to the left, to the left

2009-01-17T22:09:00.003-05:00

I've set up shop elsewhere, folks. I don't think I'll really be posting as much on here anymore, as I've been Tumbling for a while and really like it. You can follow me more frequently HERE: http://laurenzettler.tumblr.com

Come join me! It's pretty fun.

Goodbye, 2008. I'll miss you.

2008-12-31T20:32:00.016-05:00

A lot of people treat the New Year as a time to look forward…all the things they want to do better, all the things they would like to accomplish in the future. WELL. All my New Years plans fell through at the last minute, and I am sitting on my couch. I ate a really huge and yummy Thai dinner. I watched a movie. Maybe I’ll even bust out the bottle of Prosecco I bought with the intention of sharing. Right NOW, though, I am going to reflect on what an awesome year 2008 was.

It was the first year of being fully self-employed.

In January, I received the master copy of my EP. Actually, as I am typing this I am realizing that I don’t know where that is right now. That makes me kind of uncomfortable. Anyway, this was a big deal for me. It was the first project I really set into motion and completed, 100% on my own, outside of school and work. This was MINE. It still is.

I started playing shows in NYC. In 2007, I was working a 9-5 and getting sick with nervousness, trying to play an open mic every week. I’m pretty amazed at how far I’ve come since then. Not to pat myself on the back, but … well, yeah, I’m patting myself on the back.

So I went on this really incredible vacation in February '08. It was called the Cayamo Cruise, put on by Sixthman. It was the best vacation I have ever been on, because people like Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, and John Hiatt were there. And so was this lady:

(Brandi Carlile)

On the boat, I performed at an open mic, and even gave Ms. Carlile the first copy of my new EP. I’m going on the cruise again in 2009, but more about that when I get to the month of November's happenings.

March was equally great. I took some promo pics and built a website. I also volunteered at SXSW, spent a few weeks in Austin, and fell in love with it. I could really see myself with a house there someday. I got to play a show, too:

In April, I continued to play shows and write songs…my EP landed in the hands of someone at MTV, and I licensed my music to them in hopes that they would place it in one of their programs.

They haven’t used it yet, but it’ll happen! I know it. I'm looking at you, 2009.

In May, I opened for my friend Johanna Stahley at Baruch’s Performing Arts Center here in New York. It was the largest show I had played at that point, in a really cool venue.

I was also gifted a stylist, who took me shopping and helped me find some pants that fit really well ☺ I hate to admit it, but you always get what you pay for.

I went to Boston to play at my friend Joe Kitsch’s art show. He did the beautiful artwork for my EP, and created all of these incredible pieces inspired by the project. I wanted to pay him a lot of money and buy them all.

In June I dyed my hair red. I love it and I think I'll keep it for a while.

I also added a band member, Cameron Mizell. He teaches me new guitar chords and quizzes me on string names. He also makes my songs sound awesome. We rehearsed and wrote and got ready for one of my biggest accomplishments of 2008: my show at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles.

Yes, in July we ventured out West, and I accomplished this dream of mine. Naturally, it's now a dream of mine to return. And I know I will. Again, I'm looking at you, 2009 ;)

August brought some pretty terrible storms to Indiana. I organized a benefit concert for Indiana Flood Relief later that month, and we raised over $1300 for the Red Cross. I would definitely call it a success, and am planning on doing something similar in 2009! I had so much fun performing for people from my hometown.

September and October were full of friends and shows, family and more shows. I kept pretty busy. November brought the holidays and a songwriting contest for the cruise I spoke of at the beginning of this post. I wrote a theme song and made it to the top ten. Then I begged and pleaded for as many votes as possible, with hopes of winning first place and a spot to perform that song on the boat. I ended up getting third place, which I still consider awesome.

That brings us to the end of the year. I've been recording with Cam, and SOON SO SO SOON I will be able to share it with you!!!!

I am so grateful and blessed.

This is the longest post EVER. Happy 2008!!!! Here's to a really awesome 2009.

xo

Lauren

happy holidays!!!

2008-12-24T22:19:00.001-05:00

BROOKLYN WEEK 2008: Push It To The Max!

2008-12-16T22:49:00.002-05:00

BROOKLYN WEEK 2008: Push It To The Max!

What's that? Yes, every. single. day. I am taking the subway to way-the-hell-out-there-Bay Ridge, to record what will become my NEW EP. It's an hour each way. I have a 600-page book that I am already half-way through.

I wanted to update yesterday, but I forgot.

SO, day two...the day without water: Cameron and I "officially" finished tracking and mixing Persevere, and started tracking Call Your Bluff. Cam's building turned the water off "for repairs" from 9-2, so we did all this with little to no nourishment, trying to avoid any reason to use the bathroom. That was fun.

We also had to deal with a bunch of latency issues because Cam's equipment is old and over-worked. We pushed it to the max with the 35 tracks we had going at one point. Another reminder to try and keep things simple.

So, so far the tunes lined up for this project include the two previously mentioned, as well as Small Town Love and Killed A Man....ideally, I'd like to record two more. I'm pumped. Especially because I am doing this all myself! (myself meaning me and my bandmate, Cam). I'm really excited about it....I've learned a lot since recording my last EP.

Yay.

low-fi and feeling fine

2008-12-10T22:25:00.003-05:00

highlights of this picture include:

1) pantyhose / wire hanger pop screen
2) wash cloth drum muffler
3) $.99 twine holding kick pedal and harmonica rack to snareless snare drum w/ vintage sparkle finish
4) my rainbow socks.

Cam and I have been busy recording this month, and it looks like we'll have something to show for it early in the new year (I can't believe 2008 is so close to OVER!). I know, originally I was thinking we'd have it ready for you by the end of December...but I should have known; I spoke too soon!

Anyway, I say "low-fi" in the title of this blog, because these recordings are the definition of home-grown. If any money has been spent at all, it's been on inexpensive instruments needed to create different textures, or subway passes for me to haul my butt to middle-of-nowhere Brooklyn, where Cam lives :) I wasn't really sure what I wanted this project to turn into when we started, but it's starting to take shape, and I know that at the very least, it will be released for all of you to hear. And I can't wait. It's been over a year now since I recorded my EP, and I'm really proud of the growth that's taken place. I'm excited to share it.

So stay tuned, chippies.

Lauren

PS, "chippies" is totally an inside joke that just slipped into real-life. i'm going to leave it there.

youuuuuu did it.

2008-11-28T00:33:00.000-05:00

today felt like it was about 72 hours long. and i think that's how thanksgiving usually feels (for me, anyway). you wake up and you start cooking (er, your mom starts cooking...you watch...i'm not sure if the domesticated part of me will EVER awaken) and it takes forever and then you finally eat. eating usually takes about two minutes. but today we spent a solid amount of time around the table....my mom, dad, brother, his friend from college, my uncle, my grandparents. the conversation covered anything from the slaughtering of animals in pakistan (where my brother's friend was from) during celebratory events to corrupt government spending to arranged marriages to Obama and his blackberry. Haha, which after typing out all seem to be pretty heavy conversations, but in actuality it was quite light and humorous.

anyway, long-winded way to get to my point. and actually, i'm not sure what that is yet. oh yeah, 72 hours. after we eat, we watch football and nap (duh). then we watch Christmas Vacation because it is a tradition. We also watch this movie on Christmas Eve. It is Our movie, and I know thousands of other families love this movie too, but it still feels special to me. Clark (Chevy)=my dad, and not necessarily because they are actually that similar, but just because. I can't explain it, but I'm sure there are other people out there who understand what I mean. Sidenote: are there any other people in the world with the name Chevy?

i found out today that i am in the top three for that contest i kept writing about. so thank you to everyone who voted - honestly, thank you thank you thank you. we find out on monday who the winner is, but i am grateful for being in the top three, and being a step closer to winning, and it is all because of the awesome people i know and the awesome people who like my music.

it is easy to feel disheartened as you're trying to follow a dream that to the rest of the world seems really far-fetched. it's hard not to see it as far-fetched, yourself. it's kind of a battle, every day, against doubt. when you start to pay attention to exactly how often you doubt yourself, it's really frustrating. anyway, that's not what i'm trying to get into. i'm trying to say Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for all of your support this year....I'm getting really excited for 2009.

Love

Lauren

i still <3 taylor swift.

2008-11-25T23:52:00.003-05:00

finally edited this together. and it's kind of sloppy. i decided to do something productive with my recent taylor swift crush...so i covered one of her songs!

also, tomorrow (Wednesday) is the last day to vote for the Cayamo/Sixthman contest. If you have a heart (which, if you're reading this you certainly do), PLEASE cast a final vote for me! and pass it on to your friends!! (That's if you have a big, warm heart).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

thank you thank you thank you

Lauren

shoot the freak!

2008-11-18T22:38:00.010-05:00

I've got Cayamo on the brain. (VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! CLICK HERE)

I know I should sit down and think of a legitimate reason to blog, but I can't. I'm watching "The Girls Next Door" right now....lots of blonds and lots of boobs. They're searching for a new playmate, apparently. Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I don't know why I'm telling you all that. They're in NYC right now, which is why I started watching it, I guess. They're at Coney Island, playing this game they have where there's actually a dude, in a yard full of garbage, basically, and you have to shoot him with paintball guns. It's called Shoot the Freak. Haha. here:

That's "the freak." I'm not kidding.

K, that's my update. Haha.

xo

Lauren

an open letter to taylor swift

2008-11-11T11:28:00.004-05:00

today, you released your second album. it's called "fearless."

you are four years younger than me...but i really kind of want to be your best friend.

based on everything i've seen and read about you, you're pretty much exactly where i wish i could have been at your age. i mean personally and "spiritually". i mean...fearless. when you know something and believe in something bigger than yourself, and you chase after it because your intuition tells you it's the right thing. i'm a few years behind you in that department, but i'm on my way. your youth and humor and passion all inspire me to keep going...with hopes that one day i'll build something a quarter as great as what you've built so far.

when i was 11, i really could have used your balls. i mean, you walked into record labels practically demanding a deal when you were 11. i was climbing trees, rollerblading in the driveway and pretending to figure skate, hoping someone might see me and think i was cool. i was watching "roundhouse" on nickelodeon and "kids incorporated" on the disney channel, secretly wanting to be on them. i was laying in a bed, crying to my mom about how i felt like something was missing from my 11-year-old life, and i didn't know what it was. but i DID know. i knew way back then that being a musician was it for me. i was too scared to say something.

you write songs and you say what you want. you tell stories of an 18-year old girl, and that's why so many people like you. we can all relate to being 18. i think most of us feel like we ARE 18.

and you are so blatantly honest about your understanding of love. how badly you want it to be what you hope it will be, but at such a young age, there's a lot that still lies ahead. and you're cool with that. but you'll throw yourself fully into anything and everything that comes your way until then. because you're full of a passion for life, and you're pretty effing fearless.

so anyway, i bought your album. and i'll listen to it a lot. and when i meet you someday, i'll tell you that one day i wrote a really nerdy blog about how cool you were.

also, i'm sad because your myspace contest doesn't work for mac users :( i would have belted the crap out of "love story" if i could have.

entirely yours and not ashamed one bit,

Lauren

HELP ME PLAY WITH MY IDOLS!

2008-11-05T17:47:00.002-05:00

Hey all! I am a finalist in a contest I recently entered to perform on the Cayamo Cruise. I wrote a theme song for it and am one of ten contenders. Please vote for me! You can vote once a day per email address. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE EVERY DAY!!!!

2008-11-05T00:09:00.001-05:00

so much to do!

2008-10-23T12:05:00.003-04:00

and a lot of time to do it. yes, that's what i said.

i usually feel the complete opposite. but in reality, where's the fire? besides inside my little heart?

i've got some new ideas and projects i'm working on, and i'm excited to share them with you...but you're just going to have to sit tight for a bit, and i'm going to have to trust that you'll be here when i get back with them.

i need new music recs. any suggestions? leave me a comment, yo!

xo

Lauren

Black Skinny Jeans

2008-10-18T10:17:00.001-04:00

are what I'm wearing to my SHOW TONIGHTTTTTTTT

at Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen Street (at Houston), NYC
7pm!

I went shopping yesterday because all of my clothes are in unmarked plastic bags. (Bed bugs...you don't want them). So that was fun for me. Tonight's show will also be fun for me, and fun for YOU, because it's a big birthday party and I'm bringing cupcakes. Yes, I made them.

Please come!

Lauren

PS - a long time ago, myspace would let you send event invites to your friends in certain zipcodes. Anyone know why that doesn't work anymore? Or is it even an option anymore? It's frustrating. They really need to make that work better.

musicianwages.com

2008-10-15T18:53:00.004-04:00

now, this article to follow isn't up on the site yet, but I figured I owed you an update and this is what i've been working on lately. it'll be up soon, though, so if you're a fellow musician seeking a community of information, check it out: www.musicianwages.com

Eff It - Quitting Your Job to Pursue (insert passion here)

A little over a year ago, I was on "the path." You know, the path that the majority of the population follows because they value things like stability, monetary gain, schedule, order....many of the values that make life "easier" and manageable. I was a pretty straight arrow - honor roll in high school, good SAT scores, loads of extra curricular activities....all to get into the college of my choice. Turns out the college I ended up choosing didn't really care about any of those things as long as you could pay. Welcome to the Real World, they said.

I went to a music school and landed a gig at Universal Music Group in NYC immediately after graduation. I quickly got caught up in the measurement of "success" - the more money you make, the faster you make it, the higher you climb on some invisible ladder....I thought, as a musician, that if I worked in the INDUSTRY, it would be enough. If i was connected in SOME WAY, I would be happy. If you're a musician and you're reading this article, chances are you know what I mean when I say I was fooling myself. A musical instrument a computer does not make (in the nine-to-five sense). Meetings are not like rehearsals. The hours might actually be BETTER, but it feels soooooooo much worse.

It took me 22 years, a $120,000 education, and a crappy job to wake me up and be honest with myself. It might take you more, it might take you less. What you do afterward, that's what really counts. Here's where things get tricky.

Remember when you were five, and all the adults would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? And you said something like "doctor" or "lawyer" or "actress" or "rock star"? And the response to all of those possibilities was basically the same - they would ooh and ahh over the possibility and encourage you to do whatever you wanted, because when you're five, anything is possible. I can't quite figure out when this turns into something else - when we lose our child-like imagination and enthusiasm. Probably around the same time we find out Santa Claus doesn't come down our chimneys every Christmas.

As we get older, people scoff at such "ridiculous" ideas, and we become quickly discouraged, willing to settle for something "close" or "more attainable." For a lot of people, that's okay. They have families and they enjoy their co-workers and social lives, and all is well. For others, it's different (not better, not worse). I cry jealous tears every time I go to a concert. I feel uneasy when I know I am not doing what I want to do. I live in a constant state of depression if I am not working towards the goal that has lived inside my heart since I was five years old. I don't know why this is for sure, but I have a feeling that it has something to do with being aware, being present, aligning myself with the world around me, and believing in myself.

There are a lot of people out there who might read this and say "Yeah, I'd LOVE to quit my job that I hate and do what I love. But I have responsibilities. I need to make money. I can't just go off pursuing some pipe dream at the expense of everyone around me." I hear you. I get that. And there's really nothing concrete that I can say to you to make you believe and trust that when you follow your heart and work your butt off, everything falls into place. I mean, that last sentence is pretty much it. I can tell you that this is the truest thing I have ever learned, but it won't make one difference if you don't believe it for yourself.

This world is tricky, and if you're someone who needs physical, concrete information before you make a decision, well, maybe the office is the best place for you. And that's completely supported, encouraged, and admired. I, however, felt like I was constantly at odds with myself. And I knew, deep down, that I had to make a change. I knew it like I knew my first name, and I can't describe it any other way.

SO. How did I do it? The honest answer is that it doesn't matter. How I did it and how you may do it will be completely different, for obvious reasons. There is no instruction manual when you are trying to pursue such complex goals that are tied directly to who you are.

"Great, thanks for all the help."

I know. It's annoying. I'll humor you. I made the decision to quit my job six months before I actually did. I saved every penny I could. I got organized, read a lot, wrote a lot, tested the waters when I met people, introduced myself as a musician instead of "assistant to the SVP of blah blah blah" - I worked on BELIEVING in what I was about to do. I networked my butt off. I thought A LOT about what I wanted my life to look like. I started researching music-related things I could do to make money. I thought about setting up a studio to teach piano lessons, but decided against it, because I don't WANT to be a teacher. And to be effective, that job would have had to take up as much time as my old one did.

This networking led me to where I am now. Do I make a lot of money? Not yet. Am I famous? Not yet. Am I successful? Yes. Am I surviving? Yes. Am I happy? Happier than I have ever, ever been. In that way, I am the wealthiest person I know.

So that money thing. That's probably peaked your interest. How the heck do I live in NYC without a "real job"? I'll tell you what. Maybe I haven't sold 1,000 CDs this year. Maybe I don't get paid for half the gigs I play. Maybe I'm not famous or on PerezHilton.com. But I know people, and those people know me. They know what I am capable of. I network my butt off, and they hire me to do things for them. I work my hardest, and they tell their friends. I am not a jingle writer, but the majority of my income has been because of such projects, projects I didn't even have to ASK for. So fine, writing a song for someone's 70th birthday party isn't what I'd like to do for the rest of my life. But it pays the bills, and it makes someone else really, really happy. AND it involves playing, writing, and performing music. That's WAY more specific than involving "the industry" like my last job.

What more can you really ask for? It beats a job that doesn't really make ANYONE happy.

I also have a great living situation. I have three roommates. I share a bedroom. I hardly ever take the subway. I walk everywhere. I get my hair cut twice a year. I make sacrifices I am willing to make. This doesn't mean you have to share a bedroom with some dude named Frank that you met off Craigslist. You just have to get creative and weigh your options. If taking a part-time job at Guitar Center will help you towards living in your own room, so be it. There's nothing wrong with that. You're still pursuing your dream. I babysit sometimes a few days a week so that I can go buy a pair of Diesel jeans if I want to.

I'm young. I have all the years ahead of me to mess up and rebound again. That's probably why making such a decision was relatively easy for me. But that doesn't mean that you can't do it in your thirties, forties, fifties. I can't really explain to you in this article how I know that, but I KNOW it. If you are positive, if you work hard, and if you believe in yourself when no one else does, you have all the tools to get you through to the next day. And the day after that. And before you know it, all of your days are full of things you love to do.

There are a few rules that I live by every day. 1) Be present in everything you do. 2) Be grateful for everything you have. 3) Don't ever let money be the sole deciding factor in what you do or don't do.

You may have to live paycheck to paycheck, but the more comfortable you get with that idea, the easier it is. The money always comes. I don't know how, but I know why. It's because I need it to and I believe it will. And because I am smart, hard-working, and passionate.

Everything falls into place when you are aligned with your desires and beliefs and passions. You'll see.

i'm here, i'm here

2008-10-03T13:52:00.002-04:00

I think it's like when you go away, you feel like the time passes quickly and it's no big deal, but if you leave someone behind, they feel the days pass like the earth has stopped rotating; it feels like an eternity.....

well, even though I was the one that went away, I ended up feeling like the person left behind. Long story short, YOU may not have missed me at all, but I sure did miss you.

So anyway, I'm back, but not quite in working order...so give me until Monday to get back in the saddle.

If you were a musician and just getting started, and someone offered you a lot of money with no attachments or directions, how would you put it to use to further your career?

Here it is....

2008-09-10T20:59:00.006-04:00

LIVE IN L.A. FREE DOWNLOAD!

Click below:

hello lovelies

2008-09-05T14:30:00.003-04:00

greetings from the busiest starbucks in nyc. seriously, wtf. i can hardly breathe in here.

i'm working from here today because i can't be in my apartment for the next five hours or so...the exterminators came again today to try and get rid of our bed bugs. i apologize to anyone who has spoken to me within the past two or three weeks. it's consuming my life, this bed bug situation. i cannot describe to you how difficult it has been and how disgusting it is. and how CREEPY. the psychological effects alone are just ridiculous. i've been sleeping about five hours a night, with the lights on, wrapped in a newly-washed blanket....long pants, long sleeves....all in an effort to avoid getting more bites. i've probably had about 20 so far, and as;ldfjaslfkjsdflakjsdfsdf i'm just so over it. with everything i have going on right now, too - it really couldn't be WORSE timing. it's not the most convenient thing, to live out of plastic bags (in the hopes of suffocating any bugs that *may* have found a home in your clothing).

whatever, it could always be worse, right? enough complaining.

*NEWSFLASH*

I recorded the show I played at the Hotel Cafe in L.A. last month..er, in July, GEEZ where did August go???? Anyway, it's going to be available as a FREE DOWNLOAD in the next few days, so watch out - I'll post the link here shortly! It's not the best quality ever...and naturally, there were mistakes made. But hey, I'm human, and I think it's cool that I got to record it. SO. It's not the whole concert, but a good little taste.

*NEWSFLASH*

New recordings! I've been working on stuff with the awesome Cameron Mizell (www.cameronmizell. com), and our little projects are turning out really great. I just put up a new song on MySpace - it's called "Amuse Bouche (Small Town Love)" and I really, really like it. Thanks to Cameron for the sweet sweet guitar riff that regularly gets stuck in my head. Watch out.

Okay, this is getting long, so I'll sign off. I really need to go to the bathroom, but I don't want to lose my seat by packing everything up and taking it with me. But I always get nervous that it'll get stolen! what to do, what to do. I like how I can never decide whether or not to use capitals. sorry to all your grammar/spelling/capitalization nazis out there. love ya.

Lauren

BAOM

2008-09-03T00:04:00.001-04:00

I have a featured page on BAOM.NET! Check it out: HERE

AND "Over My Head" is their song of the week! CLICK HERE!

on blogging

2008-08-25T12:59:00.002-04:00

last night I went to ASSSSCAT, and Sarah Silverman told a story about a family member. And then came back later to say that she had been thinking about that story and felt bad about telling it, so if we HAD TO BLOG ABOUT IT (and she knows we'll just HAVE TO), to use code. I think this is hilarious. Because the fact of the matter is that I bet a majority of the people in that room have SOME TYPE of blogging outlet. And that is crazy....that we all think that someone out there might actually be interested in what we have to say....and what's even crazier is that it's probably true. I love landing upon a random blog from a random person, and if it steps a few lines outside of the "this is what i did/ate/said today" then I might actually revisit it.

The music industry is like this, too. And i think about that often. Now, anyone can be a musician. Anyone can record something in their apartment, anyone can upload that to the internet and anyone can sell a track for as much as they want and possibly make money off of it. Because of this, there's a lot more crap to sift through, and I hate thinking about the fact that someone might consider what I do a part of that crap they have to sift through (so i don't think about that very often). I'm not even sure what my point is here, but i feel like i just climbed a mountain and now I'm at a plateau, trying to figure out which mountain to climb next. And I don't really know the answer. So I'm blogging. Because I know I can do that, and someone will probably read it.

ps, video blog coming, i promise.

...i have bed bugs...

2008-08-21T21:49:00.000-04:00

...seriously. i know i owe everyone a video blog and an update, but right now my time is consumed with wrapping things in plastic and trying to save my mattress! i'll be back in working order soon. i hope.

xo

Lauren

SUCCESS

2008-08-16T16:26:00.002-04:00

I'll post a proper blog and send out a proper update when I get back to NY this week, but I'd just like to let everyone know that we raised a whopping $1300 for the Indianapolis Red Cross (and Indy Flood Relief!)

I had an absolute blast. It was overwhelming seeing so many people I hadn't seen in a long time, and meeting so many new ones! Thank you to everyone who came....it's things like this that make me think about moving home :) I come from a great place!

xo

Lauren

chilling in ATL

2008-08-13T11:51:00.000-04:00

chilling in ATL
hotlanta? is that the slang term for atlanta now? i didn't feel cool enough to try and use that.

i'm sitting in the airport. i thought i was being all smart by trying hard to remember my "boingo" username and password and sneaking some internet somehow, but now I think they just charged me money with whatever information of mine they had on file.

anyway, i'm on my way to Indiana to play my first show ever at home. it's kind of a weird thing - i'm actually terrified to do it. the people that will be there are all my best supporters - people who have believed in me from the beginning and would probably encourage me to become a deep sea diver, astronaut, or garbage collector if i said it was what would make me happy. anyway, i'm nervous. annnnnnd i'm bored in the airport, so i'm sharing that information with you.

someone let their dog out of their crate on the plane. a little poodle. it was walking up and down the aisles like no big deal, and when the flight attendant tried to find the owner, no one would claim it!

k. catch ya later.

Lauren

PS if you're in Indianapolis, the show is from 7-9 in the Kingswood Cul De Sac in Carmel! I'll probably play from 7:30-8:30. And my little bro may make an appearance, as well :) aw.

naked wednesdays

2008-08-10T00:50:00.001-04:00

dear internet

2008-08-09T17:22:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with me?

ehhhhhhhh it's been an exhausting 48 hours or so, with some highs and some lows, just trying to chug along strong while I try and figure out what's going on around here. I don't want to complain, so I won't, but I will say that I'm having an awful hard time concentrating. That means I'm having a hard time working. Which then means that I'm pretty much not doing anything. Could call me a waste of space.

Weekends are great, because it usually means I'm in my apartment all by myself. I can do whatever I want. Sing as loud as I want, take as long of a shower as I want, watch whatever I want on the television. If I were smart, I would recognize that the peace and quiet means a better work environment. Well, I am smart, and I DO recognize it. I just choose to ignore that thought pattern and numb my brain because it's feeling overwhelmed with all of the "work" possibilities! There is so much to do when you're doing your own thing. Endless possibilities. There's no task master sitting in an office telling you what to get done and what can wait until Monday. It's just all there. ALL THE TIME. Which is why most Friday and Saturday nights you'll find me at home, in my pajamas, figuring out which project to tackle next....not at a bar or a party, consuming things that will make my work day that much harder next time the sun rises. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's fun a lot of the time.

Anyway.

This blog is merely another outlet for me to procrastinate, when I have this list of things To Do staring me square in the face. I don't wannnnnaaaaaa.

Some days, I really just want something to fall into my lap. I know. I know. It doesn't work like that. Well, it DOES work like that sometimes, but usually it's because you worked hard for a certain period of time, and the rewarding result of that hard work is whatever it is that falls into your lap. Even though it didn't REALLY "fall into your lap." I know what I mean.

Hotel Cafe show :)

2008-08-05T11:11:00.003-04:00

Well, Folks, I'm back East again. My West Coast visit was a great one, but I'm happy to be home.

It's such a strange thing, when you're working towards a goal and then it comes and goes so quickly. Just reminds me that everything I do is made up of small, equal steps, and no feat is necessarily bigger than any other, whether it's playing the Hotel Cafe or buying bread at the grocery store. I'll spare the you the play-by-plays, but we played a successful 45-minute set which was recorded by Cynthia, the person doing sound that night. Sounds good - I put up a sneak peak a few days ago, so take a listen. I think I'll try and master/mix it a little bit and give it away to folks who want it. Maybe make it a little art project or something, made with an extra bit of love. That's what it's all about, after all.

LA really is the land of celebrity. Which is so funny. I saw the high asian girlfriend from superbad, my guitar player saw drew carey, i also saw hayden p. and kristin bell on the set of heroes. such a small world. We tried to take advantage of all the stuff to do...went hiking, went drinking, went to in-n-out burger (though I didn't eat there....vegetarian and all), got lost a few times, dropped my phone in the toilet (that's always a great thing), went to a flea market, went shopping......i'm exhausted!

k. time to tackle my suitcases.

xo

Lauren

and I'm BACK

2008-08-03T00:22:00.002-04:00

...almost. I have to go to a wedding in CT first. THEN I'll be back.

L.A. was great...had a ton of fun and fulfilled a dream...time to pack up the bags and get back to the grind, remembering that every small step is equally important in this grand scheme of life i'm trying to lead.

it's 12:30 a.m. but i'm still on west coast time, baby. looks like i'll be up for a few more hours :)

it's become apparent that I really need an iPhone. As a professional musician, I kind of think it's imperative. Anyone want to buy me one? On top of that, I REALLY need a new laptop. This tinker is dying a fast death.

Love Lets Go

2008-07-23T17:46:00.001-04:00

Bitter End Show

2008-07-16T11:01:00.004-04:00

Sooooo last night's show was good. It felt a little weird, but the feedback I received was great! Here are a few shots....the first picture is with a family vacationing in NYC from France. They found my website and decided to make MY SHOW one of their vacation experiences...I was beyond flattered, humbled, and flat out amazed. How awesome.

The incredible Cameron Mizell joined me for this show and will be with me on Thursday as well at Rockwood. ANDDDDDDD he's coming with me to L.A. for my Hotel Cafe gig. This is a great, great thing.

testing

2008-07-14T10:24:00.001-04:00

click to listen

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun/Love is a Battlefield Cover

2008-07-13T19:42:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Having some fun with cover possibilities...happy Sunday :)

i heart great songwriters.

2008-07-13T12:29:00.001-04:00

vote!

2008-07-11T16:54:00.001-04:00

survey of sorts

2008-07-08T23:21:00.003-04:00

via snellycat

i am: i am. that's all.

i think: too much sometimes.

i know: i am exactly where i need to be. sometimes i don't believe it (or want to believe it), but i know it.

i want: to play and write music for a living. living = enough money to live in nyc.

i have: everything i need.

i wish: i was more patient.

i hate: static electricity.

i miss: indiana. but i wouldn't move back there.

i fear: failure.

i feel: really great most days. really awful some days.

i hear: my cat scratching at my door.

i smell: food my roommate just ordered.

i crave: adventure and challenge.

i search: for the truth in every situation. honesty is the best policy.

i wonder: where i'll be in ten years.

i regret: having regrets. i try my hardest not to.

i love: walking the city streets at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning....before new york's day really starts.

i ache: when i hear brandi carlile sing.

i care: a lot less about what other people think than i used to. this makes me happy.

i always: check the late-night show line up to see what musicians are performing each night.

i am not: who you think i am. maybe i'm not who i think i am.

i believe: in myself. i really do. because if i don't, no one else will. or should.

i dance: ALL THE TIME. but only when no one is watching me.

i sing: ALL THE TIME. because it's my life.

i don't always: know why things happen the way they do, but i do know whatever happens is supposed to happen.

i fight: for what i believe in.

i write: letters, lyrics, blogs, music.

i win: because i am making things happen for myself.

i lose: myself in a good song for weeks on end.

i never: say never.

i confuse: my definition of success.

i listen: all the time. i've always been a good listener, because i'm not much of a talker.

i can usually be found: playing my guitar, in front of my computer. multi-tasking.

i am scared: that i will put too much pressure on myself for my show at the hotel cafe.

i need: to be heard.

i am happy about: going to L.A. at the end of the month. And then coming back.

Call Your Bluff

2008-07-07T00:05:00.001-04:00

As part of my new "works-in-progress" podcast series :)

heading west...

2008-07-01T22:36:00.002-04:00

Two shows, one week

2008-07-01T22:27:00.001-04:00

I didn't do this on purpose, but that's how it's all going down. Would love your support!

I'm coming back, full force

2008-06-27T17:57:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Restarting this video blog business.

Singing Patty Griffin's "Every Little Bit" in Union Square

things that terrify me

2008-06-27T10:51:00.001-04:00

playing open mics

playing my own shows

quitting my job to follow my heart

busking in nyc

I like to tackle the things that scare me most. All of these things still do, but at least I’ve looked them all in the eye and conquered.

I finally crossed that last one off my list. I was kind of disappointed. Because the fact is NO ONE FUCKING CARES.

A few people did take pictures of me though.

Video blog soon! I promise.

oh yeah

2008-06-23T20:11:00.004-04:00

i have red hair now.

the cleanse

2008-06-23T19:58:00.001-04:00

i'm hopping on the bandwagon.

the diet/food/body cleanse has begun.

no sugar, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, or animal products (as best i can with the amount of education i currently have on the subject)

i've been a vegetarian for a while now, and i guess i've been inspired to kick it up a notch. i'm writing about it on my blog because i feel like it might help me stick to it.

i watched an episode of "30 Days" last week, in which a hunter spent a month with a member of PETA. it just reinforced everything i've been contemplating...

today's menu:

oats and soymilk with strawberries and raspberries

spinach salad with tofu, chickpeas, snap peas, avocado, and sliced almonds with balsamic vinaigrette

1 cup of green tea (non-caffeinated)

fruit salad (strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, banana)

dinner has yet to be determined. i'm really not hungry. and i can't tell if it's because i'm actually not hungry, or if it's because i don't want any of the vegan food i have in my house.

whyyyyyyfi

2008-06-05T10:23:00.002-04:00

i'm at starbucks, trying to use their "free" wifi, and it's not working out too well. chances are this po...

...new location. had to move. connection was way too slow.

Anyway, I feel like it's been a while since a business-related post (business meaning music)...and I think I have a few updates. Hurrah!

1. SIDEWALK CAFE SHOW (New York). Thank you to everyone who came out. It was a lot of fun, and my drummer friend Jon definitely made it awesome. What a cool place. They were so nice! I definitely want to go back.

2. BITTER END SHOW (New York), July 15, 2008 at 8pm. This is the next "public" show I've got coming up (I have a few private functions in between). I'm really excited. The Bitter End has hosted quite a list of incredible people. I know the music industry is changing, and more and more everyone and anyone tries to be a musician. So it's almost like everyone and anyone can play at these places. But I like to think that I'll be one of those that someone else will look at years from now and say "this is cool, LAUREN ZETTLER played here once." A girl can dream, right? Right.

3. HOTEL CAFE HOTEL CAFE HOTEL CAFE (Los Angeles, July 30, 2008 at 7pm. I wrote a letter to myself last year...it was a list of all the things I hoped to accomplish in the next five years. Playing at the Hotel Cafe was one of them. This is a dream come true for me, as many of my peers and mentors take to this stage every night. And it's just so damn cute. Anyway, it's less than two months away and I am getting a head start. I'm going to make this one one to remember. I'm opening for the Bowman's, who were on the incredible Cayamo Cruise I posted about earlier this year. So that's super exciting for me.

4. MALONEY AND FOX JINGLE. There is a great company in NYC called Maloney and Fox. (Maloneyfox.com)....pretty soon, they're relaunching their website, and that website will be full of cool information, including a few songs by yours truly.

5. MTV placements. This is stiiiiiilllllllll in the works, so keep sending out good vibes and thoughts. I'll get there soon, I can feel it.

6. NEW WEBSITE!!!! Almost finished. I'm excited, because it's like a clean slate - nice and simple and fresh. And easy to update. :)

Six is a weird number to end on, but there you go. You can count to ten if it'll make you feel less unbalanced. I won't laugh at you.

xo

Lauren

Sometimes I miss Boston

2008-05-16T09:17:00.002-04:00

I didn't post a blogger blog about the great weekend I had in Boston playing at my friend Joe Kitsch's art show (www.joekitsch.com) He created all of these wonderful pieces around what he did for my album artwork...it was quite awesome to play in a room surrounded by giant paintings that look like and are related to something I spent the better part of a year working on. So cool.

Anyway.

I HAVE A SHOW ON SUNDAY! SIDEWALK CAFE, 8PM, NO COVER (two drink minimum, I think). YOU SHOULD ALL COME! IT'LL BE LIKE A REALLY AWESOME PARTY.

:)

Lauren

oh you(tube) people in the world

2008-05-13T22:56:00.003-04:00

I want to compile a list of all the ridiculous comments people leave on artists' youtube videos. But that would require way too much energy on my end.

I understand that once you release something out into the vast world of the internet, you are going to be subject to getting a reaction. Sometimes it's positive, sometimes it's negative, but whichever way, it's out of your control and you understand ahead of time that it just comes with the territory.

I try really hard not to delete comments people make on my various videos. I'm lucky enough to get mostly positive feedback, for which I am really grateful! But I have deleted a few. More specifically on my "Apologize" cover that has received a few thousand views.

The point of covering a song is NOT TO SING IT EXACTLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL ARTIST. I sing covers because I love the songs, but if I didn't try to do something to make it more "mine" then I would be lacking any sort of creativity or innovation, and so that is why perhaps I adjust the tempo, the key, the style.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if I get one more comment asking me why I use a capo "because not using a capo really isn't that hard" or telling me that I should really slow it down because it's way too fast, I might feel compelled to throw a pie in your face.

And maybe this is just another lesson in patience, and perhaps I have just used energy that could have been better utilized elsewhere, but I had to say it.

I would never watch a youtube video of any artist and tell them what they should do differently. They're the artist. I am the fan. Either I like it or I don't. And if I do, I'll tell you. If I don't, I'll go watch something else. It's pretty simple.

Again, most things I read are positive. And the negative things, well, they're helping me develop a thick skin (I found my first random blog mention the other day....said something along the lines of "her lyrics aren't much but her tunes are good" - I was really ecstatic to be MENTIONED, let alone be given a half-compliment. Haha, go me). So I guess I'm grateful for it all.

But no, for the thousandth time to the dude who has a fetish for guitar straps, I won't put one on when I'm playing, sitting down. I don't need a guitar strap if I am sitting down.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T00:27:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day from Lauren on Vimeo.

what is it

2008-05-08T00:56:00.002-04:00

about music.

I don't get it. And maybe that's the point. I can go from completely elated to utterly depressed in a matter of notes; a few chords and a melody and I'm done. It is so incredible, but equally dangerous, and I can't wrap my brain around it. Maybe it's because it's 1 a.m. and I'm exhausted, or maybe it's because I haven't completed a new song since I finished my EP in November and am feeling a little lost.

It's scary how easily and wholly I identify with a voice, a song, an album. And it's even crazier to think that one day I'll write something good enough that will make someone else feel the same way I do right now.

Well, it's finally feeling like summer time. And I'm not sure why that season is nostalgic for me. I've got a list of goals I'd like to complete, and I'm terrified. I wonder if it's always going to be like this. I bet so. Every day there's something I think of that scares me, and the more it scares me, the more important it is for me to attack it head on, I think. Some of them are really silly. Some of them are completely understandable. I have a hard time doing things that will cause anyone to look at me. Kind of funny, coming from someone who wants to play music for people for a living. I'm not sure where it stems from...for some reason I have always looked at wanting attention as a bad thing, so I always try to steer clear of anything that would make me seem like I'm seeking it. But at the same time, I don't necessarily look at other musicians playing around town as people "looking for attention" so what's the problem? I'M SO SCARED! That's the problem. I really want to go play in Central Park. I need to practice performing as much as possible, and I feel like it would be a great thing to do. But it takes some major balls...and while sometimes I definitely feel pretty good about doing ballsy things, this one is particularly difficult to conquer. BUT. I'm writing about it on this blog. So everyone in blogland needs to hold me to it! I will do it, yes I will. Damn it.

I'm listening to a lullaby right now. It's called "one magic kiss" and it's by Brandi Carlile. (of course). You should listen to it if your heart is restless, like mine.

g'night,

Lauren

hey girl hey

2008-04-30T20:31:00.003-04:00

if you get that title reference, you watch just as much tv as i do. not something to be proud of.

i am watching tv as we speak (or type), actually...a little ANTM action. I DVR'd it (i don't own a tivo, so I can't be all cool and "tivo" things) and was fast forwarding through the commercials....and then i found myself fast forwarding through the actual show....because....oh yeah....i just realized that it kind of sucks.

why am i wasting so much time watching suckiness?

i usually use the "i can't turn my brain off" excuse. meaning, when my brain is just churning and churning with all of the things i need/want to do, i turn on the tv so that i can sit there, mindlessly, hypnotized, lazy. it turns my brain off.

well, after reading a bit more of "a new earth" by eckhart tolle, i've decided to limit my television watching to one hr/day. i think that means i'm going to have to give up a few shows i've been watching (haha, won't be too hard to give up anything involving quotes like "hey girl hey"). I would ALSO like to limit my internet use to a few hours a day. I am on the computer all the time. It's where the majority of an indie artist's "business" takes place. From now on, I think I will designate a certain period of time every day that I can check my email and operate myspace. But that's it. None of this "i'm playing my guitar but then i hear my email ping, i mmmuuuuussssttt cheeeeckkkkk emmmaaaaiiiiilllll!"

seriously, that's what the voice in my head sounds like.

or as eckhart would say, my ego.

oh, egos.

I have a show in Boston on Friday! let's all get excited!

love on a lobster,

Lauren

holy mother

2008-04-27T19:56:00.004-04:00

not since Brandi Carlile have i really found someone that moved me in that weirdo pit-of-your-stomach-makes-me-want-to-die-because-i'll-never-be-as-good way.

ha.

introducing (to me) Laura Marling.

drumrolllllll

2008-04-17T12:09:00.002-04:00

It's done! Haha, here it is. What a fun project:

updaterrrrrr

2008-04-11T14:16:00.003-04:00

Hey. I don't have a whole lot to say. But I think I can come up with something!

Right now I am listening to Kathleen Edwards. I heart her.

So basically, last week's show was a lot of fun. There were a lot of people there and it was really cool playing in a full band for Johanna's set. I'll have some video from my performance up soon :) And hopefully some photos too! Baruch's got quite a nice little concert hall set up, which was kind of a weird environment to play in, but I really loved it. The room was so live, and it just seemed to soak up my voice. It was cool. OH, acoustics.

I recently wrote a song for a Rockport Shoe internet commercial, and it should be live next week! I will post a link to it when it's ready :) I went to Boston and recorded two possibilities with my friend Lauren, and it was just a blast. But I have to admit that I was kind of terrified the client wouldn't like either of the songs we came up with. I was given a basic idea, and I ran with it. And what do you know, it paid off.

Woohooo for licensing opportunities. I can't speak too soon about a lot of things that are up in the air (I don't want to jinx myself!) but this lil' career of mine is chugging along quite well. And on mornings when it's raining and cloudy and cold and my body refuses to get out of bed, I REALLY have to try hard to remind myself of that.

I read this really great article in Paste magazine by Ben Gibbard. He mentioned something about how he recognizes that his life is pretty amazing and he has everything in the world to be happy about...but there's a certain darkness within himself that he can't really escape from. And that is something I really relate to. I guess the bottom line is that if I were always super happy, I wouldn't feel the kind of inspiration I do from feeling just a little down. It kind of creates a drive for me that I don't know how to create otherwise. It's an annoying cycle, especially to family and friends, I am sure. But it's just how it goes sometimes. Anyway.

Let's see....I booked a show at the Sidewalk Cafe next month, and I'm really excited about that. There are some shoes to try and fill at that venue, and I'm really looking forward to it. I've got some work to do...I also think I'm going to start busking in Union Square when the weather turns for the better. That idea terrifies me. All the more reason to do it! Anyone know what the rules are for that? Permits, etc? I feel like this silly city makes it really difficult to be a starving artist.

Wow, I guess I had a whole lot more to say than I thought :)

Kathleen Edwards to Kristoffer Ragnstam ... I am liking my iTunes shuffle today, yes I am.

xo

Lauren

oh Industry

2008-03-28T09:42:00.005-04:00

Is that not the title of a song performed by Bette Midler in Beaches? It just came to me. Which could be kind of embarrassing.

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately thinking about this "business" of mine. This whole experience is like a constant lesson on patience. Which I completely understand, as a theory. Haha, I just can’t manage to wrap my heart around it? I’m working on it, I really am, but I have been known as possibly one of the most impatient people to ever exist. My elementary school teachers who left me report card comments like "is quiet and patient and so good with sharing" were WAY off.

Anyway. Point of this blog: I AM OFFICIALLY ON CDBABY AND iTUNES! SO you no longer have to go through the silly paypal hubbub I had you going through before. Now OTHER people are doing it for me, which is such a great feeling. Haha.

AND I’m pretty sure that if you find me on iLike "Thank You" is a free download. Just saying.

I’m off to Boston for the weekend to make some music with this really cool girl whose name also happens to be Lauren. Imagine that - cool girls named Lauren

xo

On the Radio!

2008-03-25T22:08:00.002-04:00

I'm going to be on the radio tomorrow from 5-6pm...WBMB right here in New York -CLICK HERE to stream it!

happy easter

2008-03-23T18:14:00.001-04:00

and I'm back

2008-03-22T20:53:00.003-04:00

I am finally back and settled after my trip to Austin. I cannot get over how beautiful it was. I went to a few random parties, but I felt a little strange standing between Elijah Wood and Pricilla Ahn. Next year, I'm definitely bringing a friend. Because while my social skills have improved a little bit over the years...I'm still a bit of a weirdo. Anywayyyy

That's me and my mom at the Oasis...pretty sweet view from our dinner table :)

SO I've got a lot of things coming up...first and foremost, this show with Johanna Stahley at Baruch on April 4th at 8pm! Go to www.55underground.com and enter the discount code "TM" when you check out. Second, I've been commissioned to write a song for an upcoming internet commercial campaign (more details to follow). Third, I'll be making my way back to Boston next month for an EP release party with the awesome Joe Kitsch, who did my incredible album artwork! After that I've got plan a few trips...Nashville, LA/Portland/Seattle, and Indianapolis. I don't know about you, but I cannot believe how quickly this year is passing by. It's kind of scaring me, actually.

I mean it's Easter already! I miss the yearly bunny visits.

Lauren

Jimmy Joe and Tie-Dye pants!

2008-03-15T14:22:00.001-04:00

Today was awesome. I met up with Jimmy Joe (who told me he’d be wearing tie-dye pants…and I’m excited to say he didn’t disappoint) at the Sunset Valley Farmer’s Market near Austin for a performance this morning. Having been invited to play via my plea on Craigslist, I had no idea what to expect. And so I guess I didn’t expect anything.

It was so much fun.

I wish I had a picture of all the cute kids running around. One little girl came up to me in between songs and said “I can spell my name! You have such a pretty voice! Can I give you money?” haha! I sold more CDs than I was anticipating, and over all, it was just really great. I think I’ll definitely be back to play there next year, just for the pure fun of it. Because THAT is what this is all about. And I forget it all too often. So thank you, Jimmy Joe! It will be a memory I hold on to for a long time.

my morning jacket

2008-03-14T11:51:00.002-04:00

this is such a sucky tiny picture. if you can't tell it's jim james of my morning jacket. i caught their show last night against my body's will (i was SO TIRED), and it was definitely worth it. i love going to shows. I mean SHOWS. there is obviously a time and a place for a nice singer-songwriter to take the stage and make me cry, but it's not the same. This show had ridiculous bass, was so high energy....the lights almost gave me an epileptic attack...it was awesome. In another life time, I would want to be a rocker. Hell, I still do. If only I could suit up into someone else's body and let it all hang out like that. Awesome.

i went to starbucks this morning and apparently ordered a "triple grande sugar-free non-fat vanilla latte" - i think that's the most complicated to date. Isn't that what they invented the "skinny" latte for? to save people like me from embarrassment when ordering picky drinks? whatever.

my mom is coming today and i cannot wait. i'm playing a show in the morning! i didn't advertise it at all! haha, it's a bit out of the way and all of the hipsters will be asleep anyway, but i am looking forward to putting my artist hat on. i think what i have learned since being here is that....i deserve to be here.

meltdowns and hanson brothers

2008-03-13T15:43:00.004-04:00

i'm sitting behind a hanson brother right now. and i'm sure someone is reading this over my shoulder.

SXSW is awesome, but a meltdown was bound to find me eventually. I totally attracted it by having a bad attitude this morning...I didn't get much sleep, didn't wake up on time, FELL OFF MY BIKE (and really roughed up my arm)...after a semi-rough morning I just couldn't get it together. It's the end of the week, I have worked 50 plus hours, I am tired, and I am a tad lonely.

so there.

anyway, I'm over it. I got to sit in on Lou Reed's keynote speech, which was awesome. I ran into a Berklee prof who had no idea who I was but I introduced myself anyway. It took me back...and reminded me of what an awful, awful job I did networking at that school while I was there. I guess I was learning a lot of lessons at that time, and you know, you can only do so much. I'm not that person anymore, so it's okay, I should be able to forgive myself for that. It's just hard sometimes.

It's also super depressing when you realize that EVERYONE AND THEIR SISTER/MOTHER/BROTHER/DOG is an "aspiring singer-songwriter."

WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN ANYMORE?

aspiring to what? this whole trip has really made me sit and take a look at what I deem as "success" - for myself. Most people probably think fame and fortune. I do too. Haha, but that doesn't mean that if I DON'T reach that point I would consider myself a failure. I'm still trying to figure all of this out.

This entry is all over the place. Thanks for sticking around.

I wish I knew which Hanson brother that is.

Lauren

*UPDATE* holy crap is all THREE Hanson brothers. Now I'm surrounded my teenagers.

Moby, My So-Called Life, too much sugar

2008-03-12T00:58:00.003-04:00

kind of sums up my day.

1) Moby is so much cooler than I expected. I think this is because the only thing I've ever really experienced, Moby-wise, is his MTV Cribs episode. This is really sad, I know. But the guy has a huge house and like, one chair. That's it. In real life, he is interesting, intelligent, intriguing, genius. I really loved his interview today. I can now fantasize about running into him on the LES, where we both happen to reside.

2) Met Marshall Herskovitz ("thirtysomething" and "my so-called life") and he was awesome.

3) Am in the midst of experiencing the return of insomnia and toe cramps (haha weird, I know), and I'm pretty sure it's tied to all the sugar i have been eating lately. It's kind of scary what sugar does to the body, but I'm so damn addicted.

My song of the hour is "Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin. I cannot stop listening to it.

everyone is important

2008-03-10T11:17:00.000-04:00

or they think they are.

no, i guess it's true - in life in general, every person is important. but some people think they are more important than others.

it's been my job to sit in front of the "press suite" and make sure that only press members or panelists enter. it has proven to be easier said than done, which is just stupid. they take personal offense when i ask them to show me their badge, and when it doesn't say "press" or "panelist" on it and i tell them to kind of go elsewhere, they get all huffy and puffy.

the press suite is NOT that cool. relax.

Anyway, yesterday was cool. I was able to catch the keynote speech with Mark Zuckerberg (which touched on topics ranging from facebook's international release to facebook's role in terrorism...woah), I caught Doug Benson and Morgan Spurlock doing press for their films "Super High Me" and "Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden" (respectively), ANDDDDDD I sat in on a discussion with Helen Hunt regarding her movie "Then She Found Me"

Twas definitely a cool day.

Now, it's raining again.

YESSSSSSSSS

2008-03-09T23:40:00.000-04:00

I have been chosen as one of the exclusive 10 "Choice Cuts" on Indie-Music.com for the month of March 2008!

I am also in the running for their Annual "Top 25" selection in
December, and will be featured all month on their "Music" page, as well as
rotated on their "Home" page!

Check it out: CLICK HERE!

On Goals

2008-03-07T22:37:00.003-05:00

I tend to let certain goals shrink in the shadows of other goals I have deemed more "challenging" or "significant." The fact is that they're all the same - they all hold the same weight - and my silly human self has given certain things more importance than others. And so when some of the "lesser" goals are achieved...I completely ignore them. This is just stupid.

And I have to remind myself of this on a pretty regular basis.

For instance, one of my "goals" this year was to play at least one or two shows a month. Well...it was going really well for a few months...but now, booking agents are not getting back to me. It is the most frustrating thing in the entire world. Especially because it's not really a "booking agent" - just various persons at decent NYC venues who have asked that artists wishing to be booked send an email. If you are only going to communicate via email...can you please COMMUNICATE? I don't really even care if you don't want to book me. Can you please tell me so? Thanks.

In the midst of all this frustration, I booked a show opening for Johanna Stahley at Baruch's Performing Arts Center. This is an awesome thing. Especially because just the other day I said "I think my next step is opening for other people...who have a larger audience than me and more experience...." HELLO. Thank you, Universe.

In my constant frustration of booking my own shows in the next few months, I completely overlooked the fact that this show I am playing with Johanna is a big deal for me. And I should be really grateful for the opportunity, focus on the Now, and not worry about anything else. Duh.

And there are even a couple of other things in the works that aren't confirmed yet, so I don't want to jinx myself. But basically, I am writing this post so that I can remember to be grateful for the giant picture...I hate when I get caught up in the how's and why's and just bask in some simple facts.

In even better news, it was warmer in Austin today. And the rain stopped. The sun was out a bit too. Thank God.

I'm here!

2008-03-06T15:52:00.002-05:00

I am in AUSTIN and it is COLD AND RAINY!! What is up, Texas?

I arrived early this morning and have been hanging out ... I've got some time to kill before I go stuff some SXSW swag bags tonight. I think I might take a nap, considering I left for the airport at 4 a.m. and could NOT fall asleep last night.

sneak peek!

2008-03-04T14:29:00.001-05:00

My lovely friend Clay posted some photos to his blog. I think I was avoiding a pigeon attack in this one, and that definitely is my brownie vest from the second grade. Just thought I'd share. Haha.

If you could see any two animals fight, what would they be?

2008-03-04T09:37:00.004-05:00

-- "I'd like to see an ape...and I guess I'll go meerkat?"

Jon Stewart, via a stupid question asked by an audience member.

I went to the Daily Show taping yesterday to see Jon and Hillary duke it out...not really, they played nice. But I was kind of surprised by how the majority of everyone there supported Obama. Maybe I'm naive, but I was thinking perhaps she'd do pretty okay in New York. Guess not.

It was a good interview, though I didn't learn anything new. The satellite delay was awful (the Hil said so herself after the interview...all we heard after our applause was Hillary saying "it was horrible!" thinking she meant the interview itself)

Anyway, I heart Jon Stewart.

In other news, I've got some major shows coming up and I will give you the details as soon as I have them! Let's all cross our fingers now!

I am a slave

2008-03-03T14:13:00.003-05:00

to the internet!

there's too much to do and keep up with!

I am now available on DigStation...iTunes, Rhapsody, CDBaby, etc, to follow shortly.

In other news, I had a photo shoot this weekend. Haha! I felt like such an amateur, but with Mr Clay Mallory (CLICK HERE) on camera duty...I quickly got used to the wardrobe/make-up deal. Okay, so it wasn't really like that - it was more like me having my friend/manager Julie hold my stuff and put more lip-gloss on me when I needed it. But it was fun, nonetheless. Updates soon!

woahhh man

2008-03-01T09:47:00.003-05:00

I woke up at 5 am this morning and just could not get back to sleep. It's almost 10 now, so I'm thinking it's time to give up and get the day started.

Less than a week before I head to Austin, and I'm excited though a bit nervous as well. I'm having a hell of a time booking shows for when I return - can someone please explain to me why this has to be difficult? If you say the only way to book is via email, will you please then reply to your email? Even if you don't want to book me, that is fine, but could you just grace me with some sort of response so I know the jokes not on me?

I was told yesterday that I would difficult to work for. I took it as a compliment...I have extremely high expectations of myself, and therefore tend to hold others to those expectations as well. Which is completely unfair, I am aware. I'm working on it. One annoying thing about working for myself that I have noticed is that I can't call in sick when I feel like not going to work. I know I'm bs-ing myself because I am my own boss. That totally sucks.

Off to staples. I'm doing some home-office renovations today. It's almost as cool as school supplies shopping.

don't think twice

2008-02-29T00:16:00.001-05:00

it's alright.

i will follow you into the dark

2008-02-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

iLike iLike...

2008-02-26T23:56:00.003-05:00

:::::::::::::::recordplayerscreech::::::::::::::

I've added another page to my list of things to update. I'm kind of afraid I've been spread too thin because I'm barely able to keep up with them all, but here goes!

A free download of "Thank You" is posted there, so download away. yippee!

I am officially for SALE

2008-02-23T00:19:00.006-05:00

Welllll the time has come. If you would like to support me and listen to some pretty decent music (if I do say so myself) at the same time, you can now purchase the Call Me Out EP :)

CLICK THESE WORDS NOW TO ORDER!

It's 12:30 on Friday night and I'm gathering some thoughts for tomorrow while listening to Melissa Ferrick...and trying to figure out how in the world I can learn to play the guitar like her. Holy cow. I'm loving "closer" right now. yes ma'am.

Alright, peace out

xo

Lauren

happy day AFTER valentine's day, people

2008-02-15T12:02:00.005-05:00

so i'm not a huge fan of valentines day. i'm just saying. it's made up so people spend money on things, and frankly, i don't need a specific day on a calendar to tell me that i need to tell someone i love them. so that's why i'm posting today :)

someone who doesn't know me judged my character today. it was negative. and now here i sit, writing about it, as if it affected me. this is just an example of what not to do. i read something someone wrote, accepted it as "truth", and decided to feel bad about it.

that's stupid.

but the truth is that while i've come a LONG way, there are still things from my past that kind of feel resolved until i realize that maybe they weren't resolved. ick, i'm going to stop going down this road. i'll just say that it sucks when someone thinks you suck and you know you don't. it just makes them seem like mean, resentful people. all you can do in life is be honest. if your honesty hurts someone in the process, there's not much you can do but say you're sorry, your intentions are good, and we'll all be okay and better off in the end.

there.

ALL NEW MUSIC IS NOW UP ON MYSPACE. now click here and go listen!

and be kind today, okay?

Lauren

If I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean...

2008-02-12T13:42:00.001-05:00

..and if I had a pony, I'd ride it on my boat...

Yes, it's true, I just returned home after a week or so on a boat with Lyle Lovett. And Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Emmylou Harris...the list continues.

I can honestly say it was the best vacation of my life, and I cannot wait to do it again.

I can't quite get over it, and as a musician, it provided me with a giant kick in the butt, powered with motivation and inspiration...a little inner-turmoil as well, but for the most part, I wish it would have never ended. I think I could rant and rave for ever and ever about how cool everything was, but I'll save that for personal blogs, I suppose.

I'm REALLY posting because I have a show coming up.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17th at 6:00 PM
ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL
184 Allen Street (at Houston)

It's a great space, so do come! It'll be a blast, and maybe I'll even tell a few stories. Although, what happens on the boat stays on the boat, apparently. We shall see.

i believe that.

2008-01-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

alrightttttttttttt then. I am writing to you from my bed, wrapped in blankets but sweating my ass off because my body is too sick to decide if it is hot or cold. I really can't remember the last time I was this sick, but I had been counting myself lucky, staying healthy through my recording process and my first few shows....after this last show, I think I recall literally telling myself "okay, you can get sick now"...and what do you know. I listened.

And the last show went great, by the way.

Now I'm sitting around trying to rest up for my cruise next week! A vacation with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Brandi Carlile....could it get any better? Maybe if I was performing amongst them...someday.

oh, and if you ever want to feel nauseous, try watching Fast Food Nation like I am right now. Blech.

**UPDATE** dear lord I never want to eat meat again.

xo

Lauren

i heart jenny lewis

2008-01-20T19:28:00.001-05:00

LUNA LOUNGE SHOW JANUARY 22 at 7:30/Update :)

2008-01-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

HeeeeLLLLOooooooo everyone!

Before I begin this little update of mine, I'd like to plug an upcoming show again!...I'm playing at the Luna Lounge in Williamsburg next Tuesday night at 7:30 pm. This is a big show, with a BIG ROOM, so it would be awesome to get a lot of people to come out! I'm playing with some friends of mine, and we'll be going through the entire upcoming EP (I say entire because it's kind of a long EP...like between an EP and and LP...soooooo more like an LEP?) ANYWAY, it's going to be a GREAT GREAT show, so the more people and energy the better.

Moving on....Man, I don't know about you, but January of 2008 is moving by way too quickly. Also, working for yourself is Hard. I know, it should be easy, right? Like, I get to name my own hours, sleep as much as I want to...be lazy if I really feel like it, and I can't really fire myself. Well, being the dedicated, over-achiever that I tend to be...I'm such a bad employee. Seriously. Staying focused and on task is so difficult, and at the end of every day, I sit down and exhale, acknowledge exactly HOW LUCKY I am to be doing exactly what I want to be doing. And I feel like crap. Because am I really doing the best I can? Am I working as hard as I should?

So I'm rambling now. Something kind of funny happened today. I started this 30-day Bikram Yoga challenge. For those of you that don't know what Bikram Yoga is, it's when you do yoga in an insanely hot room and sweat your sweet bum off. I love it (and kind of hate it). So today I had to stand in the front row, which I usually try to avoid because I am not the greatest Yogi to ever exist. Anyway, the room was packed and that's where I had to go. So I was standing next to this gorgeous gorgeous brazilian babe, with probably the closest thing to a perfect body. I felt ugly. But I trust that there is sweet, sweet justice in this world. So, what do you know? We lay down and grab our knees to our chest, stretching our spines...and she lets out a big one. Yup, she totally farted.

Haha. It was priceless.

I totally have a semi-crush on the instructor. He's all tattooed and flexible.

Very New York.

Okay, that's enough for tonight :)

xo

Lauren

PS - my good friend Clay took this picture, and I really love it.

Anxiety....

2008-01-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling a lot of anxiety lately. About playing shows, about getting people to come out, about whether or not I'm good enough and if anything will ever happen...about the way I feel, the way I look, the way I live...just about everything and anything.

So. I started this yoga challenge in the hopes that it would help me stay focused and calm. Well, it does, to an extent. Then I remember watching a Grey's Anatomy episode where Meredith and Cristina have a dance party. They do this basically because everything they see day in and day out can really bring you down.

I also decided that for me, this year would be a Yes year. That means that if I'm debating about something, and I can't quite decide about it, I just say Yes. If I make a mistake I make a mistake, but I don't waste nearly as much time fretting as I used to. So...whether or not to post this video I'm about to post...hmmm...

yes.

So I kind of stole Meredith and Cristina's idea. And so here it is, in all its glory. I do this on a regular basis, and even though I KNOW I look like a complete goof ball, and my dance skills are...eh...anyway, I'm putting it up here so that all of you people out there...kids and adults alike...might think again about just plain acting silly.

It's totally okay. In fact, it's quite healthy.

Featuring songs from Paramore's "Misery Business" (I cannot stop listening to that album)

So there you go. I dare you to do it and not feel better :)

this one's important

2008-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

they're all important, but this venue is the biggest, so by size and weight, the more people the better.

2008-01-05T01:27:00.000-05:00

happy new year :) more shows!

2008-01-04T01:57:00.000-05:00

happy new year, internet. It is 2 a.m. and I should be anything BUT awake. Bikram yoga kicked my ass today, and like a chump, I signed up for this thirty-day challenge thing, so I have to make myself go 29 more times...in a row. I should be getting some rest.

But alas, I need to update you. More shows!

I've got a gig next Saturday at the Laila Lounge in lovely Williamsburg, Brooklyn...N 7th Street between Berry and Wythe, a quick two blocks from the Bedford Ave L stop. Seriously, Brooklyn is NOT as far away as you think it is. Show starts at 8pm...there are drink specials UNTIL 8pm, so if you get there a few minutes early, you can treat yourself to 2-for-1 beers and $4 margaritas/wine. Sounds like a sweet deal to me. Uh huh.

Next, we've got Rockwood Music hall in February. I'm extra excited about this show, because I really love the venue. Sure it's cramped, tiny, and maybe the beer is a little more than you'd like it to be, but this is NYC, so it's totally normal. There's no cover, and the exposed brick just kills me. I love it. It is such a sweet place. It's my first time, so I've been given the virgin timeslot of 6pm on a Sunday evening (February 17). So we've got to work EXTRA HARD to get people there. This one's closer though - Houston and Allen street (1st Ave). This will be the best show yet. And I'll be all cute and tan because I'll just be getting back from my Cayamo Cruise...that's right, I'm setting sail with Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile....the list continues on with some pretty sweet names. I can't wait. What's better than tropical waters and ridiculous live music? I'm not sure if you can beat it. Well, maybe my show at the Rockwood :) ha HA ha.

Alright, time for sleep.

it's effing FREEZING outside, stay warm,

Lauren

why is the carpet all wet, Todd?

2007-12-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

A very merry Christmas Eve...my family is currently cuddled around our fireplace, watching Christmas Vacation - an annual tradition I thoroughly enjoy. My dad and brother watch and respond as if they have never seen it before (which is almost as refreshing as watching a four-year-old unwrap presents on Christmas morning), while my mother and I generally keep one eye on the television and the other on something a tiny bit more interactive - thus this blog entry.

The holidays are such an interesting time of year, full of love and warmth and dysfunctional stress. I think we all understand how that goes. So I'd recommend a heavy dose of Chevy Chase to cure any "way too much time with the extended family" headaches.

And I think that's my favorite quote from this movie..."why is the carpet all wet, TODD?" ... "I don't know, MARGOT."

and to quote my new favorite movie (JUNO)...

Paulie Bleeker is totally boss.

Lauren

successsssss

2007-12-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

Even though the weather was gross, there was a decent turn out. thank you to everyone who trekked downtown...i hope you enjoyed yourselves :)

Happy Holidays! I'm home again for a bit...planning my attack on the nyc music scene, i suppose.

anyone wanna go caroling with me?

Lauren

AHHHHHHHH

2007-12-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

Show tonight. 8pm. 169 Bar. (F train to E. Broadway).

With special guest Cecilia Madariaga on cello! It's going to be beautiful.

:)

Videos, photos, etc. to follow.

holy winter weather, batman

2007-12-16T11:58:00.001-05:00

I think the whole batman catch phrase is definitely overused. but it generally makes me happy when I read it...so...

Anyway, I've been pretty awful at updating my online life lately, and there are a few updates:

Yes, I have a show at the 169 Bar on Wednesday. It's a nice little kick-off to my holiday break, and I'm really glad I'm doing it. It'll be a sweet, quick set - 30 minutes - and then we can all carry on. It'll be a good time, I promise.

EP update: the working title is "Call Me Out" - final mixes will be in my hands on the 20th! And then I must get it mastered. And then printed. ETA: January 31

My good friend Joe Kitsch is helping me out with the album artwork, and I am beyond excited about it.

I just finished watching all the material on Tegan and Sara's DVD called "It's not fun, don't do it" and it made me really excited to get my hands on all the footage I took while I was in L.A. It's all sitting on an external hard drive in the studio, and I'll get it back soon...and it's obviously not as great/high quality as I'd like it to be, but I still think it'll be cool.

The weather today is ridiculously nasty...which means I'll be holed up in here for a while. Hope you're staying warm and dry :)

heart,

Lauren

Shame

2007-12-04T23:14:00.001-05:00

SHOW

2007-11-29T18:06:00.001-05:00

I decided to book a quick show before I go home again for Christmas.

169 Bar, downtown, Dec. 19th at 8pm.

Don't worry, I'll remind you.

:)

Lauren

details, details...

2007-11-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Finally, some details. If you're interested, that is.

Now that the holiday season has begun, life kind of gets into that stand-still mode...just waiting around for the holidays to pass so that we can get on with things. It is wonderful and awful all at the same time, but I'm taking it in stride, I hope. Anyway...

The definition of an EP: Extended play (EP) is the name typically given to vinyl records or CDs which contain more music than a single, but are too short to qualify as albums. Usually, an EP has around 10–25 minutes of music, a single has up to 10 minutes and an album has 25–80 minutes.

So, I left L.A. with seven songs recorded, adding up to about 26 minutes. But I'm still going to call it an EP. And it will still cost less than an album. Watch out for a hidden track in there at the end (I think).

I'm still trying to figure out what to call this project, and it's a struggle. Right now I'm leaning towards "Call Me Out" which is the title of one of the tracks on the EP. Stylistically, I think it's definitely different (read: better) than my previous recordings, which really makes me excited for even the next recording I do. The natural progression of things tends to go this way, soooooo as much as I want to stay 22 forever, getting older isn't necessarily a bad thing. Experience and wisdom, I welcome you with open arms.

I should have some final mixes come mid-December.

I heart NY,

Lauren

back in stride

2007-11-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

I cannot TELL you how great it is to be back in the city where no one can get anywhere fast enough :) haha.

I'm too tired to really say any more. So, happy holidays...I love winter in the city.

i'm such a wuss

2007-11-14T18:59:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what it is, but I usually just go for it and replace "wuss" with the word "pussy" but I'm beginning to get the feeling it's a bit un-lady like.

anyway. i am one.

just a mid-day post from the gorgeous west coast beaches...not that i'm at one at this moment, but i could be, and that is all that matters. haha. Spent the evening in the studio last night laying some vocal stuff down...the fine line between technicality and emotion is a challenging one, and my voice definitely felt it at the end of the night.

some days i think i'm putting way too much thought into this project of mine, as if it were the end all be all project, the tiny disc that is going to launch some sort of musical career...when in reality, it just isn't so. it MAY be so, but if it isn't, does that mean i'll give up? no. at any rate, documenting something is making it real and alive and letting it go, so it's weird to see that happen with a group of songs you know you're going to top as time passes...i don't know if that made any sense or not.

one week until thanksgiving and my new york return. i can't believe time flew by so fast.

holy crap,

Lauren

From the studio....

2007-11-11T14:28:00.001-05:00

hit it like you mean it...

Bernard is getting the levels for Paul's drums as we speak, and we're going to begin tracking drums and bass today...yay! Yesterday was our first day in the studio, and it was quite productive - I don't know what it is, but I love being busy with work like this. Actually, I do know what it is, and it's just the fact that being creative with music - something you've created - is one of the coolest experiences in this life of mine, and I can't wait to do it until I die. It is so amazing to me how quickly time passes in here...

In other news - there isn't much other news. I'm going to try and play an open mic in L.A. while I'm here, and maybe meet up with some ex-coworkers working out of the L.A.office. OH we went to the Getty on Friday - gorgeous museum in the hills above the 405 - it was great. I'd do things like that every day just to remind me of how beautiful this part of the country can be.

Alright, time to get started. "Call Me Out" is our first today - check out the youtube video!

here you go

love

Lauren

L.A.

2007-11-08T13:24:00.000-05:00

It's my third day here in good old L.A. I would say sunny L.A., except every morning so far has been gray and overcast and very disappointing. I've had a few scary things happen to me already, and I must say, it's been a while since I have taken an adventure solo...it's much more fun with someone else along for the ride :) But I'll pull through. I'd be a little more adventurous if the car I rented didn't have a "service engine soon" light on, and if gas weren't so expensive out here. I need to get to the water; I think that may perk up my mood a bit.

It's funny, the last time I was here, I was on vacation, so we had no agenda, no worries, it was SUNNY like crazy and beautiful and I LOVED it. This time around is a little different, and I really, really, really miss New York.

It is so difficult for me to understand why I am so scared of certain things, and each day is a mini-battle with myself, doing things that take me way outside of my comfort zone. I just drove to a Yoga studio down the street, to find that the building looked complete deserted and boarded up. I was too scared to park and walk up, and I didn't have a phone number with me, so I drove all the way back to my friend's apartment and called the place...the entrance in is the back alley, apparently, and in New York I would expect this and not be scared of it, but here...terrified. Yikes. I'll give it a go later on this afternoon...maybe the sun will be out by then.

here's to driving in heavy scary L.A. traffic with no power steering!

xo

Lauren

I Apologize...

2007-10-31T18:28:00.001-04:00

but I couldn't resist. I love this song.

on never being "home"

2007-10-30T23:33:00.000-04:00

Today I am in Indiana, but last weekend I was in Chicago, and before that I was in Indiana again for a bit, but I live in New York, and I'm heading to LA on Monday. And then coming back to Indy and then going back to New York. And then Indy, Miami, New York!

I think this is how my life is going to be from now on. And yeah, I like it.

I've never been much of a "home" person. I mean, I take that back. I was the kid who couldn't spend the night at a friend's house because I would get so sick. But...I've grown up since then, and well, it's just not like that anymore. Maybe it's because I moved around a lot while I was younger, or maybe it's because I've lived thousands of miles away from my parents for over four years now. But no matter where I am, I never really feel "home." I guess it's true that it's more about who you're with that really matters. And I do a good job of surrounding myself with positive and wonderful people, so I guess I'm always feeling pretty okay about *where* I am, no matter if I *live* there or not.

Did that paragraph make any sense at all? What I am trying to say, is...I love traveling. And I like not feeling terribly tied down to any one place. So I think this music thing is a good career choice for me. Even though I am usually away from one loved one or another while I do it. Luckily, these loved ones support me :)

It's been an interesting few weeks, and I am getting really pumped about getting some new recordings done. And an EP printed. Finally something to sell to people that I am really proud of an 100% behind. Sometimes I get really nervous and feel all sorts of anxiety about what will happen if I don't really like it as much as I want to, or what if it doesn't go the way it's supposed to, blah blah blah....but then I sit back and realize that IT DOESN'T MATTER. Worrying about it will do me NO GOOD what so ever. And thinking positively...like about how excited I am to just be with musicians and friends and beaches and sun and MUSIC and FUN....feels so much better than worrying about things I don't have control over. So silly.

xo

Lauren

can we please have dinner?

2007-10-14T17:52:00.001-04:00

So, I'm sitting here in my parents' kitchen, trying to decide where this night is heading. Yes, I am officially home in Indiana for a few weeks before my LA expedition, and it's been 48 hours...and already I understand why I don't think I could really deal with moving back home, ever. Don't get me wrong, there is something about home that you can't find anywhere else, but I guess it's that way for a reason, and if you had it all the time...well then you'd never appreciate it...because I tell ya, I'm going nutzo.

Mom and Dad are empty nesters, so they officially don't really cook often anymore. It's 6pm and lil' ol' me is a starving marvin. I could make my own dinner, I guess, but instead, I am begging Dad to take his eyes off the Cowboys/Patriots game long enough to put some salmon on the grill.

It is perfectly fall here, and that is great, but fall is nostalgic for me, and I'm not sure why. Back to trying to figure out what to do tonight, it's the evenings that give me trouble. I have a hard time sitting around with the family watching a movie or a game, and I have a hard time sitting on the computer, aimlessly surfing the internet. I suppose I might have to cross over to the rock-star sleeping schedule and use the late hours for creative endeavors.

This week I've got to complete two new songs I'm working on, and arrange another two. By the end of it all, I should have around 12 finished songs to choose from for my EP, and I think that is great.

Went to my final BC show of her tour last night in adorable Broadripple. Jess was kind enough to join me, and I think I converted her. at least she said she completely understood my girl crush. Anyway, I tried to hard to leave feeling excited and inspired, rather than frustrated and depressed. It worked.

And there's that update.

hot chocolate and pumpkins,

Lauren

week one

2007-10-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

followers, living in your hollow words
i have seen your nine to fives wash away your dreams

________________________

This week was my Brandi Carlile week, and I saw her twice at Irving Plaza...I was supposed to go to her show in Boston last night, but decided against it at the last minute. It's interesting...and somewhat embarrassing...how easily I become enthralled with people and what they do. It's borderline obsessive, and I'm not sure how to describe it outside of the typical fanatical situation. It's not that. Well, sometimes it is. But for the most part, I have found strong female performers to look up to since I can remember...and as embarrassing as this might be, I'll take you down memory lane...

The first "obsession" I can remember was the Lawrence Welk show. I was three-ish. I loved that show...the pretty dresses, big band music, and probably the bubbles at the very end. Anyone else? I watch it now and laugh at myself, but it is what it is. After that I can remember loving a performer on the Nickelodeon show "Roundhouse." It was like an SNL for kids, but they sang too, and there was one actress in particular that I was seriously drawn to. After that, it was Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, and Bernadette Peters (I was a big fan of musicals in high school). And then it was Sarah Silverman (which kind of came out of left field). And then I went to a Brandi Carlile show that literally changed my life...which brought this fan thing to a whole new level. I have her freaking lyrics tattooed on my arm.

Soooooo, where am I going with this? I learned something throughout this last string of shows, and I'm going to go ahead and go so far as to compare this to an addiction. You tend to do something over and over again because it feels really great and you can't get enough of it. But then, eventually you start to not feel so good anymore after it's over. And that's kind of where I'm at. I think Brandi served her purpose in my life by giving me the wake-up call that I needed, but it's time for me to kind of move forward and stop getting caught up in comparisons and frustrations because I don't feel as if I'll ever be as great as her.

My brain understands that comparisons are stupid, and we're different people, and I really need to stop being so distracted so that I can really focus on exactly what I am trying to do...

Whew. This was a bit of a silly therapy session, but I feel better now.

My first week as my own boss was awesome, because I've basically been on vacation. I think I still averaged 30 hours or so of some sort of music-related exercise. So I'm happy :)

I wish I had red hair like Alison Sudol,

Lauren

Well, it's official

2007-09-29T19:54:00.001-04:00

I have no office to return to on Monday morning other than my very own!

Yesterday was my last day of "work" in the 9-5 sense. Monday I start my new job...working for myself. And although it did hit me a little hard last night, realizing exactly what I left behind me and what now lies ahead of me, I couldn't be happier.

And now I need to try and get in the shower before anyone else in my apartment beats me to it (we've got a total of seven people here this weekend...one bathroom...gross).

Love,

Lauren

i don't know why

2007-09-19T22:11:00.000-04:00

i can't figure out this video podcast process.

hot dog, two posts in one weekend

2007-09-16T19:36:00.000-04:00

because I felt like throwing something out there, here's a fun little tune:

oh saturdays

2007-09-15T11:32:00.000-04:00

It was raining a few hours ago, which completely ruined my plans to start off the beautiful weekend with a refreshing run. But now some time has passed and the sun is shining...64 degrees...I might try and squeeze one in before I have to meet someone at one.

Dates are set...plane tickets purchased...t minus two weeks until I leave and come back a better person. Hopefully.

Started my morning off with some tegan and sara, and then my itunes switched it up a bit and played me some beatles. perfect, considering I'm going to see "Across The Universe" later on today...I'm really hoping it's as good as it could be.

That's all for my little update :) I've got an entire batch of incomplete material - I'm hoping to finish at least ONE this weekend.

I hope the sun is shining on you, too

xo

Lauren

Today is a Good Day

2007-09-06T15:36:00.001-04:00

Today is definitely a good day, and yesterday was too. And if all goes accordingly, tomorrow won't fail me either.

I don't have much for updates, though I always feel as if I should update even more regularly than I do. I'm getting things in order, taking my time to plan next steps and craft new melodies and find new inspirations...and unfortunately (or fortunately?), time means periods of slow steps. It means that some days you will need to remind yourself that that ONE thing you did that day was Enough, because the Universe knows no size, only effort and intention. So, I do what I can when I can and it will come. I have no doubt.

It's amazing how humbling it can be when you realize how small the world really is. And on that note, I am quite grateful for the people I have met and the places I have been, and I am so excited for what is to come.

Please do stay tuned...there are great things in the works. And when I say that, you'll say "yeah yeah, whatever lady" and I'll say "I told you so!" the minute it all finally makes sense. Just kidding. I never say I Told You So. But I do appreciate the people who believe in me.

:)

Lauren

send me some positivity...

2007-08-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

Positive vibes and gratitude flowing through me today...if I can keep on this high, I think something might just go my way....

!!!!!!!!

when you're holding a hot cup of coffee

2007-08-25T22:18:00.000-04:00

and you feel like you're going to sneeze...

that's how I feel.

Saturday night and I'm watching a movie in my chilly bedroom, hiding from the humidity and heat outside. Three new songs this weekend, I hope. It kind of alarms me how the completiong of some songs has felt more like an exercise than simple inspiration, but at the same time, I can't just sit around and wait for inspiration to hit. I've got too much going on in my brain to really even allow that to happen organically...I can't wait until that changes.

At the same time, however, I am terrified of all the "free" time I have coming at me. In about five weeks, things will change, and that is so crazy to me. Every once in a while I find myself thinking/panicking: "holy crap, what am I going to do when I need to get a real job again???" and then I have to remind myself that WAIT. I won't have to. That is the whole point of this.

and to quote tegan and sara

if you've got it to give, you've got to give it all.

Love Lauren

p.s. MAYBE a new vblog tomorrow. If I can get my act together.