Breath Holding...

If you've been wondering why I've been so quiet...and I know you have...I have been holding my breath in anticipation of the EP arriving...TODAY! It will be a fabulous day, the beginning of a three day weekend (and rain here, which always makes me laugh a little, because some out-of-towners are bound to be trying to camp), a session with Valerie and my six pound bundle of joys arriving! (at least that is what UPS says the package weighs). Okay, I need more coffee and time to contemplate...

The EP has left the building...

Oh yes, in the short span of five hours this morning I uploaded the audio files and artwork for the new EP. I encountered all the usual difficulties - files that wouldn't upload (okay, okay, I used mp3s instead of wavs - they seriously would not upload), a song that had a freaky digital break in it for no reason, that I had to re-convert and upload again, artwork that was a bit too close to the cropping edges...you get the gist. Anyway, all that is HOPEFULLY behind me now and it is being processed and reproduced like mad rabbits. (okay, that's a little weird, but I am tired). Here is a sneak peak at the cover, it is a jacket, so picture the front and back folded...you know what I mean. I haven't posted it anywhere else, yes, that is correct, no facebook, no myspace, no twitter...only my blogness. The EPs should be here on the 28th and I await them like an expectant mother... without the stretchmarks (okay, weird again, I told you I was tired). Now, off to rest mine tired eyes (actually, to play some guitar and bass and sing, rather than sit in front of the computer for a change!). Buenas Noches!

Live Music and Typos

My daughter and I went to Stephens House to catch a songwriters in the round performance last night. Very cool, very intimate. Lori Dreier, who arranges the sessions, Daniel Adams and Roy Garcia traded off songs. Gotta love live music! Here is a quick pic of Lori before they got started. She is playing at the Farmers Market here on Bainbridge on June 12th, I hope to catch her there as well.

Oh my goodness...I am so lucky to have my mother! She caught a HUGE typo on my CD cover...BEFORE it went to press! It is amazing how we can get used to seeing things, or just know how things are supposed to look and not even see what is really there...sounds like a song to me!

CD baby - Oh Yeah

Okay, today I set up my CD Baby account and got it all set for the EP's arrival. There will be "physical" CDs available as well as digital downloads. Wow - the world is such a complicated place, so many options. Remember when there were just "records"? Yeah, me neither. Hey, there is a cool new store on Bainbridge called "Indie Banditas" http://indiebanditasbazaar.blogspot.com/ What, you ask, does this have to do with music? Well, besides featuring all local artists (a perfect place to purchase gifts for "off-islanders") and two that have moved away (a disclaimer owner Katie Butler announces when you arrive), she has offered to sell local musician's cds in here boutique. (some information I gleaned from the Music Community Resource's Newsletter). How cool is that? I myself am the lucky owner of several fine pieces from there, my fav is the two headed doll you see pictured here. Katie said some people just don't get it...I can't imagine...she is perfect for me!

Musical Influences

I just thought I would take a second to talk about influences...when I was a child my parents listened to a lot of Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, John Prine and the like. I feel fortunate that they did! Through high school I listened to mainstream music, ate what I was fed, with an occasional side of Melissa Etheridge or Pat Benatar. In my twenties I found Billie Holiday and Nina Simone and I was enthralled. Now a days my palate varies widely from one day to the next. Sometimes it is the comfort music of my childhood, sometimes I drive fast (not over the speed limit of course) with the windows down blasting Seattle grunge, other times I immerse myself in world music, specifically Mali Blues, where you can hear the influences of so many. When I can I catch live shows of my favorite artists, such as Tinariwen at the Triple Door. Here is a photograph I snuck that night... Awesome, awesome show.

EP Daze

This week I am working on my EP (precursor to CD). I THINK it will be called "Upside Down Acoustic EP" (sure that doesn't sound so fantastic alone like that) and I THINK this is the cover image I will use. I THINK it will have six songs, three from each studio session. I THINK I am THINKING this to death! Imagine the pressure of a full CD!!! I THINK I know which six songs...however...if there are any requests out there I will certainly entertain them.

All office work and no play makes Julie...

A dull girl for sure! Oh well, has to be done! Spending time this weekend trying to fill in the calendar, which is rewarding, but tedious. I have some leads on some cool new gigs, so be sure the check out the calendar on my website often, who knows, I could be playing in somewhere near you...or where you want to be!

I am reading a great book right now, which you see a photo of in this post. I recommend it for anyone who wants to play music. Unlike a lot of books out there, it is actually current and interesting.

Hopefully I will get out to see the Blushin Roulettes tonight - they are from Mendocino and are playing on Bainbridge at Pegasus Coffee House - too cool! Hope to see you there!