Cool News!!! Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ YAY!!! It's up and running in my media section!!!! Check it out!!! My first pro video produced by Barry Sonders at Cool Cool River and directed by Joe Bellavia! Filmed at EPAC here in my hometown where I grew up performing in many musicals all while developing a life long kinship with the people that love the theatre!! Our Song is off my full length and my lyrics were inspired by someone I fell in love with in that theatre but it wasn't meant to be and we both went our seperate ways! Special thanks to my producer, Jeff DaBella, who has a vision that even surpasses my own sometimes and that is why he inspires me more than anyone else I know! I have a busy schedule today with a trip to the dentist thrown in the mix. :-) I hope your day rocks and enjoy the video!! I would love some feedback so write me at dena@denamusic.com or just hit up the comment box in the contact section of my website! xoxo Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ When I got home last night I was sooo tired that as soon as I layed down I was out like a light. Usually I like to relax and watch whatever I had taped that night, but nope, not a chance. I could have slept in longer today too but I forced myself to wake up and get working. I've been singing nearly all morning and still have more to do this afternoon. Then it's piano and tryin to work off all those bad carbs I eat on a daily basis. I can't help it..I'm addicted! We've had some bad excitement in the house today with my Grandma calling from Wal-Mart saying her purse was gone. Either it was stolen or she left it, but either way someone has it. That is the scariest thing for a woman because she carry's her life in her purse. Cash, license, credit cards, cell phone, etc. I feel so bad because I have felt that once before when some girl took my pursue with her after a school dance by mistake. Luckily I had hers so we made an even trade after I tracked her down by calling my cell phone. The thought of it makes me sick though. Anyway, I have lots to do, and tonight hopefully another mix will be in the can so I'm looking forward to that!! Everyone have a great day! Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ I decided to stay in the zone yesterday rather than totally being a bum. It's easier to stay on schedule, because it's hard for me to get back on it once I've been off for a day or two. My mom and I went shopping around 7 and then to the movies at 9:30 to see The Pursuit Of Happyness. Actually we almost didn't make it to the movies because we got locked inside Bon Tons! The manager was like, "did you ladies bring your sleeping bags?!" Too funny! haha The movie was based on a true story and definitely inspiring. We are huge Will Smith fans at my house and he once again didn't disappoint us. We didn't have dinner so after the movie we went to Denny's for some breakfast...aka pancakes! It felt good to get out and do something different rather than sitting at home on my night off. I woke up early today and hopped on my exercize bike for awhile, then hit up piano for the past few hours. Now I'm thinking lunch time! Tonite I'm back to work in the studio working on final mixes! Love it! Enjoy your day everyone!!! I'm off in pursuit of finding my happyness! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Yesterday I had my armor on and my spikes out until finally crying myself to sleep gave me my only relief. I didn't know it until the day was over but some things I've had on my mind have been getting to me in a big way. Today is a new day and I'm ready to rock it with a new vengence!!! Last nights tears helped to wash away all the negative thats been coming at me and I know what I gotta do! Of course I won't go into details cuz a girls gotta have some privacy! haha but lets just say...love and music conquer all for me! and where words fail...music speaks for me! No I'm not singing the blues either...haha! I'm gonna be kicking it into high geer today with my music and I'm good to go like NOW! haha So everyone have a great start to your work week! xoxo
Yup that would be.....News Channel 34!!! I've been invited to perform and be interviewed on their broadcast LIVE from the Oakdale Mall on Friday Feb. 16th between 5:30 and 6:30 PM! The first time I was interviewed by them was back in July before my Speidie Fest performance! It's a great feeling to be asked and a sweet measuring stick for myself to see that I am continuing to move forward with getting recognition. Not everyone is on board when you're starting out in this business and it takes patience, dedication and determination to prove yourself! But I don't want to look back or think about the past because I am not going that way. haha Gotta keep working at it everyday! Peace xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/31/07
A Heart, A Brain, and (grrrrrr) Courage....
Now add strong character and I'd like to think it describes me! The thing is...they don't always work together in sync or at the same time! haha I always saw myself as a triple threat cuz I sing, dance and act...but these other things just seem much more important in life! I won't give up on any of them and when it all comes together then it's time to celebrate! In the meantime, I'll keep pushing forward. Hope your day is fabulous! xoxo
1/30/07
P.S. Do not lose your love to the pressures of life........
Windows
Windows of opportunity are opening for me and I'm so excited that I can't stop smiling!! I don't want to jinx anything by talking about specifics too soon but some of the seemingly out of reach possibilities that could affect my music career as a whole, now look possible! Key players in all this with all their wisdom and power can turn things around on a dime and the big picture includes me! This means working even harder and smarter to keep tightening everything up! Right about now I'd like to slow things down just a bit so I can let things sink in and once again let those VIP's that have my back know how much I appreciate them! Ok no stopping for long, it's time to go to work on vocals and piano!! Have a happy Monday! xoxo
1/29/07
Patience
Another week gone by so quickly that I can hardly keep my days straight. Almost seems like going around in circles, but moving forward in time. I think we have a weeks worth of mixing left for my record before it goes out to mastering. I can't wait to see how the packaging is gonna look! I know it will be awesome cuz like my songs...it's in the hands of credible people!! As for everything else I have to be really patient. I'm just crossing my fingers for some good news! I try not to get my hopes up too high for things just in case something doesn't work out. That's why staying on task is the way to be. xoxo
1/28/07
Saturday
Great night in the studio but long night! We put extra love in it cuz it's one of our favorite songs and it has to be just so!! The time flys by and if it wasn't for needing sleep we could keep going and going! It's a total gage for knowing I'm in the right place with what I want to do! Today my younger bro has a school dance he is getting ready for and I'm getting all up in his business over it cuz he is so cute about everything! Apparently his group of friends are all cooking for their dates too and I just think that is soo cool! I will be doing my usual stuff too and tonite back to the creative process of mixing it up in the studio! Hope your Saturday RocKs!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/27/07
Doing It!
I say JUST DO IT...and then go back and tweak it, polish it and make it smack of perfection! So many times I fuss and fuss to get my stuff just right but it can be frustrating cuz I can't reach that perfection point quick enough. But when I say to myself this is cool even tho it's not finished, I walk away, then go back to it later where it quickly becomes satisfactorally perfect! haha Now bring in more people that have perfectionist ways on the same project and it can get crazy! Everyone has an opinion but in the end it's best to stay true to what's in your heart! Even if others think your idea is sucky....and they will....you know what it is you want and need! I have work to get at and a hit song to help mix tonite so off I go!!! Have a fun friday everyone! xoxo
1/26/07
Drop It Like It's Hot
Today I have been dropping everything in site and I wish I knew what that was about. It's like I'm sleep walking or zoned out! I haven't broken anything yet but lets just say...I lost my favorite hairbrush to the porcelain God and it's been one thing after another! I started my day just fine with singing while riding the stationary bike and I feel pretty good! It's as if the planets are slightly out of line or something just enough to trip me up. haha I will be back in the studio tonite mixing as we are down to the final 3 songs left to finish up! That about covers it for today! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/25/07
SAW 3
Yesterday started out killer and then slowly went in the dumper as the day went on! My dentist appointment left me with such an achy mouth that I couldn't hardly talk let alone sing so I had to cancel my voice lesson! It took forever for the novacaine to wear off and when it did my bite didn't seem right! And if that wasn't enough to give me anixiety my whole night got bagged! So I practiced piano for a couple hours, went on the computer a bit and then ended up watching the movie SAW 3 with my brother! Gotta love the dangling teeth on the cover after being at the dentist and feeling the pain!!! haha Anyways I laughed throughout the movie and that became my distraction! So since I like the rewards that come from hard work it's time to get productive! Have the best day everyone! xoxo :-)
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/23/07
OUR SONG VIDEO
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/23/07
Love & Laughter
I was in a happy place mentally yesterday! And what was funny is I was so talkative (which as a rule I'm very quiet) that my family didn't know what to do with all my energy! We went out to dinner and I had my family laughing so hard and loud that I thought we might get asked to bring it down a lil bit! I'd really like to bottle that feeling when I get it! I know how I got that way so I definitely have the recipe and my goal is to make it as often as possible. hehe I decided to change up my living space and with some man power from my dad and brother it came out really sweet! My mom helped with the cleaning and arranging. Now I just need to keep up with my daily routine of feeling good, eating good and workin my booty off! hehe, I hope everyone's week has started off great! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/22/07
Magic City Music Hall
Yesterday was definitely a high energy and exciting day!! Noon band practice went very well and I thought it was great rehearsing the same day of the show. Sound check was fun and the sound guys did a killer job!!! I got to meet the girls of "Girls Don't Cry" for the first time (well I already knew Rachael) and they were all really sweet. Rachael's dad had put the venue together and did an awesome job and I want to thank him for asking me to be a part of it! I have to say this week has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. It's a girl thing mostly but the pressure I put upon myself can get crazy!! When we got to the venue though I stayed backstage and ran through all of my songs for a warm up. I was ready to go and as soon as the drums started playing and I heard the crowd I got that adrenaline rush! That is when I'm reminded how much I love being out there! With each performance it gets easier. I was soo thankful to see my friends in the crowd showing their support along with the people seeing and hearing me for the first time! After we finished packing up at Magic City I headed back into the studio to continue mixing my record. It's what I do!!! It was totally worth it too! Thanks Jeff! Have a fabulous Sunday everyone!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/21/07
Friends & Fans
Sometimes running into old friends is like doing a press junket...they all ask me the same question: What have you been doing? duh?! clearly they can't be close friends if they have to ask! haha I usually reply with singing, song writing, recording, performing... and they go straight to the comment (and apparently the only way to make it in the music business these days)....you should try out for American Idol! hmmm, let me see....how should I answer that one?! PASS! I've run into acquaintances that know more about me then my friends because they always proceed to tell me they've heard me on the radio or they have been to my shows! Thank God for dedicated fans!!! Some have started out following me from day one and have been watching me grow and don't hesitate to tell me what they like or don't like! haha Which by the way...if you pay attention to any of it...you have to take the bad with the good or discard them both! Today I have band rehearsal, sound check, rest, 8 pm show and then off to work at the studio till ? I really hope to see old friends and make new acquaintences tonite at the show! Hugs and Kisses from eNY!!!!!
1/20/07
No Rest For The Best! ;-)
Moment by moment, day by day, we make choices to be miserable or happy! Yesterday was a happy day for me and even tho I wasn't feeling very good and could easily take the miserable road I decided not to let it get to me! It really is a choice. I proved it to myself. My day was awesome and my night was fabulous! I'm looking forward to opening for the girls band 'Girls Don't Cry' tomorrow night! (check out my show section for details) One of the girls in the band graduated from my high school a few years ahead of me and we both were voted best voice in our senior years! Catch my set at 8 and be sure to say hi afterwards! I won't be staying long as I have to get back into the studio to work! No rest for the best!!! Have a great weekend! xoxo
1/19/07
Green Tea
Last night was my night off and I chose to spend it grocery shopping for two hours with my mom reading all the labels and making heathly choices. $127 later we came home with only 3 bags, haha. It's crazy! I'm a new green tea drinker as of a few days ago, because I need caffeine and I don't like coffee. I started to get addicted to Red Bull and I love it but I don't really want the calories. I divided my evening watching American Idol and Beauty & the Geek. Definitely lots of laughs! Staying true to my schedule, I couldn't go to bed early, so it was popcorn and a movie on dvd til 1:30ish. Today I'm going over my music for my gig on Saturday and tonight in the studio it's back to mixing again. Only 6 more to go!!! Keepin' it real and keepin' it fun!!! xoxo
1/18/07
GO WITH THE FLOW
When your mind, body and spirit are all fully engaged at the same time, it's called flow, according to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. That one word describes what I keep talking about and it's like the best feeling in the whole world when it happens! The happiest people are those who enjoy what they do so much that they "get lost" in the flow of itl When people experience flow, they often keep doing it until they are exhausted and beyond. They don't want to stop, and then they can't wait to get back to the task! This explains what it's like for my producer and me when we work together and we are in the zone! We don't even notice the time! It's really an unconcious thing. We don't always have that but when it happens it's bliss! The end result......AMAZING SONGS!!!! Have a fab Wednesday everyone! Follow your bliss! xoxo
1/17/07
Things I Do Besides Working On My Music....
I try to feel good about myself. (mentally/spiritually/physically) Mentally by writing down my feelings. Sometimes seeing the ideas in my head on paper helps me organize and understand my thoughts better. Spirtually by praying, or by reading something that inspires me. Physically by eating good and exercising. Those 3 things are key players in my day and without one, the others suffer greatly. I'm not saying it's easy either, but I feel better when I do. Dancing is also something I love to do. Not only for my body, but for my mind. It's very freeing. Except I don't have much room in my house for that. I like to keep my strength and flexibility up to par though. Although I may do some things other than my music, I believe that they all compliment each other. For example, if I feel good (mentally/spiritually/physically) I know my music is going to be a thousand times better. Writing, recording and performing! This is what it's all about for me! xoxo
11/16/07
R & R
I'm rested and raging! haha Rested from yesterday and Raging with passion today!! I'm raging with intense desire to live my dream! I've been working on one of my resolutions that I made and I'm reading more! I've chosen 3 books that I strategically placed at different locations so I can pick them up when its quiet. (no not the bathroom either) haha I am trying to multi-task as much as possible to tighten up my schedule and get the most out of my time. It must seem like I'm an over achiever but I'm really just geered to do what I need to do and I'm willing to do what it takes. Call me crazy but I'm just compelled! This outsider girl is happy and I know there are people out there that understand that feeling so I'm not alone. Today is Martin Luther King Day and thankfully he had a dream.....I hope all of you do too!!!! Getting busy on my music and smiling all the way!!! Have the best day everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/15/07
Deal or No Deal
I got home earlier than usual last night, but that's because we started at like 3 in the afternoon. We were very close to finishing up another mix, but the computers kept going into overload and they were making all sorts of funny noises which messes up the mix. Nothing major, just enough to hold us back from finishing it up. It can be frustrating so thats when you gotta just walk away and give it a rest. Me, personally, I think it's the ghosts that live there messing and they want us out! haha Ahh well, band practice went really good though! After that we had Subway, so I ordered a turkey wrap for the first time ever and it was delicious! On my way home from the studio I stopped quick for some green tea at Wegmans. Good stuff!!! I'm not sure what the deal is for today. Sundays can get kind of boring but it's all about relaxing and regrouping so Monday will be kick ass!!! Hope everyone's weekend is goin fab! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/14/07
There Is No I In Team!!! :-)
My producer feels he mixed the best song ever in his career last night and I am truly blessed to be a part of it!!! It's magical to watch him!!! Honestly each song of mine that is finished off I think it's my favorite! haha But clearly each of my songs evoke a certain feeling cuz I know what went into them!! This album is not just about cranking out a bunch of songs...this has been a labor of love for my producer and me! This album is the most amazing accomplishment in my life so far!!!! and if I died tomorrow my songs will go on and that speaks volumes for me! (I'm not good at verbal communication so I really mean it!) There is such a variety on this album that I'm sure there will be, at the very least, one song that will strike a chord in you! Again, it's time to say how much I respect my team and how much I appreciate all the love and support I receive! I can't say it enough. Today is band practice first and then mixing! Have a fabulous day!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/13/07
Case of the Missing Purse
1/12/07
The Pursuit Of Happyness
1/11/07
Love In :-)
I have the most amazing opportunity to do what I do and I really do know how blessed I am. In this fast paced world of ours we never seem satisfied and we always want things NOW! but I am enjoying the ride and if something tries to take me off track or if I look down even for a split second...I'll be headed for a fall. What helps me refocus if I start to waver is my support system and that is how I know I am very, very lucky. Today is my day off, but I still want to stay on somewhat of a schedule, maybe just a lil looser. Then later on tonight I can relax for real. Hope you all have a great Wednesday! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/10/07
Decide what YOU want. Believe you can have it! Believe you deserve it! Believe it's possible!
Everything is looking up!!! I got less sleep but yet I'm feeling empowered today! We are at the half way point of mixing my record and thats a great feeling! If everything comes together as I envision it then what could be more perfect?! But I know nothing is perfect so we won't go there! haha A lot of behind the scenes stuff has to happen and although everyone out there may be thinking well....I don't see a lot of gigs lined up for Dena or she isn't making any money yet so whats that about? well baby........it's about the bigger picture!!! I'm learning, growing and making mistakes but pushing forward. A wise man that's been in the music business a long time told me, it's all about persistance and perserverence!!! And I know I have that!! Anyone that really wants something so much can apply that to their own goals! Dreams do come true! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/09/07
Where Words Fail - MUSIC Speaks
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/08/07
Once Upon A Time
Should I turn off my mind, relax and float down stream or go crazy and dance like no one is watching? Hello? Do I dare myself or should I let it be? Should I remain grounded or take flight? Can I do both? Where are you going? Can you take me with you? wait....should I hold onto the familiar and let new pass on by? When the music plays I hear the sound I had to follow....once upon a time. I want to go above and beyond. No regrets. oh yeah, it's one of those kind of days. xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/07/07
I'm sure you don't need me to tell you it's the weekend but I WAS gonna say...it's the weekend! haha My life is so routinely busy and my day's & week's blend so much that I need to look at the calendar to realize it's a Saturday today! I stepped out of the music box yesterday for a few hours to grocery shop and bake cookies. Although music is always playing cuz I cannot live without it! haha I had no idea what day it was and it really doesn't matter at this point in my life. I'm obviously not a 9 to 5 girl! So last night we mixed another song to perfection in the studio despite minor set backs from the computer going into overload!!! We started another one and we'll probably finish that up tonite! This afternoon I'm gonna fire up those piano keys...soon as I'm done cleaning up my crib and get my exercize in for the day! Carry with you a smile for your weekend and if you're missing one...you can have mine! :-) xoxo
Always Love and Always Music, ~Dena~
1/06/07
My Fiery Heart
It's true! I am a passionate person but few actually see it! well, some of the people I'm closest to get a quick peek inside my heart and soul but not many and you have to be smart about it! Some have a sense of it but can't put their finger on exactly what it is about me! Some label me as different and I prefer it over the expected "normal". I know I don't always blend or fit in everywhere I go. Even when I am most still, I am sizzling!!! haha I've tried to express myself through songwriting, singing, dance and acting. I am about more then what you see on the outside! No smoke and mirrors...just very protective of what I got and who's gonna get it! haha Just know that this fiery heart of mine bleeds true blue! Loving life for sure! Hope you are loving life too!!!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/05/07
Always something there to remind me.....
As planned my efforts along with my mom's paid off by the end of the night yesterday having accomplished the huge task of gathering & chosing the photos for my cd! All the info like lyrics and blurbs are done but now I must write my thank you's! At some point today I am gonna help my mom take down the Christmas decorations and put stuff away for another year. I'm still bummed about not having snow. Just another reminder to show me that I am not in control. We only have control over how we react to things. I always try to be optimistic and have a sense of humor even when things get me down. So doing my thang this afternoon and looking forward to mixing later! Have a great day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/04/07
Pictures
This morning we've been scrambling for fitting the right pictures with the right songs for my cd booklet. It's got to be kick ass and of course it will be!! All the pics have to be in by tomorrow and we are still undecided about a few of them. So the plan today may be to take a couple more just in case we come up short. Tonight I have off but I have lots to do before I can sit down and relax....so0o0 I'm gonna keep this short and sweet! Hope everyone has a fabulous hump day! Muah!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/03/06
New Years Resolution
Yesterday felt like a Sunday to me. It was mostly a quiet day, real chill. I did do some administrative work for my cd with photos and lyrics but basically kicked back and come early evening I watched the movie "Invinceable" with my bro to pass the time away. I love movies based on true stories. I'm glad break is over and everyone is back on a schedule. My day started out early with exercize and a dentist appointment! Mom and I made a nice lunch and now I'm off to my side of the world to work on my music. I'm also glad today I have a voice lesson! Have you all made your new years resolution yet? Mine is to eat less carbs and read more. I know not very exciting but hey!........it's what it is!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
1/02/07
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Whoa baby!!! I went to bed at like 5 am this morning and zonked to the world! haha Great show last night at the State Office Building and the crowd was pretty sweet! It was hotter then hell performing but I'll take hot over cold anyday! Last night was a lot of fun. I chose to wear a sparkly dress for New Years Eve! There were moments when I was performing I felt very free and was just feeling the music. Then other times I was thinkin about my wardrobe malfunction..haha don't ask! But everything went even better than I had expected. Lots of kids wanted hugs and pictures with me and I signed a lot of cds and post cards. It's always a reminder of why I'm doin this in the first place. I can't explain how awesome a feeling it is when a fan comes up to you and tells you that they listen to your music for inspiration. I was treated very well by the staff (shout out to the Myers family!) (and a mention to Ralph the sound guy!!! great job!) My team and I were given special passes to go up to the 18th floor for food and entertainment and WHAT A VIEW!!!! I've never seen my home town from that perspective and it's very, very cool!!!! We didn't hang out long tho cuz the band, my parents, my bro and his friend all met up at Anthony's to eat a late dinner! That's where we were all were when the new year hit!!! A couple VIP's were missed but they had family obligations and that's understandable! Now it's time to start the brain and get everything in order for the future! Back in the ZoNe!!!!! Have a great day and peace be with you! xoxo
Always Love & Music from your girl, ~Dena~
1/01/07
~ Past Journal Entries ~
