stuff

1.  I sang with Sean's band the other night. The band's singer and primary songwriter is hugely supportive of me and wants to help me get out there in any way he can. So he added a wonderful duet by Weddings Parties Anything to the set list to give me a chance to get up and practice being on stage. I was nervous but not sick about it.  I actually didn't get nervous about it until Reid told me where in the set our song would be. It came and it went and it was fine.  I couldn't hear myself but the boys said I did well (what else would they say?) and Reid has it on the set list for next time too.  I'm so grateful for the experience.

While singing, I couldn't look at the audience so I mostly looked at Reid.  People probably thought were a couple.  ha.

2.  A lovely singer-songwriter shared a bill with Sean's band a few weeks ago.  We got to talking and he took an interest in my music and my stage fright and asked if I would send him my youtube channel.  I did and he immediately responded with a request that I do a video with him and that I sit in on a few songs at an upcoming gig.  I said yes to both.

3.  I've started pricing CD sleeves for my upcoming demo release and Sean and I have been working on photos for that and for my new website.  It's starting to feel real.

yes!

Well...it was great.  I didn't choke.  I was nervous but didn't choke.  We actually had a great time, worked really well together and are already talking about "next time".

And I can't wait.

meeting

The guitar player in one of Sean's bands is one of the best players I've ever heard.  Ever.  My plan has been to work on my music and playing out for a few years and then work up the nerve to ask him to play with me.    he plays almost every night of the week and does lots of session work.  He's a busy guy and he's an amazing guy so I didn't want to bring anything to him that wasn't really ready (for his sake and mine). He beat me to it and offered to play with me.

I'm overwhelmed and delighted and terrified.  We're meeting today and I'm sick about it.  I didn't sleep much last night, our meeting is 5 hours away and I'm already shaking.  I don't want to ruin this opportunity.  I don't want him to think I'm awful.  And when I get this nervous I am awful.  My hands don't work and I fumble around on the guitar like I've never held one before.  My voice goes flat and gets squeaky.  I forget words and I choke.  I just choke.  It's terrible and embarrassing and it has happened too many times for me not to worry it will happen again. It still happens sometimes when I'm playing for my husband.  Bad.

So part of me wants to tell him it's too soon but another part of me can't wait to get it over with.  I don't know what's best.  I guess I won't know until it's too late.

Wish me luck.

festival

I'm currently in the process of applying to play a songwriter's festival in Florida in January.  One of my dearest friends has made it one of her goals to get me there and her enthusiasm and support has been infectious.  So, despite the fact that I haven't played a single solo gig yet, I'm applying.

The main stage has been host to some major acts (Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Mullins, Amy Ray) and the smaller stage is meant for the not-yet-knowns.  But even they have a CD or two and a tour under their belts.  In other words, I'm really not ready.  I know I won't get in this year but I'm doing it for the experience of applying and to get my name in their heads.  I plan to apply every year until I get in.

So I need to create an EPK which means I have to get some demos finished, have some promo pictures done and get some dates on the calendar (and build a website and get some reviews) if I want to be considered.  So we're working hard over here.  Again, I understand how blessed I am to have a husband who not only loves and supports what I do but who is an amazing photographer and musician/producer/mixer who can help me get these things done.  So lucky.

So we work.  And I'm excited.  And my stomach sinks and flips when I really think about  what I'm about to do.  But I'm doing it because it's time.