It is crazy how busy and commercial the Holiday Season has become. This year I decided to sit back and really enjoy the "Reason for the Season" and spend more time enjoying my family and friends and less time decorating and stressing trying to make everything perfect. You know what? It is still perfect and I am a much happier person.
This year I let the kids decorate the tree ALMOST all by themselves. Usually, they decorate it and I go back and rearrange ornaments. If you have children, you realize the need for this. My 3 1/2 foot 4 year old has a jumble of ornaments that say Connor at about 3 feet high in a circle of about 18 inches. Cody is about 5 feet tall and his 18 inch circle of ornaments is also 5 feet tall. Normally, this would drive nuts..... BUT, with my newfound appreciation for the holidays, it has not bothered me a bit. This tree, decorated by the tiny hands of my boys, is even more beautiful than any of the trees I have ever "rearranged". Every single ornament is exactly where the boys put them. They are extremely proud of their beautiful tree. :)
Today, we are finishing up Christmas cookies, and delivering homemade cinnamon rolls to friends and family. Tonight, Santa Claus will come and visit my two energetic but "nice" boys. My favorite part of Christmas is their anticipation for and appreciation of Christmas morning and Santa's visit. I think I am as excited as they are.
I wish all of my friends, fans, and family a wonderful Christmas Day. I hope that everyone is getting to enjoy this Season with those they love. God Blessed us with His Son and we will celebrate the birth of that Son tomorrow. I pray that He continues to bless each and every one of you throughout the New Year.
XO ~ Keyla
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks
I have so many things to be thankful for. The past few months have been a whirlwind. I have been so blessed by the opportunities that have been prestented to me. I have met so many wonderful and inpiring people, many of them musicians.
Today, though, as I watch my baby boys enjoy the Macy's Parade, I am overcome with thankfulness that I have been given these two precious gifts. Life goes by SO fast. I remember watching the parade myself when I was their age. They are still at the age where they think anything is possible. (Even going to New York to pick up the 600 lb. Buzz Light Year balloon for Christmas. Connor doesn't understand that the balloon would not fit in our house..... ;)) I believe that anything is possible for them. I will pray every day that all their dreams come true. I hope that I can be an example to them that with hard work you can acomplish anything.
I am also so very thankful for my husband. He works so hard to support our family. He is also supportive of my career. He knows, aside from my family, music is my happy place. :) He is also a wonderful Dad. He is having just as much fun watching the parade as the kids! I love that about him. This is his favorite time of the year. I have a feeling the Christmas tree will be going up today. ;)
I am so thankful for my family and friends. All families have drama, but I am blessed with a family that also has love. They will always be my most avid supporters and biggest fans.
Last, but not least, I am so thankful for the friends and fans that I have met through music. It still baffles me that I am having conversations with people from all over the world. As I have said before... music has the power to bridge all gaps. For that I am THANKFUL!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! xoxo ~ Keyla
Today, though, as I watch my baby boys enjoy the Macy's Parade, I am overcome with thankfulness that I have been given these two precious gifts. Life goes by SO fast. I remember watching the parade myself when I was their age. They are still at the age where they think anything is possible. (Even going to New York to pick up the 600 lb. Buzz Light Year balloon for Christmas. Connor doesn't understand that the balloon would not fit in our house..... ;)) I believe that anything is possible for them. I will pray every day that all their dreams come true. I hope that I can be an example to them that with hard work you can acomplish anything.
I am also so very thankful for my husband. He works so hard to support our family. He is also supportive of my career. He knows, aside from my family, music is my happy place. :) He is also a wonderful Dad. He is having just as much fun watching the parade as the kids! I love that about him. This is his favorite time of the year. I have a feeling the Christmas tree will be going up today. ;)
I am so thankful for my family and friends. All families have drama, but I am blessed with a family that also has love. They will always be my most avid supporters and biggest fans.
Last, but not least, I am so thankful for the friends and fans that I have met through music. It still baffles me that I am having conversations with people from all over the world. As I have said before... music has the power to bridge all gaps. For that I am THANKFUL!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! xoxo ~ Keyla
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Music, Almost There!!
Well... We have narrowed down the song search and I have my final 4 or 5 songs chosen. We are absolutely sure about 1 of them and 3 or 4 more are in the running for the number 2 spot.
Now I am looking for an investor to help with the recording expenses. This is SO NERVE-WRACKING!! As soon as the songs are done they will be plugged to radio as singles and to labels. Clyde would like for us to get into the studio before the end of the year. Eeeeek!!! I have been ready since the day I went to Nashville to meet him. Clyde and I are both very excited to get them done. It is amazing to be working with a producer who has so much faith in my voice. :)
I got together with friends Kelly Anderson and Mark Sevier on Sunday to do a little writing. It was so much fun! Those guys are super talented and have some really great ideas! Can't wait to get back into the studio with them and get some new songs online!
Now, back to the grindstone with Cody! Homeschool is NO JOKE! We are very blessed that this option is available to us with all of the trouble he was having in public school, but sheesh!! We were still doing Science at 7:30 last night. Probably doesn't help that 4 year old brother was trying to be a personal assistant yesterday. Hard to do Science when Connor is tugging on your shirt. ;)
Now I am looking for an investor to help with the recording expenses. This is SO NERVE-WRACKING!! As soon as the songs are done they will be plugged to radio as singles and to labels. Clyde would like for us to get into the studio before the end of the year. Eeeeek!!! I have been ready since the day I went to Nashville to meet him. Clyde and I are both very excited to get them done. It is amazing to be working with a producer who has so much faith in my voice. :)
I got together with friends Kelly Anderson and Mark Sevier on Sunday to do a little writing. It was so much fun! Those guys are super talented and have some really great ideas! Can't wait to get back into the studio with them and get some new songs online!
Now, back to the grindstone with Cody! Homeschool is NO JOKE! We are very blessed that this option is available to us with all of the trouble he was having in public school, but sheesh!! We were still doing Science at 7:30 last night. Probably doesn't help that 4 year old brother was trying to be a personal assistant yesterday. Hard to do Science when Connor is tugging on your shirt. ;)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Music, Getting There
With the help of a few of my friends and relatives I have finally finished the scratch demos and sent them to my producer, Clyde. That is big FINALLY!! It has taken forever and I am sure that he was getting anxious. I know I was... :)
I am VERY excited about these songs... Have I said that before?? If not... I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THESE SONGS! I not only LOVE way too many of them, but I want to be the one to record them. Is that selfish of me?? hee hee
Now I am in a holding pattern until we decide which songs are the VERY best.
On the home front... Connor and Cody are keeping me busy! It is amazing how much energy little boys can have. I wish I could bottle it up and use it... or maybe sell a little on the side.... ;) Tonight we are going to a Halloween carnival. Can't wait to pile my little Vampire and Batman into the car. They are so much fun! Having children helps you remember the best parts of your childhood.
It has taken me 45 minutes to write this meager little blog. My youngest thinks he is too big to take a nap.... I disagree. ;) He has been in here at least 10 times.
Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!!
I am VERY excited about these songs... Have I said that before?? If not... I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THESE SONGS! I not only LOVE way too many of them, but I want to be the one to record them. Is that selfish of me?? hee hee
Now I am in a holding pattern until we decide which songs are the VERY best.
On the home front... Connor and Cody are keeping me busy! It is amazing how much energy little boys can have. I wish I could bottle it up and use it... or maybe sell a little on the side.... ;) Tonight we are going to a Halloween carnival. Can't wait to pile my little Vampire and Batman into the car. They are so much fun! Having children helps you remember the best parts of your childhood.
It has taken me 45 minutes to write this meager little blog. My youngest thinks he is too big to take a nap.... I disagree. ;) He has been in here at least 10 times.
Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Music, and Meals on Wheels
What a great week! I finally finished all of my scratch demos to send to Clyde! I am sure he will be glad to get them. It has been quite a process getting everyone together to get them done. I really loved everything Clyde sent me, but there are a few I really love and I have grown quite attached to. I can't say what they are yet, but I can't WAIT to get them recorded. :) I wish that I could do about 20 of them...... Is that too much for an album?? j/k ;)
Yesterday, Kelly Anderson and I played for a benefit for Meals on Wheels. I was honored when I was asked to help with the benefit. It is such a great cause. The people who donate their time to the program work hard every day to feed the elderly in our community. It breaks my heart to think of elderly men and women, who don't have any family to speak of, starving. Many of these folks cannot even leave their homes and rely on the services of Meals on Wheels day to day just to survive. We are so fortunate that there are still people out there who care and are willing to help. :) Of course Kelly and I had a great time listening to the other musicians involved. We met some really amazing people!
Since I am finished working on scratch demos, it is back to the grindstone learning new songs for the acoustic duo. I say "grindstone" jokingly... I love learning new music, putting my own spin on it and seeing the crowd's reaction when they hear songs they remember and love! It's truly amazing how many memories come back when you hear a song that you haven't heard in years.
Now it's off to the swingset for me! Connor's two favorite things are the swingset and the ice cream truck. Hopefully we can make it outside and back in without an ice cream truck incident. I SWEAR that truck scouts us out to see when we're outside! AND it always comes by right before dinner.... lol Those who know my children, know that they LOVE sweets. It is a battle of wits when we hear the ICT music!!! Wish me luck..... ;)
Yesterday, Kelly Anderson and I played for a benefit for Meals on Wheels. I was honored when I was asked to help with the benefit. It is such a great cause. The people who donate their time to the program work hard every day to feed the elderly in our community. It breaks my heart to think of elderly men and women, who don't have any family to speak of, starving. Many of these folks cannot even leave their homes and rely on the services of Meals on Wheels day to day just to survive. We are so fortunate that there are still people out there who care and are willing to help. :) Of course Kelly and I had a great time listening to the other musicians involved. We met some really amazing people!
Since I am finished working on scratch demos, it is back to the grindstone learning new songs for the acoustic duo. I say "grindstone" jokingly... I love learning new music, putting my own spin on it and seeing the crowd's reaction when they hear songs they remember and love! It's truly amazing how many memories come back when you hear a song that you haven't heard in years.
Now it's off to the swingset for me! Connor's two favorite things are the swingset and the ice cream truck. Hopefully we can make it outside and back in without an ice cream truck incident. I SWEAR that truck scouts us out to see when we're outside! AND it always comes by right before dinner.... lol Those who know my children, know that they LOVE sweets. It is a battle of wits when we hear the ICT music!!! Wish me luck..... ;)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Music, Awards, Good Friends, and.... Pumpkins
I've had a busy and exciting few weeks! Mark Cady, my manager, entered my song "Nobody" (written by my very good friend and talented guitarist Kelly Anderson) into an Acoustic Ourstage.com competition. We won the Acoustic division and made it into the finals in the Specialty catagory. We competed with AWESOME songs from a number of other genres and WON! I couldn't believe it! I have been so very blessed by that song. So many people have e-mailed me and told me of their life experiences and how they can relate to it. I can't wait to get into the studio and finish a radio ready recording of it.
Kelly and I wrote a fun new song last week called "Catch and Release". I am super excited to get that one demo'd, too. We are still putting the finishing touches on it, but it came together very quickly and I am very proud of it. :)
Next week, Mike Bailey and I will be putting the finishing touches on the music we will be sending my producer. He has been such a big help through this process. As soon as we're done, we will be shipping them off to Nashville to pick the top two and begin recording. I am so ready to jump in with both feet and record with Clyde!!
On the home front...... Cody had testing last week and his work samples were due for his virtual school. We were BUSY BUSY BUSY!! Next week we will be playing catch-up on the school work we missed during testing so it will be much the same. :)
Today, I got to have lunch with a few of my Best Friends from High School. It is so much fun to get together with old friends and catch up. It feels like we were in High School last week and now we have children and careers. I was sharing with my friend, Leanna, my reservations about everything that is going on right now. She told me that she believed in me and that my voice would carry me far. It is support like hers that keeps me going. I am so lucky to have friends and family that believe in me and support me. I KNOW that they are partial, but it is good to have partial people in your life. :)
After lunch, Tommy and I took the kids to a pumpkin patch and corn maze complete with a hay ride and hay tunnels. The kids had so much fun and were completely worn out! I didn't think we were ever going to get out of that maze! If I had had a phone signal I would have posted to Facebook - SOS Lost in a maze 'o' Corn with two rambunxious little boys..... please help.. lol
Now it's off to return e-mails!! They have been piling up all week!!
Kelly and I wrote a fun new song last week called "Catch and Release". I am super excited to get that one demo'd, too. We are still putting the finishing touches on it, but it came together very quickly and I am very proud of it. :)
Next week, Mike Bailey and I will be putting the finishing touches on the music we will be sending my producer. He has been such a big help through this process. As soon as we're done, we will be shipping them off to Nashville to pick the top two and begin recording. I am so ready to jump in with both feet and record with Clyde!!
On the home front...... Cody had testing last week and his work samples were due for his virtual school. We were BUSY BUSY BUSY!! Next week we will be playing catch-up on the school work we missed during testing so it will be much the same. :)
Today, I got to have lunch with a few of my Best Friends from High School. It is so much fun to get together with old friends and catch up. It feels like we were in High School last week and now we have children and careers. I was sharing with my friend, Leanna, my reservations about everything that is going on right now. She told me that she believed in me and that my voice would carry me far. It is support like hers that keeps me going. I am so lucky to have friends and family that believe in me and support me. I KNOW that they are partial, but it is good to have partial people in your life. :)
After lunch, Tommy and I took the kids to a pumpkin patch and corn maze complete with a hay ride and hay tunnels. The kids had so much fun and were completely worn out! I didn't think we were ever going to get out of that maze! If I had had a phone signal I would have posted to Facebook - SOS Lost in a maze 'o' Corn with two rambunxious little boys..... please help.. lol
Now it's off to return e-mails!! They have been piling up all week!!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Music, Time Well Spent in the Studio
Yet again, another busy weekend! Cajun Cookers with Kelly on Friday night and then back to the studio with Mike Bailey and Kelly to record some more "scratch" demos for Clyde on Sunday night. I am so anxious to get these songs to him. I love them all! I thought my problem would be finding the right songs, but he has sent me so many good ones it is going to be SO hard to choose!
Mike put his own spin on a few of the songs and they are turning out great. They don't sound like "scratch" demos at all. I am so lucky to be working with him and Kelly on this. Kelly is getting to show off his mad guitar skills on a few of the new songs. SO TALENTED! The ones I am working on right now have a Country-Rock edge and they are so much fun to sing! Right up my alley. ;)
On Sunday night we got the instrumentals done on 4 new songs. We also finished revamping the instrumentals on a song that is already on my site called "Cowboy Ride". It all sounded so good that I decided to re-do the vocals. :)
We won't be able to get back into the studio until next Monday and/or Tuesday. Then we will finish the vocals for the next 4 and ship them off to Nashville with a few others I have already completed. I am keeping my fingers crossed that these are the ones! Then it will be off to Nashville for me. :)
Now I am off to be Mommy and make dinner for my two adorable munchkins. Connor is pretending to be Iron Man right now, so we'll see how it goes. I am sure he will want to help, but it might be kinda difficult with his fake muscles and Iron Man helmet. ;)
Mike put his own spin on a few of the songs and they are turning out great. They don't sound like "scratch" demos at all. I am so lucky to be working with him and Kelly on this. Kelly is getting to show off his mad guitar skills on a few of the new songs. SO TALENTED! The ones I am working on right now have a Country-Rock edge and they are so much fun to sing! Right up my alley. ;)
On Sunday night we got the instrumentals done on 4 new songs. We also finished revamping the instrumentals on a song that is already on my site called "Cowboy Ride". It all sounded so good that I decided to re-do the vocals. :)
We won't be able to get back into the studio until next Monday and/or Tuesday. Then we will finish the vocals for the next 4 and ship them off to Nashville with a few others I have already completed. I am keeping my fingers crossed that these are the ones! Then it will be off to Nashville for me. :)
Now I am off to be Mommy and make dinner for my two adorable munchkins. Connor is pretending to be Iron Man right now, so we'll see how it goes. I am sure he will want to help, but it might be kinda difficult with his fake muscles and Iron Man helmet. ;)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Hello Monday! Back to reality.... ;)
What a crazy weekend! On Friday night, Kelly Anderson and I had a blast with our acoustic duo at Cajun Cookers. Then Saturday, amidst the thunderstorms, the band (Forgetting Last Friday) and I had a show at the Dean All Knighter 4-wheeler rally. It is a giant family reunion where the Dean and Knight families get together with a couple hundred of their closest friends and party all weekend! I have NEVER had a family reunion like this one! If only!
We thought we were going to get rained out because the campsite and stage are in a clearing in the woods out in the middle of nowhere. I am talking no cell service for miles! ;) It is absolutely beautiful out there. The campers put up a big wedding tent and a tarp over the stage so we could still come and play. They were such troopers! They literally had to stand ankle deep in mud and it was COLD, but they kept on dancing! Eventually, they just built a second campfire by the stage so they could keep warm. The band greatly appreciated the fire too.. lol
After the show, we took our acoustics to the big campfire and basically did band karaoke. It was so much fun! Mike Dean grabbed his guitar and sang a few himself. Very talented guy! Nothing better than sing-a-longs around a campfire, but when you have that many people, you are sure to have a good time!
Last year, I played the Dean All Knighter and we stayed and camped with everyone after the show. This year, we decided to come home and not to chance drowning in our tents in the gully washers that were coming through all weekend. Next year, rain or shine, it's on! I'll get a canoe!
The kids are home after being at their Grandparents for a week. I am SO not as cool as Mamaw and Papaw. They would both live there if I would let them. I just can't compete with the bunnies, chickens and horses.... Today it was back to reality! Cody had to get back to the grindstone of 5th grade homeschool and Connor had to be a little quieter than he did at Mamaw's house.... Not easy for a 4 year old energetic boy!!
This week we are going to try to get back into the studio and finish up our scratch demos so my producer and I can choose our favs and I can come to Nashville and get the master's done. I am SOOOO ready!!
Have a great week!
We thought we were going to get rained out because the campsite and stage are in a clearing in the woods out in the middle of nowhere. I am talking no cell service for miles! ;) It is absolutely beautiful out there. The campers put up a big wedding tent and a tarp over the stage so we could still come and play. They were such troopers! They literally had to stand ankle deep in mud and it was COLD, but they kept on dancing! Eventually, they just built a second campfire by the stage so they could keep warm. The band greatly appreciated the fire too.. lol
After the show, we took our acoustics to the big campfire and basically did band karaoke. It was so much fun! Mike Dean grabbed his guitar and sang a few himself. Very talented guy! Nothing better than sing-a-longs around a campfire, but when you have that many people, you are sure to have a good time!
Last year, I played the Dean All Knighter and we stayed and camped with everyone after the show. This year, we decided to come home and not to chance drowning in our tents in the gully washers that were coming through all weekend. Next year, rain or shine, it's on! I'll get a canoe!
The kids are home after being at their Grandparents for a week. I am SO not as cool as Mamaw and Papaw. They would both live there if I would let them. I just can't compete with the bunnies, chickens and horses.... Today it was back to reality! Cody had to get back to the grindstone of 5th grade homeschool and Connor had to be a little quieter than he did at Mamaw's house.... Not easy for a 4 year old energetic boy!!
This week we are going to try to get back into the studio and finish up our scratch demos so my producer and I can choose our favs and I can come to Nashville and get the master's done. I am SOOOO ready!!
Have a great week!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Music, The Crazy Dream
This week has flown by so fast! After my gig last Friday night, my husband and I drove 4 hours to go visit my In-Laws. They are absolutely incredible. They have a farm complete with chickens, ducks, and rabbits and my Brother-In-Law (who lives across the street) has horses. My kids feel like we are going to a whole different world. It is like their own personal petting zoo. ;)
While we were there, the kids decided to stay for a week. I have missed them so much! They have had so much fun, I am not sure that they will want to come home on Sunday!
This week I have been working on music non-stop! It is so quite around here, I have to fill the silence with something.... lol It is amazing the amount of noise you miss when two rowdy boys aren't around!
On Wednesday night, after band practice, I had the opportunity to have dinner with my good friend and confindant, Ron Smith. He has helped me so much in the past several months put this whole journey together. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments! He has so many things in the works right now! Can't wait to share them with you!
I have met so many amazing people over the last few months from all over the world! My website on Reverbnation.com has really opened up the doors to musicians and music fans everywhere and I have made some really incredible friends. It is an amazing support system. :)
This weekend will be a full one! Tonight I have a gig at Cajun Cookers with Kelly Anderson. Tomorrow night I am doing an awesome show at a private party with the band. I've been looking forward to this one! It is basically a huge camping/4-wheeler rally. We played it last year and had a blast!
On Sunday night, it is back to the studio to lay down some more tracks for my producer. We are almost done with the scratch tracks and then it will be off to Nashville to get a couple of songs mastered! I am so ready to get the ball rolling and get my music out there!
Now... off to work on the set-list for Saturday night! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
XO ~ Keyla
While we were there, the kids decided to stay for a week. I have missed them so much! They have had so much fun, I am not sure that they will want to come home on Sunday!
This week I have been working on music non-stop! It is so quite around here, I have to fill the silence with something.... lol It is amazing the amount of noise you miss when two rowdy boys aren't around!
On Wednesday night, after band practice, I had the opportunity to have dinner with my good friend and confindant, Ron Smith. He has helped me so much in the past several months put this whole journey together. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments! He has so many things in the works right now! Can't wait to share them with you!
I have met so many amazing people over the last few months from all over the world! My website on Reverbnation.com has really opened up the doors to musicians and music fans everywhere and I have made some really incredible friends. It is an amazing support system. :)
This weekend will be a full one! Tonight I have a gig at Cajun Cookers with Kelly Anderson. Tomorrow night I am doing an awesome show at a private party with the band. I've been looking forward to this one! It is basically a huge camping/4-wheeler rally. We played it last year and had a blast!
On Sunday night, it is back to the studio to lay down some more tracks for my producer. We are almost done with the scratch tracks and then it will be off to Nashville to get a couple of songs mastered! I am so ready to get the ball rolling and get my music out there!
Now... off to work on the set-list for Saturday night! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
XO ~ Keyla
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Music and everyday life........
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~Berthold Auerbach
It has been a busy week at the Reed household! Cody is elbow deep in Home School about 6 hours a day. Connor is elbow deep in anything he can get elbow deep in (not to exclude the toilet , anything in the garage, or the refrigerator) . And I am elbow deep in all that and my music. The funny thing is, I love it all and wouldn’t trade it for the world
.
This week I have been getting ready to go into the studio to record some demo tracks of songs my producer and I have chosen as possibilities for my first two singles. The problem is, there are SO many talented writers out there (an extremely good “problem” to have in my case ;) )!! A few weeks ago, my producer Clyde had meetings with publishers in Nashville. After hearing about me and my voice, they pitched him songs they thought I might like. Turns out, I love them!! They are great!! Before I started this process, I never really thought about all of the professional songwriters who never got their music heard. This all means that I have 50+ songs to choose from on top of the 40+ Clyde had already sent me!! I am a very indecisive person….. This could be hard… lol
Since I am not in Nashville and my producer is, I have been recording demos of my favorite songs and sending them to him to review. This way, he can help me decide which songs are best suited for my voice, etc… This process is so much fun! I am hearing songs that only a handful of people have heard before and I get to choose my favorites and make them my own! How much fun is that?!?
It is also EXTREMELY stressful!! These first few songs have to be SPECTACULAR! They will be my first impression on the general public…. Eeeek. My decision has to be right on or my whole career could flop. Luckily, I have the expertise of an excellent producer and a few great friends in the industry to guide me. I will tell you…. There are a few songs I am very attached to already. I think you will like them. ;) Next week will go something like this…. Sunday after church I will be meeting up with Kelly Anderson, very good friend and stellar guitarist, to learn 3 or 4 more songs to send to my producer. Monday, Kelly and I have an acoustic gig at a private party. Tuesday, Kelly and I will be recording 3 or 4 demo songs somewhere between 6pm and 1am on Wednesday. Wednesday night, Kelly and I will be back in the studio recording 3 or 4 more (same time frame). Then, on Friday, Kelly and I have another gig at Cajun Cookers. So you see a theme here?!?! Poor Kelly! I am very fortunate that he loves music every bit as much as I do. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him at this point….. Not to be sappy… ;)
So….. this weekend, since Tommy is working ALL weekend, Cody, Connor and I will be spending a little bit of time in the sunshine. I will be working on my demos at Connor’s naptime so we will have a smooth time in the studio (Maybe we can actually make it out of there before midnight… ;) ). Oh.. and we will be watching college football.. My kids are avid Razorback fans…. BOTH of there bedrooms are Razorback red. GO HOGS!!!! Have a great weekend, everyone!
It has been a busy week at the Reed household! Cody is elbow deep in Home School about 6 hours a day. Connor is elbow deep in anything he can get elbow deep in (not to exclude the toilet , anything in the garage, or the refrigerator) . And I am elbow deep in all that and my music. The funny thing is, I love it all and wouldn’t trade it for the world
.
This week I have been getting ready to go into the studio to record some demo tracks of songs my producer and I have chosen as possibilities for my first two singles. The problem is, there are SO many talented writers out there (an extremely good “problem” to have in my case ;) )!! A few weeks ago, my producer Clyde had meetings with publishers in Nashville. After hearing about me and my voice, they pitched him songs they thought I might like. Turns out, I love them!! They are great!! Before I started this process, I never really thought about all of the professional songwriters who never got their music heard. This all means that I have 50+ songs to choose from on top of the 40+ Clyde had already sent me!! I am a very indecisive person….. This could be hard… lol
Since I am not in Nashville and my producer is, I have been recording demos of my favorite songs and sending them to him to review. This way, he can help me decide which songs are best suited for my voice, etc… This process is so much fun! I am hearing songs that only a handful of people have heard before and I get to choose my favorites and make them my own! How much fun is that?!?
It is also EXTREMELY stressful!! These first few songs have to be SPECTACULAR! They will be my first impression on the general public…. Eeeek. My decision has to be right on or my whole career could flop. Luckily, I have the expertise of an excellent producer and a few great friends in the industry to guide me. I will tell you…. There are a few songs I am very attached to already. I think you will like them. ;) Next week will go something like this…. Sunday after church I will be meeting up with Kelly Anderson, very good friend and stellar guitarist, to learn 3 or 4 more songs to send to my producer. Monday, Kelly and I have an acoustic gig at a private party. Tuesday, Kelly and I will be recording 3 or 4 demo songs somewhere between 6pm and 1am on Wednesday. Wednesday night, Kelly and I will be back in the studio recording 3 or 4 more (same time frame). Then, on Friday, Kelly and I have another gig at Cajun Cookers. So you see a theme here?!?! Poor Kelly! I am very fortunate that he loves music every bit as much as I do. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him at this point….. Not to be sappy… ;)
So….. this weekend, since Tommy is working ALL weekend, Cody, Connor and I will be spending a little bit of time in the sunshine. I will be working on my demos at Connor’s naptime so we will have a smooth time in the studio (Maybe we can actually make it out of there before midnight… ;) ). Oh.. and we will be watching college football.. My kids are avid Razorback fans…. BOTH of there bedrooms are Razorback red. GO HOGS!!!! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Music, How My Incredible Journey Began
"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music." ~ Ronald Reagan
I believe that in every one of us there is an inner musician. I know that has been the case for me since the day I was born. It didn't hurt that I grew up with two incredibly talented parents. ;) I started singing the day I started talking. My parents have a recording of me singing "Jesus Loves Me" when I was 2 years old. I'll have to post that sometime..... I remember standing in the bed of my parents truck in the front yard, I guess I was about 6, singing at the top of my lungs and imagining that all the neighbors loved my voice so much that they all came out of their houses and to my driveway to hear my impromptu concert. J
All through school, I sang in Choir, talent contest after talent contest, community events, and even recorded the "National Anthem", which was played at my small town ballpark until a few years ago (that cassette tape HAD to have been worn out ;) ) I came home every day and went to my room and sang with my little karaoke machine. J My Senior year in High School I received a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Myself, and of course my parents, were very excited. :) The summer after I graduated from High School, I started dating my soul mate and partner in crime, Tommy. :) When visiting him at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, I fell in love with the Music Department and the beautiful campus..... and it didn't hurt that my boyfriend went to college there..... I marched right in to the Choir Director's office and started talking to him about the Department. He asked me to sing for the Department Heads that day. Since I had no idea I would be applying for a scholarship when I got up that morning, I had on overalls with a thermal underwear type shirt and my hair in a pony-tail (no make-up)... Serious stuff for a girl like me.. lol I went out to my car, got my book of Arias (Opera) and sang an aria from “La Boheme” and another from “The Magic Flute”. I was in fact a Country artist who was trained classically to sing Opera (that’s how you get scholarships ;) ). That day, the Choir Director and Dean of Music offered me a full scholarship. SO ~ Away I went!
A few years later my soul mate and I got married. A year after that, we had our first baby boy, Cody. As they do, things happened and music fell to the wayside. As soon as my oldest son started school, we knew something was wrong. A few years later, after we’d had our second son Connor, our oldest was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Music was definitely not on the top of my list of ‘Things To Do’ at that point. I spent most of my time researching the disorder (a high-functioning form of Autism) and finding ways to help Cody have a healthy and rewarding life. Little did I know that this little professor would teach me things and reward me in ways that I had no idea were possible. He and his little brother are truly a blessing.
I believe that in every one of us there is an inner musician. I know that has been the case for me since the day I was born. It didn't hurt that I grew up with two incredibly talented parents. ;) I started singing the day I started talking. My parents have a recording of me singing "Jesus Loves Me" when I was 2 years old. I'll have to post that sometime..... I remember standing in the bed of my parents truck in the front yard, I guess I was about 6, singing at the top of my lungs and imagining that all the neighbors loved my voice so much that they all came out of their houses and to my driveway to hear my impromptu concert. J
All through school, I sang in Choir, talent contest after talent contest, community events, and even recorded the "National Anthem", which was played at my small town ballpark until a few years ago (that cassette tape HAD to have been worn out ;) ) I came home every day and went to my room and sang with my little karaoke machine. J My Senior year in High School I received a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Myself, and of course my parents, were very excited. :) The summer after I graduated from High School, I started dating my soul mate and partner in crime, Tommy. :) When visiting him at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, I fell in love with the Music Department and the beautiful campus..... and it didn't hurt that my boyfriend went to college there..... I marched right in to the Choir Director's office and started talking to him about the Department. He asked me to sing for the Department Heads that day. Since I had no idea I would be applying for a scholarship when I got up that morning, I had on overalls with a thermal underwear type shirt and my hair in a pony-tail (no make-up)... Serious stuff for a girl like me.. lol I went out to my car, got my book of Arias (Opera) and sang an aria from “La Boheme” and another from “The Magic Flute”. I was in fact a Country artist who was trained classically to sing Opera (that’s how you get scholarships ;) ). That day, the Choir Director and Dean of Music offered me a full scholarship. SO ~ Away I went!
A few years later my soul mate and I got married. A year after that, we had our first baby boy, Cody. As they do, things happened and music fell to the wayside. As soon as my oldest son started school, we knew something was wrong. A few years later, after we’d had our second son Connor, our oldest was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Music was definitely not on the top of my list of ‘Things To Do’ at that point. I spent most of my time researching the disorder (a high-functioning form of Autism) and finding ways to help Cody have a healthy and rewarding life. Little did I know that this little professor would teach me things and reward me in ways that I had no idea were possible. He and his little brother are truly a blessing.
Fast forward a few years…. My husband (probably getting tired of me singing in the kitchen and shower/ the two rooms with the best acoustics ;) ) convinced me that I needed to start singing again. He knew how much a part of me music was and knew I needed ‘me time’. I started singing with one of my Best Friend’s husbands, then with a local band. I loved it… I love it!! Singing is such a release for me. There is nothing more exhilarating than being on a stage in a room full of people and having them enjoy something that you love so much and are so passionate about.
One day, my Step-Dad (and one of my best friends) was playing my band’s demo in his office. One of his co-workers, Ron Smith, walked in to the room and asked who it was. When Mark told him that it was his step-daughter, he asked to meet me. That night, I went and sang karaoke with Ron Smith. That turned out to be the most important night of karaoke of my life. Ron turned out to be a great friend and he also happened to know a lot of people in the music industry. He liked my voice and wanted to help me build a career. Ron made a few phone calls and helped me get my demos to Nashville producer, Clyde Brooks. Clyde liked what he heard and called me for a meeting. I liked Clyde instantly! He has been working in the industry for years and is so knowledgeable! He knew exactly the direction I wanted to go without me even telling him. This trip to Nashville was in June I signed with Clyde a few weeks later. Clyde has been sending me songs over the past few months. From these songs, I will choose my first two singles. It has been so incredibly exciting! I honestly did not think that all of these things were possible. I have been so blessed in the past few months.
I wanted to write this blog to chronicle my journey through this crazy and hectic industry of Music! There are so many facets of the Music Industry that I knew nothing about as an avid fan and local musician. I want to share my journey with my fans , friends and family! I also want to share with them my crazy and hilarious world as a wife and mom of two very energetic little boys and my struggles to balance the two.
I promise, I will never have a blog entry this long again!!! Lots of things to get in there!
Until next time……
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