Twenty Four Years of DARK RIDE. Listen...today! (October 13th, 2024)

Greetings and salutations,

TWENTY FOUR years ago Jay and I released Rain Station's DARK RIDE and after all these years I'm still as excited about this CD as I was when it was released.  Let's rewind the clock...here's the back story (for those who don't know).
Back in the Fall of 2000 (Due to my online presence on 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio) I was invited to The Universal Studios Hollywood Eyegore Awards. The Universal Studios Hollywood Eyegore Awards are presented for achievement in the horror and sci-fi genre. So, on Friday, October 13th Jay and I trekked down to LA to be there, interview some folks and get some station IDs for 13thTrack.com as well as interview some of the winners for an article that I wrote.  For some reason I still can't seem to find the article, but I'll keep digging so I can post it here.

The winners that night were:
* Joss Whedon
* Casts of Buffy and Angel
* Karen Black
* Gloria Stewart

* "The Undertaker"

I knew I was going to be meeting some people that night (Rob Zombie, Karen Black, Alyson Hannigan, Bill Moseley, Joss Whedon and more) and I figured it would be cool to record a Halloween CD to hand out to the folks we meet - you know, see if we can land that big record deal or get our music placed in a horror film, on TV...something. Rob Zombie had recently launched his Zombie A-Go-Go Record label (now inactive) and since I've always been a fan of HALLOWEEN and rockabilly (gothabilly) I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to push out another CD in 2000 (we had released "Stonedozer" earlier that year). So Jay and I put this together quick style and did what we set out to do. Funny how I remember working at the Gelb Music consignment shop and writing lyrics.  I had rough mixes on cassette and an old tape player. In between customers and phone calls I'd try and pen lyrics.  I remember being a bit frantic since I knew we had a deadline and I agreed to work extra shifts to cover a vacation. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when I record - or at least I try to be - and in this case DARK RIDE just wasn't going to get the time I would normally put into a CD.  Amazing enough the disc turned out despite lack of time. Once we got back to the Bay Area from the "gig" we decided that the CD was pretty good so we mastered the disc with George Horn (Chief Mastering Engineer) at Fantasy Records in Berkeley, CA.

It still amazes me that we recorded this entire CD in probably two or three weeks. The disc got some great reviews as well...and although I know I've blogged this far too many times, here goes again (the reviews):

Underground DJ from Haunted Attraction Magazine

Now it is time to run away and join the carnival. "Step right up and see the amazing, the unbelievable, the available for your attraction CD, DARK RIDE by Rain Station." A journey through a veritable midway of new music written for old pretzel rides. The use of sound effects is limited only to those that help create the feel of the piece. The styles of music range widely from Heavy Metal beats through old time Rock and Roll to the almost cutesy Trick Or Treatin'. This nostalgically fun selection, took me back to my early days as a young zombie, heading out on Halloween with the lust for candy in my heart. The CD would be great for line entertainment or a party, with a little bit for every taste and some of the beats are infectious.

Larry McKenzie HalloweenMagazine.com

DARK RIDE by Rain Station is one of the most unique Halloween music CDs I have ever heard. DARK RIDE has 13 music tracks. Each track is a good mixture for Halloween. A bit mysterious and dark, yet very fun. The DARK RIDE CD would be great for an adult Halloween party. If you are a Halloween enthusiast and are looking for more Halloween music for your collection, you should visit http://www.NobodyRecords.com/ and listen to the MP3 samples from the DARK RIDE CD. I am happy to have this CD as part of my Halloween music collection. I sincerely recommend visiting Nobody Records and listen to a track or two.

Underground Entertainment

(This) offering is more of a Halloween party CD, especially suited to be played in queue lines or on the midways of Scream Parks. It contains thirteen tracks of rock/alternative style music with Halloween themes. You'll find titles such as "Monster Hunter", "Haunted Man", "Black Lagoon", "Trick or Treatin'", and "Broom Hopping". This one is fun and is a CD that should be added to the collection of anyone interested in assembling a music anthology of Halloween related material.

Chaotic Order

Curious mix of Porno for Pyros and White Collar Crime with a penchant for Halloween. Best use would be on the soundtrack for the upcoming Scooby Doo movie.

Happy Halloween Magazine

Looking for a Halloween CD with an edge, this is the one to get. Available from Nobody Records, Rain Station's Dark Ride packs a gritty, heavy metal sound that conjures an auditory image of purgatory. While this is not normally the type of music I listen to, for Halloween...it works! The raspy vocals lend a dark, almost visceral feel to the accompanying music. Contains 13, new, original hits...

Jay made some "videos" for some of the tracks on DARK RIDE. Check all of them out here.
DARK RIDE is one of my all time favorite projects. Perhaps it is because we didn't over analyze it, we had a timeline and had to bang it out. Perhaps it was because we got to be completely goofy. Rain Station music can sometimes be awfully serious and this disc is nothing but pure fun. Perhaps it was the thrill of getting to give copies of our CD to folks like Rob Zombie and Karen Black. Perhaps it was the Halloween theme.
The road trip to Universal Studios with Jay is a very fond memory for me. It felt like we were on tour.

Watch DARK RIDE cartoons HERE
JackOLantern.ORG Animation from J.E.Moores on Vimeo.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARK RIDE!!!

Happy Haunting,

Mark Harvey

Rain Station - DARK RIDE videos

Greetings!

Have you had a chance to check out these videos yet? If not, here they are again... videos Jay made for our Rain Station DARK RIDE CD.

JackOLantern.ORG Animation from J.E.Moores on Vimeo.

Please enjoy the fun Halloweenie cartoons and please, purchase the CD if you haven't already.  It is available for download on iTunes (here), at Bandcamp (here) and for a physical copy of the CD pick it up at 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio (here).

Halloween is nearly upon US!

Mark Harvey

Rain Station - DARK RIDE videos

Greetings!

Earlier this month I talked about Rain Station's DARK RIDE CD.  Have you had a chance to check out the videos yet? If not, here are some videos Jay made for our Rain Station DARK RIDE CD.

JackOLantern.ORG Animation from J.E.Moores on Vimeo.

Please enjoy the fun Halloweenie cartoons and please, purchase the CD if you haven't already.  It is available for download on iTunes (here), at Bandcamp (here) and for a physical copy of the CD pick it up at 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio (here).

Halloween Approaches!

Mark Harvey

Rain Station - DARK RIDE

Greetings ghouls,

Pictured below are Sculpey one of a kind figures made to represent the animated characters from JackOLantern.ORG which is music from Rain Station's DARK RIDE and Flash Animation by J.E.Moores. Jay's favorite animations are Candy and Monster Hunter. Which are your favorites?
If you haven't already seen the videos, you really ought to. They're a hoot.

JackOLantern.ORG Animation from J.E.Moores on Vimeo.
And if you haven't already heard the CD, you really ought it...great SEASONAL fare!

Check it out!

Mark Harvey

Rain Station - DARK RIDE videos

Greetings!

Here are some videos Jay made for our Rain Station DARK RIDE CD.

JackOLantern.ORG Animation from J.E.Moores on Vimeo.

Enjoy and please, purchase the CD if you haven't already.  It is available for download on iTunes (here), at Bandcamp (here) and for a physical copy of the CD pick it up at 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio (here).

Happy Haunting!

Mark Harvey

October 31st...HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Rain Station

Happy Halloween one and all....

Here's a little Jib Jab video of "The Monster Mash" starring your favorite monsters and the guys from Rain Station (that's me and Jay).

Love yourself some Rain Station Make your own video at JibJab!

If you're havin' a shin-dig today log-on and pump up your computer speakers and have a listen to Rain Station's DARK RIDE (click the play button below)...


I want to wish you all the best today and tonight wherever your day and evening takes you.  Be safe, be kind and enjoy the best play day of the year!

Mark Harvey

October 30th....I love my October Bride

Greetings readers, lurkers and fiends,

Six years ago today I married my wife.  In hindsight I think we both would have preferred to pick a different day for our wedding anniversary.  There's always so much to do to get ready for Halloween (if you're like me) and our anniversary doesn't get the attention it deserves (we try, we try).  We did manage to steal away to Napa a couple of weekends ago and I'm sure we'll do what we can to make our anniversary special.

I love you honey, Happy Anniversary.


So since we're talking October brides...have a listen to "October's Bride" off  Rain Station's DARK RIDE CD.

If you've not taken the time to check out the DARK RIDE videos, please do. Visit JackoLantern.org or click the links below....

 CANDY

TRICK OR TREATIN'

THINGS

DAY OF THE DEAD

TOMB OF DOOM

HAUNTED MAN
MONSTER HUNTER
DARK RIDE

Happy Anniversary to my lovely wife and Happy 30th of October. TOMORROW is THE day! HALLOWEEN PEOPLE!!!!

Mark Harvey

FREE CD - contest ends at MIDNIGHT

CONTEST ALERT - Giving away a copy of Rain Station's DARK RIDE (maybe a few!). How to win the CD? Check it -
Contest starts at 10:31 pm on October 13th and runs until MIDNIGHT October 20th.

To qualify to win this prize, you must comply with all of the following requirements:

Have an accessible blog or leave an email address with each entry.

Have a mailing address in the US

Send me an email (here) with your favorite song off DARK RIDE and quote your favorite line from one of the songs off DARK RIDE (can be the same song) - that'll get you an entry.

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

BONUS entry - "Like" Rain Station on Facebook - here - please provide your name or username for validation in comments or via email.

BONUS entry #2 - Review DARK RIDE on iTunes - here - please provide your email account or username on iTunes for validation in comments or via email.

BONUS entry #3 - Blog about this giveaway, leaving the URL to your post in comments or via email.



Good success to everyone,

Mark Harvey

October 16th...what's your FAVORITE candy?

Greetings readers and lurkers,

So...with Halloween approaching if you're like me you've already bought (and eaten) Halloween candy.  It is that love/hate existence - love candy - hate the fact that after eating a few dozen "fun size" bars I am thinking about the not-so-fun-size I may become.  Good thing I only indulge like this once a year..well...

So what's your favorite kind of candy (Halloween or not)?  My personal favorite is Snickers.  I like to put the "fun size" bars in the freezer.  Man! I love that candy. 

So I was surfing around the internet and found this cool site - http://www.myscienceproject.org - and I read about how much Halloween candy you can get in a pillowcase. It is a fun read (here) and according to their study a full pillowcase weighed in at 47.75 lbs (21.8kg) and contained approximately 1690 pieces of candy. That's A LOT of candy!

From my research is looks like Snickers and single Reese's Cups are the most popular Halloween candies. Americans will spend an average of $66.28 on Halloween, including $23.37 a costume, $20.29 on candy and $18.66 on decorations.

This from Candy USA (here)

Trick-or-Treat Tidbits

Adults
Four-in-ten (41%) adults admit that they sneak sweets from their own candy bowl.

On Halloween night, the majority (52%) of those providing treats to costumed kiddies will be passing out chocolate, while three‐in‐ten will drop hard candy or lollipops into the sacks.

62% of adults will be handing out candy because "it's a personal favorite" or it's a household tradition (55%)

43% of grown-up celebrants cite costumes as one of the most indispensable parts of the holiday.

About 26% of households will include full-size candy (chocolate and non-chocolate) in their Halloween activities.

90% of parents admit to sneaking goodies from their kids' Halloween trick-or-treat bags.

Parents favorite treats to sneak from their kids’ trick-or-treat bags are snack-size chocolate bars (70 percent sneak these), candy-coated chocolate pieces (40 percent), caramels (37 percent) and gum (26 percent).

Parents least favorite goodie to take from their kids’ trick-or-treat bags is licorice (18 percent).

Kids

30% of kids report that they SORT their candy first when returning home with trick-or-treat loot, others:
Savor it (20%)
Share it (16%)
Stash it (14%)

Swap it (7%)

Kids say they prefer homes that give: anything made with chocolate (68%) followed by lollipops (9%), gummy candy (7%) and bubble gum or chewing gum (7%)

More than 93% of children go trick-or-treating each year.

Kids tell us that their favorite treats to receive when trick-or-treating are candy and gum. Eighty-four percent of kids said candy and gum are their favorites over other options like baked goods or small toys.

According to Farley's & Sathers Candy Company, "Halloween is the sweetest holiday of the year, beating out Easter, Valentine's Day, and Christmas in sales of candy, including Brach's Sweet Honey Candy Corn and Caramel Apple Candy Corn."

Candy, Candy, Candy...oh...I feel a song coming on...


Git yerself some CANDY!!!

Mark Harvey

October 15th...CONTEST ALERT (is this thing ON?)

So...I blogged about this on the 13th, but so far NO ONE has entered the contest. 
C'mon people - FREE CD!

CONTEST ALERT - I'm going to give away a copy of Rain Station's DARK RIDE (maybe a few!).
How to win the CD? Check it -

Contest starts at 10:31 pm on October 13th and runs until 10:31 pm October 20th.

To qualify to win this prize, you must comply with all of the following requirements:

Have an accessible blog or leave an email address with each entry.

Have a mailing address in the US

Send me an email (here) with your favorite song off DARK RIDE and quote your favorite line from one of the songs off DARK RIDE (can be the same song) - that'll get you an entry.

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

BONUS entry - "Like" Rain Station on Facebook - here - please provide your name or username for validation in comments or via email.

BONUS entry #2 - Review DARK RIDE on iTunes - here - please provide your email account or username on iTunes for validation in comments or via email.

BONUS entry #3 - Blog about this giveaway, leaving the URL to your post in comments or via email.

Good success to everyone,

Mark Harvey

October 13th - Ten years ago today...and a gift...

Greetings fellow ghouls,

It is VERY hard to believe that ten years ago Jay and I released Rain Station's DARK RIDE.  I was hoping to spend the day running around promoting the CD with Jay, but instead I went to work.  After ten years I'm still as excited about this CD as I was when it was released.  Let's rewind the clock...here's the back story.
Back in the Fall of 2000 (Due to my online presence on 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio) I was invited to The Universal Studios Hollywood Eyegore Awards. The Universal Studios Hollywood Eyegore Awards are presented for achievement in the horror and sci-fi genre. So, on Friday, October 13th Jay and I trekked down to LA to be there, interview some folks and get some station IDs for 13thTrack.com as well as interview some of the winners for an article that I wrote.  For some reason I can't seem to find the article, but I'll keep digging so I can post it here.

The winners that night were:
* Joss Whedon
* Casts of Buffy and Angel
* Karen Black
* Gloria Stewart

* "The Undertaker"

I knew I was going to be meeting some people that night (Rob Zombie, Karen Black, Alyson Hannigan, Bill Moseley, Joss Whedon and more) and I figured it would be cool to record a Halloween CD to hand out to the folks we meet - you know, see if we can land that big record deal or get our music placed in a horror film, on TV...something. Rob Zombie had recently launched his Zombie A-Go-Go Record label (now inactive) and since I've always been a fan of HALLOWEEN and rockabilly (gothabilly) I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to push out another CD in 2000 (we had released "Stonedozer" earlier that year). So Jay and I put this together quick style and did what we set out to do. Funny how I remember working at the Gelb Music consignment shop and writing lyrics.  I had rough mixes on cassette and an old tape player. In between customers and phone calls I'd try and pen lyrics.  I remember being a bit frantic since I knew we had a deadline and I agreed to work extra shifts to cover a vacation. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when I record - or at least I try to be - and in this case DARK RIDE just wasn't going to get the time I would normally put into a CD.  Amazing enough the disc turned out despite lack of time. Once we got back to the Bay Area from the "gig" we decided that the CD was pretty good so we mastered the disc with George Horn (Chief Mastering Engineer) at Fantasy Records in Berkeley, CA.

It still amazes me that we recorded this entire CD in probably two or three weeks. The disc got some great reviews as well...and although I know I've blogged this far too many times, here goes again (the reviews):

Underground DJ from Haunted Attraction Magazine

Now it is time to run away and join the carnival. "Step right up and see the amazing, the unbelievable, the available for your attraction CD, DARK RIDE by Rain Station." A journey through a veritable midway of new music written for old pretzel rides. The use of sound effects is limited only to those that help create the feel of the piece. The styles of music range widely from Heavy Metal beats through old time Rock and Roll to the almost cutesy Trick Or Treatin'. This nostalgically fun selection, took me back to my early days as a young zombie, heading out on Halloween with the lust for candy in my heart. The CD would be great for line entertainment or a party, with a little bit for every taste and some of the beats are infectious.

Larry McKenzie HalloweenMagazine.com

DARK RIDE by Rain Station is one of the most unique Halloween music CDs I have ever heard. DARK RIDE has 13 music tracks. Each track is a good mixture for Halloween. A bit mysterious and dark, yet very fun. The DARK RIDE CD would be great for an adult Halloween party. If you are a Halloween enthusiast and are looking for more Halloween music for your collection, you should visit http://www.NobodyRecords.com/ and listen to the MP3 samples from the DARK RIDE CD. I am happy to have this CD as part of my Halloween music collection. I sincerely recommend visiting Nobody Records and listen to a track or two.

Underground Entertainment

(This) offering is more of a Halloween party CD, especially suited to be played in queue lines or on the midways of Scream Parks. It contains thirteen tracks of rock/alternative style music with Halloween themes. You'll find titles such as "Monster Hunter", "Haunted Man", "Black Lagoon", "Trick or Treatin'", and "Broom Hopping". This one is fun and is a CD that should be added to the collection of anyone interested in assembling a music anthology of Halloween related material.

Chaotic Order

Curious mix of Porno for Pyros and White Collar Crime with a penchant for Halloween. Best use would be on the soundtrack for the upcoming Scooby Doo movie.

Happy Halloween Magazine

Looking for a Halloween CD with an edge, this is the one to get. Available from Nobody Records, Rain Station's Dark Ride packs a gritty, heavy metal sound that conjures an auditory image of purgatory. While this is not normally the type of music I listen to, for Halloween...it works! The raspy vocals lend a dark, almost visceral feel to the accompanying music. Contains 13, new, original hits...

Jay made some "videos" for some of the tracks on DARK RIDE. Check all of them out here.
DARK RIDE is one of my all time favorite projects. Perhaps it is because we didn't over analyze it, we had a timeline and had to bang it out. Perhaps it was because we got to be completely goofy. Rain Station music can sometimes be awfully serious and this disc is nothing but pure fun. Perhaps it was the thrill of getting to give copies of our CD to folks like Rob Zombie and Karen Black. Perhaps it was the Halloween theme.

The road trip to Universal Studios with Jay is a very fond memory for me. It felt like we were on tour.  I've recently been thinking about figuring out an unplugged way of performing DARK RIDE so I can record a "Living Room Sessions" version. 

CONTEST ALERT - So since today is the 10th anniversary of the release of Rain Station's DARK RIDE I'm going to give away a copy of the disc (maybe a few!).  How to win the CD?  Check it -

Contest starts at 10:31 pm on October 13th and runs until 10:31 pm October 20th.

To qualify to win this prize, you must comply with all of the following requirements:
Have an accessible blog or leave an email address with each entry.
Have a mailing address in the US

• Send me an email (here) with your favorite song off DARK RIDE and quote your favorite line from one of the songs off DARK RIDE (can be the same song) - that'll get you an entry.

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

• BONUS entry - "Like" Rain Station on Facebook - here - please provide your name or username for validation in comments or via email.
• BONUS entry #2 - Review DARK RIDE on iTunes - here - please provide your email account or username on iTunes for validation in comments or via email.
• BONUS entry #3 - Blog about this giveaway, leaving the URL to your post in comments or via email.

Good success to everyone and once again...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARK RIDE!!!

Mark Harvey

10/10/10 (October 10th)

Holy mackerel!

10/10/10...what does it all mean?  Golly...I just don't know, you know?

Well, if it is a lucky day then I had better get goin' doin' something. I'll go decorate the house for Halloween. Photos to follow...

Hoping that today is my lucky day...I've been begging everyone I know to review Rain Station's DARK RIDE CD on iTunes.  Not sure how to get it featured or even added for that matter to the Halloween music they have available, but I figure if a few hundred people review DARK RIDE someone has to take notice.  The music they have slated as "Essential" on iTunes makes me cringe.  I've been called the Halloween Music Authority, but no one from Apple has ever asked me to put together an "Essential" list for them...maybe they SHOULD ask me...

Enjoy today's track...a track I think is "Essential"...



Mark Harvey

Rain Station's DARK RIDE up at eMusic

Hey there Halloween fans...

More late night blogging for me.  I just found DARK RIDE up at eMusic (here) and I'm pretty dang happy to have this CD all over the place this season.  If you  haven't already heard it (heck, I'm surprised since I've been bugging everyone to listen and REVIEW it on iTunes) PLEASE have a listen.  Most folks enjoy the CD if they're into Halloween music.  There's something on the CD for everyone. If you don't like the first track try listening to some of our favorites like "Candy", "Trick or Treatin'", "Haunted Man", "Broom Hopping" or "Day of the Dead".  There's loads of fun tracks on the disc.


You can purchase the CD here and download high quality MP3s here (unless you prefer going to iTunes or eMusic).

Pick up your copy of DARK RIDE today!

Mark Harvey

October 5th...

Greetings fellow ghouls,

Each year I look forward to going shopping for Halloween related "things". This year I noticed a change and I guess due to the recession most retailers have REALLY scaled back their offerings.

Last year must have been BAD for retailers. I can imagine their fear - have TONS of Halloween items left-over on November 1st (my favorite day to shop). It almost looks like in some cases they've put out things they had squirrelled away after last season. At a Walgreens I went to they didn't even fill up one aisle. I've not visited all of the stores I typically do, but from what I've seen...
The local Spirit Halloween store almost seems empty. Target, Walmart and Orchard Supply Hardware (yeah, they sell Halloween goods too) all have fewer things to offer. Some stores even have Christmas items up already (something that seriously bums me out...can't we just take one holiday at a time folks!?!?!?!).

I don't quite get it since the average American will spend an average of $66.28 on Halloween this year, including $23.37 a costume, $20.29 on candy and $18.66 on decorations. The reason for all of this spending? Trick-or-treating.

Enjoy a little "Trick-or-Treatin'" Rain Station style...oh, and watch our cool Flash video here!

I spend FAR more than the average American on Halloween. I save up all year so I can binge on guffoonery.

I moved four years ago. My house has to be THE WORST Halloween house ever. I would have a good reason to scale back. The house at the dead end of the court is mine. My driveway is nearly impassable and then I have 19 stairs to the front door. The first year in the new house I decked it out and had three neighbor kids come up. My neighbors don't decorate and since my street is LONG most trick-or-treaters look up the street and figure to heck with it. I know I would not venture up my street regardless of how cool the house at the end of the street looks. Trick-or-treating is a combination of candy volume vs. coolness of houses. Candy usually wins out and coolness only works when candy is part of the equation. I wish I lived somewhere where the neighbors all try and outdo each other. Maybe someday I'll move to that place.

I will not be deterred this year. I plan to haunt the heck out of my house this year and ensure that at a minimum the neighbors know how it is supposed to be done. Maybe I'll start something (probably not, you've not SEEN my neighbors).

Above (and to the right) are some of the photos I've taken on my excursions. These are items I didn't purchase, but ones I thought would photograph well.

Enjoy the track and video (if you're in a clickin' mood) and ENJOY the Halloween shoppin'! I'll post about some of the things I've purchased this season (thus far) later this week.

Mark Harvey

October 1st...let the countdown BEGIN...CANDY!

Well heck! Today is October 1st and I am as pleased as punch to be spending the month of October with you. The plan is to blog my way into your life each and every day - photos - music - musings - free MP3s (treats) and the like. I've done well over the past two years at keeping this going and even though life gets busy 'round my place I just love to serve up the SEASONAL goodies!

As many of you know (after MANY years) I managed to get Rain Station's DARK RIDE up on iTunes (here). Jay and I would REALLY appreciate it if you'd take a moment to visit your iTunes (if you have an account) and review our CD. The goal is to make an impact and HOPEFULLY get asked to have some if not all of our tunes added to Halloween playlists. If you haven't heard DARK RIDE yet, what's stopping you? I've certainly spammed the heck out of this almost 10 year old disc (more about that on the anniversary). Below is a link - click it and listen - simple as that.


"Candy" is a song that Jay and I particularly love off this disc. We've often wondered how to get
this track over to a large candy company as we think it'd make a swell theme song for their Halloween treats. Jay has also created a cool Flash animated video for "Candy" and you can watch it by clicking here.

Enjoy some CANDY!

Mark Harvey

BUY HAUNTSCAPES HERE!

Greetings everyone,

Some folks wonder how'd I end up recording Halloween CDs...well, what is written below is taken from my Hauntscapes.com website...check it out...

I own and operate Nobody Records and Pumpkinland Studios. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out the "HauntScape" CDs I have created for your creepy enjoyment. These CDs are being used in the some of the best commercial haunts in the world and by zillions of home haunters.
This picture is from my daughter's first Halloween. Every year I have a child friendly haunt at my home in Northern California. While putting things together for my first season I found that I didn't have any good CDs that I could use for my haunt and I was disappointed by the various CDs on the market. I wanted creepy music and certain sound effects, but somehow I kept on getting screaming and torture and other things that just wouldn't work for a children's event. Or it was too musical and didn't seem to fit in my haunted house. So I decided to record my own soundtrack. I named it after my haunt (Pumpkinland). Soon after Halloween 1999, friends of mine encouraged me to sell copies of my "HauntScape" on eBay. Sales were overwhelming and I needed to have the first CD replicated to keep up with demand. As demand grows for these products I will continue to create my brand of Halloween music,"HauntScapes". I look forward to new opportunities scoring motion pictures, commercials, television, pro and home haunts and other amusement attractions. Please feel free to contact me (here) if you are in need of professional custom tracks.

Please download or purchase your Halloween Hauntscape CDs today. Purchase the CDs here and download them here.

And if you have an iTunes account please be sure to review Rain Station's DARK RIDE. We're trying to get as many five star ratings and positive reviews as possible before October.

Thank you,

Mark Harvey

Hooray for Autumn (or Fall - whichever you prefer)

Greetings!

I just LOVE it when Fall comes! Today felt like Fall...60 degrees and just beautiful. This really is my time of year. HALLOWEEN APPROACHES!!!

I'm very happy to annouce that Rain Station's DARK RIDE CD is NOW available on iTunes! Click here to check it out! It has been a long time comin' and I'm just so dang happy it is there (for some reason). So, I need ya'll to do me a favor. IF you have an iTunes account (and if you've heard and LIKED the CD) please log on and REVIEW the disc. It isn't hard to find - just search for Rain Station and you'll find two of our CDs - Stonedozer and DARK RIDE. My hope is to HYPE the heck out of the CD so perhaps iTunes will put us on their front page and maybe even ask us if they can put one or more of our tracks on an iTunes compilation. Jay and I would appreciate it if you would review the CD.

Well, that's it for tonight...we're closing in on October and I will once again attempt to blog every day.

Happy Autumn Equinox!

Mark Harvey

Mark Harvey - Master of Music Macabre

Greetings,

This is Mark Harvey from Nobody Records (Pumpkinland Studios and 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio). There's a story behind why I like Halloween as much as I do. There's a story behind the recording of the Pumpkinland CD series. Many who know me know both stories, but some do not. I'll take these stories in chunks so as to keep this an easy read.

Today I'm going to post an interview I gave seven years ago with Ghoul Skool (website here). This is a primer for what I'll blog about in the coming weeks.

"If you haven't heard 13th Track Halloween Radio or listened to the music of Nobody Records then your missing the best part of Halloween. Read along and check out the links as we interview the Master of Music Macabre!

GS: The 13th Track is the Premiere Halloween Radio Station. Why Halloween?

MH: Halloween is my favorite holiday. For years I would put together mixes of Halloween (and Christmas) music and give it to friends. A sort of music to live your holiday by. As the years went on I started collecting anything and everything Halloween audio related. As my collection grew I decided I wanted to share my collection with a broader audience so I started 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio.

GS: Your collection of Halloween related songs is staggering, how long have you been collecting them? Do you have a favorite find? Is there a favorite song associated with Halloween?

MH: I've been collecting Halloween related audio for around 22 years (I'm 34 now). My favorite find is a recent one. I finally located The Munsters LP in excellent condition. This LP features the Munsters theme with lyrics. Of course now that I found one, they've been showing up left and right on eBay. It'd be tough to pick just one favorite song since I've got so many. I'm into the more fun, party side of Halloween music. Music that is good to dance to. Something to get the girls dancing!

GS: You split your record selections for the 13th Track between classics (pre-70s) and modern (post 70s), in your opinion was there a shift in the music at that time? Where do you see Halloween music headed in the future, will it be darker, more Culdee or could there be another "Monster Mash" looming on the horizon?

MH: There seems to be a shift from the pre-70s to the post 70s. Music from the 70s fits better with newer music. Music from the 60s and earlier tends to fit together. I've been DJing for many years and figured that 70s and before and 70s and beyond would be the logical place to split the broadcasts. Earlier Halloween music tends to be more whimsical, while newer Halloween music a bit darker (not in all cases). As far as the future of Halloween music? I think musicians will continue to record whatever inspires them. I know there are lots of new whimsical Halloween tunes, but with society getting a bit darker I also feel that Halloween music will emulate what's going on, so it should also get darker.

Really, people record for whoever they think their audience is, even if it is just for themselves. When I record my music I record the music for myself and hope that there is someone out there that can relate to what I'm doing. So far so good. As far as another "Monster Mash" on the horizon, I doubt it. Songs like that one come around once in a lifetime. Of all the emails I get, "Monster Mash" is still the most requested song. I'm still trying to write a song that rivals it. Hopefully someday I'll succeed!

GS: Nobody Records is a unique name, oft times there is a special meaning linking the name to the owner is it so in your case? How long has Nobody Records been in business? Where are you located?

MH: Back in the late 80's my band, The Screaming Paisleys, needed a record label name to release our debut LP "EXIT" on. I had a band mascot (if you will) that I called Nobody - a no eyes, nose or mouth doll. I liked the name and it seemed to fit and it has stuck now for 16+ years. The label is located in Northern California near Oakland.

GS: The artists on your label are truly talented, how do you find them or do they find you? Do you solicit material from new acts or do you create them?

MH: I've found most of the artists on my label. I do accept unsolicited material and I've signed acts who've submitted demos. Much of what is on my label has some connection to me - either I am the band or part of the band or good friends with the band. My goal is to be able to someday add many more artists to the label and get affiliated with a major label.

GS: Have you been associated with providing music for the dark ride industry. If so, in what fashion.

MH: I've created many custom tracks for the dark amusement industry. People from all over the world contact me for specialized tracks. It helps that I am a haunter and dark rider. I understand what it takes to put on a good show. Music, in my opinion, is the least considered, but the most effective aspect of any dark attraction. I like to see floor plans, understand the themes or gag in each space. Then I create a track that immerses the visitor in the desired location. Right now I am working with a dark ride company in the Middle East. Another goal of mine is to work for an amusement company putting together tracks for rides, theme parks and events.

GS: Do you do anything special for Halloween such as parties, haunts or charitable functions?

MH: Yes. Each year I put on a haunt for children called "Pumpkinland" (named after my CD series). Children enter free and I collect canned goods or small donations for an entrance fee from the adults. All proceeds benefit the Davis Street Community Center in San Leandro, CA. Last year I wasn't able to put "Pumpkinland" together, but plan on getting it back up and running this October. I've got many new pneumatic props (built by Brent Ross, Devious Concoctions) and look forward to putting on a professional show for the kids this year.

GS: Is there a special Halloween memory that remains with you?

MH: Yes. Trick or Treating as a kid. I have many fond memories of combing the hillsides in San Carlos, CA with my friends in search of candy and good scares. It was safe back then to wander around until all hours of the night with your friends. We'd come home with pillow cases full of candy. I also loved carving Jack-O-Lanterns, visiting Half Moon Bay, CA and decorating the house for Halloween. The new fond memories of Halloween include meeting Rob Zombie, Karen Black, Bill Moseley and Alyson Hannigan at Universal Studios. They all did radio spots for 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio and received copies of my Pumpkinland CD and my band, Rain Station's CD, DARK RIDE. I also enjoy visiting local haunts and hearing the tracks I've created for them in action."

To download Pumpkinland click here

To download Pumpkinland II click here

To download Pumpkinland III click here

Until next time...

Mark Harvey

Trick or Treatin' - yeah, it is September..what of it?

I want to start of this entry with a link - click it and enjoy one of my favorite tracks (and video) from Rain Station's DARK RIDE CD...Trick or Treatin' (here). Jay has created a bunch of really cool Flash animated videos for DARK RIDE and they can all be seen at jackolantern.org (here). You'll love all the videos off the DARK RIDE CD!

My blog says, "in my world it tends to be Halloween much of the time" and although I think about the Fall and Halloween a lot throughout the year come September I start to REALLY get psyched about Halloween. I keep waiting for the "Back to School" stuff to disappear and the Halloween goods to come out. Halloween music has started playing (both at work and at home)and I'm getting ideas on the 2010 Halloween compilation disc I put together.

I finally got the Animated Rising Reaper With Pumpkin I was looking at last season (pictured above on the left) - a sort of lame prop that I saw at the Spirit Halloween store. I found it on sale and I just decided to get the darn thing. Of course I like it, it has a pumpkin, right? I ordered two Jack-O-Lantern Fog machine "accessory" (also pictured left) that attach to fog machines. Check out the video of the Jack-O-Lantern Fog machine "accessory"in action here.

I am working on getting both Pumpkinland II and Pumpkinland III up for download and should complete that tonight or over the weekend (the original Pumpkinland will also go up, but that might take a little longer). My friend Lev Perrey has mastered both discs for me, but I've failed to provide him with a clean copy of one of the tracks so the process of making "physical" product has failed so far - one reason to make the discs downloadable for now. My friend John Pearson has created the new CD art for both discs to give them a more creepy feel. The first Pumpkinland, Fleshrot: Song of the Dead and Rain Station's DARK RIDE are all available in physical form at 13thTrack.com Halloween Radio (here). The downloadable discs will be available here shortly.

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone! Halloween is COMING!!!

Mark Harvey