it a lot the last few days. You could to purchase his album, you may just enjoy the show more.  Though if you wait, you can buy a copy directly from him and I am sure he’ll sign it at HomeSkillet Festival.

Tickets are still available.

Video session after the jump:

July 17th:  An intimate evening of music featuring Tom Brosseau and Sonny Smith at the Sheet’ ka Kwa’an Naa Kahidi Community House.

July 18th:  HipHop at the Moose Featuring M.E.D., Rhettmatic, Macklemore and other special acts!

July 19th: Langhorne Slim and guests live at the Centenial Building!

Tickets are limited so please be sure to purchase in advanced, this will guarantee that you and your sweetheart are able to take part in the festivities.

HomeskilletFest ‘08 Special Guests

• Langhorne Slim
• Tom Brosseau
• Sonny Smith
• M.E.D.
• Rhettmatic
• Macklemore

HomeskilletFest ‘08 Guestlist (still special)

• Indefinite Etticate
• Understatement
• Teri Tibbet
• Akream
• Astronomar
• Glorious Youth Parade.. and more

From Homeskillet Records we present

• Phonetic
• Konsept
• Jed Delong
• Lee Asnin
• Silver Jackson
• GEO
• LSF
• Micelph
• Strummin Dog.

Again you can show support by purchasing tickets in advance, tickets are limited!

Watch for updates.

Anyhow, I bring this up because I attended a BarCamp Portland session on breaking apart the music distribution and payments scheme.  The idea being that people will pay for music if it’s convenient for them. It’s a compelling idea and has a lot of potential, but also a lot of moving parts. Scary.

But how does this work with piracy? Well, we continue to take any music we want off the web, but each song has a checksum making it unique to an artist.  Upon playing the music in your player of choice, you have a little button next to a song that says, “pay for me.”  That transaction would go to a notary that would identify the checksum and pay the artist micropayments for each time someone wants to pay for it.

It’s a potential vision for the future for the music industry, a vision that takes more control away from existing dinosaurs in the industry.  While I can’t help think burn baby burn when it comes to these big companies, I know they won’t go easy. I met the guy who had the idea, maybe he’ll keep in touch.