Copyright 2024 Joe Stroffolino

There’s day’s when you’re going through life
 And you’ve just gotta put a fake smile on your face
And go through the motions 
and pretend that everything is okay
People ask you how you’re doing 
you tell them
Hey I’m doing great
Even though
that’s not what you really want to say
There’s days when you wish that it was Halloween
So you could walk around looking like someone really mean
There’s days when you feel like you’re grasping for straws
You look at your hands and you wish you had claws
You’ve been walking around with a stiff upper lip
Trying not to let the mask slip
You’re going through life, trying to understand
Is this part of some master plan
You’ve been waiting for so long to strike when the iron’s hot
But lately you’re starting to feel like some kind of creature that time forgot

There’ve days when you just want to stay in bed  all day and watch TV
And eat lots of popcorn and potato chips
There’s days when you go to a fast food restaurant 
And they make you they make you pick up your food and and clean up the mess and you wonder why they ask you for tips
And there’s days when you realize that your milk’s past it’s expiration date 
But you drink it anyway, it’s the closest think you ever do to tempting fate
And there’s days when you’ve been sitting in your cubicle for way to long
And you wish you could stand up and sing a loud a rock and roll song.
You’re walking around all day and on your shoulder’s a really big chip.
You go through your day desperately trying to maintain your grip
You spent your entire life living in a self imposed cage
You kept your feeling bottled up, you never let out any rage
You’ve been walking around with a stiff upper lip
Trying not to let the mask slip
You’re going through life, trying to understand
Is this all part of some master plan
you’ve been waiting for so long to strike when the iron’s hot
But lately you’re starting to feel like some kind of creature that time forgot
Grasping for straws stumbling around sleep walking your way through life
Trying not to make any ripples , trying not to cause any strife
Sometimes you’ve just gotta do what’s right for you

Grasping For Straws

Follow us : https://linktr.ee/djrickyrose

Songs with a twinge of humor (and some a bit more serious).  
I do not use AI to create my songs. 
Recently I have had the urge to pick up my guitars (Taylor 114ce and Fender Squire) and I have been trying to use more guitar in my songs.  
My go to .vst plug ins are  EZkeys 2, EZ Bass and  EZ drummer 3) and my DAW is Logic Pro 11. 
I welcome your comments and enjoy listening to all the great music on SoundCloud. 
All songs are originals and copyrighted.

Conceived and formed before most of you were born, indie/electronic rockers re-invented for your pleasure.
All original music.

Thanks to everyone who listens to our music, who likes and comments, we both really appreciate your support.

‘‘Embrace your insanity, before the clocks run out of time’’


For videos, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@patentgrey

Dear listener, thanks for visiting my site. You'll find some of my Demo Songs, some of them finished, some are work in progress. Some have been recorded about 30 years ago. I then stopped recording for about 3 decades beeing busy with my job and family.  I felt there was always something missing that’s why I started recording again in the winter of 23/24. All these works are far from being perfect but come from deep inside my heart. I appreciate your support and feedback and I enjoy listening to your music equally cause there is so much talent and dedication to be found on this platform.

 In peace and respect and dedication, Andreas

Sinfonie di Salvezza: 
La Missione di Suor Attila in un breve riassunto.
(English version below)

Rispondendo alla Chiamata manifestatasi tramite 
un Call Center, colpita da profonda emozione, Suor Attila decise di dedicare la Sua vita alla correzione dei bisognosi, fondando così il Pio Istituto delle Piccole Ancelle Ausiliatrici dell’Apocalisse.

Fermamente convinta che le anime perdute e le menti tormentate possano essere redente attraverso una sinergia di preghiera e legnate sulle gengive, la Salvifica Madre professa il ritorno a più efficaci e risolutivi riti di salvazione, generalmente promossi attraverso ecumeniche ronde di correzionatori.

Ma la vera Opera di Suor Attila si manifesta nella Sua musica. 
Un tripudio di banalità e insensatezze -modellate in un’epifania di straordinaria bruttezza- produce nell'ascoltatore una sensazione di confusione e fastidio che dà vita a un’esperienza di ascolto assolutamente unica. 

Non sorprende, quindi, che la Pia Religiosa abbia ricevuto numerosi riconoscimenti per il Suo contributo unico a un'Arte che sfida ogni forma di decoro.

Si esorta dunque all'ascolto dell’Opera di Suor Attila; un'esperienza che nessuno può permettersi di ignorare. (Ritorsioni in caso di inadempienza)

______________________________________________________________

Symphonies of Salvation:
Sister Attila's Mission in a Brief Summary.

Responding to the Call that manifested through a Heavenly Call Center, deeply moved, Sister Attila decided to dedicate her life to correcting the needy, thus founding the Pious Institute of the Little Handmaidens of the Apocalypse. 

But the true vocation of Sister Attila is revealed in her music. 
A triumph of banality and senselessness—shaped into an epiphany of extraordinary ugliness—produces in the listener a sensation of confusion and annoyance that gives rise to an absolutely unique listening experience.  

Thus, you are urged to carefully listen to Sister Attila's work; an experience that no one can afford to ignore. (Retaliation in case of non-compliance.)

@JTSunrise was born in Chicago, IL (the City of Blues) in 1968. JT grew up on a rural horse farm at Cuba Township near Fox River Grove, along the C&NW tracks, about an hour by train outside the city. Summer nights before the internet were for sleeping outside and watching stars, singing and playing guitar to his girlfriends, and hitching trains from his backyard. Anywhere JT went, he had his acoustic guitar slung around his back. JT also learned bass and banjo, and started a folk band in high school, playing house parties and school concerts and busking the commuter train station in Barrington, IL.

His teenage years took him around the world and to Tempe, AZ in 1987, (age 19) where he lived in the same building (and jammed often) with Spiral Stairs, a seminal guitarist who would later form the band Pavement. JT played acoustic sets at the legendary Sun Club. During this time, Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms (JT’s record store clerk friend) did his sound.

Seattle Music Era

Arriving in Seattle in 1992 with his Tempe barista girlfriend PJ (now wife), JT immersed himself in a city alive with music innovation. This was to become known as a time when Seattle bands reshaped the musical landscape. Amidst the scene, JTSunrise carved a niche and performed shows, blending busking music with the amplified Seattle sound, his Tempe-styled lyrical command, and the soul of Chicago street blues.

His performances became the background of Seattle’s music venues, from the intimate setting of **Art Bar** to the historic **OK Hotel**, where grunge legends made history. He captivated audiences at **Sit & Spin**, a venue combining a laundromat with a bar and live music, and found a true home at the **Lake Union Pub**, a legendary punk dive bar that embraced him as their own. Each chord, each lyric, carried the weight of personal experience.

Musical Influences and Style

JTSunrise draws from icons like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Billy Bragg, alongside bands he admired in Tempe such as Gin Blossoms and Dead Hot Workshop. The bands at the Sun Club and Long Wongs in Tempe, AZ shaped his sound and approach. These influences, coupled with the music scene in 1990s Seattle (including Elise Sauer, Obe-Wan Kenobe, and everyone to ever perform at the Lake Union Pub), molded his blend of folk, punk, country blues, and acoustic pop.

Signature Songs and Contributions

Among his many contributions to the musical landscape, a few songs stand out:
- **"Saint James Infirmary"**: A haunting rendition of the classic ballad.
- **"Biscuit Roller Blues"**: A soulful, gritty track that showcases blues roots.
- **"Kevin Song"**: A heartfelt, melodic piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
- **"Cure For Pain"**: A Morphine song that explores themes of struggle and redemption.
- **"Mama Tried"**: A tribute to Merle Haggard, blending acoustic blues with heartfelt emotion.
- **"O Danny Boy"**: A timeless ballad, rendered with sincerity and grace.
- **"Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain"**: A fusion of folk and rock.

Prolific Output

JTSunrise has a substantial discography on SoundCloud, with over 200 tracks available. This includes a mix of original songs, raw covers, and collaborations with other artists. His music spans genres like folk, bluegrass and country blues, cowboy country, and 90s acoustic rock, reflecting his diverse influences.

Commitment to Seattle’s Artistic Community

JTSunrise’s influence extends beyond music. His commitment to authentic Seattle art is evident in his participation and support of local artists and musicians. As of 2024 he remains a licensed Pike Place Market busker, a role that allows him to share handmade music directly with the community any time, creating intimate, memorable experiences for locals and visitors.

Thanks everyone for support! 

Find other Art  and Videos by #JTSUNRISE: IG, YouTube, X, TikTok, BlueSky interweb media @JTSunriseMusic
www.linkedin.com/in/jtsunrise-music-1528072b0