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indie-guy ..the bag is transparent mom. - Subscribe

well, i drove back home for the weekend...mostly to do laundry. haha.

i finally have everything i need to make my own pop-filter. the website it would cost under $10. yeah right! it was more like $15-$20.

oh well, it'll be worth it! no more loud "s" or "b" noises when i record

(which is a great thing when you don't have the money for a de-esser)

i've really been looking into studio equipment and techniques and searching the web for software that will emulate what the million dollar hardware does. i found some really great plugins, including a harmonizer, pitch corrector and a vocoder!

a vocoder is something that makes an instrument sound like it's talking. so an example would be, a recording of my voice and a recording of my guitar. then you load them into the vocoder and it shapes the sound waves of the instrument so they match the vocal track. it's really really cool!

other than that, i started a myspace group. it's sort of a decentralized record label for people who record at home. if everything goes well, there will be a compilation every month or so that will be released online and on CD so..yeah i'll let everyone know about that.

haha there are two big boxes by the christmas tree with my name on them.
one of them is in a bag...and the bag is somewhat transparent and you can see the outline of a little keyboard.

looks like a got a keyboard for christmas!

i'm thinking the other is the mixer i wanted. i hope so. i need to get rid of my crappy four-track cassette and use some REAL studio equipment.

ahh i can't wait until christmas.

i healed someone the other night.
it blew me away.
she's agnostic...but i think i changed that.

the strangest things are happening to me
that feeling of something big being just around the corner just tripled in size.

jon brion is my new favorite musician... next to ben gibbard of course!

i love you.
-dustin

0 Comments
Mood: imperfection. just the way i like it :)
music: ivy - ba ba ba

indie-guy drum roll please.... Dec 9th, 2006 12:17:44 am - Subscribe

hello,

i bought a real mic stand today. and i'm working on getting a pop-screen soon. plus a mixer and possible a keyboard.

project Makeshift Studios is well underway!

anyway, the moment you've all been waiting for...videos!

Gleemer

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Recycled Air

Add to My Profile | More Videos

tada! enjoy

-dustin

(hehe i was recognized by a complete stranger today!)

0 Comments

indie-guy i'm standing on two feet... Dec 7th, 2006 7:38:16 pm - Subscribe

..now buried in concrete.

I WON THE OPEN MIC!!!!!
videos will be up later tonight (after workkkk)

oh man..this is unbelievable!
-dustin

1 Comments

indie-guy jeepiez Dec 6th, 2006 9:53:25 pm - Subscribe

i'm so nervous for tomorrow.

i'm thinking i'll only get to play one song, so i've picked my acoustic version of "recycled air" by the postal service.

in the event that hardly anyone shows up to perform anything (poetry, comedy, whatever..) i'll probably get the chance to play a couple more.
so as back ups..i've chosen the following:

* gleemer (the deeds of fertile jim) by guided by voices.
* i like you (original)
* the artist (original)

then if i really want to turn it into a 'dustin ralston plays guitar!' show...i'll do another postal service cover. which i've never actually sang along to when playing it haha. (brand new colony...acoustic)

but yeah. i have butterflies. but at least i have friends that promised to come cheer me on.
hopefully they'll be loud enough for me to take first prize and win some free pizza!

kate's probably coming over tonight..
that adds to the nervousness..

ehh work is boring!
there are 5 people in the lab, including myself. and everyone is silent because they all have headphones on. weird.

my sociology class seems to be a taking a turn and transforming into a religion class.
which is ok, well by law it's not. because it's supposed to be a secular school..

but whatever.
at least that crazy "anne marie" lady isn't there telling us there is no such thing as God.

i had a wonderful conversation with my friend laura last night. she met a great guy and somehow that led to the inevitibility of a Creator.

i made a point in saying that...if all of this is accidental and there is no external force that created matter or life. then where did all of the giant space rocks that are floating around outside our little world come from?

things like that don't just appear...

then we got off-track and started wondering about where the other sock goes when you dry clothes...

i told her God steals them when we're drying clothes overnight and uses them to refuel our sun..

she replied: "apparently cotton has a lot more power than i thought!"

all in all, i went to bed with that warm fuzzy feeling that i've miss so much.
i'm happy that she's found a great guy that will take care of her.

i better go..boss is coming (i can hear the jingling of his keys)

to my readers, have a fantastic evening!
-dustin

1 Comments
Mood: i have a nervously uptempo and arpeggiated vocal mess on my hands...or throat. or whatever.
music: superchunk - watery hands

indie-guy ..but you can still ruin my day. :) Dec 5th, 2006 11:53:24 pm - Subscribe

you don't return my messages, phone calls, emails...
yet i continue the chase.
and i have to admit, it's worn me out.

i can't do this anymore with you.

this thursday, i will be doing my first live performance ever. looking back now, i've accomplished so much in my very very short musical career (less than a year). this just seems to be the next obvious step to take.

i'll be doing an open mic this thursday at 11:00am in the commons of the Mesabi Range Community and Technical College (virginia, mn campus)
i don't how many songs they'll let me do..i'm hoping for at least two.

songs i want to play:
* recycled air [postal service cover]
* gleemer [guided by voices cover]
* i like you [original song]

i'm actually really excited, despite my stress and ever-constant nervousness.

today, an acquaintance told me that he wanted a copy of my cd. he said that "it's really really great stuff."

..this coming from a kid in perhaps one of the most popular bands in this tiny town.

certain things are really falling in line for me.
but other things are deteriorating excessively.
i feel as if i'm experiencing a sudden shift in purpose.

whatever it is...i'm ready for it.
i trust You'll get me to the right place and time for me to fulfill whatever it is i'm meant to do.

goodnight everyone,
(possible future) rock star,
-dustin douglas ralston

1 Comments
Mood: these walls are paper thin and everyone hears every little sound.
music: modest mouse - paper thin walls

indie-guy protonix Dec 5th, 2006 6:56:49 am - Subscribe

a while ago, the doctor prescribed me "protonix" which is a once-a-day pill for heartburn.

he asked me if i was under any stress and i told him no.
which was a lie.

i stopped taking the pill when the stress lifted.

now the stress is back and i refuse to take the pill. just because it makes my stomach feel weird when i eat.
so now i have heartburn like crazy.

i would go into why i'm stressed..but i can hardly keep my eyes open right now and my stomach is killing me.
maybe i should just "let the vibrations of pain pass through me" like my crazy sociology speaker advised the class to do.

i think that only works with outside pain.
not emotional suffering.

time for junk food and weird dreams.
night everyone,
-dustin

0 Comments

indie-guy just like a heavy drinker.. Dec 5th, 2006 12:06:37 am - Subscribe

i go for it everytime
..hook, line and sinker.

i don't like it when people say they like someone but flirt with everyone else but the person they say they like.
..it ~~sort of~~ hurts.

somebody told me that i was inspiring.
for once, in a really long time, i could literally feel my chest warming up.

we had a speaker in my sociology class today.
she said there is no such thing as an external entity of God. that God is only made up of tiny vibrations in the universe that our brains can pick up.

i personally think she's the Antichrist. or at least trying to be.

she made us do indian chants and said that there is no such thing as a miracle.
she also said that we don't need medicine or therapy. or doctors. because our brains can heal everything that ever ails us.

and she was obsessed with sound. and claimed that it could heal both physical and emotional wounds.
she claimed to have smashed her hand in a locked car door. then apparently the next morning her bruises and the gash on her hand were completely healed. no scars or anything.

and i thought i was the one with mental problems..

a girl taught me to dance tonight.
the one i've been crushing on all year.
and i never once had the urge to kiss her. or hug her. or hold her hand. or any of that.

i wish...i wish i knew what was going on with me, and why i suddenly feel as if i'm mentally ill.

that's all for tonight.
i need to eat...it's been a while..
-dustin

1 Comments
Mood: she'll go for it everytime, putting herself in peril.
music: jon brion - hook, line and sinker.

indie-guy shockwaves of stress Dec 4th, 2006 3:08:31 am - Subscribe

ehhhh

i just finished my 7 page sociology project that was due last friday.
(procrastination..it's steals the better part of you)

i've been listening to bright eyes the entire time i worked on it tonight..i'm not feeling very well, emotionally.
the mixture of some hidden stress and sad lyrics doesn't sit to well..especially when your subconscious-self is the one mixing it all together.

tomorrow, work on college writing paper and do my stupid speed reading exercise crap. i don't even want to learn to speed read, but the teacher is forcing us.

...i feel like it's cheating. is that weird?

ehh i like you but you're soooo farrrr awayyyy. come here pleeeeease.
5 hours is too far for this

..at least i'll be seeing you this weekend.

i need a hug.
i'm having another one of my should-be-trademarked and oh-so-predictable breakdowns again.

i need a hug.
-dustin

3 Comments
Mood: Slouchy McSadhappy
music: bright eyes - true blue (live)

indie-guy i'm in love.. Dec 3rd, 2006 4:07:48 am - Subscribe

...what else is there to say?

1 Comments

indie-guy new song tonight. Nov 30th, 2006 9:24:33 pm - Subscribe

i just finished recording most of what will become my next song called "safety net"

i got the idea from overhearing a friend's conversation while i was listening to an old song called "seashell tale"

also,
a few days ago i added a new song called "crash lullaby" so if you'd like to hear that or any of my songs you should definitely go to this page!!

http://www.myspace.com/dustinralston

thanks!!
i have to go, i'm going to be late for wooork.
-dustin

2 Comments
Mood: hungry.
music: ehhh the toilet wont' stop running.

indie-guy Download My CDs! FOR FREE!! Nov 30th, 2006 6:27:53 pm - Subscribe

hey everyone,
here you go, all of my cds!
i changed servers so now all you have to do is just click and download

they're all in ZIP format so just unzip and enjoy!

----
Dustin Ralston Plays Guitar!
I Play Guitar! [EP]
(february 2006)
(17mb)

Day Tracks and Night Songs
(may 2006)
(40mb)

The Garage Party Sessions [EP]
(july 2006)
(12.5mb)

The Year is Over [EP]
(november 2006)
(36mb)

Happi Diari
Adjectives & Adverbs
(june 2006)
(30mb)
----

i'll try and put together a "rarities/covers" collection soon too.

i can't believe how many songs i've written in a year.
unbelievable.

thanks!
-dustin

2 Comments
Mood: mixed.
music: her space holiday - you and me

indie-guy spatula madness! Nov 28th, 2006 4:58:36 pm - Subscribe

i love that movie.

anyway,
i'm in the process of uploading all of my albums to a webserver (including happidiari)
i just did some quick album art for previously unreleased EPs

so think of some of these as internet exclusives!

i'll let you know when they're all uploaded.

take care,
-dustin

0 Comments

indie-guy crash lullaby [demo] Nov 28th, 2006 5:40:44 am - Subscribe

hi everybody,

i just wanted to mention that i posted a new song online. it's called:
crash lullaby

it's just a demo song right now, but i've already gotten a few good "reviews" from people in the half hour that it's been online.

you can find it here (along with other tracks):
http://www.myspace.com/dustinralston

thanks and goodnight!
-dustin

0 Comments

indie-guy to my music fans Nov 27th, 2006 6:34:02 pm - Subscribe

another happi diari album might be in the works..

just a heads up to those who liked the last one.

1 Comments

indie-guy there are some things you can't fake. Nov 27th, 2006 4:22:04 am - Subscribe

this weekend i bought the new bright eyes collection called "noise floor"

very very good. i like the original "feb. 15th" better though. the one on the "collection of songs" cd. but oh well. official studio versions are always nice

i also bought "the best of chuck berry" and almost every song sounds the same haha.
it did have "my ding-a-ling" on it though...i grew up with that song!
my grandma had it on her jukebox when i was younger

..i like you.
but i'm indirectly finding out some new things about you.
and i kind of want you to stay away from me because of those things.

ohh i need a therapist.
or anyone to talk to really. instead of scribbling in this stupid digital notepad.

-dustin (none the wiser)

1 Comments
Mood: ftw? lame.
music: bright eyes - motion sickness.

indie-guy i believe she's lying. Nov 25th, 2006 11:21:31 pm - Subscribe

hi,
random blog...begin:

i don't want to seperate my music and my normal stuff anymore. like how i have a "personal" blog. and a "music" blog. and a "personal" myspace and a "music" myspace.
music is part of me (though we all know i'm not a fan of my later work)
i dunno..

i really like this girl with pretty brown hair.
and i like taking time with our relationship.
in my opinion, she is one of the most beautiful things on this planet.

oh shoot. i have to cut this short, dinner's ready.
anyway, today was a blast.
i'll elaborate more on this later

jon brion is awesome.
-dustin

0 Comments
music: jon brion - i believe she's lying.

indie-guy new wave. Nov 24th, 2006 5:13:36 am - Subscribe

i need to start writing and learning personal songs again.
i'm not impressed with my music.
it's so....uninspired.

11:11 make a wish.

anyway, i better get to bed.
hope everyone's thanksgiving was a good one!
and remember, shop smart, not hard!

i'm cheesy.

sweet dreams everyone,
-dustin

2 Comments

indie-guy my fellow americans, Nov 23rd, 2006 2:56:13 pm - Subscribe

......happy thanksgiving

1 Comments

indie-guy i just find it amazing.. Nov 21st, 2006 11:55:19 pm - Subscribe

..how wonderful the world works.
i always have.
even through my dark past.

and lately, i feel as if i have my own proof.
You're brilliant beyond human comprehension.

thank You for everything,
-dustin-

1 Comments

indie-guy baby, please don't go. Nov 21st, 2006 11:52:17 pm - Subscribe

the night is young and we're in love, you know..

this weekend was amazing.
st. olaf is such a nice school! holy cow. expensive though.

emily is beautiful.

me, kirstine, emily, jess, kat, and..bailey? i think that's her name. well, we all ate lunch right when i got there. kirstine paid for me which was super nice! after that emily and kirstine gave me a tour. i love the buildings. haha we found a really old looking dungeon-type door. and they we're freaking out because i wanted to open it. it was locked though (darn it)

then kirstine showed us this really weird tombstone in the woods. which wasn't as spooky as it should have been..

then we went searching for ghosts in the library but had no luck. but we did find a secret room with a whiteboard so i wrote "the ghost lady was here" in creepy letters. haha.

after that, we went "downtown" and "shopped." and chowed down on candy buttons. mmmm. the blue ones are the best.

then we came back and had pizza and it was really good. after that we watched donnie darko (which is an awesome movie) and then the school was showing "the black dahlia" so we went to see that. which wasn't really that good at all. especially when you're forced to look at josh hartnett's butt. i almost cried from the horror

we hung out in the lounge for a little bit, then we went and watched the meteor shower outside. it was cold, but i loved it.

i ended up staying in kirstine's room, which is a complete no-no but oh well. her roommate snored haha.

in the morning, we went out for breakfast and i spilled my pop all over the place! my pockets were filled and leaking haha.

shh, don't tell anyone, but me and emily were sneaky while i was there. when kirstine left the room, we kissed.
and when we were watching donnie darko, i was holding her hand underneath the blanket.
and when we were in the movie, we spread our jackets out so no one could see us holding hands.
and in the morning before kirstine went to work, we drove to the edge of town just to be with eachother.
and while kirstine was working, and me and emily were hanging out there. i said i was leaving but really i was just waiting outside. because five minutes later, emily came out and we hung out more alone. i kissed her again. and walked her to her dorm room. and hugged and kissed her one last time before i drove home.

5 and 1/2 hours later, i was back in boring virginia, mn. missing the girl of my dreams.

overall this trip was filled to the brim with scandal/secret love affairs.
i feel bad that me and emily had planned the trip and told kirstine i was going to visit her.
but in the same way i'm glad we did, because i never would have met such an amazing girl.

my next road trip is planned for the 8th. this time we're not going to worry about being so secretive.

i can't wait!!!
-dustin

2 Comments
Mood: radiant
music: death cab for cutie - please don't go.