tag:nataliegelman.com,2005:/blogs/natalie-gelman-blog-tales-from-the-subway-the-road-backstage?p=3Natalie Gelman Blog: Tales from the subway, the road & backstage2023-05-10T20:11:10-04:00 Natalie Gelmanfalsetag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/72065902023-05-10T20:11:10-04:002024-02-14T14:06:35-05:00Last Minute Mothers Day Gifts for Music Loving Mamas<p dir="ltr">If you’re a new parent or just behind on Mothers Day and haven’t sorted out a gift for the mama in your life I have you covered with some amazing gifts for music loving moms. </p><p dir="ltr">Some of these are instant gifts and others will depend on your delivery times. There’s even one that’s custom made by yours truly. Check them all out below. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/c8d6b10156a0da554087ce98d745b7fbbcac0082/original/img-1846-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Vinyl Of The Month Club</strong> <br>How fun is this? Get them a subscription to this <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Month-Club-Golden-Subscription/dp/B095WFPM47?th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=446711b66597785a44b9de3422151c5f&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Vinyl Of The Month club</a> and they will get a new must-have vinyl every month. If anyone wants to send this my way I would love it!! ha!</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>My Album, Moth To The Flame</strong> <br>Speaking of vinyl, you can also <a class="no-pjax" href="https://nataliegelman.com/product/760820" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">order a copy of my latest album on vinyl</a> and I'll even sign it just for her! Featuring 13 tracks of my original songs she will be sure to find some new favorites.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>A Fabulous Ukulele</strong> <br>If the mama in your life is always singing, give her <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4WWK1L/ref=twister_B089MX1YKD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=984e81a02fae375fa1e1602db4ebca62&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">this gorgeous Cordoba ukulele</a> made with acacia wood to accompany herself. This is the exact one I use, minus the electronics. It sounds as amazing as it looks.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>An Instrument Anyone Can Play, A Kalimba</strong> <br>No matter her musical ability she'll be able to play <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Portable-Finger-Adults-Beginners/dp/B07Q38FWFJ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1MGE3XL4P25GV&keywords=bondi+kalimba&qid=1683662457&sprefix=bondi+kalimb%252Caps%252C304&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A1V1X96W1SW909&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTDkxWlBTQ09BRElLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDQ2Mzg3MjM5RjhHMFFYSEhMSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA0NDYyV0ZRVFhZTkpaU1MxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=157c9350cbcd0accb40d5067d8a91150&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">this kalimba</a>. The metal tines are pushed with your thumbs and everything sounds beautiful because it's all in the same key. You can also pick her up <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-exquisite-Marimba-Musical-accessory/dp/B07ZYZS9QW/ref=sr_1_38?crid=1MGE3XL4P25GV&keywords=bondi+kalimba&qid=1683662457&sprefix=bondi+kalimb%252Caps%252C304&sr=8-38&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=469b4e490e31243f92d7b6bdf6b0c65a&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">this small one</a> she can keep on a keychain and play anytime she's waiting. Added bonus is that the sounds these produce are so relaxing.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>A Song Written Just For Her</strong> <br>Sing her praises with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://nataliegelman.com/customsongs" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">a custom song or mini custom song</a>! These are written by me with details you share and are such meaningful gifts. They are super thoughtful and will probably leave her crying with joy. You can also order the lyrics handwritten on handmade paper as a beautiful keepsake.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>New Headphones</strong> <br>Maybe she's listening to the new song I wrote for her or just spinning her favorite tracks, whatever she's listening to it will sound even better through a pair of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNNMYSGQ?tag=cnet-buy-button-20&ascsubtag=77d96bc8571f4e1ab9b055175b41a9a7%7Cdcb60141-ed53-4435-9eee-ecf62daf42d2%7Cdtp%7Ccn" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">new sonically enhanced noise canceling headphones</a>. Offer these up with a cup of coffee, tea or a glass of wine and her favorite songs for a little escape from screaming toddlers and crying babies. </p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Music Lessons</strong> <br>This might be the perfect time to buy her a package of music lessons with me! I offer voice, guitar, ukulele and songwriting lessons virtually. It's never too late to learn, and will likely be cheaper than therapy! <a class="no-pjax" href="mailto:natalie@nataliegelman.com" data-link-type="url">Email me</a> if you're interested in those. She and I may even write a song together to thank you!</p><p dir="ltr">There you have it. A little batch of gifts for the music loving mom in your life. Hope you find the perfect way to celebrate the mom's you love this Mothers Day and every day!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/72031822023-05-04T20:13:34-04:002023-05-10T19:48:11-04:007 things I’ve learned in 7+ months of motherhood<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/7e3f45a986d8829a552254c446b039f45e875625/original/img-3885.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">With Mother’s Day coming up next weekend I thought I would share that I’ve learned since Emery made me a mom just over 7 months ago. If you’re a mom I know you’re short on free time and I’m writing this as she contact naps so I’ll get right into it… </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>1. You need wayyy less than you think</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">We didn’t buy much for Emery, a few friends gave us some hand-me-downs which was AMAZING, I bought or picked up some key pieces of gear through Facebook marketplace and give-and-take groups in our community and I registered for some key things we needed too. Our space is small and I thought I was being pretty minimal but even then a lot of it still hasn’t been used.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">It all depends on your baby and what they like and need. That's advice my midwife gave me when I told her I was even stressed about what clothes I needed for the baby… which depending on your climate and home you also really barely need. Yes, they are cute but some can be such a pain for diaper changes or are super expensive and they just wear it once. Even things that were beautiful gifts for her as a newborn just felt kinda wasteful as she wore them mayyybe 3 times. So, my advice is to ask friends to size up if they want to get you something adorable and special. Plus baby sizes are so random, I swear we went straight from 0-3 month things into 6 month things when Emery was right around 6 months and within a week the 6 month sizes were feeling snug. And, I was SO disappointed when special clothes were too small when I finally went to put her in them… I think most European and foreign baby clothes are made smaller. Ugg. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Also, my daughter has the same couple of favorite books and toys but we have lots more. I try to rotate things so she can “discover” them again and that keeps things new and fun. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Some useless (for us) stuff; Nursing covers (she would get too hot and rip it off which made covering up more awkward), swaddles – even the velcro kind (Emery refused to be swaddled so this was just a no, her startle reflex didn’t wake her so we just let her be), even burp cloths (Emery just didn’t have a lot of spit ups). Again, every baby is different and it’s good to have some stuff on hand but also remember that with things the way they are Amazon can get you whatever you need likely by the next day. </span></p><p start="2"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>2. Narrate, narrate, narrate</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Talk to your baby and tell them what you’re doing. Everything from making breakfast and whatever's happening around you in your home or when you’re out with your baby to a little run down of your day (what you're about to do and whats after that). They may not understand you yet but this helps them learn words sooner and it just seemed to help Emery regulate her nervous system. Maybe it was all in my head because it felt a little weird to be out and about with my baby (and I waited til she was over a month old before she ever went in a car) but it’s so helpful to talk to her and respectful for them to include them. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Especially if you have a baby that’s upset – during a diaper change, driving in a car or whenever – you may feel your nervous system starting to get anxious and stressed and want to go faster to get the diaper on or even drive faster but try and calm yourself first and you will often find that narrating what’s happening helps with that. I like to respect Emerys space by asking her if I may pick her up, kiss her etc. It just slows down the movement around her too which is more at her speed as a newborn.</span></p><p start="3"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>3. Ask for help </strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">To do the dishes, to pick up the mail (or the things you actually need for your baby that you just ordered off Amazon), to learn to breastfeed… literally anything and everything so that you can rest and focus on the baby. And if someone offers, just say yes. You can also come up with an easy one liner like “I never turn down food” or “I can’t say no to laundry help” so people know how to help. It may not be cleaned or done how you like it exactly but it will be done and honestly you just have to let things go as much as you can. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">And if you’re reading this and not a mother or mother-to-be I just have to say that taking care of mom is taking care of baby. She should be focusing on the newborn and you helping with more water, snacks, managing outside visitors etc – even 7+ months in! – is you taking care of baby. </span></p><p start="4"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>4. Double batch your food </strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Someone gave us this advice before Emery was born and it still applies over half a year in. I started double batching soups and lots of other things that can be frozen “prepared” to be cooked later like lasagna, casserole etc but truly almost everything can be double batched to save you time in clean up later or help you feed yourself fast with one hand so that you can feed your baby. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">I’ve even taken to doubling pancakes and still am making huge batches of soups that feel like a little gift from younger Natalie lol. Dinner is delicious and so easy. Even if you’re doing a meal train I still recommend this. </span></p><p start="5"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>5. Find a mamas/parenting group</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">No joke, I said at least a dozen times while I was pregnant that I wasn’t going to be one of those moms who goes to mama groups and is friends with other moms. HA! Literally less than a year later and I’m eating my words. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">It started with a birthing class and I just wrapped a 3-4 month group baby class with Emery locally and we’re probably going to sign up for the next one and considering two others. It’s SO helpful to have a community of people around you that “get it” and are going through the same things. Being a new parent can feel very isolating and having a group meet up was so helpful to navigate the changes for me personally, for my marriage and to get tips on motherhood and parenting too that weren’t from some middle of the night black holes of the internet doom scrolling. Which brings me to…</span></p><p start="6"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>6. You are the right mom for your baby </strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">All credit to my husband for this one. Early on I was telling him he should read some book I was reading (one of MANY I read) and he just said that he was going to take his cues from Emery. At first I was taken aback but I realized that he’s right and while there may not be a baby manual there is a source of connection and intuition between each of us and our daughter.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">I’m still happy I read lots of books about breastfeeding, parenting, learning, etc but at the end of the day I just have to be present to Emery and what her needs are in that moment. There’s no way I could remember all of it and as I love to say because it’s true, we’re all just making it up as we go along and doing our best. Just come from a place of love and do what works for you and your baby and just take all advice or ideas as things for your “baby tool box” and not set in stone, hard and fast rules. Everyone is on their own journey and you are the right mom, dad or parents for your little one.</span></p><p start="7"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>7. Cloth diapers can be SUPER easy</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Before Emery was born I knew I wanted to do cloth diapers because of the environmental impact for traditional disposables. It’s a bit debatable if cloth really is better for the environment with the water used etc but the fact that typical diapers have so many chemicals in them and take about 500 years to decompose was just not sitting well with me. 500 YEARS!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">So… there’s great bamboo options that can be composted and options for disposables with less absorbent and other chemicals but I figured why not try cloth diapering. I even thought about buying some used cloth diapers off Facebook marketplace – there’s a big resell market for cloth diapers! Who knew?! However, I didn’t find what I wanted and was very confused by the options, pre-folds, all in ones, all in twos… it was too much to research and get lost in for me when I was 8 months pregnant but thankfully someone offered me their plan and it’s what I also use and love.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Pre-folds with waterproof shells are the way to go. You only need about 5-7 shells and about two dozen prefolds. I won’t get into the details of cloth diapering but basically you only need to change the shell every time your baby poops or after every few changes. Otherwise you just wipe it out and insert the new pre-fold. Cloth diapers are super soft and absorbent and get even more so with use. I have NEVER had a blowout with cloth diapers. I’ve had a handful of blowouts in the handful of disposables I’ve used which is a lot considering I only use them at night and when I want things to be more streamlined under Emerys outfit since cloth diapers are a bit bulky. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">When babies are just breastfed their poops are water soluble so you don’t even have to wash them out but I would because I liked to hang them up to get sun bleached and dry out before we washed them. Since Emery was 3 weeks old we’ve also been practicing elimination communication. She does a lot of her elimination in the toilet so we don’t go through diapers as quickly as other people that are washing their cloth diapers every 2-3 days. So rinsing and hanging them up to dry and washing more like every 5-6 days is where we’ve landed. That’s more than I thought I would get into on it but if y’all really want me to I can give you my full run down of thoughts on cloth diapers and/or elimination communication in another blog post. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;"><strong>+Bonus Tip (The sun bleaches blowouts)</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Because of cloth diapering I learned that the sun bleaches baby poop. At one of my mom group meetups I remember a mom talking about how her daughter always seemed to have blowouts in her favorite outfit and she was going through a 1/2 bottle of shout every time and the outfit was now ruined. I told her about sun bleaching it and she came back the next week super grateful.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">If baby is breastfed, all you have to do is rinse out the blowout and hang the clothing in direct sun. Seriously in about 1/2 an hour the stain is mostly gone. Sometimes I would turn it inside out or to the other side of the fabric and of course leave things out longer for bigger stains but it couldn’t be any easier. Then you just launder as normal. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#222222;">Well, there you have it. Those are my best new mama tips folks. I feel like I might be opening a door for people on the internet to come at me who disagree or who made different choices but that’s the great thing about parenting. You get to decide what works for you and your family. So do you and have fun mamas!! …and dads too!! </span></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/71941132023-04-20T18:45:01-04:002023-04-20T19:07:02-04:003 Easy Earth Friendly Cleaning Products for Earth Day<p>Happy Earth Day!! Y'all know I love nature and try to make small choices every day to lower my impact on the planet. This hit even closer to home these days. As a new mom I want my daughter to be able to appreciate all the beauty of mother nature. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Rainforests of Brazil… </p><p>Here I am enjoying these beautiful trees in Kauai with the little peanut in my belly about a year ago :)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/542acb82be24105f60a5cca56d9add205330fe8f/original/0a52314a-e5ad-4050-ab36-c329f3dbafac.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It may feel like the little things you do don't really make a difference but I truly believe that if enough of us make small changes they do add up. Plus, putting our money towards products and companies that make choices we believe in helps those companies invest even more in their products and grow to encourage more people to adopt them in their homes. </p><p>I like to look at the everyday things I use and find options that are biodegradable, lower in plastic usage and help save energy. Here's three products you can try. I also like to save money, I'm an independent musician and don't have tons to spend on fancy eco friendly stuff so you'll find that not only are these products that work and are eco friendly but they will add up to some savings too. :)</p><p><strong>1. Buy “Bulk” Dish Soap - </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Meyers-Liquid-Refill-Lavender/dp/B07N26BQXL/ref=sr_1_3?camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=mrs%252Bmeyers%252Bdish%252Bsoap%252Brefill%2522%253EMrs%252BMeyers%252BDish%252BSoap%253C%252Fa%253E&linkCode=ur2&linkId=193358ddd1a6da0db8bf7cadd732a763&qid=1682025526&sr=8-3&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=914342907e5d2cd17eb31bdae3aed421&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Mrs Meyers Dish Soap</a> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/d68dd65815341deacc791447c8806ae6937faf03/original/mrs-meyers.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p><p>I used to not think much about dish soap. I would just buy a new bottle of whatever soap was on sale whenever I was close to running out. But, as I started cleaning up my personal hygiene products I realized I needed to do better in more areas around the house. Buying in “bulk” like this means less plastic overall plus <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Meyers-Liquid-Refill-Lavender/dp/B07N26BQXL/ref=sr_1_3?camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;keywords=mrs%252Bmeyers%252Bdish%252Bsoap%252Brefill%2522%253EMrs%252BMeyers%252BDish%252BSoap%253C%252Fa%253E&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=193358ddd1a6da0db8bf7cadd732a763&amp;qid=1682025526&amp;sr=8-3&amp;th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=914342907e5d2cd17eb31bdae3aed421&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url">this dish soap is biodegradable</a> so it's better for our waterways and healthier to have around the house when traces of it end up staying on dishes… not to mention back into our waterways and into our bodies that route. </p><p>So, pick up this I decant the soap to a beautiful hand painted ceramic container from Mexico so it matches our kitchen -- and looks better than a labeled bottle of dish soap sitting on the counter. There's lots of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fe0c5dbe428f202344211aff905b4087&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=glass%20dish%20soap%20dispenser" target="_blank">glass options</a> available on Amazon too. </p><p><strong>2. Ditch Laundry Detergent in Plastic Containers - </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Biokleen-Concentrated-Eco-Friendly-Plant-Based-Preservatives/dp/B000CBGATW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=biokleen%252Blaundry%252Bdetergent&qid=1682026150&sprefix=biokl%252Caps%252C387&sr=8-8&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bf7a3cdfa09f9e089bf928f1e3c683df&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Biokleen Laundry Detergent</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Biokleen-Concentrated-Eco-Friendly-Plant-Based-Preservatives/dp/B000CBGATW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=biokleen%252Blaundry%252Bdetergent&qid=1682026150&sprefix=biokl%252Caps%252C387&sr=8-8&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bf7a3cdfa09f9e089bf928f1e3c683df&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/49b67a1d00ac94c62eaf9ef0e559acacd5e545e9/original/biokleen.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>I used to feel so wasteful throwing away those huge containers of laundry detergent. When setting out to find an eco friendly laundry detergent that wouldn't break the bank I tried a number of things; extra concentrated liquids, laundry “strips” and concentrated pods that dissolved in the wash. This powder detergent from Biokleen was part of that trial run and the clear winner. </p><p>Personally I like the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Biokleen-Concentrated-Eco-Friendly-Plant-Based-Preservatives/dp/B000CBGATW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=biokleen%252Blaundry%252Bdetergent&amp;qid=1682026150&amp;sprefix=biokl%252Caps%252C387&amp;sr=8-8&amp;th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bf7a3cdfa09f9e089bf928f1e3c683df&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url">light citrus scent</a> but I've also used the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Biokleen-Concentrated-Eco-Friendly-Plant-Based-Preservatives/dp/B001WY7V32/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=biokleen%25252Blaundry%25252Bdetergent&amp;qid=1682026150&amp;sprefix=biokl%25252Caps%25252C387&amp;sr=8-8&amp;th=1&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=nataliegelm03-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=bf7a3cdfa09f9e089bf928f1e3c683df&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bc54e361f69efda67eb806fd7c6b732f&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url">Free & Clear unscented</a> option too. This has been gentle enough on all my clothes but also hard working. We have a special needs cat that leaks urine and this detergent (plus a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/odor-eliminator-for-strong-odor-pet-supplies/dp/B00OI20SXA/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1XSPG0YCN2ED6&amp;keywords=concentrated%252Bcitrus%252Benzyme%252Bcleaner%252Bpets&amp;qid=1682026744&amp;sprefix=concentrated%252Bcitrus%252Bensyme%252Bcleaner%252Bpet%252Caps%252C174&amp;sr=8-5&amp;th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3da7903de4d39093190f43183199145b&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url">concentrated pen enzyme eliminator</a>) is part of what helps keep his beds from smelling. And now using cloth diapers this has been working hard to keep them fresh for almost 7 months now. I've been using it for years and think I will for many years to come. </p><p> </p><p><strong>3. Try Wool Dryer Balls - </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mollys-Suds-Softener-Unscented-Hypoallergenic/dp/B07CS733HB/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=wool%252Bdryer%252Bballs&qid=1682026843&sprefix=wool%252Bdryer%252B%252Caps%252C274&sr=8-4-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQlJJRzM0RUFIRTlHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzA2NDQ2MTc5NjNHUDEwRkpKUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDA2MTIyREhNTjg2SEZOOUFSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=39886ea80ca247d3bd50bf523941316c&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Molly's Suds Wool Dryer Balls</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mollys-Suds-Softener-Unscented-Hypoallergenic/dp/B07CS733HB/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=wool%252Bdryer%252Bballs&qid=1682026843&sprefix=wool%252Bdryer%252B%252Caps%252C274&sr=8-4-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQlJJRzM0RUFIRTlHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzA2NDQ2MTc5NjNHUDEwRkpKUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDA2MTIyREhNTjg2SEZOOUFSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=39886ea80ca247d3bd50bf523941316c&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/56933/ac707384f9f4b51c702a93d713a2dff8969b1e56/original/molly-suds.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a>If you can hang your clothes out to dry that's the most eco friendly way – even just hanging bath mats or towels is helpful. But if you don't live somewhere that you can do that, the next best thing is to lower your energy usage on your dryer. Wool dryer balls help do that!</p><p>They are also a replacement for dryer sheets, you can add some essential oils to the balls to give your laundry a nice light scent I'll be honest, I actually never used dryer sheets, never liked them or found the need for them but I love <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mollys-Suds-Softener-Unscented-Hypoallergenic/dp/B07CS733HB/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=wool%252Bdryer%252Bballs&amp;qid=1682026843&amp;sprefix=wool%252Bdryer%252B%252Caps%252C274&amp;sr=8-4-spons&amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQlJJRzM0RUFIRTlHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzA2NDQ2MTc5NjNHUDEwRkpKUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDA2MTIyREhNTjg2SEZOOUFSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&amp;th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=nataliegelm03-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=39886ea80ca247d3bd50bf523941316c&camp=1789&creative=9325" data-link-type="url">these wool dryer balls</a>. I've been using them for a few months and have noticed that I don't seem to have static anymore, my clothes rarely (or ever?) have gotten bundled up in the dryer so that they don't try since I started using them and they are so easy to use. </p><p>This comes with a little bag to store them in but honestly I just let them live in my dryer and that's the easiest way to make sure they get used every time and I'm saving some energy every time I need to use my dryer. :)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>4. Bonus Tip - Use Up What You Already Have </strong></p><p>The best tip I can give you this Earth Day is to use up what you already have. From cleaning products to toiletries and everything in between use up what you have before buying something new. If you don't love something or have a reaction to it see if a friend or neighbor would like it. You can also see if your town has a free give and take community to put things you don't need anymore to use or even find a “new” used treasure for yourself. </p><p>Swap parties are another great idea… maybe you're tired of a fragrance but you can trade with a friend for a different perfume or some clothes don't fit but you can swap them out at a party rather than shopping for new things. Some of my favorite clothes have come through my wardrobe this way as well as most of my maternity wardrobe. </p><p>I hope these couple of tips inspire you and show you how easy it is to make small changes that help the earth and don't take much from us. </p><p>Happy Earth Day and month!<br>Natalie</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/67833942021-10-22T00:04:28-04:002021-12-24T17:45:18-05:00How I use CBD and reviews of three Uncle Bud's CBD products<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/7c406fa3a178c7733514cc08155f1fff9f002325/original/img-8033.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />As a singer I’m always looking for an edge with my health and wellness. My voice is a direct reflection of how I’m feeling physically and emotionally. It’s often the first place I’ll that notice something is off and I’m not in optimal health. </p>
<p>It doesn’t help that a career as a singer is often stressful and more emotionally exhausting than an average job. There are so many ups and downs, performance nerves and even just the vulnerability of opening up and connecting to an audience can take a lot out of you. </p>
<p>Physically it’s taxing with late nights, early mornings and long hours spent traveling or on my feet... not to mention all the hours actually singing. You get it right? ;) </p>
<p>A few years ago I started using CBD, the non-psychoactive, non-high inducing part of the cannabis plant. You’ve probably heard a lot about this supplement recently but if you haven’t or you’ve been hesitant to incorporate it into your wellness routine I want to encourage you to start. I take a daily CBD to combat anxiety and I can honestly say that it makes all the difference in me feeling good and having a focused and productive day or not. </p>
<p>Like any supplement, it’s of upmost important to use a quality and reputable brand. I’ve tried CBD products before that didn’t seem to have much of an effect so it takes some experimenting to see what works best for you. Recently, <a contents="Uncle Bud’s Hemp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unclebudshemp.com/" target="_blank">Uncle Bud’s Hemp</a> sent me a few of their products to try and share with you. I love that the company is USA made and cruelty free but most importantly all the products I tried seemed very effective. </p>
<p>The first thing I tried was the CBD supplement. I normally take a daily softgel in the mornings with 15mg CBD a day and opted to try <a contents="Uncle Buds CBD Marine Collagen with 20mg CBD" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unclebudshemp.com/product/uncle-buds-cbd-marine-collagen-soft-gel-capsules/" target="_blank">Uncle Buds CBD Marine Collagen with 20mg CBD</a> per serving. I take a marine collagen daily too and like the idea of combining supplements with this one. I can’t say for sure if the collagen is working because that’s always something that you see the effects of over time but it seems to be and the CBD in this really worked to take the edge off. </p>
<p>I was wondering about upping my dose to 20mg per day but often when I took a lower dose I would actually use a 5mg per/spray sublingual CBD spray in the afternoons for a little extra help to take the edge off anyway. With this 20mg dose from Uncle Bud’s I don’t feel a need to do that. Also, when I took the other CBD I would feel it “kick in” abruptly and this is more gradual and gentle, which I like. I never notice any sharp changes either as it kicks in or gets metabolized. </p>
<p>As a pescatarian, I do wish the capsules were made from vegetable glycerin alone and not bovine gelatin but this isn’t really an issue and most people who aren’t vegetarian wouldn’t care. </p>
<p>The second product I was really excited to try is <a contents="Uncle Bud’s Ultra Strength CBD Body Revive Balm with 60mg of CBD" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unclebudshemp.com/product/uncle-buds-60mg-cbd-body-revive-balm/" target="_blank">Uncle Bud’s Ultra Strength CBD Body Revive Balm with 60mg of CBD</a>. I’ve used CBD creams topically on neck pain, back pain, knee pain... when I’ve pulled or jammed a finger and my favorite use, for cramps at that time of the month. Ladies, if you have not tried CBD for your cramps stop what you’re doing and buy this now. I feel like it calms the muscles and starts working within minutes. It’s truly a game changer. </p>
<p>The balm has a light and very natural scent and I felt like it absorbed really nicely. The price for this 2oz tub is really fair especially because it’s going to last you a while since you don’t need to use a lot. I’ll be re-ordering this for sure. </p>
<p>The last thing I tried from Uncle Bud’s is their <a contents="Extra Strength CBD sublingual with 1000mg CBD and 50mg of Elderberry" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unclebudshemp.com/product/uncle-buds-1000mg-cbd-sublingual-with-50mg-elderberry/" target="_blank">Extra Strength CBD sublingual with 1000mg CBD and 50mg of Elderberry</a>. I was interested in this because again, elderberry is something I take regularly and like the idea of combining supplements and cutting out steps in my routine. Where this supplement really shines though is its ability to start working quickly. If you’re feeling like you need an option of CBD that will kick in fast sometimes then a sublingual is the way to go and this one works. </p>
<p>There’s 33.33mg CBD in a full dropper full and as you hold it under your tongue before swallowing it gets into your bloodstream more rapidly and bypasses digestion. I haven’t tried taking the full dose because I don’t need that much CBD for the calming affect I’m looking for but I’ve used 25-50% of the full dropper and really feel it kick in fast. </p>
<p>I’m not too keen on the aftertaste of this sublingual but it depends on the day and how much of it gets on my tongue instead of below my tongue. It’s sweetened with stevia which has a very distinct sweet flavor. You might love it but when I re-order this I’ll be trying the peppermint to see if that masks the stevia. The less then ideal aftertaste is worth how effective this is. If you have had bad anxiety before, especially during the pandemic, you know how quickly that can come on. This really is helpful to have on hand and use when you are starting to feel an anxiety or panic attack coming on and may help stop it in it’s tracks. </p>
<p>There are so many products that Uncle Buds offers including lots of CBD and hemp wellness and skin care products that I haven’t seen anywhere else; from body wash and face cleaners to eye creams and facial scrubs. They also have a line for pet care products, which looks amazing. </p>
<p>Everyone is different and what works for me may not be the best for you or you may have to do some experimenting to find out your ideal dose and how and when to use CBD for the benefits you’re looking for. I’m here if you have any questions about the products I tried and the folks at Uncle Buds are happy to help too. They have some great sales and gift sets so you can try out a few things and see what you like best. Use the code IG20 for 20% off site wide.</p>
<p>Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried out some hemp or CBD products as part of your wellness routine. I honestly don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for CBD after this past 19 months of pandemic life.</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/67690812021-10-07T15:36:23-04:002022-05-05T17:04:00-04:005 Ways To Pick Yourself Up After Repeated Rejection <p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/e2ac5276da23dced074af3f5dd6ae96a2a986a41/original/edited-nataliegelman-marianaschulze-77.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I wrote this for myself recently when I was feeling defeated after a series of rejections, stalled projects and expectations not met. I was down and trying to lift myself up by writing advice I imagined I would give a friend. It worked and help me start to gather momentum back and be hopeful again. It’s written with artists in mind but this is all good advice for anyone feeling a bit defeated. Sending love. - Natalie </em></p>
<p>Hearing no once or twice or being rejected by an opportunity when you know more are always coming down the pipeline usually won’t get you down but sometimes it can really start to pile up and feel like your walking the wrong way on a moving airport sidewalk. (Side note; those sidewalks are called Trav-O-Later machines which is a terrible name because the goal is to get through the airport faster and travel sooner but I digress.) </p>
<p>As artists we constantly have to put ourselves out there for opportunities; shows and tours, co-writes and collaborations with other artists and brands, press for our projects, even just posting on social media. It all opens the door for potentially furthering our careers and it’s part of the job we signed up for but it also can be ripe opportunity for lack luster results that start to wear on us. </p>
<p>Here’s some ideas to help you get your groove back when the constant onslaught of rejection or worse, no response at all, gets to be too much. </p>
<ol> <li>
<strong>Think of things that happened recently that you are grateful for.</strong> Today someone let me merge out of a parking lot onto a busy street and our always sunny (and hot AF) town had some cloud cover. I relished the shade and that kind person on the road. <br> </li> <li>
<strong>Get outside or at least step away from your computer and devices. </strong>Maybe it means going on a hike, getting coffee, tea or a drink with a friend or just cleaning your house. Take a break from looking at screens and seeing any more emails that say your music isn’t right for them. Doing something productive like your laundry or some songwriting can go miles in helping to lift your spirits. <br> </li> <li>
<strong>Drink a big glass of water and take a multivitamin.</strong> Seriously. Sometimes all the negativity coming at you can make everything feel like a slog. Just this little act of self-care is important. Dehydration can add to any sluggish feelings and your body and brain need vitamins to function optimally. Add a probiotic to this duo too if you want to up the self-love. Your gut is your 2nd brain and you want to keep it happy too! <br> </li> <li>
<strong>Seek out community.</strong> As a musician for over 20 years, most of my “opportunities” haven’t come because I cold emailed a venue, press outlet, or another artist. I still do all those things but what has consistently furthered my career the most has been building on the relationships I already have. Often this looks like me referring talented friends for shows and press, sharing their music or just reaching out to say hello. I try not to expect that it will ever be reciprocated though it often is or it comes back around in other karma. What feels good is to have “co-workers” that get it and understand this weird job of being a working musician that I can learn from and grow with. <br> <br> Check in with your people. If you’re hitting a wall on a project, maybe you can ask them if they have an idea on someone to connect you with for something specific. One of my favorite co-writers was introduced to me through a venue owner that didn’t even live in that city. It’s a small community once you’re in it. Be in it. <br> </li> <li>
<strong>Reach out for more opportunities.</strong> It can feel counterintuitive but sometimes, actually most of the time, this career is a numbers game. Reach out to enough people to play shows, feature your music in their publication or work with you in some way and eventually someone is bound to say yes. I’m a signed artist and depending on what I’m working on my success rate is anywhere from 10-25%. That means that for every 10 emails I send out, 9 are usually “not for us” or no response at all. So, get the numbers to work in your favor by researching and reaching out to more people that would be a good fit for what you have to offer.<br> <br> The key is to draft all these emails, send them, or better yet schedule to send them and then step away and detach from the results and people’s responses. When you come back to check them, try and limit your time reading email and plan to do something from the top 3 suggestions afterwards.<br> <br> I have to mention that if you do receive a “No” or no response at all there’s a few things you can do. Follow up with them about a week later, people are busy and may not have even really checked out what you’re offering and your email may have even not been delivered. Also, “No’s” sometimes just mean “not right now.” Take what they said and see what info you can gather and learn from it and go from there. Maybe you should reach out again in a few months or with a different offering down the line. </li>
</ol>
<p>It’s been a tough 18+ months during Covid for artists. And even recently, the whiplash of venues reopening but restrictions coming and going ...it all feels unclear and we’re not sure if the shows and opportunities we are lining up will even actually, eventually happen. </p>
<p>A friend in the business recently said to me, “we’re not sure the show is happening until the band on stage says; ‘Thank you, goodnight!’” 😂</p>
<p>Hang in there. You’re not alone. </p>
<p>Just a caveat to say, this is not advice for someone working through depression, and no shame in that, I’ve been there too. You can try some of these things for sure but make sure you get the care you need. </p>
<p>I’ve found that sometimes if I don’t address the spiral of rejection it can turn into burnout and then that can turn into depression so it’s good to develop boundaries and self-care as an entrepreneur-artist that make sure your caring for yourself early and often. Like an anti-rejection oxygen mask on first kinda thing. 😂</p>
<p>Sending you all love and a big digital hug. </p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/65368932021-02-01T23:36:01-05:002021-02-01T23:36:01-05:00Curious about Micro Influencing?<p>Have you been noticing how many more influencers there seem to be lately? It seems like every time I open my phone to scroll through Instagram I come across another account I want to follow. From the lifestyle and mommy bloggers to the couples who prank each other (I really love those accounts) to specific niche accounts for just about anything. </p>
<p>With everyone stuck at home early on in the pandemic we were all spending a lot more time on our phones in 2020 both consuming and creating content. </p>
<p>I still prefer Instagram and Facebook but TikTok really took over powerfully last year as people were at home creating and taking part in dance challenges and other funny trending filters and ideas. I personally love watching those videos. There have definitely been some very creative ones and it can be a great way to pass your free time while we’re all still largely stuck at home. </p>
<p>You. An influencer. </p>
<p>You may have read that word Influencer and <a contents="think of folks like these" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thehandbook.com/blog/2020/01/the-top-12-influencers-to-watch-in-2020/" target="_blank">think of folks like these</a> but I want you to consider your own social media presence and impact on the people who follow you. You're influencing them.</p>
<p>Now that that's cleared up, what do you normally post about on social media? I’m guessing it’s a mix of things you love. Since you’re here on my blog you probably love music. And, if you’re anything like me, your feed might be a mix of photos of your pet, your plants, crafting, kitchen creations and more. </p>
<p>Most “influencers” started out just like you, sharing things they love just because it brought them joy and they wanted other people to know about it too. Here’s a great short <a contents="interview&nbsp;with Nicole Randone" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://intellifluence.com/blog/nicole-randone-influencer-spotlight" target="_blank">interview with Nicole Randone</a> whose social media channels are dedicated to early 2000’s pop culture. Let that be proof that literally anything you are into you can be something someone else is into as well. She’s grown her following into over 100K fans just sharing what she loves. </p>
<p>Nicole has some golden advice in that interview, “The key to growing a following on any social platform is consistency. And I think that when you’re passionate and you love what you’re posting it’s so easy to stay consistent. And it never feels like a job or hard work.” </p>
<p>The thing is, once you have a dedicated following, even just 1000 fans, you might actually be able to turn your hobby into a side hustle. Depending how many followers and the engagement you have, you can work with companies on either paid or traded work sharing their new products with your fans. You’ll also often get to try some products or things for free before anyone else just by giving your honest and creative feedback. </p>
<p>You may have always thought of influencers as the Kardashians getting paid to promote events or credit cards but I think companies are getting hip to those not giving them much of a return on their investment and often searching out micro influencers in that 1000 real fans and up space. <a contents="This article from Entrepreneur.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/362089" target="_blank">This article from Entrepreneur.com</a> gives an in depth look at influencer marketing from the companies standpoint and how you may be valuable as a micro-influencer. </p>
<p>If I’ve made you curious and you’re thinking about trying to do this here’s a few tips:</p>
<p><strong>Pick something you really enjoy and already love to do. </strong>Don’t decide to start a artisanal cooking baking channel when most of the photos on your phone are of your dog and you just bake cookies 1-2x a year. Find something you already love and you’ll be off to a great start. </p>
<p><strong>Think of social media like micro blogging. </strong>You don’t have to write a lot but you do want to share with your own authentic voice and give some of your personality in each post. Sometimes you can do that with just a few emojis or a favorite quote. Just try things out and don’t overthink it which brings me to... </p>
<p><strong>Just try it, make mistakes and keep going. </strong>You’re not going to get it perfect out of the gate. Some of my favorite influencers have evolved so much over the years but everyone starts somewhere. You’ll figure out hashtags and all the other details over time as long as you keep trying to learn and publish quality content consistently you’ll get there. </p>
<p><strong>Find community. Be community. </strong>This is one I definitely wanted to mention while this pandemic has left many of us kind of stagnant and starving for coloration and community. Social media can actually be a great way to meet and discover new friends and people you resonate with. Jumpstart that by finding and following other creators that post content you love. Respond and engage with them in their feed and you might just find some of their followers checking out what you’re doing too! </p>
<p>There you have it, some ideas to help you get started as a micro-influencer. Good luck!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/64083762020-08-13T09:00:00-04:002020-08-13T18:14:19-04:00Music Influencers and Collaborating on Social Media<p>It wasn’t too long ago that artists and musicians were hesitant to work with brands because they didn’t want to be seen as a sellout. Thankfully that’s no longer the case. From household names to indie bands, artists aren’t afraid to work with companies that align with their own brand. </p>
<p>I personally have been a part of campaigns for Warner Brothers, Astars, Creative Labs, Schick and I also regularly tout my love for the gear I use to make music. Often these deals benefit musicians with a mix of complementary or discounted products, exposure from the brand when the content is shared on the brands platforms and of course financial incentives. They benefit brands with access to the unique relationship and trust that artists have built with their fanbase and the one-stop content machine that is today’s influencers and creators. </p>
<p>With the recording industry being what it is I think artists have to look for ways like this to supplement the income lost from their album revenues. But also, who doesn’t LOVE sharing something amazing with their friends too? If you’ve discovered the best chocolate chip recipe or even on a local level - if you love your vet, dentist or plumber you want word to get out because you want everyone to have that great experience too and support that person doing great work and making great things. </p>
<p>Whether you are a musician considering working like this with brands or a business owner looking to promote a product you should check out and join a site like <a contents="Intellifluence" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://intellifluence.com/music" target="_blank">Intellifluence</a> to connect with the right partners. <a contents="https://intellifluence.com/music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://intellifluence.com/music" target="_blank">https://intellifluence.com/music</a> They can walk you through a campaign, which is really helpful if you’re new to collaborating on a social media campaign no matter which side you’re coming from. </p>
<p>If you’re just starting out as an artist or are releasing new music try using Intellifluence to connect with influencers and promote your music. With 2020 taking it’s toll on the music industry -- making it hard to tour and get in front of new fans -- an influencer campaign can be a great way to jumpstart your growth. Working with a few select social media influencers on a multi posts campaign that targets listeners who would likely already be fans of your music could get you a lot further than ads spend or just creating content on your own. Similar to buying ads to promote online this can take a little trial and error to test out and find the right people to collaborate with but once you do I think you’ll be excited by the results. </p>
<p>I think one of the most overlooked benefits of working with influencers is that you’re not only getting the reach of their online audience but they are also creating great content that you can repost at a fraction of the cost. As an actor I’ve been on sets where there are people employed for hair, makeup, wardrobe, catering and of course the director, camera operators, lighting... it goes on and on depending how extensive the set is. The actual costs of the location and actors adds up too and these are all things that the company paying for the production is paying for -- or were paying for until COVID-19 hit the breaks on most sets across the country. </p>
<p>When you work with an influencer, many creators are a one-stop shop and encompass all of those rolls -- doing their own hair, makeup, wardrobe, knowing of great locations and even editing their own photos and videos. It’s tedious work and I think sometimes businesses don’t realize that’s part of what they are paying for when they hire a creator to make content promoting their product. </p>
<p>Once you realize that, it should make it a no-brainer if you have the right creator to collaborate with whose demographic fits your target audience. Working with someone who is a good fit can drive a lot of new people to discover you and give you a big boost online especially if the campaign is creative and tailored to excite your audience. </p>
<p>Some research and creative thinking will help you come up with great ideas for campaigns. From takeovers to social media challenges <a contents="this blog" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://talkinginfluence.com/2020/04/03/music-influencer-campaign/" target="_blank">this blog</a> has some great ideas to get your started as well as some details on working specifically with music on a campaign because there are some legalities that come up.</p>
<p>In this time when we’re all social distant, music can help us connect through our screens and across the space between us all to inspire and uplift. I think it’s obvious brands and musicians should work together and that music is vital to a successful online campaign but I’m a musician so maybe I’m biased.</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/63585592020-06-18T22:43:19-04:002020-09-10T15:51:12-04:00Streaming, Downloading and Buying CD's! Oh my!<p>I was asked this question below recently and since it comes up a fair amount I thought it would be good to address it in a blog so more people can read it and maybe learn and decide how they want to support the artists and musicians they appreciate. </p>
<p><em>"What is a good/better way to support you and others' music. Specifically, streaming vs download/cd purchases. I listen to a lot of streaming music through Amazon Music Unlimited (subscription service), so when me or someone listens to your songs/cds through an avenue like that, do you receive compensation? Or is it better to purchase the album (physical or digital?) to make sure the artists are supported? It may not be a simple answer, but any insight you can give me would be helpful." </em></p>
<p>If you don’t want to read a lot here’s my simple answer; <strong>support musicians and artists however you can</strong>. That can mean different things depending on what your personal budget is for entertainment. Also, you also have more options than you think. </p>
<p>With anything you do, if you purchase the CD’s or downloads directly from the artists website that’s likely the way the largest portion of that sale is going into that artists pocket so they can live and make more of the music you love. Besides physical albums, I also sell downloads directly from my website where I receive all of the sales cost minus the credit card processing fee. </p>
<p>My music is also available for download and physical CD’s are distributed through CDBaby. You can buy them on their website, Amazon and lots of other online retailers they partner with. By the time I receive the profits from a sale through them it is about half of what I receive when I sell it directly. There are quite a few people taking a cut when someone buys my album from Amazon and CDBaby. </p>
<p>I also loose money shipping them product periodically in small amounts because they don’t want to store more then a few months supply in their warehouse. They then can ship those out as orders come in but I’ve been wondering lately if this is worth it anymore. Not to mention, when someone buys my album through the services they distribute to I don’t know who my customer is and can’t offer them my next release which is something they would likely enjoy since they have bought from me in the past... of course this bothers me. </p>
<p>Many music fans use free streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora etc) and if you are not paying for one of those services you might decide to take the money you would be spending on the digital streaming service (usually $10) and support the artist’s you listen to the most directly instead. </p>
<p>You could throw a few bucks in that musicians virtual tip jar every once in a while, buy a t-shirt or other piece of merch or decide to join their Patreon with the funds if that makes more sense. </p>
<p>Side note, please join my Patreon folks. <a contents="https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman</a> </p>
<p>Direct support will always go the furthest. When someone streams my music on any online service they need to listen to it multiple hundreds of times for me to earn any substantial profit from playing it. As a music consumer, I’m an Apple Music subscriber because I personally like them more and they pay artists slightly more per stream than their biggest competitor. But, I sometimes I wonder where my $10 monthly fee is going. </p>
<p>I decided to Google information on what the current rates are for online streaming and found this <a contents="online streaming royalty calculator" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.streamingroyaltycalculator.com/advance-calculator.php" target="_blank">online streaming royalty calculator</a>. Now I don’t know how accurate this is but I plugged in numbers and services and had some fun playing with it. Fun as in me thinking; “WTAF?! Seriously” ...I think every time I read these streaming royalty rate stats it’s so frustrating that I just ignore it and reach out for legislation to change these rates and support similar bills when I can. </p>
<p>Anyway, as someone buying into this system with my $10 a month and if I use the rate from that royalty calculator, I would have to listen to 5000 songs in a month to use up the equivalent of the royalties I’m potentially adding to the pool for artists and songwriters to collect. 5000 songs! </p>
<p>The math on that comes out to about 166 songs a day. At 3.5 minutes per song that would be 9.6 hours of music a day that I would have to listen to in order to put those potential dollars to work so they go to those artists for their music. </p>
<p>Oh how I wish my math was wrong but I’ve checked it 3 times -- and rounded down. </p>
<p>Now I love music but I just don’t listen to that much everyday. Not even marginally that much. </p>
<p>Am I going to stop using this streaming service? No. But I really hope something changes. And I guess the argument could be made that I’m not actually paying for the music at all but rather paying for the opportunity to NOT be sold to with online ads every few songs. </p>
<p>And also, as an artist using these to share my music, they offer a decent enough way to share music and offer it up to potentially be discovered by new fans. </p>
<p>Sorry I almost just choked on the proverbial water in my own half-full glass of BS. </p>
<p>I have to say that if there is music discovery happening on these platforms I haven’t been a part of it. Is it my fault because I’m not streaming my 9.6 hrs of music daily and finding new artists? Maybe. But I would likely be “discovering” them through a playlist and as an artist who has submitted to those playlists I’ve seen firsthand the payola and flat out payments that curators request to give you this “opportunity” to be on their playlist. </p>
<p>Okay. It’s not all gross and depressing. I’ll get back to the original question and before I do I want to share a few other links and article I found that paint a fuller picture as far as what the streaming rates are. <a contents="This site" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.onyrix.com/2020/02/28/what-streaming-music-services-pay-artists-2020-update/" target="_blank">This site</a> lists another artists recent payout rates in Jan 2020. I thought <a contents="this article" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/how-many-music-streams-to-earn-a-dollar/" target="_blank">this article</a> was interesting, especially if you scroll down to where it shows how many streams it would take monthly to earn minimum wage. <a contents="This link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcharts.com/blog/music-streaming-rates-payouts" target="_blank">This link</a> explains how rates vary not only by how many streams you receive but also where that listener is located and if they are using a paid or free membership to stream.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, it really it all comes down to perceived value with music and digital goods. I could sit and tell folks how much it costs me to record -- I’ve had finished masters cost multiple hundreds of dollars to multiple thousands of dollars in case anyone is wondering -- but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is how much value that music has for someone and if they have the means to support it if they want to. People decide their own value for the art they love and the artists they want to encourage to keep creating. </p>
<p>The fact that this question is coming up is already good. A lot of people don’t think twice about how much helps them throughout their day and through their lives or want to support it. So if you’re here because you searched out something about how to help the musicians you love then I applaud you and hopefully this was insightful and gave you some ideas. </p>
<p>The arts are often underfunded and underappreciated. For many artists, learning their craft and continually improving their work takes an exorbitant amount of time and money. Yet somehow, there’s a strange mentality people often approach me with and think; that I should feel lucky just to make a living as a full time musician doing something I love. And I DO love music, otherwise I would have giving up long ago. The rejection and vulnerability needed to be a musician is not for the faint of heart.</p>
<p>Those are my thoughts. <br>Natalie </p>
<p>If anyone does want to download, stream, buy albums or fund new ones here are the links below. </p>
<p>Website Store: <a contents="www.nataliegelman.com/store" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store" target="_blank">www.nataliegelman.com/store</a><br>Patreon: <a contents="https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman </a><br>AppleMusic: <a contents="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/natalie-gelman/164123072" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/natalie-gelman/164123072" target="_blank">https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/natalie-gelman/164123072</a> <br>Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4231LwYaIJtav1114F2ESZ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4231LwYaIJtav1114F2ESZ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/4231LwYaIJtav1114F2ESZ</a> <br>Soundcloud: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/nataliegelman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/nataliegelman" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/nataliegelman</a></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/59757272019-11-25T20:17:39-05:002021-02-01T23:27:39-05:00Singing on ESPN’s Monday Night Football Rams vs Ravens Game <p>When ESPN reaches out to you to be the singer on Monday Night Football you say YES!!! </p>
<p>I was honored to be a little part of music history as they feature talent in each of the cities games are held at to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this song. </p>
<p>We shot the piece at night in downtown Los Angeles at the ESPN building. It will be so exciting to watch my performance of the theme song “Heavy Action” as the Baltimore Ravens play the Los Angeles Rams!! </p>
<p>It was a fun challenge to learn the song and I put my own spin on it playing guitar and singing. The melody for the song has a range and gave me a chance to stretch my opera vocalist chops too! Not sure what will air on ESPN’s MNF but I’ll try and share a video of me singing the full song soon. </p>
<p>I’ve loved sharing this news with everyone too and couldn’t have imagined just how many of you would also be excited for me!! Thank you! Chances like this don’t come up often as an indie artist and it means more to celebrate them with you guys!!! </p>
<p>And with millions of people watching tonight I hope that someone comes up to me at a show soon and asks “aren’t you that girl singing on ESPN Monday Night Football? </p>
<p>That would make my day. ?❤️? </p>
<p>Also, huge thank you to AStars Women’s for dressing me in pretty much the sexiest thing I’ve ever worn! The vegan leather mini dress harking back to Faith Hill was the way to go!!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57740642019-05-30T17:00:45-04:002019-09-13T13:45:25-04:003 quick tips for onstage performers you probably haven’t heard before<p>I recently was at a music conference that had a stage setup for acts to showcase their music. The singers and bands were all talented and the songs and music was great but it was hard for me watch the shows because a lot of the performers were wearing clothes that blended into the background and kept stepping off the mic to sing at the front of the stage which was out of the spotlight leaving them in the dark. </p>
<p>As a classically trained opera singer, as I went through college, every stone was turned over to make sure we were prepared for the stage. There were a lot of little tips on everything from stage makeup – you usually need to wear a little more so you don’t look washed out in stage lights, not wearing an abundance of perfume that may affect your fellow singers and more details around performance wardrobe, traveling and dietary needs around shows. </p>
<p>There are three specific small tips that I think can really help every performer that are less obvious and I often see even seasoned acts not doing. Here they are... </p>
<p><strong>1. Test Your Shoes </strong></p>
<p>When you go onstage for sound check wear the shoes onstage that you plan to wear during the show. This doesn’t just go for girls. Sometimes the stage has carpeting and certain men’s dress shoes can slip on that. I’ve also seen shoes that randomly squeak on certain stages or make too much noise otherwise. </p>
<p>I find it so important to feel grounded on stage so I can perform at my best and my shoes are the root of that. This may mean stepping onstage in sweatpants and heals but hey, isn’t that in style now? </p>
<p>Of course ladies, make sure you can walk in your heals. Sometimes a carpeted center stage area can give too much under your heal and feel awkward to move around on. Make sure your comfortable with all your gear for the show too, foot pet and if you do find limitations at least you will know about them in advance and can work around them before you step onstage. </p>
<p><strong>2. Wear Colors That Pop </strong></p>
<p>When you’re onstage you want the focus on... YOU! No matter what style or genre you have it’s important that you look your best and fill the sage with your presence – can you just feel the opera training divas seeping out of my brain cells? Ha! Anyways, one of the ways to do this is with your wardrobe. The golden rule here is that you do not want to match the curtains. </p>
<p>Most curtains in venues are either black or red. Most of my wardrobe, as a New Yorkers and a reckless coffee spiller, is black. However, I really try not to wear black or dark blue or brown tops onstage when I play venues with black curtains. </p>
<p>In this digital era you can almost always look up the venue you’ll be performing at before you arrive and see what color their curtains are. Lighting will help you if you do make the mistake of wearing something that matches the curtains but if you can help it and be prepared it will help you stand out, literally. </p>
<p><strong>3. Find Your Light & Stay There </strong></p>
<p>I don’t care what you’re wearing on your body or your feet if you step out of your light. What does this mean? If you have ever been on stage and been blinded by the spotlight and then step forward or sideways and been able to see the audience without being blinded that’s ‘stepping out of your light’. </p>
<p>The irony of this is that when you can see the audience better they actually see you worse. It takes the focus away from you. I know it can be uncomfortable but try to get used to staying in that bright spot lit area. Sometimes I will take a moment as I setup at soundcheck if the time is available to see where the edges of the light are. This helps you understand the range of movement you can do and still be fully seen. </p>
<p>Another good point to share, in certain spaces the light wont be wide an reaching down to your legs or your feet. You might have lots of energy in your lower body as you play your songs but because people can’t see those movements being featured in the light it doesn’t feel as energetic. Sometimes the best way to learn this last point is to watch other performers and see what you think looks best. </p>
<p>Hope these three little tips help some performers out there. They are easy things to overlook and not realize no matter how long you’ve been performing. </p>
<p>Happy music making!<br>Natalie</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57573682019-05-16T18:45:54-04:002019-05-18T23:21:22-04:00Creative Seasons<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/f0d2e590ddd0c907c839f7dd47409a9b327b7d3b/original/img-2824.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" />Lately this topic has come up a lot between my friends and I so I wanted to take a minute to talk about it. </p>
<p>As a creative person and even just s a human being you will go through seasons. What do I mean by that? You know how you go through the seasons and there’s different energy and focus depending on the time of year... togetherness around the holiday season, goal setting at the turn of the new year, spring cleaning and exercising around this time of year in anticipation for summer vacations and then getting back to work as summer ends and kids head back to school. </p>
<p>We do all of this creatively as well. I think the 4 creative seasons are: <br>- Recognizing (observing, taking in and experiencing life) <br>- Responding (creating, writing songs, blogs, learning music and your instrument) <br>- Releasing (letting go emotionally of what you created and also marking what you made) <br>- Rest (whatever this one means to you so that your brain stops being on a hamster wheel) </p>
<p>Not every day, week, month or even year will find you writing music, learning new skills, doing lots of touring or doing a lot of work creating or release your music... or maybe it will if you’re really productive and are great at compartmentalizing or have some help. </p>
<p>I find that for most people, myself included, I make my biggest strides when I theme a whole day or week of my creative work around one aspect of my creative life. If I keep the focus on one thing and let other things slide I usually make bigger strides overall... and sometimes the thing I’m letting slide is the work itself and that time off is what I actually really need for the long haul. </p>
<p>It’s easy when you are a full-time artist to just keep going because there is always something to do but sometimes you need to rest or have an adventure or OD a little on a good book... errr... Netflix. ha! </p>
<p>In all seriousness, I’ve tried to set boundaries and declare that Mondays are my day off but it doesn’t really work like that for me. I just have had to learn to curb the self-talk that’s not supportive when I’m not having a “productive” day and remind myself that it’s part of the hustle to take a break. Sometimes I am a badass and I amaze myself with what I get done in a day, other days I am physically or emotionally tired and the work comes slower or not at all. </p>
<p>When I was studying classical voice, piano and violin there were times of rapid learning and times where I plateaued. It would feel like a slog and no matter how much I practiced it felt like I wasn’t really getting any better and might never improve before often having a big breakthrough. I think a creative life is like that, and it’s completely okay as long as you can resist punishing yourself on top of the lack of productivity and creative output. </p>
<p>Just give your 100% everyday and remember that doesn’t mean the same thing everyday. Sometimes your best one-day might look like more of a 50% on another day, and that’s totally okay. </p>
<p>One last thing, I’ve learned not to scatter my most productive time (usually the early part of the day for me) with mindless home tasks like doing laundry or dishes, vacuuming etc. or even responding to business emails. Those things can make you feel productive and give you a false sense of accomplishment but often distract from the work that really matters to you. It’s easy if you work from home to do those things when you first sit down and you should start on a more important project like your theme for the day. I recommend saving those more mindless tasks for a time when you aren’t naturally focused but still capable of that kind of work like the end of the day. </p>
<p>Happy creating! <br>Natalie</p>
<p>Painting at top by Shay Brown <a contents="https://www.shaybrownart.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.shaybrownart.com/" target="_blank">https://www.shaybrownart.com/</a></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57492862019-05-09T22:44:10-04:002021-12-22T16:59:04-05:005 Steps to Learning a Song <p>Learning new songs is a great way to learn music. You can dig into the songwriting and can appreciate the lyrics, form and all parts of songwriting at a deeper level. You also are often learning new chords, strumming patterns and techniques and the whole time you’re working at getting those new tools under your belt you’re gaining a new piece of rep you love. </p>
<p>Here are the steps I take and some of the techniques and things I’ve done to learn a new song going all the way back to my first violin and piano lessons, my opera studies in college and even now as a full time singer/songwriter. Whenever I learn a new piece of music these steps have stood me well and helped me master lots of new and potentially difficult songs. </p>
<p><strong>1. Listen</strong> </p>
<p>Check out different versions of the song you want to learn. There’s a lot you can find on YouTube just putting in the song you want to learn and listening to different renditions of the same piece. See what different people did with the song you want to learn and if it gives you perspective on what you would like to do with it. </p>
<p><strong>2. Choose a Key </strong></p>
<p>If you’ll be singing the song you’ll want to find a key that’s good for your voice. Try singing along with the original and especially paying attention to the highest and lowest sections. If they feel easy or in your range then you are good to go. If not, you may want to try lowering or raising the key. </p>
<p>I personally usually look up the chord progression or tab’s for the song at this point with a quick Google search of the “<u>song x</u> chord chart” to get a starting point. Maybe websites have a transpose tool you can use to raise or lower the key or you could use your capo to try different keys and find one you like. As you try this out, again, just pay attention to the highest and lowest sections, you don’t have to really know the song yet or play the full song. </p>
<p>3. Break It Down </p>
<p>Once you have a key you like it’s time to dig into learning the song. I usually copy the lyrics and chords I like over into a new document to save them and start going through the song. I’ll also mark off the sections; verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge etc., to help get a perspective on the overall song. </p>
<p>When you start playing through something you might have noticed there’s a new chord or a series of quick changes that you don’t know or you’re not great at yet. This is when you really want to break the song down. Even going back to when I first started playing music It can be really helpful to just play one measure or little section at a time. Get that part down or those chord changes down and then move onto the next one. </p>
<p>Look up the chord if you need to. If you find a video online of the artists playing their song live you may be able to watch what they do in that section and copy them. Sometimes you can even find YouTube tutorials just for the song you want to learn and in the key you want to learn it in but not always so don’t rely on this. </p>
<p>One of my tricks is to play a small section I’m having trouble with 10 times to get it under my fingers or to get a melody or rhythm in my voice. It’s a little way to get in some repetition without feeling like you will be there all day. If you still don’t have it consistent after 10 times you can come back to it the next day and do the same thing and I promise you, you will get better. </p>
<p><strong>4. Play it to a Click Track </strong></p>
<p>It’s best to start slow and learn the song correctly the first time then to be sloppy and have to go back and fix bad habits and things you learned incorrectly. Practice the song slower then you plan to play it but making sure to have good tone and clarity in your playing and then you can gradually speed up the song as you get more comfortable. </p>
<p>I like to use the “Tempo” app for my tempos, it lets you click and figure out what tempo your play at and adjust the click sound so it’s more pleasant to play with. There are lots of free apps too though. Playing to the click will highlight the sections you might still need to work on if you hear yourself struggling to keep tempo. </p>
<p>You can even try playing it super fast just for fun to test yourself once you know it really well! </p>
<p><strong>5. Memorizing</strong> </p>
<p>It’s not totally necessary to memorize your new songs but it can give you a freedom with the song to explore more and I recommend that you try to memorize the song if you can. </p>
<p>The biggest helpful thing to do when you’re trying to memorize the chords if you didn’t develop a muscle memory as you were learning the song is to look over the song and notice the patterns. There’s often patterns in the chord progressions and overall form and if you look at it and create a mental map of the song you may be a lot further along in your memorization then you think. </p>
<p>The best thing I’ve found for learning and memorizing lyrics is to read them out loud and also handwrite or type them out. It’s also good to think about the story your telling or what you’re really singing about. When I sang in foreign languages a lot as an opera singer I was required to translate and know what I was singing about and often that really helped me connect with the words and get the song memorized. You probably already speak the language you’re learning a song in but maybe don’t have a personal reference for the lyrics. See if you can connect with them more deeply by imparting your own meaning to the song and if that helps you memorize the lyric. </p>
<p><strong>Bonus. Continued Learning and Consistency </strong></p>
<p>This is the most important... Keep at it. If you practice a little everyday and regularly add new songs to your repertoire you will only get better and notice that you can learn covers even faster as you learn more chords and an understanding of your instrument. Try to set small goals for your practice, learning a new song every month or every time you play a gig – whatever makes sense to you. With consistent small steps you’ll be surprised with how much you’ll learn and the songs you’ll be able to master! </p>
<p>Happy music making!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57406812019-05-02T17:42:12-04:002019-05-02T17:56:31-04:00How do you come up with songs? <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/8141fc6863a958dacff13ba9c28c37936e6cd2b7/original/coffee-med3-edit-dsc-0813.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This is a question that I get asked a lot. I love when people ask me about the inspiration behind a specific song because I usually have a concrete answer of how that went down. </p>
<p>Overall, it’s both intricate and tricky and also very simple. I write what I feel. </p>
<p>I’ve heard other people call this “write what you know” and maybe the term even comes from screenplay writing but with songs it’s more about how you feel about what you know, or often don’t know, in the song. </p>
<p>Most often for me I’ll have a little melody and lyric idea come to me out of the silence of driving, walking etc... I think it’s important for us to all find more time to be quiet and take time for our creative spirit to have space to emerge. </p>
<p>Once that flow starts, the best thing to do is stay out of your own way. </p>
<p>Don’t judge the writing too much but just see how far that initial spark of inspiration will take you; sometimes you’ll be surprised. I’ve had entire songs fall out nearly full and complete in only 15 minutes. Once that initial visit with the muse is through then it’s time to woodshed and dig into the song but hopefully that first spark of inspiration gave you some good bones for the song. The important thing is just not to get in your own way too soon. </p>
<p>Elizabeth Gilbert talks about this in one of the episodes of her <a contents="Podcast series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/magic-lessons/" target="_blank">Podcast series</a> accompanying her book for artists called <a contents="Big Magic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726" target="_blank">Big Magic</a>. I recommend you check out both if you’re an artist. </p>
<p>I may be lucky that I am usually inspired with lyrics and melody coming all at once, I usually have a kind of idea for the chords too in mind when I start. There are times when I sit down to write though and start with a guitar part, a line I love or a few words I think would make for a great title and then it’s something else all together. </p>
<p>I recommend keeping a running notes file or journal of things you come across that you find inspiring, sometimes I hear something in conversation, see a great magazine article title or advertising phrase that inspires something. Those things are good to collect and look over when you want to sit down to write. </p>
<p>Here are a few ideas if you’re starting with nothing and want to write a song... </p>
<p>Start playing one of your favorite cover songs on your instrument. Try changing them up a little, play the progression backwards or finger pick if it’s normally a strummed song or vice versa. Sometimes you’ll find a cool guitar part that can spark your own song. I’ve even tried pretending I don’t know how to play guitar and turning the guitar upside down to play as a lefty would. Other instruments you don’t normally play are great for inspiring this kind of experimentation too. </p>
<p>As far as lyrics go, think about something you went through that was bigger then just your day-to-day. An experience where you were more emotional or felt like you had a heightened experience is a good place to start, it could have been happy, sad, frustrating, inspiring. </p>
<p>With that experience in mind, here are a few prompts to get flowing. You may want to write stuff down or you may want to just put on the voice recorder and talk this through and then listen back. When I co-write I talk through this stuff with my co-writing partner and then we pull out each other’s best truths and realizations into lyrics for the song. </p>
<p>What would you tell that person if you could go back in time knowing what you know now? This is a good one even just for what you would tell yourself looking back. </p>
<p>What did you want to say to the other person that maybe you couldn’t say or you knew they couldn’t hear? </p>
<p>How did the experience change you? </p>
<p>What do you wish would have happened? </p>
<p>Why did things workout or not workout? </p>
<p>Are you seeing a pattern here? I just want you to ask yourself questions and try to find the truth in the experience. That is what makes the basis for great lyrics. Keep going as you answer the prompt, asking why, how, what questions to dig deeper. </p>
<p>There are a lot of other things to learn about song form, rhyming etc. You can study songs you love – I really recommend actually digging in and learning the song yourself because that helps you get a feel for the structure, meter and melody in a way nothing else does. </p>
<p>There are lots of books on the subject too. I always love things by <a contents="Jason Blume" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jasonblume.com/" target="_blank">Jason Blume</a> and <a contents="Judy Stakee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://judystakee.com/" target="_blank">Judy Stakee</a> has a newsletter you can signup for where she talks about songwriting every week and gives great lessons and homework for songwriters. </p>
<p>Writing with other writers has always taught me a lot – even in the sessions that didn’t produce a song where we weren’t the most compatible team. If you keep at it you will become a better songwriter. </p>
<p>Good luck with your songwriting! And, if you want to hear more of the stories behind my own individual songs they were published in the song book back in March on my Patreon page at <a contents="https://patreon.com/nataliegelman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://patreon.com/nataliegelman" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/nataliegelman</a></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57327262019-04-25T19:30:56-04:002020-04-09T17:18:55-04:00More Thoughts On Music and Monetization <p>Wow you guys. What a great discussion about what I shared last week on the blog. The comments on Facebook here were really interesting... I was going to respond all at once but ended up responding individually and wanted to share it here too. </p>
<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="636" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNatalieGelmanMusic%2Fposts%2F10155899261841852&width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></p>
<p>There’s a lot of food for thought in the comments about alternate streaming models, discretionary income spending and just the general overall perceived value of music and musicians as well as lots of support for music and musicians. </p>
<p>I personally feel better just having that dialogue and conversation. I think people realize that the system is somewhat broken and hopefully more conversations like this one only help. For fans to get to see behind the curtain of what it really takes to bring them the music they love might be good too; but that was one of the points I brought up in the comments on Facebook. </p>
<p>There’s a big movement to share so much but I wonder sometimes where the line is and what is too much. Should I share exactly how much I spent on catering while recording my last album? Should I share the rates my friends charged me to record and work on my projects? I think some of that is crossing the line and not really necessary. It does give a perceived value to the music though when you realize it’s not just something that happens in a vacuum or something an artist does just for fun but real work and money to make projects come to life. </p>
<p>I’m not saying I have the answers at all just happy to be having this dialogue.</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57250392019-04-18T23:43:55-04:002021-12-12T02:16:25-05:00Do people still pay for music anymore?<p>...Yes and no, it depends. I was inspired to write a bit on this topic after reading this quote by another Ojai local, Greg Penny in the current Ojai Quarterly: </p>
<p><em>“Most people feel that they shouldn’t have to pay for music anymore. Folks don’t mind paying twenty dollars for avocado toast and a drip coffee that takes three minutes to make, but ask them to pay that same amount for an album that took a year of an artists life and they’ll bitch all the way to their next $12 can of citrus-infused IPA.” </em></p>
<p>There’s a lot of truth in that quote from Greg. I’m often surprised when folks DO buy records nowadays because it seems like almost no one still owns a CD player and almost everyone is binging on Marie Kondo minimalism - myself included although I do still own three CD players. </p>
<p>As a full time musician, I am at the helm of trying to navigate and continue to make a living as an artist and musician and I notice that while I’ve been making music and advancing a lot in my career, it hasn’t necessarily gotten any easier to make a living. </p>
<p>Going back to when I first was starting out playing in the subways, I often made more busking back then than I do playing a gig at a winery or restaurant now for the same amount of time and much less work. I don’t have to spend time listing my busking gig on my tour calendars, making and putting up posters or spend money and time promoting the show. And, if a better gig comes up, I’m not going to burn a bridge by canceling a street performance. </p>
<p>I have a lot of friends who are also in the business and we compare notes sometimes... I’ve heard from musicians who have been playing the bar and club scene since the 70’s who’ve said that they are paid the same rates nearly 50 years later for their work. I’m also thankful that I have friends I can call to gripe with when a venue asks for something crazy like offering me a show where I would be actually be making less than minimum wage. One of the things keeping me happy in life is that after I politely say “no thanks” to the booker I can call a friend to get off my chest what I <em>really</em> want to say to that venue. </p>
<p>I wanted to bring up the live music scene because I think it connects with the general lack of value around musicians by our society in the states. I’ve toured different parts of the world and talked to musicians from different parts of the world and in many other places there is more respect and appreciation for the value artists offer their community. </p>
<p>Often I’m asked what I do for my “real” job and there’s a general assumption that I must be another struggling, starving artists. I’m not, mostly because I work my butt of, but live and recorded music <em>has</em> been devalued and it seems like people are weary of paying for music at all. I’m not sure if it’s because they don’t understand the amount of training and work – and continued learning and buying of gear – that goes into playing live and recording. Or if it’s because there is still this residual mistrust by consumers that they are only going to like one song on an album or the ease of buying just the track you love – or just subscribing to a playlist you love. </p>
<p>Sometimes when I mention my albums to people who have come up to my merch table they look at me completely confused or like I’m only trying to trick them into parting with their hard-earned cash. </p>
<p>I think it’s a bit of everything and that it’s just easier for folks to ignore the realities of the costs of producing the music they love. Even independent music can costs in the tens of thousands of dollars to record and produce a record – before it’s even promoted to make sure it actually gets to your ears. </p>
<p>The truth is, if you’re not buying that music or supporting the artist in another way that artist is probably not going to be able to continue to invest money into recording and releasing more of the music you love. It’s just not financially possible. It’s not all bad though, there are handfuls of folks who get it and fans who pledge support on Kickstarter, Patreon or directly to the artists they love to help fund albums. </p>
<p>The truth is, if you’re an independent artist, it’s all in your control. You can decide what shows to take or not take based on the circumstances. You can also distribute your music to streaming sites or only make it available on paid download services or even just as a physical product. I think the key is that you need to get clear with yourself on the value you want to place on your own time and music. </p>
<p>Once you’re clear about where you’re at in your career and where you want to be it gets really easy to make those decisions and not feel bad saying thanks but no thanks to shows that don’t fit in your plan. And, you probably wont be offended when you get off stage at a gig and a 12 year old explains to you they just downloaded all your music on the internet – making your day until they show you just seconds later the torrent site where they found it all for free. I’m not speaking from <em>personal</em> experience at all. Ha! </p>
<p>In all seriousness, I have nothing against offering free music. It can be a great way to grow your fan base, I regularly produce videos for <a contents="YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NatalieGelman" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a contents="Instragram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/nataliegelman/" target="_blank">Instragram</a>, both of which take way more time and money then people probably realize. I also choose to giveaway a live recording every year as a thank you to my fans and a welcome gift to new ones. </p>
<p>I like producing these because they have been a home for some of the many songs I write that may not ever get a shot at the cost prohibitive studio recording. When I first started doing the albums I was surprised to get donations sent to me from fans to thank me for the live album. The truth is, producing them isn’t free. I usually spend about a couple hundred bucks having someone sweeten up the live recording, not to mention my time choosing and approving tracks, designing the covers and promoting the release. </p>
<p>So, some fans get that if you want more of the music you love, you have to support it. Also, we as artists need to get better and clearer about asking for the support we need. </p>
<p>So here I go. If you want to spring for some avocado toast and coffee for me, or really just help me make more music for you guys check out my Patreon at <a contents="www.Patreon.com/NatalieGelman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/NatalieGelman" target="_blank">www.Patreon.com/NatalieGelman</a>. I bet there’s some other artists on there too that you love that could use your support too. </p>
<p>I would love to hear from you in the comments on your thoughts on all of this. </p>
<p>Until next week!<br>Natalie</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57165792019-04-11T20:31:48-04:002020-08-20T14:00:06-04:00My furry friends from at home & on the road<p>Since today is National Pet Day today I wanted to share a little love to my two feline friends and shout out some of the amazing pets I get to love on when I’m on the road. </p>
<p>Often I miss my cats when I’m touring but I get to meet lots of lovable furry and feathered family members to make up for it.</p>
<p>My brood is usually camped out on top of or inside my gear – I would like to think it’s because they love me so much that they don’t want me to leave but I think they just like to be higher up on things and try out new textures they can’t normally get into or onto. </p>
<p>Here’s some photos of Pudu perched on my stuff...</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:600px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/65c0bbdace9ba220b4cf6c811fe171f39c233bcc/original/img-3423.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/79fb26f1d2183e5255043e99253b07a2b2aa4c65/original/img-0826.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/ae91275e855f23df1ed75f1d2e38585b9748c1b7/original/img-1751.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/644be8be833c282d4c811725998a23a2c9b586b7/original/img-7913.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Zipper is a little more cuddly... but may have cuddled with one of your t-shirts...</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 600px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/7a1fb9eb02f0b69ded75e85e087fe28bda684c75/original/img-5613.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5da0b5c9cf779aa24f538a1274b20dfcb09bc8ee/original/img-2876.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/19741e69d345831ad690e0d62246985eafed9582/original/img-6712.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>On the road, pets even sometimes help me load in and soundcheck too! Bet you never knew they were so helpful!</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 700px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/e91355c9d88970de93b6bc8a90a4f996e3feeb0a/original/img-8563.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/3810b39e83955571035e29c657bf2ed0d2b80bfd/original/img-2357.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/cc83ee0692e5cf4003f36684d6e7c8c186b71fb7/original/img-3724.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Sometimes they just show me what it's like to be a fearless explorer...</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 700px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/7b11326c105b243a08631db42ac86b0cf89bd035/original/img-3729.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/193ba3ae8a07e60ad414a7d17041cee827774540/original/img-0713.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5486d0dffee96fef98006da9ca00ef5c071f77e9/original/img-3733.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>At the end of a long day on the road, driving, press, playing shows, a hug or cuddle from a pet is always the best!</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 600px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/fce1abe5d139eb11d842d4a68ffc6c4901e082da/original/img-5481.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/64c96ec4d917641f2a1a66be8a7644beef721c16/original/img-2106.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/3122d92c0a001f940da2cf6453fc9d6337ea9dc9/original/img-4367.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5d2bd4b64d482011d3871a509a92ba5c1a57b772/original/img-4261.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/0483fb978be5458f9a3d487f3351cb9d83d2b1f9/original/img-1406.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/04072ce5cc6a26f99514ef18858d1da9793d20e1/original/img-2935.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/493336990f55ceefc84a4557601ec6ba1c36590e/original/img-8552.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/c0def25a6e73d3991973689e39d47e423503f78d/original/img-8549.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>These love bugs must have thought so too!</p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 600px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/cddb8f0f0c8b6c33c0d61ddf14211db3dec2605a/original/img-9904.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/70284f18840aaa9d60454006caba658819f78694/original/img-9955.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/89a21fb72621f2c1808b88640b8f40704386c6df/original/img-4352.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/565113515a35e61f521fe3a42a5f332868280117/original/img-9899.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>I almost always wanted to sing but when I was really little I also wanted to be a veterinarian. :) I bet you could tell that from all these animal photos! :D</p>
<p>Hope you have some animal and pet love in your life! It's truly the best.</p>
<p>Lots of love,<br>Natalie</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/57074952019-04-04T17:10:40-04:002021-03-31T05:00:37-04:00Music I Love: Nathan McEuen<p>One of the perks of being a musician is hearing so much new music and becoming friends with so many of the artists who’s music I love. The relationships provide an even deeper understanding and appreciation for their songs and work. </p>
<p>I wanted to share some of the music I love today... My good friend, <a contents="Nathan McEuen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.nathanmceuen.com/" target="_blank">Nathan McEuen</a> has been inspiring me with his music for years. You’ve probably noticed us touring together, him being a part of my band and sharing one of his own songs when I opened for Bon Jovi or seen one of my favorite videos, us singing his song “Lately.” </p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3n6LE-c3Oy4" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>I’m always drawn to heartfelt storytelling and Nathan delivers on that in his songs and live show. Before working with him I always thought I needed lyrics to grasp onto to tell the story but on his last record release, Side by Side he tells the real life story of the voices of Disney’s Minnie and Mickey Mouse in two instrumental banjo tracks. On the companion tracks, “Part 1: They Meet” and “Part 2: The Magic,” you can hear the story unfold as the real life couple playing the voices of those lovable characters fell in love while bringing some of our favorite animated friends to life. </p>
<p>You’ll have to go see Nathan live to hear the rest of the story and hear them played on a banjo that belonged to Mickey! </p>
<p>Touring with Nathan over the last few years I’ve had the pleasure of hearing a handful of the new songs that are in the running to be featured on a new album he’s working on called Spectrum. The name comes from the full range of his musical expression set to be a part of the double album. </p>
<p>He’s currently funding the project on <a contents="Indiegogo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-fund-nathan-mceuen-s-double-album-spectrum?fbclid=IwAR0pqF0ZkQqVKK9T-M3NdpJsRF-_OBm_uxvZthAqShDE7AbGMKUibbZe1V8#/faq" target="_blank">Indiegogo</a> where you can hear three sample tracks in the video at the top of the page. Be sure to listen through ‘til the end to hear my favorite song. </p>
<p><a contents="Check out the project" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-fund-nathan-mceuen-s-double-album-spectrum?fbclid=IwAR0pqF0ZkQqVKK9T-M3NdpJsRF-_OBm_uxvZthAqShDE7AbGMKUibbZe1V8#/faq">Check out the project</a> and lend your support if you can. He’s created a lot of perks to thank you for your support and the album just might feature a special guest you know on a studio version of that song above... wink wink! :) </p>
<p>Happy listening!<br>Natalie</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/56986302019-03-28T19:10:36-04:002019-04-19T02:33:51-04:00Gear Talk: Have you thought much about the guitar pick you use?<p>If you’ve just started playing guitar, or even if you’ve been playing for a while you may not realize just how much your guitar pick affects your sound. </p>
<p>I was lucky enough to have a teacher in college, and not even a guitar teacher at that, who helped me dial in my sound one day after I purchased my first guitar before I was about to leave for my first big tour. His guidance helped me pay more attention to a lot of the parts of my sound I had overlooked until that point including the picks I used. </p>
<p>There are lots of different styles, shapes, materials and thicknesses to choose from. Over the years I’ve been playing I have changed up my preference a number of times. I guess thats where the saying comes from that we all experiment in college right? No? Well anyways, I went from ticker to thinner before landing these days on a medium gauge pick. I also went from using tortex and nylon to usually using celluloid picks these days. </p>
<p>It all really comes down to your own preferences for tone and how it feels in your picking hand. Different picks will affect your rhythmic abilities of your picking hand, the tone of the strings and overall sound of the guitar. </p>
<p>I personally like the control and sound of a medium pick. Sometimes for the right song it can be nice to switch it up and use something thinner for more of that percussive picking sound you get from a thinner pick. </p>
<p>What I recommend is just picking... see what I did there! ...up a bunch at your local music store and trying them out. My personal favs right now are Fender mediums, I’ve really liked the Dunlop Nylon and the Dunlop Tortex picks too over the years too. You can often find assortment packs or individual picks at your local store. </p>
<p>Experiment and see what feels best for the grip and mobility in your picking hand, how it sounds as it strikes the strings and if you like the tone as it resonates out or have any ideas on how specially you want to use the sound from that particular pick in your playing on certain songs. </p>
<p>Personally I think a harder/ticker pick sounds great for precise lead parts or if you’re doing something driving and rhythmic. Thinner picks tend to have a more bright pick noise with a softer sound volume wise that I don’t love for all my playing but is nice on the right song. </p>
<p>It’s honestly amazing how much just changing the guitar pick can completely change the feel of a song. Try using voice memo on your song to record a verse and a chorus with one pick and then switch to another pick and play the same sections. Listen back and see what you think and which you like better. </p>
<p>Picks have been made from everything from tortoiseshell and felt to glass and stone. You might find something else you like better then the standard batch of picks. I often try out new picks and have even used a corner of a gift card when I was in a pinch on the road... certain gift cards and royalty cards sound better then others in case you’re wondering. </p>
<p>I was asked to try out this new guitar pick from Bog Street which features an ergonomic, three sided shape with thin, medium and thick sides. I love that I can change mid-song from a driving chorus for example with the medium or thick sides to a softer verse sound with the thinner pick side. The shape makes it easy to turn while I’m playing and the grip in the middle keeps it in my picking hand. </p>
<p>You can check out their picks for lead and rhythm guitar players at <a contents="www.bogstreet.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bogstreet.com" target="_blank">www.bogstreet.com</a> </p>
<p>I’m doing a giveaway with them over on my Instagram right now. Be sure to head over, check that out and enter, it’s super easy!</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkndeYnT2C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkndeYnT2C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkndeYnT2C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div></div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div>
<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div>
<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div>
</div>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkndeYnT2C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by nataliegelman (@nataliegelman)</a> on <time datetime="2019-03-29T00:29:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 28, 2019 at 5:29pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>Hope you find the best pick out there for your sound! </p>
<p>Happy strumming!!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/56885732019-03-21T18:38:34-04:002019-03-21T18:40:49-04:00My favorite tips for staying healthy and fighting off colds <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/e3dc8b9af491f38639eec5a34eb402a6dc8bc060/original/img-9981.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />As a singer and touring musician I have collected a bunch of tips for staying healthy on the road even when you’re not getting sleep or eating the healthiest. </p>
<p>Here are my top 7 tips for fighting off colds </p>
<p><strong>1. Gargle with warm salt water</strong><br>You can do this before you go to sleep, when you wake up and if you feel a cold coming on you can do it throughout the day. If you’re traveling, bring some little salt packets with you – you can even steal them from your favorite fast food spot. But you’re not eating fast food right because you’re being healthy right? :) </p>
<p>This will ease a sore throat and clear out things that can cause colds too. If you can, add a tongue scraper to your routine. You might think they sound gross but what’s actually gross is all the stuff that’s coming off your tongue every day... or staying in your bod if you’re not using it. </p>
<p><strong>2. Rest and take it easy</strong><br>Take it down a level, your stress that is. Almost every time a cold actually does get the best of me it’s because I’m overwhelmed and pushing myself too hard. Our emotions are so connected to our health too and sometimes our bodies are telling us to slow down for good reason. If you haven’t heard of Louise Hay and her book <em>You Can Heal Your Life</em> look it up. Often the causes and affirmations line up with what I’m going through. </p>
<p>Taking care of yourself with a bath and some extra rest will help fight off the cold and help you get better fast. Take some naps and/or have an early night so you can get that extra sleep that’s going to help you get better. </p>
<p><strong>3. Facial massage with a steamy hot compress</strong><br>If you feel pressure in your sinuses try a facial self-massage facial. You can massage and put light pressure in small circles to help drain and open your sinuses. I usually massage above and between my eyebrows, lightly on the sides of the bridge of my nose and on both sides of my nose in the area that makes a kind of upside down triangle under your eyes with your nostrils. If that isn’t clear just Google “sinuses” and you’ll see what I mean. </p>
<p>If you do this often you’ll learn what feels best for your own anatomy. Often, the best thing for me personally is to put pressure upwards and outwards with two fingers on either side of the area just above the bridge of my nose between my eyebrows. </p>
<p>Adding a hot compress will really help open up those sinus passages. I like to use a small washcloth and get it wet with water as hot as I can stand it. I’ll wring out the water, fold it over so it’s ticker and keeps the heat better, and then cover my mouth and nose and breathe in that moist air. Yeah, I said moist. Deal with it. Ha! Your vocal chords will thank me. </p>
<p><strong>4. Make sure you’re drinking enough water</strong><br>This should go without saying but so few of us get enough of it. I find personally that it’s easy to go from having enough to needing some reminders and incentive from time to time. </p>
<p>You’ve probably heard that drinking enough water is like a shower for your insides. And it can really help flush out a cold before it settles into your body. I stay away from sugar, alcohol and dairy to help too. If you like tea, drink lots of herbal teas without caffeine so you can rest. </p>
<p><strong>5. Have some probiotics</strong><br>I know I just told you to not have dairy but yogurt is the exception. Sometimes I’ve noticed that the cause of my wellness imbalance is because of an upset tummy. The stomach and gut has been called the second brain in recent years because it affects our health and mood. </p>
<p>In fact if you’ve been suffering from depression, take a look at your gut health. You can <a contents="read more about it here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-fallible-mind/201701/the-pit-in-your-stomach-is-actually-your-second-brain" target="_blank">read more about it here</a>. </p>
<p>Or just take my word for it and get yourself some probiotic yogurt. If you’re vegan or really avoiding dairy I recommend kombucha and sauerkraut. </p>
<p><strong>6. Make my special spice tea to burn out the cold</strong><br>A friend of mine told me about this special tea and it’s been really helpful when I don’t feel so good. The spices work to warm up my body and give me a mild fever to burn off the cold. I’ll usually make some to sip throughout the day. </p>
<p>Spice Tea Recipe: <br>Add 2 cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of whole cloves and a 1-2 inch sliced root of fresh ginger in a sauce pot with 6-8 cups of water. Once it starts boiling turn it down and let it slow roll for about 5 minutes. Make sure it’s not covered completely because once it starts boiling it will boil over like pasta does if it’s covered. You can turn it off and let cool for a minute before pouring or ladling it into a cup with some honey to taste. You can usually add more water to the pot and bring to a boil again for more spice tea. </p>
<p>A few more tips... I like to use spices from the Mexican spices section of my grocery store for this because the prices are a lot better. Also, I just throw the ginger and some water in a blender so I don’t have to slice it up and I add that ginger water to the pot to get the most ginger essence. If you don’t want little ginger pieces in your tea though just slice it up. You’re house will smell amazing from this tea too! </p>
<p><strong>7. Behold the power of oregano oil </strong><br>If you’re a singer get yourself some oregano oil to add into your maintenance routine. It’s a really helpful supplement for your voice. You can take it in capsule form or get a dropper. I’ve developed a taste for it and use the dropper to add it to my eggs, pizzas and when I make homemade soup. The different capsules I took made me walk around burping like I ate an entire oregano pizza so that wasn’t working for me. Tmi? Sorry, it’s just the truth. </p>
<p>Anyways, vitamin C, Echinacea and zinc are also helpful for me but I usually wont go through the trouble of taking them if I have this one vitamin with me... </p>
<p><strong>7+. Wellness Formula </strong><br>I’m putting this guy last but it’s honestly the best... save the best for last? ha! Not really. The truth is that I know it’s expensive and not many people will bother to get it so they have it on hand when they need it... which is what you need to do. Honestly, if this was the only thing on this list you did you probably would be good to go. </p>
<p>Sometimes when I’m traveling my health priorities get really out of whack but every time I’ve taken this when I’ve felt like I could be getting sick I just don’t get sick. I’ll use it for a few days to support my immune system and get back in balance and without fail it keeps me healthy. </p>
<p>That said, it tastes horrible.... like there are no words to describe it horrible. So, if you get it make sure you swallow it super fast and don’t make this mistake I made once of having the tablets with hot tea. The tea just melts the gross taste faster then you can swallow them down. Gag. Honestly though, it’s still so worth it, because you wont get sick. </p>
<p><a contents="Here’s a link to get them on Amazon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Bio-Aligned-Multivitamin-Antioxidants/dp/B0014YZHG8/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=wellness%2Bformula%2Btablets&qid=1553202280&s=gateway&sr=8-5&th=1" target="_blank">Here’s a link to get them on Amazon</a>.</p>
<p>Wherever you get them, I recommend getting the tablets. They make them in capsule form too but it’s a slightly different formula and I can’t vouch for it’s effectiveness. </p>
<p>There ya go. Some of my best tips to help you with any lingering bugs out there so you don’t get sick and can keep kicking ass! </p>
<p>Love ya!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/56805602019-03-14T18:12:46-04:002019-03-14T19:43:13-04:00Gear Talk: Capos including a neat little trick<p>One of the first tools I picked up for my musicians arsenal was a capo for my guitar. If you’re just starting to play you may have seen other people using them but not known what they are or what they do. </p>
<p>Capos clamp down across the fretboard to essentially shorten the length of the open string available to resonate when strummed or plucked. </p>
<p>Essentially they allow you to change the key of a song while still maintaining the same chord shapes. </p>
<p>Many manufactures make different styles that clamp down, maintain pressure with a spring or wrap around your fretboard. </p>
<p>For most of my guitar playing life I’ve used a <a contents="spring style capo by Kyser" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kysermusical.com/" target="_blank">spring style capo by Kyser</a>. I really like them because they are easy to change. Sometimes that quick changing is most helpful when you’re actively hunting down the best key for a new song and moving it up and down the fretboard easily. </p>
<p>I also had one where the spring broke and Kyser replaced it quickly under their lifetime warranty. So that’s of note. All the different colors and styles helps too. </p>
<p>At a certain point I picked up the Kyser partial capo to get into dropped D tuning without re-tuning my guitar. I had wanted to experiment with alternate tunings and this seemed like the easiest way to do it. Years went by without it being used much before I learned a few songs that were in dropped D and the capo was useful at gigs to quickly change and play the songs without retuning. </p>
<p>I’ve been doing that for years before recently learning a neat trick... I could have just taken my normal Kyser capo – this doesn't quite work with most other brands – and flipped it upside down to do the same thing!</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAddTanCoh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAddTanCoh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAddTanCoh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div></div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div>
<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"> </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div>
<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div>
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div>
</div>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAddTanCoh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by nataliegelman (@nataliegelman)</a> on <time datetime="2019-03-14T23:36:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2019 at 4:36pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>The rubber is definitely harder on the side touching your frets but I think for a song or two every once in a while it will be just fine. And if nothing else it will allow you to experiment and is a neat little trick. </p>
<p>Recently I had the opportunity to try another style capo, the <a contents="Glider Capo from Greg Bennett" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://glidercapo.com/" target="_blank">Glider Capo from Greg Bennett</a>. I wasn’t sure I would like it even though I was really impressed with this video of Greg using it. </p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2GFf6mCsz4" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Wow right!? The ease of sliding it up and down the neck and being able to use that in your playing was intriguing but I thought the end caps would get in the way of the inside of my chord hand. I tried it out however and it wasn’t in the way at all. Really a great product! </p>
<p>I’ll keep trying it out and maybe one day you will see me using it a song masterfully playing like Greg! </p>
<p>The last capo I want to mention is one I bought for my ukulele. It wraps around the fretboard with an elastic band that has a grommet to hook into the other end of the bolt wrapped with rubber that goes across the top of the fretboard. </p>
<p>I use it for exactly one song in my set on occasion and honestly avoid it otherwise because it’s more trouble than it’s worth. It only setting me back a few dollars on Amazon but is more trouble then it’s worth. </p>
<p>The screw is constantly falling out of the rubber and I’ve even had the whole thing go flying across the stage like a slingshot because it takes two hands to put on and get that elastic around and it slipped through my fingers one day. </p>
<p>I’m all for action on stage but that was too much! </p>
<p>If you need a capo only occasionally, an elastic capo like that is fine but otherwise go with a quick changing spring style capo or a clamp capo if you don’t mind the time needed to change them and want more control over the pressure on your strings. </p>
<p>There you go! Just some of my thoughts on this little tool I use all the time!</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/56727462019-03-07T19:54:18-05:002019-03-07T20:00:01-05:00What it was like to open for Bon Jovi<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/b2d52d58db25260bfc7bb69beeae3a5254580725/original/20170228-bon-jovi-sacramento-0053.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:600px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/18e1eb3b428c794a2fa21f74026c28940749f74e/original/20170228-bon-jovi-sacramento-0032-credit-david-bergman.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/8a8cf30fd24e196ed60425adf38e5a3ecf47a599/original/20170228-bon-jovi-sacramento-0059.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Last week marked the anniversary of my first arena show opening for <a contents="Bon Jovi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bonjovi.com/" target="_blank">Bon Jovi</a>. ...my Bonjovirsary. ? </p>
<p>I’ve been reflecting about the whole experience. I had such an impact on me that I’m not sure I’ll be able to put it all into words but I want to describe at least some of what happened and what I felt through the whole experience. </p>
<p>I applied to the contest to open for him for what I believe was my 3rd time. I’m a big believer in not giving up and just going for things. Most things I’ve done in life have come about because I was persistent. </p>
<p>The Bon Jovi team selects a different act/band in each city and there was a closer, Los Angeles date that I was going to apply for but couldn’t do because of some things I had scheduled back east on that date. So, I applied for the Sacramento date instead. In hindsight there was probably less competition for the smaller market and that may have helped me land the gig. </p>
<p>I got a call from LiveNation and as the man on the other end of the phone told me what was happening I asked him to take the phone away from his ear so I could scream and not hurt his ear. </p>
<p>Brent was sitting near me while all this happened and I think I explained in a few words to him that I was opening for Bon Jovi while still listening to the guy on the phone about what was next, how I couldn’t announced that I was selected just yet, how I needed a band to be confirmed etc. I may have needed to scream again and Brent was worried I wasn’t playing it cool enough and that they would take it back from me thinking I was a crazy person. </p>
<p>I was really excited, not because it’s Bon Jovi (sorry Jon and camp you’re all amazing) but because I has been feeling so down on myself and my career at that point. </p>
<p>In this business, you are constantly on a rollercoaster of things falling through and getting told no or not hearing anything at all from countless things you go out for mixed in with things like this sprinkled in to make you believe it’s all worth it. </p>
<p>They say it’s best if you have tough skin but honestly I think my skin has become more penetrable the more I open up with my music and songs. I want to say maybe you have to just have a tough heart but I don’t think that’s it either. I think you just have to be stupid enough and want it enough to not give up. And it really can suck sometimes so in this moment, when it didn’t suck, I was going to fully express just how ecstatic I was and scream with joy! </p>
<p>I think I had a smile on my face the whole three-four weeks leading up to it. And that’s all I had, just weeks to get ready for my biggest show ever. </p>
<p>Much like getting married, when people like to ask you if you have a date for the wedding as soon as you’re engaged and once you have a date they like to ask if you’re going to have kids, folks were asking me if I was nervous as soon as they heard about the show... but I wasn’t. </p>
<p>I had good reason not to be. I have played my 10,000 hours plus. From playing in the subway for years and years (I still do) and playing 1000’s of shows to all kinds of audiences across the world I have developed a deep trust in myself on stage. </p>
<p>When I play a show, I am 100% there to entertain folks and I will do everything I can to give them a great show. But I also know, that if anything goes wrong or comes up that isn’t perfect I can recover from it or even if I can’t it’s not the end of the world and we will all be okay. </p>
<p>Plus, I had already performed the hardest song to sing in public in this country – because of the scrutiny we put people under when they sing it – our National Anthem to more people then were expected at the show and once even in front of Jon himself when he was supposedly at a game for a team he owned. </p>
<p>So, I told myself I wasn’t nervous and really I wasn’t. I was just excited and knew how much work had to be done to put on a great show and make the most of the opportunity. And I was more then ready to do it. </p>
<p>I went to work putting together my band with players I knew that I could trust. My goal was to be the worst player on stage. Sounds crazy probably but I wanted to know that if I made a mistake the band would keep going. I worked with folks that are my good friends so I knew they had my back and they have also have played arenas all over the world so this was just a walk in the park for them. </p>
<p>I spent time deciding what I would wear that would make an impact on stage, what I would say between songs so I didn’t ramble on – those who have seen me in listening rooms and house concerts know I’m really good at turning a music show into a comedy show with my banter. </p>
<p>I designed and printed out drum logos, social posts and giveaway cards that I hired a local team to hand out at the show to try to get fans from the gig to have something with my name on it. </p>
<p>I reached out to the instrument manufacturers and companies I work with already about borrowing gear for the show – Thank you <a contents="Guild" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guildguitars.com/" target="_blank">Guild</a>, <a contents="Roland" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.roland.com/us/" target="_blank">Roland</a> and <a contents="AStars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.astarswomens.com/" target="_blank">AStars</a>. </p>
<p>I drew up a press release and reached out to local and regional press with the story in my tour dates leading up to the show as well. </p>
<p>I booked Airbnb’s in Sacramento and coordinated travel and meals for an entourage of 6 band mates and girlfriends, plus others helping film my set. </p>
<p>Honestly, I would say that I worked harder then I ever have in my life, which is saying a lot for me because everyone who knows me will say that I’m a workaholic but I think I just worked with a single minded focus on the show – 20 minutes on stage at my biggest gig ever. </p>
<p>The weeks went by quickly doing everything, rehearsing with the band, playing the tours and dates I had already booked, I still has some intense emotional stuff going on with my mom during all of it too – she went into a nursing home the week before the show which was so hard on me. </p>
<p>I woke up after just 6 hours of sleep, too excited and restless with adrenalin to rest. With everything going on, the show was just a wonderful thing to work towards. I was just so excited to have the opportunity. </p>
<p>Brent and I drove up to Sacramento the day before the show and I went to buy groceries and snacks for both Airbnb’s and get everyone settled in. Friends from out of town had flown in to see the show and we all went out for dinner and drinks and an early night to get some rest before the show. </p>
<p>The day came and I had it scheduled out so I could try to be in optimal performance space... I am pretty flexible but have some things I do: a light workout to get the blood flowing, lots and lots of water, stretching, headspace stuff so I’m mentally focused, going over the show with the band mentally including double checking any spots that had been not super tight... it all helps so I can surrender to the moment once I get on stage knowing I’ve done everything I can to be prepared. </p>
<p>The band and crew drove over to the arena nice and early for our load in. We were a bit shocked when we got there by all the security to get in – they aren’t messing around in these places! </p>
<p>Once parked inside, a crew of dozens of folks – both specifically from the Bon Jovi team and the local crew from Golden 1 Center – came to help us unload and get situated in the venue. When I say dozens I mean it. I think it was about 30+ folks and that showed up to help the 5 of us who went to the venue for soundcheck get sorted out and loaded in. </p>
<p>If you’ve ever seen me load in to one of my gigs you know it’s usually just me holding a number of things all at once... I’ve been known to carry my guitar, ukulele, cables/microphone bag and merch suitcase all in one trip. For this load-in there was once person to carry every little single solitary item. </p>
<p>They brought us and all our stuff over to our greenroom, which was a far walk from where our cars were parked and where the stage was. It was labeled in the hallway with a sign with my name on it and setup with snacks inside. </p>
<p>We had a few minutes before heading over to the stage and just wanted to settle in a little bit, let my guitar acclimate to the freezing cold air conditioner inside the arena and hang up my dress, and my backup dress - yep, I had a whole backup outfit incase something happened to the first one. </p>
<p>It wasn’t long before we were called to head to the stage for soundcheck. We went over there with all our gear, I wore the shoes I planned to wear on stage for the show to sound check – another little thing I learned to do to make sure there are no surprises when you play and realize that your shoes and the stage don’t agree. </p>
<p>Something was wrong with the guitar amp or guitar signal for Bon Jovi so we were on standby for a while but got in a full arena soundcheck. Often on tour sometimes, opening acts won’t even get a sound check I’ve been told but the Bon Jovi team really took care of us and made sure we were comfortable. </p>
<p>It was actually nice to hang on stage during the technical difficulties they were having because it gave me more time to visualize the show I wanted to put on and take in the whole moment. </p>
<p>When it came time for our soundcheck they had us each check instruments individually while they checked the room and monitors volume and balance. We kept our hands in the air until we had enough volume in our monitor or each instrument and voice. It started with drums and bass then guitars, pianos and finally vocals. </p>
<p>The first sound our band made was from my drummer, Scott, hitting his kick drum. It sounded so full and fat and gorgeous. You could hear it filling the whole arena and coming back at you bigger then your own heartbeat. I turned around to my drummer from where I had been facing forward waiting to see if I had enough in my monitor and was like “Yessss, this already sounds amazing!!” He looked at me and said, “It feels like I’m fucking myself.” I don’t think truer words were ever spoken. Ha! </p>
<p>We soundchecked all the instruments one by one and then played through a verse and chorus of two songs. It was back to the Greenroom for us to get dressed, me to do my makeup and wait for dinner before the show. </p>
<p>We headed over to meet Jon and go to dinner about an hour later. Jon was really nice and asked us how soundcheck went and if we had everything we needed. We all got to chat with him for a few minutes and take a few photos. </p>
<p>From there we went to dinner, which was an amazing buffet meal that puts Vegas casino buffets to shame. My mouth was watering with all the beautiful food but I made a small plate because I didn’t want to perform on a full stomach – another thing I’ve learned over the years singing is not to eat too much before you sing. </p>
<p>We went back to our dressing room and waited for show call. I think some of the crew came and checked in with us, the tour manager and assistants and friends of friends who were in Jon’s band and wanted to say hi. It was such a friendly and warm environment and everyone was really good at their job and made us showing up to do our job really easy. </p>
<p>When it came time to get backstage to standby before going onstage I couldn’t believe the moment was finally here. I hugged all the guys in the band and told them all one last time that I was excited and grateful they were there with me. We walked up the steps to take the stage and any cool I had immediately left the building because I was just so excited to play for all those people. I decided to wave at everyone in the arena instead of playing it cool. </p>
<p>I took my guitar and looked over at my guitar and banjo player, Nathan who asked me “When do we start?” and I said “Now. 1, 2, 3, 4”. </p>
<p>We started our first song strong and any last minute nerves I had completely faded away. I just felt totally grounded up there - doing my job and putting on the show we rehearsed for them. </p>
<p>There was something else happening too that really surprised me... it was easy. </p>
<p>Most of the shows I play are just me playing solo – I hold the weight of the show and the room on my shoulders. If something goes wrong and something happens onstage or in the audience I have to acknowledge and recover from it. As a performer, the audience wants to know that you are in charge and they are safe with you. If you’ve never been on stage that may not make sense but start notice at the concerts you go to from now on how the room feels. If the performer onstage isn’t in charge it feels like the room never settles in. </p>
<p>What amazed me was how easy it is to be onstage in front of an audience that large. I had a lot of things helping me of course, my band, the lights and sound system and all the crew but also the collective energy from all the Bon Jovi fans – it helped that I had a bunch of fans that also bought tickets and came out to witness this show. I even saw some friendly faces in the audience right as I stepped onstage, which was amazing! </p>
<p>The amazing thing about a room that large is that the audience becomes one. Often I spend my time onstage tuning in to people individually and taking a ‘read’ on the audience one by one. Even when I’ve played 1500 and 2500 rooms opening for people there are still individuals that really stand out and you have that laser beam connection with through the show. For the Bon Jovi show the whole audience was that person. It felt enormous and intimate all at the same time. </p>
<p>I truly loved every single second of being onstage that night. It’s actually making me tear up right now thinking about it and I know I’ll always remember everything and everyone about that day with so much gratitude. </p>
<p>To jump back for a minute, as the show was approaching I was joking with folks that I was as excited to open for Bon Jovi as I was to get married to Brent which I had done about 4 months earlier. Somewhere before getting married I had read before my wedding day that I would be surprised to find that my cheeks hurt that day from smiling so much. I didn’t really believe it but sure enough, I found myself at the alter getting a tinge of a cramp in my cheeks because I was smiling so deeply! </p>
<p>I felt that same deep and pure joy onstage. I was so elated and in pure joy to sing for everyone and do what I feel I’m put here to do. It’s almost like my heart was smiling and bursting all at once. </p>
<p>On my last song, when everyone joined me in turning on their flash on their phones and taking a picture of my song Photograph to capture the moment with me it was overwhelming. If you watch the video you can see me turn around to the band screaming with excitement and even hear it if you listen closely. </p>
<p>As we finished the song 17,000 people that had never heard the song before were actually lightly starting to sing along to my words on the chorus. I didn’t realize it until later when I watched the video because I think I was in my head for the first time onstage and already not wanting it to be over. </p>
<p>I thanked everyone, there were more photos taken, I waved again at everyone as I broke down my gear. I tried to throw my guitar picks to the first row – which I learned is terribly hard and requires a certain kind of finger flicking motion I haven’t perfected yet. </p>
<p>I’m not quite sure the order of things because I was a little in shock I think that it was over. </p>
<p>I hugged the band and waved again and tried to get a last looks of everything from onstage again. </p>
<p>In my head, all I could think was, “What do I have to do, what song do I have to write to get onstage like this again?” </p>
<p>The band broke down our gear and cleaned up the dressing room. We had to clear out the backstage area before Bon Jovi went on. We went out into the arena to watch the show and I watched for a while and met some new fans in the audience. </p>
<p>I knew that I should get to work though and after watching half the show left to find the team I had hired to hand out cards with a link to my music on them. I wanted to help them hand them out as people left at the end so we would give away as many as possible but ended up mostly taking and meeting people as they left. It was so fun taking photos with everyone, signing autographs and seeing fans and friends that had traveled from across the country to be there with me that night. </p>
<p>Afterwards we went back to one of our Airbnb’s and watched out set again on the big tv the house had. It was surreal that it was over. </p>
<p>One of my friends who came from out of town had a bunch of folks write me cards and notes and put them all in a box for me to open that night which was sooooo sweet and moving. It was the perfect thing to read and feel that love and support. </p>
<p>The next day we packed up and unsuccessfully looked for a place where we could all get breakfast at 11am on a Wednesday before giving up and heading out down the road. It was all still kind of surreal. </p>
<p>I may have been hoping it would all mean more. That maybe Jon would ask me to come sing with him on that Jennifer Nettles song or a manager or agent would see me and see that I’m capable of more then the mismanaging of my own career. But that’s the rub, I can’t know what this will mean for years maybe. Or maybe I already do. </p>
<p>I know it’s given me more confidence as a performer, I know I did the best I could with the opportunity and tried to turn it into new press by reaching out more in the months that followed as I toured with the story. I tried to turn it into lots of new fans, even going in and liking every single comment posted on Instagram and Facebook by fans there that night when Bon Jovi posted the photos of him with my band online. </p>
<p>I think that knowledge of what I’m capable of really means a lot at the end of the day. It pushes me to have had the opportunity, but also to realize that this is just another show on my journey to success. It’s a stand out show of course but it’s something I always had in me and have in me still. </p>
<p>I hope I get to play an arena again one day. Maybe opening for more then one show... maybe headlining my own tour. Maybe just having the keys to my own arena ...kidding on that last one! </p>
<p>It’s strange to try and understand the whole experience. In the years since I feel like I should have accomplished more. Like it would have set of a chain of events unfolding towards more success and opportunities. But change happens slowly, there have been lots of special things that have come up because of this and the work I’ve done since and I just have to keep showing up and seeing where the road takes me. </p>
<p>If you haven't seen my set that night the show it up to <a contents="watch here on Youtube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAysdIUu0FqO8kpd2qb3YgwWV-aP8Q0gC" target="_blank">watch here on Youtube</a>. You'll see some moments from soundcheck and backstage too.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone again who made that night possible. My band, friend and fans and the whole Bon Jovi team and crew and all the Bon Jovi fans there that night - you’re all amazing. ❤️</p>
<p>Photo Credit: David Bergman</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/46318352017-03-16T09:00:00-04:002017-03-18T20:09:46-04:00Top 10 Favorite “Fan Moments” of Last Year<p>I decided to do something different this year and instead of shouting out my top fans of the year shout out my favorite moments. I’m still (and always) incredibly grateful for all the support I get every.single.day to keep my ship afloat and on course but last year didn’t feature too much touring and venturing out into the world in a big way to include enough new people on this list. </p>
<p>So, for those of you who are freaking amazing – you know who you are – You’ve put me up in your house, helped me book shows or even booked your own house concert, flown across the country to see shows, recorded those shows, brought out friends and shared my work with everyone you know online and off... you guys seriously rock!!! </p>
<p>:::I’m staring to question weather or not I should just screw the top moments idea and thank my top fans!! oy!!::: </p>
<p>This post is also about acknowledging the serendipity of life and how a fleeting moment can be captured and something seemingly little can mean so much. </p>
<p>You guys are all my community and it’s a wonderful journey to make music for you. </p>
<p>Without further rambling... here are just 10 of my favorite “fan moments” of 2016! </p>
<p>10. Every single time you sang along at a show! Sometimes without encouraging... sometimes with me getting “New York” on you but you sang-a-long and that makes my heart smile. </p>
<p>9. The times you’ve come to me for encouragement on you own creative pursuits or just to share with me your songs, poems, books and artwork. </p>
<p>8. One of my house concerts was canceled when the host’s husband surprised her with tickets to NYC for that same weekend not knowing she had booked me... they caught my show in NYC. :) </p>
<p>7. Meeting and taking a selfie with this cutie pie I met while busking at the Staten Island Ferry.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/910c75f3ae87d139e21d2170702eb5168ce55e03/large/img-0101.jpg?1489630261" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>6. Batgirl looking for my musical secrets at one of my favorite shows of the year – Concerts by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/852db739623782706cb286a949a0fc5d0c5aec82/large/img-0555.jpg?1489630307" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>5. Justin Higuchi capturing another one of my favorite live shots... my smile really sums up how happy I am on stage and doing what I do. I’m a fan of all his <a contents="live music photography" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/jus10h/">live music photography</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/2fcb4c4f6598c8bec9076875e467b06275b12ba5/large/img-0529.jpg?1489630175" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>4. A bride hired me to sing for her wedding this year and then learned her mother was already a fan of my music after hearing me play earlier in the year at a winery... It’s a small world! </p>
<p>3. Hearing one of my favorite photographers, <a contents="Chris Zedano" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.chriszedanophoto.com">Chris Zedano</a>, play my song, Sundance in Your Eyes, on guitar after our latest photoshoot. Chris is one of the first photographers I ever worked with (rumor is that I am one of the first people he photographed outside his family!) He's a great photographer and has also shot many of my favorite photos and is now multi talented having picked up guitar and learned a few of my songs!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVOm6ca4GfE" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>2. Writing my first custom song for “Meemee and Spoom” on their 10 year anniversary. It was such a gift to get to know them and create this timeless capsule of their love story. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AsTu3hiUzok" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>::::drum rolllllll::::<br><br>1. Marrying my best friend whom I met because he heard me busking on the streets of Park City, UT during Sundance.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5b66a17f51b9120c7e743e2fef92dddc2db58ad1/original/img-2076.jpg?1489631306" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/478fa24676e201834c236546cc4388a61065b331/original/img-2241.jpg?1489631381" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/45274902016-12-27T19:31:56-05:002018-09-17T18:45:12-04:00The Lion - Inspiration Behind the Music Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KYBdE6vUKOQ" width="560"></iframe>
<p>I first had the idea for this video a while back. <br> <br>The concept was simple, I wanted to make you ask yourself who wake up next to every day... who you invite into your bed. <br> <br>I had realized how obsessively I checked my iPhone and computer – often first upon waking up and last thing before going to sleep – even in the bathroom (don’t judge, you know you do it too! And, on it I was constantly being bombarded with messages and information but no time to digest what I had read, watched and learned before being bombarded with the next message. <br> <br>It’s made me anxious and even sick a few times I think because we aren’t built to handle this much incoming information. <br> <br>At the end of the day, I think the wealth of knowledge and information we have access to is incredible. I actually find a lot of hope and possibility in it. But, if we’re not taking the time to genuinely consider what we digest through the media and our own community online it’s unlikely we’re going to be willing to try something new that may at first be uncomfortable and even change our opinions. <br> <br>If we can stomach it, I think the best opportunity for growth in life comes out of chaos. When everything is stirred up and going crazy and only the things that are really important to us – really connected to our hearts and motivated from <em>love and fear</em> are the things we grasp onto and move forward with while everything else falls. <br> <br>But we have to sit with the chaos – looking at it and being uncomfortable in some very intimate ways before we can have that clarity. <br> <br>Or we do nothing. <br> <br>Which feels so good and is so easy. <br> <br>But what a shame that is. <br> <br>I challenge you to sit with things you don’t believe in or can’t accept and try believing in them and accepting them just for a few minutes. <br> <br>From abortion to gun control to gay marriage, gender identity, women’s issues, racism, environmental and countless other issues dividing our society right now. <br> <br>What are some reasons you can think of that would make you believe this other way of being or thinking? <br> <br>Even if you know in your heart that you are right, imagine for a moment that you need the opposite to be true and what life would be like if that were the case. <br> <br>Then next time you can, have a thoughtful conversation – not an argument – with someone who things differently then you. <br> <br>We need to communicate more. <br> <br>We think we’re communicating when we post our opinion on Facebook but where we really need to communicate is with our neighbors who disagree with us. It’s too easy to block or un-friend people with opinion’s and views you disagree with but we actually live together off the www on a fairly small blue planet and it’s not realistic to block each other out. <br> <br>My goal with this video was to be a little off putting and a bit scary... to hopefully inspire you to rethink some of the things you do and think and are just because you’ve always done and thought and were... and have a conversation about it and keep having those conversations. <br> <br>Embrace the chaos and the growth that can come from that. <br> <br>Or don’t... <br> <br>Someone very close to me told me they thought the video was weird. While they are a fairly understanding and accepting person they are also very stubborn in their beliefs and just didn’t get the video. It’s totally fine if you’re that person too. <br> <br>However... a lot of people are waking up to a lot of things. <br> <br>They are sitting with the chaos and trying to suss it out. <br> <br>Whatever your beliefs on these polarizing issues, we could all stand to wake up and show up and more understanding, more willingness to learn and more love. <br> <br>I think we might just figure out our differences if we can embrace them all for a little while. </p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/40366392016-02-11T14:04:35-05:002017-04-25T02:33:51-04:00Top 10 Fans of 2015! <p>It really does take a village to keep this show on the road and I have so many people I am grateful for that helped me a ton in 2015! The theme for my Top Fans of 2015 is centered around the European tour as you’ll see below! <br> <br>And, if our paths crossed at all this past year, or ever really, know that I am grateful. It’s hard for me to remember everyone (I am terrible with names) so there were quite a few people and moments I thought of that didn’t make it on here. <br> <br><strong>1. Len Fischer – </strong>Whether you’re recording tons of my California shows or teaching me about my own sound and recording equipment, you continue to impress me with the knowledge you’re gaining on that stuff! But, then again – You ARE a genius! Thanks so much for all your huge support this past year! <br><strong>2. Kevin & Sue Hoese –</strong> You two are too wonderful for words. Probably the biggest thing I am grateful for with you this year is playing the benefit house concert for the Fistula Foundation this past year and that you created a space for my music to do a lot of good which really is the whole point of it all. <br><strong>3. Brian Melendez – </strong>Not going to lie, your friends and your car helped you get here into the top 3! …And also that you hosted not one but TWO house concerts last year and you are generally awesome (and have great taste in music). Seriously, thank you for lending me your car for my tour – Toyotas are ruined for me. Jeep all the way. <br><strong>4. Richard Elkington – </strong>You don’t know this, but I think of you as my English godfather. I was so exhausted from the road and European tour when I walked into The Drawingroom and your spirit and the wonderful show there revived me for those last ten days. That and your washing machine giving me a suitcase full of clean clothes! Road GOLD! <br><strong>5. Rob G – </strong>You’re an angel and my cooking hero. I know folks think that the UK doesn’t have good food but that’s not the case if they get to play at Guitar Bar and hang out with you for a few days. Sorry I was again tired and in a funk at this part of the tour – totally homesick but your spirit helped me keep going! <br><strong>6. Lee Herman –</strong> I was given alternate spots at a few Folk Alliance conferences last year and you made my day when you told me after I received another alternate spot and I jokingly asked you “if I put them all together can I have a real showcase?” and you said that you were actually going to present me and I would have a venue showcase at FARM! Thanks so much for making that happen. It felt like a wonderful welcome to the community there and it’s wonderful to have you’re belief in my work! <br><strong>7. Kenny Gorka – </strong>RIP. Kenny was a fixture in my life ever since he booked me for my first show at The Bitter End when I was only about 18. He fiercely believed in me and I was so sad this year to hear that he passed. I haven’t been able to bring myself to go back to play there without him there listening at the bar but I know when I do I’ll be sending a song out in his memory every time. <br><strong>8. Andy & Linda Forrest – </strong>You two are like southern sweet tea and sunshine… Not sure what that means but I like it. And I adore you both so much. Thanks for having me back to play for your friends in your backyard, visiting my sister at her stamp store and being just wonderful friends! Can’t wait to do it again soon! <br><strong>9. Aitken Pearson & Isabel Dantas –</strong> Without meeting you both at Sundance in 2014 I never would have taken the plunge and made it out to Europe to tour and more importantly to the wonderful Madeira Film Festival and Madeira Island to meet some incredible people, perform in epic locations and see inspiring and beautiful films. Thank you so much for just asking me to come and creating the space for me to show up! <br><strong>10. Dominique De Bortoli, Claudia & Amande Strummer –</strong> Dominique, you are Brent’s and my French God Father! I adore you and Claudia and am so grateful for all of our days in Montbrun. Truly the most beautiful place I performed in all of Europe. It was a dream come true that I didn’t know I had to wake up above your coffee shop every morning. And Amande, you make me laugh and I so enjoyed our performance with your translations of my little stories. Ha! Thank you all for everything! I miss you all terribly! <br> <br>Also huge gratitude and thanks to… <br><strong>David Schipper –</strong> I’m so grateful for getting to stay in the forest room and hang out with you, Lori and the cats again!! Thanks for letting me borrow your PA system, for covering my songs (that is seriously the coolest) and for sharing my CD at Christmas time with your friends!! <br><strong>Daisy Mason –</strong> You’re the best. I am so grateful we were introduced and that I have the honor to know you and your family in this lifetime. <br><strong>Linda Mason –</strong> Thanks for always creatively inspiring me, helping me find concerts and venues up north, showing me beautiful Sunderland and sharing a real fish and chips with me! <br><strong>Caroline Khella –</strong> It’s strange to call you my “voice teacher” because you are infinitely more then that. The universe was holding my heart when it put you in my life and I am continually blessed by your guidance in so many ways! <br><strong>Tina Johanssen & Anders Andreassen – </strong>I wouldn’t have made it up to beautiful Copenhagen without your wonderful house concert! Thanks for having me, for giving me the funniest or weirdest night of the tour with the 80’s cover band anniversary/birthday/car race party, for showing me around Copenhagen and nearly getting the guard at the palace to clock me on the head for getting too close for my picture! <br><strong>Nadia Staer – </strong>Going through an airport sucks, going through an airport with a guitar is the worst, going through airports with your help was a dream come true! Thanks so much for hanging out and helping me navigate an airport as smoothly as I ever could! <br><strong>Ari Ratner –</strong> Thanks for giving me one of my favorite press reviews ever from the Madeira Film Festival. Made my Summer! <br><strong>Steve Garfield, Bruce Moshe Lutz & Audrey Jue – </strong>Thank you all for always sharing my posts and sending ideas my way! You three put the wind in my social media sails! <br><strong>Dietmar & Karen Bloech –</strong> You were a champion for anchoring Germany on the tour early and I had an absolute blast playing for your friends at the house concert! Thank you so much for everything – you went above and beyond! <br><strong>The Midnights –</strong> My favorite co-writer, my fairy god sister/mother and my favorite giggle partner all in one family?! You guys rock! And thank you Susanna for always knowing my palate! That is a genius gift! <br><strong>Jana & Heiko Michael –</strong> I was so happy to stay with you both and get to know your friends playing that wonderful concert and get to know your beautiful family! Thanks so much for suffering through my German and teaching me that as long as you’re understood that’s the point of language and it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. Also, still sorry for breaking your French press! I’m a terrible klutz with those glass ones! <br><strong>Melanie Devaney –</strong> I adore you for so many reasons but the most fun one was playing the concert with you at your church this year! Lets do that more! <br><strong>Steve Gilbert –</strong> Booking me at my first Sofar concert and mailing me back my absolutely favorite scarf when I left it behind <br><strong>Melinda Ortner –</strong> Thanks so much for letting me crash your couch in London, getting my first UK Indian food with me, listening to me complain about the washer taking 6+ hours and showing me around London and not letting me get killed crossing the street! <br><strong>Three sisters at the Julian Music Festival – </strong>You three little chicas were so sweet and adorable! Thanks for being my biggest little fans and asking me to dance with you, wanting autographs and not wanting me to leave. Stay fearless girlies! <br><strong>Genna & Jesse Giacobassi –</strong> Europe.would.not.have.happened.without.you.two. Seriously, you guys are wonderful and I’m beyond grateful to know you and be inspired by your fearlessness and creativity! <br><strong>Nathan McEuen –</strong> thanks being a sounding board for this crazy musical life! <br><strong>Lalo Reyes – </strong>Thanks for continually helping me get my shit together <br><strong>Alyse Black –</strong> I need you in my life. Keep making great music. That is all. <br><strong>Matt Rayner – </strong>You’re my brothern and favorite mellow fellow. Thanks for believing in me amigo! I’m honored to make music with you! <br><strong>Peter Kent & Kevin Harwood – </strong>You two are the best for coming out to almost all my shows in London!! Thanks so much for making my UK debut a supported success!<br><br>Thank you all again for making so many wonderful adventures in 2015 possible! You're the best! :)</p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/38070182015-08-06T18:52:56-04:002015-08-06T18:57:49-04:00European Tour Recap! The Trip In...<strong>Numbers</strong><br>Weeks: 10<br>Total Concerts: 29<br>House Concerts: 7<br>Countries: 8 (England, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Holland)<br>Currencies: 3 (Euros, Pounds and Krone)<br>Beds: 26<br>Couches: 7<br>Planes: 8<br>Trains: 68<br>Rental Cars: 2 (In France and Germany)<br>Ubers: 8<br>Miles (as the crow flies - this is a <em>really</em> low estimate): 17,077<br>Kilometers: 27,483<br>Visas: 2<br>Cities and Towns visited: 34<br>Luggage broken: 1<br>BBC interviews: 2<br>Sofar Secret Shows: 2 (Sofar Sheffield and Sofar Winchester)<br>Film Festivals: 2 (Cannes Film Festival and Madeira Film Fest – I almost went to the Edinburgh Film Fest where a film I was in was showing but didn’t want to cancel Sofar Sheffield for it)<br>Songs written on the spot at concerts with peoples favorite English words: 10 (The most popular words were Refrigerator/Fridge and Umbrella)<br>Number of times I ran into people I traveled with later that day or week by total serendipity: 3 (it’s a small world – even in London)<br>Friends from the states that I met up with in Europe: 6<br>Venues, presenters, fans and strangers that broke my heart open with love: Countless. Seriously, I met so many amazing people on this trip I could never count and quantify it.<br> <br><strong>Things I don’t want to count</strong><br>Times I washed my laundry in hotel sinks<br>How many times I got lost<br>Miles I Walked (one day alone in Hannover I walked 10 miles)<br>Castles, Rathouses and Canals<br>Egg Salad Sandwiches Eaten in the UK… probably one a day for the last two weeks due to my nuts touring schedule<br> <br><strong>Toilet Paper</strong><br>England –Same as the US but more expensive<br>Portugal & Spain - Bidets<br>France – Salmon pink. Yes, really.<br>Italy – Scented. It’s actually nauseating.<br>Germany – Strong… I think they make it with 5 ply here.<br>Denmark – Printed with designs<br>Holland – No noticeable differences compared to the US<br> <br><strong>Favorites</strong><br>Best food: Lisbon at Cruzes Credo<br>Place: Montbrun-Les-Bain, France<br>City: Florence, Italy<br>Coffee: Germany for Coffee. Italy for Cappuccinos. And FYI Apparently French Presses are not in fact French.<br>Milk: Hemme Milch in Sprockhof, Germany – Their packaging alone was awesome<br>Performance Location: The Reids Palace Hotel in Funchal, Portugal at the Madeira Film Festival and Franks Bodega in Großkarlbach Germany.<br>Actual Performance: Tie between the Drawingroom in England, Cowhide House Concerts in Frankfurt and Le William’s Café des Tilleuls<br>French Word: La Poubelle (the trash)<br>German Word: Dudelsack (bagpipes)<br> <br><strong>Moments</strong><br>Driving with two Brits in a rental car in Portugal who usually drive on the opposite side of the road and also don’t drive much. They did great!<br>Skinny Dipping in the most beautiful watering hole I found on the side of the road in the French Provence<br>Being helped through the Copenhagen airport by a friend who worked there<br>Waking up craving anchovies after trying they for the first time because a waiter convinced me that if I ate tuna I should eat anchovies and “cut out the middle man.”<br>Seeing Linda Mason getting ready for her National Glass Center show in Sunderland, England!<br>Getting lost at Kings Cross in London for hours - FYI the Great Northern Line is not the same thing as the Northern Line but no one working there knows that.<br>Having a train conductor from the Britrail who I spoke to earlier in the week show up at one of my last shows in England.<br>Trying Pimms for the first time<br>Buying strawberries from farm stands in the French Provence<br>Hearing a girl across from me on a Denmark train tell someone on the phone in Danish about “humans of New York” as a real human from New York sat across from her<br>Getting claustrophobic with hundreds of other tourists as we hiked up into the dome of the Duomo<br>Sharing wine with new friends I met in Florence that were also visiting from California – we all drank and talked in a square til 4am like locals<br>Dancing in a sun shower in Vernazza Italy<br>Exploring Park Güell in Barcelona<br>Every time I saw daisies growing in the grass Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/35295532015-02-13T23:01:37-05:002015-03-10T18:30:31-04:00Top 10 fans of 2014!!!I’m so grateful for all the awesome fans and friends that cheer me and spread my music every day! I decided a few weeks ago to put together a top 10 list of my biggest supporters in 2014. <br>You are ALL awesome but these folks went above and beyond the call of duty. I just wanted to send some kudos and love back at ya!<br> <br>1. Kevin – for attended the most shows in 2014! In the most states!! And taking photos for me to share with everyone who cant make it!<br>2. Len – recording all the shows at my Deer Lodge Monday night series!<br>3. Lee & Cynthia – hosted a house concert, let me move into their guest room for a week and let me borrow their car!<br>4. Andy & Linda – hosted a house concert and let me move into their guest room for a week <3<br>5. Paul – getting 20 Cd’s to share with all his coworkers and literally put my music in new peoples hands!! Wow!<br>6. Colleen – putting me up on the road, feeding me the best food my whole summer tour and surprising me at a tour spot 200 miles away with friends! <br>7. Curt & Leslie – hosting my biggest house concert of 2014!<br>8. Brian – taking photos at a bunch of my Los Angeles shows :D<br>9. Luciana – creating a Spanish subtitled version of my Most The While song. So cool!<br>10. Bruce – setting up my first show in Athens, GA opening for two great artists!<br> <br>Honorable Mentions:<br>Chris – writing a blog post and interview about my Kickstarter project and new music!<br>Cheryl – helping me with work and inviting all her Facebook friends to like my page! :)<br>Brian – for hosting a house concert with some of the funniest friends, best wine and coolest cats<br>Ariel & Susie – bringing out her family and friends to shows<br>The Midnights – photos, videos, style, salmon and sandwiches… too much to list! So grateful to have you guys as my LA family!<br>Lalo – being a voice of reason and often giving me the push I need<br>Daisy & Linda – my best friend and my business muse. I love you guys and the strength you both embody is inspiring <3<br>Ashlee – singing backup with me at a show!<br>Hannah – for her inspiring and grounding presence – She’s my spiritual sister and yogi cheerleader<br>Laura – her comradery and bright spirit<br>Daniel – connecting me with an awesome songwriting opportunity<br>Tiff & Alyse – two singer/songwriters who inspire me and remind me to keep going when the going is tough because I’ll always get through it<br>Jenny – her spirit online and when she runs into me street performing at the ferry are just awesome!<br>Stan – for setting up a show at one of my favorite new venues<br>CC & Steve – you two are my online inspirations! Thanks for your bright spirits too!<br>Cheryl & Dwane – all your support you two!<br>Gary – my biggest Artist Signal supporter of all time! And for your support at shows<br>Jeremy – booking me for the 4<sup>th</sup> time at another one of my favorite shows to play and being a great person to talk to!<br>Lorraine – for her genius heart and letting me live at her house for a month on tour this summer while she was renovating<br>Jeff – for his support and sharing videos and my news on twitter and the book of face that shall remain nameless :)<br>Todd – my airplane buddy for sharing my videos on facebook and being so grateful for the record I gave ya!<br> <br>Everyone’s support and love is so appreciated and it’s doubly wonderful as I think back on all the special moments I had last year because of you! I am so grateful and happy for your support!! 2015 has been a rough one so far – loosing all my email and a lot of my work recently – but I feel like I’ll get through anything that comes my way with support like this!<br> <br>If you’re a fan and want to help but don’t know how please each out. I’m always needing help booking or hosting shows, sharing the music with people you think will like it or maybe we can brainstorm some ideas on how you can help me.<br> <br>Thank you guys!! Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/31218402014-08-04T03:33:44-04:002014-08-04T03:33:44-04:0010 Great Tips to Stay Healthy on the Road… Being on tour is usually seen by those who haven’t done it before as a glamorous and exciting adventure. I get asked a lot where by tour bus is (it isn’t) and where my entourage are (they aren’t)… <br><br>I’m here to tell you that touring and road tripping can be a LOTS of fun but you don’t want to get burnt out physically and mentally just a day or two into your trip. Here’s a little list of my tips for staying healthy and enjoying your whole journey.<br> <br>1. <strong>Pack Light</strong> - Put everything you want to bring together and then eliminate 10 - 20% of what you think you need. You can always get more of something if you run out. I try to bring options that can layer up for various weather and do double duty going from casual to dressy. Packing light allows you to get ready and out the door faster on the road (less decisions!) and gives you space to bring things home that you find along the way.<br> <br>2. <strong>Comfort Items</strong> - I personally sleep a million times better in any bed if I have my own pillow. This isn’t really an option when I fly but when I’m driving it’s with me. I keep a bright pillow case on it so I never forget it when leaving the next morning and keep it clean by keeping another pillow case over the bright one when I’m in transit. That and some essential oil at the end of the day (right now I’m into sandalwood - lavender is good too) and it’s instant zzz’s and feeling like I’ve got a little bit of “home” on the road.<br> <br>I also bring notes and pictures of loved ones and use them as a bookmark or keep them in my makeup case or even tucked in the space in my suitcase where all my dirty clothes go. Anywhere I’ll run into it a lot. It makes me feel loved and puts a smile on my face.<br> <br>3. <strong>Essential Secret Stash</strong> - I try to anticipate what might go wrong on the road and be prepared. Keeping a stash of my favorite remedies can make all the difference when handling colds and unforeseen allergic reactions to different climates on the road too. Bring any medications, bandages, and extra vitamins (especially C and Zinc). I like to bring throat coat or Echinacea teas and because the Advil Cold & Sinus and Claritin that work for me have to purchased at a pharmacy over the counter I try to make sure I have plenty of them so I don’t have to run around finding an open pharmacy on the road. It’s good to keep some phone numbers, at least $20 bucks and an emergency granola bar (or 3) in this stash too. Lots of times you’ll find after a show that everything in the town your playing is closed and you’ll be glad for those extra calories and small meals.<br> <br>4. <strong>Sunblock</strong> - this gets it’s own little note because it’s so important. The road ages you and one of the things on the road that ages you the most (right up there with little sleep and dehydration) is the sun. Put it on more then you think you should. On your hands and arms when you’re driving too… don’t get the dreaded drivers tan! Stock up when you see a sale and you can keep some in your glove compartment or center console to slather on every two hours or so.<br> <br>5. <strong>Audio Angels</strong> - If your traveling over long distances this is a must. I started this after reading Christine Kane’s post for travel tips for happiness and have listened to a ton a of books on tape since. I usually go to my library and take out a big stack - when you return them feel free to make a donation if you’re grateful, libraries can definitely use the funds!<br> <br>Podcasts are another favorite of mine - you can find a podcast for virtually anything online and learn a new language or some interesting facts. Like Christine says, learning while you travel completely changes how you show up at your destination.<br> <br>6. <strong>Connection</strong> - Picking up your phone (or headset!) and calling friends and loved ones is SO important. Find the time to stay connected with your community back at home and maybe even some people you haven’t connected with in a while. If you travel a lot or for long periods of time this will help keep you grounded and keep you from feeling lonely and depressed.<br> <br>7. <strong>Snail Mail</strong> - I love writing loved ones when I’m on the road. Often times I’ll talk to the person I’m sending mail to in between when I’ve written it and when I think they’ll get it but knowing a surprise on it’s way makes me happy. I love putting it together and sending it off almost as much as I think folks like getting old-school snail mail. I try to write something timeless so it doesn’t matter if the details of my day are already outdated. If you know where you’ll be traveling to give your friends your address and see if they will send mail out for you too! :)<br> <br>8. <strong>Presence </strong>- As you’re connecting to folks back home connect to whatever is around you too! Get some quality time outside the car in nature - I try and take lots of stretch breaks, arrive early so I can walk around to get a feel for the community and see if there seems to be a lake or place nearby where I can picnic. This light movement and awareness goes a long way to helping my body to feel tired from traveling/sitting all day and help me feel more grounded wherever I are.<br> <br>9. <strong>Pack a Cooler</strong> - One of the hardest things about being on the road is eating healthy. I bring a cooler with me and try to visit grocery stores or farmers markets to stock up on healthy snacks that travel well (apples, carrots, nuts). I’ll even make salads the night before to bring along. I try to make what I’m bringing decadent and like treats too so I don’t even think about loading up on a sugary, caffeinated drink or a bag of corn nuts because I have cherries or watermelon waiting for me instead. If you have access to a freezer you can also freeze water to keep in the cooler and have later in the day. Which brings me to…<br> <br>10. <strong>Stay Hydrated</strong> - It seems you can’t have enough water on the road. This alone will keep you healthy. If you don’t like the taste of water try slicing up a cucumber into a water bottle - it’s the best! It will stay good for about a day too and you can keep adding more water. I also pack tea bags and bring a nice size cold water bottle too. You can fill both hot water and cold water up inside most gas stations for free with the filtered water from their coffee maker and fountain machine.<br> <br>Which reminds me, I’m not sure where I heard this but this is some of my favorite advice: <strong>Don’t fuel your body where you fuel your car</strong>. ;)<br> <br>Take care of yourself - listen to your body if you need to slow down. The road, like a best friend, can be a good mirror of how you’re really doing emotionally and physically.<br> <br>In this world where we are all so connected and surrounded by content and distractions you may even find some long stretches of highway without cell service and find yourself daydreaming about your next truly grand project or adventure. Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/24511332014-01-22T23:01:05-05:002014-01-23T00:57:46-05:00Things I overheard at Sundance 2014...There's something to be said for stuffing 50,000 people into a city made for 10,000. Spending time in the bitter cold, oxygen thin, times square like glow of Main street would normally get to you after a few days. But not when you're at the Sundance Film Festival. The energy of Sundance always inspires me... kicking me into the new year with creativity and motivating me to push myself and my art harder then the year before.<br><br>It's been 5 years since I've attended my first Sundance and I've gone back ever year since. This one was a special one for me marking the release of the <a contents="Sundance In Your Eyes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sundance-in-your-eyes/id804204098?i=804204100" target="_blank">Sundance In Your Eyes</a> song I wrote and really feeling like I was catching up with family by being there. Being more comfortable at the festival lead to some more eavesdropping. I always say, be careful what you say around a songwriter!! ;)<br><br>And so, here are a few of my favorite things I overheard at Sundance this year...<br><br>Man on his cellphone: <strong>"I can't get tickets to my own premier... You've gotta be f***ing kidding me. Tell me you're kidding me."</strong><br><br>Drunk girl #1 regarding skiing man statue on Main street she just ran past: <strong>"Is he real? I just hit him"</strong><br>Drunk girl #2 runs by and hits the statue: <strong>"No it's a statue, I just hit him"</strong><br><br>Friends at a party about how Cannes Film Festival compares to Sundance: <strong>"Going to Cannes is like being in a Kanye West music video"</strong><br><br>Girl walking down Main Street: <strong>"I'm not hipster enough for this"</strong><br><br>Guy to girl freezing and shivering outside on Main street: <strong>"Are you twerking or just cold"</strong><br><br>Feel free to add your own in the comments below! Happy Sundancing! Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/23271422014-01-04T02:35:50-05:002014-01-04T19:30:57-05:00It's Resolutions time!...actually it's been resolutions time for quite a few days now but I'm generally late to the party, if I even find out there's a party so I'm working on my resolutions this weekend - a very rare weekend off from playing shows and driving all over this fabulous country. <br><br>If you've followed me for a while you might remember that I'm a fan of this <a contents="Christine Kane's Word of The Year System" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://christinekane.com/how-to-make-2014-successful-prosperous-and-magical/">Word of The Year System</a>. I still love choosing an overall word for the year but I am going to be putting down some very concrete resolutions and time lines this year.<br><br>I wanted to share a blog post I found with you before I share some of resolutions for the New Year both creatively and personally below. <br><br>Leanne Regalia wrote a blog titled - <a contents="12 Most Powerful Ways to Keep Your Creative New Year's Resolutions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://12most.com/2014/01/01/12-powerful-ways-creative-years-resolutions/" target="_blank">12 Most Powerful Ways to Keep Your Creative New Year's Resolutions</a>.<br><br>You can read the whole post at the link there. One in particular really resonated with me today:<br><br><em>#5. Run as fast as you can from the comparison quagmire</em>
<p><em>Every time you compare your insides with someone else’s outside, you’re going to end up thinking “I suck!” There is really no good reason to go there. Part of learning acceptance and being kind to yourself — both of which are productive rocket fuel for artists — is realizing we are all on our own paths. We’re at different stages in our journeys and there’s nothing wrong with that.</em></p>
<p><em>It’s much more beneficial and healthy just to focus on how you can be a little bit closer to your goal tomorrow than you are today. Stick to your own resolutions one day at a time and then get back to work!</em></p>I think Leanne put it really well - we all know we shouldn't try to "keep up with the Jones'" but need a little reminder. As you make your resolutions over the fresh start of a new year do them for yourself. Do them so you're honored by your own commitment to the gift of each day and the freedom of choice you have to do whatever you want with your time. And change your mind the next minute. ;)<br><br>You just do you.<br><br>Love yourself for it.<br><br>I will too.<br><3<br><br>For curious minds who want to know what an indie singer/songwriter wants out of 2014. Here are some of my resolutions in no particular order...<br>- <strong>A new CD... or Three!</strong> ;) It's true. I have big plans to put out LOTS of music in 2014. I'm thinking a live record, a ukulele record and a new full length. <br>- <strong>Finally organize my kitchen.</strong> Living in NYC I never really grew up around people who have kitchens they actually use. I think my take out to homemade meals ratio still leans heavily toward take out even though I've lived in CA, with a real kitchen, for 2.5 years. So, one of my goals this year is to figure out how to put things where I can actually access them easily as I'm cooking and so when I have company they don't have to open every cabinet or drawer before finding a mug.<br>- <strong>Systems!</strong> I have been in love with this word for about two months now. I really like the idea of taking out the countless decisions (see my next resolution) I have to make about what to do and when to do it and just having a plan and doing the next thing I have to do. I'm implementing a routine for my day/week/month to get different things like my blog, newsletter, songwriting, booking and more all in a system. This includes a lot of other goals like a <strong>twice weekly video series on Youtube</strong> including one original and one cover song each week... which means I'll be <strong>writing one song a week</strong>!! ...whew! breathe!<br>- <strong>Get More Confident in My Decision Making.</strong> I'm the person who exhausts every option for flight travel (all airports, dates and other possibilities) among 100's of other daily decisions. This is not good when you're constantly booking travel itineraries, shows and generally being a living human needing to decide what to eat for dinner... I think I can save a lot of time with this one and maybe have time to organize my kitchen and write and record all that music!<br>- <strong>Get More Sleep</strong>. In general I want to treat myself better in 2014. I am going to get more massages, eat more greens, look in magnifying mirrors less, make shorter "to do" lists, read more books and just have a good old time getting to know myself more in some unscheduled play time (ie. a day off now and again) so I am super grounded when I go out and share music in the world. One of the books I need to finally read is The Artists Way. :) <br><br>Love you all for reading. And please don't compare - just be inspired to do what you feel is right for you this year. I'm feeling like this is a big year for me and I have a lot of opportunity to step up now that I'm really settled in CA and have made some big strides this past year to set me up with knowledge of what's really important to me and how to do it. <br><br>Happy 2014! See you on the other side!<br>Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/21587812013-12-04T13:54:16-05:002020-06-27T01:11:06-04:00You might say I'm a dreamer... but I'm not the only one!It's true!<br><br>California native, Tiff Jimber and I dreamed... and drove all over CA together on our <strong>California Dreamers Tour</strong> a few weeks ago!<br><br>You can see all the cities we hit in this tour poster<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/6e0714606fd9c8e0259cd41d90dee8c6021529af/medium/tourposterb.jpg?1383795480" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br><br>The tour was an insane amount of fun and I can't wait to head back on the road with Tiff soon! Check out her music here: <a contents="www.tiffjimber.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tiffjimber.com" target="_blank">www.tiffjimber.com</a><br><br>Check out some, okay a LOT of photos from one of our first shows on the tour at Cold Spring Tavern in Santa Barbara. Tiff and I started accompanying each other with percussion (shakers, tambourines AND percussion on my guitar case!!) and singing backup... We even had a little assistant, a very young assistant I might add, who carried our tip jar around to unassuming guests and cried until they contributed and he moved a lot to the next unassuming patron.<br><br><br><br><br><strong>I learned a lot from that little two year old and in general on this tour... my top 10:</strong><br>1. While they shouldn't, tears sometimes can help you get what you want... but it usually helps if you're under 5 years old.<br>2. Driving... and parking a mini van is now totally doable. Bring it on!<br>3. San Jose has been added to the ever expanding list of cities in California I will confuse (San (Jose, Francisco, Luis Obispo) Santa (Maria, Barbara, Monica)<br>3.a. I just realized writing that out that those are all boys/gals depending on San/Santa... will that help me? No. Still very cool to learn.<br>4. Traffic in San Francisco is actually worse then LA... I said it. deal with it. It's true.<br>5. The piano skills I've been working up all year... and for 14 years when I was little... are finally being put to serious use. Thanks Tiff for pushing me to play!! <3<br>6. People are great. People with dogs are greater. <br>7. A half a glass of wine will get you drunk if you've only eaten an apple that day. And by you, I mean me.<br>8. There's a sweet spot on the guitar case where you can hit it and get an awesome base drum sound... But, more important then that is the sweet spot in the rhythm. Which is why I usually sang backup and played the egg shaker ever.so.softly.<br>9. Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day. Coffee is the second most important meal of the day but it is also one of the min courses of breakfast<br>10. You always notice when the tour loops back around and your headed towards home :)<br><br>Hope to see you out at the next show! Enjoy the photos!!<div id="fb-root"> </div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151732919541852.1073741832.10705506851&type=1" data-width="550"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151732919541852.1073741832.10705506851&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NatalieGelmanMusic">Natalie Gelman</a>.</div></div> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/18983742013-10-22T04:09:53-04:002013-10-22T04:09:53-04:00Scramble, Rock and Roll… or how I learned that eggs come from chickens and not the corner deli.Every year, my grade school would take a trip to a farm in upstate NY. We would stand in line and briefly take our turn milking a cow in machine-like precession before holding a baby chick, petting a goat and getting back on the bus… That was about the extent of my connection to animals, the great outdoors and any sense of where my food came from. <br>Growing up in NYC in the 80’s you didn’t often have a feeling of connection and gratitude to nature or a sense of responsibility to care for it. In fact, I really felt like NYC was the center of the world and we were pretty much invincible in our cobbled, concrete and congested bubble. I had limited awareness of the world outside the city that kept us fed and fueled.<br> <br>At the age of sixteen, for a number of reasons, I decided to give up meat. I read about the hormones used in animal products and innocently thought that my teenage veins were chock-full of enough boy-crazed hormones to last through my twenties. The health effects of eating meat over time made it seem an unhealthy choice and was shocked by the amount of recourses it takes to produce a pound of meat vs. the same amount of protean from plant sources. It just made sense and I considered myself a fairly sensible sixteen year old.<br> <br>As I’ve gotten older, my non-meat consumption (I settled into being a pesceterian) seemed to define me. I began a career as a singer/songwriter and have become much more aware of the environmental impact of all the choices I make. I try hard to balance being a responsible consumer with the path I’ve chosen. Just getting to my shows puts tons of carbon emissions in to the atmosphere. Let alone amplifying and lighting the show once I’m there, manufacturing merch or using my computer for the better part of each day to book those shows and tend to the plethora of work I have to do.<br> <br>For me the balance seems to come in the middle of that awareness. It’s within the details, like not eating meat, that I make decisions everyday to lessen my footprint. I have rented cars to tour in because they were more fuel efficient then my own, opted for recycled cardboard for CD manufacturing though less cost effective and bought mostly vintage/recycled/up-cycled clothes to rock on stage and for photo shoots.<br> <br>All of that is not out of judgment or self-righteousness but rather from gratitude and out of fun. That spirit is what inspired the making of the new music video for my song, “Most The While.” It was shot outside over two days at local locations with only the filmmaker, their camera and myself. No crew, extraneous gear, power or vanities were used. We felt that the environment and the music was enough to make a beautiful video. And after seeing these locations I think you’ll agree there wasn’t any need to bring a generator and light the already stunning environment.<br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eU4GCIXoGjw" width="640"></iframe><br> <br>For many of us it’s become second nature to buy organic, recycle, purchase reusable and up-cycled products and generally not consume or even bring into our homes what won’t be put to through use. There is always going to be more that you can do and new information coming out to keep you informed and making healthy choices for yourself and the environment.<br> <br>I want to encourage you to take time to validate those choices and be inspired by the world you’re preserving and protecting. I hope the video inspired you to connect to something out in nature that’s non-manipulated and unpackaged and just enjoy the simple beauty and magnificence of our world.<br> <br>Almost two years ago, I moved temporarily to California to make my new record. I ended up sticking around and eventually living on an organic farm with chickens (“The girls”) and goats… needless to say, it’s a far cry from NYC. Sometimes I miss getting lost in the streets and subways of the city or being able to get anything I need anytime I need it. Most of the time though I find it balancing out the New Yorker in me and putting those grade school trips to hold chicks at an upstate farm to good use.<br> <br>For the first few months I lived here I tossed in my kitchen scraps to the chickens and happily took eggs when the farmer gave them to me, but I resisted a total connection to “the girls” and helping myself to the eggs in their coop. One day I was really craving scrambled eggs and finally asked if I could help myself to some. Ten minutes later I was eating the freshest, most delicious scrambled eggs of my life. My bubble of consumption and connection was blasted wide open and with each bite I was so grateful to “the girls” and completely connected to the land I live on. Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/5348552013-04-15T14:24:27-04:002022-03-11T16:39:31-05:00Streetlamp Musician Radio Campaign Kickstarter is 106% Funded! Thank YOU!!This "radio" I made says it best... <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/6bfa495246cb472ba0c7be770e3db2844e3e6483/large/kickstarter-thank-you.jpg?1390860045" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="451" width="600" /><br>
Couldn't have done it with out you all! We raised $5,660! Even with all of the fee's and a few pledges that didn't come through we still have over $5000 which is exactly what I needed to get this campaign off the ground.<br><br>
A very special thanks to my "Name in Lights" pledgers: Peter Kemp and Allen Barth!! You guys are always supportive and I really appreciate your notes of encouragement always. :) Thank you!<br><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280322013-01-11T10:50:00-05:002017-02-01T14:22:20-05:00Something, something...Here's a few videos recorded at SOhO Music Club in Santa Barbara, CA and a surprise cover song! Enjoy!!<br><br>
Something Old... <br><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n29SzDtmPjk" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br><br>
Something New...<br><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QkmK6hNGVB0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br><br>
Something Borrowed... <iframe width="100%" scrolling="no" height="166" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F74554176&show_artwork=true"></iframe> <br><br>
Something Blue...<br><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wVag4jUkhEk?list=UUL-RYDDPpE199OlCo_1tdUQ" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280212012-11-26T12:50:00-05:002020-09-16T15:26:40-04:00Recycled Paper MakingI made some recycled paper the other day and lots of you have been asking about how I made it. It's really easy once you get going and fun because each piece of paper you make is a bit of a surprise but you do need a paper making machine. I use Arnold Grummer's Papermill Kit (www.arnoldgrummer.com).<br><br>
First you gather up some scraps, you can even use old paper bags! I threw in some show fliers, envelopes from bills. ;)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/1dab8f3ff5cbd6d99d7f18ab503cfc2980fe6989/large/img-7646.jpg?1390859993" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 419px; height: 279px;" /><br><br>
Then rip the scraps into smaller pieces (feels good if you rip something that frustrated you and turn it into something you love!!) and blend with 2 cups of water. The longer you blend them the less bit's of paper you'll be able to see in your final piece. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5fab15dae9bd81554bc5943215b3d6a58d465777/original/img-7648.jpg?1390859998" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 302px; height: 402px;" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/3e99b8dbade26226bbdc0508e9c8bb1faeb36b4e/medium/img-7651.jpg?1390859998" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="402" width="300" /><br><br><br>
You then pour the blended paper pulp into the paper making machine. It's a series of screens with a mold to guide the pulp through them placed in a tub of water. Use your fingers to shift through the pulp and distribute it evenly. I like to add dried flowers at this point to make the paper more unique and special. (Dont have the best pictures of this part because I'm always pretty occupied!) <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/f4a746e8ee8211c880e82bcb91d720fb8bff24a9/original/img-7653.jpg?1390860000" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 282px; height: 210px;" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/c85dcc06ee6916d960c67771696df11bb43f8119/original/img-7659.jpg?1390860007" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 281px; height: 209px;" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/abd56963d38da4f6364b3c6547d4a440a44b1110/large/img-7658.jpg?1390860003" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="448" width="600" /><br><br>
Once you've lifted the mold and pulp out (in the photo above) the water keeps draining out and you release the velcro green straps and take your wet molded pulp on a screen over to a cookie tray.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/bc43298f69c1795c90d5b30f347356061307951d/original/img-7661.jpg?1390860019" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 387px; height: 290px;" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/6155bb27b7b0424bace789622faaa5cc369aa7d2/original/img-7663.jpg?1390860012" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 391px; height: 291px;" /><br><br>
After that you lay a screen over the pulp and gently use a sponge to soak up all the excess water, squeezing it out a few times until you dont have any extra water wringing out.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/faad2b1e0f20d0bf4efced329d1b1d116191d1a5/large/img-7664.jpg?1390860016" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 296px; height: 229px;" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/c697acb2422e9ea380f5b143e35104fba52ae77f/large/img-7665.jpg?1390860018" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 306px; height: 228px;" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/832a4bf0411af2d03657cbe4da8f1fc354a3f132/large/img-7657.jpg?1390860016" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 228px; height: 228px;" /><br><br>
Then you peal the screen off and use whats called a couch sheet (comes in the kit) to lay over the paper where the screen was and soak up more water (not picured) and then flip the whole thing (couch sheet, new piece of paper and the bottom screen) peal that screen off from the corner gently and place another dry couch sheet where that screen was. You then press with a press block to squeeze as much water out as you can. Its actually a lot easier then I'm making this step sound ;)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/d2fa719839af65084481e1de7b8f2ee353d014bd/large/img-7666.jpg?1390860020" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 281px; height: 209px;" /><br><br>
You then lay your damp new sheet flat to dry. I like to lay them flat for a while and airing out easily and then place somethingheavy on them to make sure they dry nice and flat. If you forget to lay something heavy on them and they completely dry you can re-dampen the paper with water in a spray bottle (spritz both sides of new sheet til damp) and then place under some heavy books. Voila! New, awesome and 100% unique paper! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/cffcce8083bba436f749f8d8954b2922bbdd1773/large/img-7669.jpg?1390860021" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 420px; height: 313px;" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/9ec9b1dc974b9f51adcb161f82fe8e3f0579aab3/large/img-7724.jpg?1390860025" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 418px; height: 312px;" /><br><br>
If you make some paper send me a photo! :D<br><br><br><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280092012-10-24T19:30:06-04:002017-01-16T11:02:12-05:00Be BoldI often find my cat staring at something invisible or into the other room like she sees things I don't. Sometimes I even watch her playing with imaginary bugs or mice.<br><br>
Kinda like this...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/69ec2c50c15fa1a305ad6a51aad20729a3e28661/medium/pudu.jpg?1390859987" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 296px; height: 222px;" /><br>
Usually I'll just ignore her or realize that she is so desperate to play that she's making an imaginary toy out of thin air and then I'll play with her more. But I've been thinking a lot about fear lately and how it keeps most of us, myself definitely included, from living a life that's 100% full so I wanted to share this.<br><br>
I used to let her staring or little unknown noises freak me out. I would start imagining what was outside the room or what she could see that I couldn't becoming paralyzed by the fear. When I finally would get the nerve to go check out what it was... Nothing Happened. Everytime.<br><br>
The boogie man didn't come to get me, their wasn't a mouse crawling across a corner and everything was always more-or-less in its usual state of ...disarray.<br><br>
So my point is, to <b>be bold</b> because there really isn't anything to be afraid of. You decide exactly how your life is and if you have dreams please don't let a little fear stop them. Feel the fear and do it anyway. The worst that usually happens is nothing. <br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280292012-09-25T15:50:00-04:002012-09-25T15:50:00-04:00Short Film Composing - The Case of Conrad CooperA few months ago I shared the <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622">journalistic story in Rolling Stone</a> about the people this ecconomy has affected to the point that they are living out of their cars. Many of them were middle class, hard working people who were doing great until the recession hit. That fragile state of trying to hold on to your dignity, physical space and some hope really ressonated with me because I can relate somewhat with all the times I've roughed it out on the road and just tried to stay totally committed to my art, passion for music and the life I choose to create and live. <br><br>
Well, the universe provided me with a perfect opportunity to channel how much I feel for the people touched by these hard times. I'm working on writing a song and composing the music for a short film and glimpse inside what life is like for someone like that in The Case of Conrad Cooper. <br><br>
Read all about the film on the website: <a href="http://www.thecaseofconradcooper.com/">http://www.thecaseofconradcooper.com/</a><br><br>
We are schedule to film in San Francisco in Spring 2013 and are currently looking for supporters and investors. Donations are tax deductable and include a download of my new song "Most The While" <br><br>
Please take a <a href="http://www.thecaseofconradcooper.com/">look at the site</a> and support the project if you can!<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280262012-09-12T15:20:00-04:002012-09-12T15:20:00-04:00No Depression/10.0 Interview – Including my worst gig story!No Depression and 10.0 Interviews caught up with me about the new release. Read the interview “Street smart” including my worst gig story <a href="http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/natalie-gelman-takin-it-to-the-streets">here</a><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280302012-08-20T11:20:00-04:002017-01-16T11:02:15-05:00Official SWRFA Showcase!I'm so excited to have been selected for an Official Showcase at SWRFA in Austin, TX! The <a href="./shows.cfm">show on Sat</a> is open to the public if you're near Austin and hopefully I'll book a bunch of shows around Texas from it and start getting back out that way again. In addition to the showcase on Saturday night which is open to the public I'll will be performing in the guerrilla showcases in-room and lots of other events!<br><br><a href="http://www.swrfa.com"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/d0094bcef58cf1f8897491214aa6ba0d31e6121b/medium/swrfa-logo-2003.jpg?1390859969" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="229" width="300" /></a><br><br type="_moz"> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280312011-10-17T15:30:00-04:002017-01-16T11:02:15-05:00Comic ConI had a great time performing at Comic Con 2011 as part of the Music Lodge! Lots of comic VIP's and dressed up fans were stopping by to listen to some music and enjoy a little down time while listening to music. My favorite moment was a couple dressed up as characters from Captain America who had just gotten engaged stopped in to listen to music.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/94607e222800ff56666842af373a28241c238e8a/original/img-5302.jpg?1390859964" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="400" /><br><br>
Here's a photo of me performing each day:<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/f2da79682513909564b95ca9253471c301f92415/original/img-4767.jpg?1390859963" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="512" width="341" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/64ca3c8081dd9bd39391f333004b302889b5cedf/original/img-4062.jpg?1390859963" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="512" width="341" /><br>
Photo Credit: LMT Music Lodge / Captain America Salute during Comic Con 2011<br type="_moz"> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280282011-05-09T15:45:00-04:002017-01-16T11:02:15-05:00The Long Haul...I've decided that everyone should drive across country at least once in their lives. Partially because our country is breathtaking and partially because I don't want to feel so crazy for having done it 3 times now! This last long haul I did alone and have to say that with all the information, media, content and stuff we have coming at us everyday it was such a welcome break from it all. <br><br>
It's fun to travel with someone too and especially if you don't have a solid agenda to see where the road takes you. Last time driving west I got to do some beautiful sightseeing along interstate 40... (Sun studios, Meteor Crater...). This time I was coming from two shows in Texas so I took 10 across the western half of the country and while I didn't get out much because I was anxious to get to Los angeles and get working on my record I did take some great photos I wanted to share with you!<br><br><div>
<embed src="http://widget-c7.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2377900603280764359&site=widget-c7.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2377900603280764359&map=1"><img src="//widget-c7.slide.com/p1/2377900603280764359/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2377900603280764359&map=2"><img src="//widget-c7.slide.com/p2/2377900603280764359/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2377900603280764359&map=F">
</a>
</div>
<br><br type="_moz">
</div> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280272011-01-31T08:16:34-05:002011-01-31T08:16:34-05:00My guitar flies with the pilotOn my flight out to Sundance I was really adamant about my guitar not going in with gate checked luggage because I had shows and things to do as soon as I landed in UT... after arguing with the woman at the gate after she wanted me to gate check my guitar and I said that I was going to just ask the stewards if it would possibly fit she came running across the tarmac to yell at me in front of a plane full of people going to Sundance which was, obviously, very embarising. <br><br>
Just as she did the pilot offered to just take it off my hands and put in the cockpit with him so long as it was in fact just a guitar. Thank you reasonable people!! I borded and as usual there was actually plenty of space in a dozen over heads. What happens is when there a full flight they start making everyone gate check their luggage and then everyone gets on with nothing and there is a ton of space in the overheads for guitars or for most of that luggage...<br><br>
Anyways, I was so thankfull to that pilot and to JetBlue for coming through again for me so...<br><br><b><i>An Ode to Jet Blue</i></b><i><br><br>
Jet Blue, Jet Blue<br>
So many sweet strums I owe to you<br>
Thanks for putting my guitar in the cockpit<br><br>
Because you never know <br>
What could happen below<br>
If my ax was a suitcases target<br><br>
So hear is the deal<br>
I'm making with your jet appeal<br>
I will always try to use you to fly<br><br>
If your stewards are cool<br>
Your snacks make me drool <br>
And you keep my guitar safe in the sky</i><br><br>
<3 Natalie ...& my Guitar<br><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280232011-01-12T04:00:00-05:002011-01-12T04:00:00-05:00Solution - My word for 2011<span style="font-size: larger;">You probably don’t know that I’m one of the most dream oriented and goal focused people out there. I’m always coming up with extensive to do lists and goals for the next year, next month, next 5 years… rest of my life… Anyways, the past two years I’ve made my list of goals for the year as usual but I also decided not to worry about them so much and instead to choose a word that would satisfy what I was really looking for in my life. I’ve done this the past two years and it had been great to focus on that word as my goal rather than getting lost in the list.<br><br>
If you want to choose a word to guide you through the year read this post by one of my favorite bloggers Christine Kane: <a href="http://christinekane.com/blog/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/" target="_new">http://christinekane.com/blog/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/</a><br><br>
My choices in words have led to much more rewarding and productive years and looking back I’ve always gotten exactly what I asked for. My word in 2009 was Courage and that was the last year I worked a part time job and the year I made the leap to being a full time singer/songwriter and touring artist - talk about needing courage! This past year my word was Clarity and I really just wanted it to use to clear out my physical stuff (I have a fantasy of living out of a suitcase with just my guitar and smart phone) and my personal sense of purpose and goal with my music and life. Well, like I said you get what you ask for - and probably what you need. That word worked throughout the year to bring beautiful people and experiences into my life very effortlessly but it also worked to wring out all the mental thoughts and gunk that hold me back and a lot of personal family things that were very difficult. <br><br>
It started out easy and I didn’t take the hint until the year came to a close and I realized that everything was so difficult because I still hadn’t learned the lesson and moved on. I’m sure it will make for quite a few chapters in my book one day but anyways, I decided then, in the last few weeks of 2010 that the only possible word for this year was Solution.<br><br>
I know that might not seem like a very glamorous word to anyone but for me solution is about making/finding a decision, having focus and moving forward. It’s about living at ease in the flow of life, committing to something and taking action. I’ve been incredibly indecisive this past year - and who wouldn’t be surrounded by a mess of their life. Picture yourself cleaning out a closet. You know how it gets very messy before you can figure out what to make of it all? That was me, except it wasn’t a closet it was everything. And some of it was amazing and beautiful and I knew it was the first thing I was putting back in that closet… and some of it has been so painful I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.<br><br>
Anyways, I’m really excited and nervous about the word I chose to guide my year and I know it’s going to be just what I need. If you’re tired of resolutions and didn’t make any this year, or you gave up on yours already it’s not to late to use the spirit of the new year (yesterday was 1.11.11 after all!!) and decide on a word to guide you. <br><br>
I would love to hear what you chose and why if you want to share send me an email (Natalie [@] NatalieGelman.com) or leave a comment below.<br><br>
And even if you decide to keep the word to yourself I know it will still bring lots of what you need and want into your life!<br>
Love,<br>
Natalie</span><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280202010-10-27T05:55:00-04:002017-02-01T14:22:18-05:00Dream FlightAs lots of you know I’ve been trying to sing on every one of the dozens of flights I’ve taken this past summer/fall. I even had an All You Can Jet pass with jetBlue for all the shows I had in various parts of the country in Sept/Oct and I really thought of all airlines they would make it happen.<br><br>
It turned out to be on a Delta flight about a week ago when the stars aligned as I was traveling home from Arkansas by way of Memphis (which happens to be one of my favorite cities to stop into when I’m traveling the country).<br><br>
I was really tired from a conference I had been at in the Ozark mountains and rather than put up the usual fight to get my guitar in the overhead near me I just let them gate check it. Next thing I know I’m sitting in my seat thinking about just how to position myself to sleep though the whole flight when I hear: “Will the passenger with the guitar please come up to the front of the aircraft.” Jeez, I’m thinking, I didn’t even put up a fight and this is when I get in trouble, what’s going on?<br><br>
Turns out the flight attendant didn’t want to let my guitar travel underneath and had made space in the closet. I’m really thankful and as I tell him that he says “But only if you’ll play for us.” <br><br>
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I say, “you all say I can and then it never happens. I’ve been trying to for a while, it’s one of my dreams to sing on a flight but you guys never let it happen. If you can make it happen I’ll be impressed.” <br><br>
“Well, if you want to once we get up the air I don’t see why not.”<br><br>
“Okay, as long as none of the passengers have a problem with it I’ll definitely be singing for you guys.” <br><br>
At that point a few of the folks in first class who had heard the exchange between us agreed that they wanted to hear me sing. That felt better to have some people on my side.<br><br>
Once we were up in the air and he came through with the beverage service I asked him if he was serious and if we could really make it happen. He said to just give him a minute to do a few more things. <br><br>
I started to get ‘ready’ in my ‘greenroom’ doing some very quiet vocal warm-ups and thinking about what I wanted to perform (and putting on some lipstick). He brought over my guitar and asked me how I wanted to handle the performance. It’s always so loud in a flight and lots of you know how loud I sing but I didn’t think the acoustics of the jets would carry through to the back even from the middle so I said we should go through the announcement intercom a bit. <br><br>
I went up to the front of the plane, said hello to some of the folks in first class who has encouraged me earlier and after Angel announced me and held the phone up to my guitar and voice while I sang. He had never heard me, I didn’t tell him I had any credentials so who knows what he (or anyone) expected to hear but I’m so happy they all trusted me and listened.<br><br>
Here’s the awesome flight attendant who made it happen! If you have him on one of your Delta flights you’re lucky, he’s a hoot! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/0b898028afa628fc00d894dc304b806db54c50fc/medium/img-0379.jpg?1390859951" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
Enjoy the video to see the performance and some pictures that I threw in to stabilize the video turbulence. <br><br><br><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/wv5b-oWXPjo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/wv5b-oWXPjo?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> <br><br>
Next up… Virgin Galactic! (If you know Branson let him know!)<br>
-Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280252010-08-18T23:15:00-04:002017-02-01T14:22:18-05:00Women’s Redrock Music Festival!The fabulous folks at the Womens Redrock Music Festival in Torrey, UT are hands down the most awesome crowd I’ve had the pleasure of performing for this summer. I played the festival a week or two ago (August 6th) and finally had a chance to put together this music video mash up of my time at the festival.<br><br>
The day started out great and the town and park were too beautiful to take a nap I badly needed before the show (I know I’m such a hard rock star). Instead I went hiking and just made it back on time to shower and warm up (redeeming lateness rock star quality!). <br><br>
About 10 minutes into my set the storm started to roll in full force. There was lightning, a little thunder but it was the winds that made me nervous. There were quite a few moments where I thought the lights, the banner, my mic stand or myself was going to blow over they were so fierce. Nothing fell down thankfully, though about a fourth of the banner ripped out of the grommets during my set and had to be taken down afterwards. <br><br>
All the commotion made the show all the more incredible because the audience was just as relentless and expected a great show from me. I think it is one of the shows I’ll remember for a while because of that. :) We did capture some good footage of the show despite the crazy weather…<br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/sr5Q1N86Oq4&hl=en&fs=1">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/sr5Q1N86Oq4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
<br>
The other musicians were superb as well! If you are within driving distance of the festival I highly recommend heading over next year, hopefully I’ll be back too! My two new fav singer/songwriter gals are Becky Alter <a target="_new" href="http://www.beckyalter.com">www.beckyalter.com</a> and Leraine Horstmanshoff <a target="_new" href="http://www.lerainemusic.com">www.lerainemusic.com</a> check them out for some very cool tunes! <br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280242010-07-30T10:45:00-04:002010-07-30T10:45:00-04:00Headlining the Northwoods Music FestivalI had an incredible time performing at the first Northwoods Music Festival in Superior, WI. I love touring in that region but it was my first time visiting the Duluth, MN/Superior, WI area. Except for Delta losing my luggage in Minneapolis for a few hours the whole weekend - which also coincided with my birthday - it was a lot of fun and I hope to be back in the area again soon! <br><br>
The backdrop of the Barkers Island Pavilion was beautiful Lake Superior (the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area) and though it was a stormy looking overcast day it was still incredibly beautiful. Roger LePage from <a href="http://www.lepagefoto.com" target="_new">www.lepagefoto.com</a> took some photos of me performing and at the festival...<br><br><p style="visibility: visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-85.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-85.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf">
<param name="quality" value="high">
<param name="scale" value="noscale">
<param name="salign" value="l">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3026418949639363205&site=widget-85.slide.com"></object></p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280222010-07-12T18:45:00-04:002020-10-17T14:01:50-04:00Cross Country Tripping – New York to Los AngelesI’ve been in Cali for almost two weeks now but I finally have settled in and had a chance to upload the photos from my camera and whittle down my pictures of the sky/clouds/sunsets to the very best!<br><br>
Besides getting a LOT more long distance driving experience I learned that EVERYONE has to start somewhere. At Sun Studios in Memphis they showed us a program for Elvis’ High School talent show… where they spelled his name wrong. I can’t even tell you how many times I name has been spelled wrong by venues. Even the Bitter End where I have been performing for years still spells my name wrong sometimes - I get excited when they don’t!<br><br>
Anyways, check out the slide show and all the captions by scrolling over the picture you’re interested in. Enjoy!<br><p style="visibility: visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-70.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="450" width="600" style="width:600px;height:450px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-70.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf">
<param name="quality" value="high">
<param name="scale" value="noscale">
<param name="salign" value="l">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3026418949639156592&site=widget-70.slide.com"></object></p>
<p> </p> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280162010-05-13T15:20:00-04:002017-02-01T14:22:17-05:00Performance in the Sonicbids OfficeA few weeks ago I had the opportunity to perform for the great folks at <a href="http://www.Sonicbids.com" target="_new">Sonicbids</a> at their offices in Boston, MA. I know some of you were able to catch the show across the globe and I LOVED hearing your requests and even that the show was being shown in the lounge of my favorite MA schools! But, In case you missed it or want to get a little glimpse of their office you can check out this video a quick clip of bits of two songs from the show!<br><br><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/fz05y3b_zdg&hl=en_US&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/fz05y3b_zdg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
<br>
I definitely hope to be doing some more live streaming as the summer goes on. I have to talk to some of my awesome tech and audio friends to make sure I can get it to sound and look great but be on the lookout for that in a month or two. <br><br>
For those of you who are not familiar with Sonicbids, they are a great recourse for independent musicians to apply for opportunities in the music industry. I have performed at a few festivals, conferences, venues, won songwriting contests and more because of them - I’ll actually be at the <a href="http://www.plymouthfolk.com/" target="_new">Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival</a> this Labor Day weekend in Sept because I found it and applied on Sonicbids a few months ago!<br><br>
They are definitely worth checking out no matter what style or music you create or perform. You can also hear it from the founder Panos in this recent <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/the-business-of-music-ii_b_527570.html" target="_new">Huffington Post</a> article.<br><br>
Thanks for stopping by!<br>
Natalie<br><br type="_moz"> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280192010-03-28T15:35:00-04:002017-01-16T11:02:14-05:00Cape May Singer Songwriter Festival –OR– Proximity to the Poop: Pt 2Innocent bystanders who found themselves in the midst of the Cape May Singer/songwriter festival this past weekend were probably happily surprised to see so much great regional and national talent come in to perform in all the venues at their hidden getaway spot.<br><br>
I had a really fun evening showcase at the Pilot House on Sat night where some Facebook friends who didn’t even know I would be performing there were happily surprised and stuck around for the performance and to buy me a drink. It was so nice to run into people and see people really enjoying the live show. It is great to feel that what I’m doing is expanding and has been propelled in ways I can’t even imagine!<br><br>
Heres two pictures from the very beginning of the festival for you.<br>
Outside of the beautiful & historic Congress Hall... & inside one of the actual bathroom stalls <br>
was an old fireplace or maybe part of a <br>
food elevator service system!!! <br>
Always be aware of your proximity. ;)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/9594b077e10cffa77e2c94a7a2237e8b2a16119b/medium/p1060440.jpg?1390859934" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/854d31fa0bddac0914b5981c2d2ef4acae78476e/medium/img-1818.jpg?1390859938" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
Getting to the festival Friday I was on the first panel about the new Paradigm in the music business and what artists can do to make it work for them. This business is so funny because there really is no one way and almost anything you swear by doing someone else will completely disagree with. I tried to give as much hard and true advice as I could and I think a lot of the artists there walked away with some good ideas. I think when its all said and done the two things anyone can agree on as far as taking your career to the next level and having success are:<br>
1. Think outside the box, do it differently but do something and if it works for you, keep doing it.<br>
2. Remember the humanity in this business, as in most, your greatest resource is other people. People like working with people that are easy to work with and that they LIKE. Be helpful, treat people with respect and more than ever your relationship with your fans is golden. They want and expect more of YOU than maybe ever before. So don’t be afraid to “Let it all hang out” as Brendan from Wheatus said. <br><br>
Hope that helps someone and I just wanted to put it out there that I really enjoyed being on the panel, talking to other artists and hopefully helping them move forward and expand. If you have any questions or want advice please feel free to shoot me an email (Natalie [at] NatalieGelman [dot] com). Also, if I’m in your area I would love to meet you and help you decide what you should do next for your solo career or band. Sort of like a music career consultant but instead of charging all I’m asking is that you buy me lunch. I would just love to share what I know so I can help you and maybe you’ll end up with more time to do the things that matter like make music!<br><br>
Hope everyone’s spring is getting colorful and great! There were lots of early spring bulbs poking through and some dapholils in bloom which wI spent some time walking down to the beach to watch the sunset at the festival with a PB&J but wasn’t thinking about how the 40 degree weather would feel much colder in the winds!! Still fun though…<br>
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/8949f8804c54eee5e0b8de0b9063d4d8c916b39e/large/p1060443.jpg?1390859935" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 402px; height: 303px;" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/20ed2c641306584df8703980cc393048794016bc/medium/img-1819.jpg?1390859939" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 228px; height: 304px;" /><br>
Talk to you all soon!<br>
Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280182010-02-23T18:40:00-05:002017-02-01T14:22:17-05:00Big wheels keep on turnin’, snow just keep on Fallin’My winter tour is in full swing now. I just came back from a show in the mountains of North Carolina and this fun video was taken on the NC/TN border. It’s a little silly but I had a lot of fun at this “scenic outlook” and I even made a snow man and a snow dog there too!<br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/32IPZSb_paU&hl=en_US&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/32IPZSb_paU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br><br>
So many shows are being added to the calendar and I couldn’t be happier. It has been a real treat to meet so many new and awesome people over the past few weeks. This tour has already taken me from my neck of the woods: NY, PA, CT, MA and VT to as far away as NC, UT and NE!! <br><br>
I’ll put all the upcoming dates below and you can always find out more on the shows page too! All the college shows below are open to the public unless they have a “*” next to them so don’t be shy to come on out. <br><br>
Stay tuned for more shows being added and if you see a round of dates I’ll be in your area but don’t have anything booked reach out because I would love your help setting something up! :) I’ll be doing street performing, performing at open mikes and generaly hanging out when I’m not playing set shows too so check out twitter for the very latest shenanigans.<br><br>
Thanks for your support always!<br>
-Natalie<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/b0843a6b453cdd15b6c712788fc9e0d892a4e6d4/medium/img-0656.jpg?1390859935" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Upcoming Shows - Winter/Spring<br>
2/25/10 1:30 PM Flint, MI – University of Michigan - Flint<br><br>
3/2/10 12:00 PM Chicago, IL - University of Illinois at Chicago<br>
3/3/10 11:30 AM Fox Valley, WI - Fox Valley Technical College<br>
3/5/10 9:00 PM Green Bay, WI - University of Wisconsin Green Bay<br>
3/10/10 11:30 AM Godfrey, IL - Lewis and Clarke Community College<br>
3/12/10 9:30 PM Urbana, IL - University of Illinois<br>
3/17/10 8:30 PM Lebanon, IL - McKendree University<br>
3/18/10 to 3/21/10 Austin, TX - SXSW tba / Street Performing<br>
3/24/10 11:30 AM Newark, DE - University of Delaware<br>
3/25/10 7:00 PM Chester, PA - Widener University<br>
3/27/10 8:30 PM Cape May, NJ - Cape May Singer Songwriter Fest<br>
3/29/10 12:00 PM Groton, CT - University of Connecticut Avery Point<br>
3/30/10 12:00 PM Newark, NJ - Rutgers University Newark <br>
3/31/10 12:00 PM Dover, DE - Wesley College<br>
3/31/10 7:00 PM East Stroudsburg, PA - East Stroudsburg University*<br><br>
4/6/10 12:00 PM Cape Cod, MA - Cape Cod Community College<br>
4/6/10 5:00 PM Boston, MA - Sonicbids in-office performance*<br>
4/7/10 9:00 PM Plattsburgh, NY - SUNY Plattsburgh<br>
4/12/10 12:00 PM Crookston, MN - University of Minnesota Crookston<br>
4/14/10 11:00 AM Fargo, ND - University of North Dakota Fargo<br>
4/23/10 TBA Salem, OR - Willamette University<br><br>
5/6/10 TBA Santa Monica, CA - BMI/Koffeehouse Showcase at Harvelle's<br>
5/15/10 TBA Newport Beach, CA - Sons of American Legion Hall - Opening for Dave Mason<br>
5/22/10 7:00 PM Las Cruses, NM - Las Alturas House Concert<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280172010-02-21T21:22:47-05:002024-02-14T14:06:35-05:00Sundance is my "love and my drug" A few weeks ago I found myself at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT. I don’t often recommend that everyone I know go to some place or event (unless there is delicious food involved) but Sundance is one of those events that I think everyone should check out at least once in their lives. <br><br>
It is full of so many creative people from all different disciplines and at all different levels of success. Besides their being many film makers, actors, set and costume designers there were a lot of performers there from artists and back up musicians to songwriters and film scorers. <br><br>
I did have the opportunity to perform at the NY film lounge a few days. Here’s a video from that of me performing a new cover song. Its “Love is My Drug” originally by <a href="http://www.keshasparty.com" target="_new">KeSha</a>.<br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/y-l2miTqm6c&hl=en_US&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/y-l2miTqm6c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br><br>
A huge thank you to everyone who made the NY Film lounge a really special place to retreat for some NY live music, NY cider and bagels and the opportunity to connect with other artists and creative people from NY state. They did a great job and they were volunteering the whole week long.<br><br>
I even did some street performing while I was there! In 20-30 degree weather I have never felt like more of a trooper. But it was well worth it. I met some great people while I was street performing and actually has a really special moment while I sang Stevie Nicks “Landslide” looking out over the snowy mountains and all of Park City. There are a few pictures of my street performing too.<br><br>
Check out my guitar up in the snow bank!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/6deef45e48f929809153303cdf48151da8f9e5c5/medium/18449-707820105777-10601818-40832499-6594990-n.jpg?1390859932" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/1b4cd242a7b98c4e4bcd6d0d24e4d0524c322bbf/medium/img-0416.jpg?1390859931" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br>
First photo by <a href="http://jlcummingsphoto.homestead.com/index.html" target="_new">JL Cummings</a><br><br>
The best part of the festival is by far going to see the movies! I only got to see one but it was really special to meet the directors, actors and other people involved in the making of the film and almost feel like I am a part of their creative process because there is this awesome feedback and Q&A part at the end of each screening. <br><br>
I’m planning on going back to Sundance next January and I can’t wait! <br><br>
xoxo<br>
Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280152010-01-13T15:55:00-05:002010-01-13T15:55:00-05:00Meatball Sundae - It's about themIf you’re an artist you probably have done your fair share of promoting your next show, album or newest youtube video with fliers and email blasts. That’s <b><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 51);">great</span></b>, you are getting yourself out there and trying to reach <i>someone</i>. But, <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">if your yelling at them</span> (and its highly likely that you are) they will not only ignore you and feel angry about the interaction but the permission you once had to use their most precious commodity, time, is now at best framed badly (potential customers will consider you an option but be sure that you’re not the best choice) and at worst totally lost -they will unsubscribe, delete your emails and tell their friends just how <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>awful </b></span>you are.<br><br>
Bands and artists do this all the time when we blast out show information to people who can’t make it with no other relevant information in the email for them (a video, news, etc). Somewhere along the line the fan opted to be on your email list but you have to realize it is not about you. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><b>It’s about them.</b></span> They don’t really care about your music. They care what that music can do for them, how it relates to them, how it makes them feel and if they share your music with friends does that make their friends love them (your fan) more because they shared an exceptional product with them. <br><br><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">It is not about you</span></b>. Not when you put out a record, not when you’re on stage, not when you write a song or write a blog. <br><br>
This blog, if I’m doing this right, should be about you. It should help create a moment that takes you out of your systematic way of doing this and challenges you to grow and think differently about the world around you so you can grow. And that’s what the best records, performances and songs do. <br><br>
Seth Godin’s book Meatball Sundae encompasses a lot of ideas from his other books and connected them for me. In the interest of writing a shorter blog than I did yesterday so you (like me) can get to implementing some of this stuff I’m going to bullet point what else I think is most important and how it applies to what you are doing and <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 51);"><b>how you could do it better</b></span>. <br><br>
* In a few of his books Godin tells a story about being in a Walmart office and seeing “<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>You can’t out Amazon, Amazon.</b></span>” You can take from the greats but you will never be able to beat them at the game they created. For instance I can’t out Jewel, Jewel. <i>I’m not even sure she could </i>(most fans of hers are more fans of her early albums). So even when you’re putting together another album don’t try to outdo something you did before. Just make the best thing you can at that time. Maybe that means making only a video or putting out the story behind each song in the liner notes. Above all it means <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 204);"><b>be authentic and be </b></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 204);"><b>yourself</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 255);"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.<br><br>
* If you approach every interaction, from booking a show, selling your merch to fans, sending out emails and interacting with fans at shows with the question “</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><u>How can I make your job/life easier</u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">?” how would that change your business. <br><br>
* With email and interactions your clients and fans expect fast responses to their emails and questions or they will start to write you off. Short of outsourcing that to someone how can you get back to people faster to grow those connections.<br><br>
* “Its not us and them,<span style="font-size: larger;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: larger;"></span></span><span style="font-size: larger;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><b>its us and us</b></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: larger;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size: larger;"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: larger;"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">” Old media used to be just a few people talking and selling to the masses. Now clients (and fans) are the media. With the use of forums, blogs, youtube and social media your fans and their opinions can be more important then a review in Rolling Stone or an appearance on Oprah or Late Night. Stop dreaming and instead <u>ignite your network</u> of fans by giving them the tools to promote for you. It’s far more realistic and profitable. Instead of yelling at your fans with a megaphone give it to the people who want to spread your music. <br><br>
* Can you create merch or music that is new and novel? Something so different or the best that people will seek it out? Could you sign everything? </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);"><b>What if you raised the standard of quality on everything</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">? I personally don’t sell a CD if there is even a small crack in the jewel case and have been considering special shipping options so getting something from my store is like opening a gift. What if you wrapped your CDs and merchandise </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><b>like a gift</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> before shipping them out or if your music only appealed to a small but very connected group of people because it was all recorded and produced on an iphone. Do you feel confident enough in your product or performance to offer a money back guarantee? If not, why not? How could you change it so you did?<br><br>
* “What are your self imposed (but unspoken) limits on your growth?” Did you say you couldn’t offer that guarantee? Is it because you think you’re not good enough? Could you ever be good enough if you’re limiting yourself? Maybe you limits aren’t how good you could be but realizing how good you already are a great artist and that you do deserve to be paid to perform. While giving away some stuff for free your songs are worth something. It goes back to </span><span style="font-size: larger;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 255);"><b>creating moments and feelings</b></span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 255);"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> that other artists can’t help your fans feel. “If you can’t offer something more than a commodity [CD / average performance / average love song] someone else will sell it cheaper.”<br><br>
* “The web is the biggest haystack in the history of mankind and you’re just a tiny little needle.” </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);">It is useless to try to interrupt people that are disinterested</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. You can leverage what your doing and help people find you by creating something </span><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">remarkable</span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and then putting it out there where your fans would like to find things. Godin talks about how in the long run having more variety leads to more sales and he is talking about flavors of soda, cereal etc. but I want you to think of it as </span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);"><b>variety of connection</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Some of your fans only want to be emailed but I be a lot of them would love to hear from you ever day via text messages or twitter etc. <br><br>
Thanks again for reading. I hope it got some ideas moving for you. These books have been a </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><b>blast</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to read and I’m very thankful for them being written by </span><a href="http://Sethgodin.typepad.com/" target="_new">Seth Godin</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and I look forward to reading more of his book. Thanks again to </span><a href="http://www.Sivers.org" target="_new">Derek Sivers</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for choosing me as one of the artists for this project as well.<br><br>
And thank you to you for reading!<br>
If you want to </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>connect</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b> </b>with me on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/NatalieGelman" target="_new">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.Facebook.com/NatalieGelmanMusic" target="_new">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.Youtube.com/NatalieGelman" target="_new">Youtube</a>, <a href="http://www.Myspace.com/NatalieGelman" target="_new">Myspace</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or by </span><a href="mailto:Natalie@NatalieGelman.com">Email</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> all the links are right here in this sentence. :)<br><br>
Enjoy making music and </span><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">sharing it</span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> with more people than ever possible.</span><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280142010-01-12T23:10:00-05:002020-10-08T14:46:23-04:00The Music Business Fairy Tale EndingOnce upon a time an A&R of a record label from a kingdom far, far, away would come down from the sky, tap you on the head, make you famous and shower you with gifts, trips to Neverland and even<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);"><i><b> fairy</b></i></span> “dust” for as long as they could pump advertising out to everyone in villages around the magic forest.<br><br>
Everyone rejoiced. You road white horses who had white horses to carry your gear and <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>Little Red Riding Hood</b></span> was your biggest fan.<br><br>
One day you were sitting on a wall and noticed a funny looking egg sitting next to you. “Oh! It’s the president of the record label, Mr. Dumpty.” You were very excited to see him and tell him about your new idea to save the villagers from the giants by giving away your music so they could play it when the giants attacked to put them to <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><b>sleep</b></span>. Not all the villagers had enough gold to pay the kings taxes and buy <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><b>lovely lute stylings</b></span> and the remix on cassette.<br><br>
“‘Excuse me… Mr. Dumpty…’ He must not have heard me, maybe he’s asleep, after all he has been running Mother Goose Records since a long, long time ago. I really want to speak with him though. ‘Mr. Dumpty! Mr. Dumpty!! …Oh no!!! I must have startled him, he’s fallen and… Call the Kings horses and text the Kings men.’”<br><br>
But they can’t put him back together again. It’s too late. The <b><span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128);">big bad wolf</span></b> takes over Mother Goose Records, dropping you and almost all the other stars from the label.<br><br>
You still have the idea and want to share your <span style="font-size: larger;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><b>golden</b></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><b> </b></span>songs with the villagers. You start to make more lovely lute stylings records at home in your <span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">ginger bread house</span>. When the record was done you burned them on your granny smith computer and gave them to the villagers for free. Taking care of their fear of giants and in turn they took care of you - giving you their frequent fairy miles to take a tour back to Neverland and sending owl post to relatives and friends far, far away spreading the message of your music. Everyone rejoiced.<br><br>
Things will never be the way they were in Wonderland ever again. <br><br>
The Beginning.<br><br>
You’ve all heard that story before, or maybe a lot of those stories before. Why not compare the ridiculousness of the music business to a fairy tale? <br><br>
As an artist I would love to find a great team and a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><i>fabulous </i></span>label to handle the work they love doing while I do what I love to do as I said a few blogs ago. But before that comes together I need to sort out what my story and message is and make that work on a smaller scale. There actually is no need for a huge infrastructure till there’s a huge demand. <br><br>
The latest Seth Godin book I read was <b>All Marketers (Are Liars) Tell Stories</b>. My job with this project from Derek Sivers is to talk about how this applies to artists and musicians and I think so far it’s a toss up between this book and Tribes, which has more hard content to help you grow your career as an artist. <br><br>
As many of you know I am a street performer. That is a big part of my story. And I don’t just street perform anywhere. I generally street perform in the subway. I used to think it was the perfect way for me to let new people hear my music, promote my shows and that it was the <b><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">perfect way</span></b> to release how stir-crazy I get if I haven’t performed in a while. <br><br>
The truth was though that is was actually one of the central themes of my story. I represent NYC for a lot of tourists that have run into me down there and in a way I have taken that on the road and branded myself with the street art of NYC in my promotional materials… <br><br>
These are literally hand folded out of recycled Village Voice Newspapers and spray painted with a stencil I hand cut. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/ab025dfc96e6b0a90d875bd7c9a64a480f291f41/medium/p1010802.jpg?1390859928" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/bcd74412912ba87bb1372533fcb05b6cd3902518/medium/p1010810.jpg?1390859928" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
It was a ton of work but they were incredibly fun to make and they also work with some of the other messages and story I have: I care about the environment and recycling is one way I do that, I also like for someone to get one of my Cds, cards, t-shirts or anything from me and notice that it’s a little different and that <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">I took the time to make it special for them.</span><br><br>
I also took a lot of time branding my booth at a conference last year and got so many compliments that it was the coolest booth at the conference. It had maps of the subway instead of a table cloth and I had markers so people who stopped by could actually graffiti on the table while listening to my music. They also walked over a <b><span style="font-size: larger;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">big yellow line</span></span></b><span style="font-size: larger;"></span><span style="font-size: smaller;"> to step into my booth representing a subway station. I even made a fake subway sign! </span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/f394c748789e275627c1f4e9f1f0d640ccd82886/medium/random-095.jpg?1390859882" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/04759093b370e2ff7c89eec0a56e427d9e03a2e2/medium/random-094.jpg?1390859880" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br><span style="font-size: smaller;">I’m telling you all of this because it was a big lesson in branding. The truth is it all happened by accident so I can’t really take credit but I realize it was the most important thing to establish a clear and easy story of who I was for these conferences. I had a new logo that a friend of mine </span><a href="http://www.KristenTerrana.com" target="_new"><span style="font-size: smaller;">www.KristenTerrana.com</span></a><span style="font-size: smaller;"> designed and knowing all about my street performing she made a beautiful silhouette of me performing between two trains with my initials. Knowing that would be my banner I kept pulling from that them </span><span style="font-size: smaller;">and came up with some great ideas that I didn’t even get to use (a sewer rug by the entrance and a trash can for another table/listening station). <br><br>
All of my promo materials either had that logo on them as well or a picture of me performing or in the subway. It was a simple clear message and in my follow up with attendees everyone remembered me as the girl from NYC with the <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><b>awesome handmade CD’s</b></span><b>.</b> I actually booked a bunch of shows because it was different and exciting -and hopefully because my music was good too!<br><br>
The next year (this year) was the real proof that my branding and story worked. I applied to showcases at the conferences and with only a 6-9% chance of getting them each time I applied I got 5 out of 8 of the showcases I applied for with a video that was branded with my clear <span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">street performer from NYC </span>message.<br><br>
I’m telling my story and why/how I think it worked because I want you to realize how important it is to <u>have something that separates your music and what you do <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">so</span> the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">people</span> that do give you the time of day </u><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><u>remember it</u></span> even in the worst of situations – a conference where they meet so many other artists, magicians, contortionists you name it.<br><br>
If you’re not good at realizing what someone thinks of to describe you try asking some other performers and friends, you family and your fans. Don’t take offense to what they might say. You may think you come across as an intellectual renaissance artist and people may just see you as an <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">emo-folky</span>. <br><br>
I’m talking about this from a point where you already have played some shows and written some songs and decided you wan to make a go at being an artist because I also think there are so few mistakes you can make when you are just starting out. Its more important to <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 51);"><b>get out there </b></span>at open mics, house parties and wherever you can to try out what you’re doing and see if its working as you go.<br><br>
One of the most important things Godin said in the book for me was: “You have to believe your own story.” If you aren’t sure that you’re the best emo-folker or the best renaissance troubadour from far, far away how are you going to keep striving to be that and gain your fans trust and love. I think using the power of manifestation through envisioning your perfect story is a great way to get moving in the right direction. If you want to find out more about that check out the movie The Secret or google Vision Boards. <br><br>
Once again it is very much about <span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"><b>authenticity</b></span> but the story is what sells the song. If you heard Reba and Taylor Swift singing about hard times which one would you believe. I know I would want to hear Reba’s song. But if it was about young love I would listen to Taylor Swift.<br><br><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">The song</span> <span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">is your <b>most powerful</b> marketing tool</span> as a singer/songwriter or as a band. People will decide what kind of person they think you are based on the songs you sing. And if you have a hit song about living in the country and being one of the guys that’s what your image is going to be till you have another hit song about being the prom queen and going on to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys. <br><br>
I’m using a lot of stereotypes here but I think you will agree that we are all really confused about who exactly Miley Cyrus is between putting out the beautiful country ballad Climb and the Popified Hip Hop song Party in the USA. <br><br>
I think she can get away with that because she’s huge right now and I think as you grow your career you should try to <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);">define your sound and image </span><b><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);">clearly</span></b>. Keep experimenting but make a definite mission statement and story about who you are and keep that in mind when your writing, taking photos, designing your website and even choosing venues to perform at.<br><br>
I know I have written an incredibly long blog and if you’re still reading I applaud you but I really do want to stress that <u>if you have no story at all you will reach the comparable amount of people</u>. Sorry to put it pretty harshly but you must realize <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>what it is about you that’s compelling</b></span> as an artist and start magnifying those things. <br><br>
That’s step one. <br><br>
People need to notice you to even decide if what you made or the product your selling deserves any of their time to check it out. If your story is compelling they will. If you have a fabulous Purple <span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);"><b>Cow</b></span> and treat your customers incredibly well they will come back to you. And if that story is easy for them to remember and tell they will tell their friends and family too and that will spread faster than any other marketing you could do.<br><br>
I hope you’re never stuck inside a bad fairy tale but it just might be better than being no where at all.</span><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280132010-01-11T19:20:00-05:002010-01-11T19:20:00-05:00Trick or Tribe?Everyone wants to belong to something from the time we’re very little till the time we die. It’s part of how we cope with life. Its also important that we decide what we don’t want to belong to -though I think a lot of times that’s decided for us. <br><br>
I grew up feeling like an outcast till I went to an arts high school and found myself in a group of outcasts just like me. I think a lot of artists and entrapaneurs can relate to feeling like they didn’t belong. Can you blame us? We’re usually the people that <i>shake</i> up social norms. Asking “Why?” constantly and challenging the world around us like it’s in the job description -it is. We should constantly be looking for a better way to write a song, tune a guitar or grow our fan base.<br><br>
I’m going to talk about Seth Godin’s book, <span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);"><b>Tribes</b></span>, which you might have caught on has to do with a tight knit community that is really excited about a cause, product, artist or anything really that matters a lot to them and the reasons, benefits and necessity for the tribe. The book was full of great content that a lot of artists can apply directly to building a group of not only fans but empowered allies that are within themselves incredibly connected to each other self motivated people to your mission as an artist. I realize that last sentence may have been a little dense but bear with me. <br><br>
When you are a part of something, when you love a product, artist, movie, city… what do you want to do? Connect with other people who also love it. And if you can <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><b>connect with those people</b></span> you are persuaded that since you are both onto something it couldn’t just be a fluke. You can’t be crazy thinking that Patty Griffin (she’s my fave!) is the best singer/songwriter or that Columbus, OH is a surprisingly cool little city if you find other people who feel the same way.<br><br>
Once you decide you know what you know, and your passionate about it, you’re going to tell as many people as you can. I know I have personally told at least 25 people how much each of those things are awesome and should be checked out.<br><br>
So what does this have to do with you and your fans? <br><br>
You have an opportunity as an artist or band to <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><b>be the leader of your own tribe</b></span>. I realize that can sound very daunting and like it’s a lot of work but if you have been getting your music out there performing live, releasing albums and getting involved with social media you have probably already established a small tribe without even realizing it. Quite often if I go back to a certain town to perform there is a small but definite group of people there I can not only count on to show up and make me feel like driving for 10 hours to perform for 1 or 2 was absolutely worth it. They are the people I think about when I book shows and look forward to seeing again and sharing new songs with. <br><br>
The truth is that I have not been so great at actually leading them and I think they would feel a lot more appreciated if I got my act together and set up even more of a community for us. Seth Godin says in Tribes that one of the most important things to empower your tribe is to <i>give them the tools to contribute</i>, <u>track the tribes progress publicly</u> and above all <b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">be transparent</span></b>. I titled this blog Trick or Tribe as a reminder of that last point. If you are trying to trick your fans and tribe or even yourself people will know and it just wont work. People wont respond to what you're doing because they can sense the fact that you're not being honest with yourself.<br><br>
In the next few weeks I’m going to work to change that. I have been thinking about putting together a street team or exclusive fan group for some time. I’ve toyed with the idea of sending out a special email with exclusive news and I might still do that. It might also be great to start a forum and special section on my website that gives my tribe the tools to share my music and provides a home base for us to communicate as a group and gain some momentum. Like I said before, once the ball starts rolling, once I realized that other people thought Patty Griffin was –the best ever- I wanted to <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 51);"><b>share it more</b></span> and invite people to belong in my tribe. <br><br>
I don’t think tribes are just for fans either. As a musician I know a lot of other independent artists that I regularly set up lunches and coffee meetings with to swap ideas and encourage each other. I think it has made a big difference in how my career has advanced and has helped the people I connected with because I shared as much as I could with them. I also took note of things they were interested in and try to regularly stay in touch and send a message if I see something they should check out. <br><br>
Leading <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);"><u>a tribe of your peers</u></span> including not only musicians and artists but also business and entrepreneurial types <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><u>can be extremely beneficial</u></span>. Besides realizing how much you have to share with each other you will also find yourself lifting each other up as your careers progress. Reach out and surround yourself with people that are passionate about what they do.<br><br>
Start your tribe, and then start a few more tribes. Make them as exclusive or inclusive as you want – there yours. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>Have fun</b></span>.<br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280122010-01-10T22:15:00-05:002010-01-10T22:15:00-05:00Are you a double dipper? Don't be!I'm not talking about onion dip or salsa - by all means go ahead on that one. There is another kind of dip out there you should be aware of though...<br><br>
In my last blog I quoted from Seth Godin’s Purple Cow: “Are you making very good stuff? How fast can you stop?” I started reading his book, The Dip, next without realizing it was about just that (quiting what you should), which I found pretty ironic considering that it encompassed one of the main points I took from Purple Cow.<br><br>
As an independent artist I realized one day that I wear a <span style="font-size: larger;">ton</span> of different hats that if I was just an artist (with a team or a label) I wouldn’t have to. I made a list a few years ago of all the things I do for my career that someone would do as part of my team if I had one: Marketing, PR, Booking, Tour Management, Travel Arrangement, Accounting, Production, Graphic Designer, Project and General Management, Shipping Manager… <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><b>Coffee</b></span> Girl. Wearing all these hats can be a bit overwhelming and depressing or maybe it’s exhilarating if you appreciate yourself for all your work on multiple and very separate tasks -or if you just have a unique affection for head accessories. The truth is though, that you need to <b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">quit the stuff you don’t do well</span></b> or just shouldn’t be doing and focus on being the best at one thing. <br><br>
I think that Godin would agree with me that it’s important to have a taste of all of those jobs and realize the work they entail because he recommends that everyone involved with a product be involved with it’s marketing. I think it has definitely benefited me and made me realize how important just the right people for the team I am assembling are to my success as an artist and as they come together I will appreciate how much work it takes to do any of them exceptionally.<br><br>
I have gotten very good at a lot of those “hats” but the truth is I would probably be a lot better at the stuff that mattered if I didn’t do so many of them. <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><b>Time and talent are my biggest resources</b></span> and over time, if I’m going to grow, its absolutely necessary that I let go, quit as Godin would say, all of the stuff that I just shouldn’t do and someone can probably do better. Not to mention that they would enjoy doing it a lot more than I do. <br><br>
It’s more important than ever to be the best at what you do because we have such a global community now and people have access to products, or music, that may be more of what they want. Going back to Purple Cow you should pick your niche and then strive to be the leader and the best at what you do.<br><br>
Isn’t it a tragedy to go after something half-heartedly anyways? I know I have felt that way when I realize I am too immersed in the business of my career and need to just listen to music, play for people and write some songs about what I’m feeling and learning. <br><br>
The <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><b>bright side</b></span> of all of this is that when you’re doing what you love and focused on that one thing that you want to be the best at the little upsets will matter less and The Dip won’t feel so tough I think. I want to say a bit about that because I know a lot of people haven’t read the book and don’t know what I’m talking about.<br><br>
The Dip is the time when after some success whatever you’re trying to do gets tough. It’s no longer fun like it was when you first started and you’re trying to decide if what you want is really worth all the work, fear, struggles and set backs your experiencing. We all experience those moments and those times in our lives. Right at the top of the book Godin says: “I feel like giving up. Almost every day, in fact. Not all day, of course, but there are moments.”<br><br>
I read that and felt like I wasn’t so alone anymore. Here was a Bestselling author admitting that it’s tough. It would be so much easier to just lie in bed all day and be mediocre but that’s not what I want in my heart. <br><br>
The point is, all the tough stuff, The Dip, is called a dip for a reason. If you work through it you will come out on the other side a much better musician and so much better at that thing you do that you will be the best at. Even better is, if you face it head on, realize it for what it is, and charge thorough it you will appreciate it for the challenge it is and <i>get to your goals faster</i>. <br><br>
I’m going to do my best <b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">this</span></b> year to make charging through dips a habit. I have been wearing a lot of silly hats for a very long time so hopefully you’ll see me passing those on little by little to people who will like booking, managing and dealing with all of that business stuff a whole lot more than I do.<br><br>
I know a lot of you made resolutions for the new year and I want to implore you to push through any of your dips too. Whatever you do <b><i>don't be a double dipper</i></b>. If your going to quit, quit early because it was the right thing to do for you and focus that energy at working through what you really want and the dip it takes to get there once. If you're going to be the best at what you do or just loose those holiday pounds it's not worth the time to quit, get momentum to start over and find yourself back in this dip some time in the future. <br><br>
If you want to pick up the book or check out Seth Godin, he has a cool blog at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com">www.sethgodin.typepad.com</a> Tomorrow I’ll be blogging about his book Tribes as it applies to my career so stop back.<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280112010-01-08T14:40:00-05:002010-01-08T14:40:00-05:00One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, “Purple Cow”I love performing and writing music that is honest, speaks to where I am as an artist and hopefully connects to someone. Lately I have been thinking about how I can make my songs and performances more entertaining and exciting. It’s hard enough to put out an album or go on tour with a major or indie label behind you let alone to go out and do it by your lonesome as an unsigned indie artist.<br><br>
I try not to think about that and just <u>be fearless</u> and do what I love as much as I can. The most important thing I have found to keep myself on my path is to continually renew my motivation and inspiration by finding out about other peoples stories and success.<br><br>
A few week weeks ago Derek Sivers, whom many of you know as the founder of <a href="http://www.CDBaby.com"><b>CDBaby</b></a> but he also has an <a target="_new" href="http://sivers.org/"><b>incredible blog</b></a>, sent out an opportunity to his subscribers. If you were a working musician and had a blog you could reply back, tell him about yourself and he would choose a few people to send out copies of some of Seth Godin’s and Hugh MacLeods books. I have a reading list a mile long but Godin’s have been high on the list for a year! I applied and was chosen as one of two to read Godin’s box set and blog about how I could use those techniques and apply them to my music career. I was already slightly familiar with Godin’s ideas but really excited to get the books and dig in. I'll be blogging about each of them over the next few days so please stop back to read and reply to more.<br><br>
I started with “Purple Cow” which talks about how by creating a remarkable product that fills a small niche you will have a much better chance at success. I had been trying to figure out the trick to it all (success) for a few months. Thinking about how to write songs that would be more popular and a show that would entertain more. The truth is I think I was getting away from what it is I do as a singer/songwriter and the truth of my music and performances. <br><br>
A few months ago on tour someone got up and walked out of my show saying “shut up” because they felt I was talking too much between songs. I learned a few years ago that to be truly loved you have to be truly hated but I had never had to put it to use till that night. I thought about it a LOT as we drove around the country and I kept wrestling with trying to decide how much of my story is too much, how much of me is too much? But that’s exactly it,<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 204);"><b> my story is my “<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Purple</span> Cow.”</b></span><br><br>
Being myself and balancing out the fear of being liked or not is what it came down to. Its GREAT to want to change and BE better but to put on a façade is a waste of your energy. A few weeks after the performance I had a showcase at one of the NACA conventions and just went in and did what I do best. Being me. Maybe even being MORE of me than I had been in a while. I wasn’t trying to be extra bubbly, friendly, nice or whatever. I didn’t even realize I was doing anything but I kept thinking for the past few months about why I had so much fun and that conference, made so many friends and booked so many shows. I realized it has to be because I was me. I had fun during my showcase, didn’t hide any of my political or religious views to try to tone it down for someone who wasn’t into that and actually left to see a movie with a friend when I felt a little burnt out from the conference.<br><br>
It is a lot to realize that you and your story are remarkable in and of itself but you are. Trust that you’ll meet the people you need to, be where you need to be and everything will be okay.<b> Just show up and be the best YOU</b>.<br><br>
At that show where someone walked out there were a lot of folks there to check out what I was doing. Some left and said I had a great voice, or they liked a particular song or something as they were leaving but with them were a handful that stuck around to meet me ask more about being on the road, street performing, the rollerblading tour and all my other stories that I share in between songs. <br><br>
You can’t touch everyone the same way, as Godin says in “Purple Cow,” <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);"><b>some people will ge</b></span><b><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 51);">t it</span>, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">some will hate you for it</span> and </b><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><b>some just won’t care</b></span>. The ones who do love my music and what I do will share it with friends and help me more if I am more of what they found unique in the first place. Eventually it will lead to more fans than if I tried to reach everyone by myself with a mediocre (waterd down) version of me. <br><br>
It’s a slow process to build your fans or following of any product one at a time but just be the best version of yourself and write the best music you can and your going to have an easier time because your fans will spread and market it for you. Invest your time into what you loved doing and those same fans will be happier because of it. I know I sure would love to spend more time writing music and performing than thinking how much of a budget I have and deciding what to spend it on to market my tours and career. I love getting more from the brands and bands that I love too. So keep creating, honing what you do and finding your truth and you'll be fabulous. The more you do of that the more we will hate and love you and you'll have less people who just don't care either way. <br><br>
All of that said thinking outside of the box in your marketing and physical products is really smart not to mention fun. I did some brainstorming about what would really exciting for me and for people at my show and in my promotions. I came up with some crazy ideas including one I might even use that I’m saving for now but I will run down some of the other outrageous ones in case they might amuse you or spur some ideas!<br><br>
- Having live birds at a big show bring special VIP passes to randomly selected people at their seats. They could be passes for having dinner with me afterwards, coming backstage, or maybe even getting to write down a song request or message on the birds paper and sending it back to me up on stage to be performed or told.<br>
- Riding a horse to my gigs (I would <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 255);"><b>LOVE</b></span> this one – if you have a horse and are near one of my upcoming shows PLEASE let me know!!).<br>
- Performing on a flatbed truck in NY or even better - across the US. Maybe the tour path is mapped out and the whole thing is live streamed among multiple cameras (one of me performing, one of what I see, one of what the front of the truck sees). People can watch along and “travel” with me to places they have never been before.<br><br>
I’m sure you have lots of ideas too about how/what you can do to be remarkable and exciting in just being you and having fun. Please share them in the comments or send me an email and I might share it in a blog no matter how far out there you think they are. <br><br>
Don’t be afraid to be you and not just another colorful <b><span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128);">(or dull)</span></b> fish in the sea. Being a “Purple Cow” in an ocean of fish will help you stand out and get noticed! You have to <b>be remarkable</b> if what your doing is going to get noticed because otherwise its just more noise - and most of all -<br><br><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">BE YOU</span></b>. <br><br>
I’m going to leave you with these quotes from the book that I love: “The Opposite of ‘Remarkable’ is ‘very good.’” “Are you making very good stuff? How fast can you stop?”<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280102009-12-15T15:55:00-05:002017-02-01T14:22:16-05:00Holiday Show recap, video and pictures!It's hard to believe that just a week ago I was getting ready to go on stage for a big holiday show at the Bitter End in NYC! I was soooo anxious about the show because we put a lot of work into it and I was performing all new holiday songs I hadn't performed live before. I also wrote a new original holiday song to perform at the benefit. <br><br>
The show was supporting and raising awareness for children of incarcerated parents and all proceeds went to In Arms Reach (<a href="http://www.InArmsReach.net">www.InArmsReach.net</a>) a charity that works with NYC children of incarcerated parents. The favorite song from the night was by far my cover of Silent Night that I performed with my dad on violin.<br><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/mg1heXtmtI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/mg1heXtmtI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object> <br><br>
I wanted to make sure everyone had a LOT of fun and even the grinches in the audience left in the holiday spirit! We got a bunch of holiday hats as well as jingle bells, dreidles, little drums, tambourines and of course candy!<br><p style="visibility: visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-49.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-49.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf">
<param name="quality" value="high">
<param name="scale" value="noscale">
<param name="salign" value="l">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3098476543669976649&site=widget-49.slide.com"></object></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had great sponsors on board for the show I had a lot of fun with all the raffles, giving away my CD as well as great gifts from our generous sponsors: <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">Starbucks</a> on Chambers and West Broadway in NYC, <a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/">The New York Islanders</a> and <a href="http://www.theinkpadnyc.com">The Ink Pad</a> a rubber stamp store in the West Village. We also raised a lot of money for the charity with all of the proceeds from the raffle and from the door going to In Arms Reach.</p>
<br>
Thank you to everyone who came out and to those of you who supported me and the charity with a donation or words of encouragement! You made it a really special night for me and I can't wait to kick off all the shows coming up next year! <br><br>
On stage at the show...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/fc6ec43dcf73df5ae3a8a1e3cc4e2e69bd72f184/medium/p1050568.jpg?1390859929" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Sending you holiday cheer!<br>
Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280042009-12-03T15:47:54-05:002022-05-10T00:45:15-04:00Florida Tour with Dave Mason and Work Vessels for VeteransThere’s nothing better than escaping a cold Northeast winter for some FL sunshine… except maybe escaping Canada for Florida sunshine. I got to do just that and play a few shows with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason of Traffic a few weeks ago. We toured St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and the Daytona area playing music and raising money and support for Work Vessels for Veterans www.WorkVesselsForVeterans.org.<br><br>
Griffin and I started driving down Tuesday afternoon after a show in Bucks County, PA and we made it there just after a hurricane left on Wednesday morning at about 9:30 AM by this…<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/3ab3c601de0d1b7983a8c3a423b2c7f507da0f63/medium/p1050320.jpg?1390859919" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
It was veterans day and Dave performed a great show with all proceeds going to Work Vessels! <br><br>
Here’s a photo I took of him and the band performing from backstage through a flag…<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/095081ca13cbd1db3b7b2a6629fd3e5aa4aa8db0/medium/qry.jpg?1390859880" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
And one of my performance...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/cc8f1bb7739041f22041a52bb2bb344e2d1aef77/medium/p1050328.jpg?1390859920" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
I had one of my NACA showcases back in CT in the middle of all the dates so I had to fly back to CT and I actually ran into my College President from UMiami, Donna Shalala in the Philadelphia Airport – small world! I gave her a CD and a few days later she emailed me to say it sounded great. Really sweet woman and an awesome role model, she is one of the reasons I’m proud to be a Hurricane!! (sorry I didn’t get down to South Florida everyone!)<br><br>
The showcase went well and I flew back from CT to Jacksonville (Gator country I know!) and got to perform at this beautiful outdoor venue called The Jacksonville Landing with Dave.<br><br>
Here’s some photos from the view behind the stage and of me performing… <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/26cd9b7c9ebd88a2abee03b23e10c4395ca9d01c/medium/p1050348.jpg?1390859921" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/4af3de497155c6375a917fdbdec7dab9e1bf4064/medium/p1050367.jpg?1390859921" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
There are more photos from that event by photographer Craig O'Neal in the <a href="./photos.cfm" target="_new">live photos</a> section my website.<br><br>
I met some really awesome people at the show and one fan actually had me sign his head! That was the first time I’ve signed a head before, here’s photos of that in progress!!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5a92b6f3c1e41efd649fb97a260a54160f676746/medium/p1050376.jpg?1390859923" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/de760a18c76e80bfe749746608bee3ae89b69ed4/medium/p1050377.jpg?1390859923" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/b6960a9d00cbb913b393555fb2cddd2b34856a47/medium/p1050378.jpg?1390859924" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
The next day we were down at the White Eagle Lounge in Korona, FL. They had a huge event set up with lots of performers, vendors and support going out to the veterans from all of us. It was a great crowd with some really fun moments on stage and walking around my first biker rally! I met a sweet artist who hand makes these beautiful candles and gave each of us one. It made our car smell sooo good on the way home I really don’t want to burn it just yet!!<br><br>
Here’s photos of me performing...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/354e52c0398bbff3ae20fd0090b85631dccc9d67/medium/p1050406.jpg?1390859926" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/01ae9843ce47940157d769a24ebc839e8c1bd46a/medium/p1050411.jpg?1390859927" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <br><br>
and the Work Vessels for Veterans booth…<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/305dfe7f3088b818d9f62de03f84f3a44cb7a284/medium/p1050391.jpg?1390859862" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
We had two beautiful shirts donated for the raffle by Alpine Stars www.AlpineStars.com that you can see in the picture. They outfitted me for the tour and I am so lucky because they are the most comfy but still stylish shirts and jackets, definitely check them out with the holidays coming up. They have a cool mens line too!<br><br>
Here’s a pic of my in my Alpine Stars Jacket and top in Jacksonville…<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/78aba3ca61ddf1ffe598d4e5f7fb27b6721c6405/medium/p1050379.jpg?1390859924" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Thanks for reading! I hope you guys enjoyed hearing about all the different parts of my tour as much as I enjoyed being on it, having lots of different experiences and meeting all of you!<br>
Natalie<br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280062009-12-02T10:01:53-05:002017-01-16T11:02:11-05:00NACA Fall showcases and conferencesI was so lucky this fall to showcase at three NACA conferences. In case you’re not familiar with them they are booking conferences that schools across the country attend regionally to book artists, magicians, hypnotists and really any kind of entertainment to come perform at their schools.<br><br>
I showcased at the regional conferences for Mid-Atlantic, Mid-America and Northeast and have some pictures of the booth and my showcases for ya!<br><br>
If you were at the conference and have a picture of us definitely put it up in the comments section below, I would love to see it! And if you weren’t there but will be at the National convention coming up in February I will be your roving artist showcase on Valentines Day!!! :) Thanks for choosing me and it was great to meet you all!<br><br>
~Natalie<br><br>
On stage for my Sampler Showcase at NACA Mid-Atlantic... And a close up from the performance...<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/dcfdf4950e550597a1e6e541c22fa8fc2ec528e6/medium/img-0106.jpg?1390859914" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/773a4e59a7f1bfc7cc2e075fd2542a47686cac60/medium/8320-1263193263747-1347207520-30764417-2441356-n.jpg?1390859910" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
The girls holding down the booth at Mid-Atlantic with some students we met... And a pic of our fancy booth by itself!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/93ca87da2bff7d0609138d33f9722f2e70aca425/medium/p1050060.jpg?1390859914" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/fbbf2a653ff1b2899dc08e5916d03172a965c16b/medium/p1050061.jpg?1390859916" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br><br>
Doing the Chicken Dance at the Hofbrauhaus in Covington, KY...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/895e059ada859be6332768626170a834c9a3ee28/medium/img-0147.jpg?1390859912" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
My Roving artist showcase in Covington, KY! I sang all day long from 11am - 12am!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/8f2e365cf6cbe85996e732f3ca8edfebc1726252/medium/p1050105.jpg?1390859916" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/dbc41382903ae17a7aa576e58b173c7421e3b3da/medium/p1050109.jpg?1390859917" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/fea5ff2a3008eac028431556eecde2a3fd823143/medium/p1050119.jpg?1390859918" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
And my kitty halloween costume at NACA...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/2065679ffda47f3ec7c1fdec6586757c378c416b/medium/p1050195.jpg?1390859918" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280072009-12-01T20:35:25-05:002017-01-16T11:02:12-05:00Fall Tour - What I LearnedI had a great time on the road over Oct and Nov meeting so many of you for the first time and getting to visit and perform at a bunch of great venues with awesome musicians and friends. I did learn a lot on this tour and I cant wait to head back out on the road and put some of it to use. Here’s a list of what I learned to help you with your next tour or road trip or just give you a little run down of my time on the road!<br><br>
13. Eat dinner before 8pm. Contrary to my NYC dinnertime of 10pm most of the country likes to eat dinner at 5 or 6pm. This makes it especially hard to find food on the road after 8pm so definitely eat dinner before then.<br><br>
12. When you need to find the nearest Panera bread off of interstate 95 there is a website for that: www.i95exitguide.com You can also find this place on there but trust me you cant miss it!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/54c76b98996de8471c3affc19f008f133f7c46da/large/p1050015.jpg?1390859892" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /><br><br>
I did some tango dancing here too (see #5)...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/465e393d56995c382bcf6a261ac09f58443ce9d7/medium/p1050031.jpg?1390859896" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
11. Always keep an extra set of guitar strings on you, not in the car.<br><br>
10. Speaking of the car, when you are spending an average of 6 hours in your car each day (some days 24 hours) treat it like that. Take out the trash every time you get out of the car and take advantage of the windshield washes at gas stations. You will be happy when your car doesn’t smell and you can see all the funny South of the Boarder signs clearly.<br><br>
9. Take lots of photos! You may think you are going to remember all of these experiences but you will remember so much more with photos. Journaling is great too and it’s awesome to do when you are in the passenger seat for hours.<br>
How else could you remember moments like this - warming up for one of my shows in Iowa, singing to the city of Dubuque...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/367ffd76c57ea30cf4c9cb1cc9150b68bd63d868/medium/p1040674.jpg?1390859884" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
8. Dress in layers. When you wake up in snowy Iowa and its 30 degrees and drive to Nashville 8 hours later where is it 80 degrees you’re stylish layers will become very functional. <br>
Unhappy cold face...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/5a008ad533af410b7fabfd8ca5313031eda6c860/medium/p1040789.jpg?1390859887" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
temp on the way out of Iowa...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/197fc3d1683e1bf4190a50406d83dd0fa51663fe/medium/p1040807.jpg?1390859888" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
7. Keep a cooler in the car and stop for “real food” at a grocery store when you can. Eating at rest stops and local diners is okay for the first week and then you start craving fruits and veggies. Kudos if you find a farm or local farmers market on your trip.<br>
I found a school bus of apples...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/cefb1a4a4a99b8e63d83e36bbe3f93a61f1eeaba/medium/img-0061.jpg?1390859904" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
6. Play with animals when you get the chance. When you drive from one state to another you can start to have moments when you don’t quite remember where you are. Playing with a dog or cuddling up with a kitty have a way of making those moments happen less often.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/6eaa57e8adf0735fc11b2374f3b8bc3c1bb4b7da/medium/p1040866.jpg?1390859890" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
5. Get up and move or stretch every chance you get. Your back and legs will thank you. Even better, do the hokey pokey with a friend! Or the chicken dance -I’ll post about later.<br>
Hokey Pokey dancin'...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/4960b27b5950c9e4b0970ef56b513eed6acd159c/medium/p1040770.jpg?1390859888" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
4. Be a stickler with your tour routing. Playing in PA on Mon and Tues, FL on Wed, CT on Thurs, FL on Fri and Sat and CT on Mon may sound like a lot of fun but taking your body from one corner of the country to another 4 times in 3 days is not fun and your body will thank you if you try harder for better tour routing.<br><br>
3. If you get something from your suitcase in the back seat of the car remember to zip up the suitcase again before you take it out of the car or else…<br>
My stuff on the ground... :(<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/d74395d134168f0682187e0ad330a19b3cc0532a/medium/p1040662.jpg?1390859880" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
2. When you are driving in the Northeast at 10pm on a Sunday you will hit rush hour traffic and a drive that your GPS says will take 2 hours will take 4. Know that you are not alone, I have been there too… twice.<br><br>
1. When you do eat out, sit at the bar if you can. You will always strike up conversation with the other people there and you never know who you might meet. Even if you don’t meet the love of your life or the subject of your next break up song you will probably save some money with bar specials and you might meet a drunk best man who wrote his toast on the inside of a 12 pack… correction, you will meet the subject of a new song, guaranteed.<br>
Check out the check marks that nobody added... those are their actual faces too...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/97f5f57c76726f6d6547984c12f00a23f4269b2a/large/p1040788a.jpg?1390859887" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /><br><br>
Hope you had fun reading the list. Here are some more tour photos below. I would love to hear what you learned while on tour or a road trip. Leave a note in the comments! <br><br>
Xoxo<br>
Natalie<br><br>
Sunset to kick off the tour at the Dewey Beach Music Festival...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/fc2ab17867b93ef76f0a6888ec89c2dc17d56c91/medium/img-0033.jpg?1390859905" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
Performing at Dewey Beach - Hammerheads. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/d03b50505a6d30af3ba0c87f00fd0f6d36d345e5/medium/img-0036.jpg?1390859910" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Performing at Clarke University...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/a8ca94c26e526e9cd3827302400d571a202be295/medium/p1040711.jpg?1390859889" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Before my Apple store show in Chicago...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/9baba328102ac6f5a4cb5e5109a5f2a2cef0df06/medium/p1050196.jpg?1390859894" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="width: 300px; height: 225px;" /><br><br>
Check out the guy covered in "garbage" from Chicago... he started following me after I mentioned that I was going to take a picture of him...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/06047d4981909a98821c29307a21693a1e0343c3/medium/img-0156.jpg?1390859913" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
Performing at Tully's Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharron, PA!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/659e7b6efad133941dd51394b977e1d0ec752c30/medium/p1050245.jpg?1390859897" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Peforming on the morning news in Youngstown, OH...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/d1f3144a90ffafe9c16f0c95339e8740039283f2/medium/img-0164.jpg?1390859905" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br>
A cool tunnel in route to SC from TN...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/3978e24d46c450f45b8ee9fd96004927d28c0c1d/medium/p1040966.jpg?1390859893" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
Pretty-ish sunset and a really pretty one - no idea where the sunsets were from...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/16d1853ec976671c752f1b533e75623860ccb77b/medium/p1050296.jpg?1390859859" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/03f42d8911187c9317b53250300dc0ed3d24ff52/medium/img-0135.jpg?1390859908" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br>
At Eastern CT State U they wrapped a present with my face for one lucky student to win!! Awesome...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/a7bab0cc865faef7f530cda5fcc396e8c6fa7eb7/medium/p1050422.jpg?1390859896" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/96d0f4179d3a6876b90611c6e82229dd51a32715/medium/p1050429.jpg?1390859898" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280082009-09-30T12:20:00-04:002017-02-01T14:22:15-05:00Proximity to the Poop -or- Not Taking Myself Too SeriouslyA few weeks ago I put up a video of my backstage greenroom at the House of Blues Dallas and a little insider scoop on where I used to play in college. I really enjoyed that show in Dallas. I met some great people and loved reading everyones comments on the video!<br><br>
Dave from San Francisco sent me a great email that I asked if I could share with everyone! I think he gives some great, hilarious advice and I could not agree with him more! Here's the email and video for ya...<br><br>
Hello Natalie!<br>
I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day Weekend! It's your friend Dave from San Francisco.<br>
Your YouTube video was hilarious. I am thankful that you reassured all of us that you were indeed, not too close to the toilet while you were filming in the bathroom. It somehow inspired me to live by a new found lesson you've given me: While we our on this journey, keep track of our proximity to the poop!<br>
Tryin to stay away from all the crap,<br>
Hope you are too,<br>
Sending good vibes your way,<br>
Dave<br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/Z4ZoOZAqfPY&hl=en&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/Z4ZoOZAqfPY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
<br>
Thanks for that Dave! I knew there was a reason I didn't edit out showing people around my bathroom. lol.<br><br>
TOUR HERE I COME>>><br>
I'm really excited to hit the road tomorrow -could you tell from all the caps?! I have a LOT of shows coming up across the country in the next two months and while getting ready for this longer than usual tour was pretty stressful its all going to be worth it. By far the most stressful aspect was that I needed a car. I have been car shopping pretty seriously for the past week and while I finally found a <a target="_new" href="http://img97.yfrog.com/i/edd.jpg/">great used Toyota</a> that I think will serve me on many a tour to come I had a run in at the bank when I was trying to get money for the car and they kept asking me what I did for a living and couldnt process that I was a full-time artist. I tried explaining it a number of ways from saying I was self-employed, a freelance musician etc... I finally had to actually say "I work the streets!" to get the teller to give me back my card. I'm not even sure why they had to ask me and why they were so insistent on trying to get an answer they wanted but the whole situation was really funny... <br><br>
I realized I actually DO 'work the streets' when I street perform so while I'm sure they were thinking I was a hooker there actually was a lot of truth to that statement. I think the shock value is what made her give me my debit card back but I was just sort of going on the premise of not taking it all too seriously. So much of life is difficult and stressful and I have been thinking a lot lately about just letting things go and be what they will. Most often they work themselves out and all the drama and hoopla only cost you some sleep and happiness.<br><br>
Enjoy yourselves, "stay away from the crap" and if you can't then just remember that it wont matter next week or next year!<br><br>
Love you guys!<br>
Natalie<br type="_moz"> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280052009-08-20T10:15:00-04:002020-10-09T16:06:17-04:00New photos up! Lots of fun around CT... Check out the new photos up on the photos link on the page <a href="./photos.cfm">here</a>!<br><br>
They were taken around Southern Ct at an abandoned greenhouse, an antique shop, a car repair place and a mystery venue/bar in New Haven. Hint: you can find out the name by looking at the background in the photos. <br><br>
All taken by Andrew Wallach a photographer from CT and a manager of an incredible house concert series I have had the pleasure of performing at earlier this year find out more about that and him <a href="http://www.myspace.com/awallachphoto" target="_new">here</a>.<br><br>
My favorite is a toss up between the green tinted one on the counch taken in the antique shop or the one takin in the bar.<br>
<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/a9be270926741f7cca8bb5d44fccfe6b27ca9c1c/large/website-589323486-uer7n-x3.jpg?1390859874" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="300" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/12593d6655b874b9a89a1dd3e21f73651f491304/large/website-589240654-gkrut-x3.jpg?1390859874" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="300" /><br><br>
Dont forget to check them all out on the <a href="./photos.cfm">photo page</a>!<br type="_moz"> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280032009-07-06T17:05:00-04:002017-02-01T14:22:15-05:00Backstage at the House of Blues in BostonI had a great time performing at the House of Blues in Boston this past week when I opened for <a target="_new" href="http://www.RichardCheese.com">Richard Cheese</a>. The audience was great, the venue was incredible and full of history and the crew was totally on the ball and really sweet!<br><br>
Heres some photos from my sound check and a video of me showing you around my greenroom backstage! We also made some friends and tried out their bakery the next morning - go to the Blue Frog Bakery in Boston for an eclair or cranberry tart, they are delish!<br><br>
xoxo<br>
-Natalie <br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/c2c0db2ab2086230f23bad2092e4f4713977ab3f/medium/p1030619-l.jpg?1390859867" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/ce09206e34283d222f56ff6f1c721b9be9940c6e/medium/p1030620-l.jpg?1390859866" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/113488c9361804d361d59a627d1dcef80a90bb5d/medium/p1030637-m.jpg?1390859867" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/bb7955c6deba1b2dd9329958ecddfd30d0fc9176/medium/p1030638-l.jpg?1390859868" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br type="_moz"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/FeMLx9qTPtM&hl=en&fs=1&">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/FeMLx9qTPtM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280022009-06-05T15:40:00-04:002017-01-16T11:02:10-05:00Songwriters Hall of Fame CD Release<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56933/b3a4449f3429e85b2f5952b1415924ad75a2a09a/original/cd0375.jpg?1390859864" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="327" width="570" /><br>
One of my songs, "Never Had You," is featured on the <b>Songwriters Hall of Fame</b> New Writers Showcase CD Volume 7. There is some serious <b>talent </b>and beautiful songs on the CD, it's <b>an honor</b> to be included! <br><br>
I'll let you know when its available to listen to on their website www.SongHall.org. But, if you are one of the next three people to order anything from my online store <a href="./blog.cfm" target="_new">www.NatalieGelman.com/store/ </a>I'm sending out a <b>special musical surprise!</b> :::hint hint:::<br><br>
Take it easy!<br>
Natalie<br><br>
Update: Here is a link to the article on the SongHall website. <a href="http://www.songhall.org/news/entry/786" target="_new">http://www.songhall.org/news/entry/786</a><br><br> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280012009-05-29T11:41:41-04:002018-09-17T18:45:40-04:00Dave Mason and Work Vessels for VetsI was out on the road about two weeks ago opening for Dave Mason in OH and WV. You probably know Dave from his days in the band Traffic and the hit songs "Feelin' Alright," "Let it Go, Let it Flow" and "We just Disagree" (my personal fav).<br><br>
I had a great time performing of course and it was incredible to be brought up on stage to sing backup on the chorus of "Feelin' Alright" with Dave and his fabulous band. The thing that really made it a special weekend for me was getting to see a taste of what I want and work towards everyday. I love performing and singing and you can bet that I walk around my apt singing all kinds of music (even opera) all day long. I recently realized that I was singing on the sidewalk and was one of "those people," you know, the awkward ones that make you think about crossing the street - at least the other pedestrians were entertained!<br><br>
Anyways, it made me realize and affirm even more that playing music is what I want for the rest of my life. It is incredible to get to perform for a large group of people and share your experiences. Its even more incredible when you have the energy of everyone there to feed of of and they are all in the moment with you trusting that you're taking them on a little journey thats going to make their lives better in some way. <br><br>
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and stopped by after the shows to say hello and everyone who emailed me! I am humbled that some of you drove 3 and even 6 hours to be there. You're support means everything!<br><br>
It was a great opportunity given to me by the folks from Work Vessels for Vets. <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorkVesselsForVets.org">www.WorkVesselsForVets.org </a>They help returning veterans begin their careers or get back into their educational pursuits. A"Vessel" can be anything that fosters that purpose from a boat to a car or even a laptop. They gave a boat to a veteran at the show in OH! If your company is turning over its computers please contact WVFV they will pay for for them and get them into some very deserving hands!! Please visit their website and support them any way you can. I hope to work with them again in the future. You can find out more about them on their website again at <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorkVesselsForVets.org">www.WorkVesselsForVets.org</a> or in this video from the weekend!<br><br>
Talk to you soon!<br>
Natalie<br><br><br type="_moz"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/aKSmG4Yhbh8&hl=en&fs=1">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/aKSmG4Yhbh8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/280002009-04-12T23:55:00-04:002009-04-12T23:55:00-04:00"Filling up" my muse. :)I'm heading back out to Columbus, Oh in just a few hours for the bulk of the April tour - 6 shows in 5 days! :) I have taken some photos and videos of the shows and fun thus far but haven't had time to post it up for you guys just yet! I did want to see what you thought of some of the crazy/fun gas station names of places I have filled up en route. Vote for your fave! Mine's "Pump and Munch."
xoxo
Natalie
<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" language="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/1536856.js"></script><noscript> <a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1536856/">I stopped in some gas stations with interesting names on this tour already. What's your favorite?</a> <br><span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href="http://www.polldaddy.com"> online surveys</a>)</span>
</noscript> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/279992009-03-26T11:25:55-04:002009-03-26T11:25:55-04:00~ Sweetness Spring Tour ~ I'm so excited because I'm going on tour in just a few days!! Its been a while since I have really hit the road like this and I'm hitting up lots of new cities and lots of places I haven't seen in a while.<br><br>
I'll be playing shows in Iowa, Ohio, Penn and New York as part of the tour. There aren't dates set in Chicago or Minneapolis but I will probably be checking out a lot of open mikes and maybe even street performing. If you want to find out about those last minute additions check out www.Twitter.com/NatalieGelman and follow me to get updates! :)<br><br>
I'm going to be playing a really big show in NYC at Webster Hall opening for Richard Cheese at the end of the tour on Sat, April 18th. Richard puts on a GREAT show, covering Snoop Dog, Nirvana and more and making them lounge style. Julia Nunes is also going to be opening! www.JuliaNunes.com. I'll be playing some originals and covers for you and its going to rock! For tickets and more details check out my tour dates!<br><br>
I also have my first showcase at a NACA event in the Northern Plains region. I'll be playing for over 800 students from colleges and universities in the area and with any luck they will love the music and book me at their schools in the Fall and Spring! We'll see! :)<br><br>
I hope you are all doing great and I'll see your beautiful faces on the road! If anyone wants to help promote and get the word out let me know!<br><br>
xoxo<br>
Natalie Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/279972009-02-19T09:30:00-05:002017-02-01T14:22:14-05:00Creative Genius - beautiful video from Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray LoveI watched this video a few days ago and I can't get over how good it is. Elizabeth talks about how to get over your anxiety about creating and just show up to process and learn to enjoy it more. I have been wrestling with a lot of stress and anxiety about trying to write songs a certain way and make a CD thats incredible but I feel like its going to come out so much more organically after watching this video and putting her techniques into practice. :) It was so good I have watched it 3 times since then so I had to share it with everyone!! <br><br>
Enjoy!<br>
xo -Natalie<br type="_moz"><br><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/86x-u-tz0MA&hl=en&fs=1">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/86x-u-tz0MA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object> Natalie Gelmantag:nataliegelman.com,2005:Post/279982009-02-16T12:57:18-05:002009-02-16T12:57:18-05:00Blogging - 3rd times the charm!I've started blogs twice before but I never really committed to them because I started out with these ideals about how I had to be clever and interesting and somewhere along the way without anyone really taking notice as they read (if they read) I had to teach them something too.<br><br>
Thats enough to make me want to stop and stress over what's actually meant to be a pretty cathartic and maybe even enlivening process. Maybe if you have a blog or have toyed with the idea of starting one you have had those thoughts too?<br><br>
Anyways, I probably wont tell many people about this till I get at least a few posts up. I want to start podcasting my stories from the road on utters (just spent about an hour mid blog setting up my first post!) and get into the swing of things before I let the cat out of the bag - is that the expression?<br><br>
I hope you're all starting to thaw slowly from the winter - I can't wait for spring! <br><br>
-xo<br>
Natalie Natalie Gelman