Another weekend is over and we woke up to a dusting of snow. It leaves me wondering where the year has gone. It's hard to believe that in two short months, 2010 will be a memory.
Maybe it's the changing seasons or the darkness that happens earlier and earlier, but I find myself just a little bit sad. Thoughts about all things I attempted and came short, the relationships that maybe didn't get the time they should or wondering just how much further I should be in my life and career make me wonder if I've waste this year.
I know I'm being too hard on myself. I worked two jobs in the time allotted for one. I had the most amazing concert to date. I saw Italy and fell in love with the art and culture. I started school. I took some photographs I love.
So why this sense that I could do and be more?
Maybe it's because 2011 will bring upon my 40th birthday. From my 20's until I left my first professional company, I grew leaps and bounds professionally and personally. In some ways, I feel like I'm stagnating, fighting the same old things.
Or is it that life is back to "normal" right now and I get bored when things are too routine?
So that begs the question...
How much of life should be ordinary and how much should be exciting and thrilling? And what is the right level of each? Am I just addicted to the next big thing?
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Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Nature of Grief
In the last few weeks, people around me have been hit by loss – friends, family and the loss of someone else that had an impact on my life. It has provided some opportunity to share my experience with grief and losing someone you hold dear.
It struck me that while I would give anything to have my mom and my sister back, if I didn’t have the experience of losing them I wouldn’t truly understand the heartache or the pain. I guess that is a small blessing in a situation that I would give anything to change.
Not that everyone grieves the same way but I do think it is one of those life experiences that make us equal as human beings. We all love and we all experience loss at some point in life.
I also think that loss can take on many forms – death, change, loss of friendship, distance, loss of job, loss of relationship. I’ve lost people I love to death and I’ve mourned the passing of what I had once believed a lifelong relationships or friendships. In all cases, I grieved deeply and sometimes overwhelmingly but I looking back, the process can be the same.
When it comes to the passing of someone close, I think there is a sadness that I will always carry with me for the rest of my life. I didn’t have it before and it has never fully gone away. However, it is different than it once was.
In the beginning, it was like having debilitating waves of grief wash over me. If you ever have been in the ocean and felt how strong it could push you and pull you, it was that constant tossing in turbulent waters.
Eventually, the waters calmed and the frequency and strength of those waves lessened. But they never really completely go away. Every so often, there are moments when the waves still come and I still miss that person and I still grieve. Recently, it was in a lyric of a song I sang, in a moment of joy that I wish they were here to share it with me or just wishing I could hear “I love you” or “I believe in you” one more time.
And I think that it will always be with me. In my heart there are two empty spaces that no one can fill.
But the nice thing about the heart, it makes room for other people and other relationships and it in turn, it grows. Joy truly does come in the morning. It may take some time for the morning to come but it does. Relationships with friends and family have fostered and grown in ways that may not have happened in the past. New life has entered our family in the form a wonderful new great-nephew and he has already taken a piece of my heart.
These are little gifts that don’t replace the ones we’ve lost but to help us to grow and see joy in life again. I think it is God’s way of showing us how big our hearts are and that while there is pain, there is still a lot of joy in what He has given us; we just have to look for it. That joy is worth the price of pain that can come.
And I have come to believe that those of us who have experience loss are supposed to help others move through the process and be lights of hope that there will be joy on the other side.
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It struck me that while I would give anything to have my mom and my sister back, if I didn’t have the experience of losing them I wouldn’t truly understand the heartache or the pain. I guess that is a small blessing in a situation that I would give anything to change.
Not that everyone grieves the same way but I do think it is one of those life experiences that make us equal as human beings. We all love and we all experience loss at some point in life.
I also think that loss can take on many forms – death, change, loss of friendship, distance, loss of job, loss of relationship. I’ve lost people I love to death and I’ve mourned the passing of what I had once believed a lifelong relationships or friendships. In all cases, I grieved deeply and sometimes overwhelmingly but I looking back, the process can be the same.
When it comes to the passing of someone close, I think there is a sadness that I will always carry with me for the rest of my life. I didn’t have it before and it has never fully gone away. However, it is different than it once was.
In the beginning, it was like having debilitating waves of grief wash over me. If you ever have been in the ocean and felt how strong it could push you and pull you, it was that constant tossing in turbulent waters.
Eventually, the waters calmed and the frequency and strength of those waves lessened. But they never really completely go away. Every so often, there are moments when the waves still come and I still miss that person and I still grieve. Recently, it was in a lyric of a song I sang, in a moment of joy that I wish they were here to share it with me or just wishing I could hear “I love you” or “I believe in you” one more time.
And I think that it will always be with me. In my heart there are two empty spaces that no one can fill.
But the nice thing about the heart, it makes room for other people and other relationships and it in turn, it grows. Joy truly does come in the morning. It may take some time for the morning to come but it does. Relationships with friends and family have fostered and grown in ways that may not have happened in the past. New life has entered our family in the form a wonderful new great-nephew and he has already taken a piece of my heart.
These are little gifts that don’t replace the ones we’ve lost but to help us to grow and see joy in life again. I think it is God’s way of showing us how big our hearts are and that while there is pain, there is still a lot of joy in what He has given us; we just have to look for it. That joy is worth the price of pain that can come.
And I have come to believe that those of us who have experience loss are supposed to help others move through the process and be lights of hope that there will be joy on the other side.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Addicted to Eminem's "Recovery"
My husband purchased a handful of songs this week on iTunes. This song selections were really, really good. They included:
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Ghost - Fefe Dobson
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias featuring Pittbull
Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
DJ's got us Falling in Love - Usher featureing Pittbull
and finally...
Not Afraid - Eminem
Love the Way You Lie - Eminem featuring Rihana
I'm LOVING Eminem! These two songs have really, really touched my heart.
They aren't without controversy but Eminem wouldn't be Eminem without controversy. Yes, there is some questionable language. But look past it please.
The story and the vulnerability of these two songs are real. There is an authenticity to the songs and honesty about two very real life situations that is happening in our communities today - drug addiction and abuse.
Hearing Eminem's struggle with the drug addiction that took over his world in a down to earth honest way really has affected me. "Not Afraid" has captured my heart. I can appreciate and hear the struggle in the lyrics. And his way with words is quite genius and poetic. He draws me into his world. I can really feel the pain and isn't that what good music is supposed to do - touch us with the story and the emotion?
And the song brings hope - hope of beating addiction.
"I Love the Way You Lie" has a tragic, sad and very poetic feel to it. I think it brilliantly portrays the struggle of couples on both sides of abuse. It doesn't condone it. It doesn't say it's right. In fact, I think the honestly of the lyrics and emotions clearly expresses how wrong and tragic abuse is.
And that's the beauty and power of this song. It's tragically gorgeous. I hope anyone in this type of relationship can see themselves reflected in the music and it gives them the courage to say "I'm not going to do this anymore" - abused and abuser alike.
Thank you Eminem for the courage to be honest, vulnerable and open for the world to see. Thank you for your talent.
And I hope everyone can get past any hang ups on language to see the brilliant artistry you've brought the world. And the life lessons you have learned.
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Ghost - Fefe Dobson
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias featuring Pittbull
Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
DJ's got us Falling in Love - Usher featureing Pittbull
and finally...
Not Afraid - Eminem
Love the Way You Lie - Eminem featuring Rihana
I'm LOVING Eminem! These two songs have really, really touched my heart.
They aren't without controversy but Eminem wouldn't be Eminem without controversy. Yes, there is some questionable language. But look past it please.
The story and the vulnerability of these two songs are real. There is an authenticity to the songs and honesty about two very real life situations that is happening in our communities today - drug addiction and abuse.
Hearing Eminem's struggle with the drug addiction that took over his world in a down to earth honest way really has affected me. "Not Afraid" has captured my heart. I can appreciate and hear the struggle in the lyrics. And his way with words is quite genius and poetic. He draws me into his world. I can really feel the pain and isn't that what good music is supposed to do - touch us with the story and the emotion?
And the song brings hope - hope of beating addiction.
"I Love the Way You Lie" has a tragic, sad and very poetic feel to it. I think it brilliantly portrays the struggle of couples on both sides of abuse. It doesn't condone it. It doesn't say it's right. In fact, I think the honestly of the lyrics and emotions clearly expresses how wrong and tragic abuse is.
And that's the beauty and power of this song. It's tragically gorgeous. I hope anyone in this type of relationship can see themselves reflected in the music and it gives them the courage to say "I'm not going to do this anymore" - abused and abuser alike.
Thank you Eminem for the courage to be honest, vulnerable and open for the world to see. Thank you for your talent.
And I hope everyone can get past any hang ups on language to see the brilliant artistry you've brought the world. And the life lessons you have learned.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Not so Gaga...
Okay, I recognize that I’m going to very unpopular but I have to admit I wasn’t too impressed with Lady Gaga’s show last night.
Firstly, her opening act, Semi Precious Weapon was terrible. Admittedly, I’m not a punk fan. But their drummer was mediocre, their guitar players weren’t great and dude couldn’t sing his way out of anything at all. And so crude. I knew we were in for something when there were viewer discretion signs on the way into Rexall and I’m pretty open minded. But I’d be very concerned if a kid of mine (or neice, nephew, cousin, neighbor’s kid) was in the audience. Every second word was the F-bomb and I seriously felt they were hiding being vulgarity and over-the-top showmanship to hide their lack of talent. It wasn’t clever and it wasn’t spectacular by any stretch.
‘Nuff said about SPW.
On to Lady Gaga. Now, I’ll admit, there were some definite flashes of brilliant talent. My favorite moment of the concert was Gaga in her bikini at the piano. The woman can play. And she definitely has some pipes. The songs she did in this portion of the concert was fabulous and it just left me wanting.
And some of her messages were actually quite cool – throw away your insecurities, accept and love people, equal rights – all things I totally agree with. The message about seeing yourself as beautiful and not listening to what others say is something girls (I say girls because that’s how I relate) actually brought a tear to my eye.
But I think there were a lot of negative messages around it – no concept of right and wrong, the “anything goes” mentality, and my personal favorite for obvious reasons – seeing this icon and role model smoking away like a chain smoker on a 50 foot video. It will be interesting to see if the rate of smokers in young people rises.
When it came to her viewpoints on Christianity and Jesus, it was interesting that my husband and I had different views on the show. I was offended a little bit. And saddened. I felt it was extremely mocking and from someone who is pretty open-minded about the Gay and Lesbian community who is also a Christian, I was offended. My husband said the opposite. He took it as that religion says Jesus loves you only if you are “insert criteria here” but that her viewpoint on Jesus was He loves everyone. I just felt there was enough mocking in the presentation that most people would see it as a slam against my faith rather than supporting it. It makes me sad to think that people might see me in this light.
And I admire her dedication to helping homeless teens who have been kicked out by families due to sexual orientation. I admire her wanting to change attitudes and raise awareness. I just have to wonder if it wasn’t so in your face and mocking, that more conservative people would listen. It seems to me that it was set up in a way that pushes people further away from acceptance.
So what about the music, which is the most important thing for me? Well, again there were moments, mere moment of fabulousness, sandwiched in between terrible videos that were too drawn out and a “story line” that I thought was just kind of dumb. And while I loved some of the costumes (the fair/angel costume was so pretty and cool), some of them were just plain stupid (like the Cousin It/Sweetums costume from the Muppets.) I was actually quite bored during the first half and the second half got a little better.
Anyway, there is some talent there for sure. I understand the appeal. I still like some of the songs. Will I ever go see her again?
Maybe if she did a “Barebones, Adams-like” tour at the Winspear.
Firstly, her opening act, Semi Precious Weapon was terrible. Admittedly, I’m not a punk fan. But their drummer was mediocre, their guitar players weren’t great and dude couldn’t sing his way out of anything at all. And so crude. I knew we were in for something when there were viewer discretion signs on the way into Rexall and I’m pretty open minded. But I’d be very concerned if a kid of mine (or neice, nephew, cousin, neighbor’s kid) was in the audience. Every second word was the F-bomb and I seriously felt they were hiding being vulgarity and over-the-top showmanship to hide their lack of talent. It wasn’t clever and it wasn’t spectacular by any stretch.
‘Nuff said about SPW.
On to Lady Gaga. Now, I’ll admit, there were some definite flashes of brilliant talent. My favorite moment of the concert was Gaga in her bikini at the piano. The woman can play. And she definitely has some pipes. The songs she did in this portion of the concert was fabulous and it just left me wanting.
And some of her messages were actually quite cool – throw away your insecurities, accept and love people, equal rights – all things I totally agree with. The message about seeing yourself as beautiful and not listening to what others say is something girls (I say girls because that’s how I relate) actually brought a tear to my eye.
But I think there were a lot of negative messages around it – no concept of right and wrong, the “anything goes” mentality, and my personal favorite for obvious reasons – seeing this icon and role model smoking away like a chain smoker on a 50 foot video. It will be interesting to see if the rate of smokers in young people rises.
When it came to her viewpoints on Christianity and Jesus, it was interesting that my husband and I had different views on the show. I was offended a little bit. And saddened. I felt it was extremely mocking and from someone who is pretty open-minded about the Gay and Lesbian community who is also a Christian, I was offended. My husband said the opposite. He took it as that religion says Jesus loves you only if you are “insert criteria here” but that her viewpoint on Jesus was He loves everyone. I just felt there was enough mocking in the presentation that most people would see it as a slam against my faith rather than supporting it. It makes me sad to think that people might see me in this light.
And I admire her dedication to helping homeless teens who have been kicked out by families due to sexual orientation. I admire her wanting to change attitudes and raise awareness. I just have to wonder if it wasn’t so in your face and mocking, that more conservative people would listen. It seems to me that it was set up in a way that pushes people further away from acceptance.
So what about the music, which is the most important thing for me? Well, again there were moments, mere moment of fabulousness, sandwiched in between terrible videos that were too drawn out and a “story line” that I thought was just kind of dumb. And while I loved some of the costumes (the fair/angel costume was so pretty and cool), some of them were just plain stupid (like the Cousin It/Sweetums costume from the Muppets.) I was actually quite bored during the first half and the second half got a little better.
Anyway, there is some talent there for sure. I understand the appeal. I still like some of the songs. Will I ever go see her again?
Maybe if she did a “Barebones, Adams-like” tour at the Winspear.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Gaga for Gaga
We, we are here... Waiting for the Lady Gaga concert to start. It is INSANE in here!
There are people dressed up like lady Gaga everywhere! The atmosphere is unlike anything I've ever seen! Can't wait for it to start!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
There are people dressed up like lady Gaga everywhere! The atmosphere is unlike anything I've ever seen! Can't wait for it to start!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Told ya he's awesome! Great Bryan Adams review
Today I was curious what the reviewers had to say about the the Bryan Adams concert on August 13. The Edmonton Journal review captured the spirit of the concert effectively.
The concerts was definitely enhanced by the venue. "It felt like more like a house concert in many ways, the sort of show where you know you’re getting something different from the next one down the line." And I think that was true. There really was an intimacy there that you dont' get from a big Rexall Staduim-like concert. You could really feel the warmth that he felt for his fans and the audience.
"The affection running between performer and fan was visceral, and a privilege to see."
Bryan's music has been qued up on my iPhone all week. I fell in love with Adams all over again. :)
The concerts was definitely enhanced by the venue. "It felt like more like a house concert in many ways, the sort of show where you know you’re getting something different from the next one down the line." And I think that was true. There really was an intimacy there that you dont' get from a big Rexall Staduim-like concert. You could really feel the warmth that he felt for his fans and the audience.
"The affection running between performer and fan was visceral, and a privilege to see."
Bryan's music has been qued up on my iPhone all week. I fell in love with Adams all over again. :)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Got the Music in Me
It's been a pretty good Sunday. Last night, we spent the evening doing one of my other favorite past times; playing boardgames with our best friends. It was a super late night. We didn't hit the pillow until way past 3 am.
I had to get up at 7:30 for band rehearsal before church service at Renaissance Community Church. It was rough but I'm always amazed once I'm there. We start playing and all this energy fills my spirit. I'm sure it's the combination of the music and really feeling what we are trying to communicate. All that exhaustion melts away for that two hours of playing time.
Once we start playing, I can't stop from getting lost in the music and my feet just can't keep still. I just gotta move! A guy from church came to me afterwards and told me how much he loves that when I play. It sure fed my spirit to hear that!
I mat not be the best player yet, but that love and passion for the music is something that I'm very thankful for. I'm truly blessed to be able to play with wonderful people and for my Lord. I love having music in me!
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I had to get up at 7:30 for band rehearsal before church service at Renaissance Community Church. It was rough but I'm always amazed once I'm there. We start playing and all this energy fills my spirit. I'm sure it's the combination of the music and really feeling what we are trying to communicate. All that exhaustion melts away for that two hours of playing time.
Once we start playing, I can't stop from getting lost in the music and my feet just can't keep still. I just gotta move! A guy from church came to me afterwards and told me how much he loves that when I play. It sure fed my spirit to hear that!
I mat not be the best player yet, but that love and passion for the music is something that I'm very thankful for. I'm truly blessed to be able to play with wonderful people and for my Lord. I love having music in me!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Bare Bones Bryan a Blast
Last night was Bryan Adams's Bare Bones concert at the Winspear. What an amazing time. I really felt like was 13 again and I rediscovered some fantastic songs that are going on my iPod TODAY. I can't believe they aren't already there.
Firstly, I love the Winspear. It is such a fantastic venue. The sound is so crystal clear and the setting is very intimate. By far my favorite place to hear great music. Bryan thought so too...he gave the venue a round of applause.
An Bryan sounded just as good as he did 26 years ago. He was charming and engaging. He even spotted two girls in the very back of the whole venue and upgraded their seats to front row.
Of course he did all the classics which actually translated really well to an unplugged arrangement. I was really hoping he'd play something from his "Into the Fire" album because it was very underrated and I loved it. Sure enough, he played "In the Heat of the Night."
All in all, awesome. Totally will go again. Now to upload some tunes to my iPod!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Firstly, I love the Winspear. It is such a fantastic venue. The sound is so crystal clear and the setting is very intimate. By far my favorite place to hear great music. Bryan thought so too...he gave the venue a round of applause.
An Bryan sounded just as good as he did 26 years ago. He was charming and engaging. He even spotted two girls in the very back of the whole venue and upgraded their seats to front row.
Of course he did all the classics which actually translated really well to an unplugged arrangement. I was really hoping he'd play something from his "Into the Fire" album because it was very underrated and I loved it. Sure enough, he played "In the Heat of the Night."
All in all, awesome. Totally will go again. Now to upload some tunes to my iPod!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
At the studio!
So I'm sitting in the studio at Blackman Productions. We are doing a spoof on "YMCA" and it has been so much fun. The song is going to be used for Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures float for their Vegreville office parade.
I can't wait to hear the final produce!
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I can't wait to hear the final produce!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Blackman Productions
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Singing at the AITF!
Last Friday, I got a call from a colleague at my parent company. They were having a Capital Ex pancake breakfast and wanted to know if I could sing a set or two on Monday.
I was really nervous. I had to come up with a few songs and I wondered what I could do. I went through my background music and to my joy, I found about 17 songs for a couple of sets.
It was a lot of fun; a bit weird singing to strictly karaoke tracks and not live players.
I did get to sing Gypsy Soul again which was a lot of fun. My team mates all stopped what the were doing to hear the song and it got me all choked up! They have such a great team!
This week I'll be heading to the studio for them to record a parity for a parade for their Vegreville office. Should be a load of fun. I'll see if I can get some studio shots!
TTFN!
Paula
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I was really nervous. I had to come up with a few songs and I wondered what I could do. I went through my background music and to my joy, I found about 17 songs for a couple of sets.
It was a lot of fun; a bit weird singing to strictly karaoke tracks and not live players.
I did get to sing Gypsy Soul again which was a lot of fun. My team mates all stopped what the were doing to hear the song and it got me all choked up! They have such a great team!
This week I'll be heading to the studio for them to record a parity for a parade for their Vegreville office. Should be a load of fun. I'll see if I can get some studio shots!
TTFN!
Paula
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I got the power!
So I finally got an iPhone and an app that will let me post to my blog. I am hoping that it will encourage me to be more faithful in my blogging!
This post is testing out the app.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This post is testing out the app.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, July 16, 2010
Revisiting Lost Musical Influences
I’m extremely excited. I just purchased two tickets to Bryan Adams’s “Bare Bones” tour. He is visiting the Edmonton Winspear on August 13, 2010.
I’m excited for several reasons.
Firstly, I LOVE the Edmonton Winspear. If you’ve never seen a concert in this venue, you have to go. It is truly world class. The sound is so amazing, so pure, you feel like you are in the middle of the music. I love it.
Secondly, I love concerts. I had heard about this one and due to the amount of concerts I’ve been to this year, I figured this was one that I’d have to pass on. Keep in mind, I never said to anyone that I wanted to go. A couple of days ago, my husband was reading an article in The Metro and had emailed me saying that this sounded like an amazing concert and maybe we should go. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity.
Lastly, one of my favorite teenage memories involved Bryan Adams. It was 1985 and I was 14 years old. Bryan Adam’s “Reckless” tour was coming to Edmonton. At 14, I had never been to a concert ever and I didn’t have enough money to purchase tickets. I stayed up late every night for a week trying to win tickets to go. It was one of those radio contests where you had to be the 98th caller to win.
Every night until midnight, I sat there at the phone dialing over and over again. And guess what…
I didn’t win.
But the day of the concert, my dad walked through our front door after work. To my surprise, he had in his hands two tickets to the concert. I don’t know what made him get me those tickets but I still remember frantically finding a friend to come with me, sitting in those seats and enjoying my first concert ever.
Now, being last minute, the seats were located at the side of the stage and not the best view.
But to me, they were the best seats in the house because they were from my dad.
Bryan worked every part of the stage and it was an amazing concert. I became a huge fan that day. I still have my ticket stub and my scrapbook. My love affair with music and concerts and performing was truly born.
Wonder if my concert t-shirt still fits… :)
I’m excited for several reasons.
Firstly, I LOVE the Edmonton Winspear. If you’ve never seen a concert in this venue, you have to go. It is truly world class. The sound is so amazing, so pure, you feel like you are in the middle of the music. I love it.
Secondly, I love concerts. I had heard about this one and due to the amount of concerts I’ve been to this year, I figured this was one that I’d have to pass on. Keep in mind, I never said to anyone that I wanted to go. A couple of days ago, my husband was reading an article in The Metro and had emailed me saying that this sounded like an amazing concert and maybe we should go. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity.
Lastly, one of my favorite teenage memories involved Bryan Adams. It was 1985 and I was 14 years old. Bryan Adam’s “Reckless” tour was coming to Edmonton. At 14, I had never been to a concert ever and I didn’t have enough money to purchase tickets. I stayed up late every night for a week trying to win tickets to go. It was one of those radio contests where you had to be the 98th caller to win.
Every night until midnight, I sat there at the phone dialing over and over again. And guess what…
I didn’t win.
But the day of the concert, my dad walked through our front door after work. To my surprise, he had in his hands two tickets to the concert. I don’t know what made him get me those tickets but I still remember frantically finding a friend to come with me, sitting in those seats and enjoying my first concert ever.
Now, being last minute, the seats were located at the side of the stage and not the best view.
But to me, they were the best seats in the house because they were from my dad.
Bryan worked every part of the stage and it was an amazing concert. I became a huge fan that day. I still have my ticket stub and my scrapbook. My love affair with music and concerts and performing was truly born.
Wonder if my concert t-shirt still fits… :)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Looking for thoughts; What does the words "Gypsy Soul" mean to you?
With singing "Gypsy Soul" a couple of weeks ago and talking about the song, it got me thinking:
Does the phrase "Gypsy Soul" have a meaning?
I did some checking on the Internet and here are some of the definitions about what the words mean and I thought it was interesting. I also thought they capture my sister's spirit really well too!
"A gypsy soul is a free spirit not confined to one place or stifled by one idea."
"A person who possesses a gypsy soul is a person prone to wandering. They can't seem to stay put."
So I wondered what other people thought when they heard the song and phrase.
I would love to hear some feedback on what you think "Gypsy Soul" means!
Does the phrase "Gypsy Soul" have a meaning?
I did some checking on the Internet and here are some of the definitions about what the words mean and I thought it was interesting. I also thought they capture my sister's spirit really well too!
"A gypsy soul is a free spirit not confined to one place or stifled by one idea."
"A person who possesses a gypsy soul is a person prone to wandering. They can't seem to stay put."
So I wondered what other people thought when they heard the song and phrase.
I would love to hear some feedback on what you think "Gypsy Soul" means!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Video Profile!
So after my concert on June 25th, the videographer came up to me asking if I was interested in doing an artist profile.
He said he was really impressed with my set and liked the story behind Gypsy Soul and thought it would make for a good video. He wants to use it as part of his portfolio to sell the concept to other artists. I was extremely flattered and said I was interested!
I met with him after work on Monday to find out more about the concept and what he had in mind. It was a fantastic meeting and I'm really excited about the project. We are going to capture why I sing, my love for music and the story about my sister and the song. I think it's going to be really, really cool.
And he gave me one of the best compliments I've ever had! He said that my set was very professional and he asked me why I wasn't doing this for a living. It really made my day and proved to me that I am getting better and improving.
I'm so in love with music again!
The project won't start until late August/early September which is great. It gives me some time to get some thoughts and material together. In the mean time, check out their website at www.jaycin.ca. They are a local company, just starting out and the guys are really friendly and professional.
He said he was really impressed with my set and liked the story behind Gypsy Soul and thought it would make for a good video. He wants to use it as part of his portfolio to sell the concept to other artists. I was extremely flattered and said I was interested!
I met with him after work on Monday to find out more about the concept and what he had in mind. It was a fantastic meeting and I'm really excited about the project. We are going to capture why I sing, my love for music and the story about my sister and the song. I think it's going to be really, really cool.
And he gave me one of the best compliments I've ever had! He said that my set was very professional and he asked me why I wasn't doing this for a living. It really made my day and proved to me that I am getting better and improving.
I'm so in love with music again!
The project won't start until late August/early September which is great. It gives me some time to get some thoughts and material together. In the mean time, check out their website at www.jaycin.ca. They are a local company, just starting out and the guys are really friendly and professional.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Canada Day Pancake Breakfast!
Looking for something to do this Canada in Edmonton?
Come out to Renaissance Community Church Pancake Breakfast!
10 am - Noon
11525-35 Street
Fun for the Family!
Pancakes, Petting Zoo, Firetruck, Worship Band
Come out to Renaissance Community Church Pancake Breakfast!
10 am - Noon
11525-35 Street
Fun for the Family!
Pancakes, Petting Zoo, Firetruck, Worship Band
Post Concert Blues :(
It’s been post concert week and I’ll have to confess, I’m feeling a bit lost.
In addition with working full time, this winter and spring was busy with part-time, night classes for my Public Relations Diploma as well as getting ready for the showcase. School was finished at the beginning of the month. The showcase was the last big commitment that took up a lot of my time.
With everything wrapped up, I’m finding now that I’m a mixture of being exhausted and needing to recoup; having no energy to do anything and wondering what to do with my time.
I’m also a little sad. Even though preparation for the showcase was busy, it is my major performance activity for the year beyond my involvement with worship at Church. Again, it’s like Christmas; done again for another year. It does leave me wondering what else I could be doing with music. I think I’m addicted to the adrenaline rush of being busy.
The upcoming long weekend will probably be good for me.
All that being said, tomorrow is Canada Day and Renaissance Community Church is hosting a community pancake breakfast. For the first time, the worship team is involved. If it’s nice out, and it’s supposed to be, we are going to be doing a couple of sets during the breakfast. From the number of songs, it looks like each set will be about 45 minutes.
And the song list! LOVE it! We will be doing some of my favorite worship songs that just fill me up and I completely love. I won’t be singing but I’m playing keys and it’s going to be so much fun. It should be a fantastic morning! I’m pretty excited.
It starts at 10 am until noon at 11525-23 Avenue if anyone wants to come celebrate the day!
In addition with working full time, this winter and spring was busy with part-time, night classes for my Public Relations Diploma as well as getting ready for the showcase. School was finished at the beginning of the month. The showcase was the last big commitment that took up a lot of my time.
With everything wrapped up, I’m finding now that I’m a mixture of being exhausted and needing to recoup; having no energy to do anything and wondering what to do with my time.
I’m also a little sad. Even though preparation for the showcase was busy, it is my major performance activity for the year beyond my involvement with worship at Church. Again, it’s like Christmas; done again for another year. It does leave me wondering what else I could be doing with music. I think I’m addicted to the adrenaline rush of being busy.
The upcoming long weekend will probably be good for me.
All that being said, tomorrow is Canada Day and Renaissance Community Church is hosting a community pancake breakfast. For the first time, the worship team is involved. If it’s nice out, and it’s supposed to be, we are going to be doing a couple of sets during the breakfast. From the number of songs, it looks like each set will be about 45 minutes.
And the song list! LOVE it! We will be doing some of my favorite worship songs that just fill me up and I completely love. I won’t be singing but I’m playing keys and it’s going to be so much fun. It should be a fantastic morning! I’m pretty excited.
It starts at 10 am until noon at 11525-23 Avenue if anyone wants to come celebrate the day!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
When the music's over...
So Friday's concert has come and gone. It's almost like Christmas morning - you wait and wait and wait...and the just like that, it's Boxing Day! *L*
I think the concert went really well. I did my normal thing and panicked about lyrics throughout the other performer's sets until it was my turn. I know it's silly; I've been singing without lyrics those 5 songs for over 2 months now.
Firstly, I have to say I was really impressed with Martin Kerr and his opening set for the show. He is extremely talented and I really liked his voice. He even stuck around to hear my set, which opened up the second half.
During intermission, I sat by myself behind the big curtain, sitting at the piano, praying that the set went well, especially conveying my emotions during 'Keep Singing' by MercyMe and my song, 'Gypsy Soul.' I was really nervous about Keep Singing because it would be the first time I accompanied myself on the piano for a larger audience. I had done something similar for my sister at her wedding last summer but this was taking it to a whole new level. Besides one bad note on the piano, the song went really well.
I got a bunch of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when I declared my life would suck without my hubby and then went into Kelly Clarkson's song with the same name. Then came 'Gypsy Soul.' I almost cried. Not quite but almost. I couldn't see beyond the first row, which was full, and I couldn't tell if people liked it or not. More about that in a bit...
It was an amazing experience though and one I would take with me for the rest of my life. That song was inspired and I really haven't been able to write anything since. Maybe this summer I should try. I don't know. :)
My next song was 'Bringing it all back home' by Luba. I love this song. I love singing it and getting into the emotion of it. I loved performing every note. By the end of it, I couldn't believe I had one song left and it would be over for another year. The set went by so fast!
It wouldn't be a "Paula set" if I didn't sing a Suzie McNeil number. This year I chose 'Supergirl.' I had wore jeans and a buttoned up jean jacket with a very special t-shirt underneath. The plan was to go to the back of the stage, turn my back and take off the jacket and THEN start singing.
What did I do??? I cued the band before I started taking off the jacket and of course I had to sing and take it off at the same time. AND of course, the buttons stuck! Ugh! But it worked and when it came time to sing the chorus, I turned around to reveal my Supergirl t-shirt. So corny. So much fun!
And then it was over. Just like that.
I spent the rest of the concert in the audience with my family. The best moment was the last song when my soon-to-be 7 great-niece and 12 year old great-niece got all excited about the song. The 12 year old exclaimed "this song is EPIC!" *LOL* Epic. I love it. And they knew every single word. It was so cute.
Once the show was over, someone came up to me and told me how much they loved 'Gypsy Soul.' It was a girl from the front row. And as I thanked her, she got all choked up and walked away.
It was one of the best gifts someone has ever given me.
Now I know why song writers write.
I think the concert went really well. I did my normal thing and panicked about lyrics throughout the other performer's sets until it was my turn. I know it's silly; I've been singing without lyrics those 5 songs for over 2 months now.
Firstly, I have to say I was really impressed with Martin Kerr and his opening set for the show. He is extremely talented and I really liked his voice. He even stuck around to hear my set, which opened up the second half.
During intermission, I sat by myself behind the big curtain, sitting at the piano, praying that the set went well, especially conveying my emotions during 'Keep Singing' by MercyMe and my song, 'Gypsy Soul.' I was really nervous about Keep Singing because it would be the first time I accompanied myself on the piano for a larger audience. I had done something similar for my sister at her wedding last summer but this was taking it to a whole new level. Besides one bad note on the piano, the song went really well.
I got a bunch of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when I declared my life would suck without my hubby and then went into Kelly Clarkson's song with the same name. Then came 'Gypsy Soul.' I almost cried. Not quite but almost. I couldn't see beyond the first row, which was full, and I couldn't tell if people liked it or not. More about that in a bit...
It was an amazing experience though and one I would take with me for the rest of my life. That song was inspired and I really haven't been able to write anything since. Maybe this summer I should try. I don't know. :)
My next song was 'Bringing it all back home' by Luba. I love this song. I love singing it and getting into the emotion of it. I loved performing every note. By the end of it, I couldn't believe I had one song left and it would be over for another year. The set went by so fast!
It wouldn't be a "Paula set" if I didn't sing a Suzie McNeil number. This year I chose 'Supergirl.' I had wore jeans and a buttoned up jean jacket with a very special t-shirt underneath. The plan was to go to the back of the stage, turn my back and take off the jacket and THEN start singing.
What did I do??? I cued the band before I started taking off the jacket and of course I had to sing and take it off at the same time. AND of course, the buttons stuck! Ugh! But it worked and when it came time to sing the chorus, I turned around to reveal my Supergirl t-shirt. So corny. So much fun!
And then it was over. Just like that.
I spent the rest of the concert in the audience with my family. The best moment was the last song when my soon-to-be 7 great-niece and 12 year old great-niece got all excited about the song. The 12 year old exclaimed "this song is EPIC!" *LOL* Epic. I love it. And they knew every single word. It was so cute.
Once the show was over, someone came up to me and told me how much they loved 'Gypsy Soul.' It was a girl from the front row. And as I thanked her, she got all choked up and walked away.
It was one of the best gifts someone has ever given me.
Now I know why song writers write.
Friday, June 25, 2010
In the News! *LOL*
Well...I got my 15 seconds of fame! I officially made it into the Sherwood Park News! If it's in print, it must be true! ;)
I was at our final dress rehearsal yesterday at Festival Place. There were copies of this week's Sherwood Park News in the entrance way of the theatre. Low and behold, the showcase was a story in the paper along with a (very) small billing of my set.
You can see the article on page 30 or on their website:
Students showcase talent at Festival Place
I was at our final dress rehearsal yesterday at Festival Place. There were copies of this week's Sherwood Park News in the entrance way of the theatre. Low and behold, the showcase was a story in the paper along with a (very) small billing of my set.
You can see the article on page 30 or on their website:
Students showcase talent at Festival Place
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Very Vocal Preview! Interview with Martin Kerr
I was lucky enough to sit down with Martin Kerr, guest performer at this year's Very Vocal Showcase 2010, to talk about his life, music and upcoming performance at the showcase. Martin was a very gracious host and has lead a fascinating life following his passion for music.
Along with the interview below, check out a sneak peek of Martin and his music!
Paula: How long have you been playing and singing?
Martin: I can't remember a time when I wasn't singing. I started playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13.
P: Have you had any formal training?
M: I've had a bit of formal training but I've never really enjoyed it.
P: What are your biggest musical influences?
M: I've always loved singer-song writers; anything where the lyric and melody are front and center. My favorite artists growing up were Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon. Later on people like Radio Head, Smashing Pumpkins and Jeff Buckley.
P: What has been the biggest surprise about the music industry?
M: Discovering that it really is possible to make a living in the music industry. That's what I've been doing. Growing up, anyone I told I wanted to be a professional musician would say I would have to have a Plan B and maybe you can do that in your spare time; I would need a real job to pay the bills until you get your big break.
It seems to be the only business where you have to have a big break. If you say you want to work in IT (Information Technology), nobody says you need a real job until you become "Bill Gates." It's the only business in which success seems to be only the top 1% of people and if you are just making a living, its not success. But I think it is; making a living doing what you love.
P: Have you been able to make a living?
M: Yes. Like any small business, it takes a year or two to get off the ground. I'm through that hump and things are going well.
P: You were on Canadian Idol. Can you talk about that experience was like?
M: There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes you don't see on TV. There is a whole prequel to the show that goes on to get from the 10,000 that show up for the auditions to the 1,000 they have time to film for the auditions you see. Basically, they file you into a room five at a time to sing in front of producers of the show who make the initial cuts. So the bit where they walk in seemingly off the streets in front of the judges doesn't happen until a couple days into the process.
P: What was the best part about being involved in the show?
M: By far, getting to meet, perform with and jam with really talented and lovely people from all over Canada.
P: Did the show help you with your career?
M: I think so. It's definitely a foot in the door to say you've sang in front of 2 million people on television.
P: You've recorded a couple of albums. Can you tell me a bit about the recording process?
M: The first one I did was when I was 14 and its out of print now. That was a great experience to make my own album at a time when not everyone had their own CD. It was pretty cool. That was a great experience to cut my teeth in the recording industry.
Later, when I went to record an album of my own songs, I was living in China. I had a friend who had a little bedroom studio in Hong Kong. We put down an album and it actually did really well as an independent.
P: Sounds like you've been all over the world. Where have you performed?
M: I really started taking music seriously as my career when I moved to Canada. Before that, I was travelling mostly around China as well as Central America and South Pacific. I went to New Zeland, Samoa and around the US and Europe; Northern Africa, India. I've been to 30 countries so far.
P: How has the music from those countries influenced your work?
M: Philosophically, seeing the world challenges you and challenges your prejudices. I was lucky to be brought up believing I was a world citizen and the world is my home. You get to see there are good people in every place. I think what it taught me is you need very little to survive. A lot of our fear about your career and about success and survival are based on the assumptions we need a lot more than we do.
P: You did a children's album. Can you tell me about that project?
M: I was working in a Montessori school in Beijing. Some friends of mine had built this school and they wanted me as a teacher. My traveling and reading of the Baha'i faith, I came to believe that influencing and guiding children as they grow up is a very powerful way to improve the world. With the school and reading Maria Montessori books - she has amazing ideas on revolutionizing education.
They asked me to write and record a whole album of children's songs based on character development and the virtues of human character like kindness and helpfulness. I got together with another writer remotely. He would write some; I would write some and we would edit them a bit. I flew out to Beijing to record the tunes. It is being used in schools all over China for their moral education curriculum.
P: What kinds of projects are you currently working on?
M: I'm in the midst of writing a new album. I'm collaborating with some new musicians.
P: How do you get inspirations for your song writing?
M: I'm still learning the discipline of channeling the inspiration when I find it. When I have a powerful idea or feeling, the first thing I want to do is write a song about it. I'm not sure I have an exact method to share. Being ready and available for the feeling is the trick.
P: Do you have any hints or tricks for the young musicians performing at Very Vocal Showcase 2010?
M: The most obvious thing for me is to focus on what you love. Choose songs that you love. If you do that, you won't notice the hours you spend practicing and improving. Take every opportunity to perform. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't feel nervous but you learn to cope with it.
P: Where can people find out more about you and your music?
M: Visit my website at http://www.martinkerr.com/. I'm also on Facebook and MySpace. The website has a newsletter you can sign up for as well.
P: Thank you for sitting down with me!
M: You're welcome!
Along with the interview below, check out a sneak peek of Martin and his music!
Paula: How long have you been playing and singing?
Martin: I can't remember a time when I wasn't singing. I started playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13.
P: Have you had any formal training?
M: I've had a bit of formal training but I've never really enjoyed it.
P: What are your biggest musical influences?
M: I've always loved singer-song writers; anything where the lyric and melody are front and center. My favorite artists growing up were Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon. Later on people like Radio Head, Smashing Pumpkins and Jeff Buckley.
P: What has been the biggest surprise about the music industry?
M: Discovering that it really is possible to make a living in the music industry. That's what I've been doing. Growing up, anyone I told I wanted to be a professional musician would say I would have to have a Plan B and maybe you can do that in your spare time; I would need a real job to pay the bills until you get your big break.
It seems to be the only business where you have to have a big break. If you say you want to work in IT (Information Technology), nobody says you need a real job until you become "Bill Gates." It's the only business in which success seems to be only the top 1% of people and if you are just making a living, its not success. But I think it is; making a living doing what you love.
P: Have you been able to make a living?
M: Yes. Like any small business, it takes a year or two to get off the ground. I'm through that hump and things are going well.
P: You were on Canadian Idol. Can you talk about that experience was like?
M: There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes you don't see on TV. There is a whole prequel to the show that goes on to get from the 10,000 that show up for the auditions to the 1,000 they have time to film for the auditions you see. Basically, they file you into a room five at a time to sing in front of producers of the show who make the initial cuts. So the bit where they walk in seemingly off the streets in front of the judges doesn't happen until a couple days into the process.
P: What was the best part about being involved in the show?
M: By far, getting to meet, perform with and jam with really talented and lovely people from all over Canada.
P: Did the show help you with your career?
M: I think so. It's definitely a foot in the door to say you've sang in front of 2 million people on television.
P: You've recorded a couple of albums. Can you tell me a bit about the recording process?
M: The first one I did was when I was 14 and its out of print now. That was a great experience to make my own album at a time when not everyone had their own CD. It was pretty cool. That was a great experience to cut my teeth in the recording industry.
Later, when I went to record an album of my own songs, I was living in China. I had a friend who had a little bedroom studio in Hong Kong. We put down an album and it actually did really well as an independent.
P: Sounds like you've been all over the world. Where have you performed?
M: I really started taking music seriously as my career when I moved to Canada. Before that, I was travelling mostly around China as well as Central America and South Pacific. I went to New Zeland, Samoa and around the US and Europe; Northern Africa, India. I've been to 30 countries so far.
P: How has the music from those countries influenced your work?
M: Philosophically, seeing the world challenges you and challenges your prejudices. I was lucky to be brought up believing I was a world citizen and the world is my home. You get to see there are good people in every place. I think what it taught me is you need very little to survive. A lot of our fear about your career and about success and survival are based on the assumptions we need a lot more than we do.
P: You did a children's album. Can you tell me about that project?
M: I was working in a Montessori school in Beijing. Some friends of mine had built this school and they wanted me as a teacher. My traveling and reading of the Baha'i faith, I came to believe that influencing and guiding children as they grow up is a very powerful way to improve the world. With the school and reading Maria Montessori books - she has amazing ideas on revolutionizing education.
They asked me to write and record a whole album of children's songs based on character development and the virtues of human character like kindness and helpfulness. I got together with another writer remotely. He would write some; I would write some and we would edit them a bit. I flew out to Beijing to record the tunes. It is being used in schools all over China for their moral education curriculum.
P: What kinds of projects are you currently working on?
M: I'm in the midst of writing a new album. I'm collaborating with some new musicians.
P: How do you get inspirations for your song writing?
M: I'm still learning the discipline of channeling the inspiration when I find it. When I have a powerful idea or feeling, the first thing I want to do is write a song about it. I'm not sure I have an exact method to share. Being ready and available for the feeling is the trick.
P: Do you have any hints or tricks for the young musicians performing at Very Vocal Showcase 2010?
M: The most obvious thing for me is to focus on what you love. Choose songs that you love. If you do that, you won't notice the hours you spend practicing and improving. Take every opportunity to perform. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't feel nervous but you learn to cope with it.
P: Where can people find out more about you and your music?
M: Visit my website at http://www.martinkerr.com/. I'm also on Facebook and MySpace. The website has a newsletter you can sign up for as well.
P: Thank you for sitting down with me!
M: You're welcome!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Recording is IN! Whoo Hoo!
I went to for my regular voice lessons tonight. While I was there, a nice surprise was waiting for me! The recordings from my session earlier this month!. They weren't supposed to be done until the end of June but lo and behold, Kate had them ready for me!
I confess that I couldn't wait for my lesson to end, get to my car and pop in the CD for the drive home. I was so curious to hear how they turned out.
And, I have to admit, I'm pretty happy with the result. We did only 3 takes for each song and for "Broken and Beautiful" and "Life Goes On", we recorded a couple of lines.
I really have a lot of respect for the original artists after going through this whole process. Check out their websites! They are fantastic!
Kelly Clarkson (check out the open mic app! Very cool! ): http://kellyclarkson.com/
Suzie McNeil (support our Canadian girl!): http://www.suziemcneil.ca/
LeAnn Rimes (new album coming out!): http://www.leannrimesworld.com/
My favorite recording is "My Life Would Suck Without You."
So...here they are! Let me know what you think!
My Life Would Suck without You - Kelly Clarkson
Broken and Beautiful - Suzie McNeil
Life Goes On - LeAnn Rimes
I confess that I couldn't wait for my lesson to end, get to my car and pop in the CD for the drive home. I was so curious to hear how they turned out.
And, I have to admit, I'm pretty happy with the result. We did only 3 takes for each song and for "Broken and Beautiful" and "Life Goes On", we recorded a couple of lines.
I really have a lot of respect for the original artists after going through this whole process. Check out their websites! They are fantastic!
Kelly Clarkson (check out the open mic app! Very cool! ): http://kellyclarkson.com/
Suzie McNeil (support our Canadian girl!): http://www.suziemcneil.ca/
LeAnn Rimes (new album coming out!): http://www.leannrimesworld.com/
My favorite recording is "My Life Would Suck Without You."
So...here they are! Let me know what you think!
My Life Would Suck without You - Kelly Clarkson
Broken and Beautiful - Suzie McNeil
Life Goes On - LeAnn Rimes
Saturday, May 29, 2010
American Idol Experience!
The end of this season's American Idol has brought back my own "Idol" experience. Well, sort of! :)In November 2009, we traveled to Orlando, Florida with friends for a vacation. Hollywood Studios is home to the "American Idol Experience" attraction. It was pretty cool walking up to the building with the large television screens displaying then current Idol winner, Kris Allen. We decided to go in and take in the show.
The stage was pretty incredible. It was a mini-replica of the actual Idol stage complete with lighting and the American Idol anthem. All the familiar elements were represented: Ryan Seacrest was "there" via a video, there was an Idol host and a panel of three judges. It was pretty hilarious how one of them took on the "Simon" role of "mean" judge.
Three contestants came out and performed, were judged and then the audience was allowed to vote electronically with a voting pad built into the chairs. It was pretty cool actually. The winner got to perform at the finale performance that evening for a shot at a front of the line audition for the actual show.
Pretty cool concept. We sat there after the show and my husband and friends turned to me and encouraged me to audition.
I was pretty scared actually. I really hadn't thought of singing and my mind went blank on what I could sing but with a little, well a lot of, prodding, my husband and I took the walk down to the audition area.
Audition 1First off, I had to audition with one of the staff members. Dennis was allowed to hang out with me and actually go with me into the audition. My mind was racing; what do I sing? Would you believe that the only song that came to mind was "Amazing Grace"? Ugh.
I was then asked a few questions about my singing background and asked to try a couple of songs on the list. When I said I was on the worship team, I was asked what my favorite worship band and song was. My mind went BLANK. Gosh, I'd be bad at the real thing! And I had just sang "Word of God Speak" not that long ago.
Lesson: always be prepared! UGH.
Somehow, I made it to the next audition. I was asked what song I would like to sing. To my joy, "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" was on the list! To my dismay, it was taken by someone in an earlier show. UGH again!
Preparing for Audition 2!I was then taken to a side area, not so subtly decorated by Coca-Cola and given a song list and headphones with background tracks. I had to choose two songs for the next audition. There wasn't a lot of choices left and I opted for Madonna's "Cherish" and Bob Segar's "Old Time Rock n Roll." I hadn't sang Madonna in forever and I knew it wasn't great but I was pretty comfortable with the Segar tune.
Moment of Truth! Audition 2!This audition was with one of the main producers of the attraction's show. I was told this was pretty big as only about 5% of people who audition make it to audition with him. As I figured, the Madonna tune didn't go very well, but I kicked butt with "Old Time Rock n' Roll". And guess what! I got a Golden Ticket!
Show Time!I didn't get to see much of Hollywood Studios that day. I had to be back for rehearsal and walk through of how the show was going to go. I then met with a vocal coach to help with performance and get some vocal tips. And then it was off to hair and makeup!
Performing on that stage was really fun and amazingly cool. It is quite the experience being on stage with Idol lights, cameras and backdrop. I can get a VERY small glimpse of the pressure anyone who tries out for these shows would be under.
So how did it go?
Well, I think I sang the song as best I could and I was pretty happy with how things went. Judging was HILARIOUS! The "mean judge" actually said I had the wrong song choice. I almost laughed out loud! If I could have, I would have picked a totally different song.
I didn't win. But the best moment happened when I was standing outside the theatre. This little girl, probably 8 years hold, comes running up to me and says "I voted for you! Our whole family did! We think you're great!"
Out of the mouths of babes. So cute. The whole experience was so much fun. And thanks to our best friends, we got it all on video for me to relive!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Very Vocal Recording Session 2010
Last weekend, I went to Very Vocal Music Studios to get some experience recording. I was pretty happy that “My Life Would Suck Without You” won my blog pole for the song I should record. My goal this year has been to stretch and challenge my vocal ability. This is one song that I’ve been working on hard to master. Despite struggling with an ongoing sore throat, I was ecstatic with how the song turned out at the recording session. We did a couple of takes and I can’t wait to hear the finished product once it’s mixed and back to me, which should be at the end of June.
We also had some time to do two other recordings. Unfortunately, with the troubles plaguing my throat lately, I thought that Melissa Ethridge’s “Only One” might be a little too hard on my voice and I want to be on top form for June 25th! Instead, I opted for Suzie McNeil’s “Broken and Beautiful” and Leann Rimes’s “Life Goes On.” I had to do a few more takes for these but I’m pretty pleased with the how things went overall and I think the mix will be fantastic.
I did setup my camcorder to record the session. However, we weren’t able (read, I totally forgot about the problem with hearing the music. Silly girl!) to hook up to the mixer and was only able to capture the vocal in the video. However, with some tricky video editing, I was able to insert the background track afterwards. It isn’t perfect – probably a nano-second lag time – but it’s darn close and I think sounds pretty good.
****SPOLIER ALERT!***
So check it out! If you do, you’ll get a sneak preview of one of my performance songs at the Very Vocal Showcase 2010 on June 25th!
We also had some time to do two other recordings. Unfortunately, with the troubles plaguing my throat lately, I thought that Melissa Ethridge’s “Only One” might be a little too hard on my voice and I want to be on top form for June 25th! Instead, I opted for Suzie McNeil’s “Broken and Beautiful” and Leann Rimes’s “Life Goes On.” I had to do a few more takes for these but I’m pretty pleased with the how things went overall and I think the mix will be fantastic.
I did setup my camcorder to record the session. However, we weren’t able (read, I totally forgot about the problem with hearing the music. Silly girl!) to hook up to the mixer and was only able to capture the vocal in the video. However, with some tricky video editing, I was able to insert the background track afterwards. It isn’t perfect – probably a nano-second lag time – but it’s darn close and I think sounds pretty good.
****SPOLIER ALERT!***
So check it out! If you do, you’ll get a sneak preview of one of my performance songs at the Very Vocal Showcase 2010 on June 25th!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Very Vocal Showcase 2010: Interview with Katelyn Borle
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Katelyn Borle to talk about singing and her upcoming performance at the Very Vocal Showcase 2010.
Paula: How long have you been singing?
Katelyn: I’ve been with Very Vocal for four years but I’ve been singing a lot longer than that.
P: Why do you sing?
K: It’s a great way to express myself. It’s just fun!
P: What kind of music do you like to sing?
K: More pop-rock
P: What are your musical influences?
K: I’ve recently started listening to band called Paramor. They are quite entertaining.
P: What is it like taking lessons with Kate at Very Vocal Music Studios?
K: It’s fun.
P: How long have you be performing at the showcase?
K:This is my 3rd year.
P: What do you get from performing at the showcase?
K: Lots of experience. Singing with a band is difficult.
P: What is the difference between singing in your lessons and singing for the show?
K: It’s a lot harder. You have to really know the lyrics completely. I can hear myself more and how I sound.
P: Can people expect to from you at the show?
K: Very different songs from last year. I used to singing younger songs. I’m singing songs that are more my age this year.
Check out Katelyn at rehearsal preparing for Very Vocal Showcase 2010!
Paula: How long have you been singing?
Katelyn: I’ve been with Very Vocal for four years but I’ve been singing a lot longer than that.
P: Why do you sing?
K: It’s a great way to express myself. It’s just fun!
P: What kind of music do you like to sing?
K: More pop-rock
P: What are your musical influences?
K: I’ve recently started listening to band called Paramor. They are quite entertaining.
P: What is it like taking lessons with Kate at Very Vocal Music Studios?
K: It’s fun.
P: How long have you be performing at the showcase?
K:This is my 3rd year.
P: What do you get from performing at the showcase?
K: Lots of experience. Singing with a band is difficult.
P: What is the difference between singing in your lessons and singing for the show?
K: It’s a lot harder. You have to really know the lyrics completely. I can hear myself more and how I sound.
P: Can people expect to from you at the show?
K: Very different songs from last year. I used to singing younger songs. I’m singing songs that are more my age this year.
Check out Katelyn at rehearsal preparing for Very Vocal Showcase 2010!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Eye on Idol: Results are in; Bye Bye Simon :(
Just finished watching yesterday's performance and tonight's results show. My favorite Idol blogger, Lyndsey Parker, is pretty upset with the final result.
All in all, I'm not that upset with the results. Don't get me wrong - I think Crystal is fantastic and I'll probably run out and get her album when it will definitely be released. Again, I think this is better for Crystal in the long run. Hopefully she will will be allowed to record her kind of album.
Winner aside, I was surprisingly emotional tonight. I really think this is an end of an era with the departure of Simon Cowell. Tonight was really more about Simon than the contestants, which is really too bad for the final two. I actually got a little choked up more than once while watching the who.
American Idol has been a part of my little family from the day my husband and I started dating. My hubby tuned me into this show at the 2nd season and it's been a bonding experience listening, judging and caring about these contestants. Sure, Idol is signed on for a 10th season but I will be really surprised if it goes much past season 10.
Okay, we will still have "Survivor" and "So You Think You Can Dance" to sit and debate and bond while being at home judges. But Idol was the leader in talent competition TV shows. It set the standard.
Tonight had some really cool moments. Hall and Oats were really fantastic where Barry Gibb and Chicago were horrible. I was praying they still sounded good, although we were disappointed that they didn't sing "Private Eyes." It was cool seeing Casey and Bret Michaels on stage. My boy Kris Allen sounded great and reminded us why he won - he comes across authentic and genuine.
And Carrie Underwood looked and sounded fantastic. I really wish I could sing like that one day!
Lyndsey Parker writes that the judges and producers were pushing Lee all the way to the top. Maybe that's true. I'd like to think that the winner is who America wanted.
Check out her thoughts on her latest blog post to find out more on her take on this season's results.
Goodbye Season 9. Goodbye to Simon Cowell. It's been a fun ride!
All in all, I'm not that upset with the results. Don't get me wrong - I think Crystal is fantastic and I'll probably run out and get her album when it will definitely be released. Again, I think this is better for Crystal in the long run. Hopefully she will will be allowed to record her kind of album.
Winner aside, I was surprisingly emotional tonight. I really think this is an end of an era with the departure of Simon Cowell. Tonight was really more about Simon than the contestants, which is really too bad for the final two. I actually got a little choked up more than once while watching the who.
American Idol has been a part of my little family from the day my husband and I started dating. My hubby tuned me into this show at the 2nd season and it's been a bonding experience listening, judging and caring about these contestants. Sure, Idol is signed on for a 10th season but I will be really surprised if it goes much past season 10.
Okay, we will still have "Survivor" and "So You Think You Can Dance" to sit and debate and bond while being at home judges. But Idol was the leader in talent competition TV shows. It set the standard.
Tonight had some really cool moments. Hall and Oats were really fantastic where Barry Gibb and Chicago were horrible. I was praying they still sounded good, although we were disappointed that they didn't sing "Private Eyes." It was cool seeing Casey and Bret Michaels on stage. My boy Kris Allen sounded great and reminded us why he won - he comes across authentic and genuine.
And Carrie Underwood looked and sounded fantastic. I really wish I could sing like that one day!
Lyndsey Parker writes that the judges and producers were pushing Lee all the way to the top. Maybe that's true. I'd like to think that the winner is who America wanted.
Check out her thoughts on her latest blog post to find out more on her take on this season's results.
Goodbye Season 9. Goodbye to Simon Cowell. It's been a fun ride!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Eye on Idol: Is American Idol broken?
My favorite American Idol blogger, Lyndsey Parker, wrote a post today about this year’s American Idol saying it was arguably the worst season ever. Personally, I think that is a little harsh but there is definitely some room for improvement.
Then again maybe, just maybe, the show has had its run. I’m not sure. Here are some of the things that Lyndsey had to say that I found interesting:
Get rid of Ellen DeGeneres – You know, I was pretty much against Ellen when it was first announced and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. I had seen her on one of our other favorite shows “So You Think You Can Dance” and I was completely annoyed by her constant jokes. I was afraid she would do the same thing on Idol but it hasn’t turned out that way. I do agree that someone with more music knowledge and industry experience should be sitting in that chair.
Tell Kara DioGuardi to chill out – I’m probably one of the few people who watch the show that actually likes Kara. I have heard some of her song writing and been pretty impressed, last year’s “winning” song aside. “Believe” by Suzie McNeil is a fantastic song and Danny Gokey’s “I still believe” were all penned by Kara. I think she has a lot to offer.
Bring back the Wild Card – I love this suggestion. Like Lyndsey, I think this would correct some of the wrong choices early in the game.
Change the elimination process – This is the best suggestion by far. I’ve always loved how “So You Think You Can Dance” utilizes the judges in the elimination process up until a certain point in the competition. The bottom two or three are chosen by the public, and get one last chance to perform before the judges decide who goes home. Arguably, the judges are supposed to be industry experts and they are experts for a reason. Rock Star:INXS had this system and it worked.
Tonight we hear the top two sing for the chance to be the next American Idol. “Worst season” or not, I think American got the top two right. It will be interesting to see who is crowned the winner tomorrow night!
Check out Lyndsey’s other suggestions on her blog “Reality Rocks.”
Then again maybe, just maybe, the show has had its run. I’m not sure. Here are some of the things that Lyndsey had to say that I found interesting:
Get rid of Ellen DeGeneres – You know, I was pretty much against Ellen when it was first announced and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. I had seen her on one of our other favorite shows “So You Think You Can Dance” and I was completely annoyed by her constant jokes. I was afraid she would do the same thing on Idol but it hasn’t turned out that way. I do agree that someone with more music knowledge and industry experience should be sitting in that chair.
Tell Kara DioGuardi to chill out – I’m probably one of the few people who watch the show that actually likes Kara. I have heard some of her song writing and been pretty impressed, last year’s “winning” song aside. “Believe” by Suzie McNeil is a fantastic song and Danny Gokey’s “I still believe” were all penned by Kara. I think she has a lot to offer.
Bring back the Wild Card – I love this suggestion. Like Lyndsey, I think this would correct some of the wrong choices early in the game.
Change the elimination process – This is the best suggestion by far. I’ve always loved how “So You Think You Can Dance” utilizes the judges in the elimination process up until a certain point in the competition. The bottom two or three are chosen by the public, and get one last chance to perform before the judges decide who goes home. Arguably, the judges are supposed to be industry experts and they are experts for a reason. Rock Star:INXS had this system and it worked.
Tonight we hear the top two sing for the chance to be the next American Idol. “Worst season” or not, I think American got the top two right. It will be interesting to see who is crowned the winner tomorrow night!
Check out Lyndsey’s other suggestions on her blog “Reality Rocks.”
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Survey Says: Recording Day!
Thank you to everyone who answered my survey on what song I should sing. The most popular song was "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson. I'm really excited about laying down the vocals!
Today is the big day!
I'm spending about an hour laying down a couple of tracks at Very Vocal Music Studios. I'm hoping to get two songs recorded; three if I'm lucky. Unfortunately, I'm still struggling with a bit of a rough voice and singing a Melissa Ethridge tune is going to be a bit too straining. I suspect it is allergies. Hopefully, this will be on my list for next year.
As a result, I'm probably going to try LeAnn Rimes's "Life Goes On" and of course, I'm going to attempt a Suzie McNeil song and try "Broken and Beautiful."
Here's hoping my voice cooperates! I'll let you know how it goes!
Today is the big day!
I'm spending about an hour laying down a couple of tracks at Very Vocal Music Studios. I'm hoping to get two songs recorded; three if I'm lucky. Unfortunately, I'm still struggling with a bit of a rough voice and singing a Melissa Ethridge tune is going to be a bit too straining. I suspect it is allergies. Hopefully, this will be on my list for next year.
As a result, I'm probably going to try LeAnn Rimes's "Life Goes On" and of course, I'm going to attempt a Suzie McNeil song and try "Broken and Beautiful."
Here's hoping my voice cooperates! I'll let you know how it goes!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Ups and downs of following the charts
This is my third week since I submitted "Gypsy Soul" to the OurStage.com charts. It's been an interesting time letting people hear a song that is very dear to my heart.
I've seen the song rise to as high as #3 on the Country Chart and sink as low as #85. The Lilith Fair contest hasn't been quite as successful. I think my best showing was #33. As I write this, #77 and #49 respectively.
I have a new found respect for artists who write put their heart into a song for the world to listen and appreciate. It's not easy letting something you created and hold dear go to be whatever it's supposed to be. But it's still so very worthwhile.
Life is way too short not to put yourself out there and share what you have to give to the world.
If you are interested in seeing how "Gypsy Soul" is doing, visit my page on Ourstage.com.
Once there, stay awhile and listen to some talented people. There is some pretty cool music out there just waiting to be heard.
I've seen the song rise to as high as #3 on the Country Chart and sink as low as #85. The Lilith Fair contest hasn't been quite as successful. I think my best showing was #33. As I write this, #77 and #49 respectively.
I have a new found respect for artists who write put their heart into a song for the world to listen and appreciate. It's not easy letting something you created and hold dear go to be whatever it's supposed to be. But it's still so very worthwhile.
Life is way too short not to put yourself out there and share what you have to give to the world.
If you are interested in seeing how "Gypsy Soul" is doing, visit my page on Ourstage.com.
Once there, stay awhile and listen to some talented people. There is some pretty cool music out there just waiting to be heard.
Friday, May 21, 2010
American Idol minus Simon equals The End?
With the season finale of "American Idol" next week, there is a lot of buzz on what is going to happen with the show after Simon Cowell’s departure. I had a small heart attack reading Lyndsey Parker’s blog post on the subject.
Lyndsey provided her list of who should take over Simon’s spot. My heart dropped when I saw Kanye West on that list. Just this morning, I was listening to the radio trying to get my butt out of bed to face a dreary, rainy day and some horrible song by Kanye was playing. I wish his 15 minutes of fame was up. It was terrible. The only Kanye West song on my iPod is “Heartless” and it is sung by Kris Allen.
I did laugh out loud at her comments on how great it would be:
“And then on finale night, he could bumrush the stage during the winner's speech and demand a recount. Come on, you know it'd be awesome--as long as Kanye is never allowed to actually SING on the show ever again.”
PHEW! It was a JOKE. Thankgoodness! I'd never watch Idol again! I do agree with Lyndsey that Idol's seasons are numbered.
Not so coincidentally, Simon was on "Oprah" yesterday as well. He made a comment on the speculation who the new “mean” judge will be on American Idol. I really was impressed about his point of view. Idol has become more about the judges than the contestants. He stated that whoever fills the spot should have solid credentials and know the music business. It’s about spotting talent and Idol needs to get back to that.
Being biased with Canadian talent, I could see a Mutt Lange, David Foster or even a talent agent like Bruce Allen filling those shoes. It has to be someone who knows the business well.
I don’t really watch "Oprah" but I wish I had of seen this episode. With all the hype and the Idol persona, Simon seems honest, sincere and actually down to earth. I’m even interested to see his new show "X Factor" when it airs, although I’m not really sure how different it will be from “America’s Got Talent.” I’m thrilled at the removal of the age restriction on the top end of the scale.
Check out the write up on Oprah.com
Lyndsey provided her list of who should take over Simon’s spot. My heart dropped when I saw Kanye West on that list. Just this morning, I was listening to the radio trying to get my butt out of bed to face a dreary, rainy day and some horrible song by Kanye was playing. I wish his 15 minutes of fame was up. It was terrible. The only Kanye West song on my iPod is “Heartless” and it is sung by Kris Allen.
I did laugh out loud at her comments on how great it would be:
“And then on finale night, he could bumrush the stage during the winner's speech and demand a recount. Come on, you know it'd be awesome--as long as Kanye is never allowed to actually SING on the show ever again.”
PHEW! It was a JOKE. Thankgoodness! I'd never watch Idol again! I do agree with Lyndsey that Idol's seasons are numbered.
Not so coincidentally, Simon was on "Oprah" yesterday as well. He made a comment on the speculation who the new “mean” judge will be on American Idol. I really was impressed about his point of view. Idol has become more about the judges than the contestants. He stated that whoever fills the spot should have solid credentials and know the music business. It’s about spotting talent and Idol needs to get back to that.
Being biased with Canadian talent, I could see a Mutt Lange, David Foster or even a talent agent like Bruce Allen filling those shoes. It has to be someone who knows the business well.
I don’t really watch "Oprah" but I wish I had of seen this episode. With all the hype and the Idol persona, Simon seems honest, sincere and actually down to earth. I’m even interested to see his new show "X Factor" when it airs, although I’m not really sure how different it will be from “America’s Got Talent.” I’m thrilled at the removal of the age restriction on the top end of the scale.
Check out the write up on Oprah.com
Suzie McNeil: I finally have Live Acoustic.
The "Suzie McNeil" theme this week continues for another blog entry. I have been waiting to get my hands on the the latest CD, "Live Acoustic" for a while now. I preordered the CD and I was waiting for it to arrive in my mailbox.
I came home from night class last night to find it waiting for me. I quickly loaded it onto my iPod. I always have my iPod playing at work and today will be a treat of listening to the album.
So far, I'm not disappointed. Suzie is one of those artists that sounds just as good live as she does in the recording studio. It was recorded during her tour with my other favorite artist, Colin James. My husband and I took in the show when it was in Edmonton. I couldn't resist my concert "dream team."
I'm always interested in how artists mix and change things up in songs and live albums are great for providing tracks like these. The album has a great version of my favorites "Believe" and a very cool acoustic version of "Supergirl."
Fans will also be treated with some of the songs she sang and was very successful with on "INXS:Rock Star." including a fantastic version of "Son of a Preacher Man" and a medley including "Bohemian Bohemian Rhapsody." There are four new bonus tracks and I can't wait to take a closer listen.
You can still get a signed copy of the latest album at Maple Music or download the tracks on iTunes. Personally, I'm a little old school when it comes to purchasing complete albums. I like having the CD in hand and reading liner notes to see who has worked on the album.
I came home from night class last night to find it waiting for me. I quickly loaded it onto my iPod. I always have my iPod playing at work and today will be a treat of listening to the album.
So far, I'm not disappointed. Suzie is one of those artists that sounds just as good live as she does in the recording studio. It was recorded during her tour with my other favorite artist, Colin James. My husband and I took in the show when it was in Edmonton. I couldn't resist my concert "dream team."
I'm always interested in how artists mix and change things up in songs and live albums are great for providing tracks like these. The album has a great version of my favorites "Believe" and a very cool acoustic version of "Supergirl."
Fans will also be treated with some of the songs she sang and was very successful with on "INXS:Rock Star." including a fantastic version of "Son of a Preacher Man" and a medley including "Bohemian Bohemian Rhapsody." There are four new bonus tracks and I can't wait to take a closer listen.
You can still get a signed copy of the latest album at Maple Music or download the tracks on iTunes. Personally, I'm a little old school when it comes to purchasing complete albums. I like having the CD in hand and reading liner notes to see who has worked on the album.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Eye on Idol: Song choice? Right choice?
Last night saw American Idol down to the final three. I've been checking out the buzz on my favorite Idol blog, Lyndsay Parker, to see what the feeling is about last night show. It seems like the feeling is the show was good but not great. Crystal was pretty strong and I will admit that I got a few goosebumps when Lee was singing "Hallelujah." But overall, the show was just okay last night.
I do have to agree with some of the things that is being said out in cyberland.
One of the issues that did strike me at last night show was the judges choice of "Daughters" by John Mayer for Casey James. The song by nature is very laid back and sleepy. It's being said that the Idol machine may have been setting Casey up to fail last night. Maybe I'm a little naive but I would hope this isn't true. Personally, I don't think so due to the fact that Simon openly criticised Randy and Kara for choosing that song for him.
But it does bring up the issue of song choice. The judges are constantly on the contestants for proper song choice.
So what makes me chose to learn a song and why I want to learn them.
I probably wasn't as deliberate in choosing songs in the past. I think I mostly chose them because they were "fun." Now, I'm trying to chose song that stretch and challenge me vocally and help me to grow. Lately, I think I've done that and I think I have some more tools in my vocal toolkit to draw upon. I find that exciting.
And I've learnt somethings along the way.
I really love Pink's music and voice. I actually brought "So What" as an option to learn for my concert. I think I sang the fist two lines and stopped, looked at Kate and said "I can't sing this." This revelation was huge for me. Does the song fit in with who I am and what I want to say? I think this is really important to take into account.
So I'm left with reserving "So What" as a song I sing into my hairbrush in the morning while I'm getting ready and admiring Pink's attitude to be able to pull off that song. I'm okay with that.
So back to Casey.
Unfortunately, picking the John Mayer song was not his choice to make and I think he'd did the best he could with what he had. Do I think it's enough? I don't think so.
Lyndsay Parker says don't count Casey out. She makes some valid arguments and she may be right. Personally, even without the John Mayer song issue, I'm hoping for a Lee/Crystal finale.
We find out tonight!
I do have to agree with some of the things that is being said out in cyberland.
One of the issues that did strike me at last night show was the judges choice of "Daughters" by John Mayer for Casey James. The song by nature is very laid back and sleepy. It's being said that the Idol machine may have been setting Casey up to fail last night. Maybe I'm a little naive but I would hope this isn't true. Personally, I don't think so due to the fact that Simon openly criticised Randy and Kara for choosing that song for him.
But it does bring up the issue of song choice. The judges are constantly on the contestants for proper song choice.
So what makes me chose to learn a song and why I want to learn them.
I probably wasn't as deliberate in choosing songs in the past. I think I mostly chose them because they were "fun." Now, I'm trying to chose song that stretch and challenge me vocally and help me to grow. Lately, I think I've done that and I think I have some more tools in my vocal toolkit to draw upon. I find that exciting.
And I've learnt somethings along the way.
I really love Pink's music and voice. I actually brought "So What" as an option to learn for my concert. I think I sang the fist two lines and stopped, looked at Kate and said "I can't sing this." This revelation was huge for me. Does the song fit in with who I am and what I want to say? I think this is really important to take into account.
So I'm left with reserving "So What" as a song I sing into my hairbrush in the morning while I'm getting ready and admiring Pink's attitude to be able to pull off that song. I'm okay with that.
So back to Casey.
Unfortunately, picking the John Mayer song was not his choice to make and I think he'd did the best he could with what he had. Do I think it's enough? I don't think so.
Lyndsay Parker says don't count Casey out. She makes some valid arguments and she may be right. Personally, even without the John Mayer song issue, I'm hoping for a Lee/Crystal finale.
We find out tonight!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Musical Inspiration Spotlight: Suzie McNeil
Suzie McNeil will be a judge in the upcoming season of “The Next Star” and will be in town during auditions in Edmonton this week. It seemed like a good time to highlight one of my favorite and biggest musical influences.
I first discovered the talent Suzie McNeil while watching the reality show “Rock Star: INXS.” “Sweet Suzie” McNeil quickly became a favorite of mine. Here was a talented girl who really had some pipes for rock n’ roll, which is still a challenge to find in the music industry. And she was a Canadian and I really believe it is important to support good, Canadian talent. This made a great combination and I was quickly sold on this talented girl from Ontario.
Unfortunately, Suzie didn’t win the show but she made such an impression on me that once the show was over, I started to look for and follow her career. I was pleased to discover that she got a record deal in Canada and her first album “Broken and Beautiful” was released.
Songs really touch my heart and her first single, “Believe” happened to do just that at a time when my family was going through a really hard time. We had just lost my mom to lung cancer 18 short months after losing my sister to a different form of the same disease. The song speaks about making it through anything if you just believe. It was an anthem I held onto with everything that I had.
A chance to sing “Believe” with Suzie!
Shortly after mom passed, Suzie had a contest for the chance to sing with her at one of her shows during her cross Canada tour. Suzie provided contestants with a karaoke of “Believe” and challenged them to video tape themselves singing the song. The video was then uploaded to YouTube and posted on Suzie’s website for voting. The top entry in each city won. I quickly jumped at the chance, working hard with Kate from Very Vocal Music Studios (insert link to website) to learn the song and submitted my entry.
To my joy, I won!
Meeting Suzie
Since meeting Suzie, I’ve had the opportunity to meet another musical idol and was really disappointed. This was not the case with Suzie. She is by far the sweetest, nicest, crazy fun person I’ve ever met. What you see, is what you get and she is truly a genuine person.
The concert was held in a small bar on the south side of Edmonton. My husband Dennis decided to make it a night and we invited our close friends and family out to enjoy the evening. I think half of the bar was our crew! I was so touched by how many people came out.
Her team treated me like gold. Both my husband and I got to go back stage with Suzie and hang out. We talked a little bit about the upcoming performance and then relaxed just getting to know her. I had brought my guitar, the same one that Colin James signed and she autographed it for me.
Performance Time!
Singing with Suzie and her band was a blast! I have a huge respect of anyone who can sing in the bar scene. It was so much fun being onstage and singing with her and she made me feel really comfortable. I’m a little disappointed in how I sounded – it was extremely hard to hear up there – and that makes me respect working singers all the more!
Belief in Believe!
Dennis and I have been to several concerts since that performance. Suzie opened for Gavin Rossdale in a club in West Edmonton Mall. We helped out her street team by handing out flyers after her performance, and we got to chat with her and to attend the show for free. She recently opened for Colin James at the Winspear. We were greeted with hugs. I continue to be impressed with how down to earth and cool Suzie is. If you ever get to see her in concert, make it a point to go.
Believe at Very Vocal Showcase 2009!
I’ve been inspired to work on songs that stretch me vocally and at last year’s showcase, I decided to take another shot at “Believe”. It was another rewarding and fun experience. I am happier with how this performance turned out!
For more information about Suzie McNeil, check out her website at:
http://www.suziemcneil.ca/
I first discovered the talent Suzie McNeil while watching the reality show “Rock Star: INXS.” “Sweet Suzie” McNeil quickly became a favorite of mine. Here was a talented girl who really had some pipes for rock n’ roll, which is still a challenge to find in the music industry. And she was a Canadian and I really believe it is important to support good, Canadian talent. This made a great combination and I was quickly sold on this talented girl from Ontario.
Unfortunately, Suzie didn’t win the show but she made such an impression on me that once the show was over, I started to look for and follow her career. I was pleased to discover that she got a record deal in Canada and her first album “Broken and Beautiful” was released.
Songs really touch my heart and her first single, “Believe” happened to do just that at a time when my family was going through a really hard time. We had just lost my mom to lung cancer 18 short months after losing my sister to a different form of the same disease. The song speaks about making it through anything if you just believe. It was an anthem I held onto with everything that I had.
A chance to sing “Believe” with Suzie!
Shortly after mom passed, Suzie had a contest for the chance to sing with her at one of her shows during her cross Canada tour. Suzie provided contestants with a karaoke of “Believe” and challenged them to video tape themselves singing the song. The video was then uploaded to YouTube and posted on Suzie’s website for voting. The top entry in each city won. I quickly jumped at the chance, working hard with Kate from Very Vocal Music Studios (insert link to website) to learn the song and submitted my entry.
To my joy, I won!
Meeting Suzie
Since meeting Suzie, I’ve had the opportunity to meet another musical idol and was really disappointed. This was not the case with Suzie. She is by far the sweetest, nicest, crazy fun person I’ve ever met. What you see, is what you get and she is truly a genuine person.
The concert was held in a small bar on the south side of Edmonton. My husband Dennis decided to make it a night and we invited our close friends and family out to enjoy the evening. I think half of the bar was our crew! I was so touched by how many people came out.
Her team treated me like gold. Both my husband and I got to go back stage with Suzie and hang out. We talked a little bit about the upcoming performance and then relaxed just getting to know her. I had brought my guitar, the same one that Colin James signed and she autographed it for me.Performance Time!
Singing with Suzie and her band was a blast! I have a huge respect of anyone who can sing in the bar scene. It was so much fun being onstage and singing with her and she made me feel really comfortable. I’m a little disappointed in how I sounded – it was extremely hard to hear up there – and that makes me respect working singers all the more!
Belief in Believe!
Dennis and I have been to several concerts since that performance. Suzie opened for Gavin Rossdale in a club in West Edmonton Mall. We helped out her street team by handing out flyers after her performance, and we got to chat with her and to attend the show for free. She recently opened for Colin James at the Winspear. We were greeted with hugs. I continue to be impressed with how down to earth and cool Suzie is. If you ever get to see her in concert, make it a point to go.
Believe at Very Vocal Showcase 2009!
I’ve been inspired to work on songs that stretch me vocally and at last year’s showcase, I decided to take another shot at “Believe”. It was another rewarding and fun experience. I am happier with how this performance turned out!
For more information about Suzie McNeil, check out her website at:
http://www.suziemcneil.ca/
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A new song to touch my heart.
This Sunday was a busy day for me musically. I was "on team" at church today playing keyboard, which means I was up and out the door shortly before 8 am. I started playing some keys about a 2 years ago, give or take a few months. Growing up, I had studied Royal Conservatory piano because it was thought that if I could play classical, I could play anything.
Boy was that wrong.
Classical piano alone doesn't teach you anything about improvisation, chording or playing by ear. I quickly found that other than my carefully memorized classical pieces, I couldn't play anything else. Later at Grant MacEwan, I had a "funky keys", or Functional Keyboard, class that opened the door to popular music but I hadn't really used it since college.
Singing on the team really opened up my world to music again. I never feel as open, vulnerable and raw as when I'm singing worship songs. It is in those moments that I feel closer to my Lord than any other and in those moments that music because more than just a hobby or an interest. I connect with the songs.
The same thing happens when I play. In some ways, it affects me even more. I get lost in the music and the words and God becomes real to me. Every feeling, fear, joy and sorrow is pulled out of me when I play and I can rejoice. It's an amazing experience.
The music we play is a far cry from the traditional hymns I grew up with and I never knew this music could exist before attending Renaissance Community Church here in Edmonton. It is also a privilege to play with some really talented musicians. I call myself a "baby musician" but I feel like I'm growing leaps and bounds every day. I really think playing has also helped with my ear and hearing the music and that's always a good thing.
One song this Sunday had a real impact on me during rehearsal. It is called "He is With You" by Cindy Morgan. I'll have to admit, when I heard the song during practice, the words didn't really hit home to me and I really didn't connect with the song. During rehearsal, with the sounds and the notes of the band enveloping me, the words really touched my heart and tears welled up making it hard to see the chords.
I love it when music does that.
It is moments like these, when I'm tired and I don't feel like getting up for rehearsal on Sunday morning, that I'm reminded how much playing and serving in this way is a gift that to cherish and share. And I am humbled.
I've included the lyrics at the bottom of today's blog but to hear the song, check out the following YouTube link:
He is With You -Lyrics:
There's a time to live and a time to die
There's a time to laugh and a time to cry
There's a time for war and a time for peace
There's a hand to hold in the worst of these. In the worst of these.
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can't even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby's gone
And your house is still and your heart’s a stone
Crying "God what'd you do that for?" He is with you
There's a time for yes and a time for no
There's a time to be angry and a time to let it go
There's a time to run and a time to face it
There's love to see you through all of this
Through all of this
He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don't know you anymore
And He is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don't know what to do
And it scares you to the core He is with you
We may weep for a time but joy will come in the morning
The morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there's too much space and you feel alone
And you’re worried if you got it right or wrong oh oh oh oh
Yes He is with you when you've given up on ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home He is with you
When nothing else is left and you take your final breath
He is with you.
He is with you
Boy was that wrong.
Classical piano alone doesn't teach you anything about improvisation, chording or playing by ear. I quickly found that other than my carefully memorized classical pieces, I couldn't play anything else. Later at Grant MacEwan, I had a "funky keys", or Functional Keyboard, class that opened the door to popular music but I hadn't really used it since college.
Singing on the team really opened up my world to music again. I never feel as open, vulnerable and raw as when I'm singing worship songs. It is in those moments that I feel closer to my Lord than any other and in those moments that music because more than just a hobby or an interest. I connect with the songs.
The same thing happens when I play. In some ways, it affects me even more. I get lost in the music and the words and God becomes real to me. Every feeling, fear, joy and sorrow is pulled out of me when I play and I can rejoice. It's an amazing experience.
The music we play is a far cry from the traditional hymns I grew up with and I never knew this music could exist before attending Renaissance Community Church here in Edmonton. It is also a privilege to play with some really talented musicians. I call myself a "baby musician" but I feel like I'm growing leaps and bounds every day. I really think playing has also helped with my ear and hearing the music and that's always a good thing.
One song this Sunday had a real impact on me during rehearsal. It is called "He is With You" by Cindy Morgan. I'll have to admit, when I heard the song during practice, the words didn't really hit home to me and I really didn't connect with the song. During rehearsal, with the sounds and the notes of the band enveloping me, the words really touched my heart and tears welled up making it hard to see the chords.
I love it when music does that.
It is moments like these, when I'm tired and I don't feel like getting up for rehearsal on Sunday morning, that I'm reminded how much playing and serving in this way is a gift that to cherish and share. And I am humbled.
I've included the lyrics at the bottom of today's blog but to hear the song, check out the following YouTube link:
He is With You -Lyrics:
There's a time to live and a time to die
There's a time to laugh and a time to cry
There's a time for war and a time for peace
There's a hand to hold in the worst of these. In the worst of these.
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can't even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby's gone
And your house is still and your heart’s a stone
Crying "God what'd you do that for?" He is with you
There's a time for yes and a time for no
There's a time to be angry and a time to let it go
There's a time to run and a time to face it
There's love to see you through all of this
Through all of this
He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don't know you anymore
And He is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don't know what to do
And it scares you to the core He is with you
We may weep for a time but joy will come in the morning
The morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there's too much space and you feel alone
And you’re worried if you got it right or wrong oh oh oh oh
Yes He is with you when you've given up on ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home He is with you
When nothing else is left and you take your final breath
He is with you.
He is with you
Friday, May 14, 2010
Our Stage: Top 6 on the Country Charts! OMG!
Discovering the Lilith Fair contest and the Our Stage website has been an interesting ride. It is just a small chart but I’m starting to get a glimmer of what it would be like to have a song go commercial and see how people enjoy what your music.
Lilith Fair Update:
This whole thing started with stumbling upon the contest to perform locally on the Lilith Fair stage. It was a “what the heck” moment to upload Gypsy Soul onto the site. Watching the song go up and down on the charts was fun. During the first weekend, my husband and I did some voting for the contest. There is some really good talent out there!
I know we could have voted strategically, voting the “best” songs the worst, but that really isn’t fair. And who wants to win like that anyway? Besides, I have too much respect for people who are out there trying to get heard. I can honestly say the songs that I really liked deserved to be on my best list. I’m really excited to see who will win!
So how has “Gypsy Soul” competed? The song went as high as 33 out of over 149 entries in the standings and I think that is amazing. I’m consistently hovering around the 75 – 89 mark.
So onto the REAL exciting stuff!
Top 3 in Country Standings? Really? Me?
This is the super cool part!
When submitting the entry for Lilith Fair, I could put my song on one of the OurStage channels. I chose the country channel as it seemed the best fit for the song.
About a week ago, I’m logging into OurStage to see how I was doing in the contest, and the page says “Currently 3 in Country.” I think I fell off my chair! Seriously? Wow.
The song has moved up and down on the charts since then. It was in the top 10 for a long time and as of this entry, is now sitting at 17 in the standings.
OurStage Country Chart – Number 6!
There are is also a Charts Listing and for the week of May 9th, “Gypsy Soul” is number 6!
Penny, my sister who inspired the song, always wanted me to do SOMETHING with it and made me promise to try after she was gone. I had always felt like I had let her down. The fact that people out there have heard the song and like it, makes it feel like Penny is close again and that is the most amazing gift from this experience.
This has been a humbling and exhilarating experience. Thanks to anyone who has voted. I cannot wait to sing this song live on June 25 at Festival Place.
If you want to see how “Gypsy Soul” is doing, check out my OurStage page at:
http://www.ourstage.com/tracks/KKOXKIMYTQIF-gypsy-soul
Lilith Fair Update:
This whole thing started with stumbling upon the contest to perform locally on the Lilith Fair stage. It was a “what the heck” moment to upload Gypsy Soul onto the site. Watching the song go up and down on the charts was fun. During the first weekend, my husband and I did some voting for the contest. There is some really good talent out there!
I know we could have voted strategically, voting the “best” songs the worst, but that really isn’t fair. And who wants to win like that anyway? Besides, I have too much respect for people who are out there trying to get heard. I can honestly say the songs that I really liked deserved to be on my best list. I’m really excited to see who will win!
So how has “Gypsy Soul” competed? The song went as high as 33 out of over 149 entries in the standings and I think that is amazing. I’m consistently hovering around the 75 – 89 mark.
So onto the REAL exciting stuff!
Top 3 in Country Standings? Really? Me?This is the super cool part!
When submitting the entry for Lilith Fair, I could put my song on one of the OurStage channels. I chose the country channel as it seemed the best fit for the song.
About a week ago, I’m logging into OurStage to see how I was doing in the contest, and the page says “Currently 3 in Country.” I think I fell off my chair! Seriously? Wow.
The song has moved up and down on the charts since then. It was in the top 10 for a long time and as of this entry, is now sitting at 17 in the standings.
OurStage Country Chart – Number 6!There are is also a Charts Listing and for the week of May 9th, “Gypsy Soul” is number 6!
Penny, my sister who inspired the song, always wanted me to do SOMETHING with it and made me promise to try after she was gone. I had always felt like I had let her down. The fact that people out there have heard the song and like it, makes it feel like Penny is close again and that is the most amazing gift from this experience.
This has been a humbling and exhilarating experience. Thanks to anyone who has voted. I cannot wait to sing this song live on June 25 at Festival Place.
If you want to see how “Gypsy Soul” is doing, check out my OurStage page at:
http://www.ourstage.com/tracks/KKOXKIMYTQIF-gypsy-soul
Thursday, May 13, 2010
AI: Songs of the Cinema. I want to hear from you! What songs should have been sang?
After watching the Tuesday performances and the result show last night, I thought I would do some quick investigation on the song choices the contestants had for this week’s show. I had thought some of the choices were odd and it left me wondering what I would choose.
I found the list of available songs on another American Idol blog, which apparently was posted on iTunes. I tried to locate the list myself and found out it is content not available to the Canadian store, which I don’t really understand. I haven’t been able to find one of these songs that aren’t downloadable on iTunes here in Canada.
If this was the list the contestants were given, it explains about some of the bizarre song choices from this week. It would have been a hard choice for sure.
So given my choice, what would I have sang? Luckily, I would have had a couple of options. As much as I actually know and like “Separate Lives” by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin, I think it would have been too much of an obscure song to sing. It would have been a tossup between “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes and probably Crystal’s choice of “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins, although I doubt I could have been as cool as her. Kenny is the king of movie music after all!
Check out all the choices at:
http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-top-4-songs-of-the-cinema.htm
There is a lot of great movie music out there.
So, challenge time…let me know - what songs do you think should have been on this list?
I found the list of available songs on another American Idol blog, which apparently was posted on iTunes. I tried to locate the list myself and found out it is content not available to the Canadian store, which I don’t really understand. I haven’t been able to find one of these songs that aren’t downloadable on iTunes here in Canada.
If this was the list the contestants were given, it explains about some of the bizarre song choices from this week. It would have been a hard choice for sure.
So given my choice, what would I have sang? Luckily, I would have had a couple of options. As much as I actually know and like “Separate Lives” by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin, I think it would have been too much of an obscure song to sing. It would have been a tossup between “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes and probably Crystal’s choice of “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins, although I doubt I could have been as cool as her. Kenny is the king of movie music after all!
Check out all the choices at:
http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-top-4-songs-of-the-cinema.htm
There is a lot of great movie music out there.
So, challenge time…let me know - what songs do you think should have been on this list?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Eye on Idol: Duets!
Last night was duet night on American Idol. Unfortunately, we weren't able to take in the performances last night but thanks to the power of PVR's, we just finished watching the performances and the result.
Jamie Fox as a Mentor
I have to shamefully admit that I groaned a little when I heard Jamie Fox was a mentor this week. The last time I heard him sing on Idol, it wasn't very good. But I have to admit, he was a pretty good mentor. He spoke a lot about connecting with the meaning of the song and taking it to the next level. I mean, he REALLY gets it. I was impressed.
He also had two types of t-shirts as props; one with the word "contestant" and the other with the word "artist" written on the front of the shirt. Each person was given a shirt based on what Jamie thought of their performance. I thought it was quite a clever way of illustrating the difference between competing in a singing contest and actually becoming a legitimate artist.
Lee Dewyse
This week's theme was songs from the movies. Lee sang "Kiss from a Rose" and I have to confess that I had to look up what movie it was from. I was surprised to find out it was from Batman Forever. Jamie's advice about taking a song from the inside and projecting it out hit home for me this week. I'm trying really hard to connect to the songs I chose for my upcoming performance. I thought Lee looked out of his element and out of tune a lot of the time during this performance. I was pretty afraid that he would be going home.
Micheal Lynche
Michael happened to take on one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs "Will You Be There" and again, I had no idea it was on the Free Willy soundtrack. I thought the beginning of the song, in the lower part of his range was a little shaky but that it got better as the song went on. It's really tough to beat MJ at his best. Like Randy, I expected a more R&B style song.
Casey James
Casey sang "Mrs Robinson" from The Graduate and you just knew there were going to be references to him and Kara. All that aside, I thought the mandolin was super cool and he picked a really good song that suited his voice quality. I have to disagree with the judges who thought he didn't change it up enough; I thought he mixed it up enough but yet stayed true to the song.
Crystal Bowersox
Thank goodness! Chrystal is back! "I'm All Right" by Kenny Loggins from the movie Caddy Shack may have been an odd choice but she was amazing. Firstly, I have to say that Kenny is one of the best movie song writers from the 80's, so it's only fitting someone do one of his songs! The Top Gun soundtrack alone is amazing! She totally made this her own and even made it better. That's tough for me to say because I REALLY love Loggin's version of this song. She better win this thing is all I have to say!
On thing though - what was up with her boyfriend's pants? I have to give props to my husband for pointing them out before Ryan Secrest did. We actually had to rewind the PVR. Maybe it was a throwback from the 80's because they were American flag, weight lifter pants. Terrible!
Duets
Okay, I'm probably the only person who has seen "Once" and I was bored. And I found the song "Falling Slowly" really boring. But Crystal and Lee's version made me a believer! The dueling guitars were super cool, the complimented each other's strengths really well and had great chemistry.
Now, if you knew me in the 80's, along with being a fanatical Rick Springfield fan, you'd also know I was a fanatical Brian Adams fan. I still have my scrap book. I know, I'm a geek! So when they said that Casey and Mike were doing an Adams tune, I was so worried it was "Everything I do, I do for you" from Robin Hood. It's the one song I can't stand. Almost as much as Elvis's "Can't help falling in love." Instead, they sang "Have you ever really loved a woman."
Give Casey props - the boy can really play an axe! The judges loved the performance but I thought it was just okay.
Results Night
I was really afraid that Lee was gone. In my opinion, he was the weakest last night and I was surprised when he was safe. I thought Casey was a no brainer as well. And really, I wasn't too surprised that Idol chose to leave Michael and Crystal as last for a little "oh my goodness, is Crystal in danger" drama. The fact that Ryan kept saying the results were "in no particular order" gave it way. But in the end, she was safe and Michael was sent packing.
One last thought...
Former Idol contestants, Daughtry and Fantasia performed last night. Now, I'm the first to admit, I don't really like soul music and Fantasia isn't my type of artist. I really didn't like the song she sang so much, I told my husband I actually like "Battlefield" by Jennifer Hudson in comparison. It's a terrible song.
But...Idol has produced very diverse music and I think that is very cool. From Fantasia to Daughtry to Kelly and Carrie. The show as had some pretty diverse musical styles rise to the top. That's the beautiful thing about music. Everyone has different tastes and different genres appeal to different people. And in then, I think that's a very good think for music.
By the way, I thought Daughtry was the highlight of the night!
Jamie Fox as a Mentor
I have to shamefully admit that I groaned a little when I heard Jamie Fox was a mentor this week. The last time I heard him sing on Idol, it wasn't very good. But I have to admit, he was a pretty good mentor. He spoke a lot about connecting with the meaning of the song and taking it to the next level. I mean, he REALLY gets it. I was impressed.
He also had two types of t-shirts as props; one with the word "contestant" and the other with the word "artist" written on the front of the shirt. Each person was given a shirt based on what Jamie thought of their performance. I thought it was quite a clever way of illustrating the difference between competing in a singing contest and actually becoming a legitimate artist.
Lee Dewyse
This week's theme was songs from the movies. Lee sang "Kiss from a Rose" and I have to confess that I had to look up what movie it was from. I was surprised to find out it was from Batman Forever. Jamie's advice about taking a song from the inside and projecting it out hit home for me this week. I'm trying really hard to connect to the songs I chose for my upcoming performance. I thought Lee looked out of his element and out of tune a lot of the time during this performance. I was pretty afraid that he would be going home.
Micheal Lynche
Michael happened to take on one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs "Will You Be There" and again, I had no idea it was on the Free Willy soundtrack. I thought the beginning of the song, in the lower part of his range was a little shaky but that it got better as the song went on. It's really tough to beat MJ at his best. Like Randy, I expected a more R&B style song.
Casey James
Casey sang "Mrs Robinson" from The Graduate and you just knew there were going to be references to him and Kara. All that aside, I thought the mandolin was super cool and he picked a really good song that suited his voice quality. I have to disagree with the judges who thought he didn't change it up enough; I thought he mixed it up enough but yet stayed true to the song.
Crystal Bowersox
Thank goodness! Chrystal is back! "I'm All Right" by Kenny Loggins from the movie Caddy Shack may have been an odd choice but she was amazing. Firstly, I have to say that Kenny is one of the best movie song writers from the 80's, so it's only fitting someone do one of his songs! The Top Gun soundtrack alone is amazing! She totally made this her own and even made it better. That's tough for me to say because I REALLY love Loggin's version of this song. She better win this thing is all I have to say!
On thing though - what was up with her boyfriend's pants? I have to give props to my husband for pointing them out before Ryan Secrest did. We actually had to rewind the PVR. Maybe it was a throwback from the 80's because they were American flag, weight lifter pants. Terrible!
Duets
Okay, I'm probably the only person who has seen "Once" and I was bored. And I found the song "Falling Slowly" really boring. But Crystal and Lee's version made me a believer! The dueling guitars were super cool, the complimented each other's strengths really well and had great chemistry.
Now, if you knew me in the 80's, along with being a fanatical Rick Springfield fan, you'd also know I was a fanatical Brian Adams fan. I still have my scrap book. I know, I'm a geek! So when they said that Casey and Mike were doing an Adams tune, I was so worried it was "Everything I do, I do for you" from Robin Hood. It's the one song I can't stand. Almost as much as Elvis's "Can't help falling in love." Instead, they sang "Have you ever really loved a woman."
Give Casey props - the boy can really play an axe! The judges loved the performance but I thought it was just okay.
Results Night
I was really afraid that Lee was gone. In my opinion, he was the weakest last night and I was surprised when he was safe. I thought Casey was a no brainer as well. And really, I wasn't too surprised that Idol chose to leave Michael and Crystal as last for a little "oh my goodness, is Crystal in danger" drama. The fact that Ryan kept saying the results were "in no particular order" gave it way. But in the end, she was safe and Michael was sent packing.
One last thought...
Former Idol contestants, Daughtry and Fantasia performed last night. Now, I'm the first to admit, I don't really like soul music and Fantasia isn't my type of artist. I really didn't like the song she sang so much, I told my husband I actually like "Battlefield" by Jennifer Hudson in comparison. It's a terrible song.
But...Idol has produced very diverse music and I think that is very cool. From Fantasia to Daughtry to Kelly and Carrie. The show as had some pretty diverse musical styles rise to the top. That's the beautiful thing about music. Everyone has different tastes and different genres appeal to different people. And in then, I think that's a very good think for music.
By the way, I thought Daughtry was the highlight of the night!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Behind the Scenes at Very Vocal Music Studios
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kate Haginicolakis to talk about Very Vocal Music Studios, find out more about the history of the Very Vocal Showcase and what someone can expect to see at the show this year.
To learn more about Very Vocal Music Studios, visit their website at http://www.veryvocal.ca/
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Remembering Mothers
Today is Mother's Day and it is a day that I do find challenging. This week, someone asked me to share with him some thoughts and feelings on why this day is hard. I really felt the words that I wrote were a good tribute to my Mom and I felt I needed to share them.For me, Mother's Day is reminder of what I no longer have. There is a hole in my life that can never be refilled and no one can take her place. For me, "Mom" is title that is forever taken, even though she is no longer with us.
It is a time of reflection; regret for time I didn't spend or wishing I was closer. Mom & I weren't as close a some of my friend's are with their mothers. She made us girls her entire world and sometimes, that was really hard. She had high expectations on how often to call or visit and sometimes that was hard to meet.
I see so much of her in myself. My tender heart and the ability to cry at the littlest of sentiment. My tendency to worry or fear that people don't like me are all reflections of my mother. Being afraid that if people were angry with me, they'd leave. These were all qualities I inherited from my mother. I also inherited my love of art and my love of music from her. It is because of her I can not only listen to Colin James or Suzie McNeil but get lost in the music of someone like Josh Groban or Johnny Mathis.
It may seem like a contradiction, but being Mom's entire world is also what I loved about her. She believed in me no matter what. I was "a better singer than Barbara Streisand" in her eyes. Now trust me, I KNOW that's not true. But Mom REALLY believed it. She thought I was amazing in everything I did, even when I wasn't.
Looking back, I realized I never gave her enough credit for the role she played in keeping family together. All those demands for our time, however unrealistic sometimes, kept us close. My family is forever changed now that she is gone and I miss it.
Mom = Home and heart. Mom's perogies. Mom's stuffing on Christmas Day. Mom's cinnamon buns. These are all things I miss so much. When she got sick, I frantically tried to learn from her how to make these things. It kills me that I never got her pie crust down. I'm now left to wonder why didn't I ever take that time before to learn? Every time I make one of those things, it's like keeping her close.
Mom had a way of giving her all at Christmas and Easter. The way she would take the Christmas Eve candles from church and make us all light them before dinner on Christmas Day and say a prayer....or make us hold hands while we prayed. We'd all roll our eyes at how corny it was. Man, I miss that. (Moravian Christmas Eve candle light service is special - wax is made from bees wax, the purest wax to signify Christ's purity. The wax catcher was made of red tissue paper to signify His blood and was attached to the candle with a little nail. You got to take them home every year.)Mom would give you her last (insert whatever item, food or thing) if it meant making you smile.
She would come with my Dad to watch UFC fight night just so she could spend some time with us and she never complained that she hated it. She was just happy she was with us. She dressed up in every party theme we ever had.
Now, I find myself wishing I could talk to mom about "this" or "that" and realize I would have never have done that when she was here.
It makes me a little sad.
Home is safety. Home is Mom.
No one hugs like my mom. I would give anything for one more hug.
Like in everything, music touches my heart like nothing else can.
Home is safety. Home is Mom.
No one hugs like my mom. I would give anything for one more hug.
Like in everything, music touches my heart like nothing else can.
This week, Danny Gokey's "I Will Not Say Goodbye" has really touched a nerve. It's about his wife but the feelings are spot on.
I miss you Mom. Happy Mother's Day.
I miss you Mom. Happy Mother's Day.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
What Song Should I Record - Have your say!
My Vocal Teacher is hosting a recording session in her studio for students to get used to recording their singing.
Let me know what song you think I should try to record! Check out my visitor pole on this site!
Let me know what song you think I should try to record! Check out my visitor pole on this site!
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