The other day I met up with a fantastic producer and engineer who has worked with quite a few big-name projects for a number of years (for some reason I feel I shouldn't mention his name, though maybe it doesn't matter?  I guess I'll be mysterious... ;))  He kinda rocked my world in a couple of ways, which of course I'll relay to you RIGHT NOW...

First off, this guy was generous, genteel, gracious, just all-around great and probably some other complimentary "G" words... all of which completely blew my preconceived notion of a big-time music producer from LA right out of the water.  He was just amazing, to take the time to meet with me as he did, take the time to seriously sit down with my music and give me feedback on it, and share some of the stories and tidbits he has about various artists he's worked with in the studio.  Made me realize that, really, perhaps people at that level in the music industry aren't annoyed with you and your communication efforts; rather, maybe they REALLY WANT to discover something new and great!  At least, that's how this guy came across to me, open to new possibilities and actively seeking them out.  Amazing and awesome.

Second, I feel that he gave me real critical feedback on my music, from his very respectable professional perspective.  And let me just say, how valuable is that?  I am VERY grateful for the things he pointed out to me, the directions he suggested I explore, etc.  He assured me that, the reason he was giving me feedback of this nature and even taking the time with me at all was because he felt as though I was worth the effort (and right now as I type this, that thought makes my toes curl with utter glee!  HA!)  He even assured me, upon parting, that somehow we'd find a way to work together, and I absolutely hope that happens.

What sort of critical feedback did he give me?  Ah, now here comes the difficult part, of course.  Primarily, he suggested that I was still trying to, literally, find my own voice.  I think he feels as though sometimes I am able to lock in to a genuine place from which to sing, and in doing so, find my "real" sound as a singer... but, I'm inconsistent.  Also, he suggested that, since I have a powerful voice, I need to learn how to use it to more effect and nuance. 

Ay.  He's 100% right, I know he is.  And I have an idea, sort of, of where I need to end up with this sort of feedback, I know what a truly dialed-in singer sounds like... but how the heck do I get there?!  Ha.  Oh man.  Tall order, and a bit overwhelming... I guess I'll just put one foot in front of the other with it.

Also, he suggested now wasn't the time to record again, sorry listeners... but honestly, that's kind of a relief to me.  I have a ton of new repertoire that I'd love to get pressed, but honestly, I'm an independently-funded artist, and I am not ready to pay for a new project!  (And of course it'd have to be not only new, but improved.  ;))  So, my friends, look for me to be touring a bunch and playing out as much as I can, and writing even more new songs... and I guess you'll have to come to a live show to hear the new stuff, for the time being.

The biggest thing I have taken away from that meeting, honestly, is gratitude for the fact that someone knows I'm alive!  Someone know I'm out here, and someone is listening.  Bowl me over, I'm not just sending musical notes into a great big void in outerspace.  :D