Happy New Year! 2013

Hey Guys!

So I have been posting a few new videos, and you can see them up on my Youtube account. Got lots more Marina and the Diamonds coming in the new year, as well as Lana Del Rey (Her album is amazing) and Regina Spektor.

Here is a little bit of inspiration until then to ponder on...

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
― Neil Gaiman

Hope you all have a lovely New Year no matter where you are in the world, I am going on holiday now but I will see you soon! 

K.A.M

xox

Update - Summer is almost here!

Hey guys!

I'm practicing away. Gonna do a cover soon of Birdy's song, and I'm playing around with the list I showed you a few posts back. I am looking at getting up a new video on friday and then a bunch next week so keep an eye out. Got loads planned for summer YAY! 

Just remember there is a poll I have created in the top right if you give me your feedback as to what level you are it will help me to create my videos that work the best for you!

K.A.M

xox

'Birdy'

Okay so where I work in retail, they play all the new music and I recently heard Birdy's cover of "People help the people" and thought it was pretty awesome. I think I might have a play and possibly cover it. More details soon. I was looking over my vids today and the video quality is indeed somewhat lacking...

The problem is my internet is slower bring in New Zealand and OMG it would take like 3 hours to upload an HD video in proper high definition. So I cheat and upload smaller files. Sorry about that!

Anyway here is Birdy's song which is actually a cover itself! Look up the original too. I prefer the melancholic vibe of Birdy's version.

'People help the People' - Birdy 2012

K.A.M 

xox

New Song! 'One More Night' by Maroon 5

Yay! So it's finally done. Here is the cover for 'One More Night' by Maroon 5. I freaking love this song! but OMG the practice for this song totally made me sick of it by the end. I still like listening to it though. Just not playing it. It's intense!

Anyway here it is, and the tutorial is linked within the description of the video clip, and just in case you were feeling lazy I have added it here too. Hope you like it, a lot of love went into this arrangement. Although it may be played a tad fast. Sorry about that, was rushing to get to work on time!

'One More Night' by Maroon 5

Tutorial of 'One More Night' by Maroon 5

More music SOON next week YAY! So stay tuned.

K.A.M

xox

Artist #4 - 'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri

Here it is!

'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri

I did a couple takes and my voice got husky at the end, I think I had the keyboard too loud! Oops. Oh well I'll remember for the next one. Got another song coming soon before next week too so keep an eye out. 

K.A.M

xox

New Video!

Hey everyone!

So as promised I have been working hard creating new stuff for you. I did a new song today, uploading as we speak and here is the outfit I chose for the song and I did a mini shoot to show you, there is also more pics on my tumblr. http://katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

I practiced this song a few times today before I got a take I liked, and I am not sure how it turned out but let me know what you think, I like the outfit I chose ^_^

I am thinking of doing more outfit posts for the covers of songs I do. I love fashion and it's a huge part of the music industry and my own works. Let me know what you think!

K.A.M

xox

Song List for Week #2 November '12

So just to give you an idea of upcoming songs for ya, I am creating arrangements of the following songs over the next week:

1. John Mayer - Born and Raised. To keep the original key this song will be quite high, but nonetheless it preserves the original key so you guys can play along with the album when you learn it!

2. Regina Spektor - All the Rowboats. LOVE this song, especially the acoustic version.

3. Vanessa Carlton - London. This song is very dear to me and to a lot of you Nessa fans. Coming soon.

4. Marina and the Diamonds - Starring Role. I promised you this a while back! Getting on it this week.

5. Ruby Frost! - Young. I LOVE this song too, and you guys will love her as well.

6. Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness. This song is just beautiful. Have posted the clip a while back.

Alright better get practicing! And recording! New songs whoop whoop ^_^

xox 

K.A.M

Tumblr!

Hey guys!

Just a reminder that I put up a lot of snippets of lyrics and photos on my Tumblr:

http://katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

I will be updating this everyday from now on as a personal music diary, and this blog is for BIG news plus updates on YouTube specifically. 

Tumblr - NZANNMARIE89

K.A.M

xox

Tip of the Week #5

I'm baaaaaack! So exams are over and it'll be just you and me over the summer holidays lovelies!

I have so much planned I'm way too excited. Okay so first off, I am doing some recording today so I got a couple songs for ya. Let me know what you think :)

Tip of the Week! Now this one is for singing, it's a little tip I was given by my singing teacher a long time ago and it's really useful. When singing 'high notes' come 'down' on them and pretend you are singing low notes, it will help the note to be clear and not pitchy. The opposite applies for low notes - pretend they are high and VOILA you can extend your range. 

Have fun practicing!

Hope everyone's holidays are off to a good start

K.A.M

xox

October - Spring in New Zealand

Hello everyone! How are you?

So in the time I've been gone loads of artists have posted some sweet new vids. 

Has everyone checked out Marina and the Diamonds new single? "How to be a heartbreaker"

'How to be a Heartbreaker' by Marina and the Diamonds

This is a pretty sweet song. In NZ atm it is coming into spring, and soon summer. We have summer over Christmas which is pretty sweet. So most people often have BBQs and trips to the beach!

Here is a little preview of what I have been doing while I haven't been making videos. I love fashion as most of you know and I have a little fashion blog. You can check out the facebook page and give it a 'Like' here: www.facebook.com/thewardrobenewzealand

Blog post - Outfit of the Week October 2012

Otherwise, you can keep up to date and see a bunch of musical creative ramblings from me on my TUMBLR: 

http://katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

Got new vids coming... they are coming I promise ^_^

K.A.M

xox

Ruby Frost! NEW Song!

Okay, so Ruby Frost has just released her new song 'Young' and it is SWEET. Check it out!

Got songs coming for ya, so don't worry there will be more up soon.

'Young' by Ruby Frost

K.A.M

xox

Study Time!

Hey guys,

I haven't gone anywhere, I am still around. Just practicing new stuff and studying at the moment as I have a huge number of assignments due, and they are all third year papers so unfortunately the time comes out of my otherwise music practicing time. In one week's time I will have new stuff up for you including Maroon 5, Christina Perri, and (maybe) Lana Del Ray. 

Stay tuned! I'll update you on here, and on my twitter! www.twitter.com/nzannmarie89

Follow me! ^_^

xox 

K.A.M

Practicing for a new group of songs soon.

In the mean time here is this song, I am absolutely in love with...

'Lana Del Ray- Summertime Sadness'

I have to do a cover of this. It's beautiful. She does sing really low though... so I might have to put it up a key. I'll let ya know ^_^

It's coming into spring atm here in New Zealand, and the weather is getting really beautiful. Blue skies and lots of sun. Guessing that over in the U.S it's getting colder? 

Anyway take care & talk soon! 

K.A.M

xox

New Songs, Tutorials and a New Month!

Hey guys!

So I have finally finished the tutorials for 'Buy the Stars' and 'Zero Gravity'

Check out my playlist 'Song Tutorials' to see them. 'Buy the Stars' is in two parts because it's such a long and complicated song and I wanted to make sure I explained it simply enough. 

Now I am behind two weeks on our 'Acoustic' genre, namely John Mayer & a surprise artist. I was very sick! But more on that soon, I intend to do a few songs and a few tutorials this week, hopefully! On Thursday which is the usual day I record. Anyway got an awesome song for you that I'm into at the moment, and of which I have an AWESOME arrangement and tutorial coming very soon....

'Maroon 5 - One More Night'

I love this song! Damn it's so catchy. Anyway talk soon and hopefully I'll be up to date by the end of this week. More details coming soon.

K.A.M

xox

Update: Acoustic Week #3

Unfortunately I am sick at the moment. With an awful cold :(

Sorry everyone. I hate being sick. Will do both videos next week for you!

K.A.M

xox

LIVE tutorial session!

Hello everyone, I am excited to announce that I will be doing a LIVE TUTORIAL via SKYPE for a group of 3 people maximum on the first week of September! I will be teaching piano tips, tricks and you can join in the conversation, asking as many questions as you like throughout that hour. This includes song chords, whatever you want to know. 

If you would like to register for this lesson (Time will be decided according to your timezones) then email me before the 29th of August at: katherineannmarie@gmail.com. Cost is $25 US per person.

A PDF covering all the topics and notes that I will cover on the day will also be sent out for you to follow along with.

Places are limited to ONLY three people so register now if you would like to have a spot reserved.

K.A.M 

xox

Acoustic Artist #3 - John Mayer

Hey guys!

So this week's track I was meant to record a few weeks ago but chickened out cause it's so darn high (or low) for me as a female singer. Nonetheless I will give it a go, and if it sucks well it's too bad cause I have learnt it already XD

Now John Mayer is one of my all-time favourite artists, not him personally but his music! And although the production in this record went a little off-kilter you can still hear him singing through the awkward harmonica/country violin solos. So I am hoping this week to bring you a little of my version of the 'Mayer'.

Let's see...

'Shadow Days' by John Mayer

This is his most recent single release. Note, the coyboy hat. Perhaps I should copy that in my next vid?

Alright so soon I'll let you know which song I'll be doing, and I have about 4 down at the moment so depending on whether this video I do next gets extreme love or extreme hate will ultimately affect how many I do in the end! 

Hope everyone's been busy practicing away at the new tutorials!

K.A.M

xox

Surprise! Ne Me Quitte Pas by Regina Spektor

Hey guys!

So here is my surprise, I did a cover and tutorial of 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' by Regina Spektor, and I reckon it's one of my best yet! 

I will be doing a lot more of Regina Spektor in between the other artists so stay tuned ^_^

Anyway here you go:

"Ne me quitte pas" by Regina Spektor

AND the tutorial:

"Ne me quitte pas" by Regina Spektor - Piano Tutorial

Talk soon! 

K.A.M

xox

Vanessa Carlton - 'I Don't Want to be a Bride' Tutorial

So here it is! Bam, simple. Easy to learn, beautiful song here you go.

I only JUST looked on YouTube and noticed that 'I Don't Want to be a Bride' is probably the only other song on Rabbits on the Run that has tutorials up already... so sorry about that. I need to do some that don't have tutorials up! 

I'm thinking about London, Get Good, & The Marching Line for ya.

'I Don't Want to be a Bride' by Vanessa Carlton - Tutorial

Also I have updated most of the old tutorials that were missing: Laughing With, and I Don't Want to be a Bride with the rest coming this weekend. Shall I also do one for 'On the Radio' too?

Got my surprise for you too! I uploaded it last night but accidentally got the wrong video haha

Will do now ^_^

K.A.M

xox

Artist #2 Vanessa Carlton - I Don't Want to be a Bride

Hey guys & Nessa fans,

So here is my cover of Vanessa Carlton's 'I Don't Want to be a Bride'

The tutorial is coming soon, and I hope you like it as much as I liked playing it!

'I Don't Want to be a Bride' by Vanessa Carlton

Also, here is the additional Vlog about her album and a brief artist overview. I am thinking of doing a complete album review, not sure. Hmmm if I have time!

Vlog - Vanessa Carlton 'Rabbits on the Run'

I wanna do Marching Line next! What are your favs? I had a lot of fun doing this song. Talk soon!

K.A.M

xox

Acoustic Artist #2 - Vanessa Carlton

So it's week #2 for our genre which is "Acoustic" and our artist this week is Vanessa Carlton!

So all you Nessa fans will be happy because I am doing a lovely arrangement of 'I Don't Want to be a Bride'

'I Don't Want to be a Bride' by Vanessa Carlton

This song is one of my favs, and it's very personal for her (and for me). The chord progression is really easy to follow and so you'll all be able to learn it no problem! It's lots of fun to play and I hope you love watching it as much as I will love playing it tomorrow! 

Tutorial will follow as usual, and I'll do a little album review for ya of her 'Rabbits on the Run' recent release.

Talk soon! 

K.A.M

xox

P.S Tomorrow I also have a surprise for you... 

New Originals...

Hey guys! Just to let you know that although I have been a bit slow with posting my own music lately, I have still got lots of new songs for you! I'm doing a few more covers then I'll be posting more of my own pieces in between, thanks for your patience and support !Remember this- Old times, how things have changed! New music soon I promise ^_^

'Sweetpea' Katherine Ann-Marie 2011

K.A.M

xoxoxox

Artist #1 Regina Spektor - 'Laughing With'

So here is my cover! Hope you guys like it ^_^

I always have lots of fun playing her stuff. I want to do her new song 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' (Don't leave me my darling) soon so have a look out for it in the mean time. Sorry about the delay in a few tutorials - I know I am behind, but I will have them all up to date by end of next week. We are getting there! 

'Laughing With by Regina Spektor Cover'

I love this style of dress! Just a heads up if you want to see some of my designs, my collections and some fashion inspiration head over to my other Tumblr for my fashion project 'The Wardrobe' 

www.thewardrobeinspiration.tumblr.com

Aaaaannnd.....

'Ne Me Quitte Pas' by Regina Spektor

^ Seriously. This video clip. She is so awesome. 

K.A.M 

xox

Acoustic Artist #1 - Regina Spektor!

Happy to announce this week's artist: Regina Spektor!

'Laughing With' by Regina Spektor

So here's the original video, and I'll be doing a cover and then tutorial for you!

K.A.M

xox

NEW Genre & Artists - August '12

Hey everyone! So we have covered the pop genre last month, and this week is the first week of the acoustic genre! Which means we will be covering and looking at artists that tend to be strongest when playing live or with minimal backing. Some of my favorite artists fit in this category, and they are often the best ones to cover as live music tends to work well with piano.

So here's a list of artists I will be covering this month:

John Mayer.  My first love! Haha no this guy is seriously talented at guitar. Interesting fact- he says happily how he 'steals' Eric Clatpton's ideas for his music. Eric Clapton was his idol and inspiration growing up and there is even YouTube videos of them playing together:

'Crossroads' (From Mayer's album Battle Studies) with Eric Clapton.

John Mayer has released a number of albums now, but if you haven't already heard his stuff I suggest you listen to his album Continuum or recent release 'Born and Raised'. I have been a devoted fan since his first album release in early 2000's. He was best known for his song 'Your Body is a Wonderland'.

Regina Spektor. This girl is pure magic, she is actually a lot older than she looks too! 30-something. But she looks only 25. Regina has mostly got recognized from her song 'Fidelity'

'Fidelity' by Regina Spektor.

Anyway she plays piano like nobody's business, she started off her career playing in bars, and she is beautiful live! Very quirky and full of personality there is no one else quite like her. When I first heard 'Apres Moi' I couldn't help but cry, she is a beautiful composer, singer, and all round instrumentalist. She also is Russian and speaks multiple languages... very talented! Regina has recently released a new album 'What we saw from the cheap seats'. Every album just gets better and better. Look her up, well worth the listen.

Vanessa Carlton. Well anyone who has followed me knows how close Vanessa Carlton is to my heart as a musician. I followed her very closely in my early days and I will always be in love with both her first two albums. After that she went and experimented a bit, with hip-hop producer Irv Gotti to finally releasing her own indie album last year called 'Rabbits on the Run'. Which is very beautiful in both prose, style, production and musically. 

'Carousel' by Vanessa Carlton

This is her most recent release, and was entirely self produced so good on her. I have a lot of respect for her doing her own thing despite commercial pressures. With 'A Thousand Miles' creating a lot of expectation , it's understandable she has always been searching for that one 'something' with her music since then. She is a true artist. 

The final fourth artist I haven't yet entirely decided on, I'll keep it a surprise ^_^ 

Anyway these are just some of my influences, in the acoustic genre at least and there are plenty more to come! As usual I will feature a couple of covers and tutorials too for you lucky lucky people. 

Gotta get back to writing more music for you. Love you all! Talk soon 

K.A.M 

xox

Artist #4 Kerli - Zero Gravity

Hey everybody! 

Okay so here it is, my cover of Kerli's song 'Zero Gravity'. The tutorial is coming soon! 

The necklace I'm wearing is also from one of my hand made collections: http://www.etsy.com/shop/insidethewardrobe

(Just in case you wondered)

Got some new Regina coming up plus I am happy to let you know that I will definitely be doing 'I don't want to be a Bride' by Vanessa Carlton, and 'The Marching Line' in a few weeks from now... she's one of our artists from the acoustic genre.

Exciting stuff! I'll post more details soon, in the mean time enjoy xo

K.A.M

'Zero Gravity' by Kerli. Arrangement by Ear. 

'Buy the Stars' - Marina & the Diamonds

So I had to show you guys this song, it's awesome and I am in love with it. It has about a million chords though (which I listed on the description) in case you would like to play it, but it's totally worth it. It's my favorite song on her album. Anyway here it is and the tutorial will be up shortly, looking forward to showing you Kerli's song later this week plus some of my own stuff soon too!

'Buy the Stars' - Marina and the Diamonds Cover

K.A.M

xox

Pop Artist #4

Super excited to share this one with you! So if you guys like interesting artists with a unique sound you are gonna love Kerli!

This girl is amazing, she makes her own clothing and accessories for her video clips, she has an awesome sense of style, and her songwriting is pretty good too. Her newest song is more techno-dance than her older stuff which was similar to Bjork's works. 

Anyway so this is her newest single! Check it out, and I am excited to show you my arrangement later this week ^_^

'Kerli- Zero Gravity'

Also have a look at her older song: 'Walking on Air' as it's probably the one she is best known for, that or 'Love is Dead', both pretty amazing songs and video clips.

After this we are on to the ACOUSTIC genre, which means all my fav artists that you guys will have seen me cover already... hope I haven't given too many clues XD

K.A.M

xox

Tip of the Week #4

Okay! So it's that time of the week. Tip of the week time! Oh yea.

Okay so this week's tip is about practice time. Ideally, you should spend about 2-3 hours a day practicing about 5 times a week to maintain fluency. Everyone is different and if you are just starting keep it to 1-2 hours but remember the more you practice the better you get! 

And don't rush the songs either, slower, patient practice is better than fast sloppy learning. 

Love you guys!

Talk soon,

K.A.M

xox

Ruby Frost - Moonlight Tutorial!

Hey guys! So here is the tutorial for 'Moonlight' by Ruby Frost. 

Hope you like it,

K.A.M

xox

'Tutorial - Moonlight by Ruby Frost'

Artist #4... Who do you think it should be?

So I changed my mind about Artist #4 for the Pop genre...

Who do you guys think I should cover?

I'll be doing one cover and tutorial plus featuring their latest album.

I have a few ideas but thought I would throw it out there... Would love to hear your suggestions!

K.A.M 

xox

Vlog #4 - Ruby Frost

So here's the new Vlog with a little preview of info on Ruby Frost. I will do a full album review if you guys like this sort of thing soon ^_^

Tutorial is next.. Stay tuned 

K.A.M

xox

'Ruby Frost - Volition'

Pop Artist #3 - Ruby Frost 'Moonlight'

So here it is! The new cover for Pop Artist #3 - Ruby Frost. Moonlight is a really pretty song on piano, so I hope you like it. Tutorial is coming very soon my lovelies ^_^

Go check out her album - 'Volition' especially Porcupine & Water to Ice!

Ruby Frost - Volition

Here you go! Tutorial is coming soon plus a little video on Ruby's album.

'Moonlight' by Ruby Frost - Cover

K.A.M

xox

Pop Artist #3

Hey guys! I am well again ^_^

So happy to tell you who is our artist of the week for Pop- our very own New Zealand 'Ruby Frost'

She's a very talented girl, and has so far released a number of songs, including 'Odessy', 'Moonlight', and 'Porcupine'. She has JUST released her full album, 'Volition' in New Zealand which is pretty sweet! 

You can check out her newest song: 'Water to Ice' here:

You can check out her facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/rubyfrost

Plus her website with all her links:

http://www.rubyfrost.com/

Excited to show you the cover... 

K.A.M

xox

The Winter Flu...

Hey guys! So you might be wondering where last week's video is... and I'm sick :( 

So that's why I haven't done it yet. (Can't sing atm). But give me three more days and I'll be fine again! Then there will be lots of artists and songs for you!

Sorry guys... I'll be back soon <3

Colds are evil!

K.A.M

xox

Lights by Ellie Goulding Tutorial

Hey guys! Was finally able to upload the Ellie Goulding 'Lights' tutorial, hope it's not too confusing, I explained it and left a bit of room for creative input on your part so you can improvise a bit but hopefully that doesn't make it too confusing. It's a bit longer as I explain the details and the main chords,

Piano tutorial of 'Lights' by Ellie Goulding

Update you soon,

K.A.M

xox

Tip of the Week #3

Hey guys so it's THAT time of the week, this week's tip is about vocal performance, and that is as simple as WARM UP! You must warm up. If you don't (and this often happens in the morning) then it can be difficult to control your breath and the length and timbre of the notes you sing. Warm ups can be done as scales (Google search) or they can be done by singing through a few parts, gently of a number of songs in different keys. But regardless of how you do it, take at least 20 minutes to warm up before playing, remember your vocal chords are muscles and just like an athlete they require training! Happy playing ^_^

K.A.M

xox

Artist #2 Ellie Goulding -'Lights'

Here's my cover:

'Lights' by Ellie Goulding

Tutorial will be posted soon! Enjoy ^_^

K.A.M

xox

Exams are over! Yusss!

Hello my lovelies, exams are over and I have SLAVED over my weekend for you just to have this cover and tutorial done in time, plus another TWO this week in order to make our quote for 4 artists for our month of the 'POP' genre. Who will the other two be? 

You shall wait and find out, anyway I am editing videos now and will be up by tonight! A cover and tutorial of our artist of the week (last week). Now, unfortunately my CD has disappeared so I can't Vlog about her just yet :( I will do though when I find it! I'll keep you posted.

Cover- Ellie Goulding Week #2

 K.A.M

xox

Study Freak Out!

OK So before anyone freaks out and thinks I have disappeard, I haven't! Its exam time atm, and I hoped to fit in my Ellie Goulding song last week, but couldn't :(

Instead, I will fit it in this week for ya. Tomorrow is my last exam and then I am back onto it!

REALLY excited so keep up and I will talk to you soon, it's so freaking freezing too atm in my room my fingers are like ice as I type, I'm in slo mo... hopefully I don't freeze to death playing for y'all ^_^ 

KK Last exam, ALMOST DONE!

Oh, and for those of you who don't know, Vanessa C. just released her own video clip for 'Hear the Bells'

It's just lovely, all old video clips of her dancing and childhood footage <3

Something to entertain you for now...

 

K.A.M

xox

Pop - Artist #2

Hey guys!

Okay so time for an announcement of which artist I will cover this week...

She is a talented songwriter and singer, from the UK and I am a huge fan. I have her album 'Lights'

Ellie Goulding!

Okay, so the album lights is not brand new but I have to mix it up a bit, and plus she has some AWESOME other songs on her album which I will do a more detailed review of, including 'The Writer' and 'Your Biggest Mistake' They are like electronic candy for your ears! 

Bet you can't guess what song of hers I will do ^_^ 

As usual there will be a cover & tutorial, and I would love to do some more of her songs in the future.

You should ALSO definitely check out her beautiful rendition of the song 'Black and Gold'

I hated the original, but this is just beautiful. One of my favs <3

'Ellie Goulding - Black and Gold'

Talk soon! xox

K.A.M

Tip of the Week #2

Hey guys! So this week's tip is Little Finger Training!

The little finger, or your pinky finger is the one that often lags behind the rest and can make your playing sloppy and reduce your ability to play faster. The solution? Practice your scales!

Or, play songs with intricate arpeggios and most importantly OCTAVES! These will give your little finger more strength and agility. 

Have fun practicing! ^_^

K.A.M

xox

Links!

Tumblr: www.katherineannmarie.tumblr.com

Like my Style? Jewelry? You can buy it! Check out my original collections and pieces at www.thewardrobe.co.nz + www.insidethewardrobe.blogspot.com

John Mayer - Born and Raised Album Review

Okay, so I have been listening to J.M's album now for about  a week on repeat... I have played through a couple of songs that I really like, and at this stage I'm not sure which song to cover! 

At first 'Something like Olivia' was the song I really fell in love with, the beat is awesome, and the lyrics are so very John. In terms of the 'country' feel to his new music, I can understand the many objections to it, as I don't really think it's him either. Most likely the pressures of the commercial record industry and their expectations has led him to try different things and adopt different 'vibes' for his music over time. But underneath the random layers of harmonica and organ synth, the songs have a soul that is uniquely and genuinely his, and that's what still makes his music beautiful. Songs like 'Face to Call Home' resonated with me so much, likewise 'Born and Raised' was very profound, reminded me very much of 'Don't Stop this Train' and 'The Heart of Life'. 

His song, 'The Age of Worry' also has echoes of his song 'Belief' from Continuum, it has a lovely lull, and this album he has really refined his craft. Lyrics are succinct, and cohesive, all sections of the song have a lot of thought and unlike his first two albums, every song has a unique vibe with a strong sense of clarity. Each song is different from the next, and like a great smorgasbord of thoughts and feelings he captures many elements within this album. It really is like a life narrative and it deserves a number of listens to appreciate all his songs.

I am still working on 'Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey' 'Speak for Me' and 'Shadow Days' as I feel they are a little diluted in terms of 'Soul' but I think it is just lost in translation. I don't approve of the production (although the vocals are superb in this album) but you can still hear John shine through, and who knows- the country theme might grow on me! ^_^

COMPETITION! Okay so I was thinking of doing a competition but then I realized most of you live overseas :\ 

So, I will have a think about this and get back to you when I have an idea!

Hope you all are liking the new songs/covers/vlog/ideas!

Definitely gonna do a cover of one of this soon. Listen. To. John. Mayer's. Album.

K.A.M

xox

Vlog #2 Weekly Update

Vlog #2 - Marina & the Diamonds

xox 

K.A.M

Carousel Tutorial

Ok guys so the Carousel tutorial is up! Let me know how you get on:

Carousel by Vanessa Carlton Tutorial

K.A.M

xox

Here is the cover for the artist of the week: Marina & the Diamonds

This is 'Primadonna' and the tutorial is uploading at the moment...

'Electra Heart' Album from Marina & The Diamonds

This was 3 days practice, and I memorized the last of the words in the shower this morning. lol. I had to do a few takes before I got one I was happy with, this song requires quite a lot of energy!

Anyway here you go, and the rest are uploading tonight, and if not in time then tomorrow.

I might do another vid once I have listened to her album a bit more, then give you guys a review or similar on it. Not sure if that would be necessary or not...

Anyway so from now on I am going to create the 'look' of the artists I cover, just cause it's fun ^_^

I think when I do John Mayer's album I will find myself a pretty cowboy hat hahaha cause he's turned all country on us!

'Primadonna' By Marina & the Diamonds

John Mayer's New Album!

PLUS I have to announce that I just bought John Mayer's beautiful new album, 'Born and Raised'

Now I am a die-hard fan of his, and all his music.

I am already preparing a cover... 

Anyway I am going to do a competition! More details soon on Saturday night ^_^

xox

K.A.M

New vids!

So amongst the other tutorial yet to upload (carousel) I am doing it now, I also did another tutorial and cover for ya today from our artist of the week, and genre pop! And I think you guys will know which song it is...

All vids from this week will be up soon! <3 

xox

K.A.M

'Falling the Line'

New piece of a song... 

"Falling the Line" by Katherine Ann-Marie

xox

How to Play by Ear Video - Part Two Chords & Rhythms

Hey Guys! So Part two is UP! Here you go:

It was difficult explaining some things but let me know how you find it. Carousel tutorial is done too... just have to upload it... will do tomorrow as it's nearly 3 in the morning here.

Watch these tutorials as I am sure they will help with your playing, songwriting, and will make other tutorials easier to understand in general. Give me some feedback! 

Talk soon,

K.A.M

xox

"How to Play by Ear Tutorial Part Two - Chords & Rhythms"

New Vids Tonight!

Recorded some new stuff today! Just got to edit them then they will be up shortly... including tutorials. I am really committed to the new YouTube vids. Got more for ya tomorrow too.

xox

K.A.M

New Layout

New layout to match the header, final construction work underway and will be done by tomorrow.

In the mean time check out my new Tumblr (follow me!) this includes my other two tumblr blogs of photography, and fashion works. Feel free to have a look!

I called it - 'The secret Diary of Katherine Ann-Marie" named after an artwork I did for a character called Ann-Marie. Long story.

http://www.katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

xox

K.A.M

Monthy Vlog: June

Thank you everyone for being so patient, I have finished all the plans for YouTube and the vlog and I can let you know what will be happening this week, and month ahead.

Every month from now on I will be covering a variety of artists and songs from a number of music genres. Each month I will share the particular genre (i.e. Pop, Rock, Alternative) and then each week I will do a vlog on a particular artist, their composition style, albums & music, one cover and one tutorial! That means loads of videos each week. Hopefully I will be able to keep up ^_^

For the month of June, the genre is POP! And this week, the first artist I am going to share with you is Marina & the Diamonds! I will share with you a vlog, cover and tutorial of her music this week.

Also I plan to get a recorded video version of one of my songs done for you, plus the Carousel tutorial, and I also have an excerpt for you of a song I wrote a while back...

Finally this week as hopefully some of you know, John Mayer has just released a new album! So more on that soon.

xox

K.A.M

Tip of the Week #1

As part of this vlog, every week I'll suggest a tip to help with your piano playing, song writing and arranging skills. This week's tip #1 is for piano players.

When playing difficult pieces, separate the hands! Learn each part separately and thoroughly, then once you have mastered each hand bring them together and play the section slowly from beginning to end, gradually speeding up which will maintain fluidity and detail. Do this on all sections of music that you are unsure of or are finding the rhythm difficult. Works every time!

Original DEMO Recordings: Soundcloud!

Hey guys! So I know ages ago you were asking if you could download my old recordings, and I deleted my myspace account ages ago. So here you go finally I got around to uploading the original tracks for download on SoundCloud! 

http://soundcloud.com/katherine-ann-marie/sets/original-demos-2008-09/

Feel free to listen and download away. Please keep in mind these are the very raw original recordings and were written and recorded all the way back in 2008/09.

More stuff to come! Excite ^_^

xox

K.A.M

Twitter! Tweets! Follow me ^_^

Wow 800 page views already and it hasn't been that long. You will be pleased to know the planning is DONE! Which means that this week I'll be doing regular videos, covers, and tutorials to YouTube! 

AND I have twitter! You are welcome to follow me. It's music oriented.

Twitter - www.twitter.com/nzannmarie89

Not sure yet what one is supposed to tweet on twitter but I'm sure I'll figure out something interesting.

Next post I will let you know the plan for the coming month!

xox

K.A.M