Tuesday, February 3, 2004
I sat down... overflowing with words and ideas and now that I have to put them into some sort of form I don't know where to begin.
I took a new (old) job about 3 weeks ago. Basically I restarted a position at a thrift store that I held about 5 years ago. It was nice. They needed the help pretty desperately and I needed the job quite desperately so I took the position and they have offered to let me hold the job despite my touring schedule which is lovely.
But something amazing has come in hand with this job. I forgot what working/ living in downtown Fresno was like and I have to say that it is one of the most magical things I have done in a while.
The job it self is actually quite stressful. I'm basically managing a store the size of a large wherehouse. There are usually no other employees in the building while I'm there, there is often quite a lot of business, and quite a few distracitons so sometimes it's quite easy to make mistakes. It's also quite stressful for some other reasons that I won't go into... but I will say that at times the working conditions are slightly rediculous.
However, downtown Fresno is this amazing, I don't know. I have always been stirred on by a muse downtown. I had forgotten why I loved it so much. I had forgotten how it made me feel. I had forgotten that there was this presence, this muse if you will, that just forced me to write sheets.
Since I started working there I have written one short story (fiction) and an autobiographical piece. I am up nights with nervous creativity. Not music really, everything (almost) that I've been writing as far as music is concerned has been utter crap (but that's usually the way it goes with me. It's often every few months that a song comes out or an idea comes that I have to stick with or keep). But words. Man, words have been flowing like water. I haven't been able to hold them back. I haven't been able to keep from coming in and there's just been so much to write about it's amazing.
Like... yesterday. Yesterday and the day before were the most perfect of perfect days (enter Lou Reed). Sunday I woke up in God's lap. Just pure and utter joy filling me up. I felt like I used to feel in Scotland on Saturday, when I wasn't struggling with depression. I would wake up knowing that the day had to be wrung dry of life. That I had to take each moment and make so much of it that it would never be forgotten. So I woke up, went to church, went home to eat with my family, went out and wrote for hours, went to my pastor's house to hang out with my small group, and then took the most amazing drive through the mountains and really realized for the first time that I couldn't be disowned from God's family. The sort of realisation that leaks down from your head into your heart and it's like your whole body grabs hold of this truth and it becomes apart of you. It was amazing.
Anyways... so Monday. Monday was also perfect. The perfect dark clouds hovering over the new buildings of a downtown which is being restored. The clouds just setting in contrast the green of the windows, the yellows of the bricks, the red of the clay. Absolutely lovely. The smells hovering in the air... man, they were unreal, and then, at the end of the day I looked out and the sunset was setting so perfectly that it cast this amazing rose colored glow onto all the buildings. The rain began to come down rather heavily and then this gorgeous double rainbow stretched from one side of the black sky to the other. The only times I can remember trying to breathe in beauty that deeply were Scotland, Nepal in the onsetting monsoon season, and in the Himalayas. Absolutely perfect.
My brain is just active with nervous energy. Man, it's awesome.
Thanks God.
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Monday, January 5, 2004
Well, it seems that the Christmas season is finally over. I am sitting next to our newly errected Christmas tree yet (as it only went on the day before Christmas Eve) and thinking about how that tree reminded me this year that it was in fact Christmas time. That was the day I did most of my Christmas shopping.
But I think that the Christmas tree has served more than that for me over the years. I don't know about you guys but, especially when I was young, I would lay down in front of it after everyone had gone to bed, turn on the lights, and let the warmth and smell of the tree calm me and it still continues to have that effect.
Other than the tree however, this year season hasn't been much of a Christmassy season. I avoided the main streets because the drivers become more erratic as Christmas nears, I never got caught in Christmas traffic, I only did my shopping well after everyone had gone to bed since the stores were open late, and we didn't get our tree until well into the season. I did overspend a little and had to pay a fee at the bank... but... somehow I don't mind. So this Christmas was pretty understated I guess you could say.
It wasn't until after Christmas that I was reminded of the insanity of the season. I was driving down what is known, here in Fresno, as Christmas tree lane while talking to my friend Michelle about what's going on in her life. Everything was normal, pretty lights, no carolers (I missed them), people asking for donations to help the rich folks who put this splendid tredition on for us nearing the end of the long line of homes, and then... I broke our conversation.
"Michelle. Oh my gosh, you are not going to believe what I am looking at..."
It was a house which the owners had errected some sort of lit, huge, castle around. The baby Jesus was hanging out with the peanuts gang, deer, angels, whatever, the lights were far too distracting to care. Ending the castle was a giant, lit, mockup of big ben with a litt American flag hanging down the side, a huge clock all lit up, and a lazer light show projecting angels onto one of it's faces. Behind the clock were these gigantic mock fireworks exploding in red right and blue and then the less excentric scene of elves walking through the street.
What in the world. We couldn't believe what I was seeing. A giant statement of glorious patriotic... When did America colonise England? It was grand electric bill, a statement that our financial situation can never measure up, an attempt to beat the rest of the block in the race for most excentric house?
Michelle and I began to talk about how in the world we got from Christ being born in the most humble of situations, in a manger, surrounded by filthy animals, laying in a trough, mother exhausted, silent, no witnesses but a few shepards whom God decided to deliver the message to... what was that really?
I don't know. It's all pretty strange. Now that the season is over I am on the job hunt again. The sun is shining and it's time for me to go to my favoirte cafe downtown and write. Job tomorrow... please God.
Michelle posted her thoughts on Christmas on her website as well. You can check it out at her
webiste. I am excited because I might get to hang out with her again in March. She might be the other artist on my east coast tour. It would be lovely.
kat
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Wednesday, November 26, 2003
I just want to say "thanks" to everyone who has gone on tour w/ me this year. You've seen me in my extreem ups and extreem downs and all my in betweens. It's been awesome. Thanks Guys!
(in chronilogical order)
Luke
Michelle Allen (there are pictures from the tour w/ Jesse on that page)
Markum Inthebutt
I think that's everyone. But yeah, I really appreiciate it guys! You are all very amazing and I had a wonderful time with the lot of you. Thanks for putting up with my PMS, my mid-tour weirdness, any and all of our ego clashes, and anything else I may have done to put you off. I love the lot of you!
LOOOOOOVVVVE!
-kat
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October 31, 2003
I had something to say... and now I've forgotten it.
I will say this though... the tour with The Violet Burning was seriously amazing. My favorite of the year so far.
Friends are starting to trickle in at my friend Jeanette's house (i'm staying in seattle until the tour with Emery starts) and we are going to eat and watch scary movies all day. The top temperature for the day is 45 degrees... it's dark. I'd be one bummed out trick or treater if I was young enough to continue the practice. It's seriously crazy cold outside.
Anyways, Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the U.S. Absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could stay here all the time. But it's been an amazingly restful couple of days and I'm sure will continue to be so for a little while.
Now I just have to figure out how to not telemarket during the holidays and still pay bills... hmm... retail anyone? I don't know... it's too bad I don't get salary for recording or something. Such is life. It will all fall into place. Always does. I am confident of this.
The news of Elliott Smith was very sad. I'm sure it hurt everyone who loves his music. When I found out I wandered the streets of Portland aimlessly. Thinking about that song with the line "let's go down to the rose parade" the whole time. I felt very detatched. Very saddened that we won't have his music anymore.
Somehow it didn't hit me as hard as Jeff Buckley's did and of course it didn't hit me as hard as Johnny Cash's. But still... it's very very sad.
On to brighter subjects... I am going to hang out with friends tonight in a city I adore and watch funny movies, start a fire, cook and eat. I'm very excited. :-)
The tour with Emery should be good too. They are such nice southern boys.
- kat
September 12, 2003
Johnny Cash died today. I know a ton of people don't care and it's their loss but I spent a great deal of the day crying histarically over the loss of such a man of integrity in our culture. I will miss him, not only because of his good music, but because this was a man who was not afraid to make the decision to be a man of integrity. His grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, I'm sure, feel the loss emensly, especially such a short while after loosing his beloved wife, June.
It's hard to explain but it feels like a star went out in the sky today. Like we have lost his voice and power and everything. How can the culture recover from such a blow? Who do we have to look up to? It's hard to imagine a world without Johnny Cash.
The best way I can describe it to myself is picture the Body Of Christ: and all His people living now. And it's like we lost a pieces of the body w/ both June and Johnny's death. And of course I understand the whole "they're in a better place" thing. But who will take their place in the culture?
His death got my friend and I talking about the meaninglessness of relitavism. That the moment your beliefs become relativistic you cease to matter to the culture. YOU HAVE TO HAVE OPPINIONS... THERE HAS TO BE TRUTH in order for you to matter. The moment you stop believing in things is the moment you don't count anymore to the culture. It is the moment that you don't bring anything worth while to the table.
Johnny's life is inspirting that way. He challenged the culture and, to a great extent, the Christian culture to think about themselves, to be real. To know that we suck and to know that God is a God of grace, who covers over our wrongs. Man... I know I didn't know him but I will really miss him.
Thank you God for Johnny Cash's life.
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August 3, 2003
At the risk of no one reading the last post I'm putting this one up too :-) I have to say that I got to sleep on the ground in the mountains yesterday (many would not percieve me to be the type - and really I wouldn't either if I didn't know myself) on a camping trip. It was quite lovely. Staring at fire and rosting marshmallows for dinner... looking at the stars... thinking about how scary it would be if the Blair Witch actually existed in the Rocky Mountains... singing worship songs. It was quite lovely.
Tomorrow I will probably start telemarketing again... but I have to say I feel far more prepared for it today.
kat
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August 1, 2003
I can't believe it's been so long since my last entry in this thing. I guess I've been far busier than I had imagined. Understandable I guess. I've practically been touring for the last 2 1/2 months strait, w/ a wee break between to regroup, raise money, and prepare for the next one.
It's hard to explain coming off a tour. If you're not preparing for the next one there's an emotional enertia that happens. I call those prep and touring periods the speed train and when the train suddenly comes to a halt it's like you're catipulted into a wall in front of the train. Right now I'm splattered all over it. I guess this is "post-tour depression?"
The past couple of days have been amazing. I spent quite a lot of time alone, in silence, or listening to some of my favorite bands and artists. Literally dancing through the streets. Right now I'm hanging out in the office of one of my favorite clubs in Fresno (Kuppajoe) because I can't stand the idea of being surrounded by people at this time.
I just feel empty. Unable to write, unable to think, wishing I had a real job (not tele-marketing) to come home to post-tour to keep me occupied and feeling like I'm accomplishing something during the day.
The tour was amazing. Absolutely wonderful. I got to make new friends in Michelle, Mark, and Jesse and now they've all flown home and I have my Fresno friends (a great number of which are moving out of town this month) to keep me company.
Bills are getting me down too, to be honest. I can't even think period, let alone think about how in the world I am going to pay them. We'll see what happens. :-)
I've been emersing myself in the world of headphone powered reality lately. There's something magical that happens when you put on your favorite band in headphones and live in a music centered world. The world looks as if it is listening to the music with you. The cars, the people, all listening to the same song. It's pretty wonderful. A good way to sort of let reality creep up slowly instead of slamming you in the face.
I think I've said enough. :-)
kat
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May 7, 2003
There is actually a massive gap here in which I have written 3 or 4 journal entries and 3 tour diary entries... but those will be on the new website soon. There's been an expressed desire to see more posts in this area and I agree it has been too long. I'm dreadfully sorry about that.
The year so far has totally gotten away with me. I'm surprised that it's so close to being half-way through. But working with the speed of a fraight train has it's consequences:
I find myself becoming increasingly anxious with every day. I have no idea where this tendancy had come from but it is accompanied by a tremendous fear of the musical future. Somehow I just see myself constantly falling on my face. Somehow I see everything desinigrating into nothing. It's these sort of fears which make me hate music and especially hate playing... which is weird because I love it so much...
It's really hard to explain unless you've been here.
It's these things which make me want to run with all the strength and speed I have back to Edinburgh. To emerse myself in the open mics at pubs and just let myself fall inlove with music w/o distractions. I am toying around with the idea of writing the next album there (which is hillarious to me because I already have the title picked out and the album cover and they have nothing to do with Scotland what-so-ever, quite an oposite country actually).
On that note I am going to go light some canles and insence and make myself a pot of earl grey. What I need to do right now is write and pray for an answer... it's really quite overwhelming.
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January 6, 2003
Alright... the hunt for the new job has ended. I am now working at a telemarketing service for charity. Fantastic stuff. It's good because it's only 5 hours a day... between 4 and 9p.m. The pay isn't fantastic... actually I've taken quite a large cut... but it's perfect for my situation in life right now. As everything is sooo uncertain.
There is sooo much to think about right now and so little at exactly the same time. We're booking for tours... but I'm not in charge of it anymore (which is really really nice and means I can focus more on the right side of my brain). I'm trying to move to Orange County... I just feel like the town I live in right now is kind of sucking me dry. I love the city. I am so happy to be living here but musically there are no iron sharpens iron situations for me to be in. I really need that right now. It makes me miss Edinburgh a great deal. I'm trying to get ready for those tours we're booking and get the revenue to be able to live whilst I'm on tour. So I'm also thinking about getting a paper route. Just to help me save some extra cash.
I'm sitting in the middle of an obsurd dry spell. As I try to write I feel like everything comes out like a cheezy pop-country song. Everything I do seems so rediculously obvious... but I'm trying to get over it. Hopefully a break is coming. I have faith that it is.
It's all so bizar. Looking at my life and when being a songwriter was only a lofty dream I look at myself now and realise that there's so much I'd not factored into my life in that period. It's weird... so much of me is still 14 and standing stunned by what's going on in my life (even though my rational standards it's just part of doing music and trying to get to do it full time if it's God's will)... I think 14 year old me would've peed her pants if she knew some of the things that were going to happen (noting that 14 year old me was sligtly insane and a bit of a groupie). Now that I've grown up 10 years and look at what's going on around me I can see it with clear eyes. Eyes that know it could all disapear in a moment and I have to hold it lightly. Eyes that are scared that it will all disapear in a moment and want to hold it tightly. I just have to be in that place where I can trust God with everything that happens in my life.
This month... I work on songwriting yes. But I desire to have my character strengthened by God far above that.
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December 19,2002
So... I quit my job about 2 1/2 weeks ago and am on the hunt for a new one... even though I rather like being unemployed... but a girl has to pay her bills. Here's the punch line... I was going to go out and turn in some applications today but I woke up this morning and (this is kind of gross but...) both my eyes are practically swollen shut. Nice stuff. S
o, I'm sitting at home... after a 2 hour conversation with my friend Rebekah, whose visiting from Scotland to be with her parents in San Jose during the holidays (run-on sentances are a beautiful thing). That was nice. A brilliant conversation. But I'm still all puffy and swollen and wondering what the heck is wrong with me.
So, I'm waiting for my mom to call back so that I can go to the doctor and figure out whether I'm allergic to the Christmas tree or what...
That's ok. I don't mind being unemployed another day. I just have bills to pay.
Maybe I'll go online to one of those lottery joints and make a million bux. Or just 50... that would be nice too ;-)
On the more musical side of things I've been visiting
Starflyer 59's Website lately because Jeff Cloud (also the owner of Velvet Blue Music) has been posting an online journal of their recording.
I have to say I'm a little bit jelouse. Sometimes I just wish I was one of the boys. Richard Swift (they guy who played keys on "Building") is playing for the recording and Frank Lenz (the guy who played drums and produced Building) are playing in the band now too it seems. And I KNOW it's silly but I feel kinda left out. Like a little sister wanting to be apart of her big brother's club.
I was trying to explain it to my friend jason yesterday. I LOVE to play music. And I would LOVE to be good enough to play back up for a band of my friends on tour. That would be sooooo fun. So far... I could be a back up singer... but wouldn't it be wonderful to be the girl singing backup and playing Rhodes on her friend's tour. Or the girl playing bass and singing back up... or the girl playing guitar and singing back up. I suck worse at tamborine than any of those instruments... so that's just not an option. Which probably takes the little egg shaker out of the picture to.
I'm a big nerd. I know. But I love musical families. I guess that's what I'm about more than anything else. Is felling apart of a musical family. I had that in Scotland. Just total love and respect with my friends and guesting as the back up vocalist when they'd sing at the pub. And knowing that you love them and they love you and there's just none of that lame competition. Just love. That's what I love about roots country music. Family. Everyone sings on everyone else's stuff and everyone plays on everyone elses stuff and it's nothin' but love.
Ok... I'm done being sappy now.
You get the idea. Yes?
kat
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October 21, 2002
Wow. Life as a musician, since I played at Portico Fest in August, has been amazing. I'm not quite sure what brought it on but I knew it was going to happen in going to Tom Fest. I knew that somehow, someway God was going to change my life as a musician and had known that Portico would be the turning point to over a year. It was cool how it all just fell into place.
At Portico (also called Tom Fest) I felt like a real, working musician for the first time. I don't know. Somehow the road had always been paved with rocks... suddenly it was transparent glass, made of gold, I was walking on. I felt surrounded by my peers as I reacted with the other musicians around me. People I looked up to emensly were giving me advice and buying cds from me. It was totally overwhelming. Totally God.
Since then I have had the most fun I have had as a musician living in America. Maybe I'm coming into my own. Somehow everything feels like I've entered into this new rhelm of professionalism and emense blessing. And a new rhelm of trusting God with things like booking shows and releasing cds and writing. I have had the most amazing time touring California and going to, and visiting places I don't think I'd get to visit this way if it had not been for the gift of music in my life.
It's really interesting seeing people that I've met at previous shows as well. Like being re-united with family. I guess that's exactly what it is essentially. I love it.
I've been listening a lot to a folk artist named Patti Griffin. She's changing the way I think about songwriting drastically. It's the first time that I've ever listened to a cd and heard almost nothing but joy (even though there are quite a few sad songs on the record). It's like her voice has this... thing.... I don't even know how to describe it... but the record draws me into a deeper appreciation of God's character and a deeper appreciation of life. It's a mirror of the way I've been feeling lately.
Also, I've been thinking about "Control" by Pedro The Lion. I LOVE this record. The songwriting is amazing (though I don't know if I agree with some of the lyrical choices he's made). It brings up good and necessary questions for the songwriting community. Specifically the Christian songwriting community. If you guys have heard it email me and tell me what you think.
It's a very uncomfortable record for me to listen to. Which was David Bazan (the songwriter)'s complete intention for it. But it makes me wonder... are we uncomfortable because his having written it doesn't sit well with Christ living in us... or are we uncomfortable because we don't hear the language that often as Christians. I'm leaning slighly to the first answer. I'm leaning towards the idea that we are uncomfortable with the record because there is something in us which dictates we should be uncomfortable with the subject. Something that dictates that it should not sit well with us. One of my friends brought up some very compelling Bible verses to support that idea. But alas, I do not know which ones they are. I've forgotten. But I still think it's an amazing record and a wonderful social comentary. It brings up soooo many important questions on Christianity and the arts. It causes me to question particular theologies, to form new ones, and to struggle in the search for more truth reguarding creating and loving art. I LOVE THIS RECORD.
If any of you hold an oppinion on this record I would love to hear it. Exchanging ideas and discussing truths are the only ways we learn collectively. It's so important that we discuss these sorts of things for the sake of our lives in Christ and the sake of our art and the art we love.
I hope you all are doing well and are as excited as I am about bringing out your winter sweaters in leu of the cooler weather. I have been trying to wear them in the 80+ degree weather for the past couple of weeks. It's not working out so well. Cheers for November.
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July 3, 2002
Hmm.... I had a whole list of things that I wanted to say but now I've lost track of my thoughts.
I'm thinking about taking up the art of Fender Rhodes (an electronic keyboard that I love the sound of). Over the past couple of weeks I've written 2 songs on piano and think they would sound really nice on a Rhodes... but don't even know how I would begin to afford one. So maybe you'll get to see me live soon with a Rhodes on the stage... and you will have forgotten that you read this by now and be thinking... "hey, that's a pleasent switch!" :-)
Guitar after a while just seems to suck me dry some times. I need some time of really maybe walking away from writing with it so that I can be refreshed. None of my musical ideas on guitar seem to matter much to me right now... so you know... maybe this means I'm getting closer to getting a band on stage. Which would be VERY nice.
I've booked shows all the way into October... which is a first... having stuff booked that far ahead. I just really want to be on the ball about this kind of stuff... and I don't really like haggling over spots that bands have already got secured... so I figured I'd just jump on in.
And lately I've been going nuts on the promotion side of things. Booking bands for small clubs, cafes, stores, or trying to get bands from out of town in the city. Should be nice. I'm pretty excited. It's been quite fun. A good way to spend the time that's quite suddenly freed up. And a wonderful way to pour out what's been given to me in this city. I figure that if I've pull at different venues that it's best to make sure I'm helping others with what I have. Otherwise... what's the point?
-kat
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June 9, 2002
Wow. I honestly am at a place where I couldn't understand less what's going on in my life. I don't know... maybe I've never been here before. Maybe I've always just handled it better.
This past 6 months has been a time of firsts. First interview, first gig with a signed band, first trips to LA to record, first mobile phone, first a lot of things... most of which are presently slipping my mind.
And in this time... and in the midst of not really being able to be alone or not busy I've emersed myself into the business side of music with a feverish verasity that not only scares me but my friends as well... I'm trying to learn to slow down. Trying to remember that I'm the most able to function after I've gone to a cafe and had a coffee and a good write.
That was one of the things I realised in Scotland. That I'd been working so hard I didn't have enough time to remember why I love music. And I got there and suddenly everything made sence. I fell in love with music again and it was wonderful. And I'm missing that right now.
I saw the White Stripes play on Saturday. It was absolutely breath taking. Jack White had this amazing charisma... that thing that makes girls have to choice but to be pulled into his tractor beam... and they know it and still eat it up.
I leave for San Fransisco in the morning. I have a meeting with someone who's done a great deal to help me out with music lately. I'm a bit nervous that he's going to give me a stern talking to because of something I did last week with the best intentions in mind but maybe went the wrong way of getting it done or did it too soon. Just a bit nervous.
-kat
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March 9, 2002
Oh my gosh it's been the most amazing, intense, depressing, energy filled, energyless, draining, and inspiring week I've had since I got back from Scotland. I am absolutely filled to the brim with this intense creative energy right now and I can't wait to sit down and filter it into a peice of paper, a cup of coffee, and later my guitar. How absolutely lovely it's been.
I saw Ryan (that's ryan not bryan) Adams perform on Monday... And his performance was everything I had hoped it would be but didn't think it could possibly amount to. It was positively breath taking and has given me some very inspiring food for me to chew on. He's quite amazing. I suggest you check him out if you haven't already. Not many of us are that fond of the New York New York song but his stuff is really amazing. Please take my word for it.
Then I had this week of trying to figure out how I was going to channel all this energy and I'm still not quite sure but I've written some interesting stuff (@ least it's interesting to me) and whether or not it shall come out in a song has yet to be seen. I often sit on lyrics for years before pulling them out of my hat and actually using them. Almost like I have to realise what they mean before I can go for it. {CASE IN POINT: The line from "As The Clouds...:" "Never you mind this crazy sky, this heart is changing my bloodshot eye" was a couple of years old before it was utilised. I just had it sitting in a song that never amounted to much for a long time until I was like... OH! THAT'S PERFECT!
And most of "The Great Scottish Hurricane" was written that way as well.}
Anyways... I'm totally off track now... the week then spiraled into me feeling totally out of control cause I didn't know how to utilise the creative energy into Friday... Oh sweet and wonderful Friday.
I went to go see this British band called Kaito open up for Sleepover Disaster at the Starline... Oh my gosh... It was wonderful. They were so very creative and entertaining... that just got me in this wonderful mood... this "I wish the rock n' roll would never end" kind of thing and had to go home and play music. Sleepover's set was mightly wonderful as well. And unfortuanately I didn't get there in time to catch most of Sparklejet's set but I heard they were fantastic. (I remember being a 19 year old aprentise at the recording studio I used to work (clean toilets) at and watching Sparklejet record w/ Peter Wolf- they've had a big impact on me musicially because I got to watch them recrod and just soak it in... lovely memories). So then I got home and played music and now I've woken up and can't wait to get a shower and some reading and writing in.
Yeah... Jesus thanks for this amazing week.
Super Duper Cool.
kat jones
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February 14th, 2002
I spent Valentine's Day working and then going to a cafe to treat my self to dinner (the parent's are out of town... I don't feel like making food... it's Valentine's Day... What the heck?)
I spent the time reading my journals from Scotland and was totally overcome with emotion. Somehow, everything works out. Somehow my desires fall into place. I know it's God and he's so pickin' cool. I wish I could even begin to explain... but it rocks.
I'm having a really interesting time of learning... And things are taking interesting turns right now. I'll be entering the recording studio in March to record a 3 song demo (not another e.p. or album) and spend a couple of work filled days doing a ton of work. I'm very very excited.
Then I get to visit my friend Rheanna and hopefully do some gigs in San Diego. We shall see.
If you guys get the chance visit http://www.velvetbluemusic.com
It's a really amazing record label run by the bass player from one of my favorite bands: Starflyer 59. He's got some amazing stuff on his label and has really been an encouragement as far as it is a label of integrity and he's a really great guy.
I love you guys.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
kat jones
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February 4, 2002
The E.P. has finally been released (*phew* sigh). It's been a long time coming for that to actually get out to people and I'm pretty excited about it really. It's still kind of scary though cause I don't know what people think yet. It's only been a couple of days since it got into people's hands.
But it all came together quite well. The title, art concept, and everything else just sort of happened. It all just sort of fell into place.
I had been waiting for the c.d. envelopes to come in the mail and on Friday (the release date) I was trying to think in my mind what I would do if they didn't arrive in time. The only thing that I knew was that everything was going to be o.k. and that it would SOMEHOW just fall into place. The moment I finished that thought I looked to my left and the box w/ the envelopes were sitting there (insert Halleluia Chorus here). They had apparently been delivered whilst I was in the shower. How amazing is that.
It's strange too cause other things are starting to fall into place. Somehow people are starting to take notice... and I'm in a place of mixed shock and relief.
But it's nice. I know that THIS is what I'm supposed to do. And it feels so good to finally have it be happening. And it feels sooo right.
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January 18, 2002
I saw Gryp play for the first time in over a year tonight. It was lovely. They've grown up sooo much since I first saw them and have signed to W. Records. Curtis, the lead singer has been the hardest working musician I have ever seen and definately deserving of the things that have been handed to them.
Stephanie reminded me that the first time she ever saw me play was when I was with Molly Shwartz (We were called Sapphire Rain). We opened up for Gryp. Mildy hillarious. Just the thought of pairing up an acoustic folk group with a hardcore group. Gave me a chuckle. I love those boys. I'm so happy for them.
Molly is apparently signed now as well so check her out cause the girl is phenomenal.
http://www.gryp.com
http://www.endlessvertigomusic.com/molly/index.html
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November 29, 2001
Chances are: Your fruh fruh's aren't shwaky enough.
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November 11th, 2001 (2.30 am- After the Starflyer 59 gig)
Thursday and Saturday were my first gigs in the states since I moved back from Scotland. Gigs I was positively dreading. I believe I had nightmares for the 3 days surrounding these gigs and yet... I was surprised.
See, when I would play in Scotland I got such amazing feedback (where else are you playing?, do you have a record deal?, do you want to do guest vocals on our album?, can I interview you for my Italian fanzine?, bla bla bla). I was utterly shocked when this started happening (I was playing at an open mic every week). But it was increadible, cause I really got to experiment and just totally let go with people who became family more or less (Sandy, Malki, Ally, Stewart, Tony, Chris, Rebekah, Iain, Keith... anyways). It was really really really amazing.
So when I realised I had to play in Fresno again I started crying and just lost the plot a bit reguarding persuing music. I was preparing myself for it to be really really hard all over again.
I don't know if the scene changed or if I grew as a live musician (probably a little bit of both) but the past two gigs I had have had the best responses I think I've ever actually had. I've had more people sign up on my mailing list in one go than I think ever did, people asking when my album is coming out, I conducted my first two interviews ever (one at each show from people who had never heard of me until that night), and I opened up for one of my favorite bands (which for me was a really really big deal). It was just this huge two gigs of hallmarks. Two gigs I honestly don't think I'll ever forget. Two gigs I'll never be able to recreate or replace.
Yeah, I think I could have done a lot better and if I hadn't had been soo bloomin' nervous maybe I would have been, I don't know...
I'm sort of overwhelmed right now. And feeling really thankful to God for, yeah, letting me move to Edinburgh and changing me, and the gigs and whatever.
Things are different now. I'm still processing it all... so I thought I should come here and just write it all out...
But things are different. And it's going to be really interesting to see how this plays itself out. And I'm really excited.
Thanks Jesus :-) I love you.
kat jones
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October 12, 2001
Well, things are well today. It's a bit strange being back in the country cause I know soooo many people. It's a bit overwhelming. I'm not having to establish myself as a new person in a strange city anymore. I'm just home.
It's good, and it's weird, and it's overwhelming, but right. Hmmm.
Kat
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Yeah... This is weird.
We (the U.S. and Britain) started bombing Kabul today. And to be honest I don't know what to think about the whole thing. I was in church when it was announced and one of the pastors walked up to the podeum crying and informing us of what was going on. So we prayed for the country and for the people in Afganistan (that God would protect the innocent people) and that God would protect those going off to war. And then we started singing "Amazing Grace." Which was also weird. It was as though I was in a film. Like it wasn't real at all.
It all kind of puts a damper on being home and enjoying your culture again... or being weirded out by it as well (as the case may be).
How do you write music about this w/o being cheezy? It's almost like it has to happen years afterward. Like- The aftermath of what could be an extreemly long war has to soak into the nation.
Sorry... Now I'm just rhambling.
But it's still good to be home.
Sunday- 7 October 2001
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So apparently it's been over a year since I updated this site. Pickin' heck I guess that means it's about time. So here's a short blurb as to what's going on with me.
Well, I'm living in Edinburgh currently (notice that I spelt it wrong in the last entry) Pretty embarassing. The year here is actually almost over and what a doozy it's been.
I've rediscovered my love for playing music and performing and am learning how to stay away from the pressure I was placing on myself before. A huge amount of pressure on myself to acheive a bunch of unrealised goals. But now I think I'm learning how to appropriately section off my life and so hopefully that means the music will be better and so will my attempt to make something for myself in the music industry.
I'm coming away with a little bit more experience and maturity (I think) as well. A trip to Nepal and India having passed and soon I'll be leaving Edinburgh to pop around Europe.
I'm touring currently with a theatre company called Cutting Edge Theatre. They're doing a production of "MacBeth" throughout various castles and cathedrals in Scotland. It's been pretty amazing. Somehow the rumour was passed around that I was acting in this play... IT'S ALL LIES CHILDREN. DON'T BELIEVE A WORD YOU HEAR OF IT. I am nothing but a lowly press agent and stage manager/ runner for the actors. But I'm doing what I absolutely adore and getting the pleasure of free room and board while I do it and free entrance into the most beautiful castles in the whole wide world.
To as well gain more experiences, I've finally done it. That is: See Radiohead in concert... and in their home town no less. I've been waiting for over 4 years to see my faviorite band live and it was such a magical experience. yay!
So what can I say of this year?
It's been increadibly hard, increadibly stretching, and AMAZINGLY ALIVE. Such an amazing blessing.
This will be my last entry until I get home to Fresno. So please don't forget about me.
It's way past my bed time.
Love- Kat
07-17-2001
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Well...
It's official. As of October I will no longer be taking up residence in Fresno, California. I'm moving to Edinburogh, Scotland for a year. I'll be back. No worries...well, none for you anyways.
I, on the other hand, have only 2 months to get my visa and get all things straitened out for the big move.
Why am I moving? I am not abandoning the carreer I've been so diligently trying to build up. As a matter of fact I'll be furthering it while I'm there... in a way. I have hired a manager to keep me buzy when I get back. So from now on those who are interested in bookings should get ahold of Doug Platten... I'll have all his information up soon. With management name et all.
But back to the school... yes, it's a school that I will be attending. A discipleship training school with and emphasis on theatre arts and singing. An organization called YWAM (YOUTH WITH A MISSION)is the one that is offering this school.
I am both extreemly nervous and frightened and extreemly excieted and hopefull at the same time.
Who knows what's in store? Only the One that has make all this possible.
So, we shall see what pours out of this shall we? I will try to keep this page updated while I'm there but I have no idea how busy I'm going to be. If I'm too busy Doug will be taking over and keeping you guys posted on how I'm doing.
Love- Kat 7-23-2000
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The sepratism in Fresno has recently been brought to my attention. I am not pointing fingers here...I admit completely that I add a great deal to it. My adding to it has not been concidering race necessarily but social class. If you don't listen to the right music or dress the right way then I make judgements...
Why? Because I have been judged. I assume that people are judging me when they see me so in defence I judge in return.
This is absulutely insane. The racial descrimination is not really noticed because we integrate the schools and ship people of diferent races in... and so for those of us who grow up here we don't tend to notice.
But it's there...the further south in Fresno you get the more noticable it becomes.
And so this is my appeal... Please, along with me make a concious desision to unite Fresno. Forget about the rumors you've heard about downtown Fresno and take a walk. Look at the beautiful buildings. Meet some nice people. Downtown is my most favorite area of Fresno actually. And it's actually not that dangerous. It's really the only place in this town (besides MAYBE Fashion Fair Mall) where you can see, black, white, and mexican Americans hanging out together. Passing each other in the street.
Help to make Fresno an enjoyable place. Please don't just complain about it...but help to turn around that which you see is wrong with this town. So that we will no longer be critizised but aclaimed.
That's all I've had to say. Sorry for preaching to ya there. I had to get that bit out of my system.
Kat 7-6-2000
