Lions and Tigers and Bears...

The show was great! I always love rehearsals and being around the Stone City Band family. We rehearsed in Vegas before the Seattle show. I love this family. Randall and I had coordinated red tiger stripes (actually it may have been zebra).

Mark, Me, Randall

Me, Levi 

Danny, Me, Eddie

The traveling was a bit grueling. There were flight delays, flight changes, airport changes and long distance sprints to make it to new gates. When the show was over, I had the chance to sit and relax for a minute. Oscar and I made a few TikToks.

It wasn't until I finally packed up for the flight home and went to bed for the night that I realized my lion video had gone viral at a million views. When I woke up, it was over two million. Now, as I write this, it's at 4.8 million and counting. I'm going to have to do a follow up video. Also, who knew there was so much to learn about the mating habits of lions? LOL

The journey home was smooth until Chicago, where my final leg was delayed many times. When it went back as far as 7am the following morning and the airline was ready to send me to a hotel, I managed to race to another terminal to catch the last flight back to the NYC area. My luggage did not make it. That's alright. It should be delivered here to the house shortly and the COVID test was negative, so there's not that much to complain about in the grand scheme of things. Zachary was asleep with his favorite bear when I finally arrived back home. 

Here's wishing you a beautiful week. 

Love,

T

Looking Up

 

Remember that vocal journey I started back in October? I've been posting video snippets on TikTok, but maybe I should post them on IG and FB - even Twitter too. What do you think?

It started like this:

I've just put up day eighteen of the thirty-day journey, and another, deeper journey is unfolding. I'm reminded to be grateful and make time for precious moments. 

This week, I'll look up and appreciate the beauty all around.

Thank you all for being here!

Love and appreciate you.

Love,

T

Inspired Journey

So a thing happened and I may or may not have embarrassed myself in front of millions of people. 

See, what had happened was... I was asked to participate in a segment being filmed for an online channel with millions of subscribers, with a vocal coach who has millions of followers.

I am a professional singer. I've coached professionally and produced singers in high profile situations. I am hired to sing. I show up, sometimes last minute, tired or not, and nail it.

For this segment, I showed up. I sang. My voice cracked. It cracked a lot.

We had a lovely on-air chat before I sang one of my original songs from my album released about ten years ago. It was recorded before my son was born, before all the physical therapy, before the surgeries. I had decided the night before that I would sing "Everywhere," mainly because of its relevance to current world happenings.

I didn't preface the whole performance with how tired I was. Singers do that all the time. It sounds like an excuse to me. It doesn't matter how challenged my days are. It doesn't matter how stressed out I might be. It doesn't matter how sore my abs are from pulling off a pushup challenge duet with a body builder who came up on my TikTok feed. As a professional, you're there on time and you just do it. 

In keeping with that spirit and energy now... oh wait! Did I skip the part about the pink boxing gloves? Let me go back to the segment: The next thing I knew, I was wearing pink boxing gloves and going through a sort of vocal exercise boot camp, where I was running and jumping in place while holding my diaphragm and trying to repeat the voice warmup routine.

I sang my song again afterward, without all the cracks. :)

In keeping with the spirit and energy of a "no excuses" mindset, I decided to seriously step up my vocal exercises. It's important to understand that I work out a lot - six days a week usually. My schedule is completely packed as a performer AND full-time mom. I made a commitment to work on vocal exercises WHILE doing my workouts everyday. I began to record my vocal journey.

As I write this on day four, my voice is fatigued. I've decided to be on vocal rest until I see my doctor tomorrow. I will pick up right where I left off when I am cleared to use my voice again. Good health is an absolute must.

I'm planning to record a thirty day vocal journey. It's important to me to persevere and to hold myself accountable. Determination pays off and there is always something to learn and something to improve. These are new times and the world keeps changing. We all have got to grow and evolve. Also, my son watches every move I make. Teaching him by my example is crucial. 

It doesn't matter if I make mistakes. It will not be perfect. What's important here is the effort, the determination, the dedication. I need to make myself proud. 

Tremendous thanks to Cheryl Porter, Talent Recap, and Billy Blanks Jr. for everything, especially for inspiring this journey!

Click here for Talent Recap on YouTube

Click here for Cheryl Porter Vocal Coach on YouTube

Love,

T

The Shepherd

 The word "sheep" is being thrown around as an insult.

If you saw a wolf circling the flock, would you stand there and insult the sheep? Or would you jump in and protect them?

Click here for "Relentless" on Spotify

Where my shepherds at? Let's go after the wolves.

With Love,

T

TWO NEW RELEASES!!

Two new singles from Red Queen Records (that's us) are out now!!!

"United (Angels' Anthem)" and "Relentless" are available now on all major music platforms.

"United (Angels' Anthem) conveys the idea that all people are one. It draws upon Spiritual concepts from various faiths and backgrounds, including the idea that the Divine is not only everywhere, but is within Us and a part of Us - and as such, we can say (philosophically) that we are all part of each other. It's ancient mystical wisdom. The lyric is delivered from the perspective of a fleet of Angels coming to heal the world. These warrior Angels are here to ensure that Love will win.

Click here for "United (Angels' Anthem)" on iTunes/Apple Music

Click here for "United (Angels' Anthem)" on Spotify

"Relentless" is about the power of Love. Love will always win, and trying to fight it is a losing battle. The lyric is delivered from the perspective of Love herself (apparently I just made Love a "she"). If Love could speak, she might say something like this...

Click here for "Relentless" on iTunes/Apple Music

Click here for "Relentless" on Spotify

There is so much to tell you about the songs, the journey, the artwork, the upcoming videos and more! We will be posting all kinds of fun things in the weeks and months to come. Why on earth did we release TWO songs in two days? (Thinking...) Probably because doing one thing at a time is just not something I can do??? Because I LIKE making an impossible amount of work the norm? Because sleeping at night is totally overrated? SMH. 

In reality, I think it has more to do with the times. It's the message. Millions of people are talking about how crazy these times are now. We feel like these songs convey a message and a Spirit that needs to be heard and felt. Now. Right now.

We thank you in advance for liking and sharing and being a part of spreading messages of Love and Unity. 

Love,

T

(and Russ and the team here at Red Queen Records)

xo

Ruff

Did I mention that one dog got "skunked" and the other had severe diarrhea for a week? TMI? It happened over a week ago but I am definitely still feeling the ramifications. SMH. They're both fine now.

There were also some really fun shows!

After a lot of hard work and traveling, there's no end in sight for this week. #KeepGoing

I'm carrying lessons from the dragonfly and the bee this week. They managed to make numerous, conspicuous appearances so I looked them up. Apparently, the dragonfly has a unique ability to change flight direction and the bee is considered a symbol for miracles since it is not supposed to be able (aerodynamically) to fly.

Click here for Dragonfly symbolism from SpiritAnimal.info

Click here for Bee symbolism from Whatismyanimalspirit.com

After THIS week, I'm taking a lesson from Bentley and relaxing a little (or trying to anyway).

For now, I gotta keep it moving.

Have a great week everyone! xo

Love,
T

BIG FUN

IDK what to tell you except that the gig was "BIG FUN to be had by everyone"

and the reason was - it felt like one big family

and that's nice.

OK. Sorry so short, but I have to fall down and sleep before tomorrow hits me like a ton of bricks. (Is that the right phrase? I really can't think straight right now. #Exhausted and no end in sight.)

#Pretty

Love,
T

"Playing" for a Living

Why is it that we are surprised when things we already know present themselves to us in a new and fresh manner?

I feel like I already knew this one. I did. I swear I did. A lot of people "work" for a living. Musicians "play" a gig. Maybe we should start saying that we work at a gig so that people will understand the amount of effort that goes into it - and that's not even including the literal blood, sweat and tears! Or we could just remember that not everyone will see what we do as "work" at all (the price we pay for making it look easy). This subject has come up repeatedly this week, and from totally different groups of people.

ATTENTION TO THOSE STARTING OUT AS SINGERS/MUSICIANS:

You will have to work harder than almost anyone else you know.

Life is not fair.

You have no sick days.

You don't get paid if you're sick.

You can't get sick.

You don't get weekends or holidays off.

You might not always get to eat.

No, you may not take a bathroom break just because you have to.

You must stay hydrated.

You might not always get to sleep.

You still have to look and act like you are well rested and energized.

You must be kind and friendly to everyone.

Do NOT make any mistakes.

You will constantly be judged.

Your body is part of your instrument. Workouts and health maintenance are not luxuries. They are a requirement.

You must look well put together at all times - even with little or no budget.

Your gig clothing is NOT tax deductible - I don't care HOW much you have to spend on it.

You must keep and keep track of all your receipts.

No one is going to tell you to do your homework.

Your homework MUST be done.

You must act like you know what you are doing even when you have no clue what is going on.

OTHER PEOPLE WILL NOT UNDERSTAND THIS AND THAT DOESN'T MATTER.

People will see your pictures and videos and think you are just having a grand ol' time "playing."

There will be times when you cry.

This is your business.

No one will make you get to the office on time.

You will lose money if you don't get to the office on time.

You must get to the office before and stay later than anyone else.

After your office hours, you will also have to practice.

There is no personal time off.

Personal problems are not allowed.

Other people will not view your work as "important." They will not understand the sacrifices you have to make.

You are exceptionally important.

You are a world leader.

Your success will vary depending on the importance you place on all of these factors. 

Your success will vary anyway.

(This list can go on and on indefinitely.)

I had the privilege of performing with two fantastic bands this weekend! The musicians were all talented and truly wonderful people. It was a lot of work getting to Albany, then Baltimore and back - but it was absolutely worth all the effort. Great fun playing with you all this weekend! xoxo

With Lance (Drums)

With Apollo Joe

Namaste,
T

Celebrating Progress

It was a crazy week filled with my favorite things - recording, new music, home, and people I love!

After a long (too long) road trip we finally made it home to work on what might be the final song on my next album! I LOVED IT - even though I was completely exhausted. We got it done and I am so excited about it! I've been quietly working on this album and not saying much because it is a very long and involved process that everyone would keep asking about long before it was ready to be released. We still have a long way to go in tracking the final vocals, mixing, mastering, etc., but it's really taking shape.

I MIGHT have recuperated enough now to function this week (really, that remains to be seen - lol). I suppose you could say I had help driving back, but it wouldn't be altogether accurate.

Here's to a week celebrating progress, even if it's just a little. :)

xo
Namaste,
T

Loving Every Moment

Hectic doesn't even begin to describe the journey, but the moments along the way are sights to behold.

We finally made it to the studio in Buffalo where I walked in and saw all the familiar sights. There was my regular writing chair, rows of music stands and dusty guitar cases. Amps and keyboards lined the walls. The new control room was really taking shape (under construction) and I was about to start writing sessions with my favorite team. I remember saying, "I love this place!" I piled my bags in my usual spot and got set up to start working.

There is nothing like catching snatches of the Bills game from the TV in the pizza place across the street from the studio in December in Buffalo. The guys behind the counter come out and yell, "NO!" in a moment of wishful thinking when it looks like the opposing team might miss the extra point. There's a sense of family with perfect strangers when you all stand there and marvel at the amount of snow on the field.

Then it was back to work making music with my beloved friends and writing partners.

I'm consumed with gratitude for every single moment - and have a real sense that this is truly the way life is meant to be lived - enjoying every moment.

A Blessed holiday season to you and yours...
Enjoy the moments.

Namaste,
T

Back To Life

Saturday was my first gig since having the baby. It felt like I was re-entering the world. #Goodtimes - and we PLAYED that song too, lol.

WHY DIDN'T I TAKE ANY PICS ON THE GIG?

Truth: I didn't think of it. I had charged up my camera the night before and forgot it at home. Upon realizing this, I thought I'd just use my phone, but then I was too busy worrying about lyrics, my shoes, my sore throat (which came out of nowhere just before the show), mic volume, trying to find the room where they served the band dinner and trying NOT to be worried about anything!

This was taken AFTER I finally got home. AFTER my hair got all frizzed out in the damp air and AFTER the bandleader texted to say I had left my iPad behind and I turned the car around and ran back inside only to find that he had already just left with it. AFTER I ran to catch up with him in the parking lot and was relieved to find him getting into his car.

"I'm a basket case!" I said, shaking my head as I approached.
"No," he said with a smile. "You're a mom."

Anyway... The show itself was fantastic and a lot of fun! It was GREAT to be back! It's such a pleasure to work with outstanding musicians who are also so very nice and have such high spirit! I loved being there with them and being a part of the music that connected all those happy smiling faces on a packed dance floor. There really was nothing to be worried about. :)

Had a blast! Hanging onto that energy this week - with a smile.
xo

Namaste,
T

(What is) The Jeopardy Blog

Alex, it's great to be here! I'll take "Recording Studio" for 200 please.

What are things on the vocal booth window ledge?

(Voice of host) "That is correct!"

I saw this random collection of items as I took my place behind the microphone this week and thought, "I LOVE THIS PLACE!" Looking further beyond the glass, I saw speakers, cables, keyboards, a big industrial shelf filled with drums, and a few musicians taking a break in between sound check and their evening show. Where else in the world would I see this combination of items and people? It meant I was in my favorite place, with my favorite people, doing what I love. It was the best!

#FindWhatYouLove #MoreOfThatPlease

Here's to doing what you love!

Namaste,
T

#WriteYourSong

I've been so busy with baby and family lately. I felt a strong desire to get back to some music and singing (and not just baby songs - which I sing ALL THE TIME). I found a necklace pendant made from a "reclaimed singing bowl" and thought it would be the perfect thing to help me focus on singing and hold that intention close to my heart. I bought it and started wearing it, thinking of music every time I put it on.

I soon received calls from four different music associates that I haven't spoken to in a while! #Cool!

Then the song "Unwritten" popped into my head and wouldn't leave. It reminded me of an anonymous quote I read recently:

"On your last day on earth, 

the person you became will meet the person you could have become."

- Anonymous

I started thinking of how tragic it would be if the songs that could have been - never were. So on a long drive this week, I wrote a new song. I didn't want it to go unwritten.

#WriteYourSong

More to come...

Namaste,
T

The New Normal

We made it back into the studio!

Things were mostly the same...

and then again, just a little different. :)

Have a Blessed week!

Namaste,
T

Airport Preview - more to come

I am sitting at my gate at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) waiting to board my flight back home. I do not have enough time to write a blog that will do the experience of this past weekend any justice, so this will be a preview. I'll have to write another blog this week.

In short, I had the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE experience of singing background vocals behind Lady Gaga at the Oscars!!!

I just love working with these ladies!

Boarding time... Talk soon!

Namaste,
T

#BackToWork

With all due respect and appreciation for times of reflection, relaxation and introspective examination, last week was all about getting back to work.

There were workouts, video production, travel, song writing, studio recording, a very interesting photo shoot with a dragonfly, strategic marketing development sessions, contract execution, more travel, vocal practice, song learning, and a gig. It was a pretty full week.

My view in the studio...

With Russ and Joey

With Russ and Robbie

Yes. I can get hair done, have a production meeting,
 and color at the same time... LOL

With Vincent and Russell at NYGMS

L to R: Harvey, Bobby, Me, Jim, Doug, Bill, Chandlar, Paul

I feel good about everything happening, and there's a lot happening!

This week, as I plow through the ever-mounting pile of tasks, I'll keep a steady pace and remember to enjoy the process as I go. I know that if I keep balanced and make sure there's room for laughs and quiet thought (or pictures of dragonflies), I'll get an amazing number of things done AND feel rested and strong as well.  :)

Here's wishing us all a successfully balanced back to work/school week!

"Namaste" - said the dragonfly...

Namaste,
T

"Namaste" - said the chick singer...