I hope all is well to everyone out there. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a ’101′ posting. And, maybe it’s time to re-title this–something along the lines of 4.2% news. Light beer, boys and girls. Time to retire the whiskey, and the what not. Or, at least save those reindeer games for S.T.

As we get ready to start the new year off, I have been told that we played 42 shows in [...]]]>

Greetings!!!

I hope all is well to everyone out there. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a ’101′ posting. And, maybe it’s time to re-title this–something along the lines of 4.2% news. Light beer, boys and girls. Time to retire the whiskey, and the what not. Or, at least save those reindeer games for S.T.

As we get ready to start the new year off, I have been told that we played 42 shows in 2011. That number seems a bit inflated considering we took off most of January, July, October, November, and December. But, without checking the archives myself, I’ll take that number to be accurate. I can’t imagine us topping that this year. But, you never know. With that being said, I guess that was proper “support” for Angry Waters III, which is now over a year old. And, after having the chance to step back from it a bit, I ABSOLUTELY feel that it is not only OUR best album, it is also MY best album.

We’re starting 2012 with the 2nd annual STAY VERTICAL FESTIVAL. This year there will be 11 bands on 2 different stages–very similar to last year. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Midwest Art Catalyst (www.midwestartcatalyst.org) to help save art programs in the area. It’s very rewarding knowing we have so many friends that are willing to donate their time and talent to this cause. And, considering all the great local bands that AREN’T on the bill, maybe we make this a 2-day festival next year?!?!?! I can already see it: Burgers on Friday at five, Bloody Mary’s on Sunday at ten. And a whole lotta rock n’ roll in-between!!!

Most of you all know I’m a football guy. I just suffered through an agonizing College Football National Championship. However, I truly believe that half of the Alabama ‘D’ could start for the Vikes. Relatively speaking, their defense was as dominant as Baltimore’s–the year they won the Super Bowl. Granted, I don’t watch a lot of college football, but I understand it when they say this was a ‘D’ for the ages. Speaking of pro football, and considering we’re down to the final 8, I’m going with a Green Bay / Baltimore Super Bowl. I sure hope I’m wrong–at least on the NFC side. And, I also hope I’m wrong with this prognosis: My beloved Minnesota Vikings are in for a LONG rebuilding period. And, I’m not entirely sure we’re done bottoming-out, yet.

To those who see our shows regularly, I usually preface our last song of the night ‘Destined for the Dirt’ with an urging of everyone to enjoy their lives, because when it’s gone, it’s gone. And, NOBODY knows when that time will come. It all hit home a little under 2 weeks ago when Jessica Karels had a heart attack. She is in her early 30s. For those who don’t know, Jessica is Michael Karels wife. In reality, Mike is my cousin. But, I think of him as my older brother–Thor. We don’t spend nearly as much time together as we’d like, but I love him and them dearly. Thankfully Jessica is back at home and improving. However, massive hospital bills, coupled with the normal everyday expenses of trying to support a family will prove to be an extremely tough burden to bear. At some point we’ll probably do a benefit for them. When that happens, I hope everyone can help out!!! It would mean the world to them–and a lot to me!

I know that not a lot of people will read this. But, for those that do, I hope you guys understand how much I and Angry Waters appreciate the support. It’s been almost 8 years since we played our first show–that’s a very long lifespan for a band of our stature. It couldn’t have been done without your loyal support!!!

Cheers, Daniel Wiechert

It has certainly been a while since I’ve addressed the masses over the ‘net.  And I use the word ‘masses’ loosely–for now!!!  Here’s an update on the inner-workings of Angry Waters:  We are currently in the process of trying to get the disc “out there”.  We’re hoping to give it a shot outside the ‘Kato area–at least for a show or two.  Whether or not anything comes of it, [...]]]>

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Some ramblings courtesy of Wick James:

It has certainly been a while since I’ve addressed the masses over the ‘net.  And I use the word ‘masses’ loosely–for now!!!  Here’s an update on the inner-workings of Angry Waters:  We are currently in the process of trying to get the disc “out there”.  We’re hoping to give it a shot outside the ‘Kato area–at least for a show or two.  Whether or not anything comes of it, who knows???  I’d prefer to give it a shot and fail versus looking back 20 years from now and wondering “what if”?  I believe in our music.  We’ve got 3 albums to work with–if we can keep it together enough I think we can make a little noise in the Cities–and the region, for that matter.  Like I said, we’ll see…

Thanks to all the bands and fans that came out last weekend for the 1st annual Stay Vertical Festival at The Midtown Tavern.  Also, special thanks to Todd Owens for hosting the event!!!  An overwhelming success!  I was able to stay vertical, but just barely!  The sad thing is that I drank a LOT of water in afternoon/evening but still managed to get absolutely destroyed.  I’ll blame it on the shots of Jag courtesy of Calous.  I figured with S.T. going on the wagon I wouldn’t have to worry about those reindeer games–I figured wrong!!!

Most people who really know me know who my influences are–with that being said I was able to get Phil Anselmo, Jimmy Bower, and Kirk Windstein to sign my copy of Down Nola when I was in New Orleans last month.  How fucking cool is that???

It’s absolutely scary yet exciting seeing the upheaval around the world.  Granted, it’s very likely this will simply be a small foot-note in history.  Who knows, though.  One can hope!!!  In reality, it’s just another reason for the powers-that-be to raise gas prices and everything else that goes with it.

Also, (I don’t speak for anybody else in the band) kudos to the people protesting in Wisconsin.  In my opinion, the only thing that separates the United States versus 90% of the world is that we have a functional MIDDLE CLASS.  If we lose that, we lose what America is about.  We become no different than China, India, Mexico etc…I’ll be honest, I don’t have all the facts when it comes to their budget dilemma.  But, every time that labor loses a battle, I feel we’re one step closer to becoming a plutocracy.  So, I’ll always be supporting the “labor side”.  I guess it’s what I can most relate to.

Speaking of labor battles, and as much as I hate the Green Bay Packers, I sure hope the NFL and Players Union don’t ruin a league where a team like the Packers CAN win the title.  Do you really think (under the NBA’s current agreement) that the Wolves ever have a chance?  And another thing, please get a stadium done for the Vikings!!!  And, yes, there are numerous ways to make this happen without taxing John Q. Public who may not know the difference between a football and a tennis racket.  How about a Racino, people???  Hasn’t the Native American’s stronghold on gambling gone on long enough?  For what it’s worth, how many people have said that the Xcel Energy Center or Target Field were bad investments AFTER they were built?  I’m old-school–I’d love to see the Vikes play outdoors again.  But I’m also a realist–put a roof on it and get Final Fours etc…

I know I CAN speak for everybody in the band on this subject:  It’s time for Winter to roll on out!!!  But I’m sure we’ll get pounded a couple of times in March.  Won’t be long, though, before we’re bitchin’ ’bout humidity and mosquitos!  I CAN’T FUCKING WAIT!!!