Kissing Booth

Recent Interview on My Role as a Producer

2008-10-06T11:42:26-07:00

Here is a recent interview I did for a student about how I see my role as a producer. Hope you find it interesting.

1) What are some of the most difficult aspects of this career that you have come across?

Trying to stay current on the newest studio equipment and gear in general. I learned Pro-Tools in the early days and got hooked into the system I learned on. I am much more of a right-brained creative person. The only reason I learned how to use studio equipment at all was to give me freedom. Of course, now I love it and find it fun. Another part that can be difficult, is keeping organized data files, especially when working with other engineer, mixer, or producer who is uses another organizational system. It’s so important that files do not get mixed up or lost. Budgets are also a critical part of producing, but can be really confusing, especially when it comes to paying from union scale, rates, etc. I have found it is best to hire someone to handle the booking aspect of a record; studios, musicians, engineers and the overall recording budget.

2) What inspired you to go from being an artist to a record producer?

Learning Pro-Tools while I was still making records and producing my own albums, was invaluable for my future as both an artist and a producer. It gave me the freedom to record whenever I wanted without waiting for a studio, engineer, or having to watching the clock. At the time, I had no idea I was heading towards producing for other artists. Once I learned Pro-Tools, it just seemed natural.
I was doing a lot of producing all along, I just didn’t know that I was doing it. It was mostly just a conscious decision of putting on a different hat and being comfortable with it.

3) What are some important interpersonal skills needed for this career?

Being able to bring people together. Not only do you need a great network of musicians, engineers, studios, etc., you need to be able to create an environment that encourages and fosters creativity. That can be tricky if people have just met and they are doing a session for the first time together. It is the producers job to “get the party started “ so to speak and keep the energy positive.

Being positive and appreciative. If you let others know that they are appreciated, they’ll want to give you their best and love working with you. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude about work and about life. Sometimes, it can get very stressful in the studio, and it is my job to keep it to a minimum and somewhat away from the artist.

Observe what’s going on in other people’s lives. Sometimes an artist will just have a bad day. You can’t personalize it. Yet, I always try to open the door for a conversation and let an artist know they can talk to me about whatever they need. This may include any issues they may have with the project or with me.

Listening actively and openly shows that you intend to hear and understand another’s point of view. I always try to follow up on artist’s suggestion or request, even if I don’t think it will work. If they see me as someone who will listen to their ideas they will grow to trust me.

Know how to resolve conflicts. There will always be some conflicts, and how you handle them is very important to the vibe of the project. I always find it best to resolve conflicts when they arise and to not let things build up or linger. Once it is cleared up, it is important to go right back to work and have a positive demeanor. This can be hard sometimes but it is important to model “no hard feelings” to your artist or anyone you are working with. I have also found it essential to know how to be an effective mediator. It has been more than once, when the artist wanted something different than the label. Usually, but not always, the manager takes care of that, but many times I was the one whom the artist asked to represent them, because as a fellow artist and having been on labels myself, they have felt I could “express” their case better.

Being able to communicate clearly avoids misunderstandings and mistakes. I knew a producer who asked his engineer and Pro-Tools guy to do something, and when he realized that he hadn’t done it, he blew up. It was a misunderstanding between all parties. They hadn’t gotten the request right, and made a costly mistake. This could have been avoided by checking in more often and making sure that everyone knew exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

Have a sense of humor and in general keep things fun. Most artists are children in many ways. Tapping into that innocent, unfiltered creativity can usually get the best performance. Plus, it is the “entertainment” business so it is important to keep the fun in the mix.

Seeing it from their side. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone and a great quality to develop. Being an artist, I have a lot of empathy for my artist. It is easy for me to understand how they feel and to relate to them.

Don't be the venter. If I simply have to vent about something, I try and save it for my journal or personal friends and family. If it becomes impossible, because the issue is affecting work, I wait for an appropriate time and check to see if the person is open to discuss it. Then let it go! I try and keep it a rule to not talking bad about others no matter what you may feel about that person.

Never let ‘em see you sweat! Artists are sometimes like children. They look to their producer almost as a parent. I know I did! I have parented many artists. Sometimes they need you to just listen and be their friend. Sometimes they need the security of seeing you be in the final decision making position and being very sure of something.

4) What is your musical educational background?

I participated in all the music programs in school that I could. I also learned to play guitar. I think maybe some formal music and business education could be useful for being an artist or a producer. I always like to encourage artists to learn more than one aspect of the business. These days as a producer knowing pro-tools is pretty much a required skill. So learning how to engineer and being a musician are both necessities in today’s producing world. The most important part of being a producer to me is to have a music background. Whether is because you studied at MIT or because you were road musician. No one looks at a producers college resume when they are thinking of using them to produce and album. They look at their credits as a producer and listen to their product.

5) What experiences prepared you for this job?

My whole life prepared me for this job. As far as hands on experiences that prepared me for being a producer being a musician and an artist with a lengthy recording background are at the top. This combination has made me perfect producer in many ways because I completely understand what an artist is going through as your digging in their soul to get the most out of them and on to a recording.

Since music producers are responsible for all stages of production, they usually have quite a bit of music and performance experience themselves. That is part of the job, to be able to communicate to the artist the changes that need to be made to make the song work better from all aspects such as lyrics, music, arranging, layering, vocals, I also need to know what works and what doesn't, so my live performance experience has been indispensable.

As an artist I can’t imagine working with a producer who couldn’t play an instrument or didn’t understand song structure. I did work with a producer once who didn’t sing. It was a very hard session as he tried to talk to me about voice in shades of color. “Try singing it orange”, was just too ethereal for me.
When I need to communicate something vocally to my artist, I just sing it.

Also learning pro-tools while I was still making records and producing myself was invaluable for my future as an artist and a producer. It gave me the freedom to record whenever I wanted with out waiting for a studio, engineer, or watching the clock money wise. At the time I had no idea I was heading towards producing for others. Once I learned pro-tools it just seemed natural. At the same time technically I can get in there and run pro-tools and engineer all while working with the artist in a very intimate way. I don’t need an engineer in the beginning stages when it’s just the artist and me.

6) Besides working with the artists and many other people involved in their career, what are some other crucial areas that you focus on as their producer?

As a music producer I am responsible for all stages of audio development.
Songs are at the top. They have to have great songs! Song analysis and development, song writing and arranging are all a part of that.

Part of my job can also be to make sure emotions stay balanced during the production. An instinct of knowing how hard to push musicians and when to back off and let everything breathe is essential.
Besides focusing on the songs and the artists well being during production most producers will do some or all of the following: studio and session musician booking, actual recording of the songs, budget management, artist promotion.

Happy 4th Of July!

2008-07-04T14:40:32-07:00

I hope you and your families are having a great 4th of July! We are heading out to celebrate with a picnic and fireworks now.

Love,
MB

Recent Podcast - Pixel Heads Network - New Media & Music

2008-07-04T14:06:08-07:00

Here is a link to one of my first podcast interviews! I talk about how to use some of the great new media tools to get your music out there. Hope you find it interesting.

Marcelo Lewin "The Digital Media Dude" is a fantastic interviewer, and has some brilliant insights on using new media. I look forward to learning more from him.
Check out the podcast here at his great site, Pixelheadsnetwork.

I would love to get your feedback on this podcast, and am really looking forward to doing many more, including my own (once I get done producing this great album I am working on, more on this later).

Come See Me in DC at XM Kid's Traveling Road Show!

2008-05-15T23:30:48-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that I will be performing songs from "If I Could Be..." at the XM Kid's Traveling Road Show next weekend in Washington DC! This is a free, family friendly show.

The event will raise funds and awareness for The Children's Miracle Network, an amazing organization that does so much good.

I will get to share the stage with some great artists, including Lisa Loeb, The Jimmies, and Rhythm Child. Rhythm Child is fronted by an amazing artist, Norm Jones, who I am proud to say, performs on "Every Dog" on my latest album.

If you are in the area and can make it, please come by and say hello. It will be a great time, for a great cause.
If you can't make it, tune in to XM Kids for the live broadcast.

Details:
Free Show!
When: Saturday, May 24th
Where: The Sylvan Theater on The National Mall in Washington DC

Also, I just recently discovered that "If I Could Be..." has received a Parent's Choice Award! I'm so proud of this recognition.

Download xmkids_traveling_roadshow_concert_poster_2008.pdf

Heroes, Hamburgers, and a Perfect Day!!

2008-04-21T00:25:28-07:00

While driving to a little hot spot in Los Feliz to grab a burger, my husband, son and I noticed the Dodger bus right in front of the restaurant. We quickly parked, went in, and waited to be seated, hoping the whole time that maybe one of my son's and husband's heroes might be close by. As I went in to say hi to a friend who worked there, I looked over at my husband to see if we had our table yet. His eyes were popping out of his head and he was mouthing... JEFF KENT... BEHIND YOU!!  Now I have no idea what Jeff Kent looks like but I certainly know the name. I ought to. My son's fish is named Jeff Kent and at one time half his stuffed animals were named Jeff Kent. There are Dodger posters, Dodger balls, Dodger bobble heads, including one of J.K., Dodger everything from one end of my son’s room to the other. He and his dad have been going to Dodger games since he was 10 months old! When we play ball he is always Jeff Kent and his goal is to hit like Jeff Kent, unless, of course, he is being a catcher, and then he is Russell Martin, who BTW was also at this little luncheon. But for us it was all about Jeff Kent. Keep in mind, our son is only 3 1/2!!   
A very nice security person must have overheard our excitement and told us we couldn't talk to him now, but maybe we would get an autograph after the team ate. Of course, we never would gone over and interrupted his lunch, but I quickly explained to the security person that my son is a huge fan, and that his fish is even named Jeff Kent, and that this is an amazing coincidence, and well, it's just meant to be!!! I am not sure if he really cared or maybe he has just heard it all before, but he just calmly repeated himself and we went back to standing at the door waiting for a table.... or waiting for something!!  We then met a very nice woman wearing a blue Dodger jacket. Apparently, she saw my son's excitement, and began talking to us. She told us that the Dodgers were on a local goodwill tour for the next couple of days.
She then asked us, "Do you want me to take your picture next to the bus?". Of course, we said "sure". Meanwhile another nice woman in Dodger Blue, went onto the bus, grabbed something, and returned to the restaurant. As I ran back in to get my camera, (BTW a darn good reason to ALWAYS carry a camera) who should we almost run smack into?, the woman returning to the bus with Jeff Kent! So, camera in hand and son in my arms I said, "Would you mind taking a picture with my son?" I'm not sure how most Major Leaguer's are, but I have to say that Jeff Kent was so charming with my son. He and my baby were just talkin' away. They talked about Jeff’s kids and what his 4 year-old son named his fish! Oh, it was so sweet! I grabbed my camera back and started shooting... It turned out that the 2nd press woman had gotten a baseball cap for Jeff (notice, he's now ‘Jeff’) to sign for my son. It was so precious when he put it on my son's little head, then took it off, sized it, and put it back on. I know that both my husband and son will never forget this day. And there you have it, heroes, hamburgers, and a perfect day!!!

Star Polish Interview

2008-04-19T11:31:56-07:00

Here's an interview I did for "Star Polish"

NPR Interview about banning the "B" word

2008-03-03T00:20:52-08:00

New York City wanted to ban certain words, including "Bitch", so who does NPR call to speak about it? Yours truly. Here's an audio interview I did for NPR last August on the subject.

Here's the resolution.

All very interesting, I think.

Welcome to My Blog!

2008-03-02T20:12:38-08:00

Well, I've finally taken this weblog live. I am so excited to have this blog out there. I hope that you all enjoy it and thanks for taking the time to stop by. I would love to get your feedback on these pages, especially since I am brand new to this "blogging thing".

I have to thank David Meerman Scott for all of the inspiration he has given me through his great book, "The New Rules of Marketing & PR" and his great blog, webinknow.com. This book was an unexpected encouragement, and before I read it, I had no idea what a blog even was. The most inspiring part of this book was that, through blogging, I could actually use my authentic voice to speak about what I am most passionate about and connect on a real level with real people. It has been nice to speak without being filtered through all of the usual PR hype that I normally am filtered through. So David Meerman Scott, thank you!

As I said, I am really looking forward to any suggestions and comments any of you out there may have, and thanks again for stopping by.

Meredith

If I Could Be... News Release

2008-03-02T00:24:16-08:00

Multi-Platinum Artist Meredith Brooks Turns 'Mommy Rocker' With Launch Of Her Debut Children's Album

Download mbrooks_iicb_press_release.pdf

Meredith Joins "Little Kids Rock!"

2008-03-01T12:49:10-08:00

I have just joined Little Kids Rock! and am so proud to be an honorary board member of this great organization that helps thousands of children by providing music programs and instruments to schools across the country. Here's a little piece that I wrote in support of Little Kid's Rock. I've also posted a video from my mentoring program, AMP (Anybody's Mentoring Program). This is some of the footage from my mentoring program at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles.

Little Kids Rock
When I was a kid my mom worked full time, so I was often left alone after school. Where I grew up, this was a perfect recipe for trouble. One Christmas, my mom bought me a guitar. All of the sudden, I was able to express my feelings and channel my energy into music, which helped build my self esteem and kept me from “looking for something to do”. The gift of that guitar, coupled with a passion for music, probably saved my life.
In working with kids through my mentoring program, A.M.P. (Anybody's Mentoring Program), I have witnessed hundreds of kids who have also been saved through music. A huge problem that I saw while visiting schools, was that many of them no longer had music programs; leaving the kids without an essential part of their growth.
I also witnessed the incredible power of a dedicated music teacher, through an "angel" named Mrs. Stevenson; a choir teacher at a high school in Los Angeles. The kids in this choir learned discipline, creativity, pride, and had an outlet that could influence their future, in so many positive ways.
Music was the reason I was able to remain, and even excel in school. Music gave me my career.
I had a "Mrs. Stevenson" in my life: every child deserves a "Mrs. Stevenson"!
Little Kid's Rock may be that ”angel” to millions of kids who deserve a chance to experience and develop one of the greatest natural gifts available… music and all the amazing benefits it can bring!

- Meredith Brooks

Gestating

2008-01-18T18:48:27-08:00

From the second my son was born, everything took on a different shade. Many things became greyer, falling quickly into the background, and some things became more obvious and others, crystal clear.

There were also things that used to seem so important that now felt almost silly to me. To realize I had this little being in my arms, and that I was responsible for guiding his life, was so awe inspiring that words can’t even describe the feeling.

The next year I was completely devoted to this commitment. Mirroring the best of him and imprinting the best of my husband and me. I chose not to work, except a bit here and there. Besides, I was only feeling inspired to be a mother to my son, I really didn’t feel I had any other type of creativity flowing through me. That was pretty scary after being a musician, singer-songwriter my whole life.

There were times I thought “ok now what”? I was this musician for 20 years and now I am a mother. This is who I am now. Will I ever be a musician again? Will I ever even want to be?

Luckily, I know how to trust those long, dry periods where it may seem like nothing is happening artistically. There were a few of “those” calls to friends, who had become mothers before I did, who would remind me of what I already knew, but was having amnesia about.

I was just gestating…..

I was recharging my creativity in ways I had never experienced. From day one, beautiful melodies would pop in my head that I would just start singing to my son; funny songs too, about what I imagined he was thinking. Cool beats and fun lyrics all in my head, coming from my heart. I started to keep a small recorder next to the rocking chair…and there I was still rocking….just in a different way!

Now looking back at all of the months and a new CD later, I realize I was doing what I always did, but in such a profoundly different way that I almost didn’t trust it. It was so effortless and so inspired. I wasn’t used to it being so easy…”it” being the writing and recording process of a CD, which had never been an easy or a particularly fun process for me. This has been the best writing and recording experience of my entire life and many have told me that it is their favorite CD of mine.

Being a mom unleashed a new found artistic freedom unlike any other. Because
I was so connected and present with my baby, I organically tapped into another side of my creativity by entering into that innocent world of exploration and wonder with my child.

Funny how my newest incarnation of trying to be the best mom I can be and being so happy with that job, my favorite one of all, produced the most inspired music of my whole career.

Happy New Year's Day!

2008-01-01T15:40:39-08:00

Happy New Year's Day!

Here's some footage from the "Bad Bad One" tour dates. This was our first soundcheck on the tour we did with Melissa Etheridge. I was so proud to be a part of her tour. What an incredible performer. Hope you like it.

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

2007-11-28T20:44:54-08:00

Today is my husband’s and my 5th year anniversary. It really does seem like yesterday that we were married on Thanksgiving Day. I remember thinking that when we get to 5 years, I wanted to renew our vows and get married, all over again. Today, I am arm deep in a gingerbread house with my 3 year old, still doing concerts and events, and I can't imagine having another wedding, but it really was, along with day our son was born, the best day of my life.

Sometimes, looking back, I can't believe that we ever made it, especially considering both of our backgrounds. I, for one, never knew how to be in a long-term relationship. But we’ve done it! (Actually, 10 years together now), and I am so proud at how committed we are, to us. We have been through it all... and I am not exaggerating when I say that. Including, last year, when we weren’t too proud to go back to relationship skills counseling to help us communicate better, now that we have a child. It’s hard when you think that you’ve got it all down, and then you get in a rut or even a backslide. Plus, as we found out, there is nothing like having a child to challenge a relationship… both good and bad!

We met while on tour and fell in love on a tour bus with an entire band and crew watching (yikes)! We thought that nobody knew, but they knew from day one! My husband is younger than me, so his clock wasn't ticking as loud as mine. Although we were both in the middle of very successful careers, I knew that one day I would want all those things that were over on the side, where the grass is greener.... he did not….at least not as soon as I did. So many times we argued just because we were in such different places in our lives, but somehow we both knew that we were right for each other and that one day the gap would close if we were willing to risk staying together. There was never, and has never been, a shortage of love! He asked me to marry him in June 2000.

I have always sought self-improvement and growth. I have also always tried to push it on my husband, who was not always so willing, but he was open to “trying it anyway”. This included everything from personal growth seminars, yoga, spiritual retreats, parenting classes, communication skill courses, therapy, group therapy… you get the idea. Inch by inch, year by year our gap did grow smaller and things became better. It’s not that I didn’t think he was insanely handsome, smart, clever, moral and ethical the way he was: of course, I fell in love with him, but let’s face it, marriage needs all the help it can get in this day of disposable relationships and I really wanted to be sure that we were always giving it our best shot.

Ok… I over did it a bit at times …

So first on my anniversary gratitude list is this: I am grateful that my husband trusted me enough to be a truth-seeker, even when he has been less than thrilled about it, and that he has absorbed the information and translated it into his own unique style.

In September 2002, we decided to have Thanksgiving at our home with both of our families. Luckily, all of the people that we would have wanted at our wedding, were also coming to our home for Thanksgiving. So that pretty much decided the date for us, and in two months we were married at our house with 30 family members and close friends. It was intimate, relaxed, and beautiful; like a fairy tale. Included in our vows was a commitment from this small, sacred circle of people, that should we ever falter during hard times, each person would agree to guide us back to the vows that we gave to each other. It was so intense having 30 people committing to watch our backs in this…and they have, without a doubt.

Instead of gifts, we asked people to pick something they could do at our house to make the day happen. One person organized the flowers from Mark’s Garden and decorated our railing and tress with white roses and ivy. My husband’s brother (and best man) and one of my best friends, combed the hills for Ivy and covered just about every inch of railing and tables. One person took care of the tables; three long dining tables pushed together each with their own catered, family-style Thanksgiving dinner. Another friend provided the wine. Another did the photography. Champagne, candles, white flowers and roses, laughter, music, and dancing into the late evening. Our house overflowed with creativity, love, and blessings that set the tone for our home and our marriage, that has remained to this day.

Crocs On A Plane... Air Travel With A Toddler!

2007-11-21T20:43:20-08:00

Last month as I was getting ready to fly to Oregon for a series of events, I was surprised at how packing and getting myself ready took far less time than packing for my 3 year old son. I thought one bag for both of us would do the job, but after realizing that he needed far more clothes than I did, we were lucky to get by with only two. Of course, that did not include his carry-on backpack full of books, crayons, super heroes, hot wheels, snacks, pull-ups, wipes and an ipod, just in case. I never thought I would resort to downloading a movie to keep him entertained, but I think it may have been my saving grace, and his too.

His first airplane trip was to New York when he was four months old. Since I was going to be in meetings, I wanted to be sure my husband could feed him, so we had to bring an ice chest full of frozen pumped milk, bottles, warmer, bottle brush, car seat, stroller, sling, diapers. Of course, now we had to make sure that the hotel had a fridge big enough for all of the milk. “Oh, my God”, I thought, “This is crazy”!

Along with his first birthday, came more travel and even more stuff (mostly because his clothes and toys were now bigger). At two years, even more travel, and the feeling that, “This is borderline ridiculous”. This was especially true when we went home for Christmas. So much for images of the happy, smiling travelers returning home for the holidays, baby in arms.
Then I securely assured myself, “Oh, it will get easier as he gets older. There will be less stuff and because he can walk and talk, it won’t be so hard to get around or communicate. He won’t need as many clothes, blah, blah, blah.”
Ha! That was a complete fantasy!
Now that he can walk, he can also run, and run he does; as fast and as much as he can; wherever, whenever he can. How I love to see those little feet go and that cute behind…but not in a crowded airport!

So first and foremost, I never forget the umbrella stroller, a must for toddlers, even if he’s the one pushing it! Besides, he does get tired and then when he cries “Mommy can you carry me” (along with his backpack, my carry-on bag, coats, etc.), I can cheerfully say, “Here honey jump in your carriage!”
Next biggy…the shoes. And what was I thinking putting him in those, oh so cute but ridiculous, high tops that lace up forever? Nope, Crocs are the only way for us. Slip off, slip on! Yes! One for the mom!!
The most exciting part for my son is getting the containers for the x-ray machine. While it is fun for him, and I feel proud watching him grab and try and grab and try again; putting things in and pulling things out, the glares from my fellow future passengers are enough to make me say, “Here honey let me do it” and risk a complete meltdown because he feels that he left his job so incomplete. However, by now the next fascination has caught his eye and while I am struggling to throw things into these containers as fast as humanly possible, he has already tried to walk through the metal detector and towards the guard. I say something like, “Please wait, listen to mommies words”, but he is so excited and proud to be doing it on his own that even the guard gives us a break and doesn’t get on him too much, only partially glaring at me as if to say, “Lady control your kid!”. I smile and say “Thank you” and tell my son to say “Thank you” to the nice guard, and pray that because I have pulled out every electronic gadget in advance, that they will ignore the milk and small bottle of sealed water going through the x-ray machine.
They don’t.
And then the liquid debate starts.
The guard says “Is this rice milk for the baby?” I say, “Yes it is”. The milk stays. Yes! Another one for the mom!!
Then they see the water. In no less than six flights we’ve taken, we’ve gotten six different responses.
#1 “No water allowed”…Trashcan.
#2 “Is this water with fluoride?” … “Uh, fluoride? Uh sure”… …This can stay.
#3 Sealed, small water with fluoride … “For the baby?” the guard asks, as if I am to catch a cue. Then, very deliberately staring me in the eye, she says again, “Water for the baby right??…” “Umm, yes of course”…This can stay.
#4 Same type of sealed fluoride water, different airport…..”Can’t stay”. I try the deliberate look in the eye trick and say “But it’s water for the baby (wink wink)”… Now he’s mad, and it still can’t stay!
#5 Didn’t look; didn’t care.
#6 I didn’t try… bought it on the other side…. Now why hadn’t I thought of this earlier?

Meanwhile, one of my fellow travelers proudly announces out of earshot of the guards, “Wow, I have carried this Swiss army knife through my whole trip, just to see if anyone would notice”.
Hmmm, I ponder, “Let’s see, a knife or water”?
But that, is another topic.

Here's a "sort of" helpful link (note the smiling faces on the travelers faces):

Thanksgiving Memories

2007-11-16T21:20:43-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. Before my son was born, it was my favorite holiday. For a non gift-giving holiday, this one has so many of its own gifts; family, friends, football, and feasts.

While it still ranks at the top of my holiday list, let’s face it, Christmas rocks when you have a toddler! In our house Thanksgiving through New Year’s has become one big holiday.

I love the smells of Thanksgiving – pumpkin pies, turkey, gravy, stuffing, fresh bread rolls and mashed potatoes. There’s something special about sharing a feast with family and friends.

Thanksgiving is about memories – remembering who we were, who we are, who we want to be; and for being grateful for all we have in our lives.

As much as I love having a home, cooking and celebrating with everyone, I have wonderful memories of Thanksgiving from the road as well.

And a few not so wonderful ones….

One Thanksgiving Day, I had to play a gig in Spokane. We had to play that night and all the restaurants were closed except for a Chinese one. I thought, “well at least I have my band”. I called my family and felt pretty sad, but decided to make it as much of fun as possible. After the usual goofing and craziness that only comes from being in a band family, I decided to go back to the hotel and get ready for the show. Within the hour I began to get so sick that I had to go to the hospital where they announced I had food poisoning. Nice.

Ok… let’s move on to a more pleasant memory.

On Thanksgiving in 2000, I had flown my mom down to Los Angeles and was planning a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at our new home. We received an invitation from Jay Leno asking us if I would be willing to perform on The Tonight Show on Thanksgiving Day. Not much debate went on, after all it was the Tonight Show, but secretly I was a little sad that we wouldn’t be spending our first Thanksgiving in our new house with my mom. What happened after sound check was really cool and unexpected. We were invited us to join Jay Leno’s staff for a Thanksgiving Dinner, right there in the studios. It was so nice seeing all the producers, stagehands, crews together with their families. They really did seem like a big family. The best part was another total surprise. Jay Leno came over to our table and had dinner with my mom and me. It was so cool to just hang and talk outside of the show. My mom and Jay really hit it off. My mom can talk with anyone about anything, but I thought, “Maybe she will be star-struck this time. After all it is Jay Leno”. No way! My next thought was, “Wow Jay is really going beyond the call of duty”, but then I realized that Jay was authentically enjoying himself and the two of them seemed like old friends, sharing stories of each others lives.

Listening to my mom being so smart and witty and watching her enjoying herself without an ounce of self-consciousness, made me proud and grateful. She truly enjoys life. That day I became so aware and so grateful that she has passed that gift on to me.

No Thanksgiving memory would be complete without the greatest one of all. In 2002 my husband I were married at our home on Thanksgiving
Day. It was beyond magical with our closest friends and family, together with us as we shared our vows, followed by a magnificent feast, dancing, toasts, gratitude and love. It was so thick with love that you felt drugged...or maybe it was the tryptophan from the turkey. Nothing has ever compared to that Thanksgiving Day and we haven’t celebrated it in our home since. But as we approach our fifth wedding anniversary and start gearing up for Christmas I am starting to get those warm fuzzy feelings again and hey who knows I might even fire up the oven and roast a turkey and bake a pie or two!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Liltih Fair footage on You Tube

2007-11-05T11:10:05-08:00

Here's a video of my performance of "I Need" at Lilith Fair. I had such a great time on these tours.

I was honored to perform "Closer To Fine" with not only Indigo Girls, but all of these great women.

"Bitch" Video by Room Eleven

2007-11-05T11:08:04-08:00

"Bitch" has been used in an advertising campaign by WE, a european fashion retailer. I never quite imagined the song being used in this context, but it's a pretty cool version, by a cool band from The Netherlands, called Room Eleven.

Corvallis Homecoming Show

2007-11-05T10:20:33-08:00

Here are some Pics from the show in Corvallis, OR. This was for my hometown's 150th Anniversary.
I really had a blast doing this one. It was really nice to see all of my friends and family there.

I got a chance to play songs from my new children's album, If I Could Be..., as well as a couple of favorites from the past, including "My Little Town", a song that I wrote about my hometown, Corvallis.

Here's a short piece from the local Corvallis paper, The Gazette Times.

Catching Up #2 (originally posted to site in 2005)

2007-11-05T10:04:09-08:00

I thought I would check in and let you all know what I've been up to. As some of you know I dipped my toes into production and songwriting for other artists. I started by producing Jennifer Love Hewitt's last album "Barenaked" and since then I wrote and produced a track "Party Up" for Hilary Duff's album "Metamorphosis". I signed my first artist, Bec Hollcraft this year. She is a very talented singer/songwriter that you will all be hearing a lot about soon (see link on community page).

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Phil McGraw and his lovely wife, Robin. They decided that my single "Shine" would be perfect for their new season. Since then I have had the opportunity to perform the song live on the show and in the new TV Ad campaign. I've always loved my last record and was very sad when my label folded and I thought that this would be the perfect way to get my album back out there. Dr. Phil and Robin have become like family to my family and me. Which brings me to my big news... The new addition to our family, my beautiful baby boy!

I look forward to getting back in touch with you, seeing you, and reading your posted messages. I also can't wait to see you in person. Tour date news to follow.

Love, Meredith

Bec Hollcraft (originally posted to site in 2005)

2007-11-05T10:03:27-08:00

As some of you may know, I have signed my first artist to my production company/label Kissing Booth Music. Bec Hollcraft is an amazing young singer, songwriter and of course guitar player who deserves, and is earning, huge success as an artist. She totally rocks and is the real deal. Come check her out if you are in the the Los Angeles area. I'll hope to see you there Friday night!
Bec is doing an acoustic set Friday Sep. 17th at 8:30pm at:
Genghis Cohen
740 N. Fairfax Ave. (just north of Melrose)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
310-578-5591
http://www.genghiscohen.com

For more info. On Bec, see www.bechollcraft.com

Love, Meredith