These Are The Days That Must Happen To You

Photos!

Hey There!

As promised, here are some pictures since I shared last. :) xo

Via del Pace - 1st time having limoncello. Sweeeeeet and powerful! 

“most likely safe” to drink? Oh, ok great! 

“The” diner from When Harry Met Sally… “I’ll have what she’s having!”

The friends I’m staying with and I like to have a lot of picnic style dinners :)

I forgot his name!! Spookey something or other… REALLY GOOD!

That’s one I’ve never seen before…

This movie was just playing on the side of a building for the night walkers… 

I’ve spent a few nights on my friend Margaret’s couch after a few late nights in the city… :)

That sucks

Gracie is really into The Bachelorette

Writing w/ Charles Newman 

Baking is good for the soul…

Pumpkin spice chocolate chip

Austin Hartley-Leonard at The Living Room…

I saw this girl drawing in the corner of the bar and she was kind enough to let me take a picture…

Lelia Broussard at The Rockwood

Arrived at a friends house to find this on the counter. Mice freak him out, so I tossed this one (he tossed the first). Yes, this is the second one of the night. 

Sunday funday! Dance party by some sewer/river combo in Park Slope…

It was a blast!! Disco ball in the trees? Yes please!!

Bored on the train… a ring I purchased in Nashville.

The legendary Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea Art Galleries… some photos I love and some I DON’T LOVE! This one… DON’T!

Andy Warhol piece - LOVE

LOVE

Vile!! Yes, even over the pooping one. 

Like

Interesting

The Bowmans at Rockwood Music Hall

The view while going pee at The Standard Hotel in NY… yep!

The dance floor…

This is just a tiiiiny glimpse of why I love New York! I hope this finds you well. xo

From Present to Past

I’m reading a book by Patti Smith called “Just Kids” and it couldn’t be more fitting given my current position. A book for every artist, she questions, “why commit to art? For self-realization or for itself?”… And that she “didn’t mind the misery of a vocation but dreaded not being called (to be an artist).” It’s inspiring amidst a good share of discouragement but I’m so happy and grateful to be given this amazing opportunity and I’m “writing it all out”.

The band for Summerfest is all in place and we start rehearsals on the 16^th. We’ll only get in 3 before we all board a plane to Milwaukee! I have full confidence that these guys will be great and I look forward to playing with them. I did learn that the order we are on the Emerging Artist CD compilation is where we came in according to all the votes by YOU! So, 5^th place out of 44 is pretty darn good. Thank-you again so very much!

After Milwaukee, I’m happy to say I’m FINALLY going to get that stamp on my passport I’ve hoped for! I’m all booked for a month and a half in Europe, leaving NY on July 13^th, right after returning from Milwaikee on July 10^th. I’ll be in London with visits to Ireland, Sicily and wherever else the wind blows. I am playing at The Bedford in London on August 2^nd and I’m excited for another change of scenery. I’m learning sooooooo much from this and I can’t believe how quickly time is flying. From present to past, from present to past. 

I did meet with Pledge Music here in NY and we talked about a campaign to raise money for my next recording project. They have been very helpful and supportive and I look forward to working with them. I likely won’t start the campaign until end of August or early September. Right now, my focus is writing and getting all the pieces together to ensure it’s everything I want it to be. Where I record is still to be decided. It all comes down to the producer I work with and where he/she lives.

I’m working on getting a new website, which will be more of a micro site really, but that is second fiddle to the layers of artistic film I’m peeling back, for glimpses of what my artist self really wants and perhaps what it’s made of. I told myself I was going to give myself a year from the day I left my day job to see where I stood at the end of it all and I can’t believe it’s already June!!! I have to start thinking about where I am going to set my roots after Europe. I’m still leaning toward NYC, especially after these past few days. The diversity and culture this city offers… the music, everything around you is inspiring. There is a lot to learn in this city and I plan to soak up as much as I can.

Of course I have more photos to share with you and will another day soon. I’m still terrible at talking on the phone so my apologies once again. I really miss all of you and look forward to seeing you when the time comes. Lots and lots of love to you and thanks for reading. 

I Need Your Vote!

I am performing at Summerfest (world largest music festival) this year as a part of their “Emerging Artist Series” and the number of votes I get will determine whether or not I get a slot on the CD they are passing out to 10,000 people at Summerfest! I’m in the running with several amazing bands, some of which have 10,000 people in their mailing list, have been featured in Rolling Stone and well… you get the point! There is some stiff competition! SOOOOO, voting is open through Sunday, 5/22 (midnight) and you can vote everyday, once a day until then! PLEASE, please pass this on to your friends and family and anyone else who might like helpin’ an under dog out like myself. ;) 

TO VOTE JUST CLICK THIS LINK BELOW:

http://www.sonicbids.com/voting/Default.aspx?p=354 

PS - I’m playing on the same day/stage as Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s! It’s a big stage I’ll be on folks! FUN, FUN, FUN!

July 7th - 3pm!

US Cellular Connections Stage w/ Leinenkugel’s and 102.1

Milwaukee, WI

I Just Squished A Beetle On The Wall…

While briefly pondering a title for this blog, I saw a beetle bug on the wall from the corner of my eye. And well… there you have it.

I’ve been in New Jersey for a little over a week, trekking into NY for some temp work, sight seeing and what not.  It took a couple weeks in Nashville before I started to think I could live there, but after 2 days in NY, my heart was taken. I had a fun experience working a fashion show for graduating designers at Pratt Institute and was star struck seeing fashion people I’ve only read about or seen on TV. Like Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowels, Diane von Furstenberg, Grace Coddington and many others who’s names have escaped me. None of the other temps I was working with knew these people, so I was alone in my excitement.  

Aside from applying for odd jobs, I’m drinking a lot of coffee, reading and writing. I’ve never liked talking on the phone but I’ve managed to like it even less. So, I’d like to take this time to apologize to my family and friends for not returning your calls and for lacking much to say when we do talk. I’m in my own world I guess you could say.. and in somewhat of a funk it seems. My poor father… he’s resorted to texting me, for which I reply “I’m alive, I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.” and then I keep saying I’ll call after I do “this”. And so on before another day has passed. Hopefully this blog makes up for where I’m falling short in calling.

I have my first NY show next Tuesday (5/10) at Rockwood Music Hall (11p) and I’m looking forward! I don’t know many people here, so if you know anyone who lives in NY, likes live music, likes to go out on Tuesday nights… ya know… pass me on! 

I’ve had a couple bouts of feeling homesick… particularly in Virginia where I resorted to buying an “Us” and “In Style” Magazine. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to Virginia, but where I was staying would make just about anyone homesick. I locked myself in my hotel room after fine dining at Cracker Barrel and painted my nails; something I used to do a lot when I lived in LA.  Painitng my nails is like washing the dishes for some… it’s theraputic. Anyway, today I was thinking about how quickly time is flying and while I do feel a little “homesick”, I’m not sure where home is or where I want it to be. I feel I’d like to continue this nomadic life longer than planned if possible. I’m not ready to settle anywhere yet, I just wanna keep going where the wind blows if I can.

Anyway… here are some more pics since I shared last. I hope this finds you well and thanks for reading. I do love hearing from you, even if I don’t call or write you back. ;) xo

NASHVILLE:

Manuel’s… he makes all the fancy shmancies for those who like… umm… fine stitch work! 

I do actually want him to make me a jacket. For real. 

This old man ran the shop… Manuel’s daughters dog. 

My favorite thing at the Nashville museum.

Downtown Nashville…

Jon Loyd practicing some accordion outside on this fine day…

Patrick Sweany at 3rd and Lindsley…

Mmm! Dinner at Family Wash…

Amen, Stevie!

Picnic with dear friends of mine working in Nashville for the week. It was good to see them… The Green Children - check out their music if you’ve not already. 

Brian Wright in Nashville… some home away from home. 

Buddy Spier, Nick Bearden and I enjoying the B. Wright show at The Basement. 

I was a fan of this backyard retreat..

What happens when a bunch of musicians gather around a bon fire. 

I stayed a night with The Carter Brothers and they made me a delicious dinner of fried flounder, hush puppies and cole-slaw! Mmmm!

Hard to full tell from this pic, but I had a lovely view from my room in the morning!

Bobby Keys band at The Mercy Lounge! Black Crowes’ drummer Steve Gorman, The Georgia Satellites’ Dan Baird (guitar & vocals), Michael Webb (keys), Lynard Skynards Robert Kearns (bass) and Chark Kinsolving (lead guitar)

Waiting in the lobby at ASCAP. Not a bad meeting room they have.

Ben Miller Band - Check em’ out!!

Songwriters round at The Bluebird Cafe… everyone faces each other and takes turns playing songs. Really cool. 

Incredible dessert at Jackson’s! Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and banana bread with a vanilla bean & cinnamon ice cream!

Only girl at a table with 4 guys… they all got a bill and I got this… 

HA!

Getting in a hike!

Franklin… a small town I fell in love with just outside of Nashville.

A toy store that only sold old school toys… :)

Carrie Underwoods business manager married the owner of this cupcake shop and it became Carrie’s favorite sweet treat and was in People recently for being the dessert at her wedding. Anyway…. 

The anticipation across the world!! 

This also made me think of home… ;) Sad, I know. 

Pucketts!! Mmmmm

Hanging with the locals for some B-ball….

Had the honor of playing music with the kids at Vanderbuilt Childrens Hospital.

The storms in Nashville are crazy! But I enjoyed them… :)

Another writers round… this one with Katie Cole and a former American Idol contestant.

“The Room” - surely the worst movie EVER made!! Ever!! So much so it has a cult following. And whenever the framed picture of a spoon appears on screen, everyone throws plastic spoons. It was oh so fun!!!!!!

Record Store Day at Grimeys!

My first Cracker Barrel experience…

William Fitzsimmons at 3rd and Lindsley

Writing session w/ Bethany Olds - first time I’ve written with a girl and it was such a great experience! We wrote a really fun song that I hope to share with you soon! 

FINALLY - A relaxing girls night with my favorite combo - Kettle Corn f/ Whole Foods and red wine. There may have been some serious chocolate chips consumed as well. 

Jon Loyd’s cat… precious! And I have to state… almost every place I’ve stayed at has had a cat. What does that mean? 

Driving to Virginia

Cracker Barrel, table for one.

I made it - New York and New Jersey!

Pratt Fashion Show

I temp’d at a high profile PR firm for about… oh 2 hours, and instead of tampons in the ladies room, it’s perfume! So NY!

St. Patrick’s Cathedral - cannot even begin to capture its beauty!!

The Empire States building is in there somewhere…

Union Square…

Impressive!!!

New Jersey and A Mind On Overdrive!

It’s been a short while since my last post, so before I hit the hay, I figured I’d touch base.

I got into New Jersey yesterday (Friday, 2/22) and LOVE it so far. I am staying in Maplewood where the trees are starting to bloom. The area overall is really nice and inspiring. I will be taking the train into New York on Monday for a meeting and look forward to spending time in the city.

Aside from being really busy, I’ve been hesitant to write because there are so many things going through my head.  This has been such an amazing trip so far and when you spend 13-15 hours at a time on the road by yourself you are going to do some thinking, whether you’d like to or not. My mind is definitely in overdrive. But, it’s all good thinking and all a part of the journey!

Nashville was amazing and I do plan on visiting again at some point. I learned a lot and love the people. It was a very productive trip! The time I plan to spend in New Jersey & New York, however, is going to be different than it was in Austin or Nashville. While I will be picking up some odd jobs in the city to replenish my bank account, my main goal here is to practice, practice, and practice, write and really grow as an artist. I’ve been thinking about my next recording project and ciphering through what it is I really want. I would rather wait until I know exactly what I want, with the songs in place and the right producer on board. If I am going to go through all of this… I want to do it right.

When you embark on a journey like this and take the risks that I am taking, you are bound to get the negative with the positive. I know this. But I am doing this journey to grow, not to maintain. I would not have quit my job, given up my security and sold my stuff if I didn’t think I had a lot to learn.  

ANYWAY, I wanted this to be a brief post! Oops! ;) I got carried away. I’ll post some pictures soon and I hope this finds you well. I have to admit I was a little homesick before I got here to New Jersey.  I have a feeling the east coast and I are going to get along just fine!!!

XO

Tornado Days…

The power is back on after a nasty storm here in Nashville. Tornado warnings and thunder so loud I waited for angels to fall from the sky; a beautiful, bitter sweet kind of scary.

I’m pretty tired after a late night with some new friends. In fact, all of my nights are late now. I’ve officially made the transition from day job to “night job”.  I now know of the second wind Nick talks about that comes around 10pm. If I’m not out catching a show, I’m “home” (wherever I’m plopping for the night) writing. After this I am going to work on lyrics to a song Dave Yaden and I started before I left LA. I’m lovin’ it so far.

I have a rehearsal this Wednesday with new players for my show at The Basement on 4/19. I have a songwriters round on April 13^th and it’ll be my first “round” so I’m looking forward. Luckily my friend and writing partner, Drew Lawrence, will be in town on business and will be able to play with me. I’ve been so blessed to play with the players I have for so long that it’s interesting playing with new peeps. It’s also great because everyone brings something different to the music and new colors are brought forefront. In Nashville, there’s no shortage of great talent either.

Overall, things have been great and I’ve much to be grateful for. I’ve had some amazing experiences thus far that will stick with me forever. Particularly the past few days, I had the pleasure of meeting an artist whose music I’ve appreciated for years, only to spend a few days with him and his “musical family”. They are good people you could just sit and have real conversations with. It was a pleasure and I wish them a safe journey as they make their way west. What comes next, no one can say.

I guess I will say, however… that the main lesson I’ve been learning is how to let go. In different ways with different things, situations and people. I don’t think it’s a bad thing that I’m developing a calas on my heart. I think it’s for the best actually. I care easily and deeply and these walls have been needed.  In the process, however, before the calas starts to develop one does have to be an an open wound. And right now, I’m feeling it all.

Here are some photos since I shared last. I hope this finds you well and thanks for reading.

Amazing candy store in Austin!

It’s what adults do. 

 

Last night in Austin.

Had to stop at an antique shop on the way to Memphis!

I had to make a lil’ purchase! The hat box is my new merch holder.

My car gets better mileage on the road than it ever did in LA. And, it likes Blue Ribbon gas. Yep.

Bryces Cafeteria in Texarcana! 

Made it to Memphis!

It’s all about the ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Nashville…

Steve Poltz at 3rd and Lindsley w/ Andrew Pressman (went to college together) on upright.

Roberts Bar… favorite on the strip.

Random stop off…

The Hutton Hotel. Only got to stay here because my friend from LA came to visit and she was staying here. Thanks Anne!

View from our room…

Ryman, former Grand Ole Opry…

Tourist photo!

One day…

Hatch Show Print… made posters for all the greats and continue to do so. Since 1887…

Monell’s for Nick’s birthday! YUM!

Song Anne and I wrote in our hotel as a joke for some friends…

Loveless Cafe…

A friend I’m staying with is great in the kitchen… Mmmm! Grateful!

Cold War Kids at The Mercy Lounge!

Parthenon in Nashville… yep.

City House - finally a good restaurant meal in Nashville! And, the first egg on a pizza I’ve ever had. 

Must down size!

3 Girls going to church…

Stumbled upon Citizen Cope playing solo at 3rd and Lindsley… it was a great night.

Love from Nashville…

I’ve been in Nashville for a little under a week and I love it! I went to bed this morning and woke up with a little stress on my back associated with this nomadic lifestyle and I have to say… what a blessed day today has been thus far!!!! Though cold, it’s a beautiful day in Nashville. I went to this coffee shop recommended by a friend and found a parking spot right out front. I walked in as though the perfect seat had been waiting for me. With a very yummy coffee in hand, I got to work!!

To my surprise, the review of my last LA show hit stands in Music Connection Magazine today and I’ve been anticipating it’s release! I had no idea what was going to be said and I am so very humbled!!! It gave me some much needed soul food. :) 

BIG THANKS to Tom Laurie and everyone at Music Connection Magazine!!

From there it just keeps getting better!! I’ll also be attending the Cold War Kids show tonight at The Mercy Lounge with some new friends after a much needed work out at the good ole’ YMCA! They give you 2 weeks for free here! And EVERYONE is really, really nice!! Nashville is such an amazing city! From the people to the music and the history (not so much the food, but eh) ;) I’m loving it here.  

I have some writing sessions and meetings set-up this week and keeping quite busy overall. It’s been a real learning experience and it’s quite emotional, I have to admit. It’s harder than I thought it would be to uproot my life and it’s just now sinking in that I’ve left the life I know, my comfort zone and a consistent bed to sleep in. That said, the support from everyone has been beyond humbling and overall I’m so happy! And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… no one gets anywhere on their own. Thank-you all for your support!

I’ll post some pix soon! 

Love,

Me