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Lee-Ann Lovelace (just married!)



Last Updated: 12/16/2009

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Status: Single
City: Waterbury/Canton
State: Connecticut
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/27/2005

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Tuesday, April 07, 2009 

Current mood:  artistic
Hello!!

I'm going to try to become more consistent with these blog posts from now on, I promise!

First and foremost, I am living at my mother's house, taking care of her (not that she needs it too often... she's a tough broad!) and converting the basement into a rehearsal space. It is turning back into the basement it was about twelve years ago when my teenage-invested basement band (The Bernie Skates Band) graced my parents' ears with pop-punk-grunge garble. I believe that there is a remaining young energy down there that pushes me to continue practicing and learning my place in this musical world. I've got all my instruments in one place now, in one room. However, I am itching to invite others in, but I can't really do that until I've got more tunes written and the money to buy a decent PA. This is not a time to rush into a NEW band project.

In the meantime I have been swamped with band rehearsals (I'm singing with FBI, RCBB, Plastica, and Veloray), gigs, and just the time it takes to memorize new songs for each of them. Coaching lacrosse is proving to be quite a break on my ears, but not my voice!

All work related band stuff aside, I have been lucky enough to partner up with a very generous man who wants to help a starving singer. I'm not sure he wants me to reveal his name yet, but we do have a plan in place. He's written a number of songs, he's worked with many female singers, and he feels like I'm the one that fits his vision. My voice worked well with the songs he's written, and although it's much different material than anything I expected I'd be expected to sing (lol), I think it will appeal to our target audience. It's a practice in vocal restraint for me, and I actually like it!!

So we are joining forces with Gary Fulton with some of my material and some of his, and some we are writing together. We expect to be finished by October. At this point, I'm reluctant to start a new band around this material because I know how hard it is for an original band to gain any recognition in CT, but I think that as the songs come together, I may hear the covers that compliment them and build a set list from there... we'll see... I don't want to jump the gun on anything.

In addition to this project, I am finally writing the electronic music I've been wanting to write for a very long time. Funny enough, I've got this Protools MBOX, but Garage Band is easier to use, and I like the electronic sounds MUCH better. I upgraded to ILife 8, and I've got all the jam packs, so life has become much easier (thanks Gary!!). I won't bore you with software comparisons... although I'll probably mix and master in Protools or in a studio. The song writing process has been a lot of fun, and Dave's expertise in synths, mixed with my desire to build songs around hot big beats has been something exciting!

I like having the diversity of different genres. I can pick up the acoustic guitar and write on that for one purpose, then switch to the digital stuff and write for a completely different purpose. I'm not just writing to write, like I was a few months ago. Now I am really just writing for me. There are no huge promises of record deals, there is no pressure to get a record deal at the end of the day, and I don't have to sing like anyone else or write tunes similar to anyone else's.

I feel like me for the first time in a long time. I've been more relaxed and laid back than ever before, and that has actually produced more GOOD material (in my opinion) than anything I was forced to poop out in a constricted time and space. I finally feel like I couldn't care less what people think of my music, because (and I hear ghostly echoes here) if I like it, that's all that matters.

Moving on...

We've got this ten song limit on here now, so I posted the two Veloray songs that I had the biggest hand in writing (Marmalade and Medicated). If you like them, you should contact me, because I have the album, and you can donate whatever you want for it. You should also go to the veloray myspace page and listen to more, and add us as a friend. We are performing a 20 minute set in the battle of the bands at Red Door Thursday night. We've got a new line-up, and we're not certain where it'll all go, but the songs are still there, and in my opinion, that's all that matter (too many commas in that sentence, I know... run on.... ok, I'll stop).

I put up a bunch of the covers Fred produced for an old project we were a part of (Satisfied Mind - for you Tony!, Oceania, Baby Girl, Evidence, and I'll keep At Last up until I can confidently fill the page with nothing but originals...)

I've still got the old mixes of "Blue Sky," "Better Plan," and "Where Do We Go From Here" up here. I've done more recent vocal takes, but my microphone SUCKS, so even though I may sound better, there's no point posting them until I redo them (or scrap them) in a real studio. They may or may not match up on the album I'm working on... we'll see. I'm not going to sweat it either way. They are what they are unless I build them back from the ground up.

From a listener's perspective, you should download a couple of free albums -

The Damnwells have a new one out that they're offering for free online, and NIN has a new one that's also free. Go get them, because both are very good in my opinion.

That's it for now...I hope everyone is happy and healthy. Keep checking back for updates, and THANK YOU for listening!!

Peace and love,

Lee-Ann

Currently listening:
Narrow Stairs
By Death Cab for Cutie
Release date: 2008-05-13
3:49 PM 
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009 

Current mood:  animated
Category: Music
Dave and I made a short video called "Lee-Ann Has a Snoring Problem." I don't really snore like that in real life, but it was a fun night of filming, and Dave edited and scored it with some synth-beat-goodness.

Hope you enjoy!!



I've got some other YouTube videos floating around as well....

This one is FBI in Berlin at Ultimate Billiards... it's the end of "What I Got" into "Monkey Back" by Beth Hart into "Tempted" by Squeeze. Thanks to John K for taping and posting!





Enjoy!!

And here's a site you definitely need to check out. http://www.umop.com

This guy is brilliant!
3:40 PM 
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Tuesday, December 09, 2008 

Current mood:  giddy
Category: Music

Hello friends, fans, fam,

I haven't written a blog on here in a long time, and I'm probably due.

I figure I might as well fill you in on some news!

I've taken some of the pressure off of myself recently as far as the writing process is concerned, and ironically, I've been writing more than ever before! After moving back into the house I grew up in a month ago, I started clearing out the basement, making room to build a studio/rehearsal space.  I've got all the peace in the world here during the day to listen to music, play guitar and sing as loud as I want, and write at least a few lines down everyday.

So far I've got a bunch of new ideas that I'm slowly putting together in between memorizing songs for all the bands. I've got some incredible collaborations I've been working on as well; I couldn't be happier. The bands are all moving forward nicely, and I have had some of the best times of my life with them this year. I just went back and looked through the picture archives of all the shows this year, and for every night, there are wonderful memories with great new friends.

I sang at Westover School with the gospel choir on Sunday after memorizing my solo in two days, so I was pretty psyched about that. It was flattering to see some of my old teachers crying during the solo; I actually found it hard to open my eyes during the song in fear that I too would turn on the waterworks and ruin the song.... better work on that. lol.

There are lots of great shows coming up in the next couple of months. I heard that the Cambridge House is already totally booked for New Year's Eve, and I cannot wait, seeing as ringing in the New Year has been something I've been waiting for almost all this year.

I again want to thank everyone for your support through this year of great loss, great change, and yet tremendous hope. I finally have time to put some burned CD's together, so if you would like to donate me anything at all, I would love to send you some stuff that is Lee-Ann... even if you don't have anything to donate, I will send you something anyway, so just e-mail me.

For any and all donations, my mailing address is: 

Lee-Ann Zarrella

305 Robinwood Rd.

Waterbury, CT 06708

Just make sure your address is on there, and I'll send you a package of music, pics, and maybe even some randoms....

Much love to all!!!!!!!!!!

Lee-Ann

5:56 PM 
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 

Current mood:  cold
Ten stupid things you probably don't know about me or even care to know.... as I repeatedly sing 80's tunes in an effort to memorize all of the lyrics in their proper meter and order. Getting off book is the technical term.

1) My feet get really cold really easily. I need to wear warmers when I coach so my toes don't go numb. I wear socks to bed, but they always fall off... I fish about 3 or 5 of them out when I change the sheets.

2) I laugh at roadkill. Seriously. Except deer... it's sad to see dead deer. They're cute.

3) Trip Hop music will be hot for the rest of eternity... the same mix tapes I made in high school are still just as hot now.

4) My favorite love song is still "Everything I do, I Do For You" by Bryan Adams... "Fields of Gold" is a close second place though. Sting rules.

5) I wrote and sang my first song in first grade. I was in love with an 8th grader named Drew... his last name is too hard to spell. I wrote a song for him about how much I loved him; the girls in my class dragged me to the 8th grader section of the schoolyard and made me sing it for him. It was the scariest moment of my life (cept that time i got knocked out and mugged.. managed to get away without a dent on my car...)

6) I have reoccurring dreams of planes/helicopters crashing near me/while I am on them. Once I dreamt of this gigantic shuttle-like vehicle flying over my mom's house and crashing over Waterbury. THAT was scary. No... aliens did not come running out of it, but that would have been a cool twist.

7) I have "fat thumbs" <--the actual term in the medical books ... 1/130 people have my thumbs. I call them my clubs. I also have an eyebrow that grows straight up (my left one)... it's a bitch to take care of, but I manage. I know this is three things in one, but the other weird thing is that my brother PJ has a dark birthmark on his side, and I have an identical one that you can't see until it doesn't tan... it's like there's no pigment there... well, it tans a little, but it is always lighter than the rest of the skin. We're ten years apart in age... I thought only twins had that kinda thing happen... Sorry PJ.

8) July 4th is my favorite holiday. I get to watch/hear pretty (and sometimes legal) explosives with my friends I hate Christmas. It's such a corporate farce.

9) I want to live in Seattle, or at least somewhere in the Northwest before I die. It is absolutely beautiful there. If I ever get a real job again, or if the better option of getting a deal of some sort arises, I will travel every chance I get. I used to jump in my car (my best friend who after 7 years is still unnamed) and drive any distance to visit friends... now I'm afraid a tie rod will snap or the tranny will die... I just hit 230,000 miles!!! My 93 Integra SE has been the most reliable friend I've ever had...knock on wood. God I love that car! Everyone I know has a story about it - feel free to comment your story! lol... Nicole named my last car Penopelie ... that was a great car too!!

10) I hate winter. I hate cold weather. I shouldn't make this last one a somber one, but seriously, cold weather is just shit. I want to wear shorts/skirts and tank tops everyday for the rest of my life. I don't want to close the windows or turn on the heat, ever. Period. 80 degrees everyday please. Please??!?!


Soooo anyway, as far as the singing goes.... Well, FBI winning the Grand Band Slam was beyond cool. The opportunity to sing at Black Eyed Sally's was one I always wanted since the first time I walked in there. Our friends/fans are the best!! The best part is that the venue asked us back!! It's just an awesome place... the food rocks, the atmosphere is friendly, and there is always room on the dance floor. The paintings rule too. We're playing at The Downtown Cafe in Bristol this Friday, and you should come. I promise I'll be on my best behavior!!! Not!

The outdoor summer gigs that I did with The Rubber City Blues Band were awesome. I never thought I'd play to a bigger crowd than the one at the Mohegan Sun Battle of the Bands two years ago, but it happened. Thank the gods for horns! RCBB is a ton of fun, and they're awesome guys to work with!!

I joined Plastica and The No Cheez Orchestra right about the same time (about a month ago), and I'm loving both bands. Ronnie has to be one of the most talented people around. He surrounds himself with awesome players and he never gives up on his dreams. Someone needs to do a documentary on the man. He's got something special.

Plastica- well, I don't think I've ever had more fun. They are incredible players, but they're also hilarious and so much fun to just hang with. The song choices are awesome, and they dig Rush. You can't go wrong with guys that like Rush...and can PLAY Rush. We're playing at The Downtown Cafe this Wednesday at open mic. Come!


Veloray's album is starting to spread far and wide, and we've got high hopes for it. If you haven't added Veloray yet, please please please do it. It's such a different sound; if I wasn't on the album, I'd probably love it even more because i wouldn't be analyzing every note that comes out of my mouth. I think that's why "Float" is my favorite song... I can just enjoy it.... plus it's effing brilliant and beautiful.


L-A solo is a continuous process. I'm trying to write when I'm not learning tunes for any of the bands, and although Gary and I have really tight schedules, there is a clear vision; one I like.... and the future looks bright. I don't trust my own writing yet, and I think that's one of my biggest problems. I've put 5 originals up here, and they seem to do well.... I don't know. I won't know till I finish them, even though I'm more focused on writing new things right now. So in my scattered state of determination meets the need to pay rent meets a need for closure on the tunes Fred and I wrote for Paul Leka, I still sleep well at night knowing I am finally doing what I love.

I don't miss teaching. I do miss painting and drawing and just plain old writing(I guess that's why I blog). I miss playing indoor soccer 2-3 nights a week(but I get to play b/c I coach it!!). I still miss my father, everyday. I miss my Uncle John, and I find myself always worrying about the health of everyone around me. I worry about not having any health insurance and a consistent weekly income, but somehow I've managed to never spend more than what I can afford, ever. There are people in my life who do not understand how I live so frugally, and I don't think they'll ever get it. I've come to accept that. If I get too low before my next coaching check, I'll sub a couple of days a week... I don't want a house and kids yet... but I do want a chance to sing outside of CT. I think that's a fair goal....

Well, I'm going to get back to my studies! lol... hopefully I'll have time to work on this song I've been writing next weekend...

Thanks again for all of you continued support. I've got fans and friends on here that I want nothing more than to meet someday if I'm ever given the chance. You all give me the morale and support to make this crazy train roll along.

Peace and good health to everyone!

Lee-Ann
Currently listening:
Greatest Hits
By Journey
Release date: 2006-08-01
12:07 PM 
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Friday, October 17, 2008 

Current mood:  anxious
I may have blogged some of these before...

I feel more productive in sharing them
rather than just sitting here trying to find inspiration from them...



I love her. She doesn't miss a note and she means every word.


This one reminds me of my love for academia.... no, I haven't forgotten my will for the highest degrees. It also reminds me of things in my own life... Figures she co-wrote this with Beck.



Her signature song gets me every single time... Thanks Girard!!!




Beth Hart is not human.





Trent is still the hottest man on the planet: This is still my favorite NIN nails song.



No live version translates as well as the original for this one...




And seriously... I"m ready to write..... wish me luck.
10:56 PM 
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Friday, September 05, 2008 

Current mood:  grateful
Hello Everyone!

I haven't blogged in a long time because I've been so busy... have a few minutes here so I figured I'd catch you up on the news!

1) THANK YOU for your votes for The Hartford Advocate Grand Band Slam! The Funk Brokers, Inc. (FBI) WON for best Funk/Fusion and will be playing our showcase of funk covers on September 25th in Hartford. The details are coming soon!

2) As of last night, I have officially joined The No Cheez Orchestra, and I'm in the woodshed right now learning an array of very complicated songs! It's a challenge and an honor to be working with Ronnie Neuhauser and his band of incredible musicians. I'm also VERY psyched to be singing WITH Trish Radil, who is absolutely one of my favorite local singers!

3) So I'm in 4 bands right now, which I never would have imagined 4 years ago, but this is what I want, this is who I am, and I want to be busy doing what I love. I am proud of the fact that one band is funk, one is blues, and is progressive and one is alt-country/folk/rock. I'd always been a better listener than a performer, and now that the tables have turned, I like having this diversity in my life. I used to pride myself on my appetite for different genres, and now I get to sing them... what more could I ask for??

4) Veloray is going to play at Marbledale Pub next Saturday the 13th, and it just so happens that this night is also the eve of my birthday, so we're throwing my birthday bash that night! Everyone is obviously invited, and I really hope you can make it out to support! The album is finished being MASTERED, and now the work to promote and shop it is in order. We will raise the funds for printing through gigs, so your support at these shows means much more than you could ever know... seeing as we're broke musicians and all... every dollar at the door counts.

5) So my original album - we ARE going to finish it on our own (Fred and I), and I am starting a different project with my trusted friend Gary. I don't know what I'm going to do with my stuff yet, but it would be huge closure to have a final copy instead of a bunch of rough mixes. New songs are in the works with Gary, and I cannot wait to start working on them...So I guess I might as well put it out there that if you are a song writer and would like to submit for me, feel free.... i don't know who would want to do that... but hey... I don't have much of a filter anymore.

Thanks again for all of your support! I'll be at The Downtown Cafe in Bristol with FBI tomorrow night and I hope you can make it out to that as well.... the place has been remodeled inside and looks great!

If I don't see you, have a great weekend!

Much love,

Lee-Ann
1:54 AM 
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Friday, August 22, 2008 

Current mood:  blissful

Here it is!!!

 

Hope to see you Friday night for the big comeback show!!

 

From The Republican American today!!!

MUSIC

" Veloray back from pause that refreshed"

"Sometimes a sabbatical can refresh and re­new.

And that's exactly what it did for Veloray.

The local band took a year off to work on individual musical pursuits and members have re­united with a new-found pur­pose.
The group features Lee-Ann Zarrella on vocals,
Philip Beach on guitar and vo­cals,
Frederick Krug on guitar and vocals and Christopher Fo­gelstrom on drums and vocals.

Zarrella is also lead singer in the Rubber City Blues Band.

Veloray first formed in late 2005. Soon after the band had many accolades on its musical resume: 2006 WestConn Battle of the Bands winner, runner-up in the 2006 Mohegan Sun Siz­zlin' Summer Showdown, win­ner of the 2006 WRKI-FM I-95 Garage Band Challenge, and in­vitees to the 2006 Block Island Music Festival.

Now after a respite, the group is back to perform live this weekend. Veloray will take the stage at 10 p.m. Friday at Bohemian Pizza/Ditto's in Litchfield. The group invites all fans, both from the past and fu­ture, to come check out the new musical incarnation.

For more information on the band, visit www. myspace. com/veloraymusic.

Please add veloray if you haven't yet!!! Thanks friends and fans!!!

 

Much Love,

L-A

4:34 AM 
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Friday, August 08, 2008 

Current mood:  anxious

First, to everyone who voted for me and The Funk Brokers, Inc (FBI) in the Grand Band Slam, THANK YOU!!! We will find out in September who won!!  Win or lose doesn't really matter to me, I'm just psyched the band and I were nominated...

So I've got some really exciting news....

Veloray has been a question I've received from many many people, and now I can finally break the news.

As most of you know from my bio on my page, we have been working on the album for over a year now.  Well, we finished recording, and we are in the process of mixing right now. In order to raise funds for mastering, we are playing at Dittos/Bohemian Pizza (our old stompin' grounds) on August 22nd.  It's a $5.00 cover at the door. Mike O'Mara has kindly agreed to play bass for us that night, and the guy is a MONSTER player. He is not going to join the band, he is just helping us out for now. We don't plan on playing more than about a show a month because we really want to shop the album and hit the road! Our goals are set VERY high this time around, and your support is crucial!

So I really hope you can all make it out to Litchfield around 10:00 on Friday August 22.  I have never been more excited for a show! We have our setlist together, and there are 3 new originals on it and a few new covers as well. So it's off to the woodshed to get our you-know-what together, and we hope to see you then!!

In the meantime, check out my schedule because The Rubber City Blues Band is playing at Dean's in Naugy next Friday (Aug 15th), then the Jimmy Jam (Prospect VFW-Grant Lamphier of The Nones will be sitting in for Erik Krueger on geeeetar) at 6:30 on Saturday. FBI is playing Harbor Park in Middletown Saturday as well (I LOVE Harbor Park!!). 

On the personal side of things, Fred and I have moved in together in Woodbury.. so I won't be online as often for the next week or so till I get everything up and running over there. I couldn't be happier with the size and cost of the place... it's all very exciting!!!

Thanks again for all of your support!!! I have never been more excited!!

Much love,

Lee-Ann

 

Currently listening:
Cracker
By Cracker
Release date: 1992-06-29
1:42 AM 
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008 

Current mood:  stoked

THANK YOU FRIENDS AND FANS!!!!

Each member of FBI(Funk Brokers, Inc) was nominated for the Grand Band Slam as well as the band itself!!!!! Thanks to you, we have this awesome opportunity!!!!

Now the time has come to cast your votes!! The only category we are NOT in is Best Drummer, but you can write in Bob Sieracki!!!

Here are the categories again!!

Category...
Best Funk/Fusion band: Funk Brokers, Inc. (FBI)
Best Female Vocalist: Lee-Ann Zarrella
Best Male Vocalist: Chris Marolda
Best Guitarist: Jim Heetmann
Best Bassist: Dennis O'Neil
Best Drummer: Bob Sieracki - <----WRITE HIM IN
Best Horn Player: Cole Christie (sax)
Best Horn Player: Amory Lester


You only get one chance to vote from one computer (unless you close your browser and delete your cookies), and voting ends Aug 6th! If you are from out of state (or country), you may want to make sure you put your CT ZIP code in.  Mine is 06708 if  "you live in waterbury."  (I'm so bad... but many other people are offering this info, so I feel the need to offer it as well...)

This is a huge opportunity for us, and again... THANK YOU for doing this!!!

Here's the link!!!!


Rock on!

Click here to vote!

You, if you wish, could write in The Rubber City Blues Band for best Blues band too!!!! Please make sure you cast your vote for Tony Richards and The Kman Band for best original rock band!!!! They absolutely deserve that vote!!!!!!

And Vote for Article 19 for best New Band !!!

3:55 PM 
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008 

Current mood:  froggy
Category: Music

If you skip ahead to 2:28:00 you can see Philip and I performing "Silver Arrow," "Wagon Wheel," and "Satisfied Mind." This open mic is AWESOME!! There are only 10 spots, and people come as early as 5:00 to sign up.  Club Helsinki is in Great Barrington, MA, which is one of the coolest town I've ever visited. At 7:00 you pick your time slot based on the card you drew out of the deck.  It's just a great vibe, and the best part is that while each performer is up on stage, everyone really LISTENS.  You aren't background music at this club, and people actually talk to you about the songs you performed. We learned "Wagon Wheel" on the way up in the car!! lol. "Silver Arrow" is a Veloray original, and "Satisfied Mind" is our rendition...


So watch away... the other artists were great!! We are at hour 2, minute 28....


Hope you enjoy... the quality is just good enough to see and hear everything pretty well... the webmaster is a GREAT guy. I can't wait to go back sometime!



Webcast by Ustream.TV

 


Don't forget about The Rubber City Blues Band playing at Veteran's Park in Watertown, CT tonight! It's on Nova Scotia Hill Rd! 7:00PM!!

Currently listening:
Sky Blue Sky
By Wilco
Release date: 2007-05-15
5:07 PM 
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