The life of me

So it's 12:02am on Wednesday morning right now and I can't sleep. Usually I have no problem sleeping, but tonight things are different. 

You see, being a performer you sometimes have other opportunities presented to you and so, a few weeks ago I was invited to play as a guitar player for a TV show that's filming here  (I know big stretch) in Winnipeg. In about 3 hours I am going to the set to film a scene... yes 3:00 in the am. It really isn't that bad, but it really messes with your sleep.

New songs have been rising up out of me. I love it when the creative wave comes over me. I've spent the last few weeks being very busy (seems to be the theme of my life now a days, so we'll just assume that as long as I am an independent musician I'll be busy) playing and writing new material. I want to go in the studio this time with about 20 - 30 Songs and then with the band and producer pic the best 10 - 12. It's a process that is very new to me, but from what I hear a lot of musicians do this. 

I've just gone in to see my producer with a few songs and he loves them. We're going to take the next few months to make this this best record I've done yet. Once I've got a sample I'll be sure to post it here.

The weeks/ months ahead

As part of any good business it's important to know where you're going. So recently I spent some time thinking about where I would like to be in the next two years.

My hope is that I can be earning enough so that my wife Pam won't have to work as much as she does to support me, take my music abroad (US and Europe) and have a few more discs under my belt. Here's my plans for the next few year to move things in that direction:

1. Promote a song on national radio (Starting next week)

2. Book a December tour (Between now and November)

3. Book a spring 2010 tour 

3. Promote another song on radio

4. Write and record another album (Done by April 2010)

5. Book festivals for the whole summer next year

6. Release the next album in October 2010

7. Tour the new album (October - December 2010)

8. Begin booking shows in the US (For a 2011 tour)

9. Look into booking a few European summer festivals

10. Possibly release another album in the spring 2012

Ok, so there's about 1,000,000 other steps along the way, but now you get the gist of what I am planning to do. Wish me luck, I feel I may need it. 

Looking for a little help

OK, so this one is a bit unrelated to the actual making of the next album, but in all fairness this will help in the development of my career. 

I have been officially nominated for 2 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (Entertainer of the year and Best folk/acoustic album). The next part is where you come in. I need all the votes I can get and it all starts with you! All are welcome to vote and you don't have to be Aboriginal. This is the second and final round of voting, so if you voted before (Thank you) you can vote once again in this round. I am up against some pretty big names in the industry (Buffy Sainte-Marie, Crystal Shawanda, Tracy Bone and Eagle and Hawk) so I could use all the help you're willing to offer. 

If you really want to take the big leap perhaps you wouldn't mind asking a few friends to vote too. Follow the link above and sign up if your new to voting. If you have voted already you can use your previous pin and password. I know it's a long shot, but my fingers are crossed!

Movies that move you

Here's a list of some movies that I've watched recently. 

All of them are great and they all make me want to write better music.

Once

Garden State

Dan in real life

Elizabethtown 

The Cronicles of Riddick (Just kidding, but a good watch)

So much inspiration so little time

I got to spend the last few days at a song writing workshop with some very talented writers/performers/producers. We stayed at a lodge outside of town and spent our time writing/playing and recording from morning till night. It was probably the highlight of my summer.

I have always been a little intimidated when it comes to writing with others. There's something about bearing your heart to people and feeling like your giving too much of yourself and also the "What if they don't like it" thought tends to creep in. But this week I was invited to join in on a few sessions and I truly believe I became a better writer for it. The only down side is that I could've spent a lot more time sharing ideas with them. 

Please go and meet some of my new friends.

www.myspace.com/quinzy

www.myspace.com/jphoe

www.myspace.com/thewakingeyes

www.myspace.com/davinportband

www.myspace.com/headinthesandproductions

www.myspace.com/ruthmoody

Enjoy!

Another bit of inspiration

Leela Gilday is a wonderful musician from Yellowknife. I am glad to say that she is a friend and she plays and sings beautifully. She's got a new album coming out soon. Check her out.