Here’s a recap of my show last Wednesday:
The evening was inspiring.
I was apprehensive because there wasn’t a sound person, but I thought things ended up sounding good. It was fun to try a new sort of reverb; the result was like being in a giant cavern with lightning bugs thousands of feet above my head. Dreamy. Cool to use a condenser mic that picks up the subleties, too. Those things are worth the investment.
I tried standing while playing for the first time- I think this helped with my range and vocals.
The other two performers, Thomas Huhtala and Leah Hunter, were wonderful. I think their contrasting styles (Leah’s dreamy melodies and Thom’s electric/drum grunge/pop) kept things interesting.
High points:
- Having my Mom be the cover person is the best. She chases down people that don’t pay (and yes, I know who didn’t pay- I saw you. If you couldn’t afford the $5, you should’ve told me and that would’ve been fine). My mom also demonstrates knitting skills for all audience members. Very interesting.
- Seeing old friends. This photo, discovered on my camera after the show, demonstrates just how much fun was had:
Wow. So much fun.
- Even with exams, it was nice to see almost 90 people come out! And to the Smiling Buddha, too! Thanks guys!
- Reviving some oldies (ie Montreal) and singing them in a fresh way, while singing an almost all-new set. I never thought this day would come. Who knew I would write so many new songs?
Lessons learned for next time:
- Don’t spend $70 renting a video projector for cool lighting effects that won’t work. Don’t spend $40 on cookies for the audience. At the end of the night when you’ve made $80, you’ve actually still lost money. Sigh. Didn’t think that one through.
- Keep your eye on your camera, Elissa. Otherwise you will realize after the show that your camera lens is smashed. This show cost me money. I am trying not to be sad about that. Need to be more careful.
Note: It turns out my smashed lens has a cool dreamy effect on photos, as shown here:
I learned a lot and had some really helpful feedback. One of the most encouraging shows I’ve ever played. That was my last show of 2011. A good way to end the year.
To come in 2012:
January: A show at the Mod Club, and a RogersTV Appearance on January 10th: playing some of my songs and talking about my music!
See you then.
