Full Disclosure.
I decided to publish the emails which our band members exchanged when the second Life of Pi incarnation broke up. There's now a third incarnation of the band. Be sure to read the Comments section below. One of the former band members chimed in... really funny!
--
john
Hey guys,
I think it comes as no surprise to any of us that Life of Pi is not the same band it was when it started. It's been a constantly evolving organism one that I have been happy to say that I have been a part of.
John, Anthony, and I joined the band about a year ago to take over for the departing members. The expectation being that it would be for a few shows and then we would decide what would happen. Since that time Anthony has departed our fair state, John has switched instruments, and we took on Mark as our new bassist. Aside from band members changes not much in the band has changed. We are still playing old Life of Pi songs that were written before John and I joined and have written no new material. I think there are a number of reasons for this but I think the #1 reason is communication. Or more to the point, lack thereof. For instance, practice times are rarely kept consistent and if they need to be cancelled it is usually with extremely short notice. There have been conversations between band members about other members behavior/performance but its rarely addressed to the member being spoken about. Generally speaking the feeling is that Life of Pi is Stephen's band and we are his "backup members". None of this is condusive to a collaborative song writing effort as a band.
Recently some events have occured that have also marred my experience with Life of Pi. Lily was nice enough to fill in for us when Mark was unable to attend our most recent show. She worked very hard to learn 7 songs in a VERY short time as a favor to us. At practice on Thursday Stephen was quite honestly a jerk to her. She was visibly upset at his treatment of her yet he still continued to treat her cruelly. Even when she left for the evening and John and I said thank you to her, Stephen did not even extend her that courtesy. This is only one instance of a personality trait that has come to light that I have a strong objection towards.
The other is Stephens myspace "habits". It seems that almost EVERY girl that I have introduced to Stephen has been approached by him on myspace. Not just normal friend requests, but near stalkerish bombardments of offers to go for drinks, to be their valentine etc. Not only was this innapropriate when he was dating Lily, it is kind of creepy when single as well and does not make for a fun playing environment when it gets to the point of being uncomfortable to introduce friends to my bandmates.
It has come to my attention by multiple members of the band that they are unhappy for various reasons be it the musicianship, songwriting, sobriety of band members, or just the general direction that the band is going. Based on this I have decided to part ways with Life of Pi. It is not an easy decision as I do love playing music. I do also love playing music with friends though and at this point, Life of Pi feels like bandmates, not friends. Since we have no further shows planned I am resigning now. If you would still like to put together the songs we have worked on and re-record the 2 we planned on doing I will be happy to help in any way.
-Andy
Stephen Hammill wrote:
Happy trails, man.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
Right after this, I received the "gutless" text message and so responded with the following
Main Entry: gut·less
Pronunciation: 'g&t-l&s
Function: adjective
1 : lacking courage : COWARDLY
2 : lacking significance or vitality
- gut·less·ness noun
This is the word used to describe me today. In a text message.
I've been, for the last few months, very tight lipped about my feelings for this band. First and foremost, I was deferring to the judgment of my good friend Andy. Andy felt that if I said anything it would end up being caustic and pointed. My opinion is that people get away with too much because no one calls them out on things. Who is more correct? I don't think there's a right answer to that.
I have discussed this at length with my friends related to the band, specifically Andy and Anthony, though there were others. I've asked them to be discreet about it, a request which I obviously didn't have to make because of their character. I went to them because they understood the situation and could offer sound advice on what was happening.
For the most part, I have let Andy be my voice because it was felt I wouldn't handle the situation with kid gloves and because I trust him to be diplomatic about things.
Today, after being called gutless, especially in the face of so many past transgressions against us and people we know which warranted at least that level of insult has placed me in a position where I feel that not saying anything would be a greater mistake.
Let's start with the most recent. Last Monday, before leaving for Texas, I was kicked out of the band by you, Stephen. I know this because my friend, Andy, came and told me. Apparently you also discussed changing the band name as well as the line-up, getting rid of Marc and I and finding a new sound for your band.
Wonderful. Why? Because I had been trying to quit for quite some time. I stayed in the band out of friendship for Marc and Andy. People who I genuinely like for the qualities they engender. People who would have been put out had I simply walked off the scene.
The next most recent event was of course the two practices Lily so kindly joined us for, learning our songs as a FAVOR to us. Lily, I can't tell you how much I respect you and how grateful I am to you for playing with us, even after enduring the pure disrespect and lack of appreciation you got from Stephen. You are wonderful.
Stephen, you have no idea what it took for me to restrain myself that night. You might recall Andy shaking his head negatively in my direction then laughing? Its because I was mouthing to him that I was quitting the band. "I'm leaving!" or "I'm quitting!" were what I kept mouthing. What you probably also didnt realize was that by the second half of practice, there was no longer any protest from the battery.
Let me go back further. I'll leave it up to Andy to discuss your actions with Melissa. I will instead discuss your actions with my very, very close friend Linda. On your birthday, when you were hanging out with Lily at your house eating cake that she brought for you, you were discussing plans to go out with Linda to Ybor. Plans she thought I was in on. Yeah, your little lies got you in trouble.
When I got the message from her asking when I would be up there, I was perplexed. I consider Linda like a little sister, so when I heard what was going on, I grew extremely protective of her. Again, Stephen, your luck was with you.
She told me about you taking her out a few times in St. Pete earlier that week. She told me that you guys got drinks and so I asked if you drank anything, to which she said, "Nope. He just pretended to sip his beer now that you mention it."
Stephen, your actions towards our friends is incorrigible. They surpass sleaze and get near, by my definition, predation. Since Andy noted your transgressions while dating Lily, I'll simply skip over that.
Still, you call me gutless.
Frankly, the only thing I did related to digestion was to stomach your antics for so long. A mistake I won't make again because I know now that I was right about you from the moment we met.
So let's continue:
com·mu·ni·ca·tion
Pronunciation: k&-"myü-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior; also : exchange of information
I'm defining words here for you because apparently while earning your degree in English or Literature or whatever, you misunderstood the meaning of said words.
There was zero communication. In fact, I can't remember the last time you even looked me in the eyes to say anything. You haven't voiced instructions to me since I played bass, aside from the initial learning period when I switched to guitar. You simply use avoidance and subterfuge to express your feelings. Sometimes on a small scale, by correcting a mistake Marc would make when in reality it was me who messed up. Sometimes on a large scale, by telling everyone but the band that you didn't like when Andy and I drank.
Seems to me that to fix a problem you need to address it, not be passive aggressive about it. Do you honestly believe that I did not know it pissed you off? Do you honestly believe that Andy and I getting trashed at the last show was unintentional? Hell no. We discussed and planned it ahead of time. In fact, it was our plan to get kicked out of the band rather than quit, making the whole decision a lot easier for you. Go ahead and confirm it with him.
Another example of your manipulation and lack of communication was the Reax interview. I love how we received the interview questions on the same morning they were to be delivered to Reax. Of course there was no time to use anything Andy, Anthony or I wrote, you'd sat on the questions for over a week. I won't even go into how I feel about Marc being given no chance to interact.
Moreover, the sheer number of rescheduled practices with little to no lead time, even after discussing this problem, was horrific.
Frankly, I could go on and on. You might ask why I stayed as long as I did. Two reasons: First, I enjoy playing live music. Second, I was friends with Anthony and Andy. You never really allowed for that.
Now go on and post your blogs, tell all your friends, make it known to all the people to whom your appearance matters how bad a person I was. Tell them all how terrible I am for doing what I did today on Myspace. You see, Stephen, I simply removed myself from your Myspace pages because I thought it better to fade out and go away, just like you wanted, rather than put you through the anguish and pain of telling me to my face that I was out of the band.
Yet I am gutless.
--
John.
P.S. -- Though not included in the emails addresses, I have copied this for Lily in MySpace because I didn't feel it was fair to talk about her behind her back, even if it was in good light.
One more from Andy, in response to "Happy Trails," which is followed by Stephen's only "Reply-All" response to the band.
Stephen,
Very mature response. I appreciate the thought, and
care that you put into it. It's now fairly obvious the
level of respect you had for our musicianship and for
our input in Life of Pi.
For the record, addressing this email to just myself
instead of the band (like I did) only furthers my
point about communication. This is precisely the type
of thing you do constantly so that nobody has any idea
what you are telling anybody else.
John was not "gutless" as you had the nerve to text
him today. He has been wanting to tell you off for
months now and quit however I asked him not to. I can
only wonder if the reasons Life of Pi is coming apart
now are the same reasons it fell apart before. I
certainly am not asking you if this is the case. I am
positive that you are incapable of giving an honest
answer to it anyway.
Stephen, you really need to do one or more of the
following:
a) Grow up
b) Seek counseling
I made an offer to assist with the recordings. I would
like to revoke that offer. Instead I would like to
make the PUBLIC request that those recordings never
see light of day. I think they are shit and unfit for
public consumption. They were recorded hastily simply
because of the situation. If I a not part of the band
I would rather not be associated wit h those
recordings. Thank you
Andy
Next, the only response we received from S.H. which was addressed to everyone ---
I can offer a response for public consumption if you wish. here it is:
Your behavior very recently has been unprofessional and disrespectful to the band, of which until very recently you were a member. It was dwarfed by the unprofessional and disrespectful behavior of John during his tenure in the band. His issues warranted being fired from the band, which was the next step that was to take place during the band meeting I had proposed, once everyone got back to town. Your behavior warranted a warning, which I gave you, along with the statement that you were welcome to remain in the band. That meeting now is moot, as you and John have decided to air dirty laundry.
I called John's actions gutless because that's what they were. He has lacked the gumption to approach me once to discuss any problems he might have had. If the reason for that comes from your intervention, then that is that. It changes nothing. He has a modicum of talent that is overshadowed by an alcoholic's passive/aggressive personality, which I don't really care about per se, as I'm concerned with band things, not your personal lives. However, in so much as it affects his stage presence, his ability to remember and repeat songs, and his behavior in practices and recording sessions, it is an issue. I wanted to see him get better at these things because I like John, but these things only continue and in some ways got worse.
As for your issues with me, your welcome to them. I make no apologies or excuses for the way I live my life, or how I run my band.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
Things start getting very personal at this point.
"how I run my band."
Ahhhh you should have just responded with this simple line from the get go. It really sums things up.
Thanks for the clarification!
And unprofessional. I think not. If anything it has been the exact opposite. You shared with me that we are representatives of YOUR band even when we aren't playing. As if Life of Pi has a "moral code". If so, that moral code involves stalking my friends on myspace, cheating on your girlfriend with my friends, stealing from the band, and not being able to communicate properly with others. BRAVO my friend. You truly live the moral code of Life of Pi!
Andy.
Stephen Hammill wrote:
I'll take your request into consideration, RE: the recordings.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
www.wmnf.org
Wow I really appreciate your "consideration". You can "consider" my request an INSISTENCE that you ditch the recordings. Or ditch my drums lines off the recordings and re-record them yourself. Maybe a drum machine would be more suitable though since it's obvious that's what you considered me anyway. Plus your timing.....not the best. I am near positive that John will feel the same about his part in the recording though we haven't really discussed it yet.
If you do chose to disregard my very insistent request I will be expecting a cut of money from every CD sold since you took it upon yourself to re-coupe your cost of recording by commandeering our pay from multiple shows without discussing it with the other members of your band. I could give a shit about the money... it's the principle.
Stephen you still really don't get it do you? Let me introduce you to a concept. It's called "reply all". Oh wait, I know for a fact you are familiar with it since you have used it in the past so you must just chose to use it selectively when it benefits you.
I have actually stood up for you and your actions for weeks now and you are only proving that I was wrong by the way you are handling this. And calling John gutless!? What do you call talking to me, telling me you want to kick him out of the band but never calling him to tell him? Rather you waited until I did which you knew I would.
Why bother asking you questions...... I'm sure I will only receive an answer like "we'll see buddy" or maybe "I'll let you know". For such a prolific writer Stephen, you seem to be having difficulty expressing yourself these days.
Andy
Only Andy is getting the responses, as he later points out
Stephen Hammill wrote:
Being in the band, there are no moral codes enforced, but there are criteria
for professional band behaviour.
The notion that I would steal money from the band is ridiculous and
unfounded.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
www.wmnf.org
Andy's turn...
Reply all....still a difficult concept.
I would say that not notifying other members of payment for performances but rather pocketing said monies qualifies as stealing. You did not tell us of these activities until we approached you at which time you informed us you needed to cover the costs of recording. See how communication works? When you notify people about what is going on in a timely manner there is less confusion and therefore less likely hood of being called a thief. I would say lesson learned yet I somehow doubt it.
As far as band behavior. If anything, I was always professional. At no time did my drinking impair me from playing. Even at my most drunk I performed better than you at your most sober. Not one show has passed since our inception into the band that people did not come up to us after and either tell us how much better Life of Pi is since John, Anthony, and I joined or that we would be great if not for your off key singing and quasi rock star attitude.
And you are right. Moral codes were not enforced in the band.....oh except your not wanting us to drink. Moral codes however shouldn't have to be spoken when it comes to respect between friends and you sire, have shown very little.
Andy.
I finally weigh in again, for the last time
Blessed be. May the heavens shine upon us. When the creature gets backed into a corner and confronted, its claws come out. Funny that there is no longer anything to lose.
Its really unnecessary for me to repeat points in my last email, as I believe I articulated very well how I felt. It also came to light in Andy's emails that I had been wishing to express this for a while. I can see your critical reading skills are honed as you have given these points a slight nod of acknowledgment.
I'm loathe to point out the following item out to you for fear that you may indeed utilize them in the future and extend the suffering of any band mates you may trick into joining a project with you. Regardless, here it is:
BANDS HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN THEM. BANDS ARE NOT ONE PERSON.
Bands collaborate to create music. Unless you think of yourself as some sort of musical genius, I can't see how this doesn't make sense to you. Seriously though, man... you and Phil Collins could probably be great buds. Why don't you just start a solo career and sing "come on, boys" all you like. Who knows, maybe your request will be fulfilled.
I wrote my gutless response to you previously using facts and real opinions from real people. Things that could be backed up by asking the individuals I mentioned. You, on the other hand, are feckless and inconsiderate.
Tit for tat, my email will be personal.
Your band. Take it. Have fun with your sappy songs and lyrics that give teen agers mooney eyes. Enjoy your formulaic chord progressions and weak guitar solos. Continue honking that terrible sound through your pathetic sounding multi-effects processor. Really, I cannot be any more serious when I say this: I have never heard anything ruin the sound of a Telecaster or an Ampeg more effectively. You've single handedly sullied the name of both.
By the way, I think in your second to last sentence the word you were aiming for was the contraction of "you" and "are." On your latest lame poem on myspace, the word is "pore," not "pour."
Since we're stooping to low levels, I figure that poking at grammar and spelling are about as childish and pointless as anything. I didn't wish to be outdone. Feel free to poke at mine, but remember who received a degree related to language and who did not.
Finally, I issue this warning. Touch one of my friends again and I will "touch" you in ways you'll remember for quite some time. Speak to one of my friends in the same manner which you spoke with Lily and the same holds true. Don't darken my path.
You are exactly the type of person I despise. You are hollow. You have a forked tongue and speak from two mouths. You have three hearts if you have one at all: One you expose to the world, one you keep to yourself and the one which you don't even admit to. You lie because it is your nature. You've been doing it since you were at Jesuit. One of my oldest friends knows you quite well, but I will not drag him into this muckraking out of respect to him.
The only thing I wish for your future is that you either get professional help for your problems or that you get caught by some authority: either one will get you to stop. Its your choice which.
I shall not respond again. Its a waste of my time.
finally, our estranged friend puts in his two cents.
Hey guys,
Just thought I'd voice some of my opinions before I
hit the sack.
- I always liked the music/lyrics in Life of Pi
- I really loved playing live with you guys; I always
had a great time, even when the wheels were
threatening to come off
- the recordings that were done at my house are, to
me, a document of a time that I spent with you guys
(and in Tampa) and thus have special meaning to me,
and I'm sorry that my leaving caused us to rush
through it. I would have loved to have given it the
time and attention it needed, but, that said, I'd
still like to have that document in some form
- further, I feel that a lot of those recordings were
collaborative, at least in the creation of them. I
never felt like my ideas were shot down, not even when
they were outlandish. The time schedule was difficult
and meant that Stephen and myself were the most
involved - again, my fault. If we had had another few
months, or a permanent place to record (without police
intervention), I think everyone would have been
thrilled with the results.
It seems like a lot has gone down since I left, and so
I can't comment on that. Sorry to see you guys part
ways, but it's probably for the best.
I know I always seem to be the diplomatic one - that's
just my nature. In some ways you could say I'm Jerry,
and you guys are George and Elaine.
Comments welcome...
Anthony
--
john
Hey guys,
I think it comes as no surprise to any of us that Life of Pi is not the same band it was when it started. It's been a constantly evolving organism one that I have been happy to say that I have been a part of.
John, Anthony, and I joined the band about a year ago to take over for the departing members. The expectation being that it would be for a few shows and then we would decide what would happen. Since that time Anthony has departed our fair state, John has switched instruments, and we took on Mark as our new bassist. Aside from band members changes not much in the band has changed. We are still playing old Life of Pi songs that were written before John and I joined and have written no new material. I think there are a number of reasons for this but I think the #1 reason is communication. Or more to the point, lack thereof. For instance, practice times are rarely kept consistent and if they need to be cancelled it is usually with extremely short notice. There have been conversations between band members about other members behavior/performance but its rarely addressed to the member being spoken about. Generally speaking the feeling is that Life of Pi is Stephen's band and we are his "backup members". None of this is condusive to a collaborative song writing effort as a band.
Recently some events have occured that have also marred my experience with Life of Pi. Lily was nice enough to fill in for us when Mark was unable to attend our most recent show. She worked very hard to learn 7 songs in a VERY short time as a favor to us. At practice on Thursday Stephen was quite honestly a jerk to her. She was visibly upset at his treatment of her yet he still continued to treat her cruelly. Even when she left for the evening and John and I said thank you to her, Stephen did not even extend her that courtesy. This is only one instance of a personality trait that has come to light that I have a strong objection towards.
The other is Stephens myspace "habits". It seems that almost EVERY girl that I have introduced to Stephen has been approached by him on myspace. Not just normal friend requests, but near stalkerish bombardments of offers to go for drinks, to be their valentine etc. Not only was this innapropriate when he was dating Lily, it is kind of creepy when single as well and does not make for a fun playing environment when it gets to the point of being uncomfortable to introduce friends to my bandmates.
It has come to my attention by multiple members of the band that they are unhappy for various reasons be it the musicianship, songwriting, sobriety of band members, or just the general direction that the band is going. Based on this I have decided to part ways with Life of Pi. It is not an easy decision as I do love playing music. I do also love playing music with friends though and at this point, Life of Pi feels like bandmates, not friends. Since we have no further shows planned I am resigning now. If you would still like to put together the songs we have worked on and re-record the 2 we planned on doing I will be happy to help in any way.
-Andy
Stephen Hammill
Happy trails, man.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
Right after this, I received the "gutless" text message and so responded with the following
Main Entry: gut·less
Pronunciation: 'g&t-l&s
Function: adjective
1 : lacking courage : COWARDLY
2 : lacking significance or vitality
- gut·less·ness noun
This is the word used to describe me today. In a text message.
I've been, for the last few months, very tight lipped about my feelings for this band. First and foremost, I was deferring to the judgment of my good friend Andy. Andy felt that if I said anything it would end up being caustic and pointed. My opinion is that people get away with too much because no one calls them out on things. Who is more correct? I don't think there's a right answer to that.
I have discussed this at length with my friends related to the band, specifically Andy and Anthony, though there were others. I've asked them to be discreet about it, a request which I obviously didn't have to make because of their character. I went to them because they understood the situation and could offer sound advice on what was happening.
For the most part, I have let Andy be my voice because it was felt I wouldn't handle the situation with kid gloves and because I trust him to be diplomatic about things.
Today, after being called gutless, especially in the face of so many past transgressions against us and people we know which warranted at least that level of insult has placed me in a position where I feel that not saying anything would be a greater mistake.
Let's start with the most recent. Last Monday, before leaving for Texas, I was kicked out of the band by you, Stephen. I know this because my friend, Andy, came and told me. Apparently you also discussed changing the band name as well as the line-up, getting rid of Marc and I and finding a new sound for your band.
Wonderful. Why? Because I had been trying to quit for quite some time. I stayed in the band out of friendship for Marc and Andy. People who I genuinely like for the qualities they engender. People who would have been put out had I simply walked off the scene.
The next most recent event was of course the two practices Lily so kindly joined us for, learning our songs as a FAVOR to us. Lily, I can't tell you how much I respect you and how grateful I am to you for playing with us, even after enduring the pure disrespect and lack of appreciation you got from Stephen. You are wonderful.
Stephen, you have no idea what it took for me to restrain myself that night. You might recall Andy shaking his head negatively in my direction then laughing? Its because I was mouthing to him that I was quitting the band. "I'm leaving!" or "I'm quitting!" were what I kept mouthing. What you probably also didnt realize was that by the second half of practice, there was no longer any protest from the battery.
Let me go back further. I'll leave it up to Andy to discuss your actions with Melissa. I will instead discuss your actions with my very, very close friend Linda. On your birthday, when you were hanging out with Lily at your house eating cake that she brought for you, you were discussing plans to go out with Linda to Ybor. Plans she thought I was in on. Yeah, your little lies got you in trouble.
When I got the message from her asking when I would be up there, I was perplexed. I consider Linda like a little sister, so when I heard what was going on, I grew extremely protective of her. Again, Stephen, your luck was with you.
She told me about you taking her out a few times in St. Pete earlier that week. She told me that you guys got drinks and so I asked if you drank anything, to which she said, "Nope. He just pretended to sip his beer now that you mention it."
Stephen, your actions towards our friends is incorrigible. They surpass sleaze and get near, by my definition, predation. Since Andy noted your transgressions while dating Lily, I'll simply skip over that.
Still, you call me gutless.
Frankly, the only thing I did related to digestion was to stomach your antics for so long. A mistake I won't make again because I know now that I was right about you from the moment we met.
So let's continue:
com·mu·ni·ca·tion
Pronunciation: k&-"myü-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior
I'm defining words here for you because apparently while earning your degree in English or Literature or whatever, you misunderstood the meaning of said words.
There was zero communication. In fact, I can't remember the last time you even looked me in the eyes to say anything. You haven't voiced instructions to me since I played bass, aside from the initial learning period when I switched to guitar. You simply use avoidance and subterfuge to express your feelings. Sometimes on a small scale, by correcting a mistake Marc would make when in reality it was me who messed up. Sometimes on a large scale, by telling everyone but the band that you didn't like when Andy and I drank.
Seems to me that to fix a problem you need to address it, not be passive aggressive about it. Do you honestly believe that I did not know it pissed you off? Do you honestly believe that Andy and I getting trashed at the last show was unintentional? Hell no. We discussed and planned it ahead of time. In fact, it was our plan to get kicked out of the band rather than quit, making the whole decision a lot easier for you. Go ahead and confirm it with him.
Another example of your manipulation and lack of communication was the Reax interview. I love how we received the interview questions on the same morning they were to be delivered to Reax. Of course there was no time to use anything Andy, Anthony or I wrote, you'd sat on the questions for over a week. I won't even go into how I feel about Marc being given no chance to interact.
Moreover, the sheer number of rescheduled practices with little to no lead time, even after discussing this problem, was horrific.
Frankly, I could go on and on. You might ask why I stayed as long as I did. Two reasons: First, I enjoy playing live music. Second, I was friends with Anthony and Andy. You never really allowed for that.
Now go on and post your blogs, tell all your friends, make it known to all the people to whom your appearance matters how bad a person I was. Tell them all how terrible I am for doing what I did today on Myspace. You see, Stephen, I simply removed myself from your Myspace pages because I thought it better to fade out and go away, just like you wanted, rather than put you through the anguish and pain of telling me to my face that I was out of the band.
Yet I am gutless.
--
John.
P.S. -- Though not included in the emails addresses, I have copied this for Lily in MySpace because I didn't feel it was fair to talk about her behind her back, even if it was in good light.
One more from Andy, in response to "Happy Trails," which is followed by Stephen's only "Reply-All" response to the band.
Stephen,
Very mature response. I appreciate the thought, and
care that you put into it. It's now fairly obvious the
level of respect you had for our musicianship and for
our input in Life of Pi.
For the record, addressing this email to just myself
instead of the band (like I did) only furthers my
point about communication. This is precisely the type
of thing you do constantly so that nobody has any idea
what you are telling anybody else.
John was not "gutless" as you had the nerve to text
him today. He has been wanting to tell you off for
months now and quit however I asked him not to. I can
only wonder if the reasons Life of Pi is coming apart
now are the same reasons it fell apart before. I
certainly am not asking you if this is the case. I am
positive that you are incapable of giving an honest
answer to it anyway.
Stephen, you really need to do one or more of the
following:
a) Grow up
b) Seek counseling
I made an offer to assist with the recordings. I would
like to revoke that offer. Instead I would like to
make the PUBLIC request that those recordings never
see light of day. I think they are shit and unfit for
public consumption. They were recorded hastily simply
because of the situation. If I a not part of the band
I would rather not be associated wit h those
recordings. Thank you
Andy
Next, the only response we received from S.H. which was addressed to everyone ---
I can offer a response for public consumption if you wish. here it is:
Your behavior very recently has been unprofessional and disrespectful to the band, of which until very recently you were a member. It was dwarfed by the unprofessional and disrespectful behavior of John during his tenure in the band. His issues warranted being fired from the band, which was the next step that was to take place during the band meeting I had proposed, once everyone got back to town. Your behavior warranted a warning, which I gave you, along with the statement that you were welcome to remain in the band. That meeting now is moot, as you and John have decided to air dirty laundry.
I called John's actions gutless because that's what they were. He has lacked the gumption to approach me once to discuss any problems he might have had. If the reason for that comes from your intervention, then that is that. It changes nothing. He has a modicum of talent that is overshadowed by an alcoholic's passive/aggressive personality, which I don't really care about per se, as I'm concerned with band things, not your personal lives. However, in so much as it affects his stage presence, his ability to remember and repeat songs, and his behavior in practices and recording sessions, it is an issue. I wanted to see him get better at these things because I like John, but these things only continue and in some ways got worse.
As for your issues with me, your welcome to them. I make no apologies or excuses for the way I live my life, or how I run my band.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
Things start getting very personal at this point.
"how I run my band."
Ahhhh you should have just responded with this simple line from the get go. It really sums things up.
Thanks for the clarification!
And unprofessional. I think not. If anything it has been the exact opposite. You shared with me that we are representatives of YOUR band even when we aren't playing. As if Life of Pi has a "moral code". If so, that moral code involves stalking my friends on myspace, cheating on your girlfriend with my friends, stealing from the band, and not being able to communicate properly with others. BRAVO my friend. You truly live the moral code of Life of Pi!
Andy.
Stephen Hammill
I'll take your request into consideration, RE: the recordings.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
www.wmnf.org
Wow I really appreciate your "consideration". You can "consider" my request an INSISTENCE that you ditch the recordings. Or ditch my drums lines off the recordings and re-record them yourself. Maybe a drum machine would be more suitable though since it's obvious that's what you considered me anyway. Plus your timing.....not the best. I am near positive that John will feel the same about his part in the recording though we haven't really discussed it yet.
If you do chose to disregard my very insistent request I will be expecting a cut of money from every CD sold since you took it upon yourself to re-coupe your cost of recording by commandeering our pay from multiple shows without discussing it with the other members of your band. I could give a shit about the money... it's the principle.
Stephen you still really don't get it do you? Let me introduce you to a concept. It's called "reply all". Oh wait, I know for a fact you are familiar with it since you have used it in the past so you must just chose to use it selectively when it benefits you.
I have actually stood up for you and your actions for weeks now and you are only proving that I was wrong by the way you are handling this. And calling John gutless!? What do you call talking to me, telling me you want to kick him out of the band but never calling him to tell him? Rather you waited until I did which you knew I would.
Why bother asking you questions...... I'm sure I will only receive an answer like "we'll see buddy" or maybe "I'll let you know". For such a prolific writer Stephen, you seem to be having difficulty expressing yourself these days.
Andy
Only Andy is getting the responses, as he later points out
Stephen Hammill
Being in the band, there are no moral codes enforced, but there are criteria
for professional band behaviour.
The notion that I would steal money from the band is ridiculous and
unfounded.
stephen hammill
www.myspace.com/lifeofpi
www.wmnf.org
Andy's turn...
Reply all....still a difficult concept.
I would say that not notifying other members of payment for performances but rather pocketing said monies qualifies as stealing. You did not tell us of these activities until we approached you at which time you informed us you needed to cover the costs of recording. See how communication works? When you notify people about what is going on in a timely manner there is less confusion and therefore less likely hood of being called a thief. I would say lesson learned yet I somehow doubt it.
As far as band behavior. If anything, I was always professional. At no time did my drinking impair me from playing. Even at my most drunk I performed better than you at your most sober. Not one show has passed since our inception into the band that people did not come up to us after and either tell us how much better Life of Pi is since John, Anthony, and I joined or that we would be great if not for your off key singing and quasi rock star attitude.
And you are right. Moral codes were not enforced in the band.....oh except your not wanting us to drink. Moral codes however shouldn't have to be spoken when it comes to respect between friends and you sire, have shown very little.
Andy.
I finally weigh in again, for the last time
Blessed be. May the heavens shine upon us. When the creature gets backed into a corner and confronted, its claws come out. Funny that there is no longer anything to lose.
Its really unnecessary for me to repeat points in my last email, as I believe I articulated very well how I felt. It also came to light in Andy's emails that I had been wishing to express this for a while. I can see your critical reading skills are honed as you have given these points a slight nod of acknowledgment.
I'm loathe to point out the following item out to you for fear that you may indeed utilize them in the future and extend the suffering of any band mates you may trick into joining a project with you. Regardless, here it is:
BANDS HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN THEM. BANDS ARE NOT ONE PERSON.
Bands collaborate to create music. Unless you think of yourself as some sort of musical genius, I can't see how this doesn't make sense to you. Seriously though, man... you and Phil Collins could probably be great buds. Why don't you just start a solo career and sing "come on, boys" all you like. Who knows, maybe your request will be fulfilled.
I wrote my gutless response to you previously using facts and real opinions from real people. Things that could be backed up by asking the individuals I mentioned. You, on the other hand, are feckless and inconsiderate.
Tit for tat, my email will be personal.
Your band. Take it. Have fun with your sappy songs and lyrics that give teen agers mooney eyes. Enjoy your formulaic chord progressions and weak guitar solos. Continue honking that terrible sound through your pathetic sounding multi-effects processor. Really, I cannot be any more serious when I say this: I have never heard anything ruin the sound of a Telecaster or an Ampeg more effectively. You've single handedly sullied the name of both.
By the way, I think in your second to last sentence the word you were aiming for was the contraction of "you" and "are." On your latest lame poem on myspace, the word is "pore," not "pour."
Since we're stooping to low levels, I figure that poking at grammar and spelling are about as childish and pointless as anything. I didn't wish to be outdone. Feel free to poke at mine, but remember who received a degree related to language and who did not.
Finally, I issue this warning. Touch one of my friends again and I will "touch" you in ways you'll remember for quite some time. Speak to one of my friends in the same manner which you spoke with Lily and the same holds true. Don't darken my path.
You are exactly the type of person I despise. You are hollow. You have a forked tongue and speak from two mouths. You have three hearts if you have one at all: One you expose to the world, one you keep to yourself and the one which you don't even admit to. You lie because it is your nature. You've been doing it since you were at Jesuit. One of my oldest friends knows you quite well, but I will not drag him into this muckraking out of respect to him.
The only thing I wish for your future is that you either get professional help for your problems or that you get caught by some authority: either one will get you to stop. Its your choice which.
I shall not respond again. Its a waste of my time.
finally, our estranged friend puts in his two cents.
Hey guys,
Just thought I'd voice some of my opinions before I
hit the sack.
- I always liked the music/lyrics in Life of Pi
- I really loved playing live with you guys; I always
had a great time, even when the wheels were
threatening to come off
- the recordings that were done at my house are, to
me, a document of a time that I spent with you guys
(and in Tampa) and thus have special meaning to me,
and I'm sorry that my leaving caused us to rush
through it. I would have loved to have given it the
time and attention it needed, but, that said, I'd
still like to have that document in some form
- further, I feel that a lot of those recordings were
collaborative, at least in the creation of them. I
never felt like my ideas were shot down, not even when
they were outlandish. The time schedule was difficult
and meant that Stephen and myself were the most
involved - again, my fault. If we had had another few
months, or a permanent place to record (without police
intervention), I think everyone would have been
thrilled with the results.
It seems like a lot has gone down since I left, and so
I can't comment on that. Sorry to see you guys part
ways, but it's probably for the best.
I know I always seem to be the diplomatic one - that's
just my nature. In some ways you could say I'm Jerry,
and you guys are George and Elaine.
Comments welcome...
Anthony
posted by sangandongo at 10:29 AM
1 Comments:
Andy,
I stumbled upon this blog and found it quite humorous. I am one of the founding members of Life of Pi along with Sheldon(Bass) and Brian(Drums). We had almost the exact issues with this tool. I saved all the emails that went back and forth, you've got to have a read. If you took out all names except for Mr. Hammill's you could imagine it was one of your own. I'll email them to you just for a laugh. It's uncanny, the similarities, between the two "undones".
Ben Coia
bcoia9@gmail.com
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