Life Lately | the best peeps

(this photo was taken from Renee's camera)

There are a few things in this world that would make me drive over 10 hours over the course of three days, to two states, two countries, with a little more than 13 hours of sleep. Actually I can only think of one - We Are Scientists.

I've mentioned my favorite band on this blog before, but last weekend I spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night seeing them play in Portland, Vancouver, and Seattle. It was insane, but worth it. Oh so worth it.

Thursday morning I drove down to Portland to meet up with those lovely ladies up in the top photo - Adrian and Renee. Renee flew up for L.A. for the show, and Adrian lives in Portland, so it was a West Coast trifecta of perfection. I love those gals so much, you don't even know.

It was the first time Renee had seen the guys in Portland, and the first time in three years since I'd seen the guys at all, so I was pretty damn stoked to say the least.

The amount of love I have for this band surpasses every band I've ever called "my favorite."

This tour we were introduced to a new drummer - Keith Carne, or "Lil KC" as Adrian, Renee and I called him amongst ourselves. Having two Keiths in a band with three people is fucking confusing, so we needed a way to differentiate them. Plus we were a little bit drunk when we came up with that nickname. I didn't know what to expect, but he was a joy to watch and photograph, so as I was saying goodbye on the last night, I actually said to Chris, "You guys should keep him around. He's good."

It was also Lil KC's birthday in Vancouver, so of course they had to bring out a cake.

Opening for We Are Scientists all this tour is Scottish punk rockers PAWS, who I am now thoroughly obsessed with. I regret not picking up a copy of their new record Youth Culture Forever at any of the gigs, but I ordered it this week after playing the online stream nonstop from Spin.com. It's so good. Seriously check it out. I never fails - I've fallen in love with every opening band WAS has had. The Morning Benders from 2008. Rewards from 2010. And now PAWS. I'm stoked to have them back to Seattle in the fall. They alluded to coming back in the fall for another tour, so yay!

I might have just decided to post this for gratuitous photos of the guys, because this whole experience was so perfect and surreal. I was on the guest list for all three Northwest shows of my favorite band. Not everyone gets to say that. Not everyone gets to say that the guys in their favorite band actually know your name and your face. And I get to say that. And it feels great. Because the honest-to-god truth is that this band's music means so much to me.

 I made a video on my channel this week talking about how much I hate being called a groupie, and I can't tell you how many times I've been called a We Are Scientists groupie before. Several times last weekend. But it's never been like that. Never ever. It's always been about the music and the songs and music videos and the live shows and perfect stage banter. But the thing that sets We Are Scientists apart from any other band in my heart is the connection I've made with other fans. I know people all around the world because of this little band. These weirdos from Brooklyn that have been making music together for over 10 years have brought me to some of my best friends in - literally - the world.

 So if you want to call me a groupie, I honestly don't care. Just know that you're wrong. I don't travel hours to see this band because I'm trying to get something from them. I'm not trying to make a name for myself. I'm not trying to be their toy. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing along at the top of my lungs to my favorite songs with my best friends until my voice is gone.

Thank you guys. Thank you Renee. Thank you Adrian. I can't believe it's already been a week since I saw you last.

And I can't forget these dudes. Without you silly bastards, I would never have started doing concert photography. It's all your fault. So thanks.