Ponderings

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“Only dead people never get stressed, never get broken hearts, never experience the disappointment that comes with failure …”
Tough emotions are part of our contract with life.
You don’t get to have a meaningful career, or raise a family, or leave the world a better place without stress and discomfort. Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.”

-Dr. Susan David

Each time a CD is released (and “Nowhere to Hide” is my 9th, or 10th if you count the Christmas is Here EP which was digital only), I go through a post partum depression of sorts. There is a huge build up during the months preceding the creative “birth,” and then after first week sales and the CD release party, the powers that be are onto the NEXT (unless of course, you’re on the top of the charts or get some big “break”). No artist can depend on the industry’s notoriously fickle adoration. For the artist, once the record comes out, the work has just begun to keep the project relevant. We virtually tour on social media, and we physically hit the road playing shows to say “look at my baby!” These days it’s “Ok, so you don’t own a cd player and you play me on Spotify. I get it. So how ‘bout a t-shirt? Or a show ticket? A cookie?” Having been in the music business professionally for over 20 years, I can honestly say that it’s harder than it’s ever been. But at the same time, the playing field is wide open if you’re willing to do the work. The HARD work, the never ending work. And it’s not for the faint of heart, or ego.

This is a typical scenario: The Entertainment Industry holds your favorite treat of all time in front of your nose. And each time you (the artist) get closer, the treat is pulled back just slightly. They lure you in, closer and closer and closer. As soon as you taste the treat, they grab your soul. When they’re done with your soul, they hand you back only an ego that has been tread on by their own. It’s uncomfortable, it hurts, and it’s heartbreaking. Artist then searches for their soul to reclaim. The industry is not pure evil. I’ve truly met some of the greatest people I’ve been blessed to encounter. But the bad eggs are, well… disappointing.

As an artist, I must remember that I do not serve the Industry – I serve those who have made my music part of the soundtrack of their lives. Yes, an artist needs to monetize in order to keep serving. We need to monetize to feed families, stay healthy and take care of ourselves and each other. But, I don’t do this for the money, I do it because I HAVE to.

This life I’ve chosen as an artist – it’s a Calling. I write songs and sing because if I didn’t, I’d emotionally and physically, spontaneously combust. I can hear my husband reading over my shoulder saying “You’re a Drama Queen. “ Yeah, but you wouldn’t have me any other way! And this crazy play is my Life, and I thank G-d that you’re all a part of it.

“Are you along for the ride, or just here for the song? ‘Cause I’m here for it all.” – Cindy Alexander
(From the song “Passenger” on Nowhere to Hide)

I’ve been writing a lot over the past few weeks, and if you join me on Instagram @pnutsings, you’ll find that I’m writing songs in front of you. You’ll read lyrics in process and experience my mind working through life and images and turning them into song. Hope to connect with you there- I enjoy watching everyone’s posts and what images captivate YOU.

I am not fighting the future – Spotify is here to stay and I’ve started making playlists and discovering new music. I’ve got you covered if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day OR Single’s Awareness Day.  If you use the platform, PLEASE follow my artist page.  My label will be happy.  Yes really!  Blue Élan Records has found some benefit to the platform’s  “discoverability” element.

In other news, I’m adding tour dates constantly and I’ve planned an online concert for 3/11. If you post a picture of yourself on your socials with some CA Nowhere to Hide merch/swag and the hashtags #nowheretohide #cindyalexander, we’ll find you and send you the invite/password to attend. We’ll draw a name out of the invitees to choose the set list! If you don’t want to use your own image, get creative like Daniel Molinares – the pic he posted with Elvis makes me smile every time I see it.

And now, I’m turning off the phone and the computer and going for a hike. Nature is my temple. And sometimes, as much as I crave connection, I need space. Do you ever go off the grid? And if you do, where do you go and how do you quiet your mind?

Thanks for reading Please stay in touch ~ I love hearing from you. Hope to sing for you in person soon!

XO
Cindy

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Fidgeting with festive wrapping, I find people struggling to cope. Beneath the mistletoe, I see heartbreak. Illumined by the candles, I witness a world that wants to be more than it is at this moment. I don’t write this because I’m unhappy. I write this because I’m empathetic. I can’t help but me moved by the suffering I see around me, and the absolute line in the sand that’s been drawn between political sides, races and religions. It is my hope and prayer over the next few weeks, and in the New Year, that introspection allows us to commit to lovingly embrace our common humanity and this beautiful earth we are so blessed to inhabit. I am eternally grateful for my family and friends, and the heavenly gift of music that moves me, and moves through me, in darker times….. it saves me. Thank you to all of you who have made my music, your music. I’m truly honored.

I’m looking forward to sharing “Nowhere to Hide” with you on January 5th, when it’s released worldwide. 2018 Tour is in the works, so please check the schedule regularly as new dates are being added. Hope to see you on the road!

With love and my best wishes for the Holidays & New Year,
Cindy

PS:  On December 11, I spent the day in the studio with my Blue Élan family recording a beautiful Christmas song by Gina Sicilia called “Shine Down On Us” to benefit the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and their efforts to help thousands of foster children.  Every stream or purchase helps the Alliance because Blue Élan Records is donating 100% of the profits.  Here’s a video from our day in the studio – please share!  https://youtu.be/4b4h5pUnHGE

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I have a new musical baby…

“Nowhere to Hide” is a stripped down, acoustic record. It was the first time that no one told me how to play, or how to sing. I was only told to stop thinking so much and just “do it.” And almost every time I wanted to fix something, I was told “No.”

The idea of this record originated from Kirk Pasich, founder and President of Blue Élan Records. He wanted to capture the raw, emotional connection of my acoustic performances that he’d been watching on stage for many years. The focus was to be on 1. me as an artist and 2. the songs, and not on production. Nowhere to Hide became a concept – the record was recorded live in single takes, where we played together in the same room. The only instruments involved were voices, a grand piano, acoustic guitars and dobro. Kirk set the stage, and allowed the musicians to do what we do best in an environment without restraints. Kirk was seeking the beauty of imperfection, not a slick production. Without a click track, the songs ebb and flow with emotion and honesty, and the push and pull of heartstrings.

There was a lot of love in the room. Everyone involved in this record is a friend, and is special to me. The relationships span the entirety of my career – from my first writing partner/band mate Paul Trudeau to my latest writing partner/producer Colin Devlin. To mix my past and present together in one room was a rare opportunity. Paul and Colin cover most of the tracks instrumentally and vocally, and we sprinkled the collection with appearances by my first producer, mentor and writing partner, Dave Darling, label mate superstar Janiva Magness, my touring sidekick and duo partner Ali Handal, my long time band mate Tina Trevino, my Blue Élan sister Scout Durwood, Randy Ray Mitchell – who I met when I first came on the scene and has played in my band over the years, Bernie Barlowe – who has graced some of my previous records with her gorgeous back up vocals, and a brand new musical collaborator, pianist Tyler Cash.

The songs were curated by Kirk in order to cover the span of my career. You’ll hear some of old favorites from my catalogue, a few new tunes, and two covers which were suggested by fans on Facebook!

I recorded “Nowhere to Hide” summer 2017 at Clear Lake Audio and Fever Studios, with owner/engineer Eric Milos at the helm. I met Eric when I recorded Deep Waters at his studio and felt so strongly about his work ethic and talent, that I insisted he be involved. For the final sonic touches, we turned to Grammy nominated mastering engineer Emily Lazar.

“Nowhere to Hide” will be released worldwide on January 5, 2018! However, pre-orders start Tuesday September 19th and come with immediate delivery of FOUR tracks – 1 from the record, and 3 bonus tracks unavailable anywhere else. Everyone who pre-orders will receive their goodies just before Christmas.

Can’t wait to share this very special record with you…. I’ll be handing you my heart.