Crooked Mouth Musings

Back to Rockwood

2012-01-30T22:06:00.000-06:00

This is the last gig before we hit the studio to record my 3rd album! Excitement!

2011 all over...

2012-01-08T19:25:00.000-06:00

Another year gone? Wow! It is a little sad when you have a blog, and don't write in it much. And to remind you how quickly time passes if you scroll just a short ways down you can read a post about the '2009 wrap-up'.. Man. Quick. That's what life is. Wherever you are, I hope you are getting to be slow and enjoy things. That's my goal for life as it zooms by, - to be able to stop and smell those metaphoric roses. Because after all, it's the journey not the destination, right?

Wishing you a fantastic 2012!

I can't wait to share my year with you. Albums, gigs, thoughts on life here in NY... Hoping to write a little more this year. Hoping to have lots to share!

Phase One complete!

2011-11-17T20:51:00.000-06:00

Well, the Kickstarter postcards are all on their way to everyone as we speak! Did you get yours already? I would love to know where they are living now!! (If you didn't get yours, did you tell me your address yet?)

Now, onto Phase Two - sending out those digital downloads. Oh, and getting into the studio. THE funnest part.

YES!

ONE MORE DAY!

2011-09-29T15:21:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness - it is POURING out there. Torrential downpour. It always seems to get going right when I am about to walk out the door!! Typical! So, I thought I would send this LAST reminder email while I wait it out a second. I hope it is a second, - I gotta get to rehearsal for my gig on Saturday.

Are you coming? I am looking very forward to it!! I've put together a set list based on my most popular songs (as dictated by itunes! Can you guess what they are?), as well as some songs that will be on the new album. Which, by the way, is going to be made BECAUSE OF YOU ALL!! Super excited!! Been in the studio practicing my little heart out for it. Getting things how I want them to be. Thinking about the track order. Oh, and working on the limited editions for the Kickstarter campaign (postcards, t-shirts, posters & coasters!). I can't wait to show you the poster design, - but I have to wait until after the campaign to release it.. you'll see why!

There is still time to donate if you haven't already. ONE DAY left to donate, though. You gotta get in now!! Especially if you want any of the limited editions! Do it here!

And, if you can't donate, - I totally understand - I know you are out there in support as well even if you can't help monetarily! - hoping everyone knows that it isn't only your donations that mean so much to me (although I can't tell you enough how excited I am to be doing this next album!). It goes well beyond all of that... and if anything, this campaign has truly shown me that!! Thank you for your support and cheer. It is really such an amazing gift you give me.

Until next time!

x Nerissa

PS. Still raining..... argh! (Thunderbolts & lightning. Very, very frightening).

Gig Details

Saturday October 1st

8.30 - 10pm

Somethin' Jazz Club

$10 + $10min

reservations recommended here

Nearly There!!

2011-09-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Well everyone, we are not EVEN finished, and we're there!! It's like finding that perfect little secluded beach when you're on your way to some other gem of a destination!! Huh? Does that make sense? I think you know what I mean!! (Ah, I hope so, because I don't know if I can explain that....!)..

SO, just a week to go! AND if we make it to $6500 we will press the new album-to-be (because it WILL be now, thanks to you!!) in VINYL.. I am too excited to even imagine that this might happen as well. Really? A Nerissa Campbell RECORD!! SHUT. UP. (Yes, I did just punch you in the arm! Sorry, - hope that didn't hurt!!)..

And to top it off, a gig on Saturday night at Miles Cafe. Which is now called Somethin' Cafe. Which feels the same as when people change their names, doesn't it? I wonder, is it hard to remember you've changed your name when you've changed your name? (And I mean your first name, not your last name..!)..

ANYWAY. KICKSTARTER. ONE WEEK LEFT.
(and more rewards for the $30+ mark!).

Week Two & Meet Des

2011-09-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

This is totally insane! What you are all doing to this campaign!! Way to show that goal!! ANOTHER $2000 this week? (Ok, not quite! But close enough, my friends!). I am so excited (And I just can't hide it!). Every time I speak another reference to a song comes out, and yes, I am literally singing those references. My life is song these past two weeks. More than normal!

Just wanted to let you know that I uploaded a new song to my YouTube channel. It's a (relatively) new song - will it be on the album? You'll have to wait and see!

Oh, and meet Des! He will be joining me on double bass on the album (& guitar on the video here). He is an old friend of mine from Perth, who also calls New York home these days.

Tshirt design & more cookies

2011-09-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

Hello again everyone,

If you are just joining us for the action of Week 2 - welcome!!

This week has been colossal!! My sister asked me on Sunday what our goal was for this week (I love that she is so involved), and in 2 days we SURPASSED that number. I can't believe it! I don't know if I am ever going to be able to express my deepest thanks to you all, and just how much this whole project has been so fun & uplifting.

So, now of course, we want to try and reach the $5000 within the next week. I am not sure about this. It makes me nervous. But I am gonna try! The cookies are back for the $4000, $4500 & the $5000 mark, - *IF* we make the goal by the 7th September. SO, spread the word. I make mean cookies. AND they will ship well all over the world (well, they should they used to be sent to the men in war from Australia, so they are true & tested).

And here you are, unveiled, the t-shirt design I did JUST for the Kickstarter campaign. You won't be able to get this anywhere else except right here!! It is available at a few of the reward levels.... I hope you like it! Let me know...

Thank you again for your support, and I hope you will help me spread the word about the campaign. It has gone such great guns, but it still has to make the goal to ensure that the campaign is successful!! Share on Facebook, Tweet (do any of you tweet? I do, but I don't really understand it!!), share on your blog, tell your friends. Even $1 will help! I made a button that you can share too, if you want to..!!

Have a great week! If you are in the States, a great long weekend (what are you doing?)... and I look forward to being back with another update soon.

x n

Stormy Weather

2011-08-28T18:10:00.001-05:00

Singing Stormy Weather before the, umm, stormy weather... Especially for Kickstarter. Donate now!

Update #2 - Biscuit Bribery

2011-08-24T22:33:00.002-05:00

These are the biscuits (cookies if you are in the States!) that go out to those supporters that got me to the $1000 and $1500
mark.. You know who you are!

I will have to cross my fingers and hope that Australia Post lets them through the gates, - I will seal them tightly so that the aroma won't attract any beagle attention.. They are ANZAC biscuits, so it's rather appropriate the they are going all the way to Australia, no? We already know they will travel well, so it's perfect!

There's one more batch of biscuits up for grabs if we hit the $2000 mark this week...

In the meantime, $1660 is a mean first 3 days. Who knows what will happen from here! Will we make it?

With supporters like you guys, how can we not? Thank you!

Until next time..
Nerissa

Kickstarter - Day 2

2011-08-23T21:41:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it! I am beside myself with this Kickstarter thing. I am obsessed. I mean, how many times a day can a girl click refresh? And it seems every time I turn around the pledge has gone up by $100!! Every time I can never quite believe it.

This is the most fun I've had in ages!

Sure, it is incredibly nerve-racking. And I feel like I am talking more than I EVER have about me and my music, but it feels good. It feels good to feel good about what I want to do. And to have a pretty good excuse to talk about it EVERYWHERE!! haha! Usually I am pretty shy about talking about what I am up to, - I feel like I don't want to 'bother' people with my music. But, that ain't gonna get a girl anywhere, is it?! Why do we have hang ups like that? Does everyone have them? Or is it just me?

Last night I hung out at a bar / restaurant in Brooklyn. I haven't done that in ages. I met a really lovely woman and we all had a great time. That hasn't happened to me in a long time. I feel like when I first came to NY ten years ago it always happened - it was one of the things that made me LOVE New York - that ease that people seem to have with talking to each other. (Ok, MOST of the time. There are definitely times when you have to pretty much pretend you are both deaf and blind. Dumb usually helps too.. And I have actually pretended I don't speak English before!!).....

I suppose I haven't gotten out as much lately. Or the magic hasn't been there for me. But, I felt it again last night. And with the launch of this Kickstarter. The fact that the weather has been flirting endlessly with me also helps (can it get ANY nicer in NY than right now?).

But, life feels good. And I am SUPER excited about this project. I can't wait to keep you updated more along the way.

Next time I will have to tell you all about my fundraising skills as a little girl. Actually, it was more like my sister's skills than mine. I think this must be the first time I have raised money without her by my side. But that's ok, - she's working that Australian crowd, aren't ya sis?

xx

Kick(start)ing & screaming

2011-08-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

I am doing it. I am Kickstarting!

What is Kickstarting, you ask?

It is a fundraising of sorts!..

Except, if I don't make my goal, - I don't get any of the money pledged. So it's all-or-nothing fundraising. Scary and fun fundraising.

If I make my goal I get to make my third album. And you will get to be a part of making that happen! YOU will be like my benefactor!! It is definitely the 'looking after an artist' for the 21st century.. !

Here is the link to the info. And the funny video we made up on the roof.

Be a benefactor!

Jennifer Szelag at The Local 269

2011-08-09T22:13:00.001-05:00

There’s a power in the way Jennifer Szelag’s music works its magic on you. It’s something that she gives to you from her heartfelt, yet playful performance - a gift of song, something to remember. Little refrains that wrap around themselves becoming more powerful in their repetition, more true in their build.

Last night I heard Jennifer perform an enchanting set at the eclectic downtown music venue, The Local 269. Hardly did she hit the stage when the boisterous crowd was drawn in by her ethereal and gentle lilt. Her songs, at once simple and rhythmic also showed a deep unearthing of the core of the matter: here is a singer pulling you into her world and holding you there, mesmerized.

Jennifer’s voice and songs reminded me of Emiliana Torrini by way of a stripped back Radiohead. Pop and Jazz influenced songs about loving and losing, or loving and leaving, that billowed and swelled with the band. Sometimes light and poppy, and at others heartfelt and full of strength, Jennifer’s voice is full of polish, poise and that most important of qualities, emotion.

The short set opened with one of her early original songs, “Dear Harvey,” a jazz-pop number showcasing her alluring vocals. “Let Me Go” an intelli-pop leaning song that recalled early Everything But The Girl was followed by the pop-jazz groove, “It Isn’t You”. “What You Did” soared through its refrains and lead to the highlight of her set, the majestic “You’ll Never Know” which like Sigur Ros, crescendoed in inhalation and gently released its breath into a beautiful end to a much too short set.

But leaving the crowd wanting more is never a bad move. Jennifer worked her heart into the audience and left a little piece of herself there.

Nerissa Campbell - Crooked Mouth Music

From One Day to the Next

2011-03-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

Thankfully there are always inspiring people & places in New York that make the transition from Winter to Spring a happy one. It isn't Spring here quite yet, but some days you can sit on the train and the sun is out and the sky is blue and life is optimistic once more, and you can feel the life coming back into things.

Winter is not my favourite month.

Rainy Day in Central Park

2010-09-14T07:36:00.001-05:00

I am really excited! One of the things I had thought about doing when I got back to NY was to join the Balinese Gamelan Orchestra, Dharma Swara. I saw them perform at BAM a few years ago, right after a trip to my second childhood home, Bali. After that trip & performance I was inspired to start writing some songs, and over these last few years have made a little collection of songs about Bali. I have played some of them at a few gigs, but I am still very shy about them, they haven't found their true voice yet. But, with a little help from my musician friends who have played them with me, they are growing. It is my hope to be able to go and study in Bali a little next year before I record them, and in the meantime I thought it would be great inspiration to join the Gamelan Orchestra here in NY. So, luckily for me, I am there every week now, loving it.

It's funny to be in another musical situation where I should probably wear earplugs. First with A Storm of Light, and now with Dharma Swara! hehe, one side of the musical spectrum to the other.

It is so nice to be back in a band situation. I have missed that without realizing it. And I am finding myself loving the learning of the pieces, - all aurally, it is so good for me to play an instrument with no notation. One of the reasons I switched to voice was because my classical (trumpet!) training really got in the way of me using my ears. I can read music like anyone's business, I am really good at it. But it makes my ears very lazy, or perhaps, it is a safety net for me, and I don't listen. Jazz singing was really great to break that habit, but it also separated two things in my mind. Singing is aural. Playing an instrument is like reading. I am really thankful to be put in a situation where I can use my ears and play an instrument as well. I hope the two will mix and I will feel comfortable one day to pick up a trumpet and not get out the music books!

To get to rehearsal I have to traverse one side of Central Park to another. It is so beautiful. And yesterday it was raining a little and it was so romantic at The Mall, which is already romantic enough. My heart actually hurt. I am a huge lover of the rain.

Bessie Pearl's Ledger

2010-05-11T10:20:00.002-05:00

Again, it's been a long time between posts. I guess my blogging world has moved over from music to food! It's not that I am not doing music anymore, I am! I am working on a couple of different things (album ideas!), playing the regular monthly gig at 55 Bar and enjoying a beautiful place to practice in our Harlem apartment (which I love).

I'm also writing (& cooking) Bessie Pearl's Ledger, taking a class in Children's Book Illustration, also taking a class on Dreamweaver, interning at 3rdWard (where I am taking the classes), working back with the lovely Lotta Jansdotter, reading and generally trying to keep myself as artistically inspired as I can.

Bessie Pearl's Ledger just got a lovely write-up in the Kalgoorlie Miner. Kalgoorlie is a gold mining town in Western Australia - it is where my Mum's side of the family are from. I am so excited about this article!!

2009 wrap-up

2010-01-01T10:16:00.001-06:00

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. I didn't mean for that to be the case! But, as usually happens when life happens, things got in the way. And here we are at the beginning of 2010 and my head is not quite here with us in the New Year. But it will get there, it always does.

2009-year-of-singing was a tough year. Musically & personally, it was a year of great ups-and-downs. Not just for me, but for the people around me too. It was full of challenges in places I didn't expect to have challenges!
I didn't sing as much as I had wanted! But, I set up gigs in Perth, Melbourne, Esperance, New York, London, Iowa City & Chicago. There's some big cities in there! I should be proud of myself, and yet instead I think of places like San Francisco, LA, St Louis, Portland & Sydney that I never heard back from. Places that didn't even write to me to say, "No, we don't want you, we think you suck!". But, I don't think I suck (or maybe I am just an imbecile banging her head on a wall in doing this? Where does this blind faith come from?), - I just think I didn't find the right places. And that's ok, I will try different places this year. Because I am not giving up. It's not about the blind faith or some sort of stoic determination, it's just because it is what I have to do. Shit, not even what I *have* to do, just what I do. Music is just what I do because I want to.

In 2009 I also wrote, I drew, I made art, I read, I played a little guitar, and I worked really hard on the thing I love.

So, what do I want to in 2010?

Sing.

Cook. (I started a blog called Bessie Pearl's Ledger, all about recipes from my Great-Grandma, - and am having the BEST time).

Write.

See more of my friends.

I think I just might be able to manage that! I hope you'll join me as I write about it along the way!

Happy 2010!

xx n

Missouri Auctioneer

2009-08-09T19:16:00.002-05:00

I love flea markets! And how could I resist going to Rutledge Flea Market in Missouri when I heard about it. It was definitely like no flea market I had ever been to before, and I definitely want to go back for more. The auctions are particularly interesting in my opinion - I haven't ever heard auctioneers like in Missouri before. I was engrossed. It was so musical! I couldn't resist but take a little video...

An Iowan Summer

2009-07-30T21:38:00.002-05:00

I have been having a lovely summer in Iowa.

For starters, I got to see the tassling cornfields by way of an old-school barnstormer bi-plane (an open cock-pit airplane). It was so awesome! Of course, in the excitement I forgot my camera, but I'll include a pic of me, and the plane, post flight. I think you can just about see the exhilaration on my face (and relief that I made it back down!). If you ever want to take a bi-plane flight, check out these guys, American Barnstomers

They were following around the RAGBRAI crew. "RAGBRAI?" I hear you call! Yes! It is a bike ride ACROSS Iowa. Not just ANY bike ride, but The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Not a race or anything, just a bike ride. It takes 7 days, 400-somethin' miles from the Missouri River in the West, to the Mississippi in the East. Every night the cyclists stop in a different town, and party, I believe. It's a different route every year and THOUSANDS of people do it! I think I might do it next year. I might (note: WILL) have to start training, I think. But I do believe that it will be more manageable for me than the New York Marathon, which I was inspired to *want* to do after my friend ran by me as I spectated last year, cup of coffee in hand, just after I rolled outta bed in time to catch her. There's no way I would do that though, I hate running. But biking, I like that. If anyone wants to get a team going, you'll probably inspire me to actually train!

We also went to Rutledge Flea Market, (the auctions are amazing at this place - I am going to post a video soon - believe me, you must watch it!), Balloons over the Mississippi, the Lee County Fair Demolition Derby (pit-crew of course!) and to the "beach" at Keosauqua State Park. We didn't get to go to Trek-Fest (at the future birth-place of Captain James T. Kirk) - very nearby here, nor the Iowa City Jazz Festival which I completely forgot about it, which is really quite pathetic, as it is really awesome.

Iowa is great!

As you can probably tell, there's been no gigs! And it has been lovely to relax for a little. The next onslaught of touring begins in October, when we will - if all goes to plan - hit the road in a bio-diesel truck (or ute, for the Aussies) and head West. I will be writing more about that later, to let you know about how you can help us do it! I am really excited and can't wait for the new adventure, nor to share the tales with you!

OK, I'm going to (finally) sign-off now! I'll post pictures from the Iowan Summer below.

Seeya later, Nerissa

PS. Don't forget the July special - you've got one more day to download those free songs (that you can't even buy if you want to!) or get the albums for really cheap if you want them! Just come to my website..

American Barnstormers - do you know what a barnstormer is?

Balloons over the Mississippi - the pink & black one, called The Pink Panther, was the one we helped launch off into the sunset!

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park "beach". I love it!

Lee County Fair grandstands with an awesome sunset!

I felt particularly like I was in a movie with this rainbow over the corn fields. Which movie? Hmmm...

Tales of Mystery and Imagination

2009-07-10T09:18:00.020-05:00

My friend Andy Zornoza let me in on this amazing blog - A Journey Round My Skull - and told me to look up the Poe book with illustrations by Harry Clarke. I did, and now I am a smitten owner of Tales of Mystery and Imagination. It is a 2008 version of the original, and rare, 1923 one. It is really beautiful, and Harry Clarke's illustrations are so wonderfully spooky and fitting.

The original post at Journey Round My Skull is here.

A few of my favourite illustrations from the book...

(Ligeia)

(Ms. Found in a Bottle)

(The Premature Burial)

(The Fall of the House of Usher)

(The Masque of the Red Death)

Help! What's your Favourite Song?

2009-07-01T14:07:00.007-05:00

I am thinking that I might enter the ISC this year. I am not usually very big on competitions (something I get from both of my parents apparently!), but sometimes, every 5 years or so, I will enter one just to see what happens. Usually I 'lose'!! haha! I am not joking! But what I do always get out of these things is a sense of, "Well, I'll just have to make my own success". Luckily I don't see losing as meaning I am crap - anymore. Just not what they were looking for, this time. Phew. (Still, why do they make me nervous? - Probably because if you WIN it is going to be very much like Christmas morning - yes, I covet the prizes! It's not really nerves, but excitement - must be! Wouldn't have anything to do with all that recognition, would it?).

OK, now I have to go decide WHICH song(s) I am going to submit. And what CATEGORY I am going to put it in.

If you want to put your two-bobs in as to which song is your most favourite, I would love to hear it. Just post a little note here. Go on, help me with my indecision!

(If you don't have an album, you can listen here (check out the side-bar), on my website, or my myspace. You can buy them there too. hehehe!).

Celebrate Brooklyn I miss you!

2009-06-23T17:59:00.005-05:00

Well, I can't really complain too much. I have seen some amazing concerts at Celebrate Brooklyn over the past 8 years. I shouldn't really whinge. But I will. I have been. I will continue to do so, probably. This year's lineup is mint, and I will be especially sad to miss this Friday's with Blonde Redhead. Just like I was sad to miss Goran Bregovic, and will be sad to miss the rest. I am not even going to look....

In the meantime, we went fishing on the Des Moines river and I 'pole fished' for the first time ever. Let me tell you - river fishing is VERY different from sea fishing. Yes, that means I caught nada... but it was so nice. Maybe I'll go on Friday.....

(but if you're in Brooklyn you should go to this....)

FRIDAY JUNE 26th
blonde redhead
olof arnalds

The vaunted NYC underground sensualists Blonde Redhead have shape-shifted from dissonant noise explorations to ethereal, dreamy pop over the course of their career, always inspiring intense devotion from their fans. PopMatters says of them, “It is as if they are pressing on piano keys and each key is a trigger that tugs a wire within the listener. There are keys for longing, possession, despair, and ecstasy—and Blonde Redhead travel fast and skillfully over the whole keyboard.”

The heavenly voice of Icelandic folk chanteuse Ólöf Arnalds has shared the stage with the likes of Björk, Sigur Rós, Jonathan Richman and The Dirty Projectors across the globe. Like each of these avant guarde artists, Ólöf asks for the definition of singer/songwriter to be redefined. Stereogum.com says, "She makes a lot happen with very few ingredients: The Icelandic singer/songwriter uses her pristine voice and an instrument or two to conjure a strange, mysterious world." Ólöf is currently mixing her second album which, like her debut Við og Við has been produced by Sigur Rós’ Kjartan Sveinsson.

Malleus Poster

2009-06-16T13:03:00.007-05:00

I just bought this print from Malleus Rock Art Lab in Italy. I have been LOVING it since I saw it at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg this April. I found out about the guys at Malleus because they designed the poster for the Roadburn Festival, (I'll post it below so you can see it..) - which I also REALLY wanted - a) because it is awesome, and b) because I played there! Alas, it sold out super quickly at the festival, and then when they posted more online they were snapped up in a cinch. I keep waiting and looking and writing in the hopes that they will make more, but couldn't contain myself any longer and went ahead and snapped up this other one that I have been eyeing incessantly.

I can't WAIT to get it!

They have a lot of great silk-screened and off-set posters, check them out here.

One coveted poster down - only about 30 to go...

My Heart Belongs to Daddy!

2009-06-11T17:26:00.006-05:00

CHEERS to Dad's all over!

It's nearly Father's Day here in the States - let's send them our love....and,...

What about a gift of Musings of a Telescopic Tree?? (*I am winking*).

But, I don't want to only toot my own horn here - I have a lot of friends who make and do wonderful things. So, if you are in need of any ideas, check out my picks for cool presents by my cool friends, and support independent art!

(PS. They don't HAVE to be JUST for Dad's - they would make great gifts for anyone, (including yourself!))....

My friend Andrew Zornoza just released his book 'Where I Stay' - which is a beautiful and poetic piece of literature and photography. You can buy it here.

And while we're on books, I have to of course include The Apocalypse Reader, which is a collection of apocalyptic stories, one of which was written by my talented husband (and BESTEST friend), Jared Hohl.

A wonderful friend, beautiful person and amazing illustrator Airlie Anderson, paints Pet Portraits, which are gorgeous. Check it out here.

Adventurer extraordinaire, Alan Webber started a film festival called Rural Route Film Festival in NYC and has put together a 'best-of' DVD which he is now touring and screening all around the world. It features 13 short films from the first 5 years of the festival. You can buy it here. (Alan's blog about his travels is also a really great read).

Can't forget my friends in A Storm of Light. As well as music, Josh Graham also designs t-shirts and posters for the band. You can buy them here.

And again on the music front, William Elliott Whitmore, fellow Iowan (..well? I AM in Iowa right now, and for the WHOLE summer, - so I can all myself an Iowan. And a Brooklynite. And a Perthie.!). His music is awesome.

OK, and here's my link - should you decide after looking at all of these amazing things you might want my album!! Just click here.

I am sure once I hit 'send', I will think of 20 more friends who do wonderful things.. If so, I will post them.

Happy Shopping - and Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

Talk to you all soon!

Touring Europe with A Storm of Light

2009-06-09T23:47:00.010-05:00

I went with my friends A Storm of Light on their European tour. I recorded some vocals for them last July and December, and just happened to be in Europe at the same time that they were touring - when they asked me if I wanted to come along I didn't think I could argue with the timing. Plus, I will always jump at the chance to perform with my friends - no matter if the style of music is far from my own (all the better actually!). I jumped on a flight down to Italy and met up with the guys and had a blast. Half the time I didn't know where I was - but we went to Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Czech Replublic, Romania and ended up in the Netherlands for the Roadburn Festival (which was awesome!). I also joined them for a while in the States and Canada, but more on that later...

Here's some pics from the trip - random things.

Berlin - March 2009

2009-06-09T20:43:00.003-05:00

Well, somehow it is June 1st, but here I am catching you up on my European adventures! I'll start with Berlin...

We had always wanted to visit Berlin, as we had heard so many great things about it. We found a sublet in Kreuzberg - a cool neighbourhood with a lot of Turkish immigrants who made absolutely wonderful food! (Always great for a couple of food lovers). At first the weather was absolutely terrible, especially after enjoying the sunshine in Australia - but once the sun came out it was great. We lived right by Admiral-brucke, or Admiral Bridge, - which for some reason was where a lot of locals just went to hang out. People spilled out onto the road, drinking beer and wine, playing music, talking and enjoying being outside and amongst life. I bought a cd by a guy called Nikolaus Herdieckerhoff - who was busking on electric cello and was awesome!
You can check him out at http://www.cellolitis.de/startseite.php

There was also some amazing street art. It was so great to see such amazing work adorning the buildings of Berlin, and I wondered about the lack of it in NY. I don't know if it is a law thing, I think probably it is, - but the art was amazing, and really added to the experience of Berlin for me. Just when we arrived we heard about this Argentinian street artist called Blu - who does this amazing wall-art animation. I was in awe of it as we watched it online (http://www.blublu.org/sito/video/muto.htm) - if you like animation and graffiti you have to check it out.

Anyway, our train - the U1 - went right by a great piece, which we found out was by this guy! Right near it was another piece, which we are sure MUST be another of his works that looks like it might be being made into wall-art animation... We aren't certain, but keep looking to see if our wish may come true!

Besides the graffiti and the hanging out we were also lucky enough to have a couple of friends living in Berlin - one of whom is an English language walking tour guide - what luck! If you are in Berlin, you definitely should do this.. I have never taken many tours, as such, but Berlin is a place I am glad to have done so. There is obviously so much history and to hear and see it all on a walking tour was an amazing experience to fully realise that. The company is http://www.insidertour.com

We also did a lot of writing in Berlin (with a lack of instrument to play music on - thanks to a measly 27lb weight limit on international flights these days - it was all I could do) - and I look forward to turning the new words into songs - I hope over the summer. We spent a lot of days at a great cafe called Cafe Luzia on Oranienstrasse, which was covered in art by an artist called Chin Chin. (www.myspace.com/chinchin) I was so excited to visit a flea market one weekend and find her there selling t-shirts and printed scraps of fabric. I snatched up one of the latter, which I am going to frame, and it was my only souvenir from Berlin (that weight limit thing again!) - besides some great pictures, great adventures and some fantastic reunions with old mates.

Then it was onto Italy to meet up with A Storm of Light and my induction into touring with them!

putting my website blog on here!

2009-06-01T22:10:00.000-05:00

Audio Magazyn (in Poland!) - March 15, 2009

Well, it has been (a busy) while! I promise I will post more news soon, along with pics, to let you know what I have been up to.

Meanwhile, excitingly, if you are in Poland, you can pick up this month's copy of Audio Magazyn, where my song 'Stranger Lurking' is featured on the compilation album!

If you're not in Poland, you can still get the song... just
CLICK HERE!

New York Album release - January 15, 2009

Thank you so much to everyone who came out on a REALLY cold and snowy Thursday night to celebrate my album launch! We packed the place, and had a really awesome time... My friend Airlie (who is an awesome children's book illustrator - check her out at www.airlieanderson.net) took these pics which she describes as blurry, but romantic - a perfect fit for some music on a winter's night in a prohibition-era jazz joint, my favourite place to play - 55 Bar, I think. Thank you so much to Ed, Joe, Mat and Danny - who played for the launch - you guys rocked!! I will miss you on my travels, but look forward to seeing you all again soon.

So, it's official! Musings of a Telescopic Tree is released! Buy it, enjoy it! Tell your friends!

And, as always, thanks for your treasured support...

Limited Editions are finally finished! - January 9, 2009

FINALLY!

The limited editions are finally all done (well, ok - I do have 10 left to do because I ran out of binding thread and I can't seem to find any in Iowa!) - but they are all done in spirit. Sitting in a box, wrapped in their plastic sleeves and waiting to head out to some lovely homes. I feel like quite the entrepreneur with all these nicely packaged products to store and sell!

And just in time for the album release next week - I am so excited about the release. I hope you'll come along if you are in NY - the details are on my gigs page.

Oh, and happy 2009! I hope you all had a safe and rested holiday season.. I spent mine with my family in Iowa, which was just what I needed. We stayed on a little longer and I have been busy sending out packages to a zillion radio stations and magazines and blogs... but this weekend I am ready for a rest. Phew! But, busy as I have been, I am also very content with the work, as I am determined to make 2009 a year of singing ONLY! I have been singing professionally for 10 years now (I can't believe it has been that long since I graduated from WAAPA) - and there have been times that I could have simply survived on gigs, and also a lot of times where I couldn't have - but regardless of my gigging status and ability to pay/not pay my rent I have always had a full-time job. I love working, and have had some really awesome jobs and bosses and have learnt so much along the way. The learning has given me the ability to now throw in the full-time working towel, and give this, MY career, the attention it deserves. I am a little apprehensive, but very focused - and will need all the help (and luck, which really translates to hard work, doesn't it?!) I can get. But 2009 is off to a good start. I have some savings, some gigs, cd's by the hundreds and I don't have to pay any rent because I have no fixed address and an airline ticket that will take me around the world.

Yeeha!

Here's the link to buy a limited edition (also available in the SHOP section)

Brooklyn Holiday Designer Sale - December 6, 2008

I am performing at The Bell House as part of this (most awesome) Holiday Designer Show. It features a bunch of Brooklyn designers - all who make a wide range of the best products! I have been saving my money, as this is where I am going to be shopping for my holiday gifts (yes! for myself too!!)...

I will *hopefully* receive my ZILLIONS of copies of Musings of a Telescopic Tree just before the event, so will have them available for sale! I even got myself a credit card swipey machine, so can accept credit cards... hmm, moving up in the world!!

Paint Me Orange is officially SOLD OUT!
- October 25, 2008

Wow! I can't believe all the copies I had pressed of Paint Me Orange are gone and out there in the world with you all!! It feels great.. And it comes at such great timing - when the next cd is just at the final stages of being done. Perfect!

I decided after much thought that I am not going to press any more Paint Me Orange's. They will always be available as digital downloads though! As much as I love the tangibility of physical cd's (and records!), I also like the fact that there is a limited and exclusive amount of them, and once they're gone, they're gone. Maybe you'll have a collector's item one day!! (hehe, I like that thought!)... In a world full of materialism and saturation of 'things' it makes me feel good that I can choose to make something in a way that is not only somewhat socially responsible, but so that you can feel excited about having something that there isn't much of....I don't know about you, but things are moving more and more that way for me, - I am becoming more and more particular that I buy things that are unique, well-made and that I know I am not encouraging corporate overload by buying!!

Speaking of corporate overload, I took this photo in Brooklyn - I can see it from the awesome huge windows of my work, with lower Manhattan gleaming in the background! It always makes me feel good, (and wonder how people got UP there!)

Lotta Jansdotter surface printing workshop & learning patience - October 12, 2008

Another class! This time I was lucky enough to work at and participate in Lotta Jansdotter's surface printing workshop. It was just fantastic, and again I am inspired! Hmmm, our little apartment is really get a bit overrun with all of our fun things - keyboards, guitars, books, videos, fabrics, papers, pens and paints .. and it goes on. I was reminded of how much I love lino cutting and using inks (getting messy!) and can't believe it has been so long since I have printed. There's always something to amuse (and sometimes distract!) yourself with, isn't there? Meanwhile, I read this quote "You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience", Stanislaw J. Lec (1909 - 1966), and had to laugh! I have been waiting patiently through some unforeseen circumstances for my album to be finished, and keep telling myself that I am learning patience - and if I tell anyone that, they say that I seem so patient already. I guess I am the epitome of the quote! In any case, sitting in my patience/impatience I have been getting to make those limited edition artist's books and am having fun making & being distracted with them. Can't wait for everything to be finished and out there in the world... Patience, patience!

Little, Little Just (a love song) - August 29, 2008

Days we keep on breathing in
The waves of beauty
You give to us with open arms
Although the truth fades through

We will come to you
To see
Who you helped us to be
I am living beyond you
Saya cinta kepadamu

Nights of gentle laughter
As we sit and feel your arms
Fold around our weary hearts
A moment flows alone

We will come to you
To see
Who you helped us to be
I am living beyond you
Saya cinta kepadamu

copyright NC08

Metro Elvis - August 20th! - August 10, 2008

I am gonna be on tv! I was chosen to be a part of the weekly show Metro Elvis - which is a showcase of musicians and artists in the NY area.

So, for all of you out there who don't live in NY, or haven't had a chance to come to a live gig, you can see a gig of mine on telly - er, I mean your computer! And if you were there, then maybe you'll hear your fabulous clapping and my appreciation for your support (that's harder to hear in real life, but it's there!).

Bookbinding and being creative - June 28, 2008

Chick Singer Series!

I have been taking a fabulous class on Monday nights called Artist's Books, which is a great mix of bookbinding techniques and artist book techniques. I have been having an absolute ball. I have been both drawing and making books and photo albums for quite a while now, so this class feels perfectly catered to me! I am learning some great new things and my creative juices are quite literally overflowing - which I just love! I feel that one of the most frustrating things for me as a musician is that I am on a 'high' musically for a while and everything is going full-speed and then I hit a wall, and I lose the inspiration. I don't know where it goes, but I am always left feeling like I am maybe being lazy that I should force myself to get in there and write and practice and KEEP GOING! But I have come to realise that I just don't work that way. I really need those peaks and valleys - it's almost like a rest at the top of the mountain. Still, I am always sad at the times the musical well has 'dried up', so to speak. And then I start drawing more. And making things. And then I get inspired by those things which I just love doing, that I give no credit to as a talent, I just do them because I love to. And so the inspiration does actually keep going around in a circle - to use the mountain analogy again - the stopping is actually taking in a magnificent view! I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and have wondered about making a (very) limited edition of hand-bound, hand-drawn books that will come with Musings of a Telescopic Tree when it comes out. I think it is high time that these inspirations that help me through the dry spells got a little credit.... don't you?

Recording! - June 21, 2008

I am *finally* going into the studio to record my next album, Telescopic Tree. It has been so long in the coming that I have even started 'nicknaming' the title!! For ages I have had the title "Musings of a Telescopic Tree", but in the many months of preparation (procrastination?), it has been shortened to simply, Telescopic Tree. I like it! I don't know quite what it means, but I like what it conjures up.

So, July 2nd is the big recording date, and I have some really fabulous people onboard to help me out with it. I am so happy to have enthusiastic and encouraging people to work with and share my music with!

I will keep you posted on the release date (and the party that goes along with it!) - I am thinking it will be a little later in the year - maybe September. But I promise I will post some 'sneak peaks' before then!

And if you are in NY and want to hear the band first-hand, we will be performing at 55 Bar on July 1st as our last gig before the big day... (details on the gig page).

Singapore! - August 2, 2007

Just got back from a very glamourous few days in Singapore - where I was invited to perform with the Singapore Jazz Orchestra as part of Singapore's National Day Celebrations. It was in their botanical gardens, which are just divine and the audience were just as lovely!

My sister flew over (also very glamourously) from Australia to meet up with me, which was an extra special treat.

Thanks for having me, Singapore! I hope to see you all again very soon, la!

Going Home! - June 5, 2007

"Some say that to get a great gig you have to be willing to sing if a light goes on in a toilet, and while jazz singer Nerissa Campbell didn’t quite have to go to these extremes, she really worked hard to make it in the New York market. But when it comes to playing in some of the most famous and atmospheric jazz clubs in the world, it’s worth the effort. Nerissa’s back in Perth on a holiday and just can’t resist the chance to perform at her old stomping ground."

Listen to interview with Nerissa and ABC's Bernadette Young

Where is home nowadays? Before I was going back to Australia to visit my family, I kept saying that I was going 'home'. Once I was there, I then referred to NY as home..! What a muddled up thing home becomes when the things that make home 'home' are spread out across the world.

Well, here's to you all in my Perth Home! Thank you all so much for your support at my Perth Jazz Society gig on the 21st May. It was so much fun!! (And weren't the guys totally awesome??!!). I really can't wait to come back and do it again soon...

720 ABC also made a podcast of my interview with them! They choose a feature per day to podcast, and they liked me that day! I am really honoured that I can share this with everyone now, whenever you want to listen! It probably came up when you came to this page, so maybe you've had a listen already!!

Meanwhile, back in my NY home (which I am excited to be back in!), I am inspired to get back into the writing and performing. I have a couple of gigs coming up at the 55 Bar and a Sweet Rhythm gig at the end of July. I hope I'll get to see you soon!!

Until next time..

My Top 10 - April 7, 2007

I got asked to compile a list of my top 10 Favourite Jazz Albums for the PJS magazine 'Jazz Review'. I chose 10 albums that have influenced me musically (and it was a hard task to narrow it down!).

I thought I'd share them here, in no particular order, too!

1. John Coltrane - A Love Supreme
2. Nina Simone - A Single Woman
3. Miles Davis - Relaxin'
4. Joni Mitchell - Mingus
5. Patricia Barber - Companion
6. Rickie Lee Jones - Pop Pop
7. Cassandra Wilson - New Moon Daughter
8. Holly Cole - Blame It On My Youth
9. Ella and Louis
10. Eric Dolphy - Out to Lunch

www.perthjazzsociety.com

taking a chance! - February 5, 2007

When I was 8, my Mum was my age. I have vivid recollections of her teaching herself Indonesian. (This was just after she mastered the sewing machine and before she mastered jewellery making!).. She used to sit in the middle of the lounge room, knees out and legs behind her bum, with her tapes - talking the same lines over and over. She never seemed scared to give it a go nor minded if people laughed at her, and for that she has been a constant source of inspiration and courage for me. Now, 20 years later, you would never know that at one point she couldn't speak Indonesian - but I remember.

It is for my Mum that I am (slowly!) embarking on playing gigs where I accompany myself on piano. The time will never be right, and I know I will never feel 'good enough' - but life is about so much more than that, don't you think?