Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

Since my last entry, I've been on a slightly surreal (and way too speedy) trip to my childhood home and back again, and in less than 48 hours, will jump a plane in the other direction for my first trip to Germany, so it's a much-needed moment of grounding that I'm taking now, as I catch you (and myself) up on what's been going on...

What can I say about Chicago, other than...INCREDIBLE! It never ceases to amaze me how gorgeous my hometown is... every time I go back, I have to question why I ever left (and then I return to New York and remember why -- apparently dirt, noise, overcrowding and aggression just suit my constitution better). From the architecture, to the food, to the glorious Lake Michigan, to that legendary Midwestern hospitality, I fall in love all over again each time, and this time was no different. I performed at the absolutely gorgeous South Shore Cultural Center, to a full house of Chicagoans (as well as folks who made the trip from Michigan and Indiana -- thank you!). At the risk of gushing, it was absolutely thrilling! I made so many new friends -- and hopefully fans -- and got to reconnect with some very old ones (like Michelle, my best friend from junior high, and very close family friend, Brandon McCray, below), which made the evening incredibly special, and a bonafide success (big thanks to Lissa Woodson for putting it all together, and inviting me to perform). In fact, it was such a success that it looks like I'll be back in November to do more, most importantly, a showcase for one of my all-time favorite radio stations, V-103 (details to follow).



Upon my return, it was politics as usual, as I took the stage at S.O.B.'s with my band and a number of fantastic jazz and world artists in support of our man Obama. It was a fantastic night and crowd, and my band was blazing, as usual, so thanks to them, as well as Steve, Julia, and Shawn from WBLS for making it happen. Coincidentally, I performed the same night as the last debate, and managed to finish just in time to catch the action (and some fantastically fattening munchies) with my backup singer (and outstanding solo artist in her own right), Silya. Keep an eye out for her...she's apparently keeping her eye on us, as well...



Coming up, I'm making my debut at the Apollo, as the featured artist in their famed Amateur Night, which so mind-blowing it's almost unbelievable to my thinking. I honestly don't think it'll become real until I'm rubbing the wood backstage. After that, I'm going to rock the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel here in New York for the launch of the Warren-Tricomi flagship salon... and adding a Stones' cover to my set for the show...can't wait! That'll be a private event, but I've got a little something for those of you who have caught my video on VH1 Soul... soon you'll also be seeing my first commercial there. Here's your sneak preview...



In the meantime, I'm headed to Germany, back to Chi-town, and maybe even a jaunt to Anguilla in between, and with all this traveling on the horizon, I'm going to need to get the iPod up to date...I'm open to suggestions, but lately, I've been all about the new album from Raphael Saadiq, and a band out of Florida called MoFro. I love modern music that sounds comfortable and familiar, and both these artists serve of plenty of the good stuff. Other than that, here's the low-down:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. My band, who are hands down the funniest, most talented, supportive, baddest-ass group of musicians I've ever encountered...no joke.
2. Tina Fey, who has converted my horror into irrepressible humor.
3. Bill Maher, who says everything I'm too much of a lady to say.
4. My beloved Brooklyn neighborhood in the fall... Gorgeous!
5. The tiny little black strapless sequined dress I just found for a steal! Can't wait for the right gig to debut it (maybe the Plaza)!

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The economy. Enough said.
2. The fact that I'll be out of town for the final debate, election day (absentee ballot, anyone?), AND Thanksgiving... Aargh!
3. Being charged $50 or more to check a bag.
4. Naysayers.
5. Ugly campaigning. You've either got it, or you don't. No smearing necessary.

Homeward Bound

There are few things more exciting -- or intimidating -- than returning to your hometown to show how you've "made good". This Friday, I'm doing exactly that, as I head back to Chicago to perform at the historic South Shore Cultural Center.  Though performing has always been my first love, and I've frequently (and quite recently) done so before friends and family, somehow the idea of singing my own songs mere blocks from my childhood home is a bit mind-blowing, and while I am beyond excited to be back in one of my hometowns (the other being Minneapolis), I also want desperately to do the home team proud, because they've been behind me all the way.



On the subject of hometown heroes, in Chicago there is none bigger than Barack Obama, my chosen candidate for President. With little more than a month to go before we make one of the most vital decisions we'll likely make in our lifetimes, I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to perform a set at a fundraising benefit in his honor back here in NYC at acclaimed music venue S.O.B.'s this upcoming Tuesday, October 7th (exactly 4 weeks from Election Day). For those of us who are Obama supporters and have yet to contribute, $50 is not a lot when you consider the true change it could make... and it's an ample opportunity to do your part while being thoroughly entertained. I'll be performing with my full (bombastic) band, and giving it everything I've got (and then some) to help bring forth the change I hope to see in November... I hope you'll join me in doing so.

I know I'm driving a hard campaign for Obama, but political inclinations aside, the most important thing you can do in November is vote -- for whomever you think will do the best for our challenged nation. I have my opinion, and everyone else is entitled to theirs, but those opinions are entirely irrelevant if we don't make the time and effort to go to the polls on November 4th. Okay, speech over... but you catch my meaning.

So, on a lighter note, what's in my ear this week (other than CNN)? Thicke's (as in Robin Thicke's) first album. I know, I know... he's the "reigning king of soul" or whatever... I loved his last album, and will likely dig the new one as well, but I think his first was a truly eclectic masterpiece, and being a rather eclectic girl myself, I guess I've always had a soft spot for it. If you haven't already, check it out -- I doubt you'll be disappointed. Otherwise, this much is true:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. Obama. There, I said it.
2. Blue nail polish (Turquoise through Navy, Baby).
3. My friend Fred, who just departed for an adventure in India, and the fantastic dress he painted for me.
4. Fall, and being able to wear my favorite boots again.
5. My new surround sound... I was way late on getting it, but am an immediate convert.

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The "audience reaction" graph on CNN...whatever.
2. People who say one thing and do another.
3. The inadequate number of hours in my day!
4. Anyone who considers social networking sites adequate replacements for a phone call or human contact.
5. The (blue) nails I just broke... aaaargh!

On the Grind, All the Time

Kids, it's been a crazy couple of weeks. As most of you know, we officially celebrated the release of my album and the launch of Eusonia Records with two (sold out!) shows at Joe's Pub here in NYC, followed by an absolutely packed after-party at the uber-chic nightspot France Origine.  As far as I'm concerned, there's no better experience in the world than performing, no more energetic exchange than that between artist and audience, and (outside of my family) no greater love in my life than what I do.  Suffice to say, it was quite a night, thanks to all who attended and partied (hard) with us... but it's probably better to show you rather than to tell you:

this is my happy place...


...and this is my zone.


You're looking at 2/3 of the most blazing band EVER -- love them!


Eusonia Records is officially launched... Thanks to our fearless leader, Scott (in the middle).


...and ready for mass consumption!


Eusonia VP Alex Bilowitz and me, having waaaaaay too much fun at the after-party...


Property of Eusonia Records (I really like that pose, huh?)


My Alpha and Omega... otherwise known as Mom and Dad.


Ain't no party like a Eusonia party...aww, you know the rest.

You can see the rest of the pics in my MySpace gallery (myspace.com/maiyshamusic). Not quite the same as being there, but definitely a taste. Long story short, the evening was a huge success, and big fun. We're so excited to have finally gotten this thing off the ground. and definitely set the stage (no pun intended) for what is promising to be an exciting fall...

Since then, it's been meetings, rehearsals, planning, and parties...in fact, I just played one for the opening night of the Visionfest Film Festival at the Tribeca Film Center, which was big fun. Next up will be a trip back to one of my hometowns, Chicago, followed by a benefit at S.O.B.'s for the man of the hour (and hopefully next eight years), Barack Obama, and then I'll be rocking the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel for the opening of Warren-Tricomi's new flagship.

As far as music goes, this week, I've been all over Jamie Lidell -- both albums. Really genius, and I can't wait to see him live at the Highline Ballroom in October.

So, what's true for this week?

I'm absolutely mad about...

1. "Burn After Reading".  Absolutely ridiculous, and completely hilarious.

2. My friend Matthew, who's also absolutely ridiculous and completely hilarious.

3. Spontaneous combustion.

4. The old French short "The Red Balloon", which I just recorded off cable.

5. Sunday brunch after a raging Saturday night.

I'm seriously mad at... 

1. Myself, for seriously believing that I can live on no sleep!
2. John Lithgow's character in "Footloose" (which I'm watching now).

3. Anyone who can't take "no" for an answer.

4. Anyone who keeps me waiting up.

5. This:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQ95bf4zU0

Note to Self:

I should be asleep right now...or getting my gear together for the gigs tonight, or readying my apartment for the family that is descending upon me in the next few hours... but instead, I'm going to do something I really haven't done in awhile - certainly not in the past few months - and take just a moment before I sleep to be...here. Not in later tonight, or next week, or last month, but right here, right now, with what is. On so many levels I'm still a long-suffering struggling artist, while on others I'm a seemingly overnight success, but in this (rare) moment, I can honestly say that (for the most part) I am exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I always wanted to do...at least in this moment. True, I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and anxiety-ridden, but I have to admit, I'm genuinely happy, too, because for perhaps the first time in my life, I'm genuinely doing ME. Don't know that I have much more to say than that, or if I'm really writing this to anyone except myself, as a reminder to appreciate all this, but to whoever might be listening, thank you for sharing this moment with me.

Big love,
Maiysha

What I Did On My Summer Vacation...

Well, it happened -- or rather it's happening (whether I'm ready or not)!  The album is, at long last, out.  And I am, at long last, returning to talk about it here (after many months' absence, for which I sincerely apologize), and give the full report (cue the chalkboard, notebook paper and dozing classmates)...

So, what's been happening, exactly?

Let's rewind about 8 weeks, and work our way here from there, shall we?  In July, I returned to my alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, with good friend/fellow alum Damani Baker (now a successful director -- so proud!) to shoot the video for my first single, "Wanna Be", which was, to say the least, an adventure of epic proportions. Basically, take one emerging artist, a talented director and crew, two days, a half-dozen friends, and a shoestring budget, and stir!  You can see the results on www.maiysha.com, YouTube (leave comments - preferably kind ones!) or VH1 Soul, but here's a little tease...

Just when I'd recovered, I began a flurry of performances and appearances all over the NY/NJ/CT area, including hanging with the folks at KissFM, singing on The Weekend Today Show, rockin' two outrageous sets at the ultra-hip Tillman's in NYC (the mid-point of a 7-gig-in-6-days marathon), shooting for Lucky magazine, a road trip and radio appearance with Eusonia right-hand-man/resident comic Alex Bilowitz (of www.thebillablog.com), and having some serious girl talk with the crew from Seventeen magazine....and that's just the half of it!  In short, it's been a whirlwind.  We are apparently becoming the little album that could...and at the risk of channeling Obama (love him!) yes, we can!

There are a few major milestones for any musician trying to "break": the first time you hear your song on the radio, the first time you see your name in print, and the first time you see your actual CD/album on the shelves at a major retailer (a dying phenomenon, I'm afraid). In a rare superstitious streak, I joined my producer/label head Scott Jacoby, our friend and catalyst Arthur Everett and the Eusonia crew (of two) at Virgin Records at the stroke of midnight on August 26th to buy the first copies of "This Much Is True:" (it's supposedly good luck).  Admittedly, after all the promotional copies I've handled and signed, I was expecting it to be a bit anti-climactic, but somehow, seeing it there, wrapped in cellophane with all the promotional stickers, it felt like seeing my newborn babe...which I guess it is, at least for the time being.  Suffice to say, it is still (and will remain) wrapped in plastic, stickers intact.  One day (likely sooner than we think), the CD may be such a rarity that it'll be quite a keepsake (or if I'm lucky, a collector's item).

In spite of the gorgeous flowers I received on the morning of the release (big love to the gracious senders!), the mostly favorable reviews, and the continually growing interest, the truth is, the real work begins now.  In the indie game, we generally don't have big-money machines to fuel the fire, so the work primarily falls to the rag-tag crew that really believes in it, and is committed.  I'm blessed to have such a crew... not so rag-tag, either.  As for me, I'm painfully aware that this is just the beginning; since my focus isn't on short-term accolades (though they are greatly appreciated) but long-term relevance, that's what I'm focused on now: pacing myself, and periodically reminding myself to enjoy the ride... 

So, what's next? 

I'm taking over the legendary Joe's Pub on Sept. 11th for my record release -- yes, I know the date raises eyebrows, but what most don't realize is that "This Much Is True:" (the song, and by extension, the album) was actually written for and about NYC post 9/11.  It's my love song to my adopted hometown and its resilience.  With that in mind, in honor of all we lost, I can't think of a better date to celebrate both the survival of our city, and my own comparatively small accomplishment.

So there you have it: what I did on my summer vacation (minus the vacation part).  I promise my next essay won't be so... essay-like, but then again, who knows what mood I'll be in that day? Maybe a series of Haiku?  A monologue?  Or maybe just a song...(speaking of which, my favorite song this week is "Lucky" by Lewis Taylor... check it out).

At any rate, I'll leave you with a few... personal revelations. Let's just say "this much is true:"

I'm absolutely mad about...

1. Dancing all night to non-stop Prince, MJ, or Stevie and not caring how sweaty I am, how late it is, the identity of my dance partner (or whether I have a partner), or how much my feet hurt.

2. My sister (who always has my back & sings all my songs off-key) and her new fiance!

3. My dear friend Justin, who went to the store to buy my album, and made a stranger photograph it so I could be there with him.

4. The dog days of summer...and dining outdoors at every available opportunity.

5. A good hug.  I mean, a surprisingly good, strong, genuine, full-body hug.

I'm seriously mad AT...

1. Anyone who gets coveted front-row tickets to a sold-out show, and calls/texts you to gloat.

2. The auto-correct on my iPhone.

3. The "new" Facebook.  What was wrong with the old one?

4. Anyone who "drops by" my home unannounced, or calls obscenely early or late.

5.  The fact that U-Haul has a runaway slave promoting Ontario on one of their trucks - for real!

Make Me and/or Break Me?

So begins my first foray into the wonderful world of blogging, whence a pretty private person attempts to become a public entity... big fun, to say the least.  But seriously, my name is Maiysha, and I am a singer/songwriter (cue the other addicts: "Hi, Maiysha").  In my brief life, I've also been a lot of other things (to a lot of other people), but I'm a musician first, and will be as long as there's breath in my body... hopefully long after.  That's probably why I'm having trouble adapting to this new phase, when my life no longer seems to be entirely my own.  

Funny, I've always considered myself something of a shape-shifter, which is to say that "Me" has often been a fluid concept.  It probably started in childhood, as a way to cope with being part of a modern (read "broken") American family, living in different cities and homes, and basically wanting to be everything to everyone (or some similar cliché), but as I've come into adulthood,  I gotta admit that my undefinability (is that even a word?) is one of my favorite qualities.  I cherish my freedom, often at the risk of being intractable (just ask my managers), and will fight tooth and nail to keep the yoke of predictability from settling 'round my neck.

Now that I've gotten that diatribe out of my system, let me say for the record: I'm a writer... which is not to be confused with a blogger, so I'm not really sure where this is heading, but as it's apparently a necessary evil, I'll keep showing up.  The good news is that I'm in good company, so at the very least, I can hopefully make a few new friends (never a bad thing).  Worst case scenario, I divulge way too much personal information, and basically make an ass of myself... but as I said, I'm a singer/songwriter, so that's pretty much an occupational hazard, isn't it?  Actually, the worst case scenario would likely be that nobody reads this, and I'm just writing to myself, which for some reason strikes me as hysterically funny, since it's highly possible.

Okay, so why should you read this -- or better yet, why should you know me?  Well, the simple answer would be that I will hopefully infiltrating your eardrums soon, so we should be properly introduced.  I think I should probably insert some sweet endorsements from Newsweek or USA Today here, but how about this: check me out at myspace.com/maiyshamusic or look up "Maiysha" on Facebook, if that's your thing.  Or maiysha.com. Or iTunes. Or hold out and wait for the album release on August 26th.

Phew!  That was a mouthful.  

So, now that the shameless self-promotion portion of our communiqué is over (I think -- thanks for your patience), let's get back to true confession time, which basically involves me wondering aloud what is happening to my so-called life.  I have to admit, I started this blog under duress.  I asked what I could possibly have to tell everyone about my life that I'm not already saying in my music.  The answer was: "well, you do want people to actually listen to your music, right?" Point taken, though I have a feeling they might start handing me scripted entries after this little missive.  However, I also received some kinder, gentler advice (rare, in this industry), which was: "...think of it as an online diary -- or better yet, therapy.  People need to know who you are."  Kind of the "dance as if no one is watching" perspective, which kind of defeats the point, I think.  But it is valid, so I'm going to do my best.

So who am I, other than a highly sarcastic, commitment-phobic musician with a penchant for big words, parentheses and run-on sentences? That's a great question, and I'll hopefully be getting back to you with an answer soon... that is, as soon as my shape-shifting, smart-ass slows down enough to figure it out, because I'm certainly not who I was when I began this journey.   My bio says I'm "a striking new figure in the currently up-for-grabs realm of contemporary soul music... blessed with a seductive voice, rarified technical skill and acute emotional authenticity", which is flattering beyond belief, and hopefully at least mostly true, but certainly not the whole story.  I'm not entirely sure what the whole story is yet, as it's being revealed even as I write, but honestly, if you've never put out an album, or anything else that means everything to you, you should.  Seriously.  The risk it takes to let the part of you you love the most -- the part you're most fiercely protective of, and sensitive about -- loose on the world is no small thing, and in spite of my sarcasm, and all the pretense inherent in trying to "make it", this experience has been a humbling lesson in exactly what "authenticity" really is.

I am authentically in love with what I do, and how I do it.  I'm committed to telling the truth, and to causing as little harm as possible.  I'm devoted to my friends and fam.  At the moment, I'm completely overwhelmed, overworked, and over-tired, but happier than I've even been in my life.  I talk too much, and think even more, and am more than a bit of a control freak, but I get great results.  I'm not always well-received, but I am well-loved, and that's what matters to me.  I named my album "This Much Is True:".   And so it is.