Welcome back to the Flowering Jungle! After such a long break here I’m glad to be back. I appreciate everybody’s patience while I’ve been on my tours and getting through the holidays. We should be getting back to our regular monthly schedule through the rest of the year. 2024 is going to be a big year for Monster Rally and I can’t wait to share what I’ve got in the works!
Behind the Scenes: My Fall Tour with TV Girl and Leisure
I had such an incredible experience this fall on both my tours with TV Girl and Leisure. It was the most shows I’ve played in succession since way back in 2006 with my emo band, Driver Side Impact (more about that). It was great to hit up a bunch of cities I’ve never played before and meet so many new people. Thanks to everyone who came out and said hi!
I started the TV Girl tour in my hometown of Cleveland. It was great because a bunch of my family and friends were able to come out.
After Cleveland, Kelley and I headed to Columbus then Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The drives were grueling, sometimes driving 7+ hours landing right into unpacking and soundcheck, but the TV Girl crowds were so psyched and welcoming that the payoff was well worth it.
I was home for 4.5 days where I packed and shipped all of the Castaways pre-orders.
Then I flew out to Los Angeles for a 10-day run with Leisure. Luckily being a one-man operation means I’m able to just rent an SUV and drive myself. I started in LA and made my way up the coast, which had some really stunning landscapes. I eventually landed in Vancouver where I flew home after the show to be with family for a week before picking back up in Boston.
While I was home my main man, John (aka Rumtum), took my spot and played with Leisure in Denver.
Speaking of RUMTUM, his remix of my song “Isle Eyes” from Botanica Dream was just released last week. Check it out if you haven’t already.
Kelley was able to join me again on the East Coast and we hit up Boston, two nights in Brooklyn and DC. The Leisure guys have become some of my favorite people and we’ve been listening to their new album nonstop since we got home. Be sure to check them out and keep your eyes peeled for a potential collaboration dropping soon.
Test Pressings
After I got back from my tours, I finally had the chance to finish up the test pressings for Castaways Vol. 2. I had so much fun making these. Test pressing are some of my favorite pieces to make, because they’re so unique and limited and everyone is different. Shout out to everyone who purchased one!
If you’re a paid subscriber, scroll down for your monthly Playlist and art download to get you through the cold winter days ahead.
I can’t wait to share all the projects I have in the works for 2024 including new singles, an album, collaborations and shows. I’ll share more in the upcoming newsletters. Thanks for joining me in the Flowering Jungle!
- Ted
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