whoa, is this webpage old and outdated or what?
Yes, I'm still alive. I just went through and made a few updates here--granted, content-wise there isn't much to say... I haven't done a lot with music/songwriting since I last wrote here, which was apparently when I was 22 and still living in NY state? Man. I'm 24 now and I live in NH. I have a couple pianos to restore and a piano technology course to complete, some finances to settle, and then I'm outta here (that's what I said a year ago, too, but this time I mean it!). It's so quiet in this small town and there's really no music scene [or interesting social scene, for that matter] to speak of. But I'm finding ways to keep busy and get away now and then so I don't go insane.
Last month I finally wrote a new song, my first since what, 2006? I haven't had a chance to record it yet since I've been either busy, away, or sick, but it's on my to-do list. Recording! What a novel idea that is, now. And kind of exciting; hmmm, are you coming back, songwriting/recording/performing bug? Last month I went back to Lena's in Saratoga for the first time since moving away, and it was so wonderful to see (most) all of my old friends. My two songs (my new one, plus a newly-learned cover) went better than I expected, given how out of practice I am... I guess it's like riding a bike. Or in my case, a horse. I'm kind of gimpish on bikes.
A lot (as well as a lot of nothing) has happened in the past year+, but it'd be silly to recap it all here. If you want to know what's up, feel free to check out my livejournal or find me on facebook (username "jenholmes"). :)
Sep 15th, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
"Inside the Open Mic" Episode 1 Last week I went to Lena's open mic for the last time before I move--turns out there is no open mic on the 29th due to there being a regular show that night. My good friend and fellow musician James Frederick is starting up a mini-documentary series, where he'll record a performance each week and interview that person, then splice it all up and throw it on YouTube. I was the guinea pig for this new project, and it came out nice! I was actually really nervous for this performance (since I'm so rusty), but it sounds better than I thought; I am an awkward interviewee, but I'd like to think that I'm awkward in a cute kind of way.
Anyway, here is the video... you can see a couple other Lena regulars in the video's beginnig, too.
Thanks for doing this, James, I am flattered and honored to be "chosen" for Episode 1!
May 26th, 2008 @ 8:49 am
just a quick update long time no see!
I am starting to wrap things up here in NY--I move back to NH for a while on May 31st. I put a couple Lena open mic dates on the calendar, as I'm planning to play a few times before I go... I don't think I have performed since last summer, and I won't be around come June, so this is your big chance (haha). I am committing to the 22nd and 29th, and I hope to also play on the 15th. I don't want to go making promises I can't keep, though--I still need to work up a couple new songs and/or covers to play.
In other news, I updated the CD order page--I'm no longer handling the selling/shipping myself (unless it is in person, or to people I know), but it's available at CD Baby and various other music websites (Digistation, iTunes, a number of sites I haven't even heard of). The price is now down to $10, although that may vary a bit depending on what site you're looking at.
I am going to try to get out to open mics and my friends' gigs more this month, while I still can, so if you see me around on the music scene, say hi. :) I would get a kick out of knowing anyone still reads this semi-abandoned website. ;)
May 2nd, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Hi everyone! Last night I appeared live on the podcast "Switchback," which is broadcast at 9pm on Fridays on Bounce Radio. The hosts, Joe and John, who co-own the Blue Man Group mega-fansite, the the Blue Man Library, are longtime friends of mine and invited me on. They've been doing Switchback a long time (this was their 101st episode), but they recently changed the format from a pre-recorded show that revolved around BMG, to a live, general-interest "talk show." Last night was their first show of this kind, and it was a lot of fun! We talked about whatever, had a good time, and they played a couple of my songs from This Must Be Hello (neither of which are streaming on this site or anywhere else online, in full). If you're interested in hearing the interview, it'll be re-airing next Friday at 9pm on Bounce Radio, and I believe it will be available for download from the the Blue Man Library after that.
In other news... well, not really "news." I'm still pretty inactive with the whole songwriting/performing this lately (although I do plan on getting back to the open mics this winter/spring before I move in May)... I'm beginning to think I might try writing an orchestral or choral piece--maybe I just need a change of pace and to do some writing in another medium, before I can get back into songwriting full tilt.
Hope everyone had a great Holiday season, and best wishes for 2008!
"The trick is to combine your waking, rational abilities with the infinite possibilities of your dreams--because if you can do that, you can do anything."
