x

Tim Cain & Boys' Entrance / Blog

COVID CRISIS

I didn't realize it has been so long since I wrote something for this blog. It has been a weird year for Boys' Entrance like every other band on Earth. We went through a dormant phase from March through September when we headlined an outdoor festival to save the oldest VFW in the South, Post 39 in St. Petersburg, FL. The Post had been so good to us. We had been enjoying a residency there for 6 months when the virus hit. They had to close, even though they were a "club", due to regulations on public gatherings. I attended a Board meeting with my husband, Billy who is the Post Surgeon. The Quartermaster presented a dire prognosis for the club. They would close by December if they didn't raise 5000.00. I raised my hand and sheepishly suggested that Boys' Entrance could put on a show. If we could charge $20 a head and 100 people showed up we would be a long way toward keeping the Post together. Well, long story short, the neighbors heard about our predicament, and contributed to an outdoor block party.

We performed on the roof of the Post to a big crowd. The vibe was fantastic. Covid was less a concern because we were outdoors. It was a success. The final numbers are not publicized, but we more than surpassed the goal.

By contrast, our indoor October gig was poorly attended. Our upcoming show 11/14 will have a great band supporting us called, Fear The Spider. Even so, I think the public rightly fears the virus too much to attend. If the attendance is as bad as it was last month, I don't think we will be continuing on until the virus is under control.

It makes me sad to say, but Boys' Entrance days as a live band may be coming to an end. I will check back and update you on the November show. Maybe it will turn around. Tim

Rave-and-Roll Blog

Hey everyone, go to Rave-and-Roll.com and check out this excellent blog by a lovely human being- Sandy MissParker! First thing you will notice is HEART- lots of it. She bares all and lets you into her life; her struggles with substance abuse; the loss of her husband; and most of all her love of David Bowie. She is a huge fan of the man- and all music, really. She is a talented writer, and I have been enjoying dropping down the rabbit-hole, as it were. Sandy just interviewed me for the blog and you will be able to ready that shortly, but in the meantime, get to know Sandy. You will be glad you did. Tim 9/24/19

Jon-Henri Damski (Queer Thinker, Queer Thoughts)

Dear Souls, Today I want to share the story of how I came to write this song, "Jon-Henri Damski (Queer Thinker, Queer Thoughts), on the release of a newly RE-MASTERED version. Jon-Henri Damski was an amazing writer and activist in Chicago at the turn of the century. He died in 2001 at the age of 60 from skin cancer. Jon-Henri was a colleague of sorts. We wrote for some of the same magazines. We spoke only once or twice in bars, at parties thrown by the magazines we wrote for. But when I heard he was ill, likely dying, I wanted to do something. I called him and told him I wanted to write a song for him. The song would be a cut-up Burroughsesque number featuring JHD reading his own compositions into a tape recorder, then I would cut-up and reassemble the spoken word, and create music to accompany it. JHD said he was touched by my idea, but that he was too ill to do the recording. Instaed, he directed Trish Koch who was the producer of the radio show he contributed spoken word performance to, to give me the tapes of the show. Trish met me one afternoon and entrusted me with the tapes. I spent hours listening to the cassettes, using post-it notes to note the minute and second of a choice bon mot or turn-of-phrase- some perspective-shattering re-construction that only JHD could deliver. I cataloged these ideas and numbered them sequentially. I simultaneously created a song that was in the style of Rage Against The Machine- one of Damski's favorite bands. They were radical, Marxist, and of the moment. JHD passed away in 1997. I didn't compose the piece for another 3 years- so you can't accuse me of trying to capitalize on his passing. No, this was simply my homage to an original. So toward the end of 2000, I approached my friend, and one-time drummer, Timmy Samuel, about producing the single with me. Timmy is a gifted photographer. He also worked for the same magazines JHD and I worked for- and I believe he also knew JHD well. Timmy agreed to help me craft the piece. We began by downloading a track from my vintage Ensoniq VFX. I called upon my friend and former band mate, Tom Heslin , (bass); and Kurt Flowers (guitar)- both of whom had performed in Boys' Entrance before. They both came prepared with ideas for the track- my only instructions being to bring the Rage. Timmy recorded the session, then I sifted through the performances, ordering, and re-ordering them into a new whole. The title of the song (Queer Thinker, Queer Thoughts) came from JHD's business card which included the phrase- as one would title them-self "realtor" or "banker"- this was Jon-Henri's job! Timmy and I sing the title in the choruses, queerly altered, several octaves above. Once the track was complete, I sat with Timmy who loaded the selected quotes into his hard drive. I then began calling out numbers in real time- relying on fate and intuition to reassemble the individual ideas into a new whole- a new REALITY. Timmy then produced & directed the video for the song as well. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/5Td5apoNEy8 It features Tom Heslin; Kurt Flowers; our drummer, Greg Kulma, and myself. It was filmed in a vacant flat just below my own. Taken together, the video and music represent my commitment to pay homage to a queer hero. I hope you enjoy it all, especially the new REMASTERED version.

Tim Cain 2019

Summer 2015 Update

I just wanted to check in and tell you about the progress we are making with Boys' Entrance. First we want to thank Reverb Nation for the help they have been in bringing our music to fans in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Every week we are delighted to greet a new fan from such a place and we don't have any idea how they are finding us. But we are so happy they did. So thank you to all the new fans, and to Reverb Nation.

We have now been ranked in the Top 10 of Reverb Nation for 15 months. We are amazed at the reception we have been given in Florida and want to let you know we return the love. It was a blast to play our first show for you at St. Pete Pride. We look forward to more gigs soon because the band is chomping at the bit.

Speaking of the band, We are a complete unit and feature two, in-demand professionals: Jaybo Key (guitarist extraordinaire) and John Spinelli on drums. Both play most every night of the week, and we are so flattered they chose to be a part of Boys' Entrance. It is a big vote of confidence to have professional players want to be part of this band.

My partner, Billy Ramsey is also a big part of our success. He plays bass mostly when we play out, but in the studio he jumps in where needed on 12 string guitar, mandolin, keyboards- whatever is called for.

My girl, Gretchen Tancredi was a stellar addition to our line up at Pride. Not only is she a major vocal powerhouse, but she rocks a sequined mini! Very easy on the eyes. I foresee a vocal partnership as in Fitz and the Tantrums.

We have started a Go Fund Me campaign to finish our album, "Tunnelvision". I self-funded the first 7 songs from the album, But there are another 10 songs to complete. Please seek out the campaign and give what you can. This project is huge and we need all the help we can get.

Thanks Again to You!

Tim and the Boys'

New Mix of "Wolf"

Hello to all our new fans and for those of you who are new to the list I want to welcome you to the family. Thank you for your interest and support of Boys' Entrance. B.E. was formed in 1991 after I visited my friend, Jon Ginoli in San Francisco, and he played me the demos of his new Pansy Division material. While I was the first openly gay musician Jon "knew", Jon paved the way for me to discuss gay themes directly in my music. He really is the reason there is a Boys' Entrance. Thank You Jon! With regard to the new mix of "The Wolf Is At The Door", you may have heard earlier incarnations of the song, but none like this to be sure. The new version incorporates Larry Beer's thunderstorm drumming into the fantastic backing tracks by Brett Basil (song co-writer); guitarist, Jaybo Key (descendant of Francis Scott!); and my long-time bassist, Tom Heslin. The previous release that featured Larry was part of the MIRA Compilation 2014, but was compromised by a muddy mix, despite the involvement of Jeff Greenburg. I welcome your critique' of the new mix and any comments you have regarding the music of Boys' Entrance. Thank You Again! Tim Cain

The New #1

Boys' Entrance is now the new number 1 in the Reverbnation Alternative charts in Florida! Talk about an overnight success. It only took 23 years and a move from Chicago to Florida to make that happen, LOL!

Seriously, it didn't happen because we are playing out- because that has not happened yet- in FLORIDA. We have been working since last June on the cd, "Tunnelvision". I hope it will be completed yet this year, but you know it is hard to self-fund a project of this scope. One song at a time we will get it done. There are 17 songs on the album all told.

The first single is, "The Wolf Is At The Door" and it is a collaboration between myself and Brett Basil. Brett wrote the music and produced the synthetic tracks for the song. I wrote the lyrics and produced the finished record. We enhanced Brett's incredible music with slippery, fretless bass by my friend and sometime BE bassist, Tom Heslin. I have played in bands off and on since 1988. The Human Thunderstorm, Larry Beers (the #1 drummer in Chicago), brought his muscular and tasteful drumming to Wolf. I have wanted to work with Larry since 1984, when he sat in briefly in my band, Talltrees. I finally got him to play in Boys' Entrance 3 years ago in Chicago. Now he is laying down some fine grooves on Tunnelvision for me.

And my newest friend, Jaybo Key is the #1 guitarist in the Tampa Bay area. When I came to town, I started asking around, and everybody told me I needed Jaybo for my sound. He is without a doubt the most versatile and technically gifted musician I have ever known. I am so blessed to have these three men assisting me on Tunnelvision. Who knows, maybe I can get them all together to do some shows in the coming year? I sure hope so.

I just want to thank all my long-term fans, and the new ones who are just now discovering Boys' Entrance. I have a very important and challenging album coming your way in the very near future. Tim Cain 4/25/14

First Angie Bowie, Now Andrew Loog Oldham!

Twice in one week, I brushed the hem of rock stardom: first Angie Bowie; now Andrew Loog Oldham (ALO). I was on Twitter and looked up ALO. If you are unaware, ALO was the Rolling Stonew first manager and producer. He is responsible for all that became the Rolling Stones. His daily radio progam on Sirius XM Radio on Little Steven's Underground Garage is a daily destination for anyone craving real rock n' roll, intellectual stimulation, pithy commentary and sometimes the occassional trash talk- all delivered- no currated by ALO in his trademark grey flannel voice. To say he is a raconteaur is to diminish the depth of what he brings to the table. ALO is the sole reason to subscribe to Sirius XM. Just sayin' I hope his every program has been recorded and transcribed for posterity. I had previously corresponded with ALO several years ago through MySpace. He agreed to listen to a song of mine and I sent him "Yellow Sun". He was kind enough to send me a note saying the song was lovely. He is so generous with his time and encouragement. So I thought I would send him a little note of appreciation in under 140 characters. This is what I said: "Dear ALO, I adore you, your voice, your mind and heart. There is a clarity from being fired in the hottest possible oven. Peace." I then posted a photo of my dog Marty lying in bed next to me in a separate Tweet. (not directed to ALO). A short time later, a communique' from ALO in Bogatta arrived, "a life casserole...thanks mucho. best to Marty." OMG, not only did he reply with his trademark self-depricating humor, but he had gone on to read my Tweet about Marty and included well wishes to him. What a cool guy!!! This is why I love Andrew Loog Oldham. God bless you Andrew.

new and EXCITING

My week tipped from great to fabulous after I had a successful session at Polysound doing pre-production work on Tunnelvision Thursday night. Spent 4 hours working with Wes Price, (two of which were Wes obsessing whether something would work or not and then finding after I encouraged him to just try it- it worked exactly as I had thought it would.) I wanted to rip my hair out. Of course he charged me for his arguements. Even so, "Mr. Sissy" is now prepped and ready for Jaybo's lead guitar genius. Honestly, that song is going to go down as my signature tune. It rocks. It rolls. It feels like a fast amusement park ride. So fun. It features the excellent production of Timmy Samuel- who played Rhythm guitar, bass and drums; me on rhythm guitar, vocals, and now synths!; and soon Jaybo will contribute the riffage. I can't wait. I may be looking to track Jaybo's guitars and any new tracks at Big 3 recording studio. I understand it is the best in the Bay area. Cheap Trick have recorded there as well as many other national acts. Boys' Entrance is on a path to do the same. Ok, Friday morning, lo and behold, but who should start IMing me on Facebook but none other than Ms. Angela Bowie!!!!!! She was replying to an earlier introductory message from me. She congratulated me (with a BRAVO!) for my career in Boys' Entrance and encouraged me to carry on. What a gal! I love her so much. Must get her latest book. So that was a great week indeed. More later. Love on Ya! Timo

Tunnelvision- my personal obsession

I started recording Tunnelvion in 2006 with Timmy Samuel as producer at his Starbelly Studios in Chicago. Timmy has played as a drummer in Boys' Entrance back when we released the Queer Punk Folder. Later he began co-producing and recording Boys' Entrance in his studio. I wrote the lyrics for his song, Immortal Beloved and sang on that. Then he recorded the original version of Flash (which got that great Larry Flick Rock Single of the Week review in Billboard in 1997. Next he co-produced the "Jon-Henri Damski (Queer Thinker, Queer Thoughts)" single and directed the video for the song. Unfortunately we were blocked from releasing the song or risk lawsuit from JHDs publisher. Finally in 2006, Timmy agreed to be producer of the Tunnelvision disc. It was the first time I ever gave up control of a Boys' Entrance production. He brought a unique perspective to the music. He brought a fresh vision as well. As you might expect, I had my own vision of the songs as well- though at the time I was exhausted by years of struggle to get the songs recorded. So I gave the production duties to Timmy. Some of the treatments I agreed with, others less so. In the Spring of 2007, we broke away from Tunnelvision to record an update of Flash to be released to coincide with Princess Diana's 10th anniversary. The result was the excellent "Flash '07" cd single which we co-produced. It featured David Vector on bass, and Marcus Rezak on guitar. That along with the JHD single were our finest collaborations. Unfortunately, my Dad became ill that summer, then died suddenly in October. It totally dispirited me. and we shelved the project indefinitely. Two years passed. I was increasingly depressed. I honestly didn't think I would survive so I released DEMOcrat Vol. 1- Songs From Tunnelvision as a document of our work. This disc is available as a download on iTunes and is as the name implies a collection of demos for the project. The Timmy Samuel productions are included, of course. Flash forward, life lead me to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2012. Energies have begun to flow again for this music. My new home, and being reconnected with my family after many years apart have renewed my spirit and allowed me to begin to resurrect the Tunnelvision project. We shall see what happens. I was already derailed for a month after contracting Post-Strep Reactive Arthritis. (Strep throat went to my bones and temporarily left me unable to walk!) But I am getting better every day. Steroids are amazing! But I have help in the form of old friends (Tom and Larry), and new friends (Jaybo and Wes). Brett Basil has contributed 3 tracks to the party too! So this music is demanding to be heard finally and I must obey. Tim Cain 8-20-13

CEASE AND DESIST
CEASE AND DESIST  (over 10 years ago)

Yes ,you must!