Category: Music

Thanks in Advance

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First, I have to mention my son hit a homerun today in T-ball. Hello, Mr. Awesome!

Ok, now onto the real business here.  I’m ready to play out this Saturday night. Excited about singing, playing, getting all dolled up – the usual stuff. But more so, I’m excited about bringing people together, seeing friends from a past life that I had tucked away for so long, and welcoming in soon-to-be friends who come to listen for the first time. (If I forget to say it at the show, thanks for taking a chance on an unknown kid.)

Here’s the thing – it is truly my pleasure to play for you. I consider you to be music connoisseurs and artists. I couldn’t have a better audience for sharing my artistic passions with. So, as my son would say, “No, seriously,” thank YOU.

See ya at the show!

Stop Yourself

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I wrote March’s song around the love story in Victoria Dahl‘s Bad Boys Do.  

How can he make her name sound like a kiss?

Olivia Bishop is an “older woman” at age 35.  (Yikes, if she’s old, what does that make me?)  Recently divorced, she was dumped by her ex because she just wasn’t fun.  Ouch!  But when she begins hanging out with Jamie Donovan, a younger man (at 29), she starts to realize just how much fun she really is.  (Just in case you’re interested, here’s my review on Goodreads.)

Stop Yourself (my song), plays with these characters and their roles in a very upbeat, playful way.  I especially love the lines:

“He did the taking, the cheating, the lying.
She did the making-believing and trying.
He took her fun, left her questioning why-ing.
It’s over, it’s done, don’t try to stop yourself.”

I hope you enjoy the lyrics.  I’m looking forward to debuting this one with the others on May 4th at my SOhO gig.

Falling Even Deeper

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Josh Holloway "Sawyer"
“Sawyer,” aka Kyle, aka Josh Holloway

I know I’m a little late to the party in delivering my February song.  But hey, it’s my party, so I guess I can be a little behind schedule.

Really, I did finish the song in February, and in fact, have even written my March tune and am working on April’s.  It’s just that I geek out so much on the music writing that I run out of time for the writing writing.

So, better late than never, I give you the lyrics to Falling Even Deeper, inspired by Rylann and Kyle in Julie James‘ About That Night, which I l-o-v-e-d.  In fact, here’s my review on Goodreads.

It’s a rocker!  You can hear it live on stage at my next show…Sat., May 4th (2013) at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  6:00-7:30pm.  Go ahead, get all romantic and make it a date night.

 

 

 

 

 

Hook, Line and Sinker

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I’ve embarked on my song-a-month journey and am pleased to share my first installation from the month of January.  Hook, Line and Sinker was a fun write, but admittedly challenging for me with regards to some of the fingering on the guitar.  I chose an alternate tuning, which is always a cool way to explore different sounds.  For some reason, though it seemed to take me longer than it should have to cement the musical progression down in my head and hands.

It was almost like there was a disconnect between the two.  I think I might just be so used to playing older songs without even thinking that I actually had to exercise a part of my brain that had temporarily dimmed the lights.  Ha! I guess that’s part of the point of this project – to turn the lights back on, in full, active force.

I love the song, and the challenge it posed just might make me appreciate it even more.   It’s inspired by the romance between Mitch and Paige in Shannon Stacey’s All He Ever Needed.  She’s one of my favorite go-to contemporary romance writers.  I enjoy her down-to-earth characters, and have to admit, these two are my favorites up to this point.

I’ll be recording Hook, Line and Sinker in the future, but for now, the lyrics will have to tell the story…or you can come take a listen at my next live show…

 

Writing and New Year’s Resolutions

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Happy New YearAh yes, New Year’s Resolutions.  I don’t always make them mostly due to the fact that I don’t think about it until Dec. 31st, if I’m lucky, as early as Dec. 30th.  With so little thought behind it, I’m hardly committed to following through…

…Although, there was that record year where I vowed to pull a quote from my all-time favorite movie, When Harry Met Sally on a daily basis.  I actually stuck with it for at least a good month, ok, maybe a fanatical two months.  Just ask my team at work.  Some of them have never seen the movie in fact, and claim that thanks to me, they don’t feel the need to.  I’m still not sure if that’s a compliment or a cut.  Hmmmm??

In any case, the fact that I stuck with it as long as I did is a tribute to the amazing writing of the late Nora Ephron.  There are just so many moments in the movie that stand out and stand alone.  They proved to be so real, so strangely applicable to every day life as my colleagues who were privy to my resolution came to realize.  To be that kind of writer – EPIC!

So, while we’re on the topic of writing and NY Resolutions, I thought I’d share mine (yes, I actually made one) for 2013:  I am taking on the challenge of writing a new song each month.

I know, you’re saying, “BIG WHOOP.  You’re a songwriter, aren’t you?  Isn’t that just like breathing?”

Why, yes, I am, and in a way, it is.  But you know how it is—working mom and wife, trying to keep up with Kindergarten homework, regular meals, and the occasional Jazzercise class.  Just never seems to be enough time.  Sometimes you forget to do something so basic and essential as breathing.  Same for songwriting these days.

But I’m good with a goal, and even better when I have a purpose.  This resolution is pretty exciting to me, and I’m all for making it happen.  And just to go all out crazy, I’m tying it into another more-than-just-a-hobby-would-be-career-choice.  I’m inviting my inspiration for these songs to come from the books I read, which are most definitely romance novels.  Hey, I’m in love with love.  Besides, I’ve written enough bitter, jealous, “you broke my heart and stole my Bible” songs to last me a lifetime.

Stay tuned!  More to come…

So, what’s your New Year’s Resolution?  Think, think, think.

DoYour Best – It Is Truly All You Can Do

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First, I want to say thank you for all of the wonderful birthday wishes back on August 18th.  My lack of acknowledgment until now is not a sign of me being unappreciative of your sentiments – because I truly do appreciate your thoughts and well wishes.  The fact is that I have been out of sync over the past few weeks.

Many of you know that for the past couple of years, my dad has been battling kidney cancer.  Last year, he moved in with my husband, son and me, and up until a few weeks ago, he was doing well enough.  But then he changed.  Whether it be his body had hit the tipping point where the drugs just didn’t work any more, or somewhere in his subconscious, he said, “I’m done,” I’ll never really be sure.

In my heart, I’d like to think it was the latter.  I’d like it to have been his choice.  One last kick in cancer’s face, where he didn’t let it get the best of him.  Instead, he said, “Cancer, you don’t own me.  I do.  You can have this rickety old body, I’m done with it.  I’ve got a lot waiting for me in the next life, and quite frankly, I’ve done all that I can to be the best person I could in this one.”

You see, my dad did do the best he could.  I really came to see that as I watched him in these last days – his last with us.  It’s not anything he said or did to convince me.  Rather, it’s all the stories of his life relayed to my siblings and me by his friends and family, that stand as proof of his existing each day giving his best.

It amazes me, the number of people who reached out to visit my dad, and those who have called or sent their memories via email or letter.  Cousins, in-laws who were more like siblings, best friends from his high school, Airborne, and back-packing days.  People who had journeyed with him, shared meals, and mostly laughter.  Ladies – of course the lovely ladies (he was a good looking guy after all, not to mention that charm).  And even his high school baseball coach who told us after all of his years of coaching and the hundreds of kids he’d worked with, that my dad was “one of the good ones.”

What a tribute to this person who did nothing more than his best and expected nothing less from his children.  I remember all he and my mom ever asked of us kids was to “do your best.”  It was that simple.  No expectations of straight A’s or high-paying jobs, fancy cars and big houses.  (Heck, he never even pressured me to have kids – well, sort of.)  Just a clear standard to guide us, a standard as unique and personal as we each are.

As I watched the remainder of my father’s life here pass, I began to truly understand and appreciate this value.  Do your best – it is truly all that you can do.

So, I’ve been doing my best over the past few weeks, which have been difficult to put it lightly.  I realized that my focus had to be on ushering my father gracefully from this life to the next and being present to my family as we support each other through this process.

My apology that this means I will not be performing for you this coming Sat., (Sept. 8th) at SOhO.  It was a tough decision to make, because I kept hearing that old line, “The show must go on,” in the back of my head.  But for me, I know in my heart that a show at this time, it just wouldn’t be my best.  And well, if I’m not giving it my best, then I’m cheating both you and me.  So, I’m going to have to let this one go until I can be truly present to performing for you.

Until then, my family and I sincerely thank you for your support, thoughts, and prayers.

All my best,

Tina Sicre

Some of my memories for you…

The Guide to Good Music

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Recently I shared a free download of my song I’d Be a Fool with friends in a drive to sign you up on my email list.  It’s funny to me that so many of you have expressed your surprise over my style, or the sound of my voice.

I get it…after so many years of hearing me claim “I’m a singer, yadda, yadda” you had probably prepared for the worst.  I’m hoping it was a pleasant surprise for you to find out that hey, I’m not so bad after all.  (I do try to over-deliver, which I furthermore try not to confuse with over-singing.)

I have to admit something, though.  While I’d Be a Fool is one of my personal favorites (can you really have a favorite…songs are like kids, you know), Latin Jazz isn’t my typical style.  In fact, I’m not quite sure what is.  If you must know, I have always struggled with the question:  What kind of music do you play?  Ask me, and I’ll answer simply, “Good music.”  Well, at least I like it, and that’s got to count for something.

So, I’ve created a sort of guide for you as you navigate your way through the Tina Sicre catalog of recordings.  You’ll see, I have all kinds of flavors in my songwriting (more on that in an upcoming post).  For now, here are my recommendations (BTW, you can stream these through my music player or download them from iTunes).

If you like Rock:

  • Scarlet Letter (the Chocolate song)
  • Small Day
  • Jealous
  • GD

Country:

  • Too Late
  • Perfectly Clear (rock-a-billy)
  • Blues Parody

Pop:

  • All You Need to Know
  • 10-Ton

Emo-Ballads:

  • Sweet Memory
  • Buying A Cake
  • Hand Me Downs

And if you’re a kid under the age of 6:

  • Felicity (complete with an inspirational solo on a mini-kids-piano)

While we’re here, how would you answer that question…”What kind of music do I play?”  Also posed as “Who do you sound like?”  Feel free to share in the comments.  Thanks!

The Cover Song Challenge

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Note:  Tina Sicre Live at Soho (Santa Barbara), Sat., July 14th, 6:00-7:30pm.  Call club for dinner reservations at 805.962.7776.

A couple of days ago I opened up my set list to requests from you.  I meant to say specifically, requests for Tina Sicre songs, which I’m happy (and able) to oblige you on.

One of the best set lists ever. U2 knows how to tackle covers.

But then there were a few of you wise guys who made requests for covers.

Covers??  (Said in a high-pitched voice.)

Yikes!  Now those are tough.  I mean, I’m a songwriter, an original, quite possibly a diva, if you’ll allow me my moment.  When I play at home, I play my songs.  When I play out, I play my songs.  Me, me, me, it’s all about me.

Ooops — I know I’m not supposed to say that, but the truth is I find it easier to be me than try to be somebody else.  Think about it — if you’ve ever heard me do a cover, you’ll recall that I never quite do them the same as the original.  In fact, usually not remotely close.  I remember the boys in my old band, 12 Stories used to say, “Tina, if you knew anything about music, we wouldn’t be any good.”  (I choose to take that as a compliment, thank you.)

So, we can claim that my inability to do the right thing by way of a cover song is because of my artistic interpretation, but really, who’s kidding who here?  I’m really just either lazy or not smart enough to figure them out the right way.  Ha!  The truth is, I’m musically illiterate, so it’s a major challenge for me to cover a song.

With that all out on the table, I’m up for the challenge to take on a cover for you.  So, go for it — hit me with your best shot.  And if I cover it during a live show or even a video, then you’ll receive a big fat thank you, along with a TS T-shirt, and maybe even a signed copy of my CD.

 

A Mother’s Day Tribute – Sort of

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My mom passed away when I was 16.  My sister was only 8.  After a long bout with breast cancer in a time when nobody talked about breast cancer, she finally let go, and I believe found her peace.  She was my best friend.  My greatest role-model.  My mama.

I was just a girl.  Over the years, I have had to navigate my way through becoming a woman.  While every book written or kind words from loving family and friends is helpful, nothing can make up for the mom I should have had during the past 25+ years.

I miss her every day, still.  Sometimes I’m not even fully aware of it, but it’s there.  I think maybe, being normal for me has been redefined to being someone with a small, yet not insignificant piece of her heart missing.  We all have our losses, and I realize this is part of what connects us as humans.

Missing, is a sense in itself it would seem.  There are people who have had organs removed and say that at times they can feel that missing organ.  I somehow get what they mean.  I mean, I can actually feel that missing space inside me.  It manifests itself in an anxious, unsettled tension that takes me over, almost as if a little alarm is going off.

It wasn’t until a few years back that I put two-and-two together and realized this missing feeling always coincided with dates related to my mom:  her birthday, the day she died, the day we buried her.

June 30th is one of those days — her birthday.  After so many years of not knowing what to do with the feelings I had, I decided it was time to write a song — a dedication to the beautiful person I loved.  Rather than a sad tribute, I chose to make it a sort of “what would I do if you were here today” celebration of her spirit:  buy her flowers, make her breakfast in bed, taking her shopping, hold her, hug her, let her know how beautiful she is.

I’d buy her a cake, for sure.  Chocolate, of course.

The song — Buying A Cake — lets me do that.  Because I know in my heart that when I sing it, she feels all the love that I have for her.  And it was her lovely spirit that allowed me to write such a beautifully emotive song.

Happy Birthday, to my mama.  This one’s for you.

 

 

So, Where Was I?

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Little Girl, Big Guitar on Stage
Little Girl, Big Guitar on Stage

I can’t tell you how excited I am to be playing live at Soho (Santa Barbara) in a couple of weeks.  When I stopped playing a while back, I really only wanted to take a little time off…

At the time, I was playing 4-5 gigs a week, booking out 3-4 months in advance.  Living on the road, for so many years without a real break, well, it wears on you — and that’s not me complaining — it’s just the nature of things.  I needed a break.

Everything in my life was about playing music.  I literally ate, drank, and pee’d it.  I absolutely loved it, but I just needed a vacation from the non-stop, on-the-go lifestyle.  (Again, not a complaint.  I am so grateful for my time on the road.)

Here’s the thing, I loved it so much, it never occurred to me that I could take a break.  Then I thought, “Wow, a week off would be nice.”  (But come on now, I’m sure we’d all agree, a week is never long enough for a vacation.)  Since I was my own boss, I thought, “Hey, why don’t you take a month off?”  So, I made the executive decision, and did.

Then a month turned into two, and two into four, and for reasons that I’m not going to go into here (that’s another story), I just never went back to it.  That vacation helped me realize that as much as I loved what I was doing, I was no longer in love with how I was doing it.  The romance of the road life was gone for me.

And so I stopped.  That was 7 years ago, I think.  Not really the kind of day you mark on your calendar.  What would I call that anyway — “The day I quit pursuing my dream?”  It’s gross even writing it now.

The point is, I never intended to quit.  I just needed to put it all on hold so I could try other things, see what else I could do and be.  Maybe fall in love (for good this time) and have a baby?  Not to mention, get a steady paycheck for a while.  If you’ve ever lived hand-to-mouth depending on your passion to be your livelihood, you know what an unfair and worrisome burden that can be to place on the love of your life.

In any case, 7 years later, I’m ready now.  I’m creating again in new ways I hadn’t imagined I could before.  Seems that break did me some good in exploring the possibilities and expanding my potential.  I’m writing new music, collaborating with new musicians, and even writing love stories (ya, go figure, after all of those break-up songs).

And of course, none of it would feel right without gigging.  I’m doing that too, but the how I’m doing it is going to have to be a little different this time around. I’ve got a family — a little boy at home, a pretty cool husband to go along with him — and I’ve no immediate plans to crawl into a bus and live on the road again (unless that bus is big enough for all of us to live in style, and see the world while we’re off making music for a living).

So, I’m staying close to home, playing selectively, working to bring you the best I have to offer in the best venues, and spending the wee hours of the night working on my novels.  With that said, my first gig home is on Sat., July 14th at Soho in Santa Barbara (6-7:30pm).  I can’t wait, and I am really looking forward to singing for you again, seeing familiar (I didn’t say “old”) faces, and sharing a sweet memory with each other once again.

This gig, I’ll be solo — just like the old days.  And here’s to you…if you have a song you want to hear, make your request now.  I want to know what you want to hear, so hit me with it.  Post your request in the comments below.  Email me at tina@tinasicre.com.  Tweet @tinasicre.  Post on my Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/tinasicre.musician.

The night is ours, and I want to show my appreciation for your support by bringing you a taste of the music we used to share.

As always, thank you for your support and friendship!

All my best,

Tina Sicre