Twas the day before Christmas and all through my mind...

It's so hard to believe that it's already Christmas Eve. That not only means that Christmas is tomorrow, but the New Years is right around the corner. Where did the time go?

When the year commences, that's when it's time to hit the ground running! Got two more songs to write and more promo prep to do! It's so amazing to watch this unfold right before my eyes: my first large scale project as an independent singer and writer. The excitement is starting to become real. I just can't wait! It's almost more exciting than Christmas...

It's all coming together

So... I definitely have left this blog hanging for a good minute. Time for a flash update on the last 6 months... Ready, set, go!

So besides turning 21 and going on a life changing trip to the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, not too much has happened.

Oh! And I am officially (and finally) recording an EP. I figured to prevent anymore lapse in time in my music career, I would make my senior project the release of my first EP. I am working with the extraordinary Larry E. of Da Chu Productions and Mr. Brian DiBiagio. Aside from gathering an amazing group of musicians, there are only two songs left to be written and it's all coming together beautifully! The magnificent Robert Carter will be doing the photo shoot for my album cover (shoot scheduled for January 15th!).

Follow me on Twitter for more frequent updates! The Facebook and MySpace Music page coming very, very soon! Hang on to your hats kids, we're about to sail away to the sounds of intergalactic rock 'n' soul!!!

Breakthrough...

I've arrived at a horizon. I'm there and it's a strange and wondrous place. The only problem is I am once again back in my creative rut. I feel I have set these standards for myself, standards that are making it hard to progress since nothing seems to be good enough for myself. I am at a breakthrough because I am realizing the unattainability of perfection. I one heard saw someone say that they strive for excellence and that perfection is God's business... She is profoundly correct. Striving for perfection will drive you crazy. Trust me... I'm getting there. I try so hard to make the most beautiful combination of words to express my love, my perspective, whatever. Sometimes, you jut have to keep it simple.

OMG!

So I normally attempt to refrain from using internet spawned acronyms in my everyday speech, but I just received some exciting (and inspiring) news! I was blessed enough to have someone in my life you is quite in tune with needs of my creative being and I received a little note on my dresser this morning that I will be attending the Erykah Badu AND Janelle Monaé concert in Upper Darby, PA at the Tower Theatre. I'll be about 5 rows in, center orchestra! I've needed to see something amazing to revive my creative side. Thank you Universe!

The Musical Messiah has landed!

So every once in a while an artist releases an album that may just be the best thing since sliced cheese. It’s happened ladies and gentleman! I can honestly say that Janelle Monaé’s “The ArchAndroid” is one of the most amazing musical experiences I have ever encountered in my life thus far. This is definitely a must for any person who dreams of calling themselves a music lover. It’s so amazing to watch an artist that most people had never heard of take off like she is preparing to do.

I remember when she released Metropolis: The Chase, beginning her out of this world story of a android with a voice of gold named Cindi Mayweather, who forbiddingly falls in love with a human named Anthony Greendown and is escaping immediate disassembly! I fell in love with her funky beats and pure vocals. I'm sure it's plain to see that I am absolutely bonkers over this album, but I am not the only one... Pitchfork gave her an 8.5 (out of 10) and apparently older listeners love her too!

Her first single "Tightrope" is sweeping the airwaves! She's been on Ellen, George Lopez, and Letterman. She's really a ball of fire!

Faux Pas

So Thursday, I was in the studio with the man who understands my thoughts and creates music to them, Larry Estrella. Larry and I carried on our usual inspiring conversation when I mentioned the word "faux pas." I honestly forgot what on Earth led to it, but we pretty much recorded a song based on the entire concept of a faux pas.

The song centers around a man who makes the unwise decision to pursue an already committed woman. The lyrics read

"Breech of etiquette,

Social blunder,

You knew better.

You knew she had a man but you

Still took her hand and

What would Moses say?"

The song goes on scolding the silly man for her trespasses but to a nice Marley rhythm and relaxed atmosphere.

I'll have a clip for you soon!

Peace and Love,

Anessa LaRae

Grey Skies

The weather has been mood-dampering the past two days... It's rainy and feels like the end of winter outside.

Everyday, I find influence in the world around me; even when it's a disgusting as it was today. Today was one of those days. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Anything that could go wrong did and more. The highest point in Philadelphia was looking quite appetizing. But then I had a very interesting experience...

Every once and a while, you have those encounters in life that remind that you have a lot left to learn in the world and in life. On even fewer occasions, you have one those encounters that reminds you that you actually know nothing at all. These are the experiences that inspire us most, but not outrightly so. It is only in retrospect that you realize the value of interactions with others who are much more wise than you. It's refreshing.

Today... Today was inspiring...

I just had to smile.

A song for your enjoyment and uplifting:

Janelle Monae - "Smile"

Peace and Love,

Anessa LaRae

Writer's Block

It's been a while. A little thing called writer's block has plagued me the past couple of weeks.

Ideas are just coming to me in spurts... Very spaced out spurts. Those other things in my life that I purposely omitted are started to intrude on my artistic thinking time.

On a much happier note, I suggest you check out Erykah Badu's latest album and more importantly, her new controversial video "Window Seat." I personally feel the video is amazingly done and delivers an amazing message. Badu explained the meaning of the video on her appearance on the Monique Show.

This is sure to get the wheels of your mind turning...

Welcome!

Welcome! Let me start by introducing myself... My name is Anessa LaRae. I am a 20-soon-to-be-21-year-old singer/songwriter/model/and a whole bunch of other things I will eventually reveal as you join me on this artistic journey.

My life has many components... I'm president of this, vice president of the that, member of this organization, etc, etc, but that's not important here. Here is just about my art, my music. We'll talk about influences, ideas... Hey! You can even help me write a song :-)

Looking forward to sharing with you soon!

Peace & Love,

Anessa LaRae