The Retribution Principle

The first CMC Live=success. It was so much fun and I feel so good about my songs. Granted, I could hear next to nothing in the monitors so that made me just a little bit pitchy, but in rehearsals I wasn't pitchy so I'm not especially concerned that pitch will be a big issue for me, which is nice for once. Anyways, it seems like the songs were well received and that people like the overall sound I've got going so far--avoiding being just like Evanescence but with an edge that people are drawn to. I was actually more nervous for singing harmonies for Dan than for my set--and even that went really well. This week I'm playing keys and maybe organ for Tavis who is doing gospel music and then harmony and keys for Luke on one of his songs and I'm really excited for that 'cause it's a lot of fun to sing.

Tonight I've been trying to write a song for the last....three hours and this song is killing me. After three hours all I have are two....verses? Maybe they'll be chorus's. I don't even know--that's how little I've accomplished. But I just....feel something great happening in this song. It's about the retribution principle (the idea that the righteous are always blessed and the wicked are always punished etc) and what happens or what to do when that doesn't prove to be true in our lives and how that (can) change our view of God. It's a booger to write. But I've been thinking that Retribution Principle could be a sweet name for a band--my band--since most of my songs are about what life is like when the Retribution Principle doesn't hold true. Which is almost always.

Well. That's about all for now I think.

What the Cop?

Well three rehearsals later and I'm really starting to like these songs! My band is great and Warren had some good suggestions during hammer time today. Tomorrow is sort of a day off for me--no rehearsal. But then rehearsal again Wednesday and then the show on Thursday. Anyways, I just wanted to share what Chris Belcher (drummer) wrote in his blog today. I don't mean it in an I'm-so-great way, but it was encouraging to read that other people like playing my music:

"Overall though, I love playing Karissa's music. Warren asked if she was going for the Evanescence feel, which is about right. Her vocals are incredible and her piano playing is so enticing and just so easy to play for. Plus the musicians in that band are just rocking and everything we are doing is fitting together so nicely. "


Yeah. That makes me wanna keep writing and keep getting better. Side note--a bunch of us were at one of the guys apartments playing Fish Bowl and the lady upstairs called the cops 'cause we were being too loud for 10:30 pm apparently. Whoops. I felt bad, but I mean really she could have just come asked us to be quiet once. Oh well.

Anyway. Looking forward to the show on Thursday!

Developing A Sound

A common question the last few days as the artist-manager pairing process has been taking place has been what my goals are for the semester. What do I want out of the program? It's been harder to answer than you might think.

I'm not sure that I'm necessarily here to kick-start a career.
I don't know that I want music to be my career. I mean, if things head that way, great. But if they don't, that's okay because I'm content doing music as my hobby and passion. I was talking with a friend here the other night and he said that the appeal of fame for him isn't about money, status or being known, but simply the recognition of passion. I think that is true for me too. I just want people to know I'm passionate about music--my close friends, the ones who really matter, can know that without me having a big career in music.

I want to be a good songwriter.
I want to know why a certain spot in my song sucks, and how to fix it. I want to write good songs because writing songs is how I say the things I can't actually say. It's how I process. And I want it to be good. I don't need to write good songs because I'm all about sharing them with the world, I need to write good songs because I'm all about finding the best way to export all that takes place in my heart and mind.

I want to find "my sound".
My music has always just been my voice and the piano parts I write. But that's not a style or a sound--it's a scratch, the beginnings. I'm so stinkin' excited to be getting a band together and playing and letting us all collaborate to find what works best. Currently, I'm thinking of something edgy/rock/Evanescense-Amy Lee oriented. And I'm stoked about it.

Rehearsals for CMC Live shows start this weekend. I'm finding my niche of people--and it's a good one, I feel good friendships forming--people I feel comfortable around which is nice. Side note--Nashville gets 1/2" of snow and everyone freaks out. Lame. And--they ran out of salt so the road by my apartment isn't salted...just nice and icy and on a hill. Awesome.

I've met some incredible people and been to some unbelieveable places--like Blackbird Studios (the best studio in the world) and Emac studios, Reggie Hamm, Jason Halpbert, Nathan Lee...it just goes on and on and on...

Well. That's all there is for now.

We All Suck

The silence has been broken. The first CMC showcase of the semester was tonight and I feel good about it. I feel like it was a good representation of me, and of who and where I am musically. The showcase is a two-night event where all of the artists play two songs solo to kind of, well, showcase themselves. The executives are busy taking notes etc and though I don't know for sure yet, I have a feeling that we will be getting those notes back and a sort of channel for feedback etc. Anyway, I was definitely very, very nervous to go but I just tried to listen to everyone before me without comparing myself to them, owning MY music and MY voice and MY style. And once it was my turn I just let loose and did my thing. And it felt good. And let's be real--now I'm out there. People know who I am, what I sound like, and are free to do with that what the will. But there is no more big question mark above my head and that has got to be the biggest sigh of relief I've felt since getting here.

Also. Let me just tell you. They've got an original Hammond and Leslie, and original Wurlitzer, and over $36,000 in speakers/subs alone just for the main stage. Double of all guitar amps so one set stays on main stage and one in the studio. Two drum sets--one vintage and the other the most expensive one Guitar Center had at the time. Recording mics worth thousands. Lights that will blow your mind. And a cute mascot dog. Seriously---the place is filled beyond believe with everything you could possibly want.

Last thing. First night of orientation, Warren ends with this: "I know what each one of you is thinking. Seriously, because there is only one question in each of your minds and that is 'Do I suck?' and the answer is YES, you ALL suck. But we are here to turn down the suckometer. We're professionals at it, it's what we do."

I'm feeling good. I'm feeling forward motion. I'm feeling a little more settled and ready to get going. Yep, this was a good decision.

Here I Come

Nashville. Is. Coming. In ten days to be exact.

In some ways I am terrified. I have very few details concerning what my life will actually be like once I get there. I know logistical things, but I am clueless as to what it will actually BE like. I don't know if I will feel success when it's all said and done. I don't know what my day in, day out life will look like. It's a big unknown.

For so long I was actually sad about going to CMC. I thought about all the things I'd be missing in my last semester at CCU--the musical, choir tour, O'Malley's, School of Music Gala, friend's recitals, all of my friends and the good times we'd have hanging out. But then in a few days I'd get excited thinking about getting to go to musician disney land; several months immersed in the industry, writing music and recording it. Ultimately I've decided that there is no better way I'd like to spend my last semester as a college student. Regardless of whether I "succeed" or not--it is going to be a TON of fun--and that's half of what college is about. Fun, experiences, things you can't do again at any point in life. This is going to be fun, a phenomenal experience, and nothing will ever be quite like it. It's completely worth giving up my last semester for.

There are still a lot of unknowns. I know there are going to be times I am going to miss my friends at CCU and wish I was back for choir tour and recitals etc. But I also know than when all is said and done I will have made the best decision by going.

Nashville--get ready, I'm coming.