The hardest part...

If there is one thing I have learned from making music it is patience. As a person who has to be doing something all the time, the hardest part of creating is waiting for the right moment to let my ideas free. Nothing great can be forced. It needs its time. I keep telling myself this.

I say this because I have four little tweaks left for my four little recordings. Part of me wanted to release it as is and get it out there already so I could move forward with new songs, but the impatient part of me was quickly overruled by the perfectionist / type-a part. Thus, I am going into the studio on Sunday for what I hope is the last of my need to re-mix my tracks. Wish me luck!

Back from Hawaii

 

My trip to Hawaii seemed too short! I'm back in the PNW now and just going through some pictures I took. Thought I'd share that one above. It's near my home on Oahu. I've walked that path hundreds of times. Stared out at the bay and just enjoyed how beautiful it is. It was nice to hang out there for a bit this past week. 

I had three shows in Hawaii. Sorry I was really bad about promoting them on my blog. They seemed to have popped-up out of nowhere and I just lost track. I'll do better on the next shows...I promise. 

It was a good opportunity to play a few new Montclaire songs along with my old stuff. Thanks to everyone who showed-up! I had such a great time. Special thanks to Sing The Body, Candy Diaz, Erika Elona and Pink Mist. They performed solid sets that helped to make the shows even more special. 

 Photo by: Candy Diaz

Coming up? Last 3 little fixes on my EP mixes, mastering, then release. Can't wait.

This tonight. In Hawaii.

Solo shows

Truth be told, I never really knew what I would do with Montclaire. After performing folk-inspired songs so long as 'Sabrina' I wanted to start with a clean slate. This didn't mean that the music would be extremely different, but it would hopefully show growth, include more sonic landscapes, and also not be related to a person, but just the song as itself.

That being said, it had been months since I performed that when I wrote the songs I didn't really think much about how I would perform my songs alone. Out-of-the-blue, I bought a ticket home to Hawaii for a bit. I haven't been back in months and wanted to reconnect with my family and friends.

It seemed like the perfect opportunity to step back into performing again so I have two shows set-up with two great bands on May 2 and 3. The first, Sing The Body and the second, Pink Mist. Both are extremely talented bands and present their music with lots of passion and power. I felt I would be in good company. Not to mention that they are dear friends.

More details to come. And wish me luck on the solo shows. I'm still trying to figure out...pare down? Or loop the hell out of it? We'll see.

Tracking in Type Foundry

Back in Portland this week. I missed it so much. Especially now that the rainy weather is slowly waning. Spent a few days tracking for the upcoming EP. After three previous demos sessions over the past 8 months I finally settled on four tracks. This project has been all about taking my time. It's been a long process to get the songs "just-right" but I am happy they are finally almost there.

I've got help from Cory Gray on keys, horns and he has been recording and mixing the tracks for me. Nate Ashley is on bass and background vocals. Brian Wright is on drums. Yours Truly, on guitars, keys and vocals. All these guys are amazing musicians and friends. I'm a pretty lucky girl to have them support my music.

Montclaire in NYC

Had an amazing week in Manhattan getting some pics done by my sister Aña Monique for upcoming Montclaire promos. Hope to be back soon! Only this time to play a show or two.

In the studio

 

Tracked more songs the past two days at Scenic Burrows. The current Burrows location is winding down and moving and I am told I am the last project being recorded here. Still not sure if I'll use them all, but I finally think I've locked on a couple songs that might work; if not for the EP, for an upcoming album.