Songbird

I'm alive! I made it to and back from my trip to record in one piece. It was like traveling in the twilight zone. Going through the airport was a breeze. There was a lot of mask wearing folks social distancing themselves from me. I finally got a whole row to myself which was greatly appreciated. I gotta say it was not that bad. It's actually the most clean I've ever seen an airplane that clean let alone an airport. 

I had a blast recording this time around and I'm so excited for the new music that I'm going to release. 

It's hard to not share it now with everyone but got to put the finishing touches on and pick the exact right time. But I hope you guys will love it as much as I do.

In the mean time we can just enjoy the nice spring weather and check out this spring floral outfit I put together. Floral prints always get me in the mood for Spring.  

See how else I styled this skirt:

Coachella Dreams

Fashion Friday

Help me Mama

One year.

Today marks one year since my dad suddenly passed away.

I thought I would share this story for the anniversary.

I just recently went to Nashville with my friend to celebrate her upcoming birthday. 

One of the tours we went on was the RCA studio b tour. If you are a music lover this is an awesome tour. I grew up in a radio family so this was right up my alley. We heard some cool behind the scenes stories of Dolly Parton, The Everly brothers etc. I was getting a little emotional already because it was something my dad would've liked. I almost felt him beside me telling me interesting facts that the tour guide probably didn't even know. 

The tour guide took us back to the recording studio and started telling us stories of Elvis Presley. One interesting thing was how he liked the lighting while he recorded. He liked to feel the music. So while recording "Are you lonesome tonight" it was pitch black {picture above}. 

While the lights were still off he started to talk about his love of gospel music. Elvis loved to rehearse with gospel music. He was nominated for 18 Grammys but only won three Grammys all for his gospel records. The tour guide then proceeded to play us one of the records. I felt the moment before it happened. Something was coming.

"How great thou art" started blaring from the overhead speakers. I completely lost it at the point. In the dark with a bunch of strangers. 

Some of you may not know. How great thou art was my dads favorite gospel song. In the hospital when we had to shut the machines off that we're keeping him alive. We all gathered around his bed and sang that song one last time for him.

I couldn't believe out of all of the songs they played that one and right in time for the one year anniversary. It was an incredible and emotional moment during my trip that I will never forget. 

I love you daddy! 

{Recap} Open Mic Night

Words cannot describe! The huge ordeal that I go through just to sing one 3 minute song. It's kind of ridiculous. If you read the previous post about all that I do before a performance, you would see it seems kind of normal. I left out the excruciating part about my anxiety. Ever since I can remember I've dealt with the stage fright of course. Like any normal performer, I guess. But ever since 2009 I believe, my anxiety has amplified tremendously. Before it would just be butterflies in my stomach, get a little shaky and what not. Now it's a burning in my chest, and my stomach. And I will literally sit in front of the mirror giving myself a pep talk.

"You can do this! You've done it a million times before! You got this, just go out there and be yourself"

I say it over and over and over again, and then I pray.

Not only that but I was driving to Cambridge which is pretty much Boston. By myself nonetheless, no husband to chauffeur me around.

I ended up being pushed to the bottom of the list. So I was close to the last one to perform. I felt comfortable by then. It was a good crowd, a very encouraging crowd. So I went up there and did it, and I remembered everything words, cues, etc.

Everyone did original music, covers, and spoken word {poetry readings}. I love being around all this talent. Everyone encourages each other. All those times they talk about musicians feeling like outcasts in life. Until they go to an arts school, or find other talented people to be around. They weren't lying. You really do feel like you are at home, like you belong! :)

I did hear rumors about doing this open mic night once a month. So feel free to join us next time at the Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, Ma!

Photo Credit: Jenny Courtney Photography

...........And now here's me! :)

{Tonight is the night dreams come true}

Tonight is the night dreams come true. Well maybe not exactly, but I am getting my feet wet. Tonight I am doing my first ever open mic night. I can't believe how quickly this whole thing even happened. I got introduced to some people and they put together this open mic night. We found a cover to do and practiced twice! ....And now here we are, the day has finally come!

I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't nervous. But the husband says a little nerves is good, it keeps you humble! It's not my first time singing in public. I've been doing this for years! But years in between too. The last time I actually sung with a band was about 8 whole years ago {pictures below} I was 18 and wrote a song with these guys called "Craving Addiction" they invited me to play this show with them back in California. 

 

So if you know me at all you know my routine. 

Listen to song about 80 million times in a row. 

Drink twice that many cups of tea

Don't talk

As showtime gets closer listen to fast, upbeat songs to get pumped up

If I have time watch some Selena to get in the performing mood

and last but not least, pray to God I don't screw up, or mess up the words.

I am hoping to get some video and lots of pictures tonight to share with all of you!

And If you are in the area come see me, support me, cheer me on at 

Ryles Jazz Club

Cambridge Ma