Drawing Pretty Things

The Recording Project: Week Four

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:29:00 +0000

The Recording Project:

This is the fourth week of my new recording project. I've finished two songs to my satisfaction, and that's a great feeling. In the past, I've started and abandoned many projects for various reasons. I lacked equipment, the expertise to use it, and the patience to perfect my work. I've been performing for over ten years, and I wanted to be in the moment, record a live performance, and be done. But that wasn't working. It sounded like poop (and not the virtual stuff I fling at you guys on FaceBook).

So I've started work on an album "Who We Are, What We Have Done". Although the guitar and vocal parts are often completed in one take, I'm working on taking my time with the songs, arranging, writing parts, experimenting with sound. I feel like something has clicked and I'm excited to see what's coming next.

The first two songs are called "Atlas Shrugged" and "Broken Thing". I wrote both last month and they can be streamed at www.myspace.com/jessirobertson and www.sonicbids.com/jessirobertson. I don't intend to record any old songs, with the exception of one I had previously called "Little Sister" but is now titled, "Papers and Magazines". The album title also came from that song. Most likely I won't stream any others until the album is finished. I've gotta keep a little mystery alive.

Meanwhile, I've decided to keep a blog of my experiences while trying to tackle the impossible and actually complete an album after ten years, and get it out on CD and iTunes. I've also got some cool ideas for bonus materials, but that's a secret too (imagine me sticking out my tongue, waving my arms around, and singing "na na na boo boo" here).

But seriously, I want to write about this experience which is a first for me, and I know is going to be magical. Even if no one reads this, I want to look back at this experience someday and remember the joy of being able to create music completely on my own terms, with no one else to help or hinder me.

Jessi, Joe Wilson, & Matt Singer at the American Folk Art Museum

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:11:00 +0000

On January 11th, 2008 Jessi Robertson, Joe Wilson, and Matt Singer will play at the American Folk Art Museum in Manhattan as part of Free Music Fridays. This showcase is presented by the Local Correspondents Community. Please come out on Friday between 5pm and 7:30pm to hear free music in a beautiful setting. The American Folk Art Museum is located at 45 W. 53rd St. between 5th and 6th Ave.

Jessi, Tanya, and No Lindsay at Bar4 December 14th, 8pm!

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:26:00 +0000

Come on out to Bar4 on Friday December 14th for a free show with me (Jessi) at 8pm, Tanya Buziak at 9pm, and No Lindsay at 10pm. This is the last night of our Electro-Acoustic residency and my last show for the lovely year of 2007. Bring on 2008!

Friday November 9th: Jessi's Bday Party at Bar4

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:29:00 +0000

Mark it down on your calendars folks! Friday November 9th is my birthday. You know, the first year I spent in NY I had the worst birthday ever. EVER! So to make up for it, I've been having bigger and awesomer (not a word, I know) parties every year, at my favorite drink oasis, Bar4. This year promises to be intense, entertaining, and EVEN AWESOMER!

Lots of my favorite artists will be sharing a few songs each, including:

The Ericksons
Gemma Connell
Matt Cranstoun
Peter Inc
Jeff Jacobson
Sean Ellick
Matt Singer
Paul Basile
Ivan Sandomire
Sean Han
No Lindsay
Sami Akbari
Joe Wilson
Andy Mac
Bryan Dunn
Wakey! Wakey!
Tanya Buziak
Tarrah Reynolds
Tom Hayes
Paula Valstein

This is going to be the Best Party of 2007 (according to me) and it's FREE!!! Music starts around 6:30pm and goes until the AM so prepare yourself to last all night.

The Damaged Part on Underground 40 IAC Chart

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:17:00 +0000

Last week my song, The Damaged Part, was #38 on Independent Artist Community's Underground 40 chart. This week it has climbed up to #36.

Friday October 19th: Electro Acoustic Residency at Bar4

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:43:00 +0000

Electro Acoustic at Bar4 features Jessi Robertson, No Lindsay, and Tanya Buziak. The first show is Friday October 19th at 8:30pm sharp, featuring short sets from Jessi, Tanya, and No Lindsay. Future shows will feature longer sets.

Bar4 is at 444 7th Ave in Park Slope (Brooklyn, NY). Take the F train to 7th Ave. Exit at 7th Ave. and 9th St. Bar4 is just six short blocks up to 15th St. & 7th Ave. Visit Local Correspondents for more info.

Wednesday Oct. 10th: Jessi at 68 Jay St. Bar in DUMBO!

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:18:00 +0000

I will be playing two 45 minute sets in lovely DUMBO this Wednesday October 10th at 8pm. Take the F train to York and walk two blocks to Water St. The venue is called 68 Jay St. Bar. This should be a great night of music! See you there!

Resources are moving to their own blog

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:51:00 +0000

This is all getting to confusing. There's all this Jessi Robertson stuff mixed in with my blog about Indie Music Resources. Weird. As of today, I am moving all the Resource posts over to their very own blog called... da da da daaaa INDIE MUSIC RESOURCES BLOG (yes, I am shouting in excitement)!

Please be patient while I get rid of old posts and move links, etc. And thanks for reading!

Buy mini-albums from MyStore

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:29:00 +0000

Released today, five "mini-albums" of my stuff. Four were recorded by me, in my apartment. "There's glass all over the floor" was recorded by Michael Kenneth. From time to time I have put out songs for download here and there. I still don't have a CD. But now I have collected some of the best stuff from the last couple of years, and I hope you enjoy it. Songs can also be purchased individually.

Now Available:

BLACK MARKET APPLES - 8 songs, $7.99

MEMORY & ABANDONED PARTS - 5 songs, $4.99

WHISPER'S LOST - 7 songs, $6.99

WISHING, WISHING, WISHING - 5 songs, $4.99

THERE'S GLASS ALL OVER THE FLOOR - 9 songs, $8.99

Categories: Jessi, Robertson, Digital, Download, Mp3s, SNOCAP, MyStore

Video: Jessi performing Ghost Story at Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:51:00 +0000

This may be my favorite one. Katharine is an angel.

Categories: Jessi, Robertson, Video, Live, Ghost, Story, Matchless, Brooklyn

Video: Jessi performing Losing Someone at Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:50:00 +0000

Katharine is amaaaaazing for filming this.

Categories: Jessi, Robertson, Live, Video, Matchless, Brooklyn, Losing, Someone

Video: Jessi performing Lipstick at Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:48:00 +0000

This video can also be streamed at YouTube. Thanks for this Katharine!

Categories: Video, Live, Jessi, Robertson, Matchless, Brooklyn, Lipstick

Video: Jessi performing Communion at Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:45:00 +0000

This is a video of me performing Communion live at Matchless. Thanks Katharine!

Categories: Video, Live, Jessi, Robertson, Matchless, Brooklyn, Communion

Video: Jessi singing back-up with Joe Wilson on Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:41:00 +0000

Did I mention how much I love this song Seattle by Joe Wilson? Thanks again to Katharine for not only putting together an awesome show on her birthday, but also filming during the party. That girl can multi-task! This video can also be viewed at Music Nation.

Categories: Jessi, Robertson, Joe, Wilson, Live, Video, Seattle, Matchless, MusicNation, New, York, Brooklyn

Video: Jessi singing back-up with Joe Wilson on Even the Flux Capacitor Can't Save Us Now (spelling?)

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:28:00 +0000

Thanks to Katharine for filming this video on the night of her birthday party, August 2007 at Matchless. Peter Inc, Joe Wilson, and I had a great time celebrating! This video was uploaded to a new music video site called Music Nation. It started out as a contest for a record deal. The site is still beta but has recently undergone a facelift. The interface is much sleeker and many new features have been added. Meanwhile check out this video of Joe Wilson performing "Even the Flux Capacitor Can't Save Us Now" (I hope I spelled that right). Joe is brilliant. I am the giant-ess with the Corona.

Oh, and here's a link to my Music Nation page too: http://jessirobertson.musicnation.com

Categories: Music, Video, Jessi, Robertson, Joe, Wilson, Flux, Capacitor, Matchless, Brooklyn, New, York, Live

Video: Jessi performing Losing Someone at Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:20:00 +0000

Katharine is amaaaaazing for filming this.

Categories: Jessi, Robertson, Live, Video, Matchless, Brooklyn, Losing, Someone

September Concert: Together we fill the skies with music

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:58:00 +0000

September Concert is a series of free concerts, organized by individuals, schools, businesses, and associations
- to bring communities together
- to reaffirm our hope for peace
- to celebrate life and our universal humanity

"After silence, that which comes nearest
to expressing the inexpressible is music.""

Inspired by these words of Aldous Huxley, The September Concert was born in 2002 on the first anniversary of 9/11. Since then, on each anniversary our message of peace through music has spread further and further.

In 2006 we organized 225 individual concerts with more than 3,400 performers. In addition to 100 concerts in New York City, 50 U.S. cities hosted concerts as well as 35 international cities.

All concerts adhere to three basic principles:
* Freedom: All venues and musicians are free to design
and organize their own concerts.
* Equality: All music and all musicians are treated equally,
regardless of genre or background.
* Accessibility: All music is offered free of charge.

This will be my fourth year curating for the September Concert. The first year was at Bar4. I think the lovely Crystal Brandt played that night and Bethany from the Feverfew. The second year was at Cornelia St. Cafe. Nick Howard and Ellie Lawson also played that evening. The third yeas was at Rockwood Music Hall in collaboration with Alloy Radio and Local Correspondents. I had so much support from everyone and it was the first year that I helped to choose all the artists.

This year I return to Rockwood Music Hall, with the help of the Local Correspondents Team. September 11th starting at 6pm there will be a stellar line-up of musicians sharing their music to promote healing and community.

6pm - 1am
Joe Wilson
Matt Singer
Paul Basile
Ivan Sandomire
Tom Hayes
Paula Valstein
Kevin Johnston
Tarrah Reynolds
Tanya Buziak
No Lindsay
Jessi
Chelsea Lynn LaBate
Steve Waitt

If you are a musician, venue, or promoter, I strongly urge you to get involved with this community event. Please visit the site at http://septemberconcert.org for more information on September Concert.

Categories: September, Concert, Events, Shows, Neighborhood, Community, Local, Correspondents

The Ultimate Link List: Jessi's Bookmarks

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:29:00 +0000

UPDATED 9/27/2007

I freely admit that I am a bit obsessive when it comes to bookmarking useful sites. So my compulsion will now be put to good use thanks to del.icio.us, the social bookmarking site. I am posting a list of links here, that reference all sorts of things, from hacking your MySpace template to local NY music organizations. I will also be adding to this soon with links to my many, many websites as well as some of my favorite local indie bands. I'll put this somewhere on the front page too. Happy surfing!

Jessi's links on del.icio.us

Blogs

Multiply
Blogger
WordPress
LiveJournal.com

Web Design Tools

W3Schools Online Web Tutorials

Music Resources

NY Resources

Reference and Advice

iSOUND Artist Blog
Indie Contact Newsletter
Now Form A Band

Loops and Samples

iZotope Vinyl - Authentic Lo-Fi Vinyl Simulation for Pro Tools, VST, MAS, Audio Unit, and DirectX audio applications
Macloops - Free Apple Loops and Free Garageband Loops for Apple Pro Logic
Garageband Loops - Download Apple Loops Drum Loops for Garageband

Categories: links, social, bookmarks, networking, delicious

Video: Eggshell Heart at Rockwood Music Hall

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:27:00 +0000

Thanks to Larry Hyland for taking this video of Greg Tuohey and I playing Eggshell Heart at Rockwood Music Hall.

Visit my YouTube channel here:

Categories: Jessi, Video, Greg, Rockwood

Jessi Live: Saturday August 18 @ Matchless

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:22:00 +0000

Come to Matchless this Saturday for great free live music! Celebrate Katharine's and Peter's birthday.

8pm Peter Inc
9pm Joe Wilson
10pm Jessi

August 5th, Midnight: Jessi solo at Rockwood Music Hall

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:17:00 +0000

I am playing a solo show at the lovely Rockwood Music Hall on Sunday, August 5th at Midnight. It's free to get in. Please come. I love Rockwood. You love Rockwood. You know want to.

LC Music Festival: Day Four Recap

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:23:00 +0000

It took me awhile to get to writing this recap, because I'm a little sad now that the festival is over. For four days I was in the company of some of my favorite people and treated to the best local music in NYC. It's a little hard to recover from. And now, my everyday life has resumed.

Saturday was in many ways a magical night. Some friends of mine had just arrived from the UK and I think seeing their reactions to the music made it even more special for me. Holly filmed the evening and interviewed musicians out on the sidewalk. Tanya and I were a bit camera shy, so we shared an interview and then we couldn't stop talking.

Mikey Die started off the night with a subtle, understated vocal style that is unusual and lovely. Lara Ewen followed, with sweet, timeless songs from her recently released album. Then Bryan Dunn. Oh Bryan Dunn, thank you for playing the BEST cover version in the world of Prince's "Kiss"! I love you forever for doing that. And I also enjoyed Bryan's original songs like "Geraldine" and "AudioStereoRadio."

Next up, Andy Mac! Andy always makes me smile. I can't help it, it's infectious. Beautiful vocals from Jennie Muoio. Big, bad bass from Jim McNamara. Sigh (of goodness)! The magnificent Casey Shea played some gorgeous songs, accompanied by Jeff Jacobson. There was a beautiful moment where the entire bar was singing "Roll Your Windows Down." Everyone was participating and joining their voices together. It gave me shivers. Every time I hear Jeff Jacobson play I fall more and more in love with his voice and songs. When he played "Castles" I think everyone in the bar was singing and tapping things and stomping their feet. It was riotous and sweet.

Wakey! Wakey! played some mean, mean piano and belted out his unrelenting melodies. War Sweater is one of my favorite songs. When I first heard Mike whisper "cuz we fucked it all up" this gleeful dark chill went down my spine. His delivery is flawless. That song has such dynamic tension. Matt Singer had the entire room giggling with his song about the American Idol contestant. Let me just tell you, he is a naughty man and I love him for it. Matt is probably the best lyricist I've met in NY. Which makes me very jealous, but still full of love.

Oh and then The Picture played. How can I explain my Picture love.... hmm. Well, their last album spins religiously on my iPod. RE-LI-GIOUS-LY. It is such an addictive album. Their songs have these amazing emotional high points that draw you in. You can't stop from singing the lines at the top of your lungs. Even though you know you may look and sound a little silly. You just get lost in it and you don't care. (PS - Their CD Release party is next Friday July 20th at Mercury Lounge. Lowry and Blip Blip Bleep are on the bill! Woot!)

Only Paula Valstein can quiet a bar full of Saturday night drinkers. I was a bit worried because the bar had hit a loud point as she was setting up. I told her I would beat them into submission if she needed me to. But the girl sang one blissful note and the entire bar was in love with her. Then she proceeded to ROCK OUT! Absolutely beautiful. And my Irish friend Tom Hayes. Tom is an adorable, lovely, sweet man with incredible talent. His voice is a true instrument with a distinct timbre. Don't even get me started on the way the boy floats out melismas. I am envious of the way he can hit a dozen notes without missing a pitch on a breath.

Gene Back played the best show I have ever seen him play. He was confident and pretty much owned the stage. His joy in playing was contagious. It was so nice to hear him get on that piano. I love watching him play guitar... and violin... and piano... ok, you get the point.

Finally, last but definitely not least, Jeff Schram (you must imagine yourself singing "Jeff Schram" to the tune of BATMAN while you are reading this blog). I am a huge fan of Jeff's new songs, like "False Alarm." Don't get me wrong, I love me some "Devil Ain't Got a Chance" but I think Jeff has really come into his own with the release of his latest recording. The songwriting is brilliant and he has written some very intense and intricate melodic structures.

But now I am winding down, coming to the end of the night's recap. Ah, I was just reliving it all for a moment. Well, there's always next year for the 2nd Annual Fest, and it can't come soon enough in my opinion.

Love and Kudos to:

The PERFORMERS: Mikey Die, Lara Ewen, Bryan Dunn, Andy Mac, Casey Shea, Jeff Jacobson, Wakey! Wakey!, Matt Singer, The Picture, Paula Valstein, Tom Hayes, Gene Back, and Jeff Schram.

Holly - Thanks so much for being there all night to capture it on film!

Larry, Peter, and Ted - You have the best music venues in Brooklyn, hands down. Your commitment to supporting and encouraging artists is exceptional. The venues are beautiful, but it would not be the same without the feeling of warmth and family that you bring to everything you do. I have so much respect for you. Thank you!

Tanya Buziak - My partner in shushing! The originator of the open mic! You have helped so many people develop and believe in themselves. You have literally changed people's lives and that must be such a good feeling. I know you keep insanely busy, so you probably don't have time to sit back and think about it, but you should be extremely proud and satisfied with what you've accomplished.

Greg Tuohey - I would not have survived this whole thing without you. Remember back in the day when you thought up the showcase idea? (People, don't forget to give Greg his props! He is a huge part of the LC Team! Just wanted to remind you, Greg is the biznizzle.) I think you also hold the record for playing with the most acts in the festival. Everyone wants you by their side, because you feel their music, you get it and you add something beautiful to it. I miss it when you're not playing with me. If only we could clone you, because you are bound to be even busier after this! I believe you are the most in demand guitarist in NY. And you are also one of my favorite, favorite people. Mwah!

ANOTHER HumbleVoice feature: VIDEO!

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:35:00 +0000

Um, seriously people, how many times do I need to tell you about the awesomeness that is Humble Voice? I am still listed under the Humble Voice features on their music page, and they've now added a nice, big feature of my song "Eggshell Heart" on the video page. This was a live performance of Greg Tuohey and I filmed at Rockwood Music Hall by the great Larry Hyland.

Check out Humble Voice for Art, Music, Video, Photography, Word. They have great taste. After all, they choose to feature ME didn't they???

Categories: Musicians, Resources, HumbleVoice, Video, Jessi, Feature

LC Music Festival: Day Three Recap

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:59:00 +0000

Sorry this took so long guys. I needed a little vacation after the LC Fest.

The Friday show could not have gone smoother. Everyone sounded amazing, and the night flowed seamlessly. This was a night with a lot of friends and artists that have been involved in Local Correspondents from the start, plus a few newer people that play frequently at Matchless and Bar4. One of the things I really appreciated is how many performers came early and stayed late. It really shows how supportive a community LC has become. This was the longest night, with fourteen performers but it flew by for me. I was excited to see old friends like Keith Varick and Joe Wilson. And I have to say Olga (Bell) deserves huge thanks for coming out and playing late after she spent the day moving.

Thanks to everyone who made this night possible:

Performers: Peter Inc, Keith Varick, Sami Akbari, Joe Wilson, Sean Han, Red Orange Morning, Zach Williams, Daniel Wayne, Matt Cranstoun, The Reverend John DeLore (& Kara, Aya, Steve), Bell, Mark Yodice, Austin Donahue, FK Ridge

Larry, Ted, and Peter: Thank you again for welcoming and supporting all the musicians and artists in your lovely venues.

Tanya: The hardest working woman in Music! You always point out the new people that I should pay attention to. You have a great ear for music.

Niko: Amazing sound as always!

Greg: My musical genius.

LC Music Festival: Day Two Recap

noreply@blogger.com (jessi) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:20:00 +0000

I want LC Festival t-shirts. This is indeed a music festival and Day Two surpassed everyone's expectation. At times, the place was so packed you could hardly find a place to stand. There were some unexpected treats, like Here Lies Pa putting in a full band appearance, Kevin Johnston breaking out the trombone, and Lowry fitting all six members on stage and sounding like pure gold. It was fun to see people within the group collaborating, like Tanya Buziak singing on a David Shane Smith song, Matt Cranstoun playing the drums for Tanya, Greg playing guitar with Ivan Sandomire. AND I finally got to hear God Fires Man play!

I feel the momentum building and am excited for what the next two days will bring. It was so exciting to be a part of the events last night. I feel so proud of everyone and am impressed with how great Bar4 sounds, and the possibilities for having full bands play.

Again, love to the following people:

Performers: Matthew Peverly, Here Lies Pa, Willie Breeding, David Shane Smith, Takenobu, Lowry, Kevin Johnston / Adios Esposito, Owen McCarthy, Tanya Buziak, Ivan Sandomire, Frank Hoier, Debe Dalton, God Fires Man (acoustic).

Larry, Ted, and Peter: Your place is awesome! I can't wait to do a full set myself. It's such a great venue and the artists and neighborhood will benefit greatly because of your efforts.

Tanya: You help keep everything running smooth each night. You sounded amazing and you made all the performers feel at home.

Niko: The King of Live Sound. That is what I shall dub you Niko. You worked so hard last night. Somehow navigating through the crowd and keeping everything together.

Greg: Always in it for the long haul. You are my favorite guitarist, bartender, and roommate.

Drawing Pretty Things

The Recording Project: Week Four

Jessi, Joe Wilson, & Matt Singer at the American Folk Art Museum

Jessi, Tanya, and No Lindsay at Bar4 December 14th, 8pm!

Friday November 9th: Jessi's Bday Party at Bar4

The Damaged Part on Underground 40 IAC Chart

Friday October 19th: Electro Acoustic Residency at Bar4

Wednesday Oct. 10th: Jessi at 68 Jay St. Bar in DUMBO!

Resources are moving to their own blog

Buy mini-albums from MyStore

Video: Jessi performing Ghost Story at Matchless

Video: Jessi performing Losing Someone at Matchless

Video: Jessi performing Lipstick at Matchless

Video: Jessi performing Communion at Matchless

Video: Jessi singing back-up with Joe Wilson on Seattle

Video: Jessi singing back-up with Joe Wilson on Even the Flux Capacitor Can't Save Us Now (spelling?)

Video: Jessi performing Losing Someone at Matchless

September Concert: Together we fill the skies with music

The Ultimate Link List: Jessi's Bookmarks

Blogs

Tagging

Hacks and Templates

RSS Feeds

Widgets

Web Design Tools

Fonts

HTML

CSS

CSS - How To...

PHP

Color Schemes

Music Players

Image Management

Photo Sharing Sites

Photos & Images

Printing

Slideshows

Online Albums

Photoshop

Miscellaneous

Online File Storage

Website Templates

Music Resources

NYC Venues

Digital and Online Sales

Licensing

Promotion and PR

Polls

Tools and Widgets

Social Networking

Band Tour Trackers

Band Profiles

Collaborations

MySpace Hacks & Gens

Music Videos

Video (General)

Mashups, Mixes, Splicing

Share Music Recommendations and Tastes

Social Networking Tools

Events and Calendars

Charts

Reference and Advice

Loops and Samples

Video: Eggshell Heart at Rockwood Music Hall

Jessi Live: Saturday August 18 @ Matchless

August 5th, Midnight: Jessi solo at Rockwood Music Hall

LC Music Festival: Day Four Recap

ANOTHER HumbleVoice feature: VIDEO!

LC Music Festival: Day Three Recap

LC Music Festival: Day Two Recap