The Collector (Movie.)

THE COLLECTOR debuted this evening, so we decided to go. I hadn't seen any of the previews, posters, or heard any feedback and couldn't guess if it was a love story, an action adventure... THE COLLECTOR is brought to us by the same writers that did several of the latest SAW thrillers. So you guessed it... HORROR.

I was stoked to be watching a good horror movie, as I hadn't seen one in a bit.
...
THE COLLECTOR is strong violence, very graphic, and let me even say it; disgusting. Perhaps I'm getting old? Is that the reason I feel so dirty? So filthy? Nah. THE COLLECTOR turned me off. The Collector will give you a glimpse of what a human monster is capable of. How a monster can torture and torture and torture. There wasn't really a plot, it was just 'let's watch this sick monster torture this family for an hour and a half.' It was repulsive. I guess it was good to be reminded that people like this exsist; but is it this entertaiment? Is this even supposed to be entertaining??
...
Just felt like something I shouldn't have been watching. I do love a great scare, and I love horror... this was too much. Sick. Gross. Filthy. Sleeping with my gun tonight.

Simeon gives it a "Don't watch it."
Hayley gives it a "Gross."

God is not corrupt.

God is not corrupt.
God is not slanted, two-faced.
God doesn't twist the angles. God is not corrupt.
The word of God. The true word of God is pure, beautiful, powerful and strong.

Man is corruptible. Man is capable of deceit, twisting truths, rewriting history.
Man is capable of altering facts to better suit his own agenda. Tampering with evidence. Portraying himself as something he is not. Deceit. Corruption.
Man is not God.

Is it possible for man to walk w/God... Amen, yes.
Is it possible for man to lead others in a positive direction? Amen, Yes.
Is it possible for man to search his own soul and search his own mind & heart & receive enlightenment by pursuing & achieving the true calling and direction of his heart... yes.
Is it possible for man to achieve enlightenment & enter "the next level" while on earth? Yes.

I would say the key is resistance. Strengthening my will. Denying myself. Resistance. Denial of lust, greed... overindulgence. Resisting. Doing without, staying outside of the comfort level, while remaining comfortable.

Focus and talk with God. Listen and follow my heart. The key to enlightenment is resisting overindulgence. Strength training. Soul training. Strengthening my soul & my will.

If there is an activity that brings guilt, analyze it. Let go of guilt, I don't believe He wants us to carry guilt. Perhaps I should let the activity go? Test it. Let go of the activity, resist, deny. As time moves forward after resisting, do I feel stronger? Leaner? Let go of guilt. Be honest. Accept. Analyze. Evaluate. Move forward.

Resist overindulgence.
To reach the next level I must resist & further strengthen my will and self. By doing so I am able to develop a deeper sensitivity to the direction and calling of my heart. More in tune. More focused.

To enter the next level, to advance, to proceed, we/I must 1.) listen to our heart, our gut, our soul, our inner being and 2.) follow through.
--Sometimes these "callings from the heart" are small, but none the less important to fulfill, as they equally advance us.
Example: Sitting on the couch watching T.V. blobbing out and I get the "calling" "awareness" to clean the house up for my wife before she gets home... DO IT. That's following our heart.

--Sometimes the calling, the task will be momentous and might seem impossible to achieve, or crazy, or too big for us... for you... for me... Analyze it. Be honest. Focus and move forward.

We must listen to our hearts and move forward!

EXAMPLE: The deep, true, sustained feeling calls to become an astronaut... So you move forward along that path. Analyzing, evaluating, maneuvering along the way. That path will lead. It may never end up that you become an astronaut but you will learn something, experience something along this journey! Perhaps along the journey you discover a love for stars and become a teacher. You meet your husband or your wife... become the world's greatest jet designer... You may become the greatest astronaut to ever live.
---The point is that we don't know where our heart's desires will lead. And we can't shut ourselves down with fear, doubt, laziness, inconvenience.

Reaching the next level, enlightenment, peace, HEAVEN on earth is possible. It is possible to receive God's Christmas gifts to us "before Christmas" (if you follow me). We have God's grace, his blessings, his PRESENTS (presence). It IS POSSIBLE! Amen.

It is here for us to grab hold of and enjoy!! Take a bite out of it!! Savor it!! Cherish it!! HEAVEN ON EARTH!! PEACE ON EARTH!! ENLIGHTENMENT!! JOY!! EXCITEMENT!!

The key to reaching the next level is not giving up. Get back up! Stay down (if need be), rest when it is time to rest, recover when it is time to recover... analyze, honestly evaluate, maneuver, get up and move forward.

Enjoy... and strengthen my soul. My life. My world. Resistance. Training.
--Simeon Hendrix // DOWN-STARES.

Shirts are being printed!!

"Ah yeah you crazy thang" (in a deep dark barry white voice)... "you ready for this?"

:) Our new design 'FOREVER' has been unleashed and is being printed as we type this!! All shirts are $20, pre-orders are welcome, hit us up via email @ info@down-stares.net. We'll have the direct links to buy the shirts up very soon.

Enjoy the mock-ups! Big thanks to our friends Harrold, Shenea, Michael, and Ray-nor from the Circus-of-Human/Animal Oddities for demoing the shirts!!

Reflection... 3 Day Tour.

Stumbling around work @ my day job this AM. Whew, we made the long haul last night. Galveston to Wichita Falls straight after the show... got home around 5am, work @ 7:45. :) Amen for the strength that He gives... right?

Everyone is asking and we want to tell "How was the 3 day tour w/Pro-Pain/Sworn Enemy/Mantic Ritual?" Well, it was amazing...

When we got added to the Texas leg of the NO END IN SIGHT TOUR we didn't know anything about Pro-Pain, and we didn't research them either. So we went into this stretch of the tour w/unbiased eyes/ears. Total virgins...

We've come home w/such a deep, deep respect for Pro-Pain and realize it was an honor to be asked to open for them. God Fathers of the true NY Hardcore Scene, touring and delivering their brand of intelligent, focused, face stomping Metal/Hardcore/Thrash/Punk since 1992. It was an honor. They were down to earth, watched our sets, & enjoyed our performances.



Also have a new respect for Sworn Enemy who also has been pushing their brand of NY Hardcore/Metal and touring relentless for a near decade (as far as I can tell.)



*NOTE* A great thing about these two bands... when I say "HARDCORE" I'm not referring to the watered down, over used cliche, hipster/scenester clique genre that most young "hardcore" bands are... Pro-Pain and Sworn Enemy are the REAL DEAL. It's not about bullshit dress up games and cool kid hair cuts. The term "HARDCORE" in the late 2000's has been raped, overused, abused and come to identify bands that have nothing to do with the true meaning. Thank you guys for keeping that shit REAL and reminding us.

Also must give HUGE props to MANTIC RITUAL from Pittsburgh, PA. Young metal-speed lead-flying guitar solo extraordinaries. In the vein of young baby faced Metallica. As Snakes recalled, "It was insane! One guitarist would tear into a blazing solo and midway through they would switch and the other guitarist would rip into a face melter! I couldn't keep up with who was soloing!!" So, yeah... they ROCKED.

All the bands welcomed D-S on board the tour with open arms. From the bottom of our hearts we thank them and wish safe travels for all in the future.

PS, WE RECORDED OUR SET IN HOUSTON!! GOD WILLING the audio was captured properly and we'll have some tasty snacks for you to chew on very soon!!!

Ft. Worth - Pro-Pain.

yesterday...



Further into the "Can We Stop At The Gas Station?" Tour. Today we met up with the PRO-PAIN tour for 3 dates, the 1st of which is tonight in Ft. Worth @ Lola's Sixth.

Sitting outside on the curb with Brandt after the show... he's drinking a cold Budweiser (Cowboy Killer). It's a cool Texas evening, the sun is setting and the hum of Pro-Pain's tour bus is audible in the distance to the right.



We played on Pro-Pain's gear tonight, to save space. Lola's is a very small club. I'd guess it holds 75 people max. Had a tough time with the monitors, but we put on a killer show and brought D-S 100%. "I'm going to give you guys everything I got..." I said right before one of the songs. And I did. We did. The boys gave it all. Didn't get the opportunity to record tonight, so looking forward to the opportunity to record tomorrow night in San Antonio at the scout bar.

Hungry. Sweaty. It really is an awesome sun set.

---

Mantic Ritual went on after us and reminded of old school Metallica, when Metallica was young, baby faced. Amazing guitar leads, tons of hair... high energy, a little dorky. Totally awesome. Had no idea what these guys were going to sound like, pleasantly surprise.

Sworn Enemy was good, looking forward to seeing them the next two nights.

PRO-PAIN. FUCK. These guys were bad to the bone, no fucking around, no frills, no dancing... just rocking your skull off with power... kicking you in the face with a combat boot. A nuclear attack. An earthquake. Awesome!! Damn.



Pro-Pain's front man came over to me right before they went on, congratulated us a strong set, said he was looking forward to touring with us. Very calm, cool, collected. An older gentlemen with a button down green shirt and black framed eye glasses. Nothing cliche, very intelligent. I had no idea what Pro-Pain would sound like at all.

At very beginning he demanded that everyone come up front, "this isn't a company pick nick, get up here!"... *anticipation!!* Then he released a guttural roar "this song is called... THREE MINUTES OF HATE!!" and from then on it was balls to the wall, ripping faces off, no apologies, straight kicking ass. Bravo, bravo, bravo! Can't wait to see these guys again!! PRO-PAIN Killed!!

Yeah... it's raining IN our house.

I re-woke-up this morning after taking Hayley to work (because as you will recall last time D-S went to San Antonio on the HEAD tour we hit a deer and wrecked her car) to the sounds of *splish* ... *splish* ... *splish* ... what the? I investigated and noted a small drip coming down from the top of the ceiling, no big deal. About 30 minutes into this deep downpour that we just had, that one small drip turned into about nine or 10 POURING leaks. So our roof is f**ked.

I'm getting ready to head to ft. worth to begin the 3 day tour w/D-S, Pro-Pain & Sworn Enemy, so of course it's on my mind that I'm leaving the house in this condition for Haydog to deal with. Yes, I called the landlord. Yes, I too believe things will be okay and we'll move on. I wanted to share.



There is some good news to deliver, we have two recording devices that we will be taking with us on this 3 day stretch, so God willing we will return home with perhaps a brand new LIVE CD! At the very least, I'm shooting for a new song or two to put up for ya'll to enjoy... 'THE KIDS ARE ON FIRE', 'WON'T STEER YOU WRONG', 'US AGAINST THE WORLD'. We'll see. Keep us in your prayers.

Talk to you soon,
Simfrog.

Graham, Tx ... Beautiful.

Good morning all you little racoons that went to sleep partying hard last night and slept in your mascara. Good morning all you love birds that fell asleep in the arms of your others last night. Good morning all who are drinking coffee and eating eggs/toast with me this AM. Let's have a good day.

A texas sized thank you from the bottom of our soul goes out to the entire crew over at ABM Productions who put on the show last night in Graham. Chauncey and his team of rock-a-holics are untouchable. They always take care of their bands, make sure everyone has something to eat (which is a very big deal to a touring band), Chauncey leads the crowd each night, calling them to come inside and watch and enjoy each band that is onstage, instead of letting people hang out outside and smoke cigarettes and BF each other while bands inside are pouring their hearts out. Chauncey pumps up the crowd before each band goes on, telling the audience a little something about the bands, why he booked them, why they should care...



The entire ABM crew is top notch... security, stage help, photographers, sound men. It's always such a strong family atmostphere and we are extremely thankful for what they give to the Wichita Falls area. Familia in the pit.

...

As we pulled the van in through the giant sliding metal doors and into this mysterious fortres, I knew this was going to be a memorable night. We parked the van, the steel trap doors sealed tight behind us. We were in an ENORMOUS, secretive backstage HANGAR; filled with dirty tour vans, smoke, sweat, stereo music, loud friendly yells, black shirts, whiskey, beer, sweat... I couldn't help but feel... THIS was real life 2009 Texas Metal. (Puts a smile on my heart just typing that.)



We were greated with smiles and hugs by Chauncey, John, Joanie, Shawn (and the entire ABM crew) and by friends we hadn't seen in a while in touring bands that we cross paths with as we all weave our way across the highways of texas... like Brotherhood and Burndown and Brian (Debri/Turbid North/PHG). Met the guys from Better Left Unsaid from Modesto, Ca.

This HUGE fortress we were standing in was only the prestaging area... the stage, the crowd, the arena was through that closed wooden door way way way down at the end of the hall. This was going to be a night for the history books... and those of you that were there, know that it was just that. Amen.

Videos from HEAD tour.

Good evening lovers. Jessie, Snakes, Marlboro & Holmes were all up at the rehearsal space tonight working out a few musical kinks for our upcoming shows. I stayed back at the office and edited a few videos from our tour w/Brian "HEAD" Welch back in May. Below are three videos from the show in Dallas, Tx at The Door.

Also, in addition to all the great shows we've got coming up, we're also slowly but surely updating our site (DOWN-STARES.net), so you'll be noticing updates each day you check back in. And of course we've got the release of our new t-shirt to look forward to as well!!

Make out time...
--sim

"Won't Steer You Wrong":


"Para Mi Familia":


"Ft. Something":

HP & The Half Blood Prince (opening night)

Last night...

YOWZA!!! The energy surrounding this opening night event was incredible!! Standing in line for near 45 minutes before the movie started felt like we were in line to ride The Titian at six flags! People buzzing about... I swear we could feel the earth shake from the massive crowd's heart pounding with excitement/anticipation.

I'll be honest, we've never watched any of the previous Potter's in the theatre let alone on opening night, so this was a real experience.

So the movie... cute, lots of teenage love and longing, heart bubbles. There is also a heavy dose of the dark side w/some dark moments that feel like we were in a kick-ass horror movie, and it's down right scary at times. The Half Blood Prince is epic and filled with spells, blood, love, and dare I say horror. It leaves us hanging on the edge with the door wide open for the final movie #7.

Again, being honest, we're not up to date on the Potter movies, I think the last one I watched was part #2 (SORRY! DON'T KILL US!). BUT, the movie does make me want to brush up on my Harry knowledge and relive his past quests. I think Potter freaks will love this and Potter passer-by's will enjoy it.

Simeon gives the movie a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Hayley gives it an 8 out of 10.

New design unveiled!!

Drum roll please... we are stoked/excited/thrilled to unveil our brand new design 'FOREVER.' But we need some help!! Which version of the shirts below do you enjoy/love/want to make out with MOST?

I know for sure we will print at least TWO versions.

E-MAIL US YOUR THOUGHTS!
info@down-stares.net

"FOREVER."

IZ Wrestling!!

Good morning lovers. Last night was incredible!!
D-S played in Lawton, Oklahoma at Impact Arena, the home of IZW (Impact Zone Wrestling)! This photo was taken from the stage at the end of the night before we left. We performed on the platform that the wrestlers walk out and into the arena on!

We were invited to perform by the Heavyweight Champion "THE REAL DEAL" Aaron Neil!!! Who just so happens to be a very very close friend and family member.



It was a crazy night of entertainment!

We got to enjoy an evening of in your face wrestling, filled with interviews, details, stories and trash talking that any avid fan would love and expect from a pro event. We were having so much fun on the sidelines screaming at the wrestlers, talking trash, cheering, eating hotdogs. IZW has an amazing ring announcer that keeps the crowd on their feet the entire night, you rock Jesse Storm.



Loved everything about last night. The wrestlers and fans welcomed us with open arms into their community, special thank you to Johnny Z (owner/performer) thank you all!! Jessie, Snakes, Brandt, Brandon and I all had a good time bonding and vibing with each other. Smiles all around and killed it on stage. A photographer was there and took several shots of us with the kids of the arena, should be seeing those soon.

Beautiful. Have a good Sunday, see you soon.
--Simeon "The Killer" Hendrix.

Bruno. (Opening night)

So Hayley and I went and caught BRUNO on opening night last night. Yes the theatre was packed, yes we got there about 35 minutes early to secure a good seat. Yes we drank a Mr. Pibb and ate popcorn.

Wow. Here we go... hilarious, shocking, stunning, WHAT THE F*CK!?!, Bruno's dick slapping against his stomach and legs, dancing, unexpected, shocking... incredible.

The kid sitting next to me, who I guess was about 19, was surprisingly appalled and disgusted by the movie. I heard him say to his date "I want my money back." HAHAHAHAHA. This movie pushes buttons, with out a doubt. So brace yourself and lighten up!

Yes, Bruno is gay and there is tons of gay sh*t that goes on. Yes, it is a movie that will make you react strongly. I promise you won't just sit there, numb falling asleep... I tensed up several times. Launghed so hard I couldn't help myself... I sat jaw wide open in disbelief...

Bruno pushes buttons and crushes comfort levels. He puts himself in VERY crazy and life threatening situations. It's hard to put into words what we witnessed. THIS IS A MUST SEE!

Simeon gives it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Hayley gives it a 10 on the laugh-o-meter.

Stoked.

Excited about recording "The Kids Are On Fire" this afternoon @ our rehersal space. Snakes is engineering, using his new equipment. I pray we'll be able to come up w/a product that we can post up for ya'll to hear and enjoy. Most likely it will be a live recording. I've heard some of his previous recordings w/the new equipment and it soudns strong. It's been a dream/desire/want of mine to record/release our own stuff straight to you guys.

---It's the age of the internet... we have such a give, a resource, an ability to be able to go direct to the fans and really want to take advantage of that. Plus, information is so fast and people's appitite (sp) for fresh and new is much more, especially with a band like D-S that is ALWAYS writing. So hopefully we'll post a finished live/raw/awesome product very soon.

Read a cool/inspirational article by Trent Reznor (http://forum.nin.com/bb/read.php?30,767183) talking about music artists in 2009 and his recommendations for our future. Read it.



Also, got quickbooks running on July 1 and last night printed out our first invoice through it for a shipment/purchase of our "Green Beautiful Woman Shirt." This rocks b/c as you know the clothin line aspect of D-S is something I'm very excited about w/inspiration coming from: EMPTEES, ZOMBIE LIQUORICE, FRIGHT RAGS, JOHNNY CUPCAKES.

Love,
Simeon.

My face ripping off...

I'm holding on. Trying to keep this all together.
I'll be honest, I'm sweating a bit.
I'm unsure, I'm uneasy, concerned.
I'm alive that's for sure.

I have faith. I have faith. I have faith.
This afternoon while I was walking around at work
I felt it... psychotic. The pressure, the weighing.
The heat. The churning. My face ripping off.

I'm in it, deep. And it's true, as I said to myself:
"Simeon, this is the reality you're looking at. Only
you know if it's right for you. Only you know if it's
worth it.

"You're in it man. Taste it, breathe it, sweat it, live
it, feel it, study it... How is it?"

Goodnight. About to eat some awesome pudding.
Love, Simeon.

Last night...

Good times. It was hot as hell. Sweating our faces off... I threw water all over myself, the stage, the crowd. Which is great, except for the fact that alot of that water ended up on snakes' guitar and his pedal board. I hope it dries out ok. Didn't even think about that... just went nut-case.



Ronnie was our drum tech. Thanks for the help, again man.
He's been with us almost since the beginning.

Have a good day kids.
--sim

Today...

Morning. Playing tonight @ The Hangar in WF,TX.
D-S @ 8:30.

Woke up feeling sick in my stomach this AM.
Physically not metaphorically.
About to drink some coffee. I do feel strong.
Going to pay some bills. Today is good day.
Breathe. Breathe.
We're about to take a huge step.
Details on the way...

Love,
Simeon.

All my new blogs...

I've been having a lot of talks with myself, perhaps more so lately than in the period directly before. I've come to a conclusion.

I have decided that instead of having "x" number of avenues and pages and seperations for artistic experssion, I will focus and channel all my creative endeavours through D-S. All my personal blogs, insights, pain, joy, realizations will now be found on a blog that will soon be up on the front of: http://www.down-stares.net This is of course in addition to all the D-S news and goings on that will be listed as well. In the meantime while I figure out some coding, you will be able to read and enjoy the blog at: http://www.downstares.blogspot.com Also FYI the blog will always be avail at http://www.downstares.blogspot.com I will simply adjust the coding to post on the front of the D-S.net page for streamlined access.

So, please continue to allow me to share with you and grow with you. From now on, I will speak as one voice... the voice of Simeon Hendrix who is the frontman and leader of DOWN-STARES.

I am extremely thankful for the men in DOWN-STARES who are on this journey with me. Jessie Brashear who has been at my side, and I have been at his side since this began in 2000. Max "Snakes" Chandler who has made no hesitation or compromise to his goal as being one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Brandt Holmes who has come on board and worked his ass off with us and grown tremendously since joining forces. My brother Brandon "Marlboro Man" Lewis, who gave us the term "Rock and Roll Saves Lives." A very true and real statement. And to our merch girl, Hayley... for investing so much of her time and resources into this project.

DOWN-STARES is such a positive light and influence on so many lives, not just mine.
Here's to our future.

To catch up on older blogs:
--http://www.myspace.com/simeonhendrix
--http://www.myspace.com/downstares

Simeon Hendrix // DOWN-STARES
--http://www.myspace.com/DOWNSTARES
--http://www.DOWN-STARES.NET
--http://www.twitter.com/dstx

Preview of new shirt design!!

Yummy. We can't wait for you all to see the full blown design! Our good friend Kris from the Philippines put the design together for us. We're securing funds for to print the shirts right now... yummm!!

It's another beautiful morning in Texas, drinking some coffee, perparing for the day.
Father, be with us, let us be productive, peaceful, strong.

If God be for us, who can be against us?
Straight up.
--sim.

Good practice tonight.

We hit it hard this evening at the rehersal space. Preparing for our "CAN WE STOP AT THE GAS STATION?" Summer Tour. Do ya'll realize that July 2009 is our NINE YEAR anniversary? Damn. Lots of blood, sweat, tears, heartache, joy, smiles, energy, miles, miles, miles, t-shirts, cd's, cigarettes, beers, jager, jokes, fights, anxiety, excitement, family, hard work, fun... damn.

Happy B-Day D-S.
Nine years strong.
Thank you.

Here's our set list for Weds. night:
Weds. July 8th @ The Hangar, WF,TX
w/knights of the abyss, light of december, the irish front, etc.
all ages.
---
THE KIDS ARE ON FIRE
TONIGHT WE CELEBRATE
FT. SOMETHING
US AGAINST THE WORLD
264 ROSELAWN
WON'T STEER YOU WRONG.

See you soon.
--sim.

Public Enemy (new dillinger/depp movie)

Seems like all the blockbusters this year are trying to set a goal to be the number one movie for dragging out an ending.
D-R-A-G-G-ING out. Transformers 2 falls into this same catagory.

Is Johnny Depp amazing in this movie? Yes. He never fails, always delivers something memorable. Overall the movie was good, great even. But the number one way to shoot a movie straight in the face with a sawed-off is to let an "amateaur" editor have full reigns in the cutting room.

They should have punched the editor in the face and told him "HEY BUDDY... WRAP IT UP!!".

Johnny Depp and his cast of supporting actors deliever a strong performance, the camera angels are cool and there are plenty of shoot ups to keep even the most macho rambo-man happy. There's blood & dying, a love story, lots of action, history department heads will be flockin as well.

The drag-out angers me, you know that by now. HHMMM...
3 out of 5 stars from Simeon.
4 out of 5 stars from Hayley (HR Hendrix).