august 3, 2004
August news
Yep, it's newsletter time once again. Later than usual but for good reason - my musical dance card has been quite full! And I write to you from a new location - the lovely, air conditioned Copelycabana studios in midtown Manhattan, where I'm catching my breath and munching refrigerated peanut M&M's. This one's a bit long 'cuz I haven't written in a while, and yours truly has been busy with the following:
I. Chick Singer Night
Finally, in front of a healthy crowd at the Bitter End, I joined host Deena Miller and three other singer/songwriters for the CSN showcase on August 27th. This marked the first time that I showcased my original songs here in NYC. The crowd was very supportive, and the house band did great after only one run-through of two songs: "Wishing Well" and "Good Friday". Then the band took a break while Marc Copely came on stage with his gorgeous Gibson ES-175 guitar to help me perform a new song we co-wrote, "Longing For You". I was so freaked out and nervous, and sang mostly with my eyes closed throughout this new song. One of my friends told me afterward that you could hear a pin drop while the song flowed through Marc and me. The audience was great and I am psyched to perform my own songs again as soon as I can! and the other ladies inspired me with their joy in performing, and their beautiful songs. See www.chicksingernight.com.
II. Squash Radio
This is a cool website that launched earlier this summer where artist can have a dedicated web page but also are featured randomly on the site's home page. Also, you can purchase song downloads off the site, and the money goes directly to the artist. Search for me on the site, and please send your friends to purchase some songs of mine! Visit www.squashradio.com.
III. Singing
I recently had the pleasure of joining bands supporting two new artists: Tina Sugandh and Italee (pronounced eye-tah-LEE).
Tina Sugandh is a singer who grew up in Jersey. Her music is a fresh unison of American dance-y mainstream pop music (Think Britney or Jojo) and Hindi music. She's also drop-dead gorgeous, dean's-list smart, super nice, and plays wicked tabla solos!! Tina is an artist on Hollywood Records, which makes this my first major-label project. (Yay!) She's also got a song on the "Around the World In 80 Days" soundtrack, and her debut record will come out in early '05. 'Til then the band will be showcasing around the country, and hopefully playing a residency gig here in NYC. I get to learn some cool microtonal harmony on this gig. First time I've ever seen that in a pop act. Check her out at www.tablagirl.com. Our next gig is in LA on Aug. 21st.
Italee is a lovely Jamaican woman who has made the move from performing with people like Sean Paul to building her own band and sound, which blends rock and reggae. One other cool thing about this gig is that I get to sing patois backup with my girl Autumn, and the amazing NYC A-list vocalist Elaine Caswell.
IV. Writing, Recording
As I mentioned, I was tickled to complete and perform "Longing For You" with Marc Copely, an artist in his own right (www.marccopely.com) who has collaborated with Carole King, and just finished producing the latest album by an AMAZING artist, Jess Klein, that will come out on Rykodisc in October. He and I recorded "Longing..." here at Copelycabana and it sounds beautiful. So I just gotta finish more songs so we can keep recording. Only I'm getting so picky about my lyrics, being around all these wonderful songwriters, so it's taking too long! :) I'm looking forward to working more with Copely as he is not only a master of the craft, but he has a knack for pulling the best and most honest work out of an artist.
V. Focus
...which brings up another topic, a question I have had often: as an artist, what do i do best? I've sung and written in several different genres, and, since becoming a professional backup vocalist, I sing whatever's needed. But what am I BEST at? After working with Copely and examining my past and current work, and reflecting on fan response, I've decided to stick to a very simple sound, with minimal instrumentation, maybe duo or trio stuff for a while. As a songwriter, I will continue to write and demo whatever songs come to me, but songs i choose for myself will be vibey, jazz/blues/soul influenced, with a sound focused around the vocal - torch singer stuff, but in a contemporary context. Keep your eyes on the web site for info on new tunes!
Well, thanks for tuning in. I hope you are all enjoying summer!! At least you don't have to worry about an army of Republicans convening on YOUR fair city...
Blessings,
Celia :)
