During the early times of good ole Myspace, when bands in their early days were adding fans to promote themselves and get their music out. I stumbled across Shiny Toy Guns.
This was probably circa 2005-2006 I was a Sophomore in high school living in Anchorage, Alaska. The band added me as a friend and I was instantly in love. I loved the colors, the image, the sound, and everything. Couple days later while watching MTV, when it used to play music videos, I saw "You are the One" playing.
I knew at that moment it wasn't a coincidence and this NEEDED to be my band. At the time, I don't think I had a band that I REALLY LOVED. I'd find songs here and there that I liked, but couldn't sit through an entire album. A couple weeks later I purchased "We are Pilots", downloaded it to my MP3 player, and just had the album on repeat night and day.
Fast forward to 2007, I haven't to been any concerts. I heard on Myspace that STG was going to be in Anchorage, Alaska in September at the Kincaid Bunker. Mind you this was an actual bunker, the walls were made of solid concrete, they only had two large speakers, and you can just imagine how to sound was.
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The BEST experience of my life. I got to crowd surf for the first time during "Le Disko", I was right in the front row on this bouncer's ass who was protecting the stage, Carah Faye held my hand for "Don't Cry Out", and sang "perfect game to play" in my face. I even watched a girl get a nose bleed from how high the frequency was for "Jackie will Save me" as she was standing next to the speakers...it was just AWESOME. The crowd was young, crazy, screaming, everyone was pumped, and.....
It was such an incredible concert, I wished technology was as great as it is today. I wished I had a great camera, to relive my first concert.
But thank god for Youtube and those who can remind me haha.
After the separation of Carah from STG, I was devastated...who can I listen to now? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are a lot of people who love Sisley and appreciated the sound of "Season of Poison"...For me it was just too soon for such a different sound and I hated it. It wasn't the same feel. I needed my original four who just flowed and sync with one another.
Versant came along and I was happy with life again. Speaking of which, Carah...I am still waiting for the complete album. :D
Then...this beautiful moment came along. Who didn't cried?!? I was so happy, how many bands do you know of come back together after such a nasty break up? Not that many, I was so ecstatic. Shiny Toy Guns was not complete without Carah. My band was back.
October 23, 2012 this beautiful album was released. My Shinys were back and damn....what an album this was. I can listen to every single song and play the album all over again on repeat. I still do and I don't get tired of it. There was so much heart and passion to put into this able. Each song has its own story, some personal, some to make you feel good.
On top of that, I had concert tickets to the Echoplex, Los Angeles for STG. I was so emotional and happy this day. My band was back with Chad, Carah, Mikey, and Jeremy. It brought my back to my first concert. I had such an amazing time, it was truly the BEST night ever.
What was even better, while I was waiting in line to pick up a t-shirt, I saw Mikey and Jeremy walking around talking to fans. I was weak in the knees. I awkwardly approached Mikey first and he signed my "We are Pilots" album. I found Jeremy, and I didn't see Carah or Chad anywhere. I figured maybe they couldn't hang out. I made my way to the exit, and there she was...Carah Faye Charnow in the flesh, saying goodbye to each and every fan. I was at a lost of words, my heart was racing, and I could not function lol. I've been a huge fan of Carah's for 7 years and to finally meet her in person was an incredible experience. My friend helped reduced the awkwardness by telling Carah thanks for throwing her water bottle in her face, target practicing or what? lol.
She threw her empty water bottle out into the crowd during "Rocketship". She responded with "Haha sorry it had to hit somebody" lol.
She was really nice and sweet. She thanked us for coming to the show and she signed my album.
I've been to a couple of other sets since this show. DJ Set in Costa Mesa at the Detroit Bar.
Santa Anita Race Track for the Food Festival.
The most I can say about this band is that they truly care and appreciate their fans. At Santa Anita, there was a crowd of people after the set wanting to take pictures with the band. STG stayed until every single fan was able to take a picture with them and thanked them individually for coming to the show. I hope this band will continue to grow and stay together for a long time. They are my all time favorite band and I would love for people to hear their music and appreciate it as much as I do. One day I hope to be able to have a full conversation with the band and be able to function without being tongue tied.
