Tag Archives: the silent comedy

Video Premiere: The Silent Comedy – “Footnotes”

The Silent Comedy may be known for their foot-stomping, barn-burning concerts, but let it never be said that they’re afraid to show their tender side. Case in point: the video for “Footnotes,” the closing track from their newly-released album Common Faults, brought to you exclusively by your friendly neighborhood Owl and Bear.

Comprised largely of behind-the-scenes footage of the band, “Footnotes” is a rare and intimate look into the lives of not just The Silent Comedy, but professional musicians in general. From the recording studio to the stage to the long van ride home, the Kevin and Rebecca Joelson-directed video captures the weary beauty behind each fleeting moment.

Singer/bassist Joshua Zimmerman was overwhelmed when he saw the finished product. “The recording of Common Faults was a drawn-out process, so it is strange to see that period of time compressed into several minutes,” Zimmerman said. “We went through dramatic changes and learned a lot over the months that it took us to make the record.” For more insight into the making of the album, check out our recent interview with the band.

The Silent Comedy will be celebrating the fruits of their labor tonight at El Dorado with a special, band-hosted Mustache Party. The 21+ event will feature screenings of “Footnotes” and the new “’49” video, photos by Style Shark, giveaways, and various other whiskey-fueled, facial-hairy surprises. The event starts at 9pm, so head on over to El Dorado and knock one back with the boys.

Local Musician Erick Wales Missing

Erick Wales, of the defunct San Diego band Dehra Dun, is missing.

Wales was last seen on Monday, April 19th, at 6:30am in the Mission Valley area. The blonde, slender Wales is 24 years old, 6 feet tall, and weighs 140 pounds. When he was last seen, he was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and a brown belt. He drives a black, two-door Saturn Ion with a broken right-side mirror, license plate number FR33BSD.

Wales’ friends and family have started a website to coordinate the search, Find Erick Wales. The site provides contact information to use if you have any information as to his whereabouts and a downloadable flyer you can print out to display in your neighborhood.

Before disbanding in 2006, Dehra Dun were a local sensation. Wales played keytar in the band, which would reform as The Silent Comedy. Anyone with information about Erick should call 619-301-9283.

UPDATE: On November 14, 2010, Wales’ family released the following statement: “Someone contacted the San Diego Police Dept. concerning Erick. Through personal follow-up and photographic evidence, it has been confirmed that Erick is alive and is safe. He has established himself in another community and has chosen to pursue the course that he is on and his new direction. We have been very thankful for all the support you have given us over the last 7 months. This breakthrough came as a result of your continuous prayers. Please spread the news that Erick is alive and safe…thank you.”

Interview: The Silent Comedy

The Silent Comedy are on a roll. Thanks to their high-energy performances and whiskey-soaked songwriting, the San Diego band has amassed a passionate following, repeatedly selling out the Casbah as if it were their grandma’s basement. The stylish six-piece will return to the venue on April 2nd to celebrate the release of their sophomore album, Common Faults. We sat down with verbose singer/keyboardist Jeremiah Zimmerman to discuss the album, the problems with consumerism, and the band’s love of mustaches. Continue reading

San Diego Gets Smart

Photo credit: Lambfarm

If you find yourself complaining that they just don’t make music like they used to, you need The Smart Brothers in your life. Oscillating between high-energy roots romps and tender ballads of surprising depth, the San Diego duo create charming, old-timey folk just like grandpa used to make. With their finely crafted compositions and intricate, flawless harmonies, The Smart Brothers make music to fall in love with—and fall in love to. Continue reading

Review: The Silent Comedy; January 17, 2010; Bar Pink, San Diego

Few bands in San Diego inspire the kind of rabid devotion that The Silent Comedy enjoy. From their Prohibition-era wardrobes and Old West mustaches to lead singer/bassist J. John’s manic ramblings, the band have struck upon a winning combination of musical chops and good-natured theatricality that has earned them a passionate following. Celebrating their return to San Diego at Bar Pink after a brief but hectic West Coast tour, The Silent Comedy were greeted by a characteristically packed house. And, from the raucous opening song “Poison” onward, the band had the crowd exactly where they wanted them. Continue reading