Musically Triggered Memories

The Neave is finally back up and running! The new format messed up some of the punctuation, though, so I've been combing through every article, trying to clean them up. I came across an older story of mine that will give you a little glimpse at the experiences that brought me to where I am today. Click here to read my musically triggered memories, and feel free to browse around the redesigned site to see what you think!

A Hero's Descent

In Los Angeles, my feathers are ruffled by ghosts of the past messing with the present and dooming the future. Home is where the heart - and heartbreak - can be found. I write songs to vent, some of which may never see the light of day, but at least provide a release.

It's the dawning realization of let-down that grows stronger as I age. The little girl I once was pictures a giant, placed high on a pedestal, bathed in glowing light. As the years passed, the foundation crumbled. The giant fell slowly, but steadily, never reaching the wreckage below, but remaining in a constant state of descent. Its childish mentality of insane denial and dangerous misinterpretation of reality continue to be devastating. I've alternately wept, been paralyzed by anxiety, grown furious, ranted, pondered, rationalized, explained, sought closure and always, always hoped that the giant would find solid ground on which to stand tall. No matter how clearly I understand the situation as an adult, my inner child continues to mourn the loss of its hero.

New Plan

I'm about to hit the road for Cali, leaving Texas behind this upcoming Tuesday morning. Instead of finding an apartment in L.A., however, I am going to visit with family and friends for a week or so...and then resume driving. I am getting a place in Seattle with Scobra and Dion Vox of Ramona The Band. Scobra is going to record my next album over the next few months and Dion is going to show me a damn good time in her native locale! In May, I'm meeting up with Luke in Paris for his two-week block leave, then possibly visiting friends in Dubai and England, respectively. After that? Undecided. Maybe I'll go back to L.A., or maybe I'll stay based in Seattle a little longer. At any rate, traveling between L.A. and Seattle is far more economical than traveling anywhere from Texas. A tour with RTB could be in my future, but at the very least, I'm about to record a whole slew of new, sonically-intriguing songs for your listening pleasure. Stay tuned...

Safe And Sound

Yep, that's me destroying a guitar. Read about it here.

It's been a challenging week, but I'm trying to keep it together and move forward with strength. I've had several phone calls from Luke, which definitely helped. I anticipate that it will get easier and more difficult, all at once.

Tomorrow, I have a recording session with Billy Bowers in Killeen. Our goal was to get three songs down before I return to California and that's what we're gonna do! We recorded two of them last fall/early winter and then took a break so that Luke and I could finish up our own stuff and do the family thing. I really like the style - very ambient electronica, combining uptempo and downtempo to create a cool musical journey.

I'm visiting some dear friends in Austin next week before heading back to Los Angeles. I need all the wonderful people in my life now more than ever, and am grateful that so many friends have stepped forward to offer their love and support. It's a beautiful thing.

In April, I'm going up to Seattle to work on an album with Scobra. We have a lot of material "in the bank," so we'll refine some of the pre-existing songs and begin work on new stuff, as well. Out of everything, I'm really excited about that. His producing style is as unique as a fingerprint, making him somewhat of a Magic Man in my book. I have so much inside of me that I need to get out - short of Luke coming home, nothing could be better right now than having insanely good beats built for me to unload my heart upon.

Before any of that takes place, though, I need to submit my material to managers. Don't let me forget! I'm so scatterbrained right now and I need to get that done by the end of next week. I'm usually brilliant at multi-tasking, but right now, I find myself jumping from one activity to another without any sort of method to my madness. I did, however, write an appropriately cathartic song today while my car was getting tuned up. It's pretty straight-forward stuff, but it felt good to scribble something down nonetheless. See what you think...

Safe and Sound

There’s a ditch

In the heart

Of the one he left behind.

Saddened eyes

Start to smart

‘Til her vision’s all but blind.

He’s serving like a pawn

In a fucked up game of chess.

She worries ‘til the lines

Mark her face from all the stress.

And the stress...is always there…

An ever-ticking watch,

A shackle she must wear.

And it wears...her down…

Waiting on a soldier

To come home safe and sound.

There’s a knife

In the gut

Of the mate to his sad soul.

So much time

Spent apart

Takes excruciating toll.

They’re counting down the days

‘Til this bullshit’s good and done.

He’s fighting in a war

That he knows can not be won.

And the one...he’ll always love…

Is angry at the world,

Especially the gov.

And it wears...her down…

Waiting on a soldier

To come home safe and sound.

Not everyone who serves

Believes that war is right.

Not everyone in uniform

Joins to join the fight.

A peaceful, loving soldier

Seems a paradox,

But some exist

And will persist

To think outside the box.

And the box...is made of steel…

But his mind has iron strength,

Grasping onto what is real.

And it wears...him down…

But that real thing is waiting

To see him safe and sound.

~written January 22, 2010~

Farewell

Luke left tonight. Destination: Afghanistan. I feel like crawling into the woods to die like a wounded animal. The pain is indescribable, the tears plentiful. It is only because I have given him my entire self that I am able to hurt like this. He is hurting, too, of course, sorrowful over his decision to join the army, to put both of us through such heartache when the whole mess could have been cleanly avoided. We sobbed like devastated children in the moments leading up to parting, holding onto each other for dear life. Even through our tears, though, we were strong. United. Unwavering in the faith we have in one another and the joint existence we love to share.

For once in my life, the things I fear are quite rational and founded on real dangers. The worst thing I could do, however, is worry about things that have yet to occur...mainly because I can't afford to buy myself the facelift that I would most assuredly need after spending an entire year in a state of sheer panic! (Small joke.)

We were fortunate enough to spend the four-day weekend cocooned in each other's arms, bathing in the purest, most unabashed love in existence. Luke insists that I'll accomplish great things this year with music and get farther than ever before without him around to distract me. He doesn't mean that in a negative way, but the truth is, when two people unintentionally stumble upon the Holy Grail, it's kind of hard not to bask in all that true love entails. While I certainly came a long way last year with songwriting, recording, and performing, there was definitely the element of time. The clock was ticking, growing louder with every passing month as it brought us closer to this moment of farewell. Knowing that we were going to be apart for an entire year put many things into perspective. We soaked up every drop of bliss while we still could, stocking up on love like camels storing water in their humps in anticipation of the vast desert that lay ahead. And now?

I will write him every single day that we are apart. I will also throw myself into music like never before, increasing my focus tenfold. Music will keep me sane. It is my purpose in life and I am especially grateful for it in this moment of emotional injury. This will most likely be the most intimate blog entry you will read from me. From this day forward, most of my feelings concerning Luke's deployment will be put into song. I'll try not to be too much of a downer! Thanks for continuing to come along with me. I strongly feel that this year will yield some of my best work yet.

Writing Again

It feels great to be getting some songwriting done. I've teamed up with a production company in L.A. that shops songs to record labels for their artists. I managed to complete the first mix of the first song this morning and will polish up the vocals when I'm actually back in California. The songs are going to end up being far too "pop" for me to use as an artist - for better or worse, I don't see myself as being the popstar diva type. I'm learning to love that most of my songs aren't easily categorizable. As long as I'm staying true to myself and genuinely pouring my heart out, I'm happy. As far as the pop songs go - I'd be thrilled to make money by selling them to someone who's better suited to sing them. The lyrics are still honest and carry substance, but the character's more of the ass-shaking type. In case there was any confusion, I keep the ass-shaking to a minimum. Sorry.

I've been downloading every single song from every single Rush album ever made. I bought Luke an iPod for Christmas and have been spending weeks trying to fill it up with music he loves. He'll most likely be sick of all 4,000 songs after only two months in Afghanistan, but hopefully he'll be inspired to start creating his own music. We've pretty much gotten as much recording done together as we're capable of for the time being - his brain is fried. It's difficult for him to focus on playing guitar when he's about to go risk his life. The only thing that makes sense right now is physical and emotional closeness. Nothing else seems to matter during these last few days. His superiors are telling him that he'll have loads of down-time, though, so once he gets into the swing of things, he'll track down a guitar and resume playing. I put music-creating software on his laptop, so if he comes up with something cool while overseas, he'll be able to record it for later use.

I have two more illustrations to finish for the children's book. I'm hoping to get that done soon, but of course, that might have to wait until after Luke deploys. It's a struggle to keep my emotions in check. Every time I think about being without Luke, I tear up. If there's any couple in the world who could make it through this bullshit stronger and more in love than ever, though, it's us. Ready or not...

Back in Texas

Although it was nice to be home in California for three weeks, it's even better to be back in Texas with Luke. The countdown to his deployment begins, yes, but we're in our own space in our own bed without the stress that other people's energy can impose. Trying to squeeze in multiple visits with all of our family and friends felt exhausting to me. I prefer spreading it out in a leisurely manner, not dealing with the guilt caused by some who are demanding of time. To top it off, there's an underlying mood of fear amongst our loved ones, wondering if Luke will make it back from war safely. The conversation was largely avoided by most, as though voicing their dread aloud would jinx it all. I've gotten to the point where I understand that it's out of my control and, if I can't change the circumstances, may as well accept things as they are and try to put my best foot forward. I hate war and know with all of my heart that we are being lied to about the reasons for being in the Middle East...but I love my husband and all that matters to me is that he returns safely. The issues I have with the U.S. government and their puppeteers will be productively put into song form and, perhaps, released after Luke is no longer in harm's way.

I didn't write or create music while on vacation and felt like crap as a result. Expressing myself through art is essential to my emotional survival in all kinds of weather. Pending Luke's amount of energy at the end of each day, we'll record a tiny bit more before he goes. He feels the need to record our duet - the one he wrote - before he deploys in case something does happen to him. As of now, he's set to leave on the 16th or 17th. His birthday is on the 12th, so I'm happy that we'll be together for that.

Sleep is hard to come by these days, so I hope I've written something semi-coherent! More to come when my head is clearer.

My Favorite Bands And Artists

It's not easy to narrow it down to something as black and white as a list, but I tried. Also, I will continue to add on to this post over time, since I already know I'm forgetting a bunch of acts that I love. Leave your own list of favorites as a comment.


AC/DC
Ace of Base 
Beatles 
Bee Gees 
Beethoven 
Bill Withers 
Billy Idol 
Bob Seger 
Boston 
Bran Van 3000 
Breaking Benjamin 
Bush 
Cat Stevens
Chevelle
Cream 
Cyndi Lauper 
David Bowie 
Dean and Britta 
Dethklok 
Duran Duran
Fiona Apple 
Foo Fighters 
Foreigner 
Frank Sinatra 
George Michael 
Goldfrapp 
Guns N Roses
Heart 
Hole 
Incubus 
INXS
Janis Joplin 
Jimi Hendrix 
KISS 
Korn 
Led Zeppelin 
Marvin Gaye 
Mighty Mighty Bosstones 
Moody Blues 
Neil Diamond 
Nine Inch Nails 
NOFX 
Otis Redding 
Paul Simon
Peaches 
Perfect Circle, A 
Peter Gabriel 
Pink Floyd 
PJ Harvey
Pointer Sisters 
Portishead 
Queens of the Stone Age 
R.E.M. 
Radiohead 
Rage Against the Machine 
Ramona The Band 
Red Hot Chili Peppers 
Rilo Kiley 
Rush
Salt n Pepa 
Santana 
Silverchair 
Slick Rick 
Smokey Robinson 
Sneaker Pimps 
Sophie B. Hawkins 
Solomon Burke 
Spinnerette 
Streets, The 
Strokes, The 
Styx 
Sublime 
Supertramp 
Tears For Fears 
Tina Turner 
Tom Petty 
Tool 
Tori Amos 
Toto 
Van Halen 
Yes 
Zombies, The

Desert Daze

Luke and I are in a town outside of Temecula for the weekend so he can visit his dad. I'm continuing to work on illustrating the children's book, which I'm happy to say is going well.

["Crows can live in all kinds of weather..."]

As a kid, I naturally gravitated towards art, writing, and singing. I have a theory that we are born knowing who we are. Circumstances sometimes lead us down alternate paths, but if we're lucky, we find our way back to our truest selves in good time. I am currently indulging my truest self with steady focus and determination. I used to fret that I would have to choose one thing to devote myself to and forsake the rest of my talents in order to avoid spreading myself too thin. It is with the finest finesse that I attempt to balance it all. Taking one month to illustrate a children's book does not hinder my ability to create music. If anything, it has been a nice little change of pace that is stirring up all sorts of lyrical material inside of me and I will soon be chomping at the bit to return to singing and recording. I am about to submit packets to a select group of prospective managers so that when I return to L.A. in February, I can hit the ground running.

For now, I'm enjoying my vacation with Luke immensely, hence my infrequent presence on the internet. More news to come...

Crows and California

It's been a few days since I've written, sang, or recorded. My mom wrote a children's book and I'm illustrating.

[She took it inside and dried the poor thing off, finding its feathers to be wonderfully soft.]

It's about a little girl who finds a baby crow in a water trough and tries to take care of it, only to realize that it needs to be with its mother in nature. It's a cute story and I'm happy to be putting my rusty art skills to use...but man, is it time-consuming! I was hoping to have these finished by Tuesday (when I leave for California), but I'm only 1/4 of the way done. Plus, Luke and I need to record this weekend. It might be our last chance to do so for a very long time.

We're both really looking forward to our California vacation, despite the fact that it'll be cold and rainy most of the time we're there! Just being together without the interruption of army stuff will be time cherished.

2010 Objective

I have the songs, the performances, and the growing fan base. Now I need a manager. My mom and my friend Mike Manasee have both offered - which I appreciate - but it's clear that I need someone who really knows their way around this ever-changing industry, someone who has connections and a clear vision of how to navigate these murky waters. At the moment, my focus is finishing up the job of recording my songs with Luke - if only to get scratch versions down - and spend what little time I have left with him before he deploys. As soon as he's gone, I will throw myself into the task of obtaining representation. It would be such bliss to solely create music and let someone else take care of the phone calls and e-mails!

Confession

I would rather see stand-up comedy than a live band. There, I said it.

I haven't gone to many concerts, and this is no accident. Yes, I love to support my musician friends when I can, but the truth is, it is difficult to kick back and enjoy the experience from the audience when I want more than anything to be the one onstage. It's like being a pitcher and sitting all nine innings on the bench. Growing up, I never had posters of bands or artists on my bedroom wall. While I was heavily influenced by every song I've ever heard and continue to be to this day, I have never idolized anyone. That's not to say that I don't have a great appreciation for what other artists do - I believe I have something to learn from anyone and everyone - but at the moment, I am very aware of my need to rise to the occasion. Perhaps after I've toured the world a few times and have deeply satisfied my yearning to perform, I'll be more content to take in live shows of acts that I admire. For now, it's almost too painful.

What I do enjoy is sketch and stand-up comedy. If someone makes me laugh involuntarily, they have my loyalty and devotion. Laughter is so much more important than many people give it credit for. Cliches about it being the best medicine are cliches for a reason. When I'm done working on music for the day, I scour youtube for random pieces of hilarity. Right now, Michael Ian Black has my heart. My sense of humor is somewhat warped, so when I find comedians who are on a similar wavelength, I am eternally appreciative. I await Dave Chappelle's return with baited breath.

The Vlog Crossroads

I decided not to post a vlog this week. As fun as they are to do, I'm thinking about keeping the most popular ones up on youtube and deleting the rest. I don't want to over-saturate the vlogosphere. Instead, I'd like to bring it back every so often with important news and updates. With Luke leaving soon, I can already anticipate that filming those things will not be nearly as enjoyable without him answering the questions alongside me. I don't think they'll be as fun to watch, either. I DO think that it would be cool to interview my musician friends once in a while. When I go up to Seattle to visit Scobra and Dion Vox of Ramona The Band, it would be awesome to get them in front of the camera, as I think that they are both very interesting and talented people.

In the meantime, Luke and I will film two or three more vlogs before he deploys, so e-mail any questions you have to brittwarnermusic@yahoo.com. Thereafter, I'll most likely do the occasional Q&A right here on this blog. If you have some extra time on your hands, watch each of our vlog episodes and let me know which ones you enjoyed the most. Thanks for reading/watching!

Forwarded

Once in awhile, I come across a listing on TAXI that sounds perfectly suited to my style of music, and thusly, submit a song or two. It costs five dollars per song submission, and while that doesn't sound like a lot of money, it can add up pretty quickly if I'm not discerning enough. I just received an e-mail confirming that 'Let It Burn' has been forwarded to a music publisher for placement in film and TV. While this doesn't mean I "got the job," it's still encouraging and gives me hope that something might come out of it. If I heard that song in a movie...well, the level of giddiness elicited from my being would be enough to mortify anyone who happened to be in the room with me.

Sometimes I submit a song just to see what kind of feedback the TAXI reviewers give me. Their input is always highly constructive. Art is very personal when created with honesty and integrity and their suggestions never impede upon that. I plan on looking for a listing that I can submit 'Sea Debt' for, just to see what the reviewer has to say.

Speaking of 'Sea Debt,' it's been downloaded nearly 100 times so far from my Reverb Nation profile. Special thanks to Michael Santi and Michael Sherwood for promoting it everywhere. With ten hours to go, I'm hoping to reach an even higher number by midnight PST.

The next song I need to record is Luke's "Love Notes," in which we sing a duet. I'm soooo excited about that one. Thanks to Thanksgiving, we have a few consecutive days to give it our full focus. I can't wait.

~Britt~

24 Hours

Well, I did it. I finished 'Sea Debt' - for now. It will be remixed and mastered before it goes on an album, but for now, I'm very happy with it. While working on a song, I hear it soooooo many times, both in full length and in pieces, that after a few days, I lose all objectivity. My family seems to dig it, and since they have no problem being brutally honest when they DON'T like something I've done, I find their approval to be a very good measure of how well-received my work will be with the general public. Not always, of course, but often enough.

With that said, I am making 'Sea Debt' available as a free download for the next 24 hours. Simply click here. When the screen pops open, click "Download" in the upper right hand corner of the music player. If you enjoy this song, send it as an e-mail attachment to any of your friends and family who might enjoy it. The lyrics can be accessed from the music player, as well.

Thank you for listening!

The Power Of Attorney

Music production was put on hold for most of today so that Luke could sign his life away to me - haha. There's a lot of crap to take care of prior to a deployment, and becoming Luke's Power Of Attorney was on the agenda.

To be fair, I did offer to sign my life away to him as well, just to even out the deck, so to speak...but Luke declined. We're married - everything is already shared between us financially. This just ensures that I can sign on his behalf when need be.

Still refining 'Sea Debt.' I love it, and it's soooo cloooose to being done. Bear with me.






As for the outfit...well, that's just me refusing to give in to the mom-jeans apathy that pervades my current locale. Defy indifference!

Sea Debt Update

Phew! I have been reworking 'Sea Debt' all day. It's been well-worth it, as I am so very happy with the results. Even though I'm itching to post it tonight, I think I'll exercise some self-restraint and wait 'til morning. I want to listen to it again after a good night's sleep, make whatever adjustments my ears desire, and then make it available everywhere. I am filled with a strong sense of accomplishment and pride...which won't last long. Haha. I've always been this way. I enjoy the fruits of my labor for five minutes and then feel the need to conquer another mountain. Being involuntarily ambitious is a pain in the ass!

Pause...Rewind

I woke up this morning and played 'Sea Debt' with fresh ears. While I'm still very happy with it, I'd like to rerecord one section of the vocals. My ears are finally becoming sensitive to pitch (wonders never cease), and there are very slight offenses in the ooh-and-aah interlude that I'd love to take another crack at. So bear with me. I'll repost the song on Reverb Nation either tonight or tomorrow.

Sea Debt

Luke's pre-deployment vaccinations affected him rather adversely, so I spent most of the weekend taking care of him and editing our newest song, which I posted tonight. You can download 'Sea Debt' for free off of my Reverb Nation page here. My brother, Josh, always gives me helpful feedback on songs as they're developed. 'Sea Debt' was originally 100 bpm and had a western strumming style that I likened to Johnny Cash. Josh didn't think the guitar matched the vocals, which gave me yet another thing to meditate on during my insomnia-plagued evenings.

The following day, I asked Luke if he'd mind trying more of a harp-like picking, and he slowed down the pace in the process. At 80 bpm, the song is still only 2:39 minutes long, but I think the sound is very fitting now. Just guitar and vocals - Luke thinks that when we have a full band, it would be cool to speed it up and give it a pirate vibe - haha. The lyrics definitely lend itself to that line of thinking, but I'm very happy with its current, stripped-down mood. I believe the mark of a good song is being able to play it acoustically or with a full band and having it sound brilliant either way. (Alanis Morrisette tested this theory out on The Black-Eyed Peas' "My Humps". The result can be found in hilarious video form on youtube.)

So. Get your copy of 'Sea Debt' and follow along with the lyrics below. Feedback is always welcomed!

Sea Debt

Vision faded over time

And how we all wept

Bad dreams as I slept

In the bed we had made

I paid my debt in silver

I paid my debt in gold

I would’ve paid to love you

But my heart I fear I sold

To the sea

To the sea

Forever it belongs

To the sea

Anger faded over time

And how we all smiled

Bad dreams as a child

In the bed I had made

I paid my debt in coffee

I paid my debt in smoke

I would’ve paid to love you

But my heart I fear I broke

In the sea

In the sea

Forever it belongs

In the sea

I paid for every misstep

Of spontaneity

I paid for all the sticks and stones

And threw them in the sea

In the sea

In the sea

Forever lost I’ll be

In the sea

~written September 30, 2009~

Being A Writer...

...is a constant exercise in simultaneous self-glorification and self-loathing. I do not shamefully hide skeletons in my closet; instead, I parade them around for all to see, like every day is my own personal El Dia de Los Muertos. If I weren't a singer, I would live in a small European town with cobblestone streets. I'd sit on the patios of cafes, smoking cigarettes, sipping cappuccino, and writing page after page of introspective bullshit, exposing human truth through fictional characters. Let them live my adventures as I romanticize my own existence. Get me off of the computer, regardless. Get me away from this glowing screen and virtual interactions. I want to look people dead in the face, to get lost in conversation with flesh and blood human beings. Where may I have such a life in today's world?

Anywhere, right? Back in California, surrounded by a zillion different kinds of people. I watched a Joni Mitchell documentary last night and it made me feel so many things. It made me long for a simpler, purer form of creativity. I am grateful to be able to record my own stuff and create sounds with the click of a mouse...but it's not as organic. I want to play music, to write without worrying about where it's going to lead. I want Luke by my side instead of in Afghanistan. That's really fucking with me lately. My writing is dark and sad and I don't imagine it'll be much cheerier after he's gone. Conflict and inner struggle have always been my best muses, anyway, but I hate wallowing.

Luke tells me to become famous while he's gone, that if I keep doing what I'm doing, it will only be a matter of time before success is mine. I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself internally. I want Luke to have a music career waiting for him when his three years in the service are up. I want to travel the world, playing music and performing and singing songs that make people feel something again. Do people feel anymore? I worry that reality TV and junk food and energy drinks and cubicles and fluorescent lighting and anti-depressants have coated the American people in a thick glaze of apathy. I want to write songs that strip some of that away. I want people to feel sexual and warm and sad and pissed and creepy and open. I want to make music that awakens the beast. I want people to think for themselves instead of crawling inside the womb of religion and government. I want I want I want.

When I'm gearing up for an especially big metamorphosis, I preface it with a good cry. I had one of those today, one of those heaving fits of emotion that could go on for hours if you allow it to. Aside from the occasional tear, I rarely cry anymore, so when I do, it's of Niagra Falls proportions. Such a release. I'm exhausted now, but glad to have it out of the way and ready to move forward with even more grit and determination than before.

Staying strong in the face of being apart from the one I love for at least a year is daunting, devastating...and completely out of my control. So I picture that cafe in Europe, far from the impotent worries I'm currently faced with. I picture smoking a cigarette - since I don't allow myself the luxury in real life anymore - while simultaneously penning a masterpiece. And it calms me.

Excellent News

Scobra has offered to mix/produce everything I send him over this next year...which means I'll be able to focus solely on writing and singing! Yes, I'll still put together simple arrangements, but most will already contain Luke's instrumentation anyway. I will continue to hone my skills as a producer, but without the pressure of trying to do it all myself. As someone who basically grew up in the Fort Hood area and lived the military life for years, Scobra has a great understanding for many of the challenges I'm currently facing. I'm very grateful, and look forward to visiting him and Dion Vox in Seattle this coming spring.

Luke and I have a recording session with William Bowers this afternoon, as well as some more of our duo material to record. Everything's going really well...I just have to keep remembering to take my time and to enjoy the process...rather than worrying about the end result so much.

Slow Down

My own inertia sometimes carries me farther beyond what my own legs can keep up with. I need to take a deep breath and slow down.

I really wanted to get our first full-length album finished by February...but I have to be rational about this. It would be far better to take my time and allow these songs to grow instead of rushing them and knowing they could be better. Why am I in such a hurry, anyway?

I'm concerned that yet again, I've found a way to spread myself too thin. Arranging, recording, producing AND writing and singing is beginning to feel like a lot. I want to continue learning how to do it all - eventually I'll be proficient in all of the above and it will come easily - but for the time being, I need a producer to help me. There it is. I'm facing the music, being objective about my own work. Don't get me wrong - I'm very proud of how far I've come and am enjoying this whole process immensely - but in order to release songs that I'm super-confident about, I need to work with someone who is already brilliant at what they do.

I don't have it all figured out yet - not even close - but in order to be as productive as possible while Luke's in Afghanistan, I need to get a little clearer in my head about what steps to take. The great thing is that amidst my year of multi-tasking, I haven't stopped writing song lyrics. Quite the contrary. I've written close to eighty this year and have already broken my own record. My goal is to hit one hundred by December 31st. I'm confident that I can do it.

So, armed with an arsenal of lyrics and an improving singing voice, the possibilities will be endless. Perhaps the only thing I should decide on in the present is to avoid tying myself down to any one plan or situation. I will continue working on my solo stuff and the stuff I've done with Luke, but I will also consider working with as many talented people as possible and be available to sit in with other bands at their gigs. And no matter what, Luke's place in my world of music will be reserved for when he returns. I hope 2010 flies by!

Winter Is Here

You Must Learn To Crawl Before You Can Run...Or Some Shit

The reason I do not play an instrument:

For the first two decades of my life, I trained to be an equestrian rider - hunters and equitation, specifically. I took lessons every day after school, competed in shows every weekend, and was thought to be some kind of phenom by the top dogs. In the real world, however, none of that held any water. I don't have the masturbatory desire to tell you the entire story, but suffice to say that by the time I turned pro, I was over it. I'm grateful that my mom and I were able to bond over our love of horses for many years, but sometimes being involved in that world came at a very heavy cost, especially towards the end.

The training I received was very militant and repressive. To escape the intensity, my mind wandered constantly, always with a song in my head, always hearing it in time with the horse's rhythmic hooves. Then my trainer would bark my name, jolting me back to reality, back to sucking the fun out of something that should have been a blast. I wrote my first lyrics when I was five...on the back of a pony, cantering around. I still think up songs in the most inconvenient places and back then was no different. I'm pretty sure I scribbled it down in my Hello Kitty diary as soon as I got home that night.

When I remember things like that, it seems obvious that I was meant to do music. Not until I gave up riding, however, did it present itself as a real calling. One collaborator after another made it possible for me to sing my lyrics while they came up with accompaniments. I was shy about singing in front of others initially, but eventually came out of my shell. Nothing had ever felt so good in all my life. I'm not religious, but when a song comes together for the first time, it feels as though all of the energy in the universe is being channeled through my being. I could create in the studio for hours on end and never feel hungry or tired. It's all I want to do with my life, for the rest of my life.

It would have been soooo nice, though, to have learned how to play an instrument when I was a little kid, before I was old enough to question it. It would have made my life so much easier today if I'd been given music lessons instead of riding lessons - I'm not complaining, I'm merely stating the obvious. I've attempted to learn guitar several times...but it feels overwhelming. I'm terrible at rubbing my belly and patting my head at the same time, so singing and playing guitar simultaneously seems so beyond my capabilities. Yes, I'm the woman who loves challenges, but damn...

Enough's enough, though. I trimmed my nails down to nothing and have practiced not just guitar, but also bass over the past few days. My fingers hurt and my arms are tired, but that will cease to be an issue if I keep at it...and this time, I will. As a way to make it less overwhelming, I made a deal with myself to play for ten minutes a day, every day. If I feel like playing longer, fine, but ten minutes is a realistic minimum. (I played for an hour today.) Ten minutes a day over the course of a year is 2,190 hours (I think). By the time Luke gets back from Afghanistan, we'll be able to jam...and maybe I'll be able to play at my own shows...maybe.

I feel like I'm on the brink of some excellent new breakthroughs. Music is pretty much all I do nowadays, so the odds are in my favor...

Time To Shed Again

I am constantly in a state of metamorphosis...and it's exhausting.

As an artist, it is my deepest desire to grow forever. I'm sure there is a part of me that believes it's the fountain of youth, that if I always have a better self around the bend, immortality is mine. Mediocrity is the plateau of death. On hikes, most people think that going downhill is the best part, but I've always detested the descent. My joints stiffen and my pace slows. Going uphill, however, is something I savor. My heels dig into the earth, my thighs heat and burn and the moment when my body breaks into a sweat is nothing short of cathartic.

I approach my goals in the same manner. When the challenge becomes overwhelming, I take a deep breath and dig in even deeper until a breakthrough is achieved. The climb is always worth besting my own perceived capabilities. It reinforces self-belief. I don't ever want to reach the very top. I want to know that there is always another leg of the journey ahead for me to continue striving towards.

My current ascent is towards the ability to produce my own music while simultaneously putting forth a raw vocal performance. I have been so caught up in trying to correct my pitch problems, to hit every note perfectly, that lately, I sometimes forget to put emotion behind what I'm singing. The first step is awareness. Next step is remembering to think about the feelings behind my lyrics next time I'm recording vocals. That's a lot easier to do when someone else is engineering/producing/arranging. My new juggling act will become simpler and more refined over time. I have to remember that I've been doing all of the above for less than a year - I'm not exactly a seasoned pro. I've already come a long way in a short amount of time, so I'm not worried about "getting it right." A couple more years and I'll have it down pat.

Being on the technical side of things has made me so much more conscious of wanting to sound "perfect," and the result is a flawless - but lackluster - vocal. When I was first starting out as a recording artist and songwriter, all I thought about were the feelings behind my words. I was very game to marinate in vulnerability; these days, however, my well-being is dependent on not falling apart in the time leading up to Luke's deployment. In these moments of uncertainty, I am far less willing to expose my soft underbelly in a song for fear of my armor disappearing in the process. I want to be strong, stoic, and tough. It's hard for me to throw myself into the emotion of a song and then shake it off afterwards. It lingers like a ghost. So...yeah...I guess I'm reluctant to go there. In order to create honest work, however, I have to go there anyway. I have to challenge myself to be raw in my singing and trust that I won't become a mess as a result.

As I mentioned earlier, though, it's challenges like these that I live for. Time to shed the current skin for a newer, better layer. Look out for the ensuing results...

~Britt~

Light Bulb

It's funny, but no sooner had I posted the previous blog and sent it out as a newsletter than an idea hit me: I'm going to release the Britt Warner Music Collective, which will be a compilation of sounds, styles, and collaborations. That way, it's clearly marked as a mixed genre album. I still plan on releasing a full-length album of songs Luke and I have been working on, but I know I can manage both projects if I set a reasonable timeline...

Collaborators thus far include:

Luke (of course), Scobra, William Bowers, Joel Simmons...am I forgetting anyone? I'll also include a couple tracks that were created solely by moi. I'm hoping to work with one or two more people in the next year, so interested parties should send an e-mail to brittwarnermusic@yahoo.com.

It's probably my favorite idea thus far, and seeing as how I'm already excited about it, my instincts tell me full speed ahead.

I'm still open to hearing constructive ideas and feedback...as always.

~Britt~

Newsletter - November 1, 2009

 Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a safe, enjoyable Halloween last night. Luke and I didn't get one single trick-or-treater...which was a relief, since we completely forgot to buy candy!

As 2010 swiftly approaches (and with it, Luke's deployment to Afghanistan), a lot of questions are forming in my head. In my ongoing quest to create memorable music, I'm grateful to possess instincts that are rewarding to follow. However, there's something I'd love for you to help me with...

You, the listener, now have more control over the music industry than ever before. Instead of buying albums, you can simply download the individual mp3s that you want and skip the songs that don't interest you. This is precisely where I need you to weigh in. As you may have noticed, my music does not confine itself to one genre or style. In addition to making music with Luke, I collaborate with a couple of producers who bring a completely different sound to the table. This results in a growing collection of songs that would sound inconsistent if put on one album together.

In today's music market, are albums still important to you? If so, would you prefer that I put out albums with specific genres, i.e., a Rock album, an Electronic album, a Folk album, etc, so that if you like my rock songs but not the folk stuff, you have it organized thusly? OR ... have you broken away from the album format and moved on to previewing and downloading individual songs as mp3s? In either case, do you enjoy that my songs are very mixed stylistically or do you have a specific preference and find yourself enjoying one of my "sounds" more than the others?

These are just a few of the questions I'm seeking answers to. I enjoy creating many different styles of music and am incapable of limiting myself to one genre. My hope is that listeners will appreciate that there is "something for everyone." Still, I would love input from you personally. Your opinion could very well help shape the future of Britt Warner Music!

As always, thank you. Your support is among the many things I have to feel grateful for.

Love, Peace, and Daylight Savings,

~Britt Warner~

p.s. - To receive this biweekly newsletter, sign up here:

My Halloween

I'm not in the mood for costume parties this year. Instead, I'm having a glass of wine and working on a new song. It kind of becomes this runaway process. I sat down to write some lyrics and the melody appeared instantaneously. When that happens, I've learned to record a scratch vocal track immediately...otherwise, I will forget it within the hour. In a matter of minutes, I created a simple beat, recorded vocals for the song, and am now flooded with ideas for string arrangements, synth accents, etc.

This morning, I finally got Luke to work on a duet with me. He wrote some lyrics about our love while he was in boot camp...so it's a little sentimental...but it's beautiful. This is a serious milestone. In all the years we've been together, Luke has been petrified of singing in front of me. After much arm-twisting, I coaxed it out of him and lo and behold, our voices complement one another's wonderfully. I'm very excited about the song and will most likely put it on our next album.

I posted another vlog this morning. It's a fun one, so watch it when you get the chance...

~Britt~

Feeling My Way Forward

I'm feeling really good about my increasingly competent producing capabilities. With every new secret I stumble upon, the sound quality of my songs improves. EQing is key, of course, but I'm learning what my own preferences are in terms of tweaking the lows, mids, and highs. I often have to remind myself to take it one step at a time. When I have all the parts down on any given song, I want to release it immediately...but I'm finding that it's better to let it marinate for a while. Inevitably, I hear something I want to adjust a mere week after posting a song on MySpace et al, so it's better to hold off for a bit. I completely remixed 'Dreamscapes' this week and reposted it yesterday on all my various sites. Not sure if anyone else would even notice the difference, but to me, it's huge. I'm currently remixing 'Whiskey Woman,' as well as adding some more dynamics to the overall arrangement.

It's a little overwhelming to look at the new ones from this year and try to figure out how they'd all fit together on one album. Splitting them up onto three different albums would make more sense, but I'm not sure how beneficial that would be. It's hard enough to promote ONE album, let alone three! Still, I like the idea of organizing them by style and sound. 'Whiskey Woman' and 'Dreamscapes' couldn't be more dissimilar - wouldn't it be cool to have the former on a Southern Rock album and the latter on a Downtempo album? I'll figure it out, but input is always appreciated! Advice, anyone?

Musical Connection

Luke and I are filming and posting the next vlog this weekend. Throw some more questions at us!

We're also rehearsing the next slew of Eighties cover songs. I like covering the Eighties. So many of those songs were upbeat and very electronically layered; stripping them down feels akin to seeing a heavily made-up girl wash all of the paint off of her face, only to reveal a natural beauty even more lovely in its naked form. I get an almost perverse satisfaction out of getting to the core of things, both in music and in life. I've always been that way, like a little soul detective.

Being a performer feels a bit odd sometimes. There's so much self-promotion involved, and before becoming wrapped up in this process, I spent most of my life listening to other people talk about themselves...gladly. I enjoyed hearing about friends' problems and playing Devil's Advocate. I still do. So, including others in the creative process makes me feel less self-involved. The whole point - for me - is to connect with humanity in the best way that I know how: artistic expression.

Writing for The Neave is helpful. A lot of my future articles will be interviews with interesting people, which is exciting. It means that I'm the one asking the questions and delving into someone else's psyche - other than my own - and finding out pieces of what makes them tick. I love that.

What I finally realized a few years back was this: if I don't self-promote and market myself, no one else will. Many super-talented people never reach their full potential because they spend most of their lives waiting for someone to knock on their door and hand them a billion dollar contract. Plenty of so-so people end up wildly successful because of persistence and nothing else. Persistence is key. As many artists will admit, we're not business-minded by nature. We'd rather use our time and energy to create and let someone else take care of the numbers. Right now, I'm trying to do it all. At long last, I can see a path clearly forming in front of me. Instead of hoarding my songs, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash them, I post them as soon as they're finished. It feels good to keep putting content out there for people to hear and see and process.

I feel excited - constantly. Every time I finish something - a song, a video, a rehearsal - I'm flooded with happiness and childlike giddiness. Luke stokes the flames by getting excited with me. We laugh like kids. We encourage each other. One of the best things about Luke is that he is a man of action. He walks the walk. I am fortunate beyond any woman I've ever known...for many reasons.

I interviewed Britta Phillips for an upcoming feature in The Neave. She and her husband, Dean Wareham, are a duo like me and Luke. You'll be able to read the story in full soon, but I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the interview:

"Musical connection is very important to me. It is the main way I connect and communicate. So, to find this nearly perfect musical simpatico with a mate is rather heavenly. The cons are that I can't come home and ask him how his day was because I've been there with him all day." - Britta Phillips

Answer Dancer

Before you even ask: no. This song is NOT about me...but I know plenty of chicks who fit the bill.

Answer Dancer

Strippers wearing glasses
Slow as molasses
Grinding against brass poles

Women saying, “Maybe
I’ll be yours, baby,
Bleached head down to scarred soles.”

Platform jellies
Piercings in bellies
Extensions and pink wigs

Shiny nipples
Dollar-fickle
Sneaking drags of cigs

Answer, Dancer,
Tell me more:
Who are you
Exotic for?
Guy in a jersey,
Man in a suit –
Is the dancing
Worth the loot?

Babies wearing makeup
Struggling to wake up,
Fighting against the tide

Ladies saying, “Want me?
Take me and flaunt me,
Depending on what you ride.”

Victoria’s Secret
She daren’t speak it
Designer clothes and cut

Diamond ring –
“What – this old thing?”
Money makes a slut

Answer, Dancer,
Tell me more:
Who are you
Exotic for?
Guy in a jersey,
Man in a suit –
Is the dancing
Worth the loot?

Keep on dancing
Bills are paid
Bank is full
You’ve got it made

Answer, Dancer:
Do you cry?
Or do you love
To live the lie?

Answer, Dancer,
Tell me more:
Who are you
Exotic for?
Guy in a jersey,
Man in a suit –
Is the dancing
Worth the loot?


~written by Britt Warner on October 13, 2009~

Take On Us

First Vlog!

Buy Tickets To Our Next Show

Luke and I are playing a show at the Music Vault in Harker Heights, TX on Thursday, October 22nd at 11pm. Buy your tickets now by clicking on the link below and they'll be in the mail ASAP.

We Got Radio Airplay!!!

Tonight, 'Slow Down' was featured on Eagle 101.7 FM, which is a Texas radio station that reaches from Temple to Austin and everywhere in between. Luke and I are still beaming with pride. If you feel inclined to do so, please go to their site and ask that they play it again, during their request hour. We really appreciate every little bit of help we can get. Also, if you have a favorite local rock station in your town, ask them to play our stuff.

http://www.myeagle101.com. And here's where you can listen to our radio debut: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1876595


Thanks a million!!!


~Britt~

Dreamscapes

Luke and I finished 'Dreamscapes,' arguably one of the most peaceful, soothing songs we've ever created...but I'll let you be the judge of that. Click on the link to hear it http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1860161 (or listen from one of the Reverb Nation music players on this page) and follow along with the lyrics below...

Dreamscapes

I’m adrift in a sea
Of a swift clarity

I’m drifting through the dreamscapes
Of my open mind
I’m sifting through the wreckage
Of the seeing blind

Through the waves, dreams appear
Sail away from my fear

I’m drifting through the dreamscapes
Of my open mind
I’m sifting through the wreckage
Of the seeing blind
I’m lifting through the deadweight
Of which I once pined
I’m shifting through the beauty
Of what I might find

~Britt~

Britt Warner Merchandise

Mugs, buttons, magnets, t-shirts, and more are now available in my Zazzle store!
See my store at Zazzle

Underground Sound Review in Issue 44!

Of our EP, 'Love, Lust, and Longing,' Todd West wrote the following in Issue 44 of the Underground Sound Review:

"Undeniably, Britt Warner has a sultry, sensuous voice that breathes heavy in your ear, and doesn't so much as beg but demands that you pay rapt attention. Luke Costa, her partner in crime, weaves sounds from lounge to funk, joined in on most songs by Wendy Levin, and the 6 songs on this CD are each different through this threesome in partnership. There is the fire of submission turned to disgust clearly displayed early on (You Know You Can) and there is an air of emotions erupting in every turn (Feel Alive Go Numb). It reaches overload on This Is It, as the groove mesmorizes the listener. Warner, with her extended phrases, seems soft and determined at the same time. How long has it been, really, since you've had that? Hopefully we get a full length from these talents on down the road."

I am glowing!

Check out Todd's sites here:

http://undergroundrecords.org/sound/sound3.html
http://www.myspace.com/undergroundrecords

Ask Us Anything

Luke and I are starting a new series of podcasts where we answer and discuss questions from our fans. Message me any and all questions you're dying to ask - about love, music, life, advice, et cetera - and we will respond with videos.

You can join my mailing list to ensure that you don't miss out on any new videos, songs, shows, or top secret information by clicking the box below.

Cat Club Photos

From my performance at The Cat Club in West Hollywood on September 8, 2009...

Waaaaay In The Future

When I was first starting out as a songwriter, my biggest frustration involved male collaborators who acted interested in creating music, but really only wanted to get me into bed. Perhaps marrying my main collaborator killed two birds with one stone, but there are still those who would attempt to sway me nonetheless.

With this in mind, I have a new goal. In addition to producing my own songs, I would like to become so adept at recording and arranging that I can do it for other female musicians, as well. They can come to me knowing that none of my motives are ulterior. When I say "Let's make music," they'll be able to rest assured that I mean exactly that.

I'm not bashing the entire population of male musicians and producers. It's worked for Luke and I because we fell in love prior to even attempting to mesh our musical talents. Jamming was like an afterthought, and we just happened to create well together. Additionally, for all of the shady dudes who have tried to take advantage of the situation, there are just as many who have been on the up and up. Still, when you've had your fair share of the former, it's enough to make a same-sex collabo incredibly appealing, and I look forward to the day when I can efficiently spare young women the same annoyances that I experienced...and create some amazing music in the process!

Cal-ee-fone-ya

I have had two awesome shows in L.A. this past week! I am so grateful to everyone who came out and listened to me sing. I might even post some of the footage my mom recorded from last night...

Taste

I love so many different genres of music, but it's not the genres I'm drawn to. It's the "feel" of an individual song. I don't have the patience to wait and see if the chorus is going to be the thing that clinches it for me, which is what more than a few songs require: patience. The song needs to grab me from the first note.

As an active member of Reverb Nation, I not only promote my own music, but explore the songs of the other members, as well. It's been a great way for me to discover new artists that I absolutely love. You can go to my page here: http://reverbnation.com/brittwarner and then click on the "favorites" tab. Who knows? You might find a few there that you fall in love with. My latest fixation is Celldweller. I would love to collaborate with this dude. His arrangements have "it". I'm sucked in from the get-go. See if you are, too...

Austin's On The Avenue

Here's the video of Luke and I performing for Austin's On The Avenue last Tuesday, courtesy of www.redc2.com and their online music series of local artists. It was soooo hot outside - you'll notice Luke wiping his brow repeatedly. Haha. It was a great time, though, and I'm grateful to them for thinking of us.

Whiskey Woman World Premiere

This is where you can hear 'Whiskey Woman' in its current form. (Click Here) I might tweak it a bit over time, but for now, enjoy the story of a woman who drinks away her pain! (FYI: This is NOT autobiographical. Although I love me some Southern Comfort, I imbibe sparingly.)

All feedback is welcome and appreciated!

~Britt~

Here are the lyrics:

Whiskey Woman


Give me whiskey, she said,
To help me forget.
I would take Jim Beam to bed
Without a regret.

No chaser, no rocks,
Cuz I like my men strong.
Jack, Jameson,
You know, I’ve loved them so long.

Whiskey Woman
Loves her Whiskey Men.
Loves them once,
Then loves them again.
They always bring
A smile to her lips
With every burning
Whiskey kiss.

Give me whiskey, she said,
To help ease the pain.
I would take Jim Beam to bed
Cuz I have no shame.

No lover, no friends,
But not a tear will I shed.
Jack, Jameson,
You know, I’ll love them instead.
You know…

Whiskey Woman
Loves her Whiskey Men.
Loves them once,
Then loves them again.
They always bring
A smile to her lips
With every burning
Whiskey kiss.

With every burning
Whiskey kiss,
I’ll forget the love
I truly miss.

Whiskey Woman
Loves her Whiskey Men.
Loves them once,
Then loves them again.
They always bring
A smile to her lips
With every burning
Whiskey kiss.



~lyrics written January 15, 2006, in ATX~

[Above: Recording 'Whiskey Woman' last Sunday]

I have been creating non-stop for the past week. Writing, arranging, recording, and producing - done in that order - is a seriously addictive process. To bring a song to life, to conjure it into existence and see it evolve, is thrilling. There are moments of confusion and frustration, of course, but a little patience and perspective always seems to help. Does that sound a bit like child-rearing?! Maybe I'll be a decent parent after all...

Waco

The show last night was one of my all-time favorites. http://www.redc2.com sponsored it and should have the video posted next week. Luke and I drove to Austin's On The Avenue in Waco, TX and did an acoustic set together on the outdoor stage. Performing live with him was a real treat..he's such a professional, and the musical energy between us is second to none. I'm really excited to see the footage, which I'll be sure to post right here for you to check out...

Misplaced Halos

Misplaced Halos

The stranger looks

Into my face,

Searching for an oasis

In this barren place.

Tangled limbs,

Random whims

Have brought us

To this bed.

Beams of light

Dance around his head

Like misplaced halos

Where horns should be instead.

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

My composure’s

At stake.

These hands of

Mine shake

As I give

And he takes,

I just know that

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

This danger feels

So out of place,

Living with the pretense

That my life is safe.

Tangled hair,

Fragrant air

Can fool a

Lonely heart.

Touch of love

Revealed as his art,

Like unspoken thoughts

That he dares to impart.

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

My composure’s

At stake.

These hands of

Mine shake

As I give

And he takes,

I just know that

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

Take it all from my vessel

As I wrestle

With thoughts I can’t control

They take a toll

On a moment

Meant to be savored

For what it is…

But what is this?

But what is this?

But what is this?

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

My composure’s

At stake.

These hands of

Mine shake

As I give

And he takes,

I just know that

If I breathe,

I’ll break.

~written May 24, 2009~

Have A Heart

I like to think I bring something unique to the world of music: a heart.

I do not half-ass anything and do not wish to sell out - the latter's a conscious decision, by the way, and it's made by people so desperate for fame and fortune that they'll pimp out their soul to the highest bidder. Even if you told me right now that you'd foreseen the future and I had absolutely zero chance of success, it wouldn't stop me from creating. I have to write lyrics, I have to sing, and I have to pour the contents of my heart into everything I do.

I find it ironic that people lament about the lack of original music in this world and yet, are often the same folks who prefer cover bands over one-of-a-kind artists. I also take issue with musicians and artists who don't have the balls to at least attempt to create their own work, taking the easy route by falling back on the brilliance of others who came before them. People who are able to create truly unique art either a.) do a shit-ton of hallucinatory drugs or b.) actually possess imaginations!

I used to be an avid reader, and the books I gravitated towards were rarely non-fiction. Truly good fiction, whether it's fantasy, science fiction, murder mystery, or romance, gives the brain a nice massage. It reshapes all that tissue into something more pliable. Nothing is more rejuvenating to the mind than a new perspective, even if it's a "pretend" one. It can trigger your own creativity and set off a series of "inspiration sparks." (Writing this is a great reminder that I should find time to pick up a good book.)

We learn from others that we don't have wings. Cynics and failures and cowards had their own dreams crushed and don't think it's fair that you achieve yours. They will put you down and tell you you're silly, that no one cares about what you have to say or do. That's wrong, of course. YOU care. Everyone else in the room could turn their backs to you, but if YOU care, that's all that matters. Pretty soon, your determination and self-certainty will attract others with like-minds and kindred spirits. You will be admired for having the courage to fly.

I will always seek out the truest part of who I am. My music and writing will always be honest and soul-baring. If that makes certain people uncomfortable, or if it's just not their style, no big deal. I am confident that there are individuals in this world who will appreciate what I have to say. I know there are people who seek a deeper meaning in their own lives and enjoy things that touch below the surface.

As for everyone else? They can enjoy Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, et al, and I'll still wish them well.

~Britt~

Joker's Icehouse

I wore the sneakers. Honestly, I don't think I could have made it through three hours of performing in heels without having to kick them off halfway through the show! My feet were soooo happy, and I was able to sing my heart out without wincing every time I attempted to take a step. Success!

The bikers turned out to be a great audience. It was a packed house and everyone seemed to appreciate what I was singing. Next up: The Sport Shack. I'm doing a Military Appreciation Night, so if you know anyone in Killeen, tell them that's where it's at next Saturday.

I went from writing two or three songs a day to maybe one or two a week. I'm trying to strike a balance between performing and creating, but my focus has largely been on the former lately. It's been bugging me, though, so now I have to do something about it!

I finally joined Sonic Bids, which is an amazing asset for the independent musician. Everyday they post new opportunities to submit for, such as shows, festivals, contests, artist reps, et cetera. I'm optimistic that at least a few cool leads will come out of it, but mostly, I'm just trying to cover all my bases. You can check out my Electronic Press Kit (EPK) here: http://sonicbids.com/BrittWarner.

One of the first songs I did with Scobra, called 'Let It Burn,' is ready for your ears. Right now, the only place you can hear it is on my Reverb Nation profile. It's a bit different from the stuff I've been doing with Luke - more electronic - but you'll have to let me know what you think. I'm loving it, and hope to finish an EP with him in September.

I leave you with the lyrics to 'Let It Burn.' What do you think it's about??? ;)

Let It Burn

Lungs have a memory

Of the bad girl

I used to be

Flirting with disaster

Heart beating faster

With every drag

It’s a drag

That the worst

Things for you

Are so much fun to do

Breathe me out

I’ll breathe you in

So ready to begin again

Kiss me before you go

Oh, how it aches so good

It’s understood

That I’ll be hanging

By a thread

Burst of flame

Followed by a spark

I should be far too smart

For this

But your kiss

Is temporarily unavailable

So I’ll just let it burn

Heart has a fantasy

Of the good girl

I long to be

Skirting the disaster

Legs running faster

From every choice

It’s a choice

When the worst

Things for you

Are what you choose to do

Seek me out

I’ll take you in

So ready to

Begin again

Kiss me before you go

Oh, how it aches so good

It’s understood

That I’ll be hanging

By a thread

Burst of flame

Followed by a spark

I should be far too smart

For this

But your kiss

Is temporarily unavailable

So I’ll just let it burn

~written December 7, 2008~

~Britt Warner~