honesty....please

I started writing a new song late last week, it isn't a catchy type song like some of my recent work.....but i gets a little more honest, i feel like with my life right now i just need to let some stuff out and hopefully this song will help me do so.

The break of playing shows through December is ok, a little boring but ok. I still play some open mic stuff and i hope to more of that soon......but until then I'll keep pressing on and writing this honest song that I started.

PS- Christmas is soon! Don't forget Jesus in all the craziness......remeber if it weren't for Christ Christmas is worthless.

Some of My Faves

Dereck Trucks, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Warren Haynes, Eric Clapton, Adam D, Paul from BTBAM, and John Mayer are some of my favorite living guitarist. If you notice most of my players are bluesy jam band type players or country players. I guess just because of the raw passion they bring to the instrument. I really want to see all of these guys live sometime in my life....ESP Keith, Brad, Warren, Eric, Dereck and John

Writing

A whole lot easier said than done. I feel like i have some awesome ideas but I just cant get them out. Hopefully it will happen tomorrow.........Speaking of which, Nick Hays is playing Ecity tomorrow night and yes I'll be there!

Back at the Parents'

So im back in Starr for the hollidays. It's fun I guess, I mean I love my family but it is so wierd moving back home after a semester. I mean sure I visited over the semester but living back here is always a change lol. O well, it's fun gotta take what life gives you and deal with it. I do love life though, and family.

Something I Needed

The something I truly needed was to play a random open mic night. I did so last night in Anderson at The Corner Bagel Shop. It was truly a fun time, I'm not gonna lie though I got there and saw Ben Coleman and Lee Mcderment listed to play and I got Nervous really quick. The reason was, both of these guys are so good and I had no idea how I was going to follow them. But honestly I wasn't there to impress anyone, I was just there to have a good time and celebrate music.....we all did and had a good time doing so.

And thanks to everyone who came out and played I enjoyed each and everyone of you.

Spilling Something Onto This Blank Canvas

Life is life, you live it and then die........what you do with the time you are on earth is up to you. Not your mother, or your father, but you. Do something that matters, give God glory. But yea thats honestly about all I have to say tonight, short and sweet.

How I Feel (Don't Care if this is Read or Not)

Often I struggle with being arrogant and getting a big head over my music. Then I listen to something like "O" by: Damien Rice, which is an acoustic musical masterpiece and I realize, you know in the big scheme of things I am not that great. You know what.....I don't care anymore. Music is expression and a passion of mine, when it touches someone that's amazing. But my music is my outlet to the world and a gift given to me by God. I am thankful everyday to do this and even go to school for it.

So if I never make a cent playing in a crowded bar where no one cares I will still play. In August Rush the boy says "I love music more than food." To be a great musician it takes sacrifice. Just like being a great Christian, you will probally have to say bye to things you never want to but in the end the end result will be so much greater than if you held onto those things hindering you. I pray almost every night to God....."Make me less, and you more." Even in music I write that isn't neccessarily Christian I want God to be evident in it somehow.......I do what God has designed me to do and I wll try my hardest and do my best to glorify him with it.

If you are a musician don't get too caught up on yourself or your image.........because it can be gone quicker than you can blink. You may think you incredible, but really you probally are not. If you on a major label you have some room to brag b/c now a days not just anyone can make it on a major label as a singer/sogwriter. And I commend you for being good enough to make it and thank you for keeping me in check by being so much better than me.

Sunday

So yea today was fun/relaxing.......day off at Carpenter's so I checked out Hope Fellowship to hear my boy Wes play. Was very good and I enjoyed it. I got to see some ppl I haven't seen in a while and that was cool. Plus I listened to some good southern rock today, The Black Crows.....I tell you thats just good ole' fashion rock n' roll. All attitude and no flash, I love it.

It seems like I'm lookin for somewhere to go musically, but I don't know where that is yet, when i find out I'll let everyone know.

And the original solo on "Let It Be" off the the album called Let It Be is soooo much better than the solo on 1. Original Beatles is always the most passionate and the best.

Weight Lifted

Juries are finally over!!!! I honestly didn't feel too bad about this year's jury I think I did ok. But it is always stressful so I'm glad it is finally over.

I started off by playing Etude No.1 by Leo Brower and then played two other pieces, but that was my favorite.

Weight Lifted

Juries are finally over!!!! I honestly didn't feel too bad about this year's jury I think I did ok. But it is always stressful so I'm glad it is finally over.

I started off by playing Etude No.1 by Leo Brower and then played two other pieces, but that was my favorite.

Why Does It Hurt?

Why does it hurt so bad when i see you with him? Well thats what my new "Inspiration" focuses on. I try and try but no matter how hard I try........letting go of you is not such an easy thing to do. Does he really treat better than I could? You never even gave me a chance and now perhaps I am too late.

Dang this honestly kills me inside...everytime I think I'm done with you....BAM! I see a picture of you and him, and no I don't think he deserves an amazing girl like you, which really I don't think I deserve you either.....perhaps it is my fault....i just don't know.

Life

The 5 yr anniversary for Danny (see blog below) has somehow been harder than the others. I honestly don't know, I tried going to the grave for the first time since the funeral, but when I drove by I just kept on driving. I couldn't bring myself to go in there, either I guess because 1) Danny isn't there, but in Heaven or 2) Because I just don't want to face the reality that I know is there, that his earthly body is lying underground and I will never see him on this earth again. Granted I did not want Danny to suffer with his cancer anymore, it was killing him and I'm glad God called him home when he did. Watching Danny suffer was a hard hard thing. I honestly don't know how much longer I could watch or how much more he could take.

I still don't understand why God had to take Danny, but it somehow gave God glory and He had a reason for it. It is not up to me to question why (although I often do and it is not wrong) but I need to trust God and have faith in God and His divine will for this situation and for life in general. Danny will never leave my thoughts as long as I walk this earth, but I know i will see him again.

5 years

It's been 5 years today since Danny died. It is crazy how fast time goes by, I still remember Nov 13th 2002 like it was yesterday. Life has changed alot, but the fact that Danny isn't here hasn't. Everyday I miss Danny more and more. I wrote a song about Danny last year and it's up on myspace.com/mourningformorgan if you want to hear it. Danny was the most selfless and honest person I ever knew. I often ask God why he took Danny when he did. God has a reason that I will never understand possibly, but it is all for the enhancement of His Glory. I miss you Danny and will one day see you again.

Things cannot stay the same

Things change and life ultimately always changes. The one thing that always stays the same is God, and for that we should always glorify and honor Him. Because He never stopped loving us we do not have to burn in hell.

My life seems to be drastically changing everyday, I want consistancy but at the same time I don't, because the more my life changes the more I learn about myself and the more I grow into a different and hopefully better person.

Shows still very fun and going great, if you can catch one.....the next one is Sept. 7th at The Black Cow in Honea Path, it's becoming one of my favorite little coffeeshops to play, good coffee and great people. And just a flat out good time.

New Life

So I moved out and back into the wide world of college again for sophmore. Pretty Stoked, I'm ready to get a fresh start and try and forget some people and things of my past. But some things and people are hard to say bye to because you care for them so much.

I honestly feel like I'm giving up, but I feel like every chance I had of being closer is dead and buried. Plus new doors that could be better are opening up. So basically I have no clue what I'm doing but I am going to actually figure something out.

Be Careful

I often pray that whatever God wants to happen will happen with things in my life. Be careful with this though because whatever you think is best is not always what God sees as best. God's way is always the right way considering He knows everything and is also perfect and Holy. Just be careful....I asked God that what he wanted to be done to be done with a certain situation recently and well, it wasn't what I had in mind. God has a good reason for this I'm sure but I just don't see it right now. Gotta keep strong and brush myself off and try something else...patience is key

Waking Up Number 1...Maybe, It's just wishful thinking.

These walls say it's 4am in this room where I'm confined to spend the night alone without you. I can't eat and I can't sleep all i can do is just think about you, and what you do. I scream so loud in my mind for you. You can't hear it but it's bloody loud, for you. I'm like a television on mute seeing my pain in expression but hearing nothing to back it up. Maybe I'm not as close as i thought, or maybe you're just too far away.

Goin Back

I was at Will's house yesterday watching Fuse TV and they started talking about Bad Religion and Social Distortion. Both bands I love, but I haven't listened to them since high school. Both are two of the most influential and longest running bands in punk rock history. The genre would not be the same if not for these two bands. I say all that to say this, some things never change....although it's been a while since I listened to them I love them both and I'm glad I had a chance to realize what I have been missing out on lately.
PS- Both are still two of the best live bands around! If anyone wants to get tickets and go see either one with me...let me know

New Songs

So it takes alot for to say a new song is one of my favorites but here are four songs that i think you should get off iTunes... "Teenagers" by: My Chemical Romance, "Insurance" by: The Higher "Misery Business" by: Paramore, and "Icky Thump" by: The White Stripes...so if you want something good to spend $4 on here ya go.

Am I The Only Person Who Likes The White Stripes?

So why is it that everyone I talk to says they hate The White Stripes? I don't know it's just kinda wierd. I realize that they are an aquired taste but I think they are cool and I really wanna go and buy the new CD. Jack White always brings something new and completely random and different to the table and I respect that. He also has some of the wierdest songs, lyrically and musically I have ever heard. So I just wanna say whether or not you like The White Stripes I honestly dont know, but I know that I like them.

From Cop Cars to Father's Day...and all the Ramblings in Between

So yea, this weekend was definately unforgettable. Me and Randy and Will were in the mall parking lot, Will did a little burnout and then the next thing we know Will is being arrested. The cop was a complete idiot and Will did not deserve that at all.....talk to me and i'll tell you the whole story later but it is just too long to post here. Anyways after that whole fiasco Randy and I went and saw the new and improved Triggerfish play. With a new drummer and lead guitar they were nothing short of amazing live...Jeremy Scruggs is an AMAZINg frontman and a goodfriend. If you ever get the chance go see them.

Now onto Saturday, well the day was chill I discovered a place in Powdersville called Atha's that rocked my face and stomach too, thanks Chris and Mandy. Then it was on to the show at The Lofts....it was one of my favorite playing experiences I have had thusfar, the crowd was really into everyone's music and that was great. If you were there thank you for supporting everyone not just me...and especially thanks for supporting Christina Im sure she appreciates it.

Sunday...big Father's Day, well I've learned over the years that no matter what happens to me good or bad my dad has always been there for me either waiting to correct, support, or comfort me. I love my dad, he is the greatest in the world and I thank God for giving me such a role-model and great father to look up to....everytime I look at my parents I have to thank God because he gave me some great ones. So yea that was this weekend, until next time...God Bless btw:Carpenter's was really great this morning....I feel like God is about to do something Huge there.

Summer

Summer can bring new stories and experiences to one's life...all this summer has seemed to bring me is new music(great), close friends(great), and depression from boredom(not so great). But O well, life has its ups and downs. Not everything is always gonna go your way. So you just gotta grab life by the balls and twist, lol...jk. But really though if life has got you down one thing that always makes me feel better is to start thanking God for everything he has done for me and for all he has given to me. After that I realize that being depressed is a waste of time.

There and Back Again

So I'm back from my weekend retreat to the lovely city of Nashville. I honestly hated to leave because Nashville is a mecca for singers and songwriters. I went up there and fought in a karate tournament, it turned out well i took third...which is not bad, its no first place but maybe next time. But other than fighting I went downtown to some local clubs and heard some of the best musicians i have ever heard in my life. These guys i saw were in it for the love, they only worked for only tips and they played great music. I did go to my version of a toy store....The Gibson Shop. I found my future Les Paul if anyone would like to lend me the $3400 it costs lol. But the highlight of the trip was going to the legendary bluebird cafe and hear a few up and coming writers and performers. Overall an amazing trip but of course I'm glad to be back. Speaking of singer/songwriters me and Josh Williams have to play a gig in Florence Sc this weekend. If anyone is near aroma underground saturday night please come in and hear us play.

Memorial Day (A time to desecrate our bodies)

Yesterday was quite eventful. Me and Merritt went to empire to get more ink, I got the bird on the cover of the new Bayside CD on the inside of my bicep. My reasoning for this was, the title of the album is "The Walking Wounded". This to me means that even though I may not be perfect I am still alive and as long as I am God has a purpose for me to fufill. So like the wounded bird he has hope and knows his purpose is not to be nothing...I am the same way, wounded and imperfect before God but he still loves me and uses me.
And on the way back home Hoyt, Chris, and I saw an old man riding a unicycle in the Ingles parking lot. That was truly an amazing thing to see after being in NC all day. The trip was fun but kinda sad b/c Wylie Perry is moving to New York...so that was the last time he would desecrate my body in the south. Hopefully it isn't the last one I ever get from him.

Ten Foot Tall and Bulletproof

If I were 10 foot tall and bullet proof I would run through a gunfight knife held high screaming at the top of my lungs. But seeing as that isn't the case I shouldn't do that. It would be an unwise choice therefore ending my short-lived life of playing guitar and doing random things. Maybe I should do something that matters instead sitting around thinking of what I would do if I was 10 foot tall and bulletproof. Truth is I'm just lacking inspiration for new tunes....but I'll come out of this slump eventually just because I always do.

Good Times

Some of the best things in life can actually be free...(unless you figure in the gas to drive somewhere and the cost of food at a restaurant) but hey that's not what im talkin about. Tonight me and my best friend Randy went and sat around outside at AU and played guitar and shared stories from this school year. He just got back from MTSU which is right outside of Nashville not too long ago and tonight was the first time we've hung out. So therefore it was a good night, and the whole music thing costed me nothing.

In other news, I went to my old high school's graduation yesterday and I must say as usual it was redneck city. Although I was proud of my boy Will for graduating, and seeing some other people I was glad to see it honestly wasn't that great. Do I ever want to go back to high school? No, because college is way better.

Crush

Lately I've figured out if I had to date a famous person it would definately be Haley from Paramore. She has such an amazing voice and is so hot. This morning I was watching the rock countdown on MTV2 and they had Paramore on there and Haley was playing an acoustic guitar....now that's so hot. So yea thats definately my celebrity crush.

In other news I wrote another new song and im debating whether or not to record it. Hmmm such a problem. O well I'll find a solution soon enough so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Saying Goodbye to Things Regarding The Jew Fro and Old Friends

First off...the jew fro is no more. That's right I am no longer bound by the hairy monstrosity which overtook my head since last July. Yay short hair.

Anyway, moving on. My little sister lost a classmate the other day, he died in a car crash early last saturday morning. I felt horrible that iwasn't sitting there being a crying sympathetic brother, but if you know anything about me you know I lost my best friend when i was in 9th grade. I watched him suffer and die with cancer for two years, then not long after that my grandmother passed on. So the idea of death really doesn't phase me. I also knew God had a purpose for taking them home when he did. Whatever God lets happen now although we may not see it, will eventually work out to give Christ the most glory. That is what we have to remember, also if they have recieved Christ we will see them again. So death doesn't have to really be the final frontier, and to whatever happens in life....to God be the Glory.

Fun Filled Weekends

I played a custom Martin acoustic this weekend that sounded amazing...and Im starting to get ideas for at least one new song...hopefully it will be ready by my trip to Flo-town June 9th.

It's Over!!!!

Another semester come and gone, now its finally summertime. Hoping for a good one this year filled with mischeivious adventures of monsterous proportions. But who knows. Ive already got two shows setup for the summer, one at ecity in July and one at Carpenter's Cellar this August. Check myspace.com/mourningformorgan and purevolume.com/elirhodes for updates.

One More to Go

Just got back from my english exam, and I must say I believe I just kicked it in the balls. I feel like i did really well on it, which means there is only one exam left! Math tomorrow then im done for this school year, this should be fun. I am also now bookng summer shows, if you want to book me let me know via virb.com/elirhodes or facebook look up eli rhodes or even myspace.com/mourningfor morgan.

Getting There

Almost done for the semester. Kind of excited about having free time to write new music and chill, but I've gotta get a job and make some extra cash. I mean I'm not complaining, just making a true statement. O well, life is good and exams are almost over, just Monday and tuesday to go. Hopefully new shows will be coming your way soon too!

Exam Time

Exam week...actually kinda relaxing compared to last week, o well....summer is well on it's way. Gonna be a good one lol.

Today

I had my final guitar ensemble performance of the semester...tear. Now I have my jury left, which has got me a tad nervous but I'll pull through. After coming back from a successful trip to wok n roll with my three favorite dudes on the hall I started working on my research paper, all that is left is to type it thank God! In other news The Used has a new single/video out for a song called "The Bird and The Worm" I highly recommend checking it out. I've always liked The Used but never really got into them that much but this song is great, i love the loops going on. Check it out, you'll enjoy it.

Does Bringing a Knife to a Gunfight = Balls or Just Utter Stupidity?

If you get caught up in a situation where you are certainly outmatched, why try and stand to fight. Why don't you get out of the way before getting shot? I'm not saying just give up, but just play smart. We are supposed to be brave creatures but part of being brave is also being smart and choosing our battles and when to fight them wisely. You wouldn't just run balls to the wall in front of a loaded cannon screaming "Shoot!" Have a little tact and use a little of your God-Given wisdom instead of being so stinkin stupid.
In other news school is winding down so that means the work is winding up. So it's been a tad more stressful than normal, but then again it isn't supposed to be a walk in the park affair. I normally don't do this but I have two recommendations of hardcore bands to listen to...now I'm not the biggest fan of hardcore and these bands are in the all-time greats list to many hardcore fans, but I just wanna say that Between the Buried and Me and Norma Jean are soooo freaking good. If you want good hardcore you can't go wrong there. Btw me and my dad have a floor seats to see Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. in June. Who's excited????? this guy is!

Something New

Before this blog I must say...someone on another blog commented saying I have a short fuse during my previous post. I kind of laughed b/c this person really doesn't know me and doesn't realize my situation. I have been holding the feelings in I have right now for a long time and I'm just now making them public. You may say that is unbiblical not telling someone you are angry with them, well you are right. But the Bible also says in James 1:19 "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." So I am just evaluting my current situation because I don't want to say something I will regret. I have no grudge, I just want to do what's right.

Now, anyway I can't wait til this semester is over because it means I will have more time to devote to writing new songs. So anyone who actually listens and looks for new tunes be patient because they are on the way, I have a few ideas in my head right now that i can't wait to put down and record until then keep in tune and lookout lol.

I Don't Know

Used, abandoned, and taken advantage of. This is how I feel. Can I just disappear and get away from life for a while? I feel trapped inside an unbreakable bubble that is holding me down. Maybe it is time for a change, I don't know. I mean I love college and I want to stay here but other aspects of my life seem to be what hold me down. I just don't know anymore, I really don't. Getting away would do me good....maybe I'll disappear for a few days.

Free Pizza=An Amazing Night

So if you go to Barley's and get an entire tray of water spilled on your back apparently you get a free t-shirt and free pizza. That made to the G-Vegas trip even sweeter than normal. I love gettin to go chill with the boys.

Crazy Fridays

Last night was fun, I went with Josh and Charlie from Restless to Clemson. They had a Relay for Life event to play there before our gig that night at Familar Grounds so I just tagged along. When we got to Relay the band before them cancelled so somehow i ended up getting a slot at Relay. So after that gig we went and played at Familar Grounds...good shows and good times, I had fun doing it and now I must book new shows. Stay tuned for updates on all that stuff.

Weather and Stormy Thoughts of the Modern Christian

Wow it's nasty outside today. I know it's so much harder to get up for theory when the weather is this way, but gotta do it. I also wonder why certain people get mad and put down other Christians for hanging out with non-Christians. What is so wrong with having lost friends? Jesus hung out with bad people and outcasts alot.....let me clarify that he never supported their lifestyle and never got involoved with it, but Jesus loved them and showed them love none the less. Who are we to think we are better and are excluded from loving lost people? We aren't some premeire club that once you're in it you can stop talking to lost people, always listen to christian radio, and read your Bible 17 times a day. If you do that you are being arrogant and telling people to go to hell with your actions. Remember actions speak louder than words.

Hiatus is Over

Im back...I've honestly just been blog lazy for the last month or so, but I'm back now. Life has been ok, just trying to get through this semester at AU. Ive played some shows lately, I have another one this weekend at Familar Grounds in Clemson (9pm Friday night) you should come out. Ive been working on new material and just having a ball when I play my acoustic onstage lol. Maybe soon enough I'll hook up with the right ppl and some full band stuff will come your way. O well, you can check me out on the wide world of virb now...virb.com/elirhodes. It's cool stuff, be on the lookout for new stuff comin your way. Be good God Bless

Be Careful What You Ask For

Since God never goes back on His word sometimes when you pray for things he will give you exactly what you want. I prayed that God would show me he who he wanted me to date, and well he's definately showing me who not to date. Although it's not exactly what i want God's way is way better than mine and I must trust Him. If we let God take complete control of our lives we can throw our own personal agendas out the window. Because God is perfect and all knowing and his plan for our lives is the plan that will give him the most glory, so we must hold fast, be patient, and work on God's time and plan not our own.

Birthday

I turned 19 Thursday and I wanted to wait a few days to talk about how this year of my life is different from the rest, well at 18 I graduated highschool, started college wrote some new music and made some new friends. Eighteen was pretty productive, did I do all i could to give God the most glory with my life? Did I try to all the time? No, I'm human so that makes me unperfect, my goal this year is to love Jesus with everything I have, and then to love others as myself, if i ever get those two completely down then i will feel successful. So besides those two things im gonna become a better musician and maybe start a relationship with a lady friend who knows? O well later...

Ps- I also got a tat at 18 and dang it im gonna get at least one at 19.

God Bless

A Fisherman to Fish

Jesus said he would make his disciples "Fishers of men." He first chose fishermen to be His disciples, fishermen were not the most respected in the community but Jesus chose them to follow Him. Just like He chooses us, all we have to do is follow. It really takes a fishermen to fish.

Gettin in the Swing

College is back in full swing, I enjoy it although at times it is stressful. Im really trying to get back in the whole writing music thing i need a new song badly. I also recommend the new Killswitch Engage album...As Daylight Dies it is the best metal album in a long long long time. Adam D is amazing.

A Day inthe Life

College isn't all fun and games. I guess the reality of being onyour own and fending for yourself makes you realize how stressful life can sometimes be. Through it all you must just try and keep your head on straight and know that you are gonna make it through. Because at the end of the day you are yourself and thats all you can be.

Fresh Ink

I got my first tattoo yesterday and it is beautiful. I got a tree on my shoulder with roots coming down and the roots spell out "Christ". This symbolizes that like a tree the roots are what stabelize and anchor the tree and also without roots a tree cannot live. The same is true with me, without Christ I would spiritually be unstable and dead. Ps ask to see it but plz dont touch its kinda sore.