Well, I'm sitting out on my porch listening to the packers packing up my furniture and, I presume, getting ready to start carrying stuff out. I feel a little guilty. Sarah and I have moved 4 times since we've been married and every time it's been a stressful, miserable experience that involved me lifting a lot of boxes and carrying my wife's too heavy furniture. This time, I fell a little guilty because the movers are doing all that for me while I write a blog entry. But you know, the guilt is not enough for me to be anything but happy to be sitting writing a blog while they pack up my house.
This is the beginning of a new stage of life for Sarah and me. Sarah, I think, is going to pursue her dream of doing interior design, and it looks like we've got a place for her to work and learn. So that'll be exciting. She's an amazing designer naturally so it'll be fun for her to be able to do what she loves for a living (even if she doesn't make a lot of money at first).
I'm excited, tomorrow I start my workout regimen and, afterwards, head in to work on some finishing some of the songs I have written. I'm a little worried. I've never worked with cowriters before. Well, I have, it just wasn't a good experience. So, I've never worked with pro cowriters before. With the new songs, I feel like musically, they're really close...just the touch of a fantastic producer, I think will shore that stuff up. Lyrically, they're a little further away. I just need a technician to take my ideas and make every word perfect. So, I'll be sitting with some lyricist, showing them how the songs go and letting them work their magic. I think that this could be a big breakthrough for my songwriting. I hope...I'm nervous, but hopeful.
Wednesday, I think I'll be doing some co-writing, having a meeting with one of the producers I'm working with and then I'll be heading over to another producer's house to start work on some more intensive demos. These demos should become the basis for the album, so that will be exciting. Studio work is my favorite...I love being behind the board and creating. Obviously, the touring side of things is ultra important to me...I can't wait to get out on the road. But the creating of the music is so much freaking fun for me. So, it'll be fun to start getting more serious demos done.
Still not sure what will happen on the label side of things. The more I've researched and thought and looked into the whole indie thing, the more I think it could work. However, after all the research, too, I feel like the right label could be great, too. So, the next few weeks are going to be vital. I would have loved to have had a label decision by now, but ultimately I've come to realize that this decision is the most important, so I can't sign with a label simply to have a sense of accomplishment. It has to be the right fit. Looking at friends who have gotten signed in the past, and looking at past Idols who have gotten signed, the right label fit makes all the difference.
So, I'm sitting on the porch wasting time. Dreaming. Looking forward to the next few months. These are the good times.
My name is Chris Sligh. As an artist I'm award-winning, critically acclaimed & mildly-to-not popular; I wrote a number 1 song (Here Comes Goodbye) for Rascal Flatts. I'm married to Sarah and I'm deeply in love. Most importantly, I am a Christ-follower.
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- I am first and foremost a Christ-follower. I am also a wanna-be rock star. I don't feel the two are diametrically opposed. If you do...I feel bad for you.
106 comments:
Good luck with the move and the decisions. We'll miss you here in G-Vegas!!
Lemme be the first to comment on this blog...and to say... Welcome to Nashville, Chris and Sarah! :) Blessings in all you do!
I feel you on the guilt thing, about moving. After all our moves, I don't know that I could do it, just sit by and watch packing. I'm too much a control freak! (of course, they can carry all the furniture and boxes...I'd be okay with that!)
heh.
I just wanted to comment about your songwriting/co-writing you spoke of. I don't know your style, but it seems the Nashville way of things is definitely team oriented. Some fit into that better than others. One can't argue with the success of Nashville songwriters, but not all people fit into that. I have heard that people who do their creative work in a more solitary manner have a harder time, being as their writing is private, and done with them and a guitar or something somewhere.
Now, with the right people around you? And a feeling of comeraderie? You might be really loving the group atmosphere of things! It might feel really good to be supported, musically.
At any rate, I know that you have to be very excited about the move, and the prospects in Nashville. That is a wonderful thing, and you have a great group around you for your start. Positive thoughts, and lots of love for the new beginnings.
(It's only in the 80's this week, so even the weather should cooperate for a beautiful start!)
Chris,
It has to feel so cool to have your life shooting out in all of these different amazing directions. I've always wondered what it would be like to wake up and know that you are about to go do what you love most and get paid for it. I think this may very be one of the biggest secrets to a happy life and I'm thrilled for you and Sarah.
These are truly the good times for you, enjoy, you've earned it!
Love from AL!
Chris a month ago I was in the exact same position - feeling guilty sitting around watching the movers pack up my house and move my heavy furniture!
Instead of blogging (or helping the movers), Danny used the mover's little dolly thing to take Nina's 1 year old daughter on "rides" around the driveway. You have to see this picture, it's priceless. She's mad because she didn't want Danny to stop...
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p207/hstryqt/Indy014.jpg
You're smart to take it slow with such big decisions. Have fun this week, doing what you love to do! And good luck with the move :).
Lori
Oh, Chris, what HUGE changes you are going through! On the recording side of things, let me say I am SO excited that soon there will be a post-Idol product to enjoy. Thanks for posting all the details and delimmas that go into putting out an album. It's a fascinating education on the industry.
Am glad you're able to enjoy the blessing of professional movers instead of doing all the backbreaking work yourself. I like how your guilt works. It makes you happy! Another front I can learn from you on. LOL
Hoping and praying that during your move you can stay away from the fat laden fast food. They seem to go hand in hand for me. Sabotaging your new fitness leaf the day before you turn it over is counterproductive.
Am praying for ya, as always.
Blessings to you in all your endeavors! Rock on!
~clarissaNaz
Rather than write a novel, I just want to keep it simple in saying; GOOD LUCK!
Wow, congratulations, Chris! I'm so happy for you both. You're too damn talented not to be able to do things your way. I hope it all works out!
You'll always have a fan in Canada, praying for you.
What a blessing to be starting on another journey of your life. I agree with waking up every morning & getting to do something that is your passion is a blessing. Good luck to you & Sarah. Sounds like she also is living the dream.
Can't wait to hear the new CD and see you on tour.
When you tour will it a church tour or another venue?
If it's a church tour, my daughter has already been talking to her church about your music.
cool! sarahslighdesigns will be a hit, i'm sure! (or whatever she calls it) so happy for both of you.
nw
raleigh
Sitting on the porch, perhaps sipping sweet tea? (Splenda, of course! LOL) That seems the perfect beverage for a still sort of warm fall morning.
Guilt? Nah! We had always moved ourselves (it's always been pretty local, just moving up to a bigger house, not a distance move), but we did hire movers to do our last move to this house for our furniture, we did the smaller stuff. Gaylon's back now won't allow picking up heavy stuff. So YEA for professionals.
Interior design--how fun! I have two close friends who do that, one who has a very lucrative business (I'm about to start on his website...he's been slow to embrace the technology side of things) and a girlfriend who isn't formally trained but has the "eye" and has done it on the side for years. I always say I know how to pick my friends, 'cause design is not my strong suit, but if you have the right friends, all is well! : ) Sarah will no doubt have a blast decorating your new digs! Both of you making a living at what you love---doesn't get better than that. (well, ok, Publisher's Clearinghouse millions might be better....LOL)
Any new venture can make one a little nervous, but I bet once you get to know these folks a little better and they know you better, you'll feel more confident in the whole experience.
Does your management company have advice for you on the label issue?
Safe travels, and thanks for keeping us in the loop as you transition to your new life.
Take care, Risa
Oh, I meant to add: Dreaming is never a waste of time. (as long as it is followed by action) Where would we be without the dreamers of the world?
Dream on!
How exciting, so many changes!! I wish you the best of luck with the move to Nashville!! Hopefully, I will be moving to Memphis in about two years to acheive my dreams of working at St. Judes- plus I need to get out of Michigan. I am so excited for you to kick off your music career...can't wait for that album and tour! Also, yay for Sarah and the interior design dream coming true. Good luck, and thanks for the update. <3, Megan
First - it's cool that Sarah wants to be an interior designer and that she is getting the chance to follow her dream. That surely makes you feel less guilty - because sometimes I have felt you may have, as most recently you have gotten to follow yours.
Was wondering about the label thing. You are a thinker and so am I, and I find that if I think and process long enough (with a little prayer mixed in) I usually come to the right conclusion.
I have said this many times, but it
is worth repeating. You are really gifted, and will be a success in whatever you do. How do I know? NO clue. Maybe it's a gut thing. All I know is that when I flip through on my Ipod and get to one of your songs, I am once again reminded how great your voice is. Also - quite honestly, I struggled with the new demos at first, but over the weekend fell in love - not sure whether I needed to clear my head, or hear them a couple times.
Are you going to record without a label? Who will pay for the studio time then? I think management is not paying for studio time and production?
Good Luck with all your decisions and changed, Chris! Sounds like you are in a confusing and uncertain time, but I'm sure things will clear up soon.
Anonymous 12:24,
If I go without a label, then I would form a record label with investors that would pay for the studio time and production. Plus, it's a possibility these days to do most everything for free up front with payment on the back end.
We'll see what happens. With or without a label I'll have an album out in the spring.
Chris
Please tell Sarah congrat's on being able to work as an Interior Designer. Your new house will be beautiful. I would love to do that. I would like to do set design for movies or tv..Do you think it's to late to make a career move?
Cathy, I'm not Chris, but I don't think it's ever too late to start something new.
I read one time about someone who was contemplating med school. He said, "But just think how old I'll be when I finish!"
And of course, the answer to that was, "And how old will you be if you don't go?"
Best wishes to you and Sarah on your move and Sarah's new job. Your absolutely right "these are the good times" for the both of you. How exciting -
Thanks Risa & you are so right. Definatly something to think about...
CHRIS AND SARAH,
ONCE AGAIN ENJOY THE VIEW....
GOD IS GOOD....REJOICE!!!!
TO TUCKER AND LG....NEW PLACE TO HIDE YOUR BONES, TOYS, AND WELL MARK YOUR TERRITORY....WAY TO GO BOYS!!! NOW IS THE TIME TO BE TOGETHER...I CAN'T BELIEVE A YEAR HAS PASSED...SO EXCITED FOR ALL OF YOU...MAY GOD BLESS THE JOURNEY AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE...MUCH LOVE SENT YOUR WAY!!!!
PEACE & LOVE...........
ONE LOVE..................
HAHAHA Well here's to hoping the dogs don't do any marking of their new territory because then that means they were demasculized for no reason. (actually, my grandma has two male dogs, both fixed and they do mark everywhere. I think it's because they're both males and it's the whole "I'm top dog of the house" thing.)
Also for the entire lable thing, I guess I'm wary because many people who write such great music have had it changed to make it more "marketable" once they sign to an actual lable. I really hope that doesn't happen in this case, because honestly, if someone tells you to change your music, Chris, tell them to get out. I just hope that if you DO chose a major lable, you won't have your creativity limited.
This comment will probably make no sense because I am at work and the phone seems to ring every time I type more than three words at a time.
I HATE MOVING!!!!! Okay wow, that was more exclamation points than I've ever used in my life but seriously, it's one of the few things in life that I'd do just about anything possible to avoid. Granted, I've never been able to afford to hire movers so it's always me lugging furniture down/up 93485 flights of stairs and dropping boxes that always contain something important/breakable/expensive, but what I am meaning to say with this endless run-on sentence is that I definitely understand moving being stressful and tend to avoid it at all costs, so don't feel guilty just because for once you don't have to deal with all of that!
I'm actually really glad to hear that you're approaching the entire label situation so thoughtfully and with so much patience. A lot of musicians seem to jump on the first or one of the very first opportunities that present themselves, and the fact that you are taking the time to decide which label will allow you to make the music that is truest to who you are as an artist is very admirable and I'm not just saying that. These kinds of matters require a very careful decision.
Good luck in your move and in all the new fun stuff coming up for you.
In all your plans about major label vs. indie label vs. own label, have you had any thoughts about teaming up with other AI alum who have started their own labels?
Also, can I just tell you that I'll buy your CD no matter what label it's on. Your last CD has become our household favorite.
Hello Chris & Sarah,
Best wishes to both of you as you change 'latitude'.
James Bertilino
The Toast
May you always have art to charm your days, a sensible hearth & friends as dependable as gravity.
May the wind and creatures be as music to your evenings alone & may your dreams leave you renewed.
May you have an appaloosa to ride the outline of blue hills, and nothing that sickens, and no black sticks.
Shalom
Wasting time is great. It gives you time to think about what's coming next, or maybe just to just do nothing. Anyway, I've been lucky (or maybe unlucky) enough to have been pretty stationary throughout my life, that is, I've only moved once, and it was pretty uneventful, but it'll be a blessing not to have to live in one state and work in another, even if your work is strumming chords and belting out face-melting tunes.
Chris i agree with Risa, Dreaming is never a waste of time. I do it all day everyday. Good luck on the move, man i wish me and mom could of afforded movers that would of been nice. Just to let you know again, im jealous that you are moving to Nashville i love it there.
Megan did you tell me you wanted to work at St. Jude, hey ill be going there for up to 10 years after my transplant maybe you can be my dr. lol. Wait i dno about that lol. You'll have to tour the hospital if you come up there with Sam.
Heh, here's a bit of irony, just as Sligh is heading to Nashville...
I have late-breaking AI news! Spouse was coming home from work...he works in Nashville you-all, and has to pass Opryland Hotel every day. He grabbed his phone and told me that All the buses from the AI Tour were sitting there in the parking lot, like they had just brought back the musicians and/or backup singers! He saw the silver buses, right away. He laughed he told me, because he's like, "Gee, THOSE look familiar!"LOL. (He double-checked the license plates on them, and they are Mississippi license plates...men notice that sort of thing, I guess.)
So how about that? *sighs wistfully.* He said he did not see any humanoid activity around them, but they had not been there this morning.
They beat you there, Chris. :-)
Chris,
I think that you deserve to waste a little time. You have worked your butt off to get where you are at and I know you will continue to work your butt of to achieve your dream.
I am glad that you & Sarah are able to both have the opportunity to realize your dreams. Good luck in Nashville. I see only sunny skies ahead for both of you.
Carmen
I forgot something. I had on my idol shirt today and it seemed like everyone wanted to talk about idol. One lady was like what is Chris Sligh like... She smiled at me cause my face lit up and i was like well he is great and so sweet and went on and on...she said her husband just loved you Chris.
Random story because it's one of those things where you just have to laugh... my dad took my car to fix a few things up because I had to get it inspected today, so he had it over the weekend. Well, he was welding something on the bottom of it and somehow... set the roof of my car on fire! Haha.
Chris,
Good luck on the move - hope everything arrives in one piece! I am really excited about your move simply because all of our family lives in central and western Kentucky and we visit there frequently. Nashville is close enough to work in a concert with a visit home! Whatever you decide with the label I believe it is the touring and connecting with the fans that will ultimately ensure your success.
Also if I may suggest - if you can put out a Christmas single in time for the holiday season it will be a good way to keep your name in the general public while also keeping your Christian base. The holiday season is the one time of year that all 'mainstream' radio stations play religous music and you could build your cross-over fans. Just a thought!
Love to all
Keri
PS to Carrie - I am laughing but with pangs of guilt at your misfortune - sorry!
Thanks for answering my question, Chris. But isn't direction of the album should be largely decided by the label? I mean if you go indie then you decide which songs are in the album; but if you go to a major label they will decide what kind of songs get to be in the album. What if you recorded some songs, but they don't like it?
And by the way, are you still sticking to CCM or your direction would be based on the label selection?
Oh, don't worry, my car is fine! It was just really funny to hear my dad set my car on fire because honestly, I've wanted to a few times. I probably would have laughed if I saw it. My car is a '92 so it's pretty old and rusty. I'm surprised it even runs. I'm hoping to get a newer car after winter.
You know, everytime I see the title of this post, I start singing to myself,"Sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time..."
Not a bad thing, nope. :-)
Hope everything went well for you yesterday. Just thought I'd check in and wave at you in support. Sending prayers and love too.
We'll miss seeing you when we come to G-ville, but are excited for you and Sarah. Hopefully all the animals will make the necessary adjustment, too!!
Happy Birthday Carmen!!! :D
Carmen~Happy Birthday to you.....
Hope your feeling better
To Chris,
From GDA,
The album: Is this going to be a major change in direction, musically, to that of "Take A Chance"?
The Grateful Dead, as Jerry Garcia once explained it, used the making of the album as a rehearsal for the following tour.
Will the resulting album be of performances that you and your backup will be able to duplicate live?
GDA
Interesting piece of information in the booklet that came with the Patsy Cline box set.
In the time frame she recorded (1957 - 1962), country artists didn't make records to make real money but as a promotional devise to gain radio exposure to in the hope of increasing attendence at their live performances.
GDA
I know this is a Chris Sligh blog, but I figured I'd ask this here since I don't know where else to ask this.
Does anyone know what sort of album Phil Stacey is making? I had first heard that it would be a country album, but then someone told me that he had signed to the same team as Chris Sligh, which is a Christian music team... or something. haha anyway I'm confused!
Anyone know? Probably not, since this isn't a Phil blog... but gosh darn it, there just isn't one of those!
Hello Chris and the Fros! GirlyGirl is back from Berlin. There's no better cure for jetlag than doing laundry while catching up on the blogs. I've missed yours. Like a rolling stone you've certainly not been gathering any moss. Haha, having packers pack you up--isn't that a great feeling? it's that razor story on a larger scale--you've earned a few more creature comforts. Glad to hear you're settling back in with your "new and improved" puppies and with Sarah. How cool to be able to encourage her as she embarks on her dream career just as she has supported yours. Enjoy your studio collaboration, and don't rush the label decision. You've got good instincts, and you're a deliberative thinker, so just take the time you need to think it through and do what feels right.
As you set out on your new workout regimen, it might help if I share one of my favorite AI6 concert images: It is of one Chris Sligh in DC doing this amazing leap during Typical--you were catching some air, Chris. I wish to heck I had a photo, but that image is vivid in my head. Sligh-Jordan, you can do it!!
GDA, I love that quote: "Jerry Garcia used the making of the album as a rehearsal for the following tour."
Carianne, I believe Phil will be focusing on country (drat for me, but his voice does lend itself well to that genre), but I'm sure that Sligh will set us straight.
Hey Chris, I haven't checked out your blog in quite a while and I've only posted in the comments once or twice, but you had something in an older post that intrigued me and I thought I would give you my insight. Just some perspective - I'm a 27 year old woman who's old pasttime (before marriage and stepchildren) was concerts, concerts, concerts. I used to buy every new CD that I wanted the week it came out and I would never miss a show by one of my favorite artists if they were within a 6 hour drive. So, although my lifestyle has changed in the past year or so and limited my music and concert buying ability, I'll give you my input on your questions below from my crazy music-loving days.
So, here are the questions
If I go out and give a consistently low price point, does it cheapen the music, or is selling albums selling albums? I'm a huge fan of another idol who has become quite the golden girl and her CD selling price has never dropped below the $12.99 range. However, she is a major label artist and has tons of promotion and people behind her. However, on one of her non-official fansites, some of her fans have been dogging a young up and comer in the genre, because her CD is often selling for less than $10, even as low as $5 or $6 sometimes. This young up and comer has spent several weeks at the top of the genre's album chart, and yes, I will tell you that some fans think if her album wasn't selling at such a low price, it would not be selling as well. So, some are discrediting her #1 status because of a low sales price. However, both of these artists I am talking about have some pretty good promotion teams behind them and aren't hurting for recognition. If your music is good, you won't have to lower the price (I would say $9.99 would be the lowest I would go) to sell it. All it will take is one good single like Elliott Yamin "Wait for You" to give your album a good push.
Is it radio (i.e., hits) that cause you to buy albums or is it the artist? Do you check out myspace, iTunes, etc. instead of relying on radio? If it's a new artists, it is definitely radio singles. I never check out new artists on myspace or Itunes and I never download whole albums, because I'm still old school and like the physical CD. As long as they are being made, I will keep buying them. The only other way I find new music is from friends and as you mentioned in a post earlier - TV shows! I can't tell you how many great artists I have found because their music was played on a tv show. I found Lifehouse before anyone else because "Everything" was used on an episode of Roswell. I used to download every other song I heard on Dawson's Creek, because there was some really great music used on the WB shows. Gavin Degraw came into my musical catalogue before he had a single on the radio, because his song is the theme for "One Tree Hill". If you want to reach the teens and twenties (probably your biggest buying audience), don't hesitate to get a song used for a tv show theme or a promotional commercial like Daughtry did with Prison Break. Connecting music with an emotional or dramatic scene in a favorite show or movie can really do wonders. Anyway, as for more established artists - if I've been a loyal fan for years, most times I will buy your album the first week it's out without hearing it. However, if the artist puts out one weak album (even if they're a fave), I will not do that anymore. Examples - I'm a die hard fan of that other idol and as soon as the sophomore album is released at midnight, I'll be there no matter what. However, I've been a Martina McBride fan for years, but really didn't like "Anyway", the lead single from her latest album. I decided to listen online before I bought it and ended up not buying. The same with Rascal Flatts - I loved their Melt CD and the song "What Hurts the Most" so I bought their last CD immediately. It was disappointing compared to their past efforts, so now I'm going to listen to the new CD before I decide to buy. Unfortunately sometimes, it's just a money issue. There are several CDs out there that I want, but just can't afford to buy, so I illegally download the singles I like. I love Brooks & Dunn, but don't own one album of theirs. I keep meaning to buy, but I just forget or don't have the cash flow. Blame it on the fuel cost. I used to be able to fill my car up for $11 in college and now it takes $30. That's almost two CDs a week that I used to buy.
What causes you as a consumer to buy concert tickets? Is it the fact that you like a certain song or because you think it'd be interesting to see them or is do you have to like the whole records. To get my money for a concert, I have to be a fan of all your music, not just one song. It may or may not be someone that I own several records of, but it has to either be someone entertaining or someone who's music or voice has that something extra special. At least to get me to pay the big bucks. Now, I have gone to see people I otherwise wouldn't because the tickets were really cheap ($20 or less), but to get me to spend $30+ I have to like quite a bit of your musical library. And if I really like an artist, I don't hesitate to spend $75+ to see them in concert and more than once, but typically they are someone who has proven to be a good concert.
Okay, discuss.
Chris, I hope you find my insight interesting and/or useful. I know I'm only one consumer, but I like a range of music from country to rock. Most of my country I get from watching CMT/GAC or the radio, some of my pop/rock I get from the radio, and a lot of the less mainstream I get from TV.
-Stacey
Back to what GDA said, as a pointer:"The Grateful Dead, as Jerry Garcia once explained it, used the making of the album as a rehearsal for the following tour."
That was in the days before all the layered sound and lip-synching. Personally, I would be mad as heck to go to a concert, receive a "performance" with a possee prancing around lip-synching ala the MTV music awards JLo. I don't mind if it's stripped down, but it better be LIVE! :-)
We keep and treasure the record sound, and they have to either meet or beat it in concert. They better be able to duplicate it. In this way, I have been worried about Shania Twain and her layers, but she is so doggone good acoustically--if her hubby would let her do an acoustic album like she's been wanting to? It would be great, I'm sure!
We saw Boston in their last concert series, and they sounded so canned, I was really disappointed. To spend the money on a concert, you want to feel the artist involved in it. The Grateful Dead (as I understand it) offered that to their consumers in spades. The album was just so the fans would know the soundtrack to the experience! LOL.
Even James Taylor, him and his guitar, offered his fans the experience of being with him and singing along. It's that that brings us back, again.
Hi Chris! Good luck with all those decisions you've got to make. However, I'm sure that whatever label you decide to go with, you'll be successful. You've got great talent and you've built quite a fan base since your exposure on American Idol.
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. I have decided if I am not better by the end of the week then I am going to go get a shot.
I plan on chillin at home for my B-day. My hubby is cleaning the house. Can't ask for a better Birthday gift than that.
Carmen
I have been out doing a technical assistance classroom visit all day, Carmen, or I would have said HB sooner....here's a song we used to sing with my kiddos at school...too bad I can't add the melody. : )(clap in rhythm now!)
Happy, happy birthday,
On this your special day!
Happy, happy birthday,
Is what we've come to say! Hey!
Happy, happy birthday,
From all of us to you!
Happy, happy birthday,
May all your dreams come true! Hey!
I just saw a text from Amanda, with a prayer request she asked me to bring to the blog for her friend, Tyler. I don't know how appropriate it is to go into the medical details here, but just know he needs your prayers. Risa
Thanks Risa, yea he is in major need of prayers. He is on a vent. right now. He has been having small seizures and i dno anymore details. But he is my partner in crime and i need him here. So please please pray and pass it around.
Happy Birthday Carmen.
Amanda,
Praying for your pal Tyler.
Carmen
Happy Birthday Carmen!
Amanda~Praying for your friend Tyler...
Hey Chris, I'm a friend of Tommy and Carollee's (also been chatting with your mom over email)....congratulations to you and Sarah. If I were you, I would also sit on my butt while they move my house. I'm not even sure I would feel the guilt! Really looking forward to your album. Take a Chance on Something Beautiful is really good and I heard Trouble this evening on sirius...made me think of you. Also, I'm really enjoying your music recommendations. Anyways, good luck with move. Hopefully all your stuff with arrive. : ) Good luck over the next few weeks.
To Chris,
From GDA,
How did you prepare L. G. & Tucker to be relocated and accept your new address as home?
I've heard of people who moved without preparing their dogs for relocation having quite a rebellion of bad behavior to contend with.
An interesting page on the promotion of 19th century swedish opera Jenny Lind.
"In September 1850, P. T. Barnum embarked on a nationwide tour with a Swedish opera singer that would bring him a vast fortune and create a new cultural phenomenon: the celebrity. Barnum succeeded in building such great public anticipation about the "Swedish Nightingale" that 40,000 people showed up to greet the arrival of her ship in New York harbor. From her opening concert in New York Citys Castle Garden to subsequent performances in cities and towns across the country, Barnum fueled public fascination with Lind by orchestrating events and negotiating Lind-endorsed products (including Jenny Lind songs, clothes, chairs, and pianos). "Lindomania" lasted until 1852, when the partnership collapsed over logistical and financial issues. Barnum shrewdly promoted Lind’s character--her modesty, benevolence, and selflessness--as much as her artistry. One scholar contends that because of Barnum’s promotion, Lind became "the standard for measuring not just sopranos, or even women artists, but women" throughout the 1850s.'
This followed by 15 connecting articles.
The Jenny Lind Archive / The Lost Museum: http://chnm.gmu.edu/lostmuseum/searchlm.php?function=find&exhibit=nightingale&browse=nightingale
GDA
GDA--I always wondered who Jenny Lind was, when I saw all the Baby Furniture and stuff with her name on it. :-)
In other news regarding spending money, I went back into the dangerous jungle that is Amazon.com, and I found a couple cheaper Incubus albums to try. I heard that song "Dig" on the radio again on the way home, and it proved too much for me! There are a few songs I would mind having on each one, so what the heck? When a song comes along that gives me chill-bumps, I just gotta have it.
I've had good luck with buying used books this way, so we'll see about albums.
There's like 3 styles at work in this group, and I'm curious which one it is that is the common denominator for me.
Rosalee,
Better yet David Bowie
GDA
well everyone im about to leave to go to St. Jude, im really nervous, but i can do this. Its no thing. Love you guys.
You can do it, Amanda! We're all thinking of you--hang tough, lil lady, and you know what? you're tougher than all of us. You're in good hands, and we're sending our love your way.
Hey, Amanda. Remember, you are not alone. You've got all your blog friends here, no telling how many Blaker and Richness folks, your E-train bunch, and all your friends at home, and your family. We are pulling for you and praying for you.
GDA, I think you're on to something. How about a line of Sligh-sational hair products? : )
Risa
Hey yall im here i got my posters up and it looks good. I have to get my idols poster and my Corbin Bleu poster lamenated. The big poster Of Chris Rich that Marleybone got me is on the bathroom door which is really close to my bed. I have it so when i first wake up im either going to see Chris or High School Musical.
So far its ok they just hooked me up to saline, zantac, and heprain(keeps my veins from clotting.) But im about to go to sleep, i have to take a bath every 4 hours tomorrow. fun fun. Love yall thanks for the prayers.
Amanda~Hang in there little one.
We are all right there with you in spirit & prayer. If you or your family need anything all they have to do is ask.
You are so brave & such an inspiration to me & my family. We talk about you & pray for you all the time.
So you just know that you cybermom from California is pulling for you.
Amanda,
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Ditto what Cathy said, if you need anything please let me know, I am not that far from you.
You have many, many friends supporting you here!
Stay strong and know that you are loved.
Amanda - glad you brought it with you. Thinking of you.
God bless you, Amanda. Good luck too, with everything today.
Sending Corbin Bleu smiles to fill your head-- :-)
Amanda,
I trust all goes well with the minmium of disconfort and recuperation time.
GDA
Posted before but it didn't go through :)...
Amanda - good to see that you're settling in, surrounding by all of your favorite things (Cake and HSM2 :). Please don't hesitate to post *lots* with all of your updates - especially considering you'll be without facebook and myspace - I'll be lost without you! Keep kickin' butt, girl!
chris,
have a great time moving here to nashville. my wife and i live south of franklin in spring hill and we love it!
be sure to take in everything, and don't obsess about the label situation. having been on one, and my wife working at one it's not the most stable time. you'll have a great shot wherever you land, or if you choose to start your own though.
have a blast in the studio, and blessings on the co-writing!
Amanda,
Glad to hear that you have all your "stuff" in place & that you are settled.
Just want you to know that all of us are pulling for you. You are a great inspiration to many people. You hang tough, girl.
You are always in my thoughts & prayers.
Carmen
To Rosalee & Risalea
From GDA,
Now that ole Phineas has fueled some fun, let us return to something I think was/is near and dear to Rosalee's heart.
Chris - It has been thought that you would benefit from taking a look at the following.
Ask Professor Flo (Mark Volman of The Turtles, who's biggest hit was "Happy Together", and at last count is currently living and teaching in Nashville))
"My life changed the day I signed my first record contract.
I didn't know it then, but it plunged me deep into the business world of music for the next 45 years.
I had no mentors, no consultants and certainly no books to offer me insights into the spiral onto which I had just embarked…a spiral through seven managers in the first five years and worse yet, signed 100% of my songwriting publishing away before I had even written my first song.
Changes in the industry.
The music business has changed dramatically since that first contract was signed in 1965 as a member of The Turtles, but many things still remain the same. The incredible amount of stories I have personally heard, telling of lost careers and lost human beings, could fill a very large book.
For every successful story, there are many more reflecting the outcomes of battered lives left to fade away in the wake of misguided musical choices and decisions.
Todays music business climate.
Today musicians, artists and songwriters still sign agreements they do not completely understand and the results of that turn the dream of success into a battle of survival, not just as a musician, but as a battle for life. Record companies, for the most part, still function as a small cog in the much larger wheel of the corporate structure and the musicians, artists and songwriters are the oil that greases the cog in the wheel.
Plan for survival.
Many, I should say most artists, have no idea of a long-range plan for survival, and the idea of having a plan for a career is so far away from their reality that most will find themselves signing one bad deal after another…over and over again.

Plan for success.
The promise for success lays a foundation for those bad choices and bad decisions just as it did for me over 40 years ago, and continues for others
http://www.professorflo.com/index.html
GDA 2007.10.04
Hey everyone i just woke up it was a bad morning. They gve me Rabbit ATG and with 30 mins of it was getting sick, so they gve me some benadryl, that didnt work so they ried another and aslas that didnt work but the lst one did. I knew chemo made you sick but seriously i didnt know it made you that sick, that fast.
God Bless Ya.
It seems like everyone is moving right now. On my block alone there are 4 houses for sale. Good to hear you're getting a chance to relax, it's well deserved!
I'm glad you haven't rushed into things reguarding a label, it'll all work out better in the long run to wait and make the best possible decision.
Anyone in here following post season baseball? To this point I'm 5-0 in my predictions. I'm going for the Rockies/Dbacks, Redsox/Indians.
Chris, I believe today is the day of the 3rd round of auditions and really the day that started this whirlwind of a year. Take some time, relax, clear your head, and make the best decision for yourself. I'm sure whatever decision you make will be well thought out and the best one for you and for your music.
Amanda has gotten over a 100 comments, but she sure could use some more-- don't forget to drop by the caringbridge page and sign the guestbook!
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewGuestbook.do?method=executeInit
Show her some love, and help give her some good thoughts, while she goes thru a very trying day. Little things make a difference.
Amanda's guestbook,
trying to access it using, http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewGuestbook.do?method=executeInit
, has been an exercise in frustration and a waste of time.
I await caringbridges's response on why. An answer is promised in two days.
If this not because of something I'm not doing or doing wrong then this is a most adversive way to maintain contact.
GDA
hey guys im getting my second round of atg and its already disagreeing with me. Thanks for signing my guestbook. if there are any typing errors its due to the stupid heart monitor on my finger. Anyways talk to you all soon.
im going to give yall my number i dont care that ppl will see it, but if you ever want to check up on me my number is 870-974-4544,
love yall
Amanda!
You have email!
From: Me
To: You
:)
wow where has everyone been? I hope all is well with yall, i made it through 3 rounds of chemo so far and 2 rounds of rabbit atg. I feel my body slowing down but im still amanda. Im hoping my hair falls out soon, im sick of it. lol
I love you guys.
I tried to post here earlier but blogger bumped me out. Sorry Amanda! I meant you to have another message of support here waiting for you. *hugs*
Amanda....I think everyone's sitting back, waiting for Chris's moving stories.
I was so glad to read your friend, Tyler, is better.
I know that all these procedures are tough...keep your end goal in mind...to kick cancer to the curb!
Praying for you daily. Risa
AMANDA,
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I'M THINKING OF YOU. I AM AT WORK RIGHT NOW BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT HELP YOU TO KNOW A DOCTOR FRIEND OF MINE WHO USE TO HAVE CHEMO SPENT A FEW TIMES AT THE HOUSE AFTERWARD AND USE TO DRINK PEPSI . IT HELPED THE NAUSEA AND SETTLED THE STOMACH FOR HER.GIVE IT A TRY IF THEY DON'T HAVE PEPSI TRY COKE.THE COLA IN IT HELPS. OK GIRL GOOD LUCK WITH THE CHEMO CHAT SOON.
GOTTA RUN.
PEACE & LOVE.....
ONE LOVE...............
Amanda,
Praying for you. My manager is on the board at St. Jude's so we're working on getting me down there in the next few weeks. I can't wait to see you again. Stay strong and know that the Blogger peeps are on your side and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry I've been out. The new house didn't have internet till yesterday. I'm having trouble setting up wireless still. Anyone know anything about Airport Extreme made by Apple? I've done everything the instructions say but haven'te been able to set up a network for some reason. If you have expertise, please speak up.
Anyway, miss you guys. Some exciting stuff has been happening, but we're in the middle of working it all out, so when I can I'll tell.
Peace and love,
Chris
Hey Chris,
I was all excited when you asked for expertise about setting up wireless - because that's what Danny does. I even asked if he knew much about Airport Extreme and he was like "Yea!" Alas, when I asked him about setting up wireless for it he was like "Oh that's a Mac thing, I couldn't help with that." UGH. Sorry Chris - I thought I'd be the one (indirectly) to save the day. But I guess not!
Excited to hear your new news! Seems like things are going great for you already.
There are many who are curious about the start to your new diet and training - any news there?
Have a great weekend!
Lori
Chris you just made the worst day this week,the happiest moment of it. The ATG is doing a number on me causeing me to have flu like syptoms and my whole hurts im on morphine, benadryle, zofran, and adavan i think for either nausea or pain and on top of all of that im running a high fever 101 which is dangerours for cancer patients.
I really cant wait to see you again either Chris and i had a question if i brought by guitar up here could you teach me out to put the strngs on and tune it cause i am awfull at that.
Everyone who walks into my room up there goes oh idol i like him, oh well i like her she was good to, he should of won, its so much fun to watch.
(i apologize for anything that doesnt make sesne blame it on the drugs ok guys.
Aw Amanda feel better! I keep meaning to figure out how to send you an e-mail or something but I haven't been home much.
Amanda, I'm sorry you're feeling so crappy and hope the good meds kick in soon and take away your pain and nausea. Just get through a moment at a time, and think of wonderful us out in Slighland of the blogosphere :-)
It's very cool that you play guitar, and you've given us a very happy image of you and Chris rigging it up just right.
Congrats on the move, Chris!
Amanda, you are going to be the envy of all at St. Jude's when Chris pays you a personal visit.
And you don't even have to do a stakeout! : ) (I still say a career in private investigation is somewhere in your future!)
(((Amanda)))big hug, and looking forward to giving you one in person in a couple of weeks. Hang in there! Risa
p.s. Chris, that must be a sign that your manager is on the St. Jude's Board. I'm even more convicted that the picnic should be a wonderful fundraiser for the hospital. I'm glad you're back on the net...no internet is the pits!
Chris~My son-in-law is a MAC guru.
He is Deliah's (you know your best friend, she thinks so anyway) daddy. He asked what specific problem you are having & he could help you. I left his e-mail on your my-space...He only has MAC's at the school he works at so he is pretty familiar with all that MAC can do. He's always telling me to get one.
Many prayers for you, Amanda.
It sounds like such tremendous times for you, Chris. Thanks for taking the time to update us, even though it is a really busy time.
Movers are the bomb and the boogie.
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