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

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

First Big Accomplishment!

It's taking me some time to get back into "work mode" but I'm not beating myself up for it. Been doing my workouts and that's a good start. I decided to focus on Otto's Daughter till tomorrow's show. Than start working on my other projects including OD.
So excited to be playing my favorite new song "Onto The Next One" tomorrow night and super proud of the guys for pulling it off in two days. Now; all I gotta figure out is an outfit and fun stuff to throw at the crowd. ;)
Today's biggest lesson:
Don't wait, don't delay, don't over-think or over-analyze, follow your gut, dive in and just do it! Take some risks! Do one thing every day that scares you. ;)
xoxo JVBeast

New Years Day...2013

Happy 2013! I spent most of New Years Eve in solitude in a beautiful backyard in Florida, staring at the stars and fireworks through beautiful oaks draped with spanish moss. It was very magical and something I've never done before. It's been a while since I had some time to just be in the moment, by myself. I started thinking about my life, the new year, my goals and dreams, how grateful I am for all I have right now enjoying the peace and occasional silence. (floridians love their fireworks)I did a champagne toast with Jim at midnight, which was nice. ;)

Every New Years I want to do something special, be at a cool party yet almost always fail at it. The best new years yet was with my parents about ten years ago, they came to visit from germany and we went to a friends party, we dressed up, drank, danced and laughed all night long! It was very special to me since both of my parents worked their entire life in the restaurant business, working every holiday, I never got to spend NY with them as a kid.
This may have been my second favorite new years eve as far as I recall.

Had to get up super early (5am, but overslept & got up at 5:45am) to get back to LA with a stop over in Nashville, didn't sleep much. The flight was scary, lot's of turbulences, the pilot seemed a bit crazy....both landings were pretty rough, yet I found all of it extremely amusing. As I started talking to the guy next to me, it turns out, he's the original drummer from Paramore, that was super cool. I saw it as an omen for the new year, great things are coming!

Back home now, LA seems like a ghost town and I love it! Unpacked most of my stuff, cleaned the house, got thai food, my health nut boifriend choose pizza. (yes, I'm being sarcastic);P I cuddled with my kitties, gave them some love, they were happy to see us, the cars battery was dead, had to get a jump start from a dear friend to get the car back up and running; picked up the last member of my little family, my dog "BOLT". He jumped all over me ,gave me hugs, showered me with kisses, and made little whining noises, like tears of joy. it felt awesome! If anyone out there seeks affection and unconditional love, adopt a dog....just saying. He was really excited to be back home, I didn't expect that. I think he actually missed the cats also. Not sure if they missed him though....;)

I'm exhausted and probably will be in bed way before midnight. I'm still on eastern time. Overall, I had such an amazing time spending the holidays with my family, something I should do way more often! I'm very grateful and looking back to 2012, it's been a great year, it actually ended fabulous! Now it's time to step it up to a higher gear, get moving, create momentum! I'm excited to get back to work, crack out some badass music! The beauty of it is, that it never feels like work. It's a drug and I can't get enough of that kinda crack!

As far as New Years Resolutions go: (in general)

-Let Action Speak!
-Risk More!
-Step Outside The Box!
-Re-Invent Myself!
-Express Myself!
-Be A Leader!
-Be Independent!
-Financial Freedom!
-Be Happy
-Act From Place of Love, Always!
-Stay curious
-Have FUN
-Don't Take Life So Serious
-COLLABORATE
-Learn, Grow, Expand!
-Follow My Instinct!
-Live In The Moment
-Be Adventurous
-Be Spontanious

Let's see how consistant I can be with my blogs this year :)The plan is to write a little something every day, my progress with the music and life in general. Hopefully a ton of cool stories, discoveries and adventures will surface but...let action speak! Cheers to a fantastic, kick ass 2013!!!!! xoxox JVB

Do you wear a blindfold?

I'm truly amazed by people. So many complain about their life, circumstances and usually something, a book, an event, an article or person appears pointing them in a direction, yet most don't respond. They don't read it or don't attend. They walk right past opportunities.

I go to many networking events and I've met quite a few musicians who keep asking how they can get their music heard and placed, they don't know who to talk to or what to do. The panels usually give a pretty clear answer and when speaking to people, I also give them a few good pointers and I'd say 75% of them don't do a damn thing, or they hit up one person, that person doesn't respond or is not interested and they throw in the towel. They never follow up or keep in touch.

Everything takes time. Most importantly EVERYTHING is based on relationships! You can't expect to walk on to a scene and be the top guy/girl in the game. Learn about people, learn about the business, your craft. Be interested in others and keep going, focus on the things you are in control of. Your craft, your appearance, your attitude.


Take your blindfold off and see what's right infront of you! And don't ever come from a place of desperation, be confident, polite and patient.

Take advantage of twitter, facebook and google, upcoming events in your area. Anything we want to know is within our reach. Most importantly, once we have the information, we have to use it, apply it and take action! Build relationships, make yourself visible in whatever field you're in.

Einsteins once said "Nothing Happens Till Something Moves". Turn that engine on and step on the gas and watch the signs along the way! It's all right before your eyes.
We can't blame others for our failures.

To your happiness and success with eyes wide open!
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

Let it rain....

The rain and three cats purring on my bed make it really hard to get up early. I managed to get out of bed around 9:30am, got my workout in and even had breakfast before my 11am student.

Pretty good accomplishment before noon! I like that. Something about accomplishing little things early in the day turns my whole mood and motivation up a notch, makes me feel great and want to do more.

After all, we were meant to be productive, have a purpose and go for what we want and love. That doesn't mean going to a job you hate (that's not productive, that's actually soul-drenching)

I made some phone calls, sent some e-mails, learned a few new things about some plugin's; took care of some more important business and received a very pleasant call.

Let's just say that certain people are meant to be in your life and always will be part of your life and it's a very good thing (because it's our choice). That phone call had me even more fired up, I got extremely inspired and excited about the possibility of some future collaborations. Something I've been wanting to do for a while.

I had some computer problems which turned my creativity to null. At first I got kinda frustrated since I really wanted to finish at least one of the 30 tracks I have to have done by February15th but than I realized, I'm just not in a creative flow at the moment and it's okay.


I'm one of those who can't write anything for a week; than bursts out 5 songs at once. I learned to be okay with that and just go with the flow rather than beat myself up and try to force magic. it just doesn't work. After my 5pm student someone took me to Little Tony's for some real italian food and a glas of Merlow. How can I say no? Hahahaha


I watch it rain, wash away, the road is clear and clean and ours to take!
Raindrops & LightingSparks
JVBlossom

If you can live without it, do it!

I spent the entire weekend around people who are very much like me. Musicians! I went to the annual Taxi Road Rally; learned new things about the music business, was reminded of the things I already know, networked with people in the industry and most importantly reconnected with great friends and collaborators of mine having a great time. I look forward to this event the entire year. And every year becomes more fun.

It amazes me how many musicians don't take advantage of this incredible opportunity. People from all over the world fly out to be part of this. I met people from Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Australia and England. Incredible!

Besides learning about the changes in the industry, there's nothing more inspiring than listening to some mega successful people talk about their 15 year overnight success, their struggles, their passion for music, how they let nothing get in their way to make their dreams come true and the pay off. One of the panelists gave the greatest advice ever, he said: "my advice to you is; if you can live without it, live without it, quit! If you can't, well than you have no choice but to keep going". It hit home for me, there were several times throughout my music career where I thought about "quitting" but how can I cut off the very thing that keeps me alive? No way! Today I can proudly say that I have accomplished quite a bit and have gotten some mailbox money, which I love;)


Often, I choose staying home writing music over going out. My friends say I work so hard but what they don't understand is that this is not work to me, this is what I love to do. Plus ; I'm working for me; it's not like I'm busting my ass for someone else with no future benefits. Being social is also important, especially for live performers but when you are in a flow, you don't want to stop, you can't. Thankfully my friends respect and understand that.

With all this said, I encourage everyone out there; Do what you love! Live your dream and do whatever it takes. It's the most satisfying thing in the world and sooner or later it will pay off.

So what are you going to do today?

Zip It!

The Universe does guide us!I came across an article published by Derek Sivers a while ago talking about the announcement of intentions. I really needed to read this. Do you?



I used to announce my intentions, a) I'm excited, b) I'll really have to do it, since I announced it right? Well, luckily, results speak louder than words. Truth is. NO. I hardly ever finished what I had announced. Now I know why. (or at least have found an excuse, lol) Have fun reading it, it makes a ton of sense; so from now on, let us "shut it" till it's complete! Than share it with the world.

http://www.sivers.org/zipit

Another day in Paradise

I've been composing more than ever. I committed to 70tracks for my library and the game is ON. 50 more to go! While I feel slightly overwhelmed; I'm actually very confident that I can deliver. Life is all about choices and commitment.




I'm still working on finding the balance between being social online, offline and working, which is really more fun than work to me.









One thing that happens as a musician/composer; when you're in the FLOW, times flies by and you don't want to stop. You're in that ZONE where nothing else matters. Isn't that a great gift?





With that said; today I'm extremely grateful for all the opportunities and my ability to do what I truly love. I'm extremely excited about my solo dance EP, my new band PinkStar, My side project "When Planets Align"; my library deals, my collaborations and all future opportunities. I feel blessed! I'm grateful for all these amazing people in my life.

I'm writing this because oftentimes, I get overwhelmed and frustrated that things don't move as quickly as I'd like them to. I focus on all the things that I don't have. It's so easy to do and get caught up in it. I know I'm not the only one. This is a reminder that things are in fact "Happening". Just because we can't see it yet doesn't mean it's not happening.
The seeds are being planted. Trust and Faith is the only thing we need to move forward. (of course action is required however, if I just push and push, I'm not trusting the process).






Cheers to a fun and productive week!
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

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

In the Fast Lane

One thing for sure, when you are on the road, you somewhat lose touch with a lot of things that are important to you; it's a whole different world, there's the road, the shows, new faces, stories, sleep somewhere in between, different places you stay, sometimes you have access to the internet sometimes you don't. I wanted to work on music but that didn't happen. There's so much to share and blog about, I will have to organize it or maybe just randomize it ;)



Now that I'm back home, I realize how many projects I've put on hold; I really have to make some major decisions about my priorities and time management. Doesn't that sound like a ton of fun-less tasking? A little bit however, I decided right now that I can handle it all and that it is OK to delegate and ask for support!
After all, I am in control of me. I run my life. None of that autopilot nonsense.



Crack the Whip JVB, it's time to get producive and create miracles!
I shall return soon.
xXx
JVB

Stop it!

I got this message yesterday. It was written by Joe Vitale and it could've not come at a better time. I want to share this with you because it's so powerful.

Stop it!

Stop paying attention to the media.

Stop paying attention to the doom and gloom of anyone and everyone around.

Stop getting sucked into being a victim.

STOP IT.

You won't go anywhere buying into the cultural trance that there isn't enough and times are tough.

You won't accomplish your big goals, or do anything of real greatness, as long as you give in to outer circumstances.

You have to take back your power.

You have to take back your control.

You have to *awaken*.

Joe told a woman who was interviewing him that he was homeless and in poverty only as long as he stayed stuck in survival *thinking*.

As soon as he put his mind on what he *wanted* to have instead, he began to shift and got better results.

This can happen for you and me, too. It took him ten years.

We have to stop listening to the media paint a picture of darkness. The media paints it by finding something dark to report on, whether it's true or not. You and others listen to it, believe it, and before you know it, you have *created* what the media painted.

They predict a recession before there actually is one.

People believe the media, fall into fear, stop spending, and suddenly a recession is here. And that is just one of many examples.

This has to stop.

And it can stop right now, with you, and me.

Let us focus on how we want things to be and create those instead!

Thanks for the Blog Joe! You are always an inspiration!
xoxoxox
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

Summer Solstice

Where does time go? Really? It's summer. It's hot in LA. My pool feels good.;) I guess it's time to post another chapter of "The Adventures of ..." lol.

The music, blogging and writing and Zrii is keeping me busy; in a good way. Not stressed or overwhelmed, just busy. Every day another piece of the puzzle falls into my lap. Just the way I like it.

Life is great!
xoxoxo
JVBlissful

The Adventures of an Illegal Alien - part 1

The adventures of an illegal alien

NY NY; start spreading the news! I was singing the Frank Sinatra tune with my Burlesque group “Extremities” back in Hanover, Germany. 3000 eyes peeled on me, none of them knew that what I’m singing is more than just a tune. I am about to go to NYC. Can you imagine how great it felt to belt out that song? I add this day to one of the most exciting days in my life. My friend Sarah and I were ready for a big change, in a big way, heading to the big apple. We had planned it for a while and were ready for the big times.

We had plenty of motivation and reason for our major move. We were both bored of Germany, the scene, our jobs. But the biggest of them all was love. We both fell in love. Our guys lived in the USA and to make our dreams come true we had to follow our heart. There was no doubt in our mind.

The minute I stepped foot onto NYC ground, I knew I was home. The traffic, the city lights, the energy, the vastness, I can’t even put it into words. I grew up in a small town in East Germany. I escaped East Germany before the Berlin wall came down and ended up moving to Hannover. Hannover is a beautiful town and seemed big at first but the longer I lived there, the smaller it became. I always dreamed about the big world. I knew it existed. And here I was.

It’s like a little kid going to the biggest toy store in the world.

Of course, being adventurous and fearless we decided to stay in the heart of it all. 42nd street.

Back than in the mid 90’s, it was still a dirty and somewhat dangerous place to be. But where’s the fun if we don’t experience this? I only knew of the Manhattan Streets from movies, the smoke coming out of the sewer. Now I was there, I could stand in the smoke, breathe in the air, get my coffee and donut anywhere on the street from one of those cool stands. I felt like being in a movie.

We checked into a Hotel right on 42nd, the elevator smelled like old carpet, a few very strange looking people were in it. NO not strange, just different. A transvestite and a business man to be correct. Still, we were clueless. We opened our room, a small, dirty room with all kinds of stains on the floor, roaches racing up and down the walls, just not what we expected. But it’s cool. We are in NYC; we didn’t come here to sleep anyway. We changed our clothes, left our luggage on the bed hoping the roaches wouldn’t bother crawling up the bed.

Off we went, exploring the big apple. All I felt was happiness and excitement. I’ve never seen a city like it, so big at the time. I had never seen so many people of so many cultures in one place.
It was like a dream come true. We had a few friends in the city and let them know we had arrived. John was one of them. A big shot Manager for some big shot bands. He invited us over to his house and we were happy to go, anything was better than being in that filthy little shoebox called hotel room plus he’ll probably take us someplace cool. (so we hoped) It turned out that John had a slight crush on Sarah but neither Sarah nor I wanted to spend the first night in the big apple in his apartment. He was way older than us; she had no interest in being his little pet.

Off we went on our own, in our funky outfits, just the two of us and the big city, no idea where to go, we just walked all over the place, still better than sitting in some dirty old mans apartment.

After walking around for hours, exploring, we were exhausted enough to just crash out in that scary room and anxious to move onto the next one early in the morning. It turned out; the hotel we stayed in was a pay by the hour hotel or in plain English a whore house.

How funny is that? Well, to us it was.

JVB BOOK?

I've been playing with the idea for a while now and my fabulous encouraging man keeps telling me that I really should write a book about my story. I'm getting pretty consistent with my writing since I'm getting into blogging on a consistent basis. The more I write, the more stuff comes up, it seems like I opened a can of worms. It's incredible. I'm really excited getting up in the morning and blogging/writing. Have I found a new passion? With all my typos I never considered myself a writer other than a Songwriter. lol Well, the proof is in my hear, the pen just doesn't want to stop, well, the fingers pounding on the keyboard, lol.

Of course typical JVB-style, I can't just do one thing at a time, I'm working on 4 different writing projects. One poetry book, 2 coffee table books and one about my journey so far.

They all have a title but once I'm closer to completion I'd like to ask people for their input, after all it's all in the title isn't it? I'm so excited.

Time to work on music! I'm starting to love my new program MUSE, even though it's been a headache from day 1.