Lucky Me.

This guy... I don't think this record would be really happening if it weren't for him. Niall's support has been crucial over the last few years - and I think its no coincidence that after meeting him, I began to take my music career more seriously. He puts me in my place when I'm not working hard enough, helps me breathe when I'm working too damn hard, and has the utmost faith in my music even when I have a hard time finding it. Niall comes to every show, sits in a dark studio for hours of a gorgeous day, and manages to capture it all on his camera so we don't forget a single moment.

And I'm proud to say he's pursuing his passion as well. Niall David Photography is progressing faster than either of us could have imagined - and at this point he's shot for performers at Slims, The Independent, Yoshi's main stage and more. He's taken beautiful pictures of families, musicians, aerialists, landscapes, SF parades & even the occasional clown. Plus, he was just featured as one of Imagekind's Aritst of the Day! Noone captures a moment the way that Niall does.

Lucky me.

Amazing Imogen.

Last Friday was one of those supremely awesome days. I woke up (albeit, a little late, but that's nothing new in my world) to Niall making me some yummy breakfast and much needed strong-ass coffee. He was helping take the pressure off because he knew I was headed to the studio for more vocals (because as we know, I get a little nervous). After a shower and some warm-ups, we were off to the studio. My lovely sister, Shelby, met us at there a bit later. We started with one of my favorite songs, which might actually be my first single - "Hard Enough." It took a few run through's (and quite possibly whiskey-flavored tea) to get comfortable, but after a bit we got it down. Then Shelby was up. I wasn't sure how she would do - performing live & studio recording are completely different beasts... and she nailed it. Sitting there in the booth and listening to her harmonize was definitely one of the most memorable moments of this album so far. I feel so lucky to have such a talented sister, and so lucky that she enjoys singing with me. It was awesome! "Love Again" was next, and was a quickie. Maybe three full runs and we had everything we needed. That felt good :).

The evening only got better. Niall, Shelby & I met up with Barry, Leighdle & Debbie and drove down to the Mountain Winery. We picked up some drinks and dinner on the way, which we ate on a blanket up on the top of that mountain. You could see for miles! Some of our lovely friends from the super-duper band Kindness & Lies joined us and we enjoyed the sunset together. We had SO much fun that we were late (can you believe it?) to the show! The first Imogen Heap song sounded and we all ran like professional sprinters toward the venue. Let me just say this, if you ever have a chance to see a show at the Mountain Winery - don't miss it. It has got to be one of my favorite venues at this point (and I'm excited to see Swell Season there next month)! The beautiful venue was only surpassed by the awesomely talented and always inspiring Imogen Heap. Stream her new album "Ellipse" here. You won't be disappointed. In her live show, Imogen used a pedal board to layer her vocals on top of previously recorded sounds, like birds flocking from overhead trees & harmonics from wine glasses, on top of live sounds she made on stage with her body. It was like watching a scientist work.

A very pretty, musical scientist.

Now for the Best Part...

Recording vocals! This past Tuesday was my first scheduled day of studio time - for just me. And for some reason, instead of being totally psyched, I was nervous! Terrified actually. Why the hell was I nervous? I'm the first to point out my own weaknesses, but when it comes to just singing - I'm pretty confident. So what exactly was so damn scary? I was anxious for days beforehand, and at one point I even started to convince myself that I was sick (not even close) and losing my voice (definitely not). Something told me that I was over-reacting, actually - someone. Niall said to me "You have nothing to be nervous about. This is the best part. You can go in there and do what you do, and no matter what happens, you'll be fine. If you don't like it, Adam can fix it or you can go in another day and re-record it. Don't stress." I took a deep breath and tried to relax. This was supposed ot be the best part...

Tuesday arrived and I was late. I was stressing, trying to prepare for this last minute FREE show I'm playing on Saturday, helping Niall promote his (AMAZING) photography debut coming up next Saturday, and all of the sudden it was time to be at the studio and I hadn't left my apartment yet. Being late is like a disease for me, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to fix it. So I literally run into the studio and profusely apologize to Adam. If he was pissed, he hid it well, and so we began. The room was dimly lit, with a candle and a small lamp. I took my shoes off - we started with my new song Linger... and the rest was easy. No more stress, no more anxiety - just the 6 hours of music. I let myself get carried away by the melody, and everything happened naturally.

Yep, it was the best part.

Funny Story.

Right before my last show in LA, my opening act called and cancelled. We're talking the day before. I nearly flipped my sh*t. Luckily, she said she knew someone who could fill in. Turns out, her friend and very talented musician, John Torres had agreed to play. I hadn't met him before, so I was looking out for him the night of the show, not quite sure what he looked like in person. So I was setting up for the show - you know, the glamorous load-in that established acts have groupies do, when John walked in.  I was in some super high heels (which I take off while I play anyway, but thats not the point) and I turn and say "Oh, hi! Are you John?  It's so nice to me--"  And then BOOM, I miss a step and face-planted into the beer soaked floor.

Way to make a first impression, Whitney.

It was so tragically embarrassing, that he didn't even laugh. He though I might be actually hurt. Oh yes, it looked that bad. What can I say, I'm a complete klutz. Anyway - Fast forward to showtime and the John Torres band (er, duo) were nothing short of amazing. John on guitar/vocals & Tino on cajon, they are a sexy blend of captivating performance, strong melodies and lyrics that make your heart swell & hurt at the same time. Check 'em out, especially their song Hallelujah, you won't be disappointed. 

First Day of Tracking.

Who wants to spend 7 hours in the studio on a sunny weekend day in May?

um, ME!

Last Saturday was the best day I've had in a long time. I'm talking years. And I barely did a thing. I just listened, commented and took it all in. Niall (my sweet and talented photographer/boytoy/executive album producer) & I went to the studio around 1pm, and arrived to a full house. Adam (awesome producer) was there, along with Betsy (coolest guitar-badass/friend I know), Kevin (bassist extraordinaire) and Brady (drummin' all night long). Betsy is the only musician I knew personally, and I was trusting that Adam had chosen the right drummer & bassist. Aaaand he did. They were awesome. Knew everything backwards and forwards, had cool interesting ideas to add, and best of all, were responsive to Adam and my direction.

So warning, I'm about to lay on the cheese, but... It was nothing short of freakin' magical. They were playing MY songs (specifically, *spoiler alert!* Deaf Ears, Linger & Fight or Flight). And they sounded so real - so full - so awesome. I kept looking over to Niall and smiling - with this HUGE "I'm such a dork - I'm SO excited - this couldn't be cooler" kind of look on my face. I can't wait for you all to hear it.

Special thanks to my sweetness for the photos, capturing something I don't ever want to forget.

Where Does the Time Go?

Things have been so insanely busy lately.

As an independent, DIY artist these days, you have to do everything. I'm talking things that people like Carrie Underwood have a team of 75 people doing. This blog is focused on the making of my first record - which is by far the most exciting and already rewarding experiences of my life. But it is a HUGE undertaking. Supremely time consuming (and $ consuming). The record is all I can think about, but it is just a small percentage of what I'm doing to move forward my music.

These days, I spend my time researching and contacting venues in order to book shows. Keeping my EPK (electronic press kit) up to date, is a job in itself. Updating it with new shows, quotes, mp3s and pictures... sigh. It is a never-ending process. In terms of booking, though, I've been a lucky lately, and a few very cool shows have fallen into my lap; I got a call last week about doing a show at Silos (adorable wine bar) in Napa on July 8th, then an email about doing a daytime gig in Redwood City in June, and most exciting - I'm adding to a bill on August 12th at The Hotel Utah with a new friend, Keeley Valentino (whose songs I can't stop singing - check her out).

Then there is promotion - a whole other animal. I spend hours putting together the Promo Posters for Facebook and all that jazz (and believe me, I'm the furthest thing from a graphic designer). This week's project has been finding sponsors (we just signed on Kelly Wooden with the Redding Chase Bank), setting up places to reserve tickets online and inviting people to a Backyard Concert & BBQ I'll be doing in my hometown on June 26th. It is SOOO exciting, and the man who is throwing it is just WONDERFUL to be offering up his home - Gerry Gitchell. So glad I met him (randomly) in San Fran earlier this year. It's always exciting when friends have ideas for shows - and to see this huge concert materialize is super fun.

Oh then the web updating - keeping my website up to date and relevant, being active on Facebook & Twitter, sending out mailing list emails, running contest like the iPod giveaway I'm doing in July, posting my shows to online publications - and a big push I'm working on - keeping this blog up to date! I have like 6 unfinished entries; I'll get better and more timely, I promise. And I'm trying to feel out the Blog World a bit - figure out what the RSS feed is (is that a really dumb comment?) and meet some more bloggers! Just takes time, I guess.

Notice I have yet to even mention writing music, singing, practicing my piano skills... Some days are like that, where all I do is music business stuff - and I hate going to bed realizing that I didn't play enough music. Because why the hell else am I doing all this other crap? I'm not a promoter, booker, manager, publicist, videographer or web designer at heart; I'm a musician. And if I have to do all of the former in order to make it work; to get my music heard, to earn a living doing what I'm most passionate about, so be it. I'm in this whole-heartedly at this point. There is NO plan B. Eat, sleep, dream, breathe music.

This is it. Here goes everything.

Choosing Songs. Who Knew I was a Commitment-Phobe?

I've been writing songs for over five years now.  Some of them have been god-awful, others I still love.  I think at this point I've written almost 100 songs.  Which makes this process of choosing 11 songs for this record terrifying.  Why 11?  With that number I believe the record has enough substance, but there is also room for growth, if along the way I find funding for more.  The flexibility is comforting.

I've been in and out of the studio recently working on pre-production with Adam.  Choosing 11 songs was almost too easy.  We agreed on almost every decision - and now I have this list.  This list of 11 songs that will go on my very first record.  The weight of that set in on me, and now I'm having second thoughts.  I'm listening to all the songs that didn't make the cut, and I'm feeling sad about them.  Its like they are now officially abandoned, and I feel guilty.  I have friends of mine, people who have supported me over the years, asking why their favorite live song isn't going on the record.  Melodramatic, I realize, but it breaks my heart!

Something I'm considering to soften the impact of all this, is to put out a demo-sampler now, and include live tracks of these songs that won't be on the record.  I've been looking for something to give people at shows, so maybe a live CD would be perfect for that purpose.  Give people enough to get excited about the full-length studio record & give some of those older songs their day in the sun...  Might be just the thing :)