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2009 is going just fine

January 27, 2009

Well, I write this blog from the backstage of the Ellen Degeneres show. We have yet to perform, and I have a good feeling about how it’ll go. The backstage is by far the coolest we’ve encountered in our TV appearances. No knocks on the others as they were all great and accommodating, but this California studio is pretty nice. There’s a pool table in our dressing room for starters. The coffee is great too.


Anyways, life. Life is good. I began 2009 in another country, Costa Rica. Was great to get a vacation. Sometimes touring and working on the road makes you forget that traveling can also be relaxing and enjoyable. I’ve tried to take this purist surfer mantra with me as we’ve begun our 2009 travels. So far, so good.


We’re out on the road this tour with Eric Hutchinson. He’s a real talent, and his band is great too. They’ve been a pleasure to travel with. Eric has been kind enough to lend himself to our set to perform Watching the Detectives, the classic Elvis Costello tune, during a few of our recent concerts. Really appreciate his energy and vocals on this one. He’s made the song fun to play again. Not like it wasn’t, but we’ve just not done it for so long, and now its great to have back in rotation with him on board.


Other stuff, well, we finished up our 2008 charity contest. Check out www.heardtheworld.org/contest for the details. Pretty excited about the groups we were able to help. Please check them out!


Things to keep an eye out for. Well, Shattered is still on the radio. We’re very pleased with how things have gone with this song. Pretty appreciative of the support our listeners have shown for it, and of course for the radio stations that have been playing it! In the near future This Town will be released as our next single. We filmed a video for it in NYC right before this tour started. I cannot explain how cold that day was. One pair of boots that I was wearing got soaking wet and my toes froze. I had to go home (lucky I was in NYC) and grab another pair. They were warmer, and did not soak through. Thank goodness. So anyways, we’re happy about the concept of the video, can’t wait to see a copy of its first round of edits. Can’t wait for it to be finished up and for people to see it. Should be soon.


That’s about it for now, thanks for keeping up with us in 2009…


Best, Benj

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  • Photo of Christian Christian
    Christian
    Female, 34
    Longmont, CO
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    05/12/09
    Posted 7 months ago by Christian

    Thank you for making that great trek to Colorado last night, it was awesome. I apologize for the idiots heckling you with the thumbs down. Hey they did not have to be there, they did not have to show up. This was my first time seeing you since we moved from Jersey 3 years ago. This was not the way I wanted it to be. Oh well, you guys really should get some sleep. We will be in Red Rocks, I know it is not Black Rock, but all the same see you there.

  • Photo of RebeccaLove RebeccaLove
    RebeccaLove
    Female, 24
    Towson, MD
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    04/16/09
    Posted 7 months ago by RebeccaLove

    an apology...my friends and i went to the show at york college last night. we were sad for you guys. the crowd was ridiculous. if it wasnt for the amazing music, i could have sworn i was at a funeral. if i were marc, chris, richard, you or jerry, i would never play at york college again. i will never forget the first time you played at msg in nyc. what a surreal moment. the energy at that show should be present at every show. looking forward to merriweather.

  • Photo of TulsaTaft TulsaTaft
    TulsaTaft
    Male, 25
    Tulsa, OK
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    04/06/09
    Posted 8 months ago by TulsaTaft

    You guys rocked at Cains in Tulsa last summer! Please come back!!

  • Photo of dgood dgood
    dgood
    Female, 42
    Trenton, MI
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    04/04/09
    Posted 8 months ago by dgood

    Went to the show in Detroit last night. I stood at the front on the side and had a great view of the band all night, I even got a smile or two (thanks for that) Thanks guys, for amazing night!

  • Photo of foxnewsshooter foxnewsshooter
    foxnewsshooter
    Male, 41
    ashton, MD
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    03/30/09
    Posted 8 months ago (changed 8 months ago) by foxnewsshooter

    New fan from Rockville. Saw live dvd from MSG. Wow....what a fun show. Looking forward to Merriweather in August

  • Photo of forensicfemme forensicfemme
    forensicfemme
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    07/08/09
    Posted 8 months ago by forensicfemme

    Making the trip from Seattle to Colorado for the show in June. So excited to see you guys play Red Rocks- can't wait to see you kick off the tour!!

  • Photo of fancykats fancykats
    fancykats
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    08/07/09
    Posted 8 months ago by fancykats

    Are you guys coming to Merriweather in Columbia,Md.???? I am the crazy pre-k teacher that found your mom!! Would love to see you as I am your oldest new fan!

  • Photo of LisaV LisaV
    LisaV
    Female, 45
    Portland, OR
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    03/24/09
    Posted 8 months ago by LisaV

    Come to Oregon. Enjoy the greenery and the scenery!!!

  • Photo of Bailey17 Bailey17
    Bailey17
    Female, 36
    Wakefield, CA
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    03/11/09
    Posted 9 months ago by Bailey17

    Please come to Canada! (Black Sheep Inn - Wakefield, Qc) :)

  • Photo of Bailey17 Bailey17
    Bailey17
    Female, 36
    Wakefield, CA
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    03/11/09
    Posted 9 months ago by Bailey17

    I have to say that I love music. But I also have very little $ to spend on music. However, I bought OAR's CD and I am loving it!

    Come on up to Canada (specifically, come do a show at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec--it's THE place to play!) and I'll make sure you will have a great crowd!

    Thanks so much!

  • Photo of randapanda randapanda
    randapanda
    Female, 18
    Sandwich, IL
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    03/06/09
    Posted 9 months ago by randapanda

    Omg!!! i love all of your music guys!!! keep staying positive. your music makes me so happy and you cant help but smile everytime you listen to it. Can't wait to see you in milwakee april 4th. Im gonna go hours before to get front row!!!

  • Photo of randapanda randapanda
    randapanda
    Female, 18
    Sandwich, IL
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    03/06/09
    Posted 9 months ago by randapanda

    Omg!!! i love all of your music guys!!! keep staying positive. your music makes me so happy and you cant help but smile everytime you listen to it. Can't wait to see you in milwakee april 4th. Im gonna go hours before to get front row!!!

  • Photo of randapanda randapanda
    randapanda
    Female, 18
    Sandwich, IL
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    03/06/09
    Posted 9 months ago by randapanda

    Omg!!! i love all of your music guys!!! keep staying positive. your music makes me so happy and you cant help but smile everytime you listen to it. Can't wait to see you in milwakee april 4th. Im gonna go hours before to get front row!!!

  • Photo of bermanator1989 bermanator1989
    bermanator1989
    Female, 20
    Thornhill, CA
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    03/02/09
    Posted 9 months ago by bermanator1989

    what the eff! why aren't you guys coming to canada?

  • Photo of hawkslax8417 hawkslax8417
    hawkslax8417
    Male
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    03/10/09
    Posted 9 months ago by hawkslax8417

    Hey guys when are you going to come out with your new CD? I'm dying to hear more great sounding music!

  • Photo of snowman snowman
    snowman
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    02/26/09
    Posted 9 months ago by snowman

    Hey guys, Not sure if ya remember me but I was one of the Soldiers to escort you around on your last Iraq Tour (Tikrit). I'm back now and in Law school and I'm coming to the Apr Milwaukee show and can't wait to see ya guys again. CPT G

  • Photo of OARbestband OARbestband
    OARbestband
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    02/21/09
    Posted 9 months ago by OARbestband

    man i live in st. louis missouri and down here you are the biggest band u guys and dmb (i think u are better) anyways i am completely sure that u could sell out the scott trade center. Or busch stadium like dmb did cause that is the best venue for any concert. Hope to c u soon here if u come i will be there for sure.

  • Photo of mike88 mike88
    mike88
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    02/19/09
    Posted 9 months ago (changed 9 months ago) by mike88

    Benj, just heard you guys are planning a visit to the naval academy. freakin awesome man! i grew up in columbia, md listening to your music and going to all your shows at merriweather. the brigade is stoked to hear you're planning a visit and can't wait! thanks for thinking of us. Mike

  • Photo of Michael Michael
    Michael
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    02/16/09
    Posted 9 months ago by Michael

    I know you're coming to York College this April and I can't go then, but if you tour the east coast sometime there's no band I'd rather see!

  • Photo of forensicfemme forensicfemme
    forensicfemme
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    07/08/09
    Posted 10 months ago (changed 10 months ago) by forensicfemme

    My friend and I drove from Seattle to LA to see your show at Club Nokia. Great meeting you guys- thanks again, Benj, for the tickets to HOB Anaheim- it made our trip! We respect and support you guys because you are amazing musicians, but also take time to help your communities and recognize the troops. Definitely deserving of all your success and it's great to see how you appreciate your fans. Benj- hope I get the chance to hear more about your awesome trip to Peru with OS and see more of your photography. The only pics of our trip are the ones your band photog took- how do we find them? Thanks!

  • Photo of ifeelhome_sammeh ifeelhome_sammeh
    ifeelhome_sammeh
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    02/05/09
    Posted 10 months ago by ifeelhome_sammeh

    I havnt been to any of your shows, but if you hit the east coast, i definetly will

    • Sam
  • Photo of TheLegend TheLegend
    TheLegend
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    02/05/09
    Posted 10 months ago by TheLegend

    hey guys you boys are great! but i'm just wondering when you might be hittin the east coast again..i miss goin to your shows. i've been to Saratoga everytime and they keep getting better. well hope to see you this side of the mississippi sometime soon!

  • Photo of Regina Regina
    Regina
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    03/24/09
    Posted 10 months ago by Regina

    Benj, it was so nice to meet you and the other guys. You were all so wonderful. Despite my nervousness, I could see how down-to-earth you all were, and that made the experience a little more bearable. I felt like such an idiot asking for a cookie, but I tend to ramble when I'm anxious. Anyway, I shall see you in March. Hope all is well on your end.

  • Photo of thelatinatherapist thelatinatherapist
    thelatinatherapist
    Female, 43
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    01/28/09
    Posted 10 months ago (changed 10 months ago) by thelatinatherapist

    Benj, Costa Rica uh? I have a beautiful beach house there in playa Bejuco, 20 miles south of Jaco....great surfing.....although I don't surf....it's great to watch!
    Saw you guys for the first time on Sunday 1/25/09 at The House of Blues in Anaheim.....amazing!!! I can't wait till next time. Pura Vida!

  • Photo of Mindy Mindy
    Mindy
    Female, 29
    Atlantic Beach, FL
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    01/28/09
    Posted 10 months ago by Mindy

    I'm so excited for you guys. I used to watch you play at parties and local bars in Ohio. I loved you then and am still an avid follower. Go Bucks!!!

  • Photo of krazedkreations krazedkreations
    krazedkreations
    Female
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    01/27/09
    Posted 10 months ago by krazedkreations

    Ok, I have to admit, I have heard "Shattered" a TON on the radio and LOVE it, but until seeing you guys on Ellen today, didn't know who sang it. Great to see the faces behind the music. Love your music and will follow you now. Good job today guys!

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