Trading Chickens For Pigeons

I am publishing a zine made up of handwritten entries from a journal I kept while living in San Francisco. it’s been a decade since I TRAVELED from Guam to SF to live my d.i.y. fantasy of creating art in the big city. The body of music I created during my trip is finally being published alongside the true story of how I ended up chasing a dream with literally teaching myself how to walk again.

after they put my leg back together.

it starts in 2014 after having just finished recording the debut release of my local indie band to the Hill. I was presented with the opportunity to room with my homies living in the Bay Area. Chances like these only come once in a lifetime for people like me. SO I left my family (much like my folks did when they migrated), my band, and even our amazing drummer. Regg was more than that though, she was also my girlfriend.

My drummer, Regina. 

I had the great fortune of being able to travel and stay IN San Francisco thanks to Kyle. Between him and Nico, we all shared a friendship based on Guam and our love of cinema. As roommates I watched them start Mighty Island out of their apartment bedrooms, a local powerhouse production company to this day. but it was my best friend Travis moving off island to join them that cemented the possibilities.

There I was living the American dream With friends. All coming from our tiny island home no less. that fun fact always brought me great comfort when culture shock left me feeling alienated. A bunch of 20-something-outcast Creating art under one roof. The energy in that building alone inspired me. That’s where I created my music, making songs about these moments of self-discovery.

Outside our apt on California street.

Nevertheless, My nightmare began in the most Californian fashion - skating to a burrito spot before I was supposed to go see a friend’s band play. That’s how I managed to break my leg falling on pavement and dislocating my ankle along the way. A gnarly accident for sure but luckily You don’t come from the jungle without a scar or two. Or insurance.

I went from the hospital to our 3rd-floor unit with a cast on. I’ll never forget the ride back (or having to go upstairs). I painstakingly adapted, however. and Thomas Cole even managed to visit me after his gig I was supposed to attend before breaking my leg instead. we spent our time, up in smoke, playing videogames while my body healed. It was not like I could afford physical therapy so… doctors orders.

Journal entry about the music video for "falling".

The experiment ran its course and I returned to my home world. There I began picking up the pieces. Regg and I settled our affairs in order and got the band back together. That music we recorded with our indie band we released to critical acclaim. The biggest accolade of which was garnering me a career in National public radio. but That’s another story.

This one is about how I made the best out of an incredible journey. I couldn’t have done it without my sister Ana and the rest of my family. my roommates Kyle, Nico, and Travis. lifelong friends. Most importantly my wife regg. I never dreamt that life could be this forgiving.

tRIP IS NOW AVAILABLE ON CASSETTE AFTER FINALLY Releasing the music I made in San Francisco 10 years ago, earlier this YEAR ON STREAMING PLATFORMS. accompanying MY BEAT TAPE IS A ZINE that I’ve TITLED ‘trading CHICKENS FOR pegioNS ’ and a digital download for the music. This is my first-hand account from that time in my life. mentioned is everyone in this book. it encapsulates my pilgrimage as an artist from a small village trying to find myself away from home. You can purchase the complete saga as a bundle exclusively at this year’s YUCKFEST COREMANIA (Sept 13th). The tapes are available till supplies last for anyone interested. Thank you for reading.