Iris Wasabi Photography: Music + Photography = Life/Love/My Job

It was an interesting night to say the least. Red beards, tattoos, POET and many other things, were all part of what seems to be a typical night for Gardening, Not Architecture.

I met up with Sarah Saturday and her Tour Manager Wyatt, no last name introduction a la Beyonce and Prince, during load in. No roadies, just a skeleton crew of Sarah and her TM. "Gotta set up the merch!" was the answer to my "What's next?"

Of course, no Merch Girl or Guy means the band leader and all around musical hub of Gardening, Not Architecture has to set up her own merch display, which tonight seems to be on a Billiards Table. So is the life of a EIY/DIY artist.

To most a shirt or button purchased at a local show is a memento of the night and a way to express the love for the band they just saw but to the band selling the merch, sales really do seem to pay for the tour when a DIY band decides to head out on the road. Instead of a luxurious bus paid for with overhead by a record label, DIY bands like GNA head out in a sports utility vehicle or cargo van and hit the road sometimes opting to sleep in the car, crash at a friends or if door and merch sales went well a motel/hotel is on the horizon meaning being able to sleep in a little later and have a nice shower. Obviously a luxury when riding around cramped in a vehicle full of gear and people.

Im sure a lot of bands know about this already, but in all honesty I'm more or less writing this so those who aren't fortunate enough to be out on the open road can get a better perspective of their favorite bands "rockstar lifestyle" and yes, it would have been a great idea to get a few more bands in the mix and definitely tell the story through their eyes as well, however, Sarah Saturday in conjunction with EarnItYourself.com, Buzznet.com and MacBeth Shoes have sponsored "Win a Day with Gardening, Not Architecture." That being said, I was able to actually spend a good portion of the evening into wee hours of the morning, with the band and be able to see the ins and outs of the the DIY set.

On the road Sarah and Wyatt are able to run a small spectrum of EarnItYourself.com which is actually helping to sponsor bands perform on the Kevin Says Stage on this years 2009 Vans Warped Tour. One lucky band will be handpicked from the masses of applicants and have their chance to be featured not only on EIY Radio and the EIY site, but on the Kevin Says Stage! What more could a unsigned band ask for? Not much, but Sarah and Company deliver a great tool in the marketing and networking of DIY bands: A community with open arms, heaps upon heaps of useful information and a place to showcase the bands talent and writing skills by creating a profile at EarnItYourself.com and not to mention the Radio Show EIY RADIO airs live every Monday night from 8:00PM – 10:00PM at www.EARNITYOURSELF.com and gives listeners the chance to ask questions and get answers because honestly, how will you know if you never ask?

And speaking of asking questions, you want to know, how was the show? It was filled with an amazing light show/display which seemed to be in synch with the music. Sarah's vocals were hauntingly melancholy and heartfelt during "The Great Unraveling" and she definitely brought the dance party with "Jabberwocky" both of which can be found on The First EP with a special edition being sold on Gardening, Not Architectures current West Coast Tour.

At 2:30AM after the show, sitting at a table with Sarah, Wyatt, Security, Promoters and Members of the headlining band from the nights show, its clearly evident that these are the types who will be prominent in the music industry for years to come.

For more information and a plethora of artists who are worth checking out, please visit http://www.earnityourself.com

Thanks to Sarah Saturday/Gardening, Not Architecture and Tour Manager Extraordinaire Wyatt for a crash course in the DIY/EIY Lifestyle.

Be sure to check out Gardening, Not Architecture when they stop by your city:
(more info on the contest visit see http://sarahsaturday.buzznet.com)
Mar 13 2009 Sacramento, CA (All Ages)
Mar 14 2009 Stockton, CA (All Ages)
Mar 15 2009 Redding, CA (All Ages)
Mar 16 2009 Eugene, OR (All Ages)
Mar 17 2009 Portland, OR (21+)
Mar 18 2009 Portland, OR (21+)
Mar 19 2009 Seattle, WA (21+)
Mar 20 2009 Seattle, WA (21+)
Mar 21 2009 Nampa, ID (All Ages)
Mar 23 2009 Salt Lake City, UT (All Ages)
Mar 24 2009 Las Vegas, NV (All Ages) - This show is still being booked see http://sarahsaturday.buzznet.com
Mar 25 2009 Scottsdale, AZ (All Ages)
Mar 27 2009 San Diego, CA - This show is still being booked see http://sarahsaturday.buzznet.com
Mar 29 2009 Barstow, CA (All Ages)