Hey all! Probably about time for an update, don't you think?

As some of you may already know, I've recently made a home for myself in the City of Angels, and I can't even begin to explain how great it's been for me thus far -

Wait wait wait. Hold on a sec. The City of Angels...you mean like Los Angeles? Like, the same LA that's in a whole other state entirely across the country?

Yes. But to briefly and honestly answer all two of your questions: No. I've actually moved to a city called Valencia (ala the oranges), about 20 miles north of LA, but you get the idea.

Okaaaaay...but why the spontaneous move in the first place, you ask?

Well, for one, I quite simply needed a change. Having been born and raised in the wondrous city of Chicago, however wondrous, I nonetheless decided that I was in desperate need of a switch. Mentally, I'd been drained, and the familiarity somehow wasn't making me feel at home anymore. I longed to feel inspired again. I wanted something new and exciting, warm, green, and vast. I needed to get lost.

And there it was. California, in all of its fiery and quakey glory. Looking past California's unfortunate proneness to natural disaster, it was, after all, the most logical alternative; I now finally live in the same apartment (let alone the same state) as my lovely girlfriend, and I'm 30 minutes away from the entertainment capitol of the world! What a deal!

Which brings me to the music. First, I want to thank you all for your continuous support following our debut album release, and know that I am thrilled as ever when I receive your kind and supportive messages. It means the world to me to know that our music is becoming and has already become a part of your lives...and I can't stress that enough. That said, I know I haven't been able to be as active here on Myspace and YouTube as I'd like, but please believe that I will continue to work at this. It has always been important to me to connect with listeners, and that will never change.

Second, I do plan on performing and promoting the album while I'm here, so I sincerely hope to see you California folks out at some of the performances! And that goes for the open mics as well as the big gigs (you know, like when I play The Viper Room, Key Club, etc), but beware: these performances will almost certainly be solo performances, so be ready for an even MORE minimalist set!

Lastly, I want you all to know that though this move is not permanent, I will work very hard to make the most of my stay here. Frankly, there is no other option. I must say, I am sensing good things on the rise, and without you all, you may as well factor "good" out of the equation. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thank you.

Your favorite musician based out of Chicago and now LA,
Alain de Courtenay

Be on the lookout for performance dates!