Looking for New Spies

Today, we officially announced on our Myspace that our guitarist, Dustin, has left the band. The leaving has been amicable and he has agreed to remain our guitarist until the proper replacement has been found and trained. If you missed his farewell address, this was it:

Hello all. This is very difficult to address, however, I (Dustin) have decided to relieve myself of guitar duties for Bothan Spies. This decision has been looming over my head for a good month now and may have been the hardest decision of my life. I have made my decision based on personal conflicts. To give a little insight, I have played in bands since my early teen years and took every aspect of music seriously. Unfortunately where I'm at right now I cannot afford to take this project as seriously as the other members deserve. I do not want to hold the band back, they have a lot of potential and they deserve more of an effort than I was willing to put in. The split ended on good terms we all plan to remain close friends, but I still can't apologize enough to my former band mates. If any guitarists think they have what it takes to play some of the most innovative music around please email the band. Cheers.

It was a good run with Dustin, but now, life is ushering us Spies into a new period, and we are accepting and grateful of that. I think that right now it is important to continue to write and create new music with each other, work diligently at finding new members to expand our collective vision, and keep playing shows with Dustin so we don't allow ourselves to lose momentum.

Today we also began to officially search for new Spies to add to the Bothan Spies family. We have very high expectations, so this process is going to be tough, but we are very open and accepting and really do believe that the right candidates are out there. They are surely going to be very beautiful, magical people and I can't wait to meet them! If you didn't catch it on our Myspace, here is a re-post of our criterion:

Looking for New Spies

Times are changing for Bothan Spies. On the one hand, our guitarist, Dustin, has left the band. However, he will continue to be our guitarist until a replacement has been found. On the other hand, we are at the beginning of a new period of creativity. We are ready to explore the next level. That means pushing the band further, writing new music, exploring our own abilities and searching for amazing new musicians to welcome into our family.

We are looking for 2 new members. So if you fit the following description or know of someone who does, please let us know. Help us spread the word. This isn’t going to be an easy task, so any help will be much appreciated.

First, we need a lead guitarist, someone who is dexterous, able to play long, fast solos, and able to fill Dustin’s shoes. They should be able and willing to learn and play music composed for them by Michael Calvet, but also up for jamming along the lines of our style (experimental alt. rock/indie/whatever you want to call it, you get the idea).

Secondly, we’re looking for someone who is a rhythm guitarist and/or all around musician type. We need someone who can jump in when the occasional keyboard/bells/xylophone/guitar part/vocal harmony/etc. is needed. Again they must be willing to play Michael Calvet’s music, but also creative and magical enough to write music and add their own unique element.

Potential new spies should have their own equipment, be ready and willing to tour, and above all, they should be prepared to make a near/just about full-time commitment to the band. They should love music to the extent that they would implode or refuse to live should it be taken away from them. They should also probably be at least 18 years old, but of course we’d make an exception if it’s for the right reasons.

It would also help if potential spies liked any or all of these artists:

Rush, Blur, The Roots, Refused, My Morning Jacket, Tempest, Matt Pond PA, The Rentals, Ozma, Mr. Bungle, Squarepusher, Fugazi, The Violent Femmes, Chopin, Dr. Dog, The Beatles, Debussy, Aphex Twin, Satie, New End Original, Shellac, Modest Mouse, Schumann, MF Doom, Menomena, The Anniversary, The Get-Up Kids, Mates of State, Eric Dolphy, The Flaming Lips, Final Fantasy, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Minus the Bear, Beethoven, Lavender Diamond, Mylo, Detachment Kit, Saul Williams, The Smashing Pumpkins, DJ Shadow, Lock & Key, Movers & Shakers, Sekou Sundiata, Chad VanGaalen, The Fiery Furnaces, The Cardigans, Do Make Say Thing, Mogwai, The Grateful Dead, Air, Sufjan Stevens, Strike Anywhere, The Replacements, Madvillain, Lifetime, The Mar Volta, Mos Def, The Wu Tang Clan, Hella, Kaki King, Tortoise, Prefuse 73, The Cure, Ani Difranco, Jane Lecroy & Transmitting, Lemon Jelly, Radiohead, The Advantage, Tristeza, Bjork, Mum, Small Brown Bike, The Slip, The Beastie Boys, The Six Parts Seven, Stars, Beck, Poison the Well, LCD Soundsytem, Tom Vek, Lupe Fiasco, Mewithoutyou, The Go Team!, Sublime, Miles Davis, Foo Fighters, CSS, The Police

Remember to spread the word that Bothan Spies are looking for two new very special people to join our special people club.

While, being short a permanent guitarist is scary, the prospect of working with new musicians is very exciting. I know that they are sure to be both a blessing and a breath of fresh air.

Now, I'm off to make some hand-drawn flyers advertising our search. We're going to hang them everywhere. Remember, if you know someone who'd like to be in our band or if you'd like to help us distribute flyers, let us know.

Thank you all for everything!
Dana