-
Posts
- Oct 17, 11
Click the link below to listen to our album Sweet Jams on Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/69o7bPi0fveV2QRDLVh6y1 - Sep 07, 11
Download our new song "Candles & Wine (One Moment At A Time)" for free (or pay what you want) on our music page. To download for free, you have to enter 0.00 as the amount you want to pay. You can also stream our song from our music page or on our YouTube channel.
- Jul 04, 11
We've decided to place the decision of picking the next Variety Picnic single in your hands. This will be the first single off of our next album. Here's the catch! You won't get to hear the songs and you have to pick it based on which title you like the most. The single will be released in August. Happy 4th of July and happy voting!
Which song should be the first single? pollcode.com free polls - Jul 03, 11
The recording sessions for our sophomore LP have been underway for a while now. Last month, Kevin Morse posted some photos from the recording sesions via Instagram. We've uploaded those photos to our Facebook page for the world to see. Click here to view the pictures! - Mar 08, 11
Here's a new song called "Two Doves (Ocean Of Tears)". It was written and recorded this morning. You can download it for free. Hope you enjoy it! - Jan 02, 11
Happy New Year from the Variety Picnic! Here's a new FREE single from us. If you download it, you just might have the best year of your life. Click the album artwork to listen/download or stream it below.
- Dec 22, 10
Here is Variety Picnic Superfan Asad Naqvi's incredible story of how he used iOS Devices and several apps just to hear our new song "In The Middle Of The Night" while he was traveling on the Long Island Rail Road. I was having an itch to listen to Varity Picnic's hot new single "In The Middle Of The Night". Sadly I had not had a chance to sync it to my iPhone. What was I to do? With an hour train ride ahead of me I decided to utilize my various devices and electronics to satisfy my need. I quickly fired up my Log Me In app on my iPhone and took control of my MacBook at home to download the song for Free! from the Variety Picnic site. I then copied it to my DropBox folder. Once my DropBox was synced I launched the app on my iPhone. Streaming was not a great option as the train was moving and so was my connection from cell tower to cell tower. I then used the app to email my self a link to the the file. I needed a way to download a file to one of my devices. I then used MiWi tethering app to tether my iPad to my iPhone's Internet connection. I then copied the link from my email and launched GoodReader that had the capability to download files via a URL. I pasted the link and began the download of the sweet new song. I felt the need to tweet about my actions. I took a picture of my iPad downloading the file and the felt like making some adjustments to the photo before uploading to twitter. I emailed it my iPad and opened it up in the Free Zagg PhotoPad app. I cropped it and color corrected it then saved it. I then opened the Twitter app to tweet what had done. By this time the song had finished downloading and I could enjoy the song right in the GoodReader app. I could now relax to my new fav tune. Have a great story like Asad's? Post it in the comments below. - Nov 24, 10
Earlier on Facebook this week I said a Christmas single was in the works but I didn't promise that it would ever see the light of day. That song is still being worked on and I'm still not sure that I'll ever release it. Last night as I was tinkering around on my keyboard, I came up with this song and decided to release it today. The goal now for Variety Picnic is to release music as frequently as I can and then once I have a decent amount of songs, I will have people vote on their favorites. Those favorites will be touched up and be included on the second album which as of right now will be called Synth Sauce.Head on over to our music page to download "In The Middle Of The Night" for free
- Sep 28, 10
We just released our free EP, Sweet Nothings, and now it's time for you to download it! It's the perfect companion to our debut album Sweet Jams. The release includes 7 unreleased tracks which are listed below.
1. Space Happy (Alternate Version)
2. Great Sensations 2.0 (featuring Earl Babbich and Frank Douglas)
- Sep 19, 10
For the past few weeks, we've been releasing new songs that will be released on our upcoming EP, Sweet Nothings. Today we're releasing an early demo of the song Your Chest. It was recorded shortly after the original version of Ode To Morse was recorded. Since we are releasing Sweet Nothings for free on September 28th, we've marked down the price of our debut album, Sweet Jams. You can purchase the digital copy for $5 or get a physical CD with the digital copy for $7. For a limited time only, we're giving away the song Did It All (Just To Get) for those of you who don't already own it and might be interested in purchasing Sweet Jams. - Sep 12, 10
Today is a spectacular day. There's a celebration happening all over the world. Kevin Morse has turned 30 years old today. In honor of that, we're posting some fun facts about Mr. Morse. We've posted these fun facts on our Twitter page all week and in case you missed them, we've got 'em for you right here! These facts were written by Scott Kauble.- Kevin Morse shares a birthday with singer Barry White, who he coincidentally delivered as an infant.
- Labor Day got its name from being the day Kevin Morse's mother went into labor.
- Kevin Morse's longest drive on the golf course is expected to land in 2034.
- Procter & Gamble pays Kevin Morse an annual fee to use the "Mr. Clean" name.
- Rather than a meteor impact, scientists now believe the dinosaurs were killed off by a Kevin Morse Mario Kart tantrum.
- After NASA retires the space shuttle, they're just going to have Kevin Morse throw guys into space.
- To escape Kevin Morse's wrath, several ABC executives entered the witness protection program after the cancellation of "According To Jim"
- When asked why he loves the "God of War" video games so much, Kevin Morse said, "they remind me of the good ol' days".
- In his home state of Georgia, the courts define "infidelity" as sleeping with anyone other than Kevin Morse.
- In the 1960's, the CIA hatched a plan to have Kevin Morse assassinate Fidel Castro with a handshake.
- In 1962, Kevin Morse coined the phrase "No way, Jose", after a mexican guy offered him a Pepsi.
- The Honeymoon Suite at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is modeled after Kevin Morse's fancy ass bedroom.
- Kevin Morse employs two full time assistants whose only job is sorting through the thousands of prom invitations Kevin Morse receives each year.
- Kevin Morse's favorite summer job during his high school years was working as a courier for the Pony Express.
- Designers originally planned for Kevin Morse's face to appear on Mount Rushmore, but they were unable replicate his sweet haircut.
- Sep 06, 10
This week we are celebrating Mr. Kevin Morse! The man behind the subject of the song "Ode To Morse" deserves appreciation not only this week but every week. Kevin's birthday is on September 12th so now seemed like the perfect time for Kevin Morse Appreciation Week! Take a listen to Kevin Morse showing his appreciation for his favorite thing in the whole world: cleaning. This song will appear on our upcoming EP "Sweet Nothings". Click Here to listen to "Keep It Clean" - Sep 01, 10
Here is the album cover for Sweet Nothings. You know.. it's the free EP we're giving away via our BandCamp page on September 28th! Right now you can head over to that page and listen to a brand-new song called "Woo You (With Autotune)". Here's more information regarding the release: Sweet Nothings is a small compilation that is a companion to Variety Picnic's debut album Sweet Jams. It is a collection of music that was recorded during the Sweet Jams sessions but were left off the final track list. Over the next few weeks, new songs will be uploaded and the full track list will be revealed. You will be able to listen to each song in it's entirety. On September 28th, 2010, Sweet Nothings will be released and it will be a free download. - Aug 19, 10
It was announced yesterday via our official Facebook page that we will be releasing a free EP right here on our website next month called "Sweet Nothings". This will be a short compilation of songs/remixes that weren't featured on our debut album "Sweet Jams". As soon as we receive more information about this upcoming release, we will post it right here!
- Jul 15, 10
Hey everyone! Thanks to all the people who came out and voted for our video last night at Fontana's Rock & Roll Bar in NYC for Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition! Unfortuntely, we didn't win. So I guess that means Kevin Morse has a few asses to kick! Thanks again to everyone who supported us during this competition! It means a lot to us. - Jul 14, 10
It's been a busy week for Kevin Morse. The man behind the song and music video "Ode To Morse" traveled from Orlando, FL to New York City (a place he hasn't been to since the Statue of Liberty was dedicated back in 1886). He also got to meet the love of his life, and future wife, Olivia Munn. Also this month, Kevin Morse discovered that our music video he directed and appeared in, Babymaker, has been voted into the Top 10 of Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition. While Kevin visited New York, we caught up with him and heres what he had to say. VP: What did you think when Big Vision Empty Wallet chose Babymaker as one of its Top 20 videos in thier Viral Video Competition? KM: I didn't know it was even in that contest, so it came as quite a shock to me. After finding out though, I was pretty happy that it was chosen by people who know great comedy. VP: What were you feeling when you heard Babymaker made it into the Top 10? KM: When I heard Babymaker had made the top 10, I was just ecstatic! I voted a lot and also tried to get other people to vote, so I'm glad that it worked out. VP: Do you think Babymaker will come out on top this Thursday? KM: Babymaker will reign supreme on Thursday or else I will have to do some serious ass kicking. VP: We've heard the tragic news that you won't be able to attend the event. How do you feel about that? KM: I'm sad that I can't attend the event, but I will be there in spirit. I was just in NYC, so my spirit should still be very present. VP: If you win, what would your acceptance speech be? KM: My acceptance speech would most definitely have to be giving a live performance myself of Babymaker and dedicating the performance to Miss Olivia Munn! Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition will be held Thursday July 15th, 2010 at Fontana's Rock & Roll Bar in the Chandelier Room at 8 P.M. Click here to buy tickets! - Jul 01, 10
We'd like to say thank you to everyone who voted once, twice and hundreds of times for our video in Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition! Without you, we'd be in the bottom twenty. And nobody wants to be there! Now we move on to the FINALS! Here are the juicy details (via BVEW's Website): WHEN: Thursday, July 15th, 8pm WHERE: Fontana's Rock & Roll Bar, [The Chandelier Room] 105 Eldridge Street, NYC WHAT: Big Vision Empty Wallet (BigVisionEmptyWallet.com), the only one-stop online destination for the independent film and arts community in New York City, along with sister company Industry Power Play, will screen the Top 10 Viral Comedy Video Finalists on Thursday, July 15th in the Chandelier Room at Fontana's Rock & Roll Bar in New York City. The winner will be decided by audience vote with the help of several guest judges. The winning filmmaker will receive an array of prizes, including a feature story on Big Vision Empty Wallet as well as other entertainment sites. The winner also has the opportunity to present his or her film at the Moving Pictures Collective of NYC’s next meeting as part of its MoPictive Shorts Series at the prestigious Helen Mills Screening Room. Join us for drinks, screenings and fun! Drink specials all night. Tickets: $15 online or at the door. Purchasing in advance recommended. To purchase tickets, click on the link below and you'll be re-directed. Click here to purchase tickets. Hope to see you there, Picnickers!
- Jun 30, 10
There's only one more day to vote for our music video Babymaker in Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition! You can vote for it as many times as you want until July 1st. After that they’ll announce the top 10 videos chosen by the viewers. On July 15th they’ll screen the top 10 videos at Fontana’s Rock & Roll Bar in NYC where the live audience and guest judges will select the winning video. Help us out and make some history! Spread the jam! Click here to vote Click here to watch “Babymaker” - Jun 25, 10
It's been a few months since we've seen a music video from Variety Picnic. Rumor has it that another music video is in the pre-production stages and it's also been said that new music is being recorded, but we can't confirm that just yet. So until we get the facts, we decided to launch a new feature called "Where Are They Now?" and our first guest is Mr. Brooks T. Lockwood. Our team caught up with the man who has worked on several VP music videos including "Your Chest" and "Babymaker". You might recognize him as the bartender from "Feel That (Boogie In Your Jeans)". Mr. Lockwood has been fairly busy these days. During the week, he works in the film industry. On the weekend, he's a full-time saxophone player at Party Pier (Chuckles). VP: What's it like to perform at Party Pier every weekend? BL: It's really great to pour into these peoples lives in such a way that no one has ever done. Except Kevin Morse. VP: How long have you been playing the saxophone? BL: I got one of those bubble saxophones when I was a young tike. So if you count that then I'd say it's been about 27 years. VP: Who are your influences? BL: Phil Collins from the Tarzan soundtrack and Variety Picnic. Oh, and the "Godfather of Chillwave" Sir Phil Thomas Katt! VP: We hear that you sell-out Party Pier every Saturday night. How do you do it? BL: People know I'm associated with Kevin Morse so the place always sells out knowing that theres a slight chance that he might show up. It's all panty-dropping ladies too, of course. VP: Is it true that Hanson recorded a cover of one of your hits a few years back? BL: Oh yeah. Right after they digitally remastered MMM-Bop for the 3rd time, they recorded a cover of a doo-wop song I recorded. I couldn't tell you the name of it though. VP: Can you tell us about any Variety Picnic projects coming up that we might not know about? BL: I can't tell you about that but I've heard rumors of a new reality webisode series starring myself and Patrick called "The Real Sweet Boys of Manhattan" and it's going to be real rich and real sweet. Stay tuned folks! VP: Wow. Is it possible that we could hear your sax skills on an upcoming Variety Picnic tune? BL: I'd love to sax it up on a sweet jam! VP: That'd be a great collaboration. Thank you for your time. BL: Yep! Be sure to catch me every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday at Party Pier. It's free for the ladies but $50 for you gents. - Jun 17, 10
Our latest music video, Babymaker, has been chosen for Big Vision Empty Wallet's Viral Video Competition! You can vote for it as many times as you want until July 1st. After that they'll announce the top 10 videos chosen by the viewers. On July 15th they'll screen the top 10 videos at Fontana's Rock & Roll Bar in NYC where the live audience and guest judges will select the winning video. Help us out and make some history! Spread the jam! Click here to vote Click here to watch "Babymaker"
-
Albums
- 7 tracks (21:28)Sweet Nothings is a small compilation that is a companion to Variety Picnic's debut album Sweet Jams. It is a collection of music that was recorded during the Sweet Jams sessions but were left off the final track list. It is available now to download absolutely free. In addition to the free EP, Sweet Jams is now on sale for $5.
-
01:41
-
04:48
-
03:07
-
01:20
-
03:57
-
02:23
-
04:11
-
- 14 tracks (36:13)The title says it all. This album contains hypnotic vocals, explosive guitar riffs and sultry synths. The trio known as the Variety Picnic delivers a debut album that is jam-packed full of sounds that will make you feel like you've never felt before. Sweet Jams travels through several different genres of music and subjects. The album begins an eerie spacey tune called "Space Happy" which will make you wonder if you're actually listening to a comedy album. It isn't until your ears hear Patrick's majestic vocals on "Feel That (Boogie In Your Jeans)". That's when your addiction begins. The soaring guitar solos from world class gentlemen Earl Babbich will leave you speechless. You'll hear ambient tones mixed with a hip-hop beat and an odd fetish on "Your Chest". When you mix Cheesy 80's rock mixed with today's autotune and a happy acid trip, you get "Great Sensations". If you add serious beats plus comedy rap then you've got "Bank Bank" and "Ode To Morse". The group gets down and dirty on "Babymaker" and leaves you with a mess on your hands with "Manbatter". The legendary underground rapper Frank Douglas makes his presence felt with a guest appearance on "Bank Bank" and "Did It All (Just To Get)". Taking a note from Flight Of The Conchords, these guys prove they can be versatile. These are all great elements that are needed to make a great comedy album (except for skits; they aren't jams). Just like their fellow comedy musicians The Lonely Island, the trio has viral videos for their songs. You wouldn't be reading this right now if it weren't for a man named Kevin Morse. The picnic's frontman Patrick Mahan wrote the song "Ode To Morse" which is a tribute to the legend who kicks ass and keeps it clean. This was the song that started it all. The catchy tunes and sweet riffs found here will leave you wanting more and more.
-
00:41
-
03:12
-
02:22
-
00:19
-
04:37
-
02:38
-
02:50
-
00:19
-
03:14
-
04:33
-
03:41
-
00:15
-
03:13
-
04:13
-
- 03:16
-
Uploads
-
Recording the 2nd album
-
Tweets
- Our website isn't blocked today. Nobody pirates our music anyway. #SOPA http://t.co/s9xxCJlk
- New album is on it's way. If you're lucky and keep your fingers crossed really tightly, a new video might be on the way too!
- This post is for Shane. Fan spam!
- Get 65% off at the Variety Picnic online music store by using code "blackfriday" when you checkout! http://t.co/Lup5izSu
- This song was written & recorded in an hour one year ago today. It will be featured on the upcoming Synth City album. http://t.co/6xavZJHQ
- Share our new song "Buttered Popcorn" with your friends and you'll be entered to receive an autographed bag of... http://t.co/XhQhrwCE
- Open that bag up tomorrow! http://t.co/7vhSnaWr
- Do you like buttered popcorn? You'll find out soon enough.
- Have you ever been lost and then suddenly found in the middle of the night? http://t.co/ZKI8lV4g
- The "City Of Lights" download is coming soon. Until then, you can still stream it on our new and improved website. http://t.co/89ZpoYc5
- I can't confirm this quite yet but it's looking like Synth City will be a double album. Is that cool with you?
- Now that Facebook & Spotify are best buds, you can listen to the sweetest jams around anytime you want! http://t.co/xLKzTFCC
- City Of Lights will be available to download this Tuesday. Until then, stream it here! http://t.co/MVzi9IuB
- Two words: Kenny Mo! http://t.co/cfEzaG9D
- Hey Picnickers. Here's a new song. It's called City Of Lights! Give it a listen. http://t.co/AagpI9U8
- It's been almost a year since we released our free EP "Sweet Nothings". Guess what? It's still free! http://t.co/EpJIfPXm
- Next week we'll unleash the track City Of Lights which features a hardcore rap verse from Kevin Morse. Speaking of Kevin, it's his birthday!
- Here is our most educational song yet! http://t.co/PQGVhCH
- You can download the new song for free by typing in 0.00 as the amount you want to pay for it! Yep. That easy. http://t.co/P7ajoO9
- Candles & Wine (One Moment At A Time) is ready to be downloaded. Get it while it's hot! http://t.co/Tq8uTr5
-
Tracks
-
ABOUT
- Here's the story
Even as a young man growing up in Tennessee, Patrick Mahan loved music and comedy. He produced podcasts and wrote songs during his high school years, and wanted to continue that trend in college. He eventually assembled a group of peers to contribute to a new podcast called “The Variety Picnic”. As the individual members began pursuing other interests, Patrick wanted to continue producing entertainment.
The Variety Picnic became a musical act in 2009 when Patrick Mahan transformed his fledgling podcast into a comedy album after being inspired by podcast contributor Kevin Morse. Never before in his life had Patrick met anyone that could be described as abnormally normal. The song Ode To Morse was born and was followed up soon with a music video.
The video received a great response from those who were familiar with Kevin Morse. Patrick then decided to pursue the creation of a comedy concept album with a broader appeal. Over the next several months, Patrick composed dozens of songs from which to build the “Sweet Jams” album. As new songs were completed, Patrick sought to produce comedic music videos to accompany them. Frequently appearing in the videos is Earl Babbich, world class gentleman and one of the planet’s greatest guitarists. Earl appears in most of Variety Picnic’s videos during the Sweet Jams era.
In March 2010, Sweet Jams was released. A release party was held in Orlando, FL and featured the groups first live performance. Their music video for "Babymaker" was nominated in Big Vision Empty Wallet's Best Comedy Short competition in New York City.
The group took a break for the remainder of 2010. Patrick had moved to New York City. Earl returned to the ranch. Kevin stayed in Florida.
Patrick continued to work on new songs. On the one year anniversary of Sweet Jams in 2011, it was announced that a new album was in the works. Patrick recruited more of his friends to take part in the new album to make the group more powerful than ever.
