Last Anna Johnson Band photo before Eloise arrives. We’re the best looking band in town, doncha think? Can’t believe she’s due in less than 3 weeks!
Vocal sessions, cues, broccoli and baby showers.
Good morning!
I didn’t realize it, but it’s been ages since I’ve written a blog here! Whaaaaa? Craziness.
Well, my life has been completely different than normal lately. I’m now 35 weeks pregnant and focusing most of my attention on preparing for Baby’s arrival. David and I have been fortunate to have the support of family and friends who’ve passed on nursery furnishings, gifts, and other necessities, but there’s still a good amount to be done to get ready for her. We’re pretty laid back, and we don’t plan to go overboard with the newest gadgets, devices and systems, but there are things we can’t avoid (diapers galore, wipes, changing table pad, baby hangers, window coverings, etc.).
Aside from prepping for Baby, I’ve been babysitting a sweet little two-year-old from church and getting involved in random musical opportunities as often as I can. I’ve been hired to sing vocals on a few other artists’ records, and have been singing lead vocals on “cues” for Global Genius Productions. A cue, in this case, is a song written solely to be used for licensing opportunities (commercials for companies like Hallmark, Target, Old Navy, etc.). It’s never guaranteed that the cues will be used, but they go into a catalog that gets a lot of attention and is being used more and more with time, so I have a good feeling about it. Regardless, it’s a blast to get to work with Bill Whittington, Ken Lewis and Scott Dente, all of whom I met when I first moved here and recorded “Ready To Go” with Billy Smiley. Bill Whittington engineered/produced the record, Ken played drums and percussion, and Scott did some acoustic guitar work. I’ve stayed in touch with them and just love when I have a chance to make music with them. They’re amazing people with integrity, passion and incredible amounts of talent. Also, they tease me by calling me “One-take Johnson” and other silly names ; ) It’s great to find a network of people that inspire and encourage you to be your best.
The cues are a blast, but I’ve also been writing quite a bit. I have bunnnnches of unfinished songs and several that are just about there. I’m the kind of writer that doesn’t waste time finishing a song that I don’t think is GREAT. Some people believe it’s best to flush ‘em all out, write every day, and just keep going. I don’t like that system. I prefer to spend time crafting the best of the best that I can, and letting the stinkers die off or revisit them later and change them into something better.
David and I recently wrote the music for a song I plan to finish and record called “Hurricane”. Can’t wait to share it with you! Also, the whole band worked up a new song that’s still untitled, but has become one of my favorites! If you were at Chippewa Falls Sr High School on March 8th, then you would have heard it. It’s a song about being caught up in a relationship that’s dangerous and needs to be ended, but being nervous to officially let it go.
It’s a hard and heavy weight
I’m not sure that I can handle it alone
You’re a pull I can’t explain
I keep on coming back for more
But something isn’t right
There’s something in your eyes
Telling me to run - run - run - run - ohh
Will I ever see your face again?
Will I ever see your face again?
Will I ever see your face again?
Whether it’s recorded and released as a single or saved for my next album, I’ll be sharing it with you sometime in the next year. Promise.
Also, I will be releasing a simply elegant version of “Feels Like Home” sometime VERY soon : ) Since the live video of Julia and I performing it at The Living Room Coffee House in Eau Claire, WI back in 2007 has gone NUTSO on YouTube (88,466 views at the moment), many people have asked to have a recording of it for their weddings and such. It’s time to release it for them since it’s been a few years! Sheesh!
So, Baby, cues, new songs …
I’ve also been spending my quiet time at home making art. I studied studio art for 2 years in college and have been selling custom paintings and other things on Etsy. Check it out: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EverettandEloise If you want a custom piece for your home, for a friend, for family, or whatever, simply write to me on Etsy and we can discuss details! It’s a great way for me to relax and do something I love while continuing to bring in a little bit of money so I can keep making music! It’s not cheap, after all. My, oh my.
Here are a couple of pieces I’ve done recently:
I’m making album art for people now, too! I designed my updated “Ready To Go”, “Winding Road” and “Christmastime”, and I make all my posters and things. I recently created the artwork for my friend Emily Howard’s EP, and I’m currently doing a 100% custom drawing/painting for another friend’s record. Here’s Em’s art:
Anyway, if you haven’t yet, please connect with me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themusicanna
Also, know you can buy all my CDs on my website. I’ll hand-sign and personalize each one, so they make great gifts! http://www.annajohnsonmusic.com/store
Have a wonderful day, and thank you for your support and kindness as I continue to make music, prepare to be a mama, and try my best to live life to the fullest.
~Anna
P.S. I’m planting broccoli plants today, which is why “broccoli” made it into the blog title ; ) I also enjoyed a baby shower on Sunday afternoon, and here’s a picture of my sister, dear friend Jady and I on the special day. The two of them hosted and planned the whole thing, which was an incredible gift.
Just posted the 15th Living Room Sessions video : ) It feels like summer here in Nashville, so I decided to go for a Colbie Caillat cover. Her music is my summer jam, after all, and especially after Julia and I opened for her at a festival in GA in 2010. That was fun, for sure.
Enjoy!
Happy Thursday.
