Dexter's Kin

As some of you may know from my previous blogs, I study and train in a form of martial arts called Krav Maga, which was originated in Israel for use in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Since this has become a very big part of my life, I recently decided to take a new turn with it and really get my feet wet, so to speak.

Today I will be starting my training process through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to be a certified security guard. The new job opportunities, however, come with mixed feelings. I am indeed more thrilled than I can put into words that I will no longer be working in bars or restaurants for the rest of my life. It was a toxic environment run by a slew of bitter and condescending managers and owners, and I believe it will bring a plethora of positivity to my life to put them all behind me. But at the same time, despite the love I know I will have for this new field, it can’t compare to the love I would have for playing music in this band for a living.

I’m hoping that this new career will be a fun and exciting step along the way to my ultimate goal of being a rockstar. But like everything else in my life, it just serves as a reminder of where I want to be and the steps I need to take to get there.

I’m thankful that Dexter’s Kin has made such great leaps and bounds in progress over the past year, and I know we will continue the momentum for quite some time. We have a lot of big plans in the near future, and we can’t wait to share them with all of you.

Jason…the drummer

If you’re a singer, I’m sure Whitney Houston is one of the many singers you look up to. I may not know her personally, but I felt like she was one of my great teachers. She taught and helped me understand vocal dynamics.

When I was younger – after hearing, “I Will Always Love You”, I scoured her past work and found fun songs like, “How Will I Know” and ballads like, “Saving All My Love For You,” and “The Greatest Love Of All”. Imagine me, 10 years old, pubescent, and still had a high soprano voice – singing Whitney Houston songs lol, I had no shame…. I’m glad to have an understanding, loving, and most importantly – patient family lol. Fortunately for my family, it all stopped ’til I hit puberty.

Ms. Whitney Houston, you were one of my mentors. You will be missed.

“I get so emotional baby, every time I think of you.”

Love,
Paul

P.S. Be my valentine.

For the moment I have been going to school four times a week. Its definitely been helping me apply my musical abilities to the band. I wake up to go to music history class, my piano lesson with a very good instructor, harmony class, and ear training. That’s my Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays I spend 2 hours of my time in chorale class singing away. We have been working on an oratorio called Elijah by Mendelssohn. It’s a beautiful oratorio filled with intense drama of the prophet Elijah, Baal, the Israelites, and God.

Although this does not have much to do directly with rock n roll, it definitely makes understanding the basic fundamentals a lot easier when I have to apply it in my rehearsals with the guys.

I’m glad and fortunate to go to school because it has developed me as a musician and person.

Band rehearsals has been coming along great as well! Its been productive. We’ve been putting new ideas to our songs. I can’t wait until we’re done and ready to put on a show for everyone!!

Love,
Gisel