DAY SEVEN

It's been pretty fun so far.The biggest challenge has been to not write about the same old things and to use different approaches, let's say, one song starts with a vocal melody, another get's inspired by a drumbeat, guitar riff or synth sound. Yesterday was my first Collaboration on this project, felt good to only come up with lyrics and melody. I did feel a little resistance at first but once I let go of the "inner judge" allowing myself to just dive in, it became effortless.

I don't always have a concept when I write, some writers do. I usually let the music take me, picking a theme has been another one of my challenges. The beauty in writing is, it doesn't matter how you start the journey, as long as you end up with a completed song that resonates with you. A song that captures a feeling, a vibe, a mood. And of course if I was writing for a specific project, a music library, I'd have more of an outline and theme, most likely writing a sound alike. What's fun about this project is that I can write whatever I want without having to fit a format. It's fun to express myself any way I want, goofy, serious, off beat. No RULES! Of course in the back of my mind I am thinking about where that track could be placed and ultimately, I want to find those 31 babies a good home but as of right now. All I need to do is give birth to another creation. ;)

I've been pretty good as far as only spending a couple of hours on writing,  not all in one sitting, I work for 30 min, get the idea down, take a quick walk with the dog or do my workout  than come back with a clear head and fresh perspective. It's working really well.

The frustrating part is that I can hear some of the songs fully produced and want to do it right than and there (yes, I've spend several hours on a couple of songs I felt strongly about). I have to remember to just WRITE the song first, start to finish, THAN focus on production, although in some cases tweaking the sounds along the way is extremely inspiring, as long as I don't get caught up in "tweaking" that sound forever.

What I did notice is that I am more creative, ideas keep popping up consistently, I've recorded some ideas right after writing a track or while waiting for a student. The fossett is open and little symphonies keeps flowing, effortlessly. Day Seven accomplished. (Just realized, I spent so much time on this Blog it's already day Eight, hahaha.

Starting tomorrow,  I will post snippets of the tracks, I don't know if it would be a good idea to post the entire songs. (copyright, quality and time wise)

My goal is to do at least 10 Collabs on this project.
Stay tuned the fun is just about to start!
xoxo
JVB

Ten Years in lala Land...

Ten years ago I came to LA with half a band, 3 cats, a bird, a truckload of dreams, full of excitement and ambition. We rented a house in Van Nuys and converted the garage into a recording/rehearsal studio. It was badass, there was a lot of magic in that studio, The Becoming and ANKOH were written there, we had a Blast throwing several parties at the house....riding our bicycles all over the valley, up and down the hills at 2am....I rebuild the band a bunch of times, rocked sunset strip, packed the places, sold tickets, released 2 EP's and a full length, than core members changed, my long time partner left and I had to learn to do it all on my own...with Jim's support; we kept it going....got several film/tv placements, toured the US twice...got signed to an indie label that folded.....it's been a roller coaster for sure. It's been a lot of tears and frustration but also a ton of fun, laughter, adventure and something everyone should experience. In the process of all that, I've met some amazing people here in LA as well as all over the states.

Fast forward...

Private life....different guy, different place, two of my lovely cats and the bird have left this earth...R.I.P. Freeway and Zoe & Snow....I found my black cat Johnny the first year we were here, my little princes Heidi is still here and a dog named BOLT found us! ;)

Music!!! Nothing is what I thought it would be. The band is on hiatus until the new album is out, I now compose music for film/tv, get to collaborate with some amazingly talented people who are also my friends and I'm finally working on my own project....a solo project that I've been wanting to do for years..... Ten years is a long time and when I look back and ask myself what I would do differently...hmmm.....lot's of things. But I don't want to waste my time feeling regret. It's time to focus on what I have control over. I have failed miserably at many things I've pursued over the years. But all those things have led to better, bigger things. In the big picture, I have to admit that I miss the shit out of NYC,  I left a comfortable life to follow my dreams. I gave up many things for my true love. And many times the thought of leaving it all behind, the thought of quitting has crossed my mind. But I've learned that things don't always turn out exactly as you expected, however, if you keep your eye on the road and enjoy the little detours...you will create your own luck. While I'm still miles from where I want to be, I'm trusting that I am on the right path....another thing I recently learned is that quitting is not a bad thing, quite the opposite. More on that later ;)

Cheers to ten years in Holywoodz!
xoxo
JVBeast

PASSION

There are days when I think it's time to quit. Than I play a show, look at the pictures and my heart starts to smile again. The stage is my home.

And of course having such amazingly talented friends like John King helps. He's one of my photographer friends. Great person with an I 4 The Unique! <3 xoxo JVB

Where does time go?

I'm always amazed how quickly time passes when I'm busy and often I feel like I haven't accomplished all that much, which really isn't true.

When you're self-employed, it takes a lot of discipline and focus to stay on track and not get distracted by things (which happens to me quite often). I'm still working on making myself a steady work schedule and stick with the plan. I'll get it right eventually! lol

besides writing a ton of music for music libraries, I'm very excited about the new Otto's Daughter album. I'm digging the new songs and slightly new sound.

Next step is picking the first single and finding a team to do a music video. Can't wait to share it all!

xoxo
JVB

It's All or Nothing!

Our Kickstarter Campaign is ending soon and I keep visualizing hitting our humble goal of $3000. So close yet still so far from it. However, am a Believer and have to TRUST that it is possible.

Being in a band is truly an adventure and I like it that way. It never get's boring. I hate standing still, I gotta keep moving and creating just to stay sane. It scares me when I get too comfortable.

Jim and I both burned all our bridges, no turning back! No back-up plan, just thriving on passion. I wouldn't change a single thing.

I just discovered the band Semi Precious Weapons, which I found through Lady GaGa and man, they make me miss NYC. They are so New York fucking City! The remind me of Iggy Pop, David Bowie meets The Toilet Boys.

I can't wait for the new album to come out and most importantly hit the road again. with a little extra NYC time!!! I miss traveling, playing shows, hanging and connecting with our fans and friends. Can't wait!

It ALL or NOTHING now! HELP OTTO'S DAUGHTER MAKE THE NEW RECORD RIGHT NOW! It's all over tomorrow, May 30th at 7pm!

Living The Dream

About to finish up lyrics for our brand new track "MY TIME". I'm very excited about that one, the music kinda fell out of the sky and the message will be extremely empowering. ;) Can't wait to share!

What I can share right now is some footage from the studio. ;)


PS: Been watching LOST every night, that's kinda my treat for the hard work, hahaha and I must say I'm loving it. Great concept and writing. Really makes me think what if I was stranded on an island, had time to reflect on all the things I've done and experienced. What if I had a chance to create a new life.

Truth is, every day is a chance to create a new life, a new path and new habit! Cheers to that! Cheers to Living The Dream!

xoxo
JVBeast

GUITAR GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Contest ends December 21st! Hurry, enter with a purchase from our STORE! I have a surprise for you tomorrow evening!

xoxo
JVB

Digging through the pile

There's so much I want to share, the Grammy's, the news about PinkStar and Otto's Daughter.

I'm finally back in the flow.

I have to write 27 songs for my music library due February 15th, besides that I have to finish our EP and do a photo shoot. AND, I could not resist so I signed up for a challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days (which is easy for me).

At first glance it may seem like I'm putting too much on my plate but in reality, nothing comes more natural to me than writing music. Today I worked on 5 tracks, sent 3 out. Another 3 will be going out tomorrow evening.

Magic happens when you make a commitment. I'm fired up and inspired as hell. Find your passion and set yourself on fire!

xoxo
JVB

A little more truth a little less bs

Happy 2010. Better late than never. hahahaha, are you fully back in your old routine? I hope not.

It's a new Decade, let's rock it! My year started off great with a cool NYE party with some of my best friends followed by an 80's Birthday Bash Party and NAMM.


We played the Friday Schecter Party, introduced a new song and I won a plug-in that I've had on my wish list for a while UAD2 Duo; plus a set of headphones from Monster. wohooooooooooo
Not to mention I met and talked to my favorite guitar player Robyn Fink at Saturday's Party. I had so much fun during NAMM. I'm still amazed how I got through the show, I had such a hang-over. Not smart to party the day before the show, but c'mon, sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do and with such amazing company how could I turn down an Asbach Uralt or a glas of Merlow. hahahaha (Well, I paid the price friday morning)


So here I am, I've been meaning to blog, even wanted to blog the entire NAMM show but I tend to be an extreme person with extreme ADD.

So many books too read, songs to finish, band stuff...blah blah blah...don't get me wrong, I love what I do; well....you get the idea. While I'm really striving for consistancy in regards to my online presence I have to admit that I'm either on or off all the way; which means a ton of posts or nothing at all.

I decided not to make any New Years Resolutions for 2010 since I never quite stick with them anyway, so instead I will do my best to commit to a daily blog, even if it's just a line to check in.

In all honestly I'm selfishly making myself feel more accountable if I have to write about my day (says who?...hahahaha...I do) And maybe I'll even promote this and get more followers, hee hee


Since I've been back from NAMM I've been kinda sick and haven't been in the mood to write music or I should say, energy. Instead I've been dealing with some business stuff I have been avoiding for some time. For some reason, it's always a drag to do the business crap, filling out a ton of forms, dealing with legalities. But it has to be done, so I've actually taken some time to get control over the situation and a clear picture of what is in place and what needs to be put in place.


Today I made a show flyer (out of two kinda crappy photo's I took of myself). hahahaha. Spend some time on facebook, myspace and reverbnation. Funny, the minute I sit down and do nothing, I feel like I haven't done a damn thing all day. While when at the end of the day when I write out my main accomplishments; I'm always amazed how much I got done; (talking about being to hard on myself).


Well, enough said, my theraflu is kicking in and I've got to finish reading "Mixerman" so I can move on with my life, hahahaha. True story or all bullshit, I'm digging it. And you know what?; it's all bullshit anyway but that's for another blog;)

Truly Yours,
JVBullshitter

It's Ga-Galishious

Here's the perfect world of music, art and fashion and who's really better these days than Lady GaGa? At least in today's music pop market? Love her or hate her, here's a great musician, singer/songwriter, performer, entertainer and artist!


What can I say? I'm a sucker for pop and I love different and extravagant! I liked Lady GaGa right from the beginning but really fell in love with her when I saw her during her 2009 VH1 Video Awards performance. I got chills. I understand many don't get her and were actually shocked and confused. When I started out with my band Otto's Daughter I used stage blood and crazy costumes, so her act truly resonates with me. I appreciate her weirdness and shock value to the masses and I'm glad someone out there on a major label is going to the extreme.


Ga Ga is Brittney meets Marilyn Manson, the perfect combination if you ask me. It's beautiful yet disturbing. Besides the visuals, her tracks are extremely hooky, you'll be singing along whether you like her or not! Ha! That's what hit songs do to you! She's got great lyrics and the pipes to back it all up. Not only that; she's a talented musician who has written several hit songs for other artists including Brittney and the Pussycat Dolls. Her latest video "Bad Romance" is beautiful, a great mixture of music, art and fashion, of course with Alexander McQueen in the mix how could it not be great? He's one of my favorite designers out there.

If you haven't yet, check out her new video here it is! "Bad Romance" Enjoy! Congrats Lady Ga Ga, I love you even more now. You not only deliver, you inspire the heck out of me! She's a perfect example, and for all who can't read the signs, even if you don't get her, don't like her or could care less about the world of Ga Ga;

Dare to be different!Dare to be unique!


xXx
JVB

All OD and PinkStar Merch available right here

I spend some quality time today digging into Reverbnation & Facebook. With so many SNS, it's so important to find a way to keep everything up to date and organized. The new Single Monsters will be available on Tunecore shortly, so keep checking back!!! Great things are happening, we have many little surprises coming up!


Please follow us on twitter!!! http://www.twitter.com/pinkstarrocks



Scroll all the way down to see the OD and PinkStar merch!!!
xXx
JVB

The Big Picture

I've been wanting to write more blogs, be more active on here but there's just so much music flowing out of me lately that I've started to love twitter much more. It's short and to the point and I'm still connected to the world.

It's hard for me to stay focused. My mind is always working. I've got so many things in my head, there are so many roads to explore, so many things I want to do.

For the past two weeks, I've getting up at 7am, doing my power walk with my fabulous man. This is huge for me; I don't get up early, even though I love the morning vibe, the smell in the air, everything is still slightly damp and quite.





Now, I don't mind it at all, half way into my first round in the park, I feel energized, alive, happy, motivated and already accomplished. I've been also going hiking quite a bit lately, more than usual, there are so many beautiful spots here in LA. It's just magical. I am a nature girl. Anything outside makes me smile, the dogs, squirrels, trees, flowers, the ocean, the people.



Life has been pretty magical lately, many changes are happening and they are all good and exciting. I feel closer to a lot of my friends and extremely grateful for them.

PS: I can't wait to share my and our new music with the world, with that said, I better get back to my music. While my focus is on the big picture, I take one step at a time. I'm so excited but have to be a little bit patient right now:)

muah
xXx
JVB

Transformation

Time for change, Big Change. New Beginnings! Otto's Daughter has been changing direction, the only thing that didn't change was the name. It's been in the back of my mind for a few years now. With nothing to lose and everything to gain Otto's Daughter has become Pink Star and we are extremely excited about it. Since Jim and I started collaborating, we have become a new band, a new core.

Of course I'll always be Otto's Daughter, no matter what; and there will be releases in the near future, maybe even some OD shows but for now ALL of our FOCUS will be on new PINK STAR music. We plan on releasing one new single every month following a full length in late November.


xXx
JVB

Topping the Top

So far I must say my 3 favorite shows on this tour have been Washington DC, Turner Hall in Qunicy and Somewhere Else Tavern in Greensboro. I've been keeping a journal of this whole tour and will publish it once we are back home when I have 24/7 internet access. Only 2 more shows as of right now, kinda bummed out; I'm still working on getting at least 3 more on the way home. We might have to crash a party somewhere;)

xoxox
JVB

OD Monsters and Angels Tour 2008

What can I say? Where do I start? It's awesome being on the road. No; it's amazing, just not being at home, doing the same thing every day, wishing we were out there doing it, wondering what it would be like. I'm sitting in Ro's moms home, out on the patio, listening to the creatures of the night chatting, chirping, yapping away. I could not ask for a better background noise. Feels like Fairyland. Woods, beautiful flowers and a ton of fresh air.
I don't even know how long it's been, it seems like a month but I know it's only been two weeks or so since we hit the road. Our daily routine...It's either being in the van, being at a club or being at someones home or at a cheap hotel. Any chance I get I'm out and about investigating a town, strolling through the park; going for a walk or just sitting outside looking at the sky, the stars or the beautiful landscape. I ove it. When in the van I'm mostly up reading, or doing something on the computer. Try not to eat non-stop; I like food way too much especially when I'm bored or overly excited. The rest of the band (except the driver) seems to fall into a coma the minute we are hitting the road, it's funny as hell. I really liked Florida, staying at Janice's house; what's not to like. I actually thought about moving to FL but once you're in LA it's hard to leave and I'm not even sure why that is. NYC is my favorite city in the world and I'm not even sure I would go back there at this time in my life. No clubs left, no scene. Just good food. Plus, I don't long for a shoebox to live in. lol. Back to the tour; the shows are as inconsistent as the stock market and it makes things always more interesting and challenging, you never know what to expect. People always say they show up but people like to talk the talk when it comes to the walking part their legs seem to be gone missing. I don't care either way, it doesn't impress me when someone sends me an e-mail telling me they'll be at the show, not until I actually see them there. It's OK to say no. Not that I've never heard that before. Rejection is part of the game and god knows it ain't stopping me from what I want. I'm kinda immune to it.

Staying at Kristy's house was like a vacation, I was actually really sad when we left. Love them very much and the dogs. We are finally picking up, the next couple of weeks are busy and that's a very good thing. I thought I'd be working a lot on music but so far it hasn't been that inspiring nor convenient to set up my little station and go nuts. I need my creative space. But it's all good. I tend to stack it all inside and bust out 5 tunes all at once. I'm not a 100% sure where the new album is going as of yet I just know that I will not look or sound like all the other bands out there right now just to fit in. No offense to anyone out there but honestly, most bands follow a trend, want to fit in. It's just one of those things as an artist. I find my look, my style than get bored of it and want to change but whenever I force it it just doesn't come naturally. So I'm just going with the flow in between transitioning into something bigger and better. Evolve. Expand. Allow for it to happen naturally, I let inspiration lead me. We've been told our music is so much bigger and better than our look and I do agree in a way. However, I get a ton of compliments on my style all the time. I dug my blood fest, my broken baby dolls, my glitter, my phase of destruction and hell. I loved my tutu's, my pretty ugly in pink, my extensions, I still do. I keep reinventing and really ache for something subtle yet drastic. If I see one more guy with an Affliction shirt onstage I'm gonna puke. It's so unoriginal and overdone. The last photo shoot we did we tried to "tone it down a bit I'm open minded. I try everything once. But looking at those pictures, we still look somewhat dark cause that's who we are. So hell with it. Why try to be something you're not just to please WHO? I'm getting my healthy rage back I love it. I've never been one who likes to play it safe and being out on the road, doing the DIY thing definitely brings me back to my core. To a very sincere, honest and humble yet rebellious place.
I know I'm rambling, it's those night creatures cheering me on...lol. I'm just extremely excited to be out here. To not be home. To do something different. To find out who I am now, where I am now. To learn what works and what doesn't. You can read all the books in the world. You want to learn, you gotta get down and dirty. Just Do It.

I hope you can appreciate the silence in between my long blogs. That's just how I roll. It's all or nothing, also know that if I got nothing to say, I won't bore you with a whole lot of nothing.

Enjoy the silence while it lasts, I'll be back soon .Muhahahahahaha


xoxoxo
JVB

Are we there yet?

It's funny; booking a tour is like a ride on a roller coaster. It's fun and exciting one minute the next you're about to vomit. We are moving along. Slowly but it's coming together. I will say that; much respect to all the indie bands out there making it happen, this is just the beginning of the journey.



I've got a lot of things in the works, slightly overwhelming however, I can handle it.



I just have to constantly remind myself that things flow easy and effortlessly when I allow things to happen, when I'm coming from inspired action rather than "push, must, need and wants". I have to remind myself that I am power and that I can indeed do, be and have everything I want.



I love this:

"Follow your Bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there were only walls"

-Joseph Campbell

Have no FEAR or Doubt

Do not think for one minute that I'm done with my adventure posts, I'm just holding off....making you ache for it....muahahahaha, seriously, I've got more cool stories coming very soon. I've been a bit busy with music, booking a tour and Zrii. Exciting and scary all at the same time. I've got a lot of things to accpomplish within the next couple of months. Go me! Yeh.

Are you coming to our show July 18th? Well you better; it's my birthday and I want a ton of cool gifts, muhahahahahahahahahahahahaha...

xoxoxo

JVB

April April...

How does this happen?It's already April. Still no tour dates. Slightly frustrating but all this time can be used to be productive and finish some unfinished projects [I've got plenty of those]and maybe even work on some new OD stuff. The show at the Roxy is coming up and I'm kinda excited about it. I'm also very excited about all my little projects that will be stamped "finished" soon:)
xoxo
JVB