1. Website and a new record...Free!
2. The Big Event, the Big Event Too and the CBC!
3. David Foster! Huh?!
4. Everything's comin' up RoseAnna!
5. House Concert?!
6. Wrap it up!
(I like exclamation points! Not really!)
1. Website and a new record...Free!
FINALLY! (There's another one! Ok, enough...) It has arrived. The new www.jaylenejohnson.com was launched somewhat quietly this past month...I'm really excited to have a webspace that I can update regularly, and a place where you can check in and leave your mark as well! There are a lot of things to look at...photos, forum, blog...But best of all, you can now download my new album "Happiness" for FREE! I'm not sure how long I'll keep that up, but for now I want to get the music out there. So download the record, and tell all of your friends too. The more the merrier. And I'd love for you to leave a note in my guestbook, or send me a review that I can post on the site! I want to know what you think!
2. The Big Event, the Big Event Too and the CBC!
The big event is that I have the distinct honor of being Aqua Books "Songwriter in Residence" for the month of June! I'm really excited about this...I get my own studio space and will be hosting a workshop on June 6th ($60...details at www.aquabooks.ca) and an open mic on June 16th, in addition to making myself available for $25 one-on-one coaching sessions, for anyone that wants to know more about songwriting, working with a publisher, the music biz in general...or wants to receive a good old fashioned singing lesson! (Though my techniques are far from old fashioned) Kelly and Ariel at Aqua Books have been amazing in helping to organize everything. If you're interested, give them a call at 204-943-7555.
The "big event too" is a party I am calling "Celebrate Happiness"...Yes. The disc I have been promising for a long time is now in manufacturing! It's an enhanced CD, featuering three bonus tracks, gorgeous lyric pages, an interview and more. It will be available for purchase at a big show on June 18th at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg. The lovely Cat Jahnke will be opening, and the CBC will be recording it to air on "Canada Live"...How cool is that?!
So, I want you to come...Help cheer me on for the radio broadcast...bring some friends...It's going to be a great night of music. Here are the details:
Thursday, June 18th
The Park Theatre
698 Osborne
7:30PM (Doors at 7PM)
$10 at the door
Call 204-478-7275
3. David Foster! Huh?!
It's all a bit surreal, really. But apparently David Foster has recorded on of my songs! I've heard it...It sounds like his production...But really? That's pretty stellar...Definitely feels good to know that he'd think enough of the tune to record it, as he's a respected guy in the business. It's a song I cowrote with Justin Gray and Robyn Newman called "Let the Raindrops Kiss My Face"...The title is ridiculously long. Mr. Foster shortened it to "Rescue Me". I still think it should be called "Courage"...But I digress. Anyway, the artist who sang it is Leah Danielle, a pop opera singer with a big voice. They're using it to shop for a record deal, so I'm praying that this will mean big things for the song and for her career and mine.
4. Everything's comin' up RoseAnna!
I wanted to mention that RoseAnna Schick is on board to run some publicity for me. She's a cool, creative and hockey-playing Canadian who promotes people for a living...I like her! For publicity needs, contact her at roseanna@mts.net.
5. House Concert?!
Have you heard of this? You too can have an artist in your living room, strumming guitar and humming her tunes for you and 10 to 40 of your closest friends! Seriously, I am looking to do more of these kinds of events. There are more details at the website, or email directly at jaylene@jaylenejohnson.com. It's a great way to show support and enjoy live music in an intimate setting.
6. Wrap it up!
Thank-you first of all for reading this wee letter from me. These are busy times it seems, so thanks for YOUR time.
I guess I want to wrap it up by saying that I'm thankful to be able to make music. It's something I've taken for granted at points in my life. But I'm realizing that before it's ever something I give away, it's God's gift to me, and frankly, it's the one thing that keeps me sane in what is all-too-often a chaotic life. That I get to share it with you all from time to time, and now on record, is an added bonus...I'm grateful for that too.
