And The Girl Turns 30
November 23, 2013
Well hot damn. Here it is, 30-freakin'-years old! A lovely year of learning, playing, adjusting, studying, singing, traveling, loving, crying, swimming, dancing, wandering, running, laughing... I sit here with another year of enriching experiences under my belt and I'm really darn happy and thankful that I'm here to write about it.
I've never been scared of turning 30. I mean I've had the "Oh shit I'm going to be 30" moments (like assuring myself that making my bed is the right choice), but we do that at any age, don't we? I'm in a unique position at 30 years old--unwed mother of none procrastinating student with an Oldsmobile, credit card debt, a guitar, big hair and personality to match it on a wandering journey to infuse people with happiness and joy and laughter and optimism and thoughtfulness. I'm basically Jerry McGuire writing my memo here--shit, mission statement... I meant mission statement. I know it all sounds a bit rainbows and butterflies and unicorns for some of you. But I have a sincere philosophy about the way I live my life, the things I find meaningful and the people with whom I share it all.
So in 30 years of living there's a lot to reflect on. And who doesn't love the opportunity to practice some good old fashioned self-reflection?
I'm a sucker for it.
With the onset of a new decade lurking, I have recently found myself immersed in questions like... Am I on the right path? Are my commitments to people and decisions meaningful? Do I have a sense of balance when it comes to work and play? Is my vision seriously getting worse?! (I was born cross-eyed for god's sake!) When did those start doing that? And is it still okay for me to wear leggings? Have I found ways to enjoy the peace and quiet? Have I said 'thank you', 'I love you' and 'No' enough? Have I exercised patience? Have I been a good daughter, aunt, sister, friend? Have I shown my parents sincere gratitude? Have I practiced kindness? What do I do about this whole kid-thing? What happens next? Who cares? Have I stayed true to the person that I hope to become? Have I compromised my values? Have I been honest? Why didn't I start that paper a week ago? Am I seriously still a student? Are shots really a good idea at this stage of the game? Is my passion for making music still trumping everything else? Yes. Yes it is.
I mean this manic questioning is normal, right? Apparently, I'm all about the self check-in, which has led me to a few conclusions.
I will never value anything more than my family.
I think the secret to life is eating dinner together.
My curly hair has the attitude of a 15 year old; defiant and moody.
I'll never have that thigh gap thing. More importantly, I don't want it.
My body deserves kindness, even in the weak moments.
I will always procrastinate.
I'm okay with no plan. But I understand why this drives people insane.
Traveling, exquisite meals, and experiences will always trump things.
Creativity will always provide me with balance.
I've been in love with music since I can remember. I will never be unfaithful.
I am loved in the most beautiful way by my friends and family. I never take that for granted.
So here are 30 reasons why 29 rocked.
And here's to another year of making music.
And with the deepest of sincerity, I thank you for supporting all of this.
I've never been scared of turning 30. I mean I've had the "Oh shit I'm going to be 30" moments (like assuring myself that making my bed is the right choice), but we do that at any age, don't we? I'm in a unique position at 30 years old--unwed mother of none procrastinating student with an Oldsmobile, credit card debt, a guitar, big hair and personality to match it on a wandering journey to infuse people with happiness and joy and laughter and optimism and thoughtfulness. I'm basically Jerry McGuire writing my memo here--shit, mission statement... I meant mission statement. I know it all sounds a bit rainbows and butterflies and unicorns for some of you. But I have a sincere philosophy about the way I live my life, the things I find meaningful and the people with whom I share it all.
So in 30 years of living there's a lot to reflect on. And who doesn't love the opportunity to practice some good old fashioned self-reflection?
I'm a sucker for it.
With the onset of a new decade lurking, I have recently found myself immersed in questions like... Am I on the right path? Are my commitments to people and decisions meaningful? Do I have a sense of balance when it comes to work and play? Is my vision seriously getting worse?! (I was born cross-eyed for god's sake!) When did those start doing that? And is it still okay for me to wear leggings? Have I found ways to enjoy the peace and quiet? Have I said 'thank you', 'I love you' and 'No' enough? Have I exercised patience? Have I been a good daughter, aunt, sister, friend? Have I shown my parents sincere gratitude? Have I practiced kindness? What do I do about this whole kid-thing? What happens next? Who cares? Have I stayed true to the person that I hope to become? Have I compromised my values? Have I been honest? Why didn't I start that paper a week ago? Am I seriously still a student? Are shots really a good idea at this stage of the game? Is my passion for making music still trumping everything else? Yes. Yes it is.
I mean this manic questioning is normal, right? Apparently, I'm all about the self check-in, which has led me to a few conclusions.
I will never value anything more than my family.
I think the secret to life is eating dinner together.
My curly hair has the attitude of a 15 year old; defiant and moody.
I'll never have that thigh gap thing. More importantly, I don't want it.
My body deserves kindness, even in the weak moments.
I will always procrastinate.
I'm okay with no plan. But I understand why this drives people insane.
Traveling, exquisite meals, and experiences will always trump things.
Creativity will always provide me with balance.
I've been in love with music since I can remember. I will never be unfaithful.
I am loved in the most beautiful way by my friends and family. I never take that for granted.
So here are 30 reasons why 29 rocked.
And here's to another year of making music.
And with the deepest of sincerity, I thank you for supporting all of this.
Summer Has Gone
September 20, 2013
The Road Home arrival day!
Hi. I'm Giovanina Bucci--the worst website updateer. Ever. I'm inclined to lie and tell you I've been on tour all summer which is why my updates have been sparse to say the least. But alas, I have no good excuse except that life has been happening. In a very lovely, busy way. I figure the best way to tackle this is to give you a run down of summer highlights that will basically sum everything up.
Twas the Summer of 2013
CD Project Complete - The Road Home is available on CDBaby.com and a few places in Plattsburgh: Koffee Kat, North Country Food Co-op, and Conroy's Organics
Played my first gig in Lake Placid at Smoke Signals. Totally rad place.
Caught the Avett Brother for the first time. Incredible.
Took two classes. Ew.
Played a beautiful wedding overlooking Lake Champlain on a summery Saturday. It was majestic.
Car-hopped at my old stompin' ground, Clare & Carl's.
Made my first trip to Portland, OR to play at my cousin's wedding. 48 hours of blissfulness. I must go back.
Went to Backwoods Pondfest for the first time. If you live in the area and haven't been, you need to. The ADK's are doing festivals right.
Celebrated 3 of my best friends 30th birthdays. I'm next. Shit.
Ran a half-marathon.
Wrote a song.
Hiked a couple of mountains.
And finished that dang CD. Did I mention that?;)
Overall, totally great summer spent with friends and family on porches, in pools, on the lake, in restaurants and bars, outside, in Plattsburgh, Burlington, Montreal, Portland, Albany, Saratoga. And now I'm buckled in for my last year of grad school before my Internship, working and playing and working and playing. Life is hectic and stressful and fun and full just the way I like it.
How the heck was your summer? Splendid I hope.
Lots and lots of shows coming up! Here are the next few...
September 26, Smoke Signals 8-10pm
September 28, Irises 8-11pm
October 4, Irises 8-11pm
October 6, Strand Theater; Bringing it Home 1pm
Please continue to check back for show updates. And you know what? You go right ahead and download that little copy of Pumped Up Kicks I recorded with Kyle at KTR Recording. A treat to get your weekend started off right:) If you right click, you can download the linked file. If you have trouble, please feel free to shoot me a message via the contact form and I'll be happy to send it your way.
In other news, I have none. But I hope you're well. I'm happy you're here. And I thank you for listening.
Giovanina
Twas the Summer of 2013
CD Project Complete - The Road Home is available on CDBaby.com and a few places in Plattsburgh: Koffee Kat, North Country Food Co-op, and Conroy's Organics
Played my first gig in Lake Placid at Smoke Signals. Totally rad place.
Caught the Avett Brother for the first time. Incredible.
Took two classes. Ew.
Played a beautiful wedding overlooking Lake Champlain on a summery Saturday. It was majestic.
Car-hopped at my old stompin' ground, Clare & Carl's.
Made my first trip to Portland, OR to play at my cousin's wedding. 48 hours of blissfulness. I must go back.
Went to Backwoods Pondfest for the first time. If you live in the area and haven't been, you need to. The ADK's are doing festivals right.
Celebrated 3 of my best friends 30th birthdays. I'm next. Shit.
Ran a half-marathon.
Wrote a song.
Hiked a couple of mountains.
And finished that dang CD. Did I mention that?;)
Overall, totally great summer spent with friends and family on porches, in pools, on the lake, in restaurants and bars, outside, in Plattsburgh, Burlington, Montreal, Portland, Albany, Saratoga. And now I'm buckled in for my last year of grad school before my Internship, working and playing and working and playing. Life is hectic and stressful and fun and full just the way I like it.
How the heck was your summer? Splendid I hope.
Lots and lots of shows coming up! Here are the next few...
September 26, Smoke Signals 8-10pm
September 28, Irises 8-11pm
October 4, Irises 8-11pm
October 6, Strand Theater; Bringing it Home 1pm
Please continue to check back for show updates. And you know what? You go right ahead and download that little copy of Pumped Up Kicks I recorded with Kyle at KTR Recording. A treat to get your weekend started off right:) If you right click, you can download the linked file. If you have trouble, please feel free to shoot me a message via the contact form and I'll be happy to send it your way.
In other news, I have none. But I hope you're well. I'm happy you're here. And I thank you for listening.
Giovanina
| pumped_up_kicks.wav |
Two of my lovely friends, Kate and Tiffany, with their newly purchased CD's! Smoke Signals, Lake Placid, NY.
One Month Later
June 28, 2012
Wow. One month has passed since my last update and I must say, quite a bit of progress has been made! My Kickstarter goal was not only met, but surpassed! And, I have each and every one of you to thank for the huge support and continued backing of this music-playin'-train I've decided to ride on.
In all seriousness, the outpouring of support from friends, family and fans was unbelievable. I'm hardly ever speechless (most of you know this), but it's difficult to find the right way to say 'Hey, thanks for supporting my dreams... I think they're coming true.' But, that's basically a summary of how I feel.
The posters have arrived, check 'em out!
In all seriousness, the outpouring of support from friends, family and fans was unbelievable. I'm hardly ever speechless (most of you know this), but it's difficult to find the right way to say 'Hey, thanks for supporting my dreams... I think they're coming true.' But, that's basically a summary of how I feel.
The posters have arrived, check 'em out!
I owe my darling cousin Morgan, the gem behind the lens of Morgan LaMare Photography, a huge thanks for capturing this image while photographing one of my best friend's weddings down in Charleston, South Carolina. I am so pleased with it!
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my CD. Like really anxiously awaiting. I submitted the final approval today for a proof that needed a bit of editing, so we're on the highway to done! When I get that email from Disc Makers that says it has shipped, I'm going to scream and jump for joy. Who knows what I'll do when I actually receive the package. Maybe I should have someone with me? I mean, it's not a CD that's going to change the face of music or anything, but good gravy it's a project that's taken a ridiculously long time (to nobody's fault but my own) and it's done. Done (she sighs).
So, that's where we're at, my friends. All is good. Progress is being made. The next question is, where are we going to have a rip-roarin' CD Release Party to celebrate?! I'll let you know as soon as I figure that out:)
In the mean time, a few gigs coming up:
Tonight at Irises from 9pm-12am
Friday, July 5 in front of Cheechako Taco (downtown) for First Weekends in Plattsburgh
Thursday, July 11 at Smoke Signals in Lake Placid, NY
Ready for sunshine, summer, and the music to keep on playing!
Giovanina
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my CD. Like really anxiously awaiting. I submitted the final approval today for a proof that needed a bit of editing, so we're on the highway to done! When I get that email from Disc Makers that says it has shipped, I'm going to scream and jump for joy. Who knows what I'll do when I actually receive the package. Maybe I should have someone with me? I mean, it's not a CD that's going to change the face of music or anything, but good gravy it's a project that's taken a ridiculously long time (to nobody's fault but my own) and it's done. Done (she sighs).
So, that's where we're at, my friends. All is good. Progress is being made. The next question is, where are we going to have a rip-roarin' CD Release Party to celebrate?! I'll let you know as soon as I figure that out:)
In the mean time, a few gigs coming up:
Tonight at Irises from 9pm-12am
Friday, July 5 in front of Cheechako Taco (downtown) for First Weekends in Plattsburgh
Thursday, July 11 at Smoke Signals in Lake Placid, NY
Ready for sunshine, summer, and the music to keep on playing!
Giovanina
Kickstarter Project
May 29, 2013
Finally! The recording is done and my Kickstarter campaign has been launched! Kickstarter is a fundraising website that supports creative projects. The artist comes up with incentives to match various dollar amounts and supporting pledges are not taken unless the goal is met--this eliminates the possibility of you, the supporter, donating your money to an unsuccessful project.
So my goal is $2000 and my fundraising campaign will run for 10 days. If I reach my goal, I will be able to order my first 1000 CD's, the media package (Itunes, CDBaby, Amazon, etc.), and complete my graphic design through Disc Makers. Every dollar helps, and if you can't swing the cash, I completely understand... your word of mouth is equally as important!
I owe many thanks to my family, friends and supportive listeners for allowing me to meander this musical journey. Your patience is unmatched. I can already begin to feel a renewed sense of creativity and motivation to start spreading the word and getting myself and this CD out there. And thankfully, summer in the Adirondacks is a darn good time for that:)
Please check back for details of how the rest of the campaign goes, along with a CD Release Party that will be happening sooner than later! In the meantime, you can catch me at Irises this Friday night, May 31st, from 9pm-12am. Check the shows section for more dates as well:)
I hope you're well. And happy.
Always,
Giovanina
So my goal is $2000 and my fundraising campaign will run for 10 days. If I reach my goal, I will be able to order my first 1000 CD's, the media package (Itunes, CDBaby, Amazon, etc.), and complete my graphic design through Disc Makers. Every dollar helps, and if you can't swing the cash, I completely understand... your word of mouth is equally as important!
I owe many thanks to my family, friends and supportive listeners for allowing me to meander this musical journey. Your patience is unmatched. I can already begin to feel a renewed sense of creativity and motivation to start spreading the word and getting myself and this CD out there. And thankfully, summer in the Adirondacks is a darn good time for that:)
Please check back for details of how the rest of the campaign goes, along with a CD Release Party that will be happening sooner than later! In the meantime, you can catch me at Irises this Friday night, May 31st, from 9pm-12am. Check the shows section for more dates as well:)
I hope you're well. And happy.
Always,
Giovanina
Songwriting
January 9, 2013
Oh songwriting, you little devil. I was chatting with a friend over coffee about the ins and outs of songwriting. We talked about our processes, we talked about writing down thoughts that keep coming back to us, we discussed whether or not we like to piece together, leave a song and come back to it, or just write it all at once... so on and so forth. He gave me a lot of food for thought. I told him I recently found myself standing at the edge of the songwriting pool and could feel the lurking temptation to test the water. Well, I finally jumped in...er...belly flopped:)
I also said to him that I find it to difficult to write when there's nothing tragic happening. Then again, I don't necessarily want to run around inviting tragedies, broken hearts, and assholes (pardon my french) into my life for the sake of being able to pump out song after song--Taylor Swift style. But jeez, those moments do provide a tremendous amount of fuel for creativity. And let's be honest, they're not really tragedies... they're bits of time that make you question every single thing about yourself and well, that can feel tragic. So I like to take these temporary and passing pieces of time and madness, relish in them long enough to write, and then immediately remind myself that I'm being ridiculous and to snap out of it. Snap the frick out of it.
So here we are, the latest and greatest. Or just the latest. You can listen to it on the media player right below the lyrics. Timing is a bit off in some parts and I might've gotten lost in Reverb Playland. But I have found that songs are in a constant state of progression. All the time. Even as a solo artist. It definitely has more space than usual. Maybe even a touch down Ryan Adams lane...
Anyway, it's a start.
Resting Heavy
choose your words wisely
that filth off your tongue cuts deep
your default is to be this way, so you say
you think your words bear no weight
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
it’s not an insult to my face
that i’m not pretty or gained some weight
superficial i can take
strangers calling me names
but, my friend, you’re not a stranger
and i’ve never set your default to mean
so when your thoughts flew out your mouth
i swallowed them whole, tasted every single one
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
i work hard to be kind
i work hard to bring out your best
i work hard so we can laugh
it stung and burned, it burned real bad
selfishness will eat you alive
relationships can’t sustain when there’s only one side
regardless of right or wrong
where you think you lie it don’t matter this time
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
I also said to him that I find it to difficult to write when there's nothing tragic happening. Then again, I don't necessarily want to run around inviting tragedies, broken hearts, and assholes (pardon my french) into my life for the sake of being able to pump out song after song--Taylor Swift style. But jeez, those moments do provide a tremendous amount of fuel for creativity. And let's be honest, they're not really tragedies... they're bits of time that make you question every single thing about yourself and well, that can feel tragic. So I like to take these temporary and passing pieces of time and madness, relish in them long enough to write, and then immediately remind myself that I'm being ridiculous and to snap out of it. Snap the frick out of it.
So here we are, the latest and greatest. Or just the latest. You can listen to it on the media player right below the lyrics. Timing is a bit off in some parts and I might've gotten lost in Reverb Playland. But I have found that songs are in a constant state of progression. All the time. Even as a solo artist. It definitely has more space than usual. Maybe even a touch down Ryan Adams lane...
Anyway, it's a start.
Resting Heavy
choose your words wisely
that filth off your tongue cuts deep
your default is to be this way, so you say
you think your words bear no weight
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
it’s not an insult to my face
that i’m not pretty or gained some weight
superficial i can take
strangers calling me names
but, my friend, you’re not a stranger
and i’ve never set your default to mean
so when your thoughts flew out your mouth
i swallowed them whole, tasted every single one
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
i work hard to be kind
i work hard to bring out your best
i work hard so we can laugh
it stung and burned, it burned real bad
selfishness will eat you alive
relationships can’t sustain when there’s only one side
regardless of right or wrong
where you think you lie it don’t matter this time
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
you’re resting heavy
Thank you for listening. Hoping to see you on Friday at Irises if you're in town:)
Giovanina
Giovanina
So It's 2013
January 7, 2013
Well here we are. Two thousand and thirteen. A year older, a year wiser (potentially), another year of living and learning and goal setting and planning and bucket listing. With the onset of a new year I always feel a bazaar sense of pressure to make a giant list of these things that you're supposed to do and want and achieve and quite frankly that just feels overwhelming to me. I always lose the list. And, of course, like everyone and their mother I too want to lose 15 pounds by February 1st, but let's be honest that is not in the cards. My big poofy hair starts to look out of proportion with a teeny body. Kidding.
So, I didn't make a list. I'm sure you were on the edge of your seat. Like others, I've thought about all of the growth that I want for myself and how I'm going to get it. But I refuse to set myself up for failure. I refuse to set goals that I can't achieve because well, quite honestly that seems ridiculous. Unfortunately, I'm usually prone to setting extremes, not goals. They're straight up not-going-to-happen illusions that I write on paper in hopes that some sort of baby jesus is going to come down and grant me the instant ability to be more organized, skinnier, have an enormous affection for salad, travel somewhere exotic twice a year, be on time, stop procrastinating. Laughable. That being said, I'd like to set goals for myself that nestle between the extremes... somewhere between blinking/breathing and losing half my body weight by spring. I'm also comfortably relishing in all that is right now. Just. Right. Now. I don't spend a lot of time here... it's refreshing.
I can assure you, lovely readers, you'll be the first to know when all of this big life thinking and planning comes to fruition and I have something tangible to share.
Musically speaking (because why else are you here?), I will finish this CD if it's the last thing I do. I haven't been doing much recording as of late... but I've been doing a ton of thinking about recording; the process, how it is for me, what works/what doesn't. Just thinking about it provides me with a lot of feedback for the direction I want to continue going or how creating a new avenue might be better. So that's where I'm at... and when it all makes sense in my head and I know exactly how I'm moving forward, I'll tell you.
Consider this the 'Coming Soon' post.
In other news, I just added a bunch of new shows! Another handful at Irises (including this Friday), and a couple in Vermont; which I always look forward to!
I hope your holidays were lovely and wonderful and relaxing and spent with people who make you feel cozy and happy and keep you honest and laughing.
I'm happy you read this,
thank you.
Giovanina
So, I didn't make a list. I'm sure you were on the edge of your seat. Like others, I've thought about all of the growth that I want for myself and how I'm going to get it. But I refuse to set myself up for failure. I refuse to set goals that I can't achieve because well, quite honestly that seems ridiculous. Unfortunately, I'm usually prone to setting extremes, not goals. They're straight up not-going-to-happen illusions that I write on paper in hopes that some sort of baby jesus is going to come down and grant me the instant ability to be more organized, skinnier, have an enormous affection for salad, travel somewhere exotic twice a year, be on time, stop procrastinating. Laughable. That being said, I'd like to set goals for myself that nestle between the extremes... somewhere between blinking/breathing and losing half my body weight by spring. I'm also comfortably relishing in all that is right now. Just. Right. Now. I don't spend a lot of time here... it's refreshing.
I can assure you, lovely readers, you'll be the first to know when all of this big life thinking and planning comes to fruition and I have something tangible to share.
Musically speaking (because why else are you here?), I will finish this CD if it's the last thing I do. I haven't been doing much recording as of late... but I've been doing a ton of thinking about recording; the process, how it is for me, what works/what doesn't. Just thinking about it provides me with a lot of feedback for the direction I want to continue going or how creating a new avenue might be better. So that's where I'm at... and when it all makes sense in my head and I know exactly how I'm moving forward, I'll tell you.
Consider this the 'Coming Soon' post.
In other news, I just added a bunch of new shows! Another handful at Irises (including this Friday), and a couple in Vermont; which I always look forward to!
I hope your holidays were lovely and wonderful and relaxing and spent with people who make you feel cozy and happy and keep you honest and laughing.
I'm happy you read this,
thank you.
Giovanina
Impending Doom
December 5, 2012
I'm being ridiculously dramatic. However, in lieu of finals week upon me I'm feeling a little doom-ish. But alas, it's all temporary and before I know it, it'll be over and I won't even remember staying up for 104 hours straight and the fact that I drank too much coffee for two weeks or that I've justified every bit of terrible-for-me food that I've put in my mouth "because I'm stressed". Hence this message being short (gasp!) and to the point. I have lots of great shows coming up! Irises, Radio Bean Coffeehouse, On the Rise Bakery in February... scoot over to the shows page to see for yourself!
On another note, I'd really love an electric guitar for Christmas (although rent money might be more reasonable). I played one alongside some fine musicians on the night of my birthday back in November (it feels really weird to be 22 again) and I think my life nearly changed. Regardless of your rockstar status (or lack thereof), that machine of a guitar makes you feel like you're playing on a stage at Woodstock in 1969 and there's a bunch of naked peeps spilling their Jameson and euphorically moving to every sound you make. Or something like that. To all of the musicians who partake in this awesomeness all of the time... I probably sound like a straight up ball of crazy (more so than usual), but I don't care. It's a novelty for now, so I'll just ride this train for as long as I need to:)
Thank you for visiting.
Thank you for reading.
I'm patiently awaiting snow:)
Giovanina
On another note, I'd really love an electric guitar for Christmas (although rent money might be more reasonable). I played one alongside some fine musicians on the night of my birthday back in November (it feels really weird to be 22 again) and I think my life nearly changed. Regardless of your rockstar status (or lack thereof), that machine of a guitar makes you feel like you're playing on a stage at Woodstock in 1969 and there's a bunch of naked peeps spilling their Jameson and euphorically moving to every sound you make. Or something like that. To all of the musicians who partake in this awesomeness all of the time... I probably sound like a straight up ball of crazy (more so than usual), but I don't care. It's a novelty for now, so I'll just ride this train for as long as I need to:)
Thank you for visiting.
Thank you for reading.
I'm patiently awaiting snow:)
Giovanina
She's Alive
November 12, 2012
Oh. My. Lordy. When I wrote last (on September 19th to be exact), I wasn't anticipating falling off the face of the earth... or face of the web. Apparently life happened.
Anyway, let's just dive in and get caught up on a few things, no? First and foremost, I finally made it back to the studio yesterday... with company! Mike Pedersen has graciously joined in an effort to help me finish this project. He's playing upright bass and guitar on a bunch of tracks--11 total. Josh West is also hopping on board to beat drums and shake shakers. We're scheduled for a full recording day next Sunday as well. We're talkin' like pack-your-lunches-full-day. (Or whiskey, or whatever)
It's really amazing to listen to songs--ones I wrote--take shape and unfold (and refold) in this very organic, lovely way. The experience of listening in this case is different than anything I've ever experienced before. It's like building a gingerbread house--I mean all that stuff is delicious and sweet on its own and then graham crackers become walls and frosting becomes caulking and gumdrops become trees and all of the sudden there's a whole house and it makes sense once it's all put together. And it stands up on its own. And there's a million different ways to make your gingerbread house and you can use a million different ingredients, but by the end, you're in love with your house--even if it's crooked and imperfect. Having these songs come together to create one complete musical package is like building a gingerbread house. It's an endeavor I'm not sure I was ever truly convinced would happen. And now it's happening. And all of these majestic little parts are melding. Bottom line? It's all pretty awesome.
It also helps that I'm working with ridiculously talented folks who have an ear for what I'm looking to achieve and an undeniable willingness to help me get there. Often times I have difficulty explaining what I want in terms of sound... I can hear it roaming around in my brain, but to seriously try and articulate that just ends up sounding like a bunch of craziness spewing out of my mouth followed by a, "You know what I mean, right?"
They nod and smile and deliver. Thank god.
In other news, it's been a year since winning the Advance Music Singer/Songwriter Contest. How the frig did that happen? A year. Talk about an opportunity to reflect... Anyway, I was invited to return and judge this year's finals... such a treat. And stressful. I'm not really very good at making decisions. So having to give actual points for things like lyrical content and songwriting ability--do I go with 14 or 15, 14 0r 15--this felt impossible to me. Not that I'm being dramatic at all. But this year's winner, Chris Dorman, was a total stand out and a gem to listen to--a great storyteller, so personable on stage, a folk artist in the truest form.
A few other bits of goodness since we last caught up:
Made a surprise visit to Flagstaff in October--total perfection.
Family excursion to catch Keb Mo at The Egg in Albany. I want to be his friend.
Saw Brandi Carlile for the first time. Uh. Mazing.
Getting ready for the Irises Art Show this weekend--I have 125 glasses to paint by Saturday.
Thanksgiving, birthday, there's so much happening in the next couple of weeks!
My sincerest apologies for the unforeseen break in posting. Alas, with life and music and recording back up and running at full capacity, I feel a relinquished sense of excitement--and I wouldn't dare keep all of that to myself:)
I'll leave you with this here lil' picture of Mike in the studio:
Anyway, let's just dive in and get caught up on a few things, no? First and foremost, I finally made it back to the studio yesterday... with company! Mike Pedersen has graciously joined in an effort to help me finish this project. He's playing upright bass and guitar on a bunch of tracks--11 total. Josh West is also hopping on board to beat drums and shake shakers. We're scheduled for a full recording day next Sunday as well. We're talkin' like pack-your-lunches-full-day. (Or whiskey, or whatever)
It's really amazing to listen to songs--ones I wrote--take shape and unfold (and refold) in this very organic, lovely way. The experience of listening in this case is different than anything I've ever experienced before. It's like building a gingerbread house--I mean all that stuff is delicious and sweet on its own and then graham crackers become walls and frosting becomes caulking and gumdrops become trees and all of the sudden there's a whole house and it makes sense once it's all put together. And it stands up on its own. And there's a million different ways to make your gingerbread house and you can use a million different ingredients, but by the end, you're in love with your house--even if it's crooked and imperfect. Having these songs come together to create one complete musical package is like building a gingerbread house. It's an endeavor I'm not sure I was ever truly convinced would happen. And now it's happening. And all of these majestic little parts are melding. Bottom line? It's all pretty awesome.
It also helps that I'm working with ridiculously talented folks who have an ear for what I'm looking to achieve and an undeniable willingness to help me get there. Often times I have difficulty explaining what I want in terms of sound... I can hear it roaming around in my brain, but to seriously try and articulate that just ends up sounding like a bunch of craziness spewing out of my mouth followed by a, "You know what I mean, right?"
They nod and smile and deliver. Thank god.
In other news, it's been a year since winning the Advance Music Singer/Songwriter Contest. How the frig did that happen? A year. Talk about an opportunity to reflect... Anyway, I was invited to return and judge this year's finals... such a treat. And stressful. I'm not really very good at making decisions. So having to give actual points for things like lyrical content and songwriting ability--do I go with 14 or 15, 14 0r 15--this felt impossible to me. Not that I'm being dramatic at all. But this year's winner, Chris Dorman, was a total stand out and a gem to listen to--a great storyteller, so personable on stage, a folk artist in the truest form.
A few other bits of goodness since we last caught up:
Made a surprise visit to Flagstaff in October--total perfection.
Family excursion to catch Keb Mo at The Egg in Albany. I want to be his friend.
Saw Brandi Carlile for the first time. Uh. Mazing.
Getting ready for the Irises Art Show this weekend--I have 125 glasses to paint by Saturday.
Thanksgiving, birthday, there's so much happening in the next couple of weeks!
My sincerest apologies for the unforeseen break in posting. Alas, with life and music and recording back up and running at full capacity, I feel a relinquished sense of excitement--and I wouldn't dare keep all of that to myself:)
I'll leave you with this here lil' picture of Mike in the studio:
I hope you're well. And thank you for your continued support in reading and listening and coming to gigs. Not only does it make all of this worthwhile, but it makes it possible. I try to never take any of that for granted.
Happy November,
Giovanina
Happy November,
Giovanina
Sipping Studio Time!
September 19, 2012
True freakin' story... I'm headed to the studio THIS Saturday! Kyle from KTR Recording sent along all of the tracks as is and I've been listening my ears off to see what songs need what. Not only that, I'm not making the trip alone, I've got some fellas coming with me! We've got drums, guitars, basses, woooohoooooo! Of course my goal, as I've stated a gadrillion times before, is to keep things simple. I don't want this CD to be disconnected from what I sound like live whether I'm playing a gig alone or with others. I want it to be a sincere reflection of what this is all about for me. And the songs I write are just an avenue for us to try and relate to one another. Like, "Hot damn, I've been through that shit too!" Because, in the end I think most of us are just looking for something or someone that gives a little comfort, pats us on the back, listens, gives us a nod and says something like, "me too, man, me too." And then we clank our glasses.
I might've just gone on a tangent. I digress...
Anyway, I'm excited for this weekend. Bottom line. And also...ALSO, many thanks to Linda Bassick for inviting me to play at the Radio Bean in Burlington, VT on October 14th at 7pm to benefit Girls Rock Vermont! Now, you must watch this:
I might've just gone on a tangent. I digress...
Anyway, I'm excited for this weekend. Bottom line. And also...ALSO, many thanks to Linda Bassick for inviting me to play at the Radio Bean in Burlington, VT on October 14th at 7pm to benefit Girls Rock Vermont! Now, you must watch this:
How excellent is that?! So October is going to be fun and awesome and full of gigs and traveling and school work. Huh. School work. Well, if there's one thing I've learned thus far in grad school it's that... are you ready for this? I don't know how to study. Legitimately, don't know how to study. *Face palm*
On a lighter note, I play next Thursday, the 27th at Irises. I'll give you a follow up on how things go on Saturday as well! Oh. OH! And, I'm going to see Ben Howard on Sunday. Do you remember awhile ago when I relentlessly pushed my musical opinions all over you? Just scroll down... you'll be quickly reminded:) I'm excited like whoa.
'Til next time,
Giovanina
On a lighter note, I play next Thursday, the 27th at Irises. I'll give you a follow up on how things go on Saturday as well! Oh. OH! And, I'm going to see Ben Howard on Sunday. Do you remember awhile ago when I relentlessly pushed my musical opinions all over you? Just scroll down... you'll be quickly reminded:) I'm excited like whoa.
'Til next time,
Giovanina
Sipping Change
September 19, 2012
September is upon us and I'm not quite sure how the heck that happened. Although I'm sad to see the summer days slowly depart the digs of Upstate, NY, I am delighted at the thought of fall being ever so close. I think I actually talked about this last time, but seriously, the smell alone feels like you're being wrapped up in a ridiculously cozy blanket that smells like a pumpkin spice latte. Do I sound crazy? Probably.
Anyway, as you can see (for those of you who frequent giovaninabucci.com) there's a new layout in town! Feels like I just put a fresh coat of paint on this puppy. I mean, we're coming around the home stretch of 2012 (like it or not) and what better time to pull out all the stops, get a little wild and change things up! Mrs. Morgan Parks, my photography goddess of a cousin, took the cover photo... it's actually from my best friends wedding in Charleston, SC. It's not every day I get spruced up in a red dress and whip out my guitar, let's be honest here. And I have make up on, which is epic for anyone who sees my face up close on the regular. I started this website back in March of 2011 and with all that's happened since then I figure September is a perfect time to embrace some newness. Thoughts?
On a particularly fun and exciting note, I added two more videos to my YouTube Channel! My darling best friend did some video recording for me and now I've got the first live recordings of two more original songs; "Artist" was recorded at Red Square and "Musicmaker" was recorded at The Skinny Pancake, both in Burlington, VT. The sound quality is surprisingly clear and I'm so stinkin' happy to have these two tunes in the mix!
I'm making dinner tonight for the cutest parents in the world. Cooking in the (almost) fall is another one of my most favorite things to do, probably because I love having people over and more so I love everything about nourishing people I love with good eats, some laughter, and wine. Duh. I heart me some wine. Annnndddd, I love an excuse to rock a seriously cute apron and jam out to some delicious music while I clank pots and stir things and burn myself.
First Saturday gig at Irises in a long time and with school nights around the corner, it's a good weekend to get out:)
Thank you for being here,
Giovanina
Anyway, as you can see (for those of you who frequent giovaninabucci.com) there's a new layout in town! Feels like I just put a fresh coat of paint on this puppy. I mean, we're coming around the home stretch of 2012 (like it or not) and what better time to pull out all the stops, get a little wild and change things up! Mrs. Morgan Parks, my photography goddess of a cousin, took the cover photo... it's actually from my best friends wedding in Charleston, SC. It's not every day I get spruced up in a red dress and whip out my guitar, let's be honest here. And I have make up on, which is epic for anyone who sees my face up close on the regular. I started this website back in March of 2011 and with all that's happened since then I figure September is a perfect time to embrace some newness. Thoughts?
On a particularly fun and exciting note, I added two more videos to my YouTube Channel! My darling best friend did some video recording for me and now I've got the first live recordings of two more original songs; "Artist" was recorded at Red Square and "Musicmaker" was recorded at The Skinny Pancake, both in Burlington, VT. The sound quality is surprisingly clear and I'm so stinkin' happy to have these two tunes in the mix!
I'm making dinner tonight for the cutest parents in the world. Cooking in the (almost) fall is another one of my most favorite things to do, probably because I love having people over and more so I love everything about nourishing people I love with good eats, some laughter, and wine. Duh. I heart me some wine. Annnndddd, I love an excuse to rock a seriously cute apron and jam out to some delicious music while I clank pots and stir things and burn myself.
First Saturday gig at Irises in a long time and with school nights around the corner, it's a good weekend to get out:)
Thank you for being here,
Giovanina
Sipping the Last of Summer
August 20, 2012
A blog/website/public journal/forum for me to blab away on... whatever the heck this thing is... is a crazy keeper of time. I always see the date of the last post when I update and every time I think to myself, dang that was three weeks ago?! I don't know how the time passes so quickly! But it does. And so here we are sipping the last couple weeks of summer before school starts, we go back to work, we figure out some rockin' Labor Day plans, we start to think about things like Halloween costumes, Christmas shopping, what size Turkey we're going to have buy, the leaves start to change, pools get closed... it's all around the corner.
But I do love fall. The Adirondacks are splendid in autumn. Just splendid.
This summer has been beautifully busy and stressful and wonderful all at the same time. I am the queen of continuously piling my plate too high, always saying "yes", and procrastinating. I'm certain I've touched on this before, but I've always operated this way so it's nothing that should come all that shocking to me. With that, summer marks the end of a few things... a couple of summer classes, my year-long AmeriCorps assignment, and my summer hot dog slingin' job. What awaits? The start of my Master's program at Plattsburgh State, reconnecting with the recording process and wrapping that up and the continuous journey of crossing things off the ol' bucket list:)
I added a new video to The Basement Sessions. I've decided that I actually hate the videos in The Basement Sessions because taking a video of yourself is just kind of... ridiculous. It's like a prolonged version of those self-portraits that people take in mirrors with their cell phones. Gag. Me. But until I can bribe a friend with dinner or something, there's not an extra set of hands lying around to shoot the video and help make it all a bit less awkward. Anyway, the point is to just try and keep getting the music out there... so listen with your ears and not your eyes and you can bypass the seriously awful attempt at me working to 'make love to the camera'. Unless you're like movie hot and don't have things like glasses and double chins... well then it's just about 'making logistics to the camera', like let's try and avoid highlighting these few things. Anyhoo... the newest is up for your listening pleasure.
Just added a new Irises gig to the mix - come join me this Thursday, August 23rd from 7-10pm!
Now go play in the sunshine:)
Giovanina
But I do love fall. The Adirondacks are splendid in autumn. Just splendid.
This summer has been beautifully busy and stressful and wonderful all at the same time. I am the queen of continuously piling my plate too high, always saying "yes", and procrastinating. I'm certain I've touched on this before, but I've always operated this way so it's nothing that should come all that shocking to me. With that, summer marks the end of a few things... a couple of summer classes, my year-long AmeriCorps assignment, and my summer hot dog slingin' job. What awaits? The start of my Master's program at Plattsburgh State, reconnecting with the recording process and wrapping that up and the continuous journey of crossing things off the ol' bucket list:)
I added a new video to The Basement Sessions. I've decided that I actually hate the videos in The Basement Sessions because taking a video of yourself is just kind of... ridiculous. It's like a prolonged version of those self-portraits that people take in mirrors with their cell phones. Gag. Me. But until I can bribe a friend with dinner or something, there's not an extra set of hands lying around to shoot the video and help make it all a bit less awkward. Anyway, the point is to just try and keep getting the music out there... so listen with your ears and not your eyes and you can bypass the seriously awful attempt at me working to 'make love to the camera'. Unless you're like movie hot and don't have things like glasses and double chins... well then it's just about 'making logistics to the camera', like let's try and avoid highlighting these few things. Anyhoo... the newest is up for your listening pleasure.
Just added a new Irises gig to the mix - come join me this Thursday, August 23rd from 7-10pm!
Now go play in the sunshine:)
Giovanina
Sipping Learning and Listening
July 27, 2012
I'm so full of neglect to this poor website as of late! And broken promises - I'm supposed to have a recording of the new song for you and I don't. Fail. It's possible the two jobs, gigs, and two classes I'm taking (PS, what the hell was I thinking?!) are getting the best of me at the moment. Oh responsibility, I just don't like you sometimes.
I do have a couple of other updates, does that work? First, we'll address the "learning" part of this post. I auditioned for one of those crazy TV shows last weekend and bombed in a fierce way! Oh my lord... I was like, get me the heck out of this little room, I'm sweating, my hands are clammy, and my voice sounds like a 15 year old boy going through puberty like at this very moment. And seriously, peeps, I'm not even being overly critical of myself. I mean this in the most kind way, but I sucked. Wow. Of course, there are three hours that pass before you actually get escorted into this little room with 9 other tween hopefuls and a chick sitting at her Mac taking notes and calling names. For three hours I felt as cool as a cucumber. Like I was getting ready to audition for how awesome my shoe-tying skills are... then she called my name. And then my nervous system flipped its shit. Basically. And it went downhill from there. Bottom line, I was gently reminded of the fact that I'm as vulnerable as the next person and playing gig after gig with the safety of my guitar is where I'm most comfortable. I love singing behind a microphone, I love it for so many reasons. It restores my confidence in this weird way and it also separates me from the audience. This probably sounds absurd and backwards, but I guess a sound system offers me some kind of protection. I don't get it. You probably don't get it. Good... we're all on the same page:) Anyway, it was a humbling experience and I'll likely never do it again. Not because I failed, but because I love doing what I do. If I work hard and the universe responds, then I'll end up right where I'm supposed to be. Lesson. Learned.
And for the listening... well I have stumbled onto a gem of a musician. The young bloke's name is Ben Howard. And he and the fine musicians who play with him have infected my eardrums with pure, unadulterated love. They're a band that gets better with each listen. He's such an intriguing guitarist to watch with a finger-picking style that's mesmerizing. And he also rocks some seriously awesome percussive guitar work every once in awhile. Anyway, I think the most powerful thing about watching these folks play together is the honest enjoyment they exhibit. It's so incredibly infectious and such a pleasant reminder of what this here is all about... singing and playing songs that you love. That's it.
I played at Irises last night and was feeling re-inspired both after the audition fail and from spending the last week obsessively watching Ben Howard and company play... I mean I really am lucky that I get to do this. More so, I'm so fortunate that I have people in my life who couldn't be more supportive of what I do, the music I write and the songs I play. So musically, I'm feeling re-energized. Like I want to write more and just get better and better and work my tail off. It feels good when the fire burns outrageously hot and you're reminded of what to pour yourself into.
And I leave you with a few videos and my many thanks for stopping by.
Giovanina
This is the first song I found of his...
I do have a couple of other updates, does that work? First, we'll address the "learning" part of this post. I auditioned for one of those crazy TV shows last weekend and bombed in a fierce way! Oh my lord... I was like, get me the heck out of this little room, I'm sweating, my hands are clammy, and my voice sounds like a 15 year old boy going through puberty like at this very moment. And seriously, peeps, I'm not even being overly critical of myself. I mean this in the most kind way, but I sucked. Wow. Of course, there are three hours that pass before you actually get escorted into this little room with 9 other tween hopefuls and a chick sitting at her Mac taking notes and calling names. For three hours I felt as cool as a cucumber. Like I was getting ready to audition for how awesome my shoe-tying skills are... then she called my name. And then my nervous system flipped its shit. Basically. And it went downhill from there. Bottom line, I was gently reminded of the fact that I'm as vulnerable as the next person and playing gig after gig with the safety of my guitar is where I'm most comfortable. I love singing behind a microphone, I love it for so many reasons. It restores my confidence in this weird way and it also separates me from the audience. This probably sounds absurd and backwards, but I guess a sound system offers me some kind of protection. I don't get it. You probably don't get it. Good... we're all on the same page:) Anyway, it was a humbling experience and I'll likely never do it again. Not because I failed, but because I love doing what I do. If I work hard and the universe responds, then I'll end up right where I'm supposed to be. Lesson. Learned.
And for the listening... well I have stumbled onto a gem of a musician. The young bloke's name is Ben Howard. And he and the fine musicians who play with him have infected my eardrums with pure, unadulterated love. They're a band that gets better with each listen. He's such an intriguing guitarist to watch with a finger-picking style that's mesmerizing. And he also rocks some seriously awesome percussive guitar work every once in awhile. Anyway, I think the most powerful thing about watching these folks play together is the honest enjoyment they exhibit. It's so incredibly infectious and such a pleasant reminder of what this here is all about... singing and playing songs that you love. That's it.
I played at Irises last night and was feeling re-inspired both after the audition fail and from spending the last week obsessively watching Ben Howard and company play... I mean I really am lucky that I get to do this. More so, I'm so fortunate that I have people in my life who couldn't be more supportive of what I do, the music I write and the songs I play. So musically, I'm feeling re-energized. Like I want to write more and just get better and better and work my tail off. It feels good when the fire burns outrageously hot and you're reminded of what to pour yourself into.
And I leave you with a few videos and my many thanks for stopping by.
Giovanina
This is the first song I found of his...
A perfect example of this band's chemistry...
And a brilliant cover of "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
A quieter song with delicious harmonies:)
Sipping A New Jam!
June 20, 2012
***Just added - Friday, June 22nd, Olive Ridley's from 6-9pm!!!***
Well, believe it or not, I wrote a new song. And I like it. I really like it. Actually, I want Brandi Carlile or Ray LaMontagne to sing it. I think I stole from both of their styles and poured them into this new tune - which I haven't yet videoed or recorded, but I promise you is the next step. It was one of those songs that flew out of me. It must've secretly been brewing for a little while. This happened to me in February too, do you remember? I wrote two songs in one weekend, which was like unheard for me! Anyway, this one is interesting because the lyrics don't necessarily reflect a current state of mind and/or being. Obviously, these were thoughts or feelings felt at some point, but I'm generally happy at the moment - not nearly as sad as it may seem based on this song:)
I listen to music all the time. At work. On my bike. In the car. One of my homegirls lent me her portable Bose system and I take that thing in every room with me. My apartment is too small for me to even justify doing this. But I do... because I'm wild and reckless and the only thing that helps me start my day off right is some Kings of Leon rocking while I patiently try and wash the dreadlocks out of my hair that I keep accidentally growing. Humidity is in the air, my friends. I lose this battle every summer. I digress...
So, yes, I listen to music all of the time. And for the first time, I used a new songwriting format for this song based on the tunes I've been listening to. Finally! A new avenue for me to venture down! It's one of those details that like, no one is paying attention to, nor do you probably care... but alas, I'd hate to start under-sharing at this point. (Is 'under-sharing' even a thing?) You know what I mean. The verses are two lines instead of four. There are two chorus parts. And there are a couple of different strumming patterns. Yay! You're psyched, aren't you? I can totally tell.
I figure the least I can do is share the lyrics with you and then get this dang thing recorded so you can be no-holds-barred honest with and tell me what you think.
"Long Time Ago"
Every time I see your face, I get a smile on mine
Every time I speak your name, I'm reminded of them good old times
But it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
Said, it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time I see your picture, you got your arms wrapped around me
I just figured this was how it was always gonna be
But it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
It's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time I think of you, I got no regret
I'm just hoping that somebody gonna love me like that again
But it's too late for you
It's too late
You left me a long time ago
Oh it's too late for you
It's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time, oh never mind, I must sound crazy
Every time, oh never mind, you ain't listening to a word I say
Cause it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
It's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
See what I mean? It sounds kind of depressing. It's not really that bad, I promise:) I mean, we're all hoping to find someone to love the shit out of us if we haven't yet... right? But it's just a feeling that's there, it's not all consuming or world-crushing or anything, it just exists. Make sense? In the mean time, I fill my life and space and house up with all of the friends and family and things and hobbies that I love - and the loneliness only bites here and there and then it passes and voila. Here I be. Annoyingly upbeat and generally happy:)
Alright, now that we have the new song low-down out of the way... no gigs this week, but I'm back on par for next week with a gig at Irises on Thursday, June 28th and then my first gig at Manhattan Pizza & Pub in Burlington, VT on the 30th!
Until next time...
Giovanina:)
I listen to music all the time. At work. On my bike. In the car. One of my homegirls lent me her portable Bose system and I take that thing in every room with me. My apartment is too small for me to even justify doing this. But I do... because I'm wild and reckless and the only thing that helps me start my day off right is some Kings of Leon rocking while I patiently try and wash the dreadlocks out of my hair that I keep accidentally growing. Humidity is in the air, my friends. I lose this battle every summer. I digress...
So, yes, I listen to music all of the time. And for the first time, I used a new songwriting format for this song based on the tunes I've been listening to. Finally! A new avenue for me to venture down! It's one of those details that like, no one is paying attention to, nor do you probably care... but alas, I'd hate to start under-sharing at this point. (Is 'under-sharing' even a thing?) You know what I mean. The verses are two lines instead of four. There are two chorus parts. And there are a couple of different strumming patterns. Yay! You're psyched, aren't you? I can totally tell.
I figure the least I can do is share the lyrics with you and then get this dang thing recorded so you can be no-holds-barred honest with and tell me what you think.
"Long Time Ago"
Every time I see your face, I get a smile on mine
Every time I speak your name, I'm reminded of them good old times
But it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
Said, it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time I see your picture, you got your arms wrapped around me
I just figured this was how it was always gonna be
But it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
It's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time I think of you, I got no regret
I'm just hoping that somebody gonna love me like that again
But it's too late for you
It's too late
You left me a long time ago
Oh it's too late for you
It's too late
You left me a long time ago
I'm hoping to find that kind of man
I ain't in no rush, I ain't got no plan
Every time, oh never mind, I must sound crazy
Every time, oh never mind, you ain't listening to a word I say
Cause it's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
It's too late
Oh, it's too late
You left me a long time ago
See what I mean? It sounds kind of depressing. It's not really that bad, I promise:) I mean, we're all hoping to find someone to love the shit out of us if we haven't yet... right? But it's just a feeling that's there, it's not all consuming or world-crushing or anything, it just exists. Make sense? In the mean time, I fill my life and space and house up with all of the friends and family and things and hobbies that I love - and the loneliness only bites here and there and then it passes and voila. Here I be. Annoyingly upbeat and generally happy:)
Alright, now that we have the new song low-down out of the way... no gigs this week, but I'm back on par for next week with a gig at Irises on Thursday, June 28th and then my first gig at Manhattan Pizza & Pub in Burlington, VT on the 30th!
Until next time...
Giovanina:)
Sipping A New Phase
May 30, 2012
Guitar and lead vocals for 15 tracks. Check. Can you believe it? I mean, there's still a ways to go, but a huge chunk of recording is done! At this point, we're heading into the land of extras and embellishments... instrumentation, harmonies, clapping, snapping, beatboxing, wait what? Um, that would be awesome! Maybe someday. When I'm cooler.
But really we're entering the listening phase... figuring out what 12 or so songs to keep and then what to do with them. And oh my gosh what order to put them in - I hadn't even thought of that until just now! It's pretty exciting! I started this process back in February, so it'll be interesting to go back and listen to the tracks from a few months ago. I have about a two hour attention span in the studio only because yes, of course, I want it to sound awesome and perfect and I want the final cut of each song to melt the world's ears. But the truth of the matter is is that it's not going to be perfect. I'm going to have strings that buzz, notes that are sharp or flat. There will be imperfections. And I don't have the desire or willingness to fool myself with trying to obtain perfection. I'd. Never. Be. Done. Don't be fooled though, this doesn't eliminate my ability to be critical of myself... that I'm pretty good at. Well, we all are. Usually.
Regardless of where this journey takes me... one thing is certain, playing live will never be perfection... and that's what I want to do. I want to play live shows and travel and be unpredictable. This philosophy syncs with my personality pretty well... I'm all over the place, I'm not formulaic, I like spontaneity, I like last-minute, I like to get things done and at the end of the day, I like to look back and think to myself, 'dammit that was fun'. So I'm not sure exactly what part of uncertainty appeals to me, but I've never over thought it because it's just the way I operate. And trust me, I can see why and how it can drive people nuts. Then again, I hope it's liberating for some... like that part in Along Came Polly where Jennifer Aniston slashes like tons of throw pillows...
My point being... wait, there was a point? Hahahaha, yessssss, every once in awhile I have a point! I don't need this CD to be perfect, I want to be proud of it... I want it to sound like what I sound like... so you don't listen to the CD, come to a live show and then leave pissed because there's not a 12 piece brass section. I want the listening experience of the CD and the listening experience of a live show to not stray too far from one another. That's really my agenda at the end of the day. At least for now. Anyway, I figured I'd update you on the good progress that's being made.
Hopefully I'll see many of your beautiful faces down at Irises tomorrow night, 7-10pm it is!
Happy Wednesday:)
Giovanina
But really we're entering the listening phase... figuring out what 12 or so songs to keep and then what to do with them. And oh my gosh what order to put them in - I hadn't even thought of that until just now! It's pretty exciting! I started this process back in February, so it'll be interesting to go back and listen to the tracks from a few months ago. I have about a two hour attention span in the studio only because yes, of course, I want it to sound awesome and perfect and I want the final cut of each song to melt the world's ears. But the truth of the matter is is that it's not going to be perfect. I'm going to have strings that buzz, notes that are sharp or flat. There will be imperfections. And I don't have the desire or willingness to fool myself with trying to obtain perfection. I'd. Never. Be. Done. Don't be fooled though, this doesn't eliminate my ability to be critical of myself... that I'm pretty good at. Well, we all are. Usually.
Regardless of where this journey takes me... one thing is certain, playing live will never be perfection... and that's what I want to do. I want to play live shows and travel and be unpredictable. This philosophy syncs with my personality pretty well... I'm all over the place, I'm not formulaic, I like spontaneity, I like last-minute, I like to get things done and at the end of the day, I like to look back and think to myself, 'dammit that was fun'. So I'm not sure exactly what part of uncertainty appeals to me, but I've never over thought it because it's just the way I operate. And trust me, I can see why and how it can drive people nuts. Then again, I hope it's liberating for some... like that part in Along Came Polly where Jennifer Aniston slashes like tons of throw pillows...
My point being... wait, there was a point? Hahahaha, yessssss, every once in awhile I have a point! I don't need this CD to be perfect, I want to be proud of it... I want it to sound like what I sound like... so you don't listen to the CD, come to a live show and then leave pissed because there's not a 12 piece brass section. I want the listening experience of the CD and the listening experience of a live show to not stray too far from one another. That's really my agenda at the end of the day. At least for now. Anyway, I figured I'd update you on the good progress that's being made.
Hopefully I'll see many of your beautiful faces down at Irises tomorrow night, 7-10pm it is!
Happy Wednesday:)
Giovanina
Sipping Almost There
May 22, 2012
It's Tuesday. I meant to write yesterday and well... obviously didn't get here. This weekend in Plattsburgh was beautiful. Seriously beautiful. My trip over to Burlington on Saturday evening to record was absolutely awesome. The drive, the recording session, the feeling of knowing that this project has a finish line. The last time I left the studio I was feeling a bit discouraged because I couldn't get the vocals for a few of the guitar tracks we had laid down. So having returned after a couple of months to successfully wrap up these few songs felt stellar.
I'm telling you, the door to the recording room shuts and it's over... I spread my feet a little bit apart to get some solid grounding, headphones on, eyes are shut and the arms flail as I wishfully attempt to hit the notes just as I want to. I'm pretty certain I look like a giant idiot. But that's the beauty of it... there's not a soul in there to judge me! And I swear to you, channeling your inner diva is monumental in these moments. Aside from the totally hot jean shorts she sports, I feel like Mariah Carey in the One Sweet Day music video with Boyz II Men... now that is a jam. Anyway, I'm headed back over this Saturday to lay down three more songs and then we'll be at 15 total! With 15 songs, I'll have a chance to go through and weed out a couple of the songs I'm feeling less enthusiastic about. And the CD in its completion will hopefully represent what I've put into this project. I literally can't wait.
And for those of you who didn't catch this on Facebook... I've added a new video to the Basement Sessions! It's a cover of Foster the People's, "Pumped Up Kicks". Have a listen if you have a moment:) I've also added new pictures to the live shows section in photos!
What's next you ask? The ALS Walk of Hope celebration in downtown Plattsburgh on Saturday, May 26th from 12-1pm! I'll be playing outside in Trinity Park along with a bunch of other local talent... it should be an awesome day! Next Thursday, I resume at Irises... check out the shows page for all of the latest details and updates.
Thank you for being supportive. Thank you for reading these rants. Thank you for keeping me going.
:)
Giovanina
I'm telling you, the door to the recording room shuts and it's over... I spread my feet a little bit apart to get some solid grounding, headphones on, eyes are shut and the arms flail as I wishfully attempt to hit the notes just as I want to. I'm pretty certain I look like a giant idiot. But that's the beauty of it... there's not a soul in there to judge me! And I swear to you, channeling your inner diva is monumental in these moments. Aside from the totally hot jean shorts she sports, I feel like Mariah Carey in the One Sweet Day music video with Boyz II Men... now that is a jam. Anyway, I'm headed back over this Saturday to lay down three more songs and then we'll be at 15 total! With 15 songs, I'll have a chance to go through and weed out a couple of the songs I'm feeling less enthusiastic about. And the CD in its completion will hopefully represent what I've put into this project. I literally can't wait.
And for those of you who didn't catch this on Facebook... I've added a new video to the Basement Sessions! It's a cover of Foster the People's, "Pumped Up Kicks". Have a listen if you have a moment:) I've also added new pictures to the live shows section in photos!
What's next you ask? The ALS Walk of Hope celebration in downtown Plattsburgh on Saturday, May 26th from 12-1pm! I'll be playing outside in Trinity Park along with a bunch of other local talent... it should be an awesome day! Next Thursday, I resume at Irises... check out the shows page for all of the latest details and updates.
Thank you for being supportive. Thank you for reading these rants. Thank you for keeping me going.
:)
Giovanina
Sipping Bits and Pieces
May 14, 2012
So I wasn't fibbing about recording on Sunday, but we ended up having to reschedule being that it was a day to celebrate all of the beautiful mamas out there! Recording reunion is rescheduled for this coming Saturday... Woohoo! Excitement is still in full swing:)
Ya know what's not in full swing? The completion of that song I started to write last week... I really felt like there was momentum. Well, there was... and then it came to a freakin' crashing halt. Dang! I hate when that happens. I'm not very good at going back to the ones I don't finish the first time around. Unfortunately, I might have to add this one to the gone but not forgotten pile... ah well. You can't win 'em all.
On a brighter note, I celebrated Mother's Day with my family at our camp on Sunday and it was lovely and wonderful. Not only was it a beautiful day to celebrate my mama and sisters, but it was our first meal of the season out at camp! My parents move out there every summer and it's glorious, so peaceful, and so summery. Doors were open, my nephews were fishing off the dock and the adults were enjoying the likes of bad jokes and telling stories around the dinner table... I mean seriously. That shiz is blissful.
Not to mention, my mom, also referred to by our family as "The White Tornado", is pretty much the finest lady I know. She's by far the hardest working woman... ever, never stops, always giving and doing for others, can hang with the best of 'em, loves to laugh and basically is just a total badass. Any of you who know her would likely agree with me! And thanks to my beautiful sisters, I get to enjoy the role of Aunt GG to 6 nieces and nephews. SIX. They're awesome, they're lil' stinkers, they're kind, they're beautiful and they're the next generation of Bucci's to take on the world thanks to my sisters, Bridget and Angie, for being nothing less than awesomely dedicated mothers. They've taught me more than they'll ever know... I hope I can pass along the wisdom to my own someday. Someday... many years from now:)
One more week off from gigs and then we're back on track next week rolling out with the ALS Walk of Hope on May 26th! Looking forward to getting back on schedule and hoping to continue filling up that summer music schedule!
Well, I'll leave ya with that, my friends... 'til next time, of course:)
Giovanina
Ya know what's not in full swing? The completion of that song I started to write last week... I really felt like there was momentum. Well, there was... and then it came to a freakin' crashing halt. Dang! I hate when that happens. I'm not very good at going back to the ones I don't finish the first time around. Unfortunately, I might have to add this one to the gone but not forgotten pile... ah well. You can't win 'em all.
On a brighter note, I celebrated Mother's Day with my family at our camp on Sunday and it was lovely and wonderful. Not only was it a beautiful day to celebrate my mama and sisters, but it was our first meal of the season out at camp! My parents move out there every summer and it's glorious, so peaceful, and so summery. Doors were open, my nephews were fishing off the dock and the adults were enjoying the likes of bad jokes and telling stories around the dinner table... I mean seriously. That shiz is blissful.
Not to mention, my mom, also referred to by our family as "The White Tornado", is pretty much the finest lady I know. She's by far the hardest working woman... ever, never stops, always giving and doing for others, can hang with the best of 'em, loves to laugh and basically is just a total badass. Any of you who know her would likely agree with me! And thanks to my beautiful sisters, I get to enjoy the role of Aunt GG to 6 nieces and nephews. SIX. They're awesome, they're lil' stinkers, they're kind, they're beautiful and they're the next generation of Bucci's to take on the world thanks to my sisters, Bridget and Angie, for being nothing less than awesomely dedicated mothers. They've taught me more than they'll ever know... I hope I can pass along the wisdom to my own someday. Someday... many years from now:)
One more week off from gigs and then we're back on track next week rolling out with the ALS Walk of Hope on May 26th! Looking forward to getting back on schedule and hoping to continue filling up that summer music schedule!
Well, I'll leave ya with that, my friends... 'til next time, of course:)
Giovanina
Sipping Recording
May 8, 2012
True. Story. Back to the studio on Sunday. Can you freakin' believe it?! Kyle Rose and I have finally synced our schedules... I knew it would happen eventually. Although the hiatus from recording has been frustrating-only because I'm antsy to get this project done and in your hands/ears-I'm thinking that going back in there will be refreshing after the mini-break! I'm also wrapping up the likes of a new jam... might test out the possibilities of it being record-ready:) Regardless, if there's one thing that is getting crossed off my bucket list this summer, it's this damn CD, I can assure you. Long overdue.
Other than wanting to share the excellent recording news, not much else is going on! I have a couple weeks of no gigs, so I'll be popping into the Monopole's Open Mike on Wednesdays... hopefully I can finish this new song up by tomorrow in time to give it a whirl:) The next big event is happening on Saturday, May 26th for the much anticipated ALS Walk of Hope and the celebration afterward in downtown, Plattsburgh at Trinity Park.
On a side note, my new apartment was properly christened this weekend with an after-hours dance party. This could either mean that I've always secretly wanted to be a 19 year old frat boy OR that it's never too late to rock out to a little Biggie Smalls at 2:30 in the morning with great friends. It's just plain fun. I mean for that matter, dance parties are fun any time of day. I'm having one at my desk right now, actually. A Tribe Called Quest Pandora radio station is brilliant. Don't be fooled... I do love me some good ol' hip hop:)
Alright, peeps, see you soon!
Giovanina
Other than wanting to share the excellent recording news, not much else is going on! I have a couple weeks of no gigs, so I'll be popping into the Monopole's Open Mike on Wednesdays... hopefully I can finish this new song up by tomorrow in time to give it a whirl:) The next big event is happening on Saturday, May 26th for the much anticipated ALS Walk of Hope and the celebration afterward in downtown, Plattsburgh at Trinity Park.
On a side note, my new apartment was properly christened this weekend with an after-hours dance party. This could either mean that I've always secretly wanted to be a 19 year old frat boy OR that it's never too late to rock out to a little Biggie Smalls at 2:30 in the morning with great friends. It's just plain fun. I mean for that matter, dance parties are fun any time of day. I'm having one at my desk right now, actually. A Tribe Called Quest Pandora radio station is brilliant. Don't be fooled... I do love me some good ol' hip hop:)
Alright, peeps, see you soon!
Giovanina
Sipping Gentle Reminders
April 27, 2012
***Just Added: The Skinny Pancake, May 4th from 9-11pm in Burlington, VT!!!***
Life has a funny way of throwing us gentle reminders, no? Ya know those moments where you think to yourself... 'ya know what, it's not that bad' or 'well it could be a lot freakin' worse!' or 'at least I don't have to wash my hair every day'. Or is that last one just me? You have no idea what curly-haired people can get away with... I didn't appreciate this until recently... the first 18 years were hell. Seriously.
I digress. Gentle reminders, right? Anyway, my point for bringing this up was my jaunt to Open 'MIKE' at the Monopole this past week. I was reminded that I need more of it and there's an awesome community of musicians in this town, even given it's teeny tiny nature. And ya know what else... it's just fun to play four or five songs for a totally different crowd of people, no pressure, no set up/breakdown (many thanks to Mike Pedersen for continuing to do all the dirty work for this open 'MIKE'!), nothing but the fine, free-spirited folks who patron the Monopole and their willingness to dance and clap (and spill their beer sometimes). Not to mention, there's a plethora of peeps to jump in and play the drums or bass and all the sudden there's a full band behind you and you think to yourself... well hot damn, this is festive!
So this past Wednesday was real fun and it was a gentle reminder to go more often, meet new people, test out new jams and rock out with some seriously fine musicians. Practicing in your living room is one thing. Practicing for people at an open mic has all sorts of inviting perks. Until you write and play a sucky song. Which, I've done in the past and I'm certain more bad songs await me. Doozies are just part of the songwriting equation.
In other news, I'm Vermont-bound again this weekend for a lovely stint at the Radio Bean. The atmosphere there is delightful, you should come see for yourself. I also added a handful of shows at Irises for June and July, check 'em out! And don't forget about the ALS Walk of Hope happening on May 26th! Great lineup of musicians playing outside that day in Trinity Park, downtown Plattsburgh, after the walk!
And oh. my. god. I almost forgot to tell you - I survived the half marathon... like barely, but I survived. I still can't walk properly, stairs are a real treat and I've been eating nothing but fried food ever since and not working out (great results in the ass-growing department and also does a real number on your skin. Lordy, I'm breaking out like a tween.) Anyway, I finished in my goal time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Never in my life did I think I would be able to run for over 2 hours. I'm not certain I ever need to do another one, but I am proud that I started and finished that bad boi. It was a gentle reminder that I'm not 18 anymore. Shit is achin' and crampy and... just... older.
Well, that's a wrap, folks. Nothing too crazy. Now, go enjoy your weekend. Do something fun and if you don't have anything fun lined up, at least hang out with good people... the ones that make you laugh. They're the best.
Catch you on the flip side:)
Giovanina
I digress. Gentle reminders, right? Anyway, my point for bringing this up was my jaunt to Open 'MIKE' at the Monopole this past week. I was reminded that I need more of it and there's an awesome community of musicians in this town, even given it's teeny tiny nature. And ya know what else... it's just fun to play four or five songs for a totally different crowd of people, no pressure, no set up/breakdown (many thanks to Mike Pedersen for continuing to do all the dirty work for this open 'MIKE'!), nothing but the fine, free-spirited folks who patron the Monopole and their willingness to dance and clap (and spill their beer sometimes). Not to mention, there's a plethora of peeps to jump in and play the drums or bass and all the sudden there's a full band behind you and you think to yourself... well hot damn, this is festive!
So this past Wednesday was real fun and it was a gentle reminder to go more often, meet new people, test out new jams and rock out with some seriously fine musicians. Practicing in your living room is one thing. Practicing for people at an open mic has all sorts of inviting perks. Until you write and play a sucky song. Which, I've done in the past and I'm certain more bad songs await me. Doozies are just part of the songwriting equation.
In other news, I'm Vermont-bound again this weekend for a lovely stint at the Radio Bean. The atmosphere there is delightful, you should come see for yourself. I also added a handful of shows at Irises for June and July, check 'em out! And don't forget about the ALS Walk of Hope happening on May 26th! Great lineup of musicians playing outside that day in Trinity Park, downtown Plattsburgh, after the walk!
And oh. my. god. I almost forgot to tell you - I survived the half marathon... like barely, but I survived. I still can't walk properly, stairs are a real treat and I've been eating nothing but fried food ever since and not working out (great results in the ass-growing department and also does a real number on your skin. Lordy, I'm breaking out like a tween.) Anyway, I finished in my goal time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Never in my life did I think I would be able to run for over 2 hours. I'm not certain I ever need to do another one, but I am proud that I started and finished that bad boi. It was a gentle reminder that I'm not 18 anymore. Shit is achin' and crampy and... just... older.
Well, that's a wrap, folks. Nothing too crazy. Now, go enjoy your weekend. Do something fun and if you don't have anything fun lined up, at least hang out with good people... the ones that make you laugh. They're the best.
Catch you on the flip side:)
Giovanina
Sipping Charleston, SC
April 17, 2012
I'm alive. Kind of. This past Sunday marked the return from an absolutely perfect five days spent in Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate a wedding with the very best of friends. I've never been to Charleston and quite frankly I want to go back. Like right now. There is so much to do and see and drink and eat! It's a beautifully historic place that's ridiculously (and noticeably) clean with all sorts of charm running through its veins. There's also something legitimately lovely about being called "darlin'"... I could probably get used to that:) Needless to say, spending four nights in a hotel room with three of four best friends (the fourth being the bride and all...) is entertainment at its finest. We hung the "resting" sign on our hotel door the whole time, which means our room was an explosion of jewelry, towels, pizza boxes and coffee cups. Oh, and heels and eye-liner. Beautifully messy. By Sunday morning it looked like we had had as much fun as we did!
And can we talk about sweet tea vodka for a second? Good gravy, I've never drank that stuff before and I'm pretty sure I fell a little bit in love down there. There is just nothing safe about a liquor that tastes like a party in your mouth all by itself! Phew. Enter detox:)
And how perfectly beautiful are these two? I know. I've had to take pictures next to Nisha for the last twenty years... it never gets easier! The wedding was photographed by my lovely and talented cousin, Morgan LaMare... she's a total camera genius!
And can we talk about sweet tea vodka for a second? Good gravy, I've never drank that stuff before and I'm pretty sure I fell a little bit in love down there. There is just nothing safe about a liquor that tastes like a party in your mouth all by itself! Phew. Enter detox:)
And how perfectly beautiful are these two? I know. I've had to take pictures next to Nisha for the last twenty years... it never gets easier! The wedding was photographed by my lovely and talented cousin, Morgan LaMare... she's a total camera genius!
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Duquette
So basically, my weekend was awesome. On top of everything being perfect, I also had the priviledge of playing at both the ceremony and for their first dance! I officially know how to play Pachalbel's Canon D for any of you out there looking for a wedding guitarist;) It's such an honor to play at weddings... to really be part of something so incredibly special and in such a unique and memorable way. I didn't even see them dance... my eyes were closed the whole time as there was some serious concentration going on. That's a lot of pressure, peeps!
Anyway, I'm back. The boys and I are back to practicing. And I'm feeling all sorts of ready for some new songs to be written. Oh the inspiration... hits you like a bat out of hell when you least expect it. Kind of awesome:)
I'm also trying to get back to the studio ASAP to continue working on the album. Kyle, from KTR Recording, and I have hilariously opposite schedules, particularly now that I'm back to selling hot dogs for the summer. But alas, we will make it happen.
I'm running that freakin' half marathon on Sunday. If you live in Plattsburgh and don't see me out and about by Wednesday, can you please come and peel me off my apartment floor?
Finally, a little plug (you know I can't leave you without a plug!)... Irises on Thursday from 7-10pm! I'm also getting a massage beforehand, so if I'm melting while playing... it's not the Java-tini. It's the after-massage-coma:)
See you soon,
Giovanina
Anyway, I'm back. The boys and I are back to practicing. And I'm feeling all sorts of ready for some new songs to be written. Oh the inspiration... hits you like a bat out of hell when you least expect it. Kind of awesome:)
I'm also trying to get back to the studio ASAP to continue working on the album. Kyle, from KTR Recording, and I have hilariously opposite schedules, particularly now that I'm back to selling hot dogs for the summer. But alas, we will make it happen.
I'm running that freakin' half marathon on Sunday. If you live in Plattsburgh and don't see me out and about by Wednesday, can you please come and peel me off my apartment floor?
Finally, a little plug (you know I can't leave you without a plug!)... Irises on Thursday from 7-10pm! I'm also getting a massage beforehand, so if I'm melting while playing... it's not the Java-tini. It's the after-massage-coma:)
See you soon,
Giovanina
Sipping Chaos
April 3, 2012
I'd be a crazy person if I wasn't busy all of the time. But this is just down right chaos! However, I can't complain because my plate is full... it's full of all the good stuff. Of course, if I could sleep in like 6 days a week, that'd be awesome, but apparently that's not in my cards anytime soon. I'll sleep when I'm dead. Someone famous said that. And it's darn right true.
Anyway, aside from the two-job-thing and volunteering... I'm getting ready to move into my very own apartment! I haven't lived alone since college and that was only for one semester. That was also like ten years ago. Living alone in my late twenties, I imagine, will feel wildly different. After moving back from Flagstaff, I moved in with the 'rents. I love my parents. You know this if you've kept up with any of the previous rants on here. But hot damn, living with parents at this point, regardless of how much you simply adore them is just... well... challenging. They are pretty cute though. Man, do they have some routines! I'm talkin' down to the minute, when the tea is made, when the vitamins are taken, when the toast is eaten, what days the toast is eaten, what days the smoothies are made... It'd make a math teacher proud to witness the order of operations happening on Oak St. It's kind of mind-blowing. So you get the idea, the apartment thing is nothing short of AWESOME. I have a porch. Like a cute porch where I can grow basil. And you're damn skippy... I'm gonna grow me some basil!
Aside from that excitement, I'm attempting to get all of my ducks in a row to start grad school in the fall. This, of course, I made sure to make as complicated as possible. I've entered the likes of pre-req land, which means, I'll be enjoying a couple of classes over the summer. Ah. Pure bliss.
Right. This is what I get for applying to a program that I'm totally not qualified for:) Duh. Speaking of things I'm totally unqualified for... I'm training for a half-marathon that's happening in three and half weeks. Also signed up for this because I'm an idiot. Not a runner. If I make it out alive, I'll post an update.
The boys and I have been real good about practicing! You'd be proud! Nick, the bass player, and I worked through a few more songs last night and we're ready to rock-n-roll with our drummer, Josh, to put it all together! The repertoire is growing... woohoo! The last two songs we learned are the newest ones that I wrote. And let me just say... with bass and drums... they're kind of awesome. We get done playing them and look at each other like who's gonna say it... who's gonna say it? "Yeah, so we should probably do that one again..." We each gladly reply with a head nod and a smirk. They're fun songs. They feel good. They feel passionate. Lyrically and musically. And I can't wait for people to hear them.
While we're on the music front, I play at Red Square in Burlington, VT this Friday form 5-7pm. Can we talk about how excited I am!!! I mean seriously, I didn't know if I'd get in there and I did and I'm excited! I also play at Irises this Saturday, April 7th from 8-11pm. I swear, playing there has also been getting better and better. Whether the crowd is big or small, there's just something about playing regularly somewhere... it starts to really feel... cozy? Or maybe familiar? Or just plain good. Yes, it does feel good.
I'm also getting ready for my best friend's wedding in Charleston, SC next week! Here I come little mini-vacation of awesomeness with my four best friends to celebrate the first of us getting married! Holy cripes, I can't even believe it. Weddings are a huge reminder that I will forever be the free-spirited, traveling, bohemian, kidless 'Aunt GG' who rolls into town to turn my best friend's 'married with children' life upside down for a weekend... leave a head scarf behind as I cruise off to my next unknown destination in a car packed full of my life. Wouldn't that be amazing?! No, but really I'm so excited to head out of Plattsburgh for a minute, spend time with these ladies and send our girlfriend off to the land of matching dishes and grown-up shit. I'm an incredibly long way from that;)
So the plate is full. Full of busy wonderfulness.
Maybe we'll see each other over the weekend. That'd be nice;)
Cheers,
Giovanina
Anyway, aside from the two-job-thing and volunteering... I'm getting ready to move into my very own apartment! I haven't lived alone since college and that was only for one semester. That was also like ten years ago. Living alone in my late twenties, I imagine, will feel wildly different. After moving back from Flagstaff, I moved in with the 'rents. I love my parents. You know this if you've kept up with any of the previous rants on here. But hot damn, living with parents at this point, regardless of how much you simply adore them is just... well... challenging. They are pretty cute though. Man, do they have some routines! I'm talkin' down to the minute, when the tea is made, when the vitamins are taken, when the toast is eaten, what days the toast is eaten, what days the smoothies are made... It'd make a math teacher proud to witness the order of operations happening on Oak St. It's kind of mind-blowing. So you get the idea, the apartment thing is nothing short of AWESOME. I have a porch. Like a cute porch where I can grow basil. And you're damn skippy... I'm gonna grow me some basil!
Aside from that excitement, I'm attempting to get all of my ducks in a row to start grad school in the fall. This, of course, I made sure to make as complicated as possible. I've entered the likes of pre-req land, which means, I'll be enjoying a couple of classes over the summer. Ah. Pure bliss.
Right. This is what I get for applying to a program that I'm totally not qualified for:) Duh. Speaking of things I'm totally unqualified for... I'm training for a half-marathon that's happening in three and half weeks. Also signed up for this because I'm an idiot. Not a runner. If I make it out alive, I'll post an update.
The boys and I have been real good about practicing! You'd be proud! Nick, the bass player, and I worked through a few more songs last night and we're ready to rock-n-roll with our drummer, Josh, to put it all together! The repertoire is growing... woohoo! The last two songs we learned are the newest ones that I wrote. And let me just say... with bass and drums... they're kind of awesome. We get done playing them and look at each other like who's gonna say it... who's gonna say it? "Yeah, so we should probably do that one again..." We each gladly reply with a head nod and a smirk. They're fun songs. They feel good. They feel passionate. Lyrically and musically. And I can't wait for people to hear them.
While we're on the music front, I play at Red Square in Burlington, VT this Friday form 5-7pm. Can we talk about how excited I am!!! I mean seriously, I didn't know if I'd get in there and I did and I'm excited! I also play at Irises this Saturday, April 7th from 8-11pm. I swear, playing there has also been getting better and better. Whether the crowd is big or small, there's just something about playing regularly somewhere... it starts to really feel... cozy? Or maybe familiar? Or just plain good. Yes, it does feel good.
I'm also getting ready for my best friend's wedding in Charleston, SC next week! Here I come little mini-vacation of awesomeness with my four best friends to celebrate the first of us getting married! Holy cripes, I can't even believe it. Weddings are a huge reminder that I will forever be the free-spirited, traveling, bohemian, kidless 'Aunt GG' who rolls into town to turn my best friend's 'married with children' life upside down for a weekend... leave a head scarf behind as I cruise off to my next unknown destination in a car packed full of my life. Wouldn't that be amazing?! No, but really I'm so excited to head out of Plattsburgh for a minute, spend time with these ladies and send our girlfriend off to the land of matching dishes and grown-up shit. I'm an incredibly long way from that;)
So the plate is full. Full of busy wonderfulness.
Maybe we'll see each other over the weekend. That'd be nice;)
Cheers,
Giovanina
Sipping A Little Slack
***Last minute show added! This Friday, March 23rd from 5-8pm at Olive Ridley's***
March 20, 2012
Gosh, I've been such a website slacker! My apologies, peeps. I wish I had some awesome excuse, like a last minute invite to play at SXSW. Not so much. But alas, here's my attempt to get back on the wagon. I'm feeling extra inspired by the outrageously awesome (and kind of creepy) weather we're having here in Upstate, NY. I swear to you half of Plattsburgh was out rollerblading/walking/biking/running on Sunday... 70 degrees is infectious and I love it! I say this now because I would not at all be surprised if Mother Nature pounded us with a swift reminder that she's the boss... like with an ice storm in May...
Enjoy it while it lasts.
As far as the music goes... we're makin' moves! The boys and I have been practicing, learning new songs, refining older ones and things seem to be gelling in this amazing way! It's awesome what can happen once you become comfortable enough with one another, better understand each other's styles and the train-wreck explanations of what I'm "hearing in my head"... :) So we're building the ever-precious repertoire up and still moving forward!
Recording is also going well! I have the guitar parts laid down for 11 tracks and vocals for 7 or 8. My schedule is about to get all kinds of hectic because I'll be back working at the old stomping ground, Clare & Carl's, as of this coming weekend. Selling all sorts of Michigans to the fine folk who've been patiently waited all winter to annihilate the shiz out of some car-hop service, a cold Pepsi and some hot dogs. Yup, ya heard. Hot dogs. This, in conjuction with the full-time job and gigs will leave a little less time for recording excursions to Vermont, but not to worry. I do better with more on my plate. I think anyway. Along with the fact that recording is a HUGE priority right now, I will find the 25th hour in a day.
April is scheduled to be a fun, full month of gigs including two in Plattsburgh, two in Vermont and the honor of playing at a very best friend's wedding in South Carolina! I'm also hoping the songwriting maintains a tinge of momentum as we launch into spring... get at me inspiration!
Happy Spring to all of you! And maybe we'll see you out this Saturday at Irises:)
Cheers,
Giovanina
Enjoy it while it lasts.
As far as the music goes... we're makin' moves! The boys and I have been practicing, learning new songs, refining older ones and things seem to be gelling in this amazing way! It's awesome what can happen once you become comfortable enough with one another, better understand each other's styles and the train-wreck explanations of what I'm "hearing in my head"... :) So we're building the ever-precious repertoire up and still moving forward!
Recording is also going well! I have the guitar parts laid down for 11 tracks and vocals for 7 or 8. My schedule is about to get all kinds of hectic because I'll be back working at the old stomping ground, Clare & Carl's, as of this coming weekend. Selling all sorts of Michigans to the fine folk who've been patiently waited all winter to annihilate the shiz out of some car-hop service, a cold Pepsi and some hot dogs. Yup, ya heard. Hot dogs. This, in conjuction with the full-time job and gigs will leave a little less time for recording excursions to Vermont, but not to worry. I do better with more on my plate. I think anyway. Along with the fact that recording is a HUGE priority right now, I will find the 25th hour in a day.
April is scheduled to be a fun, full month of gigs including two in Plattsburgh, two in Vermont and the honor of playing at a very best friend's wedding in South Carolina! I'm also hoping the songwriting maintains a tinge of momentum as we launch into spring... get at me inspiration!
Happy Spring to all of you! And maybe we'll see you out this Saturday at Irises:)
Cheers,
Giovanina
Sipping The End of the Month
February 28, 2012
Maybe I'm on the surge to subconsciously try and meet end of the month songwriting quotas or something. Like I'm the car salesperson of writing songs. What the hell? I'm not sure how or why, but some little songwriting bug has bitten me and I wrote two over the weekend. Count them. TWO. That's more than I've written since November... or longer, I can't even remember. Of course, people's first reaction (I'm guilty of this too) is to inquire about what ("what" meaning "who"... let's be honest) inspired the new jams. Alas... a girl never tells... ;)
No, but seriously. I get an idea... and it usually starts with a guitar riff and that riff evokes a mood and I peel back all of my moodiness layers and find the lyrical content that fits the print. It's not usually about a specific person, I'd definitely be lying if I said it's never about a specific person, but more often it's about a series of add-ups. Does that make sense? Specifics about situations, conversations, encounters, etc. with people from the past, people from the present, even people I'm hoping to meet someday all wrapped into one thematic bundle of three or four verses, a chorus and a bridge and there you have it. My hope is to write about things you, the listener, gets because you've been there. I want you to get it. I want you to be able to relate to it on an Adele level. Yup, I said it. I mean don't get me wrong, my purpose for writing is initially self-serving (how else could I be a proper musician?). But ultimately, it's just more satisfying to write a song that makes listeners want to jump in and feel all of the hurt, happiness, sadness, etc. right along side me. Anyway, that's my deal with songwriting. In case you were wondering:)
The first song is called "Let Me" and the second is called "Break Me Down". And I'm launching a new video project, The Basement Sessions, the first of which features "Let Me". I figure this is the one way I will be forced to get this YouTube thing more up and running. I've begun video recording songs in my basement. My goal is to try and record one song a week... I need timelines, peeps, even if it means I have to create them myself. First of all, with regard to video recording, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. So I sit on my couch, press this here little iMovie button, hit record, and then play with the effects afterward. I guess it's only up from here, no?
Ok, so I'm not going to lie... the whole videoing-yourself-in-your-basement-thing feels kind of... um... well, vain. Not to mention, when you're going through the editing process, it just means that you've watched yourself like a gadrillion more times. It's weird. And vain. But I guess it's another way to get the music out there. So actually, you can minimize that lil' window there and just listen instead... don't matter to me none:)
In other news, the Rachel Bissex benefit this past weekend was lovely and wonderful and I was so very grateful to have been a part of it. Sunday was spent in the studio and although three guitar parts were delivered on the first take... the vocals were, well less than perfect. They were just sounding a bit forced and kind of all over the place in terms of pitch - so I'm working on them this week, reigning some things in a bit, tweaking, etc. before my return on Sunday - but we're definitely getting closer. Which is unbelievably exciting.
Finally, another Irises plug for this Thursday, March 1st from 7-10pm... maybe I'll see your darling faces. New songs will be played... in case that entices you at all:)
Until next time.
Cheers,
Giovanina
No, but seriously. I get an idea... and it usually starts with a guitar riff and that riff evokes a mood and I peel back all of my moodiness layers and find the lyrical content that fits the print. It's not usually about a specific person, I'd definitely be lying if I said it's never about a specific person, but more often it's about a series of add-ups. Does that make sense? Specifics about situations, conversations, encounters, etc. with people from the past, people from the present, even people I'm hoping to meet someday all wrapped into one thematic bundle of three or four verses, a chorus and a bridge and there you have it. My hope is to write about things you, the listener, gets because you've been there. I want you to get it. I want you to be able to relate to it on an Adele level. Yup, I said it. I mean don't get me wrong, my purpose for writing is initially self-serving (how else could I be a proper musician?). But ultimately, it's just more satisfying to write a song that makes listeners want to jump in and feel all of the hurt, happiness, sadness, etc. right along side me. Anyway, that's my deal with songwriting. In case you were wondering:)
The first song is called "Let Me" and the second is called "Break Me Down". And I'm launching a new video project, The Basement Sessions, the first of which features "Let Me". I figure this is the one way I will be forced to get this YouTube thing more up and running. I've begun video recording songs in my basement. My goal is to try and record one song a week... I need timelines, peeps, even if it means I have to create them myself. First of all, with regard to video recording, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. So I sit on my couch, press this here little iMovie button, hit record, and then play with the effects afterward. I guess it's only up from here, no?
Ok, so I'm not going to lie... the whole videoing-yourself-in-your-basement-thing feels kind of... um... well, vain. Not to mention, when you're going through the editing process, it just means that you've watched yourself like a gadrillion more times. It's weird. And vain. But I guess it's another way to get the music out there. So actually, you can minimize that lil' window there and just listen instead... don't matter to me none:)
In other news, the Rachel Bissex benefit this past weekend was lovely and wonderful and I was so very grateful to have been a part of it. Sunday was spent in the studio and although three guitar parts were delivered on the first take... the vocals were, well less than perfect. They were just sounding a bit forced and kind of all over the place in terms of pitch - so I'm working on them this week, reigning some things in a bit, tweaking, etc. before my return on Sunday - but we're definitely getting closer. Which is unbelievably exciting.
Finally, another Irises plug for this Thursday, March 1st from 7-10pm... maybe I'll see your darling faces. New songs will be played... in case that entices you at all:)
Until next time.
Cheers,
Giovanina
Sipping Country
February 23, 2012
Well it's official, the North Country has taken my taste in music by storm. And apparently there's no shame in admitting it because I couldn't have picked a less subtle forum to just whip out all of my cards:) So I'm stuck on two songs. "Hell on Heels" by the Pistol Annies and Jason Aldean's, "Dirt Road Anthem". Don't judge me. Ya heard? I think they're a good combination of lyrical flavor... women being total badasses and the joys of being a dirty, off-roading country folk ridin' with a beer in the console. Hold up... is that my life they're describing? Sadly, my coolness doesn't measure up, my friends. Mind you these jams come on my IPod amidst the likes of Rihanna, Norah Jones, Radiohead, Wu-Tang and Phish. Hilarious. Could I be more random? Probably not, but if you know me... well this here little eclectic taste in music suits me just fine:)
And when I get stuck on a song, I legitimately get stuck. I listen over and over and over. So don't mind me, I'm just the kid in the corner rockin' out to my new favorite jams on repeat for daaayyyyyyysssss.
I digress.
As you may have noticed, there's been a little break in gig-land. Not too much longer though! Big weekend ahead with the Rachel Bissex Benefit Concert finally upon us. Finally. I'm honored to be joining some serious Vermont talent on the stage at Studio A in Burlington this Saturday, February 25th for the Dancing with Rachel: A Benefit for Cancer Victims.
Followed by Saturday's festivities, I'll be back in the studio with Kyle at KTR Recordings! We've had two awesome sessions so far and we're six songs in, so I'm looking forward to another super session. And did I mention... I figured out how to play with a click-track?! Seems like no big thang... well rest assured, I'm ridiculously caught up in the fact that I've successfully recorded six songs with that damn clicking assaulting my ear drums. Playing solo for so long just spoils you as a musician, maybe makes you a little lazy because things like keys, tempos, etc. quite frankly don't matter. We've discussed this. You do what you want, when you want. Which is lovely but it's nice to know you can fall into... "plays well with others" when necessary:)
In other (real unrelated but awesome) news, I have a new godson! So aside from another perfectly chunky, healthy little bundle of perfection entering the world... my very dear cousins, Sarah and Bryan, actually believe in my ability to be a responsible (loving, annoyingly smitten) parental-ish adult! I mean, I do make one heck of an Aunt GG with all the spaziness, big hair and jokes for days... ask any of 'em:)
And with that, I leave you with a little plug for next Thursday, a long awaited gig in Plattsburgh! I'll be at Irises on March 1st from 7-10pm (holy hell, how is it going to be March 1st?!), please do stop in if you're around!
Stay out of trouble... or don't. Whatever.
Be well,
Giovanina
And when I get stuck on a song, I legitimately get stuck. I listen over and over and over. So don't mind me, I'm just the kid in the corner rockin' out to my new favorite jams on repeat for daaayyyyyyysssss.
I digress.
As you may have noticed, there's been a little break in gig-land. Not too much longer though! Big weekend ahead with the Rachel Bissex Benefit Concert finally upon us. Finally. I'm honored to be joining some serious Vermont talent on the stage at Studio A in Burlington this Saturday, February 25th for the Dancing with Rachel: A Benefit for Cancer Victims.
Followed by Saturday's festivities, I'll be back in the studio with Kyle at KTR Recordings! We've had two awesome sessions so far and we're six songs in, so I'm looking forward to another super session. And did I mention... I figured out how to play with a click-track?! Seems like no big thang... well rest assured, I'm ridiculously caught up in the fact that I've successfully recorded six songs with that damn clicking assaulting my ear drums. Playing solo for so long just spoils you as a musician, maybe makes you a little lazy because things like keys, tempos, etc. quite frankly don't matter. We've discussed this. You do what you want, when you want. Which is lovely but it's nice to know you can fall into... "plays well with others" when necessary:)
In other (real unrelated but awesome) news, I have a new godson! So aside from another perfectly chunky, healthy little bundle of perfection entering the world... my very dear cousins, Sarah and Bryan, actually believe in my ability to be a responsible (loving, annoyingly smitten) parental-ish adult! I mean, I do make one heck of an Aunt GG with all the spaziness, big hair and jokes for days... ask any of 'em:)
And with that, I leave you with a little plug for next Thursday, a long awaited gig in Plattsburgh! I'll be at Irises on March 1st from 7-10pm (holy hell, how is it going to be March 1st?!), please do stop in if you're around!
Stay out of trouble... or don't. Whatever.
Be well,
Giovanina
Sipping Coffee
February 13, 2012
Wow on the Monday coffee front. I mean seriously, it's the only thing that's helping me bear crawl through this day without doing the head nod at my computer, swearing (out loud) at irrational things and eating my face-off just because. The weekend kind of felt like a bulldozer. I had a huge work event on Saturday that led me to bed at 9:30pm. Ask me the last time I managed that on a Saturday night... or don't because then you'll know all my secrets. But you get what I'm saying. 9:30pm on a Saturday pre-children just doesn't jive with my footloose and fancy-free facade!
Ah well.
Anyway, I had another super productive recording session with Kyle at KTR Recording Studios on Sunday. We got the guitar and vocals laid down for three more songs. Six down, six or so more to go. And then the real fun begins... harmonies, other instruments, me not having to do anything but listen...:) If we can keep up this pace, this project will be done in no time!
And I have this weekend off from gigs which is bitter sweet. Bitter because I do love me some gigs. Sweet because I'm making a trip down to Albany to meet the newest member of my extended family. Aunt GG (that's me) gets to gnaw on the cheeks of an almost 10 pound newborn for 24 hours - and that makes her seriously happy.
In other news. This is random. But I was reading back on a few posts just to see what I've been up to. No one ever told me that I use an excessive amount of exclamation points!!! Jesum, I mean I'm a happy soul, but it's a bit much to assume that everything that spews out of my mouth is just icing on the cake. I'm going to go ahead a reign those in a bit:)
Finally, don't forget about the Dancing with Rachel: A Benefit For Cancer Victims next Saturday, February 25th at Studio A in Burlington. The night will be in honor and remembrance of beautiful musician and soul, Rachel Bissex. And not to mention, I get to share the stage, once again, with some ever-so talented Vermont folks, which I'm super excited about! Please do join us for what's to be a powerful and purposeful evening of music.
Other than that, I got nothin'.
So I'll catch ya on the flip side:)
Giovanina
Ah well.
Anyway, I had another super productive recording session with Kyle at KTR Recording Studios on Sunday. We got the guitar and vocals laid down for three more songs. Six down, six or so more to go. And then the real fun begins... harmonies, other instruments, me not having to do anything but listen...:) If we can keep up this pace, this project will be done in no time!
And I have this weekend off from gigs which is bitter sweet. Bitter because I do love me some gigs. Sweet because I'm making a trip down to Albany to meet the newest member of my extended family. Aunt GG (that's me) gets to gnaw on the cheeks of an almost 10 pound newborn for 24 hours - and that makes her seriously happy.
In other news. This is random. But I was reading back on a few posts just to see what I've been up to. No one ever told me that I use an excessive amount of exclamation points!!! Jesum, I mean I'm a happy soul, but it's a bit much to assume that everything that spews out of my mouth is just icing on the cake. I'm going to go ahead a reign those in a bit:)
Finally, don't forget about the Dancing with Rachel: A Benefit For Cancer Victims next Saturday, February 25th at Studio A in Burlington. The night will be in honor and remembrance of beautiful musician and soul, Rachel Bissex. And not to mention, I get to share the stage, once again, with some ever-so talented Vermont folks, which I'm super excited about! Please do join us for what's to be a powerful and purposeful evening of music.
Other than that, I got nothin'.
So I'll catch ya on the flip side:)
Giovanina
Sipping YouTube
February 6, 2012
Phew. I'm exhausted, folks. So do pardon any sort of abruptness or an 'I'm super over tired' tone that may accidentally reveal itself in this post. Why so tuckered you ask? Or maybe you didn't ask, but I'm going to tell you anyway:)
Totally kick ass weekend in Burlington. That's why. As mentioned in the post below, the weekend was full of goodness and now my almost-thirty year old butt is feeling the 'poor me's' of a Monday. Lame. Anyway, the gig at the Radio Bean on Saturday night was awesome. What a freakin' cool place! Have you been? You should. Many thanks to Joe Adler for having me. Speaking of said cool place, thanks to Joshua Glass, I have my very first video posted up on YouTube! He recorded the song "Leaving" at the Bean while super cool disco ball reflections circled the room, and he helped me get a GiovaninaBucci channel all set up! I've posted the video below for your viewing pleasure:) You can also find it in the Media section of the site.
Ya know, I think I might need to revisit that post where I chatted about all the things I wanted to accomplish in 2012... I may actually be following through on some of those things! Case and point... I started recording on Sunday. True story. Many thanks to Kyle Rose of KTR Recording Studios in Burlington, VT for being the man responsible for helping me finally make this happen! Spent 5 hours in the studio yesterday. At about 4 hours and 45 minutes in, I'd hit the wall-o-recording. Not only was my attention span shot, but at some point you've got to say to yourself, "It's good... just walk away..." We got the lead guitar and vocals laid down for three tracks and I'm headed back across the lake next Sunday for more of the madness.
I am, however, particularly thankful for the fact that the room that you record in is totally closed off and separate from where Kyle has his big ass board set up. Which means, don't think for one second that I didn't get all Mariah Carey up in that place and grab one ear of my head phones and flail my other arm around while trying to hit certain notes. I did. All alone. My eyes were even closed. Thank god no one was taking a video of those shenanigans.
Anyway, I'm super stoked about the progress that's been made on that front and looking forward to returning to that ever-so cozy city of Burlington. In the mean time however, I will be at Irises in Plattsburgh this Thursday from 7-10pm! Please do stop by if you get a chance:)
'Til next time...
Take Care:)
Giovanina
Totally kick ass weekend in Burlington. That's why. As mentioned in the post below, the weekend was full of goodness and now my almost-thirty year old butt is feeling the 'poor me's' of a Monday. Lame. Anyway, the gig at the Radio Bean on Saturday night was awesome. What a freakin' cool place! Have you been? You should. Many thanks to Joe Adler for having me. Speaking of said cool place, thanks to Joshua Glass, I have my very first video posted up on YouTube! He recorded the song "Leaving" at the Bean while super cool disco ball reflections circled the room, and he helped me get a GiovaninaBucci channel all set up! I've posted the video below for your viewing pleasure:) You can also find it in the Media section of the site.
Ya know, I think I might need to revisit that post where I chatted about all the things I wanted to accomplish in 2012... I may actually be following through on some of those things! Case and point... I started recording on Sunday. True story. Many thanks to Kyle Rose of KTR Recording Studios in Burlington, VT for being the man responsible for helping me finally make this happen! Spent 5 hours in the studio yesterday. At about 4 hours and 45 minutes in, I'd hit the wall-o-recording. Not only was my attention span shot, but at some point you've got to say to yourself, "It's good... just walk away..." We got the lead guitar and vocals laid down for three tracks and I'm headed back across the lake next Sunday for more of the madness.
I am, however, particularly thankful for the fact that the room that you record in is totally closed off and separate from where Kyle has his big ass board set up. Which means, don't think for one second that I didn't get all Mariah Carey up in that place and grab one ear of my head phones and flail my other arm around while trying to hit certain notes. I did. All alone. My eyes were even closed. Thank god no one was taking a video of those shenanigans.
Anyway, I'm super stoked about the progress that's been made on that front and looking forward to returning to that ever-so cozy city of Burlington. In the mean time however, I will be at Irises in Plattsburgh this Thursday from 7-10pm! Please do stop by if you get a chance:)
'Til next time...
Take Care:)
Giovanina
Sipping Winter
February 3, 3012
Many thanks to Joshua Glass and Derek Burkins for a great Song Writers in the Round series at On the Rise Bakery last night! What an awesome experience! Not only did I get to share the stage with super-talented folks (and friends), but the round-robin format, quant and attentive audience, and ridiculously awesome atmosphere and food made for such a unique gig. Regardless of whether or not its music-related, I will definitely be returning to that place... their veggie menu was like a dream come true for this kid and her palette!
Oh! And Derek handed me a Seven Days newspaper upon arriving last night and showed me a super awesome plug of yours truly - picture and all! And in true Italian fashion, my parents grabbed like 10 copies of the newspaper to pass along to every relative in our family. I, however, can't complain for having the most supportive parents in the world. And of course, I wouldn't have any of these pictures if it weren't for photographer extraordinaire, Grant Masters. Thank you, my friend, for making me appear more put together than ever - big hair and all:)
In the spirit of a Friday and the fact that it's February in Upstate NY, what better way to start the weekend than with a Winter Fest!? Peeps, there's curling. Curling. Like the real deal. Aside from the awesomeness of outrageously cheap beer and food, there's something strangely fun about gearin' up in all things fur-lined and winter-proof to drink beers outside with a bunch of folks in flannel you'll likely never see but only once a year. Count. Me. In. Oh, and there are fireworks.
I figure these festivities will properly prepare me for a gig at the Radio Bean tomorrow night! Wouldn't you agree? Another new venue that I'm totally looking forward to. And... wait for it... are you ready? Just booked an April gig at Red Square! Another new venue and one that I'm particularly excited about! So keep a look out for posters, fellow Vermonters. Or check back here for incessant reminding:)
Finally, wish me luck on the first recording excursion happening on Sunday! I'll be certain to post promptly upon my return to let you know how it went. Well, I'm hoping to watch the Giants win first and then I'll tell you all about recording. I know I know. I made a football reference. But in honor of a family full of G-Men fanatics, it's all in an effort to preserve some seriously good moods for the next couple of weeks if they can pull this off.
In any case, thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful weekend!
Take Care,
Giovanina
Oh! And Derek handed me a Seven Days newspaper upon arriving last night and showed me a super awesome plug of yours truly - picture and all! And in true Italian fashion, my parents grabbed like 10 copies of the newspaper to pass along to every relative in our family. I, however, can't complain for having the most supportive parents in the world. And of course, I wouldn't have any of these pictures if it weren't for photographer extraordinaire, Grant Masters. Thank you, my friend, for making me appear more put together than ever - big hair and all:)
In the spirit of a Friday and the fact that it's February in Upstate NY, what better way to start the weekend than with a Winter Fest!? Peeps, there's curling. Curling. Like the real deal. Aside from the awesomeness of outrageously cheap beer and food, there's something strangely fun about gearin' up in all things fur-lined and winter-proof to drink beers outside with a bunch of folks in flannel you'll likely never see but only once a year. Count. Me. In. Oh, and there are fireworks.
I figure these festivities will properly prepare me for a gig at the Radio Bean tomorrow night! Wouldn't you agree? Another new venue that I'm totally looking forward to. And... wait for it... are you ready? Just booked an April gig at Red Square! Another new venue and one that I'm particularly excited about! So keep a look out for posters, fellow Vermonters. Or check back here for incessant reminding:)
Finally, wish me luck on the first recording excursion happening on Sunday! I'll be certain to post promptly upon my return to let you know how it went. Well, I'm hoping to watch the Giants win first and then I'll tell you all about recording. I know I know. I made a football reference. But in honor of a family full of G-Men fanatics, it's all in an effort to preserve some seriously good moods for the next couple of weeks if they can pull this off.
In any case, thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful weekend!
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Vermont
January 30, 2012
Recouping from another great weekend of gigs here in Plattsburgh. Thanks to the many of you who showed up to listen and support! I'm Vermont-bound this weekend and couldn't be more excited. Not only do I get to play at two brand new venues... well new to me... but I also get to share the stage with some ever-so-talented musicians and friends. Below are the details of this Thursday's show at On The Rise Bakery in Richmond, VT and please check the awesome line-up at the Radio Bean for Saturday's show! Thanks to the fine Vermont folks for inviting me to join you!
Among other excellent news, I start recording on Sunday. This Sunday! Kyle at KTR Recording and I have set up our first meeting and I couldn't be more ready to rock! We're going to work out all of the nitty gritty details and get ourselves in check with one another regarding the goals of this project and how we see it coming together. My goal is a whole album, somewhere between 10 and 12 songs. Which means sometime before we all hit retirement age, I swear to you there will be a CD Release Party in your future. Honestly.
So in preparation for Sunday (recording and the Super Bowl) I'm going to spend the week figuring out which songs I'd like on there and what snacks I'm going to make for the big game:) Decisions decisions.
I think that's about it, my friends. Hoping to see some new faces this weekend amidst the Richmond/Burlington scene:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
Among other excellent news, I start recording on Sunday. This Sunday! Kyle at KTR Recording and I have set up our first meeting and I couldn't be more ready to rock! We're going to work out all of the nitty gritty details and get ourselves in check with one another regarding the goals of this project and how we see it coming together. My goal is a whole album, somewhere between 10 and 12 songs. Which means sometime before we all hit retirement age, I swear to you there will be a CD Release Party in your future. Honestly.
So in preparation for Sunday (recording and the Super Bowl) I'm going to spend the week figuring out which songs I'd like on there and what snacks I'm going to make for the big game:) Decisions decisions.
I think that's about it, my friends. Hoping to see some new faces this weekend amidst the Richmond/Burlington scene:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
| on_the_rise.pdf |
Sipping A Monday
January 23, 2012
High five for an awesome turnout to last Thursday's gig at Irises! Feels damn good to look around while you're playing and see so many familiar faces enjoying conversations and being out and about. It certainly doesn't go unnoticed on my end. So thank you. And you'll have a chance to do it all again twice this weekend:) Olive Ridley's on Friday for happy hour and Irises on Saturday night for a little weekend mischief. Please check the Shows page for the time details. Also, I'm awaiting confirmation, but there's another potential Burlington gig lurking in the near future, I'll let you know!
I've been spending the last week or so working on some new cover tunes because they're always fun to add to the mix. Not to mention, there's a different sort of creative process that takes place with a cover song. How do I make it my own without changing it completely? That's always the challenge. But an addictive one! Anyway, I just debuted "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. It's a catchy tune that I'm certain you've heard about a gazillion times in the last few months. I've slowed the tempo down a bit and tried to infuse it with a little jazzy vocal swagger. Not that I'm claiming to have swagger... seriously peeps. I don't. Just huge hair and boisterous laugh. Ask my friends.
Other than that, I took a little road trip this weekend and rented a fancy car to do so. There's something about a new Chevy Impala that makes me feel like a total badass. Or P Diddy, but whatever. While under this spell for the weekend, I made sure to take full advantage of the pretty awesome speakers. I'm unhealthfully in love with Mumford & Sons right now. I know I'm late to the punch on this one, but have you listened to them? God bless cruise control and being alone in car for a few hours. Tapped my feet the whole way and sang ridiculously loud in my heinous version of a British accent. Pretty freakin' fun.
I hope your week is off to a fabulous start! And here's to hoping you can make it to a gig this weekend:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
I've been spending the last week or so working on some new cover tunes because they're always fun to add to the mix. Not to mention, there's a different sort of creative process that takes place with a cover song. How do I make it my own without changing it completely? That's always the challenge. But an addictive one! Anyway, I just debuted "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. It's a catchy tune that I'm certain you've heard about a gazillion times in the last few months. I've slowed the tempo down a bit and tried to infuse it with a little jazzy vocal swagger. Not that I'm claiming to have swagger... seriously peeps. I don't. Just huge hair and boisterous laugh. Ask my friends.
Other than that, I took a little road trip this weekend and rented a fancy car to do so. There's something about a new Chevy Impala that makes me feel like a total badass. Or P Diddy, but whatever. While under this spell for the weekend, I made sure to take full advantage of the pretty awesome speakers. I'm unhealthfully in love with Mumford & Sons right now. I know I'm late to the punch on this one, but have you listened to them? God bless cruise control and being alone in car for a few hours. Tapped my feet the whole way and sang ridiculously loud in my heinous version of a British accent. Pretty freakin' fun.
I hope your week is off to a fabulous start! And here's to hoping you can make it to a gig this weekend:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Rejuvenation
January 11, 2012
***Show just added!! This Friday, January 13th from 5:30-8:30pm at Olive Ridley's, Plattsburgh NY!!!
January 11, 2012
***Show just added!! This Friday, January 13th from 5:30-8:30pm at Olive Ridley's, Plattsburgh NY!!!
Well, in case you were wondering... my vacation was as delightful as you can imagine. I would've been excited to spend two weeks with my dear friends, Emma and Coco, in freakin' Kansas, but the fact that we happened to meet up in Peru, South America was icing on the cake! I soaked up two weeks of playing in the South Pacific Ocean and it was liberating and fun and it made me feel like I was 10 again. Dirty, sandy feet. Naps. Sunsets. Laughter. Christmas in a summer dress. New Years on the beach, fireworks and all. Tons of Spanish. Tons of family. Beach volleyball. Exploring. Ceviche... like out-of-this-yummy-world ceviche. Actually my mouth is watering a little and it's not even 10am yet. Melt in your mouth avocados. And I would never need another piece of chocolate if I could eat a fresh mango from Peru everyday for the rest of my life. Good gravy those things are tasty! So, yes, the answer is yes... it was amazing and I'm grateful for the open arms hospitality and I'm thankful for Emma and Coco and I'm relishing in the recent memories of all things South American.
And now I'm back to reality. Not in an "ew" kind of way. Just factual. I'm back to reality. I must say, I'm pretty happy with my hometown life here in Plattsburgh. There's something bizarrely cozy about the place you grew up - there's the familiarity of it all, I get that. But, for right now it's a reminder of where I'm meant to be and I like that.
The boys and I got together last night for the first time in a few weeks and it was fun! It was a 'refresher' kind of practice, but lo and behold we've got a few songs locked down and we're ready to venture into some new material. Woohoo! And someday we'll be ready for a real gig. Like a REAL one. No joke. I think our first order of business is an open mic... regardless, we're moving forward peeps! On a side note, I was on a Skype date with friends of mine from Flagstaff last night, Amee and Thomas. Thomas is an incredibly talented guitarist and teacher and the two of them are proud owners of Thomas Byers Guitar Studio - which you should check out! Amidst our conversation Thomas asked me, "So G, how are you as a band leader?" I laughed... kind of hard, threw my head back in a very Giovanina way and exclaimed, "Terrible!" followed by "No, I'm serious... like really terrible. I don't know keys or terms or tempos. Like your 5th grade students would annihilate me in a theory smack-down." And then I explained that I play with outrageously patient folks and my goal is to get smart, which they were supportive of:) The exchange left us all chuckling a bit... so at least there's that:)
In other exciting news... I got invited to play at a Breast Cancer Fundraiser in honor of Rachel Bissex in Vermont on February 25th! Rachel's daughter, Emma Sky, contacted me and I'm absolutely honored to be on board with such a talented group of Vermont musicians to celebrate the legacy of this wonderful woman and play with a real purpose. As we get closer, I'll continue to pass along the details. But it should be a memorable evening and here's to hoping that you'll be able to come and support local music efforts!
I hope the New Year is off to a fabulous start for each and everyone of you! I'm hoping 2012 is packed full of songwriting angels... who want to hang out with me:) I'll let you know how that goes...
Take Care,
Giovanina
And now I'm back to reality. Not in an "ew" kind of way. Just factual. I'm back to reality. I must say, I'm pretty happy with my hometown life here in Plattsburgh. There's something bizarrely cozy about the place you grew up - there's the familiarity of it all, I get that. But, for right now it's a reminder of where I'm meant to be and I like that.
The boys and I got together last night for the first time in a few weeks and it was fun! It was a 'refresher' kind of practice, but lo and behold we've got a few songs locked down and we're ready to venture into some new material. Woohoo! And someday we'll be ready for a real gig. Like a REAL one. No joke. I think our first order of business is an open mic... regardless, we're moving forward peeps! On a side note, I was on a Skype date with friends of mine from Flagstaff last night, Amee and Thomas. Thomas is an incredibly talented guitarist and teacher and the two of them are proud owners of Thomas Byers Guitar Studio - which you should check out! Amidst our conversation Thomas asked me, "So G, how are you as a band leader?" I laughed... kind of hard, threw my head back in a very Giovanina way and exclaimed, "Terrible!" followed by "No, I'm serious... like really terrible. I don't know keys or terms or tempos. Like your 5th grade students would annihilate me in a theory smack-down." And then I explained that I play with outrageously patient folks and my goal is to get smart, which they were supportive of:) The exchange left us all chuckling a bit... so at least there's that:)
In other exciting news... I got invited to play at a Breast Cancer Fundraiser in honor of Rachel Bissex in Vermont on February 25th! Rachel's daughter, Emma Sky, contacted me and I'm absolutely honored to be on board with such a talented group of Vermont musicians to celebrate the legacy of this wonderful woman and play with a real purpose. As we get closer, I'll continue to pass along the details. But it should be a memorable evening and here's to hoping that you'll be able to come and support local music efforts!
I hope the New Year is off to a fabulous start for each and everyone of you! I'm hoping 2012 is packed full of songwriting angels... who want to hang out with me:) I'll let you know how that goes...
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Nostalgia
December 19, 2011
A new jam is finally up! Took me long enough. Jeepers. It's actually a song that was born last winter while nesting in cozy Flagstaff with my girlfriends. My dear friend and roommate at the time, Renee, plays guitar as well and she knocked on my bedroom door one night with a chord progression and an urge to write. So we did. She taught me the chords and we meandered our way through lyrics, ideas, feelings, etc. I had been lurking over a songwriting idea, but was missing the guitar inspiration - so it was a perfectly timed collaborative effort. We played it for our girlfriends next door - the song continued to evolve and take shape as the four of us sang it over and over together while we dodged the single-digit degree weather. Hence, the nostalgia.
I listen to it now and I'm brought back to a time when beautiful friendships were born, stories were told, creative ideas were shared, conversations, laughter, pictures, movies, dinners, literally endless moments of spending time with one another and getting lost in all of the intricacies that create life long friendships. Dang, I miss those girls. But, it's in these pieces - like this song - that I sit back and think to myself, I'm a fortunate soul for having them. Just a few (thousand) miles away for now.
The song is called, "Leaving". And the concept behind it is watching an old love start a new life without you. Walk into the next relationship as you deem yourself a witness - because there isn't space for you anymore. Sounds uplifting, huh? Well, someday I'll write about sunshine and rainbows:) The tempo is a bit faster compared to its original timing, and because of its lyrical content could certainly rest itself in a slower beat, but I like the idea of juxtaposing the content and the tempo. The end of the song is about realizing that it's not the life you were meant to live. So, there's more out there - which of course can be an insanely scary, but incredibly liberating - once you set yourself free. And lord knows, that can take a long freakin' time, but it's pretty special once you arrive there.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts - please do share!
Take Care,
Giovanina
I listen to it now and I'm brought back to a time when beautiful friendships were born, stories were told, creative ideas were shared, conversations, laughter, pictures, movies, dinners, literally endless moments of spending time with one another and getting lost in all of the intricacies that create life long friendships. Dang, I miss those girls. But, it's in these pieces - like this song - that I sit back and think to myself, I'm a fortunate soul for having them. Just a few (thousand) miles away for now.
The song is called, "Leaving". And the concept behind it is watching an old love start a new life without you. Walk into the next relationship as you deem yourself a witness - because there isn't space for you anymore. Sounds uplifting, huh? Well, someday I'll write about sunshine and rainbows:) The tempo is a bit faster compared to its original timing, and because of its lyrical content could certainly rest itself in a slower beat, but I like the idea of juxtaposing the content and the tempo. The end of the song is about realizing that it's not the life you were meant to live. So, there's more out there - which of course can be an insanely scary, but incredibly liberating - once you set yourself free. And lord knows, that can take a long freakin' time, but it's pretty special once you arrive there.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts - please do share!
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Collaboration
December 14, 2011
So that little collaboration project I was talking about in the last post (right below this one) is done! It's here! It's complete! It's free! Holy exclamation points, huh? Anyway, Joshua Glass did a really amazing job recruiting, playing, recording and mastering a collection of Christmas tunes performed by himself and a pool of awesome local musicians! Although not a Burlington native here, he was nice enough to allow me to sneak across the lake and hop on board. The final project came together really nicely and a big thanks to him for all of his hard work in putting it together!
The whole dang thing-14 songs-is available for free download here! Maybe this will help you get into the spirit of the holidays, particularly for those of us in the North Country where we're experiencing 35 degree weather and drowning in fog. What the hell? I wouldn't quite classify there being a wintery, seasonal feel in the air.
Now that I've exhausted the weather conversation...
Here's to hoping you're remembering to breathe now that we're creepin' up on the 25th. I mean this time of year isn't supposed to test our ability (or lack thereof) to handle stress. But alas, it seems kind of inevitable... especially for those of us who have mastered the 'art' of procrastination. When you consider it an art form it sounds kind of charming, no? Well, if there's anything I've mastered... just ask my mother... it drives her nuts:) Anyway, I hope you're allowing yourself moments to relish in all things beautifully-non-present-related.
Now go drink a hot cocoa or a hot tottie and laugh with some friends because that's the good stuff. The genuinely good... stuff.
Happy Holidays:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
The whole dang thing-14 songs-is available for free download here! Maybe this will help you get into the spirit of the holidays, particularly for those of us in the North Country where we're experiencing 35 degree weather and drowning in fog. What the hell? I wouldn't quite classify there being a wintery, seasonal feel in the air.
Now that I've exhausted the weather conversation...
Here's to hoping you're remembering to breathe now that we're creepin' up on the 25th. I mean this time of year isn't supposed to test our ability (or lack thereof) to handle stress. But alas, it seems kind of inevitable... especially for those of us who have mastered the 'art' of procrastination. When you consider it an art form it sounds kind of charming, no? Well, if there's anything I've mastered... just ask my mother... it drives her nuts:) Anyway, I hope you're allowing yourself moments to relish in all things beautifully-non-present-related.
Now go drink a hot cocoa or a hot tottie and laugh with some friends because that's the good stuff. The genuinely good... stuff.
Happy Holidays:)
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping The Season
December 9, 2011
This time of year seems to have a funny effect on people, no? Among friends and family you find out who's really in love with the holidays and who is less than enthusiastic about them. Which, don't get me wrong, each to their own. I'm not a fanatic, but gosh darnit, I do love this time of year! I guess it's the spirit of it all, the fact that I'm lucky to have such a great family and great friends, and it offers us an excuse to get together more often than we already do.
For those of you who know me either personally or from reading up, my 'people personality' is not a huge secret. That being said, I love this time of year for getting people together because I love commotion, chaos, people talking over one another, laughter, great food, cocktails, desserts, traditions... you name it. Good god, just writing it, I can see how some might steer the opposite direction:) But for me, it's a comfort zone. A big Italian comfort zone. I love that friends from all over return home for the holidays. I love running into people I haven't seen in years and picking up right where we left off. I'm reminded of why growing up the small town of Plattsburgh, NY really was a blessing. A community can be hard to find or establish, let alone maintain... and I'm convinced, in its own little way, Plattsburgh manages that okay. Don't get me wrong, it's not all peaches and cream. But, it's certainly something to be grateful for.
In the spirit of the season, I'm headed over to Burlington, VT this Sunday to jump in on a Christmas EP that fellow friend and Vermont musician, Joshua Glass, is putting together! Totally looking forward to it. Not to mention, I can't begin to tell you how neat it is to network with other musicians, work together on projects, just have some good ol' fashioned music fun... particularly when the fun is centered around Christmas music - I mean come on, you can't not channel your inner 10 year old.
And now that I've unloaded all of this holiday jabber on you, I'm sad to say that I won't actually be in the ol' Burgh this year for the holidays. I am, however, happy to report that I will be on the beaches of Peru, South America for TWO... count them... TWO WEEKS with the best of friends from Flagstaff. It'll definitely be a new and fun experience and honestly I've never been on vacation for two freakin' weeks. I better start practicing pressing my r..e..l..a..x button. My writing button. My reading button. My don't-forget-to-wear-sunscreen-all-of-the-time-everday-all day button. You get the idea.
Please join me this Saturday at the Koffee Kat in downtown Plattsburgh from 7-9pm if you're in the neighborhood for a cozy, coffee-infused evening of caffeine and music. I'm doing my best to snag one more gig in town before my big adventure begins... I'll keep you posted! Until next time...
Take Care,
Giovanina
For those of you who know me either personally or from reading up, my 'people personality' is not a huge secret. That being said, I love this time of year for getting people together because I love commotion, chaos, people talking over one another, laughter, great food, cocktails, desserts, traditions... you name it. Good god, just writing it, I can see how some might steer the opposite direction:) But for me, it's a comfort zone. A big Italian comfort zone. I love that friends from all over return home for the holidays. I love running into people I haven't seen in years and picking up right where we left off. I'm reminded of why growing up the small town of Plattsburgh, NY really was a blessing. A community can be hard to find or establish, let alone maintain... and I'm convinced, in its own little way, Plattsburgh manages that okay. Don't get me wrong, it's not all peaches and cream. But, it's certainly something to be grateful for.
In the spirit of the season, I'm headed over to Burlington, VT this Sunday to jump in on a Christmas EP that fellow friend and Vermont musician, Joshua Glass, is putting together! Totally looking forward to it. Not to mention, I can't begin to tell you how neat it is to network with other musicians, work together on projects, just have some good ol' fashioned music fun... particularly when the fun is centered around Christmas music - I mean come on, you can't not channel your inner 10 year old.
And now that I've unloaded all of this holiday jabber on you, I'm sad to say that I won't actually be in the ol' Burgh this year for the holidays. I am, however, happy to report that I will be on the beaches of Peru, South America for TWO... count them... TWO WEEKS with the best of friends from Flagstaff. It'll definitely be a new and fun experience and honestly I've never been on vacation for two freakin' weeks. I better start practicing pressing my r..e..l..a..x button. My writing button. My reading button. My don't-forget-to-wear-sunscreen-all-of-the-time-everday-all day button. You get the idea.
Please join me this Saturday at the Koffee Kat in downtown Plattsburgh from 7-9pm if you're in the neighborhood for a cozy, coffee-infused evening of caffeine and music. I'm doing my best to snag one more gig in town before my big adventure begins... I'll keep you posted! Until next time...
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Twenty-Eight
November 28, 2011
Well it's official folks, I'm a 28 year old now! Although not a post directly related to music, I find that turning a year older offers me an opportunity to reflect, do the ol' self check-in... see if I'm where I want to be and if not, figure out how to get there. I'll spare you all of the aches and pains that come with growing up, becoming an adult, learning more about myself, blah blah blah and keep this music-centric for the sake of not ruining my website with the muses of what goes on in my head - those thoughts are reserved for songs:)
If the year of being 28 is anything like the last two months of being 27, then I'm feeling particularly refreshed and wonderful about the direction I'm headed musically. I've recently gained a momentum that I've never experienced before... not only because of the contest win, but also because of re-establishing my relationship with words and songwriting, a recording opportunity in sight, gaining confidence in my music, myself and performing, and I've began playing with a bassist and drummer. Playing songs with musician friends is really fun. Like really fun. It's been this absurd process of listening to songs I've written and only ever known and understood as a solo musician, and bringing to them dimension, layers and this drive that's impossible to achieve without a bass line and drums. The guys have been ever-so patient with my huge lack of knowing what the hell I'm doing and my ill attempts at explaining what I want. They smile and nod and then we steadily trudge our way through each verse, chorus and bridge over and over and over. They are patient souls. Playing solo honestly just kind of spoils you! I've never had to explain any of it, I've always just played. So my music theory isn't exactly stellar or mediocre for that matter. But alas, this leads me to my goals. Learn this stuff! So I'm going to (along with Spanish... but that's another story).
Write more. Write more. Write more. That's a no-brainer, but honestly I'm not sure it's a goal that ever gets achieved... it just exists on this scale to which there is no max. Frustrating, challenging and awesome all at the same time. I do find that when life punches you directly in the gut I always comfortably lean back on the thought, "...well at least I have something to write about." And it's true. I think a lot of musicians would agree that the sadness is much easier to write about than the happiness... (in kind of a cliche, hipster, jaded-way) it's true. And honestly, I consider myself a pretty darn happy person. So when the punches hurt real good - I have to get about three songs out of them - and I just don't get punched that much.
Record an album by next October. I want to have this crazy old school little thing called a CD and a link on this damn website where you can buy it. Although this feels long overdue, seems like these things don't present themselves until you're ready. And I'm finally ready. Any record before now would have been premature musically, vocally and personally. I've had the time to get to know my music again... sounds weird... but there's been less distraction.
Book more gigs. For real. I've been getting a lot better at this (for instance this Thursday at Irises, 7-10pm... I'm shameless), but there's plenty of room for improvement. And book the first gig with the boys because we won't settle for playing in the living room at my parent's camp forever... although it is quite nice out there;) So here's my big 28 year old chance to make these things happen...
Anyway, stellar peeps, just wanted to write down my music-oriented goals and now your job is to hold me to them! Let's consider this a contract between me and you and if you're finding that I've just toyed with your emotions (this is a stretch... because I'm actually considering that you're emotionally invested enough to be toyed with), then you totally have permission to give me a verbal kick in the rear! I can take it.
Thank you for making 27 beautiful. It really was so beautiful.
Take Care,
Giovanina
If the year of being 28 is anything like the last two months of being 27, then I'm feeling particularly refreshed and wonderful about the direction I'm headed musically. I've recently gained a momentum that I've never experienced before... not only because of the contest win, but also because of re-establishing my relationship with words and songwriting, a recording opportunity in sight, gaining confidence in my music, myself and performing, and I've began playing with a bassist and drummer. Playing songs with musician friends is really fun. Like really fun. It's been this absurd process of listening to songs I've written and only ever known and understood as a solo musician, and bringing to them dimension, layers and this drive that's impossible to achieve without a bass line and drums. The guys have been ever-so patient with my huge lack of knowing what the hell I'm doing and my ill attempts at explaining what I want. They smile and nod and then we steadily trudge our way through each verse, chorus and bridge over and over and over. They are patient souls. Playing solo honestly just kind of spoils you! I've never had to explain any of it, I've always just played. So my music theory isn't exactly stellar or mediocre for that matter. But alas, this leads me to my goals. Learn this stuff! So I'm going to (along with Spanish... but that's another story).
Write more. Write more. Write more. That's a no-brainer, but honestly I'm not sure it's a goal that ever gets achieved... it just exists on this scale to which there is no max. Frustrating, challenging and awesome all at the same time. I do find that when life punches you directly in the gut I always comfortably lean back on the thought, "...well at least I have something to write about." And it's true. I think a lot of musicians would agree that the sadness is much easier to write about than the happiness... (in kind of a cliche, hipster, jaded-way) it's true. And honestly, I consider myself a pretty darn happy person. So when the punches hurt real good - I have to get about three songs out of them - and I just don't get punched that much.
Record an album by next October. I want to have this crazy old school little thing called a CD and a link on this damn website where you can buy it. Although this feels long overdue, seems like these things don't present themselves until you're ready. And I'm finally ready. Any record before now would have been premature musically, vocally and personally. I've had the time to get to know my music again... sounds weird... but there's been less distraction.
Book more gigs. For real. I've been getting a lot better at this (for instance this Thursday at Irises, 7-10pm... I'm shameless), but there's plenty of room for improvement. And book the first gig with the boys because we won't settle for playing in the living room at my parent's camp forever... although it is quite nice out there;) So here's my big 28 year old chance to make these things happen...
Anyway, stellar peeps, just wanted to write down my music-oriented goals and now your job is to hold me to them! Let's consider this a contract between me and you and if you're finding that I've just toyed with your emotions (this is a stretch... because I'm actually considering that you're emotionally invested enough to be toyed with), then you totally have permission to give me a verbal kick in the rear! I can take it.
Thank you for making 27 beautiful. It really was so beautiful.
Take Care,
Giovanina
Sipping Airwaves
November 14, 2011
Thanks to the many of you who tuned into the Local Spotlight on 104.7 The Point last night! I got to hang out with DJ, Carrie Henry, for the 20 minute segment and it was awesome. Definitely a first time experience for me and so different from playing live. Duh. Carrie was a perfect fit for my nerves - she was all about having a conversation - which made me WAY more comfortable than the thought of doing a formal interview-type-thing. As I was getting ready to head across the lake last night I was thinking to myself, "Oh my god, who inspires me? There are SO many! What if she asks for my top three musical inspirations... I mean I could rip off a list, but top three? It's just too stressful!" Yup. That's what my nervous brain sounds like.
Radio is a really interesting phenomenon. I mean you're not on stage, you're just kickin' it in a room with some equipment and hundreds of CD's lining the walls. No problem. Until mid-sentence you remember that there are people listening. And you don't know how many. But enough. A lot. It messed with me a little bit... which is inherently why I giggle. I can't help it peeps... I guess there could be a worse reaction to nerves. Another super new experience survived. And many thanks to Carrie for being so cool and supportive!
Next on the agenda is to set up my recording time. YAY! I'll keep you posted as to when that's happening and in the meantime check back for more shows! I'll be playing at Irises Cafe in Downtown Plattsburgh this Saturday from 8-11pm.
Take care,
Giovanina
Radio is a really interesting phenomenon. I mean you're not on stage, you're just kickin' it in a room with some equipment and hundreds of CD's lining the walls. No problem. Until mid-sentence you remember that there are people listening. And you don't know how many. But enough. A lot. It messed with me a little bit... which is inherently why I giggle. I can't help it peeps... I guess there could be a worse reaction to nerves. Another super new experience survived. And many thanks to Carrie for being so cool and supportive!
Next on the agenda is to set up my recording time. YAY! I'll keep you posted as to when that's happening and in the meantime check back for more shows! I'll be playing at Irises Cafe in Downtown Plattsburgh this Saturday from 8-11pm.
Take care,
Giovanina
Sipping Gratitude
November 11, 2011
As many of you know, I'm rarely short on words. But I must say, this past Tuesday left me a bit speechless. Humbled. Grateful. And Excited. I won the Advance Music Singer/Songwriter Contest held at Higher Ground on November 8th! Holy. Crap. Playing in that venue was amazing in and of itself. Not to mention, sharing a room packed with supportive friends, family and stellar musicians - the energy was good. Great, actually. The talent pool of finalists was awesome and I'm truly honored to have won!
Thanks to Advance Music, I'm officially the owner of a new Taylor guitar. And I'm in love. She sounds awful purdy:) I'm also incredibly grateful to the Rachel Bissex White Light Fund for the $1000 award. A special thanks to KTR Recording Studio for the opportunity to record a 3 song demo. And a huge thank you to 104.7 The Point for inviting me to do the Local Spotlight segment this Sunday, November 13th at 6:30pm!
Cloud nine. Cloud one million trillion billion and nine.
Of course, none of this would have been nearly as awesome without the 25 friends and family who crossed good old Lake Champlain to show their unending love and support. I appreciate each and every one of you and consider myself one lucky lady. Seriously. That being said, I'm gearing up for the radio segment on Sunday and looking forward to diving into this recording project. Hot damn! I leave you with a few pictures from the night...
Thanks to Advance Music, I'm officially the owner of a new Taylor guitar. And I'm in love. She sounds awful purdy:) I'm also incredibly grateful to the Rachel Bissex White Light Fund for the $1000 award. A special thanks to KTR Recording Studio for the opportunity to record a 3 song demo. And a huge thank you to 104.7 The Point for inviting me to do the Local Spotlight segment this Sunday, November 13th at 6:30pm!
Cloud nine. Cloud one million trillion billion and nine.
Of course, none of this would have been nearly as awesome without the 25 friends and family who crossed good old Lake Champlain to show their unending love and support. I appreciate each and every one of you and consider myself one lucky lady. Seriously. That being said, I'm gearing up for the radio segment on Sunday and looking forward to diving into this recording project. Hot damn! I leave you with a few pictures from the night...
Sipping Satisfaction
October 26, 2011
All is good in music land, my friends. I competed in the semi-finals of the Advance Music Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Contest over in Burlington, Vermont last night and I made it to the finals! Can you feel me smiling? I'm totally smiling. There are a total of 45 people competing for 9 spots in the finals being held at Higher Ground in Burlington on November 8th. I played at Club Metronome last night to a full house of supporters and you could feel the spirit of music and competition in the room. It was awesome.
This was my first music contest and I haven't had butterflies like that in a long time. I actually think I was more nervous after I was done performing. The anticipation of it all was just a lot to handle! The night was full of awesome competition and reflecting on it now, it kind of seems like a blur. My ever-so-supportive family and friends made the trek over to offer their love, support, advice and gentle reminders to breathe. It made the evening that much more special!
So I'm gearing up for the finals anticipating a collective of excellent musicians ready to rock on November 8th. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll be praying to the guitar gods until then...
This was my first music contest and I haven't had butterflies like that in a long time. I actually think I was more nervous after I was done performing. The anticipation of it all was just a lot to handle! The night was full of awesome competition and reflecting on it now, it kind of seems like a blur. My ever-so-supportive family and friends made the trek over to offer their love, support, advice and gentle reminders to breathe. It made the evening that much more special!
So I'm gearing up for the finals anticipating a collective of excellent musicians ready to rock on November 8th. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll be praying to the guitar gods until then...
Sipping Change Amongst Other Things
September 14, 2011
Wow. Sorry about the hiatus. I'm sure you've gathered from the title... change has been in store as of late. I made a move back to my hometown in Upstate New York about a month ago. I left Flagstaff with a heavy heart to return to my roots... my home, family and even the stuffed animals I grew up with - thanks to my parents for allowing me to settle into my old room:) I'm using this next year to write, plan my next adventure and continue narrowing my focus in on the music. So far, so good. You'll see in the Shows section that I've scheduled a handful of gigs here in Plattsburgh and am on the prowl to continue filling up that schedule! I've also signed up for an AmeriCorps program which I begin in a couple of weeks. So it'll be a year of nurturing the music and a year of giving to the community - not a bad combination:)
And an outrageously overdue update on the Santa Fe recording - it went GREAT! Dan and Margarete at Golden Dawn Gallery have been busy art-making souls since then and are doing some traveling at the moment, so the final project is a work in progress. I was, however, incredibly pleased with the raw material - which can be a challenge as we all know - we're our own worst critics. It was a quant crowd of about a dozen people who joined us for the recording and the sound is exactly what I was hoping for - like a warm, cozy cup of coffee with friends. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you:)
At the moment, I'm writing - and for anyone who writes - you know that any sort of change, whether expected or unexpected is perfect fuel for creativity. Alas, I write. I'm also working on getting a few more recordings up on the site - there's a new one up today actually! A tune called Walk Away - the very first song I ever wrote... nearly 10 years ago! It's funny, I write about very current ideas or things in my life. While recording that song over and over and over again in the last couple of days, I've reflected a lot on the words and thoughts intertwined in the melody and I can remember exactly how I was feeling - it literally launches me back nearly a decade ago. Ironically, life does have a funny way of repeating itself, no? Little reminders that there aren't single moments in our lives that define us, but rather a flurry of continuous interactions, adversities, friendships, love, opportunities and people that create the life we live. And growing up/getting older doesn't necessarily imply knowing any better... it's just... well... part of the deal:) I like it (good and bad included). Although I can't say I'm necessarily any good at it, I do learn something new every single day. Enjoy:)
And an outrageously overdue update on the Santa Fe recording - it went GREAT! Dan and Margarete at Golden Dawn Gallery have been busy art-making souls since then and are doing some traveling at the moment, so the final project is a work in progress. I was, however, incredibly pleased with the raw material - which can be a challenge as we all know - we're our own worst critics. It was a quant crowd of about a dozen people who joined us for the recording and the sound is exactly what I was hoping for - like a warm, cozy cup of coffee with friends. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you:)
At the moment, I'm writing - and for anyone who writes - you know that any sort of change, whether expected or unexpected is perfect fuel for creativity. Alas, I write. I'm also working on getting a few more recordings up on the site - there's a new one up today actually! A tune called Walk Away - the very first song I ever wrote... nearly 10 years ago! It's funny, I write about very current ideas or things in my life. While recording that song over and over and over again in the last couple of days, I've reflected a lot on the words and thoughts intertwined in the melody and I can remember exactly how I was feeling - it literally launches me back nearly a decade ago. Ironically, life does have a funny way of repeating itself, no? Little reminders that there aren't single moments in our lives that define us, but rather a flurry of continuous interactions, adversities, friendships, love, opportunities and people that create the life we live. And growing up/getting older doesn't necessarily imply knowing any better... it's just... well... part of the deal:) I like it (good and bad included). Although I can't say I'm necessarily any good at it, I do learn something new every single day. Enjoy:)
Sipping Santa Fe
June 10, 2011
I'm Santa Fe bound in t-minus 2 hours for the live gallery recording this weekend at Golden Dawn Gallery!! It's a beautiful day in Flagstaff and I'm looking forward to hopping in my hot-rod of a rent-a-car, windows down and music up with the cruise on. I. Love. Road. Trips.
I'm super excited for the recording and have been for awhile now. I've got some newer songs on the repertoire and am looking forward to both playing and listening to them! It's going to be a quant gathering with friends and friends of friends - just how I imagined it. And if you're in the area - absolutely come by; it's all happening from 6-8pm!
I'll be sure to post next with an update of how it went and hopefully some new music clips!
'Til then, keep yourselves out of trouble... or something like that:)
I'm super excited for the recording and have been for awhile now. I've got some newer songs on the repertoire and am looking forward to both playing and listening to them! It's going to be a quant gathering with friends and friends of friends - just how I imagined it. And if you're in the area - absolutely come by; it's all happening from 6-8pm!
I'll be sure to post next with an update of how it went and hopefully some new music clips!
'Til then, keep yourselves out of trouble... or something like that:)
Sipping Spring
April 14, 2011
Flagstaff is sipping spring. I'm desperately trying to chug spring. It's time, my friends, it's time. My 1988 Totoyta pickup, Hoopty, would really appreciate it as well, since she has to warm up even on a nice day. (By the way, I'm in love with my truck - but that's another story.) I'm all sorts of ready for the front door to be open, warm nights and sipping cold beers on the stoop with friends, and the infamous sun-burn I get on my nose every summer season. And playing gigs outside... sigh. Sunglasses on, wind blowing my music around, people sitting back and taking it all in. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.
I'll be playing at Cafe Ole this Saturday, April 16th from 5-8pm. I don't know if it's in the cards this weekend, but with fingers crossed, hopefully we'll be able to enjoy their amazing outdoor patio together!
In the last bit of news - if you haven't checked it out yet, there is a new original song up in the Media section. It's the first jam I've recorded on my own, so forgive/enjoy:) The song's called "Musicmaker" and I actually wrote it a number of years ago. It's about listening to music and its innate ability to transcend us back in time, to a particular space, person, moment, memory... you know. I'm working on a couple of other self-recorded tracks at the moment, they should be up within a week or so... I'll keep you posted.
I'll be playing at Cafe Ole this Saturday, April 16th from 5-8pm. I don't know if it's in the cards this weekend, but with fingers crossed, hopefully we'll be able to enjoy their amazing outdoor patio together!
In the last bit of news - if you haven't checked it out yet, there is a new original song up in the Media section. It's the first jam I've recorded on my own, so forgive/enjoy:) The song's called "Musicmaker" and I actually wrote it a number of years ago. It's about listening to music and its innate ability to transcend us back in time, to a particular space, person, moment, memory... you know. I'm working on a couple of other self-recorded tracks at the moment, they should be up within a week or so... I'll keep you posted.
Sipping Direction
March 27, 2011
Well here it is, my friends - a website dedicated to the craft that I love most in life - music. There's been blood, sweat, tears, bribing, broken strings, begging, you name it... but thanks to the amazing and supportive people in my life, it's up and running and I couldn't be happier!
I'm also excited to report that the music train has gained some momentum over the last few months and I'm more in love with writing and recording than ever. The guitar playing and song writing are consistent and it feels good. Real good. Next on my agenda is the release of an EP, which I promise you, is more around the corner than it's ever been. Please have faith:)
I will be playing at Cafe Ole this coming weekend on Saturday, April 2nd from 5-8pm. Please be sure to check back for updates to the Shows and Media sections. And many thanks for taking a moment to stop by; I'm eager to hear your thoughts!
I'm also excited to report that the music train has gained some momentum over the last few months and I'm more in love with writing and recording than ever. The guitar playing and song writing are consistent and it feels good. Real good. Next on my agenda is the release of an EP, which I promise you, is more around the corner than it's ever been. Please have faith:)
I will be playing at Cafe Ole this coming weekend on Saturday, April 2nd from 5-8pm. Please be sure to check back for updates to the Shows and Media sections. And many thanks for taking a moment to stop by; I'm eager to hear your thoughts!
