Chili with YourFriendMatt...

"Pretty sure I have 3rd degree burns." - Me

I am a very lucky guy. Jamie handles all meals in this house. She is just better at it and enjoys cooking. Every once in a while I find myself trying to impress her with my culinary skills. I have a handful of dishes I can pull off when I try. My pancakes? Get out of town, they are incredible. This past week I had a day off, and it was raining. Perfect chilly weather day for some chili (see what I did there?). I have a few different types of chili I like cooking. We have varying tastes when it comes to food. I can't get my food spicy enough where as she likes to do something she calls "actually tasting the food." So I decided to meet in the middle and use my basic chili recipe with a little heat; and a little Pabst. Making this chili is SUPER easy, hence why you can do it while drinking. *thumbs up emoji*

Without sounding like a pretentious dickhead, I try to use as many organic ingredients as I can (disregard the Pabst). Gather your ingredients and place the ground beef in a large pot and toss in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned, takes about 15 minutes. You can drain off the excess fat, but sometimes I do not, up to you. If I am using a leaner meat without a ton of excess fat I leave it; I think it adds some richness. Pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, some red pepper flakes, and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 cup beer.

After an hour, place the masa harina (essentially corn flour, but hey, were getting worldly over here) in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of beer and stir together with a fork. It thickens up quick so act fast! Transfer the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, and then taste to add any additional seasonings. This is where I usually go nuts and start adding jalapeños, a canister of red pepper flakes, and every other source of heat I have in the house, but I wanted Jamie to enjoy dinner with me, so I kept it pretty tame today. Add more masa paste or beer to get the chili to your preferred consistency. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes! Done! Bowl that beast - top it with cheese - get classy and throw some lime slices or some tortilla chips around and you got yourself a nice rainy-day chili!

The goods:

2 pounds ground beef

2 cloves garlic, chopped

One 15-ounce can tomato sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder or to taste

1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 teaspoon salt or to taste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup masa harina

One 15-ounce can kidney beans

One 15-ounce can pinto beans

Shredded Cheddar, for serving, topping, or throwing around

Tortilla chips, for serving and throwing around

Lime wedges, for serving and throwing around

-YourFriendMatt

February...

I did an experiment in February. I wanted to break my routines. For the last decade, I believe I have probably had at least one beer every day. It became routine. It took up time. Maybe it made me lazy when I could have been working on something. Although I do not classify myself as a lazy person, I wanted to know if there was more I could be doing instead of sitting on the couch having a brew.

There was a lot of personal growth over the last few years. I advanced in my career that moved us across the country twice, gone back to school full-time, cultivated a lifestyle of positivity, go to the gym a few times a week, launched a creative blog that I update weekly, curate and publish weekly playlists for emerging artists, and still actively perform music. Sounds like a lot, but maybe there is more.

By checking social media, scrolling through thousands of pictures for extended periods of time, sitting on the couch and enjoying an adult beverage, I wondered how that was adding anything positive to my life. I was looking for a reset and February seemed to be a perfect time. My birthday is January 31st, so figured I could go out with a bang on my birthday and start fresh on February 1st. 

Breaking routines and mental queues is not easy, but I accomplished it. I went a full month with no social media, no credit cards and (strike up the band) no alcohol of any kind. Yikes. It was not as hard as I thought or seems. I found myself on my days off and weekends adventuring around Nashville a little bit more, taking up new hobbies, finding new restaurants and cafes instead of going to the local dive. 

It was a great reset. I read more. I took up rock climbing. I took more walks and explored the neighborhood. I took my dogs out more. I engaged in more conversations and even forgot my phone twice when I went to work. My credit score went up, and I got caught up on some minor debts that I wanted to pay off. I saved a bunch of money that I would have used to grab some beer and paid off most of my Discover card. Unplugging was refreshing.

We are in March now, and I have noticed that a lot of the changes have impacted my routines. Since my February detox, I am more aware of how often I pick up my phone and check it for no reason at all. I have found myself in March just standing with my phone and wondering why I even picked it up. Going to the fridge and grabbing a beer or even buying beer isn't top of mind (for the most part - I love beer). It is interesting to see how a few minor changes can open your eyes and that is what I was looking to do in February.

I celebrated with friends on March 1st and went back to the bar. It was fun, and I do love having drinks with friends, sharing posts and photos and seeing less debt when I open up my financial apps. Now I am more conscience about how many times I am checking my phone. I feel I notice myself doing it less, reminding myself to put the phone down and look up to see the awesomeness that is going on around me.

Now, who wants to grab a beer?

-YourFriendMatt

Breaking and changing habits can be hard. If you want to see how many times you check your phone every day, download this app Checky. It may blow your mind.

Playlist Friday...

This weeks playlist is a mix of new pop-indie bands I have found over the last few weeks. Maybe you have heard of some or maybe you have not...crank up your vintage stereo, grab a Pabst and enjoy the weekend!

The Moose...

What is it about windowless, wood-paneled, dark rooms that reek of stale beer and bad ideas that remind me of home? 

Recently I joined a neighborhood softball team put together by my landlord. The average age of player is 50. It is essentially an excuse for us to play softball for an hour once a week, and then go drinking at the local bars.

This past week we went to the local moose lodge. With all the glitz and glamour of any moose lodge, I was excited to see a bar without palm trees or a beach theme. This place was even complete with a chain-smoking, elder bartender who has been there since the 60's. She knows everyone by name and bust's everyone's ball's. I couldn't tell if she was flirting with me or if she hated me. It was fantastic. Such a great refresher back to the Philadelphia area vibe I prefer.

If you plan on visiting, we will be visiting The Moose...

-YourFriendMatt

Record Store Day at The Record Parlour...

Want to dig through crates of quality vintage records? Find music you grew up with? Discover music you never knew existed and discuss it with other music enthusiasts? The Record Parlour on Selma Avenue in the heart of Hollywood is a one-stop shop for all things music. They specialize in hunting down vinyl records, cassettes, old school turntables, and band memorabilia creating a culture of community that the neighborhood desperately needs. Attracting everyone who has a passion for the music, with over 20,000 vinyl records, vintage stereo gear and music memorabilia, the Record Parlour is quickly becoming a staple hang out for the surrounding hipster youth.

Since it opened, almost two years ago by owner Chris Honetschlaeger and manager/partner Chadwick Hemus, the store has been building a name for itself by hosting exciting in-store showcases, pop-up performance gigs, album playbacks and DJ sets to entire live performances recorded and transferred directly to vinyl onsite. Honetschlaeger has a background in vintage equipment and Hemu’s pedigree is as a vinyl curator for the original Amoeba (San Francisco)—which ensures that the sound and quality are outstanding.

Rooms and rooms and rooms filled and organized with albums...

For Record Store Day on Saturday, April 18 The Record Parlour hosted a series of events and live performances kicking off the celebration with the debut vinyl collection from the estate of philanthropist Marshall Howard. The heavily curated collection features extremely rare original finds—including Jazz, R&B, Classic Rock, Soul, Blues, Exotica and Folk. Bands that performed included Isaac Rother & The Phantoms, Lee Bob and The Truth and Big Jay McNeely & Rob Stone: Chicago Blues; and there was a book signing of Record Store Book: Fifty Legendary and Iconic Places to Discover New and Used Vinyl by author Mike E. Spitz and photographer Rebecca Villaneda.

We had a chance to sit down with Honetschlaeger to see what makes The Record Parlour tick.

M2M: How long have you been serving the community?

Honetschlaeger: We opened August 2013, so a little over a year and half. It took me four months to build. It was all offices before. I basically knocked out all the walls to keep the space open. The idea was this building has so much history being an old print shop in the 20’s. If you look around Hollywood these buildings are going away with all the development going on. We just basically came in here and reconfigured the whole joint.

M2M: What makes The Record Parlour different from other record stores?

Honetschlaeger: I don’t think we’re a record store at all. We’re a record / lifestyle store. I am not offended by the record store [title] but I just think we are bigger than that and here’s why, the three P’s: Purchase, Perform and Produce. That’s the vision here. We go past the one-dimensional place to purchase music. The second “P” stands for “place to perform music.” We built a stage and an incredible sound system. We have had little bands and big bands play here and they tell us it sounds amazing. It sounds amazing because we make it amazing. Venues operate 24/7. If a speaker goes out they can’t get to it for two weeks. I have a tech on staff, so if something goes out, it’s fixed immediately. Also, we don’t stack bands. There is only one band per night, except for today, which is special because of Record Store Day. One band per night gives the band time to hang out and sell their merchandise. If you have ever been a musician it can be pretty hectic to be rushed around. The third “P,” which we started rolling out in January, stands for “a place to produce music.’ So downstairs, right below us, is going to be our control room. So literally you come play, cut a record on our record lave, perform it that day and sell your records. Again, Purchase, Perform, Produce.

M2M: What is on your personal turntable right now?

Honetschlaeger: Well I have a five year-old daughter so nothing is ever on my turntable. I don’t know if you have kids, but it will get destroyed. [laughs] But what was on my turntable was, well like to tinker with DJ’ing. I am sort of good at it, not that I am a scratchy turntable-ist but I know how to put songs that are BPM (beats per minute) related together and that’s hard because you’re tying into the vibe of the song, or to the break of a song, or the bridge of a song. Nowadays with all these DJ’s I have to say it’s pretty easy. I mean everything is BPM or beat tracker. Back in the day all we had was vinyl. Everyone who comes here spins records. I’m talking about real records and that’s really, really hard, especially if you’re not tapping them out or matching BPM’s. But what’s on my turntable? As of right now. Rick James.

Honetschlaeger’s passion for detail and love for music is what makes The Record Parlour an undeniable epicenter. The rustic feel of open space, brick walls and exposed wood beams give the space character that is accentuated by its enthusiastically helpful staff. Whether you want to find that KISS album you had in your teen years, acquire a first pressing of Changes by David Bowie or catch a concert of local The Record Parlour is a must.

The Record Parlour owners hard at work...

THE RECORD PARLOUR is located in Cahuenga Corridor: 6408 Selma Avenue: Hollywood, CA 90028. www.therecordparlour.com

Secret Shows at SoFar...

Are you sick of spending a ton of money to go to an over-crowded music venue with a terrible view? Are you ashamed of your “old-man” earplugs because now you’re an adult and you’ve realized that your addiction to loud music is slowly destroying your hearing? Well if you said yes, we have discovered an underground secret show circuit that offers that intimate setting to appreciate live music, a good view, and enjoyable volume level. The best part is that it doesn’t require any cash – only your respectful attention. Sofar Sounds, the answer to your musical prayers!

These events showcase emerging talents in the indie-music scene, as well as well-established artists. The performers are kept a secret until guests arrive at the venue and see discreet posters taped to the walls listing the menu of talent for the evening. So, why all the secrecy? “Keeping SofarSounds as  ‘secret shows’ creates a sense of curiosity, which keeps drawing people back for more. Many like the fun, spontaneous element of surprise, ” shared Monina Castillo, Sofar’s L.A. PR rep. “People also feel special being part of an “in-the-know” music discovery movement and community that offers a different experience than the typical music venue or club.”

The shows are free and you can BYOB so you’re not spending $10 on a can of PBR. However, Sofar welcomes donations to help pay their videographers and editors, who put together the performance videos of each band on Sofar’s YouTube channel, where you can keep enjoying them over and over.

You may ask yourself: “How do I get into one of these super awesome secret shows?” All it takes is the Internet and a little patience - no need for a famous uncle, a small fortune, or forged backstage passes. Head over to http://www.sofarsounds.com/, sign up, and RSVP for the shows you’d like to attend in the city of your choice. You’ll get an email confirmation a couple of days before the show letting you know if you’re invited. Heads up though, since the shows are in small intimate spaces, they can’t accommodate large numbers at a time, so sometimes it can take a few tries before getting invited. But don’t be disappointed and RSVP as many times as you want because the organization works hard to make sure everyone gets a chance to see a session eventually.

Photo: Zane Roesell @ zrofoto.com

In keeping with the spirit of Sofar Sounds, the first show I went to was a totally last-minute adventure. A friend of mine had finally received an invitation after months of waiting. Luckily for me, her original +1 fell through. We arrived at an amazing three-story loft in Atwater Village, early enough to witness the videographers setting up shop in the kitchen across from a menagerie of instruments set up in the living room. That night we indulged in the musical stylings of The Parlour Suite (http://www.theparloursuite.com/), Sales (http://wearenotsales.com/), and My Double My Brother (http://mydoublemybrother.com/). I had never heard of these bands before and I had awesomeness-induced goosebumps the entire time. I was hooked. 

Whether you’re interested in discovering new artists or praying to the music gods for an intimate show with one of your long-time faves, these shows are an amazing experience you’ll never forget. I promise the awesomeness will give you goose bumps, unless you’re a soulless robot. In that case please skip the show and save that spot for a real live music lover.

Gone Green...

California takes recycling seriously. This was a huge culture shock when we moved. It is a good thing that the culture here takes recycling so serious, but took some getting use too. Heaven forbid you put a napkin in the wrong trash bin around here. "Don't you realize what you have done! That napkin takes 6 weeks to decompose! If we recycle it we can have it back by the end of the week!" This is a typical response from some blonde haired, flip flop wearing, sunglass sporting hippie. It's amazing how they seem to pop out of nowhere to discuss going green like they are a Trash Fairy-God-Mother. I usually back away slowly, apologize and think to myself "Shouldn't he be at work? How can they just guard the trash can all day?"

Deciding to embrace the recycling mentality we started sorting our paper products and I decided to keep all our aluminum and glass. There is a recycling center next to our local supermarket that will pay you to bring your recyclables. Boom. Make money? Enjoy adult beverages? Go green? This is probably the best thing I could do for the environment. Mother nature would be proud.

"You say alcoholism. I say go green." - A Wise Man.

It takes us about 5-6 months to get a decent amount of aluminum and glass worth taking down to the recycle center. The only thing is a majority of our recyclables are beer and wine containers. This makes me look like a raging alcoholic every time I go. When the local transients who spend their time dumpster diving and yelling at beach seagulls start shooting me looks I know I have done a good job. "Son, do you need help." one of them asked me once with genuine concern and I responded with "Gee, I don't know." Adding a long pause for effect "Yeah, I guess I could." Another Pause, "Grab an end! This stuff is heavy!"

Always remember recycling is good. And recycling, drinking and getting paid is even better. 

Did you know it takes a year for a wool sock to decompose? What does that even mean? Who's throwing out a wool sock?

Ol' Trusty...Part One...

"Dude, this could be her last ride. It's only right we take her." I said to Chris convincing him to take the dilapitated band van to our most recent show.

Throughout the years music has taken me across the nation and back. I consider these some of the most formative years of my life. When you are 1,400 miles from home, have no money, everything you own is broken or smelly you learn a thing or two. Since my friends and I started playing music we have destroyed every one of my mom's cars, most of my friend's parents cars, every one of our own cars, vans bought strictly for the band (old or new) and now we have a hand-me-down 2005 Ford FreeStar.

The band van is a beautiful thing. It's your safe house. Office. Board Room. Mobile home. Sales force..makeshift acoustic performance stage...salvation and worst nightmare. I've learned more about  auto repair on the side of the highway...at night...in a state I've never been too...with 18-wheelers whizzing by...underage...in the snow...than I ever will in a driveway. All in all seeing new things from a bench seat in a busted van was one of my favorite parts of the journey.

Up until this point of my life preforming has been something I have always done. I have had a chance to play with some great musicians in Los Angeles since my move but haven't hit a stage in a few months. When my old band got a call from the biggest rock radio stations in Philadelphia to preform live we all went for it. I landed in Philadelphia the day before the show and we ran through our normal setlist, caught up and went home to get a good night sleep.

We gathered on the day of the show at Chris' house to get a plan together. We needed to figure out how we were going to get our equipment to the show. Take separate cars? No, that is lame. Then it dawned on us (well at least me) that the old band van was still sitting out front.

Side-note: A quick back story on this van: It was Chris' families van for years. It has carted him and his siblings to countless karate and basketball tournaments. As the years progressed the air conditioning eventually gave up resulting in too many summer adventures with both sliding doors open...including a trip all the way to Outer Banks, NC from Swedesboro, NJ with the doors open. I know the van has been in at least one accident on the highway and after that they gave it to Chris...who never fixed the headlight. Why bother? Something is also wrong with the battery connection so we had to carry around a little wrench to undo the positive connection to the battery everywhere we went. We would show up to work, pop the hood and unhook the battery...besides all that...this van is a gem and we wouldn't have it any other way. One more thing, it looks like this on the inside...

"Dude! Let's take the van!" I screech cracking an ice cold Pabst. "I don't know man, I haven't started her in months." Chris says turning to me. "Dude, this could be her last ride. It's only right we take her. Who knows when we will do this again!" Sipping and spitting beer everywhere. Chris shrugs with a half-assed sigh and we make our way outside to check out the van.

She sits on the street waiting for us to come check her out. She hasn’t been moved in months and there is a layer of yellow and brown dust pollen covering her exterior. One of the tires is just about flat but we know we can make it to the gas station to fill it back up. As we peer in the back tinted windows we see our previous filth from the last ride…and its disgusting…just the way we like it. “Let’s pop the hood and connect the battery!” Chris yells getting more energized remembering all the good times we have had in this beauty.

There was a zap of blue electric that shocked us as we reattached the positive connection to the battery. “Yes!” We belted with a second wind of excitement. This was a good sign and we both knew it. Chris ripped open the driver side door ready with his keys and turned the ignition. She turned over with a sputter, pop - and finally roared like a dying old bird…our dying old bird. “Well boys I guess we know how we're are getting to the show! Let’s start packing!”

We packed, drank the last of our beers and decided it was time to head to Philadelphia. Half of our band had to drive separate due to obligations after the show and work the next morning. This was no big deal - Chris and I found it poetic. We had started a lot of bands together and worked on more music than either of us could remember. We had no idea when we would get the chance to drive to preform together again so it made sense to us that the rock gods aligned the stars this way. It was like we were 17 again.

To be continued...

YourFriendMatt