Greetings, Animalfools! Here are some Animalcule points of interest:
     

     Animalcule is currently moving full steam ahead in Oregon. Ryan, Clint and Chris have secured a new Animalcule recording studio in Bend, OR and have begun the recording of their new studio album, “Island of Fire”.

     Check out a brand new Animalcule acoustic track, “Heart of the Dog” and the “Secret Footage” video for some sneak peeks at Animalcule’s current endeavors. Follow this link to the hosting page: http://www.sonicgarden.com/sonic-web/artis...artistid=25005# 

     Animalcule has been performing live all summer long and have started booking for their Fall/Winter West Coast assault. Animalcule has softened skulls and bent limbs in Portland, Eugene, Bend and Redmond Oregon with many more shows to come.

     Animalcule will be headlining to an expected crowd of over 1,000 folks at the Central Oregon Community Tailgate (sponsored by T-Mobile) to benefit the Art and Athletic programs of the Central Oregon Public Schools! (see www.animalculemusic.com for details) Also, catch them live for an evening of colorful madness on September 30th at The Players in Bend, OR. More shows will posted for the West Coast very soon!

     On August 27th, Ryan Kickland returned to South Dakota for a reunion jam with Josh Hilpert and Pat Ondrozeck. It was the original three-piece outfit together again. It was quite a potent evening of mostly improve tunes with a few good ol’ Animalcule standards. Keep checking www.animalculemusic.com for updates on some possible live recordings of this special performance.

     The infamous Animalculemusic.com fan forum is still alive and well and maintains it’s reputation as the foremost “anything goes” breeding ground for thoughts, ideas, art, music, politics, philosophy and general lunacy on the world wide web. Also, it’s a great place to reconnect with many different maniacs from your past. Bookmark the forum: http://animalculemusic.com/bbs/

Updated May 27, 05

Animalcule has changed form.

Clint Wood and Ryan Kickland have formed a new three-piece outfit. Together with bassist Chris Brady, the new Animalcule should begin playing shows on the west coast by February or March! Armed with brand new material and a brand new member, the band is forging ahead with it's plan to unleash their music on the Western United States. Pat Ondrozeck will be heading to Oregon and rejoining the group in 2005. The jury is still out on our beloved Mr. Hilpert, and only time will tell...

Leaving friends, family and comfort behind, and starting over in uncharted territory with a new line-up and many unknown factors has been a difficult proposition to say the least, but a necessary step in reaching a new horizon. Now is the time for Animalcule to put it's musical money where it's mouth is. As Perry Farrell once said, "No talking man, all action."

The band is working diligently on writing some intense and remarkable new material, re-vamping old classics, and preparing the musicule beast for a swift unleash. Animalcule is moving full steam ahead and the future looks nuts!

For now, please join us in welcoming Chris to the one and only, Animalcule. Until next time, fill your boots up with roots and bamboo shoots and don't forget your parachutes!

- James Sides

Updated September 11, 04

Animalcule is currently in hiatus. Ryan Kickland has relocated to Oregon to pursue music on the west coast. Clint Wood should be joining Ryan in Oregon sometime within the next month. Pat Ondrozeck with be following suit in 2005. The band should be more or less reformed on the west coast by this time next year. The jury is still out on Josh Hilpert, and only time will tell. In the meantime, Kickland is actively pursuing solo projects. On the heels of his last release, "Wood Carvings", he has just completed a new instrumental album, "The Tar Baby". Both albums will soon be available on this site, as well as the new Animalcule masterpiece, "Trick of the Desert". Next month, when Kickland is reunited with Clint Wood, the two of them will take on the task of forming a three-piece outfit and they will begin to perform Animalcule-brand magic on the west coast as soon as possible. Shows and updates will be added as soon as they are available. Energy does not die, it only changes form. Keep your eyes open... Animalcule will be exiting it's cocoon shortly. Thank you for your support.

Greetings Animalcule Fools! Come and see the boys deliver sonic mystery and majesty at the Coffman Theatre on March 10th! They'll be performing with Cloud Cult at the beautiful Coffman Theatre in downtown Minneapolis! Show starts at 7pm. Don't be late. If you're an Animalcule elite fan, swing by Animalcule's Spa he ra Tu' Studio the following Saturday night (March 13th) for a private performance! I'll be there... so will Rovin' Joe. The boys have been working in the studio preparing their brand new double-disc masterwork. Things are moving along slowly but surely, and soon, we'll all be treated to the first Animalcule studio offering since the ground-breaking Cerebellumusic. A small preview of the album will be available in the Musicule section shortly. Ryan Kickland is also busy recording his new folk album, Wood Carvings, which will be finished in March and available on this site. Thank you for your patience while the boys have been locked away in the studio, and this summer promises to bring a marvelous new tour and a divine new record. Until next time, throw some hell at the bell and drop some dimes in the chimes.

- James Whermchat Sides

Updated October 15, 03

Greetings Animalia and random vagrants! It's been awhile since an update. We've all been busy, busy, and busy. You know what they say about being busy... Anyway, since we last chatted, Animalcule has played many shows in and around Vermillion, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls. At each and every show, windows were bowed, boners were snapped, teeth were crowded, hands were disintegrated, etc. etc. etc. The band has also added some intense new instant classics to their live set-list. "Ringleader" and "Bermuda Triangle" are both incredible new show-stoppers! The guys in the band would really like to thank Jess and Diamonds for their allegiance and support and wishes them best of luck in the Deep South. We hope you snakes are sliding around with comfort and satisfaction. Animalcule would also like to thank Mao for the Eagles show in Vermillion. 'Twas a grand ol' thyme. Now for some forward motion; Animalcule is entering the studio this month to begin recording the new album. More updates will be given as things develop. This album will undoubtedly become one of the greatest masterpieces of modern music. It will be the assembly of many new crowd favorites, as well as some brand new nuggets. It will also be the first Animalcule studio album featuring Clint Wood. In the meantime, Clint and Ryan have recorded a little album full of musical tidbits for you to think about and to tide you over whilst waiting for the big one. The Kickland/Wood project, "Counterproductive" will be available in the Ordercule section and song samples will be added to the Musicule section. Also, for those of you that enjoyed "Living Stones", Ryan has begun the recording of his new folk album. On the visual side, our crafty webmaster Robert, has begun the construction of an "Accessory to Man-napping" Flash music video. A link will be active upon completion of the video. In addition, we will have some amazing new concert photos posted to Photocule, courtesy of Mr. Seth Mette, "Special Guthrie", as well as Amy & Jeremy. We'll keep you posted on the developments of these endeavors. In the meantime... if you've ever seen an Animalcule show, or not, you've got to see THE SECOND TRI-ANNUAL RED MASQUERADE! The second Red Masquerade in Vermillion (see Showcule) on November 1st, could quite possibly be the greatest Animalcule show of all time! It will be a psychedelic costume ball with puzzling lights, projections, wondrous art and sounds, new music, old music, random lunacy, an alleged appearance by Rovin' Joe, etc. All the stops will be pulled. In closing, keep your peas in the pod until the pod gets too odd and I'll SEE YOU AT THE MASQUERADE!

Updated June 19, 03

Greetings Animalculios! How's everybody been? We trust you've all been eating a decent amount of carrots and dipping said carrots into a decent amount of vitamin enriched paste. Anyway, where to begin... It's been an awesome month and a half for the band. The events have included a page write-up in the Argus Leader "Goddamn Star of the Midwest" newspaper about Animalcule, smashing minds and unleashing their maddening lightshow (with screens) at Phil's in Sioux Falls, performing alongside a 50 foot tower of fire (no kidding) at the Garretson Birthday Bash, absolutely dominating the stage at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, and smashing yet MORE minds with Band From Earth (thanks guys) at Phil's Pub in Sioux Falls. Busy bees these boys, busy bees. We also wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Jeremy and Amy for being at every damn show (and most rehearsals too) to help with equipment and moral support! We hope your back feels better Amy. We hope your narcolepsy has cleared up Jeremy. 

For those of you who were lucky enough to be able to attend one of these shows, thanks! We hope you enjoyed the boys and their toys. Let me just pop in a little footnote for those of you who couldn't make it to Minneapolis. The fellas went onstage, galloped like a screaming demon steed through a briar patch, packed up and left. They made some huge noise in Minneapolis, had a wonderful response, and they're going back next month to play at The Lab in St. Paul. There will be plenty of shows closer to home as well. Animalcule will be doing an all ages extravaganza back in ol' Vermillion, in the legendary hall where the infamous "Red Masquerade" was held all those years ago. Has it been years? Good God. Also Animalcule will be playing Sioux Falls and the surrounding area quite frequently throughout the summer. Check the Showcule for details! Animalcule is fast becoming a household name. Don't miss 'em and don't forget to eat your broco-choco with a wink and a quicksilver grin.

-James Whermchat Sides

Updated May 1st, 03

Hola Animigos! Well, for those of you who missed the Freakshow celebration, it was quite an evening. Our boys in the band unveiled their new set, their new exquisite PA system, and of course, the full Animalcule light show. Basically, they unveiled a brand new Animalcule. The energy was amazing. After a speedy set-up, the crowd was smashed in the face with "The Hemorrhage Tent." This was to be the first of many new songs presented by the band that evening. "Spa-he-ra-Tu'", "Cain's Country", and the new epic masterpiece, "Beijing in the Summer" were all delivered with monsoon-like force. They also busted out some greats from Cerebellumusic, along with a couple of revamped older gems. The classic "Monkey Business" sounded better than ever. Clint shifted into 5th and blasted the band through "Different in Town." "Animal Kingdom" tore the proverbial 'roof off the mother' and "Suited Man" left boners bent for twenty miles. It was a good night. If you were one of those lucky enough to attend, Animalcule would like to thank you for your enthusiasm and energy. However, if you missed out on the show, there will be plenty of chances to see the boys in action. Animalcule's Summer tour is being put together, with a few new dates already posted in the Showcule. Yes, after this Summer there will be lots of backs thrown out across the Midwest. To get automatic show updates, shoot an e-mail to fanclub@animalculemusic.com and get yourself on the list. While you're here, check out "The Cerebellumusic Outtakes" album in Ordercule. There are some wondrous secrets on that record. Also, remember to leave your mark in the fresh new Animalcule Comment Forum (located in Communicule) and as always, wet your hair and eat a pear and gum it like you just don't care!

-James Whermchat Sides

Updated March 21st, 03

Aloha, Animalfools!  Animalcule is burning rubber.  That's right, Animalcule is peeling out and causing rubber tires to smolder.  The new album, Cerebellumusic is complete and available in the "ordercule" section.  This is one fine album.  Do yourself a favor and buy two copies.  You're going to need the extra copy after the first one gets you so excited that you to rub it like a golden nugget, and drool all over it with ecstacy. Rehersals are coming along nicely and our new man of the drum, Clint Wood, is proving to be quite the addition!  (Did I mention that he has built a new studio for the fellas?  Seriously.)  Let me tell you first hand, they are sounding FABULOUS.  Also, the new technical maniac behind animalculemusic.com has done a number on the site.  Just have a look around at the site's wonderful new layout and you'll see what I mean.  Let's hear it for the mental circuits of Robert Silvera!  The band is getting geared up for a Summer of serious performances.  If you've ever seen Animalcule live, you know they put on a hell of a show, but the new set has gone above and beyond.  It's like the mighty Phoenix RISING FRO... okay, you get it.  By the way, have you ever wanted to join an Animalcule fanclub, but couldn't because it just didn't exist?  Problem solved.  Thrust an e-mail to fanclub@animalculemusic.com  and get signed up for bulletins, free pics, oddities and updates.  So join the club, buy the album, keep checking the site for shows and updates, keep leaving those CRRAZZZY comments, and stay out of the baked bean machine! 

September 1st, 02 

Greetings and salutations, Animal Crackers! Long time, no type... sorry. I've been stuck on the beaches of San Pampo with a crab-glass glued to my hand. The locals would not allow my laptop on the sandy oceanside, so I couldn't keep you posted on the Animalcule updates. Sorry again, but let's get over it. Animalcule is completing the FINAL MASTERING on the new record, Cerebellumusic. It should be on the shelves in October. In the meantime, we've put some fine selections from Cerebellumusic in the Musicule section of the site. Check them out NOW! Now there's more big news... Animalcule is officially one man stronger. Our 3 champions have located a fourth champion to take on the drumming duties. His name is Clint Wood. Though his name provokes images of a dusty, Western-movie hero, he's actually an experienced fighter-jet mechanic (though he has ridden the mechanical bull and lived!) Let's all email Clint at animalcule@splitrocktel.net and welcome him aboard. Also, Josh and his wife Jessica are the proud new owners of a sparkling baby girl. Her name is Julia Dream Hilpert. (She was actually born six months ago, but I've been gone fishin'... San Pampo!) Let's email Josh a congrats at animalcule@splitrocktel.net. After all this excitement, Animalcule is finally finishing the record and rehearsing with Clint to prepare their upcoming tour schedule. Tour dates will be posted in the Showcule section when they are finalized. Animalcule thanks you for your patience and support. Remember, chuck your hands at the wall!
-James Whermacht Michael Jackson Muggs pRine Pider Sides

November 25th, 01 - 4:18AM Mountain Time

Greetings Animalia! The band would like to thank you all for your patience and support while they are locked away in the studio recording "Cerebellumusic." The album should be released by February 2002 and it's certain to be Animalcule's finest work to date. The studio recording process has been methodical but very productive. The CD will be independently released on the band's own record label, "Trick of the Desert Records." Speaking of the new material, some of the band's latest songs were put onto cd recently and delivered for review to some of Animalcule's most profound musical influences. Ryan and Pat went to catch John Paul Jones (of Led Zeppelin fame) and King Crimson in concert on November 21st in St. Paul, Minnesota. Before the show, Ryan met with Adrian Belew and Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson, and John Paul Jones. He was able to provide them all with some brand new Animalcule material for their own musical libraries. 'Twas an offering to the legendary elders of experimental rock from the youngsters of psychedelia. What a truly poignant moment for Animalcule! The veterans were all very personable and kind backstage, but soon they proceeded to relentlessly kick the crap out Ryan, Pat and the rest of the audience with a thunderous, razor-precise, beautifully-performed live show (and according to Ryan, nothing makes you feel sub-par in your own musical ability like attending a King Crimson concert.) Anyhow, Animalcule will be finishing the new album as quickly as possible without compromising the album's vision and direction. Cerebellumusic will be a two-disc set full of brand new lunacy, oddities, misdirection, sleight of hand, mystery, majesty and maybe a little meddling. That's all for now... check back often for new music, media, news, show updates, and various bits of pieces and pieces of bits. Also, remember to slide cats in the back seats of cars and put sand in Pat's back and make your face cracks snap back! 
- James Whermacht Wurmchut Orange-Encrusted Golden Beard Releasing Species Sides

August 10th, 01 - 11:28PM Mountain Time

To my sure-footed animalia, I am sorry for the delay in up-to-date information about the band. It's been an exciting few months with Animalcule playing all over the place and recording all the while. Since last update, the band has been booked solid, playing shows every weekend in three different states. Yes, on a somber note, Guthrie is gone. He ran off to the Southwest to pursue a career in table manners. While Animalcule is saddened by his departure, the band is forging on ahead. As a streamlined 3-piece outfit, they will conquer planets and thrust deep the flag of victory into the soil of opposition. They have a powerful piece of ammunition to help them through these days of challenge. The ammunition is Bret Gilsdorf. As Animalcule's manager, Bret has always been a source of inspiration and motivation but now he has taken it a step further by reinventing the band's live show. He has provided Animalcule with an extensive and very impressive psychedelic light show. This light show will be unveiled at the August 11th Uncle Johns show. It will blow minds. Animalcule is still in the studio (when they're not busy providing the midwest with finest live psychedelia available) working on the new album "Cerebellumusic." Be sure to catch all the upcoming concerts and stay tuned to Animalculemusic.com for live show updates, news, information, pics and lunacy!!! Be sure to eat your hair in clumps and look at crumbs on speed bumps with your hair clumps. 
- James Wermacht Wurmchut Orange-Encrusted Golden Beard Sides

May 19th, 01 - 12:36AM Central Time

Hello all you precious animals! Animalcule is on the move. The show at Jono's on May 12th was a grand ol' time with lots of fun had by all. The band unleashed their relentless new set list featuring some shiny new songs. "Animal Kingdom," "Running Loose," and "What Will We Find" were the newest songs that Animalcule showcased at the concert. Due to technical difficulties, the light show was stupid but the music was tremendous. Everyone in attendance was thrilled to the marrow. Animalcule will be performing at a multi-band graduation festival on an acreage in Garretson, SD on May 26th. The details will be posted in the "showcule" section soon. The group is also going to be putting on a free Birthday Jamboree at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls (see showcule for details) to celebrate the birthday of bassist Josh Hilpert, who will be turning 97 on June 3rd. (or maybe it was 24) It should be a wonderous event in a truly beautiful setting. The bandshell is nuts, a lake is behind it, a Japanese garden is there, green grass for all, free to the public and their pets, steps of wood, clover-lined walkways of heavenly bliss are waiting, kids and happiness, music by Animalcule and birthday joy! The boys will be playing shows in Brookings, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Vermillion, The Black Hills and all around the vicinity this summer so be sure to check Showcule often for new gigs! Also, check out a copy of Tempest Magazine in Sioux Falls and read all about Animalcule in the "Meet the Band" segment. It's great reading. By the way, if you missed Animalcule at Jono's on May 12th, they will be returning on July 28th for another round of mind-blowing music. Don't miss an opportunity to see a live show this summer!!!! Take care and don't forget to water your pets and pet your plants and eat gravy and smear gravy all over your cd's.
-James Whermacht Wurmchut Orange-Angled Sides

April 29th, 01 - 11:40PM Central Time

Hello again Animals! Well thanks for your patience while the band has been in the Animalcule studio. They are still in the process of recording the new album "Cerebellumusic" but they have taken a break to do some more live shows. They will be pulling out all the stops, switching it up, sliding back and forth and shaking things around. The next few live shows will feature some brand new Animalcule songs and of course some insane improv. Check out the band on May 12th at Jono's, 1700 W. Burnside in Sioux Falls at 9:00pm. It's a free show so don't miss out! Also Animalcule will be featured in the next edition of Tempest Magazine as the featured group in the magazine's "Meet the Band" section. It's the free alternative Sioux Falls publication that all the hip folks read. So pick up a copy and meet Animalcule all over again! Check back to the site for show updates often, the band should be playing at the infamous Jackolope in Brookings, SD and a few locations in Omaha and Sioux Falls over the month of June. Then over July and August there are sure to be a few summer night fireside performances TBA and more shows in the area to check out. Also, Animalcule still has some copies of the new EP "once Removed" left so order them while they last. Also, the Animalcule Tech Whiz, Eliot Armstrong is making some great new updates to this site so keep checking back to see our revamped Photocule, Biocule and Communicule sections coming soon! Take care and envelope your loved ones with a cool and refreshing mist! -James Wermacht Wurmchut Sides

March 29th, 01 - 11:09PM Central Time

Hello animals! It's been another eventful few weeks for the band. They have put live shows on hiatus for a while as they enter the studio to record the new album "Cerebellumusic". If you're too impatient to wait for the new album, they have actually released a short 30 minute record in the meantime. An experimental practice session evolved into a spontaneous recording session in early March and produced a three track record that is a definite departure from anything the band has ever done before. Using only acoustic guitars, vocals, a broad range of percussive gear and noise-makers, a grand piano and a recorder, the band produced a clearly unique piece of musical artwork. You can order it now and tide yourself over while we all wait for "Cerebellumusic". Also, the band has upgraded their equipment stash with some new (old) analog gear and a few other gems that will surely make their presence known on the new record. In addition, Animalcule's manager, Bret Gilsdorf, has got some exciting projects lined up for the band this summer so be sure to check back for new gigs and happenings. - James Wermacht Sides

February 19th, 01 - 11:30PM Central Time

Greetings Folks... Well the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Induction Ceremony was nuts. Just nuts. The Evening began with a social mingle-fest and an art exhibit by David Kitzler and Heidi Iverson. Then a band of marching uniformed musical soldiers stomped in all in a row carrying a shining silver horn on a pillow. This blessed horn was hailed with all the praise of the holy grail whilst a man in a black suit and latex gloves carried it about the church as to give the congregation a better look at the fabled item. There were several speeches about the significance and origin of the horn. There was a brief screening of scenes from the flop 1978 film "The Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" starring the Bee Gees. There was the selling of art and raffling of wine and a bake-sale happening when Animalcule took the stage. The band performed a 2 hour set bathing in 30 foot silent projections from the Bee Gees film. The crowd was diverse and just plain weird. The band opened with the new high energy masterpiece "Brighter Red". The crowd was pleased and the band played through a terrific set of old classics like "Candy Striped Kitchen" and "Yellow" as well as some new improvisational pieces and a few tunes from the Animalcule album. It was a strange and interesting evening. You are a strange and interesting individual. - Jim Sides