by Rich Cahill | May 2, 2014 | drumming, mountaineering, new jersey, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tattooing, trek, trekking
Headed to Bhaktapur on Tuesday to go shopping and see the beautiful scenery. Bhaktapur history goes back as far as the early 8th century. It was a 40 minute ride from our hotel by taxi. The ticket to enter costs 15 bucks. Upon arrival everyone wants to be your tour guide. after being in Kathmandu for a week, you learn to put up a force field because everyone wants your money. We chose to tour ourselves.
There are lots of temples and merchants in Bhaktapur. Walking through the city, I stumbled into a music shop. Lots of drums where lined up along the walls. I grabbed a Madal off the wall and started playing. The merchant quickly gave me another one and said “this is the one you want.” It did sound better. A Madal is used for traditional Nepali folk music. It sounds like a cross between a Tabla drum and an African talking drum. I really started to gel with the instrument. As we where jamming, a few teen kids came into the shop, Dennis and his brother. They hung out with us the rest of our time in the music shop. Then carried our stuff around for the rest of our shopping spree. These kids reminded me of the Bowery boys in NYC in the 30’s with some punk rock mixed in there. I started referring to him as “Dennis the Menace,” feeling comfortable with him right away.
After finishing up in Bhaktapur we started our exit. Dennis the Menace asked if I could buy him a book. Didn’t take much–how could I not buy him a book? Books are good! I said no problem, and followed them to the “book store.” As we walked I started to get the feeling I was being hustled. When we get to the book store, the “uncle” wants 4000 rupees (about 40 bucks) for the two books. I say no way. I offer to buy one book for the kids. After I leave, they bring the book back and do it all over again to another tourist. The Nepalis are very proud people and tipping is not part of their culture. So the street hustle is a job these boy took on. As an old punker, I can respect that. It was only 20 bucks, and I liked these kids. So I handed over the money.
And after all, the photo I got of Dennis the Menace and his brother is priceless.
by Rich Cahill | Nov 7, 2012 | drumming, new jersey, studio recording
I’m very excited to take part in this performance on Friday November 16th at The Shapeshifter Lab in Brooklyn. 
by Rich Cahill | Jul 6, 2010 | art, brooklyn, drumming, End Is Near, frenchtown, music, top soil
Last weekend was huge for me. On Thursday, I had my opening at The End Is Near in Brooklyn. My three paintings looked great next to Norbert and Anna’s work. All of the paintings are displayed in the front room of the gallery/shop while a summer bbq occurred on the back patio. There was a great crowd and a lot of good friends there. Thanks to everyone who came out! The show will continue to be up for about a month, so if you’re in Park Slope, definitely check it out.
Friday night was another art event but for a very different cause. Organized by the Gasket Goons, the Charity Art Show was a huge success. The show had work by over 20 artists, showcased salon-style in the Phillipsburg garage space. The work was sold off silent-auction style and raised over 6,000 dollars for the family of the late Army Sgt. Sean M. Durkin. Accompanying the auction was a killer party with music, drinks, a hot dog truck and tons of cars-not to mention tons of people.
Saturday Top Soil had a show at The National Hotel’s first annual National Palooza. It was super hot out but people still came out and danced. We’ve been playing a bunch of new songs that are going to be on the new album we’ve been recording. Check out some images from the weekend’s activities!
by Rich Cahill | Jun 18, 2010 | artwork, drumming, frenchtown, just surrender, music, studio recording, tattoos, top soil
So the new place has been open for about six months now and everything is going great. I’ve been doing a ton of tattooing as well as painting and illustration. I recently designed the album cover for the band Just Surrender. My band Top Soil has been playing a bunch, too. We started recording our second album on Monday at Trax East and I’m really excited about the project. Check out a video of us playing live here. Another new development is the opening of my brothers Jim and Dave’s new computer repair and internet cafe, River Net. They set up shop in the same building as my studio, so check it out! We’re in the brick building next to the Bridge Cafe in Frenchtown.
by Rich Cahill | Mar 13, 2009 | drumming, music, studio recording, top soil
TOP SOIL!
The great new project that I will be spending time on these days.
Mike Quinn, the lyrical master, from Violent Society fame, shreds the acoustic guitar while rambles of the rise and fall of humanity.
My block neighbor, Jeff Tareila completes the back line with the most purdy uprite bass on 3rd st.
The first day went well. Working on five songs that I was still learning was quite hard but seemed to track good. My head was pounding with each bass drum kick as my cold had not left my body.
Day two was much better! We seemed to kick it right away. Recording 4 more songs. The day just passed without any serious bumps. Top Soil is a challenge for me because, Jeff and Mike took my cymbals away and just left me the kick snare and brushes. But I dig it!
I look forward to finishing tracking next week and moving on to vocals. I will have a stronger backing vocal role in this group.
Working at the shop has been difficult with this nasty head cold. Just got to push through it.
