Saturday, March 16, 2013

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Musical First Impression

"I don't like that man.  I must get to know him better." - Abraham Lincoln

If only we all gave each other second chances like Lincoln.  Unfortunately in most cases, we have one chance to make a good first impression, and if it goes poorly, there's rarely an opportunity to change the other's perspective.

When it comes to music, this scenario could not be more applicable.  You know within seconds if you enjoy a song or if you're going to press the 'skip' button.  For a musician, it is a tough challenge to keep an audience.  Do you write a catchy hook and repeat it immediately?  Do you have an exciting/dramatic musical intro?  Or do you go for the heavy, heartfelt ballad that doesn't build in excitement until a minute into the track and risk the chance of not having any listeners?  Sell-out?  Or stay true to what you really want to say?  These days, the attention span of most  people has dwindled to almost nothing, so what is an artist to do?

I think it's important to have a body of work that has a mix of different tracks that at the end of the day are all a reflection of the artist.  Some of a lighter tone and some that deal with heavier issues.  Find the Paul McCartney and the John Lennon in your own work, and find a way to have both.  Impress them with the hook, and make them stay with the message.  Don't compromise your work, just compromise your approach.

And on a more universal level, practice the act of giving second chances.  Give people the benefit of the doubt, and the chance to undo what was done in a moment that could have been misunderstood or misconstrued.  Forgive and learn, because we all have the power to change our own pattern of judgement.

Have an amazing weekend!

- K

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Quote of the Day 3/7/13

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls." - Joseph Campbell

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The 35th annual HBA dinner 3/2/13

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association's 35th annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Installation Dinner. It was such a beautiful event, and I was honored to start off the night by singing the National Anthem! It was an amazing opportunity and a truly unforgettable experience. Below is a snapshot of me during the sound check. Have a great week, everyone!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hitting the 'Refresh' Button

I'm so happy it's March.  For me, it can be a month of great clarity, almost more by default because February is such a crazy month in my family.  There are so many birthdays, events, and deadlines that come up in February, that when March finally rounds the corner into my life, I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief!  

Having said that, I feel that I can enter into my consistent blogger-mode again, which is a great because I feel like I have so many new things to share with you!

First off, my songwriting and singing is in full swing, and I have definitely felt a shift with my creativity within my work.  It's really an exciting thing to take notice of, because when it is actually happening, it's hard to take a step back and realize what is really going on.  I struggle sometimes between that fine line of feeling completely defeated and overwhelmed, and trying to stay positive and grateful for all that is asked and required of me.  I've realized that when I keep a positive mindset, things instantly feel much more achievable, and I feel more fulfilled with what I am doing.  I think staying positive is a good look for me, and for everyone!  Sometimes we just need a reminder...

It is so important to stay positive, but we must also be grateful!  I've adopted a new ritual into my daily routine that I have found to be not only positively rejuvenating, but powerful as well.  I've started to keep a gratitude journal, and it has been such a great asset to my life.  Every night before I go to bed, I write down ten things I am grateful for, and ten things I intend to be grateful for in the future, but I write them down as if they have already happened in the present.  It keeps everything in perspective, and it keeps everything immensely positive and focused.  I always feel so happy afterwards, and I know that everyone can benefit from good energy, so I had to share what I personally do to keep my head up high!  If you try it even for just a couple days, you'll know what I mean ;)

xoxo

- K