John Paul Jones Knows Who Featuring Richard Koozie Is

Well, maybe he does, maybe he doesn't. Maybe he forgot in a matter of moments after hearing the name. But regardless, for a moment in time, the mind of one of rock n' rolls most influential and awesome bass players shared time with 3 simple and somewhat sarcastic words:

Featuring Richard Koozie.

And his mind urged him to laugh.

Which is exactly what one should do when hearing the name of our band. Why? Well, we would like to leave that up to you. But we want you to chuckle, we want you to have a good time. And we are very humbled by the fact that a kind gentleman in a coffee shop took the time to chat with a curious barista and ask her about her band.

Also, she is sorry for calling you a cunt. In America, when someone shouts "C U N T", they are shouting "See You Next Time".  Hopefully, you can forgive us for our accidental potty mouths.

After all, our band IS called…

Well, you know :)

Making it Through

This past year has been a tough one. I'm not one to drudge the public through my endoument of troubles, but I do like to share the happy thoughts from time to time.

A few years ago I discovery Fritz and Paul Kalkbrenner (no, not me Fritz!!!!) and fell in love with this song. I thought, at the time, that the song was about myself and a loved one, but my connection was deeper than that, and I am glad to have found it again.

So thank you Fritz and Paul, and may this world have no end.

-Fritz Gillis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XINlEYXA3k0&feature=relate

So I take it you are NOT interested in buying the cymbal?: A lesson in the failures of internet Sarcasm

I recently realized that I have a ton of gear I am not using, and with money being tight as it always is with budding, or not-so-budding, musicians--I listed my unused swag on CraigsList.

Now, this is quite a usual routine for musicians. Nothing new here. However, the ensuing conversation, is rather unusual for a guy like me, as I am probably the least confrontational person on the planet.

True story: in eight grade a girl ran up from behind me, tripped me, and took my soccer ball.

DEADLY SERIOUS.

So yeah... there is that.

Anyway, I don't know if it was the fact that I just finished watching True Romance--perhaps the King had transpired within my spirit. I don't know if its the heat outside, spring fever...

I just don't know.

But what I do know is that this conversation got out of hand rather quickly...I'm not even really sure what this conversation is about. I'd probably be friends with this guy if I met him on the street as I am pretty sure he took this convo about as seriously as I did.

Sarcasm, definitely, does not transale over the internet.

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On Sun, Apr 1, 2012 at 5:00 PM, SomeGuy wrote:
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

Call 555-555-5555

http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2932788926.html


Sent from my iPhone
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On Apr 1, 2012, at 8:10 PM, Fritz Gillis wrote:

Thanks for the interest...but the whole leaving your phone number thing is creepy.

If there is a particular cymbal you are interested in, let me know.

Cheers,

Fritz
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On Sun, Apr 1, 2012 at 9:34 PM, SomeGuy wrote:
Well Fritz it was the A Custom but if Me leaving My Number is Creepy when You posted something for Sale on a Public Sales Board where about 70% Ads have there Number Posted I think that's a little Creepy and the Reason for the Generic Email is because it was Copied and I sent that to a Few different ads Because I was in a Writing Appointment and was in a hurry so for the Sake of not Creeping You out No Thank.

Sent from my iPhone
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On Apr 1, 2012, at 9:59 PM, Fritz Gillis wrote:

I'm not a fucking hooker Shane.

If you want the cymbal we can meet @ 5:00 PM at the Jack N' the Box, corner of McGavock Pike & Elm Hill Pike.

If that works, great. if not, best wishes.

Cheers,
Fritz
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On Apr 2, 2012 8:49 AM, "SomeGuy" wrote:
Not Sure what the Hooker Comment Means. I sent 10 emails same as Yours and You was the only Negative Reply back so I'm Guessing Your new here most likely from up North I'm From Muscle Shoals Alabama where the Music Community is close and I have been here Years And have had Success as both a Studio and Road Drummer when I have chose to do that I'm siting here teading Your Email as I have Breakfast with My Publisher and another Prodrummer hear in Town and We agree if Your from Up North go back there its enough of You Ass Holes here already

Sent from my iPhone
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On Apr 2, 2012, at 12:04 PM, Fritz Gillis wrote:

I don't know who shoved so much coke up your ass but regardless of who you are and are not, the cymbol is and was the only object of concern in this discussion.

Its good to hear you got outta Muscle Shoals.

Roll Tide!
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On Apr 2, 2012 7:10 PM, "SomeGuy" wrote:
Dude who the Fuck are You I'm asking around and Nobody knows but looking and as far as Coke goes never done it that's for assholes and as far as Muscle Shoals goes that place has forgot more about Music then you'll ever know that Comment alone let's Me know that dumb ass and Im almost positive that you play drums about as good as your personality Blind,In the Dark,Out of Time and not worth a Shit Your a Fucking asshole I bet 1000 bucks you are ready know it and once I find out who you are I assure you My Muscle Shoals word of Mouth in this town Carries alot of wait and Remember My # 555-555-5555.

Sent from my iPhone
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On Apr 2, 2012, at 8:41 PM, Fritz Gillis wrote:

Spread it like herpies, buddy.

Life Lessons Learned on Highway 24

I was 5 minutes late to work today due to a dump trunk dumping its payload all over interstate 40 rather than its intended destination less that destination be interstate 40. We could go further back in time and point out several key decisions influencing my morning routine which may have made my involvement in this situation better or, perhaps, even worse. However, since we are unable to determine what weight my morning routine may have played in this affair we shall frame this as a fecal matter.

I imagine something of the black plastic variety.

Anyway, there are no life lessons to be had here.

BTW. Go watch Screech turn an okay song into an okay alright rock on a thong i mean thon

-Fritz

A Night of Driving

So this evening got off to an interesting start. I had all sorts of big plans which were derailed by a rather serious event.

Anyway, things got back on track, but oh has time slipped away. I started my morning by dreaming up all the songs I would want to hear from the last decade and was planning on writing a post worthy of the almighty time master himself...But the list grew to an infuriating size and I need more time to justify why Mambo No. 5 should be included on this list...

Anyway...

Anyone know what the hell happened to the MetroOpensDoors website? I have like $30.40 in old metro tickets and I'm ready to $$$ in. From the looks of it, the metro authority got all fancy and stuff since you've been gone...I mean I've been gone...yeah...

Ummm...you wanna know the funniest thing to say in an adult film (you know, cause we're fancy around these parts)?

Oh fuck this is gonna change MY LIFE

(I would send a link...but yeah... how crass? really...who's into that stuff anyhow O.o )

Instead, I will leave you with this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t3kicv3HaA

-Richard Koozie

Things that Inspire Fritz: Mary Elizabeth Winstead

First off, I wanna thank you all for gettin' Koozified this past Sunday. We love the Bluesboro and GD that was the best free pizza and keystone light I've ever consumed in my life.

IN MY WHOLE LIFE.

Anyway, Screech is all about this inspiration stuff, so why the hell not?

Scott Pilgrim forever changed me and am now stuck with a crush on Ramona Flowers...

For ever...THANK YOU M.E.W... Like I needed another crush after Scarlo

First House Show of 2012...CHECK

Hell, that was the first house show of fRk's career and it felt pretty darn good. Thanks to all of you who came out, hung out and maybe even bought a koozie. Especially the one duder who forked over 5 for an EP. It was a blast performing in front of you all and we're pretty stoked to do it again.

Cheers

-Fritz

PS Gd that was a good pinata. Big shout out to Jared of Couched for crankin' the bass and not blowin' the speaks...I gotta sell those fool!

Sol Cat https://www.facebook.com/solcatband
Couched https://www.facebook.com/Couched
Blackfoot Gypsies https://www.facebook.com/blackfootgypsies
and Beef Oven...who is way too cool to have music on the interwebs :)

To those we've loved and those that are gone

This past week one of my co-workers died. She has a 14 year old kid. She is a single mother. It was a heart attack. She went into a vegetative state and with grace and dignity left this earth on her own accord.

Bad things like this aren't supposed to happen. Bad things like this are not supposed to happen at Christmas. We aren't supposed to know these faces. The images of those who find death in their youth are supposed to be just flashes on a screen.

But they're not.

I can say I will pray and all that, but I don't know who to. I'll give my pittance in hopes that every little bit counts, but I don't think it will be enough. I could cry, but I think this would just be a selfish blunder.

Really, I think the best way to remember those who we've lost is to be kind to those who've lost. I have no idea who this woman loved or loved her. So all I really can do is be kind to strangers. That might be the best thing we all can do.

Here's to a little love in this Holiday Season.
-Fritz

The Genre Crisis

So we just got back from playing what appeared to be some sort of hardcore metal show with dudes hanging from hooks and other dudes screaming, and well just lots of dudes with some cute ladies here and there. It was weird being on the bill because while we respect what these other bands are trying to do, and many of them do it quite well, we are in no way a metal band.

And I think that's where our jumping off point is. What the hell are we? I think there are some clear influences in our sound, but what is that sound? We can call it something vague like Prog Rock or Hardrock, but those two styles often are akin to long hair and unnecessary vamping.

I think what was great about the show tonight is that one of the dudes with one of the other bands said something that was pretty honest. "It's pretty clear you dudes listen to different music." We've played a few shows, but that is the first time I've really heard anyone really nail it. There definitely are some crossing points on the vendiagram of the Kooozie, but each of our musical stylings is quite different...and probably what we put on our car stereo, too.

From my stand point, Chet Stedman is like Jon Bonam with a double bass. Instead of heavy blues influences with a heavy sound, Chet likes to pop the hip hop into what is otherwise a hard hitting drum styling. I wish I could say more about his style, but I can never remember his favorite drummers. All I know is that when Chet gets on the drums, it's like a tidal wave of thunder with a lot bounce.

Then, when I look over to my left, well-sometimes right, I have the ever proficient Screech. If you are reading this and you think a former hardcore drummer who loves to put a little hip hop bounce into his drumming is kind of different, here is a guy who grew up studying Jimmy Hendrix like he's gonna rise from the dead, then moves from Cali to Boston and joins a litany of punk bands, and cites the freakin' Pixies as one of his biggest influences. I love me some Pixies, but when you can command an axe like Screech and you'd prefer the clatter of a raunchier punk sound, it def makes for some interesting guitar lines. Flying from rhythm to solo like he's flying the millennium falcon, the sound is just so raw and open and natural. I think if he played anything but a Marshall amp it would be a crime. I know he loves him some Orange, but the clang twang of an Orange cannot handle the majesty of his lead lines, nor the pure bliss of the crystal-like structures he likes to present in songs like Acid Love Drip and A Minor Love Screech.

And then there is me. I don't really know what to say about me. It's kind of weird to give a perspective on yourself as you know everything you'd like to present to the world, but only the world knows how you are perceived. I love QOTSA. Everyone in the band loves QOTSA. I don't think we sound a fucking thing like QOTSA, but we love them. I draw a lot of my vocal influences from guys like Moressey, Paul Banks, Justin Winfield, Sebastien Grainger and of course, Josh Mothafuckin Homme. My favorite bass lines are ones that are just enough. I.e., you remember how it feels. I love bands like fu manchu, truck fighters, sublime, eagles of death metal, doa1979, Interpol. But even besides that, I think it's my love of electronic music that really can be heard in my basslines. like, who the fuck doesn't remember the bassline from Bennassi's satisfaction? Or Jay and Jane. That shit is big and thick, and sticks in your chest like a sucker punch.

Well, sorry to abruptly end, but I'm tired. Thank you to all the peeps who saw us tonight. It was a pleasure hanging out and being apart of the show.-Fritz

The Amen Break

Recently, a good friend of mine tried to convince me that James Brown's Funky Drummer was the most sampled recording in all of history. And while I may have to admit that my premise may have been overstated, i.e., that the Amen Break did hold that honor, I do not believe anyone can deny how the Amen Break from the B-Side of the Winston's Color Me Father changed the music world.

So while I may concede the title of "most sampled", I will continue to uphold that the Amen Break is the most influential 6 second recording in all of history...well, at least modern musical history.

Cheers-

Fritz

And so it begins -a note from Ryan

I saw this Dr. Dre commercial today rambling about how "Good things come to those who work," and while I love a good kick in the ass promo (though I'm pretty much over these deadpanned asshole voices they keep using for Detroit-based auto commercials) I kind of think, in their 45 seconds of pushing, they missed the true meaning of the phrase, "good things come to those who wait."

Richard Koozie has waited. Richard Koozie has worked hard. And after a long period of waiting and working hard I think its safe to say that we are starting to see some rewards in our patience.

On July 15, 2011, fRK will be recording at the notorious Fry Pharmacy Recording Studios, pumping out the good vibes through the same 16 track tape machine that once graced Ghetto Recorders in Detroit, MI. We didn't think we'd be able to pull it off, but after responding to an ambiguous CL add mentioning an all analog studio and finding out that it indeed was our first studio choice, we were blown away.

And the good news doesn't stop flowing there. We responded, again, to a random arse add posted by some jolly good blokes from Cambridge, MA (Screech happens to be from Cambridge), and picked up our first gig that happens to fall exactly 1 month after our recording session.

Do I feel blessed? Yes
Is it time to stop working hard? Hell no, but I would like to thank all of our friends, family and fans who have been standing beside us as we get this venture going. I know all of us probably look like a bunch of naive idiots from time to time, but we love this band, we love this music, and we just want all of you to know how privileged we feel that we get to keep playing it.

Cheers,

Ryan

welcome to the Secret Koozie

You are here? Or maybe you're  hear? Now what? What will you find? What is to be expected? This internet is a vast catacomb of porn and pyros. Snake salesmen. Which one are we? Which one are you? Either way, you are, indeed, here. And you will be entertained. We will enterain you. After all, this is the offical blog of featuring Richard Koozie. Fat Panda in a Little Koozie? Its all here. Thats why you're here. That's what you are here to hear.

We've got what you want. Now we're gonna give you what you need.

Ciao,

fRichardKoozie