Stuff I'll Tell You That Isn't True
anything

…you can do, I can do better.

 - Kissing Kate
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My new sounds: Reason 6.0 and Record to sample my drum sounds (Propellerhead)

 - I'm In Luv W/Yr GF
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My new sounds: Using Reason 6.0 from Propellerhead

Songwriter Turbulence

It’s been a fantastic journey making “Both Ways” these past couple of years, and I’m very proud of my work.  I’m looking forward to all of you rockstars hearing and enjoying it.

My songwriting has been focused on this specific project — building a bridge between the gay, bisexual, and lesbian communities.  I’ve bared all in my lyrics, many of the songs completely true.  

But now I find myself completely stuck.  I picked up a guitar today for the first time in…well…a long friggin’ time.  I couldn’t play.  No chords came out; no melodies found themselves.  I wrote a bit, but I couldn’t stand what came out.  I hated it, actually. 

I’m lost without the focus behind “Both Ways”.  But perhaps I was hiding behind that focus.  I didn’t allow myself to write outside of that *box*.  Now I’m left to write, well, whatever the f*&k I want.  I don’t know if the songwriter in me is ready to do that just yet.  I also don’t know if she knows how to play live instruments anymore.  I bought a tambourine and a shaker, along with Record for Reason Users (bad analog/digital combo).  I absolutely LOVE Record/Reason.  But it’s a strange affair between live mics and patterns on Dr. Rex.  

I need time.  I need space.  But the *real* stuff running through my head needs lyrics…needs rhyme…needs rhythm.  This is like eating frozen oysters — you just swallow them whole, trying not to taste them or feel the texture as they slide down your throat.  ”Both Ways” is done.  But I’m not.

xoxo Suse.

Hard decisions

Cheers rockstars.  I had a long chat with my engineer Andre yesterday while we recorded more tracks for the electronic version of “I’m in luv w/ur gf”.  

I’m really coming to terms with my decision to be the behind the scenes type of musician.  I felt so at home in a vocal booth for 3 hours, really working and pushing myself for some great takes.  

I’m reading this (maybe silly to you) book called The Happiness Project.  

http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Morning-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311090400&sr=1-1

It’s reminding me that people change, and the 6 year old me who wanted to be a performer like Madonna, with all the theatrics etc, has to shut up for awhile.  The 32 year old me wants this life.  

And I’m just fine with that.

xoxo

Macca @ Yankee Stadium (this is for all my bass player friends!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk

Dear rockstars,

I’ve met so many bass players in my crazy times of being in and out of bands, best of all two people dear to my heart, Carmine and Christopher, both incredible musicians and (more importantly) inspiring people.  

Last night, I was privileged, no…blessed…to have had the opportunity to see Paul McCartney @ Yankee Stadium, thanks to surprise tickets from my all loving husband, John.  (Funny that my husband would have the first name of a Beatle.  Life imitates art, no?)  

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Something (or someone) new…

I want you, rockstars, to be the first to know about the next phase of the Susan Elizabeth plan.  I am taking refuge as a songwriter and arranger.  I will not be performing anytime soon, and I don’t plan to seek after gigs, either electronic or acoustic.  This might be disappointing for some, but I have made a decision to focus on more acute things in my life.  I can’t be jack of all trades and master of none.  I’m not a performer; I never was, and never will be.  I had stage fright all through my teen years, and I’ve walked (stomped) off stage in my 20s because I didn’t feel I sounded right.  I actually blew a potential record deal by blowing a fit during a performance.  

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Hey Rockstars,

This track is planned to be the last track on “Both Ways” (whether it morphs into a full album or an EP due to timing).  It’s a love song from a mother to her daughter.  I won’t mention names, except, well, one of them is named Eleanor.  You can decide which one she is.

Make your shows on time kids,

xoxo

Suse

Tiny rockstar

Okay, I assumed when I was 5 yrs. old that I would be a rockstar when I “grew up”. However…

“Trying to be a rockstar” is proving to be more difficult. I have to design an album cover, the track list, and how many tracks I want on the record. Ha, still call it record. Is it over? Can I go to the Grammy’s yet, please? Cheers, Suse