For the Record

Saturday, December 12, 2009

I remember living in Nashville over 10 years ago crossing my fingers that one day I might have a record of my own. And then arose the opportunity to record an album for free in a friend’s basement. I was thrilled. Over the moon. A life-long dream was materializing before my eyes. Back then, I felt that having a CD of my own was this legitimizing symbol. All the work was not in vain, all the years of lessons and sacrifices were wrapped in one shiny disc. I can call up that joy at a moment’s notice. The kid at Christmas feeling- wide-eyed and hopeful.

The funny thing is at the time I don’t think I had even dreamed much past that first CD. It was such a pinnacle. And then I “released” it in July 2000 to a hometown crowd of over 400 people. (In this context, release is a very loose term meaning manufactured and sold at shows.) The work required to just get the record out to a buying public was formidable. The morning after the CD release concert I woke up with my jaw locked open. I had been so stressed that I developed TMJ. I was completely unaware of the toll it was taking on me physically and emotionally. It’s all kind of a blur now, but the other day David reminded me what a mess I was the night before the release show. And he’s right. I had to be talked down from a ledge. It was the typical bad rehearsal, great opening night scenario. But I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

As cliche as this seems, I cannot believe it’s been a decade since I first made that record. But inevitably, time passes whether we’re paying attention or not. Two more records have come and gone since that initial effort. And each record has brought new challenges and lessons. I have learned so much, it makes the “me” 10 years ago look like a complete amateur. Which I was. But aren’t we always just doing the best we can with what we have? I know that’s what I strive for… most days.

The pending new year finds me poised to release my 4th record, entitled Orchid, out into the world. Around here we’ve adopted a sort of “Go big or go home” mentality with this project. We’ve pooled all the knowledge we’ve collected over the years, and are implementing a strategy to release Orchid nationally. Orchid has been completely fan-funded, and we have been blown away by your generosity. To learn more about the “Become My Record Label” project (still ongoing!) click here: Become My Record Label.

So this week we are putting together the press kits that will be sent out to the national media. I love the creative part of the process, and so designing the look and feel of the folders has been a treat for me. But the other minutia I could live without as it does seem to drag on a bit. I know it will all feel worth it Tuesday when I stand at the post office and let them go like little balloons floating out into the world.

All that being said, when I think back on the release of Times Like These, I can see how far I’ve come on so many levels. I am still learning for sure, but I can see the ways I take better care of myself during the process…

Which brings me to a quick side-note update for you who are interested: I lost 3 pounds this week! I worked my tail off and stuck to my plan and it paid off! I was so pumped at my weigh in! I am back up to running 4.5 miles. My workouts are a key component of my stress-management plan as we head into the Orchid release. Even with the mile-long to-do lists this week I made sure to put myself on the list, too. There was only one day that got away without me exercising- and I’m not beating myself up about it. Right now, we are on the road to play a show in Iowa tonight. Being in the car has reminded me all the challenges that are ahead. I’m still learning how to make this all work. But today has been a success. We packed food in our cooler and when I was unhappy with my choices, I bought a banana at a convenience store instead of a cookie. One step at a time…. So I’ve lost a total of 6.6 pounds and have 23.4 to get back to my lowest point. And I’m totally going to do it!

Now back to the topic at hand… the Orchid release. I wanted to make sure you all knew that we are doing a pre-release to help raise money for the Food Bank. To order yours today visit: http://blog.kcclifford.com/orchid You have until Dec 24th and then they will not be available for purchase until the CD release concerts at the Blue Door on Friday, Feb. 12th & Saturday, Feb. 13th at 8 pm. To purchase advance tickets for the shows visit the Blue Door website.