In support of Superchick’s latest release, Reinvention (April 20, 2010), the tour will feature reinventions of popular songs from the band’s more than 10-year career. Opening with a concert in Hobbs, N.M., the tour will visit mainly West Coast and Midwest cities, supported by Superchick’s latest radio single, “Still Here,” currently impacting both Christian AC and CHR.

“‘Reinvention’ is a word that means change, and that is what we expect on this tour: GOD to show up like never before and change our lives forever,” says Superchick bassist Matt Dally. “We want your life to be different when you walk out of the show; I want my life to be different as well. Come and see God transform us all to be closer to Him. Oh and it’s going to rock your face off too!”

Visit our tour section for complete dates!

We met some really great people who we wrote with this week…and wrote some beautiful songs we’re excited about. It’s my first time I’ve really written worship, so it’s the new, weird thing for me but I’ve really loved it!

So doing the whole voice rest thing… well, I’ve had to rest my voice before and each time I feel like I end up learning something from the whole shutting up thing. This time around this is what clicked for me:

Obviously my job depends on me having a voice.  Four other people in my band  depend on me having a voice, and a lot of people who buy tickets and a promoter who’s spent money to bring us to do a concert are affected by whether or not I can sing. Sometimes that pressure might be a bit much for me. And the truth is,I’ve had shows where I can barely talk by the end of it, but God manages to get me through and our fans are so sweet and forgiving of my manly vocals. Haha. So when my voice is hoarse and I’m trying to rest it, I’m sort of choosing my words wisely, you could say. Normally, I’m a talker. Communication is definitely a love language of mine…talking is how I connect and love people. So not to talk feels so weird for me. But when you know you should talk less, it makes you edit all the unimportant things you might think to say normally.

Moral of my story..I could talk less in general. The truth is,most of us could. There is wisdom in being a good listener, in sometimes sitting back and watching the world around you, noticing things you might not if you were too busy talking. That’s my lesson from voice rest this week. If i always thought,’what could i not say? What’s not that important?’ I might be better off. Or maybe i’d just lose my voice less.

Here’s to shutting up more often, friends! I’m off to bed and then another week home, with cowrites every day and then shows this weekend. Excited to get this worship album out to any of you interested…next spring! Night night..

So Monday night, Melissa, Matt, Dave and I left with Chris Hauser and Matt Ingle (our amazing radio guys) and set out on what would be over 2,000 miles of driving across the states and visiting radio stations. Tuesday we started in Indianapolis and visited K-Love and Air1, then we parted ways and the boys took off with Matt and we set out with Chris. It was quite the week of meeting new people, answering questions about who I am, who we are as a band, what we believe and why we’re a band. These weeks are so exhausting but at the same time, for me they are inspiring. To answer those questions reminds me of those things that really matter to me and to us as a ministry, and it stirs things up in me.

This week we got to hang out with radio rations who play us and believe in us, and then there are stations that are AC and finding one of our songs that fits is harder to do even if they’d like to. The one thing that stands out to me from everyone we met is that they’re all people who are doing something because they believe in what they do and they want to make a difference. It takes a lot of parts to make up a whole, and a station wouldn’t work without music, bands would have a hard time selling albums and tickets for shows without radio… we all need each other and if we take the time to get to know each other and respect differences, we’ll work like a fine oiled machine (I have no idea where I heard that phrase)..:-)

It turned out to be a great week! There are DJs and radio teams out there working long and early hours who don’t get paid much or at all and they are pretty much pastors in their cities, encouraging people who tune in, praying for them and walking through life with them. It was a good reminder that we’re only a part of this industry..and I’m glad to be a part of it.

My hubby is in Holland with Stellar Kart right now..said they had an amazing show headlining mainstage last night. It’s his first time there, and I’m excited to hear all about it!

We came to a town called Siren, WI for a show tonight, and then fly to Ohio tomorrow…then HOME! Can’t wait.

Fall tour is starting soon! Hope you’ll all try to find a show close enough to come out. See you soon!

Operation Beautiful Book Tour: Day 7 – Superchick

When I was 15 I started a continual battle with an eating disorder because a boy said something to me that made me think I was chubby. I hear little girls as young as 8 years old saying they think they are fat. We as females are constantly being told through TV, magazines, advertising and our own peers what is supposedly beautiful and what size we should be. When are we going to stop listening to the world around us and take hold of the women we were created to be? When are we going to see our beauty through the eyes of our Creator? When is our self-esteem going to stop being dependent on other people’s opinions?

I think we – and by we I mean me and you who are reading this right now -need to grab hold of our beauty and stand tall, strong and proud so that future generations see what real beauty looks like.

Join me.  Say it with me:

“I am beautiful just the way I am.”

Now share your knowledge.

- Melissa Brock <3

Some facts about Operation Beautiful:

• Operation Beautiful is a viral community effort to increase self-confidence and stop negative self-talk.  Operation Beautiful has nothing to do with how much you weigh; it’s about who you are intrinsically as a person – and that is BEAUTIFUL! The website is www.OperationBeautiful.com.
• Operation Beautiful, the book is now in stores at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Indie Bound.
• The site was started in June 2008 and they’ve received 5,000 plus notes from every populated continent.
• EVERY note that gets emailed to the site goes up on the Internet for others to see!

Share with us, a story of how YOU and YOUR IMAGE have been POSITIVELY effected by the act of someone else in the comment section for your chance to win a copy of “Operation Beautiful” the book!

Also, if you are at a festival this summer remember to look for the Superchick post-it notes out there! You should see a ton of pink ones floating around, with the exception of ONE yellow post-it per festival, aka the ‘Golden Ticket’! If you find the winning Operation Beautiful post-it, please email us to redeem your Superchick Merch Prize pack and the chance to win a Superchick guitar!

Also please keep up the good work on your own Operation Beautiful Campaigns.  And stop by later this week as we host the Operation Beautiful virtual book tour in support of the book which releases today!  More information can be found at OperationBeautiful.com

]]> http://www.superchickonline.com/blog/2010/08/operation-beautifulfestival-funnew-contest-for-you/feed/ 1 http://www.superchickonline.com/blog/2010/08/summer-lovin/ http://www.superchickonline.com/blog/2010/08/summer-lovin/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:14:50 +0000 Tricia http://www.superchickonline.com/blog/?p=749 The summer has come and is going just as quickly. It’s been busy and full of airplanes, concerts, family time, sunshine and friends. I haven’t blogged in quite a while because my husband Nick and I have been sharing my laptop since his went byebye, and he really needs it more than I do, so he usually takes it. It feels like so much has happened that one blog can’t contain it. I might just have to catch you all up over the next few blogs! We’re looking into an ipad for me, instead of another laptop for him, so our problem will be solved, and blogging can happen again on a regular basis!!

It’s been a hot summer, a busy summer and a happy few months for Nick and I. I’ve pretty much been gone every weekend for festivals. I love festivals. But they do wear. me. out. Hot, sweaty, sometimes no dressing room to get out of the heat (so changing for shows as a girl can get creative). But then there are the craaaazy crowds. People who are sunburnt, dehydrated, worn out and overstimulated by too many loud shows in one weekend… but they are willing to stand in the blazing hot sun (or lightning, thunder and rain) for bands they love and maybe only see once a year! And we have so much fun with our fans and friends… it’s been a good summer of festivals.

Last weekend we played Creation West which has moved to the Seattle area now… always a beautiful place and a good time. I get to see some of my favorite people who live on the other side of the country at least every summer, so that’s a bonus. My best friend, Kory, just had her first baby boy, Tollan. I got to spend a day with them and meet my lil god-nephew. Such a special time in their lives and I loved getting to see the look of love only a new parent can know with their very own baby. The day before Creation we played a show in Oregon and I was reminded of how much I love Oregon! Great show too.

Everyone meet Tollan. I heart him.

Our friends Laura and Tiffiny

Then we flew over to Houston and went to see the great people at KSBJ there. Such a cool station and they’re following a cool new vision they have to make a station that’s what youth want to hear, even if it means losing the adult crowd and support. The show that night was at the Houston Boardwalk. Beautiful place! We thought we might get rained out or the crowd might be small because it was raining all day. But showtime came and it was cleared up just enough – and the people showed up. It was one of those special shows we’ll remember because the crowd was so gracious, so into the show and a part of it just like we like. They were intense (and it was hot, believe me) and with us til the very end. We signed for a long time and met so many great people! Thank you, Houston, for being a favorite show of our summer season. A mom in the autograph line told us that she had a daughter who died last year and they played one of our songs at the funeral. I know for them, being at the show was such a mix of emotions. Those moments remind me that God is gracious and good and He comforts each one of us in a special way because He knows us and loves us so intimately. We belong to such a passionate, loving and giving God.

This week I got back home and got to spend a couple of days with Nick, my parents, niece and nephew and sis. It was Mom’s birthday Thursday, and I was so happy we got to have time with her. That’s the best gift we can give people. The memories we make with people we love are permanent, and stuff we can give is so temporary. My niece, Amanda, and nephew, Josiah, are really growing up so fast! Crazy when you remember the diaper baby phase and now we can have God conversations and talk about what they’ll do after high school someday and grown-up things. My nephew goes into high school this year. It brings back so many memories for me of my high school years…some awesome, some scary, some tough. But I’m proud of who he is. He is confident and knows what he believes. And I’m hoping our albums can be a little help getting him through the tough. =)

Family times

I actually had this weekend home. I forget how weird and rare that can be, and when I’m home and Nick’s gone, I find myself having no clue what to do with myself. I spent time with my girlfriend, Pixie, today. Her name is Laura – Pixie is what I think when I see her and so it became her nickname… And I’m just about to leave to go see “Inception” with Melissa. I’ve heard so much about how good it is. I hope I’m not disappointed.

Hope you’re all doing well! Thanks so much for reading or following me. Stay tuned for more updates soon on my worship album. It’s moving along. We’ve been writing every day we can that we’re both home, and just Thursday wrote one of our favorites yet. So exciting seeing these songs unfold and envisioning people worshipping in their church or their car or wherever they might be with headphones to something we were a part of. I’ve always known I would write a worship album, but now it’s so real. We’re talking dates for the photo shoot and artwork and album title. Crazy. Next year, people…I’ll keep you posted on all of it here.

That’s all for tonight. Much love.

T

One of the downsides of incompetence is that you don’t know you are incompetent.

I grew up wanting everyone to think I had the answers. I would frequently answer questions with “facts” that sounded right to me. Sometimes bluffing worked, but eventually people catch on. It took a lot of growing up before I was able to say “I don’t know.” Now, when I have an opinion, I will state it as an opinion: “I’m not a doctor, but I’m pretty sure if you can see the bone you want to go to the hospital.” My friend Reid has a saying: “Having an internet connection and google does not make you a doctor.” The most emphatic thing I will say is: “I could be wrong, but I’m 97% sure that your brakes are not supposed to make that grinding noise.” I’m never 100% sure; I’ve felt 100% sure and been 100% wrong. Sometimes things have changed since the last time you were there. It turns out some kinds of root beer do have caffeine in them.

I’m a pretty smart guy. But I’m not a mechanic or a doctor or even a plumber. I approach everything assuming it can be understood, but I don’t start off assuming I understand. I’m not saying you shouldn’t leap into brand new things; in fact, I’ve made a career of it – sometimes having a lack of knowledge brings a fresh perspective. But some days, the smartest thing I’ll say all day is “I don’t know.”

Read more thoughts from Max at Maxwax11.com

I grew up in a tropical climate and we had one air conditioner in my parents’ bedroom. Our whole family slept in their room at night and the air conditioner was only turned on at night in order to save money.

We can always find things to be sad about, and we can always find things to be happy about. I think that’s why helping with the homeless is so good for perspective; you really come home grateful for things like air conditioning… and well… having a home to come home to.

Read more thoughts from Max at Maxwax11.com

We drove about 6 hours after the show into Kentucky and had a hotel room for about 2 hours before we had to check-out. It wasn’t the nicest hotel (or should I say motel) we’ve stayed at, so not being there long didn’t make me sad apart from the lack of sleep. This is what being in a band living on a budget looks like, friends. The truth is, we had years we were making more and when the economy wasn’t falling apart, and we didn’t always spend it wisely. I see bands taking out multiple buses and flying home when they have a couple days off, and you know what I think? First, that $300 you just spent on that flight is right out of your own pocket, and every time you decide to splurge on the nicer hotel or more rooms to be more comfy or first class seats, that’s a vacation you could’ve spent with family, it’s money that could be in a savings account that could put a kid through college or sponsor a child for a whole year… well, you get my point. And second, everything unravels eventually. Especially in this career; if you’re doing well, save what you make for the time – which could be soon – when people suddenly don’t think you’re as cool, don’t buy as many albums, don’t race to your shows and don’t treat you like royalty.

Do I sound jaded? Honestly, I don’t feel jaded, I just feel like someone who’s been working in a career for 11 years and seen plenty of success, amazing times, and seen the album I’m still proud of not do well. It happens. It’s perspective, I think, not jadism… haha, I’m sure that’s not a word but I like it. It’s a “Trishism.”

While I’m off the topic… the other day we got to a show and saw the promoter, who we’ve worked with quite a bit. After our last tour we sent out thank-you’s to all the promoters who brought us into their towns. We each wrote a little something inside. When we first saw the promoters, they thanked us for the card and said that in 12 years, it was the first thank-you note they’d ever received. We do feel like these people work so hard, take a gamble to bring us into their towns, pray for these events, and then sometimes we get to the show and dread being social, hide out in our buses or at our hotels til the last minute, treat the volunteers like they should be happy to wait on us because of who we are… The truth is, if we’re really doing this with the right hearts, we should walk out of the bus ready to meet new people, to reach out to someone who’s in need and expect God to use us that day. I’m preaching to myself here too. I have hide-out days, guys. I think it’s tough to find balance between giving until you lose your voice and emotionally can’t handle another smile and not giving at all and just letting people serve you and even expecting it. I don’t tell the story to say we’re amazing people every day. I’m still just amazed and saddened that ours was the first card they’ve ever received.

So, Thursday we played Ichthus. Very hot but beautiful day in Kentucky. Our parents got to come out, and we got to see some great friends. The crowds at Ichthus are always super energetic and sweet, but we particularly liked this year’s. Really fun show and none of us passed out. =) A friend of mine from high school got to play the festival too, which was cool. His name is Brent Reed. Such a great, talented guy and I’m happy to see things moving forward for him. I also got to meet Dave Ramsey, Mr. Financial Guy. He wasn’t actually all that friendly, but I get being busy and tired and wanting to just eat and not be social all day long. He’s helping a lot of people stop the mentality of living on credit cards and get DEBT FREE!! haha. It’s a good thing.

After the show we made the roadtrip back to Nashville with our parents… they came to visit for a couple nights for Father’s Day weekend. It’s such a cool thing to be friends with your parents, to enjoy them, to have adult conversation and be able to make silly jokes and have fun together. I love my parents. I love sharing what I do with them, because I know how proud they are of us, and I know I am who I am because of the 18+ years they raised and nurtured and loved and worried and didn’t sleep and learned to let go and know I was ready to go… and I imagine that’s one of the toughest moments for a parent. I look forward to them being an amazing grandma and grandpa to our kids someday… And after Father’s Day, in honor of them, I say to myself and all of us:

Don’t wait for one Hallmark holiday a year to tell the people you love and treasure who they are to you. We all need to hear those words. We need to be needed. We all want to know we are valued by others and that our life matters. So let’s not hold back our emotions and words because sometimes it’s scarry to be vulnerable. Let tears flow if they need to, apologize, say I love you, hug someone longer… because all we have is today. It’s a gift. It’s not worth it to hold grudges and to be stubborn and to refuse the smallest 2 words that can heal so many huge wounds.

Tomorrow we have a meeting and then I’m writing for my worship album. I welcome your prayers for this album that I’ve always known would happen. I pray for creativity and inspiration from God. I feel small and humble in knowing how to worship and what we should always say… but I’m so encouraged by where it’s going and excited to release it for all of you someday soon!!!

Goodnight all– hope you’re well wherever you are.

Trish

My bestest friend in the whole world lives in Seattle, and we don’t get to see each other a lot. She’s quite pregnant and I hadn’t even gotten to see her little baby bump yet, so her sweet hubby flew me out there a couple of weeks back, and I got to spend a few days with them. So exciting! They were putting the finishing touches on the nursery and sifting through piles of gifts from showers. Kory and I are pretty silly together. She can make me laugh like no other person in the world. It was such a special, refreshing time to have with her the last time before she becomes a Momma. Can’t wait to meet Tolin very soon!! Here we are being us together…

Last week we were in Europe. We flew into Vienna first to catch our breath and try to handle jetlag in a beautiful city and before crazy schedule set in. Vienna is lovely. Small enough not to feel threating, sweet people, yummy little cafes, stroooooong coffee. Literally, my eyes popped open a bit more with each sip. It was rainy and cool, and we were all fighting the urge to just sleep for 2 days straight. If you’ve never experienced that kind of jetlag, well, I’d say good for you. It’s brutal. It was 7 hours ahead of Nashville time, and that’s not easy to adjust to. We explored and rested and then headed to a new spot for us, the country of Slovakia. We played in Trnava. Adorable city, great people, amazing crowd that night that filled this little town square. You couldn’t feel much more European than the vibe. People watched from the streets, from the little cafes and pub near the stage, so much fun! Early flight the next day to Sweden…

We played in Uppsala, Sweden. We played at Word of Life church, one of the biggest churches in Europe. The staff and especially the youth pastor and his wife were such welcoming people. We would love to go back, and stay at their retreat even for a bit of a vacation. It was a beautiful part of Sweden and we met such sweet fans that night after the show.

Our friend, Josefine, came to see us. We met her years ago because she is the lady in charge of one of the biggest festivals in Sweden and she’s booked us a couple of times, and we just love her! So good to see friends all the way across the world, and know that with the internet, keeping in touch isn’t so tough. Here’s Josefine with Melissa and I after the show playing in the dressing room:

Next we flew (always bright and early) to Switzerland to play a show we played last year too, and were excited to be asked back to! It was in Frauenfeld and it’s called Springtime Festival. Beautiful part of the country, and such a nice time of year to go! We played with Hawk Nelson and Switchfoot that night to end the Europe tiny tour. Not sure if I’ve ever mentioned here that I love Switchfoot? I can call them friends, but I’m still a fan of their music and their hearts. Their show never gets boring. They were on our first tour with us back in the day. Festival Con Dios. haha, good and awful memories are accompanied with that tour!

The next day we had a day to explore Switzerland with such a sweet guide willing to show us around, so we drove to Lucerne. Considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, and it definitely won my heart! I would love to go back and take my hubby someday. Perfect tourist day to end the trip, and be ready for home.

So, that just about catches me up. We are jumping into summer festivals as we speak. We had one last night in Pennsylvania – it was a huge crowd and so much fun. We played with Building 429 (amazing guys) and Natalie Grant (a new friend, but I instantly like her.) This week we leave Wednesday, drive down to AtlantaFest and then drive up to Kentucky for Ichthus. Little known fact, Ichthus was THE first Christian music festival. I didn’t know that til recently. Lots of history, and lots of good bands play and frolic in the mud there every year. haha!

As of late, when I think of our band, the first thing that comes to mind is “the little engine that could.” That just about sums us up, I think! We just keep chugging along – so as long as all of you keep coming out to shows and buying the albums, we’ll be here. =)

My worship album is underway. We are writing and doing demos of all the songs we write in this phase, and are really excited already about where it’s going. Stay in touch and I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going and release date when it’s announced and all!!

I am going to make a late dinner for myself now, while some random Harrison Ford movie plays in the background (I’m a sucker for him since Indiana Jones). Goodnight all, and here’s to a great week this week!

-T