I’ve taken the leap…. over to Patreon!  As of February 1, 2019, I’ve established a new cyber corner for the Pnut Gallery, my most loyal fans and friends!

After experiencing the peaks and valleys of the music business as an indie artist for over 20 years (I’ve played garages and dive bars to swanky civic centers and international festivals, been my own manager, been represented by the largest agency in the world and then dumped, won a reality show and a record contract, ripped up said contract, traveled the world, and made the best of friends who make up my musical family…) I still put my heart and my hopes in music. Making music is part of my life’s purpose. I am an Artist. My career has been, and always will be, propelled by my fans. I make music for YOU (and to heal and keep myself relatively sane). The connection I have with you, the listener, is an essential part of my experience – it’s the magic, the energy, the reason I get on stage. When my songs become YOUR songs, I feel so fulfilled. It’s my job, and my honor, to contribute to your life’s soundtrack.

“So WHY PATREON?” In the ever changing music business which seems to de-value our work at every turn, I admire this platform’s commitment to recognizing effort at so many levels that goes into creating art. Unfortunately, cd sales and downloads are at an all time low (and declining), and streaming sites like Spotify pay paltry royalty rates. In order to tour and continue to create more content – cd’s, videos, blogs, etc., plus hire the photographers, promoters, musicians, engineers, editors, not to mention babysitters… I need to create a monthly income. I also like the idea of not being restricted to the type of content I can provide. I can branch out ~ did you know I like to paint? Maybe poetry that stands alone from music… Maybe a book someday! And what about those side projects …I have a LOT to share with you! And I want to do it exclusively, and directly.  I am also blogging much more regularly on that platform, and enjoying the long form/ no holes barred expression with the opportunity for feedback and conversation.

“BUT WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?” Oh so much! I am excited to create exclusive material that will ONLY be available to my patrons: bonus recordings, access to my demos, behind the scenes videos and live streams, members-only merch, discounts, blog posts, VIP Experiences, AND I intend on writing and making my new records in front of you! Yep, I’ll be testing out new material and inviting you to witness meetings and recording sessions. Blue Élan only releases a select number of songs from the pool that I create. You get to hear songs that may never make it onto a record. And I value YOUR input! You’ll hear all the material FIRST, before it’s released to the general public.

Whether or not you choose to join me on Patreon (www.patreon.com/cindyalexander), I am beyond grateful that you even take the time to visit my website and read this post.  I know there are so many platforms, and so many artists vying for your attention. It is my intention to create something worthy of your participation: a deeper personal connection, a community of like minded music fans, and an exclusive all-access pass to my creative and personal journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

XO Cindy aka Pnut

Seth and Tony Door Art

Over the summer, I performed for Seth & Tony’s House Concert series.   Not only did I enjoy L.A.’s finest taco cart and eat cake with my picture on it,  I made some new friends in a community that enjoys and supports independent live music.  When I heard that Kevin Fisher was going to be entertaining at the next concert, I quickly bought a ticket.

Let’s backtrack….  Before I played my first show back in the 90’s, I used to hang out at Genghis Cohen on Fairfax Avenue and learn by watching L.A.’s finest singer-songwriters.  Some of my favorites were Vonda Shepard (whom I’ve opened for several times over the last 20 years), Dan Bern, Danny Peck, Kevin Montgomery (who became a dear friend) and Naked to the World.  Kevin Fisher was the lead singer and songwriter of Naked to the World, and to this day, some of his songs are indelibly stuck in my brain.  We orbited in the same circles but never really connected until the night I went to his show at Seth & Tony’s.  As I remembered, his songs were poignant, funny and super smart.  We chatted after the show and made a date to try to co-write a holiday tune.  I had it in my head that I wanted to have something to release before the end of the year for my fans.

My first co-write with Kevin yielded the tune “Christmas in the Ordinary.”  It came fast and easily, and we decided to keep going!  In a p-nutshell, Kevin and I share similar backgrounds and values, and swim in the same head space.  On a whim, we created a side duo project and we’ve dubbed ourselves…. The Humming Bards.  Our first collaboration is a completely fan funded holiday EP called “Holy Common Ground.”   It’s a collection of songs for Everyone- “whatever you believe, whatever road you’re on.”    I hope you get a chance to listen to it!  The EP releases November 16th on my own JamCat Records.  There are only a few limited edition, autographed physical copies available in my store, but you can also download it from iTunes on 11/16.

Art by Lynanne Petroff (Please visit her page, Lynanne’s Creations on Facebook)

We’d like The Humming Bards facebook page to be a community that fosters and inspires creativity.  We were so touched when the gifted Lynanne Petroff  (@LynannePetroff) posted her artwork inspired by one of our online concerts.   (If you’ve never checked out my live Concert Window broadcasts, please do!  Be sure to register so you can participate in the live chats.  Most shows are free or “pay what you can. www.concertwindow.com/cindyalexander.  Next show is December 2, 2018.)

Kevin and I are scheduling house concerts for 2019.  We will be performing our own material plus the new songs we’ve written (and continue to write) for The Humming Bards.   Please email me (cindy@cindyalexander.com) if you are interested in hosting!

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season ahead. With much love and gratitude,

Cindy aka pnut

Our new EP! Available November 16, 2018

What a painter….

I have something very special to share with you. NEW MUSIC! I’ve always written music for YOU – with the thought that when the songs resonate and become yours, my mission is accomplished. However, I realize that my mission is never over. I recently wrote a song that I believe was meant for ME. Words I needed to hear, a melody that spoke to me from within…

Sometimes it takes a while to craft a song, and find just the right word and musical riff. Sometimes, songs are written through me, like this one. “My Favorite Artist” poured out in less than 5 minutes. I didn’t change a thing. In that spirit, it was recorded in one take. To keep it personal, it was recorded in my home by my husband, Chip, with some musical help by one of my best friends, Paul Trudeau. Produced by the three of us, I am beyond grateful for this song and experience. Huge thanks to my label mate, the amazing Rusty Young (POCO) for playing pedal steel that elevates the song and makes it even more special.

I hope you enjoy it and take it to heart. Please share it if you do!

 

G-d’s my favorite artist
‘Cause She’s got so much damn soul
Can’t try to imitate Her
I would never, ever be that bold

But I know She gave something
From the well within me it pours
I’d give all away for nothing
So come get what you came for

Come get what you came for

I talk a real good story
But I don’t know what the hell I talk about
I’m just shooting from hip of glory
Making art is making love that knows no bounds
Yeah making art – is making love

Come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Just take it – take it all – I can make more
Come get what you came for

Don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow
Chances are, I’ll be gone
But I’m here now – with you – for a reason
And you’re leaning in for something like a song

So come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Just take it – baby I can make more
Come get what you came for

G-d’s my favorite artist
G-d’s my favorite

Come get what you came for
Come get what you came for
Come on …..

Copyright 2018 Cindy Alexander/ JamCat Publishing

Inspiration