Monday Memoirs: the Birth of a Song

It is my believe that each song has a spirit about it, just waiting to be born.  Whether it is a song waiting to be a cover song (kind of like an adoption) or an original song coming from deep within.  I never know if this delivery will be short, long, painful or easy.  Having said that, there is ALWAYS some kind of labor involved.  My song ideas, quite often, seem to have a mind of their own.  If I have an opinion of where I want them to go, sometimes they follow and sometimes they don't.  Yet, I do find myself disciplining my free spirited musical ideas when it comes to basic structural guidelines for songwriting.  Who knew that creating music could be so closely compared to parenting?

This past week I experienced some complications with the birth of my cover "Fight Song" by Rachel Platton.  It was not until the day after I published my Wacky Wednesday post, that I discovered I had actually messed up on one of the basic lyrics several times.  I am not sure what I was thinking, but  the mistaken word happens to be "fight" and the song is called the "Fight Song".  There is definitely a problem with that.  So, I hope you will all be patient as I give this baby the care it needs.  I do plan on sharing it once more, but it might be 2 weeks before I can.  I am swamped with local theatre musical director responsibilities until the end of next week.

This creative process is so much fun to share with all of you, though.  I find myself laughing at the whole thing even though I am still really embarrassed.  I hope you continue to enjoy this journey with me too.  How about you?  Do you have any stories of embarrassment in your creative endeavors?  Please do share.   I would also love to hear about any songwriting experiences you have had.    It brings me great joy to know that others are creating music just like me.  Until next time... Happy Songwriting!!

“Close Up Of A Pregnant Woman With Baby Letters On Her Hand” by David Castillo Dominici  from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Wacky Wednesday: Fight Song by Rachel Platten cover by Catrina Baum

WOOHOO!!!  I just finished a home recording of my cover for "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.  This took a lot more energy than I thought it would.   I don't know how I seem to be getting more complicated with my Wacky Wednesday songs each time I put one together, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  This is my idea of true fun!!!  I would love to make this recording more perfect, but this is what I was able to manage in one week.  I hope you are able to enjoy it.  How about you?  Do any of you have a Wacky Wednesday posts to share??  Please leave a link in the comments below.

To listen to "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten cover by Catrina Baum click HERE.

Until next time... Happy Songwriting!!!

“Fireworks” by noppasinw from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Take Note Tuesday: Charleene Closshey

Today I would like to hi-light a musician that I noticed after watching the move "An Evergreen Christmas".  She sings the closing song at the end of the movie.  I just love her voice.  After hearing her song I was able to find some of her music on sound cloud.  She is quite the talented, well rounded musician.  I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do.  Here is a video with the song that was featured in the move.  It is called "My Tennesse Home".

To watch her video click HERE.

“Appalachian Mountains From Mount Mitchell, The Highest Point In” by digidreamgrafix from freedigitalphotos.net

Monday Memoirs: Freshly Squeezed Creative Songwriting Juices

I have experienced a lot of ups and downs this past week, due to my homeschooling schedule.  My one and only student and son has a brilliant mind, but suffers with sleep deprivation, copes with a sensory disorder and autism and is currently fighting a bit of seasonal depression.  I never know what each new day will bring, especially in the heart of February when there is no telling where the human mind may wander.  Amid this instability I have felt a steady stream of creative, songwriting juices flowing in the direction of a cover song that I plan to share on Wednesday for the "Wacky Wednesday Challenge" post.  I am truly grateful that this project has brought me such respite from the emotional turmoil that has filled my heart as I have sympathized with and strived to encourage my dear, beloved boy.

My idea for this cover song actually came to me last Wednesday after my son suggested I give it a try.  I have not been able to stop thinking about it since.  It has taken over the songwriting part of my brain  preventing any other songwriting from taking place.  Today I am currently working on recording all of the parts and instruments for the song so that I can share it with all of you and still meet the Wacky Wednesday Challenge standards.  Be sure to check back in on Wednesday to hear a sound cloud recording of the new song.  :)

How about you?  In what direction have your creative songwriting adventures taken you this week?  Do any of you homeschool?  What trials or triumphs have you had this past week?  I would love to hear about it.  Please leave your comments below.  Until next time ...... Happy Songwriting!

“Fresh Orange Juice” by KEKO64 from freedigitalphotos.net

Wacky Wednesday: Guest Artist Becca Kuhnel

I am just SO pleased when someone takes on the challenge of coming up with their own cover song in one week for the Wacky Wednesday Challenge.  It is a great way to grow as a musician and so fun to share with others.

This week Becca Kuhnel took on the challenge by doing a cover of the song "Lay Your Burden Down" by John Allen.  I love the way she has taken an acoustic guitar part and made it into her own piano accompaniment with her own style.  So awesome!!!  I am looking forward to hearing more cover songs for the Wacky Wednesday Challenge.  How about you?  Have any of you done any cover songs for Wacky Wednesday.  Please share.

Until next time.... Happy Songwriting!!

To listen to "Lay Your Burden Down" by John Allen cover by Becca kuhnel click HERE.

 “A Winter Landscape” by prozac1

Take Note Tuesday: Christa Wells

I can't even remember for sure how I came across this incredible artist, but I am so glad I did.  Her sensitive lyrics fused together with haunting melodies are so touching and beautiful.  Every time I hear her sing I am grateful that she has taken the time to create and share her music.  I hope you enjoy Christa's music as much as I have.  Here is a youtube video of one of my favorite songs that she wrote called, "How Emptiness Sings".

How about you?  Do you have any artists that touch your heart in such a way that you want to thank them for creating music?  Please share.

Monday Memoirs: Remembering Austin Strasser

It was just this past week that I got the idea that I could possibly share my original song, Moments and Memories, with my friend who lost her son when he was hit by a car last February.  I thought of her and her situation many times while writing the lyrics.  When I spoke with her about the song, we agreed that creating a video of pictures to go with the song would be a very loving way to remember him at the anniversary of his passing.

Austin died on February 14, 2015, just one week before his 4th birthday.  He is remembered as being one who loved everyone.  He is the source of inspiration for a recently formed community called Love 4 Austin.  All who want to join this community are encouraged to share random acts of love and kindness during the month of February, in honor of him (#Love4Austin).

It is my hope that you will be uplifted by the music and pictures of this sweet boy who lived such a short time upon this earth.  The precious memory of Austin Strasser will always be treasured.

Take Note Tuesday: Happy Valentines

Last October I was privileged to be able to hi-light the artist Whitney Lusk as one of my Take Note Tuesday blog posts.  I have brought her back again with the debut of her new song "Be Mine".  I absolutely love this original song of hers.  She is such an amazing artist and a lovely person.  I hope you enjoy the song.  Check out the youtube video below and then, if you get the chance, go buy her song on iTunes!!!  It is a great Valentines Day song.  :)

“Heart Message Means Valentine Day And Correspond” by Stuart Miles found at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Monday Memoirs: Music Therapy

This past week our family experienced quite a lot of emotional turmoil.  I was able to take great solace in listening to soothing music.  I listened to all kinds.  Some that helped me cry, some that helped me feel peace and others that just uplifted my heart.  One such song, was an original I worked on over the  weekend.  It is one that I am getting ready to share this summer, with my band One Horizon.  The lyrics tell me over and over again that things are "Gonna Be Alright... Just Fine". What a timely message for me in life, right now.  This song helps me relax and reminds me of sitting on a beach, smells of summer in the air, and sounds of nature all around.  AAHH!!  What a perfect getaway in the middle of winter.  :) 

To listen to a sample of the original song "Just Fine" by Catrina Baum click HERE

“Flip-flops” by fantasista from freedigitalphotos.net

How about you?  Do you find that music soothes your soul?  What songs have meant something to your healing?  Have you created any original songs that have helped you heal?  Please leave me a comment and share your musical experiences.  Until next time.... Happy Songwriting!!

Wacky Wednesday: Update

Due to some unforeseen circumstances in my family, I will be putting this particular post on hold for a while as things are sorted out.  I would be happy to post any Wacky Wednesday Challenges that others have been able to complete and might even post one or two of my own as I am able to, but my main focus needs to be in other areas right now.  Thank you for understanding.

As far as my other two regular posts (Monday Memoirs and Take Note Tuesday) , I am still going to try to keep those up on a regular basis so please stay tuned for next week's post.  Until next time.... Happy Songwriting!!!

Take Note Tuesday: Joyce Chu

One of the things that I absolutely love about blogging is the opportunity that it gives me to connect with people from all over the world.  Thanks to Jun Jie Yap's post on the Original Composition Community Page at Google plus I was able to discover an amazing singer/songwriter from Malaysia.  Her name is Joyce Chu.  What a delightful artist to watch and listen to.  I am not exactly sure what the lyrics of her original songs are, but I was impressed with the choice of one of her cover songs "Flashlight" by Jessie J.  Check out her cover below:

Monday Memoirs: Moments of Memories by Catrina Baum

This weekend I spent my songwriting efforts on getting ready for a song that I would like to perform with my band One Horizon.  Here is a recording of the song I wrote called Moments of Memories.

How about you?  Do you have any songwriting projects that you were able to work on over the weekend?  Please share.  :)  Until next time... Happy Songwriting!

                      To listen to the song Moments of Memories by Catrina Baum click HERE.

“Photos Hanging” by scottchan