Discovering The Joy Factor

I was always that artist that ardently refused to be a covers singer. I would perform MY songs or nothing. This may sound conceited to some, but I felt that it was important to choose a career path and follow it without compromise in order to be true to myself. It would be somewhat easier to make a living singing covers as opposed to originals, and tempting at times to go down that path, but it was never fulfilling for me. I chose to do other jobs to make my bread and butter whilst continuing to write, record and play the obligatory door deal shows that were just about the only option for indie artists trying to get established. These days house concerts are a great option.

Only  now, after five albums of original material, and having been talked into recording a cover on my latest album Feel So Pretty, am I feeling joyful about the idea of recording songs other than my own. I explained in an earlier post how I came to record that cover and why. (Read about that HERE).

I never really understood in the past why anyone would want to hear ME do a version of a really great song when it's been done by a million other artists. I just didn't feel that I would have anything new to add I guess.

Well, evidently I was wrong. The feedback from my fans for my first cover recording has surprised me and warmed my heart, so much so that I've discovered a whole new avenue for delivering joy through music that I wasn't prepared to venture into in the past.

This fresh new feeling inspired me to make a plan for 2016, which would involve recording one cover song every month, and get people involved in the whole process. I launched a crowdfund campaign via Patreon and once again, the response has been surprising and thrilling. So it turns out, the girl who wouldn't sing covers, is now ALL ABOUT the covers in 2016!     So shoot me.... hehe!

I'm also learning more and more about the magic of sharing. It was initially a daunting prospect for me to "dare to ask" people to contribute to something that I enjoy doing. I had to push through some pretty deep fears to allow myself to do that, but having "dared" to go there, the rewards are immense, and I'm not talking about money.

I'm talking about the bonds that are being formed between myself and those who love what I do. I'm talking about personal connections and interactions with pretty much perfect strangers who are quickly becoming treasured friends. I love the way social media and internet platforms like google hangouts have changed the way artists can now interact with their fans.

Through my new recording project, I'm able to involve people in every step of the process from choosing the songs that I record and discussing production ideas, to helping find studios and being present via live webcast, at the studio, and on the recording day. This is extremely exciting and fun for me and for everyone involved. What great times we live in.

Below is a Behind The Scenes look at the recording of Fix You by Coldplay.

Enjoy, and thank you for reading my blog today.

Trysette.

p.s. if you'd like to learn more about the project, click HERE. You'll receive a copy of each new track and more when you sign up to become a patron.