It was the first year of being fully self-employed.
In January, I received the master copy of my EP. Actually, as I am typing this I am realizing that I don’t know where that is right now. That makes me kind of uncomfortable. Anyway, this was a big deal for me. It was the first project I really set into motion and completed, 100% on my own, outside of school and work. This was MINE. It still is.
I started playing shows in NYC. In 2007, I was working a 9-5 and getting sick with nervousness, trying to play an open mic every week. I’m pretty amazed at how far I’ve come since then. Not to pat myself on the back, but … well, yeah, I’m patting myself on the back.
So I went on this really incredible vacation in February '08. It was called the Cayamo Cruise, put on by Sixthman. It was the best vacation I have ever been on, because people like Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, and John Hiatt were there. And so was this lady:
(Brandi Carlile) On the boat, I performed at an open mic, and even gave Ms. Carlile the first copy of my new EP. I’m going on the cruise again in 2009, but more about that when I get to the month of November's happenings.
March was equally great. I took some promo pics and built a website. I also volunteered at SXSW, spent a few weeks in Austin, and fell in love with it. I could really see myself with a house there someday. I got to play a show, too:
In April, I continued to play shows and write songs…my EP landed in the hands of someone at MTV, and I licensed my music to them in hopes that they would place it in one of their programs.
They haven’t used it yet, but it’ll happen! I know it. I'm looking at you, 2009.
In May, I opened for my friend Johanna Stahley at Baruch’s Performing Arts Center here in New York. It was the largest show I had played at that point, in a really cool venue.
I was also gifted a stylist, who took me shopping and helped me find some pants that fit really well ☺ I hate to admit it, but you always get what you pay for.
I went to Boston to play at my friend Joe Kitsch’s art show. He did the beautiful artwork for my EP, and created all of these incredible pieces inspired by the project. I wanted to pay him a lot of money and buy them all.
In June I dyed my hair red. I love it and I think I'll keep it for a while.
I also added a band member, Cameron Mizell. He teaches me new guitar chords and quizzes me on string names. He also makes my songs sound awesome. We rehearsed and wrote and got ready for one of my biggest accomplishments of 2008: my show at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles.
Yes, in July we ventured out West, and I accomplished this dream of mine. Naturally, it's now a dream of mine to return. And I know I will. Again, I'm looking at you, 2009 ;)
August brought some pretty terrible storms to Indiana. I organized a benefit concert for Indiana Flood Relief later that month, and we raised over $1300 for the Red Cross. I would definitely call it a success, and am planning on doing something similar in 2009! I had so much fun performing for people from my hometown.
September and October were full of friends and shows, family and more shows. I kept pretty busy. November brought the holidays and a songwriting contest for the cruise I spoke of at the beginning of this post. I wrote a theme song and made it to the top ten. Then I begged and pleaded for as many votes as possible, with hopes of winning first place and a spot to perform that song on the boat. I ended up getting third place, which I still consider awesome.
That brings us to the end of the year. I've been recording with Cam, and SOON SO SO SOON I will be able to share it with you!!!!
I am so grateful and blessed.
This is the longest post EVER. Happy 2008!!!! Here's to a really awesome 2009.
xo
Lauren
