This past year has been about growing musically, personally and building confidence! I succeeded! I hope when you reflect on 2006 you can see how much you have changed and grown (hopefully) for the better! Ending this year and bringing in the new year singing to a live audience is my reality! Is there anything missing for me.....yeah of course, nothing is perfect....but this time next year you can bet I will be writing again about how much I've grown musically and personally! I'm always looking up! haha It's about the small things that I stay focused on so the confidence I gain will put me on my way to achieving the goals that once seemed so far away. I'll be rockin it out with my band before midnight but at the stroke of 12...who knows where I will be. I'll have to let you know in tomorrow's journal! haha I hope you have the best New Years Eve wherever you are! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/31/06
The Weekend
The weekend just started but I know it's gonna go by in flash! I have a few hours before I head to the studio for band practice. I have a gig tomorrow night and we need to rock it out! It's been about 3 months since I've had a gig with the full band. Whether its acoustic or full band...even tho they are completely different feels of presenting my songs I love them both. After practice I have a VIP meeting and then I'm expecting a long night of mixing. Hello! Bring on the Redbull please! I feel a bit guilty since with the holidays and stuff I've been slacking off my exercising routine and eating cookies like crazy!!! haha So I have to whip myself back into shape. Mentally I'm a bit whipped too but I'll survive! Always something to think about and do! Have a great weekend everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/30/06
Details
I was back in to the studio last night to track some vocals for the ending of the song we are mixing now. Mixing the songs is a long and tedious project that people don't realize you have to go through, but to me it's like icing on the cake. Sometimes we end up adding things that weren't planned before but end up sounding really cool. Hopefully we will finish song two tonight and be able to start on another one. It's all in the details. No time for games at this point. I feel like drowning in music today (my drug of choice) and I have an iPOD full of music at my fingertips to drown out the world around me! Do whatever makes you happy! Only you know what's best for you! xoxo
Much Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/29/06
Out and About
Keeping appointments today has been what my day is all about. Although my manager and I did stop for breakfast for some delicious pancakes...what I call the breakfast of champions! haha I didn't expect to be gone quite so long and now I'm feeling a bit behind in my work, but some days are just like that. A stop at my uncles was also in order to have him capture still photos off of my videos for me to have. I have to work on my live stuff now so I can't be sitting here much longer! Keeping it real people...just trying to keep it real!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/28/06
Years End
2007 holds much promise of dreams coming true & hopes of new & amazing experiences! Maybe traveling to unknown lands and meeting new people that are like-minded. When I'm deep in thought I'm still paying attention so don't be fooled. Its just I'm filtering my choice of thoughts so they will lead me to the life I most desire! Sometimes when or if we aren't on the same page it's because I may be sensing negativity coming from somewhere and I can't allow it to bring me down. Today feels like an inspirational book reading kind of day for me...some snow flurries in the air and hot cocoa in a SpongeBob cup sounds pretty good right about now! haha I have work to do too but to me it's not work...its a pleasure to have a life heavily dipped in music! Make it a good day by choice! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/27/06
Over
Wow! Where did Christmas go?! Everyone spends so much time building it up and preparing for it and then it comes and it's past already. A wonderful day spent with family...presents, food, (all my sugar cookies are gone!! ahhh!!) music, Rummy (I won) and movies on DVD! I never got out of my PJ's all day! I was wide awake at the same times I'm usually working till the wee hours of the morning. Before I crashed for the night I was setting up itunes so I could start putting music on my iPOD while watching a movie on DVD. Today it's back to work though for me and my camp. I've got lots to do for my record. Finishing up photos for the booklet, writing out my thank yous, and mixing at night at the studio. One less thing for today...I don't have a voice lesson. Oh yes, rehearsing my live show is critical! Back to work people!!! Let's Rock!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/26/06
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I hope everyone is having a fabulous day!!! I am enjoying my family and the warm fuzzy feelings of being between my 2 brothers whom I love very much! These moments are far and few between and I cherish them immensely! I enjoyed our Christmas Eve and didn't even mind the hour long wait for a table at Red Lobster! This morning I was the last one up as I didn't see the rush to get through the day just because! haha Santa treated me very well and all the gifts I received seemed well thought out and special. I loved everything!! We are in a holding pattern right now as my older bro (chef Jay) is doing the cooking and no one is hungry yet since there was so many appetizers around that everyone has been nibbling on! Love is in the air today and I'm getting drunk on it! xoxo
Peace To All & Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/25/06
Tis the Season to be Merry!
I'm lovin' this feeling today! <3 I've pushed aside the fact there is no snow for Christmas cuz that's out of my control, but inside me is a warm fussy feeling of holiday cheer and goodwill! I feel loved and want to send out love vibes to all of you! I plan to bake sugar cookies in various shapes today and later tonite I'm making a gingerbread house! It just may become a tradition for me. I'm looking at it as creative therapy...forcing me to relax, reflect and just think lovely, happy, fabulous thoughts! Our small family is together and if we can get a few laughs in and make some memories then it's all good! I truly wish everyone a happy holiday! xoxo
Holiday Cheer & Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/24/06
WAKE UP DENA!!!!
I'm not gonna lie I feel like I'm in a daze right now. Got in late from the studio last night around 4ish. I think I finally made it to my bed around 8 since I tend to be in this habit of falling asleep on the couch before I make it to my room. My mom came in and turned on my lights around 11:30 am, but after she left I turned them back off and slept some more! haha Yesterday before I went into the studio I wrapped most of my presents up so I wouldn't have to worry about it today or tomorrow but I still have a couple special ones to wrap yet. I'm not a pro at it, but I really do enjoy it! So I have to hurry my butt up cuz today I gotta be up to the studio by 4 for band practice. Haven't had one of those yet with the new drummer so I'm hoping it goes smoothly. Here's a peek at a link for First Night's entertainment if you are making plans for your New Year's Eve! I'd love to see you there!!! Enjoy your Saturday!!! xoxo
Happy, Happy Holiday's filled with Love & Music! ~Dena~ Happy Holidays! ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/23/06
Mixing It Up!
Last night I was back in the studio to start final mixes for the record. It's a lot more tedious and a lot more time than the board mixes because everything has to be perfect. It better be or else it's not going on the record! haha So pretty much we have to balance tracking harmonies on the bonus songs and mixing the rest of the record. It's definitely going to be long..long nights in the studio for the next few weeks. Everyone is probably getting tired of me saying...it's almost done!! but it's coming soon, I swear! It's all going to be worth the wait!! Well, I haven't eaten a thing yet today, so my mom and I are gonna make pancakes & eggs for brunch! Have a fab friday!!! xoxo
12/22/06
Happy Holidays?
ok..is it just me or does it not feel like winter at all? The weather is warm and sunny, the trees are dead looking and even tho the neighborhood homes are decorated with holiday lights something is missing for me. We have no snow to make angels in or to build a snowman and unless something changes I've lost my holiday spirit. The weather apparently affects my mood more then I thought. I guess it depends on what part of the world you grow up in. haha People rush out and shop for presents but for me I don't have any money so I have to be more creative with my gift giving. I realize that everyone is busy all year long and stressed out, and maybe I live in a fantasy world to think that for a few days out of the year we could just feel love all around. I hope your holidays are shaping up nicely and love is in the air for you! xoxo
12/21/06
Chose How You Think & Feel
...not easy but it can be done!!! I've been focused on my goals of being a singer/songwriter and preparing for my star to come in for sooo long and I feel it's well within my reach!!! but......I also know it takes more then just a desire. You have to work your ass off and pay close attention to the fine details in every aspect so when something negative hits you up, it won't trip you up and potentially kill your spirit! For me tho...I'm driven! Boo me and you will only see a stronger Dena come out on the other side. I have faith that each day, whatever the circumstance and wherever I am, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. If you stick with me... you won't be sorry cuz I won't let you down. Besides...there are no cry babies in my camp...not even me! haha yes...I have insecurities and I'm human but I have the tools to break through. Hope you have a fabulous day and keep it real!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music on my mind and in my heart! ~Dena~
12/20/06
Click - There It Is!!!
There's just some days that happen when everything clicks. Ya know, when you find exactly what your looking for with very little effort. Or when your in that zone and feel unstoppable. Like you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Well last night was one of those nights. I went in the studio to track the main vocal on a song I thought would be a lot more difficult than it was. Sometimes when it's a song I'm not totally feeling emotionally connected with at the time, I have to step up my game and look at it as a performance. Like acting the part. Once I put myself in that state of mind that I could do it, I nailed it! I think all of us have that power. We can do anything we put our mind to, no matter how hard it is. So..I guess you could say I'm feeling pretty positive today. I have a voice lesson later and I love going cuz my vocal teacher always brings me to a new level each week! Later to the mansion to track harmonies with my partner in music! Should be ama-za-zing!!!!!!! xoxo
12/19/06
Blues Clues........
Moody kind of a day I guess would describe my Sunday! More on the happy/sad scale. I had been working at the studio from midnight to 4 AM after my gig at Tioga Downs and so I slept in Sunday morning of course. Wasn't feeling all that great and basically did nothing but mope until I had to go to a family Christmas dinner. It was very chill and relaxing and afterwards my older bro gave me a neck and shoulder massage of sorts...it's more like touching tension release pressure points. He is a physical therapist and it felt so good to have someone know what they are doing. It's amazing how much tension we store up and don't realize it. Much later I returned to doing nothing once again and for once I gave myself permission to feel the blues and go to bed early. Usually there is no time for either. Today though is looking much better and I'm practicing my songs for tracking vocals later tonite! Alrighty...have a fab day!!! xoxo
12/18/06
So Happy Together....
I have to say the show last night went really well. The crew met at my house first and we all road up together. I love it when we get to travel together cuz it makes the trip more exciting and fun, whether it's a 20 minute drive or a 3 hour drive. Music, laughter, odd smells, crazy talk, brainstorming...it's all good!!! My older brother came too which made me really happy since he doesn't get to see me perform too often but my younger brother opted for his friends b-day party instead. Tioga Downs is an absolutely beautiful place. It's new, clean, and very classy. I wanted a chance to go in to the casino but didn't really have time. Also, we ran in to my hairdresser and her husband which was a really nice surprise! So they decided to have a drink and stay a while longer than they planned to watch me sing! I really felt blessed with everyone there supporting me. After my set was done we stayed a little bit to watch Jared! He sounded awesome of course! After a couple songs though we had to head out because I had to get home, change, and get up to the studio to track vocals. I think we finally started on those around midnight. It was definitely worth going in to because we got a lot done. My partner and I are unstoppable!! Like a machine that keeps going and going and going! hehe Today I have a Christmas party at my Uncle's to go to around 5ish so that should be fun! He wants us to come and see all the lights he has around his house. Which I've seen pics and they are amazing! Alrighty everyone, I'll catch up with ya later!
12/17/06
Gig Tonite @ Tioga Downs at 9 - Be there or be square!!!
I got in real late again last night and slipped into my bed around 4:30ish I think. I definitely keep rock and roll hours!!! We worked really hard last night on my bonus tracks and they are coming out even better than I imagined!!! On one of them I get to play all the parts except drums, and the other I do all parts except bass and drums. I have to pinch myself sometimes because never did I think I would be doing these things but it seems everything I touch it's like I've been doing it forever! I've always just been a vocalist, so I never really payed that close attention to the instruments. Now that I'm learning about them, it's amazing to see how they all come together to make a masterpiece and I definitely love the whole process! (thanks to my producer for all that he has taught me!) Today I'm so excited for a couple reasons....my older bro is coming home from grad school for Christmas break! I haven't seen him since the end of July and so much has happened for both of us and we have a lot of catching up! Plus tonight I have a gig at Tioga Downs for Toys for Tots!! I'll be opening up for Jared Cambell at 9 so all who are coming get there early to catch my acoustic set!! This is my last gig until First Night, so I get a little break but the focus will still be my full length and pulling that all together. This day is gonna fly so I better go find my wings so I can keep up!!! Have a fabulous weekend!
12/16/06
THE BEATLES
I've been listening to The Beatles lately for inspiration! Soooo good man!!! My parents actually own all their music on records but we don't even own a record player anymore so sadly they can't play any of their old albums. My dad has a couple remastered cd's of Beatle music I've captured. I really need to start my own collection. I did do a short outdoor photo shoot yesterday which was fun! The pics came out great but I'm unsure what will get used at this point. I didn't work last night so it ended up being a random night of hanging out with my family. We hit up A & W for rootbeer floats and a listen to old tunes on the jutebox there. I'm so use to staying up late that around midnight I popped in a cute movie (Clueless) to watch on DVD. I actually stayed awake for the whole movie and even watched the random stuff they add for behind the scenes. It's hard to force yourself to sleep even when you are tired but the couch was comfy and therefore I was in the relaxation zone! Tonight I will be back to working in the studio (yeah-yeah-yeah...yeah!!!) xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/15/06
Happy Place ;-)
Last night before getting my own music on, I went to my younger brother's holiday choral concert. I must say I was very proud of him! He even had a solo! Also congrats to him on getting the lead role in the school's musical "South Pacific" too! After that I had to fly up to the studio where the vibe was excellent!! and the tracking of over dubs was the coolest! I used to watch everyone else do that part, but now I'm doing it!!! It was a great feeling!! We got all my press kits together to be mailed out today into a VIP's hands. It's always hurry up and wait!!! haha It's unseasonably warm and I'm thinking about trying to take some photos outside. I'm in a happy place right now and excited for the future. Love is all around me! I hope it is for you too!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/14/06
All In Good Time!!!!
It was a full house at the studio!!! Surrounded by testosterone and loving the energy!! Tracking overdubs with my producer went well and I was home kinda earlyish!! haha I couldn't fall asleep right away tho cuz I have a zillion thoughts going in my head. This morning I ran errands with my mom and grandma taking care of both music business stuff and the business of breakfast (pancakes!!) One VIP call came in that has me jumping up and down with excitement (although you wouldn't not know it if you were looking at me) but I'm almost in shock at the prospects of what's coming. All in good time my friends....all in good time.....
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/13/06
Hey, it could happen!
Ok, so I must say I love warm weather in the middle of December. I don't think I could ever get used to the freezing temps around here. Last night was fun tracking piano on my two new songs. Hopefully for tonight they will be edited and ready to work on further. I'm soo excited about them because they are definitely different from anything else I've ever done. After doing that we had to sit down and listen to all my board mixes in the order we think the record should go in. Basically double, triple checking to make sure it flows right. Everyone is kinda freaking out, running around, working hard to get my press kits done by Thursday. I'm really lucky to have so many people who care and do some much for me because I certainly couldn't do it without them. Lots and lots of stuff on my mind, but gotta stay focused cause deadlines are right around the corner! If we all play our cards right, we could make 2007 the biggest and best year yet! Hey, it could happen!
Always Love and Music, Dena
12/12/06
Just Keep Swimming....
Yesterday turned out to be both productive and relaxing! A good combo when you can get it! Today I had an early morning appointment with the dentist for a cleaning and x-rays. Talk of taking out my wisdom teeth in the near future came up and that doesn't appeal to me at all. It's all about scheduling time off for recovery cuz I won't be able to sing or make any appearances so I hate to think about it! I have 2 new songs I'll be tracking this week. So my focus is that right now. I wish everyone a happy go lucky day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/11/06
Coming Soon!!!!
Good Mornin everyone! Baby it's cold outside but the sun is shining!! It's nice! I got home last night/this morning at about quarter to five AM after a looong night in the studio. We had our last board mix to finish and no one was going home till that was done! So I tracked for almost 5 hours and then we mixed the rest of the night. I have to say though it was well worth it cause it sounds amazing!!! The dvd's of my two videos arrived yesterday, which I'm so excited about!!! This morning I have to go see my Uncle Teddy Bear to convert the discs so they are able to play them in Europe, make copies... plus help create a design for the dvd covers with my imput!! Pretty cool!!! So anyway that means you guys will be able to see the videos up here on my website very soon....I promise! I feel so exhausted right now but I think once the fresh air hits me I will be awake and ready to go!!! Let's ParTay!!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/10/06
Toys For Tots Fundraiser @ Flashbacks...
Yesterday after I wrote my journal I slept for nearly 4 hours! haha That was one heck of a nap! After I woke up I only had time to eat and get ready for the show. The show at Flashbacks went well I thought. I sold some cd's, signed some autographs, met some cool people and got a great response overall. My entourage keeps a close eye on me (extra important when performing in a bar) and I love that safe feeling. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported me and the Toys for Tots program! With all the craziness of the past couple days my apartment looks like a bomb blew up in it haha. So I've been trying to clean up a little today since I couldn't find my couch or my bed last night. I was so close to sleeping on the floor. I'll be working on my music until I go into the studio later. There is so much work to be done! Alrighty everyone...hope your weekend is goin great! xoxo
Flashbacks!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/09/06
WILD104 FM with Riley & Kirsten!
For 2 friday mornings in a row I got to spend time with 2 of my fave radio personalities!! Yes the clock behind me is the correct time!!! I'm so not a morning person but this is one morning gig I don't mind a bit! I was going on about 4 hours sleep too having worked late in the studio. (which kicked butt!!) Tonite's gig is at Flashbacks to help raise money for Toys For Tots with other local talent as well, but I be will singing at 10PM!!! So this afternoon I'm taking a nap so I'm not yawning through my set! haha For those of you who wonder where I take off to after a performance...well, I head straight to the studio to work till daybreak! Gotta use every available minute!!! oh and I wanna give a shout out to my pal Steve the DJ guy from the Waal!!! Cyber hugs everyone!!! Be sweet!
"Wild104" Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/08/06
Happy Holidays
After my hair appt. yesterday I worked on my own only showing myself when I was hungry or when I was ordered to make an appearance. haha Much later I tried to get into a holiday mood by playing Christmas music and decorating my place! I was feeling pretty happy too. I think what's needed is a bit of snow to seal the feeling. Not enough to stop traffic...just the light kind to brighten it up outside my window. If I could, I would give all my favorite people their hearts desire this Christmas, but at this point in my life all I have to give is my gift of song. That's only one part of me but it's a biggy! hehe My mom and I had a girls night of tv watching, "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" from the night before (great job JT on bringing Sexy Back) and then the finale' of "Americas Next Top Model"! Congrats Caridee!! Then as my night wound down I felt the blues kick in (thinking too much) and I went to bed early. Which going to bed early isn't a bad thing cuz I got up ealier! haha So it's all good! I plan to work on my songs today and tighten things up. I don't want to miss something sweet that might be coming my way but the more focused and centered I am, the happier I'll be. Have a fab day people! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/07/06
P.S. In keeping with the holiday spirit...please remember the kids this year and donate to Toys For Tots! I'll be performing at a fundraiser tomorrow night at Flashbacks (10PM)! Also catch me early on Wild104 FM in the morning to talk about it! Thanks! :-)
On Again/Off Again
....I'm referring to my night tonite...usually I have Wed. nights off but then I thought I was scheduled to have band practice which is cool but I misunderstood. haha I have a new drummer coming in for the first time and he has to learn all my songs so I don't need to be there. It was a late night working on another board mix to finish up another song. I have about 5 hours sleep to go on right now. (not bad but not great) My producer gets like 2 hours a night if he is lucky! He is one driven man that knows what he wants and that's just one reason I admire him so. He sets the example and I feed off of his energy for sure and I'd like to think I motivate him as well. We are a team!!! This morning I have an early hair appt. to get to. Later it's back to business as usual! Hope you have a fabulous day everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Hey Everyone!!! Sorry I haven't written in a few days. As you can see my website has been changed up and I wasn't able to access my journal till now! Hope you really like my new site cuz I think it's kickass!!!! To bring you up to date on Dena news...I had a great weekend that started off Friday morning with a radio interview on Wild 104FM. It's always fun going to see Riley and Kirsten. Then later at night I was at the Arena performing before the B-Sens game along side of Wild104. We were all there for Toys For Tots raising money for the kids! I wanna say thank you to all the people who did come out that night because there was major storm warnings predicted.(but it missed us thankfully) Then Saturday night I was at The Sports Bar which was cool! I was there for the Toys For Tots fundraiser as well! My set was early for most bar hoppers but everyone who was there were all very welcoming and supportive. I couldn't stay to hear the bands that followed me cuz I needed to get right into the studio to work. It's crunch time on pulling together my full length! This coming weekend I have more to do with Wild104 and Toys for Tots! Check out my shows section for more details. I'll be at Flashbacks on Friday! Today its back on schedule working at the studio tonight. Trying to wrap up a few more board mixes and tracking two new piano songs. Anyway I will keep everyone updated each day with whats going on. I'd love to hear how you like my new site....so leave me a comment in the comment box in the contact section!!! There is still more tweaking to be done with my site here yet so be patient! hehe Have a great day! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
12/06/06
Working Hard
Last night we got another board mix done!!! We worked on Reasons, which I know I said this before but it's probably my favorite song off the record because it's just so powerful. It's my first ballad! Just when we thought we would start another even tho it was late...that idea blew up cuz the song wasn't good to go yet! Sometimes it just seems there aren't enough hours when Jeff and I are working. Unfortunately we can't go all day & night because of other daily commitments everyone has.
12/05/06
New Website Baby!!! :-)
12/04/06
July '08
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