Junkyard Empire

A six-year reflection on my time in Junkyard Empire, the band, and it's FIFTH record....

2011-12-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

As the trombone player and oldest member, both in age and participation, I take special personal pride in saying that Junkyard Empire is about to record it's fifth record. Let me say it again: FIFTH record. That's really something. This one will be the second record with Steve Hogan on bass, the fourth with Graham O'Brien on drums and Bryan Berry on guitar, and the fifth with myself and Brian

Occupy Musicians has Officially Launched

2011-11-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

Junkyard Empire signed on and so should every other band who has brought its music to the movement. Here's the site:http://www.occupymusicians.com/

Junkyard Empire is Coming to OCCUPY YOUR CAMPUS!

2011-11-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Christopher here everyone. Here's the deal: College campuses are one of the last remaining places in America where primarily young, striving minds are in the majority. Those are the people who simply must become the leaders of this movement. I mean, Hell, I'm going to apply to graduate school for political science just so that I can organize on college campuses a little easier. Junkyard

Theft of the Commons Tour + the Occupation of Freedom Plaza = 2 good months for Junkyard Empire

2011-09-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

First off, please excuse our long delay in keeping up our blog. In general, it is Bryan Berry or myself (Christopher) who write on the blog, so if you are pissed, go tell Brihanu, Graham, or Steve. Anyhoo, I wanted to put up a little update as to the life and times of Junkyard Empire. After all, this project has been in place since late 2005, believe it or not. We are very excited about the

radicals?

2010-02-07T13:38:00.001-08:00

am i being radical? if simply seeking information about global realities and seeing this world for what it actually is, and not wanting to be worked to death in a overwellmingly debt ridden, energy addicted, private-interest serving war-mongering empire makes me radical, then we as everyday citizens have a lot of work to do. Posted via email from bberry's posterous

science channel refuses to dumb down science anymore.

2010-02-02T20:07:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from bberry's posterous

trying out the polk audio m30 - pretty nice.

2010-01-13T21:22:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from bberry's posterous

Thoughts of a Factory Shift-worker

2009-11-27T08:05:00.001-08:00

15 minutes is a manageable duration thats 32 units of 15 minutes 10% of a 32 base system is 3.2 2/10 of 15 minutes is 3 minutes so every 48 minutes passed is 10% of the day xx:48, xx:36 [...] break time. Posted via email from bberry's posterous

10 Things a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Can Do

2009-10-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

by Joel Wendland1. Stay committed to the timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.2. Reject calls for a "surge" in Afghanistan, and draw up plans for eliminating military involvement there.3. Move forward a realistic pace process in Israel and Palestine.4. Engage multilaterally and unhypocritically to enforce the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, i.e., provide energy alternatives for

einstein on socialism

2009-09-17T12:12:00.001-07:00

Why Socialism?by Albert EinsteinThis essay was originally published in the first issue ofMonthly Review (May 1949).Is it advisable for one who is not an expert on economic and social issues to express views on the subject of socialism? I believe for a number of reasons that it is.Let us first consider the question from the point of view of scientific knowledge. It might appear that there are no

concern, in one sentence or less.

2009-09-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

with our politicians cat-fighting, a general public less and less sure of science and more confident in religious superiorities, wars being waged over "good" and "evil", universities of higher learning promoting task repetition and conformity over thought and innovation, and lobby interests blocking urgent and necessary environmental, financial, and health-rights reform while the earth runs low

rebellion politik tour preproduction

2009-07-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

retro-ing/modifiying an 80's gmc cargo van into a vibrant - creative and comfortable tour space. Posted via email from bberry's posterous

a brief synopsis of a public education experience

2009-07-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

as completed in a post-graduate survey for the University of Minnesota:19. What advice would you share with current students to assist them in their career preparation?Since when has a school of higher learning been strictly for job placement? This general attitude toward what should be a path of self-enlightenment has been relegated to the service of a technical school, except with a 5 to 6

what would they say of us?

2009-07-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

okay, so we need the numbers. perhaps i hold entirely too much confidence in our rights as citizens and the constitution in general to in any way be an effective revolutionist. i must admit also here, that i am currently very conflicted about a violent/nonviolent philosophy, given, the times and physical environment that we occupy. but, it seems to me that even if we formed a militia and

Thoughts of a radical trombonist

2009-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Chris here. Just thought I'd let the people who read the Junkyard Empire blog know that I have decided to resurrect my old habit of blogging. A few times over the last year or so I have blogged about Junkyard Empire and various other subjects here, but since I want to get back into writing more often - in an effort to regain and then ultimately improve upon my writings skills - I have revamped

A MUST READ by Thom Hartmann on the "Tea Parties"

2009-04-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/04/15-10Published on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 by CommonDreams.orgThe Real Boston Tea Party was an Anti-Corporate Revoltby Thom HartmannCNBC Correspondent Rick Santelli called for a "Chicago Tea Party" on Feb 19th in protesting President Obama's plan to help homeowners in trouble. Santelli's call was answered by the right-wing group FreedomWorks, which funds

Fake Populism in the Form of Anti-Tax "Tea Parties"

2009-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Chances are, if you at all like me, you have seen report after report on the so-called "tea-party" protests put on by Libertarians and Republicans all over the country. They are of course promoted heavily by Fox News and the other shills for the individualistic ideologies that the right wing in this country have been duped by. Well, individualist until you bring in the idea of militaristic

Tell me again: Why don't we want the banks to fail?

2009-03-25T07:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, yeah, I know there are "a lot of good people out there who are unfortunately depending upon banks loaning them the money to run their businesses, businesses that provide much needed jobs in our community," (voice of my inner "Devil's advocate")but let's just think about that a minute. Is it actually a good thing that the vast majority of the economy of the United States and indeed much of

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE MUSIC?

2009-03-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

In the words of ex-Chairman of the Federal Reserve Paul Volker: "I don't remember any time, maybe even the Great Depression, when things went down quite so fast." He was speaking of the “global financial meltdown.” Strong words coming from the guy who is supposed to keep the American people sold on free market capitalism. My question is: what will happen to the music when the harsh reality of

A Little Update from the Junkyard Empire

2009-02-09T14:42:00.001-08:00

Hello to all you lovely people in cyberspace,We realize we have not been writing hardly at all here on ye ole' blog, but that's because of all very good (and exciting) reasons. Most of which I am going to keep quiet about until everything is agreed upon and signed! (hint, hint) PLUS: Junkyard Empire was named one of URB MAGAZINE'S Next 1000!! You can look for information about that next week.

A Few Thoughts on Obama from a Trombonist

2008-12-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, trombone really has nothing to do with this. However, I just might find a way to work it in, so bear with me.I have a worrying concern about Barack Obama. My concern is that the political economics of America today are such that he will only have one real opportunity to truly challenge the status quo, in a way that can include "the people" in a positive and uplifting way, versus a very

Forget about Capital for Just a Few Weeks

2008-11-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

On the day of Thanksgiving, I could write a long blog about how American explorers systematically destroyed Native American tribes. I could bitch and whine about how we are entering the fourth quarter, ready to participate in a celebration of capitalism at the expense of culture. I could complain about Paulson attempting to be God and King of America at the same time. But for today, I won't.

On Publicity and Wages in the Twin Cities Music Industry

2008-11-24T10:13:00.001-08:00

I have been thinking about some of this stuff for decades, but not since moving to the Twin Cities - where there is an overabundance of talent - have I been moved to really try and put my thoughts together regarding the intersection of promotion and wages in today's music industry. In an effort to avoid simply ranting, which I do a lot of, I will attempt to be not only concise, but to offer some

Epistemology, Biculturism, and Globalization in 600 words or less

2008-11-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

The Epistemological Privilege of Biculturalism In the post-imperialist society of which we find ourselves inhabiting, the rise of globalization and consequent international awareness of impacts and concerns is inevitable. This is particularly evident with the current global financial crisis. We occupy a point in history in which the economic stability of each sovereign nation is directly

The Election is Over: Now GET TO WORK!!!!

2008-11-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

DISCLAIMER: It is really early in the morning, and my writing may appear jumbled and less than focused, but bear with me. At least I'm doing it. :)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------First things first, let's take a moment and simply reflect a little bit on what it means that America now has not only a Black President, but a multi-racial one at

The Wretched Rising: A concert celebrating the people's opposition to fascism

2008-11-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings fellow revolutionaries of all types! We will be hosting two great bands, both from New York, on Sunday, November 16th @ the Black Dog Cafe and Wine Bar, that fine intimate venue Sara and Jean so warmly run.Broadcast Live and their traveling brethren Taina Asili y La Rebelde will be stopping in as part of their US tour, and Junkyard Empire is proud to host them.In fact, they will even

So you think your vote counts? Read this.

2008-10-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Published on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 by The Independent/UKThe Vote Grab: Voting Machines Are Unreliable and Inaccurateby Peter TatchellAs early voting in the US presidential elections gets underway, ES&S iVotronics touch-screen electronic voting machines have been observed in four separate states flipping the votes - mostly from Barack Obama to John McCain but sometimes to third party

Brian and Christopher Interviewed by Jean Richard of Nato Records IN FRENCH OF COURSE!

2008-10-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

http://nato-glob.blogspot.com/2008/10/junkyard-empire.html17.10.08JUNKYARD EMPIRELors de la Convention Républicaine 2008 qui vit à St Paul (voir L'éléphant contre les chiens noirs) une nouvelle étape franchie dans le façonnage de l'état policier américain, un groupe de musiciens a émergé de façon saisissante et entière par la relation directe entre son vécu musical, sa poésie, son engagement

Junkyard Empire EP Release Party SATURDAY NIGHT!!! Don't miss it!! Nomad World Pub!!!

2008-10-09T10:00:00.001-07:00

Thoughts From A Pissed-Off Voter

2008-10-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

October 2, 2008They call it a “financial bailout”. I call it a promissory note to continue the economic enslavement of the American taxpayer for generations to come. It is paying homage to the slave masters, the plantation owners, the oil tycoons, the corrupt financiers, the multinational CEOs and all those who have ever exploited the poor and vulnerable for their labor and ingenuity. This

A Little Reality Check and an Update

2008-09-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

So, just as I wrote the blog entry before this one in the morning, the "bailout" was on it's way to failure. It's an interesting turn of events, because the Democrats and the Republicans who voted against the bailout did so for very different reasons. This creates one hell of a chasm between the two parties, who after all are "two wings of the same vulture." Well, the bill went down in flames,

Note to OBAMA: Your vote for the "bailout" is the loss of my vote for you

2008-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who has on many occasions, disagreed with others on whether or not they should make their voting decision based on only one major issue, whether it be the environment, abortion, religion, or any other issue. I've always touted the idea that one's decision should be based on a very broad spectrum of criteria, and only after analyzing all of them individually and then

Art as Commodity versus Art as a product of Humanity

2008-09-25T01:44:00.001-07:00

True art cannot be bought or sold. It can only be experienced. In that sense, it's a lot like love, or what we humans are capable of understanding of love. It follows guidelines that do not fit the mathematical constructs of economics. It cannot be explained with any language fully, or by any theory entirely. It defines our humanity, and therefore solidifies our position in the cosmos while

Assessing the times through music and politics! Live @ the Black Dog

2008-09-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

In the words of aesthetics guru and economics master Jacques Attali: "Music is the mysterious fortune teller of times to come." True? False? Nonsensical? Prescient? Let's talk about it. Tomorrow night at the Black Dog Cafe and Wine Bar in Lowertown, Saint Paul @ 7pm, join MC Brihanu and myself (Christopher Robin Cox), along with Anthony Cox, Indigo, Jim Forrey (of Ripple Effect and Substance

Reflections on the RNC Protests COMING SOON!

2008-09-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, we, as a band, will have some reflections on our amazing collective experiences during the RNC Protests last week in Saint Paul.

Let Rome Burn!

2008-09-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally. It's about time that Americans begin to witness what has been happening right under their noses for the past 8 years or so. That is, the obvious falling apart of what was once the American empire. Arguably, it should have never existed in the first place, because if we were a country that actually learned from its historical mishaps, we would not even seek to become an empire in the

Some footage from the protest concert on September 4th

2008-09-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

The audio is not great of course, but you can definitely catch the vibe.

Days of Oppression in Saint Paul, Part I

2008-09-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's me, Chris, just one of the voices of Junkyard Empire, but I wanted to get something our right away about our experience protesting the RNC today. Here's my short, abbreviated take on things:We got to the Capital at about 12pm, ready to march on the RNC. There were approximately 15-20,000 people. Around 1:30 we began marching down the hill toward the Xcel Energy Center. To be honest, the

Special Early Release of Rise of the Wretched on September 2nd

2008-08-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hey people! Hopefully you are getting as excited as we are about the upcoming mayhem of the Republican National Convention! There are so many amazing shows to check out during the week of September 1-4. As you all know by now, we are doing a big outdoor show on September 2nd in Lowertown Saint Paul, as part of the WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD Block Party, put on by the Black Dog Cafe and Wine

Dwiight Hobbes on Junkyard Empire's Anti-RNC Tour

2008-08-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

The latest press from Dwight Hobbes Junkyard Empire embark on "Anti-RNC Tour" Photo courtesy Junkyard Empire By Dwight Hobbes , TC Daily Planet August 17, 2008 Hard as it may be to believe, not everyone is delighted to see the Republican National Convention come to the Twin Cities.

Junkyard Empire added to the list of organizations supporting the March on the RNC!

2008-08-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2008: March on the RNC to Stop the War endorse today! March on the RNC to Stop the WarDemonstrate at the Republican National Convention – September 1, 2008 – St Paul, MN · U.S. Out of Iraq Now!· Money for human needs, not for war· Say no to the Republican Agenda· Demand peace, justice and equality On September 1, 2008, we have a unique opportunity to step

September 1st Protest March and an Update on Rise of the Wretched!

2008-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, first things first:MARCH ON THE RNC with Junkyard Empire!As many of you already know, there is going to be a giant march on the RNC on September 1st, starting at the Capital steps and ending up at the Excel Energy Center, the place where all the fascists will be enjoying their orgy of tyranny, corruption and "free market" capitalistic hegemony.We are - as a band - going to join the march

Junkyard Empire Looks to Partner up with Other Progressive Organizations

2008-08-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello out there fellow revolutionaries and future heroes of the new world. We here in the Junkyard Empire have decided to take our thang to another level. That is, we want to start directly partnering up with progressive organizations and their activists to push the issues we feel are important. Those issue include, but are not limited to:Net NeutralityLivable Wage - not "minimum

The Importance of Embracing the Underground

2008-07-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

The underground: We hear that term used in so many different ways, and in equally various contexts. For the purpose of my argument, which is on in strong support of embracing all that is the glory of the proverbial underground, I will define the underground from a musical perspective; music that is too hip to gain 'above-ground' notoriety without what is essentially a grassroots movement

News from the Junkyard Empire: RNC Protest Concerts, Revolutionary Fronts, and EP's OH MY!!

2008-07-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well folks, we have a lot to look forward to, and along with that comes a lot of planning and grassroots organizing. That's where you come in! If there is anyone out there who wants to help us with any of the MAJOR plans we have for the coming year, we are all ears. Everyone has something to offer, as far as we are concerned. As the saying goes - or something to this effect - never

Junkyard Empire and the RNC:

2008-07-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Alright people, no surprise here, but we are going to be playing a lot of shows during the week of September 1-4. Let's just be honest and say that things could definitely get a little crazy, but that's a good problem to have as far as we're concerned. Things need to be shaken up a bit during the RNC in Saint Paul, and we will be doing our part, that's for sure.The main question is: Will you be

The Rise of the Wretched

2008-07-21T05:58:00.001-07:00

It's official! We are going to release our new EP The Rise of the Wretched at the Welcome to the Neighborhood Block Party on September 1st! That's right, we will be doing what has probably NEVER been done before: Releasing an EP at a protest against the Republican National Convention. What better atmosphere than a rally to release a Junkyard Empire EP? So everyone mark it in your calendars:

Jon Stewart at his Best: Reporting the Real News on the Economy

2008-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Check THIS out.

Bring on the Economic Collapse

2008-07-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

That's right, I said it. And I know there's a million people out there who would immediately disagree with my premise for actually welcoming the destruction of the modern American economic paradigm, but before you say something like: "Won't all the people who already suffer under this system be adversely affected too?" here me out. Here is my simple premise:There is not one major problem of

On Assassinations, Blackwater, and Other Ruminations

2008-07-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

I had a strange conversation the other day. I was on my way to work and I ran into a professor of mine smoking a cigarette on the street. After the mundane bass player jabber of which I will kindly spare you, we drifted into talking of politics and Obama's chances of getting elected. Unprompted, my professor commented off-handedly about how their is fear in his mind that Obama might get

World Hip-Hop vs. US Hip-Hop?

2008-07-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting article worth a close read. Feel free to comment!http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4950692.stm

UPDATE: Bad Ass EP on the Way!

2008-07-10T06:15:00.001-07:00

We had a great recording session yesterday, thanks to the fine folks at McNally Smith. Except for the trombone player who was a real bitch about his solo in the tune Progression, everything went off without a hitch! hahaha For those of you who know anything about music theory and such, you will understand that no trombone player feels relaxed when he has to play a solo in the key of F# while

Recording our New EP this Morning

2008-07-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

That right, today is the day. Well, not "the" day, but "a" day that happens to be something to look forward to. We are getting a free day of recording at McNally Smith College of Music today, from 8:30-5pm, and what we are hoping to do with it is record four new tracks - three new songs that have yet to be recorded plus a brand new arrangement of Brihanu's Complex Crooks, which we recorded on

Please Welcome Graham O'Brien into the Junkyard Empire!

2008-07-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

There you have it folks! Adam Katz, our wonderful drummer who has been with us since the inception of the band - three years ago believe it or not - has officially left the band and will be moving back home to Wisconsin. We will miss him, but we are also looking forward to the future.Coming in to take Adam's place on the drums is someone we are all very excited to play with. Graham O'Brien is

Collective Forgetfulness and Civic Duty

2008-07-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

"And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the

Independance Day: Independence from what?

2008-07-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Oh, but what are we actually independent of? Britain. Well, there is that. What else is there, really, that we are independent of? What are we actually celebrating?As an alternative to what Independence Day has come to mean for our governmental leaders - independence from responsibility to the effects of our policies around the world; independence from responsibility

The Republican National Convention........

2008-07-03T12:58:00.001-07:00

..... has no idea what it is up against in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Sure, we have our fair share of chauvinistic flag wavers and scary patriots, but what most people don't know - or at least conveniently forget - is that Saint Paul and Minneapolis is home to some of the most progressive people in this country. Hubert Humphrey and Paul Wellstone (assassinated in order for Norm Coleman to get

Big News for the First Day of our New Blog

2008-07-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, Adam Katz, our drummer of three years, has decided to move back to his native Wisconsin. While we all will miss him in numerous ways, we wish him the greatest of luck. We'll miss the crazy faces he makes while playing, his incurable addiction to his iPhone, his totally wacky and often self-deprecating sense of humor, and his willingness to frequently show up to