Todd Helvig: New News

Having received hundreds of thousands of emails inquiring as to who I’ll be endorsing in both the upcoming demican & republicratic primaries, I have prepared the following statement:

While I appreciate the acknowledgment that my decision on this issue carries a great deal of weight and responsibility, I cannot, in good conscience, fully endorse any prospective candidate at this point in time.

Now to many of you, this will seem like a “safe” position during this crucial phase of our country’s progress. I regret leaving you hanging like a Floridian chad, but I think you’ll agree that there is much ground left to be covered…and many fundamental questions left to be answered. For instance, which candidate will go beyond unifying party lines to unite kingdoms, philums, classes, and even orders? Which candidate possesses a mastered arsenal of wordage such that he/she can wordsmith to entire world nations on the fly? And which candidate(s) can recognize that the experiential parachute exercise in elementary school gym class is second only in importance to the sheer number of sit-ups, pull-ups, and height of rope climb a 9-year-old can muster? These are but cursory examples of the breadth and depth with which I examine potential leaders. Everyone wants to have the peace-of-mind that they can head to work on November 5th with confidence in knowing that our next President will be physically by his/her side (a virtual Mike Rowe if you will).

Now I hope that you recognize my unbelievably difficult and challenging position. I don’t want to mislead or misdirect the masses. Instead, I’m hopeful that together we can patiently peel these onionatic layers and expose our true nugget of a leader. Not to mention that should I endorse a loser I’m no better than that guy who’s stuck with a “Nader ‘08” bumper sticker on the tail of his Corvair.

Stay tuned. No excuses.
~T

I hope the year has started out well for you all. If you've checked in with me lately, you know that pretty cool things are happening for the Helvig Project (I've considered various spellings ala Projekt...but ends up kinda hokey dontcha think?). More musicians onboard, more possibilities to gig, new music, and digitally re-kindled oldies...well, as old as any Helvig song really is.

And here's where you can play a role. If you've got a favorite hangout, or a cool venue you enjoy heading to, you've GOT to let me know. Doesn't matter if you're one of my old buds in MN, a myspace groupie from Mexico, a passerby from CA, or a rocker in Japan. You gotta tell me the joint you dig, and I'll do my darndest to work it out somehow. Of course, I'll expect you to show up and share the love...but that shouldn't be too difficult if I make it to your backyard, should it? In all honesty, I want a list of the best places here at home and abroad to book. Email me at helvig@toddhelvig.com and let me know where you've been and what spots have been magical for you. Don't worry, I've got the big ones on the list (Madison SG, ...but I'm looking for the hole-in-the-the-wall joints with killer ambiance and sound that get passed by when the major label comes to town. I'll probably never hook up with a major label because of my attitude, but I will guarantee you could hear some of the most incredible musicians jamming with me, up close and personal...if you'll let me know "the spot" in your area. Nothing to lose, everything to gain...what better odds than that?
'til we meet again,
~t

How do you say thanks for the intangibles? Thank you for a word, a sound, a heartbeat? Well, I'm not too sure, but I am sure that the Gorilla Room opened my eyes to some pretty amazing things. First, there are incredible people out there with unlimited talent and skill just waiting to be found (aka Charlie Miller). Second, the coolest listeners will still find their way to the gigs. Whether it's 30, 2 or 10, you guys are definitely the icing. Lastly, venues continue to emerge as honest, cool, and quaint, yet full of life, personality and energy. Thank you Gorilla Room for supporting local music, our music, and us. Denver needs more rooms for gorillas!

As always, much love my friends,
todd

Holy crap it 2008! I was working so hard for 2007, I didn't consider the fact that 2008 would come in and smack me down just the same.

To quote Cricket, "Where u at"? Are you where you wanted to be. I gotta say that I am. I've got this humble job that gives me the opportunity to work with all sorts of people while remaining in the background. I'm surrounded by people who get me, understand the motive, and yet still have the passion to take this all to the next level.

Enter Charlie Miller. Dude, you gotta hear this guy play music. He's got his ear in tune, with his heart on the horizon. This guy can play a keyboard, a trumpet, a guitar...and all with a that level of humility that eats at you like, "why couldn't God have given me even one tenth of that talent!"

Trust me, you will like what we're putting together. Admittingly, we will be a work in progress for a minute, but freakin' hold on (to quote Rene). You will come back to the day you heard our sound and music.

Next up is the Gorilla Room on January 19th. Charlie and I will make this memorable...if you do. Please come down and see us. Have a drink, show some love, and listen with your heart. You wont be disappointed...and we'll be honored. What more could you ask for?

As always, my unconditional love, todd

Yup, it's time for a vacation. And what do I do with vacation? Well, you who know me know that I'm pretty passionate about hangin' with the fam. Sounds corney, but it's them that's got me pushing the tunes...they come to the gigs, they listen to me play (repetitiously, I might add), they clap and cheer...even when I missed the chorus and turned the bridge on it's ear.

So, you ask, what's ahead for 2008? Well, I've got a disc-full of new tunes, but will probably take my sweet ol' time recording. I've got some new gigs coming up...and will hopefully throw down at some of the places I've played before. I'm gonna bring in a bass and keyboardist if it kills me...and who knows, a rhythm might show up too.

Lastly, you ask...where can we hear your music? Well, listen up fanclub...here ya go:
http://musicishere.com/artists/Todd_Helvig/Distill

www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/artist/Helvig,+Todd/a/Todd+Helvig.htm

http://www.bbsradio.com/music_artists.php

www.wholewheatradion.org

www.newartistradio.net

I'll try to post new stuff any chance I get. However, you have a task too. Get to the shows, or get on these sites and tell 'em you dig it. For me...for you...and for our family.
todd

Ever get through a conversation with someone and wonder, "what the heck did he just say?" Meanwhile you've mentally balanced your checkbook, written three emails, and preparred the memo updating tomorrow's spreadsheet for your boss.
It's life in 2010. We think and plan 10 steps ahead...and sometimes get so absorbed in it that we lose today...the now, right now. It's gone, and we spend it getting a leg up on a future that, honestly speaking, we may or may not see.

In that vein, I want to post a challenge: Can we spend just one day living that day? Can we be present and honest; absorbed in all that a single day brings...or releases?

To me, that's what music is all about. It reels me in...reconnects me to the person I was, am, and will be. That's the truth for me, and perhaps for you too.

Here's to finding our thoughts and images in strange, unique places...and at the same time finding ourselves back home.

I love you guys!
Todd

It's hard to believe that this summer is on a direct collision course with fall in t-minus just a few weeks. I feel as if I need to start planning for next summer now. I wanna thank everyone who has come out to the shows lately. I've got one on KRFC 88.9 (Live at Lunch) this Tuesday that you don't even have to leave the comfort of your computer chair for (listen online). Then I've got another shot at the Golden Fine Arts Festival come August 18th. Sure it's 3 hours...and I'll likely repeat a song or two. Hopefully, you are there to make the request for seconds. If not, make a request for firsts and if I don't know that song I'll play one somewhat like it...or not :)

As for the newest disc and tunes...checkout the following links. You can just listen to tracks...or download at will.

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/1764376

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=253834028

http://www.greatindie.com/ipnmusic/store/list.php?item_number=765459052726

Celophayne fans hit:
http://payplay.fm/celophayne

Or, of course, for entire discography:
http://cdbaby.com/all/tmhelvig

Hope all are doing well. I may be adding a musician or two to the gig sometime soon, so make sure and catch the "solo singer/songwriter" scene while you can. Sign a friend up to my mailing list and I'll owe you one forever!

Much love!
todd

Hello friends,
It's gonna be another hot summer. I'm telling you, things are starting to move like that one low cloud of the front that extends downward in a rotating fashion (if ya know what I mean). New cd, new gigs, new friends all over the place. And my response: I just feel more and more humbled. People have said such wonderful, enthusiastic, kind things about my new disc that I'm too embarrassed to publish. People are sooooo great at shows that I am just filled with gratitude that they'd come to hear me play...and then clap.

Oh well, enough about my sensitive side. It's enough to say I'm overjoyed at the response I'm getting, and I plan to keep the set going throughout the summer. So keep your eyes on my calendar, and hopefully I'll play somewhere near you soon.

But in the meantime, if you have an anxious Ipod, please check out: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=253834028

I believe they'll have the tracks from the new disc up and downloadable any second. If you still cds for your collection, either gather them from iTunes, or check 'em out at http://cdbaby.com/all/tmhelvig
Hope to see you all soon,
t-licious

I hope everyone's doing well. I've been off the air for a bit, but back with a burst. Here's some new things fer ya:
1) Check out the Merch link. I'm now using Snocap to get single tracks to those music lovers who prefer downloadables over a disc...and so far it's pretty fantastic!
2) I've sent the new recording, my acoustic accomplishment entitled "Distill," to the disc makers. It's only a matter of time before I have 15 freshly baked tracks for you to butter up and sink your teeth into. This time it's just me 'n the guitar. I'm actually quite proud of the way it turned out. You'll have to tell me what you think.
3) New regional gigs coming up. I'll post the specs as soon as their finalized...check the schedule if you're in town.
4) Oh yeah, the 2007 CHUN Capitol Hill People's Fair called...looks like I've got another opportunity to let the music ring downtown! Hooray!!! and thank you CHUN CHPF entertainment selectors!!! I'll post more details (when/where) as I get them.
write, call, post, whatever! muchos lovos, todd

Dear Friends,
I'm losing time. Everything's happening all at once. I can't quite break the news yet, but there's so much on the brink...it feels like I'm sitting on the top of a readied volcano.

Don't worry, I'll fill you in soon. In the meantime, check out: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=165110249

Download tunes while you can...

muchos lovos (hit me with email if you can),
t

It's true...I'm recording again. Some of you are shaking your heads and fists at the computer yelling, "Noooooo!" Others, I hope will be very pleased. I think the new songs (combined with some new recordings of "classic" helvig tunes) are really starting to shine. I'll warn you again, these are stripped down, bare-bones, kid'n-his-guitar songs. But if you've ever been to a set of mine...you're going to get the same realio dealio.

Sure, I'm still stumping last years album. Listen to the songs (or even buy downloads) at: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=165110249


AND/OR, if you dug Celophayne, hit up: http://www.emusic.com/album/10889/10889604.html?fref=700329

Thanks for listening, keep checking back, and bait your breath for this new endeavor.
t

It's funny how you can get swept away in the daily ins and outs of life forgetting to take a step back to enjoy your enjoyment. Translated, this means: I'm sorry I haven't jotted out my journal or new news lately. My goal has been to keep you (and all who follow this little blog) up to speed. And I hate it when I check sites I've been to and nothing changes...no updates...no news.

So here's my pledge: I will do a better job in 2007 of making notes that keep you informed.

Of late, what I have to report is that I've got a set at Common Grounds in the Highlands area (32nd 'n Federal) on January 20th. What I've been working so diligently on is the set for a new album. One of the main points of "feedback" (if you will) from some of my previous recordings was that I sound different live than I do recorded. Obviously I'm not a band, and play live gigs pretty simply with a guitar and mic. However, I've tried to add in plenty of instrumentation on recordings. So here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to record everything live...songs mic'd out as I play them. Some will be of songs previously recorded, and others will be brand new. It's going to be simple, straight forward, and clean. Then I'm going to ask for some listeners to volunteer their ears for an honest reaction.

If you hear about it rolling around in the next few months, drop me a line. Ask for a copy. Give me your thoughts.

Lastly, I always respond to my email. If you haven't written in ideas, comments, thoughts, or hello's lately...please take a second to do so. Nothing makes my day more than hearing from someone I may not have expected to hear from.

'til it breaks,
muchos lovos, todd

Don't want a bulky cd and cd case lying around your house? Just want to pour a dab of Todd music into your iPod or MP3 player? head to: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=165110249

or (if you don't want to register with iTunes):
http://www.payplay.fm/helvig2

Dowload 1 song, an assortment of songs, or the whole dern album. Gosh, while you're there, download singles from the other albums I have loaded on these sites (and others)...or find other crazy cheap indie music to plunk on your ear-drive.

I just want to say "thank you" to everyone who made it to Everyday Joes in support of both myself and 10pm (the band). It was definitely cool to get back to Ft. Collins...and then to hit the airwaves at KRFC was phenomenal. They've kept me off the fm dial all my life...now there's no safe band or frequency. In case you're not familiar with KRFC, it's a nonprofit radio station that only survives through grants and the contributions of loyal listeners. They support a lot of good causes as well as the community they serve. It was an honor to play for them in their studio, and my special thanks to Matt Campbell for lobbing cool questions that gave me room to breathe.

As you'll notice there are new dates/times/channels coming online every day (thanks to my wonderful manager!). So, check back often to see when I'm gonna be in your back alley.

Thanks for coming back to check things out. Let me just list a few of the August highlights. Firstly, if you're in the Denver, CO area come on out and say hello at the Golden Fine Arts Festival this Saturday and Sunday (8/19-8/20) from 10am-1pm. See specifics on my Calendar page. Next Saturday (8/26, 7:00pm) I'll be at Common Grounds (the downtown Denver location), so if you're busy this weekend, come and say "Hi!" next weekend :)

Other thingies:
you can request, listen, and rate songs from A Stones Throw on www.wholewheatradio.org.
It's yet another smashing internet station that just recently put my tunes into rotation. The more you request...the more they play, so don't be shy.

AND...if you're registered (or want to register) for digital downloads of individual songs check your favorite digital distributor (e.g., iSound, iTunes, Rhapsody). If I'm not on their site already, I've been assured that my tunes will be accessible there shortly. www.iTunes.com is probably your best bet. If you like the old Celophayne songs...you can find 'em there too!

See you soon!

It's hard to imagine that in just 7 short weeks things have taken off here in helvigville! You've just got to check out the calendar (both mine and yours) to see when you can come to the next show. We've got so much in store, I'm not sure where to begin. However, listening in can be as easy as tuning in to KRFC 88.9's Live @ Lunch. Yup, Oct. 3rd I'll play live out of Fort Collins. We've got t-shirts being printed, a new contest coming up, and possibly a regional mountain tour in the fall. If you're into digital downloads, look for a list here soon of where you can download even more TH music! Through cd sales we've put together a nice chunk 'o donation for the ONE campaign already, but our hope is to keep the love flowing. And for you intense, die-hard, politically progressive activists...don't forget to check out www.musicforamerica.org. I'll throw a new blog your way sometime soon! M-m-m-m uch love, todd

So, I've broken into the internet radio mainstream. Within the last week, I've been picked up by 4 new stations. Here's the list of stations and my songs that are being played - you can click on the stations, rate the songs, and of course, email the DJ's requesting "more Todd Helvig."
1. BUM Radio (the BUM stands for Best Unheard Music - not a comment about the artists being played!) www.live365.com/stations/unheardmusic
2. Theacousticstage.net They are actually playing my whole CD on this station and gave some positive press..."music to build websites by, it is excellent."
3. Anti-War Radio www.live365.com/stations/richhinrichsen
I will admit I got chills to hear my song played between John Lennon's "Imagine" and Sting's "Russians."
4. Chrisnotes Indie Pop www.live365.com/stations/chrisnotes
5. Acoustic & Mellow www.live365.com/stations/lowspirit We love Denmark!

I'll keep everyone posted as more news comes in.

My new CD "A Stones Throw" is finally available for the masses. Check it out, sample the tunes, and then support the man and buy it!

I'm excited to hear any and all comments about the new music. Thanks to everyone for their support. ALSO: $1 from the proceeds of each sale of "A Stones Throw" (purchased on this site, or at one of Todd's gigs) will be donated to the ONE campaign to fight worldwide hunger, poverty, and disease (among other things). Check it out at www.ONE.org