My new song - I Take it Back

Coming up tomorrow is my original video and song ,``I Take it Back``. I don`t think I have ever done something that caused me so much confusion, anxiety and pressure.

I remember having started to write the song about a year and half ago. I finished it in January 2015 amongst the grey and crappy weather that Montreal was having at that time. When I was sitting there, writing the lyrics and melody, I kept re-calling all the mistakes I had made and I imagined how that along my journey, I probably pissed off a few people..lol.

I have read a lot of quotes that say ``don`t apologise for you are`` but rarely did they ever say, ``just say sorry, at times you are wrong``. I am a strong believer of once you make the effort to make amends, then you can grow. This is that song for me.

The video was shot in my hometown, St-Hubert, Quebec. It`s a small man made lake in the midst of a busy little city. I think the videographer portrayed the vision for what I had in mind for the song. When doing a new project, you never know what can happen but it was a pleasant sunny day and we worked really well together.

The experience is one I won`t forget. It`s hard as an artist (let alone being a woman) seeing oneself so up close, natural and personal. When I saw the video all I could think was ``damn, I really wish I could Photoshop``, lol. Being self-critical is the hardest part when it comes to being an artist, we are our own worst critic!

At the same time, I am coming to the terms that I am who I am, this is me growing. In this case, it`s me just being me with all my flaws and imperfections. 

There are quite a few people that played a role in this song. A big thanks to Adamack Beats that allowed me to experiment and create something new. Nick Fullinger from Studio Magique, http://www.studiocitymagic.com/ that recorded, sang and helped me with the harmonies and back vocals and Lina Paré, https://metaroundthecorner.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/liana-the-ghost/ that filmed and edited. A special thanks to Sandra Zetino, sandra.zetino@videotron.ca, the hair, that`s her! Not only is she a fabulous hairdresser, she has been a close friend for well over 10 years.

I hope you enjoy it! I`m not sure when or if ever I will do another video clip but it was experience in which I learned a lot about myself. Thanks for watching, you can catch it on my YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra.

Femme Chakra & Friends

When I put this show together, I really had no idea whether it would work or not. I took a risk and hoped for the best. There are so many things to think about when you are putting on a show. The practices, which were frequent, the music, the sound, the set up to the show. The clothing, the lights, the other artists. I am grateful for the fantastic people that believed in me. Marie Francis and Wanda Taylor, thank you for making my songs better. I learned a lot working with both of you and it gave me a better understanding of my own music. AJ from Dynamic Entertainment, I would have choked if you had not been there for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the comedians, thank you for supporting me. I was aiming for a show that was fun and entertaining and all of you delivered.

I learned a lot doing this project. It was the first time I was singing being myself. When you sing your own songs, people get a wide eyed look into who you are, what you write and what you say as an artist.  This experience was great because it allowed me to be surrounded by people that are honest, reliable and genuine. The crowd was friendly, courteous and the ambiance was great. Thank you!

To my closest friends, it just would not have been the same without you. I love that I can see old friends and we can go back to the way things were without hesitation. That we can enjoy a wonderful time after the show and that the atmosphere is awesome. It will remain in my life as a great memory. Thank you for the support. From my own song, ``we try, we learn, we fail`` but we get back up and start again.

I`m not sure what`s coming up. I`m going to take some time and see what direction life leads me. I will not do the same show over again as I prefer to mix things up. I`m always full of creative ideas and there is usually one that strikes my liking. Until then, have a wonderful Holiday season and hope to see you soon. Love you xxoo.

Femme Chakra & Friends: Nov 8, 2013 - Monument National

Mark your calendar for November 8th, what a night this will be!!!  I strongly believe that the best nights out are the ones when you are surrounded by friends, the music is great and the laughter is flowing. Come and enjoy an intimate evening with me as I introduce some of my original songs along side some really great comedians.  You can visit the invite on Facebook by clicking here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/500105103416808/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming. 

After grossing the highest weekend ever at the Saint-Catherine Theatre with his show ``C`est Moi! C`est Chocolat`` in March, Andrew Searles will have you laughing up a storm at this one evening event. Discussing topics from his childhood to life in school, to romance, to his ethnic background of growing up in Canada, he will prove why he was nominated   “Top 10 Best Stand-up Comedians in Montreal” four years straight by the Montreal Mirror.  He has worked with the likes of Russell Peters and Sugar Sammy and recently debuted on his own comedy special in 2013 on National television for the new Canadian stand-up comedy show ``No Kidding`` .  You definitely do not want to miss one of the fastest rising stars on the Montreal Comedy Scene. 

Heavy T aka Tony Riccio is a loved and respected up and coming comic from the St-Leonard district. Recently interviewed on WOPTalk TV, his upbeat quick wit humor made him the winner at the Boom event at the Comedy Works in 2013 and had him featured on the show the ``BadFellas of Comedy``.  Performing alongside Guido Cocomello and Ali Hassan at the sold out show ``Homegrown Comedy Vol.1``, he proved that not only is he extremely funny but he is on his way to being recognized as a great promoter and organizer of comedy events in and around the Montreal area. Come and see why a night with Heavy T is never forgotten. 

Originally from Minnesota, Kate Conner, in the summer of 2011 took the plunge onto the stage and into the Montreal spot light.  With a thriving YouTube channel, she can be found performing at a wide variety of different venues, including The Comedy Works and The Comedy Nest.  As a mother of three girls and one boy, she is the producer of the ``3 Min Comedy Workout`` show, the ``Funny Side of Parenting``.  You don`t want to miss this "take no prisoners" approach to comedy (and to life) as she exposes her twisted view of the world through her relationship with her husband and her kids.

Tickets are on sale at the Monument National, click here: http://www.monumentnational.com/en/calendar/details/femme-chakra-and-friends/.  I do have a few available tickets but please let me know as soon as possible as there is limited seating.  Can`t wait to see you there!!!

 

Click here to visit Supporting Montreal Merchants :

http://www.holistictrainingandphysio.com/

 

My Music - Show at Resto Bar Unik

I had the most amazing time singing at the Resto Bar Unik on Saturday night.  A big thanks to the host Richard Mullins and Paul Blanchette (the fantastic sound guy) for inviting me and to my awesome friends for being there as well as to the comedians (Linda Brazill, Don Campbell, Mike Gamache, Alon Azimov and Jeff Kovac) for putting on a great show.  The atmosphere was a positive one and the people that were there made the evening one to remember. 

My Music - I Just Can`t Trust Again

I enjoy writing all styles of music. Some days I feel like dancing, some days I remember the not so good moments and other days I like to write about what I learn from life. A heartache occurs to the best of us. Whether it be a relationship that ends, the loss of a friend, the hurt that someone causes; we all feel pain at one time or another. ``Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it`` - Charles R. Swindoll.

A big thanks to Kyle for his inspiring music and to Nick for adding the sax as well as for helping me iron out the details. A big thanks to everyone that supports me, It means the world to me. I do hope you enjoy it.

You can hear the song at www.femmechakra.com  or on my YouTube channel at  http://www.youtube.com/femmechakra



Song - It`s a New Year

I wrote ``It`s a New Year`` in September of 2011. I figured that with the New Year coming that it would motivate me for 2012. I started this blog to not only surpass my self-doubt but to remind myself that fear is simply false evidence appearing real. For as long I can remember, I have cared way too much about what people thought of me. The love of music, writing and creating where always tainted with thoughts that my ideas were not good enough. What a lot of wasted time, I was stunting my own growth. This project is all about getting out of my comfort zone, creating music and enjoying great moments. I figure that my birthday is as good of an occasion to start a new year right. You can hear it at www.femmechakra.com or by clicking on the link.

I like writing dance tunes, it`s not as vocally challenging but it is a lot of fun, they put me in a good mood. I do hope you enjoy it. It will be up for sale soon on Itunes as well as other online stores. A big hug to all those that are celebrating their birthdays this month, I hope the song motivates you to start the year right. Quoting Oprah Winfrey, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

Thanks to Nick for great job and to Tim, that without his inspiring music I wouldn`t be able to write.

What NOT to do when going to studio

If you have read any of my previous posts you know that I was pretty enthusiastic about this year. I was truly happy to get started and do all kinds of new things; music, blogs, podcast. I was really excited that I had written a ton of songs that needed to be recorded. I was planning my schedule and budget so tight to fit in as many songs as possible that I did not realize that I was not taking the time to fully fine tune the songs. I went to studio on Sunday and I expected to walk out of there with a great vocal track. I know the cardinal rules when being a recording artist.

The first cardinal rule: BE PREPARED

I have been recording for years and I still made the crucial error of thinking that I could bypass the steps required to successfully record a song. I`m pretty upset at myself. When I first started recording, I recorded cover tracks. I would record them over and over until I was sure that I had successfully hit all the notes to the best of my ability. That was the key, practice and record. Writing songs is a little harder but the concept is the same. Being prepared is the most important factor. Not only does everyone lose time and money, it really makes the experience frustrating and unpleasant.

Albeit it was not the start to the year I had hoped, I`ll take it with a grain of salt and call it an expensive learning experience. I did manage to almost finish one of the tracks that will be released in March and did make some progress on my next release but all in all, a very disappointing experience. Quoting Stephen Kaggwa, ``Try and fail but don`t fail to try``. 

Now it`s time to get back to the drawing board and fine tune my songs. 

For more tips:
http://www.loveandlaughtermusic.com/2011/01/tips-on-recording-vocals-part-1-preparation/

SONG - I`m Starting Over

I think the title is pretty self-explanatory... ;)

I am hoping that everyone will have terrific holidays. I am wishing my family and friends all the best with the hope that the New Year will bring lots of great new memories.

My favorite quote for the New Year:
Learn to be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not. ~Henri Frederic Amiel

UPDATE - It`s a New Year

Wow, almost a whole year has passed since my last blog. There have been a lot of changes for me in the last year. I moved back to my hometown which required some time for adjustment. Luckily, I had some great friends that made coming home a lot easier. Change can sometimes be difficult.

For a while, I contemplated on whether I would continue doing music. Self-doubt has always been an issue for me. When an old friend and artist that I knew passed away at the young age of 36, it made me realise how short life really is and that if I really love doing something, I shouldn`t let anything stand in my way. So I took some time and really worked on my writing. I have to say that any repressed feelings that I may have had are now obsolete (lol), it is amazing how you can let go of so much emotion when you write and sing.

I recently had the opportunity to attend Astral Media`s Songwriter`s Workshop www.radiostar.ca/songwriters-workshop, which was very informative and motivating. I had the privilege to hear Dan Hill (www.danhill.com) sing and speak. He really is an inspiring artist and writer. The stories he told touched me on many levels. Sitting there, surrounded by so many talented people made me realise that I’m not alone and that it`s not only me that sometimes get`s discouraged. Being creative isn`t a choice, it`s a need.

Albeit a very contemplating year, I am back and ready to go, motivated and determined to pursue my goals. You will hear a lot from me this year. New songs, videos and blogs are on their way. On a very happy note, I am pleased to announce that the song ``No, No, No`` is now available to purchase. You can buy it at ITunes as well as on other great online stores. You can view my links on my website at www.femmechakra.com. Also on my links page, if you would like updates please don't hesitate to leave your contact information. It's really nice to be back and I'm excited to get started. Be blogging soon!

SONG - No! No! No!

Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, "You have it your way. I have it my way. As for the right way, the correct way and the only way, it does not exist". I believe that loving oneself can sometimes be one of the most challenging self-realisations to overcome. It is extremely difficult sometimes to just say no. No, I'm not going to be treated that way. No, I don't have to conform. No, I don't have to be. I just want to be me. I think it's a good philosophy.

I had fun writing this track. The dance inspired beat (Thanks Adamack) threw me into a philosophy mode that inspired me to write simple words that projected so many feelings. A huge hug to Nick for his professionalism as well as his patience. I do hope you enjoy it and please don't hesitate to let me know what you think.

On the same note, quoting Ralph Ellison, "All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself.".