DO YOU WANT TO FEEL INVINCIBLE?
"Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes.
Yes.
No.
One time in high school.
Three times in my twenties.
Rocks, no salt.
Yes.
Four.
Never. And how dare you!
I will take no further questions."
-Ellen Degeneres
Hi Lionheart,
Some things I'm excited about are happening behind-the-scenes: I'm producing an album for clients that I love so dearly. We've been working through songwriting, finalizing arrangements, working on vocal direction for solos, backups, and harmonies, and planning out the sonic vision, complete with keyboards, guitars, violin, bass, and electronic drums. I'm so excited for this project. I know it'll have compounding positive results down the line for everyone involved.
I remember being in the studio 6 years ago finishing my first album. As I stood with the engineers, who also became good friends, I had a moment of clarity that there was nothing else I want to do in my life than write and record albums and perform them. At that time, I had 17 years of professional performance experience from my training in opera, pop, jazz, experimental music, and musical theater, but I never had recorded my own original music. It was thrilling.
To step up my game and take my vision to the next level this year, I'm committing to releasing and performing my new EP of electronic songs this year, as well as my Cuba Diaries jazz EP.
Working with the knowledge of the past 4 albums of original music I've released and others that I've featured on, I'm in a good space for this new year.
I know from experience that I can't go far if I try to go at it alone, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is and investing in the support I need. I'm doing two things: 1) I'm working with producer ill.GATES at Producer Dojo to hone in deeply on my songwriting and production skills; and 2) participating in live electronic show master Laura Escudé's Transmute Accelerator program.
I've reconfigured my schedule to allow for large time blocks of uninterrupted deep work with my music, my business, and my lovely students.
I'm working with multiple mentors and accountability partners and committing to the actions I've mapped out. Is it hard to do what I say I'm going to do, especially because there are a lot of new and unfamiliar actions involved? You betcha.
BUT. I'm building confidence in myself every hour of every day when I do what I say I'm going to do (including time off with no agenda just to chill and be spontaneous).
Every day that I'm not living within the journey of my dream is another day gone by that I can't get back.
And - I feel empowered, excited, and confident as I watch large and small opportunities line up for me. It's quite fun, actually.
This quote by Abraham Hicks struck me:
"Everything I want is in a form of becoming, and I have to get good at seeing it, even before everybody else can.... I've just found it's felt better to believe it's going to happen than to think it wasn't going to happen. So I just started gently guiding my thoughts into hopeful at first, and then more believing after a while, and then knowing. And when you know, you trust the laws of the universe.... Once you've got that, then you feel invincible. There is nothing you cannot be or do or have. Then I just started having a good time watching life unfold and I got to guide it with my clear thoughts."
This week's YouTube video is my performance at the Transmute Retreat at the stunning Atlantic Center Of The Arts in Florida. This track is going to make it on my new album. Check it out!
Lionheart, when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
Have you been thinking about singing and/or songwriting lessons?
What would it mean to you to achieve, do, and actually be the person you’ll look back on with pride next year?
You can make it happen, Lionheart.
Lessons are available in New York City and online. If you're interested, email me at mary@setyourlifetomusic and let’s talk!
I compiled some of my favorite songs and want to share them with you as free music downloads. The stories behind them are included, too, because what is the thrill of life without good stories? Get 'em here:
Sayonara, Lionheart.
You know it I love ya. I couldn't and wouldn't DREAM to do it withoutcha.
Mad love. Wishing you inspiration and expansion.
XO MARY ALOUETTE AKA ALARKE
P.S. Click here to support my music on Patreon. Patreon is a crowdfunding platform for raising funds primarily to cover the costs of recording, mixing, and mastering. This is to help me continue making music, sharing it with you, and teaching what I learn to my students. For only $3/month, I will post at a minimum, two "items" that will be available to subscribers only. These might be songs, audio essays, videos, poems--but they will be in the spirit of what we've got going on here already--and then some. I would love for you to be a part of the team that keeps this machine humming and I thank you heartily in advance.
P.P.S. Click here to learn more about songwriting lessons with Set Your Life To Music.