What next?

For the longest time, I have been a closet songwriter. But slowly I have been coming out...cowriting...even performing for the .... gulp .... public. Eek! Over the past few years, several folks have presented me with a question. They have asked me when I have a gig, or where my band is playing, or if I have anything on iTunes. (I can technically answer the last question...released by Layton James, "Let The Storm Roll By"....just a little shameless self-promotion. I'm done now.) To which I politely inform them that I am not an artist, I am a writer. For as long as I can remember, I have told people that I am not interested in being a performer...therefore, I write songs only for others in hopes that I will someday get a cut. Now, I will admit that I have slipped up a few times, and written some very personal material. But for the most part, I try to write things that other folks will sing. Recently, I submitted a few of these tunes to NSAI for song evaluations, with mixed results. One of them received pretty good reviews, and I am planning on getting it demoed. Another one....eh, not so great reviews. The evaluator suggested a complete re-write...which I rarely do. Further in the evaluation, he went on about how to approach writing. He talked about thinking more like an artist when I work on a new song. Of course...I have spent several years avoiding the "A" word. I am not an artist...I am a writer. But really...is thinking like an artist that far of a stretch? What do I have to lose? I may write songs too edgy for others to cut....but in all reality, that's the problem I currently have. I have one "cut" ... unless Layton cut one of our co-writes. He talked about it...I should probably find out if he followed through. Maybe submit it to my BMI catalog. Yeah, I should probably find out about that. Anyhow, back to my main topic for today. To be an artist, or not to be an artist? I mean, I'm not going to sell everything, saddle up Nobe, ride down to Nashville and pray that I'll get noticed. I'm not going to claim to be a fantastic singer...because I'm not. Maybe with a little auto-tune...okay, no auto-tune. But maybe I do need to think like an artist? Maybe I need to write songs that I want to play. If someone likes them and wants to cut one, great! If not, oh freaking well. I'll play the song down at open mic night and I'll enjoy every second of it. Yes, I will cross lines. I will shock people. But hell, if I wanted to be a cookie-cutter country writer...that would mean that I'd be like the hundreds of thousands out there trying to fit into the mainstream. And Lord knows, I am not mainstream. I will write songs that shock you. I will write songs to evoke emotion. I will go where no writer has gone before. Anyone want to tag along for the ride?

The Story Behind Someone's Busted

So I posted the lyrics for "Someone's Busted" several months ago. At the time, I didn't post the story behind the song, I just thanked the ... well... slut... for the inspiration. So I figured that I should probably explain the details of that night.

On a cold friday night, my buddy and I headed up to 8 Second Saloon in Indianapolis for a Colt Ford show. When we got up there, we discovered that all the tables in the reserved section had been moved, leaving the dance floor open....translation: over the period of the evening, I could make my way to the front of the front of the stage. Well, I quickly became...intoxicated, and started dancing to the opening band. I was unable to sneak closer to the stage though, due to the fact that there were a couple of frat brats and hoes grinding on eachother. Needless to say, in order to avoid contracting any STDs, I kept my distance. I mean, they were getting NASTY! There was one gal in particular who was raunchier than the rest. She had this one younger guy in her cross-hairs and was going to stop at nothing. So I stood there with Lanky, making fun of them. Then I turned to the old guy and we started making fun of them. There's a line between seductive and....white trash hoe. This gal crossed that line all night long. So I rolled my eyes and chugged another beer, waiting for Colt Ford to take the stage. I must say, he put on an amazing show. I wasn't a huge Colt Ford fan going into the night, but I left singing "Chicken and Biscuits". As I proceeded to flirt with the bass player, I noticed that the hoe and the young guy were getting...closer. At one point, they were even making out. But then....oh but then the most entertaining event of the evening began. All of a sudden this random guy is shouting at the top of his lungs at the gal. Of course, this caught everyone's attention. It was then that I noticed that this gal wasn't as young as she initially looked. So...intrigued, I wondered why they were fighting in the middle of the dance floor. And he laid into her. I mean he called her every name in the book and ripped her apart. The young guy had a look of pure shock on his face and his friends began backing away. The couple screamed at eachother for a few minutes before she broke down in tears with the whole "I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything by it"...and so on. The screaming guy left and her friends helped her off the dance floor. I just couldn't help myself. I leaned over and asked one of the young guy's buddies "was that her boyfriend?"
"Nope, that's her husband"
"Did she tell your friend she was married?"
"Nope, she told him he was getting laid tonight"

.... And I thought to myself, that would make a great song. I mean, there are hundreds of songs about husbands cheating, and wives getting their revenge. But I found that this role reversal was worthy of a tune. So, Someone's Busted was born. I initially thought about pitching it to Layton, but then decided that it would be more entertaining coming from a woman. It took me a while, but I put it to music and it has now become the most well-recieved song in my "set". No matter where I play, it always gets a couple of cheers. And it's a fun one to play. So thank you Colt Ford for putting on a great show! Thank you Lanky for the tickets! Thank you bass player for the tour pick! And thank you drunk bitch for a great song!


Someone's Busted

Just Keep Writing is Back!

I know. Shame, shame, shame on me for neglecting the very blog which provided the motivation for becoming a better songwriter! But I'm back! I've been thinking a lot about this blog lately and where it is heading. Needless to say, I failed to complete my challenge of writing 100 songs in one year. Epically. I think I may have cleared the 40 song mark, which is not acceptable, but there's nothing I can do to change that. So I have been a bit bummed out about that fact, which has kept me away from this blog.

So, in order to rekindle the flame, I have decided to completely revamp this blog! It began as a 100 song challenge. Now Just Keep Writing will document the journey of an aspiring songwriter/ band roadie / wannabe artist. So when I finally make it to Nashville, my... 12 followers will be able to say "hey, remember the time you played _____________ at _____________ and they all threw eggs?!" or "remember when ______________ told you to give up? I bet they are eating their words right now". Okay, so in all reality, most people will probably say "Hey, aren't you the dork with the blog?" and I will smile and nod...then offer to sign autographs. Not really, but you know you are chuckling at this point.

I don't think I will continue to use this blog to post lyrics (unless they are completely off the wall and intended only for amusement). I will still post links to my Reverbnation and blog about new songs that I have posted. I will rant about my frustrations. I will lend my opinions on the country music industry...well...some opinions. I will tell the tales which are so crazy and ridiculous that they cannot be made up. Like the time that my boyfriend was playing at a dock party and a drunk fell into a strangers boat. Literally, all we saw were feet in the air. Epic! You can't make that shit up!


So, what has changed since I last blogged? Not much, in all reality, I tried singing in a band, but since they were a hardcore rock band and...well...I'm about as hardcore rock as Tibetan nun, it didn't work out. I'm still a proud NSAI member and I love my new NSAI friends. They are the coolest ever. I'm in the process of putting together a CD so I can try to get on the list for the local Songwriter Showcase. And who knows, maybe I'll put my own band together someday? All I know is I'm in a great place right now. I've got the support of all my friends and family. I have two amazing dogs and four amazing horses. And I have a couple of kickass guitars. What more could a girl want?