Saturday, December 15, 2012

Musical Stories..."The Long View"

Many times I am asked if there are "stories" on each song I compose.  There are!  I am going to tell you a thrilling story about "The Long View".

Let me begin with telling you, that my musical journey is always filled with meeting new people, how they touch my life in many ways.  This song "talks about" those many people that have touched mine.

"The Long View" was taken from the vaults of my past.  I was in Texas when this song took its shape and form.  I was dating a guy that was seriously plagued with problems.  He would verbally abuse me, then it became physical abuse.  I am sorry to say, that I enabled him to hurt me.. to cross into my "bubble of space" and hit me to crack some ribs too.  THAT was an eye opener.  My life would have been hell if I stayed in that abusive environment.  So.. I picked up my heart and soul and left Texas... and drove west to California.  My loyalty has its limits... you mess with me whether its verbal or physical abuse.. or even treating me like crap... Good Bye.. end of story.

When I told my friends I was moving to California, it was the hardest thing I had to do at the time.  All my friends were against me coming here.  "Too expensive", "You won't ever get married", "Too far from your family"...etc etc etc.. NEVER tell me to never do something.  You are just asking for me to reach into my deepest part of me and I will conquer whatever you tell me I can't do.  This song is also a reflection of that spirit.

After certain events in Texas, I wrote this song in the early days of my California residency in San Diego, where I met my beloved Don.

I brought it out of the my musical vault when I went to Imaginary Road Studios. I played it for Will, and he immediately loved it.  Its so simple, but very strong.  I told him about what this song meant to me, and he named it "The Long View".  I found the name to be very ironic, because there is a Long View, Texas!  I liked the name so much.. because it is exactly describing my view on the whole lesson.

Meanwhile, before I went to Imaginary Studios.... I had been corresponding with a very talented Emmy Award winning musician: Jace Vek. We met online via MySpace.  He helped me with several questions I had with music software and introduced me to Jeff Oster.  This set the stage for what was to come...

I met Jace in person,  the year he was terribly injured by some attacking scum vermin in the city of Pittsburg.  He was jumped, he was beaten the crap out of with a brick. Mind you, he lived to tell the tale, and his story is amazing.  He came to California and performed with Scott D. Davis in San Diego.  I also met some wonderful people that night as well. We had talked about collaborating on a song long before this happened....  before he came out to California, he called me and told me all about this whole situation.  I chose "The Long View" to be orchestrated. Then we met.  We talked and talked... I love meeting kindred spirits and he is one of them.

I suppose it was a year later that he sent me the orchestrated version of the song... I.  WAS. Stunned.  I was amazed and what he had done.  He created "The Long Vue".. he 'Jaced' it.  He played the piano melody, and created the orchestration around the melodic line.

This version of "The Long Vue" made me cry because.. he didn't really know the whole story behind "The Long View" at the time.. and he re-named it to "The Long Vue".

So that is how Jace and I collaborated on my song.  I am so thankful that he was able to do it and that he took the time to rework the song.

Please take and listen, comment!  Its free of charge, and is my way of saying THANK YOU for supporting me.  Also here is a link to Jace's website. He has a concert coming up in DelRey Beach Florida.  For you Floridians... go see it his concert.  It is on Saturday, January 5th, 2013. He has some wonderful artists coming and performing with him.  It will be something you won't forget!!

The Long Vue

Jace Vek



Peace in Music....

Kori






Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Kindness goes a long way....

Lately, I've been thinking about how I want to be treated as a friend. I want to be talked with, go hang out with good kind friends, treating each other with respect, laugh, sing, love our quirks AND our strengths, love even when mistakes are made and makes things difficult.

That said, the other day I saw a post on FaceBook by Will Wheaton regarding toxic people.  He basically said to cut the negative people out of your life.  Which I have been doing.  I am tired of the amount of energy it takes to be constantly on call.  And then they hurt you.

My best intentions always tend to have my accepting nature taken advantage of, and I end up being a scapegoat, used and hurt, then finally I end up doing things I don't wish to do.  Nothing is worth the pain and stress of a toxic person.  They don't give, they take.  They don't treat people with kindness.

Dejunking my life of toxic people has been the best thing. My life is calmer, peaceful, more loving and me not being stressed out.

Then, there is the other part of this... being kind.  I know I am not the most patient person on the planet and I have my moments of anger, but I find that being kind, doing things for people helps me to get out of my funk.  I don't do these things for gain etc... I do it because I truly believe in the gift of giving.  I tend to do better when I think about other people than myself. Those times makes my day better and brighter.  I can walk with my head a little higher, shoulders straight.

So if you pay it forward by being kinder, that is the best gift ever.

Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Prose

I've gone in the vault of my writing from the past years and this is something I wrote, thought I would share:

 Heart of Chrome...  KLC 2000

 opened my heart and gained some real, opened my heart and got steel..

dropped to my knees..blood drained away... opened my eyes 

how I should feel?

too dependent on others opinion

too confident in world’s solution...

would be friends, betrayed in the end

learned fast and remembered again

what was real, what was then

Now..

heart of chrome, 

walking alone... 

better...


Thursday, November 22, 2012

There are some good people out in the world...

Just a short observation about people in general.  Today, I was getting a few tweets from people I follow on Twitter.com , and one of them was Michael Shanks ( noted for his role as Daniel Jackson in SG1).  I noticed he does re-tweet some of his followers tweets... and so I thought what the hell,  I have nothing to lose, and asked him to re-tweet my website to his followers.   It wasn't long until my email lit up on my phone and he did it!

Sometimes I forget that people are basically good.  So THANK you Michael.  I hope you have a great weekend, and you never stop doing those "little things" to help others.

Peace in Music,

Kori  

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Music is my Solace...

I posted this status a few days ago on my FaceBook page.  Music truly is my solace.  When I need to feel peace, or express my emotions, I go to my piano.  I need it.. it keeps me somewhat sane.

The trials I have been going through have made me a stronger person.  I also have lost myself in these trials. I forgot who I am.  Music has been the constant companion of these trials... and I know that God has been the founding source to inspire me.

Now, I feel like a different person.  I am not the same as I was 5 years ago.  At this point, I don't know if I will ever be the same, which is not a bad thing. I am more reserved, observant as well as very cautious.

I feel as I am getting older, that I can say anything I want, and not be intimidated by anyone.  I won't tolerate people treating me bad.  I won't tolerate other people treating my friends poorly as well. I will tell you how I am feeling if I feel like I want to. I won't tolerate people making fun of my children's choices regarding their career(s).  I have learned to open my mouth and express what I want.  The past is the past, and while I may be forgiving, I won't put an un-trustworthy person back into my inner circle.

My heart has been broken, rebuilt and changed.  I have come out of the latest of trials on my knees, realizing I need to humble myself, yet stand up for myself and become an independent being filled with love for my friends.....forgiving, less judgmental... BUT aware.

I am very grateful for those of you that have stood by me and helped while I fell to my knees.  I know I am not the most perfect person in the world, but I want you all to know that I am glad you hung in there with me.

My album "Fire in the Rainstorm" is written.. its ready to go... now I need the patience to save everything I can to record it.  I hope you are patient with me in this journey to release this album.  I may post previews of the songs!

Peace in Music!!
Paz en Musica!!
Pace nella Musica!
音楽の平和
Frieden in Musik!
La paix dans la Musique!
A paz em Música!

More to come...




Saturday, November 17, 2012

Whats your favorite Holiday Tradition?

Its been a hectic month, and already we are in the middle of November.  Thanksgiving is a few days away.  When I was a child I loved snow.  I loved playing in it.. and then going inside for a nice cup of Hot Chocolate to warm my frozen body.

Come post your favorite holiday ideas, gifts or even pictures on my music page on Facebook!


I would really like to see some of your favorite things you like to do around the holidays!

See you there!

Peace in Music,

Kori 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Some things are better... untouched...

Strange title for my blog today. I am in a reflective, strange mood.  November is sure to be a full month of activity within my family.  Each weekend we will be busy working and supporting our daughter, and Claire will be home. This weekend has been a bit on the crazy side.  We were supposed to go to Los Alamitos today, but I was asked to compose an improvisation of my favorite hymns at my church meeting today and so I will be sharing the improvisation during our main meeting today.

I am feeling the strains of our hectic week, and weekend so we opted to stay around the house to rest today.  I do apologize to those of you that were expecting to see us at the Wings, Wheels and Rotors shindig. Nothing personal, (I also realized we have company coming over for dinner..) so I need to be around to make dinner.

As I contemplate the comings and goings, the planning, the moments where I can sneak some time to myself I have come to the "aha" moment in my life today.  This realization is the main basis for my blog subject:  Some things are better...untouched....

As a musician I am tempted to push myself over the edge marketing wise.  Sure there is "never bad publicity, or bad marketing" or "too much marketing"... but sometimes I forget that  I don't need to keep up with the "Kardashians" haha. I really do NOT need to keep up with any body.  My expectations have been causing me some real stress.  Like, not having "Fire in the Rainstorm" recorded yet, or not touring, or not doing what my friends are doing.. that sort of thing will send me to my grave because if I let it, it will run with me, with my hair standing on end, and I won't be able to keep up eventually I will become so depressed that I am not getting "there" fast enough.

The last 4 years I had been SO busy with recording, "Trillium", traveling, touring, performing, marketing, working at a music store, quitting the music store after a year, being a wife, Mom, teaching, interviews, meeting people, dejunking my life of people bringing me down.. etc, etc, etc.

I am exhausted!!!!

The past year, I have devoted my time to being in California and being with my family.  I have enjoyed every minute of it, and just forcing myself to slow down has been the best gift I have given to myself.

So, I am not pushing myself right now to get everything done in one shot. I want everything I do to have a relaxed, un-hurried feel to it.  That includes my music. Trying to make things happen when things are not cooperating to "happen", is like trying to make a horse drink water, when its obviously not going to happen right then and there. Hence leave things to progress in their natural order.

I will continue to work at a pace that will bring me to my goals in a better frame of mind.

Thank you for your support of all of what I am doing. I know you will be patient for the next album, and I hope you continue to interact with me here on the web! Who knows what we can accomplish!!

MORE to come...

kori




Sunday, October 14, 2012

Annoyed...

Ok so.. sometimes I write about things that really bug me, and tonight is one of those nights that I am seriously bugged.

I worked on getting my Bio and information on Ping which was a musician info site within iTunes.  I was on them to get it done. I am happy to say, it showed up!  I was quite happy when that happened.. until now.  The last day in September of this year ( I think that is when), iTunes got rid of Ping.  *sigh*  Technology comes and goes, different websites come and go... and so I did a search on iTunes to see if I could find any kind of biography on myself.  ( yeah.. I know sounds a bit stalkerish!! lol )  Nothing, NADA, zip... zilch, zero.  My pet peeves with these guys.. is they rely on Rovi ( they are the aggregator for AllMusic.com)  All Music has all the information regarding my music etc... but here is the killer... NO bio.  I've submitted my information SO many times, they have not updated it.  I've researched as to how to get them to update the information.... and its like running into a wall. I must confess tho, I did write an email, thinking I would never hear from them, and I got a shocker!! They wrote me back telling me they have everything that I sent them including the short bio.  For some KOOKY reason, they have not put any of the info I sent them onto my All Music Page.

So, why should I get so worked up about something like this? Well, as an Independent Musician, not having the support of a major label, it causes frustration because you want the information to be correct,  especially when the info is aggregated into iTunes, MOG and other websites that uses the All Music Guide that is powered by Rovi.  Major labels know how to get that info online and active.  Me? I have to continue to be the squeaky wheel. HOPEFUL it gets sorted out...

Jumping down from my soapbox..

I am happy to say, there are some REALLY good things coming up in December.  I will keep you posted about it all!

Peace in Music,

Kori

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Fire....

I am a spiritual person, I love my religion and am grateful for my parents for raising me and teaching me about God.  I do enjoy tho, the occasional reading of other religions and traditions.  I also enjoy reading about the earthy elements that can inspire me.

When you look at my website, you can see that Water has been a major influence in calming me down. I also take many pictures of the ocean whenever I get there.  I love the water, the feelings when I sit on the beach and watch people, or birds.. or just the waves and its sounds.  When I was a child I really loved going on vacation to Madeline Island, WI.  We would take the ferry to the island, and go to the cabin and stay 2 weeks.  The island is situated in Lake Superior, which is a very magical place for me. I would love getting up in the morning, walking down to the beach and listen to the waves come to the shore. Water, will always inspire me....

Lately tho, its as if I am feeling the inspirational effects of Fire. Fire fuels my desire to become better than I am, to "burn" if you will, at my brightest.  Many people fear fire.. with good reasons.  It can burn our homes, forests... etc.. and can cause horrible damage.  I like the fact that after Fire.. then comes the healing of the land.  Trees grow, animals return.. and the landscape tends be greener than before the damaging effects of the fire.

When I was a little girl, I would sit by the campfire or the beach fire and watch it burn to embers...I liked to watch the embers glow when a slight breeze blew around the fire. I enjoy the warmth from it and the flames as it danced in the wood

So now as I write "Fire in the Rainstorm"... I write from the "Fire" that is in my heart. The fire that returned to my soul after a few years of struggling within and struggling with a few from without.  I refuse to let my "fire" die and lose my way.  I have learned so much from the experiences this summer, the trials of "fire", but as always, I have picked myself up and let the cleansing effects of seeing how life can be so good in spite of that.  AND to burn at my brightest.  I am learning to trust that "fire" within and live the way I was taught, with a few additions of my own.

So... my advice is to let your fire burn at it its brightest and be the best you can.

More to come...


Saturday, September 22, 2012

What I have been doing...

It was a hectic summer for me in my personal life.  My husband's Mom passed away in June, and then our eldest daughter left for Army Boot Camp for Basic Training in South Carolina.  It made us all very sad, and it was not an easy thing to go through.  I am certain its not the last of some of the wrenches life throws into our lives, but one thing I am grateful for are friends and family.  We were not alone in our journey.

I performed in July, opening for Fiona Joy Hawkins and Trysette.  They are friends from Australia that brought their "Two Grand I'm Yours" tour to the USA.  David Biber, from Two Guys Grilling booked the concert and filmed it at Mahe in Dana Point.  Was really a nice show!

Then I have been performing at the Farmers Market in Mission Viejo, and was able to get a concert set up for Fiona and Trysette at the Mission Viejo Civic Center in September.  Was a GREAT venue and a wonderful piano too.

I have the music for the new album all written, am saving money for recording.  I am also revamping my music space in my music room and will have that up and running again in October.

Wishing you all a wonderful Fall!  I am looking forward to this season!  I love Autumn and the colors!!

Have a GREAT weekend...

more to come...

KLC

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Gathering is Staff and Editor Picks!

What exciting news! CD Baby Staff and Editor's have chosen to spotlight "The Gathering" on their website.  I am so honored to be a part of the 22 artists on this album.  A new generation of "Windham Hill" artists produced by Will Ackerman, who founded Windham Hill Records and is a Grammy guitarist.  I listen to this album all the time, and I love LOVE the music from it.

CD Baby Editor's Pick

CD Baby Staff Picks

Congrats to all of my friends on this album!!!  :)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Mission Viejo Farmers Market

Its a beautiful day today, and tomorrow is going to be just as gorgeous!  I will be at the City of Mission Viejo's Farmers Market tomorrow, from 11am - 1pm.  For those of you in Southern California, come on by!  Click on the link:   Mission Viejo Farmer's Market

More to come...

Friday, July 13, 2012

Forthcoming concerts

For the next three months, I am looking forward to performing!  To start with Summer Outdoor concerts are so fun!!

Friday July 27th, 11am - 1pm. I will be at the Farmers Market at the City of Mission Viejo.  I absolutely love these outdoor concerts. I will be placed by the fountain nearby the Library.  Address is: 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo CA 92691.  Its free, and you can come and browse the vendors that will be there.

Friday August 17th, 11am - 1pm Farmers Market at the City of Mission Viejo. Same place. And its free!

Sunday September 9th, 2012, 7pm @ the City of Mission Viejo Civic Center - Saddleback Room. Two Grand I'm Yours tour, featuring Fiona Joy Hawkins and Trysette.  I have been asked to perform as a special musical guest.  Tickets:



I hope you all can make it!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Mad Hatter

My friend Fiona Joy Hawkins is asking the new generation of artists from "The Gathering", to sign her Safari Hat. She is also going to ask musicians from the Windham Hill Records day to sign this hat.  She had me sign it,  she has signed it as well as Denise Ann Young.  We all were picked with 19 other artists to be on this compilation album that were produced by Will Ackerman.  People are saying that its a new generation comparable to the Windham Hill musicians of the past.  Pretty exciting eh?

Here is the link for her blog:


Windham Hill Hat

ALSO here is the link to the new album. Its beautiful.. and I think you will like it!


The Gathering

If you have any questions feel free to ask away!

More to come...

Kori

Friday, June 15, 2012

Slow Dance

I will be on the road for a bit, but I wanted to leave a song for you to turn your stereo up, grab your Significant Other and slow dance together. I wrote this song "3 Degrees" for Will and Susan. It has a retro "Prom" feeling to it. Will told me what the song felt for him and it made me smile.  So go ahead... dance...

3 Degrees


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

"F" Major

If you love my music, that is great! I am so pleased that you do. However, do NOT email me or message me in the same breadth telling me my music is wonderful and then ask me to use my music in a film for free and tell me you will give me credits.  Say for instance, I tell you that you are a wonderful director and that I love your work, and would love to have you as my director for a film, but there is no budget to pay you for directing my said film. OR better yet, you own a restaurant and I tell you I love your food, you have a great place, and I want to hire you to cater to my big party but I don’t have a budget to pay you to cater to my party.. but I will tell everyone who made the food etc.. You would think I am nuts.

In the past I’ve allowed my music to be used in a nature film for free, the video was shot and ready for music. As it was done in HD, I was cool with it because it was pretty specific to one song. It was not a full length featured film.  We both agreed that we could cross market it.  I approved the usage. 

I am very thankful that my music touches people and I am flattered to be considered for a film. I do need to make money in order to create more music. I don’t have a major label’s financial backing. I pay for everything out of my own pocket. Recording costs are expensive, manufacturing doesn’t happen on its own. If I respected and love your music, food or whatever talent you have, should I want to hire you, I would offer to pay money.   Crediting my music is nice, but I feel my music is worth more than just credits.

I’m not a greedy person, I am being realistic. In order for me to continue to record, I have got to find ways to pay for my recording costs, etc.

Working for free is not an option! So don’t ask me to!!




Sunday, June 3, 2012

Astreaux World Program

Astreaux World Program #008, you can listen while you are working tonight.  Whether you are on the computer, reading or just need to relax.  Load it and listen... I did!  Its a great music program, with DAVOL as the featured musician, and selections from IdealMusik and me as the guest musician. Thanks to Jim Ellis and Dr. Reverend Rick Woll.

 I hope you enjoy!

Astreaux World Program #008


Monday, May 28, 2012

A Fun Sunday

On Sunday May 27th I was invited by David Biber and the Two Guys Grilling crew to the KSBR Jazz Fest in Mission Viejo.

Claire went with me, and she was put to work serving the VIPs.  Musicians and their families. My favorite thing was watching Claire having fun serving everyone that came through the Two Guys Grilling line.



I met several NFL players, which was fun! I also met some really nice cool people.  Its always nice to meet people that are down to earth.


In Photo: David Biber, Jim Weatherly, Steve Casarino, Lance Zeno and Steve's daughter.  ( Photo by David Biber)

As the day moved on the music was amazing.  I met Mindi Abair, who was so nice and enjoyed talking with her. She was very down to earth.



I also met Dave Koz.  I was a bit shy to just go over and talk with him because he had people around him and I did not want to bother him. A friend grabbed my hand and took me over to where he was sitting and was introduced to him.  He seemed busy so I said I admired his music and then I went on my way. 

It was a VERY relaxing day, good people and GREAT food. Thanks for the fun Mission Viejo!

More to come...




Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Gathering ( Music produced by Will Ackerman Founder of Windham Hill Records)

Have you ever wondered if there will be anymore music compilations like in the days of Windham Hill? Well, wonder no more:    "The Gathering is a handpicked collection of songs from 22 artists recently produced by Grammy winning guitarist and founder of Windham Hill Records, Will Ackerman at his Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont."

I am one of the 22.  I hope you come and check out the album because its amazing.  Thanks to Will Ackerman for the vision and for picking me.  You will see a few musical friends of mine and some new artists on this album!

The Gathering

Peace in Music,

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sending you Love and Light...

I have learned something new.  Something I had not thought of before.  In my past I have had some negative experiences, some that have broken my heart or caused me stress in a bad way. 

I have learned to:  Send those that have been my past, love and light, then drop it.

Letting go of those things that have caused me such negativity, has helped me heal.  Sure I know there are somethings that I really need to cleanse myself of and move on. 

So to those of you in my past, I send you love and light. Cheers!

K

Friday, May 4, 2012

May performances

I will be performing tomorrow (Saturday May 5, 2012) at the Mission Viejo Arts Alive Festival   and I will be returning to Paso Robles, CA on Sunday May 20th, 2012 and performing at the Sculpterra Winery.  Songwriters at Play is hosting the event, and my friends Diane Arkenstone and Tim Pacheco will be joining me!! I hope you can make it!

More to come...

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Coming to America!

Greetings everyone!  I wanted to let you know that my friends Fiona Joy Hawkins and Trysette Loosemore are coming to America from Australia to perform all over America.  Both are lovely women that are very talented musicians.  They will be performing here in Orange County and they have asked me to be a guest musician on their program here.  Please watch their video and lets make this happen!!!

Two Grand I'm Yours Tour

MORE to come...


Monday, April 23, 2012

Local SoCal Residents ...

Here is some information on my concerts coming up in May 2012.  I hope you can make it!

My Concerts in May 2012

More to come...

k

Friday, April 6, 2012

April showers...

I've been getting ready for big changes in my home life.  My oldest daughter will be leaving after she graduates in June.  She will be going to boot camp in July.  It is amazing to me she is old enough to leave home.  This is the reason why I am quiet with the blog(s) lately. 

Oh and I have discovered Pinterest, Tumblr, aboutme.com, fandalism ( which I am not sure I really like or not) can we have more social networks? BAH! 

What about the music?  Well, lots of interesting changes going on.  If you are wondering where you can get my music, go to koritunes.com and you can purchase from my shop page! ;)

I am working on the new album every day.  What am I doing exactly? Well, as you all know I am still looking for funding.  While Spock searches for funding( a little dorky humor there) , I continue to get the songs ready to record.  Waiting for this album will make it worthy of waiting.  Why? because I have learned when you work for something, even though going through set backs, and other things get in the way. Working for something you really want, will make the journey worth it.  So while waiting, I am staying productive, focused and sure that good things come to those who wait!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and new week!

More to come...

K

Monday, March 12, 2012

Concert on May 20th, 2012 Sculpterra Winery

Just a heads up for all of you, I will be the featured performer at Sculpterra Winery on May 20th, 2012 hosted by Songwriters at Play!  The winery is in California's central coast. Paso Robles. You can stay in Atascadero or San Luis Obispo.  Its a GREAT area to explore and just enjoy a quiet weekend with us.  Diane Arkenstone and Tim Pacheco will be joining me.  More info to come.

Songwriters at Play  and Sculpterra Winery

More to come!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Very Personal thoughts tonight..

I have not opened up in very long time. Mostly been keeping what is inside of my heart to myself as of late.  As I sit here, I am listening to music that is new. I am touched by all that I am listening to tonight. The strength in all of the sounds, the stories being told, is inspiring me to stay true to my path.

Production for Fire in the Rainstorm is on hold.  Am I sad about that? I can't lie, I am a little. I had plans, and they were derailed by a few things. Not that I am depressed and not complaining either. Just realizing what I need to do in order for it to happen. If the album takes a few years.. then so be it. I am not giving up by any means. I can only hope that I can get things back on track so this album can get recorded.  If you know any millionaires.. PLEASE do me a favor and send them my way!  :^P

Other things in my life I am watching play out. Watching my oldest daughter turn 18 this month is going to be hard. Already been dealing with the tears.  I myself don't feel that old.  To have her turn 18 blows me away.  She is a gift to our family, and I am so thankful that she entered our lives all those years ago. Now she is on the thresh hold of living her own life.  I often wonder if we have taught her enough? 

Then lately, so many of my friends are struggling with so much opposition. I have to wonder why so much pain and suffering is part of their lives, when I struggle with my little problems.

Then there is the positive things going on, meeting new friends, cherishing good friends, understanding the friends that need that understanding, husband that is so supportive, learning lessons that continue to help me to grow, music, concerts with musicians that are quite amazing in my book. There are the people that are silently supporting me, sending me emails, encouraging me to keep making my music. To keep taking this journey.

To have your support this way, is a gift to me.  Thanks so much for your support of what I do, whether its monetary or its emails.. just knowing that your support is there, makes me keep walking forward, not falling back...

more to come...

Monday, February 6, 2012

Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles CA

Claire and I drove up to Atascadero, CA ( 15 miles south of Paso Robles) and stayed at the Carlton Hotel there.  I need to say that it was an incredible hotel.  The staff was on the level, and the rooms were pristine, and the beds were a dream.  What amazed me the most was how QUIET it was there. 

The concert was great! There were a lot of musicians that came and performed.  Thanks to Steve Key and Sculpterra Winery.  Mike Swan started out first, then Banjer Dan, both very diverse, but fun to listen to.  Then me. Well, it was fun and I was roasting.  I think I have played better for sure.  I unveiled a few new songs, then Tim Pacheco was next. I really enjoyed listening to him. 

The featured artist was Diane Arkenstone and friends, Pj Sawyer, Robb Lawrence, Colin Break, Carl Weingarten and Jeff Oster, and I believe Russell Green.  Her music is inspirational.  Talking with Diane was fun. She is very beautiful, and I admire her spirit as well. I hope to perform with her again.

The trip was an all around success to me.  Just being with Claire and having her be with me during a performance was good for me.  One of the last times we can be together this way.  I love her and appreciate the beautiful person she is.

Thanks to all of those that came out to the show, and again my thanks to Steve Key.

More to come...

If you want to see photos click on this link:

http://www.johnpatrickimages.com/sculpterra/


Monday, January 30, 2012

So, how do you ask for payment when you perform?

I have met a lot of musicians and have read about musicians trying make gigs profitable. Some of them have told me to play for free.. wait what? I used to think that way too... and now the first thing I would tell you is to ask for what you are worth.  Whats the worst that can happen?  Not getting hired? Well that would be a good thing because you don't want to be hired at a gig that you don't receive payment. The venue and people will treat you poorly.  HOW do I know this? Its because two years ago I performed in Coto De Caza at a house concert. I was treated like crap because they did not pay me.  Imagine if you will it was 95 degrees out. The host would not allow me in the house ( I must have been some kind of animal or something) to cool down, and I had to change in this really bad smelling grotto like bathroom they had by their pool. There were other musicians, that they allowed in the house because they were paying for her, AND no cold water for me. Thank goodness I brought my own water and my gear.  I am always positive and I did make a few connections that night.. but for the most part, it was insulting. It was the last time I decided to play for free.. unless it was a special circumstance, and it has to be a pretty amazing circumstance. 

So before you say yes to a non paying gig, or a venue that wants you to bring in people to their venue. THEY should already have an established following of their venue. Always ask about the particulars, whether you can bring in your merch and sell it.

Most of all don't sell yourself short, because you are totally worth the money. Here is a fabulous article about this very subject:

Musicians and Venues, READ

Peace in Music


Monday, January 23, 2012

How to raise 20k in 10 days...

How can I raise 20k in 10 days?  Every one of you can pledge, and you can tell your family and friends that "Fire in the Rainstorm" is an amazing solo piano project so they can pledge too. The project will not be funded if the funds are not raised by February 2nd, so there will be no risk to you.

There are rewards when you pledge certain dollar amounts.  I have my M&M blankie I will be giving away, clothes I have worn at concerts, Artwork, signed photos, jewelry I have worn at my concerts, physical albums, skype call with me, t-shirts, liner notes made into a poster signed by me.

Come and pledge today!

Pledge + Me= Album

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

CONCERT FEBRUARY 5th, 2012

I have decided to come out of my self imposed performance exile and perform in February.  If you live in California and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of life, I invite you to California's Central Coast on Sunday February 5th from 1pm - 4pm.   Songwriters at Play Concert I will be playing a 4 song set, and then featured artist Diane Arkenstone will perform with special guests. Tim Pacheco will be performing as well.

You can click on my "Events" page and find more info or you can visit the websites for where and when info.  I hope you can make it because its going to be a wonderful artistic afternoon!

More to come...

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

What is the Music Business Like and why do you need a "fundraiser?"

Is the latest question from FanBridge. At first I got a bit on the defensive side, but as I read the question over and over, and talked with a friend of mine. She pointed out that not everyone understands how things work.  She never knew until she met me.  This is what inspired this blog.

I have learned a lot.  1. don't ever take things personally, you can't.  If you did, you would never survive the criticisms that come, and believe me people can hit below the belt.  2.  Always be gracious, but don't let anyone run you over.  You can get run over doing what I do.  Its best you don't let anyone do that.  You can be the best ever, but you can also be clever at not losing your cool.

Hokay so, if Will Ackerman believes in me, why doesn't he help out with the album?  He is helping out, by me hiring him to be my producer.  He is no longer the head of Windham Hill Records. He doesn't sign people to labels, that is not what he does now.  He offers his unique perspective that he has gleaned over the years and you pay for that.  Oh and he doesn't just magically appear. You have to email him and ask him. He then listens to your music, THEN he chooses to work with you or not.

The music industry is in a flux of change.  Its not the same like it used to be.  Say for instance, if you are George Winston during the late 70's signed to the Windham Hill Records Label, the label paid for the recording costs, ie: producing, musicians, studio time, engineering; which included mixing/mastering, manufacturing. They told you how you were release the music, and tour.  Touring is another whole can of worms.  Let me just focus on the production.  Producing an album can vary in costs.  It can cost from $5k to $100k or more.  "Trillium" was staggering. It cost me... yes ME $80k.  THAT includes production, recording, mixing/mastering, musicians, encoding, manufacturing,  a publicist, radio promotion team no tv.  If you want advertising on TV, that will cost you more.  To be really rounded out to market something you need the marketing web. Which includes mailing, emailing, internet, online radio, radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, reviews, interviews. Oh and I had Ed Bonk working with me to promote "Trillium". He and I were a team together. He didn't do all the mailing of the albums, I did. He did all the phone calls to all the radio stations which includes internet radio/organic radio.   All of those things MUST be put in place because none of this stuff is easy to tell people about it all.  If you look at a commercial nowadays, you will see these commercials repeated during a tv show or during a radio broadcast or even a podcast.  We are all creatures of repetition.  We have to be told several times before things sink in.

So now, I need funding. Since I am an independent musician, I don't have the financial backing of a major label like Universal, Sony, EMI or any of those companies. Have I submitted my music? Sure I have. Since I was rejected, I chose to do this on my own. Would I like to be on a label? I did that with an Independent Record Label and got burned financially by them.  The conditions have to be favorable  for me to consider a label. I am still submitting, so who knows?!!

In order to produce a really good album worthy of Windham Hill of the past, which is my goal, I want/need a few things in place. Will Ackerman is part of that, then his studio and engineer is another part of the puzzle, I want great mastering, so that is another cost. All of these things are money driven. Which is true for most things in the Arts. I decided to change up the album I am working on, to do a solo piano project.  Simply because, making another album like "Trillium" is expensive. VERY expensive. I had funding for that.  This time, that funding is not there.  I am looking to people to pledge $1, $30, or more dollars if you can spare that. I am not looking for thousands of dollars from one person.  Wait, didn't "Trillium" sell? Sure, but  I have not recovered my costs for that. Not even close. Then why do I do what I do? Because I am not in this to make money. I am in it because this is something I love to do.  LOVE it, BREATHE it... its what motivates me to get up in the morning and "Carpe Diem"!!!!  I am certainly not poor, but I don't have that kind of capital and that is why I am using Kickstarter.com to help me with this.

That is why I am coming to you to ask for help, which is not easy for this prideful chick to doIf I could do this on my own I would and never ask, but here I am asking because I feel that its worthy of my time and yours.

I hope you join me and pledge today!

Peace in Music,

Kori

Friday, January 6, 2012

Kickstarter Album Campaign


My purpose in writing to day is to ask for your help with the production of my new album "Fire in the Rainstorm". 

I really want to continue to create and release my music. The past year, I have been writing some very innovative songs. Being influenced by so many things this time, friends, family, the ocean, poetry, history, current events - this album has been an extremely wonderful emotional journey.  I am very excited to share with you, the music that is coming out of me.

Will Ackerman,  founder of Windham Hill Records and Grammy Award Winning guitarist, is my producer. This is my fourth album and the second album he and I will be working together on.  He believes in my ability as a composer otherwise - he wouldn't work with me in order to create a solo piano album worthy of a Windham Hill production.

Everything is set in place; the producer, studio, engineer, songs. I need a little help from you to make this happen!  Every dollar will go towards the album: paying  engineer(s), studio time, getting the piano in tune, mixing/mastering. Everything that makes a record a truly wonderful creation of music.  

I had a few friends talk to me regarding Kickstarter.com. It is an innovative way to raise money to fund creative projects.  Kickstarter sets up a project webpage for potential investors to learn about projects and make pledges for the projects they want to support.

I have created a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of "Fire in the Rainstorm". 
Please make a pledge to help make this album a reality. Please tell your friends and family about this project, that would help too! 

If the campaign is not fully funded by February 3rd, then the project does not get funded and the pledged money is not collected.

To learn more about this project and make a pledge, go to this link:


If you have any questions please feel free to email me: kcarothers(at)mac(dot)com

Peace in Music,

Kori Linae Carothers

Thursday, January 5, 2012

OWR - One World Radio UK

Join me today online as I am interviewed by Steve Sheppard, on the Perfect Remedy show!
GMT:8.30pm....EST:3.30pm....CST:2.30pm...MST1:30pm ....PST:12.30pm
Join Steve And Chriise as Kori Linae Carothers joins them live from the US and we will take a look at a whole heap of new albums:) as I am interviewed by Click on the link here: 
One World Radio 
 Talk to you then!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Kickstarter.com Rewards

This entry is to show pictures of the rewards when you donate to my project on kickstarter.com.




Black Leather Jacket



My Blankie I will give away!










Otazu Bracelet
Plaque Example, this is not the CD that will be on the plaque, "Fire in the Rainstorm" will be the album you will see
















Catalina Art I bought that has inspired "Fire In The Rainstorm"