Regina Spektor! Live in Concert in NZ 3-12-2012

Wow! So I got to meet REGINA SPEKTOR. Jealous much?

This was a pretty awesome concert, I was illegally filming as much as I could to show you guys some of the awesome footage, and I'll add pics to my Tumblr from my phone: http://katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

The stage set was FANTASTIC, although us silly kiwis were so pedantic about how it looked - someone screwed up and didn't sort out the lighting for her! The poor girl couldn't see her piano and eventually (after playing 3-4 songs quite rushed) walked off stage until they sorted it! She did ask for a lamp but no-one brought one... Eventually though it was sorted and we got to listen again. I went with my mum (because she has awesome taste in music like I do) and I was the crazy girl at the beginning cheering for her to come on stage. We waited for 45 minutes! Then the fun begun:

After playing a number of favourites she played this beautiful Russian song from a Russian artist called 'The Prayer" (See below). I love hearing Regina just by herself and without all the other instruments.

So it was an amazing concert! I even got a signed autograph of hers (See my Tumblr) She is so cute and short in real life! Very petite. I told her that her music was inspirational and she smiled ^_^

http://katherineannmarie.tumblr.com/

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

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

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

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