Living to sing, working for a living

As we are in the final stages of writing a song from the ground up, it has been painful and joyful, all at once. Although I love creating, this is new to me. Rob (from the band Corpus Bellum) is an extremely talented guitarist, as well as being an experienced songwriter. He is also very patient. He better be; he has to deal with me. I don't quite understand the entire process yet, and I want everything to happen faster than it is, and it would, except for one small detail: we have bills and we have to eat sometimes. We both have said that we wish we could just make music for a living, to follow the muse wherever it takes us. I think that my muse would not be going in the same direction as his, but somehow they've crossed paths. He is a metal guitarist and I'm not a metal... anything. I used to listen to a little bit of metal in high school, but also salsa, merengue, new wave, freestyle, r & b, power ballads, mostly top 40. But Rob was fully submerged in metal. Scorpions and Judas Priest where more his speed. How will this ever work? When we clash, as amicably as possible, it turns into a battle of egos. Who will buckle down first? Although I'm in the forefront of this project, being the singer and all, I do respect and appreciate what Rob brings to the table. I've told him that he is the real musician. He is very knowledgeable. I am all instinct and feeling. I think we are both learning as we go, although maybe not the same lessons.

I do have plenty to write and sing about. When I was eight years old, I stood in from of the church, singing the praises of the Lord. To be honest, I loved the praises I received myself. It was a contrast from family life, where not only were there no praises, but I was punished and emotionally abused just by being a child. I faced many heartaches and disappointments as life went on. Someone out there will understand the loneliness of not being able to go to your parents for any kind of consolation or understanding. Many will know what it is to have your innocence stolen and not be able to talk to anyone about it. Pain is a common denominator for us all.

It is an exciting and sometimes difficult process to write and record a song. So many details, you wouldn't believe it! But I know this is what a want to do with my life. I can't escape it, even if I wanted to. I'm not sure where it will take me, if anywhere, but I am ready to give it a go, to give it my all. If it doesn't work, well, there is always church. Nah, who am I kiddin'? No time for that, back to work!

My setup at home. I like my mic. I think it's really pretty!