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Hey all - a few very cool things have happened lately - first, the most interesting is probably the fact that we (as MATTOWAX) just got offered our first publishing deal from a publisher in Germany. We’re still hammering through the details of this arrangement, but so far it looks like they’re interested in a limited license of the track “Most Likely To Succeed” from our latest EP…so things could get interesting pretty soon!

Second, the After School Specialists got together this weekend to watch our movies be screened as a part of the Roslyn Film Festival, part of the revitalization project in Roslyn PA. More than anything, it was a nice evening of watching a bunch of locally produced films with some really nice people, and there was a very cool “small town” feel to the whole thing. But, our film from last year’s 48 Hour Film Festival, “Against The Wind”, probably had its most appreciated showing (lots of laughter and audience reaction - very satisfying!), and we ended up winning a little trophy (yes, a trophy…ha ha) for coming in third place (by audience voting). Very fun.

Finally, we’re still waiting for the EP to be up on iTunes for purchase, but that doesn’t have to be your only option - you can actually get the whole thing for under $4 on Amazon by clicking here. So, although we’ll probably wait until it’s on iTunes to do an official e-mail blast, it’s out there!

Hey, alright! The After School Specialists recently created another short film for Dogfish Head Ale entitled “Fruitcake” (for the 2008 Off-Centered Film Festival); this year the theme was “underdogs”. While we didn’t get first place this time, we did get an honorable mention and our film will be screened down in Austin, TX in the beginning of April at the Lake Creek branch of the Alamo Drafthouse (I’ve actually been to one of the ADHs and they are AWESOME…would be nice to have something like that up in the northeast). I’m guessing that video will be up on the site for viewing in near future (or at least on YouTube) - I was really only responsible for the music this time around since the filming happened during a particularly hectic period! Anyway, if you happen to be in town, go check it out (the poster and link is below) - if not, stay tuned for the posting of the video soon…

OK, the Zombie short-film I did with the After School Specialists is now up on YouTube and can be seen by clicking here. You’ll hear my music throughout, and also see cameos by some of your favorite Hulihees - Todd Marrone, Russell Gellman, and Ron Foligno. I’m also in there as a one-armed zombie, but only for a quick flash in the middle during the “gauntlet” scene (the second zombie that the main character avoids - right after the bloody nurse zombie) - and then again during the end title (seen below - I’m all the way to the left).

This is the film that won us 1st place in the Dogfish Head competition - great stuff!

Used Wigs Radio podcast 39 is now available - it’s an old school ‘cast, with just the three of us talking/arguing about music, pop culture, and other nonsense…including, in this case, dangerous deoderants. I don’t have the heart to post the supporting picture Jeff is using for the latest cast on my own site, but by clicking the link above you’ll see the latest that his madenss has generated. Enjoy!

We’re headin’ to Rehoboth Beach!
My video troupe the After School Specialists just won another contest - this time a short film for Dogfish Head Ale, which means that the film will be shown as part of the 10th Annual Rehoboth Beach Film Festival. It will also then appear on the Dogfish Head website. Not only did I write the score, I’ve also got a cameo as a one-armed zombie! Read about our success here.