Ryan Hamilton - Half As Happy

PODCAST #4. Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

On this holiday sprinkled podcast: I verbally abuse a Pug, give life changing advice about internet dating, play a brand new People On Vacation Christmas song, reflect on 2011 and shed some light on what a Hamilton family Christmas is like!

There are (of course) BLUES BREAKS. . . and plenty of other nonsense.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Podcast # 4. Speedos, Goggles & Butt Touching. by Ryan Hamilton

See ya next year ;-)

Love,

Ryan

To quit or to Smile Smile again.

2011-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Smile Smile took most of 2011 off. It's not something we planned to do. Not gonna lie, it's been a hard year for us... a struggle to say the least. Jencey and I had such high hopes when we released Truth On Tape. I know that all bands hold their breath and cross their fingers that their latest release will be the one to "blow up". While Truth On Tape was a success on many levels, we definitely didn't sell a million copies or end up on the cover of Rolling Stone.

We did our best not to feel defeated. We tried hard not to ask questions like, 'are we good enough?'. Our hearts and souls were embedded in that album to literal levels. When you release something that personal, part of your heart, part of your BEING, can't help but become part of the music. Don't get me wrong. I am VERY proud of Truth On Tape, and I feel overwhelmingly blessed to have had the success that Smile Smile has enjoyed. It simply wasn't the Lady Gaga type success we all hoped for ;-)

I could write 100 pages about the events of the last year. I could tell you all about how we decided to quit. I could tell you about the anger, the fighting, the doubting... but I won't.

I want to tell you about how, somehow, we made it out the other side stronger than ever:
Jencey and I became really close again. We became friends again. We (of course) had some semblance of a friendship during all the touring... (what will now be referred to as the "Truth On Tape" years), but it definitely wasn't what most people would consider "friendly".

I'm so very proud of us. Not only are we closer (and stronger) than ever, we just finished recording the best album of our young musical career. The struggle made us stronger, it made us BETTER.

I CAN'T WAIT to release this new album early next year, and share it with the world. We're going to give 2012 everything we've got, and we're going to do it TOGETHER.

In the mean time, we got together at my apartment and recorded what has become a Smile Smile tradition. Here's our version of WHITE CHRISTMAS. It is, of course, available for FREE DOWNLOAD. Our small way of saying 'thank you' to all of you wonderful people for supporting us. We love you all!!

White Christmas by smilesmile

I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. Here's to what is sure to be an amazing 2012!! Cheers.

Love,

Ryan

Chit Chat with Brian Molko (of PLACEBO)

2011-12-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

When Smile Smile started doing ok a few years ago, I was lucky enough to get to know Brian Molko (of Placebo). We met when I was asked to do an 'Artist On Artist' interview... Anyway, I found a recording of one of our first conversations. I was still trying (and failing) to keep my cool during this early exchange. I'm a HUGE Placebo fan.

So, yeah... thought I'd share!!

Old conversation with Brian Molko of Placebo. by Ryan Hamilton

Getting to have conversations like that... with an artist that I'm such a big fan of... ?? Man, it still makes me feel like the luckiest man alive.

If you live under a rock and are not familiar with Brian or PLACEBO: Immediately go and buy ALL of their music.

Love You Guys!
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Can't Help Ourselves.

2011-10-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Yeah, I've had some fun Podcasting lately. Alas, my old soul couldn't say no to getting back in touch with the written word. Another dose of verbal vomit was inevitable.

Let's do this. . .

Though I make the effort not to, I find myself dipping into my past more often than I'd like. Rather it's via the internet, or through a mutual friend . . . I find myself wondering how my exes are. What are they up to? Are they OK? . . . Married? Kids?

When it comes to a select few, I even find myself asking the most dangerous questions of all: Will we get back together someday? Was it true love? etc. . .

I've been smart enough to cut all ties when relationships end (with the exception of Jencey/Smile Smile . . . . but I feel I'm allowed that one exception). When a relationship ends, it should do just that: END. I've never understood why people attempt to stay "just friends" after they've had some form of intimate, serious relationship. Does that EVER end well? The post break-up/just friends thing?? The answer is a big, fat, astounding: NO. Wake up people!!! We're ALL smarter than that, yet we continue to torture ourselves. We want to hold on to a comforting piece of something that we're terrified to let go of.

I may be smart enough not see or talk to me exes, but that doesn't mean I don't wallow in my own stupid decisions from time to time. If I want to be dumb, real dumb, the internet makes it easy. You get on your computer. You log in to your social networking site of choice. . . and you look around.

WHY?!! WHY?!! WHY?!!

In my semi humble opinion, the internet has destroyed dating. I'm so tired of people saying things like, "it's so hard to meet someone in the real world".

News Flash: GET OFF YOUR FUCKING COMPUTER AND IT WON'T BE SO HARD!

. . . . . wow. . . . . excuse my outburst there.

Anyway, we even use the phrase "stalking you online" playfully when we meet someone new. We want to check them out. We want to know if we like them before we decide that we like them. Yeah, you read that correctly. Did it hurt your brain? It's painfully true. I'm going to say it again: We want to know if we like them before we decide that we like them.

I think my soapbox just got on it's soapbox. Let me get back on track here.

Not only do I feel that the internet has destroyed what dating SHOULD be, it's made getting over someone nearly impossible. Maybe I'm just weak (maybe not). Why do we do it? You all know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. It's late. . . you get online, you get bored. . . your mind starts to wander. Before you know it you're all up in some ex's business via the internet.

Has that EVER ended well? Not for me it hasn't. I always end up sad. I reminisce about the good times I had with that person. I ask myself those dangerous questions I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. The hardest part of all? I end up missing them.

We do it to ourselves people. Seriously, why do we do it? How do we stop?

If I find the answer I will gladly pass it on. If YOU find the answer, let me know. I'm so tired of thinking about (and missing) the girls I shouldn't.

All this self induced torture is incredibly "emo", and I'm pretty sure "emo" stopped being cool in 2002 ;-)

Here's some words and music sounds, appropriate for this here particular bloggity blog on the computer machine . . .

Love,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Podcast #3. Awkward Cola.

2011-09-11T05:11:00.000-07:00

Originally an hour and a half of day drinking, drunken, rambling filth. I managed to edit it down to a semi respectable Podcast. There are (of course) Blues Breaks. . . and I coin the phrase "Butt-hole Bagel".

You're welcome.

Podcast # 3. Awkward Cola. by Ryan Hamilton

I love you all.

Cheers,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Podcast #2. Featuring MY MOM!

2011-08-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

I decided it would be a GREAT idea to do a Podcast with my Mom. It remains to be seen whether or not that idea was, in fact, GREAT. We talk about booger walls, foul language, my childhood, my love life, music . . . . . we talk about A LOT. Also, my 6 year old niece interrupts to discuss her love life as well. That's right, she's SIX.

This may very well be the GREATEST PODCAST OF ALL TIME.

Podcast # 2. Featuring MY MOM ! by Ryan Hamilton

Love,
Ryan
P.S. Enjoy the "Blues Breaks". . . (it'll make sense after you listen)

Let the Podcasting Begin!

2011-08-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. OK, so here's my first attempt at podcasting. An introduction of sorts. I update you on what's happening with People On Vacation and Smile Smile (new albums, schedules etc. . . )

Listen as I attempt to explain my manic, overproductive ways. . . and I play you a song.

Enjoy! Hope to do a lot more of these.
(Yes, you can download them for FREE)
Let the Podcasting begin!! by Ryan Hamilton
Love,
Ryan
P.S. Write me a theme song!
P.S.S. Send me your questions!

The UK Surprise.

2011-07-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been an eye opening, bipolar, stress inducing crazy bomb.

Allow me to explain:

I thought I found love with an English girl . . . but NOPE.

I met someone very special when I was on tour in the UK with People On Vacation. I'm not typically one to 'meet girls' on tour. I don't really live the fabled rock n roll lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I've tried. I'm just not very good at it. Haha.

ANYWAY, I met a beautiful, music loving photographer on tour in England. Sparks flew. She ended up coming to a few more shows and we decided that we had stumbled onto something special and should keep in touch. We did just that. We emailed, we chatted. . . and THANK GOD for a neat little invention called Skype ;-)

Before we knew it we were looking at flights and figuring out the best time for her to make the journey to Texas. We decided to give it a real shot and see what happened. Well. . . things didn't go as planned. It was the strangest thing. The sparks that we stumbled on in England faded fast in America. At first, I was seriously upset. Why wasn't it the same? What was different? I obsessed over these questions. . . and even found suitable answers.

For the sake of attempting to explain how I felt, imagine this:

You go on a first date with someone new and it's AMAZING. You go on a SECOND date and it's just not the same. You know it's not going anywhere. Then (instead of saying goodbye) you move in together for a few weeks.

That may be a little extreme, but it's a pretty damn accurate description of how I initially felt.

Instead of risking things being awkward and miserable for the remainder of her trip, I decided to raise my man levels and have the appropriate conversation.

Tears were shed. Feelings were hurt, and the reality of the situation hit us both pretty hard. She flew across an ocean. We both hoped that we were well on our way to something very special, but alas, it wasn't to be.

Here's the bASS-ackwards part: After the air was cleared, it wasn't awkward at all. In fact, it was BETTER. We had a BLAST on her maiden voyage to America. I played tour guide and we had many an adventure. Though the romance had exited stage left, we grew close in a way that I didn't think was possible after you tell someone you "don't like them like that" (I didn't say those exact words, but you know what I mean). Right? Right.

So, what we thought might have been love, wasn't. The direction we thought we were headed might as well have had a sign that said: WRONG WAY.

You know what though? That's ok. This life is a crazy one and I love every confusing surprise. I'm glad that quirky little English girl came to see me. She's amazing and I know we'll be friends for life.

All of these things that seemingly went wrong seemed to do a complete 180 and result in something very "right". Isn't it funny how that works? You think things are going to go a certain way. . . . then they don't. You panic, you get upset . . . you get sad . . . . . only to eventually find yourself on the other side looking back at it all, and being thankful things went EXACTLY as they did.

Here's a song:

Love,

Ryan

MY PAULA ABDUL COVER. . .

2011-06-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, you heard me.

. . . and yes, of course you can download it for FREEEEEEE

Straight Up! ;-)

Your Old Pal,

Ryan

Excuse Me?

2011-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

A reporter recently asked me: "How is it that you don't have a 'real job'?" She then went on to rattle of a list of other musicians (some of whom are close friends) that were seemingly more successful than myself. . . . . . She goes, "Some of THOSE guys still have to work day jobs, how is it that YOU can survive and only play music?"

First of all, I have to say, she sort of hurt my feelings. Secondly, I was seriously insulted. However, in stellar professional form (*high five), I didn't let her know that it bothered me during the interview, and the article has since been published.

Her comments have been rattling around in my brain for a week or two and I guess it was inevitable that they would end up HERE.

HOW DARE SHE! (meant to be said in the most over dramatic sounding British accent ever).

I may not be Justin Freakin Timberface, but I've worked my ass off to get to where I am. I am STILL working my ass off. Music is not some hobby to me. It's my life. I don't want to, nor do I know how to, do anything else. I don't know how NOT to pursue my dream wholeheartedly. When you're as passionate about something as I am about music, you don't even consider anything else an option. You don't have a 'back up plan'. To me, having a back up plan is prematurely admitting defeat. . . or not COMPLETELY believing in yourself. Let me just state for the record: I WILL NOT BE DOING ANYTHING ELSE WITH MY LIFE BESIDES PLAYING MUSIC.

It's my life, my passion, my heart. It's what drives me. . . and most importantly, it's what makes me happy. So, NO, reporter lady, I don't have a real job. I may not be as rich and/or famous as some of my friends, but I'm lucky enough to have people who continue to believe in me and have helped myself and my career get to a point where I can (and do) make a living playing music. I am such a blessed, lucky man to get to do what I do. I make that statement all the time.

Do I sometimes struggle? ABSOLUTELY. Who doesn't? The thing is, and pay attention to this next part: I LOVE THE STRUGGLE. "Why?" you ask. Because I'm doing what I love. Music is just that, my love, my true love.

So kids, listen to your Uncle Ryan (that sounds super creepy). Follow your dreams. Dive in head first. Go for it and don't settle for less. Make yourself happy! I promise it's worth it ;-)

I'd also like to, once again, say 'thank you' to all of you wonderful people who support and believe in me and the music I make. You truly make it possible for me to live my dream, and I TRULY hope I'm doing everything I can to return the favor.

I will now dedicate a song to myself ;-)

I Love You All,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

MORE. FREE. MUSIC.

2011-05-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

I will continue posting FREE DOWNLOADS of solo material NOW

This time: LONELY FISH

Keep checking reverbnation.com/ryanhamilton for more jams. . . yeah, I said "jams".

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Lyrical Snobbery Vol. 3. Wiz Khalifa.

2011-05-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

You're welcome. . .

Love,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Lonely Fish

2011-05-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

I wrote this song today. . .

Sometimes you have to embrace the pop flavored cheese.

*high five

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Stupid Idiots

2011-05-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Why hello there Soap Box!

Why do people feel the need to look BACK during times of heartache, or pain?

What good does it do? Answer: ZERO

Seriously, this seems to be a common and REAL problem. People will go through a break up and immediately track down some unsuspecting fool from a past relationship to cushion the fall. They will even take it as far as to TRY AGAIN with the "rebound". A person they already dated and broke up with. Somehow hoping that the reasons it didn't work the first time won't be issues this time around. That is border line retarded (I know that's not "PC", sorry). Come on people!! If it doesn't work, IT DOESN'T WORK. People don't change. They REALLY don't. We can all, of course, break habits. . . stop smoking. . . be better about taking out the trash. . . but the "character", the morals, the belief system, the personality, the "person", DOES NOT change.

What amazes me MOST about this phenomenon is that it doesn't stop when people are young, and DATING. It carries on into adulthood. Into marriage and even parenthood. WHY, WHY, WHY?

People get married. People have kids. Then, somehow after some time has passed they seem to HATE the life they ended up with. Ok, maybe "hate" is a little strong, but they definitely get unhappy and start looking for something that they've stopped getting at home. Where do they look to get it? You guessed it: BACK!! Holy massive shit balls. . . this amazes me. . . .

I understand that people want to feel attractive. I understand that people want to feel young. When people start feeling unattractive, or old, or STUCK, why can't they turn to someone in the life they've constructed? Really? What is the deal with all of the daydreaming? Looking for someone in their past who made them feel the something special that they're looking for. Why not figure out a way to fix (or at least work with) what you have?

What's the saying?. . . . "You made your bed. . . now jump on it". Haha. I like THAT version better.

I have unfortunately been the guy a woman goes to in search of that something she's not getting at home. . . . with her kid. . . . and her man. When a beautiful woman isn't being told how beautiful she is, I'm happy to let her know ;-) HOWEVER, what good does that do? Why are we all looking for such a temporary fix? Have we all (yes, ME too) become so impatient that we'd rather seek out some fleeting feeling we USED to feel, only to return home to the unresolved problem that started it all?

I don't get it.

My FAVORITE, is when an ex girlfriend has become SO enraged and unhappy in the life that she ended up with, that she feels the need to fire off some hate filled email telling ME what an awful person I AM. It's not MY fault that you ended up with a life you never saw yourself having . We ex boyfriends ARE NOT answers to your problems. We ARE NOT endless wells of emotion that you can return to anytime you need some hole filled. . . . . . (I should rephrase that, but it's actually quite accurate).

I recently ended up with one of THOSE very emails. Full of insults and awful, awful things. The end of the email said: "Don't you dare use this as an excuse to talk about me on your Blog."

Ooops.

Here are some words by me:

Silly Girl
Was it not enough?
You have to twist the knife
Lie in your uncomfortable bed
Leave me be
Your dramatic sadness, fueled by fire
Stuck in a homemade world
Void and aching for desire
He doesn't fill you up ?
We had our sweat
We folded to fear
Such regret
Tell it to your tears

A tragic product of your own creation
I'm not the one to save you
This train, has long left the station

Maybe, I should take my own advice. Maybe I'm part of the problem. . . . . and, maybe not. Do I care enough to therapeutically Blog about it? YES I DO.

Do I care enough to actually respond to an immature and ignorant email like the one I received? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I LOVE MY LIFE. It's full of music and wonderful people. I'm such a lucky man.

As I've stated in the past, I realize that this Blog is selfishly (and publicly) therapeutic. However, it is TRULY my hope that SOMEONE can gain SOMETHING from my words. . . or at least relate.

*steps off soap box

Love,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Making Out to Mazzy Star

2011-04-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to wake up in the morning, write a sweet song, perform it in your kitchen and post it on YouTube.

Right?

See, not all my songs are sad ;-)

Love,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

The Big THREE ZERO

2011-04-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Hey Hey!

It's been a while since I verbally vomited all over the Blog here and it's about time I remedied that. I've posted a few fun videos and a sweet story about my new favorite Radio DJ. . . but, alas, another over dramatic rant was inevitable.

I'm turning 30 in a few days and doing my best not to freak out about it. When I was younger I had an idea of what my life would be like, and what I would have by the time I was 30. That included a wife, kids, a house and a good job.

Well. . . . . NO wife, NO kids, NO house and NO job (no "real" job). My life is NOWHERE near what I thought it would be when I turned 30. I traded it all for a career in music that I NEVER thought I'd have. If you didn't know, I didn't play guitar or even think about writing a song until I was in College. I was in school doing what college students do: studying, partying, wife shopping. . . . . I was well on my way to the life I THOUGHT I was going to have.

However, one day I woke up (I will never forget this) with this strange, overwhelming urge to buy a guitar. It was really strange. There was no real driving force. No girl I wanted to impress. Just this urgent feeling like I HAD to get a guitar and learn how to play. So. . . . . I did. I bought a guitar THAT day. I also bought an Eagles Anthology Song Book and proceeded to teach myself how to play guitar by learning every Eagles song ever. I still like to bust out a little "Peaceful Easy Feeling" every once in a while. Haha. (did I just say "bust out"? wow)

Ok, so skip all the bull shit and fast forward to NOW. I get to make music in the traveling musical soap opera known as Smile Smile. I never thought Smile Smile would end up being what it has become, but the music is literally a part of me. I'm so proud of Jencey and I. I love our band so very much. I also get to make music with my friend Jaret Reddick in our new band People On Vacation. Side note: Jaret has gone above and beyond with this new project. His belief in ME and our new band really tugs at the ol heart strings. He's such a caring, down to earth person. I'm lucky to call him a friend. Sometimes I even forget that he's famous! ;-)

We're pretty

A N Y W A Y, I guess what I'm getting at is that my life is nothing like I thought it would be, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Isn't it funny how that works? You think you have a plan. You think you have it figured out. Then, BAM. . . life, God, the universe (whatever you believe in) throws you a series of life altering curve balls and you end up far from where you thought you would. Like everyone, I sometimes wonder "what if ?". I get hung up on ex girlfriends. I wonder. I daydream. I doubt. In my almost 30 years I've learned one very valuable lesson: KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

I'm so very lucky to live a life making music. It's been an amzing surprise. I hope things continue to go well for me and my musical partners in crime. I'm sure the wife, the kids, the house etc. . . will all happen when the time is right. I just hope I'm still getting to play music for a living when it does.

From the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU for listening to the music I make, reading this Blog and making my unexpected dreams come true.

Love,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

The Epitome of Smile Smile

2011-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Amazing, I know.

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

NEW SMILE SMILE

2011-03-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Jencey and I have been hard at work on the new Smile Smile record. I thought it'd be fun to share a new song before we took a break, and I skipped town for a few weeks.

Here's THIS IS FOR REAL (Live & Acoustic)

I'm off to tour the UK with People On Vacation!

Catch you on the other side.

Love, Ryan

Lyrical Snobbery Vol. 2. Ke$ha

2011-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Lyrical Snobbery Vol. 1. Nicki Minaj.

2011-03-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

I Love You Jessie.

2011-03-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, I typically fill my blog with pridefully ridiculous rants about dating, relationships and all of the over dramatic crap that goes along with it. Today however. . . . instead. . . IT'S STORY TIME!

So, earlier today I recorded video of a new song and posted it online. I've been doing this a lot lately, and frankly, it's my new favorite thing to do. Write a song, post it online. . . and see what YOU think first.

My man Rocky (pictured here),
decided he needed to be seen AND HEARD in this particular video. The song received a great response online (thank you) but what REALLY made my day was when I heard that Jessie from KDGE 102.1fm here in Dallas had watched the video, mentioned the video (and my man Rocky) on the air, and proceeded to Tweet about it, say some kind things about my band, and post the video (which includes Rocky's well timed "woof") on her KDGE page here.

I've been a BIG fan of 102.1 The Edge for as long as I can remember. When DJ's like Jessie are kind enough to even mention a person like myself, or a band like Smile Smile, it means the world.

My day was made.

Here's the song, the video. . . and the "woof".

I'm so lucky to live the life I do. Cool surprises like today make it even better. So, thank you Jessie.

Do yourself a favor and listen to Jessie from 2-7pm on KDGE 102.1fm, The Edge. She may be the only person that can reference the film Short Circuit and somehow remain cool ;-)

Your Old Pal,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Square Peg. Round Hole. No Work.

2011-02-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to say that I will no longer comment or blog about "babygate" (if you will). I feel that I have talked to friends, fans, family, therapists and strangers quite enough about it all. Besides, Taylor and Peter have a child to raise and I'm positive they don't need some whiny, over dramatic, spoiled musician like myself dredging up shit from the past that we'd all rather forget.

That doesn't mean that there's not plenty of other verbal vomit worthy material rattling around in my overactive brain.

For example:
Why are we constantly talking ourselves into relationships that don't work? People don't change. So, please (and I'm telling myself this too) stop dating people because of their potential. If you meet someone, and in the beginning, you have that perfect combination of attraction and fun. . . . but then notice a number of alarming things once it gets a little more serious. . . GET OUT. Sometimes things just don't work. If it doesn't work, hit the road. You had some fun, you gave it a shot. . . now move on. NEXT. When did we all become relationship retarded? Square peg, round hole, no work.

Side Note:
Social networking has made trusting each other harder than ever. People say things like, "who's that person that posted that thing on your Facebook page?". . . . . really people, REALLY?!

Most of you probably don't even remember the pre cell phone, answering machine days. Those were the days. We called, if they didn't answer, we left a message. Simple.

Fast forward to now. We call, they don't answer. . . we don't even leave a message. What do we do? We TEXT!! We get online. We check Facebook. We check Twitter. We chat. We Skype. We track each other down like fucking Bounty Hunters just to ask: "Why didn't you answer the phone when I called?"

Just typing that frustrates me enough to sort of want to slap a puppy. . . . . well, an ugly puppy.

ANYWAY, I digress. . . I digress.
Back to the point. The dating world, in my opinion, is harder and more complicated than ever. So, why complicate it more? We need to stop torturing ourselves by staying in relationships that don't work. I truly believe that we all deserve our own RomCom-esque love story. We all deserve the big happy. The ever after. It does exist. We could probably find it a lot easier if we would all remove heads from asses.

All that being said, some people get a pass. Sometimes "life happens". . . . . . I get it. Sometimes people get stuck . . . or pregnant ;-)

aaaaaaaand I'm spent. . . . . well sort of

Someone recently told me that all I "blog about" is "girls, drama" and my "failed relationships". In response to that person:
Yeah, no shit. I write what I know and what I feel. The same goes for my music. If you don't like it, don't read (or listen to) it. The internet's pretty big. If you don't like it here on MY BLOG, I'm sure you can find some sort of combination NRA/Porn site that's right up your alley.

Speaking of music! Here's a demo of a new Smile Smile song.
See if you can guess the inspiration behind this one ;-)

Ryan Hamilton - Statue (demo)

*steps off soap box

I love you all,
Ryan
wearepeopleonvacation.com
smilesmilemusic.com

Yeah, I said it and I feel better.

2011-02-08T08:38:00.001-08:00

Hope you're strapped into your office chairs, or couches or whatever you're sitting on as you read this. I'm about to spew awkwardly honest over dramatic verbal vomit all over MY blog. After all "awkwardly honest over dramatic verbal vomit" is my specialty. Smile Smile almost broke up. My ex had her baby. I dated a Starbucks barista and a girl with a kid. . . let's talk about it!

Jencey and I decided to move in together. Yes, really. It made perfect sense at the time. We started working on the new Smile Smile songs and being under the same roof created a VERY productive situation. New demos were getting written and finished faster than ever. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm referring to all of this in the PAST TENSE.

Yes, it created a very productive song writing and recording situation, but ultimately it nearly destroyed what small semblance of a friendship Jencey and I had left. We had a huge falling out and it was almost the end of Smile Smile. Being in a band with your ex fiance is hard enough. What the hell were we thinking? I moved out and moved on, and Jencey and I are picking up the pieces and getting back to work.

I may get some serious music bizness grief for doing the following:
Here's a new Smile Smile demo called Broken Buildings.
(better listen to it now before I'm asked to remove it)

OK. . . . let's talk about the pregnant ex. If you're unfamiliar, read THIS.

I never thought Taylor having her baby would upset me the way it did. According to EVERYONE, I need to get over it. Well, call me weak, or dumb, or whatever you'd like, but part of me still loves her. Having another man's baby makes she and I ever getting back together pretty damn impossible. It was depressing to realize that somewhere, not buried quite deep enough, there was some sort of hope that we would find a way to be together someday. Maybe I should consider myself lucky. Maybe I dodged a bullet. Maybe it's God's way of saying, "Look dumb ass, you don't need to be with her. I'm trying to help you out here. Give me some credit." I know God probably wouldn't say 'dumb ass', but to me, God has a really deep voice and a southern accent, so it makes sense. Right? Right.

A N Y W A Y, so yeah, Taylor had her baby and for the umpteenth time I'm going to attempt to move on and deal with whatever leftover feelings I have. All of this bull shit makes me feel sad, or weak, or crazy. Side note: the father of her child is in another DFW band. It makes it hard to erase the whole situation from my brain when I see his bands name all of the time. They're actually sort of good. However, he's been such an unbelievable ass hole to me that I have decided to hate his band for purely personal reasons. . . . . he gets a BIG Gold Star for douchebaggery.

Pre Tay Baby Birth I did date a couple of girls. I'm sure they'll be ecstatic to be mentioned here in the middle of my over dramatic rant. Both girls were beautiful, smart, funny etc. . . and any guy in his right mind would have taken them off the market. Not me though. In true to form, and Seinfeld esq nature, I found a way to make dating the Starbucks barista with a gluten allergy and the school teacher with a kid, NOT WORK.

Flip side of the drama coin: The first 3 People On Vacation shows were AMAZING!! I love you all for making that new project such a heart warming joy.

I could type for days about all the negative dramatic crap of the past month or two, but of course it hasn't been all bad, and I better wrap it up.

ALSO: I know I said I was going to post cover songs in a new series of Video Blogs. Sorry kids. I recorded a few, but HATE THEM. I'm putting the kibosh on that whole idea.

Looks like you're going to have to settle for my usual selfish, yet therapeutic Blahhhhhging.

I forgot how much better I feel after I do this.

high five!!!

Thanks for wasting some time here on my blog. I truly hope that somehow, someway, SOMEONE can relate . . . . . . or, people are at least mildly entertained.

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Let the Video Blogs Begin.

2010-12-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

HOLY CRAP ON A STICK LOOK WHO'S BLOGGING AGAIN!!

I AM!!

I know I've been saying via Twitter and Facebook that I was going to start doing these for a while. Well, I FINALLY started. Everyone seemed excited about the idea, and I think it's going to be fun.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this first attempt. I talk some nonsense and play a Tom Petty Cover.

I will do my best to keep you updated on all things Smile Smile and People On Vacation. . . as well as whatever other nonsense and verbal vomit I decide to spew all over the old blog here.

Please send cover song requests, questions etc. . .

God knows they can only get better from here :-)

I Love You All,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Kick Me in the Crystal Balls!

2010-11-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I was THIS excited about the future. It's possible that I've NEVER felt this good about what's ahead.

So many people (including myself) struggle. They struggle with 'day to day' things, and they struggle with the 'bigger' things. Sometimes the stars align and we're lucky enough to get that "life is good" or "everything is going to be O.K." feeling.

I wish I could find a way to maintain that feeling. I wish I knew how, or why, it happened. Is it simply the calm after (or before) the storm ? Regardless, I'm going to do my best to enjoy it while it lasts, and I hope those of you feeling good about life do the same.

I feel like I've put all of the leftover feelings concerning past relationships behind me. Guess you could say I'm FINALLY over it. It feels good to move on. It's feels good not to stress about leftover drama involving Jencey or the more recent break-up with my now pregnant ex.

Smile Smile will now enjoy the LONGEST break we've had in 2 YEARS. We've been so lucky to enjoy the success that we've had. It's fair to say that I've had the time of my life. I've truly enjoyed all of the wonderful people and places I've been able to see and meet. I'm a lucky man. I gotta say though, this break is welcomed and NEEDED.

What's next?

Well, after some rest Smile Smile will start working on a new record.

More immediately though, I get to start the exciting adventure that is PEOPLE ON VACATION. I never thought I'd do the 'side project' thing.
I REALLY never thought I'd be in a band with Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick, haha.
The strange, unlikely combination of our musical worlds has been an unknowingly needed adventure.
I'm so mother effing flippin frackin crackin ('frackin crackin' ? Yeah. Not sure about that one either) excited to share this new project with the world.

I'm also looking forward to seeing my family, and seeing them A LOT. I've missed a lot of Birthdays in the last couple of years (it's one of the sacrifices we touring musicians make).
So, I plan to get as much family time in as I can, while I can. I love my family and I LOVE the Holidays. I'm like an excited, hungry, freewheeling teenage girl when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring that shit on!! I'm ready to eat!

Maybe I'll even meet someone and fall in love! Yeah, maybe not. Haha. Maybe my desire to live a real life 'Rom Com' will get a reality check. But maybe, just maybe my over dramatic, jaded yet romantic, singer songwriter self will find that special lady. I'm not holding my breath, but damn am I happy to at least have the time to consider 'dating' an option.

I'm still holding out for this one ;-)

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Now to overdose you wonderful blog readers with CHEESE FILLED MUSICAL LOVE.
This one's for you.
I MEAN IT!

Love,
Ryan
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

People On Vacation

2010-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

CAT OUT OF BAG!

Yes, I'm in a new band with Jaret Reddick (Bowling For Soup).

Yes, it's a strange and unlikely combination.

No, you're not ready for the level of awesomeness that we are about to unleash on all of your musical loving pretty little faces.

Yes, I've had far too much coffee this morning and can't stop bouncing my leg as I sit here and type this.

GO TO THIS WEBSITE IMMEDIATELY
wearepeopleonvacation.com

Stand by for musical explosion.

Love,
Doctor Hamilton
smilesmilemusic.com
wearepeopleonvacation.com

The Exile Bible

2010-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've always been a fan of the Rolling Stones, but it took until NOW to realize how perfect, and how important, the record Exile On Main Street is (and was). I'm not sure what changed, or clicked, or happened. Maybe I had to be old enough. Maybe I had to play music long enough. Who knows. More importantly, WHO CARES.

I've become completely obsessed with it. It's literally all I listen to at home.

This record has come along and knocked me sideways. Turned me inside out. I'm re-evaluating everything in my musical life. EVERYTHING. Certain records have affected me so deeply in life that they literally became a part of me. Records like Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever, Radiohead's The Bends, Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited or Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (to name a few. . . you can also add pretty much every Beatles record to that list). Exile On Main Street will now be added to the blender. It's not something I do consciously. The record is now a part of me.

I've never understood why artists are so obsessed with Exile. Now, I get it. It brings all of the elements of rock n roll together and marries them perfectly. It also has this dark, sort of evil, almost frightening, undercurrent. It gives you that "am I supposed to be listening to this?" feeling. When a rock n roll record is great, it should give you THAT feeling.

Take a few and enjoy some LIVE goodness of a couple of Exile songs.

Tumbling Dice

Loving Cup

Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com

Cosmic Joke.

2010-10-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

First of all, my apologies for the lack of blogging. However, I'm trying to stay true to the nature of this blog and not post unless I have something honest, therapeutic, real or worth posting.

STORY TIME!

I'm such a cliche. I tour and play music for a living, but really all I want is someone to share it all with. The broken hearted, lonely singer-song writer trying to figure it all out. Ugh. At the same time, I learned a long time ago not to force it or look too hard. If I meet a girl or end up in a relationship I want it to happen naturally. . . organically (if you will). Trouble is, my life and schedule make it impossible to "date" normally. I'm typically gone for 2-4 weeks at a time and then home for 1 or 2. So, I have a week or 2 in between tours to "meet someone" and then I leave again to travel the country with my ex fiance. Haha. It's an impossible situation.

Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

I remember saying a prayer when I was in College and saying "God, I'm ok with being alone. All I want is to play music. I don't need anyone. I don't need to be in love."

So, what did I get? I got to play music. . . music about looking for LOVE, losing LOVE, being hurt by LOVE and the honest struggle of my failed romantic relationships.

Quite the cosmic joke huh?

Funny thing is, I wouldn't change a thing. I've got this thing inside me that won't allow me to do anything else. It's like this driving force that cant (and won't) be distracted or stopped. I'm a musician. I'm really doing it. I know I'm "new". . . I'm "up and coming", but that's fine with me. Compared to the Kings Of Leon, Lady Gaga, . . . or anyone else that's made a gamillion dollars, I'm a "moderate" success. Maybe it would be different if I didn't live in a world where record stores are dead and everyone steals my music and downloads it for free. Blah, blah, blah. A N Y W A Y , what I'm saying is, even with ALL THAT, I really wouldn't change a thing. Weird huh?

Not only was my prayer answered, it was answered accurately ;-)

Here's some musical goodness for you.

Where ever you are in the world, I truly hope you're doing great!

Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

Where Do We Go

2010-09-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

I wrote this sad song last night and played it while my friends Bob and Charlie judged me.

Peace, Love and Education,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Smile Smile. You Asked For It.

2010-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I try and keep the posts about Smile Smile to a minimum, but I felt inclined to share the following.

SO, we did this interview and performance yesterday for a show called The Local Yokel Show, in Dallas. It's becoming more and more obvious that people want (and expect) Jencey and I to argue, or fight, or whatever during interviews. I think people believe it's some sort of 'shtick'. They know when they ask certain questions that it's going to result in argument. We expect that and we embrace it. However, when they get what they thought they wanted, they don't seem to be able to handle the level of uncomfortable awkwardness in the room. Jencey and I have a very strange relationship. We'll say anything to each other and we don't really care how it's going to affect the other person. Strangely, we've become used to this. We've become used to situations and conversation that most people find intensely awkward and difficult to handle. That's crazy to me. We must be insane. We are insane.

The interview we did yesterday was a perfect example. We argued, we called each other horrible things, we drank, we cursed. . . well I CURSED. . . a lot more than usual (I'm going to blame my recent potty mouth on hanging out with Jaret Reddick), we attempted to play a new song and it took us 3 times to get through it without fighting, or messing up, or fighting ABOUT messing up.

A N Y W A Y, it dawned on me that people really want to witness the drama between Jencey and I. They want to see if the rumors, or stories or whatever are true. Well people, THEY ARE. We fight, we argue and we thrive in a world full of uncomfortable songs and situations. HERE'S WHAT I WANT TO SAY: I understand that in this 'Reality TV World' you want to SEE the soap opera that is Smile Smile, but I really hope your priority is to LISTEN to our music.

I have the coolest, most supportive friends, fans and family in the world. I'm so blessed to have a dream and enjoy the little bit of success we're having in our young musical career. I truly hope Smile Smile gets a real shot in this crazy music biz. . . and I hope it's because of our music.

I Love You All,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

youtube.com/halfashappy
smilesmilemusic.com

TRUTH ON TAPE. The Video.

2010-08-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty damn proud of this.

I hope you guys like it!

Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Letting Go.

2010-08-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before how therapeutic this blog has been (and continues to be) for me. Thank you for continuing to read it. I've been trying to force myself to come up with 'clever' or entertaining topics. . . and haven't come up with a damn thing lately. I'm not being ME or staying true to the honesty (and therapy) of this blog if I don't continue the honest path I started. . . . . awkwardly honest. My life is consumed by awkward amounts of honesty. SO, here we go. Back on track. I hope I'm not being selfish. I don't know how NOT to tell the truth. I don't know how NOT to put it ALL out there. I'm a product of my weird life. I hope somehow, someway you can gain something from my little blog.

A Picture of a Pregnant Ex.

I've been in love once. I fell in love with a beautiful girl named Taylor. I thought I'd been in love before. I've even been engaged (yes, I'm talking about Jencey, haha). Taylor showed me what true love was. We had THAT thing. It was this unexplainable intense connection. Something I didn't believe in before. Something I was sure only existed in movies. Call it chemical, call it physical, call it whatever you want, but that connection set a new bar. Now that I've felt that, I can no longer settle for less. What's funny is that we met at a very stressful and inconvenient time in both of our lives. Smile Smile was just starting to do well and I was traveling all the time. She had all kinds of craziness happening in her life as well. It got hard. Too hard. Strangely, the connection we had never faded. When I was being irrational or impossible, when it got stressful, when we would fight about pointless things, I could still look in Taylor's eyes and feel love. Really feel it. Then, in one of the dumbest moves of my life, I folded. I convinced myself that it couldn't work. I let her go and I went back on tour. I really thought it was best at the time. I also foolishly thought I'd come back home and we'd work it out. I always thought we'd end up back together. Not long after I got home from that tour I heard that she was dating someone new. In true over dramatic, ridiculous fashion (my specialty), I freaked out. I called and called and called, I sent flowers, I emailed, I wrote songs. I was on a mission, but I'm horribly impatient. Without getting into the nuts and bolts of it all, I'll just say that I was an idiot and it all blew up in my face. She gave me a glimmer of hope, a chance, an opportunity. . . and I blew it. If only I would have been patient, but I wasn't. I pushed her away and I lost her. She stayed with the guy she started seeing after we broke up. They're still together and are now having a baby. I never knew that seeing someone you once loved pregnant with another man's child could affect you so deeply. I was on fucking Facebook and saw a picture of her holding her pregnant belly, her unborn child. She was silhouetted by the sun. The picture was beautiful. She's beautiful. I was at the record labels office when I saw the picture. I embarrassingly completely lost my shit. I started crying. CRYING! Isn't it amazing that something as simple as a picture can stir a persons emotions like that. For some reason, it made it real to me. She's REALLY having another man's child. I REALLY blew it. It's definite. It's too late. After I calmed down I took a chance and decided to look at the picture again. The strangest thing happened. I got a lump in my throat, my eyes again filled with tears, but it was different. . . I was happy for her. She used to always say how much she wanted to be a Mom 'someday'. I always told her how great of a Mother I knew she was going to be. Maybe 'someday' came a little sooner that expected. Maybe. I could drive myself crazy with 'maybes' (and do). Maybe if she and I would have met later in life. . . Truth is, maybes don't matter. It is what it is and I hope it all makes sense someday. I had true love once. It was a struggle, it was the wonderful, intense struggle of true love. Taylor and I don't speak anymore, and I guess it's for the best. I've been forced to move on and I guess that's for the best too. She shows up a lot in the songs I write these days.I know a part of me will always belong to her. If I ever find love again at least I'm lucky enough to have a gauge. It seems impossible, but if I ever find someone new, and what I feel eclipses the connection I felt with Taylor, I'm going to hold on and never let go. I'm not sure if she'll see this, but maybe I should tell Taylor 'thank you'.

Thank you for showing me what true love should feel like

I'll let Mr. Ray Lamontagne sum up my dating life since Taylor.

"Well I looked my demons in the eyes, laid bare my chest,

said 'Do your best, destroy me.

You see, I've been to hell and back so many times,

I must admit you kind of bore me.'

There's a lot of things that can kill a man, there's a lot of ways to die,

listen, some already did that walked beside me.

There's a lot of things I don't understand, why so many people lie.

Its the hurt I hide that fuels the fire inside me.

Will I always feel this way?

So empty, so estranged."

My apologies for the selfishness and over dramatic nature of this post. I'm sure it's going to upset and anger some people in my life.

Sometimes you just have to write it down, or in my case, put it out there for the world to see. I sincerely hope someone can relate or somehow gain something helpful from this.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Side Project??

2010-08-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

LOTS of questions about a possible side project I might be a part of, or starting, or whatever. . .

Not sure what to say about all of that.

So. . . I'll just post this picture and put this clever winky smiley face ;-)

I'd also like to say:
HEYOHHHH!!

Peace, Love and New Music,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
youtube.com/halfashappy
smilesmilemusic.com

A True Story About Peeing.

2010-08-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

I was standing at a urinal peeing next to this guy in Santa Rosa, CA. I was doing the appropriate thing and staring straight ahead. You don't want another guy thinking you're checking out his package while he pees. That always results in some sort of drunken bathroom fist fight with your penis out. . . and that's just weird. Anyway, I'm standing next to this guy and he turns his head in my direction, looks down and starts laughing. I'm wondering, what the hell is going on? Definitely freaking out a little and not sure what to do. We both keep peeing. He keeps looking and laughing. Finally, I decide to turn and say something. I turn my head to look at him and see that he's crying. Like bawling. He's peeing, looking at my penis and crying. I didn't know what to do. I took one hand off my business, patted him on the back (while we're both still standing at the urinals peeing, so awkward) and said, "Aww, it's O.K.". I zipped up, RAN out of the bathroom and walked on stage to perform at the Russian River Brewing Co. The whole thing really messed me up.

Here's the latest installment of Jencey VS Ryan. Steve Poltz was kind enough to join in the fun ;-)

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Apples and Bananas. . . . . and Wonk.

2010-07-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

According to friends, I am currently obsessed with the word 'wonky'. I agree. I've been using it excessively and have zero 'wonk control'. You can use it so many different ways.

That band's set was wonky!

This van is driving a little wonky!

She was hot but her face was a little wonky.

Isn't it an awesome word? Why haven't I used this word more? It also sounds like it should be a new, cool, underground musical genre. . . WONK. I feel like it would be folksy, hip hop electronica. WONK baby, WONK. I'm going to write some songs and start the WONK revolution.

Current musical obsession.
Ray LaMontagne.
If you're not familiar with this man and his music. . . get familiar.

We're in Denver, CO.
I hope I never get used to, or get over how beautiful it is here.
There's something calming about being surrounded by mountains. Love that.

WONK you all,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

It's Not Love. It's a Sing-A-Long.

2010-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

I rarely write what I consider a 'sing-a-long' song. . . and when I do, I usually deem it cheesy and throw it away. Well, I wrote one of these songs today. I have decided to claim my cheese and raise my cheese flag high!

I've decided to fight the urge to trash it and do quite the opposite. I set up the Flip, recorded myself playing the song and will include video and lyrics in this post. S0, the sing-a-long should be in full effect!

Don't fight it!!

Ok. . . here goes nothing

It's Not Love (It's a Sing-a-Long)

Always wishing that you had a little something different

A little something better for free

Always hoping that ya had a man to support ya

and deliver that white picket dream

Looking for

Lo uh uh uh, uh uh uh uh, Lo uh uh uh Love

You swore you'd never settle

Always hoped for something better

Than middle of the road success

But damn it if you didn't

Now you're married with some kids

You were brainwashed by good sex

It's not

Lo uh uh uh, uh uh uh uh, Lo uh uh uh Love

Even if you didn't, if you'd been something different

Than the Mother of the life you're in

If you'd been a little smarter

Maybe lived a little harder

Had some time and a few more sins

It's not

Lo uh uh uh, uh uh uh uh, Lo uh uh uh Love

This song will now be stuck in your head for eternity.
You're welcome ;-)

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

When You're Strange.

2010-07-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Am I obsessed with The Doors? Yes.

Do I own every book and film written about, or by, The Doors? Yes.
Was my purchase of THIS DVD inevitable? YES

A N Y W A Y

I gotta say, this is by far the best of the films about Morrison and his band mates that I have seen to date.

Two thumbs and a middle finger up. He is the Lizard King and this movie is AWESOME.

DO IT!!

Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

BIPOLARNESS

2010-07-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

What a bipolar couple of days at home in Dallas. I have decided to erase our Friday night show from my brain and replace it with the soul warming love, support and sounds of last nights show at The Door. Last night felt like we were home again and it felt good.

After the show I went home and listened to the following song over and over while jumping on my bed and drinking screwdrivers (with 100% pure Orange juice. Cause then it's good for you AND makes you feel good) until I fell asleep :-)

Dallas, you have once again found the warm place in my heart where you belong.

I will now describe in pictures the wide range of emotions I've felt the last couple of days:

Entertaining non music related blog coming tomorrow.

Promise.
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

Homecoming.

2010-07-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

As tempting as it is to vent in my self admitted dramatic fashion about the horribleness of last nights show in Dallas I will simply type the following:

I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men. I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men. I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men. I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men. I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men. I will not say mean yet hilarious things about sound men.

. . . and post the following picture describing how I feel

Be proud of me people, I wrote a long horrible new ass hole tearing blog about last night and then deleted it. I don't want to be THAT guy. I appreciate those of you hometown friends who suffered through last night with us. I guess it was time for a night like that. Things have been going way too well for us lately, we were due. Anyway, we tried to make the best of a bad situation and I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed yourselves as much as you could.

Though it was out of my hands, I still feel like I let our people down. . . . . I hate feeling like that.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Better Get a Tissue.

2010-07-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

I think I've mentioned this to the Blogosphere before, but I LOVE alternate, acoustic versions of songs.

We (Smile Smile) recently recorded an entire set of LIVE alternate, acoustic versions. It's the most fun I've had playing our songs in a while and I wanted to share.
Here's a picture from the acoustic show

So. . . what does an entire set of Smile Smile LIVE and acoustic sound like?
Like THIS

Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Dear Allergies. . . .

2010-07-15T09:02:00.001-07:00

Texas allergies are no match for ME, the new Fionn Regan record and a Neti Pot.

DIE ALLERGIES DIE!!

Mind over body. Mind over body. Mind over body. . .

Side note: We're back home in Dallas for a few days and I'm REALLY excited to play a hometown show at the Double Wide tomorrow night. It's going to be so good to see friends and family.

I love you all,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

P.S. This is what we (Smile Smile) look like playing randomly all bohemian style in the middle of a park in Toronto :-)

On the Road Again.

2010-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

So happy to be back on tour.

Sing it Willie!

I love you all,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

Happy Explosion Day! Get some FREE Music.

2010-07-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Has your cell phone been lighting up with 'Happy 4th!' text messages yet?! Get ready! It's going to happen all. . . freakin. . . day. . . long. My FAVORITE combination happens today: BEER AND FIREWORKS ! Life's too short not to get drunk and shoot Roman Candles at my friends and family.

Here's a little something for ya. God Bless Jimi!

WHO WANTS SOME FREE MUSIC?!!

A few weeks ago we (Smile Smile) told our Twitter followers that we would record a Live/Acoustic set for them. They got to pick what songs they wanted to hear and we promised to record them and make it available for FREE DOWNLOAD.

Well, we did just that!

It was a lot of fun to record the songs live and do alternate/acoustic versions. I'm excited for everyone to hear it.

You can download your FREE Smile Smile LIVE, ACOUSTIC SET by clicking HERE

Happy 4th of July!

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Smile Smile LIVE in New York

2010-07-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

First of all, I'd like to say THANK YOU for getting excited simply at the mention of me posting some live Smile Smile tracks. You guys are the best :-)

OK, so, I usually set a video camera up somewhere in the venue at every show we play. Typically I use the recordings to reference afterward and see where we can improve. We've never shared the audio from one of these recordings until now. The following is audio ripped from our Flip (I like the way that sounds "ripped from our Flip") from our last New York City performance on 6-12-10

ANYMORE

BEG YOU TO STAY

THE ATTIC

TRUTH ON TAPE

Lots of love for you all,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Get Your Own Free Hypster.com Playlist.

Weiner Blog

2010-06-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Do you guys ever play the 'What animal would you be' game? Very entertaining. I usually get Llama for some reason. One time someone said I'd be a Weiner Dog (I get it, big head, little body) and everyone laughed. I remember being a little bothered by that. Then getting online and looking at Weiner Dog pics. . . . I was seriously going, 'Would I really be a Weiner Dog?'. Haha.

I mean. . . come on. . . really?

HA!

HA!

Ummmm?

ANYWAY, I got over it (for the most part, haha) and now just the thought of these little creatures makes me laugh.

What animal would YOU BE?

Enough about Weiner Dogs. Let's talk about current obsessions involving the following:
Music and celebrity crushes.

Current music obsession:
Spoon - Transference
Bought this record when it first came out this year. It just keeps getting better
with time. So, so good.

Current celebrity crush ?
My obsession with Charlotte Gainsbourg continues.
Hot damn!

I will be posting unheard Smile Smile live recordings tomorrow. Fun!
Until then. . .
Stay Classy,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

Thank You Dr. Poltz

2010-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

We recently played the first of many shows to come with Steve Poltz. I had never met Steve before. I was familiar with a couple of his songs, one in particular from the Notting Hill soundtrack
(This song is SO good).

I heard about his big personality, onstage antics and shockingly true storytelling. Sounded like a lot to handle. So, I really didn't know what to expect. I'm happy to say that I think we're going to become fast friends. Everyone hit it off and we all had such a great time together. Can't wait to tour the west coast with him in a couple of weeks.

Here's the strange thing. The day after our 2nd show with Steve I sent him a fairly commonplace text message in the music world, "Great show last night. Had a blast. Can't wait to do it again." To my surprise, I then got a return PHONE CALL from Mr. Poltz. This is a testament to how down to earth the man has remained, even after years and years of musical success (he wrote "You Were Meant For Me", which Jewel made famous, for God's sake).
Watch this video immediately:

A N Y W A Y, Steve and I got past the basic "hey man, hows your day?" type conversation and then dove into "so what's the story with you and Jencey?" type conversation. Haha. I am completely used to this and happy to talk about it. I mean, Jencey and I released an entire CD about our break up. So, IT'S ALL OUT THERE!
;-)
Before I knew it, almost an hour had gone by and I had verbally vomited (I still maintain that I coined the phrase 'verbal vomit') my entire train wreck of a relationship history, including the most recent and most shocking (no, not Jencey). After I realized what happened, I was embarrassed and apologized. Not only did he tell me an apology was unnecessary, he seemed genuinly interested and offered his advice and opinion. He also said:
"Ryan, you're like a one man traveling episode of Melrose Place and it's awesome."
Haha!! We should make Smile Smile t-shirts that say that.
Not sure how he got me to spill it all. I guess he's just one of those people that makes you feel so comfortable, before you know it you've told your entire life story. You know those people? The only difference is, Steve is famous. . . though I don't think he'd ever admit it. If I'm lucky enough to have the success Steve has, I sincerely hope (and plan ) to stay as real and down to earth as he is.

I hope everyone is doing great!
Lots of love for you all.
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
youtube.com/halfashappy
smilesmilemusic.com

Unreleased Shiz and Catching Up.

2010-06-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

I realize I've been slacking on the blog front. We've just begun a whirlwind Summer Tour and life is crazy busy in the best way. We have a few days off next week and I plan on posting lots of pics and video.

Also, I haven't forgotten about the cover songs. I've started recording them and will begin posting them next week. It's been pretty fun learning them and I can't wait to share them.

Several people have asked me to post an unreleased Smile Smile demo called "Have I Failed You" and I'm happy to do it.

I've also been asked quite a bit about other unreleased demos, unfinished songs etc. . . There are literally hundreds of unheard, unreleased demos between Jencey and myself. I record A LOT of solo stuff at home. Sometimes they turn into Smile Smile songs and sometimes they just sit on my computer and never get heard. Well. . . . . I've decided to let some songs outta the bag.
This song has been sitting on my computer for a year or two and I gotta say, it feels pretty damn good to share it.
Here's an unreleased, solo demo of a song called "Broken Buildings".

Come see Smile Smile on tour!
Lots of love for you all,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

The cure for sadness. SERIOUSLY.

2010-05-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

OK people!

Get ready!

I am seeing far too many sad, lonely, generally depressed people sharing just how SAD they are with the entire word via Facebook, Twitter etc. . .

So, I am going to share my own personal discovery with you. I've been doing this for years and it works every time. It cures sadness, bad days, heartache, laziness and possibly indigestion . . . regardless, it makes you feel better. Maybe you just need some sort of boost, it'll do that too.

Ok, soooo . . .

First, make sure you're home alone.

Second, turn off the lights and any get rid of any possible distractions. This includes pets, televisions, cell phones (yes iPhone users, they DO actually turn off), disco balls, alarm clocks etc. . .

Third, allow yourself 15 minutes to listen to the following 5 songs (in any order), as loud as possible

Trust me, this will transport you and your brain to a fantasy like place where you will forget whatever pain or sadness you were struggling with. Just roll with it. Maybe you just stand there in the middle of the room listening with your eyes closed. Maybe you dance around the room like a fool with your underwear on your head. Either way makes you feel great!

If you're not smiling after this, you have no soul.

I'm TOTALLY serious when I say that I do this when I'm feeling down, struggling with the aftermath of a breakup, or dealing with something similar.

Just try it.

You can trust me, I'm a doctor.

You're welcome in advance ;-)

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

PLAY THE DAMN SONG! Love, Ryan :-)

2010-05-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

I can't stand it when musicians are off stage and asked to play a song and refuse. They pretend to be shy, or say they "just can't". Come on people! If you play music for a living and someone who enjoys or supports your music wants to hear a song, PLAY THE DAMN SONG!

In honor of the idiots who say "no", I'd like to do something fun.

I could play you guys solo acoustic versions of Smile Smile songs all day long, but instead, some friends have suggested some fun, interesting and challenging cover songs. I will learn and post video of some (or all ) of the following:

Laroux - 'Bulletproof'

Slayer - 'Angel of Death' (you guys can thank Jaret Reddick for that one. Jeez)

Andrea True Connection - 'More More More'

Bob Dylan - 'Crazy Love'

Tears For Fears - 'Head Over Heels'

Regina Spektor - 'Laughing With' or 'Samson'

Jeff Buckley - 'Lover You Should Have Come Over'

Nirvana - 'Dumb'

I hope you guys enjoy these!

Time to learn some songs!!

:-)

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Acoustical Sucker.

2010-05-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for a good acoustic version of a song. In fact, I usually end up liking it more than the original. I wonder why that is. Maybe it's more intimate, more real. I think when something's 'acoustic' it makes you feel closer to the song.

Anyway, instead of verbally vomiting all over my Blog again today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite acoustic versions from some of my favorite artists.

I watch the following videos almost daily. I LOVE them. They inspire me.

Hope you like them :-)

This one literally brings tears. Gets me every time

A Pirate?!! So, so good. God Bless Ryan Adams.

For the record, I LOVED them before we toured with them. THIS version of THIS song is by far my favorite. Beautiful.

Emily Haines needs to have some Ryan babies. Emily, if you see this, yeah, I said it, and I don't take it back ;-)

I could do this all day.

Seriously.
I'll stop at 3. . . . . .
Or maybe 4. . . . .

Since you guys seem to enjoy the unreleased and unheard Smile Smile, here's an unreleased, acoustic version of Tempo Bledsoe :-)

If you have a cool acoustic track that you enjoy, please share it. I'd love to hear it.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Meesta Meesta!

2010-05-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Any touring musician will tell you that the hardest part is getting home from tour and readjusting to day to day life. I hate this. Touring is like traveling in a bubble and I love that bubble. Jencey and I have reached the end of an extended break in between tours and I can't wait to get back on the road. I'm no good at the in between.

Lately I find myself extremely frustrated with 'day to day' life. I find myself wishing I were living in a different time. Preferably the 60's. A time with no internet. No Facebook, no Twitter. . . . . a time with about 75% less bull shit. A time where people weren't in each other's business 24-7. A time where people didn't tell the world every feeling or dramatic event every time anything happened. That being said, I'm totally addicted to Twitter AND Facebook. . . . . I just wish they weren't available to be addicted to.

Facebook has ruined dating. people don't trust each other anymore. They say things like, "Who's that girl that posted a comment on your page?". . . . I don't have the words to convey just how ridiculous I think that is.

The 'good ol days' seem to be long gone people. It depresses me.

"I don't mind being shot man, but I don't dig being told about it."

Sorry people. They can't all be fun, sunshine and rainbows.
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

"I'm your June Carter."

2010-05-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago a young lady came up to me and said "I'm your June Carter." She then handed me a book. I looked in my hands and saw this:

(For those of you unfamiliar with the story of Johnny Cash, June Carter gave Johnny "The Prophet" before they married and it had a life changing affect on him)

I'm familiar with the book but have never read it (I'm going to start today). I don't know if it will change my life like it did Johnny Cash's.

I don't know if I will marry the girl who gave it to me (or ever see her again), but when life gives you strange, unexpected gifts, I think you have to go with them. You HAVE to.

I don't know if I should say I've been "lucky" or "foolish" enough to embrace situations like the gift of this book. Like everyone, I have some regrets, but I wouldn't change a damn thing! Life is so short. I've tried to follow or chase every strange coincidence, and I'm glad I have.

Jencey and I met (and had our first conversation) in a Women's bathroom stall for God's sake. . . . . but, that's an entirely different Blog ;-)

I love to hear random, weird, surprising, life altering stories. I'd love to hear YOURS

In honor of the young lady and her random gift (and since Johnny Cash is one of my musical heroes) here's what I believe is the BEST COVER SONG EVER

Johnny Cash - Hurt (Nine Inch Nails Cover)

I hope you all had a great weekend!
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com

Ridiculous.

2010-05-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

I don't want to overwhelm you guys with too much bloggity blog vom as the weekend arrives. So, I thought I'd just share a couple of Smile Smile videos.

If your a fan of my band, ridiculous things, farmers tans, Chuck E Cheese or fisherman outfits, you may enjoy these.

Have a great weekend!
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

MORRISSEY 101.

2010-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

The first DJ to ever play Smile Smile on the radio was the wonderful Josh Venable on The Adventure Club via 102.1 KDGE. Josh took our radio virginity. . . . and you always remember your first ;-)

Not only are we truly indebted to him for THAT, I am personally indebted to him for a vital part of my musical 'education'.

I remember the shocked (and somewhat disgusted) look on Josh's face when I said, "I sort of missed the boat when it comes to Morrissey and The Smiths. I never really got into them."

Not too long after that Josh delivered the following

It would have been kind and cool enough just to get the CDs, but he decided to take things a bit further. These 2 CDs came with hand written song descriptions next to each track and bold instructions to make sure I "listen to them in order".

These CDs are very special to me and I can now proudly call myself an educated fan of both Morrissey and The Smiths.

Here's one of my favorites

For the few of you unfamiliar with Josh, do yourself a favor and tune in to The Adventure Club on Sunday nights. It's one of the few radio shows left that plays good music. Music you won't hear anywhere else. Great Indie bands, acoustic tracks, covers, live tracks. . . it's just good, really good. For those of you thinking I'm just being a kiss ass, here's a link (and, you're welcome)

The Adventure Club

Peace, Love and Morrissey,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Walking After You and Falkor.

2010-05-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks so much for the comments, questions and emails. I'm happy to ramble and complain all on my own, but really I'd just like to entertain and satisfy you guys. I want to know what YOU want to know ;-) Lovin it!

I'd like to share our cover of the Foo Fighters' 'Walking After You' and respond to the following today:

1. Don asks "What was your favorite movie as a kid?"

It's a tie between The Neverending Story and E.T. I was obsessed with Falkor the flying dog and used to get lost in the fantasy world of The Neverending Story. When it comes to E.T. I was equally obsessed. Action figures, life size E.T. figurine next to my bed (complete with glowing heart), E.T. phone etc. . . My dream childhood movie scenario come true would be hanging out with E.T. while we fly around on Falkor. . . in space. Yep, that would be AWESOME!

2. What's your favorite movie as an adult?

When I 'grew up' I got really into Documentaries and Concert DVDs. That being said, it doesn't get any better than No Direction Home. Definitely my favorite.

3. Libby says, "I would like to know about the future of Smile Smile. Mending the friendship, where would you like to see Smile Smile go? etc. . . "

We get asked about this quite a bit. Jencey always says, "I'm going blonde and Ryan's going electric." We don't really know what our future will be musically. We just want the opportunity, following and support to continue living our dream. I have NO IDEA what the next record will sound like, or if there will even be a next record. I've always felt it's important to grow and not to change too much. You know? Stick with what people seem to like you for in the first place. Now, to somewhat contradict myself, If Truth on Tape continues to do well, I'd love to release a more 'electric' record (haha). Something upbeat that people can dance to, but maintain our confessional lyrics and vocal style. . . . . . . who knows. I'd also like to do a bare bones, just acoustic and piano record. I guess we'll see ;-)

As far as 'mending' our friendship. . . we've already come a LONG way. Are we friends? Yes. Do we get along? Sort of. As time goes on it seems to get better, but we fight A LOT. Maybe there will be a day where we don't fight all the time, or we don't avoid any sort of physical contact (ever), but that day seems far, far away.

After the pretty damn awesome response to our 'Chasing Cars' cover (to quote one person, 'FINALLY'), I thought I'd share another one of those old cover songs. I should tell you, Jencey DOES NOT like her vocals on this song. Personally, I think they sound great and fit the feel of the song really well. Anyway, for those of you who like this, you might want to tell Jencey that she sounds good ;-)

Should I apologize for the absurd length of this blog? Jeez. Wow.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Chasing Cars and Getting Over Yourself.

2010-05-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

I gotta say, this blog business is selfishly freeing. Saying whatever I want, sharing whatever I want. I feel great! I'm going to ask my shrink for my money back. I could have saved a lot of time and money if he would have just said, "Blog Ryan. . . just blog." Haha.

Random thought: Have you guys noticed the phenomenon where couples look a lot alike? Not just sort of alike. . . A LOT alike. This amazes me. Here's my question: Are they just that full of themselves?

Do me a favor, next time you see a couple who appears to be really 'in love', and they look exactly alike, go up to them and say "Hey, get over yourself." I'll do it too. It'll be fun.

I'm currently obsessed with the following song.

(Possibly only because it includes the lyrics, "Guts on your blouse". AWESOME!)

For those of you who have been following my band Smile Smile from the beginning, you will remember that we used to record a Cover Song a month and stream it online. We stopped doing that for several reasons that I won't get into. ANYWAY, we still have people ask about those songs. . . one in particular. In the spirit of this blog and doing what I want, I will now break the rules and share it with the world ;-)

Smile Smile - Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol cover)

Happy Tuesday!
Remember to clip your toenails.
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com
youtube.com/halfashappy

Mix Tape. From Fan to Friend

2010-05-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! I made you guys a Mix Tape. Awwwwww, aren't I sweet?

I have ALWAYS loved music. I remember sitting in my Dad's bedroom floor as a kid and listening to records with him. Or riding around in his truck, listening to Classic Rock Radio and playing the "Who sings this song?" game. Some favorites were The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, John Cougar Mellencamp and Elton John. I became obsessed with knowing who played what song, what album it was on and what year it was released. I blame (and thank) my Dad for implanting my musical obsession at a very young age.

To now live a life making music is an obsessive compulsive dream come true. I have been blessed and lucky enough to actually get to know and tour with bands I used to buy tickets to go see. I refuse to act like that's not a big deal. To go from fan to friend is incredibly unreal to me. I hope that doesn't make me sound like a dick. I also don't want to be a name dropping asshole, so instead I thought I'd just share some of my favorite songs by friends and artists we've toured with. Some of these people you may have heard of, some, maybe not. I hope you like my Mix Tape. It was made with l o v e.

Get Your Own Free Hypster.com Playlist.

In a further attempt to show my "Fandom" (and dismiss any thoughts of possible assholeness) here's my attempt/version of the Toadies' song 'Doll Skin'

I've created a YouTube page for this here crazy blog. Check it out HERE. I will be uploading Smile Smile randomness, cover songs. . . maybe I'll make an exercise video, WHO KNOWS!

I've had too much coffee this morning and it feels great!
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com

This is what Heaven looks like.

2010-05-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

When Jencey and I broke up. . .

2010-05-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

When people interview our band they always seem timid to ask us about our break up. For the record, IT'S ALL OUT THERE PEOPLE! We really don't mind talking about it. We've had plenty of time to deal with it and get over it (for the most part).

A lot of people ask about the following, so I thought I'd share. . .

When Jencey and I first broke up, she moved out and we weren't speaking. I was dealing with the aftermath of it all and writing a lot of songs at home. Song writing has always always been an honest, therapeutic, journal like experience for me. That process continued, but this time the songs just happened to be about my BAND MATE. At the time, I didn't really know what to do with the songs. Were we still a band? Would we continue playing music together? Did the end of our relationship mean the end of our musical career together? There were so many questions and no answers. Like I said, I wasn't speaking to Jencey. So, I started emailing her the songs I was writing. The songs were obviously ABOUT HER and she didn't really know what to think about that. Honestly, neither did I.

ANYWAY, I thought I'd share the original demo of "Truth on Tape" that was sent in one of those emails. It's still a little eerie and uncomfortable for me to listen to these songs like this. What she and I went through was REAL and difficult. I'm so very happy that we made it through it all and I get the opportunity to live my dream and play music. . . even if it is with my 'ex' ;-)

I've created a YouTube page for this blog. I will be uploading new videos and things like this.

Check it out HERE
Love,
Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)
smilesmilemusic.com

Words that GROSS ME OUT.

2010-05-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a word or 2 . . . or 17 that grosses them out. That's such a juvenile, yet fun thing to say "gross them out', "gross ME out". You should say it, it's fun. SAY IT! LOUD! Ready? One, Two, Three: GROSS ME OUT! Did you do it?

Wow. . . umm. . . anyway. . .

Amazingly, a lot of people have some of the same seemingly 'normal' words that, for one reason or another, they can't stand. Some of my favorite conversations are about those words.

LET'S MAKE A LIST!

Here are some words that make a small amount of puke tickle the back of MY throat.

Moist

Rotten

Crust

Puss

Meconium (do not EVER Google Image search this. Seriously, mistake of my life)

Flow

Dildo

Crunchy

Damp

Cream

. . . .

and (for me) the Queen Mother of all SICK words: Afterbirth (even typing it makes me cringe)

Alright people, what else you got? Bring on the grossness.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Dear Sarah Jaffe, I'm not jealous.

2010-05-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Is it weird to blog about jealousy and my label mates musical success? Maybe a little. I'd like to share my personal life motto with you, 'I do what I want'.

Here's what I have to say about Sarah Jaffe's new CD Suburban Nature. If you don't have it, buy it ( iTunes link HERE ).

If you've heard it and decided you don't like it, you deserve to be slapped in the face WITH the CD while Sarah herself tars and feathers you while singing Suburban Nature 'a capella' in its entirety until you realize how amazingly talented she is and how foolish you were to ever think otherwise.

In the business we're in it's very easy for people to get jealous, envious or frustrated when other bands (and friends) have more abundant, or faster success. It's easy to get caught up in things like what number your 'single' or CD is on the CMJ charts. When you're as hard headed, obsessive and competitive as I am, it's even easier to get sucked into that jealous world. I typically keep my jealousy to myself (possible understatement of the decade), but Jencey (my band mate) will tell you, it uncontrollably overflows from time to time ;-)

When it comes to the abundance of success Sarah Jaffe is having however, I'm not jealous at all. Here's why: When your new CD is as good as Suburban Nature, when you're as talented, down to earth, humble and sweet as Sarah Jaffe is, in my opinion, you deserve it. She deserves all the success she's having and worlds more. Not only am I not jealous, I'm rooting for her.

Until next time.

It's not herpes if it's everywhere.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)

Deal Breakers.

2010-05-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise in the music community that I have an 'eventful' track record (to say the least) when it comes to dating and relationships. If you're not familiar with my ex fiance/band mate and I's story, just Google it. . . . and enjoy the soap opera. Or, simply listen to our band's latest CD which tells the story of our break up. . . . in a folksy, poppy sort of way (shameless plug, I know).

Instead of following in other bloggers footsteps and sharing my sad story, I thought I'd share some entertaining (and self admittedly ridiculous) 'deal breakers' when it comes to dating.

I have literally walked away from relationships due to the following.

Biting your fork when you eat (like a screaming baby on an airplane/nails on a chalk board times 10 to me).

Worshiping the Devil (I'm not saying you have to believe in God, but come on).

Using your cell phone during a movie (in the theater or at home).

Knocking your teeth against mine when we kiss (HATE that).

Peach scented body product (the combination of sweat and peach deodorant, body spray, etc. . . smells like dirty wet laundry to me).
Bad breath.

Not liking dogs.

Taking your high heel shoe off and hitting me repeatedly with the heel part (yes, that happened).

Being barefoot at a bar.

Having your Mom go to the store, buy me a Birthday present, drop it off and say it's 'from you' while you nap and say "I'm tired, we'll celebrate tomorrow.".

Calling my Mom a bitch.

Eating an abundance of muscles, clams and/or raw salmon

Oh. . . . and cheating on me ;-)

All that being said, I'm a complete sucker for a girl who looks and acts like Edie Sedgwick. Haha!

It's against my Blogging Morals to have a blog that's simply about my weird dating life. SOOO, here's something else; I believe this is the best break up song EVER.

The Helio Sequence - Lately

Until next time.

Life is short, do what you want with it.

Love,

Ryan (the male 1/2 of Smile Smile)