Tien Beat

TIEN BEAT - SUMMER '10

Dear Friends,

Today I encountered a group of children on the metro and they referred to me as "mister". Clearly I have entered the next stage of my life.

Yes, I have turned 23 years old, and the first month or so of my 24th year has been quite pleasant, thank you very much! I had a very nice trip to Maryland, during which I attended my sister's graduation from medical school, played 2 shows in Easton, ate a lot of crabs, helped my sister move to Cleveland (her surgical residency starts soon at the Cleveland Clinic), hung out in Chicago, and returned to Los Angeles, without taking a single shower (almost true).

I've moved out of yet another apartment in Los Angeles. I loved Echo Park, the culture, the music, the authentic Mexican tastes of the taco trucks, and so much more, but I did not love the smell of whatever died under the room I was renting, nor was I enamored of the fleas.

On May 14th, I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in philosophy and a minor in theatre. I finished just short of honors with a cumulative 3.49 GPA, but I assure you, that hundredth of a point's worth of effort was well spent elsewhere, like the time I skipped a week of class with Peter to go see my favorite band Wilco play 5 concerts in Chicago. If you don't think this was a constructive activity, either you a.) don't know me well enough to be receiving this e-mail, b.) don't like Wilco, or c.) are my biological father.

Before my commencement ceremony at USC, I was a starry-eyed songwriter, ready to take over the world with music and big thoughts.

After my commencement ceremony, I have found that I am a starry-eyed songwriter, ready to take over the world with music, big thoughts, and a diploma (to arrive in the mail within 4-6 weeks). Hooray for ME!

I really enjoyed college, and I'll tell you what I got out of it when I become a huge success. That way I can describe my philosophy degree with gravitas and the dignity of retrospect, rather than regaling you with sophomoric, albeit gripping, accounts of how awesome I am at beer pong.

There are ways my life has changed a lot lately. In an effort to reduce my carbon footprint, I have built a snazzy road bike from used parts and have been using it in conjunction with L.A metro. In preparation for this noble effort, I totaled my car at the intersection of Alvarado St. and Highway 101, which was totally not my fault (according to my lawyer). Rest in peace, Sonia, 1993 Lexus LS400, a beautiful high performance machine powered by 8 cylinders of glory and hope. Remember when Garrett, Raymond, Jamie and I took you on that magical journey from coast to coast? Ever since we let that homeless man in New Orleans replace your battery with the wrong polarization, you've been a funky ride, but I've loved you just the same, if not more. You are gone but not forgotten, especially as the insurance claim is still in dispute.

Normally, at this point in the newsletter, you might expect me to say that I am curious how you are doing and what you've been up to. I certainly would like to hear those things, but I already know that, in this time of your life, your overriding emotion is anxious anticipation for my next CD(s). I approve of this emotion and I promise you it will be rewarded. We're going to be very proud of these products; every single track has surprised me with a level of enjoyment I wasn't sure was possible. Such is the wonder of playing with amazing musicians.

The next Tien CD will be done soon, the Dayplayer CD will be done less soon, and both will be released shortly or not so shortly after my return from BRAZILLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Sim, eu estou indo para o Brasil por um mês. (Yes, I'm going to Brasil for a month). My survival portuguese will be put to the test; I'll be there from July 9th til August 9th. My usual travel plans are in effect, which is to say I barely have any. Wish me luck and joyful experiences!!!!

Love,
Tien