It's been a bad week

I'm not supposed to talk about it, so I won't give details. The gist of it, though, I lost my job today. Sucks, I know.  I really don't know exactly why and I don't know what to do. I just keep hearing those ugly words of "your position has been eliminated." I know it's going to be okay. In all honesty, almost losing my friends in a major car collision hurts worse than this. This is the second time this has happened to me (stupid music industry) and inbetween those three years, I have survived a lot more stressful things than a job loss. It's time to re-evaluate and get a new focus. I need to get back to the girl I used to know. Someone who was excited about starting her day. I don't feel like people knew the real me there and they probably won't feel the loss of my presence (insert invitation to the pity party here). Oh well, that's all I've got to say about that. I originally started this blog for work, so we will see if I keep it up, but let me just tell you, it's going to get a lot more interesting from here on out. Promise.

Please pray for Red

Yesterday, the day started out normal. I had a plan to meet one of my bands, Red, at the office to sign some CD covers. They were driving in from a show and their road manager was supposed to call me as they got into town. I never got the call. Instead I got an email later in the morning telling me that they had been involved in a serious collision, on their way back into Nashville.

-"What?" This couldn't be happening. While I am sitting at the office being pro-active, the guy scheduled to contact me was being thrown from the vehicle and dragged along the pavement. Not only is this band on my label, but I am a fan. But first and foremost, they are my friends. I've gone through a heartbreaking loss with my mom. It was the most painful thing I've ever been through. But she was in hospice and we knew the inevitable was coming and in a way were more "prepared." This news was just a shock to the system. My stomach hurt all day just thinking about what might have happened. Later that evening I saw pictures of where the side of the van had been ripped off. The trailer was torn to shreds in the middle of the road. Merch and gear spread all over the interstate. "I can't believe this!" Visions of us all together at each other's weddings, birthday parties and at those hot summer festivals keep running through my mind still. I'm so relieved my friends are safe. Thank you God for looking after them.

Always reachable...

My husband has a way of keeping every paper known to man. Whether it is a post-it note, bill, or magazine from 1994, its somehow stashed on the floor underneath his side of the bed. Well, cleaning up this weekend, I came across a surprisingly not too old copy of MacWorld (Oct. 2007) and I brushed up on some new technology. Google just recently acquired GrandCentral. Once you sign up for its messaging service you will get a "GrandCentral number," a standard phone number that is programmed to ring your cell phone, home number, a vonage phone or Gizmo Project client, or all of the above simultaneously. You will always be reachable, without having to hand out your cell phone number. (good for doctor's offices, retail shops or for you single gals...those freaky guys who have the nerve to ask). While your caller is waiting for you to pick up, GrandCentral plays a standard ring-back tone. If you want to be picky about what your peeps hear, you can upload an MP3 file for them to listen to. (hint..it won't work with digitally protected AAC music files uploaded from iTunes store.) If you choose to ignore those unwanted calls, you can retrieve your voicemails by logging into the website.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving

I have mentioned before that I used to have a personal blog. This particular blog was set up in order to talk about the industry that I work in, current trends and more. The mindset was in that if we can ask our artists to take time to write (even if it's about granola bars...and yes, we have had someone do that and it was quite good) then we can find time to do the same. Well, I want to do some research and see if people comment more on my "industry" posts or "personal" posts. So, if you read this blog, let me know what you prefer. 

To kick this process off, I've got the perfect excuse. It's the holiday season. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am baking my first turkey. For those of you who don't know, the holidays are very difficult for me now. It is now the second year that I have to celebrate without my mom and in all honesty, I just get sad. I don't want to celebrate. Last year, my family had a turkey cooked for us and we just assembled some traditional dishes. I think we barely made it through, but we were tough. I think this year is a little bit harder. You think you are being strong, but then you get hit with the guy at the meat counter who says to you, unknowingly, "Oh..a turkey for the Wormer family..I was wondering why she didn't order one last year!" or all of a sudden you are finding a place at the table for a new guest. Strange. Difficult. I feel fortunate and "thankful" though that I lost my mom at an age when I do understand the meaning of being thankful and traditions. Last night as I was tearing up the bread for the stuffing, I just kept thinking "If only I had helped out more when she was here. I would know how to do this better." But the truth is, she would just be proud that I am taking on her stuffing and gravy recipes and getting the family together. She would want that. So wish me luck as I get up at 6am and attempt my first turkey. It may not be great, but it's a step. 

For those that may need help like me, click here.

Bootleg Content

I am still on my concert high from earlier this week. If you visit Tori's website or know anything about this project, she is portraying different characters. At Monday's show, she came out as one character played a complete set, left the stage and did a costume change. She came back out as the "Tori" persona. Very Cool. You really didn't know what to expect of the show considering the set up of the record, but for that consumer who is still on high, like myself, you can buy the bootleg content from the show you went to. I remember back in the day when Pearl Jam introduced this concept. I haven't bought my copy yet, but still considering. (if only I hadn't spent so much on the tickets!)

My iTunes Pre-Order Experience

So, here is something ironic. I work in "New Media," so one would quickly assume that I am a digital consumer....but I am also a graphic design snob. I have a degree and have worked within the field at a design company in London and also work closely with graphic/web designers. Therefore, I am still in love with the physical product. I like laying across my bed with the new CD, listen and read the lyrics and dive into the world of the artist. This packaging is the calling card of creative juices that went into the album. But I am also transitioning into the world of digital. I get lazy and just want it to download directly to my iPod and go on with my day. I don't have time to really sit with music anymore, if it's not work related. It's either got to be in my car or at the gym...there's no focusing involved.

There are very few artists that I consider myself to be a hardcore fan of. And honestly, only one that I sign up for an email update from. (other than for work.) When I got the email blast that if I pre-ordered Tori Amos' new album from iTunes, I would get the chance to order tickets before the on-sale date. No doubt, I was going for it. So, I sucked it up and downloaded the album. I've listened to it, but haven't fully sat with it. Am I slacking off as a fan? or is it because I don't have my usual lyric pages to follow? I did print out the digital booklet, but soon after misplaced it. And after all 22 pages drank up all the ink in my printer, I'm not going that route again.

I had lost all hope when I FINALLY got the email THREE MONTHS later than they promised about my concert opportunity. I had grown a small hatred towards iTunes and almost bitter towards Tori (which would never be her fault. She has no control.) All is good in the end, because I did get the email in August and on Monday I will be sitting 10 rows, center, back from the stage. The day is finally coming and I am so excited. I just feel I need to do my homework now and listen up alot.

I got bored...

::The last CD I bought was::
Nine Inch Nails Year Zero

::Song playing right now::
Tori Amos "Bouncing Off Clouds"

::Five songs I listen to a lot at the moment::
1. Soulja Boy "Crank That"
2. Interpol "Pioneer to the Falls"
3. Kanye West "Good Morning"
4. Leeland "Opposite Way"
5. The Almost "Say This Sooner"

::Five songs that mean a lot to me::
1. U2 "Gone"
2. Michael W. Smith "How to Say Goodbye"
3. David Gray "This Years Love"
4. Joseph Arthur "Honey and the Moon"
5. Coldplay "Fix You"

::Five songs that get my booty shakin’::
1. Darude "Sandstorm"
2. Madonna "Get Together"
3. Kylie Minogue "Dancefloor"
4. Michael Jackson “Thriller”
5. Lasgo "Something"

::Five songs that rock::
1. Red "Let Go"
2. Foo Fighters "All My Life”
3. Deftones "Change (In the House Of Flies)
4. 30 Seconds to Mars "Attack"
5. Carl Orff “Carmina Burana”

::Five songs that I like a lot but didn’t fit into any of these categories::
1. The Pixies "Where Is My Mind?"
2. The Monkees “Daydream Believer”
3. Tori Amos "Precious Things"
4. Midnight Oil "Beds Are Burning"
5. Travis "Side"

Arcade Fire gets interactive

Click on the picture to watch the video.