I'll have a PINK Christmas With You!

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Well it's down to the wire and you only have one week left in order to get yourself ready for Christmas.  The time went fast we are counting down the last few days of 2015.  I now you are sad to see it leave but trust me I believe 2016 is going to be one hell of a year.  This week, on Friday, Dec. 18th we are playing our last official show of the year at The 21st Saloon.  We will be taking a week off for Christmas and we will be catching you again the very first Friday of 2016.  For this Friday's show we have teamed up with our good buddy Joey Neon and Neon Energy Drink to bring you "Glow-In-The-Dark Christmas".  We are throwing another glow party with our new partners Neon Energy Drink.  I am an energy drink junkie and I believe that this product is one of the absolute best things on the market.  It's healthier than any other energy supplement you take and it glows naturally under black light.  Neon Energy Drink will be taking off around the world so do yourself a favor and get in on this before it's to late.  For Friday's party we are encouraging everyone to wear neon colored clothes, we will be shutting off the bar lights and replacing them with black lights.  Break out the glow bracelets, necklaces, and tongue rings.  It's time to get freaky.

For this weeks blog I wanted to write something positive and uplifting.  This time of year can be the one of the hardest times for anybody.  It's easy to isolate yourself and the lonely feeling comes on strong at the first hint of a Christmas Carol.  It's difficult to face the holiday season by yourself not to mention the cold weather and the lack of sunlight.  I get it.  I totally do.  The positive side is that no matter how lonely you feel you aren't alone.  The friends, the family, and most importantly the music almost beacons you back especially now.  The friends and acquaintances I have made through this band alone, bring an almost uncontrollable shiver down my spine.  The music brings us all together and that is probably the coolest part about this whole thing.  We come from all walks of life and from all backgrounds to rally around the guitar like it was some bright star in the night sky.  (Oh did you see what I did there).  It's true though we all may come for different reasons but in the end we are all there to have fun and to be around people that share the same common interest.  We may not be the perfect family but we are family all the same.

As a musician you always are aiming for success.  That word "success" is such a difficult word to describe.  Money, fame, gold records it's all the same.  For me I I feel it the most when I step off of the stage a sweaty stinking mess.  Nothing left in the tank and nothing more to say.  I feel success when I see The 3D In Your Face Army walk through the doors of The 21st Saloon with smiles on their faces.  I feel it when I get a hug after the show or a text letting me know somebody made it home safe from a show.  Those are the things I judge my success on.  After that it's all just business and I didn't get into a band to do good business.  Sure I want to sell albums but that's simply for the fact that I want people to hear what I have to say.  I want to express my love and passion for this music and this art to as many people as I can.  I want them to share in the celebration.  I think my favorite part of Christmas is going to Midnight mass with my mother and listening to the organ shake the entire church.  We become lost in the volume and that's when your mind becomes free.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

How Do You Celebrate A Lead Singers Birthday?

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  I can't believe I am saying this but two weeks in a row.  How about that?  I realize I love you guys to much and I need to release some of this pent up mental steam.  This is another big week for the boys and I, as if any of the weeks aren't crazy enough.  This Friday, Dec. 11th we are celebrating our lead singer Alan "Hot Rod" King's birthday live, loud, and on fire at The 21st Saloon.  This party every year is quite the exquisite blow out.  What can I say about throwing this party?  Mix birthday cake, rock n roll, and tight pants together and well it makes for one hell of an evening.  For many of you that read last weeks blog we said goodbye to Mark "Storm" Mefford on the skins.  Now for a Hair In The Air exclusive I feel comfortable enough announcing that we have a new man on drums.  No stranger to the Omaha music community, Mr. John "The Hammer" Lovings has taken over full time drumming responsibilities.  John was a very natural fit and step up to the plate and knocked it out of the park.   We are excited for this new chapter in the band's career and we hope the 3D In Your Face Army welcomes him in as one of their own.  Again very special thanks to Dax for filling in and helping us through this rough patch.  Back to the weekend, this Saturday we are taking the night off to celebrate and our good friends at 101.9 The Keg have been kind enough to throw us a party of their own that features 38 Special and Lita Ford.  If I was a betting man I would say that a few of us will be in attendance at this show.  Come up and say hi.

I always find it hard to do a birthday blog and after all these years I don't want to repeat myself with gushy sentiments about how cool Alan is or how long we have been touring together.  So for this birthday blog I wanted to do something a bit different.  When I first started with the band ten years ago I was a shadow of the Sam Spade you all know now.  I think I was wearing shorts, a KISS t-shirt, very little makeup, and I thought it would be very punk rock to spray red streaks into my hair.  Under Alan's influence and training over the years I transitioned into my own special blend of glam, punk, metal, and dirty filthy rock n roll.  I could always bounce ideas off of him in an attempt to take my performance and look to the next level.  I think probably the most amazing aspect of our relationship is that I was never shunned or criticized for bringing an idea to the table.  It has always been a free flowing creative organization.  If I ever had doubts that I was going to far or being to extreme, Alan was always there to push my limits as a musician and showman.  From the look to the sound everything was amplified and I think we both kind of fed off the energy.

I never take for granted all experience and wisdom Alan has imparted on me over the years.  I think this may be the best gift of all.  I certainly never would have started singing on my own without his encouragement and leadership.  For that I am eternally grateful.  I want to wish a very happy birthday to one of my best friends.  Alan has been our leader, the founding member, and the cornerstone of 3D In Your Face.  The goals we have achieved have been together and I couldn't think of a better guy I would like by my side through all of this.  When we travel, most of you don't realize that Alan drives the bus after every show.  We are either headed back to Omaha or to the next town.  I always think of it as my duty and privilege to stay awake and keep him company on those long stretches of Nebraska highway.  We chat, drink coffee, and talk about life as the hours go by.  Those are some of my fondest memories.  Thanks for all the great years in this crazy Rock N Roll lifestyle.  I hope we have many more together.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

A Special Goodbye To "The Storm".

My friends and family welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Well I did it again.  I left you for a few weeks.  I am very sorry but I just seem to keep running out of time to write.  I have a ton of stuff to cover, some good, some bad, and some great.  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  We had a great time at The 21st Saloon and we are looking forward to this Friday's "12 Days of Christmas" Show sponsored by Bear Metal Works Chainmaille and Jewelry.  Jen produces one-of-a-kind jewelry that is easily some of the coolest jewelry I have ever seen.  Below is a picture of something that she can make and if you are interested these special 'pink and green' Spade pieces are made to order for just $15.  Follow the link, message her, and let her know you are interested in picking up one of these beauties for Christmas.

https://www.facebook.com/bearmetalworksbyjdebruin/?fref=ts

I must preface this weeks blog by saying that I did write this last week and never got the chance to publish it.  Sorry about the inconvenience but life seems to be funny that way.

It is with great respect that last we announced that Mark “The Storm” Mefford is no longer the drummer of 3D In Your Face.   After much deliberation Mark has decided to move on with his musical career and focus his unique skills elsewhere.  We as a band and as a family wish Mark great success and luck in the future.  We would also like to thank Mark for helping us through this period in our career.  As it sits now the drum position is still vacant.  We are looking for and auditioning drummers to fill this very big role in our band.  As a group, we have decided to keep searching until we find the right person for the job.  All future shows booked will happen as scheduled and we are still on track to record our next album in January 2016. 

A huge thank you to Dakota 'Dax' Nielsen for filling in on some of the last few shows.  It has been great having you back on the train at least for a few stops.  I can't remember ever laughing so hard in the dressing room before the shows.  You are an amazing musician and I am proud to call you a great friend.  

I know this may come as a shock to you and quite frankly we have been taken aback by this last bit of news.  Every set back we encounter just keeps pushing us forward.  I think I wrote this blog a few months back.  I for one feel so very strongly about this band, our songs, and our fans that I couldn't imagine not having 3D In Your Face in my life.  I love you people and that's why I have never thought of this as a job.  I love every moment of life in this band.  It's hard work but completely worth every second.  I keep reminding myself to stay positive this is bigger than just you.  This is bigger than being stressed out about an inbox full of message you still need to respond to.  We are building something out of nothing.  We are creating where there is nothing to create.  The best part is knowing that nobody can ever take this away from us.  The history has already be written and all we can do is keep moving and striving to be the absolute best we can possibly be.  Practice, write, practice, write.  Eventually something will happen.  You've got to stay positive.  I don't think I would even be able to function if I was focused on all the negative swirling around me.  I don't dismiss any of the shit that is piling up I just choose to deal with it and keep on moving forward.  My goal from day one has always been to play as many shows as possible, to sing as many songs as possible, and to prove that if you believe in it hard enough success will follow.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

We Have Something Special

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Sorry I have been a very bad boy and haven't sat down to type out a blog in a few weeks.  I want to thank those people that keep pushing me to write these.  I know sometimes I get so tied up in my own little sphere that I forget that HAIR IN THE AIR is as important to you as it is to me.  I promise I will do my best even if it's just a little something here and there.  Communication is key.  HAHA.  OK for this weeks events we are really rolling out the Rock N Roll wagon.  This Friday, Nov. 13th our residency continues at The 21st Saloon.  We are throwing a 3D In Your Face 'Salute To Veterans' Show sponsored by Ugot2BU.  Three members of this band are vets and I know a ton of our fans are as well.  We want to say thank you in our own way by throwing you a Rock N Roll Party.  All veterans get in for free on Friday.  We will also be handing out 150 American Flags to you, the audience.  The goal is simply to say thank you.  We are working on another special surprise for Friday that may involve a video shoot.  So fair warning you may want to dress to impress or at least put on you American Flag Speedo.  Saturday, Nov. 14th we are FINALLY FINALLY taking a well needed road trip back to our 'home away from home' Kearney, NE.  The bar you formerly knew as Shooters has been remodeled, is under new management, and is going to be hopping.  This will be our debut at the new bar so we need your help spreading the word.  Kearney is always wild but when there is something to prove I've seen the crazy eyes.  If you can't make the trip please tune in to my radio show also called HAIR IN THE AIR on Saturday night at 10 PM on 101.9 The Keg.

So after this long without a blog you figure I would have more to say.  Well to be honest the shows have been going great.  The residency at The 21st Saloon has been packed to near capacity already on several occasions.  It's become the place to be seen.  I look to my left and I see the look in the other guys eyes as the crowd before us is screaming their heads off and it's pure magic.  Most importantly we have got back in contact with our friends and family that are from out of town.  It's become a destination and now people know where we are going to be like clock work and they have been making the trip.  That's worth it's weight in gold to me.  So as we head into the winter we are focused on two very important things.  Firstly our goal is to consistently provide one of the most entertaining Rock N Roll EXPERIENCES every Friday night no matter what.  Make it interesting, make it unique, make it creative, and make it special.  "You're only as good as your last show".  Secondly, the album is still looming over our heads.  That in itself is one of the biggest hurdles that we as a team have to over come.

So where are we sitting?  At this point I kind of have to play the bad guy and withhold information from you.  As I write this we have demoed all the songs except one late addition.  There is a CD only in the hands of the band members that contains 11 tracks of new material that have been played only  in our practice studio.  Last week at rehearsal we decided to set a recording date for January, after the holidays.  Most importantly the songs are great and I am already proud of the work we have put into crafting these 11 songs.  Like I said many blogs ago, this album will set the framework for the next tour and our next move as a band.  Focus, determination, and persistence.  If this was easy everybody would do it.  Just when I think I'm not sure how we will go any further we get that little bit of encouragement that we so desperately needed.  When it gets dark and believe me that happens a lot, the light that shows the next step always seems to come at the last second.  Sure I'm nervous, sure I'm concerned but I know that we have something special and I refuse to give up on that.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

I'm To Far Into It and It Feels So Damn Good

Hello everybody and welcome to Hair In The Air, The Official blog of 3D In Your Face.  Always ready to take part in some Rock N Roll shenanigans.  Here we are heading into the fall, Halloween is right around the corner, and in a month it's time for turkey.  It seems like just yesterday we were sweating it out in the summer heat driving around the Midwest.  I honestly can't wait for some of that action in 2016.  So what's on the agenda for this weekend?  I have some very special events to announce.  First and most important 3D In Your Face will be at The 21st Saloon this Friday, Oct 24th for our Friday Night Residency.  Thank you so much to everyone that came out to last weeks show.  I know a lot you wild animals wanted to come but couldn't make the trip.  At least we know your hearts were with us as we set the night on fire.  This Friday is going to be another beast of a show.  We have some great stuff lined up for our pre-Halloween Bash.  Only $5 at the door and we hit the stage around 9 PM.  Saturday, Oct. 25th Sniper and I have been asked to be the special guest at The Monster Walk at The Fremont Mall in Fremont, NE.  This is an all ages event starting at 4 PM with all the proceeds going to The Low Income Ministry of Fremont.  Bring the kiddies and dress them up in their costumes a week early.  We will be doing a special meet and greet so bring your cameras.  Also if you stick around long enough you might get an earful if you get my drift.  Also Saturday night don't miss my Rock N Roll radio show, Hair In The Air, at 10 PM CST on 101.9 The Keg.

Brief moments of clarity.  I thinks that's what the title of this blog should be.  I know that I am not alone when I say those words.  That's exactly what it seems to be.  I had a short but amazing conversation with a fellow musician this week that really got my blood spinning, and not in the bad way.  I ran into him at the bar and asked about the his most recent tour and how things had gone.  He said "For the most part the tour was great.  Except for the van breaking down.  We only got to play a few of the dates before I got stranded and had to catch a lift back home but it was the adventure of a lifetime."  The reality of this whole statement gave me goosebumps.  I have been on those tours.  I have had those shows.  Almost every musician that has done a little road work has experience this.  The time spent on stage is completely worth all the bullshit and drama it took to get there.  For those few minutes it seems like time is standing still and nothing from the outside world matters.  The journey and all the hard work pay off and can finally get that release.  I think this is why a majority of musicians have addictive personalities.

My friends stories really drove home the fact that this isn't a hobby, or a competition, or even a passing phase.  We know the risks yet we take them anyways hoping for those brief moments of clarity that are all so elusive.  Drive 4 hours to play a 1 hour set.  Why?  Because that's where the next show is booked and it's better than sitting around at home talking to the cats.  More than that it's a chance to express our art.  A chance to purge that creative valve.  An opportunity to scream into the face of the universe.  Ohhh very deep.  I go through those days when I think the grass is greener on the other side and then I look down and realize it really isn't that bad over here.  There are problems everywhere and until you find something you are completely passionate about those problems will never go away.  For the most part I'm away from my home, my friends, and my family and that hurts.  I feel bad when they ask, "Where have you been?".  I feel bad when I'm to busy to hang out or do "normal people" things.  I'm out there chasing that dragon.  I've found the path.  It's a tough one but I don't think I can stop now.  I'm to far into it and it feels so damn good.

Always Loud
Forever Proud


Sam Spade

I Wanna Be On The RadiOOOOO!

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Firstly I want to thank everyone for another amazing weekend.  Our second week going into our new residency at The 21st Saloon was "Impressive" according to Scott Kirk, owner of The 21st Saloon.  This week I am thrilled to announce that we have officially launched a new campaign with our amazing friends at 101.9 The Keg.  The Keg has been great to us and we are honored to be working with on of the greatest Rock N Roll Radio stations in Omaha.  So what does this mean for you the faithful?  You're going to love this because this means more 3D In Your Face on the radiooooo!  Exactly what I said.  Our new commercials advertising our Friday residency at The 21st Saloon will be airing ever Thursday and Friday.  Now you have to tune in to catch this all new 30 second spot.  On top of that Crash Davis, our lovely radio liaison will be doing a bunch of live shouts during the week.  Then on Friday night I will be doing some live shouts to remind you all that in mere hours the Rock N Roll Party will be commencing.  If you can't feel the excitement just wait for the commercial to come blaring over your radio.  There will be no mistake as to where the party is going to be and what station you will be listening to.  This week we are back for week number 3 at The 21st Saloon.  Friday, Oct. 16th we will be welcoming back The Queen Of Omaha Rock N Roll, Susan Borchers as she throws her very first benefit auction back to help raise money for Corey Hale who was stricken with Leukemia.  Check out this page for more information regarding the auction and raffle.

Instead of typing out a bunch of my inner emotions.  I thought I would create for you a brief video that showcases the new 3D In Your Face Commercial that will be running on 101.9 The Keg.  Let us know what you think.  Let us know that you've heard the commercial.  Tune in, call the station, request 3D In Your Face.  We are now taking over the airwaves.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

The Family Is Waiting, All You Have To Do Is Show Up.

HELLO everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Back home sweet home and we couldn't be happier.  It's finally official 3D In Your Face is back home in Omaha at The 21st Saloon.  Our Friday Night Residency is underway and we have some huge things in the works for you.  If you are just joining us or have noticed a new face behind the drum kit, Mark "The Storm" Mefford, is manning the skins from here on out.  Things are going very well with Mark and we are moving forward with our plans to cut our next album.  The songs are there we just need to get everybody up to speed.  As for the live show, it's getting bigger and badder.  I can safely guarantee you that nobody in Omaha let alone Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, or Kansas are doing anything close to what we are doing.  It's loud, it's dangerous, and most of all it's one hell of a party.  We have update our show at The 21st Saloon to showcase our live performance.  The 21st Saloon has become a non-apologetic home for Rock N Roll.  Most importantly it's become a lighting rod for the energy and the passion that we are feeling for this music.  Enough of the big words, you need to see this show to believe it.  The next show will be this Friday, Oct. 9th at The 21st Saloon.  The family is waiting all you have to do is show up.

Last week I wrote about the awesome launch of our 21st Saloon Residency.  This week I feel I might be a quite the opposite spectrum.  The success that we enjoyed the last few weeks has left me kind of aching for something more and I think I've come to the realize what the other side of the coin looks like.  The side I'm talking about is the creative side.  The side of this that comes from the heart.  The side that you have to release before it eats you alive.  Early on in my career there was one bass player that I absolutely loved.  I loved his band and everything they stood for.  I realize people change over the years but lately I wasn't digging much of what he was throwing out.  I thought that the edge was gone.  The attitude wasn't there, that Rock N Roll spirit that brought all of us together had changed and that kind of had me searching for something more.  I heard a quote from him as he was talking about the recording of his latest album.  He mention that he "never stops writing".  The process never stops or takes a break.  That hit me like a ton of bricks.  In my mind I was thinking that because we had all the songs for the album ready that I could sit back and take it easy.  I was completely wrong.  I actually couldn't have been farther from the truth.  I'm not comparing myself to this bass player or saying that I am an artist by any means but he was dead on.

The inspiration comes from so many places and it's nearly impossible to just shut it off or turn it on like a light switch.  Because this whole album/tour/album/tour process is the way it is, it isn't conducive to spontaneous moments of creative power.  With all of this time off we have been experiencing I wasn't just sitting around wishing the band to hit the road again.  I was out enjoying the best of Omaha's music, art, and culture.  Taking it all in.  I really feel like I've become apart of something special.  I use the saying "We are young adults.  We need to get out there and live."  That is exactly how I feel. I want to make music, I want to create, I want to succeed, I want to fail and learn from it, I want the world, I want to express myself without caring what anybody else thinks.  I think everyone has that creative side inside of them.  The question is are you going to use it today or are you going to let it sit quietly.  Maybe not today but what about tomorrow and the next day.  You only get so many next days.  It's just sitting in there waiting to be released, you choose.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade