New project and thinking

This day, another blog in this blogosphere saw the light of day. My doing, yes. I've started one, to follow me on my mission to become more glamorous. Glamorous in the style of oldworld England, mansions, cups of tea, red lipstick, tweed and all...

I'm having thought about my career. I don't know where I'm heading - not even where I want to get to. Not even the zip code of that destination. And I'd like to be heading somewhere. Not too fond of the idea of drifting, taking university classes, waiting around. I want action. You see, this girl used to be good at it. Getting ideas - and acting upon them. It's been awhile

Oh well, times are changing. Really what's stopping me?

Spent a night in Copenhagen this weekend. Lovely, really lovely. And (almost) spontaneous!

I don't want to be like miss Hanff, waiting for the right time to take that bloody plane to London (read or watch 84 Charing Cross Road.)

oh the new blog! http://oldworldglamour.wordpress.com

New business and places to play

Oh how long it's been... since I last even gave this little corner of the world wide web a side-way glance...
but now, I'm back!

Fall is starting to set in, or at least that's the impression we're getting here. But who knows, since it's august and we're in the south of Sweden (meaning: unpredictable) it could change any day now. So, if things go as they usually go, when I have started to have strong feelings about suits, boots and tweed I can probably let the flip-flops out on the streets again.

Anyhow. My internship has finally begun! It's at this great little record label, that has alot to do with world music and jazz. And I have to say, so far it's been great for my musical palate! I'm listening to things I rarely take a closer look at, and that could only be good.

Tip: Sousou & Maher Cissokos new album "Adouna" is coming out in October - check it out! Even if you never have listened to the kora or African music before - it's really nice. Keeps that feeling of summer lasting a little bit longer - even if it's just in your ipod.

On my on musical endeavors... I have the opportunity to play this fall at a lovely restaurant... only problem is I have no real repertoire yet or any musicians..

But I have decided to get a move on, on that part. For a repertoire, I'm thinking something in the lines of "great songs by powerful female singers" or "a timeline of songs" (from the early 30-40's to now.). Or maybe a combo? What do you think?

Downloading

Had an interview Friday, with an A&R in Stockholm. We started talking about downloading and their company’s view of it all. He told me something that has stayed with me during the weekend. That the effects of downloading has affected Sweden more than most countries (we're one of the top countries where sales have plummeted, not just dropped). In other places in the world, you don't have to look further than to our neighbors, illegal downloading hasn't taken that big of proportion as it has here. They accept that paying for music is legal whereas doing the opposite is not. And they live by it. Do you think it's true? And why do we, as Swedes, view music as free?

The difference in attitude is astounding.

Stuck

Something has been bugging me lately, the last few days. Can't really figure out what, though.

Working on our booklet assignment, I have this feeling I will never be quite satisfied, mostly because I don't really know what colors I'm drawn to, or I think the band could like. Now it's a pink/purple/green combination, but what if they don't see a fierce album cover, only something that for some odd reason reminds them of the green goblin in Spiderman? (that's what I see in my minds eye. the cartoon version, not the one from the movie)

On a more personal level, in my own private misery of making music I am very, very...stuck. Completely. I have this need for a band, a real one, with musicians that truly know their craft. People that can put a little personality to it. I'm sure they're out there, but I don't know where to look. We were talking, me and a friend, but he and the boys are all so busy (and I get that), but it puts me in a standstill and well...

And the other thing, I find myself writing the same song over and over again. It's boring me out and driving myself from the piano and I'm suddenly spending all my free time in the kitchen.

Come to think of it, I'm doing it again. What I have been doing for years, throwing myself into other projects so I don't have to roll up my sleeves and do what I really want. 'cause THAT would be scary, to say the least.

Well, hope this little post can service as a good kick in the butt.

phones

Telephonecompanies are evil. Or dumb.

This is the feeling of pure isolation. I have to get a back-up phone... with another company..

If they had been funny, they would have sent me a textmessage or a email saying "happy birthday" today. But I don't think they'd be that clever.

Oh well, otherwise, all is good.

Waiting for...

...one pie to cool.

I have found a new friend. In food. Not so much in the comfort of actually eating it, but in making it.

New dream: to start a café. One day.

I've been thinking. It's pretty funny in a way, when I was done with the lastest song (in the figure she's in right now) I had this feeling of.. excitement. Anticipation. Posted it, on another site, and I don't know why but I had this feeling that maybe this time, this time the ball would start rolling. Like I would be on my way. So I went to bed, slept well, and the next day I realized (oh what a shock) that nothing had changed. I'm still right here not having the fainest idea of what my next move should be. I've talked with a friend about recording, for real, but it has stopped at words and nothing more. You know, like both parties are waiting for a convenient time.

Some days I do wonder, this singing thing, is it really what I want to do? One part says yes, I've done alot by now for my voice. I'd like to be presented with the next step. Making plans was easy, dreaming is easy. The next part seems tricky. Clouded. Like there is this door but I seem to have misplaced the knob.

I don't really believe it's self-doubt. Or maybe it is? Or just the lack of bravery?

Moving on then.

So now she's here

There you go, the song I was referring to in my latest post (below), now she's up. Decided to call her "A calm wave"

One of the quickest songs I've written. And I think... her structure is done. Even lyrics. Some songs just happen to show their own identity in a very direct way, this is what makes me believe that yes, I'm not the sole creator of this little creature.

If we look at the arrangement, sure, there are a few adjustments I'd like to do. Nothing major, a little note here and there. In time, girl, in time. I am pursuing to get these first recordings to get a little company from other instruments. One day, not too far away (got to get that ass moving)

I do believe that every song contains a multitude of stories, just depends on how you look (hrm, listen?) at it. But the theme here, if you were wondering (maybe you weren't and you find this to be totally self-involved but hey it's my little space on the web, right? such a little office chair of power), the theme is how we all can be a little torn, and broken deep down. That we might carry open wounds that have a hard time healing. Even though it might not show.

Sun is shining

Isn't it funny, when some things just comes to you?
I'm wrapping up the structure and the words of a song right now, that just had that... instant feeling to it. Like melody and even some words (I'm telling you - that doesn't happen very often) they fell into place. Like they themselves knew where they should be.

My mission is to post this song tonight, my oh my this page needs an update. Still, the sun shining outside is really tempting. I finished a book this afternoon ("Evenening class" by Maeve Binchy) basking in the sunlight. Fantastic. Now, in a way I'd like to go right back and begin another novel. But I know, that would be procrastinating this other creative process yet again.

I happen to be good at that. Taking too many breaks. And yeah, breaks are good. And there's loads more to life than hanging out with a piano (even though that's a tough one to outdo) but if I ever, really if I ever, want this bloody dream to have any kind of chance, well then... I guess, patience and sticking to it, those are my only options. Right?

By the way, have you read "evening class"? In english? I am wondering - is it written poorly or does it come down to translation? Tell me if you have an idea.

Being the architect

So, a structure has been born, chords and melody. Now, only words are missing.

But then of course, this is the toughest part. I think my core issue here is that I have this tendency to but myself out of emotion. Putting distance between myself and the words I'm singing - and what does that do? Well, the feeling goes missing. And what are we trying to put out there? Well, a feeling.

If I don't believe what I'm telling, you can see the same in plays and in sales, then the song will fall flat.

New theory. I think I have to put myself in someone elses shoes. And really go there, to the thoughts none of us like to dwell in. You know, the thoughts that come out at night anyhow.

In "piece by piece", they talk about how a song holds more than one story. Always more than one story. I often change perspectives in songs - maybe I have to go deeper in one story, get really dirty in the reality I'd like to ignore.

The feeling of pain is the same, and even though every story is different from the other the themes and the hurt is universal. I think I really have start hurting, we all have those memories don’t we?

This all might sound abstract; I hope you get it when the song is posted.

Love to all of you

Foccacia in the oven

I've been flipping through Tori Amos "Piece by piece" again. The art of composition, my favorite chapter. I think I need to keep reading to sustain my work right now. So many things happening at once around me. And once again, the technical aspect of music has to bug me. Now, I can't get any sound to come out of the computer. Sounds strange to you? Well, to me too.

Oh well.
The latest big story in the news have been circulating in my head, is it cynical to draw inspiration from it? Or not... not inspiration - that word has to many positive associations. It's more... trying to deal with it, trying to come to terms or to the extent that you can, understand it. Get your mind to focus on the fact, that what has happened is reality. Not fiction. Not a dream. It's real. Bu

So, the theme is very etheral (in a way). Really it started as a melody, a real crisp and tender one. Combined with the horror, it becomes very... for me, evocative. And I think I need that right now. Because it is easy, I've always had a way to block out certain feelings, to set this story and the people behind it aside. Move on. And that has to be done to. But still, I keep thinking - that for once we have to learn from this. A persons is known for similiar crimes but still roaming free. Something needs to be done. Something.

Ok, not a very cheerful post. But that is what I'm currently working on, I will post material - well as said before - as soon as I can figure out how to work these... these... machines.

I know, I know...

the old player is back. Just to have something up, while I'm working at things... 

Planning

I am a person, who lack in discipline. Sad to say, because this makes it very easy for me to procrastinate. For some reason, especially when it comes to my own music. 

I find myself always trying to be in a perfect mood, a perfect setting. Yesterday was one of those days, I started recording and then... well, nothing sounded as good as I wanted. And I stopped. (ok, so I was seriously tired from sitting infront of a slow computer all day with photoshop and indesign but still...). I think I haven't really gotten used to the whole "plugged in"-thing. Being to near the mike, hearing myself so clearly while recording, in a way I think it makes me hold back a little. Not really pushing myself, not really singing from the gut. And then, things become meek. 

But I am planning. Because Warren says (warren is my muse) that having goals is key, making a plan is key, and acting on that plan everyday is the key. They Key to Success.

So, this weekend, I am shying away from social functions (except a dinner and a coffee cup or two) - to play. Playing, writing, singing. Getting things done. And fixing that bloody flash - I'm up to here with whining about it. 

Maybe I should hide my tv from myself. It has a really bad influence on me. 

Things are looking up

Not for the flashplayer. But that could be that I have, as said before, no patience and therefore have barely tried.

But on another note, the man and I (hrm, well sort of, if bugging him with questions count) did a number on my "recording studio". Studio is far from the truth, since the environment is far away from ideal. I am recording next to a window for goodness sake. But still, there's a piano, there's the technical equipment and a mike. 

I used to have a tendency to sound.. hollow in a way. Especially the piano, it's an electrical one. But now... now good people, times have changed. Ok, it's not perfect, but still. I have to post some material as soon as the player comes to life, it really is such a quality difference. 

Flash in a flash?

As you can see, if you've been here before, my player has vanished. Not really, but I did remove it. The reason for this, is because I've been playing around with my flash player, trying to understand and finding a way for it to work.

But I have slowly come to the realization that I -
1. have no patience
2. I need help

So, now I ask of you, dear reader, to in a few simple words explain the following to me:
It reads two FlashVars sent from main .html:
// "Arquivo=filename.mp3" and "Reproduzir=sim/nao"
// "Arquivo" means "File" in English. I haven't tried to use relative paths
// like "http://www.yourhomepage.com/songs/filename.mp3" but it may work just fine.
// "Reproduzir" means "Play", "sim" means "Yes" and "nao" means "No".
// When "Reproduzir" is set to "sim", the song starts playing immediatelly.
// You can change these names if you like.
// To pass these vars from html to flash, add the following code in your html:
// param name="FlashVars" value="Arquivo=filename.mp3&Reproduzir=sim" /
// Notice that it's all CASE SENSITIVE.

What does this mean? What should I do? I've been trying to set up a file, and pasting the last code into the html-space on my blog, but still... does not compute. And honestly, what is a flashvar?

I will be very thankful and if I ever make an album - you who'll help me will have a dedication in bold letters.

Now, it's friday.

Things that need to be worked out

Two things have had this blog in sort of a lock-down.

For one, my stubborn irish cold. It's getting better by the day, though I can never be sure how my voice will feel. The voice becomes unpredictable, wich in turn means that if it 'aint working properly - well then I'm not really allowed to sing. So lets cross our fingers for a speedy recovery on that part.

One the other hand, I'm having difficulties with the flash players I was recommended to have. You see, since the player I have right now for my songs is from another website, I don't want to post unfinished material on that site (unfinished as in little different parts and adlibbing). So I wanted a separated player. But something so simple, I wouldn't have to read a manual to figure out how to work it (I don't like manuals. They're grey, have tiny letters, and well they don't amuse me. I like to be amused. I from the new generation, I have no attention span)

So, I've had a song - or parts of a song - that I'd like to use here. My intention from the beginning is to show openly the creative process (sorry if that sounds pretentious). How the little pieces come together, how you find what the pieces will be - what story will they convey - and how you know when a song is done.

The new song has a only got a chorus and an end. No verses (for some reason they are the hardest to figure out). It will be something about pieces, secrets and storytelling. For some reason I often write about keeping secrets. Not that I have that many. But I know how to keep one.

So, my dear friends, I will get that flash mp3player to work, and then I will post what I've gotten so far on the new song.

If anybody, knows anything about the mp3 players you get from flashkit.com (and how I get them alive and kicking) please tell me.

Hope you're all having a nice day. I have started to play the sims again. Fantastic game, but it puts you in sort of a trance. Scary.

In the mood for more?

Quality reading that is. (Knowledge in the swedish language might be a prerequisite) Visit: http://farfarsfar.se

Otherwise, things are moving slow (getting back to thinking in real-time takes a little while) but most things feel good at the moment. 

Ideas for songs are actually (wonderful) brewing in my head, thank you Ireland and Dublin. 

Thought for the day: the least we can do is to look the begger in the eye. 

 

The sweetest thing

"Lars and the real girl". One word. Fantastic. Just warm and fuzzy (but undoubtedly funny). 

Baby's back

And so a week has passed. And the cold irish weather did really take its toll on me, but still it was definitly worth it. 

The emerald island surely has a lot to offer. 

We met two irish men on saturday night, and went around different bars i Dublin with them. One just happened to be a musician, you can find his music on his myspace: 

http://www.myspace.com/gerlanemusic

It's always fun to talk about the music industry with new people, new perspectives (or maybe not). Interesting to talk to someone who's doing things pretty "old school" and straying away from the new digital way. 

Otherwise, the trip did give a lot of new thoughts, of new sights and interesting people from all over the globe (mostly french though). 

But it's great to be back. Sappy as I am, I did miss a few lovely people (one person in particular) very very much. And some things are just too good over here, I mean I can step out of the shower and not freeze up like an ice cube. I can go to bed without five layers of clothing. I don't really mind the snow and the wind outside, because of the warmth here inside.. and that's just lovely. 

I will miss the pots of tea and Bulmers though. 

Finally!

Music present!

What you can hear is rough versions of two songs. In one, I've been playing around with different sounds and effects (hence the guitar in the background of the chorus).

More to come!

The art of packing

Soon my friends, the journey begins.

We're going Irish once again, this time to explore the Irish countryside. Fantastic. I haven't really been giving it any thought, so it all feels sort of sudden. Spontaneous even.

I have not mastered the art of packing though. I usually enjoy it, but for some reason I can't really figure out what I'll be wanting to wear.

Oh well, I hope this trip can bring a little bit of inspiration. To music, to lyrics, to words and themes. To this page really. Since I seem to be technically challenged, no music yet. Damn you internet.

I have this melody in my head at the moment, but I can't figure out what the song needs to be about. What story would mix and match well with it. I think I need something to think about, something to be enraged about, and something that'll bug me. That usually works well for the creative mind. Then again, I'm not really looking for problems - think I've had my share for a while now. (But don't be alarmed; it's all just in my head as they so often are)

- pause -

I just heard the strangest sound coming from within this house. Hm. Then again our pipes often make growling noises.

Now, music has to be made - I won't be able to play for a week and since I will soon have company here from my man, this will be the last session for a little while with my piano. And she needs some loving. Or he. Hm?

Music

One.

Still haven't really found out how to incorporate music to this page. Do you?

While the radio keeps playing

Real-life moment: I'm at a local radiostation, that only plays dancemusic. With "Apologize" remixed in the background. Strange.

But, the reality is - I have not that much to do. So why not write?

I've been looking into posting audio here, still haven't quite figured it out. Hopefully it will come. What's a blog about music with no music, really?

I've been contemplating this whole lyrics-thing today. What lyrics-thing you might ask yourself? Well.. I have this tendency of coming up with one hook, one part of a song (usually something fore the ending). And that part works, I can feel it work. But then, putting it together, making a whole.. Tricky.

But what's really tricky is this - it's the same thing with lyrics. One part can fall magicaly into place and the rest... well the rest... I guess it has to be chisled out. Since english is not my native tounge - but phrasings are more fun to play around with in english - it's easy to use the same words over and over. The same lame word. Easy rhymes for children. I believe, in you and me, what we will be, is not easy to see. You see?

And while all those fantastic words of the english vocabulary pops up from time to time in my mind it is rarely infront of the piano. My mind wanders while riding buses. But when push comes to show and a paper appears, wanting words to be written on it.. Oh my. Shutdown.

But I guess, as long as we don't reach brakedown.

Where was I going with this post? Yes! Lyrics! I find it hard to compose a "moving" (as in emotionally) start to a song. The end is always sweeter than the beginning. But it's the first few seconds that has to lure a person to listen to the whole thing. Otherwise, the ending is just a bitter, grunting old-maid that will never be heard. And that would be sad, wouldn't it?

Three books that can change your life

And I'm not kidding.

"The best damn sales book ever" by Warren Greshes
(don't be fooled by the title - this is not restricted to sales people only, this book really has the ability to change how you look at yourself and your life. I've been carrying it around for months, never wanting to let go. I wish I could keep Warren in my pocket)

"Tipping point" by Malcom Gladwell

"Blink" by Malcom Gladwell

find these books at
www.amazon.com
or
www.adlibris.se

New Beginnings

A few changes have occurred. One, I'm pretty sure you can tell right away - this is no longer a text in my native language. Why the change? I happen to believe, as many of you, in the international potential of the internet. We're going global.

Second. My objectives have changed. Yes I'm in part still on my quest for the perfect jeans, but I no longer wantit to be my main focus here. Mainly because I have a tendency to turn down shopping, on my lazy days, in favor of my beloved piano. So, I will keep you updated on my search for jeans (because I know oh so many of you are dying to know how it turns out...) but I will from now on concentrate on another goal in my life.

Warren Greshes (also known as the most brilliant man alive. he and Malcom Gladwell) have urged me to set goals for my self. Big splendid beautiful goals. And so I will.

Goal: To make a neatly made, pretty and shiny album. Music. On a disc.

May sound simple but this time it has to look, smell, taste, feel and sound professional.

According to my plan, deadline is the 31st of September. I will let you follow my agony, my creative process and hear songs in their rawest edition to a more refined product.

I will end this post with this days most perfectly put lyrics:
"I know you might roll your eyes at this, but I'm so glad that you exist."
-The Weakerthans (The Reason)
Hear it and see the video at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aW1d_xZNgO4

För kollektivet

En sak vill jag klargöra, detta är inte bara en privat angelägenhet. Jag trodde aldrig, och jag menar aldrig, att jag skulle sitta och skriva blogg i mitt framtida liv. Men här sitter jag. Men inte för att jag anser att min jeansrumpa är så pass intressant att andra vill hålla sig aujour med hur den mår. Utan jag ser rött. För vår allas skull.

Jeans är det vardagsplagg vi alla vill ha. Det är enkelt, det mesta passar till, varenda färg funkar till jeans och i stort sett varje material. Det är slitstarkt och tål alla typer av situationer. Och alla möjliga vätskor och fläckar - då jag är otroligt begåvad inom området att spilla diverse drycker från öl till saft till vin till vatten över mig själv. Hur bra är då inte jeans? 

Men har man råkat få hålla till godo med en kropp som mest liknar en bowlingkägla, en coca-cola flaska, ett päron eller en kyrkklocka ja... då är det svårt med proportionerna. 

För ingen vill väl se baktung ut? 

Det är inte sällan jag hamnar i ett provrum med ett par jeans i famnen och hoppas. Eller nja, jag brukar se uppgivet på dem och tänka bittra tankar för mig själv men ändå tycka att "man måste ju prova, det går ju inte för sig att bara gnälla över läget". Det slutar oftast med att jag lämnar butiken arg. Ledsen. Bitter. 

De senaste två dagarna har jag och mina kära moder försökt hitta stövlar och jeans inför en stundande Irlandsresa. Irland = kan vara blött. Blåsigt. Rått och kallt. Och underbart.

Det gick max en halvtimme, jag blev irriterad över mitt i-lands problem och till sist försökte min mamma (med en ängels tålamod) släta över eländet med något uppiggande såsom en ring eller lite mintkyssar. 

Och det löser ju saken för stunden. Ett par mintkyssar, en liten sockerchock och jag är glad igen. Men sen hamnar man ju där, i det förbaskade provrummet en annan dag och samma situation utspelas. 

Jag vill ha ändring. För min egen del kräver det nog en del aktivt sökande. Men på det stora hela, kanske det kräver en enad aktion. Ett behov från marknaden. Skapa kläder som formar och ger oss den siluett vi eftersträvar - istället för att se till ideal. I slutändan är det ändå vi som accepterar att byxor/jeans ska vara ett sådant sjå, istället för att se hur vi kan påverka situationen. 

Det må vara ett "lätt" ämne, men jag gör det för min mentala hälsas skull. Faktiskt. 

"Caught with my butt hanging out of my pants, waiting for some kind of lucky chance. But nothing ever comes to those who wait"

-Blake Babies (I'll take anything)

Kravspec.

Ok, då börjar vi. Detta projekt, denna jakt, startar nu. Men inte utan ett par förhållningsregler.

• En relativt hög midja (jag ryser nämligen fortfarande när jag ser Lillie och Sussie i Solstollarna)


• Mörk tvätt


• Inga slitningar (in no shape or form)


• Lite bootcut alt. jeans där tyget "släpper" från höften
  

"Cynicism falls asleep. Tyranny talks to itself. Sappy slogans all come true. We forget to feed our fear. "
-The Weakerthans "Confessions of a futon-revolutionist"

Var är min korsett?

Det perfekta paret, den optimala figuren, den mest välsvarvade underkroppen, fås av de perfekta jeansen. Om de hade haft mage att existera. Jag har ännu inte mött en kvinna - eller förvisso kanske en men verkligen inte två - som anser att en stund i provrummet med en hög av olika jeansmodeller ses som skön och avkopplande egen-tid. De flesta av oss förbannar dessa dåligt upplysta och svettiga timmar av frentetiskt provande. Men trots allt behövs ju ett par jeans. Trots allt hamnar ett par halv-bra byxor i skåpet och åker allt som oftast fram, för jeans det är ju trots allt så himla enkelt att dra på sig. Jag bara ignorerar jag ser ut som en bowlingkägla som vandrar gatan fram på höga klackar.


Men jag har tröttnat. Förändring sker nu.


Mitt mål är att hitta de perfekta jeansen, och detta flöde av text ska följa mig under resans gång.

"But what if I'm a mermaid? In these jeans of his with her name still on it"
- Tori Amos (Silent all these years)