so the new record will be out in less than two weeks and that's exciting for me but also a bit stressful with all that entails preparation-wise. but we are currently on the road in the east, northeast, upper mid-west and we could use all the support you guys can give. if you know anyone in those areas that we are playing, let them know we're playing if you don't mind. and if you are coming, bring your friends cuz the more the merrier. one thing to note is that you can buy the record before it hits stores at one of our upcoming live shows.

in normal life i am currently addicted to everything to do with Ali G. just finished reading a great novel by Jeffrey Eugenides called "Middlesex." it's his second novel, his first being "The Virgin Suicides" which was turned into a film by Sofia Coppola. also just finished a biography about R.E.M. called "Fiction." I was interested in learning about their early years when they were putting out records on I.R.S. underneath the eye of the mainstream music listening population when they were sticking it out in smelly vans and sharing hotel beds. it was a good read although had some holes in some convenient places. now i'm about to pick up "Brave New World" cuz i never read it and always wanted to. I'm a huge fan of "1984."

as far as music, i've been listening to Snow Patrol, the new Rilo Kiley record, Bob Dylan, the new Pedro The Lion album, The Honorary Title, etc. And of course, i'm greatly anticipating the release of the new Jimmy Eat World album "Futures," the Elliot Smith album "From a basement on the hill," and R.E.M.'s "Around The Sun."

so it's back to the van with my bandmates. the new website is coming...i swear...just taking a while to build. and we are ready to launch a cool pre-order possibility where you get some cool prizes if you pre-order the album online before Oct 5. umm, there's a new Media Player (E-card) which you can get to from the home page. am i forgetting anything? anything else you want to know, email me at info@valemmich.com or post something on the messageboard, or visit me at myspace.com/valemmich. and please come see us live. keeps the room warm and cozy.

and by the way, thanks so much for your support thus far

bye guys...val