lisa nicole grace

Unbelievable.

2011-10-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

After two years of recording, months and months of mixing, mastering, designing, writing thank yous, planning my new website, planning my cd release... it's here.

I'm in bed after midnight the night before I digitally release my first album and I am so bloody proud. I am proud of my amazing musicians. I'm proud of my engineer and my mixer, I'm proud of my masterer.... I'm ridiculously proud of my graphic designer (web & cd cover). I'm proud of myself.

This has been a very long journey, and although this is only one part of the process (and I still have my intimate cd launch in a few weeks, then my big cd release show in the new year) I'm close to finishing the creating process and beginning the promoting process. This is serious business for me. I have always dreamt of having a full length record. A catalogue of my music. A diary of my thoughts and inspirations. Here it finally is. Her name is Prairie Belle and she is pretty darn beautiful if I do say so myself!

All ten songs were written by me and me alone. These songs chronicle major points in my life over the last ten years. Watching relationships either directly related to me, or close to me. Falling in love (myself and those around me). Fighting dark days and waiting (with hope) for the sun. Coming to terms with my surgery and the impact it has had on me. Watching my partner in life & crime work through anxiety and depression. Suffering through rejection and believing in better things. Expressing the love I have for my home. It really has it all.

I hope there are songs that will touch you and inspire you. I hope you see yourself in my song stories. I hope you get to know me if you don't already, and if you do already, I hope you get to know me better. I hope, I hope.... I hope.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this record in any way. I have a song called "Tree of Life" that isn't on this record, but that says "a longing fulfilled is a tree of life". It is true. This is finally a longing of mine that is being fulfilled and I believe it will be a tree of life that will grow branches of other musical and creative opportunities. I am so thankful and blessed and happy and hopeful.

Bless you! xo

masters in the mail!

2011-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS... so today I got the masters of my record in the mail. I had an amazing gentleman master my record, Joao Carvalho in Toronto. He has mastered the likes of Hannah Georgas, the Sheepdogs, Said the Whale, Sloan, Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, City & Colour... the list goes on.

This means two things: 1 - that I will be able to have my digital release hopefully next week (to be available on itunes and cdbaby)! and 2 - that I can book & announce my intimate cd release show that will be taking place on October 29th. I plan on doing a bigger full band release in the new year, but for now I wanted to celebrate my first full length record in an intimate, acoustic and special setting. I will be chartering a street car that will take my lovely little crowd of 50 up onto the high level bridge and park while Jered, Brent, Ryan & I play some acoustic unplugged versions of the 10 songs on my record. There will be wine, there will be appies and there will be music!

The only downside to the streetcar capacity of 50 people is that a limited # of people will be able to attend. Ticket sales will be at a secret URL that is invite only. Everyone that buys a ticket will receive a copy of the new record. I am so excited to share the record with everyone but at the same time, nervous as to what everyone will think! It's taken way too much time and money for anyone to tell me they don't love it. So, if that's the case keep it to yourself and let me plead blissful ignorance. ;)

Two other bits of exciting news... I will be opening up for Chris Trapper on November 19th at the Blue Chair Cafe. The two of us were scheduled to play a show together in February in Calgary at the Ironwood Stage & Grill, however poor Chris came down with a horrible flu and had to cancel. I'm excited and crossing my fingers for good health for Chris this go around. That night will also mark the kick off for my first ever tour! Brent & I will be boarding a VIA RAIL train the morning after the Chris Trapper show to travel to Vancouver. Then we will travel from Vancouver - Winnipeg and back to Edmonton, playing shows along the way. VIA RAIL has an amazing on board entertainment program that I highly encourage any artist to apply for. In exchange for playing on board you get travel, accomodations on board AND meals. Brent & I are super stoked!

That's the latest update for now! Stay tuned for the digital release next week...

Cheers! <3

almost done!

2011-08-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

So I'm thrilled to report that last night Jered, Brent & I got together at Randor's studio (Turnkey Studios) and finalized the mixing for the record. We made a few changes and just got to sit and listen to the final versions of all the songs. It was pretty magical for me! We sat down and crunched numbers and decided who we're going to approach for mastering and how much money I have left (well, how much credit I have left that is). I'm relieved to say that I'm most likely going to make it within my budget. I may be broke afterwards, but I will have a finished record that I am very proud of. I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since we started working on this project!!!

Some pictures from last night:

My notes as we went through each song.

Where the magic happens!

The boys giving their input.

Me having my final listen.

So after two years worth of blogging about this project, we're nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. The guy I want to master my record is in pretty high demand, but I want it done right. I'm hoping when I email him later today that the wait time won't be too outrageous.

Also after two years of dying to have this album done, here we are (almost) and last night I couldn't help but have a weird feeling of anxiety that it's over. All the time and effort we've spent is now wrapping up and I guess I was enjoying the creating process more than I thought because now it's over and the real work starts! Getting stations to play it, people to buy it and getting our songs out there. I do enjoy doing those things so it's all good but it's a lot of work and I want to do it right. Here's hoping!

So there's the update for now. Hopefully I'll have a finished product in my hands within the month!

memory box

2011-08-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

*A new song I have started writing about loss. In progress.

verse
I keep your memories locked, inside of this box
When I want to revisit them I just open it up
I keep the key by my heart, I wear my heart on my lips
I use it everytime I speak the words to express

chorus
This loss, how can I cry I can barely even breathe
When I think of, everything that you meant to me

verse two
I put your picture away when I'm feeling blue,
The last thing I need is a reminder of you
But I bring it back out when I'm especially down
I like to pretend sometimes that you're still around

chorus
Because, I'm tired of crying I can barely even breathe
When I think of, everything that you meant to me

bridge
__________

chorus

music, music, music!

2011-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

These last few months have been pretty jam packed with music. Working on my record, participating in a few fun musical projects and then of course music festivals in the festival city of Edmonton, Alberta!

A few weeks ago I was part of an amazing project called Edmonton The Musical. It was a love story based around relationships and dating in the capital city of Edmonton. It was a mash up of live music and theatre. I was one of the lucky 27 local artists/musicians/acts that got to participate in making the live soundtrack for the theatre production. The show ran from July 21 - 24 (five shows, 7pm everyday and 1pm & 7pm on Sunday the 24th). It was a really fun opportunity to interact with some great actors and artists. Cara Albo wrote, directed, produced and performed (among many other things) in the play. We all had a blast together and I definitely got exposed to the way a theatre production is run (who would have thought it was so different than a live music show?)

The very next weekend I went to Big Valley Jamboree with my friends Laura & Alissa. Jered was playing with Shane Yellowbird as part of the kick off party. We spent the weekend basking (and burning) in the sun, listening to music and dancing all night long. Not much sleep, some rain and chilly nights assisted me in catching a nasty little cold that I'm currently dealing with!

Which leads me to this week, I'm in the midst of a busy time at work working on an amazing event called Walk A Mile In Her Shoes - a fundraiser for the YWCA Violence Prevention Programs. Men strap on heels and strut their stuff around Churchill Square in the second week of September. I worked a golf tournament with the West Edmonton Business Association this week to spread the word and had a hilarious time (and a 5am wake up call that reminded me of my days working at the Derrick Golf & Country Club as a cart tart). Immediately following the tournament I started my first shift at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. I am working security in the beer gardens (believe me I can be veryyy intimidating if need be) and will be working all weekend long, stealing away to catch as much music as possible.

Next weekend I'm going camping with some girlfriends, which leaves me with one weekend free before my girlfriend's stagette and wedding.

As for the record, we worked on tweaking some of the preliminary mixes and are currently having a serious listen to round 2. I have an AMAZING new web designer named Kasia with Code Word Media Design. She is fantastic and I'm so excited for you all to see the new website, which will actually incorporate this blog instead of being a separate entity! Yay! Which will of course mean more consistent blogging and a more esthetically pleasing visual for you to experience whilst reading. If anyone actual reads this blog of course. :)

Later this month I am playing the Open Sky Music Festival with a bunch of friends, and along with some amazing artists from out of town. I'm really excited to be a part of this festival. It's at the lovely Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre.

THEN in October I have been invited to open up for Dave McCann at the Northern Lights Folk Club! Far in advance I know, but I've been looking forward to playing there for some time now!

Well that's the latest folks!

Cheers!

Record update

2011-07-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I mentioned this but I was in France for two weeks tagging along on a tour of four shows with Jered and the band. We had an amazing time... we travelled from Paris to Chinon (central France in the Loire Valley) to Tours to Berck (far north, on the English Channel) to Chavanod (far south almost in Switzerland) back up to the eastern central part in Dijon, back to Paris and home. We went to 9 wineries in 12 days, visited three Chateau's (castles) ate amazing food, drank amazing wine and stayed at some really cute little boutique hotels. The festivals were a ton of fun. Jered and I didn't really buy anything while we were there, except wine (17 bottles in our little backpacks!) needless to say I couldn't carry our luggage past that point.

Before I left I asked my engineer Randor to have the record mixed by the time I got back. I am happy to report that upon the day I returned I had all 10 songs waiting for me in my DropBox. Jered and I have been listening to them non stop. We have a bit of tweaking to do, and want to hear Brent's feedback as well... so once we get that sorted it will be on to mastering.

Also upon my return I got my photos back from my photographer Lillian, and sent them to my web designer. So hopefully in a few weeks I will at least have my website re-vamped and ready for the digital release, then all I'm waiting on is the actual music (obviously the most important part of all!).

Baby steps I know, but steps closer to a finished record. Once the digital release is said and done, then I'll start working on getting the physical cds manufactured. Once I have those cds in my hot little hands, then I can actually nail down a cd release date and perhaps a mini fall tour? Patience is key I tell ya. I have been dying to be done this for quite some time now. I'm really excited about the finished product!!!!

That's the latest for now. Stay tuned!

little life

2011-06-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

*a new song I wrote for my sister Brooke who recently had a miscarriage. It definitely brought a new perspective on losing a little life, and searching for meaning and hope in the process. Love you Brooke!

verse
yesterday, I had a little life inside of me
but today, that little life is gone and I feel empty

that little life had only one request
that I just do my best to keep it growing

I know that I did the best I could
and you know I would do anything

chorus
and I know, everything happens for a reason
and I know, I'm going to be just fine

I know there is a hope that's worth believing
I'm just having a hard time
letting go, of this little life

verse
who was I, when I was on the other side
I couldn't relate, couldn't appreciate the loss in their eyes

now that I can see, beyond just me
I know the path I'm on is worn and waiting

for someone to come and claim,
to just release the blame in everything

chorus
and I know, everything happens for a reason
and I know, that I'm going to be just fine

I know there is a hope that's worth believing
I'm just having a hard time
letting go of this little life

bridge
it almost feels as though, it was never really mine
but by letting go, I'm never leaving it behind

chorus

Jesse Peters Trio

2011-05-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

There is this amazing jazz, funk, soul, r&b artist here in Edmonton named Jesse Peters (aka Paramedic) and he just released a new album called Facetime. He had a little cd release show / benefit concert for the RF Staples Music Program in Westlock last week and graciously asked if I'd join him on stage for a few songs. Here's one of them:

Thanks for having me Jesse!

prairie belles

2011-05-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was a big weekend for the Prairie Belles Podcast! On Friday we were invited to the Shell Theatre 2011 - 2012 Season Launch. Daneel & I headed out to Fort Saskatchewan for a little luncheon/concert/press party launch all put on by the lovely and very talented Elizabeth Budd. The Shell Theatre is the first official sponsor of the podcast, supporting our U22 Revue Segment. We are so excited to partner with the Shell Theatre to further the arts in Edmonton & surrounding areas.
We had so much fun. A few weeks back Elizabeth came to my office at the YWCA and asked me a few questions about the Prairie Belles, U22, the greater Edmonton arts community & more. I got to be a part of the season promotional video. Check it out!

Also this weekend Daneel & I drove to Canmore to be a part of the Rocky Mountain Soap Co. 12K women's run. Not only did we run 12K in 1 hr & 22mins (13 mins better than our usual 12K time) I also got to sing two days in a row to a bunch of very special and inspirational women, in the midst of the rocky mountains no less! I'll be uploading a video very soon.

A very exhausted lil' ol' me is heading to bed. Cheers!

balconytv edmonton

2011-05-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey friends. So a few weeks ago I met up with Sean & Cheryl from BalconyTV Edmonton - a sweet "franchise" if you will in cities all over the world, that includes performances & interviews with artists of all genres on balconies overlooking the downtown core in the corresponding city. An amazing concept I think. I sang one of my songs Heavy Heart that will be on the upcoming record.

Here's the vid:

It was really fun to do, and if you listen carefully at the end of the song you can hear icicles falling from the balcony above us. I love unique arts projects like this! There are some great local and Canadian artists on the website so check it out.

This coming Tuesday I have a photo shoot with an old friend from high school that has become an amazing photographer, Lillian Patz (Visible Echo Photography) for the record graphics. I am stoked to work with Lillian since we go way back and because I think her photography is fantastic. I'm also working with the graphic artist/web designer that built my original website to do a full overhaul, to line up with my digital release next month. I'm planning on having a new website to go with the new record. We'll be using the photos from this shoot on Tuesday as a basis for the re-branding. I'm really excited to see what we come up with.

Also, this coming Monday I'll be joining the fantastic Jesse Peters Trio in Westlock on a few songs for the release of his new record FACETIME along with a benefit for the arts program at the Westlock highs school. Could a show get any cooler? Don't think so.

I'm also going into the studio this week to fix up some harmonies on one song, and then my portion of the record will be officially FINISHED. Woohoo! The editing, mixing & mastering comes next. I can't believe this album is almost finished.

On a non-music related note, next week I am going to Canmore to run a 12K race I have been training for, with my Prairie Belles cohort Daneel Irons. It's going to be tough going from running through the fairly flat prairies to a mountainous town with a different altitude but I believe in us! I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

That's the latest!

Cheers.

recording update...

2011-04-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

So it's been a few weeks since my last update on the recording progress. The boys and I spent an evening in the studio with Terry Tran recording a live off the floor version of my song "Someday". A lot of people have been asking me why I decided to do a live off the floor song when every other song on my album is being tracked. I guess I just decided that since I probably won't get the chance to do another full length professional recording for quite some time (since I'll most likely be broke after this one) I wanted to experience a live off the floor recording and throw in something completely different on the record.

We did 11 takes and took the 11th take. Every time we recorded the song it just felt better and better. To be honest I wasn't really expecting to take my live off the floor vocal, I thought maybe I'd record a final vocal at a later date but I was pretty happy with how things went and will be using my vocal from the live recording as well. My dad came to visit us while we were in the studio and took some pictures of the action.

After recording Terry also interviewed for me his blog.

So there's the latest news on our progress. We have three sessions booked over the next two weeks, and I am hoping to be done by the end of April. That gives us May to edit, mix and master and hopefully we will have a digital release for you in June! I'm planning on doing my official cd release in September. Looking very forward to having a finished product to sell! :)

Hallelujah

2011-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

We took a fun little break from recording my record @ Turnkey Studios last weekend and recorded a little rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah with Sandra Sperounes from the Edmonton Journal. Have a listen!

your legacy

2011-03-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

*a new song I started around Christmas when my 91 year old grandpa had just had a stroke and our whole family was pretty shook up and devastated. I just finished it this weekend. This song is obviously very close to my heart.

verse
once there was a father
and he chose to teach his daughter
about life and love and honesty

time passed and then that daughter
well she soon became a mother
and she passed those lessons onto me

pre chorus
every piece of me from my head down to my toes
is a part of you that's contuining to grow

chorus
and when the time comes for you to leave me
all that I've done and everything I've ever hoped to be
comes down to one main responsibility
your legacy
your legacy

verse two
once there was a woman
with warm blue eyes & soft hands
and she raised three babies to believe

that family is a treasure
and there's really nothing better
than spending time together
making memories

pre chorus
everything I am begins& ends with you
you're the seed & I'm the tree about to bloom

chorus

bridge
when I make my own traditions
and when I start my family
you'll be the one that I'll be missing
wishing you were here to share it all with me

chorus
and when the time comes for you to leave me
all that I've done and everything I've ever hoped to be
comes down to one main responsibility
your legacy
your legacy

two days!

2011-03-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

So the boys have gotten much more done in fewer days than we had originally anticipated and they say they have enough time for me to come in & start on vocals! I put in a last minute request for two vacation days at work and was approved, so that means I get a four day weekend! AND two amazing days in the studio to record some actual vocals (I am so tired of hearing my scratch vocal tracks I tell ya!) It's all very exciting. I had an insane day of overwhelmingness & stress at work, but now that I know I get two days off to focus on my music things are seriously looking up. So stoked!

renewed

2011-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

*Here's a new song I've been working on, and I think I finished it officially last night.

verse
she wonders where she belongs
she wonders who, she belongs to
she feels so lost and alone
if only she knew, to look to you

chorus
she would find her worth
is not determined by another
she would find a love
more intimate than any other
she would finally find
the missing link from deep within her
she would find herself renewed

verse two
she struggles day after day
to follow her heart
to find her place
she gets a little lost along the way
if only she could see
beyond what people say

chorus
she would find her worth
is not determined by another
she would find a love
more intimate than any other
she would finally find
the missing link from deep within her
she would find herself renewed

bridge
she looks for constant comfort
in things that fade away
she longs for what
only you can offer
if she'd just make a change

chorus
she would find her worth
is not determined by another
she would find a love
more intimate than any other
she would finally find
the missing link from deep within her
she would find herself
she would find herself
she would find herself
renewed

headway!

2011-02-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a little lunchbreak where I took subs to the boys who are officially in the studio all week from 9 - 5 working very hard on my record. Today Brent was working on organ and it sounds killer! I listened to a few of the tracks they'd been working on and I was shocked to hear it sounding like a full band professional record. Each track has such a full sound and has some really great musical ideas going on behind the vocals. I was also equally stoked to see they were already on their third track of the day, which gives me hope that they will get a lot done this week! Progress! Yippie!

what a weekend!

2011-02-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

So my lovely music packed weekend started last thursday. I had a show booked to open for Chris Trapper at the Ironwood in Calgary. Luckily my day job is fairly flexible since I mostly only report to myself, so I took a half day off Thursday afternoon to drive down to Calgary, and a half day off Friday morning to drive back home.

Brent, my fantastically talented and supportive brother in law came to play with me so he did the same with his work. Thank heavens for that! Jered (husband) and Alissa (friend) also tagged along - I felt like I had a lovely little entourage! We got to Calgary around 3pm, Jered's dad got us a free hotel room at a really nice place with points since he's a fancy club member so we checked into the room and got changed, then went for a drink. Soon after we were on the road to the Ironwood, I never have a clue where I'm going in Calgary so I was happy to have the human map - Brent - AND the mapquest app to get us to the Ironwood safely and efficiently!

About an hour before the show we the got very sad news that poor Chris had flown through the night, had a million cancelled flights and upon finally arriving in Calgary his body just crashed & he was pretty sick. So the owner came over to let me know that Chris wasn't coming. I was a wee bit devastated initially, but then we decided to roll with it and play a 90 minute set instead of our initially planned 30 minute set. I had a good crowd of friends and family from the Calgary area that haven't ever really gotten to see me play live so that was a real treat. Thanks to everyone who came out I really felt the love!

The next day on our drive home I got an email from Chris apologizing for missing the show the night before and inviting me to sing with him at his Edmonton gig the following night. I over enthusiastically accepted, being the calm, cool & collected female I am (ha).

Friday afternoon we arrived back to work for the afternoon, and then headed to the Winspear Centre for Martin Sexton. That. Guy. Is. A. Freak. He is honestly an overflowing cauldron of genious musical talent. He puts on an amazing show, gets the crowd involved and so absolutely loves what he's doing that you can't help but have a big goofy grin on your face for the whole show. Chris came out and sang a song with Martin (Glorybound - killer!) so that was good to see him feeling better.

Saturday morning we had a 2 hour long rehearsal for our church cd release show next Saturday night. I am happy to say I wrote and sing a song on the C3Metro Come Alive EP that is available now on iTunes (search C3Metro). I had a baby shower that afternoon (ok, not so musical) and then that evening I took two girlfriends to the Northern Lights Folk Club for Chloe Albert & Chris Trapper.

What a night! Chloe was as lovely as ever (even though she admitted to being fairly sick - you'd never know) and Chris played two full sets. He invited me up in the second set to sing his most recent song "Into The Bright Lights" the title track of his most recent digital EP release (http://www.christrapper.com/) My videographically talented girlfriend Alissa happily obliged me and filmed the following:

After the show, the girls & I went out to a seedy country bar and listened to yet even MORE live music and danced our hearts out. Sunday was church (more singing) and the superbowl (snore). I almost rounded the weekend out with a monday night songwriter's circle, but after a work trip to Camrose that had me up at 5am I was DONE. I curled up on the couch with my dog, read, had a bubble bath & went to bed early. My heart is full today!

progress

2011-01-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

As I write this, Jered (husband & drummer) and my friend Peter (guitarist) are in the studio with my engineer Randor working away on two of my songs, Drifting & This Scar for my album. It has been a while since I blogged about my recording process. That's mostly because there wasn't much to blog about, it's definitely been a little popcorn process, a bit of recording popping up here and there. BUT I am excited to report that we've booked a solid week at the end of February where Jered & Brent are going to take off work (we'll be paying Brent what he usually gets paid at work) to get all the last bits & pieces HOPEFULLY finished.
I even have a lovely dobro player in Nashville working away today on two of my songs, Too Easy & Prairie Belle (the title track of the record). So although at one point it felt like my record would never be finished, I may ACTUALLY be seeing a slight flicker of the light at the end of the tunnel.

It would be really fantastic for this album to come out by the spring (and my 28th birthday). I have been nominated for a 2011 Edmonton Music Award (the first ever!) for "Artist to Watch in 2011". I want to earn that nomination and perhaps that award by actually having something to show this year and release this record!!!

Along with progress on the record, I have been very inspired lately and have been writing and concocting songs in my head. I always feel so productive when I'm in the midst of a creative process. That is the tricky nature of the beast though, because once the song is finished then I have this weird feeling of being stumped. To have a continuous creative flow would be such a blessing... alas, work & life sometimes get in the way!

Anyways I just had to write and burn off this little excited steam I have today because I can't wait for things to be finished. Wait for it though folks, I'm sure once the album is done I'll be whining and crying for the days when we were in the midst of the project. What can I say, I'm hard to please!

Thanks for reading. xo

grey area

2010-10-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

another new song... on a bit of a songwriting roll & it feels good. not saying these songs are masterpieces by any stretch of the imagination, but they're creative flow and that's what's exciting.

grey area

verse
i'm afraid of falling into a grey area
i'm alone for so much of my very own hysteria

prechorus
what if i can't find my way
what if i can't find my way out

verse two
i'm too small, to take in the wonder of it all around me
i'm unsure, of everything from what we were to how we should be

prechorus
what if i can't find my way
what if i can't find my way out

chorus
it can't always be so black or white
what about the pieces in between
the parts i don't know
intimidate me so
i'm not too sure what to believe

what about the grey area
i'm in a grey area

bridge
i'm overwhelmed
i'm in too deep
i'm waiting for the world to crumble from beneath my feet

i'm too far gone
i'm far too weak
i'm waiting for the world to crumble from beneath my feet
i'm waiting for the world to crumble from beneath me

prechorus
what if i can't find my way
what if i can't find my way out

chorus
it can't always be so black or white
what about the pieces in between
the parts i don't know
that intimidate me so
i'm not too sure what to believe

what about the grey area
i'm in a grey area

new song

2010-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

So as usual there have been chunks of time where we have recording sessions scheduled & work being done on the album, and then there are chunks of time where nothing is being done. We have two sessions scheduled for the next week and I'm hoping to get the guitar tracks done soon! In the meantime I've been fairly productive with writing new songs. Here is one.

chameleon

verse
do you know who you are
do you know who you want to be
sometimes you go a little too far
try a little too hard
bend a little too easy

pre chorus
so stop looking for yourself
in the pieces of everybody else

chorus
you know this ain't no competition
why can't you celebrate what makes you different
you're always changing in & out of your skin
it's almost as if, you're a chameleon

verse two
what's the use holding back
what's the use, hiding at all
when you're so much more than that
between the cracks
so much potential

prechorus
so stop comparing yourself
to the timelines of everybody else

chorus
you know this ain't no competition
why can't you celebrate what makes you different
you're always changing in & out of your skin
it's almost as if, you're a chameleon

bridge
where do you end, where do you begin
it's hard to tell, when you're so busy blending in

chorus
you know this ain't no competition
why can't you celebrate what makes you different
you're always changing in & out of your skin
it's almost as if, you're a chameleon

renewed!

2010-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

So yesterday my guitar player for this album I've been trying to make, went into the studio for the first time. Unfortunately the scheduled time that worked best was during the day time and I had to be at my day job, but I did get Jered to sit in on the session & I got to sneak away from work for an hour or so to listen & give my wee input.

They were working on my song "Clearer Day" which is a song about picking yourself up when you're feeling completely low, brushing yourself off & telling yourself you're going to be alright, and praying for a better time, a "clearer day" to come. As far as guitar goes I'll fully admit I don't really hear specific ideas for this song. I know Jered, Brent and Randor would have more direction to give Peter (the lovely & amazing guitar player that has agreed to help us out on this record). Peter had some really fantastic ideas, and contributed so many beautiful sounds that really take this song to a whole new level. After months of no work being done on my album, I am fully renewed and excited to see how these songs that have basic structure right now, will develop and grow.

Since I have never recorded any full band songs before I'm so curious for how the concept of the full album will come together. What genre will it be? What will people hear as my influences? How will people feel when they're listening to my songs? It's funny when you're in the studio & you hear this little song you wrote, just you, sitting at your ancient pre-WWII Homer piano, coming alive and becoming WAY bigger than you had ever conceptualized. What a beautiful thing. What a thrilling & slightly scary thing. I have hoped & prayed for this album for so long... can people who are not involved in creating music, but involved in listening to it, ever competely comprehend what an emotional process making an album can be??? My heart longs for this record. To sing the final vocals & harmonies.. to hear it mixed & mastered, to see in a pretty little package. Maybe it's just me, maybe because I've been waiting to make this record for so bloody long, I've become slightly obsessed. But I feel like I'm not only getting to better know myself & my music through this process, but beginning to understand the common bond I will have with other people who have recorded their material and put it out there for people to grasp onto.

Like I said, I am fully renewed by hope, by excitement and by love for this album that is slowly making it's way.

I had a vision...

2010-07-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

verse
I had a vision of you
Letting go of the brokenness
Letting go of the bitterness

And I had a vision of you
Giving into forgiveness
Giving into the truth

chorus
So open up your spirit
You don't need to be so afraid of it
So open up your soul
There's so much to let go
There's so much you don't know

verse two
I had a vision of you
Falling to your knees
Crying out for me

And I had a vision of you
Admitting defeat
Finally admitting you believe

chorus
So open up your spirit
You don't need to be so afraid of it
So open up your soul
There's so much to let go
There's so much you don't know

bridge
When I finally begin to see
The light there in your eyes
I'll know I waited faithfully
All this time

chorus
So open up your spirit
You don't need to be so afraid of it
So open up your soul
There's so much you don't know
There's so much to let go

outro
I had a vision of you
Letting go of the bitterness
Letting go of the brokenness

And I had a vision of you
Giving into forgiveness
Giving into the truth

inspired

2010-05-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

These days I have been feeling a plethora (love that word) of overwhelming emotions. I've never really been one to over analyze and compare myself to others, but I have to admit I have been catching myself comparing what I am doing with my life, my music and such to what other people are doing and what they're accomplishing. Why am I doing that? STOP IT. There, hopefully I listen.

As far as the record goes, Jered was in the studio a week ago and put down some amazing drum tracks. It completely renewed my excitement and hope for this project. I have a new timeline in mind for when I want the album done (since my last timeline was completely a joke, and laughed itself all the way into May) but I don't really want to put it out there until closer to, so I don't get my hopes up and then not make it. I have been taking in a LOT of live music lately, and it warms my heart. I have been hosting some live music nights at Axis Cafe, and with the Prairie Belles Podcast that Daneel and I have been doing on a weekly basis, I hear about SO MANY fantastic artists playing I can't stay away. Last week I saw Meaghan Smith (a lovely girl from Halifax, Nova Scotia) at the Haven Social Club, and again I was at the Haven last night for Manuela Wuthrich's cd release show.
There were two opening acts, one of which was a girl from Toronto called Jadea Kelly. She has such a beautiful unique voice. She inspired me.

I'm going to try and take the overwhelming emotions and thoughts and dreams I've been dealing with and write about them. I haven't been nearly as diligent about writing as I should be these days. I can't wait to get back down to business.

On another note, I have a show with the lovely Erica Viegas (http://www.ericaviegas.com/) on June 5th @ Axis Cafe. I'm going to sing me a Meaghan Smith cover since I loved her show so much!

Sort of a random scatter brained blog, but there it is folks. Happy May Long. xo

productivity...

2010-04-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my last blog, I haven't been writing as much as usual these days. Well, in the last week that has really started to change! Thank heavens! This weekend I went down to Calgary for a night to cowrite with Ashley Rae (country singer/songwriter) and Joni Delaurier (singer/songwriter - winner of a SOCAN songwriter of the year award in fact!!).

Ashley & I wrote two songs together Friday night & Ashley, Joni & I wrote one song together Saturday afternoon. Two weekends ago I got together with my lovely friend Erica Viegas (Edmonton singer/songwriter) and wrote a song with her! So that's four songs in less than 2 weeks, and my heart feels freer than it has in a while.

One of the songs Ashley & I wrote...

Head Above Water
*I got the idea for this song while having a bath and floating with my head barely above the water, just enough so I could breathe.

verse
I'm finding it too hard to breathe
The day to day is overwhelming me
I keep wandering in too deep
And now I'm out of reach

chorus
The tide keeps pulling me in and I'm
Treading water again
My life keeps pushing me under
I'm just trying to keep my head above water
I'm just trying to keep my head above water

verse
I'm caught in your undertow
You won't let me, let you go
I'm drowning in what we used to be
Your waves are always breaking me

chorus
The tide keeps pulling me in and I'm
Treading water again
Your love keeps pushing me under
I'm just trying to keep my head above water
I'm just trying to keep my head above water

bridge
and the sweetest relief
will be the sand beneath my feet

chorus
The tide keeps pulling me in and I'm
Treading water again
My life keeps pushing me under
I'm just trying to keep my head above water
I'm just trying to keep my head above water

Copyright 2010 Ashley Rae & Lisa Nicole Grace.

waiting room

2010-03-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

So it has been a pretty dry spell for writing for me these last few months. Bits & pieces, here & there but no real full song ideas... it's been rough because I tend to express emotions I didn't even know I was experiencing through the songs I write. So I've been feeling pretty stuck. This song is not only a breath of fresh air for that, but also a description of the way I've been feeling in regards to writing and life in general.

waiting room

these days
they all feel the same
I'm bored out of my brain
and I need a change (oh, oh, oh)

but that change it never seems to come
so I'm holding on
I'm just holding on

chorus
my life is like a waiting room
i'm hoping somebody is coming soon
i'll never really know until they do,
til they do
so right now my life is like a waiting room

i think i'm ready to begin again
to start something
a little different (oh)

what that is i'm really not so sure
but i want more
i want so much more

chorus

my life is like a waiting room

i'm hoping somebody is coming soon

i'll never really know until they do,

til they do

so right now my life is like a waiting room

Copyright 2010 Lisa Evangelos.

slow but sweet

2010-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

So it's been a while since I blogged on here about the progress of my record. Well that's mostly because things have come to a bit of a hault. As I mentioned before we're in the process of recording the drum tracks, which means my little turtle of a husband is in charge of the pace of the recording these days. Godbless him, he prefers a lot of prep time and practise time, because he likes to be able to play his best (I'm NOT complaining obviously - we all want our musicians to play their very best). So that's where we are at the moment. He's been in the studio twice, and recorded 4 drum tracks of the 9 he's playing on. They sound fantastic and I'm really excited to see what else he has in store. He's in Vancouver at the moment playing with Shane Yellowbird at the Winter Olympics. His usually hectic gig schedule has been on a bit of a hiatus lately so he has been playing some more local shows with singer/songwriters from around town.

In January we both backed up a good friend of mine - Chanda Cooper - Jered on drums, and myself on back up vocals. We had a blast. Next up are a few gigs with Jesse Peters of Paramedic, and then a few shows with Erica Viegas. All this new material is another reason for the slow but sweet progress on my record, Jered is busy learning other folks tunes.
I've calmed down a bit from my initial intensity on the progress of this record, but in the back of mind I'm still dying to get moving. Hopefully Jered will finish the drum tracks sometime in March and then we'll be able to move forward. I'm looking forward to it!

prairie belles podcast

2010-01-29T10:32:00.001-08:00

Hey blogger friends! I just wanted to let you all know that my friend Daneel and I have started our very own podcast called the Prairie Belles Podcast. Please check it out at http://prairiebellespodcast.blogspot.com/

Cheers!

resolutions...

2010-01-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

So I've gotten a good start on two of my new year's resolutions. I started my 5K running clinic with the running room last week. Had some weird issues with my knee, but I'm getting through it. This is part of my new year's resolution to get more into running, by taking a 5K clinic and then in turn doing a 5K run (St. Patrick's Day run). The second half of that resolution is enrolling in a 10K *dramatic gulp* clinic in March and doing the 10K women's run in June. I just started running in March of 2009, so my physically not so active self feels like these are lofty goals. Just the idea of a 10K overwhelms me. Anyhow, the other resolution is to record an album which I started in November... and with which progress continues at a slow and steady pace. Jered should hopefully be finished the preliminary drum tracks this month... if I continue to light a fire under his perfectionist's ass that is. ;)
The other resolutions I have are to travel again... at the moment I'm thinking Tuscany, Italy but a mere month ago I was sure I was going to Australia. I have until the fall to decide.

I'm on my way at the very least!

PS - I am featured on Junior's Cave web magazine as their artist of the month - check out my interview. www.juniorscave.com/Lisa-Nicole-Grace.html

average girl...

2010-01-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post other artists' lyrics on my blog. I guess maybe that's a little selfish, but this is MY little corner of the interwebs and I want to use it for my lyrics, and my "art" if you call it that. Anyways over the past few days and especially after giving into the temptations of christmas sweets this song by India Arie (one of my favorite acoustic soul artists) is playing over and over in my head. I dig.

Video

Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't
Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be (me)

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know our creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes; I'm lovin' what I see

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be (me)

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear pantyhose?
My mama said a lady ain't what she wears but, what she knows
But, I've drawn a conclusion, it's all an illusion, confusion's the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception
Something's gotta change but
Don't be offended this is all my opinion ain't nothing that I'm sayin law
This is a true confession of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in where you fit in go on and shine
Clear your mind, now's the time
Put your salt on the shelf, go on and love yourself
'Cuz everything's gonna be all right

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I Learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be (me)

Keep your fancy drinks and your expensive minks
I don't need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive car and your caviar
All I need is my guitar
Keep your Kristal and your pistol
I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don't need your silicone I prefer my own
What God gave me is just fine

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be (me)

what do you hear?

2009-12-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

I lost my voice after singing so loudly and enthusiastically over Christmas holidays with my family. I'm lucky to have a family who loves to play audience for me & my husband & brother... we played for hours and hours for days while we celebrated Christmas. Tonight I tried to write a song, but couldn't sing enough to hum out a melody.. so I decided to abandon the "song" part and just write - for the first time in a long time. Here is a poem... just words I whispered alone to myself in a bubble bath.

what do you hear?

when you're alone

and there's no one around

when you drown out the noise

and you don't make a sound

what do you hear?

do you hear the quiet release of your breath

or the echo of your heart beat deep in your chest

what do you hear?

i hear a promise

i hear a prayer

when you're alone

and there's only just you

when you let go of everything

you frantically hold onto

what do you hear?

do you hear the whisper of a familiar friend

or have you fought it so long that you no longer can

what do you hear?

i hear affirmations

i hear truths

when you're alone

and there's no one around

when you drown out the noise

and you don't make a sound

what do you hear?

seeds

2009-12-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

I was at the spa yesterday with my best girl Annelise for her birthday celebration, and after our four hour appointment the owner had us pull "fortunes/soul reflections" that were written on pretty sand dollars & stones. My soul reflection read "your thoughts are seeds. your words water them, what are you growing today?" which was definitely coincidental because I started writing this song about seeds the very night before. Here's what I have so far.

a little seed

verse
I feel something rising up in me
Something good and something sweet
Something no one else can see

I'm a little afraid to let it go
To give it room and let it grow
It's only just a little seed

chorus
But it's taking root in me
It's growing fast and turning green
I don't even know what it might be
But it's just a little seed
Just a little seed

daddy's little girl

2009-12-24T10:42:00.001-08:00

*wrote this song with my lovely friend daneel irons - www.daneel.ca

verse
i remember the wind in my hair shouting
"daddy don't let go"
the day you took those training wheels off
and led me down that old back road

do you remember the days when i,
was just a twinkle in your eye
cause that was so many years ago, when i was

chorus
daddy's little girl
curled up by your side
and there was nothing in the world
to make me run and hide,
as daddy's little girl

verse
these days i'm a hundred miles away
making it on my own
but i love how we keep counting down the days
til i come home

big city, big dreams
it's all right here in front of me
but at the end of the day i'll always be

chorus
daddy's little girl
curled up by your side
and there is nothing in the world
to make me run and hide
as daddy's little girl

bridge
this distance feels a little bit further
your arms wrap a little bit tighter
our goodbyes last a little bit longer
but my love for you
just keeps getting stronger, cause i am

chorus
daddy's little girl
curled up by your side
and there is nothing in the world
to make me run and hide
as daddy's little girl
as daddy's little girl

Copyright 2009 Lisa Evangelos & Daneel Irons

stand still...

2009-12-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

I kind of knew that starting my record in November would mean that there would be a break in progress in December for the holidays. Well, that break is here. I'm antsy to be in the studio again but Jered keeps reminding me that we're not in a rush. I know we're not in a rush, but I want to feel that sense of satisfaction, that I'm moving closer to a finished product and something I've been dreaming of for so long. Today I saw on facebook a fellow singer/songwriter having her album finally finished after such a long wait and I was like "Oooh I can't wait until that is me!" It's going to be a while still but part of me wishes I could just snap my fingers and have my finished record in my hands and start crying little tears of joy. BUT then the other part of me is telling me to enjoy the process and the waiting and the scheduling and rescheduling of studio time because it will all feel so worth the wait when it's done. *dramatic sigh*

Jered was in the studio last week for his first session putting down drum tracks. He was there for a few hours and finished one song called "Heavy Heart." I haven't heard it yet but I am excited to see what he did with the song. We've played it live a million times over and I loved what he did live, so I have complete faith in him that he did something great. I wish I could have been there, but unfortunately our schedules are so opposite that he went while I was working during the day. He was supposed to be going again yesterday but setting up his drums, mic-ing them, recording and then taking them down in time to get to work just couldn't be done. He's going to take a few days in early january off of work and get it all done in one go so he can get his set up and keep it - he tells me so that the drum tracks are consistent.

Starting to work on this record has unleashed a longing for a creative outlet in me that I think I temporarily forgot about. It's so easy when you have a day job to just bunker down into the daily routine and just getting work done and getting home to read or relax, kind of letting that creative side hibernate or become dormant. I have been writing over the last few months, but just fragments of songs and ideas. Suddenly I keep having this feeling that good things are brewing inside of me, inside of my heart that I just want to let out and share with people. It's like I have so many ideas now not only for songwriting, but for writing stories, for making music videos, for touring, writing jingles, for indie films. It's a bit overwhelming because I don't really know where to start. I don't know what to pick out of this melting pot of ideas and actually act on. I know that some of these ideas can only come to fruition when the album is done, so those I can sort of file away in the back of my head for the time being. Others keep nagging at me to do something with them, so I'm trying to sort that out. It's like that exciting little feeling in the pit of your stomach that something good is going to happen, but I think that's just the feeling of inspiration that I have gone without for a while making an appearance, and well... it inspires me.

I had a rare spare moment this past sunday afternoon to curl up on my couch with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate in my new favorite mug (that my super crafty friend Christina made in her pottery class) & watch my favourite parts of "Once" - one of my favorite movies of all time, that if you haven't seen it, you should make a point to in the very near future. At the beginning of the movie there is this scene where Glen Hansard is just wailing in the streets "Say it to me now." Everytime I hear this song and watch this scene it cuts RIGHT to my heart. I want to write music that is so emotionally raw and real that people are changed by it. Marketa Irglova - one of the actresses & writers from "Once" - spoke about hope in her oscar acceptance speech and I think what I am feeling right now is a combination of inspiration and hope. Hope to be inspired and inspired to have hope, for my music, for my life, for my future.

So Happy Christmas & all that to you who read this blog (if there are any of you out there that is) and I wish you much hope and inspiration for the new year. More recording news to come in 2010.

Cheers! xo

Winter Wonderland!

2009-12-10T08:08:00.001-08:00

a fun little christmas video... enjoy!

long stretch...

2009-12-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since our last recording session. Scheduling Brent to come in and record is always a bit of a challenge seeing that he has a day job, a wife, a two year old girl and a five month old baby boy (plus all his other extra curriculars in life - he is a busy guy!). I don't want to take him away from him family life too much, since I know my sister really loves her quality time with her husband and I understand the importance of him being home with his babies. So we had to reschedule a few times, but last night we finally got in the studio for a good couple of hours.

It was definitely a productive evening by the end of it, but it started out a little rougher than our first few sessions. We ended up changing the key of one of the songs because it felt like it should sit higher in my vocal range. We also decided that this song shouldn't be recorded with a metronome/click track because we want it to be more emotionally driven. The song is one I wrote about my journey through life with scoliosis - curvature of the spine. It's about the surgery I eventually had and what the scar that I have now represents to me. I haven't sung this song in particular in a while, so getting back into it last night was again - emotional! Who knew recording a record could be so draining. For the first 3/4 of my life, scoliosis was my biggest hurdle. I was going to the doctor every three months, I was wearing a back brace for seven years, and then I had to have surgery and miss months of school during my graduating year. It was rough but what I feel is a powerful song has come from all of it. The song is going to be one of the simpler songs on the record with just vocals, piano and cello. I want people to feel a certain vulnerability. I want everyone who has a scar(s), or who has had a major surgery or health issue in their life to be able to relate to it and to be empowered.

Over the process of the last few sessions, I have been thinking about all the people before me who have recorded albums. From my fellow local indie artists making honest pure music and being involved in every step of the project, to the mass produced pop artists that rely on other people to write their songs, other people to make the major decisions on who plays on the record, to how the song is arranged, to what harmonies are used, etc. How different making a record would be if I wasn't so emotionally invested in each song I've written. If I wasn't having my family playing the instruments, if I wasn't trusting my friend Randor to engineer it the way I want it. Many moons ago when I started singing, and had initial notions of wanting someone to "discover" me and pay for me to make a record and get it sold in major markets... I had no idea what I was wishing for. Thank heavens for this slow, challenging, emotional and gratifying process.

So after we finished two more piano and guitar tracks I laid down some very rough scratch vocals. Recording vocals and singing live are so far removed from one another it blows my mind. I know that in order to get the quality of vocal I want, I'm going to have to work so incredibly hard. Don't get me wrong I am ready for it, at least I think I am *cue the blog three months down the road where I'm whining about it*. Haha..

Anyways, no pictures this time. If you need a visual, I had a cookie exchange at work yesterday so there was beer, baked goods & the three of us doing our best to make some good music. Jered starts laying down some drums next session so I will keep you posted how that goes.

xo

frame of mind

2009-12-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

verse
some days are better than others
some days i still remember to breathe
today is just like another
excuse to me

you say i'm always the victim
well sometimes that's the plain old truth
who are you to tell me what i'm feeling
it's not up to you

chorus
i'm slowly learning it's not always such a lackluster world
you show me that i'm not only a bright eyed and naive girl
when i wake up to all that surrounds me i know i'll eventually find
it's up to me to put it all together
and to choose my frame of mind
my frame of mind

verse two
these eyes can see the world in one way
but this heart interprets all on its own
to give up or walk away
would lead to such a hopeless road

chorus
i'm slowly learning it's not always such a lackluster world
you show me that i'm not only a bright eyed and naive girl
when i wake up to all that surrounds me i know i'll eventually find
it's up to me to put it all together
and to choose my frame of mind
my frame of mind

remembrance day in a studio...

2009-11-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

session 2...

So Randor, Brent & Jered were sweet enough to humour me and record on a stat holiday. This past wednesday we all gathered in the studio to watch/listen to Brent lay down some more piano tracks. I brought oatmeal raising cookies that I baked the night before, and second cup coffees to show my appreciation.

We only spent the afternoon in the studio, but we got another three songs done. I'm really happy with the way the piano tracks are sounding. MIDI is a pretty incredible tool. I was apprehensive on how a midi piano vs. the real thing would turn out, but I have to say I almost prefer the midi. We can choose the mood and ambience of the piano, the layout of the mics and really create the atmosphere we want for the song we're working on. You can even choose to have the sound of the key hammer! Anyways I could go on and on, but basically to listen to the track you wouldn't know it wasn't a real piano in the studio, I guess except for the fact that I just told you. Haha let's keep that our little secret. :)

I was a bit anxious to bring Jered into the studio. He has met Randor before and digs his work, but he hadn't been to the studio yet to see for himself just where we'll be making this record. His opinion means THE WORLD to me and I want the three of us (Jered, Brent and myself) to be the creative facilitators on this record. These boys are the ones whose opinions and ideas are going to fuel this thing. I know what I want and don't want, but sometimes the difference between one acoustic guitar and another, or the difference between the way one cymbal rings vs. another gets a bit over my head. I'm really lucky to have these boys around to guide me and help me make these decisions together.

As I'm singing through these songs that I've written over the past few years I'm reminded of the people I wrote the songs for, or about. Some of them are still in the same place they were when I wrote the song but for the most part everyone has really grown up and changed. I haven't had a live show since September so I haven't really put myself emotionally into the songs for about over a month. Everytime I sing the songs I've written they take me back to when I wrote them, and what I was going through, what I was feeling. I think this record is going to have a very versatile feel to it for song content. I hope when it's finished people really feel the songs. I want people to be touched by the words I've written. I want them to get to know me through my songs, but also for them to get to know themselves or get a revelation of themselves and who they are. Again, I'm getting ahead of myself as I always seem to do. I just can't contain this feeling. It's going to be a rollercoaster for the next six months making this record. Good thing I love rollercoasters!

My lovely charts.

Brent on keys..

Listening back to it all...

Randor obviously enjoying himself. ;)

More to come...

a record of making my record...

2009-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

So usually I just use this blog as a casual place for me to jot down songwriting ideas, or full songs, or the odd vent about life but that is about to change!
Last week, on thursday, november 5th I went into the studio for the very first recording session of my very first full length album. I have been dreaming about, talking about and writing grants for this project for so long, that to finally be in the studio laying down the first few instrumental tracks was a surreal experience for me. After years of writing project grants to every funding initiative in the country and beyond, and never getting anywhere I've decided to just do it. I don't really know how I'm going to pay for it, or how successful it will be but I do know that I'm going to pour my heart and soul into this record. My EP just can't cut it anymore. People keep asking me when I'm going to make a record, and I always would just shrug my shoulders and say "one day". Well that day is here, is now. Tomorrow is our second session and although the finished product is FAR far away, I am beyond stoked.

I'm recording at Turnkey Audio here in Edmonton, Alberta. The engineer's name is Randor Lin. Randor is from the vast Grant MacEwan music program graduate community here in town. I found Turnkey on the internet, back when I was looking for someone to mix my EP that I recorded in my own little basement studio. I felt like we hit it off right away back then, we have very similar personalities. I knew when I finally got around to recording a full length album that I would want to do it with Randor.

Anyways back to the topic of this blog. A few days ago when I was thinking about the huge process that this record will be, I decided I wanted to have some sort of record of making my record. I want to be able to go back and relive what it was like to make my first album. So I'm going to post a diary of sorts here on this blog to document my progress.

The musicians on this album are as near and dear to my heart and the album itself. My brother in law Brent Schaitel is going to be playing keys, organ, acoustic guitar and will be singing some back up vocals. My husband Jered Evangelos will be playing all things drums and percussion. I plan to have my buddy Ryan Jacobson involved as much as possible (he is a busy psych student these days) playing electric bass. My dear friend Justin Litun will be playing upright bass on a few tracks. Other than that, I plan to have electric guitar, hopefully mandolin & harmonica (still looking for those players) and even a little cameo vocal performance by my niece Isla Joy.

I have so many plans, but I have to take a deep breath and calm myself when I start thinking about it all because I don't want to rush it. I also don't want to drag it out to death, but I most importantly want to nurse this little baby. Her name by the way is going to be "Prairie Bell," which is the name of one of the songs that will be on the record. It's the song on the record that I think most accurately describes me as a person. A city girl, with a heart for the prairies, winter, road trips, patchwork farms, and most importantly my family and friends. These are things I hold close. Just like I am going to hold this record close to my heart!

Ok ok. Enough drama and silliness. In all seriousness this is probably going to be the biggest (personal) accomplishment of my life up to this point and I just want to make sure I don't forget about all these feelings that I'm currently experiencing when I look back on it a year or ten years from now. More updates to come.

brent laying down piano on "Here's A Love".

Randor & Brent working hard.

me laying down some scratch vocals.

grace like rain

2009-11-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

verse
i'm longing for a peace, that transcends my understanding
my spirit is so weak but your love is never ending
your truth is all i need and i'm finally surrendering my heart, to you

new mercies everyday, even though i am not worthy
i get lost along the way, but you still reach out to help me
i stumble and you wait, for me to get back on my feet and live my life, for you

chorus
your grace, like rain
is falling down, on me

your grace, is like a flood
it fills me up, and sets me free

back to you

2009-11-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

*a new song i'm working on. not autobiographical incase you were wondering. a story of losing your way and then finding your way back.

verse
i don't like who i've become today
it seems the worst has got the best of me
how did i fall so hard, and fall so fast
i never felt quite this hopeless

chorus
but i'm finding my way, back to you
you know my heart, you know the truth

verse two
i know old habits are hard to break
i get a little closer with every breath i take
how did i ever think this was ok
i'm worth too much to just give it all away

chorus
and i'm finding my way, back to you
you know my heart, you know the truth

better things

2009-08-07T14:16:00.001-07:00

*wrote this song after receiving a bunch of rejection letters from various funding programs, showcase opportunities, etc. receiving these letters is a standard part of my life these days, but on this particular day i decided to sit down and write out the frustrations.

verse
someday i'm gonna show you
that i am, strictly self sufficient
that's a promise i'll hold on to
until this restlessness is nonexistent

i'm gonna prove, that i can do
anything i want to
i don't need your self righteous help
i can do this by myself
without you, because

chorus
i believe in better things
i believe in happy endings
i believe in conciously moving forward
i believe in so much more
than this

verse two
this power of injustice will only,
push these feelings further
so sick and tired of this,
fight to make all of it matter

i'm gonna prove, that i can do
anything i want to
i don't need your superficial help
i can do this by myself
without you, because

chorus
i believe in better things
i believe in happy endings
i believe in conciously moving forward
i believe in so much more
than this

piece of my heart

2009-05-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

verse
i heard about an old friend today
he died so unexpectedly
he wasn't that much older than me

it got me thinking about the ones i love
and if i tell them even near enough
exactly what they mean to me

chorus
so this, this is for you
for everything you do
for everything you are

if my life, suddenly runs out
you'll never have to doubt
you had a piece of my heart
you know you have a piece of my heart you know you have a piece of my heart

verse

you love me like nobody else
make me feel like i can be myself
even when i'm feeling down

no matter what might come my way
you'll always have a part of me
so i'm telling you right here, right now

chorus
that this, this is for you
for everything you do
for everything you are

if my life, suddenly runs out
you'll never have to doubt
you had a piece of my heart
you know you have a piece of my heart
you know you have a piece of my heart

woman of integrity

2009-04-20T15:11:00.001-07:00

*i recently wrote this song after being named the JACOB AMBASSADOR. i wanted to read their mission statement, and find out what being a part of this company meant. their company's values are integrity, passion, authenticity, respect and team spirit. what a great thing to be a part of! www.jacob.ca

verse

i'm just trying to make my way

through this crazy world we're livin' in

so i'm takin it day by day

and I live my life with a passion

prechorus

there's so many ways that i could go

i choose to take the highest road

chorus

because i am a woman of integrity

aware of my own beauty

living life as honestly as i know how and

i am a woman of humility

respect and authenticity

and i'm never backing down

because i am a woman of integrity

of integrity

verse

always cautious with my words

because i know they can life somebody up

instead of inflicting hurt

i choose to shower my surroundings with love

prechorus

with so many things that i could be

i work to bring out the best in me

chorus

new song in progress..

2009-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

it hasn't been a very fruitful couple of months songwriting wise for me. i feel like i've been a little too busy to be really inspired. but, after a lengthy conversation with a friend the other day, i started to write this song... at the moment it's titled the suffering.

the suffering

verse
i am tired of searching for something, i can't see
and i have so many questions,
but no one has the answers i need
and it has, absolutely nothing
and absolutely everything to do with grief
because i have been waiting
and i'm oh so willing to believe

chorus
but i'm blinded by the suffering
and i'm blinded by my analytical way of thinking
i'm blinded by the pain
but mostly i'm, blinded by the suffering
the suffering

verse
i am so desperate to hold onto truth with my own two hands
my head is so full of logic, that it seems too simple for me to understand
how it has absolutely nothing
and absolutely everything to do with a friend
i've spent my whole life waiting
and i'm oh so willing for it all to end

chorus
but i'm blinded by the suffering
and i'm blinded by my analytical way of thinking
i'm blinded by the pain
but mostly i'm, blinded by the suffering
the suffering

his love

2009-03-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

*in progress.

verse
i know
you've got a hole in your heart
and you've been trying oh so hard
to cover it up, to cover it up

but i know
somebody who can help you out
i wanna tell you all about
his love, his love

chorus
he's gonna fill you up
he can take the pieces
and put you back together
with a healing touch
the kind of thing you just can't get
enough of
his love, his love

keep me mindful

2009-02-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

*the beginnings of a new worship song i'm working on.

verse
sometimes when my days are flying by
i get so caught up in life
that i forget you

those days
when the world is spinning way too fast
i need you first, but i put you last
i don't know why i do

chorus
so keep me mindful
keep me mindful Lord,
keep me mindful
of your love, your grace, your word
keep me mindful Lord
keep me mindful of you
keep me mindful
in all i say & do

bridge
with your name
on my lips
you give me
reason to live (x2)

chorus
so keep me mindful
keep me mindful Lord,
keep me mindful
of your love, your grace, your word
keep me mindful Lord
keep me mindful of you
keep me mindful
in all i say & do

gypsy

2009-01-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

*this is a song i started writing a long time ago, but forgot about until recently it popped into my head along with some new lyrics. it's still not finished but here's what i have so far.

verse
she's got her clothes
in a garbage bag
in the corner of her room
so she can get on up & go
when she needs to
she's been running for so long
she doesn't know where to run to

verse two
no place of her own
just a history
of barely getting by
a couple friends
on down the road
put her up for the night
but she's so
she's so tired

chorus
she's a gypsy
and she's lonely
she's got her bangles & her bells
and the stories that she tells
to me

she's a gypsy
lost & empty
she's a wounded soul
but she's beautiful
to me

last breath

2008-12-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

verse one
if i knew that tomorrow would be
the last day of my life
i would sacrifice anything
just to see you one last time

if i had to choose
between living with you
and the kiss of death
i'd say i love you, i love you, i love you
with my last breath

chorus
i would die for you
if you only ask me to
we both know i would die anyway
if you ever left
crying i love you, i love you, i love you
with my last breath

verse two
i would walk across a fire for you
i would stand out in the pouring rain
i'd do anything i had to do just
to be with you again
if i could only hand you this bleeding heart
from within my chest
i'd say i love you, i love you, i love you
with my last breath

chorus
i would die for you
if you only ask me to
we both know i would die anyway
if you ever left
crying i love you, i love you, i love you
with my last breath

bridge
i can't breathe without you near me
everytime you leave i'm in agony
you're everything i want
you're everything i'll ever need

chorus
i would die for you
if you only ask me to
we both know i would die anyway
if you ever left
crying i love you, i love you, i love you
i love you, i love you i do
i'm dying to love you and love you and love you
with my last breath

new song...

2008-12-16T08:19:00.001-08:00

I've been working these lyrics around in my head for a few days, I still need a 2nd verse but here goes so far.

verse
how, did you get yourself into this mess and
why, are you giving in to the darkness and
when, will you give it all a rest, give it a rest

what, ever happened to just keeping your chin up
when did you become the type
to give barely enough
you're giving barely enough
i think you're giving up

chorus
you're slowly going under
and all i can do is sit & wait
i thought you would fight so much harder
and i'm beginning to lose a little faith

bridge
there's only so much
you can blame on your past
why don't you pick yourself up
dust yourself off
and take your life into your own two hands

chorus
cause you're slowly going under
and all i can do is sit & wait
i thought you would fight so much harder
and i'm beginning to lose a little faith
i'm beginning to lose a little faith

today like most days (i miss you)

2008-11-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

*I wrote this song for my Annelise.

verse one
well it's always hard to say
good bye on your last day
when you're driving away
from me

and there's never enough time
oh for you and i
cause there's so many other people
you need to see

pre chorus
well a couple of letters
and a couple of calls
i guess that's better
than nothing at all
still i wish,
i wish that you would stay

chorus
cause today, like most days
i miss you
and today, like most days
i try not to
i've been fighting just to make
my way through
but today, like most days
i miss you

verse two
well it hasn't been the same
since you up and moved away
and left me here to stay
all alone

no matter what i do
there's no replacing you
so I keep counting down the days
till you come home

prechorus
well a couple of letters
and a couple of calls
i guess that's better
than nothing at all
still i wish,
i wish that you would stay

chorus
cause today, like most days
i miss you
and today, like most days
i try not to
i've been fighting just to make
my way through
but today, like most days
i miss you

restless

2008-11-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

*i wrote this song this weekend with my good friend casadie pederson, out on a pretty farm in myrnam, ab - this song is a perfect description of how i've been feeling these days!! - restless!*

walking down the same old road
and the only thing i know
is where i've been
and where i wanna go

i've been singing the same old lines
wondering if i'm wasting time
running in circles
and going out of my mind

i've been waiting
for something
to happen
for this waiting to end

i'm restless
feeling helpless
i'm ready to run
and i'm ready to fly
i'm holding my breath
and i'm closing my eyes

i'm speechless
with all my weakness
i'm taking a leap of faith
and i'm on my way

i'm leaving it all behind
for a worn out stage
and a spotlight
i've been dragging my feet for too long
and it ends tonight

i've been waiting
for something
for anything
for this waiting to end

i'm restless
feeling helpless
i'm ready to run
and i'm ready to fly
i'm holding my breath
and i'm closing my eyes

i'm speechless
with all my weakness
i'm taking a leap of faith
and i'm on my way

this scar

2008-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write a song about my journey through life with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) for so long. After watching so many beautiful original storytelling songs this weekend at the CCMA week (canadian country music week in Winnipeg, MB) these lyrics starting pouring into my head. It's still in the first draft stages, but here it is.

this scar,
tells a story
and it always reminds me
of where i've been

this scar,
runs from the nape of my neck
down to the small of my back
and it's part of who i am

after nine long hours
of blood, sweat and tears,
my mama and my daddy
and a hundred prayers
i'm standing here
i'm standing here, with

this scar
it represents my life
and a good old fashioned fight
with the willingness to survive
this scar
says it's okay to be scared
as long as you're prepared
to learn how strong you are
this scar

this scar
taught me a lesson
that i won't be forgetting
anytime soon
this scar
is turning eight years old
and it seems so long ago
that i was counting down the days to

nine long hours
of blood, sweat and tears,
my family and my friends
and a hundred prayers
i'm standing here
i'm standing here

this scar
represents my life
and a good old fashion fight
with the willingness to survive
this scar
says it's okay to be scared
as long as you're prepared
to learn just how strong you really are
this scar

rough couple of weeks

2008-09-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

So I can't quite help but wonder if there is a jinx on me these past couple of weeks. A few weeks ago it all started when I went to the dentist for my yearly check up. I left in tears, after my dentist coldly told me I needed six fillings, a root canal, two crowns, my wisdom teeth extracted, and veneers for my front bottom three teeth (yes I only have three, unlike most people with four). It was going to cost me roughly $5,000!! Do I look like the kind of person who can just drop that kind of cash on their teeth? I don't think so. I don't know why I took it so hard (my period was just around the corner which may have lent my emotions a little push) but I had to go home afterwards because I was SO upset. I cried, cried, CRIED all night. I was housesitting for my folks, and taking care of their dog, and my own. Jered was in Ontario for one of his longest stretches of touring.

I decided that night to get a second opinion the next week. Two days later while having dinner with my girlfriend Erica, my parent's dog Bailey was crying at the bottom of the stairs. I went down to see what was wrong and her back legs were all splayed out behind her at awkward angles. To make a ridiculously long story short, I spent the night at the emergency vet. The emergency vet told me that without an emergency CT scan & back surgery in Calgary that very night I would probably have to put Bailey down by the morning. This is my childhood dog, that has been around for 13 years of my life (over half of my existence) so I prayed and prayed that I wouldn't have to put her down. A call at 1am (I couldn't sleep anyways) told me I could come get her to transfer Bailey to her own vet the next morning @ 7:30am. So over the next few days Bailey was stable in her paralyzed condition and finally I got to bring her home to my folks place Friday after lunch. The next three days consisted of me taking her out every hour to let her pee (she couldn't use her back legs) and giving her meds every couple hours.

So the next week I went to my 2nd opinion dentist, and thankfully they told me I didn't need HALF the work the first dentist recommended. *SIGH OF RELIEF* I was very happy to say the least. After all the stress of that week I got a really bad cough & sore throat. I was panicking trying to get better by the weekend because I had three shows scheduled, opening for Winnipeg Folk Artist Kerri Woelke. These shows had been booked for at least 4 months and I was really looking forward to them.

THEN to my dismay, I got an email Friday morning from the promoter who had booked the series of shows with Kerri, saying she had to cancel last minute because of laryngitis. So I decided to still have the Friday night show at Axis Cafe. I love playing there, and usually bring in a huge crowd. Unfortunately due to the long weekend & Kerri's last minute cancellation there weren't too many people there. We had a blast playing, and my most loyal friends came out to watch, but I couldn't help but feel like I had let Axis down. Since we had such a poor turnout Friday night I decided to just cancel Saturday's show and not waste Axis's time and staff.
Sunday's show ended up being a pretty great success, lots of people came out and we had a REALLY great time playing. Sold a bunch of cds.

After feeling like I was totally over my cough on the weekend, I woke up Tuesday morning with a WICKED sinus cold/infection. I RARELY get sick, but ever since I started working at the hospital I have caught everything that's been going around. I suffered through yesterday at work and I'm feeling much better today. BUT this morning I had my first dental appt of 3, and they did two fillings. Turns out one of those fillings would have served me better as a root canal, but we decided to go ahead with the filling and see how I do. So now I'm on an antibiotic and painkillers. I'm sitting at work with a VERY frozen face, trying to eat and drink and spilling and drooling all over myself.

So tomorrow I have the day off and I'm off to the Canadian Country Music Week in Winnipeg. I'm very excited about it and hoping that my luck starts to turn around a bit. I feel like one more negative thing and I'll shatter into pathetic little pieces. *SIGH*

up and down

2008-08-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

it has been a weird day.
the day started off with a feeling of accomplishment and elation, because after months of pouring my heart and soul into my personal music project grant application for the alberta foundation for the arts, i was finally finished and handed it in 3 days early of the deadline. i have also been working on a music therapy project grant for the hospital i work for, so i dropped that off also. the afa office is just a few blocks from home so i drove to work bopping to the radio feeling a great sense of hope that maybe i will get a grant, and be able to record a full length album this winter.

then i got to work, and sipped on my chai latte and checked my emails. i was really looking forward to a weekend full of shows. i was supposed to be opening for a winnipeg folk artist named kerri woelke fri, sat AND sun night. maybe it's a little silly but i was feeling good about three consecutive shows because i haven't ever had that. and i was looking forward to meeting a more experienced singer/songwriter and having her listen to my set. anyways one of my emails came from rob, a local concert promoter who had set the series of shows with kerri up. the email said kerri wasn't coming. she has been struggling with vocal health problems and had to cancel. well, isn't that lovely? nothing like last minute notice.

so it's almost time to go home, and get ready for tonight's show but i'm not even sure if i'm still playing. i have been promoting these shows for months, so i'm sure some friends & family of mine are coming but just for a one set show, just me? not that that's a problem, just i HATE being unorganized.

throughout the day i've felt excited and anxious about the cmt songwriting contest, a little lost and confused about what's going to happen with these shows this weekend now that we have no headliner, then i start thinking about next week and the ccma weekend in winnipeg. i'm such a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions!

the weekend will fly by, as will next week and suddenly i'll be in winnipeg. by this time next week i'll be sitting in some songwriter's session. hopefully i'll have control of my up and down emotions by then?

signed, your broken heart

2008-08-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

*this is a song i recently wrote with my friend casadie jo pederson
www.myspace.com/casadiejpederson

i'm gonna put pen to paper
sit down and write a letter
that won't be easy to read

it's been two months
and a couple days
since my whole world was changed
when he walked away, from me

with just a single phone call
who knew that he would end it all
and leave me here alone to cry

too many tears, and too much pain
makes me wanna fly away
and just forget he said goodbye

it's time to pick up the pieces
off the hardwood floor
put them back together
even stronger than before
it's not gonna be easy
i know it's gonna be hard
but i'm ready when you are,
signed, your broken heart

i'm gonna forget the heartache
every stupid mistake
he brought along for the ride

no more cheating lies
i'm gonna dry these eyes
and find somebody who can
heal me on the inside

and pick up the pieces
off the hardwood floor
put them back together
even stronger than before
it's not gonna be easy
i know it's gonna be hard
but i'm ready when you are
signed, your broken heart

your truth

2008-07-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

you lift me up
you fill my cup
until i overflow

among the crowds
i cry out loud
that i need you so

and it hurts to see
that they don't even
know you

so i'm praying just
to have the strength
to show them your truth

my simple song
my simple heart
my simple faith

will it be enough
to show your love
to show your grace

and it hurts to see
that they don't even
know you

so i'm praying just
to have the strength
to show them your truth

©2008 lisanicolegrace

lay my life down

2008-07-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

when the wrong in the world
is weighing on me
and i feel too small to do
anything
i just lay my life down
i lay my life

when the meaningless grind
of the day to day
is all consuming
in every way
i just lay my life down
i lay my life

you alone are all i need
you're the bread of my life
you're the air that i breathe
so i lay my life down at your feet
i lay my life down at your feet

you alone are the only one
who can fill me up
till i'm overcome
so i lay my life down at your feet
i lay my life down

i lay my life down
i lay my life down
i lay my life down
i lay my life down

you alone are all i need
you're the bread of my life
you're the air that i breathe
so i lay my life down at your feet
i lay my life down at your feet

you alone are the only one
who can fill me up
till i'm overcome
so i lay my life down at your feet
i lay my life down

©2008 lisanicolegrace

prairie bell

2008-07-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

*i've had this song churning around in my mind for a while now, and finally finished it last week and then put chords to it last night with jered (husband) and brent (brother). it was inspired by my friend ryan's niece, who's name is prairie bell. when i heard her name i thought to myself, that is me! i am a prairie bell! a city girl on the outside (i admit i'm a bit high maintenance when it comes to make up & hair) but a prairie girl on the inside (i love the prairies, the countryside, country music, etc). soon after i started writing this song... which i hope will be the title of my full length album that will be in the works in the winter/spring of 2008/09.

prairie bell

in my daddy's backyard
there's a sky stretching out
just as far as i can see
with my arms open wide
and my head thrown back
i know i'm right where i want to be
and when i'm flying home
from wherever i've been
there's a view below i know so well
it's a patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

when i'm home
there's no place i'd rather be
and when i'm gone
you know i take a little piece with me
and it doesn't take long
for this sentimental soul to tell
about the patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

in this city girls' heart
there's a little soft spot
for a field blowing in the breeze
like a river of gold
growing up from the ground
when it's starting to surround me
and when i'm driving home
from wherever i've been
there's a road i only know so well
among the patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

when i'm home
there's no place i'd rather be
and when i'm gone
you know i take a little piece with me
and it doesn't take long
for this sentimental soul to tell
about the patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

some say home is where the heart is
you'll find, no greater truth than this

in my daddy's backyard
there's a sky stretching out
just as far as i can see
with my arms open wide
and my head thrown back
i know i'm right where i want to be
and when i'm flying home
from wherever i've been
there's a view below i know so well
it's a patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

it's a patchwork of snowy farm
and windy highway that's home
to this prairie bell

©2008 lisa nicole grace

ep release

2008-06-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

This last month or so has been insane, hence the reason my blog has been somewhat neglected. A few months ago I decided that I wanted to do something with all the experimental recording Jered and I have been messing around with in our basement studio. I was booked for a show at Axis Cafe for July 18th, so I decided to make that show my deadline for an EP ("extended play" sort of a mini album). My usual musicians Jered and Ryan are on tour this summer with Shane Yellowbird (a canadian country artist) and were/are out of town that day... so I rounded up some new musicians and started rehearsing. Now that show is 23 days away and I'm just finishing up recording (probably officially finished next week). I found an incredible mixing/recording engineer named Randor @ a local studio called Turnkey Studios (friendly plug - http://www.turnkeyaudio.com) who is going to clean it all up and get it ready for my release. So hopefully by this time next week I'll have that all turned over to Randor and then can take a little breath. But not for long because I want to make some cute t-shirts and magnets to also sell at the release. I also still have a few rehearsals left before the show.
This great singer/songwriter from Red Deer Bryan Torwalt (another friendly plug - www.myspace.com/bryantorwalt) will be opening up for me.

It's going to be a very exciting show! And I will FINALLY feel like I've accomplished SOMETHING by having a recording that I can use to apply for grants to make a full length recording soon. I have a little two - three year plan that's been cultivating inside my head over the last few weeks, here it is:

Summer 2008 : Finish EP and use it to apply for fall 2008 Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Canada Council and Rawlco Radio grants.
Winter 2008/2009 : Receive grant (relyin on the power of positive thought) and start recording.
Spring/Summer of 2009: Full length Album Release show somewhere in Edmonton (perhaps Myer Horowitz Theatre?? Again positive thoughts)
Summer/Fall of 2009: Apply for touring grant.
Winter 2010 GO ON TOUR. Of course I'm just planning this all on my own, so I'd probably just travel to where my family has been scattered across Canada and get them to help me with promoting a show. Cafes, restaurants, halls, churches, wherever will take me. I'd like for it to be at LEAST 3 months (which means I'll have to grow some balls & quit my job or take a temporary leave)
And when I've finally accomplished these things, I'll come home... start working again, and start trying to make a baby (or two: twins).

So there it is! I thought by maybe physically writing/typing it down somewhere that it would encourage me to get this stuff accomplished. I'm excited for what's in store.

cheers!

transparent

2008-06-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

you’re not always what you seem
with that insincere smile there on your lips
you’re always so quick to blame
and you’re never too easily convinced
you say that you’re not the stubborn one
you just don’t like to change your mind
you say that you’re not the lonely one
you just always end up left behind

i can see right through this masquerade
and i don’t believe a word you say
you think you’ve got everybody fooled
but the joke’s on you
i can see right through your lying eyes
right down to the fear that sits inside
it’s just so useless to pretend
because you’re so transparent

you won’t admit that you’re wrong
but there’s a look of defeat there on your face
you say you’re just too far gone
and you’ve never been one to keep the faith
but baby you are the stubborn one
what will it take to change your mind?
before you end up the only one
left all alone with your foolish pride

i can see right through this masquerade
and i don’t believe a word you say
you think you’ve got everybody fooled
but the joke’s on you
i can see right through your lying eyes
right down to the fear that sits inside
it’s just so useless to pretend
because you’re so transparent

i can see through
i can see through
i can see through
i can see through
you

i can see right through this masquerade
and i don’t believe a word you say
you think you’ve got everybody fooled
but the joke’s on you
i can see right through your lying eyes
right down to the fear that sits inside
it’s just so useless to pretend

i can see right through this masquerade
and i don't believe a word you say
you think you've got everybody fooled
but the joke's on you
i can see right through your lying eyes
right down to the fear that sits inside
it's just so useless to pretend

because you're so transparent
because you’re so transparent

© 2008 lisa nicoe grace

ladies, cali & potted plants.

2008-05-26T13:59:00.001-07:00

Since the last time I wrote in my blog, I have been to a women's conference in Surrey, B.C. with my mum, sister, niece, aunt and two cousins. It was a whirlwind of a weekend but I learned some good stuff from one of the speakers in particular, Charlotte (can't remember her last name - to be updated later). One of her "sermons" was called "Putting your first things first".
Since Jered is gone so much, I definitely tend to overbook myself, I think in order to keep myself busy as not to miss him terribly. I know at times I do feel like I'm burning the candle at both ends with school (online part time event management courses), work (full time), singing, songwriting & performing on the side, worship @ church, and then extra curricular events like scrapbooking, photography, movies, dinners with girlfriends. So I've made a vow to myself (and a few friends to keep me accountable) to learn how to say no (nicely ofcourse) and stop overbooking myself. My priorites are to be (in NO particular order) - Jered, church, my music (specifically my EP that needs to be recorded & ready to roll on July 18th) family, Otis and my lovely girlfriends. I've decided to take the summer off and finish my last course for my event management certificate in the fall. I'm not going to plan ANYTHING on Sundays (keep them open for church, hanging out with church folk, and family dinners). And I'm going to try to keep at least 3 nights a week free, especially this June so I can record, and put together cds for my EP release.

After the women's conference and various revelations, I went to spend five days in California with my dear Uncle Hugh/Godfather. After the engine of my plane exploded, I was delayed 6.5 hrs at the Vancouver airport. I had been running non stop for weeks, so sitting, napping & reading in the airport wasn't actually that bad. When I finally arrived in Cali, I spent the entire week sitting by the pool reading (read three HUGE fabulous novels) shopping, eating out, and overall just relaxing. Every morning I would get up and go outside for a swim straight out of bed, then pick a grapefruit for my breakfast. I got some great conversation from my uncle and some great cuddles from his dog Maggs. I flew home Friday night, and went to a wedding Saturday (for which we were late & missed the ceremony). Jered had a free weekend for once in his life, so we threw together our new tent & sleeping bag, brought along our baby dog Otis, and some snacks. It ended up piss pouring rain, and our air mattress was riddled with holes, so we slept on the damp ground of our tent, but had great tent canoodling and cuddles regardless. :)

This weekend I had the whole Saturday off, so Jer & I went to the downtown farmer's market where we brought Otis for the first time. He was pretty overwhelmed and hyper, but didn't bark at all, and only jumped up on people who allowed him to. Afterwards we went to Canadian Tire where Jered humoured me while I shopped for plants. I went home & spent a few hours potting plants, and hanging baskets. Then I had a cold shower & had a great afternoon nap.

Now the week has begun and I've found myself with a completely booked week, every night. I guess my "First things first" starts June 1st, and then I am definitely slowing down and focusing on my music. :)

genie

2008-04-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

If I had a genie, and three wishes... right now they would be:

That I could spend a few months straight JUST recording my music.
That I could have unlimited access to musicians who knew my songs inside & out.
WORLD PEACE... (is it selfish that this is #3 on my list?)

*sigh*

rosemary

2008-04-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

it's much harder to be patient
and i'm trying to be kind
when i've got this sense of envy
taking up my piece of mind

but i know that truth is stronger
than the things i say or do
and it perserveres much longer
than what i've waited for you

rosemary
are you out there, somewhere
waiting for me
maybe i'm a bit scared
so please take it easy on me
rosemary

i've been looking for a reason
she's the reason that i'm asking
i've been floundering forever here
just searching for my passion

but i know my faith is stronger
than the things i say or do
and it perserveres much longer
than what i've waited for you

rosemary
are you out there, somewhere
waiting for me
maybe i'm a bit scared
so please, take it easy on me
rosemary

i've been waiting too long to let go
i don't want to be left all alone
i don't mean to compare, but i do
i've been waiting for someone like you

rosemary
are you out there, somewhere
waiting for me
maybe i'm a bit scared
so please take it easy on me
oh please just take it easy on me
so please take it easy on me

rosemary

©2008 lisa nicole grace

the junos & turning 25...

2008-04-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

Well I woke up Saturday morning and wasn't too surprised to see a winter wonderland out my window. When I was younger, I was absolutely obsessed with snow, winter, and of course Christmas. Winter was my FAVORITE season. I'd wait for the forcast to predict snow, and I'd sit in my backyard with my toboggan, in my snowsuit just waiting for those first few flakes to fall.
I remember being about five years old, and praying that as a gift God would make it snow on my birthday every year. Every year since (20 for those counting) it has snowed. So, as I said, I wasn't too surprised.
I was a bit worried though that Jered & I wouldn't be able to get to Calgary that night, but the highway was in fine shape and we got to Calgary around 8pm. Jered booked us this great hotel right downtown. A beautiful suite with a king sized bed, and a nice little kitchen/lounge area. On the 33rd floor! My lucky numbers! There was a balcony, but standing out there looking down was so scary! I always want to jump.
We went to a great party on Saturday night hosted by Gibson (which Jered is endorsed by) Very VIP with swag bags, free drinks & free food. There was an all star jam going on all night with great musicians such as Todd Kerns, Default, Johnny Reid, Corb Lund, Lindsay Ell, and the boys from Tupelo Honey (went to school with them). We didn't get home until 3:30am! Needless to say we slept in pretty late Sunday morning, and spent the day shopping, going for lunch at a great little restaurant/cafe by Au Clair (sp?) market. We got lost about a dozen times, but eventually made it to the Juno Awards. Every single performance was such a HUGE production and everyone sounded amazing, and I'm happy to report there was no lip syncing (as far as I could tell!!) Russell Peters was hilarious, and I was SO thrilled to get to see Feist and Jann Arden.

After the show Jered and I drove to Airdrie, went out for a late dinner and then stayed at a cheap hotel for the night. I got up this morning and drove home while Jered had a radio interview with a Medicine Hat station (where he's from). He got picked up and driven to Medicine Hat... He's opening up there for Paul Brandt tonight and everyone in Medicine Hat is moreso going to the show to see him than Paul Brandt! What a little celebrity!

Anyways I am totally exhausted, and can't wait to crawl into bed tonight to recuperate. Turning twenty five was definitely an adventure!

website & the junos...

2008-04-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well I am SUPER excited because yesterday I won tickets to the Junos for this Sunday in Calgary. It was a contest put on by the Bounce 91.7fm, which I don't even remember entering! Jered took Saturday night off to take me out for dinner, now we're going to drive down to calgary that night and then get all dolled up and go out to the Juno awards Sunday night.

I am laughing at my "turning twenty-five" post from the other day. I was having quite the pity party for one. Since then I went to Red Deer and got to see Jered (my husband) open up for Paul Brandt, my girlfriend Laura is taking me to Corb Lund tonight, and then Saturday is my birthday and we're going to the Junos! What a week. Did I mention I won a guitar with the Junos tickets? Funny how "I'm not planning anything special for my birthday this year" has turned into the most special plans of all.

Last and CERTAINLY not least, my website - www.lisanicolegrace.com is OFFICIALLY up and running. How exciting! An amazing graphic designer named Danielle Hardy - www.thinkgraphicdesigns - designed & created the whole thing. So if you're ever looking for someone to do that type of thing for you, she's your girl. So make sure you check my site and Danielle's site out! My cousin Tyler has been amazing in planning the whole website with me, and pushing me to get a website in the first place. He's my "manager"! LOL Also, my girlfriend Ashley Armstrong did some amazing photos (that are already on this page) and her website is www.kinetic-studios.com

Happy 25th Birthday to me!!!

twenty-five

2008-03-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

i'm turning twenty five years old next week.

usually i'm really good about birthdays, getting older, etc. but this year i'm a little leary about the big 2-5. aren't i supposed to have accomplished a lot of what i want to accomplish by this age? i feel like i'm just getting started! i'm going to make a point to use this 25th year of my life to do things that i've always dreamed of doing, but never done. i'm finally going to finish a cd. i'm going to travel to a place i've never been, and maybe even try to go on a little tour. maybe only 3 or 4 dates, but not just shows in edmonton. i'm going to embrace twenty-five and make it a good year. yeah, okay i feel better now. :)

just like you

2008-03-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

you picked me up from school today
you're always waiting when i come in late
that's just like you

you're always there when i need your help
you know me better than i know myself
that's just like you

my mother, how i love her
and everything she's done for me
you know her faith has set me free
my mother, is stronger
than i ever did believe
i hope she seems the same in me

you pick me up when i've fallen down
set my feet on solid ground
that's just like you

taught me all my lessons in life
showing me my wrong from right
that's just like you

my father, like no other
and everything he's done for me
you know his faith has set me free
my father, is stronger
than i ever did believe
i hope he sees the same in me

now that i'm all grown
and out here on my own
everything i've known
is everything you are
no matter where i go
i'm never far from home
with you here in my heart

my mother, how i love her
and everything she's done for me
you know her faith has set me free
my mother, is stronger
than i ever did believe, than i ever did believe

my father, like no other
and everything he's done for me
you know his faith has set me free
my father, is stronger
than i ever did believe
i hope he sees the same in me, in me

heavy heart

2008-03-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

i'm in a quiet room
with a heavy heart
i just want to be alone

i've been looking for the light
but it's so dark
navigating on my own

but i've been sitting here wondering
all night
what exactly am i doing
with my life
do i even see i'm headed towards a fading light
do i even care

i'm in a crowded room
with an empty embrace, i
might as well be alone
looking for a smile
on a stranger's face
just dying to belong

but i've been sitting here wondering
all night
what the hell i am doing
with my life
do i even see i'm headed towards a fading light
do i even care

i am just trying to find
my own piece of mind

i'm in a quiet room,
with a heavy heart, but
i know i'm not alone
looking for the light
when i see a spark
that's been burning all along

i've been sitting here wondering
all night
what would i do without you
in my life
now i can see, you're pushing me
to shine so bright
if id only dare

i am just trying to find
my own piece of mind

©2008 lisa nicole grace

do it anyway

2008-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

i'm got a lump in my throat
and a thorn in my side
i'm tired of waiting for what i want
but it's all about time
and am i really ready
for all that's ahead of me
yeah it's a little bit scary
but i think it's supposed to be

i've got my heart it my hands
gonna let all these walls down
i know i'm taking a chance
no more fooling around
and i think that i'm ready
for all that's coming my way
but it's not gonna be easy
letting go of yesterday

but i'm going to do it anyway
and i know i'm gonna be ok
so why would i turn and run away
only wasting another day
i'm going to do it anyway

© 2008 lisa nicole grace

on my knees

2008-03-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

whisper to me tonight,
and tell me am i gonna be alright
just let loose of this sorrow that sits inside

sing me a lullaby,
so i can have sweet dreams tonight
help me remember it's not always
so black or white

but your love gives me
the strength i need
to breath again
and begin to believe
nothing is as hard as it seems
down on my knees

remove this doubt that plagues my mind
so i can separate wrong from right
grant me a peace that transcends all
this foolish pride

but your love gives me
the strength i need
to breath again
and begin to believe
nothing is as hard as it seems
down on my knees

and it's not that hard
to put you in charge
i'm a fool to be
too blind to see
how faithful you are

but your love gives me
the strength i need
to breath again
and begin to believe
nothing is as hard as it seems
down on my knees

©2008 lisa nicole grace

in your hands

2008-03-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

i'm sitting here wondering
what is this feeling,
deep inside of my chest

there's no way of knowing
exactly where i'm going,
but that hasn't stopped me yet

maybe i'm feeling content
this isn't where it all ends
i've got so many other plans

it's all in your hands
it makes perfect sense
just to give it on up
but everytime i try
it seems that i
just keep getting stuck

your plans are better plans
it's in your hands

i'm sitting here waiting
quietly anticipating
where is this all going to go
big hopes, and bigger dreams
ready for anything
but i bet you already know

it's all in your hands
it makes perfect sense
just to give it on up
but everytime i try
it seems that i
just keep getting stuck

your plans are better plans
it's in your hands

© 2008 lisa nicole grace

once - oscar winners!

2008-02-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of complete strangers - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova. I'm inspired by their music, and ernestly thrilled for their success. I ended up seeing "once" on a date night with my husband Jered. I just randomly picked it off the shelf not knowing what it was about (I'm a huge fan of "under the radar" movies like this one - which is not under the radar anymore that's for sure!). Seeing them play, seeing their sheer unexpected joy at the oscars, I was just really touched. Congratulations to them! And Marketa's speech about hope for the indie artist really hit home. I have hope!

in the works - i've since called this song "too easy"

2008-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

she doesn't want to hold them back
all of the feelings that she has
she wants to give them all away

she doesn't play too hard to get
she's always taken for granted
she just wants to be happy

she's making it way too easy
giving herself away for free
treating her heart so carelessly
i want her to slow down
take a good long look around
i don't think she's listening

it was a few short years ago
these pretty girls i used to know
were holding tight to their roots
but they grew up and they moved on
trying so hard just to belong
i think they lost sight of the truth

they'remaking it way too easy
giving themselves away for free
treating their hearts so carelessly
i want them to slow down
take a good long look around
i don't think they're listening

and i know sometimes it's hard
and sometimes it hurts
it's easier to just give in
then to stand up for what you're worth
i want you to stand up for what you're worth

your'e making it way too easy
giving yourself away for free
treating your heart so carelessly
i want you to slow down,
take a good long look around
and considering listening, to me.

©2008 lisa nicole grace