Hi all,

We've been wanting to post an update for a long time about what is going on with YSH. As you have probably noticed, we haven't been playing very many shows since late last summer. We started recording our two new releases, an EP titled "The Mechanic" and an LP titled "Light Machine", last August, taking a short break from shows to write and record and get things ready for these two CDs to blow everyone's socks off.

In December of 2008, our beloved friend and bass player, Caleb, passed away suddenly. It was a great loss to us, his family, and the whole community of Greenwood. He was a great inspiration to everyone who knew him, and we will always miss him.
Needless to say, the tragedy took its toll on everyone in the band. We have not played a show since before we started recording, and this put us back even further emotionally. Coming to terms with the loss was one of the hardest things we have been through as a band, but we all agreed after several weeks that he would have wanted us to finish the recording and still put the CDs out as planned. Fortunately, all of Caleb's bass tracks were finished, and we are still continuing the recording process as I write this. We hope to have the EP, "The Mechanic" out this Spring as a free online download with artwork by Jamie Wolcott. She is an amazing artist, so be sure to check out her page listed in our top friends. The LP, "Light Machine", will be released in memory of Caleb and sold to benefit his family later this year.

Both of the CDs will be released under our shiny new publications company "Homemade Genius Productions", which helps independent musicians and artists get their product made and distributed professionally, whether it be a CD, book, or movie. We love helping the talented and energetic artistic population who have a message for the world but who do not necessarily have the means to publish a professional looking product. With seven musicians already on our roster, we are well on our way to releasing some amazing albums this year for your listening pleasure. Two of the musicians, Luke and Drew and Arthur Alligood, will hold their CD release party here in Greenwood, SC on April 4th! We are also compiling a list of free mp3s for download on our new website, homemadegenius.org, coming soon.

So, to those of you who were wondering, Y/our Sparkle Heart has not broken up. We have been going through some trials but we are back on our feet now. Be sure to check back for future updates and show listings.

We have just posted a song for you, called "The Father and the Light". It is a rough version, so it is not completely mixed yet, but so far we are really happy with it and we hope you enjoy.