Past The Finish Line! Onto The Next!

  July's Mission "31 Songs in 31 Days" ACCOMPLISHED!!!! 

It was fun, challenging and mind expanding. I wanted to prove to myself, that I can focus two hours a day on writing a song start to finish with lyrics, without feeling "Writers Block". It was not about the full production but the fact that if I was to walk into a studio tomorrow to record an album, walk into a writing session or have a library request, I now have 31 songs to choose from. It was about being creative, in the moment and trusting that I can do it. About collaborating, enjoying teamwork and effort. Growing and expanding as a writer. Thank you to those who were part of it. This is just the beginning ;)

So what's next? AUGUST MISSION!

Step 1: I will finish one song a week for 31 weeks, (every single song from 31SI31D challenge). I plan on pulling a collaborator in for every song because 1) it will be faster and 2) another persons skill and talent will make it even better and after all, it's about making a good song GREAT. Knowing that people may flake, get busy...collaborator or not, one song a week to be released every Monday on soundcloud as well as some video clips.

Step 2:  I'll write one song a day but this time, instrumentals only, no longer than 3 minutes. Since I don't have to record vocals and write lyrics, I can do the full production in three hours easily, keeping the track focused, clean and simple.

Ready to bust ass for what I want! Willing to put in the work,  even if it means getting up a little earlier. Think for many of us the challenge is to be productive rather than busy! I know this will not be easy but I know it's do-able and I'm super excited.  PS: I'll let you know how happy or cranky I will be in a few days!

Let's get this party started! Happy August!
;)
JVB

Please Keep Your Pets Safe On The 4th !

Lot's of pets end up in shelters on and after July 5th. While we humans enjoy fireworks, pets are terrified and afraid of them.

Many pets are scared of thunder and lightening. Add to that the explosive noises and flashing lights of July 4th celebrations, and animals may live in total terror this time of year.

The safest and kindest way to approach this stressful time for your canine friend, is to leave your dog safely stashed inside the house with a television or radio playing to drown out the noise. Crating your pet during this night is even better.

With vigilance, plenty of distraction and a caring guardian, your dog will make it through this harrowing day. Here are some helpful hints to help your dog get through this time with as little stress as possible:

Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.

 
Do not leave your pet in the car. Your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, with only hot air to breathe inside a car; damage can be done in a few short minutes.

Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July celebrations. It would be best if someone could stay with your dog - no one wants to be alone if they're scared.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the anxiety.

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.



For more useful info visit http://www.petamberalert.com
HAPPY 4th Of July!!!

A FLASH OF CLARITY!

I'm sitting here with 4 workbooks on my desk, [one for lyrics, 2nd for goals, 3rd is my daily journal, (my daily "to do" list and accomplishments) and the 4th is strictly my composing book, keeping track of what music/project I'm working on]

My workspace is cluttered just like my mind. While I'm inspired I'm also extremely frustrated. Too many roads I want to travel, too many projects and ideas. Seeking balance as an artist/performer and music composer.

Re-evaluating my life. I feel that it's time to move on. Start brand new, yet I can't seem to completely let go of the old just yet. And I wonder why? What exactly am I holding onto? Is it fear, faith or denial? I know I will continue making music, being an artist but it will be something different. I feel like I'm pulling a dead horse up hill.

So today I stumbled onto a few music career blogs that inspired me to stop the DOING and get very clear about what I want and why. I started answering a bunch of important questions defining my goals and the motivation behind them.

One particular exercise kept going on with the same question (once you've written down your goals, find the most important one to you), than ask "when I have this (your most important goal), what will that get me?" and you keep asking that question until you get to the core of it, which will most likely be an emotion, not a material thing.

It took me a while to get to the core and I'm still digging. Very interesting and eye opening. While I do want financial freedom, what I really want is artistic freedom. Do what I love. To create without limitations. Express myself. Inspire others.  I love my friends and family and I want to spend quality time with them but I NEED to make music.

It's not something I do because of the money (hahaha, I would've quit a long time ago) It's something I must do regardless, to feed my heart and soul. It's something, I can't live without. And I do belief that I can be financially free by doing what I love. After all success is a mindset. What's your passion? What do you want?

If you are interested about these blogs, feel free to jump on musiccareers.net

Much success!
JVB

Choose Your Battles!

I don't really talk politics for obvious reasons. Everyone has an opinion and it usually ends up in an argument because everyone wants to be right and defend their party and beliefs. Just like religion, it gets ugly and stupid.

What slightly ticks me and amuses me at the same time is all these conspiracy theories. I do find them interesting and don't doubt for a minute that some of those are true. Was 911 an inside job? Maybe, but what am I going to do? Spend the rest of my life chasing ghosts? We will never know for sure.

What about gun control? Just like drugs, if you want them, they are available. Money gets you everything you desire. Do I like guns? No! Guns are dangerous but so are knifes, fireworks, tools, prescription drugs and alcohol.

Yes, let's go back in history and find out what happened to all those countries that had gun control...The government controlled the people. BAM! No brainer.

But lets fast forward and look at whats happening today. People eventually rebelled and stood up for their rights and freedom.

Say what you will, America is the best country I know of, it's the land of opportunity. How many self-made millionaires live here? I'm talking about people who came from nothing, had no or little formal education. I know for fact that wouldn't be an easy task in Germany.

We live in the 21st century. We have evolved. People state that the world is going mad and people are stupid and going crazy...I admit that while technology is a fabulous thing it can also cripple us, especially our new generation. We don't have to use our brain as much, our little robots are doing it all for us. (but let's be for real; the general public doesn't use their brain regardless)so let's not blame stupidity and ignorance on technology.

And if you do have kids, yes; the school system sucks, home school your kid! take charge! OR at least spend quality time with your kid. Don't treat it like a toy, something you hardly have time to play with. My parents worked hard and didn't have much time for me. I didn't end up a gangster or drug addict. They taught me basic manners, even when they were a slight mess themselves.

Another solution for you! Don't have kids if you can't afford them! Sounds a little harsh? Maybe.

Well, I'm getting off the subject here....the world is going mad???? C'mon...let's not forget back in the days when woman (and man) got hanged for being accused of being witches..AND people came to watch the hangings. That's supposed to be normal?

How about when people were being humiliated and torchered in public AND the public would watch it with enthusiasm like a football game. THAT'S MAD!

Humans have always been the worst creatures alive on earth, it's nothing new. We are driven by emotions, such as fear, greed, love, hate. Emotions start wars. Emotions can also create peace. Life is light and darkness. There will always be good and evil. It is up to us individuals to pick and choose our battles. We all go through highs and lows. We all mess up. We all experience pain and disappointment. But how much time do you want to spend living in misery and fear breeding hatred?

Why not enjoy life while we've got it. Stand up and fight for your beliefs, make a difference in the world. Just don't sit there complain about the world, waiting for the sky to fall. Don't play the victim. Get in the drivers seat and do something that matters. Be the best YOU can be. Do the things YOU do have control over.

Find purpose in your own life, a creative, fulfilling outlet that makes you thrive , stimulates your mind and takes your mind off all the negativity we are exposed to daily. It's easy to get sucked into it.

What do you want people to remember you by when you're gone?

The person that always thought the sky was falling or the person that always saw the good in people and life? A loving, caring, kind, smart, creative, innovative and inspiring soul that made a difference in someones life?

Spend less time watching the news, worrying about the things that may or may not happen...the things you can't control. Spend more time BEING in the moment with the people that matter to you most. Dream big. Paint beautiful pictures of how you want your life to be and go for it.

Do the things that make you FEEL GOOD and spread that good vibration.

Choose your thoughts, friends and actions wisely. And remember, your mind is your most powerful weapon on earth!

JVB

Hit The Road Jack!

Otto's Daughter is back out on the road. It feels great! It's only week 3 it feels like a month. It feels good to be out there again, hitting the stages, going from town to town, making new friends, staying at peoples places, sometimes hotels. It's a different way of life for sure. While it's not always all glam, I have to admit I'm diggin it. The response is great and I'm extremely grateful to be able to do what I love! "Living The Dream"! Theme of the tour and title of our new EP.


I have so much more to report, plenty of pictures to post, so stay tuned!

xoxo
JVB

What's big and small anyway?

Yesterday I was ready to just say "hell with it"; I'll cancel the whole tour, don't have enough dates, confirmed guarantee's, don't have my apartment rented out, no one to watch my cats. It's too much work, too uncertain, too hard. I pulled a rune and of course it told me this is a time to reflect. I know better; forcing things never accomplishes anything. So I turned to my true love, I finished a few tracks that had been on my "to do" list for weeks. Focusing on creating and completing MUSIC!

I didn't schedule band rehearsal, but invited the "still in question" bassist over to our home to go over the songs and get to know him a bit better.

My amazing and supportive man held me and said "Whatever you decide I'm on your side baby". We went for a walk, I ran and felt already a hundred times better. Back home, I started to reflect on my past achievements; events, all the obstacles I had overcome so far, way scarier and riskier than this little 5 week tour.

It's not the first time I booked a tour not having a full band, not the first time I started from scratch. I grew up in communism, I risked my life for my freedom and started from zero, I packed my bags again and moved to the US. I lived in NY build my band, my life. I moved to LA with half of my band and started all over. Each time things get's better and better. Each time I'm moving forward.

Two weeks ago I got so inspired while tracking our cover "Ace of Spades"; I decided to make a music video, before we go on tour; made some phone calls; a week later we have a meeting with our video producer and an amazingly and talented producer/director friend who's totally in it. All from Inpspired Action!

When I trust and allow to let things flow, everything happens effortless.

Long story short; the bassplayer is really cool and coming with us, matter of fact, if we still like each other five weeks from now, he'll be the new bassist in PINK STAR; the new child and creation of Otto's Daughter. Woooooooooooooooho

Trust the process!
xXx
JVB