Nicholas Lutsko
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October Retrospective + What's Next
🕑 Added 2023-10-30 02:44:34 +0000 UTCCrickets
Surprisingly, this one was almost a part of last year's October Project. I wrote the first verse and chorus in between 'Fall Time In Tennessee' and 'Familiar Song.' Here are two voice memos spliced together - guitar written on 9/30 and lyrics written on 10/1.
This image of Phil Braun wearing a toupee was the visual reference I had for the song's narrator. One of the reasons I abandoned ship last year was because I knew it would be too difficult shooting anything with Phil on such a short notice as he lives in another city and has a full time job. Another reason I decided to move on was I couldn't really figure out the horror angle.
Starring in this video myself never really made sense as I am not (yet) follically challenged, and to me, that was always the main joke. I never even considered Eric until a few months ago. I had developed a full demo of the song, and I shared it with Phil. He was a fan and wanted to make it work, but made it clear that scheduling would be tricky this time of year. I asked Eric if he was interested in being the backup cricket man in case Phil fell through. I emphasized that this role was weirder than usual, and I would not blame him for passing. At the end of SNL #3, Eric was the last one to leave and paused on his way out to tell me "I'm ready for Cricket Man." He was almost campaigning for the role, which was a bit awkward as Phil was still on board at that point. We ended up moving on from Phil because he wasn't able to travel for the shoot, and it was going to be tricky securing locations in Atlanta.
Truthfully, no one could have done better than Eric. He grounded an absurd performance with real emotion and elevated it beyond measure. He's done a lot of tremendous work that he should be proud of, but I believe this is his chef-d'oeuvre.
The shoot itself was a blast. It was just Jakey, Eric and me for most of the day. Jakey brought on Courtenay Cholovich and Gordon Inman as the mayor and her aide and they killed it. Jakey has done a lot of work for us this year and it's been really cool seeing him continually raise the bar.
When I reached out to Brielle about doing the CGI for this one, I thought I had finally come up with a request too asinine to be taken seriously. In classic Brielle fashion, she responded with "I love ridiculously ambitious."
Let the record show that she didn't need to scale it back. Here is the doc that we were all working from (at some point, we replaced the shot of cricket man slamming down a sledge hammer with his pants dropping because we thought it was funnier).
Brielle, of course, knocked it out of the park. I am generally in awe of her work, but this one is truly on another level. How many levels are there?!?
Jon's horns were a last minute addition that transformed the song in a pretty significant way. They added a 70s Chicago (band) vibe that wasn't there previously. My manager Brandon described them as a missing piece that he didn't know the song needed.
The initial plan was to release this as song #2 after Living Dead, but VFX took longer than anticipated. In retrospect, I can't imagine things going another way because it was the perfect finale.
Living Dead in Washington D.C.
I've said a decent amount about this one already in a previous post. I have some mixed feelings about it simply because it doesn't follow the traditional "October Project" formula. The other 7 songs are all strange short stories that don't have any relation to current events. It was an intentional choice last year to make a series of songs that have no connective tissue to each other or whatever is going on in the world. That said, it was a fun exercise to take a politically charged song and dress it up as an October Song. I think it helped keep things fresh and interesting.
Rachel was such a joy to work with on this one and I can't celebrate her enough.. I think using AI generated images in art is a morally complex issue and I'm not in a rush to do it again anytime soon. I believe that it is very easy to abuse. Millions of people will use it to make work that is lazy and derivative at best and blatantly fraudulent at worst. But I don't think that means that its creative merits should be written off entirely.
In the ALF video, I "stole" copyrighted material from both 'Fire in the Sky' and 'ALF.' By cutting them together, I created a "transformative work" that is protected by fair use copyright law. I think generative AI can be used in similar ways. If you could show me a side by side comparison of someone's art that 'Living Dead in Washington D.C.' had ripped off, I would feel very differently.
Despite the stigma associated, I'm proud of how this one came together. And I can't move on without mentioning Jon's top notch horn work.
PUMPKIN MAN
The amount of Pumpkin Man fan art was a major highlight from this year's project. It's hard to believe there are so many unbelievably talented artists in this community. I've already talked a lot about PUMPKIN MAN so I'm going to highlight all of that great art. Can't move along without singing Dan Cupps' praises. He's a legend!
And I'll leave you with this photo of me and Jon's baby, Reid.
Alien Life Form
This one was created in a panicked flurry when we realized that we were going to have to postpone 'Crickets' to the final week. I've known for a while that I wanted to do something with aliens. I started writing and recording before I really knew what the twist was. I got to the line "Revealing such a sight that I could hardly swallow" and I stopped to figure out what happens next. I opened Instagram and one of the first things I saw was an ALF meme that Will Sasso posted. It was such an "Oh duh, the song is about ALF" moment. I put my phone down and immediately got back to it.
All of the other songs this year had some time to marinate, so I was a little nervous reverting back to making something so hurriedly. I was relieved to hear it was many peoples' favorites from this batch, including Jakey, Mikey and my manager Brandon.
Eric and I shot this video in a few hours one evening on my iPhone. Jakey leant me some lights that helped a ton. It was nice to have a song in the batch that has that classic, janky 'Songs on the Computer' production value.
I was very sad to learn that Molly's cat Alfie had passed after finishing this one. If you've come to any of the zooms or live shows, odds are pretty high that you know Molly. She's a moderator on discord and beloved by all. I reached out to apologize and give a heads up that I was about to release a song that repeats ALF's name over and over. She informed me that she named Alfie after ALF, so the song is dedicated to Alfie as a tribute.
This was almost the single art, but I thought the vibes were a little too similar to the bear scene in The Shining.
Dracula Can Get Wet (Extended)
I started working on the second half of 'Dracula Can Get Wet' in between these other songs and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I think I like the second half better than the first half. We started rehearsing it a few weeks back and right away felt that it would be a new live staple. I'm not sure it met its full potential at The Signal, but it was still a ton of fun.
Clair was out of town last weekend, and I had Sage in the studio with me while I tracked the last solo. She sat with me and sang into the mic for a little while which made it in some toward the end. I added the "Good job, Daddy. Woo hoo!" as some much needed affirmation at the end of a long (couple) month(s).
Spirit + The Signal
The Spirit Halloween performance was a great excuse to do something John Boulware and Randy Steele again. Love playing with those guys so much. It was very cool getting to do that with so many familiar faces and hearing everyone sing along.
Here is the board recording for our Signal set.
We had a bit of a rough start during soundcheck with monitor issues that hurled everything into chaos. Our check went long which meant Puddles went long which meant VIP started late which means doors opened late. But things appeared to get back on track at that point.
The VIP meet & meet was a chaotic whirlwind with no organization whatsoever (per usual), but I think it went well! It was lovely seeing so many new and familiar faces. We played Stairwell which I think was a great track for the full band to loosen up on.
Puddles was an absolute joy and we had a great time chatting backstage.
The whole Elvis thing was born out of me singing 'Where Did The Gremlins Go?' like Elvis at rehearsal a few weeks back and making the band laugh. Not much more logic to it than that!
I couldn't hear Desmond at all on stage, which was a bummer. And I forgot how to work my fingers a few times. But other than that, the show was a blast! 'Jump In The Line' by Harry Belafonte was a highlight. We did 'This Is Halloween' at The Roxy last year, but it was great to have Jakey on stage with us for that one this time. We had to cut 'Doctor (Don't Scare Me' and 'Spineless' last minute as I could feel the set going long. WE HAVE TOO MANY DANG SONGS.
It was nice working 'Dracula' and 'Pumpkin Man' into the mix. I can see all of the new songs sneaking their way into a set at some point in the future.
Jon said something earlier that I couldn't agree more with. He told me he was talking with a fan beforehand about how they couldn't wait to experience the show with the hometown crowd. The truth is, YOU all are the hometown crowd. No one brings the love and enthusiasm like you guys that are willing to travel from all over the country and world. I'm not sure Chattanooga is paying much attention to what I'm doing. You guys are the ones that made this show so dang special.
What's Next?
On November 1st, I'm deleting all of my social media apps and going underground for the foreseeable future while I focus on finishing a follow up to SWORDS. I've spent the better part of the past 7 years chasing the dragon creating content online, and I'm feeling some pretty substantial burnout. I don't think Elon obliterating Twitter has helped. Seeing kids pulled from rubble every time I get online definitely hasn't helped.
I'm going to try my best to post regular updates on here. This is definitely the place to reach me if you need to get ahold of me. I intend to host the annual Halloween #7 zoom party and SNL will undoubtedly return early 2024.
A very spooky "Feliz!" to you and yours,
Big Nick
Comments
Stephen Campbell
Checking in from Boston after our lil’ Chatanooga breeze-through — We had such a great visit, man. What a fun town. Delightful. Jumped off of Lover’s Leap and was 100% fine. The show was unbelievable; really great experiencing it with the home crowd. Oh and I’ve had a blast sending pictures of the Spirit Halloween set to friends who have no idea what the context is. Enjoy your time away from The Net. Great choice! Place stinks!
Cooley
Enjoy you're break. And remember that at least one soul in Chattanooga thinks you're pretty great.
Shannon Strucci
Awesome thanks!
Nicholas Lutsko
12/30! Countdown to Halloween #7 (12/31)
Shannon Strucci
Hi Nick! When is the Halloween #7 zoom party? Also I hate that I had a previous engagement or I would have been there for the big show! Looking forward to all the SNLs and live shows and so on in 2024 and beyond!!
Jessica Wagner
I wish I could have traveled to Tennessee on a whim for the show! Patiently awaiting your return to Chicago. I just heard of you two months ago but I love your work and have been nonstop jamming. Enjoy your time!
Leesie Telechan
You're one of the most talented artists out there, Nick! I have never traveled more than an hour for a show, let alone twice in one year. You and the band are worth it! I am happy you're taking time to focus and create on your terms and allowing yourself to step away from social media. We are here through all of it! Thank you for what you've created and the happiness you bring to the world. You deserve all of that in return ❤️
Michael Newhouse-Bailey
Enjoy your time off Nick as it is very important. I am humbled that my son's Pumpkin Man made the post. If anyone has access to a 3D printer and wants their own you can search Pumpkin Man Nick Lutsko on Tinker Cad and find the file. I am happy to print one for you Nick if you are interested. I have had the honor of seeing you perform twice in Chicago and can't wait for your next chapter!
Rachel
I hope you're able to take some time off to rest and recuperate, you truly deserve it. I had the greatest time working with you on Living Dead but holy moly was it nerve-wracking; I never really intend for anyone to see the dumb/awful AI images I make. But I think back on what an honour it was that one of my favourite internet guys trusted me with such a project with a lot of joy, and I hope you found that trust to be well-placed in the end. I'll miss you on social media but we'll all be here when you get back!
Cece
I hope your social media break is helpful, goodness knows it's deserved . Gotta take care of yourself 💚
Cece
What a wild ride this month! I've thoroughly enjoyed all the songs. The amount of discussion that Living Dead caused in our home was wild, from multiple angles. Crickets and Pumpkin Man really did it for me with the wild videos and hard shift in styles. ALF footage was the most terrifying, haha. Dracula has been the one that has been stuck in my head the longest, and I've heard spouse humming it often in the last couple days. . We had a blast at the Spirit Halloween and Signal with everyone. It was our first weekend without kiddos in several years (they didn't burn down the house or have a wild party) Really loved Puddles and all the messaging, it was a lovely set. Had a ridiculously fun time dancing and singing at the concert. Didn't get lost walking back to our place (we had concerns). Enjoyed chatting with Eric and Karen before the show. . Thanks Nick, et al, for being the highlight of our weekend, and the reason we got that desperately needed time together.
Mike Callahan
I don’t have much to say that hasn’t already been said. The Project EP is incredible. Whenever I put it on, it ends up on looping on repeat again and again. I feel like I am still buzzing with a mouthful of crickets after this weekend. It was a whirlwind, full-body submersion into the Lutsko Extended Universe. You and everyone involved are so gracious with your time for a bunch of internet weirdos.
Fergal Colreavy
What a fantastic run of songs this year - kudos to you and everyone who contributed. Dracula Can Get Wet is my personal favourite - the extended version was muc appreciated 💦🧛
Amanda Stamatelaky
It was such a pleasure to meet you again and all of the members of this wonderful community that has formed around following your music. Please take all the time you need to do what's best for your creative process and I very much look forward to the future! (ALF was my favorite too)
Amanda Stamatelaky
Incredible work Brielle, thanks for powering through being sick and delivering to us this absolute GOLD! Can't wait to see what you do next.
Jonathan Harvill
Another incredible October Project! Love every one of the songs. Wish I could’ve made it to the Nooga show!! Thank you for putting so much obvious love and care into your work and for giving us a peek into it all. This is a real special community. Can’t wait for what’s next!
Molly Rosen
Also, thank god y'all played Dracula
Molly Rosen
The show on Friday was amazing and I hope you and the band were able to have fun through the chaos. I can't tell you how much the kindness for Alfie from you all and the community has touched my heart and helped me through an awful time. I can't wait to see what's next from you music wise and will always encourage you to trust that your fans will allow you the space and time to create and be there on the other side.
Molly Rosen
Your work is phenomenal and you only keep getting better and better. I hope you're well again soon.
Brielle Garcia
It was such an honor to work on Crickets. I feel like I only got to fit half of what I hoped to do but there was only so much time in the song and in life. I did motion capture for people at the fair who were going to be attacked by the swarms. I toyed with the idea of the Queen having like lasers attacking, but thought it changed the tone too much. I had to learn how to do destruction in Unreal for both the cellar and the Ferris wheel. So now this new tool has been added to my repertoire. Also I had to get better at handling particle systems in Unreal which are… peculiar to work with. The hardest part of the whole thing was getting the swarm to travel beside the Queen in the outside shots. Turned out I just needed to find the right box to check (after hours of trying to find a solution). While I was trying to finish the vfx, I tested positive for covid at 2am on Monday morning. I felt okay at the time but I figured I would deteriorate quickly so I just powered through til 9am when I sent the final renders to Nick. I was definitely not feeling great by then and immediately slept. It wasn’t a great time being sick, but seeing the love for the video definitely lifted my spirits. I’m also gonna try and bunker down for the rest of the year and finish some personal projects hopefully.
Delfin aka Regular Tyler
It's been such a wild ride watching you grow and develop this whole mess (fun mess, btw) of a community/Nickverse since I first found your Alex Jones song years ago. Getting to see you guys in TN was something special indeed, but CBJ is likely nailing a point like you said. It was all the more special because of the small mob of us brought together by your music. The galivanting around Chattanooga all day was a blast. The band/crew/family/friends that have overwhelmed me with their kindness is truly something special grown from all the hard work put into what you guys do. I hope you can get some chill clean air away from social media to do what you love, Nick. I'll be waiting eagerly for what comes next while goofing off endless with all the fellow fun fans in discord until then. <3....Also, Greezy Rick looks good as hell in their costume.
Craig K
Dracula Can Get Wet was my favorite song of Friday! Me and the rest of the crowd were so amped up when we realized where you were going with your prelude to playing it. Definitely needs to become a live show staple imo we were all going nuts!
