To American Idol, or not to American Idol?

Last month the American Idol Hooplah traveled through San Francisco. Now, let me start by saying that my feelings about AI have been back & forth since it's been on the air. I just loved the first season & still have a warm spot in my heart for Kelly Clarkson (despite the "From Justin to Kelly" blunder). But the competition aspect got old quick... and they lost me for a few years. That is, until Ms. Underwood took the stage. Who doesn't love Carrie!? Since then, I'll love an episode here, or a song there, but I'm not consistently setting my DVR. I'm one of the few that wishes they spent more time on the top 10 talented people, and less time on the total wackjob's they make fun of for the first 10 episodes of the season. It was a step in the right direction when they started allowing the contestants to play instruments - but I'm still waiting for the day when they'll allow them to sing their own songs.

So when a few friends asked if I was going to audition this year - I had to consider it. I've auditioned in the past (which was before I was consistently writing my own music & performing my own music), and it was a completely wretched experience! I'm talking 16 hours in line, outside in NYC, eating whatever semi-nutritious thing I could find at Duane Reade, only to sing not 10 seconds of a song. Then to be told "You've got a great voice - come back next year." Ridiculous! Needless to say, I wasn't keen on the idea of auditioning again this year.

So the registration day rolls around, and its 8am in the morning - I'm on my computer & a friend G-chats to ask if I've gone to register. After chatting for a few minutes I thought - well its only a few blocks away... and next thing I know I'm down at AT&T park surrounded by teenagers dressed like wanna be Miley Cyrus'. Luckily it only took 10 minutes to get registered, because I had gone after the morning rush - but getting back there at 5am on audition day was another thing entirely. I spent the next 48 hours thinking about what an "American Idol" experience would consist of. Sure, if by some magic charm of luck I made it through to the top-whatever-number-people-pay-attention-to, I'd have some kind of recognition. But would I really want to sing covers for 3 months? Drop the promotion of the release of my own album? And what would happen to that album? Could I still release it? Or would I be leashed to whatever major label American Idol works with? And let's be honest - what happens after that 15 minutes? I'd record some shitty songs that someone else wrote and hope they take off? Or worse, what if my consolation prize was doing that god-awful "Idol Tour" they make the top 10 do every year? Could you imagine an entire tour of singing Journey & Whitney Houston?

And that was the moment I ripped off the silly wristband and tossed my ticket. If I'm doing this music thing, it'll be on my own terms. No Ryan Seacrest necessary.

My Next Guest Blog at WCS...

West Coast Songwriter's Conference: Have you mapped out your schedule yet?

Beginning with the Kickoff on Friday – this weekend’s West Coast Songwriter’s Conference is upon us. I was so excited to open up the Handbook & check out the schedule! Can’t believe how much great material they managed to squeeze into one weekend. Here’s what I’m thinking so far:
 
Saturday Morning:
“Are you Housetrained” – a talk on the phenomenon of house concerts. As an independent artist, I’m very intrigued by this seminar! I may poke my head next door to see Steven Memel’s workshop “The Science of Switching On” as well. And then in the other room, Lisa Aschmann is talking about songwriting without instruments. There’s something for everyone!
 
Then in the afternoon:
1pm – Enrique Gonzalez Muller is leading a talk on how to “Trim the Fat from Your Song,” which I’m sure will be helpful. Though I may end up at the “Grammy Panel” of songwriters and producers. “Getting Airplay” is in the 3^rd room and is currently the front-runner on my schedule. Why wouldn’t I want to know more about that?
2:15 – It’s a toss up for me, between Steve Seskin’s “2^nd Verse Curse” and Dave Peck’s “Branding & Using Social Networks.” The creative aspect vs. the business side – which seminar will win out? Enrique will also be doing a continuation of “Trim the Fat” in the 3^rd room.
3:30 – Slightly starstruck here – Lucy Schwartz, co-writer of “Darling I Do” from the latest Shrek movie will be interviewed and I can’t wait to hear all about her journey. Next door, there will be a discussion on “Publishing & Royalties” which may be less glamorous, but important information for budding songwriters nonetheless.
4:45 – Louis Biancianiello will close out the day with an interview. No competition here, because this interview is not to be missed! This is the extremely talented writer & producer who has worked with an impressive list of musicians, including Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingield, Jordin Sparks and more.
After dinner you’ll find me at the Sunset Concert!
 
Sunday Morning:
Coffee first – then it’s time for more networking & seminars. Starting the morning off with an interview of Ted Hewitt – or should I attend “Making Money as a Songwriter” with Ned Hearn, Todd Brabec & Jeff Brabec? Then in the 3^rd room, founder of RootMusic, J Sider will be leading “Building Your FanBase & Online Presence” – can’t miss that!
After lunch I’ll probably split my time between “Setting Up a Tour & Managing yourself” and a seminar by the extremely talented songwriter, Bonnie Hayes next door.
2:15 rolls around and I’ll have to choose between Greg Camp (former member & writer of the hit band SmashMouth) and Steven Memel, who will be leading another amazing seminar on performance!
3:30 – I’ll end the day at the Round & Round. Fantastic!
And it doesn’t end there – Song Screenings, One on Ones and Performance Showcases will be happening throughout Saturday and Sunday. The full schedule is online at http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/the-program. I can’t wait for this weekend!


What’s your schedule?

Full Band at The Hotel Utah!!!

As a songwriter in San Francisco, the Hotel Utah is one of those venues you know you've just gotta play. A building that has been around since 1908, and has true San Francisco history & charm... I've been to their notoriously crowded open mic a few times, and every time I walk through the doors, I think - "Might be time to book a show here."

So when Keeley Valentino emailed asking if I would join the bill in August with her and Natalie Metcalf, I was totally down. From there, the gig took on a life of its own. I asked my sister Shelby to join me, of course, because without her on backup vocals - it just doesn't sound right; the lovely Rebecca on electric cello as always; then Abigail on percussion, and we had been dying for a chance to get her on a full drum set. From there we knew we wanted bass, so I turned to Kevin White who did all the bass recording on the album - he's fantastic. And the cherry on top (yes, Betsy, I just referred to you as a cherry) was Betsy Adams sitting in on guitar. What an amazing group of people! I had such a blast playing with them - & luckily, my friends' boyfriend (and now friend of my own), Colin took some video. Check it!

Blogging for the West Coast Songwriter's 30th Annual Conference!

Excited to be blogging for the West Coast Songwriter's website - I'll be attending their 30th Annual Conference next month & live blogging throughout! Check out my first post:

As September 10th approaches, the kick-off of the West Coast Songwriters Annual Conference, we are working to make this 30th anniversary the most exciting and enlightening yet. To enhance this year's experience - we're introducing a WCS blog live from the event! Written from the perspective of a new member, Whitney Nichole (nice to meet y'all!), we'll be posted updates throughout the weekend. So if you can't make the conference in its entirety, or you just have to miss your favorite speaker to step next door for a song screening - never fear - there'll surely be a blog to fill you in. The lineup this year speaks for itself - check it out here & be sure to register now before it's full!

Catch more online at http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/!

Mix Playback.

Can you believe its been almost four whole months since we began this process? I can't. This album has now been in the works since mid-April - when I first met Adam and knew it was time. Time to get these songs that I've been writing for years, get them out. Its funny, that it actually has felt something like giving birth (as if I have any clue what that feels like) - but its this living thing I've created. These songs - they move, they grow, they connect with people and have a unique relationship with every person who hears them. And this album feels like something that has moved through me - and I'm now getting ready to send it off into the world.

Getting ready means that I'm listening - over and over - to all the rough mixes we put together. It is nice that Adam is away for a few weeks, and I can spend some time with this record all by myself. We've still got a couple things to finish, and more mixing to do - but the rough elements are there. And I can't wait to share it. Soon... :)

Fancy Pants Recording Session!

So far, tracking for the record has been done in Adam's studio - The Community Musician. I love the Community Musician for many reasons, including:

1. It's super cozy & comfy.
2. The New Orleans painting on the wall inspires/scares me depending on the time of day.
3. Adam gets killer sound on everything - including drums.
4. Currently there is a gorgeous Rhodes in the control room.
5. There is whiskey, tea & chocolate in stock at all times.

However for a couple special songs - namely So Hard & Stranger Things - we wanted to track a performance of a giant Grand Piano, Cello & Live Vocals. Little to no editing, just a straight through shot of the song. These days, a talented engineer or producer can create songs out of very little actual music - and we wanted to go old-fashioned and just give the real raw music. So we turned to the 9th Street Opus Studio. 9th Street Opus is LUCE's (Adam's band) record label - and their studio is equipped with the giant Grand Piano we were looking for.

It was pretty freakin' gorgeous in there. I'm talkin' a real FANCY PANTS studio. I walked in and thought "should've worn my heels!" First of all, it was the size of a house. The kitchen & bathroom had the shiniest of new fixtures and counter-tops. They had a cappuccino maker AND a mini-keg dispenser. The control room was like a movie theater with multiple sets of speakers the size of your front door. And then there was the tracking room.

Twas a fancy day of recording :).

Who Needs the Great American? I'm a House Concert Convert...

Recently I had the pleasure of seeing Megan Slankard & Matt Nathanson perform at a House Concert in San Francisco. It was part of KC Turner's House Concert Series (get on that email list - he has some super performers!) and put on at Peter Finch's house from KFOG. It was lovely. Both musicians were amazing, Peter's house was beautiful and KC was a kick-ass host! I left feeling totally inspired. As an audience member, I felt so connected to Matt & Megan, and appreciated the music far more than some giant arena where I'm staring at a big screen TV's. As a musician - I began planning my very own house concert.

Two, to be exact. Technically the first was the Redding Backyard House Concert. The second, held indoors in SF was so generously hosted by one of my best friends (from childhood) Leigh Renard. She has an adorable place in the Sunset of San Francisco - so we rented some chairs, hit Costco for some snacks and let it happen. We were lucky to have the lovely ladies of Kindness & Lies open the evening, and they were (surprise) a smash! There's just something about women singing 3-part harmony that I'm a sucker for. I was joined by my sister Shelby Grolig, Rebecca Roudman (cello) and Abigail Picache (cajon). I remember half way through the set thinking - this room is packed full of some of the most important & wonderful people in my life. Awesome. And then there was an encore (who knew?!?) so I asked Adam (my producer) to join me on So Hard, which is the oldest song going on the new record! The cheesy moment of the evening was Niall & I doing a cover of one of my favorite songs - Stephin Merrit's "The Book of Love." After which, it turned into a cross-band-audience jam session fading into a party of whiskey & wine. Does it get better than this?