The things I did for others on Christmas and some goals I'd like to achieve in 2009

Well I ended up delivering Christmas dinner to two families in a town that is really struggling. Unfortunately one of the families was not at the address that I had for them so I'm thinking about donating the dinner to a woman in a near by battered woman's shelter. I've never been abused thank heavens but my heart really goes out to women who have been emotionally and physically abused. It felt great to help out some of the families that are really struggling. This is really what Christmas is all about. I think its easy to get caught up in what do I have and I may not have enough to donate to others. Not true. In many times we have more than we think.

Someone said that if we are positive in life we can radiate that and it will effect everyone around us. What a profound comment. A lady at church said that and it really struck me because it is so true. I am commited to do that in 2009 and as a friend of mine says to get off it. I love surrounding myself with people that are supporting me in what I want to achieve in my life and vice versa I do the same for them. In reality if we surround ourselves with people who see us as bigger than who we are and what our potential is it can really help us grow. I keep those people like that really close to me.

In 2009 I am commited to being fearless and unstoppable in achieving my dreams. I do not want fear to get in my way in anything that I want to succeed at. Ultimately if we decide that we can not do something then we probably can't. Its up to us to be our own cheer leader and to continue on relying on our own strength. Not everyone will be there for us to carry us through in life. I've really realized that this year and have grown a lot. 2009 will bring about a lot of positive changes in my life I can just feel it and whatever they are you have to embrace change because often more than not things happen even better than what we thought they were as long as we are striving to become better in our life. I wanted to share some of these thoughts with you.

Helping others is what christmas is all about!

Well one more day and its Christmas. I'm going to be delivering food, presents and jackets to three families in East Palo Alto. This is really what christmas is all about. The three kids are from a school in Menlo Park that Condelica Rice set up but it is full of kids from East Palo Alto. I knew the principal who was introduced to me thru a mutual friend. I was never really exposed to that...and I cried while I was there. It was truly moving and it motivated me to make a difference in some of these kids lives. If I could I'd help transform that whole school. But for now I'll start small. Again if I make it with my music I'm going to give back big time. I think the more you have the more responsibility you have to give back. I drove back to Mountain View and I literally felt like crap. I realized that not everyone lives like this...I felt really spoiled...compared to these kids in East Palo Alto. They have a huge hurtle to climb. The sad thing is that no one donates to this school that live in Menlo Park and Atherton. The school is in Menlo Park...when I heard that I just thought wow its intersting how consumed we get with our own materialism and we forget about the little people. My grandma was always thinking about other people. I really dont care what color or religion you are...we all need help especially in these times. I look forward to meeting these families and seeing their faces when I give them these gifts. Anyways have a merry christmas guys and remember that family is whats important at these times!

Take action in your life and you will be satisfied and happy in your life!

Wow I had such an amazing time in NY while I was there with my husband. My husband is from Queens. There is just an amazing feel there. We went to Manhattan almost every day and walked for at least three hours every day. I can see why most of the women there are so skinny hehe. While we were there I was able to meet some pretty famous producers and DJs and give them my album which was really exciting. NY has so many famous musicians just at your finger tips and its almost like people take it for granted there. I would love to live in Queens or Manhattan in the future when I make it in the music business hehe. I'd love to get a big flat in Soho or Tribecca.

Ever since I had a class last night in San Jose and they asked what are some areas in your life where you are not feeling satisified and complete? I realized what some of these things are and I have a new commitement to really attack those things and to make things happen this year. I have a huge commitment in making things happen. Its funny because while I was in NY my husband's best friend told my husband that I am a completely different woman since the last time he saw me which was last year. Its all because I'm not angry or resigned about my life because instead of waiting for things to happen to me I'm in action and doing them now! I'm happy. My teacher last night challenged us to work on these areas in our life and create break throughs. I also realized last night that all the reasons of why we tell ourselves why something is not possible are made up and are just part of our fantasy. They are what holds us back from achieving a lot in our lives. After seeing the many miracles that I've experienced in my life this year I've realized that anything is possible in life if you just take a stand for your life.

I've had a blast in NY but I'm ready to get back home to Cali!

Dude i'm so tired right now. We've been walking for like two to three hours every day in Manhattan. My legs and hips are really sore. I went to the Guggenheim museum today in Manhattan and was pretty dissapointed. The exhibitions there were lame. It was the kind of art where I was like what? I dont get it. Anyways so I kinda feel it was a waste of thirty six bucks.

I had a great time last night going to the club APT last night and I got to meet Prince Paul who has worked with Jay Z, Queen Latifah, De La Soul and so many other people. Supposedly hes good friends with Chris Rock and produced a bunch of music for him. Hes working on a childerens album right now which I think is kinda interesting. He was super chill and down to earth which was really cool. I gave him my album and he said that he would get back to me and give me feed back on it. So hopefully he does get back to me...and he likes it. Its crazy how many famous people are accessible here in NY. The weird part is how New Yorkers dont take advantage of that. Its like they take it for granted. Its weird. Maybe its because they dont really care that they are famous and they are just unphased about it all? Who knows! But for me I'm like dude lets network and I dont get intimdated with talking to people even if they are famous. At the end of the day they are just people and they often face many similar problems as us.

I'm going back home to California on Thursday and am excited to come home. I miss being in my own bed and being at home. I really miss my animals too hehe. My cats are going to be so needy when I get home.

I really do love New York though. If I ever moved here I'd probably live in Kui Gardens in Queens its so nice. Its full of really nice homes that look like Palo Alto. All of the homes are super old and full of charachter. Not only that but they are much cheaper than homes in California. Prices for California homes are crazy. Plus its only thirty minutes from Manhattan. I'm going to start doing voice overs and teaching art classes in 2009. I'm so motivated with getting my band together and start gigging as well.

I think when you see that anything is possible in life it really changes your thinking. Its interesting because I am seeing some people that have kinda given up on their lives and they are resigned and cynical. Its so sad for me to see people like that. Now that I see that anything is possible....I'm taking that into the rest of my life. Other people have commented at how I'm completely a different person now. I haven't seen any of my husband's friends for a year now. This year has been really tough but instead of getting over whelmed by things I have learned from my mistakes and I have really progressed.

Going to NY and reflecting on my Grandpa's funeral that happened today...

Well today I'm going to NY and I'm going out there to be with family but I'll also be going out there to network with some people in the music business. I'm excited to make new connections and to meet with new people. I'm always excited to be in new places and to experience new things.

On a more somber note...today was my grandpa's funeral and even though it was a sad experience and I cried quite a bit it was great to see a bunch of family and cousins here that helped support each other. Its always moments like these that make us reflect on who we are and what we have become. This is my fathers father so he essentially started this whole lineage! If it wasn't for him I would not be here. He raised four amazing sons that are still living here and carrying on his legacy. He can now live with his wife who passed away six months ago. I'm not sure who reads these blogs but I hope they make you think about how important family is...something that touched me today was how they shared about how my grandpa felt about how you had to leave fear behind in your life and that you just had to live life and you just had to be! I have learned so much about that this year! I have worked so hard on my album...and I plan on continuing to work so hard still to achieve more and more. I have so many dreams and mile stones that I want to achieve in the music industry. I want to do it so that my stories and messages can touch other peoples lives! My grandpa was a story teller and an amazing writer and this gift was passed on to me but the only difference is I'm a song writer. Anyways instead of being sad I'm happy because he really did live an amazing life and we all have so much to look forward to in life. He left behind an amazing family. He struggled a lot in his life but he over came a lot of things. What an example he was to all of us.

Yeah I'm on the radio stations!

Wow I just found out that someone that I sent a press kit to in NY loved my album so much that he decided to play my album on his radio station today. He plays his radio station every Sunday in NY. Geraldine Convento who has acted as my A&R for my whole album and my career so far put me in contact with John who puts on his radio station his name is John Brunelli and he puts on a radio station called Breaktime Radio which is called Orchid Milk. He mentioned that my album is really soulful. I have been so blessed to be put in contact with such amazing people who have believed in my music. I wrote my music with such an open heart in the spirit with wanting to help people and I think it is translating that to other people who are listening to it. I guess it is karma so good things are coming my way. I am not taking it for granted by any means. I feel like I am in a complete trance to be honest. The radio station is 90.5 and it will be at 7pm-10pm NY time and at 4pm-7pm CA time. Please tune in to hear my music on the radio station! This is the first time that it will be played on a radio station! It has only been two weeks and already it is on a radio station...this is pretty amazing!

I will be featured on another radio station here in California in January and when I know the exact date and the radio station I will let you all know so you can tune in and listen.

This just shows...that anything is possible if you believe it is! I'm going to keep moving forward with everything else in my music career. Other things that I plan on doing this year are taking voice over classes so that I can do voice overs for commercials and for movies and for anything else that comes my way. I also would like to write music and jingles for commericals and for movies and for other artists. The sky is the limit and I frankly found something that I'm really good at. So now I just need to find how I can get into these other industries and not accept no for an answer and be fearless and unstoppable just like I was this past year in making my album. Someone told me recently that I can just decide that I can just chalk my album up as something that I did for experience...um NO. I dont play that way. I'm playing all out. If you think that way you will only fail. The way you think is the way you will become. Anyways the fact that I'm already on the radio stations already tells me that I'm on the right course...

Wow I just had an amazing experience this lady just messaged me and made me realize why I do music...

Wow that was so cool someone just sent me a message who lost a son and somehow she read that I wrote a song called My Baby My Child that was written specifically about that. I haven't lost a child and I have never had a child but somehow that song just came to me. This is why I'm a songwriter and this is why I do music. I do it for others. I do it to to heal others. I've had others tell me recently that they listen to it over and over again. Someone that had their boyfriend in jail told me that she listened to it in one day 20 times because in one line I sing "Why can't they set you free it'd mean so much to me if they'd set you free it'd mean so much to me." Now this could mean to a mother why can't they just give you back to me why can't they police find your body? But it could also mean to a mother or to a lover why can't they get you out of jail? See it has a broad meaning and thats what I wanted. Music is so powerful. Words are so powerful. Again this is why I do music. Its bigger than I am. This is why I want to start performing. Someone told me recently that when someone gives themself totally to the audience and is authentic it means a lot and has a huge effect on others. I want to do that. What she said had a huge effect on me. I already do that in my words and my music. I want to do that in my performances. I can't hold back in that. Whether I become famous or not this is my purpose for doing music. I think if I stay true to this I will do the best I can. Anyways that experience really just touched me. I hope she finds healing in some way or another. Wow keep those comments coming. That just really made me realize why I do this!

Everyone has their own unique gifts and I plan on using mine to the best ability to bless others

I just saw The Secret Life of Bees today with my mom and it reminded me that we all have our own paths in life. We all have our own gifts and as my dad said to me on Thanksgiving what life is about is playing all out in life and using your gifts to the best of your ability. I am me. I am not someone else. I am Amy. I was given my own unique talents and gifts for a reason and if we never try we will never try. I would rather try and give it my all then never know if it was possible.

I always knew that I had a gift of feeling deeply. I think God gave me this gift to use this in my song writing. I wrote this song My Baby My Child and some people have asked me why I wrote it and I have never experienced loosing a child but for some reason it spoke to me. It can be interpreted in so many ways. Loosing a child emotionally. Loosing a child spiritually. Loosing a child physically. Loosing your loved one and seeing them in jail. In the song it says why can't they set you free. These are gifts I plan on using to bless others.

Again we were all born into this life to bless others with different things. Some can bless others with the ability to take care of others. Some have the ability to be great mothers. Some have the ability to love with a great capacity. Some have the ability to dance really well. You get the point. If we compare ourself to others then we are coveting what other people have and that is actually a commandment that God has said that we shouldn't do. My dad was saying to me the other day...that if someone said I want to be like Von and do what he did for a living. They would be a failure because no one can be exactly like me and hes right. Just like no one can write songs like me. Why even try and compare ourselves then? Lets just be happy for other people when they share themselves and when they have success in their lives? Thats what life is about.

At the same point though if people close around me are not happy for me thats ok. That wont make me stop doing what I'm doing and it wont make me angry. Some people have a hard time being happy for other people when they succeed. And honestly some people doubt if something is possible. Some people like to kill possibility and they have a hard time seeing that something might actually work out long term. Thats a really sad state to live in. If you think like that then how can you ever succeed at anything why even try anything then? Literally. I used to question everything and it made me stop doing things but I dont do that anymore I just keep moving. Anyways these are some things to think about. Not everyone will be happy when you succeed but thats ok. Just keep moving and doing your thing. The people who see you as bigger than you are are the ones who are your true friends and who I keep by my side. Those are my true friends.

Happy Thanksgiving- lets think about all of our blessings tomorrow and not focus on what we don't have!

So I'm excited about Thanksgiving tomorrow and I'm thinking about all the wonderful things that I'm greateful for that has happened this year. I'm thankful that I conquored my fears and broke free of them and made my album and made my voice heard. I'm still hoping that my album gets the press that it deserves and that more people hear it. There are so many great messages that are in those songs that I really believe in.

I am also thankful for the fact that I believe in myself now. I know now that I can achieve whatever I can put my mind to and all the reasons of why I can't achieve or why people tell you you can't achieve don't matter. Because honestly it comes down to your determination and how you think. If you think you can't do it you probably can't. Every day is a struggle but I'm going to stand for possibility. What I've seen this year is that anything is possible if you just work hard at it. Nothing will be given to you in this life. You have to work hard to get it...but if you want it bad enough you will get it.

I also am greateful friends and family that I have. I hope all of you think about all the great things that you have this week and that you don't focus on what you don't have but rather on what you do have!

I want to extend a challenge to all of you...please read this

I wanted to challenge all of you and think about what you have accomplished this past year and see what you can do more of...where can you be better in your life? I have more goals that I want to achieve and I want to be unstoppable and fearless in 2009! I have to be in order to achieve the things that I want to achieve! I want to extend a challenge to all of you to do the same! Lets play all out guys! Lets be all we can be! Its not too late to start doing it now. I commited to someone yesterday that I was going to make a difference in someones life this week and cause a miracle. And I plan on doing that. I'm still not sure what I plan to do but I'll figure out what I'll do maybe I'll do it tomorrow I have a few things in mind. As human beings we are not made to be unreasonable...but if we start to stretch and grow and extend ourselves we can do some amazing things in our lives. Its when we start giving ourselves excuses as to why things can't be done is when we short change ourselves. Thats when we kill possibilities! Lets take a stand for each other and help support each other in being the best we can be...this is the only way we can become who we need to become. We are all struggling and every day is hard. I want you guys to think about this during Thanksgiving and have you recommit to who you know you can become!

Like father like daughter

I had a pretty interesting talk with my dad today. It never fails to amaze me how many stories he has to tell me. Ever since I was a little girl he'd answer my questions with let me tell you a story and he'd have me listen to the story and I'd have to listen to the story and try and get the moral of the story and figure that out and sense what that meant. I'd usually wait till later in the evening to get into deep conversations which is why he'd do this haha. I really do love live close by my family though its great being able to talk with them and get advice from them. No one knows you better than your parents. For better or for worse huh? haha. I'm lucky though because I get along great with mine.

He told me a story tonight about a family member who was related to my grandpa who was really poor and he ended up coveting his money and it ended up essentially becoming his god. He would not give any money to his grand children on thier birthdays and his thought was he wouldn't give them his money until he died. How sad is that?? What prompted this discussion is because I told him how I visited a girl from my church today and was telling them how everything that we own our cars, our house, our clothes, our money, all of our earthly posessions do not go with us. So essentially none of that matters in the end. What only matters if family, who we become, who we inspire and what legacy we leave behind. Period end of story. They looked at me like wow. Ha its rare that anyone speaks so plain and simple like this. We all get caught up in titles, success, money, posessions and on and on. Thats not what really matters in the end. Thats what struck me this week as my grandpa died. I no longer have any grand fathers or grand mothers. Thats it for me. That whole generation is completely gone. That does something to you and it really puts it into perspective.

I was talking with a friend of mine and she was saying that I'm driven and I figure out how to make things happen even when it seems impossible. Most people would give up but I keep going. I think I get this from my dad. Or maybe its just a Packard thing?? Like I said Like father like daughter. My mom and my sister in law have commented how I'm like my dad in many ways. haha. And the people that can't see that obviously don't know me well enough haha!

I'm about to go to bed soon I have a busy day tomorrow. I'm going to have to work quite a bit this week more than usual since I didn't work enough last week since my grandpa died and things were quite hectic. I'm helping plan the funeral right now. Sigh. Night night.

I set goals and accomplish them whats next?

I had a fun time last night at the club I sold some albums and chilled...something about selling my albums there made it hard for me to chill though haha. I was going around having people hear the album on my ipod and then I'd show them the album and they'd pay for it. You have to be fearless and unstoppable in this business if you want to make it...and I'm not going to let anything or anyone stop me.

I had almost four songs that came to me out of no where yesterday it was an amazing experience. Sometimes when it rains it pours. I was riding my road bike for an hour and I was just singing to myself the whole time. When I came home I started writing down all the lyrics. Then as I was driving to Oakland I got a couple of more songs. All I can say is when I become famous it would be a good thing for me to get a driver I'm not the best driver...I get lost all the time. Haha. Close friends and family can attest to this.

After a couple of crazy two weeks of friends and family dying and after having a crazy past six months of making this album the people who are still here sticking by me are the ones who are my real friends. This past year was a doozy but the people who really stuck by me were amazing. I had some friends that I got really close to who I got to rely on for support during these times and who I am even closer to these days. Life is funny that way sometimes hardships can bring you even closer to people.

I'm listening to Beyonce's music right now from her new album I need to go out and get a copy of it once it gets released. I love her music. She puts on a great show what a great dancer. I want to start taking some dance classes so I can be a triple threat on stage. Beyonce has talked about how she wants to constantly challenge herself and I feel that way about my music. I'm always wanting to push myself to higher heights. I set goals and accomplish them. Whats next? Marketing my album, creating a band, gigging, getting signed by a label, getting a grammy! Haha!

Persistance Pays Off

So my grandpa died last night...and I honestly was sad about it but it was really great that so many family members flew in from all over to be there with him at his last moments. It was great to be with each other and support each other as well. It made me feel really greatful for all of the hard work that my grandma and grandpa had did to help us get to what we have now. I really do have a great life and I often pinch myself...

I was in San Francisco looking around at some people thinking I wonder what these people do for a living that are able to just moosey around at the middle of the day? Are they entreprenuers? haha. Who knows?? I mean don't you ever wonder that?? I do.

Things are going well with my album. I am updating my facebook account and I have almost three hundred friends ha. I get so obsessed with viral marketing...but then again I think its so important to spread the word! Someone tonight that I added went to my myspace page and liked my music and bought my album from that! So it really pays off!

Anyways persistence pays off baby. I'm a fighter. Nothing happens over night though. My dad worked an english program for ten years and it just is barely going through. But persistence again pays off. Who knows how long my music will take. But again I will not give up. If it dosen't happen till my mid thirties so be it. It dosen't happen till then. I'll still be doing it. Thats what people don't get. I'm not going to give this up. I'll still be doin this thing till I'm old and grey haha. Just like my dad does with some of his hobbies and just like my grandpa did with writing. My grandpa used to write so many short stories of his life growing up.

Our legacy does not have to die with us..it can carry on

So I just found out that my grandpa's health is really failing not that I didn't already know this, but we just officially put him on hospice today. And, last week my sister in law found out she is pregnant. I was talking to my dad today and I feel so greatful that even though as time changes that at least as life changes we can bring new life into this world as our old generations die off in our families. I saw my grandma die this year, my fathers mother. And now this year my dad's father will probably pass away. It has made me think about my own parents pass away.

I can see why people want to have kids now so that this tradition can keep being passed on or literally everything will die with us and the chain will die with us. Our legacy will die with us. Something else that I was thinking about today is that we are all human. Its ok to make mistakes as long as we don't dwell on them and we keep moving on.

I want to write a song about this about how we are humane. Its ok to feel and to experience life and to wear your heart on your sleeve at times. Life changes but thats ok..its what we do with change that ultimately determines what kind of people we become. Thats my plug in for today!

We are all unique and thank heavens for that...keep pressing foward guys!

Wow life is funny. I just met someone that I knew from a long time ago. It reminded me how far I have come. I used to think I needed someone to write music for me. I'm so glad I've decided to write music for myself its so much more fulfilling! Anyways there are some other areas in my life where I'm not so satisified ie: like my work icko but I'm hoping that if my album does well enough I wont have to worry about that much longer. Hopefully I will be able to get my band together so I can start gigging. Lets hope that happens fast. My experience in the music industry is most things take much longer than you think they will take. If you want them to be done right at least.

I'm waiting for all of my digital distribution to go through. I'm going to a party this Friday and am excited to sell some of my albums this Friday at Club Anton and just over all chilling and having a good time. I'm sick of just worrying about things going through and having things go through with my music. All I can do is work my hardest and hope for the best. Period. If its meant to be it will be. I'm not going to be afraid to say no to things that won't be aligned with my goals with doing my music too. There have been times where I have felt guilty and I have said yes to things that I have not wanted to do things and I have done them. No longer ha.

Anyways I've met some amazing people lately. I met this lady on Saturday that made a nice impact on me and I was thinking about her on Sunday. She is divorced and has four kids. I often think about how I don't feel related to people sometimes and how I feel lonely at times. She was telling me how she feels that at times but I thought wow if she keeps going in life what excuse do I have?! I think I rarely remember how good I have it. If we forget to thank God for the blessings we have how can he continue blessing us?! Anyways I just wanted to leave you guys with some good vibes this week keep pressing on and doing your thang and keep up living because its worth it. Don't give up hope. We are all unique but thats why we were created. We all contribute wonderful things to the universe and thats why we were created.

Forging My Own Path...

My birthday is this week and instead of being happy I'm kinda sad. I'm feeling old. Another year has passed and I'm kinda left feeling like what have I done with my life so far??? Isn't that horrible? How lame is that??! At least I can say I'm on the road with my music career though with the fact that I've written, co-arranged and sung my first album. So thats good. But part of me feels like I wish this has happened to me when I was 20. I can't change whats in the past though...but part of me kinda wonders how long will it take me to get to where I want to get to in my music career and how long will I wait to get to where I want to get? It seems like the older I get the more and more people are having babies around me. I'm starting to feel...lonely like I'm the lone soldier trudging thru. I guess I should get used to it though. If you think about it haha most stars wait till their thirties and forties to have kids and I'm sure they felt this often seeing their friends have kids. They just decided to put their career first. I just know that my music would never happen if I had kids early. Its a sacrifice that you have to make. Not making it is not an option for me...not many people dont understand this who are not musicians. I was talking about this to my husband tonight. When your a musician and a songwriter you live and breathe music its in you. If I didn't make it with my music I'm not sure what else I'd do with my life. I'd feel hopeless I think. Sad. Directionless. I'm being completely honest. So not making it is not an option Which is why I didn't mess around when I did my album.

I've always felt kinda alone most of my life...if that makes sense I'm not sure if thats common with most musicians. I like to read books, go to shows, when I go to clubs and bars though I like to just go there to network. I really enjoy hanging out with artists, musicians, bohemians, world travelers and on and on. I feel most at home with them...especially quirky off the wall people. I feel like I can say whatever to them haha.

This whole process has been a lot of faith and I've just had to put one foot in front of the other and I've had to just keep going. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

I started a company where I'm teaching art to kids and I've decided to try and get more business so that I can make my own hours and focus more on my music. So far I have three band members formed and am waiting on the fourth member and once I have that member we'll jam and see how that goes and then we'll start gigging hopefully.

Feeling Greatful...

I'm sitting here listening to Common...I've been over dosing on him for a couple of weeks now haha. I love him so much hes such a great rapper. I would love to collaborate with him in the future if I ever get the lucky chance of ever meeting him!!!

I had a great Saturday yesterday...I went up to SF and met two musicians who were really nice. One is a drummer and the other is a bassist. I gave them copies of my album and then they are going to get a keyboardist and a guitarist together and then we'll jam together probably next week and see how it goes. I think I'm going to have to meet up with all of the producers who are on my album to get all of the samples from my album so that my keyboardist can trigger them off during the live performances. I'm also going to give the background vocals to my keyboardist so he can trigger those too while theres a live performance. This is going to take a while to form...but it will be way worth it. I'm excited to perform the songs on more of an organic level and to be able to free style on all of the songs.

I already have someone thats interested in booking me shows and being my booking agent so thats a huge burden off my shoulders...I never wanted to have to think about having to deal with that. If I had to do all of that I think I would really burn out from all of this process. Its amazing that I've done everything that I have done actually. Its taken a bit longer but its gotten done.

I was thinking today how greatful I am that I was able to do my album at this level...and its only my first. I was lucky to be able to be put in contact with some amazing producers and some amazing hook ups. I just feel so lucky that I was able to give it my all for my first album...I feel blessed today. I dont know whats going to happen tomorrow but I just have to trust that everything will be ok. I'm having my listening party on Friday next week to celebrate my album just with close friends and family. When I get my band together I'll have an album release party hopefully in San Francisco.

I had someone review my album that has a marketing company down in LA. She liked it a lot and thought it was unique. I've decided that I'm going to hire her to do a two month marketing plan for me next year. I'll have to have my band all in place by that time but that should be a peice of cake...cuz I've been pounding the pavement for more than a month now finding musicians. I might have already found some that might work. She would be throwing an album release party for me in LA and inviting some really big names from the music industry to come hear me perform! It will create a lot of buzz around my album from radio stations, producers, labels and on and on. After that depending on the results of that I'll see what my next move will be career wise. So far though I've been really blessed with the contacts that I've gotten and its been largely from someone that has helped me all thru out this process...and you know who you are...

My bday is this Thursday and I had a celebration with some friends and it was so fun. I'm getting to know more and more friends who have become pretty close and I feel really greatful for that. I'm looking forward to meeting more people and expanding my circle! I'm trying to form a support network...if ya know what I mean. Its so important!

K I'm going to go to my parents house to go chill out its kinda my routine every Sunday...I was just sleeping for three hours I usually take long naps on Sunday. I love Sundays!

Come one and all and buy a CD from me at www.amyserrata.com and my myspace site!

Come one and all and buy my album via my myspace site and my website! My website at www.amyserrata.com is up now! It has my bio on there, photos, my album for sale, my blog, a review from a local DJ, DJ Brigidope and so many other things! Once I get a band formed it will have listings of my gigs as well! Anyways I'm so excited I just wanted to post this tonight! I'll keep you guys informed with how things go!

Anything is possible if you let yourself dream enough!

So its interesting what everyone's listening is of me...I've been interviewing people in my life lately and I've been getting interesting responses. Its been scary but its been really helpful at the same time. In some ways its really necessary. At the same time you have to take it as well this is just their view of me and its just an opinion. But at the same time if your commited with making a difference with them its helpful to see how they listen to you and what you can do differently with them to see how you can communicate differently with them so that you can have a different impact on them. I was so scared to hear what my weaknesses are but its funny when you hear them its like oh yeah I already knew that...its funny how we hide behind our weaknesses when all along we know them deep down.

Its so rainy and gloomy out. I love days like this! It makes me want a nice hot cup of hot chocolate! I am on the move today though! I went into work today and then had to do some errands and now I'm about to go to San Jose to go to a class and I'll be there till 10pm. Then its off to work again tomorrow. This week is going to be busy. I'm going to be meeting with at least two drummers that want to possibly play with me. I'm also going to a club on Thursday night to sell my albums with a good friend. I might go to a performance on Wednesday night in Santa Cruz with my husband to see Alice Smith shes so amazing! But its so exciting that I'm actually on my way to forming a band. I'm wanting to start performing!

I just wrote a new song today...I miss writing and arranging. I really miss putting it to instrumentals as well. I liked co-arranging and working along side producers I found that part of it really exciting. Maybe one day I'll learn how to work pro-tools. I'm actually planning on getting a computer and some equipment at my house so that I can do some pre-production at my house so I don't have to rely on anyone to do that anymore. It would be nice so that I could do that on my own and lay down the rough vocals and buy the instrumentals from producers and then when I do the final vocals in the studio it dosen't take as much time since I know what I am going to do on the final tracks. haha I already miss recording. I can't wait till I have enough money where I can own my own studio and I can do that all day long. Sigh. I love this with a passion it runs thru my bones. When you listen to my music all of you friends and family you'll hear it in my music I live and breath it. I put my whole heart and soul into this album. So far everyone thats heard it djs, producers and musicians have loved it. I hoping it continues to do well. When I put my mind to something that I want you betta watch out hehe I work hard.

I'm throwing a benefit concert and will blog about this later this week. I'm really excited about this...I didn't know much about making an album but I did a pretty dang good job for my first album. Now I'm going to be organizing a benefit concert where I'll be working with VH1's save the music's program where I'll be donating part of the proceeds of the conert to that foundation! I'm going to get some local bay area bands that have a big enough following to perform at this concert. So i'll be getting to know booking agents and managers and djs and a lot of people in the biz. I've already met some booking agents already. So i've been going to lots of shows lately and networking. Its been fun. I like doing this actually. Hehe hustling is in my blood. I don't go to these shows to drink...I go there to network all the way. So not only is this show going to be fun but it will be for a great cause! I'm going to have my band put together in time so I will be able to perform at this show as well and I'll be selling my albums there too! Yeah! Its going to be jazz, funk and hip hop bands! Anyways I'll blog more about this later! Laters have a good Monday guys!

"Life is not about finding yourself life is about creating yourself"

I had the best time last night celebrating Halloween! I sold 10 albums last night! It was so funny...people wanted to play my album again and again...I think they played it over and over probably five times...? It was cool playing it and saying that yup...I wrote that and sung that. Well I didn't write all of it producers wrote the background music so I technically co-wrote the background music but I wrote all the lyrics and sung all the lyrics and the back ground vocals. I'm putting the cds on sale on my myspace site and my website next week on Tuesday and we'll see how well it does. I'm praying that it will do well. So far the response has been really great from people.

I'm meeting probably a couple drummers next week in San Francisco next week to start forming a band. I will probably get a keyboardist, a guitarist, a drummer and a bassist. Then for large shows I'll probably get a horn section. So my digital distribution like my i-tunes, rhapsody, imeem, amazon mp3, and myspace mp3 are all going thru in three weeks I think so that will be great. Those will all be posted on my myspace page and my website so that will be good. It takes six to seven weeks to process all of that which I didn't know but well you live and learn. Anyways oh well. Another two or three weeks won't kill me. Anyways people will be able to buy my album thru paypal on my myspace and my website on November 4th so thats cool.

I'm doing a listening party strictly listening people that means I'm just chillin and i'm not performing haha. I'm just going to enjoy the process. Cuz I busted my booty in this process for six months straight. Now I'm going to relax a bit. I'm going out trying to meet musicians to start a band which is not easy people! All of this is not easy. You have to be so determined its not even funny to make all of this happen. I talked to this girl last night and she said she was jealous of me and what I had accomplished...I thought and I was like you can do it too you just have to want it bad enough...you have to have a fire in your belly haha and you have to want it bad enough to fight for it even when the going gets rough. No one is going to get anything done for you in life. People are out there trying to be succcessful themselves ya know? I think thats what made me work so hard...I had to do it for me. But then I also did it for others too...I wrote songs that I felt would touch others...music has to not just be about you...its got to be something about something greater than you. Because to be honest when you break it down you shouldn't be doing it for the money...most artists even major artists dont make much money doing this...even the ones that sell millions of albums...but thats not the point. I'm doing this for a different reason. I'm doing it for the love of it and for getting messages out there to really help people and to make a difference in people's lives.

We all have to make choices in our lives. What are we going to become? What are we going to use our lives for? I met some kids last night who grew up from the same town that I did...I always think its great to meet kids who grew up from the same high school that I went to...I can relate to them...theres this same struggle there. I hope they can become something great. I think there is a lot of pressure to live up to what our parents want us to become or what others see us as...but really at the end of the day we have ourselves to answer to. Its not about pleasing others...its about being happy. I see that a lot with the kids in the area that I grew up with and I really hope that they live fulfilling lives and they don't sell out. I'm glad I didn't sell out. I know there will be hard times ahead because life is hard but I'd rather have peace of mind that I followed my dreams and I gave it all I had. Why follow a life or a road that someone says you should follow just because your dad did it? Thats not your life thats theirs. I read this week on someone's myspace page "Life is not about finding yourself life is about creating yourself" I love that!!! I have been creating myself this year! I've been becoming the person that I've always wanted to be! And I'm really being honest about that! I want to be that old artistic grandma at 80 years old that my grandchilderen can brag about and say yeah shes done this that and that and I want to still be going and doing things and going out and about. Life is not about finding yourself its about constantly reinventing yourself and creating your world around you! It takes a lot of strength to do that...because there are no rules when your doing that...but thats also the exhilerating part of it as well.

My album is coming out next week

My album is coming out next week I'm getting my 1,000 copies next week from Rainbow Records...finally! Its been a long time coming! I've applied for digital distribution from Tunecore and am waiting for that to be approved by them. They said that can take up to two weeks or more. Its been one week so far we started the process last Sunday. So I'm just waiting patiently for them to get back to me. For now all I can do is wait on that. My website should be up next week and it is a sapphire blue color reminiscent of the 1920's with a classic jazz flair to it. It has a picture of me with a flower in my hair and black leather gloves. Totally chic.

My master plan for after that is forming press kits to send out to people in the music business with biographies, press write ups from magazines, photos and a copy of my album for them to listen to to start creating a buzz. I'll be putting up my album up for sale on my website and my myspace page and will put up links on my myspace page with links to get to i-tunes, amazon and my other stores to buy my music. I've been looking into promotional and marketing companies as an option for the future to promote myself as well as distribution deals. But first thing is first which is a band. I have to find a band before I can get signed to a deal hehe. I have been going out a lot to clubs and venues networking and meeting musicians to try and form a band so I can start gigging around in the bay area. That will be the next step which will be starting to create a local buzz by performing at live shows and forming a local fan base. I think I'll need to get a booking agent eventually to help me book shows so that I dont get burned out doing that.

All of this has been super overwhelming. There are days when I literally have to just take a day off and just try and decompress or it all just really gets to me. There are times when I get into major funks and come up with reasons why I can't do this. I have people that ask me sometimes how does your husband feel about this? My husband supports me in pursuing my dream and I wouldn't be doing this of course if we haven't talked about it. Ha duh. It takes two to make a marriage work. But you will always get people putting their standards or ideals on your life. I have learned that in the end if I am happy with what I am doing and my husband is happy that is all that matters. You will never satisfy anyone fully. Once you think you have satisfied one person the other will have a different opinion with what you should do in your life. So in the end you just need to pray, and really do what you feel is right for you. We all have our own paths in life. And what a blessing that is?! Lets just support each other and instead of judging each other!!!

I have realized in the past six months that nothing comes without sheer hard work. I have never worked so hard in my life with completing this album except with completing my bachelors degree. That was sheer hard work and determination. Creating this album was amazing and still is. I have so much more to do...and still so much more to prove. I have people that ask me so whats next? You know...I have a plan but like everything I dont have all the answers yet and thats ok too. Just like Alicia Keys or Jennifer Aniston do you think they knew how they were going to get their lucky break or how they were going to become famous? No they just worked hard and took each day at a time. Thats how you do it. haha. No one really cares if you succeed in life. It depends on you. Honest. If you want something you have to go out there and get it. No one will hand anything to you. I really got that when I did my album. No one was going to write my music for me or arrange it for me. I had to do that. I had to sing it. Luckily I had a good friend who introduced me to two of the producers I worked with so that was a big help.

I think we have the tendency and I still do this to just feel so alone and think no one cares whether we succeed or not so why even try so we just don't even try. Thats a sad way to live. I was in that space for a while in my life. But honestly no one will hand anything to you. You have to go out there and get it you have to be hungry enough to take it! Everyone is out there trying to make it on their own.

What does it take to love another and be happy??

What does it take to love another? Do we need to change ourselves or completely be another person? How can we keep ourselves but also be with the one we love? Thats my question for the day. How do we keep that lovin feeling in our relationships when life comes at you in a million different ways. I'm not so sure anymore. Its so easy to get caught up in everything we are doing in life and forget others in the process. Today i'm feeling overwhelmed, emotional and just well feeling very deeply and thinking a lot. What makes someone happy and how do you keep that happiness alive and strong? Can one person do that for you or does it need to be multiple people present to achieve that? What can be done to mend past heart aches so that you can move on with someone living a clean slate and open to new possibilities with them? Sometimes its so hard to forget the past and whos hurt you that you bring that into your own relationships. Lame but so true. It can be so easy to be scared about being hurt and then not wanting to take the risk of really trully giving your all to someone. I've felt that many times in my life. This blog is well a very honest one today. I love blogging about what I'm going thru tho theres a sense of well relief from it when you get it down on paper. Its the same with song writing for me. Believe me when someone pisses me off I'll just write a song about it. If someone makes me happy I'll write a song about that too ha and on and on. This is how we artists deal with things thru our music. Man the life of a musician is not an easy one thats for sure. But I can't imagine living any other life. Its a lot more complicated thats for sure figuring out how to make things work at home but it can be done.

In some ways I think we can't expect others to make us happy. In some ways yes but in other ways no. For instance you can't expect your loved one to go out and do the things you wish you could but your too scared to do and then say well i'm not happy. Well your not happy because you haven't stepped up to the plate. Each person has to make an effort to do whatever they need to do personally to make them happy whether that be going to graduate school, making an album having a baby or on and on and then have their partner reach for what makes them happy as well and support each other in the process. I think if this is done you can both grow together and motivate each other in whatever your doing. I'm a total driver...when I want something nothing will get in my way I'll get it done come hell or high water its just my personality. hehe. Anyways life is damn hard but hehe I just remember what i've been thru in the past and think I can get thru this too. hehe. Thats how I keep going on every day I just remind myself of what I've had go get thru before and then I think yeah thats nothing compared to this etc.

Anything Is Possible

A friend of mine was asking me to be unreasonable with my life yesterday. I think being unreasonable and really pushing yourself is what makes someone achieve greatness. Really. If you stay complacent and you give yourself excuses as to why something can't be done you won't ever achieve anything. But if you constantly strive and reach towards always becoming better anything is possible.

I like moving my album along and getting things done so its actually hard for me to ask for help and have people arrange things for me. I'm so used to doing it on my own. Its also hard to know who you can trust. I think thats why its been hard for me to have others help me. I think its best to do as much as you can do alone to be honest so your not dependent on anyone. Then when it becomes too much and you just have to know when that time is you should ask for some help. Its funny how its so hard to do at times.

I have two people that are going to be helping me arrange listening partys and my album release partys. I was literally praying for that yesterday because I thought theres no way I can do this alone just no way. I guess I could to a certain extent but I would need help to get the word out and help with knowing what venues and clubs would be appropriate for my music. I'm not a big club goer. I'm kinda a home body. I love going up to San Francisco and Berkeley though. I've been going to Santa Cruz and Capitola as a girl too so i'm looking forward to performing over there sometime this year.

I have learned also this year to never say never. Never say you can't do something because why would you want to close that door off to infinite possibilities of things that maybe you could do if you just believed in yourself? All it took for me were a couple people telling me that yeah I could write songs and that I could do it by myself. I can't tell you how many days of self doubt and crying there were in the process but eventually I came thru. All because of those key people in my life. I've been the happiest i've ever been. Just goes to show that sometimes finding your own way in life is really necessary. You need to feel happy with what your doing even if people say its not possible for you. I'm making it possible for me so I know it will happen. When you work hard at something every day it will happen. Nothing is impossible. Thats what i'm standing for today. That nothing is impossible in my life. Anything I want is there for the taking. This year I want to get back into shape not just for vanity sakes but for promotional sake for my music career and just for the fact that I want to feel really comfortable in my own skin and be healthy. Thats what I'm standing for this year. And i'm also standing for the possibility of being able to be really successful with my music. I wont give up until thats so. Even if it does take years to get there.

This Is Just The Beginning...Hello World Here I Am Today What Do You Have For Me Today?

Hmm I can't seem to stop my mind from creating. Its always churning churning with new ideas and inspiration. When your a writer and someone says something even when your in mid conversation well I find myself stoping and saying oo thats interesting. I kept doing that when Willie Norwood was in town helping me on my final recordings for my first album. He'll say little sayings or inspirational things that trigger new thoughts and new songs for me. I've been so lucky to find really great people to help me on my way. I've been praying for a mentor and for someone to help me out because it can get so lonely out there. Its so scary doing everything on your own too when your a new comer to the music industry. Hell anything is scary at first.

I was listening to Jill Scott today and looking thru her website what a power house! I really can relate to her musically and as a writer. I've been a poet since I was a little girl and so has she. She really puts it out there in her songs as do I. I hate it when people compare me to people but damn if anyone wants to compare me to her sure go right ahead. He he I consider that a compliement in the highest form. Shes rooted in Jazz as am I and shes got curves too. I'm not a small little petite thing. I used to be but it wasn't healthy. I love learning from other artists and listening to their runs, adlibs and things they sing about. It gets my mind jogging about issues and topics I want to sing about. Again I can't stop creating.

As this album is coming to a close I find myself thinking I'm scared. Scared of the unknown. Scared of what people will think of my music. Scared that I might not come up with another hit. Feeling vulnerable with putting my most inner feelings and thoughts on to an album and having others listen and scrutinize it. Its a whole nother ball game when you write the songs and you sing them. I'm super critical of my material. hahaha. You just have to tell yourself to stop eventually. Thats what I'm experiencing with the mixing process. I'm listening to it and thinking dang I could have done that for a run etc. I just gotta let it go its hard tho.

After doing this album I realize how many more things I want to do in life. If I am able to be successful in my music I want to get involved with so many other things. Like starting a non profit company helping others in some way I'm not sure how but I want do something, publishing a book with my poetry, possibly doing some broadway shows, performing everywhere and touring, possibly starting my own label in the future. I just have so many things I want to do hehe. This is just the beginning.

Getting ready for my photo shoot

So today I decided to go shopping for my photo shoot for my album. All the while while I was shopping I was thinking what kind of style is my music? Is it trendy? Is it timeless? And its timeless. Its a mix of jazz and neo-soul. So I thought yeah I'm going to get some clothes that are clean and polished. I didn't want anything too frilly or feminine either. I'm really excited with what I got and am more excited when the photos will be finished to be put up on my myspace page!

I've been so focused on getting things done that I'm getting everything that I need to get done early. I couldn't sleep this morning until late like I usually do on Saturdays. I got up at 7:20am! When do I ever do that? Wierdo. The mall didn't open till 10 am so I decided to go to Starbucks and just read a newspaper and do some writing. I wrote some new possible songs today. The more I write the better I get. Its like riding a bicycle. The more you do it the faster and more agile you become. I loved just sitting there at Starbucks and resting. It felt so great.

I hung out with my friends last night and went up to San Francisco to get my hair done by my hair dresser. She did such a great job. I can even go for clean up for free in four or five weeks and then get my hair cut five weeks later. How cool is that talk about convenient!

I've been eating lunch late on most days and have been talking with some older men that are semi retired ha and have been having such a fun time talking to them! I love talking to older people they are so funny! Not always but well theres just a sense of honesty there usually because they dont care as much about what image they are projecting etc. I love learning from all different kinds of people. Its funny how the older you get too the age gap tends to not matter as much anymore. I have a friend thats 63! Shes always totally straight with me which is so great! I played my music the other day there and the owner loved it so much she wants to buy a copy from me. Most of the other people there want a copy too. Hopefully many more will!

Anyways have a great day guys!

How to keep centered and calm

How do we keep centered and calm amongst the storm of life? Thats my question for today. There are days when I just feel so overwhelmed and discouraged. Good friends and family are always a nice remedy for this. But also just being alone and recharging your battery. A good book always helps for me.

I make lists for myself re what I need to get accomplished during the week and check them off when I accomplish them so that I feel like I'm on top of things. That always helps. If you dont do it no one else will do it for you is what I constantly remind myself. Hope everyone has a good day!

Songwriting is such a healer

So I wrote a song today that felt so good to get out! I've learned that not always do songs have to have a resolution or be happy. My whole album does pretty much. But lately I've just been writing and letting things out really real things. Not that anything on my album isn't real. I dont know its hard to explain. Today I wrote a song that I just was laughing about. It was about someone that I dont like very much...we all have those kinds of people in our lives. Whenever I listen to the song Hate On Me by Jill Scott it makes me feel better. My song is pretty much the same talking about someone whos a total hater and will never change. Just a real bitch. Ha. I wrote it all out in literally ten minutes...just goes to show when you need to get somethin out you best get out of the way. Song writing is a great way to deal with issues in your life. Its been so great for me. I hope others can relate and really feel the songs that I've written so far. If someone is talking behind your back settle it then and there. If they deny it and act all sweet at least you did your part and frankly at least your being real. There will be haters your whole life unfortunately. Since i've been working on my album even close friends will say "Oh I dont have that talent" they mean they dont have the talent to write songs, arrange, sing etc. But how about being happy for me for once? Damn. I'm not saying everyone is like this but I can't tell you how many people have said this. I have not had an easy life. In fact i've gone thru some really incredible hard things. But I've always risen to the top because I'm a fighter. Keep it real guys!

All I can say is some of the key essentials that you need to be a musician and create an album is:

The ability to be able to voice your fears, your experiences and your life in a clever way and make those your songs. You want to be able to identify with what your singing and your fans will know if your sincere or not. When I no longer was searching for someone to write me songs I realized I had everything inside of me that I needed to write my own songs.

Once you decide that you want music come hell or high water you have to go after it and I mean really after it. You have to have a fire deep within your gut to go after it cuz its hard work. After you decide that people will come into your life.

Always be open to learning more about the music business and take classes to educate yourself about it. Theres nothing worse with feeling lost and naive. Knowledge is power.

Surround yourself with producers, engineers and people that you sincerely really respect musically and who understand and know how to deliver the style of music you want to create. They want you to succeed...and they dont want to mold you into something that your not.

Write your own music if you can. If you need to take song writing classes. I really wish that I stayed with playing an instrument that would of just added an extra element to my songs. Also, you need to get something up on myspace and record your music so that your fans can hear you.

Social networking is where its at! That means once you have your music you need to get it on myspace, cdbaby, i-tunes etc etc.

I've been in the studio recording for two days and will be going back into the studio in San Francisco today. I started doing the final recordings for my album on Friday. I did two months of pre-production. I think the key thing is really working out the song to the best of its ability before you even go into a nice and big fancy studio. I did all of the pre production with a producer in Oakland in his apartment. I wrote all of the lyrics and I arranged it and recorded it with him. I flew Willie Norwood who is Brandy's dad from LA to work with me on the final recordings because I knew I needed help on adding adlibs and extra little riffs to add that extra umph. I'm so glad that hes working with me. I can't tell you how much its helped me with my songs and how he just brings a positive engergy to the studio so it makes me work harder. Anyways hope everyone has a great day!

I'm so excited! I'm going to meet with Willie Norwood Brandy's dad yup thats right. I've known him for a couple of months and he agreed to fly out here and be there for my final recordings for my album. Hes such an amazing guy! Not only is he a vocal coach but hes also a producer. I wrote all of the songs but hes helping me make them great! We are going to review all of my songs and figure out how the songs can be better.

Tomorrow I'm heading into a nice studio in San Francisco to wrap out the final vocals for my album. I've been doing pre production for two months. You could say basically creating a road map for my songs. I'm so glad that i've done this because I've had time to really sit down and come up with some great songs. I wrote many others that I didn't decide to put a lot of time into because I was seeing that they didn't have as much potential as the others. I've been working with a producer in Oakland thats basically over seen this whole album and has done an amazing job. It is not easy to find producers that have an open mind when combining jazz, neo-soul and old school r&b. But i've been lucky to come into contact with some great people in the biz. I have a fire and determination like no other hhaa. I no longer wonder what my calling is in life. Theres no doubt about what I'm supposed to do. Inspiration has been flying faster than I can write!

Anyways I'm hoping that I can have enough strength to record hard core for the next four days and come out with a great product. If it takes longer then it takes longer i'm not going to rush it. I want this project to be dope!

Anyways just wanted to share my excitement and news with everyone!


Amy Serrata

I spent about six hours reviewing all of the songs that i've done and have decided on the final twelve songs that i'm going to use for my album. Its a long process. We had to brush up some songs and finish them off or add a few snippets here and there. I've been working for two months doing all of the pre production work so that I can know exactly what i"ll be doing in the studio for my final recordings. Not only is this a smart way to go but its also smart because it saves you money in the process too. That way i'm not going into an expensive studio and i'm not sure what the lay out of the song is. I kinda had to see that I needed to do this on my own and boy am I glad that I did it.

I'm going back up to Oakland to work for a while on one last song and then I'll be done! Then this Friday i'll be ready to lay down the final recordings for all twelve songs. Wow what a journey this has been I can't believe I've done it in two months. It takes most people a year or more to do an album. But I guess that makes sense when you have a full band and multiple scheudeles to take into consideration. Especially if your touring etc etc.

I copy righted all of my material last night and so after my final recordings are done I'll be having someone mix the songs and master them, set up a website, photography, packaging, posting my music on i-tunes, cdbaby, and other social network sites. I've been reading a great entertainment law book thats been really great to learn more about the industry. If your new to the biz it can be scary because there aren't a lot of people that will tell you what you need to do and the whole process of making an album. It can be a little like walking a plank of a ship or running blind folded. But I think after doing everything on your own theres a sense of accomplishment and confidence that comes. Wow I did this all by myself. Well of course I didn't do the instrumentals by myself I had some talented producers that did that. But I had to sign up with Ascap as a publisher and a writer, I had to learn how to copy right my material, I had to learn how to set up a myspace page, I had to learn how to compose songs and write them, and on and on! I live in an area where there aren't many musicians so I really am not a norm where I live. It only makes me work harder to acheive my dreams.

Finishing my album

I wanted to start this blog because I wanted others to see what goes into making an album. I've been singing ever since I can remember and writing poetry since I was a little girl. The two came together for me about four months ago and i've been writing songs non stop. I listened to Ray Charles and Ella Fritzgerald as a little girl. I loved how raw and honest their music was. Its amazing to have lyrics and tunes come to me while I'm biking or in the shower or driving. And then to hear them finally recorded and for it to come to life is amazing.

I'm so excited to have others listen to my music and for them to really identify with it. Song writing is really story telling in a lot of ways. I do it because I love to share stories, feelings and experiences and have others identify with them or see a completely different side to the story that they never even thought of. Its about opening up peoples eyes.

The other day I was driving and was thinking of all the blessings I have in my life and thanking God for giving me the gift of song writing. I almost started to cry in fact. It literally is a way that I can express emotions and feelings that is so healing. Its funny because I love to listen to my music and remind myself of certain experiences of lessons that I've learned.

I'm finishing up sixteen songs and am doing the final recordings in a nice studio in San Francisco this weekend! I'm so excited. Its been a long road for me. My gut is telling me that everything will work out I just need to keep pressing forward and having faith. Isn't that so like life? Sometimes we never know if we will get that job we want etc etc but if we just do our best and keep going I really think that things turn out for the best.

The whole theme for this album is about being grounded in life and my journey in finding that balance. haha. Theres no fluff here...just real experiences and stories. I'm so excited to share my world with you! In fact I'll be posting a couple of singles up in the next couple of weeks after my album is mixed and mastered! Hopefully if all goes well my whole album will be complete by the end of August and I will release it on myspace, cdbaby, i-tunes and on and on.

Have a great night guys i'm going to go read a book and go to beddy bye.