Only 3 days until the Hotel Café Show, Sunday 11/12 at 7pm!

Get your tickets HERE, just a few left! I will be launching the new album campaign plus I have exciting news! I will have a few advanced copies of the CD with me, just for you! And you can get your perks from the Indiegogo campaign along with a big hug from me!

I can’t believe the show is only a few days away! Last Thursday, we came together to rehearse. It’s been a while since we all gathered together in the studio. Sometimes I forget how the songs have a life of their own, they (the songs) know what they want to be. It feels like a huge download from Spirit, the words come pouring through – my heart vs. my brain. The songs are deeply personal and document the journey I’ve gone through in my life. I realize the songs are healing not only for me, but for others as well…the healing power of love.

When I went to hear the author and speaker, Brene Brown recently, I was reminded about the difference in striving for excellence vs. perfectionism. Doing my best but not focusing on the external things, keeping myself accountable to my soul’s purpose and remembering all the things that are working. I am writing today to share this with you and remind all of us how much life is one big experience, waiting to be lived and loved. Being present to what is, that is more important to me than ever!

So this coming Sunday, I will be baring my soul and singing about the healing power of love at Hotel Café. I hope you will join me… if not physically, you will be there in spirit. With Grandpa Ray, my beloved grandfather, who taught me to heed the bonds between life, love and family – my voice teacher, Mrs. Perla Warren, who showed me how to take a song and make it on my own and my beautiful Momma, who continues to teach me about unconditional love.

Sunday 11/12 SAVE THE DATE:
I will be launching my new album campaign at Hotel Café
Music starts 7pm. Get your tickets HERE as it will sell out!

My music family,

I can’t believe it’s November already! Time continues to fly by. It seems there are more places to be, things to do, commitments—that when the end of the day suddenly appears I sometimes feel like a human doing rather than a human being. Its days like these that music reminds me to SLOW DOWN & SAVOR the things most important to me.

When I slow down, the “doing” fades to black and I find myself at the piano, with Herbie my sidekick by my side, a calming cup of tea and the music. This is how I re-fill my cup and get back to center, with music, with dear friends in my life, with God. Reminding me that control is just an illusion. All the business I’ve had going on with the PR campaign, the upcoming show, and the album release.

What’s important isn’t the logistics of everything getting done.

What’s important is how my heart feels while getting everything ready.

What’s important isn’t getting it all perfect.

What’s important is how I am with myself during the process: am I loving? Encouraging? Compassionate? Gentle? Playful? Joyful?

What ways are you with yourself when you find your days full?

This morning we will be in the studio rehearsing for the show next week.

It will be less about hitting each note perfectly and more about being together with my band mates and putting our souls into the music, the creative collaboration with my music family.

My music grounds me and keeps my feet firmly planted along with family, relationships, friendships and my connection with Spirit.

It’s less about stuff and more about the journey.

Speaking of trips, have you gotten your ticket yet?

In less than 2 weeks, we will be rocking out to a full house at Hotel Cafe. I look back at my last album release show, years ago and how different life is now. I will keep this post short and sweet because more will be revealed during today’s FB live!

Come join us on FB today at 12pm Los Angeles time.

I will be singing the gifts from spirit, so grateful to be a conduit of his love and I look forward to melding that with heaps of my overflowing gratitude for you all-my music family. I hope your day is filled with joy and time for play.

Until then,
Christine

Sunday 11/12 SAVE THE DATE:
I will be launching my new album campaign at Hotel Café
#hotelcafe Music starts 7pm. Get your tickets HERE as it will sell out!

Hello friends,

I am back from Americana Fest and it was amazing! Every year my goal is to be in flow and let things unfold. Nashville was no exception. I stayed open to spirit, and the magic continued!

I put my best cowboy boot forward and Jill- my new publicist and I painted the town red. We’ve already started putting strategy in place for my album release. There’s a lot of prep for sure and a little scary!

But I remember that there is something bigger, more important than my fear.  And I can overcome it, with Spirit’s help, with all your love and encouragement and keep myself accountable to my soul’s purpose.

Speaking of magic, one of the most magical and transformational experiences of Americana Fest was hearing singer Bettye LaVette.  Without making any plans one night, my heart led me to the club 12th and Porter.  When I arrived, I ran into Bob Boilen who gracefully took me right up to the front and next thing I knew, we were stage-side. You know when you are experiencing something sacred and special? Well, this was a once in a lifetime moment of moments! Hearing Bettye sing “Worthy” not only reminded me of the lessons with my beloved voice teacher, Mrs. Warren (who taught me not only about music, but also about life itself), it was another confirmation that I am on my path! Mary Gauthier who wrote “Worthy” then appeared next to the stage to film the song.

Mary is one of my songwriting mentors and has inspired me to be my authentic self and to step out and say, “this is my soul’s purpose!”   Her encouragement is THE REASON that I was able to do the Indiegogo campaign and do the big ask and put myself out there.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked up and there she stood holding up her iPhone!

The combo of Bettye and Mary doing “Worthy” was so powerful. Bettye was the vision of strength and passion, singing from her soul. There was no way I could have known I would be in the most perfect place to hear Bettye that night, let alone run into Mary.

When I have so many moments of doubt and fear about taking the next steps, times like this show me what is possible. It was beyond kismet and I was meant to be there! We are ALL WORTHY, like the song title says, just as we are.

The biggest takeaway from my time in Nashville is to continue to trust, be in flow and connect with kindred spirits (like YOU!).

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing some of my new songs and talking about how they were written, what they mean to me, the stories behind the songs.   I can’t wait to sing my heart out at the Hotel Cafe, like Bettye! Stay tuned for news about my upcoming album release and more live shows.

Meanwhile, watch Mary’s Video here…

We are going to pack the House!  Get your tickets to the Hotel Café now!

“Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing” -Anonymous

And I would add to that quote, I AM ALL IN!  Being open and curious without attachment seems to be the theme lately!  It’s been a while since my last update, but trust me when I say there have been many nights I’ve been sitting here, looking at the computer screen, wanting to hit “send” and wondering where do I even begin to describe the whirlwind of a summer I’ve had?

Well, one thing I know for sure- Spirit has been leading the way. This summer, after much blood, sweat and tears, we finished design and production of the album.  Part of me felt it I was back at the starting line again!  Production-totally hit it out of the ballpark, check!  Now, who is going to get this out into the world?  I felt like the caterpillar that was now getting ready to transform into a butterfly.  It is time for my debut, but what kind of debut?

Where would I feel most at home? I was told Folk Acoustic, maybe Adult Contemporary? Americana? Singer-Songwriter? Go broad or niche?

My search for the perfect PR agency to help birth this album felt a bit like being set up on a blind date.  I would meet someone, who knew someone, and after leads and leads of leads, a brief introduction, I would get on the phone and tell them my magical story of how this all came to be.  There were some scary moments for sure, putting myself out there but I kept leaping, praying that the net would appear.   And it did! I will soon be able to spill the beans on my kick ass PR team, but until then, nothing but good news on the horizon!

I am happy to report that my PR A-team is coming along and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way things are lining up, thanks to the guardian angels I have by my side. Was my faith tested?  Well…. I would be lying if I said no, as we are all imperfect humans.  But here we are, September!!!  And yesssss, things are moving along magnificently.

And there are some exciting things coming your way so mark your calendar!

Exclusive Record Release Show at the Hotel Cafe November 12th (and you, my Indiegogo music family are my VIPs!)

This is a special night for my Indiegogo music family and fans…. you will hear us play live all the songs on the album and get your copy of the Super Deluxe limited edition CD of “Been a Long Time”.

We are going to pack the House!  It will sell out for sure, so get your tickets now!

If you are not in town, not to worry- I have some nationwide releases in the works, including radio spots in early 2018. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months.  We are just getting this party started!  The “official” release is slated for January 2018.

If you are in the Nashville area, I am going to Americana Fest next week. I’m looking forward to connecting with old and new friends!  Crazy to think it was only 3 short years ago that I met wonderful souls John and Sharon Grayum, who introduced me to writer Lee Zimmerman, who has turned out to be instrumental in building my dream team for the record launch.  I’m feeling energized, excited and joyous! You can say that I am “joyously” working hard. Even though sometimes, it doesn’t feel like so much “work” as getting a huge YES!

GO CHRISTINE!

Can you feel my excitement? My call to share my music with all of you has been answered again and again and I could not be more grateful.

All my love,
Christine

We are going to pack the House!  Get your tickets to the Hotel Café now! 

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I can’t believe it’s June already! Just this time last year, the campaign was ending, and we were planning to go into the studio. I’ve had a post-it note by my computer for weeks now to give you guys an update. The “behind the scenes” of the album project has been consuming, to say the least. Who knew there would be so many moving parts?

Just to give you a sense of me buzzing around the studio in between teaching, we logged several weeks worth of production time mixing and mastering the songs. Then came artwork and photo shoots for the album. Since we did not fundraise the full amount for all of the expenses, I’ve been creatively fundraising along the way as well, to cover the costs at the same time. We are headed towards the finish line– next up will be finding PR and planning the release for October! (Yippee!)

There have been ups and downs for sure, but as I sat down with the designer to choose photos for the album this past week, I was reminded of YOU. I was reminded when I looked at the backers from the Indiegogo campaign that there was NO WAY I could have done any of this without YOU. Aside from all the blood, sweat and tears that went into the making of the album, there is so much love. This album is about family, my grandfather, my dad and my mom…and all of YOU. You are my family too: my music family.

So when I was adding names of some of you in my special thank you page of the album, I got teary-eyed and my heart was flooded with memories of how amazing it was that everyone showed up for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a crucial part in making this all happen.

Now for some fun stuff! Here is a sneak peek of the album cover. Andrea Cat, my designer, is also part of the synchronicities that continue to pop up in my life. She and I met on Instagram because of our love of cats, (another story for another time).  Take a look at Andrea’s artwork on her website.

I hope this summer brings you much joy and relaxation. Drop me a line on IG or on FB if you have a moment. And your perks are coming as we head towards the release. Andrea and I are putting the finishing touches on the artwork as I type.

All my love, Christine

Hello My Music Family,

Are you all ready for the holidays?  It’s been a whirlwind here as we finally finished up the mixing of the album and now getting ready to send the songs into mastering.  In midst of all of the holiday rush, I was reminded to slow down and savor the moments; at least the pretty big ones for me this year- the IndieGogo Campaign, recording the album and now mixing and mastering. Each step has had it’s challenges and I have been trying to take deep breaths in between each step— acknowledging how far I’ve come.  A year ago, this was just a dream that I had!  My 2016 goal was to manifest this into reality.

What have been some of your biggest dreams and desires this year?  I’ve learned along the way, that the steps of the journey are just as important as the end result and sometimes even more so.   No matter what size our goals are, having faith, and feeling the fear and the desire to control outcomes are things we all struggle with.  Even me!  2016 has been a huge year for me; opening up to your love and support and receiving; learning that giving and receiving are equally important.

You have all taught me so much this year with your kindness, support, texts, emails and calls.  I was just looking at a video out-take from our studio session and wow—the song sure packs a punch, the power of hearing the song reminded me that I wasn’t alone; I carried all of you with me that morning into the recording studio.  Here is a sneak peek, album teaser along with some gallery shots.

So as we near the 2 weeks before Christmas and Hanukkah, I just want to say again a big THANK YOU and how much you mean to me.  I had a chance to meet some of you at a house party perk that was redeemed last weekend in Los Angeles.  It was so much fun to incorporate some holiday jingles into the set.  Please know that I am still working on the rest of the perks and haven’t forgotten.  Even though the campaign is over, if you have someone you would like to purchase gifts for —our album makes a great stocking stuffer!

We are getting close to the finish line, and still have a few things we need to raise funds for, the production of the physical CD, along with artwork and a publicist for the release.  You can still pre-order the album and I’m offering the perks “Get on the Love Train” and “An evening from my heart to yours”.  Read about these amazing perks below and click on the link to become a co-creator and part of this album.

I am so grateful for you!

All My Love,

Christine

Smooth Ride – $25

2 signed copies of my CD Smooth Ride, sent directly to your door from yours truly!  Perfect for stocking stuffers! 12 beautiful tracks including original songs like “Cattle Press”, “Kitten”, “Boxer”, and gospel hymn “Balm in Gilead” that will lift your spirits and warm your heart. Plus my eternal love & gratitude always!  Get this perk here.

Super Deluxe – $40

You get a limited edition CD of “Been a Long Time” including more extensive artwork than the regular release, including a lyric book insert, which the regular release will not have, along with the digital trio: 3 songs from the CD you will receive by email within 24 hours, and a digital advance copy of the album before the physical release.  Plus my eternal love & gratitude forever and always! Get this perk here.

Get on the Love Train – $150

Not only do you get the Super Deluxe CD signed with a personal love note from me, which is a limited edition of “Been a Long Time” including more extensive artwork than the regular release, YOUR NAME will appear in the THANK YOU CREDITS of the lyric book insert.  Ooo la la!  Plus you’ll receive a digital copy of the CD + a tote bag with the album artwork + my eternal love & gratitude forever and always!  Get this perk here.

An evening from my heart to yours – $1500

House Concert – Get ready for a celebratory evening of heart felt serenades for you and your guests in your home or venue of choice (LA or Elk Grove, my hometown!) Guaranteed Goosebumps from powerful lyrics! Travel/hotel not included in cost for other areas. Plus a digital copy of the CD + a signed copy of the CD + a tote bag with album artwork + a thank you in credits + my eternal love & gratitude forever and always!  Get this perk here and contact me for info/arrangements.

Hello everyone! It’s starting to feel more like fall here in Los Angeles. The days are getting shorter and the weather is a bit cooler in the morning and in the evening as the sun goes down.  I just came off a really busy month where I worked on the background vocals and mixing for the album. It was non-stop working on the album and planning the Farm to Table Listening Party. The last weekend of October was perfect timing to visit my dad on the farm where I was able to take some time out and relax. The air smelled of fall, with the leaves changing, persimmons and pecans being harvested and gave me permission to slow down.

While I was chilling with my family, I reflected on what a truly amazing community I have in Los Angeles: my family away from home. On October 22nd, we had our Farm to Table Listening Party for the people who selected this perk on the IndieGogo campaign. My dear friends Ross and Kevin hosted the event at their beautiful home in Hollywood. What a privilege it was to be a part of this celebration. I was showered with so much love and generosity from my friends that came together to help me. Ross and Kevin were wonderful and did everything from cleaning house, to planting plants, to baking cookies! Jan from church decorated the house and tables and brought serving dishes. Lisa took photos and brought tables and chairs. Claire cooked her heart out! Erica served and assisted Claire. There was warm mulled cider, butternut squash soup and chili to warm our stomachs and after dinner we sang our hearts out. Patricia and I sang the song we wrote together “Soul and Bone”. Ross came and sang with me on the song “Inside This Body”. Below are some photos and our Facebook Live feed.

At the party, we listened to the first rough mixes of the songs. It feels like it was just yesterday that I first shared the campaign with you all. I remember it was such a stretch for me to ask for help, as I had been doing it all by myself up until then. I knew inside my heart that it was my calling to share my music with the world. Faith and prayers were all I had to go on this summer. Then there you were. I wrote these songs for you. During the listening party, some shared that it brought tears to their eyes. THIS is what makes my heart SING: to sing and share my love of music and spirit with you.

This summer, you answered my prayers. I felt your love and Spirit’s guidance these past months as I put one foot in front of the other. You were with me for my first Facebook live post. You were there in my eleventh hour as I wrapped up the campaign with your contributions. This Friday I go to the studio to work with Talley our engineer on the final mixes. When the mixes are complete the next step will be mastering of the songs. If you selected a perk, please know that I am working away on them while fundraising to be able to finish the rest of the album.

My life has been forever changed by this summer. I know in the depths of my heart that this is not just about me; it is about bringing healing and mending broken hearts. To share my heart and music with the world, especially in these uncertain times.

We are about $5000 shy of our original goal. With the holiday almost upon us, I am humbly showing up to celebrate with you and take this opportunity to raise a few more dollars for US.

We still need to allocate funds to finish mixing, mastering, creating album artwork and producing the physical CD. As such, I am opening up a few slots in my schedule for house parties to raise money for the next part of the production.  Will you help me make this last part of our journey a reality? This very last part of my musical journey is as crucial as the first. If you live in the LA area or somewhere close to sunny Southern California, drop me a line.

I’d LOVE to come play for you! And if you are out of LA and would be open to supporting the production of the masters and pressing of the CDs I would be so grateful. Contact me to make a donation.

All my love,
Christine

Dear September, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways this month has been just fantastic so far! Lots of laughter and fun to be had in the recording studio with my dear friends Patricia Bahia and Sean Holt this past week. Together, we joined Mick Taras and sang our hearts out on some amazing harmonies. I’m listening to a ruff mix now of “Love Remains” and if you could see me, I am grinning from ear to ear. 🙂

I’m over the moon to be taking this song with me tomorrow as I head off to Nashville to Americana Fest!  Yippee!  I will be sharing the song with a few trusted music folk and mentors and letting Spirit take the lead, open to seeing where this will take me.

If this is any indication of what the week will bring, it is going to be a gangbuster of a festival! Just this morning, I found out that Alison Krauss, Bob Weir, Steve Earle and Joe Henry are opening the Americana Music Association’s Awards Show with music to honor the legacies of Guy Clark, Merle Haggard, Dr. Ralph Stanley and one of my big music inspirations Allen Toussaint. The night will close with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band playing “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

I was JUST thinking about the classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” as actually we “quote” the melody of that classic in the solo section of our song “Love Remains”.

Small world, I can already tell I am being called to stretch and step out and let my music shine out to the world. I’m already feeling divine flow and synchronicity at work!   “Love Remains” has these beautiful words…”Truth is, when all of life and death has swept over us, truth is, love will remain, love crosses over and love remains.”

Love remains strong and steadfast in my heart as I pack your love in the suitcase to take with me. You guys started this by making the Indiegogo campaign a reality. Now can you say Nashville or bust? 🙂

When I return we will be back in the studio for one more day to work on vocals, so stay tuned for more studio updates and sneak peeks! Also if you chose the “Farm to Table Listening Party” as your perk, then yaaaaaaay! Save the date, October 22nd for an exclusive party in Hollywood.  Invitations will go out when I return from Nashville!

Till then, Lots of love,
Christine

My Dear Music Family,

It’s been a reflecting kind of week. Before going into the studio to record, I asked myself this question: what if I was willing to let go of my fears, my desire for wanting things to be perfect, my need to control how things end up? What then?

I thought about the journey I asked you to take with me when I began the Indiegogo campaign. I asked you to take a leap of faith with me, to be a part of something bigger than me. Now I was asking myself to stretch and grow, to put my heart out there with trust and faith.

So here we are a week later and I’m still reliving how each day in the studio was truly heaven.  I was able to make music with my favorite people in the world and it was amazing how everything was in such flow and alignment.  The band came together and we all had this feeling of connection. Then something happened to me that I wasn’t quite expecting.  By day 3 when recording “Soul and Bone”, I was singing in a way I never have before! I fully sang from the bottom of my soul with a bit of raspy goodness, completely emotional and unstudied.

On day 2 we recorded “Love Remains” and “Honey For My Soul” – both songs inspired by my mom.  That’s the day we had a blast doing the fun clap track. Watch the video to see how much fun we were having!

On day 3, we recorded “Bitter and Sweet” and “Soul and Bone”.  Both songs have a raw and haunting quality about them. Aaron Sterling joined us on percussion and played instruments made from found objects: Perrier cans tied together, a washtub, and a brake fluid can. They all sounded so cool and added so much to the songs. Patricia Bahia, my friend and cowriter, also joined us in the studio and added a lot to the fun, gave some good feedback and cheered me on.

I surprised myself and looking back now, it all makes so much sense! If I am willing to let go of my fear and perfectionism and what I think I’m able to control, I find a deeper connection and freedom in my singing. I open up to my essential self, surrender to divine flow and then truly hand things over to a higher power.

I’m so excited to do this, for you, for me, and for all of us while experiencing the magic of music and surrender. Truly this experience has touched me deeply and I am so grateful to be sharing this experience with all of you.  I can’t wait to share the tracks when we are done with mastering.

More exciting things in the coming weeks as we continue with production and begin to get our perks designed. Stay tuned!

If you are stateside, happy early Labor Day weekend.

Love,
Christine

Dear Music Family,

I’m so excited! Our first day in the studio was aaaamaaazing! Oh my gosh, where to begin?

It was better than I even dreamed it could be and I’m so grateful to all of you, my co-creators and angels who joined with me to make “Been a Long Time” a reality. I brought all of you along with me into the studio. Every conversation I had with each of you during the Indiegogo campaign, all of the stories you shared about my mom, catching up with those of you I haven’t spoken to in a long time, all of it went into the songs we recorded. I felt all of you with me in the studio. All of your love and prayers carried my voice and the whole band up to heavenly heights!

When things are in alignment, it flows. If there were a word to describe how things went, that would be it, FLOW! We all had a blast making music together and sailed through 3 songs,  “Love is the Answer”, “That’s How the Story Goes” and “Inside this Body”. All of our preparation and pre-production paid off big time and it was thrilling to hear my beautiful vision come to life, I can’t wait for you to hear it!

A huge thanks to my team: Sara Chameides for assisting so I could focus on singing, Alex Martinez for some great shots and video to come (here are a few photos behind the scenes) and the whole band deserves some big hugs, high fives and kudos; Mick Taras, Paul Alexander Gonzalez, Doug Petty, Edwin Livingston and engineer Talley Sherwood and his lovely studio Tritone recording!

Okay, have got to prep for day 2. Stay tuned for more. Happy Thursday! Woot woot!