The new Digital Album!

Months ago, even days ago, releasing a new album seemed so overwhelming.  As the image of what we wanted the album to be formed in our minds over the last few years we knew there were hurdles we'd have to tackle.  We knew were releasing an all original album, we wanted it to be available digitally, we'd need photos, artwork, tunes and (most importantly) musicians.

It took us three years to assemble the lineup of musicians we recorded Synergy with.  In reflection, the way the universe brought us all together was ultimately very special-filled with stress, growth, joy and pain.  It is easy to hold an image in your mind of how you want things to go, how they should appear, yet the universe has another plan altogether.  It's that natural progression and order that we've got to get in contact with.  After you've hit your head against the wall too many times over that image you insist on some letting go begins to relieve your soul.

We received the mastered disc from our sound engineer a few days into the New Year (recording took place in July and August).  We set a CD release show on March 3 and that officially set our timeline for getting our stuff together.  Because we are releasing an album of all original tunes we needed to get the music copyrighted.  I was SUPER-overwhelmed with just the thought of this.  I get scared of processes I am unfamiliar with, I am not a good cold-caller for booking, I get overwhelmed by too many web pages to search or hoops to jump through.  Enough digression...I found this article on my favorite DIY music site: http://www.musicianwages.com/the-working-musician/registering-copyrights-for-musicians/ And suddenly the process wasn't so scary and $70 bucks later Ryan and I each have an application sent in to copyright.gov. Done.

For this release I do not think we are even going to hard press any CDs except for promo purposes.  We are going to be on itunes, amazon MP3, CD Baby and various online retailers.  It is pretty darn exciting.

Thank you for supporting DIY musicians!!!

Streamlining

I am discovering through the new trends in social media that being open to all is better than compartmentalizing.  When I first launched this site in Jan of '09 my goal was to present a product of who I am as a teacher and musician, I think this site accurately depicted that part of me.  But I am a human being first- I am a spirtual person, I love to cook, I love to relax and spend time with my husband-all of these things are left out when I just share with you who I am in music only.  Who I am as a person directly impacts who I am musically, it shapes my voice and I want to bring that out to you.

blessings to you.

Site Updates

Hello!  I am working on updating my site to prepare for the Ryan Meisel Collective Album Release in early 2012.  If you've read my previous blog entry you know that I am taking a break from leading my own bands.  I hope to come back to it in early 2012.  I am busy with my teaching studio and big plans are ahead for the RMC...Tours, CD release parties, Concerts and Clinics. 

I really need some affordable photograpy work done.  Please drop me a line if you know of any desiners and photographers in the Milwaukee area who can work with someone on a tight budget.

Is re-invention possible?

I stepped out on a path that, I thought, led in one direction, aimed toward one style of music.  Now I realize that this path took me somewhere else entirely.  The path started with jazz.  I thought it was my destiny, really it was all I could identify with in the collegiate system.  Singing came along toward the end of my education and I loved the instant success I expereinced- gigs, opportunities, praise.  After I moved away from college my studio began to blossom.  Piano became the name of the game, vocal students picked up and a few wind players began to study. The choir came along as did Early childhood music.  In the midst of it all, trying to keep up a performance schedule and a band in a tough economy in an area where I am not from has been dificult.  Trying to define myself by a certain style of music has been much too difficut.  Trying to recruit band members has led to too many personality conflicts.

I am taking a break from leading my own groups. 

I am dedicated to my teaching studio, a place that has brought so many beautiful people into my life, I am dedicated to my children's choir program, I am dedicated to my husband and to my home.

Is re-invention possible?  Yes, when I face who I am and not who I think I want to be musically, then it will feel brand new because the conflict will be over.  Bye-bye to the girl I have tried to present on this website.  It might take a month, it might take 10 years but the real Celia will emerge.

Thank you.



Summertime and the livin' is busy...

We are having a beautiful summer here in Wisconsin!  It has been hot but it is prime weather for outdoor projects, gardening and remodels.

There are some exciting new ventures brewing for fall!  Stay posted and I will fill you in as they begin to unfold.  I will give one hint...I am expanding my business into Milwaukee!