So, what's been up?
Let's see...of course, I did the Requiem. Been listening to that a lot, trying to figure out ways to make it better. Also been discussing out how to get the Requiem out there. I thought I might like to put it at the end of the next album, but I'm second guessing that. The next album is kind of going in a very poppy direction ("Hands Up" and "Love Remains" prime examples) and I'm not sure Requiem will fit on that record, even separated at the end of the album. So, we've talked briefly about possibly releasing Requiem as a separate EP on it's own. I mean, it's 6 songs, 26 minutes...maybe throw a couple more sacred songs on there and it's a good sell...maybe something to tide everyone over till the next album...which may be a while. Anyway...that's one thing on my mind.
So, not sure if any of you ever read or heard about a novel I was writing long before Idol happened called Locks, Stocks and Sylvia Romero. Well, it has sat untouched for almost 2 years now. I recently started working on it again. (For those that don't know) The novel is probably going to end up more like a novella. It's kinda like a bit like a Chuck Palahniuk novel (Fight Club) or like a novelized version of a Coen Brothers movie. It's zany, weird, character-driven, funny and, in the end, will (hopefully) have gravity to it. Before Idol I had written 12 chapters (short chapters, but I digress), so I recently started working on chapter 13. Soon, chapter 14 will come. So...that's been on my mind.
I'm still working on the screenplay idea I talked about a while back. In fact, October is a slower month for me, show-wise, so I'm going to spend a good deal of time working on the script. I have finished the treatment and the scene outline both...so it should be easier to work on a script now. I think this script has real potential to be really funny. We'll see...
In October, it looks like I'll be meeting with some new agents for the acting side of things. My management and I think that tv/film could be a great avenue to put me in...but we need an agent to work for me. CAA was the agency I was with, but as I started to book shows, we realized quickly that they simply didn't catch the vision for what I wanted to do, so we moved over to Third Coast Agency for my personal booking. They are so great and they've worked their tails off for me...but they don't have a theatrical/movie/tv side. So, we're looking at some agencies for that.
In October, Gina will be coming into town to stay with Sarah and me for 5 days. We'll be spending every day in writing sessions with some of the guys I've written with over the last few months. Gina's finally beginning to work on a record. I'm hoping to be able to produce some of her record, too...so we'll see what happens with that.
We're still working hard on the tour for next year. We're looking at a 5 artist co-headlining tour. 5 artists that are up and comers will go out together, and change off every night who closes the night. If we can work it out, it's gonna be cool. Really cool.
In November, of course, we have the Chris Sligh STRIPPED tour. If you can make one of these shows, make sure to make it...they're gonna be cool. Jason, Jon and I will be doing a stripped down acoustic show that I think has the possibility to be really, really cool.
The day after Thanksgiving, I start out on the NewSong Christmas tour. It's NewSong, Rush of Fools, Ayesha Woods and me! Should be great. I'll be sleeping on a bus again! Thank God! I'm so tired of driving in a van or SUV! That tour is 15 dates up until Dec. 21.
So, because of the tour, I'll be going into the studio in October to record a Christmas song or 2 to sell out on the road. So...another thing on my mind.
So, life is busy. But life is good.
And, we're back to where we started. I'm in Colorado. And it is freaking beautiful. How anyone could believe this just exploded into being, I don't know. I look at Colorado and know that there must be a Creator.
36 comments:
All good news, that's great to hear. I'm SO glad to hear that you'll be hopefully helping Gina and that she's beginning to work on a record. I was wondering what was taking so long!
Maybe I'll be able to catch a show of yours sooner or later -- it all depends on location and if I can budget it.
Chris,
I am in that no sleep routine lately too. Was up at 3:30 this morning and could not sleep. Tired but could not sleep. I am going to start taking melatonin again. That has helped me before. Have you tried that? It is a supplement and you can get it at any GNC or health store.
Sounds like you got a lot of things on your mind. I had been wondering when you would get some time to work on your book again.
Good news to hear that Gina is going to record some songs. I was just checking out her web site the other day to see what she was up to. There is an up and coming songwriter/singer named Cheri Magill who wrote a song called Typical Girl and another called Bulletproof Dress that I always think would be awesome songs for Gina to record. The lyrics so fit her.
Colorado is pretty amazing isn't it? I felt the same way as you when I went out to Oregon this summer and looked at the beautiful mountains all around me. When you see all that majestic beauty it does reaffirm in your heart that there truly is a God. Somehow being there and enjoying the beautiful mountains made me feel even closer to my Heavenly Father.
Hope you are able to get some rest and sleep. I know it sucks being tired!
Carmen
Chris, I know I have bought a few "short" albums by Todd Agnew on iTunes. Example, (Reflection of Something Acoustic(Live from Memphis) -EP) Just 5 songs in that case so I imagine I paid $4.99
You might ask them if digital distribution is the way to go for requiem? Less pressure than "CD" sales since the "cost of goods sold" is basically just giving Apple their share? No money tied up in actual plastic/CDs.
Looking forward to seeing a live show sometime, somehow I missed knowing you were in town last time. (Winston Salem area)
Sam
Amen to your comments on Colorado. My older sister lives in Colorado Springs. ((have y'all figured out I have siblings all over the country--CO, CA and OH!) It was amazing to me to be the middle of summer and hot at the bottom of Pikes Peak (not AR hot, but good and warm) and go up to the top and it feel like you'd stepped into a winter wonderland.
OK, I'm gonna sound like an overprotective mama, but here goes....get yourself to the doctor and get checked for sleep apnea. It can make a world of difference in your sleep, and it's a health issue besides that. End of lecture from Dr. Ratliff.
The EP idea sounds interesting plus I think it's a nice way to showcase the Requiem, as opposed to it being on the end of an album.
ARGH, late for work, bye!
Hi Chris-- I feel you on the insomnia thing. (hugs)
As for the rest? Maybe you are in CO and surrounded by God's Creation to remind you of the miracles He can work. He placed you there, right in the middle of all that wonder...and it can remind you of how great is His plans for you! :-) Seems with all you have going on ahead, that is proof enough, eh?
The EP with Requiem sounds like a perfect idea. It can be it's own thing then, complete unto itself. Good idea! Good marketing too, both before the next album, and selling it after.
I wish I knew what the answer was to the overly-busy mind. It may be a side effect from all going on. Hang in there, and rest when you can.
Chris,
You have so much going on. No wonder you can't sleep. I've recently gone through the same problem but finally the doctor gave me something to help, so please go and take care of yourself.
Working with Gina will be really cool.
Safe journeys from Colorado. It is beautiful there.
We are having a tropical storm here. Thunder and lightning...I love this kind of weather..
I do remember about your novel. I remember your blog that had bits of pieces of the novel and other things that you had written. I remember loving to read your stories. Maybe you could post on that again. Yeah, in your spare time right?
TV & film would be so cool for you.
Any thoughts on videos to go with your album's?
Geez, Dude, take a breath! No wonder you aren't sleeping with all this stuff in your head trying to get out!
Sounds like the future is seriously busy. Love, love, love Gina, I'm so glad you are working with her.
Looking forward to seeing how all of these projects progress!
Ok, so Momma # 2 telling you to rethink the sleeping pills, don't want you doing an Elvis on us! Seriously, go see your Dr. you gotta rest sometime so you can recharge.
DJ
How were the concerts? Did you rock their faces off?
Chris,
Yeah, I was gonna mention about melatonin also. I got some of those for my son when he can't sleep. It's a natural substance you body makes that supposed to help you sleep...it helps him. But he only has to take one so be careful!
I think it's great that you can work on your novel again. I would be very interested to read it. And I have been waiting like crazy to see you in a sitcom or something!
Anyway, I hope you get somewhere near here on the NewSong Christmas tour! Love, love, love to see you do that !!!
And, by the way, I agree with you on the gorgeous Colorado scenery...stuff that beautiful doesn't just (bam!) happen by chance...God is everywhere!!!
Chris,
The insomnia may be a result of having so many projects going at once, your constantly energized.
It may be useful to investigate relaxation techniques or meditation. You don't have to use a mantra, you can use a short prayer.
Jane from Ohio some months ago raised concerns about you, possibly, having Sleep Apnea because in one of your interviews because you mentioned you snored, a symptom.
From American Sleep Apnea Association site:
“Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. In central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed apnea, as the name implies, is a combination of the two. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.“
“Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.”
http://www.sleepapnea.org
This is definitely not good for long term general health.
…AND you got to lose this habit of reprimanding yourself as being an idiot in moments when your ignorant. It is and has been abundant apparent that if you knew the answer, and have the discipline, you would act on it. The learning experience is on going, mein herr.
OK, back to finish what I had to leave this morning. (darn those priorities like working!) I'm excited for you that you've got some time to spend on your writing. Do you find your songwriting helps in other writing arenas and vice versa? I know it's different, but yet, what are song lyrics but a story set to music? It makes sense to me that if you can do one, the other might come easier than not. And acting seems like a natural thing for you. You banter easily from the stage, you're at ease in interview situations and funny...I hope those agents and the folks they will connect you with see that, too! I'm really bummed that I can't make it to Jacksonville to see your Stripped Down tour with Carmen, but in hopes of something closer soon. : )
Hope this finds you back home by now, getting a little R & R. One thing that I've heard that helps insomnia is keeping regular bedtimes and awaking times. And of course, that's difficult when you're on the road. I always have trouble sleeping well out of my own bed. Have you tried taking along a favorite pillow?
Don't you love unsolicited advice? : ) Just like having a bunch of mamas wherever you go. LOL
Bless you GDA, but some folks are harder on themselves than they would be on others.
Also, insomnia is a different kettle of fish than apnea. People can't help it if their brain is turning. Being off-schedule, different time zones, perpetual lack of sleep, and over-stimulation are all complications with "letting down".
He has a lot going on right now, and it's taxing, having all those plates spinning in the air.
Chris,
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOu!
so much for coming to Littleton! The concert was just AWESOME! I loved "Hands Up" and doing the "oooh-ooohhh-ooohhh" thing. It was hysterical listening to everyone singing it at the wrong time. Your jokes had me cracking up. Thanks for the autograph, letting me get my picture taken wit you, and letting me give you a hug. I wanted to tell you I was Amy (Amy's Purple Poodles" but I was nervous, and I knew others were waiting to get autographs and or pictures. I might have hung around to talk to you, but I was with my sister-in-law and I knew she probably wanted to get home-45 min. back to my brother's house. Yes, you melted my face off!
Sounds like you have a lot going on. I would love to see you on TV or in the movies-especially a comedy. I love to read and think it would be cool to read something by you. Please see a doctor about not sleeping. I have sleep apnea and trying to get used to sleeping with a special machine so you don't stop breathing (its taken four years to find a mask that fits because I have a kid sized face.
To Risa, Kathy and DJ-If I hadn't known about the concert, I would have never had the best time I've had this year! I owe you a big THANK YOU also! I sat in the second row in the center and spent most of the time standing up screaming, clapping and dancing. I cried during "Potential" and I loved the jokes Chris told and how he interacts with the audience. I am definitly coming to Nashville for the picnic, even it kills me me I will find a way to get there!
Amy,
I was wondering if you had made it out! I'm glad you made it...I wish you had introduced yourself. It's always nice to put a face with a name from the blog!
And...
My dad has sleep apnea, but I haven't really been snoring lately. And it's not that I wake up in my sleep...when I sleep I feel rested...it's that I actually can't fall asleep.
but I'll have to check on the sleep apnea thing.
Chris
I need help! I opened a blogger account like everyone else has, but I can't access it. It keeps telling me my password is invalid. I have tried everything through Google Help, but cannot find an e-mail address for tech support. I have just had it and am practically in tears.
P.s. My sister-in-law took some awe some pictures-I even got one of Chris and I. She is supposed to put them on CD for me. I might need help getting them on here. Just waiting for the CD
Amy, if you'll email me at mkismybiz@aol.com, I'll send you this info I just found. Or see if you can get there via this link:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=41971&src=top5&lev=index
You need to put up the pic of you and Chris as your avatar so he can figure out who you were. I'm so glad you had an awesome time! And we're gonna' count on you being at the picnic.
Amy,
Glad you had such an awesome time. I'm glad your thinking about coming to the picnic.
Amy,
Good for you girl, now next time, you have to speak up! Ok, send pictures!!!
Risa, I have a feeling Chris listens to us like he listens to his Mother, much like the way my son listens to me, .........when and if he wants to:)
Risa, girlfriend, you rock...I have never met an M&M I didn't like either...Thank you so much....
Amy,
Glad you had a great time at your first Chris Sligh concert. I can guarentee that one of Chris's concerts is just like Lay's potato chips. You can't have just one.
Please put your picture up as soon as you can. We are really looking forward to you coming to the picnic next year.
Now GDA, you just have to try and come to the picnic next year too. All the picnic girls are just dying to meet you!
Carmen
I appreciate you, Chris Sligh. That's all. :)
Well Chris, I sure do understand about not being able to sleep. I have the same problem. I take Excedrin PM because I know I can't handle a prescription sleeping aid.
I remember your novel. I've often wondered if you'd get back to it. I'm glad you have, and am looking forward to reading it some day.
You are such a busy guy! When I read about everything you're doing, I get exhausted.
Hey......where is my Rosalee and Harry? I just realized I missed them . Computer failure?
Hello All,
I have missed you guys so much. I have been sick and have been crazy busy at work, foster care taking a serious hit it has been a BAD two weeks. Cathy I am so glad to hear that you are doing well. I thought of you many time on Friday and just ran out of time to get on here and check you out.I am so overjoyed that Teddy did well and again sorry for the late response. Amy I am so glad you got to go to a show and that you had fun (like you had a choice). Chris, I too have a hard time shutting it off at night and going to sleep. I have been taking ambien for about six months. It has worked wonders and I can get the rest that I need. I worry about you and I am in no way advocating for the use of a prescription sleeping pill but it does work for me. I amlooking at the concert scedule and it is looking like Tulsa in March is going to be the closest for me unless something gets added. I would love to catch one ofthe Christmas shows eventhough I am kinda a Sligh snob and really just like it when you are the main event. I may have learned my lesson from the whole Natalie Grant thing in Kansas City. Ok so I think that is all for now. Everybody take care and has anybody heard from Rosalee?
Candy
Rosalee has MIA for sometime now. The picnic girls (for a lack of a decent name for us) have sent out an SOS and a couple of search parties and come back with nada.
We miss you Rosalee.
Candy, sorry you were sick, welcome back.
Lori, can we get an update on Teddy?
Happy Tuesday to the Fro Patro!
DJ
Candy ~ Welcome back. Sorry you were sick.
dj-- I begin to understand what you mean, about your son "listening to you"! My teen smiles benignly at me these days in just such a way. OY.
Amy-- Glad you had such a nice time at the concert! Chris does a great job getting the peoples involved.:-)
I loved the singalong parts too!
Still anxious for a Teddy Update.
Chris-- with all the stuff you have ongoing and upcoming? Good thing you have a site to write it all down on! Planning the year ahead is amazing, to me. (I thought I was being so-proactive talking about taking the kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters in January!)
Last day of September you-all. Make it count.
So much going on and it all sounds so fun!!
Suggestion: If you do Requiem on an EP would you consider doing Communion Song and I'm Ready as some of the other songs with it? That'd be pretty awesome. :D
Re: Teddy
I'm sorry I haven't posted another update! There's a long one concerning our hospital stay under the "Masterworks" post. Chris started a new post right after I posted it so I don't know how many saw it.
Teddy came home Wednesday afternoon, so we were only in the hospital three days. But the inlaws stayed through Saturday so I was a little MIA.
Teddy's doing great! He's super giggly and silly as usual - he sits and plays with all his toys and runs around doing errands, like his usual self. The only thing we're working on is his schedule - he used to sleep from 10pm to 8am but now he's waking up 3, sometimes 4 times a night. It's like having a newborn again. So we're pretty darn exhausted. Most of the time he just wakes up and babbles at us and wants to play and won't go back to sleep. We're working on it. So that's another reason I've been not around as much. I'm sort of zombie-like trying to get my usual daily things done AND my grad school stuff.
Thank you all again so much for your prayers and support. It was so encouraging knowing that Teddy was being prayed for literally from coast to coast. We're so glad that everything's behind us and we can move on. Today was the last day of his antibiotics! yay!!! He's been on them for SIX MONTHS; since he was born. It'll be crazy not having to do his little syringe of pink stuff every evening. Woo hoo - freedom from the pink stuff! :)
Thank you again for being so great, Fro Patro! Teddy sends his giggles your way :).
Chris:
I have been trying to get on your blog for several months. I am Jan White from Oceanside, CA and a friend of Cathy Storms. I first met you in Burbank, CA and then I was at the picnic in Nashville. It was great to meet you and the great ladies that put the picnic together.
I am hoping that you will be performing somewhere close to the San Diego area so we can come and here you and your group.
Jan White
Yeah Jan~Welcome..
Yeah Teddy...
Yay for Teddy doing better! :-)
Thanks for letting us know today Lori.
Thumbs still way-way-up for the Requiem EP idea.
Chris,
Thank you for coming to Montrose, CO. You were sooooo awesome. We had great seats from the second row and we had a great time. Please come back again.
Definitely check on sleep apnea, Chris- my husband suffers from it and it can really take a bite out of your health.
GINA! You, she, and Blake were my favorites from day one. I'm thrilled to hear she's working on new music. Please let her know lots of us out here are rooting for her.
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