After careful consideration, Stephan Gray, Ryan Lewis and myself have decided to take out the clip of the IRA pin in the Irish Celebration video.

In no way did we mean to offend anyone. I realize now that the statement the pin makes is a bold one, particularly coming from an Irish American. It was not our intent to condone, nor glorify, the violence that has occurred on Irish soil. The pin was used to momentarily depict a symbol of Irish history, not take a political stance on Ireland’s past and present conflict. As an Irish-American, I lack first hand perspective of what the pin meant and the associations that are made with the IRA. I will never fully understand the tension, the emotion, and the day-to-day struggles that have occurred in Ireland. I take full accountability for our poor judgement and I sincerely apologize to anyone that I may have offended.

I also realize that this apology might not be enough for some. Is it the most accurate account of Irish history? Not even close. It is a song about celebrating culture, lineage, family, history and most of the all enjoying life to the fullest. Thousands of people from all of the world, have raised their glass, toasted and enjoyed a song that celebrates the things in life that I believe are worth celebrating…Family, friends and tradition. At the core of the song, that was the intention of Irish Celebration and the visuals that accompanied it. I hope that you can see past our mistake and enjoy the song for what it is. A song. A celebration. And a piece of music, that I am proud of creating.

This is the first track off our upcoming album. It’s titled “WINGS.” We’re shooting a video for this in March with our good friend Zia Mohajerjasbi, same director who shot ‘The Town’ in late 2009. Hope you enjoy!

DOWNLOAD > http://hulkshare.com/5jsyttr30vhl

Produced by Ryan Lewis
Chorus Written by Hollis Wear
Violin – Andrew Joslyn
Cello – Danah Olivetree
Piano by Noah Goldberg
Trumpet – Owuor Arunga
Bass – Zach Fleury
Vocals – Ray Dalton, Camila Recchi
Childrens Choir – Denny Middle School, West Seattle
“WINGS” photo by Jason Koenig (JKoePhoto.com)

Onry Ozzborn – That Good (f. Sapient) by Fake Four, Inc.

I’ve been meaning to post this for a minute. But in the midst of finishing a song and sleeping a combination of 6 hours in the last 3 days, the post (along with blogging my own recent videos. Whoops) has managed to escape me.

So sure enough, I missed the show date (which was tonight). But check out my big bro Onry Ozzborn’s new song “That Good” featuring Sapient of Sandpeople. It’s the lead single off “Hold on for deal life” dropping 1/25/10. If you don’t know, Onry’s 1/2 of “Grayskul” and the mind behind one of my favorite new groups “Dark Time Sunshine.”

I’ve been waiting for him to drop a full length of solo material since I heard it on a van ride throughout the country, when he took me out on tour with Grayskul a couple years ago. Sure enough, the last couple months Onry has dropped a bunch of new stuff. While you wait for the 25th, go download his very dope and very free album “No Hoax” over at the Dope House http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2010/12/27/onry-ozzborn-no-hoax-album/.

If anybody is friends with these guys, please have them contact my blog. I would love to be friends with them as well.

We made it to #5 on KEXP’s albums of the year! Huge thanks to any and everyone that voted for us. Pretty damn filthy.