Life is for living!

Wow. It's been over a year since I've scribbled. Well, consistency has never been my strong suit. Which actually brings me to the point of this particular installment. Here's a confession that may alarm some folks (by "some folks" I mean anyone who hasn't spent more than five minutes with me):
I'm a free spirit.
Unconstrained by convention, a rolling stone, a gypsy, a nomad, whatever you want to call it. And here's the next shocking bit of info: I'm actually okay with that. In fact, I'd have it no other way.
It isn't because I think this is the role I should play as an artist (or a Libra). It isn't a cop out on being a responsible adult with a college degree and a mortgage and a car and a cat (although I'd LOVE to have a cat).
This is who I am, deep in my bones, and now at 30 years old I'm officially over having to console others who may be uncomfortable this fact. All of my worldly possessions can be neatly packed (well, maybe not neatly) into two suitcases, a carry on and a couple of guitar cases, which actually makes moving from country to country and continent to continent a lot less stressful than one might imagine. I think that's pretty awesome.
The truth of the matter is, I'm a happy soul. My happiness is not contingent on my possessions, my environment, my career, my finances or even my relationship. It comes from an innate awareness that NOW is all there is. All we have is this moment and in this moment, NOTHING is wrong. I am exactly where I am supposed to be. YOU are exactly where you are supposed to be. There is no such thing as being lost. Don't be discouraged if you think you're losing your way. Take a breath and embark upon a new path. It's about the journey, my friends!
This blog is as much an affirmation for me as it is for anyone else reading this who may feel judged or criticized by friends and family simply because of who they are at their very core. It's okay to be misunderstood. It's okay to live your life in your own way, on your own terms, in your own time. It's okay to fall flat on your face. Five times. You will always get back up and you will be stronger for it. Life is for living.
Be good, be light, be LOVE!
xox

Morning of my 30th birthday in Denizli, Turkey. Wonder where I'll be next year? :)

Happy, Happy New Decade!!

Happy New Year, family!

I hope each and every one of you rang in this new year with love and laughter (or, if you're like me...singing with The Michael Foster Project, dancing in 3 inch heels, a new orleans-style second line, crazy-awesome old and new friends, fried chicken, tequila...and love and laughter).

Only one day into 2010 and it's already been a bit of a roller coaster ride. On the positive side, I'm very honored to have been featured in this month's issue of 225 Magazine as one of 2010's People To Watch. The article was written by the wonderful Colleen Fava. Copies are on newstands now or you can view it online here!! Needless to say, I'm very excited and humbled to have been featured in such an awesome way:)

In some sad news, Baton Rouge lost an iconic landmark restaurant/live music venue today when The Caterie burned to the ground (thankfully, no one was hurt in the fire). The Caterie had been around for ages. It was the only venue in Baton Rouge to present live bands every single day of the week! My friends, family and I have enjoyed so many magical/musical moments together on that stage (just two weeks ago my father and I played there with the Juke Joint Band and he mentioned that he used to play there weekly in 1981-'82...so much history...). My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who's been affected by this loss and I'm hoping they'll be able to rebuild in some capacity in the near future.

On a brighter note, I just have a really electrified feeling about this year...though I'm not entirely sure why. I feel like it's going to be a year of growth, transformation and adventure...as a matter of fact, I think I'm going to go look up the numerological significance of 2010 just to read what the stars are saying;)
Until next time...be good, be light, be LOVE!
Syreeta.x.o.

The Songwriter's Edition

Hey Scribble fam!

I'm so excited to tell you all about my time at The Songwriter's Soul Kitchen Retreat in McRae, Georgia this past weekend!

(as I'm sure you'll be able to tell by my overzealous use of the exclaimation point in this post!!)

I arrived in  Atlanta on Thursday a few hours earlier than my airport pick up time, which was actually pretty dope because I was able to have some quality hang time (and a mini musical pow-wow) with my brotha from anotha Tre Virdure who recently relocated from BR to ATL!

(Side note: Ever had one of those friends who you just dig so much that it makes you hostile?? Like, you walk around waiting for someone to say the wrong thing about them in your presence just so you can straight click out on them for no good reason?? There's no rhyme or reason to it whatsoever but Tre is that one homie that can make this lil canadian peacenik get straight gully. Perhaps it's because that's how he is about his friends so you feel a certain obligation to return the loyalty, by any gully means necessary...but back to the blog).

So, on the long drive from ATL to the cooouuunnttry (I think McRae's population is 2300?), courtesy of the one and only D. Black, I had the chance to get acquainted with some awesome folk: film maker Roni Nicole (Wodie), her wise-beyond-her-years-and sweeter-than-any-ten-year-old-should-EVER-be daughter, Arielle (Lil Wodie) and musical artist Brody Love (a.k.a. Brodacious who has, like, the best smile in the universe...his eyes crinkle and twinkle!).

We arrived at the house just in time for some great food and wine, followed by a rousing and HILARIOUS game of Ebonic Scrabble. Seriously, y'all...so, so funny. Not to mention, a great writing tool/exercise!

The collective of artists this go 'round were nothing short of pure sunshine, personified. And I think that's a huge testament to Vinx and the energy that his teaching and his home brings out of people. The workshops were challenging and the exercises were invaluable.

I think as a solo artist, sometimes things can get pretty insular...I sometimes find myself taking the easy route when writing a song because there's no one else there to push me toward taking a more challenging approach to my story telling. This is why I love having the opportunity to collaborate with people who start off as virtual strangers. By the end of the songwriting process, you've learned so much about the folks you're working with...and you've learned so much about yourself! It's pretty incredible.

Oodles and oodles of love to Vinx and the Soul Kitchen fam (shout outs to my Wodie for the morning convos that were more invigorating that any amount of coffee!)...can't wait to do it again soon!

In some musical family news, while I was in McRae, Pops called to say that he's working on his next album and he wants me to write 4 songs for him. I've always felt intimidated at the prospect of writing for my dad but I'm actually excited to take on this challenge now! If you haven't heard his last album yet (Let Life Flow) check it out on his website. I truly think it's his best work yet! You can also order his bluesy/soulfilled Christmas album entitled I'll Be Home For Christmas (which also features songs by your's truly;)  here.

Lastly, for all my BR people, I look forward to seeing you live and in color at The Soul Of The City Holiday Jam Session tomorrow night (Dec. 17th)! Click on the link for details as well as the exciting line up of artists set to perform their most soulful renditions of your favorite holiday tunes!!

Until next time, be good, be light, be LOVE!

Syreeta.x.o.

Cheerful Holiday Scribbles!

Happy Holidays, friends!
I must say that I'm definitely getting into the holiday swing of things...time to break out the mulled apple cider, gumbo, holiday decorations, Bailey's and anything else that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy during the winter months. I'm even keeping my fingers crossed for another freakish snow fall like we had in Baton Rouge last year!
December is shaping up to be an exciting musical month...for those of you in the Baton Rouge area, look out for the 3rd annual Soul Of The City event on December 17th! I'm still trying to figure out which  Christmas song I'd like to sing, I'll have to grab the guitar and start tinkering around a little later.
I'm also super stoked to be playing with The Mike Foster Project on New Year's Eve! I honestly have such a great time playing with those guys, I can't wait! I'll post more details on these events as they become available. Promise!
In a matter of days I'll be headed out to McRae, Georgia for the Songwriter's Soul Kitchen and I've already got butterflies...if you'd like to learn more about this amazing artist retreat, click here!
Beyond all the fun musical adventures in store, I'm trying my best to embrace the winter season in all it's glory (rather than feeling glum about that lack of sunshine and warmth). Perhaps some of this holiday cheer that I'm exuding is a bit of an attempt to convince myself that I love the winter months...I really, really do(?).
So, I'm on a hunt for my very own Charlie Brown christmas tree and I may even head to the craft store and get some materials to fashion my own ornaments (okay, I doubt that'll happen but it's a cool thought).
I'm resisting the urge to buy antlers for the dog because his dignity is (sort of) important to me...but I'm white knuckling that shit. In all honestly,  it's quite likely that I'll be posting pics of my adorably humiliated pup in Rudolph drag in the weeks to come. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Alright, I'm off to dry brush, exfoliate and shea butter it up!
Be good, be light, be LOVE!
Syreeta.x.o

Rest in Peace, Haydain Neale

I'm typing this post with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat. I've just learned of the passing of an incredible man and early mentor of mine, Canadian soul singer Haydain Neale. There are so many things I would like to say about Haydain but in all honesty, I'm having a hard time articulating my thoughts right now. I'm having a hard time processing this news.
I just listened to his most recent recording, Lonesome Highway...it's a beautiful song. You can have a listen on the Jacksoul website by clicking here. If you are not familiar with Haydain or the music he made with Jacksoul, take a tour through the website...read his story, listen to the music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Rest in peace, Haydain.

The scribbles...

So, here's the deal. I've got a serious case of "the scribbles"...and yes, this is a term I've coined myself.
The Scribbles (I've decided) is a condition in which one has an inherent need to write about the random, trivial thoughts that may pop into one's head on a semi-regular basis via tweets, facebook status' and, of course, blogs. I'm also in the midst of a creative "power surge", musically speaking. Therefore, it only makes sense (as was pointed out to me recently by my ever succinct friend Donney Rose) that I jump on this here blogging bandwagon (I'm aware that I may be a bit late but really, that's nothing new).
First, a quick catch up session on the music! I'll be recording some demos of new music in the coming weeks, just acoustic stuff and getting my ideas mapped out...nothing too intricate but I'm certainly looking forward to recording some new stuff. I'll be posting some teasers here for you check out and give your feedback.
Also, I had the pleasure of making some music for the awesome kids at the Teen Center here in Baton Rouge earlier this week, which is always a joyful experience! Their enthusiasm and spunk is totally infectious and it stays with me for days!
I also had a photoshoot for an article that will appear in 225 Magazine in January, written by the wonderful Colleen Fava so look out for that!
I am super stoked to be attending the Songwriter's Soulkitchen in Georgia next month at the home of my friend and musical mentor, Vinx. Do yourself a favor and check him out here if you haven't already had the pleasure. Seriously. I'm so looking forward to the magical moments that are sure to be had during the retreat and I can't wait to share them with you guys!
In the meantime, I've got a feeling that this blog will be my newest vice and I welcome all enablers to visit, subscribe, comment and share this journey with me.
Be good, be light, be LOVE!
Syreeta.x.o.