Wow. It's been a full year since writing my last blog post. I HAVE been writing though...it's just I'm writing songs. Suppose that's why I moved to Nashville anyway ;) No excuses though. I am back and hope to make this a normal thing as long as I'm able to. I guess after almost 3K people read my last entry I kinda freaked out. How could I top THAT experience...well I'm about to tell ya ;)
Blogs are weird. They’re so personal and there’s so much time the reader has while reading it to pick it apart. See? You’re doing it now aren’t you? Probably the reason I haven’t finished one of the 3 books I started writing. Music is way easier. There’s only about 3 and a 1/2 minutes to stand naked and vulnerable in front of a crowd. Well, 2 minutes and 45 seconds if you’re a pop/country radio writer 😏
Let's start there shall we? So. many. rules. No like, SO MANY RULES. Let me explain...
I decided to enter the Nashville Rising Song competition. Which is basically a competition where you have 1 song to sing and play in front of music industry professionals. The judges get to pick a winner, and the crowd picks a winner. It is ONLY based off of the song. If you are a terrible singer...but the song is awesome, that person could still win. It's the only actual contest where they are judging lyrics and music only. Not performance. I decided to enter into this contest because I thought I had written a pretty nifty tune. All my friends loved it, and it was time to give it a shot. Well, I didn't win...cause y'all would have heard. I did come in 4th place out of 30 songs so that's very cool. After the evening was done, I walked over to the judges to say thank you and the women who was judging us that night looked at me and said "I loved your song, your Krystal right?" Y'all. THAT made my night. When 30 people play music and the judge can remember your name...that was all I needed. She handed me her card and asked me to email her more songs and that she'd love to work with me.
I remember to this day getting that phone call. She asked me so many questions. What my goals were, what I wanted out of music, who I aspired to be. You could tell she was someone who genuinely cared about people and helping them achieve their goals. As a coach myself, I really connected with her. I began to work with her, meeting several times a month. At first I'd bring her songs and she would RIP them apart. It was extremely frustrating. It was hard to take, especially when you get so invested in a song. Seeing your "babies" all torn up and uprooted and mixed, or just sometimes thrown away was a hard pill to swallow. At one point I remember asking myself if this was actually helping motivate me, or simply helping me realize I wasn't actually cut out for this.
As time went by, I'd keep bringing her songs, and we'd keep cutting and pasting like it was MY JOB. Eventually though, the amount of rearranging and fixing became lighter and lighter. You see, I was actually learning what I needed to in order to go into the writing style I was choosing to pursue. It's like any job...if you want to be successful at it, you need to follow directions and play by the rules. I simply didn't know any of the rules to the game I was apparently charging at head first. How unfair! You will lose at Poker every single time, if you don't even know what will make a hand. Right?
SO.MANY.RULES. There were things about writing country music that I never even thought about before. But guess what? All these hit writers know them like the back of their hand. No wonder some people were so much further ahead than others. I will tell you right now the BEST thing I ever did was take meetings with that judge. I am now part of her publishing company and I am happy to announce that I have several songs that are going to be contracted under her and another publishing company. But that's just the beginning, man.
When my first song was picked up the other publisher in the room at the pitch said that after 3 years she has only signed a few songs. Mine is one of them. That says a lot. Quality songs are hard to come by, and the rules just make it harder. Here are some of the funny things I've been told over the past year...
"We need mid-tempo to upbeat songs"
"There's too many words, it goes too fast. Can you make it slower?"
"Don't pitch a slow song. Slow songs never get cut" (My first song picked up was slow)
"Get to the chorus before 30 seconds"
"The song is too short. Can we add a guitar solo?"
"The song is too long. Can we take out the guitar solo?"
"We need something that sounds fresh and original"
"This sound is different. I don't know who I can pitch this to"
"We want a nostalgic song, a dedication to an older artist type song."
"You can't name people who are famous in songs"
"Don't put specifics in a song, it will make it un-relatable to a lot of people"
"This song isn't descriptive enough. Add some more descriptions."
"We need a girl sprinkled in there somewhere."
"This song isn't about the girl, take the girl out."
Now granted, you have to take a lot of these things in context. I am not going to share all the stories that go along with these comments, but the thing to remember, is that a lot of these people who are looking for songs for their artists don't actually know what they're looking for, until they hear it. It's a true shot in the dark even AFTER you get all the rules right.
It just depends how badly you want something. If you are like me, a BIG dreamer, than get ready to hold on for a very long time. They call Nashville the 10 year town because after working for 10 years straight to get a cut on an album or with an artist, people usually give up and move home. I won't be that person, and I will not let my friends be that person. I am here to accomplish something and I'm not leaving until I do it.
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal~
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Networking - Selfish or Selfless?
You know what’s really hard? Relationships. Now I’m not talking Jack & Jill went up the hill and made out for a few seconds. I’m talking full-blown adult freaking professional relationships. Everything but the LOVE kind of relationships. I’ve been extremely lucky. I have found some people in my life that I can be myself around 24/7. Unfortunately, those friends did not fit in my luggage when I moved to Nashville.
Nashville. Nashville will break your heart if you let it. Nashville is filled with people who are talented, driven, relentless in reaching their goals and that is AWESOME. However, as much as I love this city I can’t deny that I’ve had difficulty making genuine friends here. Why you ask? Well you didn’t but...I did. Everyone in this city, if you are a musician...has an agenda. I don’t care who you are. If you are a musician in this town, you want to Network until the cows come home. And I don’t blame you! It’s how you create a path for yourself in the industry, it’s how you further your career, it’s how you grow. But how many times did I mention the word “yourself”, “you” or “your” in the last sentence? A lot of people I have personally come across aren't asking themselves what they can do for others. They are simply in it for themselves. This is where Nashville breaks my heart. And this is why friends are hard to come by here in Nash.
I have come across writers who have set dates with me 3 times and have cancelled all of them. I have set up co-writes with people who have just ignored my text confirming our appointment for the next day and then no-showed. I have people who have just completely ignored me. Guess what? That's OK. They aren't going to be people, in the end, I'd want to write with anyway. PLEASE underestimate me. I know I am not your typical country writer. I'm new at writing country music. I am definitely different than a lot of writers who have lived and breathed country music since they were old enough to listen. I'm not like them. I grew up listening to Queen, Mandy Moore, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Jason Mraz, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Jessica Simpson, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Journey, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Boomtown Rats...just to name a few. Turning to country at the age I am (which will NOT be stated here) the odds were already stacked against me. The only thing that I have going for me, is the willingness to learn, and the drive to not stop until I reach my goal. And for every one of those people who ignored me, or said no to writing with me...guess what. I just signed my first contract with a publisher. AND I'M COMING FOR YOU.
With that being said, I was told before moving to Nashville that networking will be my ultimate friend. Network to "get ahead" they all said. I always thought that word was funny. Network. The definition in Webster’s states: “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” Another definition says: “connect as or operate with a network”. There are some key words here. EXCHANGE and WITH are words that stuck out to me. Which means that its supposed to be a mutual relationship built on helping others as well as yourself.
Whatever you've been told about networking in the past...you haven't seen the actual visible site of it until you've come to a VIP event in Nashville. I don't mean VIP as in you have to be famous...I mean VIP meaning you have to have been invited by a industry "professional". Luckily, I have made some amazing friends in the industry that have allowed me the chance to attend some of these events.
I have to be honest with y'all. At the last event, I just sat back grabbed a free drink and observed. I was there to enjoy the music and I was happy knowing that I brought someone to the event, who would have a great time as well. I decided to take this person (who will remain nameless) because I knew he'd be GREAT at the networking thing. But I didn't bring him for me. I brought him for HIM. That is how I decided to use my "networking" skills. This person has done a lot for me without asking for anything in return. Therefore, it is only appropriate that I invite him to something that he would have way more ability to connect with others than myself. And wouldn't you know it...he did. Unfortunately, I can't go into detail, but lets just say it's amazing what comes out of networking when you aren't only in it for yourself. I've always tried to wrap my head around the word. Now I have a pretty good handle on how I want to network. It's a matter of saying "What can I do for this person", instead of "What can this person do for me."
Learn it. It works ;)
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal~
Nashville. Nashville will break your heart if you let it. Nashville is filled with people who are talented, driven, relentless in reaching their goals and that is AWESOME. However, as much as I love this city I can’t deny that I’ve had difficulty making genuine friends here. Why you ask? Well you didn’t but...I did. Everyone in this city, if you are a musician...has an agenda. I don’t care who you are. If you are a musician in this town, you want to Network until the cows come home. And I don’t blame you! It’s how you create a path for yourself in the industry, it’s how you further your career, it’s how you grow. But how many times did I mention the word “yourself”, “you” or “your” in the last sentence? A lot of people I have personally come across aren't asking themselves what they can do for others. They are simply in it for themselves. This is where Nashville breaks my heart. And this is why friends are hard to come by here in Nash.
I have come across writers who have set dates with me 3 times and have cancelled all of them. I have set up co-writes with people who have just ignored my text confirming our appointment for the next day and then no-showed. I have people who have just completely ignored me. Guess what? That's OK. They aren't going to be people, in the end, I'd want to write with anyway. PLEASE underestimate me. I know I am not your typical country writer. I'm new at writing country music. I am definitely different than a lot of writers who have lived and breathed country music since they were old enough to listen. I'm not like them. I grew up listening to Queen, Mandy Moore, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Jason Mraz, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Jessica Simpson, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Journey, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Boomtown Rats...just to name a few. Turning to country at the age I am (which will NOT be stated here) the odds were already stacked against me. The only thing that I have going for me, is the willingness to learn, and the drive to not stop until I reach my goal. And for every one of those people who ignored me, or said no to writing with me...guess what. I just signed my first contract with a publisher. AND I'M COMING FOR YOU.
With that being said, I was told before moving to Nashville that networking will be my ultimate friend. Network to "get ahead" they all said. I always thought that word was funny. Network. The definition in Webster’s states: “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” Another definition says: “connect as or operate with a network”. There are some key words here. EXCHANGE and WITH are words that stuck out to me. Which means that its supposed to be a mutual relationship built on helping others as well as yourself.
Whatever you've been told about networking in the past...you haven't seen the actual visible site of it until you've come to a VIP event in Nashville. I don't mean VIP as in you have to be famous...I mean VIP meaning you have to have been invited by a industry "professional". Luckily, I have made some amazing friends in the industry that have allowed me the chance to attend some of these events.
I have to be honest with y'all. At the last event, I just sat back grabbed a free drink and observed. I was there to enjoy the music and I was happy knowing that I brought someone to the event, who would have a great time as well. I decided to take this person (who will remain nameless) because I knew he'd be GREAT at the networking thing. But I didn't bring him for me. I brought him for HIM. That is how I decided to use my "networking" skills. This person has done a lot for me without asking for anything in return. Therefore, it is only appropriate that I invite him to something that he would have way more ability to connect with others than myself. And wouldn't you know it...he did. Unfortunately, I can't go into detail, but lets just say it's amazing what comes out of networking when you aren't only in it for yourself. I've always tried to wrap my head around the word. Now I have a pretty good handle on how I want to network. It's a matter of saying "What can I do for this person", instead of "What can this person do for me."
Learn it. It works ;)
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal~
Sunday, November 12, 2017
The Truth About the CMA Awards and Realizing it's like The Wizard of Oz; Just a Grumpy Ole Man Behind a Curtain...
I don't like being the one on a soapbox. I don't like to call attention to something and make a stink about it. I will not be cruel, but I will be truthful. As a residential Nashville songwriter, attending the CMA's was the most heart-wrenching, uninspiring experience I have EVER had.
As most of you know, award shows like this always need "fillers" and they have a lot of extra tickets to hand out in order to fill in the empty spaces of a show where the cameras will pick up any bare space. My friends happened to volunteer for a pre-recorded audience filming that morning for Kelly and Ben (Kelly Pickler) as they commentated in between Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. At the end of the filming, they did a drawing for ticket give aways. Both of my friends happened to get a plus one ticket and invited me to go with them.
Of course I'm freaking out because I find out I'm going at literally 4pm and I have to be at the Bridgestone Arena for 6pm. I tried racing home from work but end up getting stuck in traffic. My friend calls me on the way home to give me the 411 on what exactly the deal was with these tickets. Apparently, they were told we got front row and on stage tickets but we will be in the back for a few songs at the beginning, then they will usher us up to the front row, and then we will be ON the stage. Sounded good to me!
So by the time I get home, I have like 20 minutes to change and grab myself an Uber. I put on my fanciest dress, jewelry and shoes (which most of you know how HORRIBLE I am about my feet. I'm such a baby and I HATE heels). I grab a clutch throw my phone in it and I'm out the door. (Thank God I shaved my legs that morning)
I finally meet up with my friends and we are waiting outside of the side entrance where all the tour busses are. Immediately, a man starts walking up and down the line shouting "Once you get in, if we see your phones out, we will take them and kick you out. If you try to take pictures or video, we will have you arrested.” Needless to say, he said this so harshly it was super uncalled for and I was immediately turned off. We finally get inside where they usher us downstairs where we wait for about 15 minutes. They open the doors and we literally have to run to make it into the stadium in time where the count down has begun. "We go live in 10 - 9- 8 - 7 -..." We stand in the back, which was actually very cool. Cam and Brett Young both walked behind me, in addition to A TON of people I didn't know. The TelePrompTers were everywhere. Even if I didn't know the song I could sing along. There was one right next to me. I felt like I was doing Karaoke! We were there all the way through Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bently, and Eddie Montgomery took the stage to sing My Town. There was a break after that. People asked me what happens on the breaks. Honestly, the lights come up a bit, people leave to go get drinks. Me and my friend went out to grab a drink which, while in line in front of Karlie Kloss, discussed the ridiculous prices of the drinks (Two Tequila's on the rocks came to $40 dollars! OUCH)
We went back into the venue to where we were standing but they turned us around to face an additional stage so now we are front row. I noticed everyone had their phones out taking pictures so I asked 2 of the security guys behind me if it was allowed and they nodded fervently at me and said “yeah not a problem!”. Suddenly, a gentleman appeared on stage. It was Garth Brooks. I almost pee'd a little. Not because I get star struck or anything like that but because it was all so normal. I literally turned around and was starring at Garth Brooks. After his number, with his songwriter I might add...we were ushered into a room where we were told "if y'all have to go to the bathroom now is the time". We sat in a room for about 45 minutes. I did get to meet and chat music with singer/songwriter James Taylor from the Bachelorette 2016 show. He was cool, but his hair...way cooler.
A women came down and made an announcement. Now please understand that I was a plus 1. I had NO idea that I had a "job" to do. As far as I'm concerned I was handed free tickets to attend the CMA's. Her speech to us went a little like this: "Ok people, we are a bit disappointed with y'all. This is live Television. There are a lot of people not happy right now. You are not supposed to all be crammed together. Your job is to fill in the spots. You have GOT to pay attention. No one is super happy with any of you at the moment." I immediately felt like I was back in elementary school being reprimanded for not staying in a straight line walking to my classes. I said something to the effect of "ummm you've got to be kidding me right now", rolled my eyes and immediately wanted to say something. So now, I'm double annoyed with the guy outside and now this women. The same gentleman that was trolling the line outside then appeared and stood next to her to make an announcement. It went something like this: "Ok people, we are sorry to announce we only have room for about 75 of you up front right now. We can only let 75 people through so what we're going to do is try to get tickets for the rest of you to take a seat. The first 75 people to stand under that AT&T sign will go down. WALK! WALK!" Of course everyone is scrambling to get to the sign. Then he speaks up again STARTING his speech with a rude laugh saying "Just kidding, all of you in the back, I'm going to take the people in the back" Like he was seriously playing games with 250 people who have been waiting around for about an hour now. All of a sudden the same women shouts out: "People, this is live TV. If you are over 40 this isn't a show for you and you should do yourself a favor and just go home now. You should all know better. Anyone over 40 we won't be letting you down. The exit is that way!!!" Now at this point, I am LIVID. I mean...theres really nothing else to say except...YOU GUYS GAVE ALL THESE TICKETS OUT TO A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE. IF YOU DIDN'T WANT 40 YEAR OLDS THERE YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST GIVEN THE TICKETS TO EVERYONE UNDER 40.
So after 1/2 the people started to ask about these magical "tickets" they were going to try and get (mind you there's only like 10 minutes left of the show at this point), they basically didn't say anything more after that and said "guys the exit is that way, please leave we have no more room for anymore people.” Just than a young girl walks up to him. Tall blonde with a dress that stuck to her legs. He immediately lets her go through. The women speaks up again and says "come on people you know how this is, it's television. If you aren't young and pretty we aren't going to be putting you through. It is what it is people. This is how tv is."
There are no words for what I was feeling at that moment. These two employee's work for the Country Music Association. I was instantly disgusted with the attitudes of these two people. To treat these people so poorly, without a care in the world of the attitude and choice of words that were coming out of their mouths. And just when I thought it was done, the gentleman started checking out girls, hand selecting them based on their looks. He even said to one of them "You, tall skinny blonde...go ahead and head down". He also let a women through and refused to let her husband go down with her!
I was left that night to think about all these musicians that are so public about "loving your body" and loving who you are. Pink talking to her daughter about her looks, Carrie Underwood speaking about her weight over the years...do these singers know that the association they partake in is part of the exact people that they are speaking out against?
Honestly, as a songwriter pursuing a career in Nashville who wants to write songs for all of these artists, it seriously made me think about things. All of these people who were so desperate to get out onto that floor of the CMA's, were literally willing to take all of the garbage those two employee's were saying to them. All for what?
I am also fully aware that writing this blog may in fact hurt my career. But I wouldn't be doing what I think is right if I just sat back and didn't say anything. People deserve to hear about what it's like behind the curtain. It's ugly, I was offended, and I will never purchase a ticket to the CMA awards in the future. I guess it’s just more fuel for songwriting. Next time i attend this show, I will be there as a writer, and heaven help us all if they give me a microphone...
This guy started to look at me up and down as he was letting people down, I looked at my friend immediately and said "yeah I want no part in this, let's go". And so, yes, at 9pm I, Krystal Polychronis, walked out of the CMA's and went to go eat Mexican food with my friends where we sat and watched a gentleman play guitar who was exquisitely talented.
I don’t know what else to say except I’m heartbroken that this stuff STILL happens. It does, it’s real, I’ve experienced it and it’s just so fake. But hey, at least next time you watch the CMA’s, when you look at the crowd...you’ll know why everyone is blonde, tall, skinny...and under 40.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
What does Lee Brice, Florida Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean all have in common?
It's Tuesday night. I had my first day back at work after being home for a beautiful wedding, and The Voices of Hope's fall gala. Please read about them in my previous blog!!!
General thoughts are running through my mind.
1. I'm exhausted.
2. I feel like I've been back home more than I've actually been in Nashville.
3. It's now bordering "weird" to me that "home" is now somewhere else.
4. I don't feel settled in at all since I've been back and forth 2 times in the past month.
5. I really miss the kids I'm coaching.
6. Music. Music. Music...I'm coming for you and it starts....WEDNESDAY!
Y'all...I'm SO excited for Wednesday! In order to explain WHY I'm so excited, I probably need to back it up a little bit. Let's rewind to Friday September 22nd. It's 9:01am and I'm sitting in a parking lot/driveway of this little nondescript house. I've got butterflies in my stomach not because I'm nervous but because I have NO idea what to expect. You see, I am currently sitting in my car awaiting the owner of this studio to come and meet me!
He arrives, he has a presence about him. He's firm, yet friendly. He apologizes for being a few minutes late "after all it is early for us musicians". I thought that was funny. I say "Yeah but isn't it always the guitar players that are running late?" Haha we both laughed as we introduced ourselves and got right in to make some coffee in the studio kitchen. Yes, the studio, when you walk in, is more than a studio. There are living room style rooms to relax in, an entry way with the secretaries desk. Then you've got the kitchen area, and two recording rooms. He makes me some coffee and brings me back into the larger studio. We sit down. The first thing he says to me "Ok Krystal. Tell me your story."
Now I can tell you what I said to him, I can go into details, I can be boring, I can say things you wouldn't believe. I could tell he's been doing this a long time. Nothing surprised him. In fact, he had some amazing insight for me that made me more confident in my ability as a songwriter. So instead of go into details about what I said, I'd like to share with you how he made me feel.
He wanted to know my story? You mean he wanted to know about me and my music? Why I make music? Why I decided to move to Nashville, what my goals and dreams were and what I was trying to accomplish at HIS studio. He actually wanted to know. He was genuine. He was attentive. He acted like he actually cared.
I sat with him for 3 hours. By the end of our chat, he said he was impressed with my attitude towards my goals and he was impressed with the fact that I was coming in asking for help instead of acting like I knew everything. haha I suppose he's had a few of those people....He said that I should call myself a "lyricist" because Nashville is very lacking when it comes to lyrics. "People will flock to you as soon as they realize you can write lyrics like this". I was taken aback AND VERY thankful for his kind words. It gave me...encouragement I so needed at this point in my life.
By the end of our meeting he wanted to produce my first song. He gave me some suggestions to make the song better, picked one he thought I should start with and guess what...TOMORROW I RECORD MY FIRST NASHVILLE DEMO! The plan right now is to record a 6 song EP to which he would help me pitch.
2 weeks after meeting him, I received an email from his assistant telling me that she was excited to meet me because apparently he was impressed and told everyone at his studio about me!
I'm so excited. I'm gonna try and Facebook Live the session but...we shall see ;) Oh and the answer to the title of this blog post? My new producer!
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal~
Monday, October 16, 2017
The Voices of Home, The Voices of Hero's, The Voices of Hope!
Guys...let me tell you about the most amazing group of people you will ever meet...
The year is 2012. I pay $16 dollars for a ticket to see my friends play a benefit concert. I'm not gonna lie. I had NO clue what my money was going to. I heard "Cancer research" and didn't have a problem supporting that OR my friends. I show up to this little place and there is close to no one there. But I walk in and sit in the back, waiting for my friends to take the stage and play their hearts out. The concert was awesome. The speaker of the night was the founder of the organization Greg Chastain.
He spoke a bit about what the organization was about. I was intrigued. I went home that night and looked up the Termeer Center at Mass General Hospital which is where my measly $16 dollars went that night. Upon reading about the center, it brought me back to their sponsors. I happened upon The Voices of Hope website and continued to read about the organization and how exactly they raise money for cancer research. After reading literally every ounce of verbiage on their site...a song started stewing in my heart. I wrote lyrics for the organization in exactly 9 minutes. Don't ask...I literally remember it took 9 minutes.
Two years went by and I was invited by the director/manager of The North Shore Music Theater (1 of only 3 round theaters left in the country!) to attend the Voices of Hope gala. Obviously I was ecstatic to once again be involved in such an incredible cause that I immediately agreed and bought tickets to attend in 2014. I was blown away by some of the talent and that they did an entire show with people who donated hours upon hours of their time to take the stage and raise money for cancer research. So an ALL volunteer organization had not only the guts to get in front of people and perform at a prestigious theater, but they did it all for free.
Now...as a musician, I have met people who will NEVER play for free. And I get it. It's their livelihood, how they buy food and survive. HOWEVER...in my opinion, it doesn't hurt to volunteer your time and talents a few times a year for a good cause. Anyone who wants to argue with me...honestly...you're just throwing excuses at me and I don't want to even look at you. DO SOMETHING for others instead of being such a selfish person you can't give a few freakin days of your year back to something bigger than you. Cause guess what? People won't remember that you played at a golf course for a wedding. They're gonna remember you by the things you did selflessly. ***END RANT***
To those of you who DO volunteer your time to do something so incredible and to give back...this blog is for you. Voices of Hope was given the song I wrote, we recently recorded it, and performed it live. I am happy to say since the time my co-writer and I introduced the Anthem to the group in 2015, it has been sung 3 years in a row at the VOH Gala and we now have a recorded version of the song on iTunes as well!
I recently returned home to participate in my 3rd annual gala, and let me tell you some things.
1. The week prior to the show...you get no sleep.
2. You research the best ways to keep your voice in top shape and home remedies such as mint and cucumber water...are left sitting around searching for their beta fish ;)
3. You often forget to eat food.
4. Everyone back-stage is naked.
5. Everyone back-stage doesn't care they are naked.
6. Sometimes when you have dancers on stage in front of you, you forget you actually have to SING.
7. You are stretched a lot more than you ever thought possible.
8. You may get locked in a bathroom stall or two.
I would like to introduce to you a few people that make up VOH and then talk about a few people that made an impact on me personally during this particular show.
Greg Chastain- The Founder of VOH and the quiet yet strong leader. Always lightening the mood and helping others recognize the work that we are doing, he is the epitome of a fearless leader. He is always giving us feedback and helping motivate us by continuing to share all the wonderful things people are saying about how we've helped them through tough times.
Dana Seigal- The Creative Director of VOH. Has a vision, says what she wants...and ultimately makes it happen. Dana is a force to be reckoned with! Dana has a way of making EVERYONE feel important, significant to the cause, wanted, needed and welcomed. She never turns away an idea without really thinking about it it can work. I have enjoyed learning so much from her. From blocking in a round theater, to directing the cast on how they should be acting or feeling during a certain song, she's CONSTANTLY thinking about the why's and how's. I'm pretty sure her mind doesn't ever stop working.
Beth Kennedy & Di Longtin- Choreographer extraordinaries! I was so amazed at some of the dancing this year. The number I was in especially. I have never been a fan of "lyrical" dance, but for some reason number 6 I listed above is totally a dig at myself. It was so hard for me to concentrate with the amazing choreography happening on stage in front of me haha! They both bring a "cool" vibe to all of the numbers. There is always something that sneaks up on ya! ;) Thank you for all you do ladies!
Chris Desjardins - I have to tell you that one of the highlights this year was being able to have Chris still be part of our anthem (which he taught and arranged for VOH by the way). He had to go off and have himself a baby... 👶 🍼...but we stole him and his wife Zoe (amazing voice) back for the show! Something you may not know about Chris is that he is actually one of the easiest people to work with ever. The anthem he taught this year was more difficult than last because we taught it to be recorded in studio, not just sung live. So we went to work finding 5 or sometimes 6 part harmonies in places to make sure it sounded it's best. It was a lot of hard work, but he spent the time (sometimes maybe too much time) making sure it was just right. When we took it to the studio, he was there hours continuing to teach parts WHILE in the studio recording. It was a massive under-taking which is why I'm very happy to have had him be able to conduct the piece in the gala. I am so proud of his work on this and I couldn't have asked for a better fit of a person to be on this project. We love you Chris!
Jonathan Plouffe - Jonathan was our Music Director for this gala. Something I can tell you about him...is that I am sad I didn't get to know him better. I can tell you that he is VERY good at what he does. I won't pretend to know how he works, but I can tell you some things I observed about him during the process of this show.
1. He knows there is a job to be done, and he wants to get the best out of everyone. If that means that he needs to keep us on task by putting us in our place and telling us to pay attention, he will.
2. He will not compromise the quality of a song.
3. He will not accept anything less than what we are able to give of ourselves.
4. He will let you know when he's disappointed in a performance BUT equally fair he will also let you know when he's ecstatic about one.
5. He keeps things moving and hates wasted time.
6. He says what he means and means what he says.
7. He's one of the most talented people I've met.
Jonathan...if you're reading this...it has been a pleasure!
Probably one of the highlights this year for me was being a part of a Q&A session with the kids of Andover High School Show Choir. You see, every year we try to get them a part of the gala. And each year they blow the socks off all of us! So Chris and Beth are the two teachers of this group which is why they are able to come and support our gala and take part in it! This year, I made my way over to answer some questions before the show with my friend and fellow musician Darren Bessette. I am telling you these kids are so incredible. They asked me questions like "What sets apart good lyrics from great lyrics?" and "When do you decide to write a song? Does it come quick?" and "How do you write first? Lyrics or Melody?" These kids are on top of it! It's so nice to speak with kids who are motivated to continue to work towards something that is so difficult. They were the highlight of the night always cheering on each number and clapping along and really got into it. It's nice to know us old folk still got it ;)
I would like to give a HUGE shout out to Karen Nascembeni who is the Manager of The North Shore Music Theater and Heather Romani Facilities Manager of the Theater who put up with all 200 of us and our 3am late night cast parties! They work so hard and donate their time as well and I just want you to know how amazing you ladies are. Thank you so much!!!
Well, I want to end this blog with a list of all the links you can use to find out more about The Termeer Center, Mass General Cancer Center, Voices of Hope and The North Shore Music Theater. If you would like to know more about how to donate, feel free to contact me...I don't bite! OR you can click on the Voices of Hope Link below. Thank you all!
Keep the Faith, Love the Music,
Krystal~
www.thevoicesofhopeboston.org
www.massgeneral.org/cancer/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=1544
www.massgeneral.org/cancer/
www.nsmt.org
The year is 2012. I pay $16 dollars for a ticket to see my friends play a benefit concert. I'm not gonna lie. I had NO clue what my money was going to. I heard "Cancer research" and didn't have a problem supporting that OR my friends. I show up to this little place and there is close to no one there. But I walk in and sit in the back, waiting for my friends to take the stage and play their hearts out. The concert was awesome. The speaker of the night was the founder of the organization Greg Chastain.
He spoke a bit about what the organization was about. I was intrigued. I went home that night and looked up the Termeer Center at Mass General Hospital which is where my measly $16 dollars went that night. Upon reading about the center, it brought me back to their sponsors. I happened upon The Voices of Hope website and continued to read about the organization and how exactly they raise money for cancer research. After reading literally every ounce of verbiage on their site...a song started stewing in my heart. I wrote lyrics for the organization in exactly 9 minutes. Don't ask...I literally remember it took 9 minutes.
Two years went by and I was invited by the director/manager of The North Shore Music Theater (1 of only 3 round theaters left in the country!) to attend the Voices of Hope gala. Obviously I was ecstatic to once again be involved in such an incredible cause that I immediately agreed and bought tickets to attend in 2014. I was blown away by some of the talent and that they did an entire show with people who donated hours upon hours of their time to take the stage and raise money for cancer research. So an ALL volunteer organization had not only the guts to get in front of people and perform at a prestigious theater, but they did it all for free.
Now...as a musician, I have met people who will NEVER play for free. And I get it. It's their livelihood, how they buy food and survive. HOWEVER...in my opinion, it doesn't hurt to volunteer your time and talents a few times a year for a good cause. Anyone who wants to argue with me...honestly...you're just throwing excuses at me and I don't want to even look at you. DO SOMETHING for others instead of being such a selfish person you can't give a few freakin days of your year back to something bigger than you. Cause guess what? People won't remember that you played at a golf course for a wedding. They're gonna remember you by the things you did selflessly. ***END RANT***
To those of you who DO volunteer your time to do something so incredible and to give back...this blog is for you. Voices of Hope was given the song I wrote, we recently recorded it, and performed it live. I am happy to say since the time my co-writer and I introduced the Anthem to the group in 2015, it has been sung 3 years in a row at the VOH Gala and we now have a recorded version of the song on iTunes as well!
I recently returned home to participate in my 3rd annual gala, and let me tell you some things.
1. The week prior to the show...you get no sleep.
2. You research the best ways to keep your voice in top shape and home remedies such as mint and cucumber water...are left sitting around searching for their beta fish ;)
3. You often forget to eat food.
4. Everyone back-stage is naked.
5. Everyone back-stage doesn't care they are naked.
6. Sometimes when you have dancers on stage in front of you, you forget you actually have to SING.
7. You are stretched a lot more than you ever thought possible.
8. You may get locked in a bathroom stall or two.
I would like to introduce to you a few people that make up VOH and then talk about a few people that made an impact on me personally during this particular show.
Greg Chastain- The Founder of VOH and the quiet yet strong leader. Always lightening the mood and helping others recognize the work that we are doing, he is the epitome of a fearless leader. He is always giving us feedback and helping motivate us by continuing to share all the wonderful things people are saying about how we've helped them through tough times.
Dana Seigal- The Creative Director of VOH. Has a vision, says what she wants...and ultimately makes it happen. Dana is a force to be reckoned with! Dana has a way of making EVERYONE feel important, significant to the cause, wanted, needed and welcomed. She never turns away an idea without really thinking about it it can work. I have enjoyed learning so much from her. From blocking in a round theater, to directing the cast on how they should be acting or feeling during a certain song, she's CONSTANTLY thinking about the why's and how's. I'm pretty sure her mind doesn't ever stop working.
Beth Kennedy & Di Longtin- Choreographer extraordinaries! I was so amazed at some of the dancing this year. The number I was in especially. I have never been a fan of "lyrical" dance, but for some reason number 6 I listed above is totally a dig at myself. It was so hard for me to concentrate with the amazing choreography happening on stage in front of me haha! They both bring a "cool" vibe to all of the numbers. There is always something that sneaks up on ya! ;) Thank you for all you do ladies!
Chris Desjardins - I have to tell you that one of the highlights this year was being able to have Chris still be part of our anthem (which he taught and arranged for VOH by the way). He had to go off and have himself a baby... 👶 🍼...but we stole him and his wife Zoe (amazing voice) back for the show! Something you may not know about Chris is that he is actually one of the easiest people to work with ever. The anthem he taught this year was more difficult than last because we taught it to be recorded in studio, not just sung live. So we went to work finding 5 or sometimes 6 part harmonies in places to make sure it sounded it's best. It was a lot of hard work, but he spent the time (sometimes maybe too much time) making sure it was just right. When we took it to the studio, he was there hours continuing to teach parts WHILE in the studio recording. It was a massive under-taking which is why I'm very happy to have had him be able to conduct the piece in the gala. I am so proud of his work on this and I couldn't have asked for a better fit of a person to be on this project. We love you Chris!
Jonathan Plouffe - Jonathan was our Music Director for this gala. Something I can tell you about him...is that I am sad I didn't get to know him better. I can tell you that he is VERY good at what he does. I won't pretend to know how he works, but I can tell you some things I observed about him during the process of this show.
1. He knows there is a job to be done, and he wants to get the best out of everyone. If that means that he needs to keep us on task by putting us in our place and telling us to pay attention, he will.
2. He will not compromise the quality of a song.
3. He will not accept anything less than what we are able to give of ourselves.
4. He will let you know when he's disappointed in a performance BUT equally fair he will also let you know when he's ecstatic about one.
5. He keeps things moving and hates wasted time.
6. He says what he means and means what he says.
7. He's one of the most talented people I've met.
Jonathan...if you're reading this...it has been a pleasure!
Probably one of the highlights this year for me was being a part of a Q&A session with the kids of Andover High School Show Choir. You see, every year we try to get them a part of the gala. And each year they blow the socks off all of us! So Chris and Beth are the two teachers of this group which is why they are able to come and support our gala and take part in it! This year, I made my way over to answer some questions before the show with my friend and fellow musician Darren Bessette. I am telling you these kids are so incredible. They asked me questions like "What sets apart good lyrics from great lyrics?" and "When do you decide to write a song? Does it come quick?" and "How do you write first? Lyrics or Melody?" These kids are on top of it! It's so nice to speak with kids who are motivated to continue to work towards something that is so difficult. They were the highlight of the night always cheering on each number and clapping along and really got into it. It's nice to know us old folk still got it ;)
I would like to give a HUGE shout out to Karen Nascembeni who is the Manager of The North Shore Music Theater and Heather Romani Facilities Manager of the Theater who put up with all 200 of us and our 3am late night cast parties! They work so hard and donate their time as well and I just want you to know how amazing you ladies are. Thank you so much!!!
Well, I want to end this blog with a list of all the links you can use to find out more about The Termeer Center, Mass General Cancer Center, Voices of Hope and The North Shore Music Theater. If you would like to know more about how to donate, feel free to contact me...I don't bite! OR you can click on the Voices of Hope Link below. Thank you all!
Keep the Faith, Love the Music,
Krystal~
www.thevoicesofhopeboston.org
www.massgeneral.org/cancer/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=1544
www.massgeneral.org/cancer/
www.nsmt.org
Coming Home: The good, the bad, and the ugly...
Hey y'all. Yes, I have earned that right. The right to finally say y'all and NO ONE can make fun of me anymore. I think one month is plenty of time to become accustomed to the Nashville way of life...don't you?
This is definitely not one of my favorite posts ever, but exactly 2.5 weeks after I got to Nashville, I got word that a friend of mine died. I don't want to go into details out of respect for his family, but this hit me hard. So young, so many children, and so full of life. I headed home for 5 days and as much as it was nice to be able to spend time mourning the loss of my friend, it was more about being near the people that knew him so that we could all find comfort in just conversing about him.
THIS is a reason I am striving to work towards my dreams with everything I have in me. It may NEVER happen for me...I'm ok with that. My priorities may change over time...I'm ok with that. God may call me in another direction...I HAVE to be ok with that. But right now in this moment, I am trying to shoot for something that has been on my heart since I was 13 years old. We NEVER know how much time we have.
I actually want to end my blog post here. I think less is more on this one. Think about it. Pray about it. God Bless!
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal XOXO
This is definitely not one of my favorite posts ever, but exactly 2.5 weeks after I got to Nashville, I got word that a friend of mine died. I don't want to go into details out of respect for his family, but this hit me hard. So young, so many children, and so full of life. I headed home for 5 days and as much as it was nice to be able to spend time mourning the loss of my friend, it was more about being near the people that knew him so that we could all find comfort in just conversing about him.
THIS is a reason I am striving to work towards my dreams with everything I have in me. It may NEVER happen for me...I'm ok with that. My priorities may change over time...I'm ok with that. God may call me in another direction...I HAVE to be ok with that. But right now in this moment, I am trying to shoot for something that has been on my heart since I was 13 years old. We NEVER know how much time we have.
I actually want to end my blog post here. I think less is more on this one. Think about it. Pray about it. God Bless!
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
Krystal XOXO
Circus comes to town. No...literally...
So I wanted to keep everyone "in the loop" about my day to day here. And I have been living in Nashville for month now but I want to rewind to the beginning of my life here in Nashville.
As you know I'm not just in town for music, although that IS my motivation for being here. I have landed an incredible job as the Director of a gymnastics facility and work closely with the owners of the gym.
So when I heard that there were some guys coming in to train in the morning from the company Cavalia (Cirque Du Solei) show "Odysseo", I knew I had to come in early to check them out! Odysseo is playing under the largest big top tent in the world which happens to be in Nashville. In exchange for tickets (all the staff went before I arrived), they were given the gym to train some of the newer guys. They were all over the trampoline and tumble trak learning the choreography. Definitely something awesome to watch. The guy who was there training the other two, him and his wife actually perform together. Can you imagine that? How romantic bahaha They were all from Brazil. Super friendly and very...in shape :) He and I actually have mutual coaching friends in Rhode Island. Such a small world!!! I FINALLY got to see the show. It was unlike anything I've ever seen. 60 trained horses choreographed with beautiful acrobats, people running and bouncing with these springy things strapped onto their feet, and they'd bounce over the horse course but then the horses would go, and the jumps would get higher and higher. There was a carousel that the acrobats would be hanging off the poles and oh my goodness I can't even explain it. You HAD to be there. They are heading off to LA soon, and hopefully NYC after that (if they can find the room to put this tent!). We have a nice dinner planned and a send off for the boys this week to say goodbye.
So back to my very first day of work, my boss hit my brand new car in the parking lot. Not cool. But she was so scared to tell me. She goes "we need to talk" and grabbed my elbow and lead me outside. Talk about butterflies! I thought I was fired or something. NOW what did I do? But they were so nice about it, saying how they're gonna fix it right up as if it were brand new. I thought to myself...life could be worse.
Katie and Janelle were here to help me get settled into my new house. Rafi, my roommate, was super cool all weekend helping us, brought us coffee, took us out to two really awesome restaurants. One was a speak easy. Hidden, you wouldn't really know it was there. But the line to get in was NOT fun. Very long wait. Probably about an hour. The cool thing about it? There is a rule. NO MAN can approach a women unless she approaches them first. Very...different.
We then went out to sushi, and then karaoke. This wasn't your "normal" karaoke where people hurt your ears and everyone laughs at them and tells them how AWESOME it was. This was a "if you get up there and hurt people's ears, they will hate you and kick you off stage". Like I've said before...EVERYONE can sing. And not just a little, they are all super talented. So this was intimidating. It was my first time singing Karaoke in Nashville. Of course Janelle wanted me to sing Alanis Morsette so...I did. People dug it. I should hope so because I will NEVER get in front of anyone in Nashville and make a fool out of myself when it comes to music. As they say around here..."SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS LISTENING". It's WAAAAAAAY intimidating.
Ok well this blog isn't really as funny as my others. Although I will say one thing. I started the Whole30 again, and I'm miserable. 😩
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
KP XOXOX
As you know I'm not just in town for music, although that IS my motivation for being here. I have landed an incredible job as the Director of a gymnastics facility and work closely with the owners of the gym.
So when I heard that there were some guys coming in to train in the morning from the company Cavalia (Cirque Du Solei) show "Odysseo", I knew I had to come in early to check them out! Odysseo is playing under the largest big top tent in the world which happens to be in Nashville. In exchange for tickets (all the staff went before I arrived), they were given the gym to train some of the newer guys. They were all over the trampoline and tumble trak learning the choreography. Definitely something awesome to watch. The guy who was there training the other two, him and his wife actually perform together. Can you imagine that? How romantic bahaha They were all from Brazil. Super friendly and very...in shape :) He and I actually have mutual coaching friends in Rhode Island. Such a small world!!! I FINALLY got to see the show. It was unlike anything I've ever seen. 60 trained horses choreographed with beautiful acrobats, people running and bouncing with these springy things strapped onto their feet, and they'd bounce over the horse course but then the horses would go, and the jumps would get higher and higher. There was a carousel that the acrobats would be hanging off the poles and oh my goodness I can't even explain it. You HAD to be there. They are heading off to LA soon, and hopefully NYC after that (if they can find the room to put this tent!). We have a nice dinner planned and a send off for the boys this week to say goodbye.
So back to my very first day of work, my boss hit my brand new car in the parking lot. Not cool. But she was so scared to tell me. She goes "we need to talk" and grabbed my elbow and lead me outside. Talk about butterflies! I thought I was fired or something. NOW what did I do? But they were so nice about it, saying how they're gonna fix it right up as if it were brand new. I thought to myself...life could be worse.
Katie and Janelle were here to help me get settled into my new house. Rafi, my roommate, was super cool all weekend helping us, brought us coffee, took us out to two really awesome restaurants. One was a speak easy. Hidden, you wouldn't really know it was there. But the line to get in was NOT fun. Very long wait. Probably about an hour. The cool thing about it? There is a rule. NO MAN can approach a women unless she approaches them first. Very...different.
We then went out to sushi, and then karaoke. This wasn't your "normal" karaoke where people hurt your ears and everyone laughs at them and tells them how AWESOME it was. This was a "if you get up there and hurt people's ears, they will hate you and kick you off stage". Like I've said before...EVERYONE can sing. And not just a little, they are all super talented. So this was intimidating. It was my first time singing Karaoke in Nashville. Of course Janelle wanted me to sing Alanis Morsette so...I did. People dug it. I should hope so because I will NEVER get in front of anyone in Nashville and make a fool out of myself when it comes to music. As they say around here..."SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS LISTENING". It's WAAAAAAAY intimidating.
Ok well this blog isn't really as funny as my others. Although I will say one thing. I started the Whole30 again, and I'm miserable. 😩
Keep the Faith, Love the Music
KP XOXOX
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