First off, I want to say we are by no means perfect. Any professional of any trade who thinks they are, are sorely mistaken and are setting themselves up for a very rude awakening. Never have we claimed to be perfect.
Sometimes, it seems, the universe likes to give you the great, and then pull the rug out from under you. This is the universes way of seeing if you will be able to keep on your feet. We have known many musicians who fall when this happens and they are unable to get themselves back up. It is a tragedy, but for some, it is for the best.
Before you put your heart and soul into anything you should know a few things. 1: Is this what I truly want and for what reasons? 2: Can I work toward this if it takes all my life? And most importantly 3: Can I handle all the bull shit that is inevitably going to come my way from every direction possible when I am least expecting it.
If you want to be a musician, you unfortunately have to deal with the following on any given night at least once in your career and if you tell me at least 90% of these have never happened, they will or you’re a liar lol:
Cancelled shows, shows where you play to only the bartender (99.99999% of this happens when starting out but every once in a while you have a fluke show or last minute at an unknown venue), People texting during your set, people talking during your set, people laughing at something other than you and in some cases at you during your set, unprofessional musicians, unprofessional booking managers, unprofessional venues, free shows, paid shows, paid shows where the pay becomes an issue, agents who don’t come through, agents who come thorough with things you didn’t expect, agents with little or no skill, agents with lots of skill and bad luck, agents with great luck, bad sound, bad sound men, broken equipment such as bad cords, bad mics, etc, stinky mics, ill suited venues for your style, misunderstandings, missed shows for one reason or another, bad shows for one reason or another, missing gear, missing picks, missing songs, tough crowds, drunk crowds, obnoxious fans, no fans, great fans, head colds, sore throats, sore fingers, missed chords, missed verses, nay sayers, getting sex eyes from someone, getting sex eyes from someone you do NOT want them from, loud cheerers, no cheers, no applause, ‘free bird!’, ‘Skynrd!’, Crazy people, Cool people, new connections, LESS connections, clash of personalities, bad pictures, no pictures, bad video, no video, long drives, running out of gas, car breaking down, no place to sleep, bad moods, fights between fans, fights between people you don’t know, the need to put your foot down with a venue or a booking agent, firing people, hiring people, missed opportunities, being left out, being forgotten momentarily, being referred, being denied, being dissed, being complimented, being new, being hit on, being neglected, feeling like a #........ Need I go on?
Many of these have happened to us at one time or another in the 3 years we have been playing together and to me in the 2 years before that I played on my own. I’m sure Ty has a few things to add to this list lol. I’m not trying to be discouraging. I’m trying to tell you that these things happen.
So what do we do about them????? We are professional no matter what! We shrug off the bad, and look toward the good and we understand that in ANY venture, bad things happen and good things happen and good can not be constant. It’s the way of the world. But, if we train ourselves to rise above the immaturity and the high school attitudes we sometimes come across we are the better for it. No one can stop you if you are talented and act like a human being. You have a right to stand up for yourself, but no one has a right to act like an ass hole, think they are a God, to walk all over you, or to slam your good name if in fact you have one. On the same note, no one has the power to ‘ruin you’ unless you let them. If you are doing the right things, any slamming that may come from someone’s ego will be dismissed because you have already set a foundation that no one but you can destroy. On the same token, you shouldn’t do it to them either.
The point to today’s blog? Some days suck. Some days you will want to give up even if for a split second. Some days, you will hate everything. But there is one constant. Karma is a bitch. Lol.
1/26/2011
1/09/2011
Only YOU can affect you.
Ok. In all honesty, I have realized something this week that I had never truly grasped before. Only I can be mad at ME if something doesn't go the way I want it to. No one else. Ever.
We have been working on a lot lately and I have been frustrated with many things in my life and I started looking at other people who may be to blame. I realized that I am to blame. I can not make someone else do something. I can not make someone else feel something. I can not make someone else read my mind, be somewhere, say something, or even see something through my eyes. I CAN pay attention to what I see and want and feel and be me and follow those things through to the best of my ability. If anyone or anything ever stops me, it will be me and only me.
I want to say, there are no particular people who are being refered to here. Its a joint effort from everyone starting with me and going to people who have nothing to do with out music. I have been letting everyone affect my attitude.
If you want to be successful, you do everything you can and never blame. If we don't do something right, it could be my fault just as easily as it can be Ty's or anyone else's but if I take responsibility for my actions and be all I can be (not in the army) I have no one to blame.
I just want to encourage everyone to look at what YOU are personally doing and what you could do to make those things more valuable and decide....is it worth looking for other people's problems, or fix your own?
We all want something in our lives and placing blame is the easiest thing in the world. I cant pay my bills cause the cop pulled me over and now I have to pay for that. Well, dont get pulled over. I can't go on this trip because I have too high a credit card limit. Well, pay off your CC. (again, no one in particular. these are all just examples) I cant be a famous singer because my songs aren't good enough and my voice isn't well trained. Well, take songwriting classes and vocal lessons.
There is always something YOU can do to accomplish your goals and if you only look to yourself for success, the things or people who are not condusive to your success will weed themselves out naturally. :)
Here are a few inspirational quotes to help you all out :)
Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.
David Frost
I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.
Jonathan Winters
I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Bill Cosby
If you want to achieve things in life, you've just got to do them, and if you're talented and smart, you'll succeed.
Juliana Hatfield
Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.
Ross Perot
One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
Benjamin Disraeli
Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.
Tennessee Williams
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Dale Carnegie
Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.
Arnold H. Glasow
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
William Feather
What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.
Margaret Thatcher
Success comes from a heavy focus on what you want, proving wrong the nay sayers, listening to the idealists, genuinely caring about the contacts you make, having a basic back up plan at all times, and lots and lots and LOTS of luck.
Melody
We have been working on a lot lately and I have been frustrated with many things in my life and I started looking at other people who may be to blame. I realized that I am to blame. I can not make someone else do something. I can not make someone else feel something. I can not make someone else read my mind, be somewhere, say something, or even see something through my eyes. I CAN pay attention to what I see and want and feel and be me and follow those things through to the best of my ability. If anyone or anything ever stops me, it will be me and only me.
I want to say, there are no particular people who are being refered to here. Its a joint effort from everyone starting with me and going to people who have nothing to do with out music. I have been letting everyone affect my attitude.
If you want to be successful, you do everything you can and never blame. If we don't do something right, it could be my fault just as easily as it can be Ty's or anyone else's but if I take responsibility for my actions and be all I can be (not in the army) I have no one to blame.
I just want to encourage everyone to look at what YOU are personally doing and what you could do to make those things more valuable and decide....is it worth looking for other people's problems, or fix your own?
We all want something in our lives and placing blame is the easiest thing in the world. I cant pay my bills cause the cop pulled me over and now I have to pay for that. Well, dont get pulled over. I can't go on this trip because I have too high a credit card limit. Well, pay off your CC. (again, no one in particular. these are all just examples) I cant be a famous singer because my songs aren't good enough and my voice isn't well trained. Well, take songwriting classes and vocal lessons.
There is always something YOU can do to accomplish your goals and if you only look to yourself for success, the things or people who are not condusive to your success will weed themselves out naturally. :)
Here are a few inspirational quotes to help you all out :)
Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.
David Frost
I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.
Jonathan Winters
I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Bill Cosby
If you want to achieve things in life, you've just got to do them, and if you're talented and smart, you'll succeed.
Juliana Hatfield
Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.
Ross Perot
One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
Benjamin Disraeli
Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.
Tennessee Williams
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Dale Carnegie
Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.
Arnold H. Glasow
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
William Feather
What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.
Margaret Thatcher
Success comes from a heavy focus on what you want, proving wrong the nay sayers, listening to the idealists, genuinely caring about the contacts you make, having a basic back up plan at all times, and lots and lots and LOTS of luck.
Melody
12/01/2010
Emotional Constipation Put to Good Use
I am anti-emotion.
I don't like touchy feely conversations.
Getting close to anyone is very hard.
But.
When I love I love with everything I have, and I fall with everything I have, and I hurt with everything I have when the time comes. But I hate to cry. I'd rather throw up than cry, and I'd rather be stabbed in the face than throw up. So, If you look at it, I'd rather get stabbed in the face, then throw up before I cry lol. I dont know where it came from, but I never liked it. I always felt like every time I cry, people chalk it up to being a girl or on my period, which leads right back to being a girl. I hate that. So, when I do cry, its alone, quietly, unless its something horrible and then its all over.
I don't deny the therapy of crying. It's such a release that I'd compare it to orgasm when you get it all out. But, then, you're left with a headache, red dry eyes, make up everywhere, spit all over your hands, dirty kleenex's all over your bed, and a messed up pillow case. That last part sounded dirty lol.
I used to cry a LOT. As a kid, I'd fly off the handle and let out the waterworks anytime I was remotely provoked....and other times when I wasn't. I remember a time my brother came to visit. He ordered Pizza and ordered something I didn't want. I cried so hard. I never forgot how embarrassed I was to act that way but I didn't know how to control it. Until I started to write music.
I feel these songs so deeply. As deeply as a mother probably feels love for her child. When I write, something comes from me that can't be released any other way. Its like a new song has sucked the venom from me and I can live again.
Im sure its hard on Ty because I get so impulsive because of it, and most girls seem to wear their heart on their sleeve. He didn't see me really cry until a few months ago when my dad had a health scare. But then, he also doesn't have a girlfriend whining about stupid shit all the time lol.
I heard Sara McLaughlin one day and knew how to clean up my heart. Her voice tells me that her pain is safely stored away in those songs. I realized I could store my feelings in songs too. I started first by learning her songs and storing them there. Then I started writing. The first few songs did nothing. Merely paper with notes and words. Soon I wouldn't have to whine about failed relationships anymore once I wrote that safe keeping song. What ever the pain, happiness, or anything else, if I capture it with a song, I'm lighter.
This past year has been rough on my songwriting because I have had to learn to draw from other things to build a new repetoir of upbeat bar friendly music (because bars are the ones who pay). I went so long in serial relationships to write the happy, confused, sad story of a love. I learned how to fall fast because I knew that those extremes would be my sweet spot. Now, I write differently. It's exciting actually.
Part of me always wanted to be in a band. I want to be that bad ass rocker chick with tattoos and pierings wailing on a bass guitar with a killer drum beat behind me and I'm singing the shit out of a song. Helllllll Ya!
But I also feel this need to write to my roots. To stick with that hearbreakingly soft music with that ache that everyone feels pouring out through me. Then this horrifyingly poppy song is born and I'm thinking WHAT THE HELL! lol
But, in recent months, I am seeing something new take form. A rhythm backbone with a catchy tune, and Ty's lead guitar but still using those lyrics telling my exes etc that they REALLY messed up and we both know it lol. Or telling Ty things I couldn't ever sit down and explain.
Yes. Music is therapy. Its the way to tell everyone in the world your secrets with out being 'that person'. Its what makes me feel happy, sexy, alive, and loved. Who doesn't want that? But most of all, Its cleaner, better, and less invasive than a REALLY good cry. No matter your musical level, you should write a song. Exes are my fave cause you can pretty much mame them with words and you're not a bitch lol.
I don't like touchy feely conversations.
Getting close to anyone is very hard.
But.
When I love I love with everything I have, and I fall with everything I have, and I hurt with everything I have when the time comes. But I hate to cry. I'd rather throw up than cry, and I'd rather be stabbed in the face than throw up. So, If you look at it, I'd rather get stabbed in the face, then throw up before I cry lol. I dont know where it came from, but I never liked it. I always felt like every time I cry, people chalk it up to being a girl or on my period, which leads right back to being a girl. I hate that. So, when I do cry, its alone, quietly, unless its something horrible and then its all over.
I don't deny the therapy of crying. It's such a release that I'd compare it to orgasm when you get it all out. But, then, you're left with a headache, red dry eyes, make up everywhere, spit all over your hands, dirty kleenex's all over your bed, and a messed up pillow case. That last part sounded dirty lol.
I used to cry a LOT. As a kid, I'd fly off the handle and let out the waterworks anytime I was remotely provoked....and other times when I wasn't. I remember a time my brother came to visit. He ordered Pizza and ordered something I didn't want. I cried so hard. I never forgot how embarrassed I was to act that way but I didn't know how to control it. Until I started to write music.
I feel these songs so deeply. As deeply as a mother probably feels love for her child. When I write, something comes from me that can't be released any other way. Its like a new song has sucked the venom from me and I can live again.
Im sure its hard on Ty because I get so impulsive because of it, and most girls seem to wear their heart on their sleeve. He didn't see me really cry until a few months ago when my dad had a health scare. But then, he also doesn't have a girlfriend whining about stupid shit all the time lol.
I heard Sara McLaughlin one day and knew how to clean up my heart. Her voice tells me that her pain is safely stored away in those songs. I realized I could store my feelings in songs too. I started first by learning her songs and storing them there. Then I started writing. The first few songs did nothing. Merely paper with notes and words. Soon I wouldn't have to whine about failed relationships anymore once I wrote that safe keeping song. What ever the pain, happiness, or anything else, if I capture it with a song, I'm lighter.
This past year has been rough on my songwriting because I have had to learn to draw from other things to build a new repetoir of upbeat bar friendly music (because bars are the ones who pay). I went so long in serial relationships to write the happy, confused, sad story of a love. I learned how to fall fast because I knew that those extremes would be my sweet spot. Now, I write differently. It's exciting actually.
Part of me always wanted to be in a band. I want to be that bad ass rocker chick with tattoos and pierings wailing on a bass guitar with a killer drum beat behind me and I'm singing the shit out of a song. Helllllll Ya!
But I also feel this need to write to my roots. To stick with that hearbreakingly soft music with that ache that everyone feels pouring out through me. Then this horrifyingly poppy song is born and I'm thinking WHAT THE HELL! lol
But, in recent months, I am seeing something new take form. A rhythm backbone with a catchy tune, and Ty's lead guitar but still using those lyrics telling my exes etc that they REALLY messed up and we both know it lol. Or telling Ty things I couldn't ever sit down and explain.
Yes. Music is therapy. Its the way to tell everyone in the world your secrets with out being 'that person'. Its what makes me feel happy, sexy, alive, and loved. Who doesn't want that? But most of all, Its cleaner, better, and less invasive than a REALLY good cry. No matter your musical level, you should write a song. Exes are my fave cause you can pretty much mame them with words and you're not a bitch lol.
10/27/2010
You Can't HANDLE The Truth!
Sometimes, I listen to the radio at work and hear the worst shit excuses for music and I want to SCREAM! Who's with me here! I mean, COME ON!! "My Black and Yella" talking about how rich Im gonna be and everyones gonna think I'm 'Fly' and I'm gonna cruise around in my sexy diamond crusted car. WHAT?! I'm Sorry.... wait... or, "There's a place downtown where the freaks all hang around, its a hole in the wall its a dirty free for all.." Wait... and people are going there? What is it an orgy party? Are you singing a song about an orgy party? and little kids are singing this? They TOTALLY do! "Apple Bottom Jeans. Boots with the Fur." Since when did we need fur on our boots? So I shave my legs cause hair is gross, and then put on fur boots cause they're hott?! lol
I can appreciate the value of all styles of music. I am not a huge fan of a ton of Rap, but I definately know I couldn't spit that shit out at the drop of a hat like some of these guys. And the beats are fantastic when they're not stolen lol. Now..... Katy Perry? Who the hell is she and why is she wearing blue hair? Why do I care about her wedding in India to an English guy? Is this the music business now? Is this what you have to be? Katy Perry, Ke$ha (or Ke-dollarsign-ha as I like to say), Justin Beiber, T.I....that's Not a NAME! Why do I suddenly feel like I have to loose 50lbs, draw something obscure on my face, and dance around in tights? Does anyone care about music anymore?!
Or. Has it always been this way but with lesser means and I've just glamorized it all my life. There are so many good songs out there but so few REALLY stand the test of time. THAT is a true musician. These other shit eaters are just cashing a paycheck. Im sorry. I know a LOT of people love it and again, I can appreciate the value of parts of them, (More to keep myself from going nutso on some dumb bimbo singing something about her wearing shorts and a bikini on top) but I doubt that someday someone will say "Oh MAN! 'Unchained Melody', 'The Wall','Thriller', Crazy', and 'Teenage Dream' are some of the best songs ever!"
I want to go on the record here. I have loved music all my life. I have never been known for being a 'sexy woman', a 'crazy peformer', a 'pyrotechnic Extravaganza artist' but when I hit that high note, people turn. I have no need for this skimpy clothing to cause a wave, paint my face, act all wierd, shoot my boyfriend's ear off, get caught with a heroine needle in my arm, oops I failed another drug test attention whoring. If thats what it takes to be a musician, something has gone horribly awry. I know there are far more talented people than me out there, but I know we have the balls to go after this. We have been rejected for shows before, we have been declined from booking even. This means nothing. I picked up my guitar tonight after a stint away due to being sick and I felt that spark and I knew again. We are good. We get better all the time and we are different. We also have a long way to go. Everytime I want to be all BOO HOO, I think, 'Just because the bullshit is all packed in pretty packages and sold through the devil on MTV, doesn't mean we can't be something real. When I met Ty I told him, 'I will do this with or without you' and he said 'Ok. I'm in' It like was our verbal contract. :)
So, Next time you see us on stage, It will be the best show we have ever done. And then the NEXT time you see us again, It will be the best show we've ever done. And THEN, the NEXT time you see us, it will be THE BEST SHOW, we've EVER done, and so on. My point. Whether you like us or not. Whether we are your 'style of music' or not, whether I wear hot pants and Ty has an open fronted leotard or not, we are true musicians and damn proud of it. Someday, when we are touring and playing full time, we will build lasting relationships with the people we meet. We will have staying power because no matter how cool or sexy you are to a 13 year old for sliding around on the floor covered in naked men, she has nothing in common with you and she will remember people who were real to her. I've never heard anyone say anything like 'I STILL idolize Suzy Pepper, that CRAZY acrobatic singer from the 60's' (this is a made up person) Its the classics. The people who either sold their soul and made it work for them, or remained human....ish. Or died young and tragically. I'd prefer not the latter. ANYWHO.
I just wanted to tell you all how I feel about the music business. If I play my guitar and sing, then those who want to hear it will find me if I haven't found them first. But you have to keep playing no matter what cause the #1 cause of failure is giving up.
I can appreciate the value of all styles of music. I am not a huge fan of a ton of Rap, but I definately know I couldn't spit that shit out at the drop of a hat like some of these guys. And the beats are fantastic when they're not stolen lol. Now..... Katy Perry? Who the hell is she and why is she wearing blue hair? Why do I care about her wedding in India to an English guy? Is this the music business now? Is this what you have to be? Katy Perry, Ke$ha (or Ke-dollarsign-ha as I like to say), Justin Beiber, T.I....that's Not a NAME! Why do I suddenly feel like I have to loose 50lbs, draw something obscure on my face, and dance around in tights? Does anyone care about music anymore?!
Or. Has it always been this way but with lesser means and I've just glamorized it all my life. There are so many good songs out there but so few REALLY stand the test of time. THAT is a true musician. These other shit eaters are just cashing a paycheck. Im sorry. I know a LOT of people love it and again, I can appreciate the value of parts of them, (More to keep myself from going nutso on some dumb bimbo singing something about her wearing shorts and a bikini on top) but I doubt that someday someone will say "Oh MAN! 'Unchained Melody', 'The Wall','Thriller', Crazy', and 'Teenage Dream' are some of the best songs ever!"
I want to go on the record here. I have loved music all my life. I have never been known for being a 'sexy woman', a 'crazy peformer', a 'pyrotechnic Extravaganza artist' but when I hit that high note, people turn. I have no need for this skimpy clothing to cause a wave, paint my face, act all wierd, shoot my boyfriend's ear off, get caught with a heroine needle in my arm, oops I failed another drug test attention whoring. If thats what it takes to be a musician, something has gone horribly awry. I know there are far more talented people than me out there, but I know we have the balls to go after this. We have been rejected for shows before, we have been declined from booking even. This means nothing. I picked up my guitar tonight after a stint away due to being sick and I felt that spark and I knew again. We are good. We get better all the time and we are different. We also have a long way to go. Everytime I want to be all BOO HOO, I think, 'Just because the bullshit is all packed in pretty packages and sold through the devil on MTV, doesn't mean we can't be something real. When I met Ty I told him, 'I will do this with or without you' and he said 'Ok. I'm in' It like was our verbal contract. :)
So, Next time you see us on stage, It will be the best show we have ever done. And then the NEXT time you see us again, It will be the best show we've ever done. And THEN, the NEXT time you see us, it will be THE BEST SHOW, we've EVER done, and so on. My point. Whether you like us or not. Whether we are your 'style of music' or not, whether I wear hot pants and Ty has an open fronted leotard or not, we are true musicians and damn proud of it. Someday, when we are touring and playing full time, we will build lasting relationships with the people we meet. We will have staying power because no matter how cool or sexy you are to a 13 year old for sliding around on the floor covered in naked men, she has nothing in common with you and she will remember people who were real to her. I've never heard anyone say anything like 'I STILL idolize Suzy Pepper, that CRAZY acrobatic singer from the 60's' (this is a made up person) Its the classics. The people who either sold their soul and made it work for them, or remained human....ish. Or died young and tragically. I'd prefer not the latter. ANYWHO.
I just wanted to tell you all how I feel about the music business. If I play my guitar and sing, then those who want to hear it will find me if I haven't found them first. But you have to keep playing no matter what cause the #1 cause of failure is giving up.
10/15/2010
Finding Inspiration in a 9-5 World.
I feel very fortunte to have a job that I quite like. I work with super cool people in an environment far less frustrating and stressful than most. Don't get me wrong. We are super busy, but its not like the jobs I have had before. ANYWAY>
I feel music. I bleed it. My death will sound like a brilliant symphony if you know how to listen. I love music above anything else. (No offense Ty lol jk)
I wonder if musicians read this, and are trying to reach a point where they can just quit their jobs and be musicains full time. (I sure hope so) The thing is... Sometimes I have to remember that success never comes easily. Sometimes, I have to tell myself that it CAN be done.
This is when I look for more inspiration. Its like I have to conciously keep myself from being brainwashed of my former musical life and work the 9-5. Never gonna happen!
Here are the things I have to do to keep in touch with my dream.
*Listen consciously to music. I am a lyric person. I TOTALLY can't get over a real lyrical masterpiece. (What do you notice? Bass? Harmonies? Drums? What REALLT sets you off?)
*I teach myself the melodes and lyrics of random songs and find the pieces of the song that I am most moved by. I remember these. I sort of photograph them in my mind and then find a way to work something like it into a song. Somestimes I can, sometimes I can't.
*I watch for what everyone else is doing on Facebook, reverbnation, etc as often as I can. I like to see were everyone else is going because it creates drive.
*I like to see who people are performing with. Have I heard of them? Its alwasy fun to meet new musicians/friends.
*Listen to the Radio. You can listen to your CDs, iPod, etc, but when you listen to the radio, songs you wouldn't necessarily choose come on. It forces you to open your ears to something new. Anything new can be inpsiring.
*Write lyrics in a notepad on your desktop or with a pen and paper when they come to you. I don't mean songs. You could get in trouble for the time you'd put into that, unless you write songs fast or you are just in it and it just flows. Sometimes, you'll write something and never use it. Sometimes you'll write your favorite songs.
*Never let anyone make you feel bad for your dream. My last job had a few supportive co-workers, but there were definately a few that asked 'How our little thing was' in a very 'Im laughing at you on the inside' sort of way. NEVER LET THOSE PEOPLE GET TO YOU! Ever! Those are the people who have no dreams of their own and do not understand these things we call "Dreams". YOU should feel bad for THEM! lol (This all sounds so mean! It's just my view)
*Write what you feel. Forget if it sounds like the last song you wrote. Forget if the lyrics and melody are good. They'll get better with time and practice. Just keep writing what you feel. If I can deeply feel sad that I found a roach in my soup I COULD write a song about it. It would TOTALLY suck, but I could. The thing that matters is that if I did that, and you could feel the emotion in my song, it doesn't really matter what it's about. I mean....Look at 'MacArther Park' by Richard Harris
"MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down...
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh, no!"
I swear, that's part of a real song.
What's more? This song was a top 10 song for weeks in the 60's. Must have been all the drugs.
My point: Feel it. Forget what anyone else will think. And if it sucks realllllllly bad, play it anyway. Just once. Just to see what people think. I have songs I hate that everyone else LOVES! Advice on carrying that one will take too long lol.
There are more things I do, but these are the essentials for me. Just never give up. Never listen to anyone else. Dream your dreams the way YOU want to because you have to live with them later on. If someone talks you down and you look back thinking, 'Shit Why did I do it THAT way!?' it will ruin the whole experience. You never know what you can offer others. Don't sell yourself short. Its worth it, and you know it or you wouldn't still be dreaming it.
We play at The Fifth in Bountiful tonight with Peter Harvey and I am so excited! If you haven't seen them you should! Hope to see you at a show soon!
I feel music. I bleed it. My death will sound like a brilliant symphony if you know how to listen. I love music above anything else. (No offense Ty lol jk)
I wonder if musicians read this, and are trying to reach a point where they can just quit their jobs and be musicains full time. (I sure hope so) The thing is... Sometimes I have to remember that success never comes easily. Sometimes, I have to tell myself that it CAN be done.
This is when I look for more inspiration. Its like I have to conciously keep myself from being brainwashed of my former musical life and work the 9-5. Never gonna happen!
Here are the things I have to do to keep in touch with my dream.
*Listen consciously to music. I am a lyric person. I TOTALLY can't get over a real lyrical masterpiece. (What do you notice? Bass? Harmonies? Drums? What REALLT sets you off?)
*I teach myself the melodes and lyrics of random songs and find the pieces of the song that I am most moved by. I remember these. I sort of photograph them in my mind and then find a way to work something like it into a song. Somestimes I can, sometimes I can't.
*I watch for what everyone else is doing on Facebook, reverbnation, etc as often as I can. I like to see were everyone else is going because it creates drive.
*I like to see who people are performing with. Have I heard of them? Its alwasy fun to meet new musicians/friends.
*Listen to the Radio. You can listen to your CDs, iPod, etc, but when you listen to the radio, songs you wouldn't necessarily choose come on. It forces you to open your ears to something new. Anything new can be inpsiring.
*Write lyrics in a notepad on your desktop or with a pen and paper when they come to you. I don't mean songs. You could get in trouble for the time you'd put into that, unless you write songs fast or you are just in it and it just flows. Sometimes, you'll write something and never use it. Sometimes you'll write your favorite songs.
*Never let anyone make you feel bad for your dream. My last job had a few supportive co-workers, but there were definately a few that asked 'How our little thing was' in a very 'Im laughing at you on the inside' sort of way. NEVER LET THOSE PEOPLE GET TO YOU! Ever! Those are the people who have no dreams of their own and do not understand these things we call "Dreams". YOU should feel bad for THEM! lol (This all sounds so mean! It's just my view)
*Write what you feel. Forget if it sounds like the last song you wrote. Forget if the lyrics and melody are good. They'll get better with time and practice. Just keep writing what you feel. If I can deeply feel sad that I found a roach in my soup I COULD write a song about it. It would TOTALLY suck, but I could. The thing that matters is that if I did that, and you could feel the emotion in my song, it doesn't really matter what it's about. I mean....Look at 'MacArther Park' by Richard Harris
"MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down...
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh, no!"
I swear, that's part of a real song.
What's more? This song was a top 10 song for weeks in the 60's. Must have been all the drugs.
My point: Feel it. Forget what anyone else will think. And if it sucks realllllllly bad, play it anyway. Just once. Just to see what people think. I have songs I hate that everyone else LOVES! Advice on carrying that one will take too long lol.
There are more things I do, but these are the essentials for me. Just never give up. Never listen to anyone else. Dream your dreams the way YOU want to because you have to live with them later on. If someone talks you down and you look back thinking, 'Shit Why did I do it THAT way!?' it will ruin the whole experience. You never know what you can offer others. Don't sell yourself short. Its worth it, and you know it or you wouldn't still be dreaming it.
We play at The Fifth in Bountiful tonight with Peter Harvey and I am so excited! If you haven't seen them you should! Hope to see you at a show soon!
9/29/2010
September 24th was amazing!
Friday. Just like any other Friday. Working as much as you can to keep busy so you don't think about your excitement for the weekend. This particular Friday we had some awesome plans and by about 3:00 I was done.....but I had another hour to go. Sometimes that excitement to leave work makes it go WAY slower!
Backtrack.....
A few months ago, we attended an ASCAP music conference in LA. There were many great speakers and classes, and in the midst of all this amazing stuff, theres Sinbad, the comedian. Right in front of us. Ty says, 'Go get your pic with him' I looked over and people kept asking him for pics so I didn't want to bug him when he was there for the expo but I decided now or never and asked him politely for a picture. He was sooooo nice and smiled big for the camera. I was impressed that he was so polite even with people bugging him. I have not met many celebrities but I always told myself, 'Mel, if you want to be a successful musician, you have to understand that part of the job includes fans' (I guess I never REALLY said that but its in my mind) This is why its always dissapointing when you ask someone you look up to for their time, and they act like jerks and freak out or sigh like 'Ya I GUESS' even though I know sometimes that is a lot to ask. I immediately followed him on Twitter.
Fast Forward a few months. Ty helps a nice lady from The Sheridan Hotel with some carpet (He sells carpet in a flooring store you pervs lol) and she asks him 'since you're a musician do you know these types of bands that could play at this event we have at the Sheridan?' Ty knew one of the types she was looking for and refered them. She later contacted him and said, 'We'd love to have you and your girlfriend come be VIPs at this event we hold at The Sheridan on September 24th from 4-7 pm. Its all free and you get a free room for the night.' DONE
Suddenly we realize, well shit...We are playing in Idaho Fals the very next morning. We decided we would have to miss the free room but could attend part of the event and head to IF later.
One day, while on Twitter, I see that Mr. Sinbad himself is coming to SLC September 24th, 7:00 pm. We decide to set aside $$.
Fast forward a few weeks. In the time between ASCAP and now, I have had the privaledge to tweet back and forth with Sinbad. Hes very cool, has a daughter who is a very talented and looks like driven, musician, and is still funny as hell. I mentioned that I saw he was coming to SLC. He says 'Let me know'
Fast forward to somewhere around the 19th. As we look at finances to go to Idaho Falls for our shows, we realize we don't have $$ for Sinbad tix. I am so sad. I tell Sinbad, looks like we wont make it. He says...'I'll hook you up' WHAT!?!?
I have this guilt complex lol Im thinking 2 things. 1: What a generous offer. 2: I hope he doesn't think I was trying for that. lol
Friday, September 24th. Work. Gone most the day either to a lunch or cause I left early so we could hit up the Rediscovering The Sheridan before we go to Sinbad!! We decided to go ahead and stay the free night cause we dont often get a chance to stay in a Sheridan lol. We are given nametags, and told to attend each of the 6 rooms which represent different places. 1: India 2:Italy 3:Japan 4:North Pole 5:Ireland 6:Costa Rica. Each room is dressed, and themed to the place and they have food and drink according to the culture. You get your fake passport stamped,which could win you some sweet schwag including tv's) and you eat some food, and drink some alcohol, and hang out. We left there and headed for Kingsbury Hall. We take a chance and take the President's Drive circle around to check for very unlikely open spots and...Theres one! We put about $1.00 in the meter before realizing we dont need to and practically skip to the Will-Call booth. We ask for our tickets and head inside. Ty looks at them and looks at me with amazement. Section A, seats 24 and 25. 4 rows back, and center. I Tweet Sinbad to tell him he's amazing and very generous. He tweets back, Make sure you come backstage after the show. WHAT!?!?! I swear if the guy had looked out the curtain and seen us he'd have seen two people giggling and trying to hold it together. We couldn't believe this was happening.
If you take one thing from this blog, here it is.....Sinbad is HILLARIOUS. If you ever get a chance to see him live, DO IT! I laughed so hard I thought I was going to throw up. My stomach was in pain and I'm pretty sure I had a 6 pack of muscle on our way out at the end. See Sinbad live. Thats all.
After the show, we waited for a bit to let the guy relax and I direct messaged him 'How do we get back there'
Long story short, he tells me to call him and gives me his #. Um...Ya....I called Sinbad and he gave us directions lol. (If you read this man, you'll either think we're crazy people or laug ha ha) I want to add something. Im not telling you this because we are bragging, I'm telling you this because we never have things like this happen and we were so excited and wanted to tell you how much fun it was....so maybe bragging a little lol jk. We walk in and the guy asks what we need. Very unsure of myself I go 'Um....we're here to see Sinbad?' lol 'Names? Oh ya right this way.' Back we go.
There he is. Motha Effing Sinbad in the flesh sitting on a chair hangin out. We greet, tell him how awesome he is cause he is lol, then talk music, life, etc. I think I said 'It's true' like 50 times. Then its time to go. He's gonna go see a the Wayans Bros show at Wiseguys and we have a trip tomorrow and a free hotel room. He stops to take pics with his waiting fans one of which was FREAKING out. I thought it was sweet how much she loved him and how nice he was even though she was almost knocking him over with her jumping lol. Very cool.
We go back to our 4 star hotel room in awe. Both of us are just so amazed that this day has even happened I half expected a semi truck to hit us. It was almost too good.
We crawl into the bed at the hotel, and feel like a million bucks. I have never felt like a VIP QUITE like that.
In all the craziness of life, these amazing plusses happened on the same night. Honestly, I feel so fortunate to have such a beautiful day. I told Ty that someday, when we're fulltime musicians, more VIP moments are likely, and I only hope that we are always as excited for them as we were that night.
Someday, I hope that we can give someone the excitement and joy Sinbad gave us.
And someday, I hope we can hook HIM up with a great night with us somewhere.
This, made me feel successful. We may not be Katy Perry or Jack Johnson (Two TOTALLY different people I know) but we are successful people, successful musicians, we see good things and appreciate them for everything they are. I never expected to get tickets from Sinbad, but that's the point. We don't EXPECT anything. We do the best we can with what we have and sometimes super cool people come out of the woodwork and show us that good things happen for what ever reason.
September 24th was amazing.
Thanks for reading and keep watching for more. I blog about once every other week and try to post it on FB and Twitter. I will blog about recording but we are still mid adventure on that and I want to tell the whole story. Good things guys. Good things.
Backtrack.....
A few months ago, we attended an ASCAP music conference in LA. There were many great speakers and classes, and in the midst of all this amazing stuff, theres Sinbad, the comedian. Right in front of us. Ty says, 'Go get your pic with him' I looked over and people kept asking him for pics so I didn't want to bug him when he was there for the expo but I decided now or never and asked him politely for a picture. He was sooooo nice and smiled big for the camera. I was impressed that he was so polite even with people bugging him. I have not met many celebrities but I always told myself, 'Mel, if you want to be a successful musician, you have to understand that part of the job includes fans' (I guess I never REALLY said that but its in my mind) This is why its always dissapointing when you ask someone you look up to for their time, and they act like jerks and freak out or sigh like 'Ya I GUESS' even though I know sometimes that is a lot to ask. I immediately followed him on Twitter.
Fast Forward a few months. Ty helps a nice lady from The Sheridan Hotel with some carpet (He sells carpet in a flooring store you pervs lol) and she asks him 'since you're a musician do you know these types of bands that could play at this event we have at the Sheridan?' Ty knew one of the types she was looking for and refered them. She later contacted him and said, 'We'd love to have you and your girlfriend come be VIPs at this event we hold at The Sheridan on September 24th from 4-7 pm. Its all free and you get a free room for the night.' DONE
Suddenly we realize, well shit...We are playing in Idaho Fals the very next morning. We decided we would have to miss the free room but could attend part of the event and head to IF later.
One day, while on Twitter, I see that Mr. Sinbad himself is coming to SLC September 24th, 7:00 pm. We decide to set aside $$.
Fast forward a few weeks. In the time between ASCAP and now, I have had the privaledge to tweet back and forth with Sinbad. Hes very cool, has a daughter who is a very talented and looks like driven, musician, and is still funny as hell. I mentioned that I saw he was coming to SLC. He says 'Let me know'
Fast forward to somewhere around the 19th. As we look at finances to go to Idaho Falls for our shows, we realize we don't have $$ for Sinbad tix. I am so sad. I tell Sinbad, looks like we wont make it. He says...'I'll hook you up' WHAT!?!?
I have this guilt complex lol Im thinking 2 things. 1: What a generous offer. 2: I hope he doesn't think I was trying for that. lol
Friday, September 24th. Work. Gone most the day either to a lunch or cause I left early so we could hit up the Rediscovering The Sheridan before we go to Sinbad!! We decided to go ahead and stay the free night cause we dont often get a chance to stay in a Sheridan lol. We are given nametags, and told to attend each of the 6 rooms which represent different places. 1: India 2:Italy 3:Japan 4:North Pole 5:Ireland 6:Costa Rica. Each room is dressed, and themed to the place and they have food and drink according to the culture. You get your fake passport stamped,which could win you some sweet schwag including tv's) and you eat some food, and drink some alcohol, and hang out. We left there and headed for Kingsbury Hall. We take a chance and take the President's Drive circle around to check for very unlikely open spots and...Theres one! We put about $1.00 in the meter before realizing we dont need to and practically skip to the Will-Call booth. We ask for our tickets and head inside. Ty looks at them and looks at me with amazement. Section A, seats 24 and 25. 4 rows back, and center. I Tweet Sinbad to tell him he's amazing and very generous. He tweets back, Make sure you come backstage after the show. WHAT!?!?! I swear if the guy had looked out the curtain and seen us he'd have seen two people giggling and trying to hold it together. We couldn't believe this was happening.
If you take one thing from this blog, here it is.....Sinbad is HILLARIOUS. If you ever get a chance to see him live, DO IT! I laughed so hard I thought I was going to throw up. My stomach was in pain and I'm pretty sure I had a 6 pack of muscle on our way out at the end. See Sinbad live. Thats all.
After the show, we waited for a bit to let the guy relax and I direct messaged him 'How do we get back there'
Long story short, he tells me to call him and gives me his #. Um...Ya....I called Sinbad and he gave us directions lol. (If you read this man, you'll either think we're crazy people or laug ha ha) I want to add something. Im not telling you this because we are bragging, I'm telling you this because we never have things like this happen and we were so excited and wanted to tell you how much fun it was....so maybe bragging a little lol jk. We walk in and the guy asks what we need. Very unsure of myself I go 'Um....we're here to see Sinbad?' lol 'Names? Oh ya right this way.' Back we go.
There he is. Motha Effing Sinbad in the flesh sitting on a chair hangin out. We greet, tell him how awesome he is cause he is lol, then talk music, life, etc. I think I said 'It's true' like 50 times. Then its time to go. He's gonna go see a the Wayans Bros show at Wiseguys and we have a trip tomorrow and a free hotel room. He stops to take pics with his waiting fans one of which was FREAKING out. I thought it was sweet how much she loved him and how nice he was even though she was almost knocking him over with her jumping lol. Very cool.
We go back to our 4 star hotel room in awe. Both of us are just so amazed that this day has even happened I half expected a semi truck to hit us. It was almost too good.
We crawl into the bed at the hotel, and feel like a million bucks. I have never felt like a VIP QUITE like that.
In all the craziness of life, these amazing plusses happened on the same night. Honestly, I feel so fortunate to have such a beautiful day. I told Ty that someday, when we're fulltime musicians, more VIP moments are likely, and I only hope that we are always as excited for them as we were that night.
Someday, I hope that we can give someone the excitement and joy Sinbad gave us.
And someday, I hope we can hook HIM up with a great night with us somewhere.
This, made me feel successful. We may not be Katy Perry or Jack Johnson (Two TOTALLY different people I know) but we are successful people, successful musicians, we see good things and appreciate them for everything they are. I never expected to get tickets from Sinbad, but that's the point. We don't EXPECT anything. We do the best we can with what we have and sometimes super cool people come out of the woodwork and show us that good things happen for what ever reason.
September 24th was amazing.
Thanks for reading and keep watching for more. I blog about once every other week and try to post it on FB and Twitter. I will blog about recording but we are still mid adventure on that and I want to tell the whole story. Good things guys. Good things.
9/10/2010
Inspiring Days Are The Best
Well, here I am sitting in my living room listening to our newest song (literally less than 1 hour old as I start to write this) on my phone over and over. I wish we could just release this shit like, now! LOL.
Today has been what I hope fulltime musicianhood would be like. Wake up a little later in the day, get ready, go play a show, go home, write a song, work on it, record a little, head out to a destination such as recording or in the future touring, and then play my little heart out. WHAT A GREAT LIFE!!!!!
Then theres writing songs. Sometimes I get inspiration at work and eventhough I write it down and do what I can with it, I always get home and the inspiration is gone. That, is, the, WORST.
But, does anyone else feel like they can't say what they want to say in a song for one reason or another. I mean, I personally don't like 'sharing feelings' and getting all mushy etc. It's just no my thing. So I sing about it. Its the only way to get it out and you HAVE to get it out SOMEHOW. So, sometimes, I have a super inspiring day and we write a song that I think contains all my current feelings with out wearing my heart on my sleeve. Yuck lol. Now I feel renewed. After you do anything you're proud of, its such a relief. This is why inspiring days are the best. Its like this renewal of yourself. You don't feel so tired, so exausted. You just feel better. I'd love to hear from you guys what inspires you, what you do with it, and how it makes you feel when you get it all out.
Tonight, we will be leaving to record in California and give a few of our songs the recording they deserve. This is such a great step for us and we are really excited to take it. Big things guys. Seriously, we may not be the first of our friends to live the dream, but we'll see you all soon :D
Side note, thank you to you who support us. We can't tell you how much it means to us and how special it is to share this journey with you. Some of you are such great friends and we can't imagine life with out you. Every time one of you leaves for greener pastures, we can feel the space you leave behind but are so excited for you and your new journeys and the fact that its one more couch in this country we can crash on later lol. Those who are here with us in the UT. We can't wait for more :D
Today has been what I hope fulltime musicianhood would be like. Wake up a little later in the day, get ready, go play a show, go home, write a song, work on it, record a little, head out to a destination such as recording or in the future touring, and then play my little heart out. WHAT A GREAT LIFE!!!!!
Then theres writing songs. Sometimes I get inspiration at work and eventhough I write it down and do what I can with it, I always get home and the inspiration is gone. That, is, the, WORST.
But, does anyone else feel like they can't say what they want to say in a song for one reason or another. I mean, I personally don't like 'sharing feelings' and getting all mushy etc. It's just no my thing. So I sing about it. Its the only way to get it out and you HAVE to get it out SOMEHOW. So, sometimes, I have a super inspiring day and we write a song that I think contains all my current feelings with out wearing my heart on my sleeve. Yuck lol. Now I feel renewed. After you do anything you're proud of, its such a relief. This is why inspiring days are the best. Its like this renewal of yourself. You don't feel so tired, so exausted. You just feel better. I'd love to hear from you guys what inspires you, what you do with it, and how it makes you feel when you get it all out.
Tonight, we will be leaving to record in California and give a few of our songs the recording they deserve. This is such a great step for us and we are really excited to take it. Big things guys. Seriously, we may not be the first of our friends to live the dream, but we'll see you all soon :D
Side note, thank you to you who support us. We can't tell you how much it means to us and how special it is to share this journey with you. Some of you are such great friends and we can't imagine life with out you. Every time one of you leaves for greener pastures, we can feel the space you leave behind but are so excited for you and your new journeys and the fact that its one more couch in this country we can crash on later lol. Those who are here with us in the UT. We can't wait for more :D
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