Rochambeaux

News and Things

2011-05-02T21:35:00.003-07:00

We are sad to announce that guitarist Mike Mejia can no longer continue playing with us. Mike has many other commitments and for now at least, has decided to see to those. Perhaps one day he can rejoin us. We wish Mike all the best and he will be greatly missed but...THE SHOW WILL GO ON.

Rochambeaux will be playing in Yuma on May 28th, at the LZ Bar and Grill. Please join us for an evening of good music. Rochambeaux is all about original music, however for this show we are breaking out some covers in order to entertain patrons longer. I'm not sure how many shows like this one we'll do, so catch some covers done the Rochambeaux way while you can. Of course we'll play the standard original stuff and you might even hear a few really old originals as well.

As always, thanks for your continued support as we grow and adapt to all the challenges that make us what we are. See you soon.

Spring Update

2011-03-06T11:31:00.002-07:00

We recently played shows at Hollywood Alley in Mesa on 2-11-11 and one at The Yuma Landing in Yuma last night. Both shows went off well and we're excited to keep playing. We're at the point where we are going to start writing and recording new material as well and start to incorporate new songs into our sets as we work towards our next cd release.

We're trying to get shows dates in Southern California and other Arizona venues as well. As the jamming, recording, gigging, and fun continues, we hope you all stay with us and continue your support. We truly appreciate our growing fanbase that comes to the shows and stays interested.

Happy Holidays and Update

2010-12-25T22:13:00.006-07:00

First we'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season, albeit a little bit late. We hope everyone had a good year.

We've been semi-active this last year. We played 3 full on live shows and 2 acoustic sets. We'd like to again thank everyone that came to the shows to support us.

The acoustic shows gave birth to an idea to renovate some of our old songs as well as some of our stuff from This Holy October. Basically we're in the process of recording new versions of some really old material that was never fully polished or properly recorded before, a few completely new songs, as well as some very different acoustic arrangements of select songs from This Holy October. The result is a forthcoming album entitled "Renovation," which should generally be a softer, mostly acoustic, yet much more intricate album than This Holy October. The tentative release date will be in Spring 2011.

In addition we're also in the process of recording new material for another completely new album. This one will be full on heavy madness, so don't let Renovation fool you.

Finally, we're hoping to play live alot more in 2011, and would even like to play some shows in Phoenix, Tucson, and San Diego. We'll see if we can achieve these goals.

We've met with some challenges this year as well. Our drummer Chad, who played with us for a few months, unfortunately could not continue to do so. We wish him well in his future endeavors. We welcome back however, Mr. James Stephens who played with us at the first Battle of the Bands. James was unavailable for some time but now is ready to rejoin us, and we're pleased to have him back.

Also, as many of you know, Ernie lives quite a ways from the rest of us, which makes it hard to practice, write, and gig with him. Ernie will be around when he can, but on those occasions when he can't, Mr. Mike Harris has agreed to step in and play bass for us. On some occasions you may even see him on guitar. We thank Mike for his assistance and willingness to be a part of Rochambeaux.

We've always thrived on change and diversity, and although we're not a conventional band that all live in the same little city where we can all congregate at will, we will continue to survive and evolve. In many ways, these challenges give us the unique sound and edge we probably wouldn't otherwise have.

Again, thank you all for your support. We hope to see you live in 2011 and be able to share some new music with you soon.

Acoustic Set on August 14th

2010-07-28T18:51:00.003-07:00

We'll be playing a special and intimate acoustic set on Saturday August 14th at the Yuma Landing. We will be recording the set with the hopes of releasing it as an album. Come out and enjoy a different perspective on our songs and be a part of the recording.

Mushrooms for a Day, another great local band, will be headlining the show and is sure to rock. Thanks for the support.

Yuma Sun Article

2010-07-28T18:44:00.002-07:00

Please check out this article about us in the Yuma Sun. Thanks to the Sun staff for covering us.

www.yumasun.com/articles/band-62686-boyd-powers.html

July 24th Set

2010-07-25T11:07:00.003-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and saw us on Saturday night. We had a great time and sincerely appreciate all the support. Also a huge thanks to Lemon Krayola for coming down and jamming with us. See you all soon.

June 12th Show and the Future

2010-06-20T13:38:00.003-07:00

Mike was back almost to full strength and was able to join us for our recent show at the Yuma Landing. It was an epic evening in that it allowed us to play for about an hour which is rare since we've been doing shorter sets of late. I will say that we seem to be getting better and stronger every time we play, so we're going to keep at it. Please catch a show soon. Our next one is July 24th, also at the Yuma Landing, with Lemon Krayola.

Upcoming Show

2010-06-05T15:14:00.003-07:00

We're playing at the YUMA LANDING on Saturday June 12th. We go on about 10pm and are joined by other great local bands. The show will start at 7pm. Hope to see some people there.

Battle 2010

2010-05-09T10:51:00.002-07:00

We survived the Battle of the Bands and came out of it stronger than we went in. Although we greatly missed our Lead Guitarist Mike (out due to injury), we learned we can adapt our music to overcome these setbacks. He will be back soon with a vengeance.

Thanks to the AWESOME crowd that joined us at the stage, the fans who showed up at the signing table, all the sponsors, the judges, Adrianne Wagner and the Sun staff, all our friends and family, and all the bands that played and made the local music scene a little stronger. Let's do it again soon.

Also a special thanks to the following:

Mike Harris - Photos
John Otero - Video
Charles Pisaeno - Video

The Final Countdown

2010-05-08T17:52:00.002-07:00

We're about 4.5 hours from hitting the stage in the Battle of the Bands. Mike broke his leg about two weeks ago and unfortunately will not be able to join us for this gig. So it will be a more down and dirty set tonight without his elegant touches. Check back soon for photos and hopefully some audio of the show.

Battle of the Bands 2010

2010-04-07T14:43:00.004-07:00

We will be performing at the 2010 Yuma Battle of the Bands on SATURDAY MAY 8th, at 1030pm, on Main Street in Downtown Yuma. We are fortunate to be the last band in the lineup. Please come early in the event they are running ahead of schedule and we hit the stage slightly early. Not to mention there are other great bands playing as well. Show your love and support.

Please stop by the merchandise table after our set to say hello, get something signed, or pick up some FREE CDs while they last. We love interacting with the fans just as much as playing so please stop by. Thanks and we'll see you at the show.

T Shirts

2010-04-07T14:39:00.002-07:00

Please visit our link to your right and check out some custom song inspired Rochambeaux T Shirts and other paraphernalia. Show your support and taste by sporting a fine piece of fashion today.

New Drummer

2010-03-13T20:44:00.002-07:00

We're pleased to welcome Mr. Chad Coleman as our new drummer. Chad has extensive experience playing with various groups and is a perfect addition to the eclectic sound and personalities of Rochambeaux. Chad will be rocking the kit both live and in the studio.

We have started some preliminary jamming and writing new material for a new album. We look forward to creating new soundscapes with Chad.

Try not to drink too much on St. Patrick's Day.

Lovers, Friends, and Countrymen

2010-02-13T10:56:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day. I got my wife a really nice Ipod docking/speaker system. She said she'd rather have flowers.

The 2010 Yuma Battle of the Bands is early this year and will occur on Saturday April 24 at the Yuma Fun Factory. We we will be entering and will hopefully land a slot to be able to play. As soon as the "voting" starts, I'll post a link so everyone can vote for us. Stay tuned for more information and another chance to see us live. Thanks for all the support.

New Year Update

2010-01-26T20:49:00.003-07:00

It's a new year and we've taken a bit of time off to relax, clear our heads, and enjoy This Holy October. We have some good ideas left over from those sessions that may materialize into new songs for the next album. In addition, I started working on a couple new songs and we also plan to rework some very old songs we did back in our high school days. They need some updating but it's fun to modernize and examine them in a new light.

I cannot say for certain which direction if any the next album will go, but the writing and creative process has officially started for it. With any luck I should be able to send Paul some demos soon to start him thinking and I hope to get Mike and Eric in the studio soon for some collaboration. Wish us luck and as always, we'll keep you posted.

BoB video

2009-12-30T23:07:00.001-07:00

Hey there kids. Look what I found on the Yuma Sun website: video

Official Release

2009-11-22T11:00:00.002-07:00

Tuesday November 24, 2009 will mark the official release of our 2nd album, (1st studio quality) This Holy October. It has been a long few years working on the album and we are very pleased with the outcome.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to and admiration for my comrades Paul, Mike, and Eric. You are all truly gifted at what you do and it has been a priviledge and honor working with you guys. I look forward to the future of Rochambeaux.

Thanks to Ernie and James who have rounded out our live line-up. I hope you guys are willing and able to contribute in the future as well.

Now it's time to promote the album and perhaps play a few live shows and relax some. Thanks to everyone for the support and look around the site for details on downloading or otherwise getting ahold of your own little piece of Rochambeaux.

Battle of the Bands

2009-11-08T20:07:00.002-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and saw us Saturday night at Battle of the Bands. Whether we previously knew you or just met you that night, we appreciate your support and interest.

Thanks to everyone who came by the merchandise table and let us sign a CD for you. It was awesome to see so many of you up close and to know that you enjoyed the show. Please feel free to copy that CD and share it with someone who couldn't make the show or anyone you think would like it.

In a few days we will post video of our set here and also have FREE downloads of the audio in our free downloads section to your right. So check back and download that stuff.

Thanks to Adrianne Wagner and the rest of the Sun staff and show sponsors for putting on this show and giving local music a chance to showcase itself. Hopefully we can do it again next year.

Again guys, thank you all for the support and love, and much respect to every band that showed up and played their hearts out. Later.

Upcoming Show

2009-11-03T21:12:00.002-07:00

We'll be playing a short set at the 2009 Yuma Battle of the Bands on November 7th. The show takes place at the Yuma Palms Shopping Center. The stage will be just north of Hot Topic / Zumiez. We go on at 10 pm.

Our good friend Ernie Cano will be joining us playing bass and completing our live line-up. This show will mark the 1st full blown live show for us. Up until now we've strictly been a recording project, with only an acoustic show under our belts. So it's with great excitement, and only a few rehearsals that we bring you this historic 1st performance. Come check it out and enjoy the difference between the live show and he studio efforts. Equally good, but it will be different. We will be giving away free CDs of the new album after our set, so stop by the merchandise table and get one while they last.

We hope to post photos and video of the set shortly after. Thanks for all the past and future support.

Recording Finished

2009-10-11T21:43:00.003-07:00

The recording for the album, This Holy October, is officially finished. We are currently in the mixing / mastering phase. Hopefully that will be finished in 2 weeks and the album will be available shortly thereafter.

Our intent is to give many albums and downloads away for FREE. When we start, we'll post the information on how to get your free copy of the album here. Actual CDs will be available 1st, along with free downloads at our link to the right. It will take a month or so before the album is distributed to ITUNES and other digital distributors.

Please help us in these early stages by following the blog, accepting free music, and telling your friends. Your loyalty and friendship will not soon be forgotten. Out.

The Progress

2009-09-27T21:47:00.006-07:00

Paul came down this weekend and officially finished the vocals for the album.

Eric still needs another session or two to finish layering some leadwork and orchestral touches to the songs. Mike needs to come in and add just a thing or two, but he's essentially finished. After that, only mixing and mastering remains. So we're still on pace to finish around the time previously thought. Our goal, October 31st.

In an effort to bring this project to live audiences everywhere, we had what some may call our first rehearsal this weekend as well. Recently added drummer James Stephens will play with us live and will hopefully fill the role for the next album. It was fun, but I can't continue to play multiple instruments and keep my charming personality intact, especially not live. So it is with great contentment and faith in James that I hand this role over and look forward to playing only guitar.

Please stay in touch for future updates and of course the new album. It is imminent. Many wonderous sounds await you.

What up?

2009-09-10T22:34:00.001-07:00

Hi everybody. I think for the next album we should do a song about the Mean Streets of Ahwatukee.

What do you think?

End of Summer

2009-08-22T02:21:00.003-07:00

As summer grows closer to an end, so do the sessions for this album. Paul has maybe one more session left in him, and the vocals should be complete. Mike has been working hard the last few weeks to finish his guitar work. He may need a couple more sessions to polish up the hooks, but he's almost there. Eric needs a few appearances to finish his contributions and then only the final touches of mixing and mastering remain. No promises, but...the album should be ready by the end of October, or Thanksgiving at the latest. Please stay tuned for release and promotional details for the whole 2 of you who read this blog. If there are more of you out there, forgive my ignorance and make yourself known. There may be free merchandise in it for you. Either way, much love and thanks for all the support.

'Holy October' Sessions Continue

2009-06-06T01:42:00.003-07:00

Paul just left a successful vocal session. We captured vocal tracks for Anatomy of a Shadow, Crow, and Eternal Slumber. I'm very pleased with the outcome. We're down to about 3 or 4 more songs that are void of vocals. In another session or two, we should have those knocked out and then we'll be ready for semi-finishing touches.

Mike and Eric still need to get in to complete their remaining lead guitar work. I should be able to accomplish that in the next few months. And then the mysterious figure who will contribute bass must emerge in time for fall. Our October goal is an attainable one still at this point.

Although Paul looks only 4'9" in this photo, I assure you, he's a vocal giant. More to come, including free promotional stuff so start following the blog or send us an email at Rochambeaux@gmail.com and ask to be on our mailing list. In the meantime, have a good summer.

Time to record again

2009-06-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well friends, its time to record more music for Rochambeaux. I will be going down for a quick trip this Friday to work on Anatomy of a Shadow, Crow, and perhaps others.

Latest Session

2009-05-03T14:44:00.003-07:00

Paul did come down for an afternoon/evening session and he didn't disappoint. Very good vocal takes of about 3 songs were captured. We still have a long way to go but I think we'll get there on time or shortly thereafter. Hopefully Paul can come back soon when he's ready to lace a few more tracks. Until then, we'll keep working on polishing the rest of the music like some refugee child shining shoes at an airport.

One Week Away

2009-04-19T20:34:00.002-07:00

Next weekend I come to have some fun and throw down some new melodies. Looks like Mr Funtime (Be De Le De Le De) will get worked on as well as Holy October getting spiffed up plus some other favorites. I'll get to hear what Mr Dhu laid down, which will be a treat.
Hopefully we will be able to get some footage up of my visit as well.

Reunion with Dhu

2009-04-15T16:56:00.004-07:00

Ryan Dhu, a guitarist and friend from our pre-Rochambeaux days, stopped in after 15 years and laid some tracks on songs he helped write so long ago. The Lonely One, Eternal Slumber, and Crow, although written approximatley 16 years ago, will all appear in their new, polished, yet true to form state, on the new album. Hopefully Ryan can continue to contribute in the future, but either way, it was great having him add to these vintage classics that most of the world has never heard. October should change that.

A Halo Needs a Pitchfork

2009-04-13T03:23:00.005-07:00

Are most contributing members of society aware of the fact that there are multitudes of succubi out there counteracting our noble efforts, or do we consciously disregard this troubling truth? Sometimes it's easier not knowing that there are people out there who offer nothing and take everything. I on the otherhand feel fortunate that I get to meet these people as a part of my work outside of music. These encounters make me realize the real value of good people in contrast to the bad. I'm not sure the blissfully ignorant people fully appreciate the difference since they typically don't see both sides. So my thesis is this. If you want to truly appreciate something, go study its opposite.

Hello All

2009-03-16T21:10:00.003-07:00

Hey there, people. This is Mr Singer himself just checking in from infant land. My 2 month old son is doing well (aside from a recent virus that kapowed the whole household) and I am extremely tired. lol. Those of you who have kids remember those days. That being said I am slowly working on some of the songs Wayne has sent me and now most of the songs are in some state of finishedness. I do await arrival of more fine tuned works. Wayne and I will be setting up time for me to come down and put my special stamp on the creative process. Until then keep up the good work, boys.

Plot Points

2009-02-05T22:14:00.004-07:00

My wife is always watching these Spanish Soap Operas where exotic looking half clothed women scream and cry all the time and the men angrily speak too fast to understand even though it's in Spanish and I don't understand it anyway. So what I do is make up things that they're probably talking about instead of worrying about the plot points. If I'm forced to watch or hear that stuff, I might as well make it entertaining.

The same can hold true for music. Many times I find out a song I've loved for years isn't at all about what I thought it was. Sometimes it ruins it for me and I prefer to hold on to my interpretation of the song instead of knowing that it was really about a dog that died (I Used to Love Her) for example. So to that end, we strive to create some rather obscure and vague songs that are about something, but you can interpret in many different ways and make them about whatever you want. That way you don't have to think too hard or worry about getting it. Whatever you think we're talking about is fine. You're probably wrong but no one knows that except us and we won't tell anyone you're lying.

Ping Pong

2009-02-05T22:10:00.003-07:00

Paul and I have been bouncing ideas back and forth via email in regards to songs we're working on. This makes the collaboration process possible over long distances. I know we didn't invent this concept but it took awhile for the revelation to sink in. Now we're in safer waters and this should speed up the progress of the album a bit.

My Brother the Author

2009-01-20T04:00:00.004-07:00

My brother seems to think he can get away with writing story telling games of silliness and shenanigans without me commenting on it. Like me, he is artistic except that he writes instead of making noise. In reality he's sold more books than we have songs to date and probably his internet presence is better as well.

Now I can't understand why anyone would want to sit around pretending all the time but apparently there's an entire society out there that enjoys this type of group solidarity. So if you're so inclined, check out his site at the link to your right. If you happen to play role playing games try his out.

New Baby

2009-01-17T02:25:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Paul and Holly on the birth of their 2nd child and 1st son. I've been told all are doing well.

Getting Back to Business

2009-01-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year. It's been awhile since any of us have posted here but to let you know, Paul, Mike, Eric and I are still hard at work at completing our album. In fact Eric came over the other night and laid down some leads on a song. My personal goal is to have the album completed by October 2009 since the title definitely would make more sense then.

The hold up seems to be the fact that Paul resides in the Valley of the Sun and the rest of us reside somewhere closer to Mexico. Getting everyone together is a logistical feat so things are progressing slower than anticipated. We also all have significant others and kids which happily consume much of our time.

Paul either just did or is about to have his second child so he'll be out of commission for awhile, though I hope I can get him in the studio soon for more vocal sessions. Either way, I'm making a resolution to post more often here to keep you informed as to what we're doing and when you can expect the new album.

I hope you had a great holiday season and next year you should be able to hear some new Rochambeaux while you torment trick or treaters or open presents.

This Holy October

2008-05-31T20:20:00.003-07:00

Our forthcoming new album, This Holy October, is well underway and with any luck will be released by late 2009. We are currently working hard in the studio to complete the writing and polishing of the final songs. We have over 20 potential songs and hope to include at least 10 to 15 of them on the actual album. This will mark our 1st studio quality release and will hopefully set a Rochambeaux standard that you can come to expect for years to come. Once released, it will be available for purchase on CDBaby.com, Itunes, Napster, and other digital sources. In addition we plan on making free downloads available for those who aren't convinced we deserve your hard earned money. More on that later. Thank you for your patience and continued support. We'll see you soon.

Midnight Symphony is Released

2007-01-26T22:18:00.002-07:00

We released our 1st true album, Midnight Symphony on 1-25-07. The album contains old material recorded between 1996 and 2003, now remastered and actually released for the first time to a worldwide audience. You can get yours at CD Baby by clicking on the link to the right. You can also listen to clips of each song by clicking on the same link and exploring a little bit.

The album contains old songs which were recorded before we really developed our sound. These vintage little numbers are sure to be the interesting beginning to the Rochambeaux Catalog. We hope to completely astonish you with new material in the future.