Well, here I am.
So blessed beyond belief, surrounded by wonderful, supportive people who believe in my abilities (which I tend to feel are mediocre at best), feeling like all of my wildest dreams are about to come true.
And I am terrified.
My fear is twofold:
1. What if I can't live up to the potential others perceive in me?
2. I really don't want to suck at something I love so completely and wholeheartedly.
There it is, friends. Short, sweet, and to the point. I don't do that often so take advantage. ;-D
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
On the Verge
A wonderful friend of mine Ed Campbell (some of you may already know him; we both attend Grace on the Island in Venice) has taken me on as one of his two business partners and as the performing artist to represent his new business venture, a song publishing company West Gate Songs. My official title for this business is Vice President of Creative Affairs...it sounds so grown-up. And that is weird since it seems like yesterday I was singing songs with the radio in my room as a kid and recording my versions of my favorite songs on a cassette tape.
We are currently working on a catalog of songs that he and I are writing together (you know, the ones I drive you guys crazy with on Facebook) with the purpose of eventually getting me some live performing gigs, selling some digital songs, and all the while promoting the new business, West Gate Songs. Right now, we are developing the website for West Gate Songs but you can already buy some of our songs there!
But I digress. The purpose of this title, On the Verge. I feel like I am a part of something that could be the best thing that has ever happened to me in my performing and professional life. I can't describe what an amazing feeling it is to put pen to paper, write some lyrics, combine it with Ed's music, record the vocals, mix the track, play it for someone, and get feedback (positive or constructive, I might add). Of course, the good feedback makes me want to explode because I really enjoy that someone likes what we are doing. I actually do listen to constructive feedback and cherish it. I want to know how to improve!
We have entered one of our songs 'Blue Resolution' for consideration in a local compilation CD that also includes an awesome opportunity to play a live show in Sarasota this November called Noise Ordinance. My fingers are crossed so tightly I think I may have broken a few fingers...
I am loving that my life is becoming more music involved every day. It feeds the baser needs I have to be creative and incorporates the one thing in my life that I can do every single day and never tire of...singing.
I am on the verge, dear friends, of something that could be truly amazing and special...
***Become a fan or like me on my musician pages on Facebook, Reverbnation, and follow me on Twitter to get all of the latest updates on my music and happenings with West Gate Songs.***
~Andrea
We are currently working on a catalog of songs that he and I are writing together (you know, the ones I drive you guys crazy with on Facebook) with the purpose of eventually getting me some live performing gigs, selling some digital songs, and all the while promoting the new business, West Gate Songs. Right now, we are developing the website for West Gate Songs but you can already buy some of our songs there!
But I digress. The purpose of this title, On the Verge. I feel like I am a part of something that could be the best thing that has ever happened to me in my performing and professional life. I can't describe what an amazing feeling it is to put pen to paper, write some lyrics, combine it with Ed's music, record the vocals, mix the track, play it for someone, and get feedback (positive or constructive, I might add). Of course, the good feedback makes me want to explode because I really enjoy that someone likes what we are doing. I actually do listen to constructive feedback and cherish it. I want to know how to improve!
We have entered one of our songs 'Blue Resolution' for consideration in a local compilation CD that also includes an awesome opportunity to play a live show in Sarasota this November called Noise Ordinance. My fingers are crossed so tightly I think I may have broken a few fingers...
I am loving that my life is becoming more music involved every day. It feeds the baser needs I have to be creative and incorporates the one thing in my life that I can do every single day and never tire of...singing.
I am on the verge, dear friends, of something that could be truly amazing and special...
***Become a fan or like me on my musician pages on Facebook, Reverbnation, and follow me on Twitter to get all of the latest updates on my music and happenings with West Gate Songs.***
~Andrea
Friday, August 3, 2012
"All Things New" released on Facebook/Reverbnation
Hello friends,
Today I released my new song "All Things New" on my musician page and on my Reverbnation. Please stop by and check it out when you can and leave me some comments or feedback as to what you would like to hear next!!!
Recently, I started a Twitter account so make sure to check out updates there as well! I am still learning with this concept of social media...so bear with me. ;-D
Over the next few weeks, we are really going to be kicking it into high gear over at West Gate Songs with regards to my solo project so be on the lookout for updates of new songs, photos, performances, and at some point a video (I can't believe that part myself!!).
I am also going to be performing with my friends Hollingsworth after 3 years of distance and life happenings...super pumped to reunite with the songs that I love!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who is following my music. I am really excited to see where this project lands me!!
May your ears be pleased and happy,
~Andrea :-D
Today I released my new song "All Things New" on my musician page and on my Reverbnation. Please stop by and check it out when you can and leave me some comments or feedback as to what you would like to hear next!!!
Recently, I started a Twitter account so make sure to check out updates there as well! I am still learning with this concept of social media...so bear with me. ;-D
Over the next few weeks, we are really going to be kicking it into high gear over at West Gate Songs with regards to my solo project so be on the lookout for updates of new songs, photos, performances, and at some point a video (I can't believe that part myself!!).
I am also going to be performing with my friends Hollingsworth after 3 years of distance and life happenings...super pumped to reunite with the songs that I love!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who is following my music. I am really excited to see where this project lands me!!
May your ears be pleased and happy,
~Andrea :-D
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
REVIEW of Andrea's newest tracks straight from Nashville!
Review from Chris Keaton of Keaton Music Ventures in Nashville, TN about Andrea's new tracks 'Beloved North' and 'Blue Resolution':
"I really love (Andrea's) voice and the tracks are the best I've heard you create. There is a certain vibe to both tracks that is very edgy and cool."
SO excited about this!!
~Andrea
"I really love (Andrea's) voice and the tracks are the best I've heard you create. There is a certain vibe to both tracks that is very edgy and cool."
SO excited about this!!
~Andrea
Monday, May 28, 2012
The ominous first post
Hello friends, family, and complete strangers!
This is the obligatory initial post of my blog as a musician. For those of you who don't know me, my name is obviously Andrea. I am a singer, lyricist, songwriter, and lover of all things music. I have done a variety of music in professional settings including rock, jazz, musical theatre, and opera. I just love music, wherever I may find it.
You may learn more about me than you ever wanted to know. But isn't that what blogging is about?
I have been involved with music, in some form or fashion, my entire life. My father and his brother would playing dueling guitars in our living room when I was a child. My mother would have music around all the time: while cleaning the house, when driving in the car, humming songs to herself, singing along with me when I learned a new song at school, etc. Always, music was there when I needed something to depend on when things got tough.
Eventually, I grew up enough to read and learn more about this world of music. I got my first poetry books from where most children get them, Dr. Seuss. I loved the way the words rhymed and were rhythmically phrased. As I got older, my mother let me read her coveted and treasured book of poetry that she always had handy in our house. I began to read them and get lost in the language. Love, betrayal, death, sacrifice, nature, and all of the real life themes that are brought to life by amazing authors such as Frost, Browning, Plath...my mind became fixated on poetry.
Then I began writing poetry of my own. I had an entire notebook of beloved writings that I carried with me everywhere when I was in the beginning of high school. Until the day, I forgot it on top of my locker and never saw it again. I was destroyed. I separated myself from writing for years after that. Not until I was in college did those writing urges surface again. I was published in our campus literary magazine. I began to write poetry for friends for birthdays, celebrations, etc.
After years of writing poetry, I collaborated with a friend of mine to begin putting them to music. My lyric writing had begun. I was so charged by combining my love of writing my own poetry and my love of music together that writing lyrics became something I regularly did until I created a catalog of lyrical writings to present to musician friends who were willing to collaborate with me. Friends have been wonderful help me create songs with them, as I don't currently play any instruments myself. Well, I mean, anyone can play a kazoo and tambourine, right? ;-D
I spent about 2 years in a rock band, Hollingsworth, with my friends Matt and Tim who were super supportive and helped me bring my lyrics to life in the music we created together. We had some amazing adventures together, playing gigs, writing music, traveling to Budapest, Hungary and playing in the metro station and in parks, and just being musicians. Some of the music we created together still runs through my mind each day. Good times.
Recently, a friend has taken an interest in getting my music career going for my own music. Helping me figure out my style, my music, and what I want to do with it. I know what I want to do with it. I want to sing, create, make a CD, play live shows, and do as much as I can in the world of music. I want to hear someone sing along with my song while I play it live. That, honestly, would probably make me cry like a baby. It would mean that someone hears the words I put to music and finds them valuable enough to learn them.
Well, that's it for now. I appreciate it if you read this whole thing. Welcome to the official Andrea blog!
See you next time,
~Andrea
This is the obligatory initial post of my blog as a musician. For those of you who don't know me, my name is obviously Andrea. I am a singer, lyricist, songwriter, and lover of all things music. I have done a variety of music in professional settings including rock, jazz, musical theatre, and opera. I just love music, wherever I may find it.
You may learn more about me than you ever wanted to know. But isn't that what blogging is about?
I have been involved with music, in some form or fashion, my entire life. My father and his brother would playing dueling guitars in our living room when I was a child. My mother would have music around all the time: while cleaning the house, when driving in the car, humming songs to herself, singing along with me when I learned a new song at school, etc. Always, music was there when I needed something to depend on when things got tough.
Eventually, I grew up enough to read and learn more about this world of music. I got my first poetry books from where most children get them, Dr. Seuss. I loved the way the words rhymed and were rhythmically phrased. As I got older, my mother let me read her coveted and treasured book of poetry that she always had handy in our house. I began to read them and get lost in the language. Love, betrayal, death, sacrifice, nature, and all of the real life themes that are brought to life by amazing authors such as Frost, Browning, Plath...my mind became fixated on poetry.
Then I began writing poetry of my own. I had an entire notebook of beloved writings that I carried with me everywhere when I was in the beginning of high school. Until the day, I forgot it on top of my locker and never saw it again. I was destroyed. I separated myself from writing for years after that. Not until I was in college did those writing urges surface again. I was published in our campus literary magazine. I began to write poetry for friends for birthdays, celebrations, etc.
After years of writing poetry, I collaborated with a friend of mine to begin putting them to music. My lyric writing had begun. I was so charged by combining my love of writing my own poetry and my love of music together that writing lyrics became something I regularly did until I created a catalog of lyrical writings to present to musician friends who were willing to collaborate with me. Friends have been wonderful help me create songs with them, as I don't currently play any instruments myself. Well, I mean, anyone can play a kazoo and tambourine, right? ;-D
I spent about 2 years in a rock band, Hollingsworth, with my friends Matt and Tim who were super supportive and helped me bring my lyrics to life in the music we created together. We had some amazing adventures together, playing gigs, writing music, traveling to Budapest, Hungary and playing in the metro station and in parks, and just being musicians. Some of the music we created together still runs through my mind each day. Good times.
Recently, a friend has taken an interest in getting my music career going for my own music. Helping me figure out my style, my music, and what I want to do with it. I know what I want to do with it. I want to sing, create, make a CD, play live shows, and do as much as I can in the world of music. I want to hear someone sing along with my song while I play it live. That, honestly, would probably make me cry like a baby. It would mean that someone hears the words I put to music and finds them valuable enough to learn them.
Well, that's it for now. I appreciate it if you read this whole thing. Welcome to the official Andrea blog!
See you next time,
~Andrea
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)