I had an awesome voice lesson yesterday!! I have reached a new plateau with the connection between my voice and my breathing and I feel very accomplished!! Also my night was topped off with another great accomplishment because my producer and I finished mixing my latest, greatest song "Wonderful Things"! My gig for Antonio's this coming Saturday is being advertised on the radio with my song "Reasons" as backdrop music! I anticipate a good time to be had by all so you best be there! hehe Tonight acoustic practice! Working hard to get it done that's for sure! Everyone rock your Wednesday!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/30/08
Good Advice
Of course, just because it’s written in the stars doesn’t mean it’s true! haha But ironically my horoscope yesterday came to me like a personal response to my impatience and wish for "things" to happen faster! It also came to me on the heels of word from "the powers that be" for me to continue to "sit tight"! So check it from iVillage. "All of your efforts to connect with a certain someone are working, but they might be working too slowly for your taste. That's too bad, though -- this is one time when you can't push things. You will have to be patient and let them come around in the way they want and at the speed they want. Waiting won't be fun, but think about it this way -- your reward will be sweet, and you will know that it comes from a very genuine place. It won't be the result of any pressure or manipulation." So cool indeed and perfectly timed! I am working with those that have my best interest at heart and I will continue to be patient, work my ass off, visualize sweet success and remain thankful for all that I have! Shout out to my team today! I love you all! Stay smart! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/29/08
The Orchard Has Mirror!
Artist: Dena
Release: Mirror
Digital Release Date: March 18, 2008
Label: Brookside Records
Genre: Pop
UPC: 884385388904
Track List
1. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
2. Taken
3. Escape
4. Let Me Go
5. My Decisions
6. Our Song
7. So Beautiful
8. No Other Day
9. Made For Me
10. Reasons
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/28/08
That American Idol Question.....
The most common question I always get asked by my family, friends, fans and even complete strangers that heard I'm a singer but never heard me sing....is......why don't you go on American Idol? I use to get mad at it because I felt it was insulting to my intelligence. Now I just giggle because I know the drill. When I have my own songs yet people think I'm not "making it" and my only hope is American Idol to showcase myself because they think of the instant FAME instead of a long career singing, writing, and producing music that is my own! What the bloody hell?!! So yeah, this article sums it up nicely I think. Keep in mind I am actually a fan of the show, but I view it as a learning tool and not as a "wish I could go on it and become an instant star" kind of thing. Check it out here if you feel like it! (Posted Thu Apr 24 12:32pm PDT by in The Lefsetz Letter.) I will happily highlight my favorite part of the article here in my journal though for you.... thanks Bob Lefsetz...."If you want to have a long career, write your own material. Be different, not the same. And don't go on television, it will shorten your tenure. If you can't write, if you've got nothing to say, try out for American Idol. You might get a shot at momentary fame, but that's all it is, momentary." By the way, I'm a David Cook fan! LOL Have an awesome Sunday! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/27/08
No Other Day
My song "No Other Day" is up on my myspace now. Definitely go check it out! This particular song was picked to go on the European release of "Mirror" which was cut down to 10 songs off the original! The meaning of the song is something anyone can relate to or at least give you something to think about. We never know when the game is going to be over. haha Okay sorry, had to get in my little SAW reference. I'm working the job today and then later going in to the studio to start mixing my newest song and then begin another from scratch! I love it! I love it! I love it! No other day like today people! Go live it!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/26/08
On It
Hope your day is going great so far everyone! I have been running errands, including a fun time signing some autographs while handing out fliers for my upcoming show on May 3rd @ Antonio's! (see show section) A quick lunch with my street team leader and now I'm back in the house and ready to work! Tonight I'm back in the studio singing. Much to do and I need to get right on it! Get your weekend rockin!!! Best!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/25/08
Thursday
After band practice my producer and I sorted through guitar tracks and then picked out some cool loops for the new song. All went smoothly and I was home at an earlier time then usual. It doesn't mean extra sleep for me though because I cannot fall asleep no matter how tired I am before 2 AM anyways. I have a night off so I'll be catching up with my saved TV shows on the dvr while doing emails and myspace! I might even run up to the mall since weeks have passed since I last went. It's all good, really! Well everyone, be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/24/08
This & That
Band practice is scheduled for tonight. Still minus a bass player but the show must go on! I was up early this morning and took in a long walk with my mom. That got the blood circulating and I earned my appetite. My throat is still scratchy but I'm not sick so I'm thinking it might be spring allergies. Have to say it was yet another awesome night for David Cook on American Idol! Go David!!! My favorite reality show is coming to a close (Big Brother). This season basically sucked eggs compared to BB8 but I remain hooked and thank God for BB House Calls with Gretchen Massey to keep me laughing day after day. Well enough chit chattering for me cuz I need to get singing!! Keeping it real! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/23/08
Shine Where You Are
Band practice didn't pan out last night because my drummer didn't show. So instead I had a long rehearsal with my acoustic guitar player which was great! Then he tracked guitar parts on my new song. I wasn't feeling my best but I was happy! Today I have a voice lesson with my awesome vocal technician and I'm looking forward to that! It's a beautiful day but I have so much to work on, that I may not get out in it to enjoy it. If I work smart though (not that I don't usually...haha) I can grab some rays before nightfall! I hope you all have an awesome day and shine where you are! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/22/08
It's All Relative
Aunt Flow is cramping my style today!!! There...I said it! Talk about the one thing that can take me out of focus. My cat is having sympathy pains which actually makes me feel better. haha I'd really like to get some awesome news cuz that would totally get me up and dancing like no one was watching! I have band practice later and I'm going no matter how I feel. I remember a couple years ago I went in to the studio while writing songs for Mirror, and I had really bad laryngitis. I had to squeak my way through scratch tracks, but I did it!! haha If that isn't proof that I'm dedicated I don't know what is!! Speaking of which, my throat is feeling a bit funny so I'm gonna start chugging downs lots of Airborne. Despite what the media says, I believe it works!! Well I have to get somethin in my stomach now and try to enjoy the day! Have a happy Monday everybody! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/21/08
Best of Both Worlds
Productive is a good way to describe my day yesterday... in the musical sense! Today will be productive in the sense I will earn a paycheck cuz I'm working the J-O-B all day. No time to take in the sun or watch a movie. I really don't get days off because the music business is 24/7 and it's not a set schedule. My part-time job is awesome in regards to allowing me the freedom to work around my first priority. I try to make the best of both worlds. I really don't have muscles but I'm going for the knockout...one punch at a time! Staying happy and I hope you are too!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/20/08
P.S. Happy B-Day Grandma! I love you!!!
Do It Anyway
I can't think of one good reason to not try. Why deny myself the opportunity to accomplish something I want to accomplish? Even if you told me it's time to find another dream...giving up is not in my vocabulary. Each step I take toward my goals feels sometimes like 2 steps backwards but never once have I ever thought this is too hard so stop trying. Settling isn't my nature either. So bring on the storms and the challenges because I will adjust to the changing conditions. Sure it's possible to not get the results I had hoped for but I will do it anyway! Like the one geek said as he put his sunglasses on, on the TV show, Beauty & The Geek..."It's always sunny when you're cool!" haha The sun is out, I'm rockin' the shades and it's business as usual today! I hope you have sunshine in your forecast! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/19/08
Between Us
Have I expressed yet how excited I am about the newest song I've been recording? Well, between us, I am VERY EXCITED about it!! haha Honestly, I think it could be a song that breaks me! You never know, but it has the potential I think. Who knows when you will hear it, but I'm hoping somewhere in the near future. I'm behind in watching some of the shows I like and I just had the chance to sit down and watch Americal Idol from Tuesday night when Mariah Carey was there. The guys definitely rocked it over the girls, but the best performance of the night was David Cook by far! Unbelieveable!! I've been rooting for him to win and he consistently delivers! ok I have to get something to eat for lunch and get to work singing! Tonight..studio! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/18/08
It's a gorgeous sunny day and I'm going out now for a walk. I was on my feet all day at work yesterday and still got out to walk at night because it just makes me feel good. I buddy up with my mom and sometimes my friend so the time passes quickly. I have no problem putting on the ipod and going it alone but as a rule I'm alone all day long as it is. For obvious reasons I won't mention where I work but I have to mention how sometimes I do get discovered as that singer Dena... so yesterday this one young boy asked me if I was in disguise?! hahaha Too cute! So my boss said yeah she just spins around and turns into Dena! haha I have studio time tonight and I'm look forward to going in! I hope your day is a happy one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/17/08
Call Me Staff
Today I work the JOB so call me STAFF! hahaha It's a cool job and I think I blend well but I do get noticed by some savvy kids now and then! "Hey aren't you that singer?!" haha Well, I'm leaving soon and I'll be gone for the afternoon. Tonight I will play catch up with my singing and that's fine. Everyone rock out your day cuz that's what I'm doing!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/16/08
Ramble On
Band practice was just alright. Changes once again since my bass player was bounced as of last night. The past few days I've had little to no appetite. I've been eating plenty, but I could've gone without. I'm not sure why that is, but it could be a number of different things. I'm aware that my stress levels are up. I'm thinking about joining a gym. I'd like to have a buddy to go with but my friends don't have the same hours open as I do. It's beautiful out today so I'd like to get outdoors for some fresh air. My brother has a baseball game so maybe I'll go to one of those. I haven't been to one yet this year so he might appreciate a show of support from his only sister! He does come to my shows as much as possible. I used to go to every single one of his games, but this year his team travels further and I don't have as much time to go. Unfortunately my voice lesson was canceled for this evening, but we'll get back on that next week. Well, I'm rambling on now so I guess that's all for now folks! Have a good one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/15/08
Mixed Emotions
I woke up a little earlier than normal this morning so I could warm up my voice before going to church. The funeral was for my dear friend's grandmother. I sang 2 songs, On Eagles Wings with the church organist and the family also requested I sing my song off my EP Dream Of Angels during communion. I almost got choked up while singing just because it's very emotional and I thought of my own grandparents that have passed. I had written Dream Of Angels about my grandfather who passed and was very, very close to. I haven't sang in the church in a long time (hymns) and it's so different than singing pop/rock with my band. After mass ended I was invited to a lovely luncheon with the family. With today being my mom's birthday and singing at a funeral, I'm having mixed emotions, but mostly I think right now I'm just feeling grateful for all that I have. Tonight is practice with the boys in my band and I'm looking forward to that. I think for now I will get comfy and cuddle with my cat before I dig into my music. God bless everyone! Oh... and Happy Birthday Mom! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Last night I did some tracking in the studio on a new song that I really love!! It's so upbeat and definitely has a Spring-time vibe to it. I love it and it's one that you won't be able to sit still to, that is for sure!! haha Tonight I will be back there continuing my misson to track keeper vocals. This morning I woke up with a major craving for...you guessed it!....PANCAKES! haha So I asked my mom if she would help make that happen and she said yes! Sooo we ended up working together to create a DeLicious batch...and that it was! Well, having said that, my belly is nice and full and my attitude is spectacular! haha I'm going to enjoy the day and I hope you do the same! xoxo
4/14/08
I Say Yes!
I'm incredibly upbeat despite the fact I have a wake to go to today and a funeral to sing at tomorrow morning! I never met the woman that died but my good friend asked me to sing and I am so there for her. At the opposite end of things it's my mom's birthday tomorrow and I see cake in my future! haha I am working on my music today plus some administrative stuff. I also want to get in my 10,000 steps outside at some point. hmmmm, can I fit it all in? I say YES! I hope your day is awesome! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/13/08
DeLicious
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/12/08
Let It Be Said
!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm just doing what I do! Hope your Friday is awesome everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/11/08
Dreams
It's been sunny and warmer lately...finally! I took a walk yesterday outdoors for the first time in months and it felt awesome. Shaking off those stuffy, winter, pent up feelings, felt great! It definitely releases those happy endorphins! haha! I already know that this weekend I will be spending all my nights in the studio (or should I say my other home) rehearsing and recording! Hard work, but lots of fun too. So another walk in the fresh air is on my to-do list. Last night I had this crazy dream that was very stress-filled and frustrating. Everyone and everything was going against me, but in the end, I came out on top! haha So what are your dreams telling you? xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/10/08
Hugs
I spent the later part of my morning on piano, up until now that I'm sitting here to write all of you. I actually forgot the time, which is a very good sign. So I'm on break catching up with my journal and chatting with my mom! It's a beautiful day and I'm hoping to get out in it, if even for a short time. I'm feeling kinda chill. Not extra happy or not extra sad but just alright! It's one of those days where I could use some hugs, so my poor kitty will have to deal with me! haha I put up some new pictures on my myspace so if you're a friend of mine on there be sure to check em out! Well, back to the music zone for me! Break is now officially over! haha Love ya! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/09/08
"MIRROR"
What we put out there can resonate for a very long time and if it's excellent, hopefully it resonates forever! What you do and what you put out may be great and/or not so great. It could come back to bite you or reward you. My reward is "Mirror"! "Mirror" is a direct reflection of a victory I have already won within myself! I don't need to be signed to a label to know this. My CD "Mirror" is filled with songs that reflect my life and feelings through music and maybe you will see yourself in some of my songs too when you listen to the whole CD! I'm proud of what I've done so far and as my musical journey continues, my music is going deeper, fuller, hotter...just like me! haha Music chose me...and I have a lot in me to get out yet!!! I hope you stick with me cuz it's gonna be an awesome ride! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/08/08
I'm Kind Of A Serious Girl
...that LOVES to laugh! =) It doesn't take much to make me laugh either! I even laugh while watching scary movies! mwahahaha But I'm really a very serious person! Serious as a heart attack apparently, because when my friends ask for my thoughts on things that may be bothering them, I tell them the truth, and they don't really want to hear that! Well, so today this serious girl has songs to sing and a job to work later. But if you could see me now, I'm smiling, I'm happy and I'm looking forward to my next Laugh Out Loud moment!!! Hope your day is filled with love and music AND laughter! hehe xoxo
P.S. 
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/07/08
Hi! How Are You?
I'm great, thanks! ahhhh, Sunday, it is said, is a day of rest. I agree it's a good time to recap the past week and for letting go of those pressures endured. It's also a time to renew yourself for the week ahead. Thoughts of "Wonderful Things" play over and over in my mind! The title of my newest song (that's in the works) by the way! Well, I have determined that no matter what happens later in my day, I'll have already accomplished something by letting go of those things I cannot control! Now I'm about to hit play on my iPod and dance like no one is watching! haha Have a happy day where you are! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/06/08
Sugar Shot
Today I’m working the job all day! It will be fun to be around kids today and it suits my playful energy right now! I’m just glad I have my energy back since I wasn’t feeling very peppy last night at the studio. A candy bar and some Gatorade brought my blood sugar up thanks to all the guys! Thankfully J. Bear was in the house! Well, thanks to all the guys for watching out for me! I know I was dizzy but I definitely saw "Metal" guys wearing angel wings?! Haha Yup! Everyone enjoy the heck out of your day! Find your inner child maybe and play hard! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/05/08
"Life is Not A 'Success-Only' Journey" - Dr. Phil
We all make mistakes or errors in judgement now & then, but if you recognize them right away and make the right changes, it's a lesson learned! I always try to make the right decisions. And if I don’t make the right decision in that moment, you know what? I’ll correct it. It's tough too when you see things one way and someone else sees it another, so until there is a meeting of the minds, it can be chaos! Try walking in someone else's shoes and it gives you a whole other perspective! Let's just say, I'm enjoying the journey with all it's struggles, bumps and challenges as I move forward in life because I will really, really appreciate the successes that much more! :-) Werd. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/04/08
Fresh and Real
Last nights band practice was good. We are working out some new songs, which is cool. The more material I can play live, the better. It also allows me to change it up a bit for each show. Actually one of the songs no one has even heard yet, but you will very soon! After practice there was some brainstorming going on about how to make my show better and more interesting. I'm definitely evolving and my show just gets better and better! It looks so nice out today but I'm thinking my eyes are deceiving because I'm sure it's still freezing. This morning I've had song lyrics and titles floating in my head that I needed to get written down immediately. I know if I didn’t, I will forget, and then be angry with myself later! Always tweaking my workout…I will also be working on my image, and it begins with some positive thoughts! Keep it real people! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/03/08
How I Do
Hey everyone!!! I have a new acoustic gig listed in my show section for May 3rd, so be sure to check it out!!! Antonio's Galleria & Cafe' is a warm and inviting place that serves fine wine and homemade Italian gelato! It's a fairly new business but looks and feels as if it's been a part of the past that once was an all Italian neighborhood! I am looking forward to singing in this intimate setting and I hope you will drop in! Tonight I am rehearsing with my band. Also tracking parts for a new song! At any rate...keep the love & music in your heart and you can't miss! Best! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/02/08
No Fooling
I sang all day yesterday afternoon and exercised. Then I went into the studio and sang all night. I ended up feeling a bit dizzy for some reason so before I went to bed at 2 AM I had a yogurt. Seemed to do the trick and I even had some cool dreams! I just remembered today is April 1st and so far no one has played a joke on me or vice versa! Well, I haven't seen my brother yet, so maybe later on we'll get each other! haha Things happening all around me but nothing news worthy just now. 'Tis a nice day though! Keep happy everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
4/01/08
~ Past Journal Entries ~
July '08
June '08
May '08
March '08
Feb. '08
January '08
Dec. '07
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
