Hi Everyone!  I made a cardinal mistake as Commando Jam last week when I spoke to Blake--I forgot to find out how much I could blab versus how much I had to suppress.  So I've been suffering in silence, like a kid trying to keep a secret.  Johnny and Blake, along with Dallas, have said enough in the last week though, so now it's my turn.

Sooo..... 

Starting last Wednesday, Blake and I played a rousing game of phone tag. First I sly-dialed him (267 SLY DIAL)--a great new service where you can call someone's answering machine directly.  He returned the call while he was at the airport, which I missed.

After more near misses, I told senior moderator SecretaryOfPlaid---"Wherever he is, whoever he is with, his ass is going to keep lighting up until I get through...." referring to Rayz's observation at the Birthday Bash that Blake keeps his phone in his back pocket and it lights up when he gets a call....

I finally got lucky on Friday night.    Blake called in the middle of running errands.  In the midst of popping in to visit a friend and grabbing a taco, he shared a bit of news with us.

Tour

So you already heard from Johnny and Blake what the biggest news is--Blake's tour is booked!! There is some date rearranging going on right now--Kevin managed to double book himself--but when that is sorted out, Blake has promised to blog the dates. 

From other sources, I've heard most of the tour is in over 21+ clubs.  Once we know the places, the B.L.Army will make sure all the details are posted on the website.

Blake seemed excited for the tour, but determined to get more dates and locations.

And he's definitely interested in having our help for his tour.  We've been keeping track of which members can help out where--if you're interested, go to idolbored.com and let us know in the B.L.Army forums.

Click for the B.L.Army Forums.

Music

One of the first things Blake told me during the call was that the HMW remixes are part of the top 10 Billboard Dance charts.  (It's adorable that he thinks I didn't know that, like, last week).  He was *ecstatic*.  According to Blake, the remixes that are being spun are those from Jake Benson and DJ Dan and he's hearing rave reviews from DJs. 

It seems like Blake has found his market--and he's intending to stay snuggly there.  The new album--which Blake spilled this week might be named ODB (I'm already thinking of it as OCD, though, a nice companion to ADD don't you think?)--is going to be heavily dance and "darker."  Blake pointed to HMW and Surrender as closer examples to what he's doing now than the more pop-sounds of Human.

The second album is only part of what he's working on, though.  He's collaborating with all sorts of people and bands.  Their songs are coming out soon, as hopefully will be his own this fall. 

IB and BLA

Blake said he has been really lax about the internet and keeping in touch online. He said he realizes how important it is to his fans and apologized.  He is incredibly thankful for our support and wants us to know that, however. 

As a special thanks to the B.L. Army, he thanked us for the vigilance we performed on the groupcard.  He was touched to know so many people wished him well. 

The Streets

Blake definitely wants street teaming everywhere he can get it. So Washington Blaker fans--you're on for Westlake!!  Jamber will be coordinate the street teaming for that show--please sign up if you're interested.

As for our street teaming at the AI concerts, Blake repeatedly told me that he loves the idea.  We have volunteers for 9 shows already--anyone else interested can go to the B.L.Army forums and sign up still-- and as soon as I get ahold of the concert dates, I'll make sure our flyers reflect that. 

FYI, the glow bracelets with charms that we are handing out at the concerts are coming along well.  During our call, I painted a mental picture for him of us surrounded by over a 1000 glow bracelets that we are adding charms to (complete with jewelry fixings) and preparing for our AI street teams.  I'm almost positive he shook his head while laughing at me 3000 miles away.

 He will be working with us on street teaming for his tour soon....There's a lot to do and plan and he definitely appreciates and wants our help!  

And don't worry, we'll keep his butt lit up on a regular basis until we get all the details.  And I'll remember to make sure I can spill them as soon as possible!

Much Love,

Commando Jam