As Edie would say "We are cuttin' some sweet tracks!" And it is true, these songs are sounding so great. I know I probably should be more skeptical of myself, but, truly I love how these songs are shaping up.
Two things have really stood out to me this week. First- it is so enjoyable to sing cover songs. Our voices are encountering new melodies that we wouldn't have written, and we sing them differently. It showcases a new side of our voices, which makes for an interesting listen. Second- I am loving that every song is a duet. Some of you know that I am part of The Lower Lights, and one aspect that shines for me in that group is how many voices join together on most songs. Making an album having my voice woven with Edie's is pretty lovely. Our voices are very different and yet I have been happily surprised how good they sound together. I did fear "what if Edie and I get into the studio and we don't sound good together?" Yes, that would have been epic fail. I knew that I loved singing with her, but I am so happy that it works on another level as well. Yay, go team.
Today we got to have lunch with one of my favorite people, Courtney Kendrick. She is kind and always thoughtful in her questions and conversations. She has an ease about her that makes you feel relaxed. She has a glow about her and I feel better after being with her. You are lucky Provo that you get her all the time.
I am also loving the two hours in the car every day. Edie could be the best conversationalist in the world. We never, and I mean NEVER run out of stuff to say. Half of it is making me pee with laughter. The rest of it is contemplating topics running the gamut of marriage, music careers, when your child starts vomiting, which NPR hosts we love, favorite TV dramas, and who will come to our funerals.
Love to you all this weekend. Next week we have a special guest, the beautiful Mai Bloomfield is flying in from LA to play on the record and sing with a us. We will let you in on it.
I am sitting in my luxury chair at June Audio, looking at our Producer Scott Wiley do his magic at the console. Edie Carey and I are in the studio for the next two weeks making our new lullaby record. I feel a rooted happiness that is relieving and elevating to my heart. I've never made a record like this before: a duet album, a new genre, a collection of covers and a few originals, and the time and space to create over time. My last two records have been made live with a large group of gorgeous friends who spread their talent into every second of 15 hour recording days. It is a whirlwind of emotion and song and friendship, and we emerge on the other side of a few days with a record. I have been so happy how those albums have sounded.
This album is subtle and filled with space and thought. The pacing is completely different and I am loving it. Recording over two weeks is a gift at this time in my life. We call our friends one by one to come into the studio to help with an idea or play a track. We get to dine at all the hip yummy Provo joints. Working with Scott has been easy and fun. His experience producing lends him a bazillion ideas for each song, over and over in the last two days I have been so happy that he is at the helm. Edie Carey is one of the most easy humans to spend time with. She is hilarious and we laugh through the whole day, not to mention her voice on the big speakers is slaying me.
My mom is a saint in this mix. She is watching all three children; navigating two toddlers sleep schedules and cutting up food into small tiny pieces. I bring her an icy Pace's Dairy Ann fountain Coke every morning when I drop Maeve off and she steps into super Grandma mode. The pattern of my mother helping me realize my dream in music has been woven continuously through my life. Thank you mom.
So, we are on day two. The songs so far sound beautiful. I hope they lull you away into a dreamy settled place.
I am thrilled to announce that I am going to start recording a new record very soon. My dear friend Edie Carey and I are going to make a duet album of lullabies. Some will be originals, some traditional, some unexpected tunes. Overall, we want to create an album that is soothing to everyone, not just the kiddies. Edie Carey has been one of my favorite songwriters this last decade. She has toured the country extensively and has been a huge impact for good in the independent world of songwriters.
We launched our Kickstarter Campaign yesterday and feel overjoyed at the response and support we have felt so far. We invite you to check out our video, and pre-order the record if you feel inclined. There are some cool incentives we are offering if you want to give and receive more: like quilts made with love, a visit to the studio while we are recording, onsies, super soft tees, or a custom lullaby for you or your child.
Also, by joining us on this journey you will receive the album before anyone else and by privy to updates along the way. I may or may not have done a ridiculous lip sync video last night for the backers...
Thanks friends for sticking by my side all these years. I know this record is a slight departure from my normal recordings, but it feels good to stretch my creative muscle in new ways. I promise we will show up to record these songs with heart. We start recording with the talented producer Scott Wiley at June Audio studios in January. I think you will love it!
Two years ago today I released "Someday, Someday" my fourth studio record. I smiled tonight when I realized this anniversary and wanted to celebrate by sharing with you a few of my favorite moments of making this album. I am sure that I will create more albums through the years, but this one was special for me.
* THE STUDIO AND THE MAN. This is the third record I have made at June Audio with Scott Wiley producing and engineering. June Audio is just a beautiful space to make music; the walls are lined with incredible guitars, pianos of every size, vintage amps and pedals, rare microphones and just a great vibe. Scott could spend his time boasting about working with artists like Ryan Adams and Bonnie Raitt and Neon Trees, but instead he takes a quiet pride in making quality records in a beautiful space. He is one of the most talented people I have met in this line of work and is so good at what he does. I love the three records we have made together. He has been so generous to me over the years and I am ever grateful to have someone of his talent stand by my me and my music.
* THE SONGS. The ten songs we ended up choosing to be on the record are some of my best work. Each song landed in a different way. Calling Your Name came very quickly one night, almost laid out finished in my mind. I loved how the form of this song feels like a very traditional folk song. Others like "Shadows Of A Song" took months of editing and reworking and even enlisting my friend Paul Jacobsen to help me finish it. Paul's work as a songwriter blows me away again and again. When writing songs, I sometimes think to myself "would this lyric make the cut if Paul was writing it?" He co-wrote Shadows, Every Time I Go, and I'm Ready, not bad Jacobsen, not bad. I started writing "Every Time I Go" in Lyons Colorado during my favorite week of Song School. I had written "Every time I go, I give my heart to you..." and was stuck, Paul then suggested I sing "Every time I go, I give my heart to you, to keep you from the cold.." which is one of my favorite lyrics in any of these songs. I wrote this song for my daughter with the idea that distance cannot stop a mother's love. "Don't Bury Me" was inspired in part by my Grandpa Price who ran his family farm and was tied to his land in a way that prevented him from ever leaving it and part by a moment I had watching the ships come in and out of a bay in Galloway Scotland. I love the way we produced "Don't Bury Me." New love on "Texas" and not giving up on true love in "One Mistake" are two of the quieter numbers. When I sang on "Be My Middle Ground" I always imagined Bonnie Raitt's voice on it. And finishing "Staying Behind" was a pretty big therapeutic break through for me, took me years to write that song.
*THE HARMONIES. Wow can this group of people sing! Good gracious I was just blown away by the harmonies sung from this group. It is pretty rare to find musicians who can nail a harmony after only listening to a song a few times. My favorite harmonic moments of this record are on: Every Time I Go-- Paul came up with the echo 'to keep' on the chorus which I still smile at when I hear it. When Ryan sing "In my arms" on the bridge. The harmonies of this chorus just nail it--thank you Ryan, Paul, and Mai. Shadows of a Song-- Dustin Christensen sang this one with me and just slayed it. SLAYED IT. I think he heard this song twice through before he started singing along. Every take he did something different, and every time it was something brilliant. His harmonies on the second verse are my favorite. Staying Behind--if you watch the short documentary at the bottom you will see Paul, Ryan, Dustin, and Mai all working out their parts in the warehouse. Each chose different lines to sing on and I was floored watching them all find their place. Be My Middle Ground---Miss Mai just swooped into this chorus beautifully. I love the parts she hears. I am sure it could be due to years of singing in Raining Jane or being trained in cello and guitar...but man can she sing. Calling Your Name--Paul's voice and all it's raspy goodness shows up in this song. I love that it is a duet. Reminds me of when we sang this song. I'm Ready-- This song has such a sing-a-long chorus. I love feeling the group behind me.
*THE BAND. Pat Campbell slaying my heart on drums. Brian Hardy making the ivories sing, and organs, and glock, and bells. Mai with the graceful cello and angelic voice. Dyan Schorer melting me with electric guitars and pedal steel. Scott Wiley puts the edge in electric (I love that intro on Staying Behind) on guitar and bass. Paul Jacobsen, Ryan Tanner, & Dustin Christensen killing it on vocal harmonies, guitars, banjos, pianos, and ideas. Tilby the wizard playing anything with strings, do I remember a bass mando or uke??? And even a guest appearance of George Brunt on bass--so hip. The truth is that I have been making music with this group of friends for the last decade and I have loved every show, every recording session, every co-write. Thank you dear ones.
*MAI BLOOMFIELD. She was the only other woman besides myself working on this album and I think she brought such a down-to-earth richness to our creative soil. She was relentlessly positive. Recording live can be stressful at moments because you just don't have the time to sit and rehearse---this is where Mai really shined. She held her own and showed up in tune and glowing over and over.
*THE ARTWORK. Ryan Tanner took film photos for the album cover and website, and designed the album artwork. I remember him sending me a few different options for the Cover art. When he sent me the above photo, it was clear to me we had the one. The photo felt honest and vulnerable and it was all me. I know I will always love the artwork for this project, it will never seem out of date to me because he captured something special that day. And in a time when everything is turning to digital, I still love holding a physical album in my hands.
*LIVE RECORDING. This was a live record, we recorded the whole shebang in a matter of days. What you hear, really happened in that moment! I gathered my dearest friends around me and we went to work. I hired the talented Jed Wells to make a documentary of the project. I wanted not only the physical reminder of an album, but the visual reminder of the community that came together to create it. I also had the sentimental motive lodged in my heart that wanted to document this process to show my children when I grow old, something they could watch and know how real and meaningful making albums was to me. Here is that video, I hope you take a few minutes to remember the journey of it with me.
Thank you for showing up for me and the music. If you know this album, I would love to hear what your favorite parts are below in the comments.
xo
s
PS: To hold you over till a new record is made...here is a new song you can download for free, click here.
Thank you for dropping by, I have a very special someone I would like you to meet. Maeve, this is everyone. Everyone, this is Maeve.
Maeve Eleanor McDonald was born on Easter Sunday. Her name Maeve rhymes with 'brave,' and brave she was on her birthday. Maeve is an old Irish name, a reference to a legendary ancient Irish queen, and means "she who intoxicates." She is living up to her name because I feel like I am with royalty when she rests in my arms, and truly like Joni Mitchell sings
"Oh you're in my blood like holy wine.. Oh I could drink a case of you darling Still I'd be on my feet oh I would still be on my feet"
I also would like to raise my glass to the doctors, nurses, & midwives of the world. To the technology and medications we have available that are intended to help and relieve. Below is a photo of Henry Ghent, he is my great great great grandfather and was a civil war surgeon and continued to practice medicine all his adult life. Can you imagine being a surgeon during the civil war? I cannot, and I cannot imagine the conditions of infection and pain that people had to endure. I do know that it would take courage to be a doctor or patient during this time.
I most likely would have lost both my children during childbirth if I had lived during his lifetime. My first daughter was born via emergency c-section after 23 hours of labor and complications. And little Maeve had her cord wrapped several times around her body and neck and as labor progressed her heart rate dropped suddenly and could not be restored. The technology of a heart monitor told us this and allowed the Doctor enough information to know that she needed to be delivered immediately. Not only did his team of assistants rush in within seconds, but a staff of pediatricians were waiting for Maeve to help her if needed. I have to say that as a mother, those 5 minutes were some of worst I have experienced, when it is clear that something is wrong and it is unclear what the outcome will be for your unborn child. But out she came and although a slow rocky start, her eventual small cry was the most glorious sound I've ever heard!
Recovering from this delivery has had several complications that I did not expect, and yet I have felt again and again how grateful I am to live in this day. To have doctors that know how to treat every problem that I have encountered. To live in a generation where we can have antibiotics and medications at the convenience of a pharmacy down the block. I have felt very taken care of, not just by those in medical field, but by my family and friends. Even those I don't know well have cared enough to reach out with their 'congratulations.' So thank you thank you thank you. A new baby is a miracle. I am overwhelmed with love every time I look at this little one. She is quite amazing. Someone commented that I have found my new muse.... quite true. I am interested to see what songs she brings with her....
Warning: I am about to talk about babies and show photos of my nursery. This post contains nothing about music or a rockstar lifestyle. If you dare, read on...
Hey Friends,
I find myself at the end of this pregnancy ready and waiting to have this baby.
It is the last few weeks and I know she could come anytime, therefore I have
done the smart thing which is to anticipate her arrival with great intensity,
only to experience a severe let down every day that passes that she does not decide
to make her grand entrance.
I have been googling "signs of labor" terms that all have horrible names that I won't go into here in case there are sensitive readers reading (ie. women who might be interested in birthing a child someday and these references might scare you away)....
Let me just say that on the 'list of possible symptoms of pregnancy' NONE are flattering
and some just painful. BUT on the bright side, I love small cute clothes and I
am stocking up for this little one. I also have loved putting together her nursery.
I decided to sew all the crib bedding this time around which allowed me to pick the
fabric I loved and kept me busy from dwelling too much on all the 'pregnancy symptoms'
I was acquiring rapidly. I know this post is mostly for my mom...but enjoy.
Also, let's play one last game: GUESS WHEN THIS BABY WILL BE BORN!
Leave your guess in the comments and I will send the
winner all of my albums.
The Nursery: sarah sample style
note: I still am acquiring the artwork, so forgive the bare walls
Thanks for reading. Hope you are enjoying sleeping without a snoogle....
I have heard the lists starting around me the 'I will lose weight, stop smoking, learn french run a marathon, start obeying speed limits' (ok. I've never heard someone say they want to drive slower except my dad, but you get the point)
I found myself a few nights ago sleepless and filled with a sense of anxiety over how this new year is going to look. How is the birth of my new baby going to go? How much time should I take off? How will June do with another little person taking all my time? Will my music career sink into the depths of despair? How am I going to pay off loans? What if I died tomorrow? I need to be writing more songs. How should I fund my next album? How can I be a better mother or friend or wife.... Pretty much a non-stop mental chatter of concerns that I could hardly control or figure out at 2am.
When I was pregnant with June I went to a birthing class led by a wonderful mid-wife from South Africa. She introduced the idea of creating a 'birth plan' that consisted of what I wanted the birth to look like and a set of instructions or intentions for those around me to help me meet that ideal. Now, she also said that no matter what, it is most important to be flexible with your ideas of birth because most likely it will not all go as planned. That was true. My experience birthing June was nothing like I planned or wanted. But as I have been thinking on how I would like this next birth to go, my previous lengthy list has distilled to one thing: I want to be present.
Forgive my pregnancy analogies, but when I could not sleep the other night due to mounting anxieties, I had the thought come to me that I just needed to 'be still, be present' this year and it would all be ok. My birthing intention could extend for the whole year. It won't look exactly how I plan or want all the time, but if I am present in the moment and open to the beauty around me it will be more than alright. I spent my New Years Eve in Zion. It was quiet and beautiful and still. So I think I am on the right track, at least 2 days into 2012.
Anyone who knows me, knows that one of my favorite songwriters is Patty Griffin. Her song "Nobody's Crying" seems to have hit a chord in my heart thinking of all these things... Enjoy. Happy New Year Friends, know that I wish you well....
xo sarah
"...But darling, I wish you well On your way to the wishing well Swinging off those gates of hell And I can tell how hard you're trying And just have our secret hope Sometimes all we do is cope Somewhere on the steepest slope There'll be an endless rope And nobody's crying
May you dream you are sleepin', in a warm soft bed And may the voices inside you that fill you with dread Turn the sound of thousands of angels instead Tonight where you might be laying your head"
My husband asked me for my Christmas Wish List last night... That means that some people are together enough to be buying or planning what they will give to their loved ones.
If you love music, especially if you love MY music I will make this easy.
All 4 of my records are now ON SALE. Like a real sale. All albums are only $10 each and I will give you FREE Shipping. I will even tie a bow and sign them to anyone you like... Also remember if you buy the physical copy, you get a free download version right away.
And if you prefer downloading, all my records are only $5!
My big news is growing into larger news by the day. Yep, I'm gonna have a baby, and we are delighted! I am due the first week of April, and I think I am finally breaking through the "feel like I am going to vomit 20x a day" phase. If you have seen me at a show and wondered 'why the weight gain?' or 'why is rubberband is holding her jeans together?' now you know.
I will find out boy or girl in the next few weeks, and I feel excited at the prospect of either. I think it's a girl, but that probably is based on June's psychic powers. Yes, you read that right. June is actually the one who told me I was pregnant before even I knew. She walked up to me one day, put her hand on my stomach and said... J- Mom, you have a baby in your tummy. Me- Sweetie, there isn't a baby in my tummy. J- No, there is. (said totally matter of fact, and then she trotted off)
I brushed off this encounter until the same conversation happened the next day with this variation: J- Mom, you have a baby in your tummy. Me- Oh really, is it a baby boy or girl? J- It's a girl. Then 20 minutes later one of my dearest friends, Sarah Powers, called me. She told me that she had the strongest feeling that I was pregnant. Sarah and I grew up together in Santa Barbara, and when I found out I was pregnant with June, she found out she was pregnant with her daughter Allegra. Our girls were born a week apart and I feel like she has been essential in my journey through parenthood. So when your best friend since you were 10 years old/parenting mentor backs up what your three year old has been telling you for two days....it is time to get a pregnancy test. Or two.
On that note, I've canceled all my tours from January on that required traveling far. I am looking to fill some of those dates with house concerts or holiday house concerts in the states of Utah/Idaho. If you are interested in having me come sing to you and yours just email me at sarah@sarahsample.com and I will guide you through each step.
So, thanks for your support on this journey of being a mom and a musician and making it work.
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913
Every summer for the last nine years my husband James has taken me on at least one backpacking adventure.
This year we choose to return to one of my favorite places; the Green River Lakes in the upper Wind River Range in Wyoming.
We came to the Green River Lakes a few years ago, and I told James that I wanted to return with my family. All my siblings have real jobs or are in school and I think our last family 'camping' experience involved a rainbow gathering when we were in grade school, no backpacks, and a 50 lb canvas tent we only managed to drag to the trailhead. They all have a love of being outside and hiking however, and I knew that if I could get them to come, James could outfit them and be a great backcountry guide. My stud of a brother, John, was on board from the beginning and he brought his wonderful girlfriend Kelley. My Dad even came last minute despite having foot surgery a few weeks before.
The leaves were changing to brilliant patches of gold and orange on the mountain side and seemed to be our companions on every step of the hike. The nights were cold but the daytime felt perfect. We fished, we ate good food, we told hilarious stories around a campfire, and my Dad brought his big medium format cameras to capture it all. I don't have those photos yet, but here are a few that we took...
It felt wonderful to get away from our busy lives. To have time to read a chapter in a book or sit under the aspens with a crisp apple for lunch. I loved watching James on this trip, he was in his true element and was always concerned to make everyone comfortable. The sounds of whistling leaves, waves lapping the lake shore, birds singing, and the fire cracking. Like John Muir said, I felt my hike outside was really a walk going in.
James & I at the Trailhead
My Dad, John, Kelley, and me
19 in Lake Trout. woot woot.
Upper Green River Lake, and our campsite
Hike in at lower lake, Square Top Peak is in the middle
Our dog Noodle during a cold morning, I gave her a shirt. ha.
My daughter started preschool a few weeks ago. Backpack and all. Show and tell. Art projects everyday. The first few classes passed without incident. Then trouble came in the form of a restless 3 year old boy. Said boy pushed her in line and kicked her twice while sitting on the mat. This has led to very turbulent meltdowns on the days when it's time to load up for preschool. Somehow we make it to school and when I pick her up she has had a brilliant day and wants to show me all her works of art. Never-the-less the break down comes again the next time we have to go. Any advice ????
Today on the way to school I pointed out that everyone goes to School. Big kids and little kids. Even mommy goes to school.
My school happens for a brief week in August every year, tucked in by the St. Vrain river in Colorado. I've been attending The Rocky Mountain Song School for 9 years. I pulled into the campground the first year at 2am with my sister and cousin. It was dark, we didn't know where to park, where to camp, or if anyone would want us around. Within a day we were making friends and finding out how hard it sounded to actually make music a successful career. At night there were song circles, and we would stay up late inching our way closer to the inner circle begging the stars for chance to sing a song. Some circles were so big it would take hours to go around one time. We didn't care. We could feel the energy of something wonderful happening and wanted to be part of it. Every year I go I learn something new about the craft of songwriting and about myself. My friend Christopher Smith (who is a brilliant songwriter) once told me that he never goes into the week with an expectation, because the right thing always shows up. I would have to agree with him. Many songs that have found a home on my records were started or finished at song school including: Noah, Never Close Enough, Mercy Me, & Every Time I Go. The place is swarming with nice people who would drop everything to give you a hug or a moment of their time to hear about your break through in Mary Gauthier's class (note: everyone has a break through moment in Mary's class). I have sat at the feet of songwriting giants like Darrell Scott, Josh Ritter, Mary Gauthier, and Over The Rhine. And I have stayed up to watch the sunrise sharing songs with dear friends in a circle or silo. In a way, I've grown into being a songwriter by attending this school. I treasure it with all my heart. I love the staff at Planet Bluegrass, I love the priority they give to the development of the artist. Every one is welcome and I always feel like I am coming home.
(Playing the Wildflower in 2010)
I have made some pretty amazing friends over the last decade at song school...They are my biggest treasure of all.
I am often asked if I grew up in a musical family.
I found this photo yesterday in an old banana box full of photos that belonged to my grandma.
I think it you have your answer.
I am in the case. Kate is the big sis by the piano. I want that piano again.
xo s
ps: Did you grow up in a musical family? If so, what was it like? Early piano lessons? Did your mom make you learn a harmony part for a christmas song? Did you have a family band, please tell me you had a family band! Were you encouraged to write songs? Fill me in.
This may have been one of the craziest weeks of my life.
The last seven days have included: (june decorating the uhaul)
-MOVING to Salt Lake City, and all the packing-cleaning-heavy lifting-and sticker removal that goes with it. We will be here for three years for my husband's job.
-DRIVINGfrom: Boise ---->SLC (unpack truck) SLC--->Boise (Play Alive After 5) Boise--->SLC (back to house o boxes) SLC--->Cedar City (rocking Groovefest) Cedar City---> SLC (back to house o boxes)
-MUSIC MAKING The best part of the week was making music. I got to play the Alive After 5 summer concert series in Boise with The Brothers Comotose. Thank you GO*LISTEN*BOISE
(photo by Jess Haskell Norton) Next was the Utah Arts Fest with the full band. I have wanted to play the Arts Fest for years and it was so lovely. We had a full crowd, and playing music with Dylan, Ryan, & Pat always boosts my happiness level to new heights. Thank you Arts Fest for having us, and thanks to Dan Nailen at City Weekly for the including us in your write up!
I saw my friend Paul Jacobsen open for Sheryl Crow at Red Butte Gardens. He killed and the scenery up there is stunning.
(photo by James McDonald) And I got to finish my weekend off by playing Groovefest down in Cedar City. What a cool festival, the feeling there is really welcoming and relaxed. Big Thanks to Tim and Lisa for having me. I loved it!
NEXT UP: ROOFTOP CONCERT SERIES ON FRIDAY JULY 1ST at 8pm! FREE IN PROVO! An incredible band has been pieced together to faithfully re-create the Beatles "Abbey Road" album. I will be starting the night off.
In celebration I feel like playing a game. The game is: 5 truths and 1 lie about my life so far. ( I may or may not love games and gambling.)
Ready? Ok, you guess the lie.
1. I have escaped a forest fire.
2. I once broke two bones in one day. Separately.
3. I hate eggs.
4. I've attended 4 rainbow gatherings. You may or may not want to know more depending on how comfortable you feel with nudity, camping, and trade circles.
5. I was the fastest girl in my grade school class. Even won the 'annual turkey trot.'
6. Had a guinea pig once that ran away. Came back a month later missing an eye.
Your guess is......
Anyone who leaves the right guess in the comments gets a free download of any of my albums seen here.
I had a moment of clarity on Sunday. The thought came to me that I needed to LET GO. Surrender something over to let something else in.
I am choosing to surrender worry right now. I am choosing to let a quiet joy enter my heart.
I realized quiet clearly that I spend a generous amount of time thinking about me and what I want and what I don't have. Not that I think I shouldn't be clear on what I want. But I think that worrying about what I want is a waste of space and time. Especially when so much of the life I want is in front of me daily.
Frankly, there are so many other people and events that deserve a spot of 'generous thinking' in my mind and heart.
Now it is only tuesday...BUT I have eaten good food. I have been playing the piano and writing a new song. We had some of our favorite friends over for Sunday dinner. I have gone on a hike with my daughter and bowling with my husband. I have my family.
(family photo attempt while in Kerrville TX)
I have enough and I am enough. I am happy.
xo s
what are a few ways that you practice feeling gratitude and letting go?
Three years ago today I endured a long hard labor ending in a c-section to birth my beautiful daughter June! I had crossed the divide from one life to the next. I no longer was responsible just for myself. I had created life and my life would never look the same.
I remember feeling fearful about changes that would come with bringing a baby into the world. And what is interesting is that most of those fears never saw the surface. And those things I feared that did show up, paled in comparison to the bounteous love that was overflowing for the little peapod named June.
I remember one night on my birthday, June was just a month and a half old. I had felt left behind all day, the celebratory dinner was a bust, I was an emotional wreck from sleeping 2.3 hours a night since she was born. I felt like all the people and places that I normally found comfort in were a wash. Instead, I remember turning to June in my arms for comfort. In fact, she was the only one who could give it that night. Maybe it was because the love I had for her was so pure and untainted that she echoed that in every breath and glance? Or perhaps her sweet small spirit radiated something way beyond her 10 pound frame could contain? Regardless, in my sorrow I found love---a pure love from my child. It was a great lesson to me. June has continually taught me truths in the last 3 years. She is my lucky star. I have often found myself spontaneously laughing or smiling while watching June live her life. I will be forever grateful that this sweet girl calls me "mom."
Happy Birthday June. May all your princess and fairy wishes come true!
ps. I remember my friend Dom a few years ago asked if June had entered the "princess" phase. I replied no, and remember thinking, "I don't think she will go through that"- WRONG.
pss. Me- June, what do you want for your birthday? June- CAKE CAKE CAKE! life. is. good.
So I've been thinking of late about the concept of "audience" and "fans." I remember once as a kid watching a Michael Jackson concert on TV. The screen revealed women crying and basically going into seizures at the chance to touch his gloved hand. I've watched the dedication of jamband followers, who literally drive from concert to concert making each new venue a home. I've been in crowds of Josh Ritter fans or Swells Season fans who sing every word and are an integral part of the show. I've watched a town pick a band to stand behind and every show becomes the hip scene that you would be drastically insane to miss.
So my question today....How does that happen? What separates, in your opinion, music that you find enjoyable from music that you would tell your friends about, or make sure you waited in line to see the show? Is it the songs? Is there something about the live show? Is it because someone you trust told you, you must check out their tunes? Do your favorite performers give back to their audiences?
Being around music as much as I am, I still feel at a loss sometimes of pinpointing what is working and what is not. I know of many talented musicians who I believe are deserving of a larger fan base, but how does that connection happen?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Who are your favorite bands? What about them makes you want to be involved?
xo sarah
PS. HAPPY RECORD STORE DAY! Especially to my own Boise Record Exchange and SLC Slowtrain Records. I was in SLC this weekend for shows and I saw some mighty fine bands play this afternoon. Worthy in my mind of your listening ears :)
can we all agree this picture is pure awesomeness?
I just found it and laughed out loud. a few things to notice...
a. my sweet yamaha guitar passed down from my mom's high school drama years
b. my sweet tie dye. if you didn't know me in grade school--I will fill you in. There were many tie dyes, batiks, fimo bead necklaces, leather peace sign necklaces, troll earrings, and the occasional taco bell fanny pack.
c. don't worry, the phone is the size of my head. dear technology...you have come a long way.
d. the sweet previa van. this is also the van in which i once ran over my brother. it's cool. don't worry, he is fine.
e. I love this photo, because starting very early in my life I had a love for music and a desire to learn how to write songs. I think I could learn a few things from the 12 year old version of myself about having the right intention and heart about life.
Last weekend I was in Memphis for the national Folk Alliance. The conference brings together musicians and music industry folks (radio, festivals, promoters, record companies etc). A few thousand people spend part of a week doing everything related to music. Three floors of the hotel are used as showcases floors, and every room magically transforms into a small listening venue. Musicians run from room to room performing original songs for all to hear. It is a bit insane, and really wonderful as well. It is great to connect with friends and house concert hosts and see musicians you have heard about but not yet witnessed. I left exhausted and yet so full of hope that so many musicians are finding a way to make a living doing what they love.
A few favorite moments: 1. Having the best roomies: Edie Carey & Mai Bloomfield. They both played incredible showcases and we all had a pretty ridiculous time singing together.
2. The Rendezvous: famous ribs. good friends. trolley ride...what more could you want?
3. Cover your friends round at the Market Monkeys room. On the last night after the last showcase, a group of musicians got together with the intent to play songs your friends wrote. It was pretty emotional. To have a friend sing your words and melody, strum your chords all with a new perspective...I could have stayed in that room for days. Friends covered friends like Natalia Zuckerman, Garrison Starr, Matt The Electrician, Edie Carey, Nels Andrews, Robby Hect, Rose Cousins...
4. Darrell Scott, Ron Sexsmith, Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkenson...yeah, they played and were so inspiring. Esp when Mary G. pulled out her guitar chord and walked into the audience to play her show due to sound problems. Mary--you are rad.
(mai, edie, justin, and ed on the trolley)
4. Open your ears! My heart was opened again and again by incredible songwriters. Check them out if you haven't already... Edie Carey- is such a pro, she is one of my favorite songwriters. She has a beautiful new album out...and you will LOOOVE it Mai Bloomfield- mai was such a solid performer all weekend I was impressed again and again Rose Cousins- that voice!!! Rose has collaborated with the best and is a true talent from Canada! Ed Romanoff- Ed lives in NY, check out the song he wrote with Mary Gauthier called 'Orphan King' Amy Speace- I heard a new song by amy that was dynamite, the title was something about "our love song" she has a new album coming out this spring, so be on the lookout! Matt The Electrician- my first memories of Matt are when I saw him in Austin playing a show with the Weepies at Flipnotics. He was so good then...now he is pretty unreal. Andy Gullahorn- such a great songwriter. the ability to make me laugh and then cry in the same song...don't know how you do that. LOVE his album "Law of Gravity" Justin Roth- justin has a new album out that he recorded himself...great guitar player and beautiful voice Ana Egge- I have heard Anna's name for years, but she played a showcases that had me in awe. The Steel Wheels backed her up and I wanted it to last longer... Storyhill- such good people, good songs, and their harmonies are so dialed in... Natalia Zukerman & Garrison Starr- so great together. I love when women rock at guitar. Cary Cooper/ TPR--they have been writing songs a long time and you can tell in the best way.... Amber Rubarth- amber's is another name I have been hearing, her showcase was genuine and beautiful. Ellis- opening hearts as usual!
The list could go on and on. I missed so many musicians I wanted to catch, maybe next year. Thank you to Louis and everyone at FA for a great week!
xo s
PS: want to join the mailing list? ok. just mosey over to the right side of the page...
When I was touring through Seattle a few weeks ago, my sis (also a songwriter, who lives in seattle) took me to her neighborhood open mic at Conor Byrne. She has been going to this open mic for several years now.
photo by Eratosthenes Fackenthall The place was packed that sunday night and I swear she knew everyone by first name. It really did feel like a neighborhood pub should feel. This open mic is especially a hot spot because it is run by a member of The Head & The Heart--a really cool new band that is taking the music scene by storm. Several members of the band met at the open mic last year and soon after formed the band. They were just recently signed by sub-pop records. I love stories like this. I think I read Josh Ritter met Glen Hansard at an open mic. Synchronicites like this are rad.
Photo by Eratosthenes Fackenthall
Buy the album here:
This band loves to stomp, and clap, and shout and involve the audience. When they got up to play, the crowd got quiet, everyone pushed in close, then the whole audience started stomping together...it was great to be in a room where every member of the audience was invested in what was going on. They had a few friends who grabbed attention on the stage, one being a cool cat named Bryan John Appleby.
On another note, I participated in an event called The Song Bomb today. My friend Tim organizes it each year, and every day of the month a guest songwriter is assigned a topic and they write a song in a day. Tim then also writes a song on the same topic that day. Today was my day. My song is posted here. Having to write a song in a day takes away some of the preciousness that sometimes comes with the territory. It is about writing, but also about letting go of expectations and taking fear out of the equation. I have some dear friends involved as well, like Chuck E. Costa, Christopher Smith, and Mai Bloomfield. Tune into all month.
