Since I'm in writer mode I've been playing music outside my box and found this great "Sweet disposition" cover by Ellie Goulding. If you've heard it already, awesome, if not, enjoy!
Short and sweet today but I want to say a very special Congratulations to one of my dearest friends and favorite couples ever. Meghan and I met years ago working together in a not-to-be-named restaurant in NYC waiting tables while we talked about our musical dreams and have remained friends since. I could not be happier for her and I don't think I've ever seen a couple quite so in love.
Much love your way and may happy years for you two!
One last thing- FOLO (dedicated to all of those who survived the bus ride back to the city)
So some good and bad news kids. You know that whole stress is really bad for you thing? Well my vocal chords have felt the wrath this time and no matter how well trained you are or how perfect you try to sing a little too much stress can damage your chords (I'm sure Adele will be more than happy to tell you all about it). With that in mind, it's time to step away from the stage for a bit and focus on writing. Things should hopefully be better soon but until then all shows have been suspended.
Have a fabulous day everyone!
JC
So it wasn't really a weekend at Pat's but it was more or less a weekend with Pat Pattison and roughly 26 other fabulous songwriters and musicians in a hotel conference room. Let me tell you- it was VERY rock and roll :)
I am a firm believer in standing up for what you believe in. A few days ago I came across something that shook me to my very core. Try as I might, I just can’t let it go. In response, I have decided to take my opinion public. I may be shooting myself in the foot by posting this but I don’t care, it needs to be said. Please read, comment and pass it alone. I would love to know what you all think about this issue.
An open letter to Brian’s Farmer’s Market Manager
Dear Organizer,
For many years I have been a supporter of farmers markets and what they stand for. I believe strongly in supporting your surrounding community and your community will not only thrive, but it will support you. With this is mind it saddens me to say that I can no longer support you and your markets based on a posting on your website. You see I’m an independent musician who has worked tirelessly for years writing, performing and creating something I believe in and because I do this independently I do this all on my own while working a regular job. I’m also a member of ASCAP who in a recent post on your website you have dubbed “The big bad wolf” http://www.sdmarketmanager.com/wb/pages/music-industry-going-after-farmers-markets.php The thing that shocked me when I read your article was how little you actually know about ASCAP and the rest of the industry that you are so quick to ridicule. Here’s a quick debrief on what you should understand.
ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are all performing rights organizations (PROs) and in no way, shape or form own ANY copyrights. It is the artist, the label and/or the publishing house that owns and maintains ownership of the intellectual property. A PRO, to put it in simple terms, is responsible for collecting the royalties (aka money) when you song is performed publically. Regardless of whether it’s a cover song, a radio spin or placement in a television show a PRO collects royalties on an artist’s behalf so we can all do what we do best- make music. You see, as independent musicians we have to maintain the rolls of writer, engineer, producer, marketer, distributor, PR agent, booking agent, promoter, merchandise developer, accountant, negotiator, financial backer, roadie and a thousand other things before we even get to pick up our instrument and perform- I can’t imagine trying to hunt down my royalties on top of it to make sure I can put food on the table and pay my student loans. In reality, we all make so little doing what we do because we have to practically give our music away and be grateful when get a gig (which is typically unpaid or in some cases we’re paying to play) that royalties are one of the few trustworthy revenue streams we actually have. THANK GOD FOR THAT! In addition to doing the dirty work, ASCAP has done far more for independent artists than you could ever know- they offer benefits like health and gear insurance for members and there families, massive amounts of educational opportunities, special workshops and showcase opportunities for unknown artists such as myself so we can advance our careers (which are typically free), career development and assistance, they even have an AMAZING foundation to help nurture and develop talent http://www.ascapfoundation.org/ I can’t imagine not having them in my corner as they are without a doubt the reason I am able to still create music in the unstable environment that out industry is in today. In addition to all of this, and in an ironic twist, the founding members of Farm Aid- Neil Young, John Mellencamp and even Dave Matthews- are all ASCAP members. The sad thing is you didn't want to take the time to look into this before you began to ridicule the organization.
I understand that the lawsuit you mentioned is tragic and I agree with you it is, but I agree for a different set of reasons that are really quite simple- as professionals we deserve to be paid for what we do no questions asked. The tragedy of it is that it has come to the point where an organization has to go around trying to enforce the basic, legal rights of its individuals. Much like the farmers at your markets, it takes years to have the right foundation and set of skills to be able to pour your heart and soul into a proper performance. Much like farming our equipment is expensive but necessary and much like farming we are simply trying to feed the soul. All we want to do is make a living doing what we love, is that really so hard to ask? Yes, we don’t all see income from the licensing fee that venues are charged, but those of us that are active in our community do generate an income from royalties. Having live music at your venue is completely optional- if you want to have live music do your research and get the proper permits including the proper licensing. We will come to your venue and fill it to help you make money but you have to meet us half way. It is disrespectful to discriminate against those of us who have chosen to invoke our legal right to protect our work.
Finally, I would like to extend an olive branch and offer an opportunity to meet and speak with you to help you understand ASCAP and the other PROs a bit better. When you pledged “to never buy, allow, play, support and listen to their music” you were essentially pledging that you will never again in your life listen to music as ASCAP (and the other PROs) protect nearly all music you will ever hear on TV, in the movies, radio, etc. One should never deny themselves of music, especially when it’s over a misunderstanding. Simply send me a response and I am more than happy to hold up my end of the bargain.
I hope you take into consideration everything I have mentioned before you continue to slander such an outstanding organization that is trying to do nothing more than look out for its artists.
Best wishes to you in your future endeavors,
Jennifer Cadence
Singer/songwriter (and proud ASCAP member)
So a few weeks ago I did an interview with the fabulous PensEyeView It was be far one of the more interesting interviews I’ve done only I feel like I completely flopped on a certain question and I feel like I need to redeem myself a bit. You see, when they asked “tell us one thing we don’t know about you” I came up with the lamest answer of all time- my dependency on Dramamine. I mean really!?!?!?! That was the best I had!?!?!? Can we say LAME? That’s right, I went there. Any who, I decided that the sensible thing to do would be to come up with a few actually interesting little tidbits of random things you didn’t know about me that might actually be interesting. Slightly narcissistic I know, but I feel the need to redeem myself. Here goes.
Today is a very special day in our nation that is often used as just a extended weekend for many who have forgotten the meaning of the day. I would like to take a quick moment to say a very special thank you to my baby brother, father, grandfathers and everyone else who has (or still is) protected out country. Thank you for doing the job I would fail miserably at and most importantly, thank you for being willing to sacrifice your life to protect ours. We are forever in your debt.
Have a happy and safe Memorial day everyone!
We have cute little lizards that like to hang out in our back yard. Roxie is scared of them. Here's the hilarious proof. Happy Tuesday!
So a few weeks ago after a music conference in LA (Love you ASCAP btw) an idea became stuck in my head to create a music video/ lyric video of sorts of Mr. Universe. I thought it was genius at first, but then I started it. I wish I could have documented every strange glance or weird conversation I had during this process but no matter how much space I had on my phone there would never
Hi everyone again. I think I'm finally starting to get this blogging thing down :)
I just came back from one of my favorite music events that takes place throughout the year- the ASCAP I create music EXPO. For a bunch of gushy reasons I won't get into it's an incredible experience to be able to be in a room of like minded individuals that are so passionate about something they just want to crawl out of their skin sometimes (or their clothes
Well I must confess this has been an interesting journey. I've moved cross country more times than I can count but it usually involves me deciding it's time for a change, throwing whatever fits into my car and heading one direction non-stop sleeping in my car along
The rain woke me up today early which is something that has happened a million times before. This time it's different. This is my last morning in Seattle, and my last morning as a resident in my hometown. At some point this afternoon...
The Mr. Universe single is now available! This has been a long time in the making so pop the champagne and celebrate! I know everyone has their favorite way of doing things so I've made sure you had lot's of options available (listed below)
So I've had this weird sinus infection type thingy for a few weeks. Food tastes like blah so I've been dousing everything in hot sauce in an attempt to 1. clear out my sinuses and 2. taste something. It was a grand strategy until I started using some kind of nasal spray thing and now I swear the combination is making me more loopy then usual. Or maybe finals week is catching up with me. It's nebulous (that's what she said) :)
This post would have made a lot more sense yesterday but I was experiencing some technical difficulties. Not my computer, me. More on that later (maybe)
Now being Sunday the 15th means that two days ago it was the dreaded FRIDAY THE 13TH! AHHHH! This day always seems to have...
I'm currently sitting in the library on a short break munching on some yumminess. I'm supposed to be using this time to study for my Spanish tests I have today but I decided blogging and emailing was a much wiser use of my time. All I have to do is throw in a could of random youtube videos of kids after the dentist and a puppy and I will have checked off all of the boxes on the procrastinators to do list for the day :) Go me!
On a serious note though (seriously) I just wanted to say a quick thanks, welcome and hello to everyone I crossed paths with at the ASCAP expo. I can't believe everything that happened during that wonderful week and everything that has happened since has been a true gift (I know, such a sap). I can't wait to see what the coming months will bring and I really can't wait to go back next year although my brain still feels a bit like it's suffering from both a musical and knowledge hangover but I'm sure that'll go away soon :)
So again, thank you, hello and welcome to all of the newbies and for those of you on the mailing list don't forget to check your inbox tomorrow for a special Friday the 13th surprise :)
Always,
JC
To quote the incredible Sam Cooke, “a change is gonna come” Actually, it’s almost here.
It’s been a long year with lot’s of heard work but I’m very pleased to announce… I’m back! The chords are rested, ready and dying to get back on stage and out and about chatting with all of you. There’s new shows coming up, a few new faces to introduce you to and in the next few weeks a very special surprise in store which I can’t wait to share.
My first day back will be March 20th, solo with the lovely Helen Chance here in Seattle and we have plenty more where that came from so get ready kids, this is going to be one hell of a year!
So kids, going to the doctor sucks. It's important but sometimes it sucks. Why may you ask? Because I've been told I need some R&R to rest up my vocal chords. I made a joke about how I prefer Jameson and he got mad and had that tone in his voice that let me know I was in trouble. Anywho, this is my offical way of letting everyone know we're taking it easy for the next few months but don't worry, we'll be back with avengance this fall (fingers crossed) so until then every rock, pecae and love :)
Always
JC
Dear June,
I know that we're only a few hours in and that I may be jumping the gun here but I feel as if I like you already and that you're very trust worthy. While May did have it's high points (like placing 7th in the Lilth Fair contest and still waiting to see who will actually play the show since I'm still in the running for it thanks to all who voted :)) It had many, many down points like my beloved Jeeps transmission blowing out, a very sick puppy and a interesting recipe of strange things happening that I had decided was a mixture of the cosmos and Mr Universe getting really drunk one night and rummaging through their cupboards to see what they could create (It wasn't very good I can promise you that) Anywho June, I like you.
As this relationship blossoms over the coming weeks I want you to know that I will be taking advantage of every sunny day, every outdoor margarita and every music making moment I can. It's not that you're easy June, it's that you're so damn relaxed that you're one of the few months out of the year where everything just feels a little easier. To that I say thanks :)
So June, here's an orange juice toast (I mean it is before noon people) to a happy and hopefully healthy relationship.
Always,
JC