really doing it.
thanks to you early posters!
generally speaking i do write all my lyrics. on a few things i collaborate, such as the songs i write with allee willis; it’s a women thang, i confess, you help me, the hundredth time and girl in lust. the lyric to the song i mention at the bottom of this post was written by a poet/art maker mike benson in london. but other than that, i spin my own yarns.
i get inspiration from real things in the physical universe that are happening around me. for instance, when my husband is sleeping and i want to wake him up, i get out my guitar and start free-styling. i think those are probably my best work so far.
when i get stuck, either writing-wise, or emotionally, and when i say emotionally, i mean, lacking the morale to put another foot in front of the other towards my dream of singing on big stages with great musicians in front of lots of people ALL THE TIME — there are a few things that happen in succession.
i’m not quite ready to write about them yet, but that is coming, i promise. i taught a voice lesson this morning and haven’t had my coffee yet. gonna go handle that and ten other things and then take a stab at the elephant in my room. check back on that one please.
lee, bout photos: there were a few photos taken that night at the 100 club in london and the one that’s up is the best of the lot. my friend dobie took them. have you checked out his music? i met him in london when i was working on tender hooks with howie b. dobie and i made some songs together and there’s one available on the burntprogress 1.1 compilation on itunes. it’s called, “i’ll be your everything”.
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Holly, thanks very much for taking the time to answer my previous comments, it is much appreciated!
As a complete aside, regarding the “i’m not quite ready to write about them yet” stuff, have you heard of EFT? I am an EFT Therapist & Performance Coach and my intuition is telling me that you would benefit from checking it out
When you have the time take a look at http://www.emofree.com. Also if EFT resonates with you and you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
Thanks,
Matthew
Comment by Mandala Reopens — November 18, 2007 comment link
Glad to see that you’re still a sister who’s doing it for herself. Does wearing the high heels improve the flavor of the coffee? I’ll probable sneak my copy of ‘Songs For Tuesday’ into work again to drown out the Spice Girls & X Factor winners noise from the rock/pop dept:)
All the best
X
M
Comment by Michael, London — November 19, 2007 comment link
Hey Holly. Thanks for the reply. I will check out Dobie as you have suggested. Have a happy Monday.
Comment by Lee B — November 19, 2007 comment link
I never respond to blogs, but I just read what you wrote about mustering the morale to approach a dream- and I can relate. Here’s what you mean to me:
I saw a snippet of “Different Languages” when it first came out, and I bought the album- or tape. Based on the six or seven bars of music I heard. I walked around singing, “And I chased those yellow-headed LAY-dee-hees” for months and my family was all, “What the hell are you TALKING about?” FYI- we’re black. Exactly what yellow-headed ladies was I chasing, was the question.
Heard you whisper,”We should move to the west side where they still believe in things” and was so elated to recognize a line from an album I once borrowed from the Air Force library when I was 13 and played endlesslly (Who are you LISTENING to? What was that? Finger Louie WHO?) “Pirates” transported me- and my friends didn’t have a clue.
Have loved your music ever since- and there’s just not enough of it. I think we’re all on the same page here. It’s like a delicious treat- the kind you can’t get your hands on whenever you want it. Tamarind sauce. Marzipan. The really good eel sauce they don’t want to give me in sushi restuarants because you’re actually not supposed to put it on everything – or drink it- which I do. What I’m saying is- your music is rich and sweet- like an expensive Japanese condiment.
I saw one of your NYC shows months ago- and no one wanted it to be over. So soulful and real- just great.
“Songs for Tuesday” is newly acquired, and I am satisfied. I’ve been listening non-stop. (I’ll say it TEN times, I’ll say it TWENTY times…”)
“The Soul of Bubbles and Cheesecake” was purchased not 5 minutes ago, and I’m going to get in bed with the lights off so that I can hear it better. You can hear more in the dark. I’m sure you know this. “My MOMMA did it, your MOMMA did it.” This is my new jam.
I’m a big black chick who looks like Oprah. My name is Dorcas- really- and I plan to be at your next show in NYC when you come around. I’ill bring a crowd- and I won’t approach you- I’ll just be really happy. Also, I’m not a stalker – like a stalker would admit it, right?
And – you SHOULD be on a big stage with fabulous musicians. A long show. Two encores. With back-up singers. Bizarre rider requests…like blue Skittles and prawns. And make them bring you eel sauce.
Comment by DorcasAlyce@aol.com — November 19, 2007 comment link
Holly,
I first heard you open for Enrique Iglesias several years ago and fell in love with your music to the point where I looked you up online and purchased all of your CDs. “Just So You Know” and your soulful rendition of “You Just Keep Me Hangin’ On” did it for me. Can’t get so many of your hooks out of my head. I sing them on the way to the train in the mornings. Some of your songs I “sing” (won’t even pretend to do it like you can, girl!) are, “I Will,” “Different Languages,” “Just So You Know,” “Switch,” and “You Just Keep Me Hangin’ On”. Your voice and music is very soothing. “Tender Hooks” is most definitely lovin’ music. You are blessed with talent, love, a vision and the drive to create your own projects. Not only are you a singer, but you teach music as well. A true artist in every form. Keep following your dream. From what I can see and feel, you have a gift that will touch many people.
Elaine
Comment by Elaine from Chicago — November 19, 2007 comment link
Do you want to make out with me?
Comment by J — November 20, 2007 comment link
Hey, the song “that’s why they call it rome” what does it mean. I have been racking my brain to figure it out. Are you begging him back, are you talking to yourself and he calls, or are you dreaming of what you would say. Am I that dense because “I don’t get it…..that’s funny.” Thanks.
Comment by Will — November 20, 2007 comment link
Hi, the new site looks wonderful! I just wanted to put in a request for more east coast shows. Thanks for all you do & for being you.
Comment by svp — November 22, 2007 comment link
Holly-
i also agree with earlier post about your music being a rare treat. every one of your recordings has been a delicious treat to be savoured. and further more i do not tire of its richness listen after listen, it only makes me want more. your music is like a good lover.
as a songwriter myself, i know the process to achieve music and lyrics that elicit such a response is true genius. i can’t wait to hear more from you every step of the way, i’ve been addicted ever since i first heard ‘the three of us’ years ago. can’t wait to hear what you come up with next.
Comment by lizzy — November 27, 2007 comment link