new songs

Two Worlds

What is it like to live in two different places, for about half a year each? Well, I am in my third year, living in between... and it satisfies my 'wanderlust-filled' soul.

If I could, I would live like this for the rest of my life,

that way, I wouldn't have to say "Good-Bye" for too long.

I Love my friends and family across the world and it is truly hard to say those two words. When I embark on that final (for the moment) journey to the airport, I focus on the next place, and try to swallow those good-bye tears. Sometimes it's easier said than done, and I spend my train time swallowing hiccups and thankful I have a hanky.

Small price to pay however, to have a different view from time to time.

 

As a musician, I can find places to play anywhere in the world, from living rooms to lit stages, it's an 'easy' profession when it comes to up-rooting once in awhile... (or twice every year.)

 

Sometimes performance can be difficult, if you are used to getting a laugh in between songs, the nature of sarcasm and jokes can get lost on a crowd who may speak English as a second (or third) language. I am much more "Italian" in the way I speak when this is a factor, using my body and hands as tools to get the jokes across. It's pretty fun. Sometimes I just laugh to myself, or at myself... alone.

Laughter is the best medicine, right?

 

Miscommunication is okay for me, as is other "bad gig moments" such as a non-responsive crowd or a terrible sound system (or stinky microphone, yes, that happens too!) In these cases, it just becomes a 'practice session' or yeah, just about the money ;) However, I do believe in performing as best as I can, even if there are only a handful (or more) of listeners. If I can get through to someone, just a little, then I have done my job.

 

Fellow Canadian artist, Craig Cardiff has a notebook that he takes to his concerts in which he asks people to write their dreams, thoughts, secrets etc in... And it always amazes me, when I get a chance to read some of these, at how profoundly music can help. I am so entirely thankful for this musical path I am on, be it for me or for you, it's worth it. Bad sound systems, non-listeners, sore shoulders, hot lights, smelly mics, long drives, sideway-glances and all!

 

Being away from home, either home, is tough at times. Thankfully Social-Media is here for home-sickness... or maybe not? I see shows and markets and babies that I am missing out on, but still, I get to see your face once in awhile and hear your voice too!! At the very least we get to stay present in each others lives, which is  big bonus, missing you in 'real life' or not.

 

Currently, I am writing a new song, featuring wisdom that I have learned over the years.

I hope to debut it on Sunday, where my voice will be soaring in a church for the first time in a long time.

 

You never really know what life will bring. Look forward to every day, and try not to want to know,

that way, you will be surprised,

surprises are good.

 

Love Lindsay

Lindsay LIVE with The Lost Boys... 2moro Night!

Greetings Websurfers, Indeed, I have a gig 2moro night in Wakefield Quebec. That's Thursday the 7th, at The Black Sheep Inn. We've been practicing some new songs as a band, and boy, sometimes they sound SO MUCH BETTER with a band then when I am standing in the kitchen singing to the taps! I will also be on CKCU Radio from 8am til 9:30am in the morning, that's 93.1fm in Ottawa...I may bring out some older recordings for a treat or a laugh... depending...! I will also be performing a few live songs as well... solo style...without the taps. Maggie Meyer from Newfoundland and Megan Hamilton from Toronto will also be singing souls on Thursday night at The Sheep, so if you are in for a trek out to the hills, come join us, the fun starts at 9pm!!!

Life as a music maker is a little slower for me these days, as I am spending my daze, writing new tunes for a new album. I would LOVE to get it released next Spring, Spring 2010. My last album, released September 2007 took a year to organize, so it appears I may indeed have the time to reach my goal date, but I will of course keep you posted on all of that, I still have to choose the right studio, and that's half the battle. The songs are flowing freely and I am stoked to get them recorded...all in good time I suppose!!

Summer will see me traveling a bit, out to the East Coast of Canada for some shows and then out to the West Coast, to the Rocky Mountains!! With an exceptional gig in between at at The Ottawa Bluesfest, on July 10th, where Jackson Browne, Steve Earle and Sam Roberts will also e performing... I am SURE it will be a fabulous night for all!!

As an independent musician, I am always looking for shows. I do all my own booking (so far) and if you have anything exciting happening and are in need of Music Makers, drop me an email. With or without band!! Keep in mind there are 2 Lindsay Styles...or ring me! My number is up there at the top of this page...

On another note, I have fallen in Love with a new band called "Mother Mother" maybe they aren't so NEW, but new to me... I saw them perform a few days back, and it was one of the BEST performances I've ever seen. An amazingly dynamic, creative, melodic, harmonic, and RAW talent type of band. Check them out sometime. One more Canadian Gem to add to our musical roster of greats....

Talk soon, Lindsay xo

Spring & Snow

Living in Canada is a wonderful thing. It's amazing what we Canadians endure. Snow, Fog, Sleet, Breeze, Ice, Rainstorms, Rainbows, Blizzards, Sunshine, Windstorms, Thunder, Lightning... ALL IN ONE DAY! I wonder sometimes why we choose to go through all the weather mayhem, why we don't just pick up and go somewhere hot and CHEAP, spending our days being creative by the beach... and then I remember how much I Love seasons, how much they dictate my life, my moods and my creative being. It's easy I guess, always having something to look forward to. One never knows what a Canadian day will bring. Lately I have been spending my time in Prince Edward County, writing new songs on East Lake. It's amazing how the waves of a raging Lake can inspire new music. I am currently working on new songs for a new album, and with the help of Canada Council for the Arts, I can safely say that my days sweating it out as a waitress are over, at least until the Grant runs out, and if I play my cards right, that won't be until September. What freedom I have, to work on my craft, to find inspiring places to create music for me and all you Music Lovers out there. Playing shows and performing re-fuels me in a way that I can not descibe and I thank all of you for making my pocket of sound thrive! While being an independent Canadian musician is at times difficult, I wouldn't change it for the world. I suppose what I have is a stream of music tapped into my soul, and what better gift?? I believe everyone of us has something to give, be it encouragement, creativity, Love, individuality, greatness, talent... whatever.. we all have a place in this beautiful world, so let's ring in the Spring and make way for new...xox

The Three Elle's (Lynn, Lynne & Lin)

Greetings from almost Sunny Wakefield. I write to you with Love & Inspiration in my heart. All we have is now. So why not make it good. Sometimes being on the road can hurt and tear and pull and strip you of all the good left in your goodbox. From a singer's perspective, performing on stage and sharing stories through song fills up the empty box and keeps you going, keeps you thriving, keeps you singing, keeps you alive.  On Sunday past, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with two very talented Ladies, Lynne Hanson & Lynn Miles...Lynn Miles has been an inspiration to many song-writers along the way, and has travelled a very long and winding musical road. Thanks to all the Elle's for a great show at The Black Sheep Inn, on the river in the Gatineau Hills.  I am now in the process of writing new songs for a new album. I have a few ready, but am working daily to get some more out! Lyrics are the most challenging part of the song making for me. I just can't seem to make things fit lyrically, what I want is to make a stellar song in all directions... but somehow the words get in the way!! Any suggestions out there? The melody of things just seems to come naturally, like I am standing under a musical vortex of sound... I guess all I really need is patience...In the meantime, please send a message or drop a line to say hello. It means a lot to know that someone out there reads these rambles of mine. My gig this weekend is sold out!! I am stoked, I have never played the venue or town of Burnstown before, so I must be doing something right!!! Lindsay xo

Le Chateau & Lindsay...

Good day Sunshine!! Life is Beautiful indeed. FREEZING, but Lovely all the same. Recently I have been moving around a LOT. Shows, music and life on the road seems to be quite fitting for me these days.... I was playing a show in Montreal not too long ago, and had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful representative from the GREAT Canadian clothing store, Le Chateau. She quite enjoyed my performance and suggested that Le Chateau sponsor ME with BRAND NEW CLOTHING to wear during some of my concerts. Needless to say, I am stoked. I have been a Lover of Le Chateau since I was a teenager, and am chuffed to bits to continue on this Love affair with a little less monetary stress involved!! Woo hoo!! And other fabulous news??? I applied for a Canada Council for the Arts Grant and received it!! This means that for the next 5 months I can work solely on writing new songs for a new album... one that I hope to have completed in the next year or so.  Oh, and I have the pleasure to play with one of my favourite Canadian Song-Writers, Lynn Miles!! This Sunday, March 8th at The Black Sheep Inn. It's an afternoon show, featuring "The Three Elles" in Song-Circle style.... Myself, Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson. Like I said, it's an afternoon show, (4:20pm) so you can bring your Lovely children if you so desire!! Looking forward to singing some new songs for you... Lindsay xo

Swiss Radio!

I am working on trying to get a 'podcast' from the Radio interview I did last night in Switzerland! It was pretty cool, having all my answers translated into 'Swiss German'. I only hope that some of the things I said didn't get lost in translation! What a thrill though, I absolutely Love this station "Radio 3fach" (pronounced 'dry-faug') Check out their music vibes at www.3fach.ch if you so desire, the station only hires those music Lovers 25yrs and under... so there is always new music to listen to, a refreshing sound altogether! Soon, I will be heading back to Canada-land, to play some shows, and get ready for 'Big Money Shot'. A music competition held in Ottawa Ontario, where the winner can win up to $250000!! What a rush, to think I could make a new album and pay off all my debts from the last one!! Ha! To dream is to live, I say!! There will definitely be more to come on THAT subject!! Just have to get the band super tight so we can thrill the judges out there! At the end of the month I am flying to Halifax for "In the Dead of Winter" festival... I can't wait! I have never been to Hali and it's sure to be an adventure what with all the piles & piles of snow (that I have managed to avoid thus far!!). I play on the 31st at "The Company House" and will have much fun checking out the other artists through the week, for more info go to www.inthedeadofwinter.com and if you are on the East Coast, come check it out!!! Tomorrow night I will play my last show in Luzern for awhile, it's been an amazing trip, one filled with countless moments of inspiration, bread, cheese & chocolate!! I have many many new ideas for new songs, melodies waiting to be filled with lyrics... I've been a little empty of words lately, can you imagine??? Well, I am sure they will come in time for my new album... anyway, I play on Saturday night at "Penny Farthing Pub House" in Kriens... it's a 9:30pm start for those readers out there anywhere near this part of the world. Next Wednesday I am singing in Montreal, at Casa Del Popolo, with Joe Grass & Charlotte Cornfield, we will be doing the show a la "song circle" style, so come check it out if you are in THAT part of the world!! There are SO many places to play, to see, to feel... wow, the world is full of wonder, isn't it???? Okay, take care, and Live well. xox

Lovliness in Luzern

It seems as though life is getting away from me here in the world of  Swiss wonder. I apologize to those readers who might have missed hearing from me. I had a dream last night that I was back home in Canada, that I never had a chance to say good-bye to all the splendour here... it made me very sad to say the least, and that much more appreciative of my time here. I have been in the land of Chocolate & Cheese for a month and have one more month to go. Then it's back to my home & native, which I Love more than anything, just to be sure!! Being here gives one a much different perspective on life. For an example, most of the time, I can't understand a bloody thing anyone says. You know what? This greatly pleases me, I thought it would be bothersome, but I quite like not having to express my opinion and I am content in not overhearing banal conversations such as the weather or sore feet. Language in general is much simpler to use here. One uses only the absolute necessary words to get their point across and you really only make a point if it's important, interesting or profound. It's pretty neat, there isn't a lof of time or use for the insignificant. I have learned a LOT while here, peace and quiet has a whole new meaning for me. I have also been working new songs, I have three at this point and really look forward to the day when I get back into studio to record another album. When I return home, I will travel to Halifax for the first time. There is an excellent new music festival that I will be a part of called "In the Dead of Winter". My one true Love (besides Music) is the Ocean... Halifax is on the Ocean... I can't wait. In the meantime, I will do some more writing here, spend some time on the slopes, eat some Cheese Fondue, play some gigs ( I play here with an excellent Cajon/Kahon player, it's so great to have a percussionist by my side!! Thanks  Andy!!) I will spend Christmas with some great friends, make sure to get my fill of Chocolate too!! So I hope all of you out there have a wonderful Holiday... put your feet up and have an eggnog for me!!! I'll write soon, Love Lindsay xox

Life at the base of The Alps....

It's pretty Lovely down here. I am here on a "writing new music" term and what a place to find inspiration! There are tiny 1500th century nooks around every corner. The sound of my heels clicking down cobblestones and echoing through ancient buildings, is music to my ears. There is a certain amount of stilness here in Switzerland that can evoke a song from any person willing to sing. The church bells ring through this city every fifteen mintutes and have been doing so for such an incredibly long time, it's divine inspiration! I am living quite cozily for the next few weeks along the River Royce, a crystal clear river that runs through the city of Luzern. There are covered bridges with moss of the roofs and axe marks carved out by hands that no longer exist, oh if those walls could talk!! I have been here just short of 2 weeks, with about five left to go and have one song finished. I quite look forward to bringing it, and more to my band when I get home. Leaving Canada is not a must, but I sure am glad to get away from the many inches of snow for at least a small space in time! I also look forward to hitting the slopes, there is nothing like skiing on a blues sky day in Switzerland. I can feel a song coming already!! I look forward to getting back and singing you my new songs... with hopes to record a new album sometime in 2009!! More Chocolate & Cheese stories to come....Lxo

Tuesday Already...

Time flies. I dreamt it was Winter last night... I was so sad, I Love Fall so much, it would be a shame to miss it.  Being raised Canadian in the Middle/East Coast means living in a quarterly cycle. It's amazing how the weather affects us...be it wearing shorts in March 'cuz you can smell the Summer coming or just getting that big ole' bag of scarves out for Fall. I can't imagine living somewhere hot all year round... I know, maybe when I'm grey, I might like one long heat wave, but for now I am can smell Autumn in the air and I like it. The last few days were spent driving, listening to tunes, singing, sleeping and enjoying HOT coffee in the mornings of course... I played songs for new people in new venues too. I Love spreading the Lindsay Vibe out there, it just makes me feel like I am doing what I need to be doing. I get so freaked out sometimes about not getting noticed or press or gigs or funding, and really, it's all about performing. It's like I get re-fueled by YOU, the people. So I would very heartily like to thank all of you out there who come to see my shows, or take home my Album. It means way more than any "no" or "sideways glance." I am in the middle of working on some new songs, I'd like to have a fresh set one day... I suppose all of we singers would like a brand spankin' new set of songs to sing... however, all in good time as "they" say. All these crazy things happen out on the road and I still can't find the words to write down. Too many unfinished songs I tell you!! In any case, I head out to St. John's Newfoundland once more before the end of  Summer to sing some again, I will be writing next time from the Rock. Enjoy, Live Well & Peace!!

Alanis Morrissette

Bonjour! I had the pleasure of seeing & hearing Ms. M play her heart & soul out at the ACC in Toronto... she was amazing & truly a privilege to see her live, for the first time ever!! What a show, & she played a couple of her new songs too.. they were great. I am quite excited to hear her new album, which isn't out yet!! Also I checked out a band called "Sterling" last night... EXCELLENT new sound, very cool band... the next best thing!! Don't forget, my CMW showcase on the 7th of March... Savannah Room, Toronto. 11pm.

Ciao for now,

Lxo