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3 Years Ago: Launch Mode



Good things come in 3's.

3 years ago, a small band of true believers were readying the launch of My Damn Channel: 7/31/07.

Here are the inaugural videos from the first 3 artists we signed.

David Wain came in with the world's fastest pitch for Wainy Days: (paraphrasing) "I want to make out with the hottest women in the world and every date goes horribly wrong."

His first episode (a 3-parter) co-stars Elizabeth Banks as Shelly:


David Wain as David Wain, Elizabeth Banks as Shelly.



Harry Shearer was the first hero we signed. He sat in prosthetic makeup for over 4 hours to become Dick Cheney, singing sexy for Scooter Libby:


Harry Shearer as Dick Cheney.


We wanted music to marry comedy in our company from Day One. We turned to another brother and one of the best musicians and producers on the planet, Don Was.

Don's "Wasmopolitan Cavalcade of Recorded Music" is an earful of the best music you can't get anywhere else.

His first My Damn Channel production starred one of the smartest singer/songwriters we know, Jill Sobule:


Don Was, Rob Barnett, Jill Sobule, Warren Chao at the My Damn Channel west coast launch party, 2007.


Here's a rare, bonus video from the archives. Day one back on 7/31/07 also starred Big Fat Brain, the geniuses behind You Suck at Photoshop, and the web designers of all things DAMN. One of our only spoof vids looked 20 years into the FUTURE and poked our pals at Funny or Die, who had launched a few months earlier:



Matt Bledsoe, Troy Hitch


Boxee Makes One Million Miracles



Boxee is the best way to get TV shows, movies, videos, music, and photos from the Internet on your TV. We’ve been watching this company grow and we’ve seen people’s heads turn every time their name is mentioned…inna good way. Put simply, this company is hot – with the right ideas to build the future with you in the driver’s seat. Here’s
more.

Boxee just gave My Damn Channel access to one million new households. We just gave Boxee every single video we’ve had on My Damn Channel since launch in 2007.

You can now see our original music and comedy in the comfort of your own domestic domicile – on the largest screen of your choice. This is a HUGE win for our fans, artists, and sponsors … even our moms will finally think we’ve all got real jobs.

We’re launching this new chapter of our life by giving Boxee exclusive off-site distribution of the premiere of David Wain’s new WAINY DAYS.”  This is episode 32 from one of the most-watched comedies in the new world - starring David along with Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman & Zandy Hartig.

If we weren’t working so hard to entertain you – we’d be home right now partying our brains out watching Wainy Days, Easy To Assemble, the entire catalog of the Don Was Cavalcade of Recorded Music, all those You Suck at Photoshop and Horrible People episodes and the deadly smart creations by Harry Shearer.  

It's all there waiting for you. New stuff we can't even tell you about yet will be there soon, too.  Admit it: you want to go there.  It's okay.  We want you to go to there, too.

THANKS BOXEE!


This Is My Confession



That new Harry Shearer video, Deaf Boys, premiered today.  And the worst part of it, the VERY WORST PART of it, is that the song has been stuck in my head ALL.  WEEK.  LONG.  I catch myself humming it at odd times of day, and when someone asks me what I'm singing I get so freaked out that I LIE ABOUT IT.  I mean, it's about the Catholic Church scandal...and priests and young boys...and I don't need anyone to think I'm weirder than they already do, so I LIE ABOUT THE SONG. 

It's pretty much like Harry Shearer made me sin.  So, I start thinking I should go to confession, right?  Ask for forgiveness and all?  But "confession" just reminds me of that song by Usher: the one that's all about Chili from TLC, but Usher keeps saying it isn't?  So, now, because of Harry Shearer's Deaf Boys I have that stupid Usher song in my head.  And for that, Harry Shearer, I don't know if I can forgive you.


Big Love from the Big Easy



'On assignment' in New Orleans for My Damn Channel.

If you're a resident here, you have our maximum respect and thanks for giving the rest of us one of the most magical places on earth. If you've visited, keep coming back. If you've never been...make it happen captain. You'll find warm souls, inspired sounds, the finest food, drink, fun and good times you can experience.

We lead with laffs at My Damn Channel. But there's more than comedy beneath your fingertips. This is why Harry Shearer was the first artist we asked to trust us to let him reach you without one drop of Hollywood execu-nonsense in the way.

Harry has lived in New Orleans for over a decade, shuttling from here to LA and the rest of his working world. From The Simpsons, to Spinal Tap, to SNL, to Le Show on NPR, Huffington Post, comedy albums, music, music videos, and more - Harry Shearer is an artist who never stops creating, entertaining, living and giving.

Harry has created many of the most-viewed, most-talked about videos on My Damn Channel. He has two projects in the works that you'll see next.

On June 4th, you'll see "Deaf Boys." Here's a sneak preview along with a note about the original song and short film to come.

This August, Harry will release a documentary feature film he's directed about the city he loves. "The Big UnEasy"  opens on the 5th anniversary of Katrina to tell the story about the un-natural disaster that nearly destroyed New Orleans. The film details why the levees broke, why the city is still in danger, and why Congress and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is putting more cities like New Orleans at risk.

Harry will share news and videos about the making of his film over the summer. We presented a series of videos back in 2007, on the 2nd anniversary of Katrina called "Crescent City Stories."

http://www.MyDamnChannel.com/HarryShearer
http://twitter.com/letwits
http://www.HarryShearer.com



The King And I: The Irreplaceable Howard Stern



Like millions of us, my stepmom is a lifelong Howard Stern fan. She just sent this photo taken off of Howard TV, airing our in-studio interview from earlier this week. I had the honor of being Howard Stern's guest on his Tuesday, 420 show (scroll to 840a).

Response is coming into My Damn Channel via email, phones, video views, comments, new subscribers, tweets, wall postings, and even a live spotting this afternoon in a clothing store (to complete the surreality). The influx of intense energy all flows back to a man undeniably uniquely qualified to hold the heavyweight title: "King of All Media."

Howard endures as one of the most talented and honest souls alive. He embodies the freedom of speech with every breath. For all who've been fired, laid off, downsized, pink slipped, discharged, axed, or job eliminated...it's hard to imagine speaking truth to power on a live microphone the way Howard has done it for decades.

I first followed Howard Stern on a carrier current, college radio station, 64 WTBU at Boston University. (There's a great scene depicting TBU in "Private Parts.")

If you've ever chased a radio dream, then your college years are likely the last time and place you ever experienced the fear and thrill of exercising your freedom of speech over a live mic.

Primordial FM rock radio stations were created in the late 1960's. Early heroes like Harry Shearer and Steven Clean were blowing minds at places like KPPC in Pasadena, California (which eventually became the world famous KROQ).

The combined forces of original radio talents and pre-corporate rock music created stations throughout the 70s powerful enough to infect audiences with a sense of community, purpose, passion, sex and fun that began to hit the wall around 1980.

I was sitting on the front steps of my apartment on Beacon Street in Boston with Steven Clean and my best friend, Mike Isabella the night Ronald Reagan was elected President. I was 20. I was about to drop out of college and take a full-time job as a rock radio jock at WAAF out in Worcester, Mass. One year later, I had the only radio thrill that came closest to being on Howard's show this week. Lightning struck and we convinced the Rolling Stones to do a private show for our station's fans in 1981 to start up the "Tattoo You" tour.

But, back to Mr. Clean. I'd been Steven's intern for a time at WCOZ in Boston. At that point in his career, Clean had been fired by many of the best radio stations in the country. He was a real life inspiration for the Dr. Johnny Fever character in "WKRP in Cincinnati." Steven was incredibly talented, brilliant, a true music expert and fan...and he was rebellious enough to drive the most patient souls to the edge of their sanity.

Considering the nation's new President, Steven held a joint firmly in my face and said, "See this? This is OVER!"
By the time of Reagan's second term, most radio station managers had a "Just Say No" policy for disc jockeys expressing free thoughts on mic, or taking free reign over any music playlist.

A small number of former radio station program directors shaved their beards, cut their hair, bought expensive suits, and armed themselves with halliburton briefcases filled with blow and bullshit designed to convince every fearful radio exec that they had the only secrets to ratings success, fortune and fame.

Conformity soon became the norm. Tighter playlists made stations sound the same from city-to-city. The job of disc jockey was transforming free thinkers into people paid to read positioning slogans, timechecks and weather forecasts.

In the midst of all this unholy homogenization, Howard Stern began to build a radio show free from the constraints put on most of his competitors. His talent grew on the radio and expanded with every carefully planned new project he launched.

Superfans know that Howard pays homage to legends who came before him like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. I can't think of another entertainer who has more succesfully won battles with corporate brass than Howard. One of the many surprises about the real man to outsiders is how he maintains his position with grace and wisdom.

No one knows what the next chapter will be for the Stern show in 2011. Assume Howard can see the possible moves on the chess board more clearly than most. As a fan, I'll be following as I have since the beginning. As a business owner, My Damn Channel stands ready to serve The King anytime he calls. 


HARRY SHEARER: The King of New Orleans

Posted in Harry Shearer with tags New Orleans, krewedelusion, Mardi Gras, Harry Shearer, The Big Easy, The Big Un-Easy, Parade, Hurricane Katrina on 2/2/2010 12:15:50 PM by KT Pierce ~ Voodoo Priestess



January 30th kicked off the first night of Mardi Gras 2010 and our own Harry Shearer became King of New Orleans - appointed by Captain Oscar Diggs of krewedelusion (a New Orleans satirical parade Krewe with a mission to save the Universe).

Not only did Captain Diggs appoint Shearer the King of The Big Easy, but
says "krewedelusion intends to truly empower its leader to govern. Govern everything. Period. Case closed."

Harry Shearer is directing a documentary called "The Big Un-Easy" - a film about why New Orleans flooded, how it was not a "natural disaster," and why it very well may happen again.

Lead on Le King-at-Large & Captain of New Orleans


The Simpsons - 450th Episode!

Posted in Harry Shearer, My Damn Channel with tags Simpsons, 450th Episode, Associated Press, Harry Shearer, My Damn Channel, Ned Flanders on 1/6/2010 7:55:55 AM by KT Pierce ~ Voodoo Priestess



Who says The Simpsons don't age??

This Sunday night, "The Simpsons" turn 20 yrs old and the Internet is going viral with excitement (I mean, hey, they're almost drinking age!). 

For those who don't know (welcome to Earth!) - our very own Harry Shearer performs a huge range of the voices for the characters on "The Simpsons", including (but not limited to):


  • Mr. Burns
  • Waylon Smithers
  • Ned Flanders
  • Principal Skinner
  • Otto
  • Reverend Lovejoy
  • Dr Hibbert
  • Kent Brockman
  • Jasper
  • Lenny
  • Eddie (the cop)
  • Rainier Wolfcastle (McBain)
  • Scratchy
  • Kang
  • Mr. Bouvier (Marge's father)
  • Dr. Marvin Monroe
  • Herman
  • Mr. Largo
  • Marty (from KBBL)
  • Dr Loren J. Pryor
  • Jebediah Springfield
  • Judge Snyder
  • Sanjay (Apu's brother)


Wow!

Harry was featured in an interview with the Associated Press, and from there - it's spreading like a Winter Cold across the globe!

Here's a sneak peek:


Shearer, who began his career as a child actor... keeps a multiplicity of projects under way. He hosts his own signature channel on the "My Damn Channel" comedy Web site.

"Matt [Groening] has a satirical, anti-authority streak," says Shearer. "From the beginning, 'The Simpsons' was taking the side of the family against all the authority figures and institutions that buffeted them in the modern world. Certainly, that resonated for me."

To celebrate - we're asking all of our readers/fans to dress up as Ned and attend church this Sunday (JUST KIDDING).  In all seriousness, check out some of the awesome articles going around on the web with Harry's exclusive interview and don't make plans this Sunday evening.  This week's episode ("Once Upon a Time in Springfield") will be one you won't want to miss!


(It doesn't hurt that they're mentioning My Damn Channel, either... whoo-hoo!!)


SATAN CLAUS IS COMING TO MY DAMN CHANNEL!

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Inbox Violation #32 Monday, December 21, 2009

SATAN CLAUS IS COMING TO MY DAMN CHANNEL

MERRY GRACEMAS, Y'ALL! 

Whaaat??  You thought we weren't
going to get you anything?!

 

Get ready for a Loving & Emotional HOLIDAY MESSAGE to YOU from the host of My Damn Channel herself!


 

 HELL'S HOLIDAY
JAZZ LOUNGE
 

Spinal Tap's famous holiday song, CHRISTMAS WITH THE DEVIL, is re-lived by JUDITH OWEN & HARRY SHEARER, in a smooth, jazzy video performance that will HEAT UP your Holiday Spirit!


Also available for purchase on Judith's CHRISTMAS IN JULY album. What a neat gift idea!



WHAT MAKES A
HAPPY CO-WORKER?
ATTENTION ALL EMPLOYEES:

"Manager Erik" stops by My Damn Channel to give his priceless words of advice on what it takes to be a HAPPY CO-WORKER.

Please forward to all co-workers, there will be a test!
Please forward to all co-workers

All new episodes of EASY TO ASSEMBLE from Illeana Douglas & IKEA premiere JAN 20!

 



IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Dane.. I mean.. Donnie takes us on a journey through PHOTOSHOP LESSONS of the past & present...

Send in your works of art & love to: info@mydamnchannel.com
 
Thanks for every second of watching, commenting, n’ sharing in ’09. We promise to suck even less in ’10.
 
See ya next year!

My Damn Channel - PHONE: 866.424.8864 - EMAIL: info@MyDamnChannel.com
 

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A SPINAL TAP CHRISTMAS (WITH THE DEVIL)

Posted in Christmas, Harry Shearer, Judith Owen, Spinal Tap with tags Christmas, Judith Owen, Harry Shearer, Spinal Tap, Christmas with the Devil on 12/20/2009 2:11:00 PM by KT Pierce ~ Voodoo Priestess

Christmas with the Devil


We're getting into the Damned Christmas Spirit with the Dark Lord of Hell while getting our groove on to some Hellacious tunes... Mmmm hmm...

Head on over with us to Harry Shearer's Channel for a dose of Devilish Holiday Cheer starring Judith Owen's jazztastic vocals (so haunting you'd think she was blessed by the Devil himself) and the GREAT Harry Shearer's soft, fiery rhythm on the upright bass.

Take off your sweater and boots, the heat is finally on this Christmas at My Damn Channel!


 


HAPPY DAMN HOLIDAYS!



Merry Gracemas, y'all!

Get ready for a Loving & Emotional Holiday Message from the host of My Damn Channel herself!

I tell ya, if she had any more Holiday Cheer, we'd bring Santa back from the dead!!  Uh.. Wait...


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About

My Damn Channel is the brainchild of Founder and CEO, Rob Barnett. He was a production and a programming exec at MTV and VH1 for more than 11 years. Barnett served tours of duty in Rock Radio in Boston, Dallas, and Los Angeles and was President of Programming for CBS Radio. Barnett has produced radio, television, film, and new media with hundreds of diverse communicators including President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Scorsese, Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla and Johnny Rotten. Rob Barnett is at: Rob@MyDamnChannel.com.