My BLAB...er, Blog
October 21, 2008
I had this online interview today ...and i figured since I had to write out all the answers, it would serve as a good blog chocked full of pertinent info for folks...enjoy!
Cherrygrrl.com Interview with Michelle Malone
Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How and when did you first get involved with music?
Michelle Malone (MM): when I was a kid in church I sang in the choir with my mom who is also musician – she married a minister of music who is also a drummer
CG: What is your favorite part about being a musician?
MM: performing live
CG: What inspires your lyrics?
MM: life!
CG: Who do you consider to be your musical influences?
MM: everyone from Billie Holiday to Memphis Minnie to Led Zeppelin
CG: You have worked with and shared the stage with many great musicians in your career so far. Who, for you, have been the most rewarding to play with?
MM: They’ve all been great! I think EmmyLou Harris changed the way I see the business. She was extremely giving of her time and her talent to me, and that made a great impression on me. It made me realize that this was more than a job, that I am here to help others, to set an example, and to be a friend to all! Of course, the Indigo Girls set that example, too. They set the bar extremely high in every aspect. They have been my good friends since we were in college. They taught me the ropes. I’ve enjoyed touring, writing and recording with them over the years. It’s hard to separate my career from theirs, because we’ve worked together so much. They are part of the quilt of my life. It’s also been fun watching John Mayer become a superstar – we used to hang out and play together in and around Atlanta when he was barely old enough to be in the bar. He was extremely talented even then. I would let him sit in with my band anytime he wanted, because he was so inspiring and could play anything.
CG: What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
MM: being on the Grammy Ballot for Best Contemporary Blues Album
CG: You have a large lesbian fan following. How does that affect you as an artist?
MM: see below
CG: Are there certain areas of the country that you play in that bring out more of the grrls than others and if so how do you shows differ because of that?
MM: no, the grrls are everywhere. I like to think of my audiences as one large family of music lovers from all walks of life. I don’t like to think of humanity as divided by differences, especially when they all come together fro a common reason – like music. Music defiantly brings people together and for that reason is incredibly powerful When I see factions of people divided, I want to bring them together, and I always want my audiences to have a good time a nd forget all their troubles for an hour or two. So I don’t change according to the audience or the geographic location or the venue or for any reason. I do what I do because of who I am, not because of who others are. Who is in the audience or who buys my records doesn’t change who I am or what I do.
CG: What has been the most difficult aspect of succeeding in the music industry for you?
MM: I have to tour a lot. Touring is incredibly taxing physically, mentally, and on the home front. It’s not reality. It’s life in a bubble that’s all about me, which is boring and ridiculous!
CG: Are you currently working on a new album and if so how will this one be different from your last release?
MM: My new CD is called Debris. It will be out in the Spring of 2009. It’s a roots rock record with blues influence, like my last several records have been. This one, however, is more electric, but still has a nice bed of acoustic under the whole thing.
CG: As someone with a lot of experience in and great success with the music industry, what would your advice be to an aspiring artist?
MM: Enjoy where you are at the moment instead of always wishing you were somewhere else like a better gig or a bigger van or a nicer hotel. Be nice to everyone – especially the sound person! Don’t let others opinions change who you are, but take constructive criticism into consideration. In and of itself, fleeting things like fame and fortune don’t mean a thing. Relationships trump everything. Be good to your friends. Value your family even if you disagree on almost everything. Don’t sell your CD masters unless the pay off has at least 6 figures. Whatever you do, don’t go on a reality game show. There is no substitute for hard work and experience.
CG: You are currently on tour. Do you enjoy being on the road?
MM: see above
CG: If you weren’t a musician what do you think you would be doing?
MM: Surgery
September 14-18, 2008
Durham and everywhere
What a wacky week! Weird and wonderful doesn't really begin to describe the roller coaster ride that we've been on. It's been a variety pack of assorted flavors of venues and gigs. We, me and my tour manager Susan Alzner, my travel companion and friend since the Band de Soleil era, began our trip last week September 12 in Durham NC at St Phillips Episcopal Church's folk concert series. I didnt know what to expect. I mean, I havent sang at a church since I was a kid in the choir, much less played a show at one! And people, I had some serious scars leftover from those days. Needless to say, i had a little intrepidation. My good friend Rebekah Radisch got me the gig. She also brought the minister into my dressing room to meet me while I was still pulling up my jeans, but that's another blog. Long story short - it was a GREAT GIG! I felt welcome, appreciated, respected, and part of something bigger. I didnt feel jusdged or damned or anything negative. You could have knocked me over with a hymnal. Seriously. It was a warm and fuzzy. I cant wait to go back. Shoot - I want to play more churches! Everything about it was great. It was an early show. It was smoke free. People listened intently, AND bought CDs. They even provided a nursery for parents! And the kicker- Half the proceeds from the night went to a shelter, so we all did something to feel good about. Did i mention that they also sold beer and wine? Cool church! It was healing experience. I hope to play more of these concerts.
Then i got whiplash from the next gig. On Sept 13, we drove to Cheapeake Bay to play a groovy little tiki bar on the water. Picture me at 5pm in a corner of an outdoor patio bar with a bright pink plastic palm tree for a backdrop. Now add the cast of desperate houswives. Not my usual crowd. At the table next to my stage "area" there was a teary eyed and angry not-wedding party. Something didnt work out, and the wedding had been cancelled a few hours before. There was alot of crying and hugging and drinking of fruity things with umbrella's protruding from them. I was asked to turn it down (I was solo acoustic already) - they couldnt hear themselves talk. I get it. They had alot to discuss. I was background music and they were the headliners. Besides, I dont know any Jimmy Buffett. I did play Brand New Dream for not-bride's not-groom. Still, next time, i'll proba bly take the band to that place.
On a positive note, I did get to meet my agents dad, Brian, an extremely nice bachelor with a pension for fast cars and faster boats. He took me for a ride in his black 1937 Chevy street hot rod. Bad to the bone. He built it himself. Even better. Note: all the food in his cabinets were alphabetized. The man is more organized than Kroger (or insert your local supermarket name here)
Sept 14 - On to Puck Live in Doylestown, PA - a newish listening room with professional sound and lights and wonderfully warm people. I took song orders from the audience and played everything they wanted. I played 6 frickin' encores. We had such a good time, that i played them my new CD when the show was over. I cant wait to go back there.
Sept 15 - A fun little Monday night gig at Brooklyn Tea and Coffee House in Providence, RI. Steph Hayes played a sweet opening set after we had a Thai dinner with the promoter and guitarist from Forever Young - a Neil Young tribute band (COOL!) John Fuzek. Great guy. He booked and promoted the gig, brought his own PA and ran sound - AND bought dinner. We need more guys like that in the world.
Sept 16 - Bennington, VT - South Street Cafe - another cute coffee house and wonderfully kind promoter, Heather Babcock, who had brought me to perform at Bennington college 8 or 10 years before. We ate at Gromley's where Carmen made me do shots - ok, one shot. I could tell right away that she was a trouble maker, so I drank the shot fearing for my well being. Karen Grenier played a great set before me. After the show, I hung out with some old friends from Santa Fe who I hadnt seen in 10 years. I love this tour! Note: Carmen's the life of the party AND a nice lady who's good natured and let me pick on her throughout the show - i knew she could take it. Thanks, Carmen!
Sept 17 - Portland, Maine - Space with Melissa Ferrick - What can I say? I love Space. Space is great. The place was packed. I had a great show and made some new fans. Ferrick's show was great. We talked in the dressing room before the show about maybe playing some shows in FL together and hanging seaside for a few days. Brilliant.
Sept 18 - Waterford, CT - Treystock - 2nd Annual!! Treystock is a house party that we played last year. We had such a nice time, they asked me back - wahoo!! I rate!! Tobi the dog was there again, too, along with Maggie, the20pig dog. I ate deviled eggs and evil brownies - the kind that are perfecly crusty on the edges and soft in the middle. We were having the party outside on the patio, and it got really cold, so we went in and sang a few more before we hit the road - I didnt realize that I knew so many cover songs! Thanks for singing, ya'll! Thanks, Laurie, for a great time and for letting me leave ya all my recycling.
Stay tuned for another exciting installment of this Love Roller Coaster Tour...i hae GOT to go to sleep....zzzzz
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Hi there! Today is Sunday...sunny Sunday. I'm sitting at my little metal kitchen table listening to my cat Merle devour a can of Friskies. I've been procrastinating for a month thinking that as soon as I write my tour letter, i'll have to hit the road...and I was ri ght! HA HA! I hope you're well. I hope you feel good all the time, inside and out! My blues have blown away since the sun finally surfaced again. I guess i've been so preoccupied this summer, that it really got away from me! I guess my dad was right...time goes by quicker the older you get...maybe because we're all so busy. Speaking of busy... I've been very busy the last few months recording and mixing my 10th CD. This CD means alot to me...i suppose they all do. I was lucky enough to get an amazing producer, Nick Di Dia, to make it with me. He's made alot of your favorite records! Many great musicians lent their time and talent to the project, too - Phil Skipper, Dave Anthony, Peter Stroud, Trish Land, Trina Meade, Jonny Daly, to name a few. We're all VERY proud and excited about it! I hope to have it out early next year. I'll post some songs before then. I'm actually in the process of making it possible for you to download my music directly from my website! That way, you will have a choice where to shop for your mp3's, and I can put more gas in the van! POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Until then.... The shows in September will be just lil' ol' me alone on the stage in a very intimate setting. It's nice for me to play solo sometimes. They sound so different solo! And I get to play songs that i wouldn't normally play with a band. I like to strip them down, one on one, and have my way with them...I digress...
The October run is with a newish band that will feature Phil Skipper, Scott Freeman, and Scott Callison. We'll be rockin' all the Malone songs you know and love plus some from the new CD, too. It shall rock and be full-figured and beautiful. We will leave you wanting for nothing!
AND if that's not enough...me and DRAG THE RIVER will be playing 2 shows in early October!!! We had so much fun at our big reunion last Dec, that we decided we HAD to do it some more! There will be a night time over 21 show in Athens, and then an all ages festival show...so no excuses! Come relive your childhood...and mine, too!!! HA HA HA HA! Come spend the night with me, Jonny Daly, Phil Skipper, and Billy Pitts!
FUN NEW WEB PAGES! The Rubber Buddha is my hobby...and now he's got his own webpage!! There are lots of HILARIOUS photo's guaranteed to make you laugh your___ off! Visit here and enjoy a smile on me! www.myspace.com/TheRubberBuddha
While you're at it, you can visit my new Facebook page...I like Facebook ALOT... maybe that's 'cause it's new to me...and it seems a bit more business oriented...Visit me here and be my friend! www.facebook.com/people/Michelle_Malone/727606203
and here, too! www.myspace.com/michellemalonemusic
BACK TO SCHOOL Website SALE!!!!
Get some great Michelle Malone music at a REALLY low price! There are some great deals at the website right now...$5 CD's...$10 T's...and free CD with purchase...while supplies last...
HOUSE CONCERTS AND PARTIES! I want to perform at your house! I consider it an honor to be invited into your home to play for you and your friends and family. And it's soooo fun for everyone! We are booking a lot of house concerts (public and private), parties, anniversary and birthday shindigs, etc. Email me and I'll come play for you in the comfort of your own home! Let's book a show at YOUR house soon - I am booking into 2009, so write me NOW at michelle@michellemalone.com about your celebration!
AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL
I am so very grateful for all your support.
You make it possible for me to do what I love...and I love you for it!
FYI...Did you know that when you burn a n independent artists CD, you take food off a table and gas from a tank that usually has to drive hundreds of miles to bring the music to you in your town? And you know how crazy expensive gas is these days....We need your support more now than ever!
Music is the gift that keeps on giving! Please continue to help all independent artists everywhere by purchasing (not burning) our CD's. You can listen to that $15 CD for the rest of your life - a few bucks more than going to a movie - WHAT A DEAL!!!
Thanks for your compassion and support.
I love ya!
Michelle Malone
michelle@ michellemalone.com
Saturday, June 07, 2008
|
24 Hours
in Mississippi - Michelle Malone
24
hours in M
June 5 - June 6, 2008... I'm
touring the south with the Wood Brothers, which is great and
awesome and all that... LOVE those guys…uber talented AND nice
to boot…last night we played in Jackson MS at Hal's and Mal's…a
full house and a good sound system with a great and gracious
soundman Chuck (or Chuckeepoo, as the ladies seemed to call
him)…people talked through my solo acoustic set…I figure
they're just kinda ignorant in the way that they just don't know
what they're missing…I wish I had my band, but I cant have
them on this tour…and I'm not in solo mode, having just
recorded our CD…which is all beside the point. The show is
barely a blip on the screen of life. It's not that it's easy or
hard or fun even unpleasant ..it's that it's otherwise just a
strange and oddly eventful 24 hours in Missippi.
|
awake
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
|
Making
the new record
Today is tuesday....no....wednesday....no....damn! It's like a casino in here! No windows...no clocks...just buttons, bells, whistles and a bazillion guitars!! WAHOOO!!! I think I hit the jackpot ;-) We started recording May 4th...Nick Didia is producing...he's changed the way I feel about recording - it used to feel like going to the dentist...now it's like going to a creative party...and he's making my little songs sound ridiculously amazing. I think he has a magic wand in there...but I aint seen it yet.... I am sooo excited! This is my 10th record...and what a nice number it is! So we're well into the thick of it...deep in the swamplands of tracking...in Atlanta at Avatar Lee King Studios...(say it out loud.... and fast)...so far, it's been the best recording experience of my career and my favorite studio...and that's saying something! Plus we seem to know everyone here...and they drop by the studio to say hi and check out what we're doing and play a song or Call of Duty...drink a beer...have a glass o wine...or an Alon's chocolate chip cookie....THE best ever. Back to business...Dave and Phil have been tracking basics laying down their parts and they make it sound so easy.....because they are SMOKIN!!! I mean, you will be impressed...Even I'm frickin' impressed, and I already know how talented they are...though one of them keeps leaving the toilet seat up...harumph!! Peter Stroud came by Saturday and played on a bunch of tracks before heading out to London to play the Royal Albert Hall...not too shabby a gig, eh? Nobody deserves it more! We all know how amazing he is, right? And sweet, kind, and easy going....GREAT person, that boy! Tony Reyes (extraordinary musician who played bass on a few Sugarfoot tracks) dropped in to play some keyboards and various and sundry instruments...the guy is stupid talented! He plays everything and sings like a bird. Really. And so generous with his time...we love him! Anyway....I've been singing my ass off...and playing ALOT of cool sloppy guitar...lots of 12 string and whatever else is laying around...guns galore..."what'll ya have for this part of this song? A Martin, a Gibson, Fender, Supro, Silvertone, Hagstrom, Taylor.... It's like a guitar porn show here!!! What I'm trying to say is...this is fun and easy like having your best friends over for dinner...a great bottle of vintage wine, the perfect meal followed by the best molten lava choclate cake....... How blessed can one little gal be? I am so grateful! AND Whole foods is practically across the street!! HEAVEN!!!! MM |
bouncy
Friday,
May 09, 2008 -
|
|
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!! Yup, that's
right...today is my day of birth...everybody has one...so why do we
make such a big deal out of it? Because we CAN!!!! WAHOOO!!! And
because there is cake (preferably chocolate..maybe death by...or
molten lava cake) and there is ice cream (chocolate Haagen
Daaz, please) and there are phone calls and cards (hoops and yo yo
always make me laugh) and presents in pretty packages and
SINGING!!! I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!! And my gift
to me? Well, we are already in the studio making a new record... And
it ROCKS....I am back in action. And it is goooooood! So today,
as I take a quick survey of my life...I realize, yet again, how
unbelievably blessed I am with good health (fingers crossed), GREAT
friends (and YOU are included in that group), a shrinking
yet ever-strengthening family (miss ya daddy, thanks for being a
good friend, mom), and new songs to sing....COME ON!!! Life is
sooooo sweet!!! What did I
ever do to deserve all this? I was
born. We all
deserve love and happiness. And all you have to do to get it is
decide to have it! Yup, that's right, it's a decision to have
it. And you can have all this and more! Look, if I can have it, you
can too! SO HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO US ALL!!! Can we have
cake now? xo, Michelle
|
3/6/08
Hey there!
I hope this letter find you warm, happy, healthy and ready for the spring. It's just around the corner. We've already started planting in the garden! I love the dirt.
We've been very busy already this year!! My first Guitar Workshop went off without a hitch. Thanks for planning it and having me, Richard and Walter. Are you practicing? My first Folk Alliance was a fun experience...met some nice folks and heard some great picking! And thank you, Rebecca, for having me play another fun-filled birthday party for you and your family and friends...this one was very romper room-esque with all those toddlers running around - VERY different from the last party!
Finally, thanks to everyone for such a fun time on the Indigo Girl Tour!!! We're coming back to see most of ya asap! And you folks in Bloomington, IL are AWESOME!!!! We can't wait to come back and see ya'll...after the thaw!
Me and the Banned are touring (in between diggin' in the yard) with some GREAT artists including Porter Davis out of Austin (loveporterdavis.com) and Garrison Starr out of Nashville (garrisonstarr.com) Check them out. You dont want to miss these shows, folks.
All the tour dates are below. We want to see YOU THERE! You help complete the circle - without you at the show, we would be very bored ;-) Please come out and have some fun with us!
Be sure to call the club or check myspace for good blogs and updates...anything can happen and often does...like last month when some of our Indigo Girl dates were canceled...sorry some of you made the drive for nothing....but everybody's feeling much better now! have you read my last blog "Niquil Soliloquy"?
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NEW SONG VIDEO
I'll start work on a new studio CD in May...until then, watch a video of a new song I wrote with Kristen and Cathy Henderson of Antigone Rising. It's about wanting to recapture your wild carefree youth...see it here:
myspace.com/michellemalonemusic
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NEW T SHIRTS AND STICKERS
There are cool new T's in all shapes and sizes (and free stickers with purchase!) for ya at michellemalone.com, as well as (drum roll, please) some fun new CD's...
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HOUSE CONCERTS AND PARTIES!
I want to perform at your house! I consider it an honor to be invited into your home to play for you and your friends and family. And it's soooo fun! We are booking a lot of house concerts (public and private), Lake parties, anniversary and birthday shindigs, etc. Email me and we'll come play for you in the comfort of your own home! Let's book a show at YOUR house soon - I am booking into October, so write me soon at SBSRecords@aol.com about your big shindig!
****************************************** AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL
I am so very grateful for all your love and support. You make it possible for us to do what we love...and we love you for it!
FYI...Did you know that when you burn an independent artists CD, you take food off a table and gas from a tank that usually has to drive hundreds of miles to bring the music to you in your town? And you know how crazy expensive gas is these days....we need your support more now than ever!
Music is the gift that keeps on giving! Please continue to help all independent artists everywhere by purchasing our CD's.
Thanks for your compassion and understanding.
We love ya!
Michelle Malone
Phil Skipper
Dave Anthony
Trish Land
2/20/08
NiQuil SililoQuy
Niquil has inspired me to blog...The flu finally caught up with me...the very last day of the tour...I guess I could have gotten it back when the Indigo's had to cancel all our shows due to flu, but that would have been too easy! My body has a way of knowing just when the tour is over and when it can finally succomb to illness. Well, goodie for me...sniff, sniff...cough, cough...glug, glug, glug
Blogging for me is like excercising or house work... i think about doing it alot, but i dont actually ever seem to get around to it. Isn't it the thought that counts? or was it the road to hell being paved with good intentions...only time will tell...glug, glug, glug
I feel slow and, well, very high...without the guilt...like a false high... nonetheless, a high, after all! YIPPEE!! Onward and upward!!!
Back to the blog at hand...must stay focused...
the IG tour went well, albeit short. Some of the canceled shows were not rescheduled...sorry ya'll...We met alot of nice people. The world is abounding with them, now that I'm one ;-) Funny how that works...like energy attracts like energy...we sold alot of CD's to kind music lovers and supporters who actually still support music by buying CDs. It's getting more and more rare...insert food for thought: when people stop buying music, independent bands like yours truly wont be able to afford to tour anymore. One CD sale puts a few gallons of gas in the tank, and at $3 a gallon, that means alot! How far do you live from my house in Alabama? Well, i guess you could always come see me here....maybe i'll open Moanin's chicken and waffles and have live music on the weekends...we have a major airport...and BYOB, ya'll.
I always love singing with the girls. It's like going home for me. It makes me really nervous, though...I never want to disappoint anyone, especially those who have done so much for me. So I try to do my homework. I realized while listening to about a zillion great songs of theirs on my ipod and trying to rehearse them in the van and dressing room that we've been singing together since 1986. Holy Crap! How many people have i even kept in touch with for 22 years?! Not many. Sure, our friendship has had its ups and downs, but we always seem to end up on a stage together somewhere singing and smiling our fool heads off...because we love it! And like family, you dont even remember how much you love them until you're with them again. Through the broken bones and broken hearts and broken guitars, we've somehow managed to remain friends.
After a decade or so, I developed a love/ hate thing with opening for them - that "always a brides maid, never a bride" thing. It actually had nothing to do with them and everything to do with my ego and what i thought i deserved. Well, the truth is, that I feel damn lucky to have such great and talented friends who continually show me such generosity. And, yes, it's true - I am a professional opening act! And, damnit, I'm good at it! Get me here! Film at 11! I'm grateful!!!
While trying to bone up on some of their older songs, I totally relived my dark and unhappy sordid past. If I chose to call it "colorful", exactly what color would it be, you ask? BLACK! I found myself in a replay of a sad old black and white film knowing what happens to the falling star next...I know who this song is about...I remember what she told me....this song reminds me of when my brother died or when her sister died...some things you wish you didnt have in common.
Some CD's I was better friends with Amy, some with Emily. I remember where we each lived, who we were dating, where we hung out, even what we wore. Then again, some CDs I was barely tethered to this earth and not much of a friend to anyone. Those were the lost years. Big deal! I have no guilt. Regardless of how lost I would get, I could always come home. Despite all my transgressions and transmutations over the years - time measured in CD's released - somehow I always end up on the stage singing with them. They are a part of my life's quilt as colorful as the patch pants I wore in 1990. Even through the estranged years, their friendship was always something I could count on. And their music is, of course, just as solid as they are - honest, real and consistent. You cant argue with time.
Most of my life i spent trying to figure "it" out. Punchline - there is no "it". dang! I laughed at the irony of my situation. I cried for that kid that wanted to be seen and heard oh so badly, but was secretly afraid for fear of being found an imposter. And then threw it all away...then beat myself up for it another decade! What a maroon! Unfortunately, I pretty much struggled with liking myself until recently. I know...i can hardly believe it. What a waste of time! I finally got it...are you ready? Here goes:
The YOU (insert your name here) that you are is the greatest asset you have to offer this world. It is important to be YOU. You're the best and only you there will ever be! I read somewhere that when you die, and you see your god, it won't say "Why weren't you a better Moses?" It will say "Why weren't you a better you?!"
I'll move on before i digress into some Seagull story...basically, I think somehow the IGs have always seen through my leather and egg shell exterior and patiently waited for me to come around. TAH -DUH! I'm ready for my close up. Mr. DeMille.
I have finally come to appreciate the whole enchilada in the most honest and purest since - without jealousy, guilt or any other human/egoic baggage.
Grace feels easy like breathing.
People tend to take air for granted.....
until they get the flu and cant breathe at all....
GLUG, GLUG, GLUG!!!
Thanks Niquil...and thank you Indigo's!
10/24/07
Hi there!
I hope this letter find you happy and healthy and ready for all the family, food and fun around the corner. Halloween? Bring on the Reeses Cups!!Thanksgiving? I am sooo ready for dressing and pumpkin AND pecan pie!!
and then...gulp...well, before you know it, 2008! WHEW! Where does the time go?! Another year gone and I didn't organize all those photos in that box! Bad dog!
I'm trying to stay in the moment, today...be here...here...not there...
Well, it's just a little hard to stay in the moment when there's so much to do, right? And so many great things are happening! I'll get right to it, cause I am sooooooo excited!!!
***************************************************
BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES GRAMMY
It's Grammy voting time! That's right folks - after 20 years of touring and recording, I finally made it on the Grammy ballot with my 9th CD, "Sugarfoot" - WAHOOOO!!!!!
HOWEVER, it's just the first of 3 rounds. PLEASE help spread the word to anyone and everyone who might be a voting member - your friend of a friend could be a voting Grammy member...you never know...so help a girl out by sending the good word on down the line to your friends - Let's win one for all the hard working independents!!
*****Remember votes have to be in by Wed NOV. 7th***
Field 13, Category 67, Best Contemporary Blues Album, 024
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GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE FEATURE NOV 07
I'm featured in the November issue of Guitar Player Magazine - they even put a full page photo of me on the table of contents page!!! I bought all the copies on the newstand to show my family....so you better get your copy before the November issues are all gone!
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NEW CD - "SUNSCREAM"
I have unearthed some live recordings with Band De Soleil circa 1994-95. The tracks are professionally recorded and mastered, and is the best of the best from the entire tour. It includes some great songs and inspired performances This is truly one of the BEST live recordings I've ever released, and I highly recommend it! Available only at michellemalone.com
11 songs including: Redemption Dream, Sword, Shadow On The Wall, Climb The Mountain, Teen Lament, Cortez The Killer (with Indigo Girls) , Theme song to The Jefferson's, Woman On The Floor, and more!
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MICHELLE MALONE AND DRAG THE RIVER REUNION!!!
Yup, that's right..the one, the only...the rag tag DTR are back for one show only! Jonny D, Phil Zone, and Billy Pitts - Our first show together since 1991 is Dec 30th, Eddies Attic
Get your tickets at eddiesattic.com
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HOUSE CONCERTS AND HOLIDAY PARTIES
I want to perform for your holiday parties and house concerts!
Let's book a show at YOUR house soon - I am already booking into next year, so when you're ready to have your big shindig, write me!
Want to know what it's like? visit myspace.com/michellemalonemusic to see video footage of Best Selling Author Joe Vitale playing harmonica with me at his house concert last week!
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I am so incredibly grateful for all your support -
Thank you so much,
Michelle Malone (Grammy Nominee) ;-)
10/16/07
Travel Blahg
Saturday I flew from Music city, to the home of the blues, to the live music capital of the world...that is from Nashville to Memphis to Austin. Sounds pretty glamorous, right? I watched a little tarmac tv, you know, little trains carrying luggage, guitars, boxes of flowers, and guns (!) out to the planes. I observed a gaggle of giggling Alabama cheerleaders, and I read an old Time magazine. Yes, the layover was lengthy, probably because It was the cheapest flight I could find.
Apart from window shopping in the Sun Studio airport gift shop (I wanted to buy a Jerry Lee Lewis CD, but they were sold out - did I want a $35 marble coaster instead? um, let me think...no, thank you) and having some righteous BBQ from a local chain restaurant, it was really a very ordinary travel day, exhausting and inconsequential. I like ordinary. It generally means no upsets, no canceled flights, no lost luggage or cracked guitars. I don't feel glamorous or special. I feel a little blurry-eyed, and I have little well deserved indigestion!
When I picked up my economy rental car, I found i had been awarded an electric blue Dodge Calibre with manual windows! Seriously! I didn't know that they still made manual windows in cars! They don't call it Budget for nothing. I suppose it could be considered a safety feature. There must be a large body of water nearby, and if I happen to drive into it, I can roll the windows down and swim away to safety. Priceline rescued me from total degradation, however, securing me a nice room at the Hilton by the airport for a pretty affordable price - yippee! I felt pretty special, like I had won a prize on a scratch off card, until I had to pay $14 to park the little blue bullet. The valet had to stand there and wait for me to roll the windows back up. It was NOT glamorous. It was a little embarrassing! Maybe we should just leave the "em" off of that word - it carries the same feeling - bare-assing. Breakfast was equally as expensive, but they can charge what they want for eggs when they've got you wrangled out by the airport with nary a Waffle House in sight!
Sunday I went to perform for one of my favorite people and author, Joe Vitale. He and his wonderful friends and associates down there in south Texas always make me feel great! They are the kings and queens of marketing and motivational speaking. Most of them are tied into the sensational hit movie "The Secret". So of course it's very inspiring to be there, albeit somewhat intimidating
Joe and I are part of the mutual admiration society - I love his books, and he loves my music. He let me play his steel dobro and played harmonica with me on a song . After the performance, he told me that he was whole again. I LOVE my job!. I get to touch people's lives by doing what I Love to do! It's truly remarkable to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share it with others!
Back at the airport on my way home, I was vegging out to Tarmac TV, when Air Force One landed right in front of me! Apparently the president was also landing in Memphis for a quick layover. He probably just needed some good old Memphis BBQ! Now THAT is glamorous.The only other thing I have to report about the flight home is that a ridiculously cute 3 year old girl with a huge melting orange ice cream cone was seated next to me. She kept grabbing my hand and my earrings with her soft and sticky digits. Ah, I love this rock and roll life!
8-19-07 12:36am
Oakland, CA
I just got back to my swanky hotel room from a great house party on a mountain for the nicest people, who, by the way have 2 Llama's, Ellen and...um...chuck...i dont know......FYI...Llama's are cute from a distance....kinda scary up close...stay back and you'll love them! They had THE best food including southern potato salad complete with mustard and pickles (!) and brownies (enter the chocolate)....not the Llama's, the people...AND there was arather distracting yet entertaining opener....ok, well I guess you cant really consider 3 fire trucks and an ambulance an opening act...no one was hurt...and I DIDNT DO IT! Somebody tried to back their Volvo off the mountain...lots of brew -ha-ha, but no blood, thank GOODNESS! And the car was ok! happy Endings...Garrison Starr and I song-swapped all night by electric candle and tiki torch light...the winds were high...we played inside and lit up smiles all around...even made the Volvo driver smile and laugh a bit!THANKS Ann and Shelley for a realnicetime!!!
July 31, 2007
Let me just say that life in JULY could NOT be better! Can i GET a witness?!
The shows, the people, the food, yes, the food, have all been wonderful and amazing! A big BIG shout out to Will Kimbrough for playing with us every night! He had never even heard the songs, but managed to make them sound great every night...and can I also say that we, me and the boys, are all his biggest fans now! Great songs, wonderfully talented musician, and a really great and funny guy. DANG!!! Folks, if you saw him with us, you know he's awesome. If you didn't already get a CD, run and get one or 2 NOW. I'm hoping to get him out with us again in the fall...stay tuned!
We played ALOT of house concerts in July, and they are THE most fun! Here's a slice of what we've seen, heard, done, eaten: Hoola hooping kids, really good fiddle playing kids, dancin' grannys who take over the microphone, silly dancing 3 year olds who twirl around for an entire song and then fall over and giggle like crazy, sweet BBQ, home made peach ice cream, chocolate birthday cake, Shrimps on the barby, frogs, dogs, and cats ON the "stage", oh..and the police! but they were pretty nice about it...I mean, we were playing acoustic! Some Neighbors! Thanks everyone for having us at your houses. It truly is an honor to be invited into your homes with your family and friends, and to be asked to perform my music for all of you! So thank you!
See ya out west in August!
July 17, 2007
AH...good old summertime! The tour is going great! We've been playing ALOT of house parties...lots of kids (with hoola hoops and fiddles) and dogs ("playing" with their doggie "friends" ) and Boca burgers on the grill...and brownies and cookies and cake..OH MY!!!!
We love playing house parties, rockin' your yard and meeting all your friends and family...it feels like a party in our honor even though we know it's for you.. it's just that it's so nice to not be in a bar or the van! It really is a blessing, a pleasure, a treat...like chocolate Hagen Daaz on a hot summer day...
HOWEVER the other night.... there was this grumpy old neighbor in Cleveland...who called the cops on us!! I was only playing acoustic guitar, Phil was using half of his bass rig, and Dave was playing with brushes!!! Maybe Big Red was playing her tambourine too loud!!... I have not had that happen in a long, long time...GOOD TIMES!
Which reminds me very little of the time I was playing the White Dot in Atlanta and our drummer was arrested on stage..but that's another BLAB...
xo, MM