Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Free Christmas Download

I have recorded a cover of my favorite Christmas song, River by Joni Mitchell. Feel free to download and share with your friends. Enjoy!

http://www.mediafire.com/?jcr127oxsbfj77o

Monday, December 20, 2010

I'm hoping this new year brings some progress. I have two shows in the works, one in January and one in February, and am planning on booking more after New Year's.

Winter has always put a strain on my already fragile voice. I was never a great singer by nature and I've had to work VERY hard to get to the place I'm at. I constantly struggle with my voice. It's finicky. I am trying to push myself and try new techniques, but with winter illness, dry weather, etc. it is very difficult. I guess with anyone it's a challenge to accept your voice, to embrace it's quirks and imperfections.

If you read this and want to hear what I'm up to, listen to my demos at - myspace.com/rachelanderson

and check out the band I play bass in - www.facebook.com/wearetangentarc

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The 'What I'm Up To' post

I have a few projects in the works that could probably use some explanation. Of course I'm writing and recording demos for my own original songs right now. I have an awesome digital 8-track, but not much in the way of other recording equipment or recording knowledge. The extent of my knowledge is using an old tape 4-track. These songs are experiments. I'm trying to, well, try some new things, push myself, take risks. Write stuff I like and not over analyze it.

As I've mentioned before on this blog, I'm also setting some Robert Louis Stevenson poems from A Child's Garden of Verses to music. I have always loved many genres (rock, classical, some folk, jazz,etc.) and I am trying to tap into that with these new songs. They are turning out very traditional - or atleast as traditional as I get. I'm still experimenting with instrumentation and style, but overall it has been a very satisfying experience.

I am also playing bass in a band that I guess you could call 'indie rock'. I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand all the labels. I just know that I like this band and this music. It rocks, but it's also thoughtful, which is also my personal goal.

The last few months I've been rockin' out to John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. We got the tape at a yard sale and have almost worn it out in our minivan. Some of the songs are very aggressive and undoubtedly rock, but some are classic Lennon ballads. They explore themes of self actualization, facing one's past, etc. that John was dealing with in therapy at the time. I have always been drawn towards these themes in my own songs and this album has really inspired me to write about what I want to write about.

February on should bring about new shows featuring new material, and hopefully some CDs as well.