wespickering.com

This is a test

2009-03-29T15:45:00.001-07:00

A very VERY roundabout to post a blog.

http://wespickering.com

Official Cover Art

2009-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's been a long time coming, but the finishing touches are finally placed on Being Born. I've received the final artwork, and CDs will be available in a matter of weeks. And now (drumroll) here's the official cover art for the EP:

Many thanks to Blair Vickroy for her help with art direction. Thanks to all who have waited so patiently for this project to come together.

Remember, if you'd like to pre-order Being Born, you can do so here, and when you do, you'll get an instant mp3 download of the whole thing.

New Tshirt

2009-02-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

$15+SH

We're excited to offer a new Wes Pickering tshirt. It is without a doubt the most aWESome shirt we've ever offered and is sure to spruce up your wardrobe. Get one today!

Holland (part 2)

2009-01-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

All of the sudden, we rounded the corner, and out of the whole country, we found what I think are the two places in Holland that haven't changed in the last 15 years. We spent the bulk of my childhood in the Netherlands in two small houses. The neighborhoods around those two houses have remained the same, down to the very paint colors on the garages.

Where I had been sad and worried that my childhood years had been lost in fuzzy memories of places that no longer existed, returned a flood of vivid memories, and I can't tell you how happy it made me.

I learned to ice skate on this canal.

I learned to fish from this bridge.

Our first home in Holland. I learned to ride my bike on this little sidewalk.

Typical Dutch weather.

Every day, regardless of weather, we would play soccer on this field, using the tree as the right goal post.

A view of our second neighborhood. Even the garages are painted the same still. My best friend lived in the house with the brown and red garage.

The playground in the middle of the neighborhood.

And finally, this is the house where I spent the bulk of my childhood. My room was on the top floor where you can see the window.

Holland (part 1)

2009-01-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been in Holland for two days, and last night I played for the first time at ACC (the church in Amersfoort). It was beautiful to spend time in song and worship with the church where I spent so much of my childhood.

It never fails to amaze me how universal music can be. Singing songs like "Poetry and Patience" never fails to bring a response from at least one person who comes to me afterward and says, "thank you, that's exactly what I needed to hear." It's humbling to know that God can use such simple words to have such a profound impact on those who hear it.

I'm pretty sure my set was video taped last night, so I'll post that up here whenever I get it. I'll be with the church again tonight.

Tomorrow night, I'll be driving to Amsterdam to be with the youth at Maranatha Church. I'm excited to be with them as they launch a new youth movement in Holland.

Emotionally, it's been a wild few days. As I return to this beautiful country that I used to call home, I'm realizing that nothing looks the same as when I left it, and the things that are the same are fuzzy memories. I suppose I've become a full blooded Nashvillian. I've spent so much of my life traveling on planes, cars, and vans. There was a time not so long ago when I wondered aloud to some of my friends if I would ever find a place that I was peaceful about calling "home." For now, home is my little one-room attic apartment where I don't even own any of the furniture. It's funny how much you can learn about yourself in a few short days.

Being Born Pre-Order Now Available

2009-01-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

The new EP entitled Being Born is now available for pre-order with an instant digital download. Click below to pre-order for $5 +s&h. After placing your order, you'll be redirected to a download page where you can download the EP in its entirety right now.

The Home Stretch

2008-12-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, I'm officially finished tracking Being Born. I spent the morning recording background vocals with Lindsey Jones, and that officially put the finishing touches on the record. Big thanks to her for lending her voice to the record.

Next up is mixing and mastering, and it looks like everything will be ready by February. Don't forget you can donate to help pay all the expenses that go into making a record. Thanks to those who have already done so. Donate $5 or more and you'll get a free copy when it's ready as well as an early download of the record.

Studio Polaroids

2008-12-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

Almost There

2008-12-14T16:55:00.001-08:00

Good news everyone,

Being Born will be finished tracking this week. The string arrangements have been sent off to the string production company, and the final recording session has been booked. Mixing has already began, and the end is well within sight.

Also, an awesome new tshirt design has been sent off to the screen printers, and should be available soon. Stay tuned!

Don't forget, you can donate to help pay for all the stuff that goes into making a record. Several of you have already done so, and I greatly appreciate it. Anybody who donates more than $5 will automatically receive a free copy of Being Born when it is finished and will have the opportunity to download the record early. Donate below:

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T06:18:00.001-08:00

Help contribute to new EP

2008-11-16T22:07:00.001-08:00

Hello all,
I'm excited to announce that the new EP Being Born is almost finished. However, there's still a lot of things to pay for: string players, graphic design, artwork duplication, CD pressing, etc. Now, I've never done this before, but I've decided to ask for your help.

If you can make a donation to the cause, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, anybody who donates more than $5 gets a free CD when it's ready.

If you can't donate anything, that's okay! You can still help by putting this widget on your myspace, facebook, blog, etc.

Peace and Love!

Sara Beth Show

2008-11-16T15:56:00.001-08:00

This past week I had the privilege to play with my dear friend Sara Beth at the Rutledge here in dowtown Nashville. Sara Beth is one of my favorite writers, and it's always fun to work with her. Her new record (which I was able to contribute to) is out soon.

Brentwood Baptist Retreat

2008-11-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the Brentwood Baptist single's retreat. I had a great time leading worship for you all and hanging out this weekend. Special thanks to those who bought CDs.

If you've got photos from the retreat, send them my way!

Update: Sam and Wes Build a Leslie

2008-11-01T15:05:00.001-07:00

Well, Sam and I finished constructing the Leslie cabinet. It looks great and sounds even better.

I'm going to post pictures as soon as I can, but I had to send off my MacBook Pro because it was damaged. The good news is that they're replacing it with the brand new model. It's a beauty!

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

Sam and Wes Build A Leslie (part 1)

2008-10-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

This is Sam:

This is Sam's band:

This is a leslie speaker I pulled out of a Thomas Organ:

We're going to turn it into this:

First we went to Home Depot to get supplies:

Then we wired up the motors:

Looking good, Sam:

progress report coming soon.
Song of the day: "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay
07%20Viva%20La%20Vida.mp3

New Store

2008-10-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Seasons Greetings!

It might be a little early to start talking about Christmas, but just in time for those of you who like to start shopping early, I'm proud to present the new wespickering shop. Shop till you drop.

News Reel

2008-10-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

The latest news from wespickering.com:

I'm going to be leading worship on the Brentwood Baptist singles retreat November 7th, 8th, and 9th
A trip to Holland is coming soon; likely in January...more coming soon...
The Being Born EP is almost finished...can't wait for you to hear it
I will spend tomorrow cheering for the LSU Tigers
Christmas is coming soon...get your shopping done here: wespickering shop

New EP - Update

2008-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
I've been working hard on the new EP, to be titled "Being Born." This weekend, I spent time in Josh Wilson's studio, working on electric guitars and auxiliary instruments. On sunday, I tracked vocals with my friends Sam and Abbie. Still on the schedule is tracking strings.

The project should be ready for your ears by the end of the year.

Stay tuned!

Tired of Singing Sad Songs

2008-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, I spend three days recording with Sara Beth. We recorded a bunch of great songs, including my favs "Tired of Singing Sad Songs" and "Three Sips of Beauty." With Ben Shive at the helm producing, we set up shop in Sara Beth's living room and recorded a lot of organic performances.

Also in the studio right now is friend Lindsey Jones. Her new EP will be featuring a song called "Honestly" which was co-written by yours truly.

Look for both these projects, along with my new EP Being Born later this year.

Feature on WBFJ FM in North Carolina

2008-09-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted an update. My computer is currently away in the hands of hundreds of Apple repair specialists who are trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with it. In the mean time, I've been on the road quite a bit with Josh Wilson and Jonathan Dunn.

I also recently taped an interview with WBFJ FM out of Winston Salem North Carolina. It's airing this weekend on Saturday 11am and 5pm as well as Sunday at 8am and 6pm. I've posted an mp3 of the broadcast for you all to listen to. I hope you enjoy!

WBFJ%20Interview.mp3

Some Photos from Park Springs

2008-08-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Last week Sara Beth and I led worship at Park Springs Christian Camp in Providence NC. Here are some pictures from the week.

Sara Beth is good at basketball, especially with red jellies on.

Video Update: Third and Lindsley Show

2008-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I played a show in Nashville at Third and Lindsley. Here are some highlights from that show. Enjoy!

Video Update: with Logan Dailey

2008-08-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

So much camp food!

2008-08-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm sitting in my parents front yard, bumming a wireless signal from the neighbors. Spent a wonderful week at Park Springs Christian Camp with some awesome middle schoolers. I'll post pictures as soon as I have them.

This next week, I'll be playing a few shows in North Carolina, come out and join me if you're anywhere near the area.

Today marked the close of my summer camp season. It was a crazy run: seven summer camps from North Carolina to California. Let's do it again next year!

Best Camp Ever

2008-07-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

No, really....that's what it's called! I've got a tshirt to prove it. This past week was fantastic. I was at "Best Camp Ever" in Oklahoma and met lots of new friends. Highlights of the week:

Oklahoma kids are awesome!
Jonathan Dunn and I learned how to wakeboard
Zane Black wears a lot of pink
Worship times were spectacular
Small group time with the Junior/Senior guys was really special
Ice Cream almost every night
Running with Seth and Trevor
Still undefeated in ping pong this summer

All in all, it was a great week. On the way home, Forrest took us a good 3 hours out of the way by heading the wrong direction on I40, but we had a fun time hanging out on the drive.

Some Photos from California

2008-07-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my time with North Phoenix Baptist Church.

Happy and Itchy

2008-07-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

i'm back in Nashville. I spent the morning at Portland Brew drinking iced coffee and reading The Shack. Not quite finished yet.

Last week was an awesome time spent with the folks from Brainerd Baptist Church from Chattanooga. We had an awesome time up in Ocoee, TN, hanging out on the lake, swimming, tubing, singing, and being eaten by millions of bugs. It's been fantastic to get to know so many great people in the last couple of weeks.

Monday night, I'll be playing a show at Third and Lindsley here in Nashville. Also on the bill are Andrew Osenga, Emily Deloach, and Lindsey Jones. Things get kicked off at 8pm; if you're anywhere Nashville, I hope you'll join us.

Bluegrass Gospel Trio

2008-06-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Wise Virginia

2008-06-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

Spent the last week with Josh Wilson and Jonathan Dunn in Wise VA. If you look on the ATT wireless coverage map, there is a little black spot in Virginia. That's where we were. Luckily, in the tiny town of Wise, there is a little coffee shop called Harvest Time Coffee. They have great espresso and wireless internet. We went every day and got served by a fellow musician named Baker. Baker is one cool guy.

I'm writing from a Panera Bread Company in Chatanooga TN. We're getting ready to head out for another week of camp, this time with the folks from Brainerd Baptist Church. I am told that this next camp is going to be even more remote than last week's. So, I'll see you all on the other side.

We'll be home on July 4th. I love you.

California....not Arizona

2008-06-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hey all....last week I thought that I was going to be in Phoenix, but as it turns out, I was in California with a bunch of awesome folks from AZ. I had an awesome time hanging out with everybody there, playing music, and going to starbucks every day with Sara Beth, Corn, and Jonathan. Here are some pics from the week:

The view from the plane flying in

Driving up the mountain

6000 feet up

Jonathan is classy

Jazz Hands

Beautiful California

North Phoenix Baby!

Video Update: My New Friend

2008-06-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today I bought a new/old guitar from a guy off of craigslist. It's a Larivée. Here's a little video introduction to him:

You'll be hearing a lot more from him in the coming months.

Aniston, AL - Day 3

2008-06-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

A busy day:

Morning Music
Home-made breakfast
Ultimate Frisbee
Lunch in town with Lucas Costner (traveling to places near where your friends live is fun)
Starbucks
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee
Rehearsal
Dinner
Evening Music
Redneck Games (wha??)
A rousing game of Mafia

I'm tired...time for bed.

Aniston, AL - Day 2

2008-06-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from today:

We went to Wal Mart and Kelsey got tired of walking

Forest pushed the cart so Kelsey could have a break.

There are some students from Tevecca at the camp...one of them is Dwight Schrute

Jonathan played a solo show this evening.

Aniston, AL - Day 1

2008-06-03T20:46:00.001-07:00

Hello from the road. This week I'm playing at a camp in Aniston AL. The drive down from Nashville took about four hours. We took two cars and most of the way here, Jonathan and I drove behind Forest (our guitar player for the week).
Forest is the world's worst driver.

Those of you who've been on long drives with me before know that I'm a bit of a nervous passenger. 18-wheelers make me antsy, people who swerve make me antsy, motorcycles make me antsy. Forest is in the second category. There is no rhyme or reason to the way he drives (unless it's that he wants to get killed and take a few other folks out with him).

There were a few pleasant things on the drive though.

The clouds were beautiful.

Congrats to Robert Long (pictured on the back of the truck): member, One Million Mile Club.

More tomorrow!

On the road with Jonathan Dunn

2008-05-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been quite a week. Kelsey and I drove back 12 hours or so to Nashville from Caswell, NC. Somewhere along the way I got really sick. I've spent the last couple of days taking penicillin and trying to get rested, and I'm just about back up to speed.

All this is just in time to go out on the road with Jonathan Dunn. If you haven't heard of him, you should check out his music at http://myspace.com/jonathandunn

On monday we'll be driving to Alabama to play a week-long summer camp. It should be a great time. I'll post updates whenever I've got internet on the road.

PS
Lost was amazing last night. Did anybody catch this commercial? http://www.octagonglobalrecruiting.com/

Fort Caswell NC - Days 2 & 3

2008-05-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a good weekend. We've got one more session tomorrow morning. Here are some pics from the last couple of days.

My drum rig in the auditorium

Ocean in the distance

Fort Caswell

Part of the fort

Another beautiful sunset

Fort Caswell NC - Day 1

2008-05-23T20:39:00.001-07:00

Hello from the beach. After a long drive from Nashville, Josh, Kelsey, and myself are in Fort Caswell NC preparing for music tomorrow. Here are a few pics from the road today:

Orange tank in Knoxville TN

Ah, the priceless things you'll see at truck stops

Delicious seafood dinner

Beautiful Sunset

Howard the crab

Howard and I are making the same face

how to have a rehearsal in one minute

2008-05-22T10:03:00.002-07:00

Andrea's Art Vol 3 - Alternate Album Covers

2008-05-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Crawfish

2008-05-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

There are few things so delicious as this:

Some thoughts about prayer

2008-05-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well, we've had quite a few blog postings on the silly side of things lately, but I wanted to share with you all a bit of where my heart has been the last couple of months.

As I've been venturing into the world of being a full-time musician, I've been making plans and arranging my schedule, treading at times into uncharted waters. Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I've never been dependent on music to eat, pay my rent, pay back my student loans. Add to this the recent hike in gas prices (which has, in turn, started to make EVERYTHING more expensive), and sometimes I can't help thinking,

"Wow, I picked a really fine time to let go of my job and make a living on the road!"

Through all of this, I've really been challenged to change the way I look at prayer. Traditionally, my thought has been somewhere along the lines of:

"Well, I'm just going to do the best that I can, and then I'll trust God for the rest."

But lately, I can't help thinking that this train of thought is backwards or just plain wrong. Let me explain: a couple of months ago, I was at a church here in Nashville when the pastor said,

"If we really believe that God answers prayer, then why isn't prayer the VERY FIRST thing we do before undertaking anything?"

It seems so simple, but it really struck a note of profundity with me. He is so right! Why is it that I wait until I don't know where I'm at or where I'm going before turning to God for direction? Why is it that I wait until a situation becomes dire before asking for intervention or provision?

I'd like to challenge you to keep that in mind as you go about your day to day motions. It's been a process for me, but I'm learning to turn to prayer at the start of things instead of after they get messy. And when I really stop to think about it, it only makes sense to do things this way. If God's not in my actions in the first place, they're already doomed to failure or shortcoming. So, I find myself asking on almost a daily basis,

"God, where is it that you want me to go? What is it you want me to do? How do you want me to handle this?"

Here's the good part: when God opens doors and gives direction, he backs you up the whole way. Does that mean that I don't have to work and sweat and bleed and cry and struggle? No! Certainly not! But what it DOES mean is that even when you end up in a place where you feel like your flailing, your not. If God challenges you to do something or gives you an opportunity, he's not going to leave you flailing. The confidence that comes with that understanding is incredible.

It's like playing football with the biggest kid in the neighborhood on your team. What do you do? You hand him the ball and watch him run over the other team. Or if he hands you the ball, you run behind him while he blocks for you. At the end of the day, you're reminded that you won because you've got the big kid on your team, but it doesn't take anything away from the game. You just make sure to be on the same team with the big kid the next time you play.

Giant Cow

2008-05-13T07:17:00.001-07:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/
articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=565909&
in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

Popsicle Stick Riddles

2008-05-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had my wisdom teeth out. My diet in the days following the surgery consisted mostly of Jello and popsicles. Now, one of the best things about eating a popsicle is the riddles that are on the stick. The part you hold has the riddle, and the answer is hidden underneath the popsicle itself. Allow me to share some of the comic genius with you:

What do you find in the middle of nowhere?
The letter H

What is the most musical bone?
A trombone

Why did the child keep staring at the car stereo?
Because he wanted to watch a cartoon

These jokes are truly epic. Seriously, I don't know why the Popsicle folks decided it was a good idea for people to groan after eating one of their products.

If you've got some good riddles to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section below.

Andrea's Art: Haiku This!!!

2008-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, at this point, you've all experienced the amazing visual art of Andrea. What you may not realize is that she is also a talented poet. Here is a sample of a few of her haikus. Please enjoy:

Growth of my heart
Mountains of arteries
Love or Bypass?

----------------

Love me tender
tenderloin steak
steak = dead cows

----------------

"victory is sweet"

the war is raging
m&m's vs skittles
i poop out the winner

----------------

tears of a reindeer
melting snow
santa is dead

My Furry Room Mates

2008-05-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

For the last couple of months, these guys have been in my foster care. They make good room mates.
(and yes, i know that Tess and Tab are both girl names, but i'm not the one who named them)

Nashville Show Added (with poem)

2008-05-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 14th, Edgehill Studios:

Acoustic show
with friends Sara Beth and Beau Bristow
If you've got 3 bucks, you need to go
If you don't show
believe me, we'll know.
and our sadness, it will truly grow
and you'll become not friend but foe.
so, get in your car, with friends in tow
Head down to Edge Hill Studio.

Andrea's Art Vol. 2

2008-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've already introduced you to Andrea and her genius artwork. Please enjoy some more of her beautiful creations.

Click on each drawing to download.

*Disclaimer: Michael Bolton, Michael Bolton's Hair, and Michael Bolton's Beautiful Singing Voice are in no way affiliated with Wes or wespickering.com. We're not even sure if Michael Bolton actually has claws or wears Gap Lady Shirts.

"wes is more" tshirts now available!

2008-05-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Alrighty....it's finally here! You can now be the proud owner of your very own wes is more tshirt. As you can see from the pictures below, this is one oh-so-fine, high-quality garment. No assembly required!

Only $15 + S&H
Shirts are Black Tultex Unisex Tee. Sizing options are S, M, L,and XL.

Hey everyone! Come and see how good I look!

Looks good on the ladies!

Looks good on the fellas too!

Order your wes is more tshirt today!

Coming soon....tshirts!!

2008-05-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please....

Ladies and gentlemen, your days of poor fashion choices are about to be over! I'm please to announce that in just a few days, you will be able to purchase your very own Wes Pickering tshirt. I drove out to Franklin today to pick them up. I'm talking SWEET.

It's got everything! Style, wit, class, tear-away tag, it even folds itself. Well, maybe not that, but it's pretty wizard.

I don't have pictures yet, but I'm going to get some of my beautiful friends to model them for you this weekend.

Best of all, they make hugging even more comfortable.

It is finished...it has begun

2008-05-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, after many many many hours of trial and error (b/c I am no web-design expert), I've finally got the rest of the site looking like it should. Please enjoy.

There are little random things scattered around on each page that are fun to look at, so take your time and explore.

Also, because of the new and improved format, I'll be updating stuff on a much more regular basis. Be sure to subscribe to the feed to hear about all the latest updates.

grace and peace,
w

Mobile Update

2008-05-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Look mom! No computer! I can update this here blog from my phone.

Andrea's Art Vol. 1

2008-05-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Andrea is a waitress. She is also an actor, director, artist, poet, and humorist. In short, she may be the most creative person I know, but her creativity has never been fully tapped into.

UNTIL NOW.

I'm making it my personal mission to give the gift of Andrea's art to the world. Purely as a bonus for myself, she happens to enjoy tailoring her artwork to fit requests.

Last night, I played a show at Nashville's The Basement venue. In honor of this show, she made me some posters that I can use to market future shows. I wish to share these amazing works of art with you. Please enjoy the fabulous art of Andrea:

This one nicely incorporates the lyrics to my song "Looking With Me"

Please Note: Wes in NO WAY condones the wearing of a tu-tu, unitard, or the hugging of a scantily clad cyclops. These things are possibly (very likely, actually) harmful to your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

New Website

2008-05-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new website. I decided to go with a home page that's a little bit more blog friendly. What does this mean for you? It means that I will be able to stay in touch a little better, and that my website will be updated every couple of days instead of every couple of months.

For the moment, the rest of the website is still using the old model (which i think looks pretty nice). If I were a real web designer, I'd have everything looking all consistent, neat, and pretty, but what would the fun in that be?

-wes

p.s. Coldplay's new single is available for free. I'll save you the trouble of having to go sign up on their website. It's pretty amazing. Buy the cd when it comes out:
VioletHill.MP3