Ponderings

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My Girls, My Window
I wrote my record in this room...

It’s been five years since I put out a new record.  I can really only tell that it’s been that long when I realize that I go to the salon to color my hair twice as often.  I blame the gray on Star Tomorrow, that David Foster/ NBC show…Fall 2006.  Some people say that what you eat ages you, having children (I think it’s the opposite- having kids brings back a youthful perspective, a renewed sense of wonderment), smoking (don’t do it), drinking (ok, I need my Mommy Juice sometimes)…NO, it’s reality TV. Which brings me to another point that I want to discuss.  I don’t make music to be famous.  I don’t make music to become a millionaire (although pre-school is freakin’ expensive as are kids’ shoes, so I wouldn’t mind the extra cash).  I don’t make music because I want to be on a reality show (I only know who KK is because I read trashy mags when I go to the aforementioned salon). I make music because I have to.  Because if I didn’t, my family couldn’t afford the therapy. Music moves, motivates, transcends, and heals me.

Although I haven’t been singing for you a lot in the past five years, I’ve been singing daily to my twin daughters Perry and Jette for the last 2 years, 8 months and counting. They truly are my biggest fans and admittedly, picked out the first song on my new CD. So if you hate the opening choice, blame it on them.

The years since Wobble with the World (2007) were filled with life changing events:  My tour across continents to visit our troops, my marriage to Chip, the loss of his mother, my battle with fertility and the ultimate blessing of my twin daughters, letting go of my career, and at times myself, to raise my children, and a dive into the depths of myself to figure out why I’m here, what I have to offer, and how I can continue to better myself as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, singer, songwriter…human. Writing Every Rise and Fall was at times painful, but in the end, I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I started it during a bout of depression but find myself now, happier and more fulfilled than I have ever been. So if ultimately, that’s all that it manifests, the record is already a success. However, if you can find a piece of yourself within my new music, I will be most honored.  Thank you for listening.

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River (Written by Joni Mitchell) <—Click here to listen to my cover of this amazing song.  XO

Happy Holidays and New CD Update!

For those of you who became Angels and pre-ordered, your patience is saint-like. I am ALMOST done. I had a photo shoot yesterday and last night, finished my vocals. Except for a missing cello part on one tune, my songs are being mixed as I type. I know that Dave Darling (my amazing produce/mentor) wants to get all of the final mixes submitted by the end of the year. Next steps are mastering, packaging and manufacturing. Should be a busy January trying to tie together all of the loose ends. I am so proud of what we’ve done so far and as soon as we launch more new website, I can have a secret back door to a listening room where Angels and those who have pre-ordered can preview the new tunes. (YES, there is still time to grab your wings and/or pre-order – See “Calling All Angels” Pnut’s Ponderings entry for details!)

And now a few announcements 🙂 1. The TITLE (drumroll) is… Every Rise and Fall. This comes from a line in the song “One Part Love” which I wrote for my daughters. It refers to the rise of fall of their bodies as they breathe. Ever since they were born, I look for the rise and fall as they sleep to make sure they are alive! 2. The songs not in any order are: Turning into You, Human, Grow Up, One Part Love, Disease, Soul Quake, Quiet Things, For Granted, Wonderful, 405, Dear Joan. 3. You rock.

I’m staring out my window down Hollywood Blvd, and I see the tree lit up on top of Capitol Records. The sunset tonight was gorgeous ~ this is my favorite time of year. I’m much more of a sweater/scarf/jeans/boots girl than a bikini/puka shell/sarong/flip flop gal. We celebrate everything in our household. Our tree was up and decorated the night before Thanksgiving and we have a giant sized Frosty the Snow Man and Santa on our deck. We lit our first Hanukkah candles tonight and are on our best behavior since Bartle, Santa’s “Elf on a Shelf” has been mysteriously moving throughout our home watching our every move. He’s in cahoots with Mrs. Latke the Hanukkah Fairy (my invention). In this economy, Mrs. Latke and Santa are going in together on the gift giving, and Bartle tells all the nice and naughty reports to Baby Noodle Kugel (another one of my inventions) who works for Mrs. Latke. This will never win me Mother of the Year but so far, this tactic is working with my daughters Jette and Perry, now 2.5 years old.

I wish you the happiest, merriest, loveliest of whatever you choose to celebrate. I embrace the hope that comes with any fresh start and look forward to 2012, especially since I feel like I’m starting all over again musically after such a long hiatus. With tons of love and appreciation for having you in my corner, all my best for the New Year.

xo
pnut

PS:  Paul and I recorded “River” in one night on a whim- it’s our holiday gift to you.  So many of you have been asking for a holiday CD and maybe we’ll get around to it next year. 

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Deep Breath. I’m Ready.

***Calling All Angels***

Most of you know that my cd’s have been fan funded since Angels & Demons. It’s because of YOU that I have been able to continue to make music, so I guess I have to credit my friends and fans for keeping me sane all these years. Yeah, you’ve funded my version of therapy. I’ve been 110% committed to being Mommy for the last 2 years and although my commitment doesn’t wane, I am reclaiming Cindy Alexander (besides being “Jette and Perry’s Mommy”). I’ve always strived for balance in my life, but I just have a few more things to balance these days. Since life is more expensive with a family AND a babysitter to support while I’m in the studio, I am once again reaching out for assistance in continuing to live my dreams. I’ve been a fountain of creativity recently so I’m heading into the studio TONIGHT with Dave Darling to lay the ground work on the new record. If you’re inclined, here are some ways you can participate in OUR (yes, you are included if you want to be!) project:

$15 – Pre-order the new CD and receive free downloads and access to exclusive versions of new tunes as I progress. I will also keep you up to date with sneak peak videos from the studio. You will be the first to receive the autographed CD off the press.

$100 – All of the above downloads and sneak peaks, PLUS – You will receive 5 autographed copies of the first printing of the new CD, 2 tickets to the CD release party, and a mention in the liner notes as my ANGEL.

$250 – In addition to the downloads and sneak peaks, you will receive 10 autographed copies of the first printing of the new CD, 4 tickets to the CD release party AND a special swag bag with a T-shirt, guitar picks and home made cookies. And of course you’re an ANGEL.

$350 – You get all of the above AND a personal skype/video chat serenade at a mutually agreed upon time.

$500 – You will receive all of the above AND instead of a skype serenade, you can hang out with me in the studio during a recording session.

$1,000 – You will receive all of the above AND appear on the CD ~ yes, we’ll find something for you to play even if you are not a musician (with proper credit in liner notes).

$1,500 – All of the above AND you have the honor of shaving my producer’s head (Dave Darling needs a hair cut) or wax his legs – your choice.

$2,500 – (only 1 available) Not only will you be featured somewhere on the CD (with proper credit in liner notes) and receive all the goodies above, you will also receive my personally owned Ernie Ball Music Man electric guitar – Lipstick Red with white pearl inlay, the Silhouette Special. It’s in mint, pristine condition and was played on stage by me at the world famous Troubadour. It was the night my guitar player (only used him once) knocked me off stage by smacking me in the butt with HIS guitar. A night to forget.

$5,000 – A private acoustic house concert for you anywhere in the USA (I’m sorry to my overseas buddies – it’s just too much to fly these days!!!), autographed cd’s for all of your guests, and credit in the liner notes as EXECUTIVE ANGEL. This event would occur after the release of the new CD at a mutually agreed upon time. You will also receive the above mentioned swag bag and goodies, and tickets to the CD release party. You will also have privileges to attend any recording session of your choice and we can arrange video chat if you’re not in town so you can see what’s happening!

Feel free to get creative and offer up another package – I’m game.

HOW TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE ABOVE PACKAGES:

Paypal pnutsings@aol.com and please include your name, mailing address, email and telephone number. OR preferably, you can send this information and a check or money order to:

Cindy Alexander c/o JamCat Records
2658 Griffith Park Boulevard
#829
Los Angeles, CA 90039-2520

With my deepest gratitude for your continued support,
xo
pnut