When it comes to songwriting it’s pretty common for me to write a song and not really know what it’s about for a while. Sometimes years. Recently I found myself humming a melody over and over. It took me a few days to realize that it was actually an old one of MY songs – Tidal Wave. When I realized it – I had kind of an “ah-ha” moment.
music
Sparrows Point
The second band I was ever in was a Theatrical Heavy Metal band.
You heard me.
I was still totally new to playing rock. To gain experience I had decided to just say yes to everything that came my way and try out as many things as I could until my calendar just wouldn’t allow room. Thusly, when I got the phone call from Margrit saying this band needed a sub for an important show down in L.A. I said “sure, why not?”
Enter Sparrows Point.
Answer the Damn Call
A common question I get asked in interviews is “What made you choose to be a musician?”
I almost always start laughing. CHOOSE to be a musician? I didn’t CHOOSE to be a musician. Who would ever do this to themselves? In fact, I’ve quit being a musician five times I can think of and I’m sure there were more than that. I consider quitting at least once every couple of weeks to this day.
The Story Behind “Burst”
“Burst” was released to the world as a music video yesterday – this song is very near to my heart and I’ve been feeling super vulnerable for the last two weeks gearing up for it.
I wrote this song when I was at my most raw and I wanted to capture what was going on inside my head.
How to Therapy
I want to talk about therapy. As of 2018, I have collectively been in therapy for 13 years.
You’re welcome, Earth.
I have a history of severe depression, anxiety, and a delightful sprinkling of suicidal tendencies, a.k.a. MENTAL ILLNESS. (Insert dramatic music and crowds running away in black and white b-movie terror). When it first showed up so many years ago I was very blessed that I had friends in my life who insisted I wasn’t okay and pointed me in the direction of getting professional help. I send them little prayers every day.
To say there was a lot of stigma around “going to therapy” is sort of the understatement of a lifetime. My parents even tried to talk me out of it because they didn’t want me to get a reputation. They meant well. Thank God I did it anyway because I was suicidal and if I hadn’t I’d be dead now.
Shattered
Shatter:
[shat-er]
verb (used with object)
1. to break (something) into pieces, as by a blow.
2. to damage, as by breaking or crushing: ships shattered by storms.
3. to impair or destroy (health, nerves, etc.): The incident shattered his composure.
4. to weaken, destroy, or refute (ideas, opinions, etc.): He wanted to shatter her illusions.
verb (used without object)
5. to be broken into fragments or become weak or insubstantial.
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The only thing that is still the same in my life right now as it was 18 months ago, is that I am currently breathing and have a heartbeat.
In Reality, I’m a Totally Boring Person
Is what I always thought about myself. Hence the long lags between blog posts, and sometimes weeks of no updates on any social media. I didn’t feel like anything I really did was interesting to anyone.
However, the universe has sent multiple messages to me and I’ve decided to listen and try sharing more. I’m not going to worry about editing and composition so much – just write like I’m talking and see if that makes it easier to tell my stories.
So- this week for instance. While I have so many amazing acquaintances in my life I have a very small inner circle, and an even smaller number I would consider family. Around 6 of them. Two of them live nearish to me, the other 4 were in SF. Until this week. Three of them moved away – two to St. Paul, Minnesota and one to Hong Kong. The 4th one is on vacation in Mexico, but at least she’s coming back.
