Ready-Set-Go!
The curtain comes up on the backstage goings on, and much of what I thought was true isn't really.
note to self...
~Pay No Attention To The Fake(s) Behind The Curtain~
Pretty sweet horoscope today: You don't know your own strength. You think you're not up to the task, but you're so much tougher, stronger, smarter and faster than you think. The stars are giving you this challenge precisely because you're ready.
READY-SET-GO!
Love Always, ~Dena~
05/31/06
It's 98 degrees and rising...
It's 98 degrees! and rising!?...haha ok maybe not that high, but it sure feels like it!! At least I can't complain that I'm chilly anymore. I've had the past two days off from the studio and I have to say I'm ready to get back to work tonite. Sometimes thats all it takes. This week is gonna be a lot of work with double acoustic rehearsals every night, workin out the live show, band rehearsals later in the week and maybe start trackin a new song. Chaotic....the only way to be! I'm workin' on my vocals now, and then later if I can bare the heat I'll try to get some exercize in. I'm thinkin ice cream and popsicles for dinner! xoxo
Be cool! ~Dena~
05/30/06
Memorial Day
It's Memorial Day and its a good time to remember how lucky we are to live in a free country. It happens to be like a hot summer day and I've been chillin a lil bit and also tryin to take some more photos.....but gosh darn it....the sun almost never shines where I live and when it does I can't seem to keep my eyes open long enough to get that good shot without sunglasses. For some excitement today at my house, my shower (upstairs) created a shower in the downstairs bathroom. So now when I shower everyone else can shower downstairs too! haha My younger brother has had a steady stream of friends coming in day and night all weekend, so it's cool to have people around close to my age, even if I'm not really able to hang with them. I'd like to get somethin to eat now and get back to singing after. Keep it real. Peace out!
~Dena~
05/29/06
Bubbles
A beautiful day to have off! I just returned from a very long and fast walk and worked myself into quite the sweat...ewww...and thought I would write to all of you before I hit up the shower! Too much info maybe? ok, ok well its the truth....haha...what can I say?! My plan is to go out and take some promotional photos once again. I love shooting outside but this time I'm taking my brother's ipod so I have my music with me this time. YES my brother has MY MUSIC on his ipod! I'm getting pumped now as my first show this Friday, June 2nd, approaches. I hope you can make it out to hear me singing with my acoustic guitar player at the Anam Cara Art Gallery on State St. in Binghamton from 6-9 pm. Ok well I am feeling quite playful at the moment and it's the perfect time to break out the bubbles! Bubbles for blowing.....not champagne! haha It's a highly sophisticated relaxation technique a very good friend of mine suggested trying. Maybe you have heard of him? Spongebob?!
Have a great day everyone!
Always sweet! ~Dena~
05/28/06
Good Times
The other night in the studio, Barry, a rap/hiphop producer came in with his brother, and was workin with one of his artists named Focus. My producer was workin with them also on a hot new song that I know the clubs will love to play. We were breakin it down and having some good times! It's so cool to meet new artists and to get to sing with them. Then last night besides my own stuff, I worked on harmonies for Doug Jackson's song. But I just have to mention this lil sweetie that could soooo be my fan club president...Jordi! Sometimes she is at the studio and it's cool for me cuz I'm usually surrounded by guys! Thanks for all the love & support girlfriend!!! :) Well, I'm going in early tonite and I have so much to do before I go. Peace out! heehee xoxo
Life is Good! ~Dena~
05/27/06
Triple Threat
"American Idol" ends and "So You Think You Can Dance" begins! Gotta love it! The reality shows premise is just like American Idol. Watching it makes me wish I still had time to dance. Someday I will def get back into it just b/c of the great shape it kept me in and the flexibility of it. Add a bit of Shakespeare from my acting days...."O Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father, and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet."....and you have a full glass of Dena! Singing is definitely my first love tho...which brings me to preparing now for DaBella bootcamp tonite! haha Have a fun Friday everyone!
Keepin' it real! ~Dena~
05/26/06
American Idol
I was in the studio when the finale' of American Idol was on last night and I just got to watch it this morning. I'm really happy for Taylor! My fave from the beginning was Chris tho so after he got the axe I didn't really care who won but they were all really good! I have to mention how adorable Clay Aiken was! I just love him. Everyone always asks why I don't try for American Idol and it's gotten to be like that dreaded question that you hear all year long in your senior year of high school....what college are you going to? AS IF....college is the only option you have. Idol is one option for aspiring singers but, clearly, thousands of talented singers don't get through for whatever reason cuz I know of some people that tried. My journey is destined by prayer, faith, hard work, determination and possibly stubborness! haha I may not look it but I'm a fighter. I need to give my attention to some serious practice this afternoon so ttyl!
Love and good vibes everyone! ~Dena~
05/25/06
Born To Kick Butt
Did I say I would be having band practice last night in yesterday's journal entry? Did I mention hopefully it would go smoothly so I wouldn't stress out? come on now.....I know there are plenty of talented guys out there that want to perform as much as me AND that want to back my singing a$$ up. The problem is the committement level is non-negotiable if you want to work with me. haha I'm laughing BUT I'm dead serious. That is why my partner in crime is the Mansion Audio man himself, Jeff DaBella. Do we butt heads sometimes...urhmm no, b/c I always see things his way! lol The bottom line is..both of us were born to kick (music) butt! Ok now that I have that out of my system.....nothing but love going out to everyone and hoping you find what makes you happy! seriously...some people are never satisfied, have all kinds of excuses and then they miss out on what's right in front of them. ok I have to go grab the brass ring now. hehe xoxo
~The LaBella Team Playa's~
05/24/06
I Think I Need Vitameatavegamins!
I was so tired that when I got home from the studio last night I crashed sooo fast. This morning I could barely get outta bed and had to force myself. I hate that feeling. I had a hair appointment to freshen it up with a few added highlights and discussed future plans for possibly a new hair style. Now I have to get busy at the piano, plunking out notes to my songs. Gotta work out all the kinks for live stuff ya know. Later too I have a voice lesson and then right after that I'll be going in for band rehearsal. Hopefully it all goes smoothly so I don't get stressed out. Get me some vitamins and a Red Bull!!!! and hurry!!! xoxo
Red Bull gives me wings! ~Dena~
05/23/06
Sing Your Heart Away
Another week has begun and I'm ready to RoCk! So much to learn and so much to do and not a whole lot of time to do it in. Let me just say...when I'm not crazy busy I go crazier...get it?? haha This week I'm gonna start trackin' a new song called "Escape" that I wrote. It's dark, edgy, has attitude and brings out the fighter in me. Booya Baby! Tonight I believe the plan is to work on vocals for my live stuff. eh, I can't sit here another minute...Red Bull and exercise for me and then I'm ready to sing....sing a song....sing out LOUD.......sing out STRONG!!!!!! xoxo
~Dena~
05/22/06
Sundays = Family Time
Last night went really good in the studio. I learn something new every time I go in and since I have the best teacher it's no wonder. It could be something really minor but none the less it's a wow factor for me....like a light bulb just went off!!! (ok no ditz comments please.) I'm not sure what to think of Sundays off really. Sleeping in is always a plus but a whole day off is only good for about a few hours before I start to get antsy!! Wierd I know. Today tho my afternoon was filled with family as I got to go up to my uncles house to see my cousin and her beautiful baby here visiting from Louisiana. Being around lil ones makes me so happy for some reason. It's their innocense I think. I am playing catch up now with my journal entry and my other music sites that I need to check on so I'll kick back later. Hope you had a good day! xoxo
Love Always, ~Dena~
05/21/06
WOW
All I can say is WOW! Last nights band rehearsal was pretty awesome!!! At first I was a little freaked out by the huge KISS paintings on the walls! haha Pretty sweet atmoshere down in the basement in that small, intimate space where the outside world can't bother you. I was impressed by how good the guys sounded and hearing my songs live like that just blew me away. They all seem really cool and talented and the chemistry is definitely there I think. What was extra cool tho.....my producer gave me my very own microphone!!!....oh and some ear plugs to go along with it! Thanks Jeff! I heart you! All these new things I'm feeling/experiencing for the first time make me realize that dreams do come true. And if I ever feel that I have fallen short, I just call on Derek Jeter for inspiration...."There are going to be failures as you pursue your goals...the important thing is to always believe you can succeed."
Love and Music! ~Dena~
05/20/06
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Driving home from the studio last night was so freaky cuz of the thick fog. It was like being in a scary movie! Cops were pulling carloads of kids over everywhere too. I knew it was a huge party night with all the college kids so the cops must of had a busy night. haha When I got home our digital cable was out so there was no tv, no computer, no phone, zilch! Crazy. Good thing I didn't hear any chainsaws! lol Now today it's dark, dreary and drizzling so my plans to walk outside are shot. I always try to make the most out of life's little cliches and go at things a different way. (ouuuu The Matrix is a cool example of that...haha) Like, when I least expect it...if I get crapped on...it's hard to accept at first, but I just suck it up and stay true to myself cuz only God knows my heart and no one else. Sometimes you have to let go of some things that are beyond your control to "lighten the load", and only then you can move forward in your life, you know what I mean? xoxo
~Dena~
05/19/06
Show Your True Colors
Night off last night so I just chilled...but I stayed true to my schedule and went to bed late! haha This morning I nearly jumped outta my bed from my radio alarm being too loud. Or wait, was that my brother singing downstairs in his room before school? Yupperz!!! haha I had a 9AM appointment anyway to get to. My mom and I hit up the Friendlys at the mall for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day) and then shopped around for some more stage clothes. (U think U know but U have NO idea....mwahhahaha) I picked up a really cool Kelly Clarkson poster too! On an outing like today, complete strangers (aka....hopefully fans) are starting to recognise me as they seem genuinely excited to come up and talk to me. It's always on my mind to make sure I say thanks to everyone that supports me. Trust me, not everyone I know or that knows me is...so it truly means a lot.
~Dena~
05/18/06
Tick Tick Tick
Things are getting to be crazy around here. Seems like there's not enough hours in the day. Maybe it's time to cut my sleep time in half haha. Although I enjoy it, I always thought it was a waste of time anyway. My manager and I are workin on getting me on all kinds of music sites so I can get as much exposure as possible. Probably the most difficult thing to do is to promote yourself and to be heard. However, in the long run, I believe it will be worth it. Perserverance!! Well I better get busy. Hope everyone else enjoys their day. Tick Tick Tick...
~Dena~
05/17/06
The Best
Last night in the studio was the best rehearsal ever!!! My guitar player and I rehearsed with the PA system and it sounded killer!!! It totally makes me more excited to get out there to perform live! Then I finished tracking the main vocals on one of my new songs and everyone went home happy! Trust me....it's not always that way! Hopefully tonite will be just as good cuz everything is going so great! I try my best to "bring it" everytime!! and to avoid that dreadful comfort zone. Tonite I should rehearsing with one of my electric bands which is a cool change of pace. I have so much I'm thinking about but it's madd crazy good!!! But thanks to my producer and manager I get to do what I do best (sing) while they take care of everything else. I'm so lucky.
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
Just DO it!!! ~Dena~
05/16/06
What it is!!!
I have been feeling so energetic that I'm having trouble sleeping at night and at times I forget I even have an appetite. To be honest though I like feeling this way as opposed to feeling sluggish and unmotivated. My schedule fills up fast each day that I think I have more time than I actually do which means staying focused is very important to be productive. Tonight at the Mansion I'll be rehearsing with my guitar player as we put all the songs into sets. The goal is to really get a nice flow of all the songs and believe it or not doin that takes some thinking and planning. Then the plan is to do some more tracking on one of my new songs. Alrighty everyone, have a good one!!! xoxo
What it is!!! ~Dena~
05/15/06
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day Mom and to all the mom's out there! Today is the kind of day when the extended family (aunts and uncles) go out to dinner to celebrate and of course my GRANDmother is queen of the day! haha It's great to be around all the women in my family and none of them have to cook or clean for a change. It sounds sexist but that is their generation of how it's always been done. As for me....I don't do domestic! I love kids tho and someday I will be a super mom just like mine! (did i kiss up enough u think?) j/k mom!!! Not sure what I might do with my day off later but I won't waste any of it. Time off is rare and precious! xoxo
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ~Dena~
05/14/06
Energy Meter is UP!!!
The one choice I want to make today is not to let anything or anyone nag at me to the point of causing conflict. Yup, there are a few grouchie's out there that would love to drag me down. But, I'm in a good place right now and I'd like it to stick. I'm choosing to celebrate my happiness with those who helped me attain it! So jump on the Dena train if you really do care about me! lol It's gonna be the ride of your life!!!! But first things first....ahh yes.....the hard work and the positive mental attitude! I knew it wasn't gonna be easy...but I have the 4 D's......Drive, Determination, Discipline and DaBella!
Let the sun shine in! xoxo ~Dena~
MY ENERGY METER:
MONEY $$$$$ LOVE <3<3<3<3<3 ATTITUDE *****
05/13/06
Write Me!!! =)
Pretty sweet day so far! I don't know what it is but I guess it's just a gut feeling I'm having that everything is on track. I put up 2 new songs on a couple of my music sites and so far the response is pretty good! They will be going up here on my personal website also and it would really be cool if you would write me an email and let me know what you think at Dena@DenaMusic.com or just say hi!!!! =) My CD has been selling great and I haven't even had a show yet but I'm really looking forward to singing live and meeting my fans face to face! My friends know how busy I've been...haha...cuz they never see me...but by now I think they have figured out I mean business and it's for real! I appreciate all the love and support everyone has been showing me too! Into the studio at 8 bells and I'm so "up" right now I don't even think I need a Red Bull! hehe xoxo
Shine! ~Dena~
05/12/06
Cool
A long walk in the cool fresh air that was intended to motivate me actually made me sleepy. haha hmmm partly I think b/c I didn't eat anything. I'd have a RED BULL to kick my energy up a notch now but I usually save those for later when I have to put in a long night at the studio! My older bro who is a Physical Therapist gave me some help/pointers for targeting certain areas I need to work on and it felt soo good. It's almost like when I was doing gymnastics back in the day! I'm totally feeling positive about everything right now. Tonite I will probably finish up the harmonies on Doug Jackson's song and then have acoustic rehearsal. It's all good! hehe
Booooya! ~Dena~
05/11/06
Kick Ass!!!
Believe me when I say I am NOT aspiring to just be content with the way things are but I AM aspiring to kick some ass!!! musically that is!!!!! I owe a lot to my producer and manager for feeling this way. :-) It may be all about me when you come to my website and read my journal or listen to my music but believe me, there is some really hard working, killer people that have my back and I can't thank them enough! Which brings me to say, I had a productive night in the studio and came home a happy camper! Thanks everyone but especially you Jeff!
Don't settle for anything less that what you deserve! ~Dena~
05/10/06
Test of Time
Seems like the time goes fast and sometimes I forget just how fast. Time is precious and time is money! I like to work hard and feel like I've accomplished something everyday, but I also need to have fun in there too. Each and every day my eyes are opening up more...slowly but surely...and I think that's part of growing up. Things are all set in place for me to hit one out of the park and I don't want to blow my chances by making mistakes. Is there a deeper message in there...what do you think?! On a different note, my older brother (and his girl) are on break from grad school and are home for the next couple of days and that always makes me happy since I don't get to see him too often. Hopefully in between all my singing for the day I'll get to spend a minute or two with them. Hope everyone is smilin! (hugs)
I'm putting on my war paint and combat clothes cuz today I battle to win against all odds! ~Dena~
05/09/06
Blessed
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused. hehehe That would be me!!! I really am blessed to have the hippest grandma, the most giving aunt and the coolest mom! Basically they say the darnest things and it's so random that everytime we are together the laughter is constant. Today for example we played role reversal and they ragged on me big time by imitating me but I gave it right back and we laughed and laughed. It's a pretty cool way to see yourself thru someone else's eyes especially when it's done out of love! Anyways, I'm looking forward to going into the studio. One day off is more than enough and then I need my MADhouse fix! hehe Enjoy your Monday everyone. It's gorgeous here in my neck of the woods and I'm lovin' it!
Peace baby! ~Dena~
05/08/06
Just Shoot Me =)
It took awhile for the day to warm up but finally once it did I set outdoors to have a photo shoot. I pretty much hate having my picture taken cuz I'm never happy with how I look. We hit up a few different spots in the neighborhood and it took up most of the afternoon cuz of coming back home to change outfits. Now that I've seen the first set of photos...ugh...I'm taking a long, long walk soon as I post this. I really should get me a personal trainer cuz since I've stopped dancing I just don't feel in shape. Ok, time to stop whining. No excuses, no complaining. I'll just keep reminding myself this....
Perfection is unattractive, Imperfections are beautiful!
Letitbe. ~Dena~
05/07/06
Art Gallery Walk
Last night I went to the Art Gallery Walk in Downtown Binghamton with my producer and we met with some really cool important people. I will be playing there next month and it will be my first official show with my acoustic guitar player. It was confirmed last night that I WILL be singing at the Speidie Fest!!! Woo Hoo!!! I will list the date and time soon as I know...so keep checking back for updates!! I can't tell you how much that means to me to be able to play there. Way cool to be playing at the biggest event this area has to offer. I put in a few hours at the studio last night afterwards. I started tracking a new song that I wrote the lyrics to but won't be on my record. It's an R&B song that will be on Doug Jackson's record who is trumpet player I know from the studio. He is a pretty cool guy! It's totally different than anything I've done so I'm lookin forward to showing people a whole other side of me! An afternoon of singing practice and into the studio at 7 for me! Hope you're having a great weekend! xoxo
With Love, ~Dena~
05/06/06
Power Of Love
I would describe myself as being both tender and tough, which can make my life confusing. I've always been a soft touch cuz I am such a people pleaser. And when I say I'm tough that usually applies to me just being tough on myself. But I need to toughen up and start standing up for myself more and more so people don't take advantage of my sweet nature. It's kind of empowering actually but I'm never sure to what degree of tenderness and toughness to express to keep it balanced. I don't want to be perfect cuz perfect is cold and lonely. Is there such a thing as unconditonal love?
~STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF CUZ THERE ARE VERY FEW PEOPLE WHO WILL STAY TRUE TO YOU~
Working hard so hopefully someday I will be able to play hard! xoxo
~Dena~
05/05/06
Posting before noon?! Say What?!
Good Morning Everyone! Yes, yes you're not imagining it....I'm posting an early one today! lol Last night was really fun...I went to my brothers baseball game and they won! (of course) haha It was nice to get out and see people and breathe in the fresh air! I tend to live in a bubble and those brief times I can get out, I soak it up. I watched America's Next Top Model and American Idol afterwards. I love watchin those shows b/c they offer up great advice and it fits with what I'm doing. TNT internet radio is on the fritzzzzz or something this morning. Blah. But I have plans for my day to work out and practice for acoustic rehearsal tonite in the studio. I have to take control of my own destiny so off I go! xoxo =)
Love Always, ~Dena~
05/04/06
Practice Makes Perfect
Last night was my first offical rehearsal with band number 1 for my electric set. It's all very new to me and despite a few rough spots that we had to work out, it was a lot of fun! Each time we practice I'm sure it will get better and more exciting. I really can't wait to get on stage in front of a live audience. My acoustic rehearsals are going great and soon that should be real tight. I have a lot of new songs in the works right now and I can't wait for everyone to hear them. Be prepared for an all new me! haha Alright...well time for me to get some work done so I can hit up my brothers baseball game later. xoxo
Love, Dena
05/03/06
TNT ROCKS & Happy B-Day Michael
My night was productive in the studio and after I got home I went on TNT Internet Radio and chatted online with all the cool DJ's! Shout out to Angel especially since we both love BSB, Italian food and giggling like it's how we breathe! haha It totally rocked to meet the people that are happy to play my music and to connect on a personal level. TNT is all about the love of music...haha... just like me! I've been busy most of the day running errands with my mom! A trip to the mall to buy some personal items (rated GO..... for Girls Only.....hehe) and then the grocery store. Now I have to hurry off to my voice lesson and go right into the studio. I'm siked for tonite b/c I'm reheasing with my band! It should go great (if they come prepared). I'm soooooo ready to rock out live!
*Happy Birthday Michael*...my favoritest little brother in the whole wide world! Don't eat too much cookie cake and plz save me a piece! haha Hope you like my gift! If not....say you do anyway! hahaha
Feeling the love! ~Dena~
05/02/06
Who needs sleep?
OOoh lordy I got home last night late and found out my brother had burned his hand at work. He had been burned really bad on the job making pizza's at the local bakery once before, so I was worried. Gotta watch out for those deadly pizza's that attack you when you're not looking. haha I can laugh now cuz he is fine. Good thing too cuz my dad would of had a heart attack if my bro couldn't play baseball. haha THEN my computer caught a virus at like 2 AM just as I was ready to call it a night. It was B-A-D! So after scanning for nasty viruses and finally doing a system restore I went to bed at 4 AM. I was beat this morning but took a long walk in the fresh air, then had something to eat and it gave me the energy I needed to get focused so I could work on my music. I have an acoustic show coming up on JUNE 2nd @ the Anam Cara Art Gallery so be sure to check for details in the Shows & Events section on my website here. Now....Red Bull and I are leaving to go to rehearsal! lol
Be sweet! xoxo ~Dena~
05/01/06
~ Past Journal Entries ~
