Monday, July 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Music, What's New in My World
Hello, friends! It has been a LONG time since I posted a blog and so many things have happened since the last time.....
A few months ago I was contacted by Jeff Huskins (check out his bio here), an amazingly talented and prominent producer in Nashville. Jeff had heard my music and called me to work with him on a new project. This is something I can get really excited about. :) Jeff has worked with some of the top names in the music business including a new duet with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. All I can say is WOW. He wants to work with ME!! The original plan was to put together a four song demo and present the demo to major record labels. That was BIG, really big. Jeff is so connected in the business. His contacts alone make him a huge asset on my team. Not to mention, he is SUPER talented. Have I said I am excited??? Jeff and his team believe in my voice and are willing to go to the wall for me. To say I am grateful is an understatement. The past few weeks I have been talking with investors for the project. Not only have I had investor interest, but I have made a few great friends in the process. :)
A week or so ago I was contacted by Jeff's talent manager and partner. There are high hopes that we will not only do four songs, but continue on and do a full album. This is not only a dream come true for me, but also for my family. Depending on investor timelines, we would like to be recording by mid April. One more thing to mark off my bucket list!
Other than my work with Jeff, I have also been staying very busy playing acoustic gigs with Kelly Anderson. My band has been hard at work getting ready for our busiest season. We have an awesome line-up of shows and are chomping at the bit to get on stage.
My boys have also been busy homeschooling, growing and learning. They are such a blessing and keep me hopping all day! They are not only music lovers themselves, they are my biggest fans.
At the end of the week I will be starting a program on kickstarter.com. (When the link is finished I will post it here) Kickstarter is an awesome website that allows people in all forms of the arts to receive donations or pledges to raise money to help off-set the extra expenses of their projects. The "pledgers" can donate anywhere from a dollar to $5,000 and beyond. They only actually send money if the pre-set goal is met. This is a crazy-unique way to get friends, family, and fans involved in your project and then give back to them when you are finished.
There are so many other things to talk about!! Stay tuned.... I'll keep ya posted!
A few months ago I was contacted by Jeff Huskins (check out his bio here), an amazingly talented and prominent producer in Nashville. Jeff had heard my music and called me to work with him on a new project. This is something I can get really excited about. :) Jeff has worked with some of the top names in the music business including a new duet with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. All I can say is WOW. He wants to work with ME!! The original plan was to put together a four song demo and present the demo to major record labels. That was BIG, really big. Jeff is so connected in the business. His contacts alone make him a huge asset on my team. Not to mention, he is SUPER talented. Have I said I am excited??? Jeff and his team believe in my voice and are willing to go to the wall for me. To say I am grateful is an understatement. The past few weeks I have been talking with investors for the project. Not only have I had investor interest, but I have made a few great friends in the process. :)
A week or so ago I was contacted by Jeff's talent manager and partner. There are high hopes that we will not only do four songs, but continue on and do a full album. This is not only a dream come true for me, but also for my family. Depending on investor timelines, we would like to be recording by mid April. One more thing to mark off my bucket list!
Other than my work with Jeff, I have also been staying very busy playing acoustic gigs with Kelly Anderson. My band has been hard at work getting ready for our busiest season. We have an awesome line-up of shows and are chomping at the bit to get on stage.
My boys have also been busy homeschooling, growing and learning. They are such a blessing and keep me hopping all day! They are not only music lovers themselves, they are my biggest fans.
At the end of the week I will be starting a program on kickstarter.com. (When the link is finished I will post it here) Kickstarter is an awesome website that allows people in all forms of the arts to receive donations or pledges to raise money to help off-set the extra expenses of their projects. The "pledgers" can donate anywhere from a dollar to $5,000 and beyond. They only actually send money if the pre-set goal is met. This is a crazy-unique way to get friends, family, and fans involved in your project and then give back to them when you are finished.
There are so many other things to talk about!! Stay tuned.... I'll keep ya posted!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
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
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
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..... ;)
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