Let’s see. We have 8 original songs. Primitive, garage-style surf instrumentals. I have “record a CD” on my bucket list. But, of course, a CD cannot be recorded without a band.
Somewhere along the line, I created a fictitious band known as the “Lava Pups.” It was "fictitious" because no band existed at the time.
Initially, the thought was the “Lava Dogs.” That sounded manly and ferocious. The “Lava Dogs” would play “lava tube” and have a snarling dog logo. Fiery eyes and flashing teeth. Maybe even some dripping saliva or frothing at the mouth.
Two problems arose. First, a Google search revealed that “Lava Dogs” was used by the Marine Corps as the nickname for the First Battalion, Third Marines. They had shoulder patches, decals, websites, and Facebook pages. They had history. In any event, the name was taken. And I am certain that the Marine Corps would not want to have anybody believe that I somehow was involved with "the Corps."
Second, “Lava Dogs” really was way too serious sounding. A snarling dog really was way too serious looking. Fiery eyes and flashing teeth do not convey fun. Dripping saliva or mouth froth does not covey fun either. The concept for my bucket list was to have fun . . . to do something within my limited talents . . . and to walk the tightrope between creating a product of which I could be proud and of not offending the many serious musicians whom I know and respect.
Once “Lava Dogs” was not available, I looked at our good-natured, fluffy Bichon Frise -- Darby -- and thought “Lava Pups.” I certainly can draw a caricature of him. Add sun glasses for fun and to create an air of mystery. No snarling and nothing ferocious. Just a smiling, friendly dog. Put a little spike in his hair to arouse suspicions. Just how good-natured is he?
Pencil to paper. Voila. A “Lava Pup” emerged from my brain and found its way to my sketch book.
Wow, that was easier than writing any single song!
Somewhere along the line, I created a fictitious band known as the “Lava Pups.” It was "fictitious" because no band existed at the time.
Initially, the thought was the “Lava Dogs.” That sounded manly and ferocious. The “Lava Dogs” would play “lava tube” and have a snarling dog logo. Fiery eyes and flashing teeth. Maybe even some dripping saliva or frothing at the mouth.
Two problems arose. First, a Google search revealed that “Lava Dogs” was used by the Marine Corps as the nickname for the First Battalion, Third Marines. They had shoulder patches, decals, websites, and Facebook pages. They had history. In any event, the name was taken. And I am certain that the Marine Corps would not want to have anybody believe that I somehow was involved with "the Corps."
Second, “Lava Dogs” really was way too serious sounding. A snarling dog really was way too serious looking. Fiery eyes and flashing teeth do not convey fun. Dripping saliva or mouth froth does not covey fun either. The concept for my bucket list was to have fun . . . to do something within my limited talents . . . and to walk the tightrope between creating a product of which I could be proud and of not offending the many serious musicians whom I know and respect.
Once “Lava Dogs” was not available, I looked at our good-natured, fluffy Bichon Frise -- Darby -- and thought “Lava Pups.” I certainly can draw a caricature of him. Add sun glasses for fun and to create an air of mystery. No snarling and nothing ferocious. Just a smiling, friendly dog. Put a little spike in his hair to arouse suspicions. Just how good-natured is he?
Pencil to paper. Voila. A “Lava Pup” emerged from my brain and found its way to my sketch book.
Wow, that was easier than writing any single song!