I took in a movie last night with a friend of mine and we stopped for ice cream afterwards. Home early and got right on the computer to work for many hours as if I never left the house. haha It went by so fast, I question if I really went out. Soon I am headed out to run some important errands, then I will fit in my exercise workout and after dinner I'll be in the studio. After hearing Ne-Yo say that the big $$$$$ is in the song writing I want to put some extra focus on that with my producer. Let the creative juices begin! Enjoy your Saturday everyone! And sing like you mean it! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/31/08
Down Under with Christina
For entertainment last night, when I finally got to relax, I watched the DVD of Christina Aquilera, Back to Basics Concert Tour in Australia! It was awesome of course! She has the pipes like no other and she was dripping sweat by the end of the show! I especially enjoyed the extra interviews with her, her hubby and everyone on her team. The guys in her band were cracking me up with their weed bit of a laid back attitude! hahahaha (yes you read that right) HOLY SUGAR!!! So typical! Today I'm hitting the piano hard and singing of course! It's a sunshine day too! Hope you rock your Friday hard but are sober enough to remember what you did when you wake up tomorrow! haha xoxo Is my most treasured dream just a moment away or what seems like a lifetime away?! Today's answer will probably be different then tomorrow's. Depending on insider news and happening's, it changes. My dream is on solid ground but what the universe has in store is a mystery. I'm working hard at my craft, keeping the faith and praying the stars and the planets are aligned and in my corner! I'm reaching high because it's better to attempt too much and fall short, than to attempt too little and have to live with the regret. I am capable of more...let me prove it to you! Stretching myself....what are you doing? xoxo I think a picture is worth a thousand words, don't you? Well that is why I thought I would post one of me in yesterday's journal entry. Besides giving you a peek at the new hair color, it reflected my mood. No other day like today so be sure to appreciate the tulips cuz they aren't here for but a minute! I'm really liking the dark color hair, at least for now, and when I get bored with, it will be gone! Yesterday I was highly unmotivated to do pretty much anything. I ended up watching a couple movies. One cute one called, Music And Lyrics, with Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore. It was kinda silly and it sort of made fun of pop music, but at the same time there was a lot of truth in it. The music business is what it is, a business! You really can't be successful in it without all the necessary components working together. A musician needs a producer and producer needs a musician. Agents need clients, and clients need agents and so on. To put it simply, it's a team effort! And lucky for me I have the best! Tonight I am working the job and for now I have musical intentions. Enjoy your Friday everyone! xoxo First of all, I want to apologize to everyone who reads my "Daily Journal" for not posting an entry yesterday. Having said that let's rewind back to Saturday night. Thank you to everyone who came to my show at Antonio's because it was a fun night! I may be singing there again in the future so if you missed it, then you can come next time. I did three awesome sets and for it being my first acoustic show with Joe, I was really happy with how killer he did and how well we work together! I know that it can only get better from here on out... that is of course as long as the evil frogs stay out of my throat! (ribet ribet!!) What a CraZyAss, FuN Sunday I had too! With only a few hours sleep, I was up real early to take a bus trip, (compliments of my street team leader), to go to Yankee Stadium and see my boys WIN against Seattle! The forecast was for rain so everyone dressed really warm and brought blankets, only for it to turn out to be a gorgeous day! Needless to say, I was actually hot during the game, but I'll take that over the cold ANY day!! Jeter was on fire too so it's highly possible I was feeling his heat! hehe When I walked in, I was filled with emotion and even got teary-eyed, knowing this is the last season in "the house that Ruth built". Silly I know, but I couldn't help it. On the ride home our bus had a bunch of delays, but the worst was when it actually broke down and we had to wait outside for over an hour for another bus to come get us. All I can say is when I finally got home I crashed really hard!!! Now today I am still feeling quite tired but I'm looking forward to another jam packed week. Busy is best! Have a marvelous Monday everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/30/08
That's The Way I Like It
Good rehearsal last night. I like when things go smoothly. So much time is saved when everyone is pro! I was even home early for a change. Interviews for a new intern are going on at the studio and it can be like grand central station sometimes with the mansion crew coming and going too. I like being in the mix of the going's on even when it's not about me. There is so much to learn. Why not absorb everything I can about the business that I love from all angles, right? This is my life. I want to live it! Carry on everyone and keep it real! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/29/08
Random Stuff
Well, admittingly after a few consecutive days of not feeling 100% physically, today I feel like dancing! So I'm headed in the right direction! Today the sun is shining and tonight I'm finally getting together with my guitar player for practice, so that is a good motivator for me too. Right now I'm listening to Usher's new CD which is fabulous of course! I think him and Justin Timberlake equal each other in talent. Maybe someday I can be the female version of that drive, talent and ability they have put out on countless records until forever and ever. Ahhh forever...I like the sound of that! I posted a new photo of me on my myspace in the picture section. Actually one that was taken at the family picnic on Monday! Last night while I was on myspace, just as my friends grew passed the 6,000 count, my top 20 friends changed over to random people in a very mysterious way, so I went into a panic, thinking I had just been phished! Immediately I had to change my password and now it's a real chore to switch back my fave's. But hey, it's myspace! haha Weird stuff happens so often! Grrrrr So get your game on and have a blast today! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/28/08
Picnic
Ahhh yes! Fresh air and sunshine happened yesterday and I even tanned up ever so slightly on my face and arms, which was the only thing exposed! haha I actually avoided text messaging for nearly 8 hours straight AND no computer access so it felt like I was on vacation! I definitely experienced some withdrawal and realized just how attached all of us have become as I noticed the mess of cellphones and pagers next to everyone's paper plates, empty beer bottles and mosquito "OFF" candles! haha This picnic lacked background music and so it didn't take long before the singers in the group rallied to sing oldies but goodies! The non-singers (and drinkers) were jealous and wanted us to pipe down but you can't stop the music baby! A bon fire ended the night on a fun note. Today it's back on the work and diet train! Be happy!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/27/08
The Will In Me
Will Smith was on Ellen this morning and inspired me. I've always been a fan of his and every time he is interviewed I come away with something profound he said that I can relate to. He is always positive and funny and that's how I like to be. I just hate being around people that give off negative energy. I find sarcasm if not projected in a humorous way (my perception) to be a total turn off as well. I hope to make some new and positive acquaintances today at a family picnic. Ya know, the kind of gathering where you end up seeing these people at weddings and funerals! haha And I will surely be asked... aren't you that singer? And have you ever thought about going on American Idol? haha I'll take that over any chatter that's negative though! Soon as that stuff starts I'm O-U-T! haha Hope your day is the best! Enjoy! xoxo
Always (Peace), Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/26/08
Memorial Weekend
It's easy to be disconnected from the true meaning of this holiday when the focus is mostly just about having a long weekend because the calendar says so....aka...TIME OFF! For me, it's about family time, picnics, baseball and basically just chillin'! Add sunshine and it's nearly perfect. I'm one of those peeps that still has my cell phone in check and my laptop up and running! haha It’s an excellent time to recharge the batteries, be mellow and not have to look at the clock for a change. But when you are catching some Zzzzz’s in your lounge chair and at peace with your good thoughts…let’s also remember the men and women that died fighting for our freedom. xoxo
Always (Peace), Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/25/08
Work
I found a brief minute to get out and hear a little music last night. I was actually on the non-working side of a Friday night for a change so it was different. However, this afternoon I'll be on the job. Tonight studio. Some awesome things happening in the new studio too! A new jacked up computer is the focus of attention on the techy side of things! On the visual side, the studio looks KILLER! On the work side... it's all about the music!!! I have a full schedule and I need to get going! Have an awesome day everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/24/08
Outing Today
I had a date with my family today. :-) Actually part 1 of my family outing is completed and part 2 is later when my older brother arrives! Not that I need a break from my family inbetween but everyone splits to do their thing so I automatically jet into my temporary zone too! I'm always happy when my family rocks it together every now and then! More news today has me with 2 badass drummers on the payroll. Gotta keep it tight and in readiness...that's all I'm asking for. Well take care and keep happy! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/23/08
I Like COOKies....
...especially when they sing! haha Yes, I was a fan of David Cook on American Idol from the very beginning! He can rock any song he touches man! Mind you, I didn't have time to watch every second of every show with my busy schedule, but it was very clear who shined the most! Some really cool news found it's way to me too, this morning, that in the Netherlands my music is being requested a lot and they have made contact with the VIP's in my camp asking for more Dena! I love happy news!!! This is just one of those behind the scenes business happening's that I generally don't mention because what really matters is that I keep on singing! The rest will fall into place. Let the good times roll baby! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/22/08
MiXeD BaG
This morning I went to the dentist to buff up my pearly whites! :-) It's not my idea of fun, but it does feel good to get them cleaned. On my way home I had to make a quick stop at the bank and I got stuck in the rain for those few brief minutes. I'm feeling really cold, which really sucks. Really. Really. haha Today it's a mixed bag of weird weather for sure. Sunshine, clouds, thunder, rain, and sunshine again! Hot weather only lasts in Emptycott, NY for 2 months out of the year and the other 10 I have a heater attached to me! And why do I still live here? Oh well, I'm quite hungry so I'm going to get some lunch and then jump on the music train! Tonight is the crowning of the American Idol winner but no matter, both David's will have fabulous music careers for sure. Ho hum, off I go. Peace. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/21/08
Paying My Dues
Simon Cowell was a guest on ELLEN today and I actually learned something about him that I didn't know. He said 15 years ago he was flat broke with literally only 7 dollars in his pocket and had to move back home to live with his parents. He was in his 30's and yet was never embarassed about it at all. It made him appreciate much more of what he has now. He expressed that both David's are winners on IDOL but that David Cook is more seasoned and has paid more dues to get where he is at then Archuletta. As I mature up in this business I see what he is saying very clearly. Of course I would have loved to hit it big as a teenager but at that point it would have been about the fame and not the music. Simon said he appreciates and thinks people who bring life/work experience to their music and have basically worked very hard to get where they are, deserve it more. I have heard this from the get-go from my producer and other VIPS as well, that if you have talent and you work very hard and have PATIENCE you can achieve whatever you want. It's all very true and it's exactly what I am doing now. Feel good about your life! Rock on everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/20/08
Regroup
I am driving myself ever onward and upward. If only I could get the guys in my band to stop making excuses, get their priorities in order and frickin help pull this badass train, we might get to go somewhere together. Talented musicians are everywhere but loyal people are priceless. You may only be a part-time musician but if you aren't as serious as a heart attack then you won't last for long in my camp. So, a new rhythm section is being pieced together as we speak. I keep it PRO and I expect the same from everyone that works with me. So let the interviews begin! Impress me! hehe Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/19/08
Outlook
I did not want to get out of bed this morning! Ugh. I am working the J-O-B all day. I kinda crashed and burned after feeling so amazing yesterday too! Anyways... that means after today the only direction to go is up again! haha You must get sick of my sappy, positiveness but it's how I am! So my Sunday outlook is cloudy (literally) but who cares?! Just enjoy yourself today whatever you do! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/18/08
Don't "Sit" On Your "Sat"urday
Yeah baby!!!! Get super excited that you are alive!!! I worked the job last night, which was basically painless! I'm not really incognito but I do try to blend. However, I'm not gonna lie, it's cool when I get recognized! I think my bosses are cool about the attention I get or they wouldn't have hired me. It only gets annoying if I'm hounded and it prevents me from getting the work done. Hidden cameras are literally everywhere too so I feel pretty safe. Today I'm taking of my business and I have tons of energy to burn! I hope it lasts! Could be "il pollo" that boosted my mood from great to amazing!!! haha ummm, FYI, that means "the chicken", which I just ate! Barbecue chicken to be exact! Or possibly it's the love I have in my heart spilling over.... just because! God, I'd like to bottle this feeling! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/17/08
PRESSURE
TAKE A BIG WHIFF! HaHaHa As much as we would all like to float through life without any pressures along the way.... we all know that isn't gonna happen! Hey, if there were no challenges in life then how would we know when we achieved success?! When I started my pursuit of happiness in the music business I was told that this business will weed out the weak...not necessarily the untalented...but the weak! So bring on the pressures and one by one I will conquer them together with my faith and song writing partner/producer! I'm not a part time musician even though I have other things I do too and my priorities are spot on to get where I wanna be. Be gloriously happy even under the stink of pressures! LOL xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/16/08
Ticks and Props
This week is flying by, but then again when doesn't it? At band practice last night unfortunately not everyone was in sync. Ticks me off just a tad when I'm ready to go and some of the guys have attitude. Sh*t happens but I've learned to leave it at the door for the short time we rehearse. Fake it if you have to, but don't waste valuable studio time, ya know what I mean?! Still need a new bass player. All things considered, having the right attitude works for me and I just wish I could get others around me to be the same way! Props to my producer that deals with so much crap coming at him from every direction. I’m a solo artist and I’m in it to win it but these bands that spend years making a full length record and then break up or just don’t want to keep working hard at it anymore, is ridiculous to me. Well, having said that I’m working hard, even when I’m just communicating my thoughts here. Props to my fans as always and thanks for the love! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/15/08
Entertainment
I went out to a local venue to see some bands last night. In particular to see one band I manage! haha (inside joke) Their music isn’t even my cup of tea but I wanted to support them because they record at the same studio as me and these guys are hard working and talented! Their music is not really mainstream but definitely well produced and they are just starting to get out there! Hands down the best band of the night that performed! Unfortuately the crowd was scarce but that is nothing new for this area of the universe! Sure it’s a week night, sure the bands are virtually unknown but you could pick the best night of the week with well known bands and I swear the turnout would still be lame in Binghamton. The same people that complain there is nothing to do, are the same ones that want mindless entertainment anyway so they stay home to watch TV, and then, once a year, they watch the hot air balloons go up, up and away! WOW! Don't get me started! haha Have a thoughtful day full of whatever you find entertaining! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/14/08
Every Move I Make
Been hitting the piano more then usual the last couple days. The mood is right for it I guess. Voice lesson on the schedule for later. I have lots of tiny details I'm taking care of besides. I just don't write about them. Nobody is really interested in hearing about me doing laundry and cleaning out the kitty litter box! haha Good thing I don't have crazy paparazzi following my every move! Oh wait...I'm not a celebrity! haha Well I need to get back in the groove and off my "blank"! Get your Tuesday rockin' and I will too!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/13/08
Within My Grasp
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/12/08
Mom
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's....but especially mine!!! Unfortunately I have to work today so I'm missing dinner with the family. I spend a lot of time with my Mom on a daily basis so it's funny how on a designated day to celebrate all Mom's, we can't be together! That's the craziness of this life we live...we want order but can't always have it! So... much love to my awesome Mom and to my beautiful Grandmother as well! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/11/08
UP! UP! UP!
One day up and one day not! lol Of course we all have to deal with one thing or another that is frustrating but how we handle it show's what we are made of. Hey you know me...I’ll be looking for the positive in all of it though. I won't back down from a challenge but I will walk off when people don't respect my ideals. Nothing specific will I reveal but I'm not interested in hearing your unsolicited advice unless you have some credibility on the topic or have earned my respect prior. Your agenda isn't mine. Good luck with your life choices and I wish you all the best. Get UP with me now and let's rock our day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/10/08
Music and Lyrics
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/09/08
You Can Learn A Lot Of Things From The Flowers
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/08/08
Go Brown!
Did I mention I'm a brunette now? Well not totally but I felt it was time for a change up! Blonde highlights, on top of blonde highlights, on top of blonde highlights can be so damaging to the hair. I almost didn't recognize myself but it's pretty badass, I'm not gonna lie! haha I am on my own yet another day since one of the guys in my band can't make practice tonight! I hate when that happens. I am always enthusiastic about working on my music and when there is down time I'm lost. I must keep working hard no matter and I will. Hope your day is anything but boring! Rock On Baby! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/07/08
Nerd Cool
I'm just getting back from gettin' my hair did! woo hoo It always feels so good to lay back in the chair and let someone else have their way with...........my hair!!! LMAO I went for the extra special treatment and now I'm set for a couple months! Later I have a voice lesson and then I'll be working on my own tonight. The sun is out and it's kind of warm but I'm not rushing into shorts just yet! I just bought the Hello Goodbye CD on iTunes and I really like it! They are like nerd punk so go figure that I'd like em! And I bought Clay Aiken's CD on my way home from the hairdressers....another nerd I like a lot! haha hmmmm do you see a pattern here? If I wasn't surrounded by the coolest, rockinest, metal guys EVER, then you may question my coolness. haha But I am what I am baby! Nerdy, Sunny, Starry- eyed BUT VERY COOL...that's me! Rock out your day man and I'll be back tomorrow with another fabulous entry! haha xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/06/08
Rewind
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/05/08
Gig @ Antonio's Galleria & Cafe' TONIGHT!!!! 
My stomach started flip-flopping last night and the butterflies won’t settle until I sing my first song tonight and know it’s all good! The nerves always seem to affect me like that no matter how big or small the performance. I was always like that before every show I ever did when I started doing musicals back in my school days! I love performing so there’s a conflict somewhere in my brain and it goes straight to my stomach! Haha Antonio’s is a fairly new establishment and they happen to serve the best homemade Italian gelato in town! I can confirm this! hahah I am excited to sing there tonight and hopefully it will draw some new patrons for Antonio and I will also gain some new fans! I'm not gonna lie...I'm so happy!!! hehe See you tonight! 8:30 to 11:30 PM! ($3 Cover) xoxo
100 Oak Hill Ave. Endicott, NY
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/03/08
Busy Day
Happy Birthday to my bro Michael! I haven't even seen him today and I probably won't see him later either. Our schedules are usually crazy and even with living in the same house we can go for days without seeing each other! I have had a busy day already and it will continue throughout! Tonight I have my last rehearsal with Joe, my acoustic guitar player, before tomorrow nights show! (show section details here) I'm getting some good feedback that people are coming and I hope you are coming too! So get up, get out and definitely say hello to me on my breaks! Gotta fly now! Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/02/08
May
Hard to believe it's May! Most of my days blend together but special dates tend to keep me in check. Like tomorrow is my younger brother's birthday and Sat. the 3rd I have a gig at Antonio's! Sunday, if the weather doesn't mess things up, I have a bus trip to Yankee Stadium with a cool group of Yankee Fans, such as myself! I had a good rehearsal last night in prep for my show and another one on tomorrow night's schedule! Tonight I'm on my own. I hope your day is all you want it to be! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
05/01/08
~ Past Journal Entries ~
July '08
June '08
April '08
March '08
Feb. '08
January '08
Dec. '07
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
