For The Night Has Been Unkind

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and/or holiday season!


I'm pretty sure no one actually reads this, but for some reason I find these blog posts to be very cathartic and so tonight, I write for me!  I'm hoping, however, that somehow by the end of this I will find a way to make it relevant to the women in music theme of my blog...stick around to find out if I can! ;)


Has anyone else started to hate the holidays?  They are supposed to be a happy time full of love and laughter, but I always end up feeling that despite those things I feel emptiness.  I try to focus on my blessings and all the wonderful people in my life, but it just isn't the same anymore.  As a little girl, Christmas was the most exciting day of the year.  It was so magical.  I wish I could bring that magic back.  I wish I could get excited about putting up the  tree and wrapping the presents...instead of it all feeling like a chore.  In some ways, I think the fact that it ISN'T the same anymore causes my sadness...


This Christmas was one of the best I have ever experienced with my family, but it also marked the end of childhood traditions and the beginning of something entirely new.  I won't go into details, but things are pretty rough right now and tonight I'm really wishing I had someone to be there for me through all of these changes.


So, I wanted to find a song that could both lyrically and sonically capture my feelings tonight.  Here we go: "Answer" by the beautiful and talented Sarah McLachlan.


I will be the answer
At the end of the line
I will be there for you
While you take the time
In the burning of uncertainty
I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance
If you can't look down

If it takes my whole life
I won't break, I won't bend
It will all be worth it
Worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
When the stars have all gone out
You'll still be burning so bright

Cast me gently
Into morning
For the night has been unkind
Take me to a
Place so holy
That I can wash this from my mind
The memory of choosing not to fight

If it takes my whole life
I won't break, I won't bend
It will all be worth it
Worth it in the end
'Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
When the stars have all burned out
You'll still be burning so bright

Cast me gently
Into morning
For the night has been unkind

I chose this song because, well to be honest, I searched my iTunes and it was one of the first songs I saw haha...but truthfully, the melodic line, tone, and lyrics of this song are so in line with how I'm feeling tonight.  I like it, because, even though it's a love song, it sounds kind of sad. All I can say, is I would give anything for someone to "cast me gently into morning, for the night has been unkind."  I know we are supposed to be positive all of the time and focus on the future outcome, but I honestly think that is just crap.  Change sucks.  And it sucks right NOW. Truthfully, I don't care how happy I will be about it a year from now.  That being said, I'm not saying change is bad...it's just tough.  And boy, wouldn't it be nice if we had someone to hold our hand through it all?  If you're lucky enough to have that someone, don't let go!

In the meantime, any takers? ;)

XOXO,

Kristin

Record Collecting for Girls by Courtney E. Smith

I was wandering around Book People and found this book recommended by a staff member in the music section.  Given that I collect vinyls, I figured this would be the perfect Christmas break read!  So far, I'm LOVING it.  Check out a few excerpts below!

"So, I've always empathized with women who want to play in a band, and I'm doubly impressed by ladies who manage to pull together an all-girl band.  It sounds simple, but practically speaking, it means finding a group of women who've braved the music-store guys who end to think any female who wanders in is looking for a clarinet or is just someone's girlfriend, women who possess the drive and wherewithal to pursue the very unglamorous lifestyle of a touring musician, women who have a passion for music that is so all-consuming that they want to make it their life in spite of having very few female role models for inspiration.  Oh, and then once they form a band, they all have to get along.  And they'll have to confound the expectations of their male road crew, who will assume they can't play."

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!  I can't tell you how many times I've had to nearly throw something at Guitar Center employees to get them to notice me. 

"Girl bands have gone quiet for the time being, but I keep hoping for a new set of idols who will convince the next generation of girls to buck the stereotypes and pick drums over the clarinet."

Any takers on the whole female band thing?  I'm down! :)

XOXO,

Kristin

Don't Mess With Texas (or ANY, for that matter) Women!

Since this blog is titled "Hell on Heels" I figured I should write a post on women kicking men to the curb in, well, hells!  Gentlemen, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. It's a simple fact of life that you're going to have to accept at some point.  No matter how sweet our disposition, we are all capable of keying your car if you break our hearts...or worse. So you wanna avoid our wrath? It's quite simple really. Don't break our hearts! Here is a selection of some of my favorite country ladies putting their extremely well-manicured feet down and showing these men who's boss...you go girls!

"Before He Cheats" - Carrie Underwood

"Kerosene" - Miranda Lambert

"When God Fearin' Women Get The Blues" - Martina McBride

"Best Days of Your Life" - Kellie Pickler

"White Liar" - Miranda Lambert

"Picture to Burn" - Taylor Swift

XOXO,

Kristin

Rain, Please Go Away!

Austin City Limits 2011 proved to be a hot, humid rainy experience...shocking, I know! This year I only went on Saturday, primarily to see Stevie Wonder, but also partially because I don't find the whole "music festival" experience all that appealing.  Believe me, as an aspiring artist I desperately WANT to, but I'd just much rather be on stage performing for hundreds or thousands than in the tightly-packed crowds watching.  Sure, music festivals sound great in theory, but I've always found they are not nearly so rosy and perfect in the execution.  Somehow, I always end up getting sick...and it's so hot in Austin, Texas come September that I usually feel so gross and tired I end up wanting to just go home and shower instead of staking out a prime spot to see my favorite band.  That being said, without fail, each year I buy a ticket anyway and march on down to Zilker Park!  This year, despite the rain and the heat and inevitably sticky feeling all over my body, I had an awesome experience that almost made it all worth it.

 I was incredibly excited to see Allison Krauss and Union Station, but her performance far exceeded my expectations!  She just always puts a smile on my face!  Her music is lively and soulful and her voice nothing short of angelic.  But it's not just that...there is something about her music that is soothing to me.  

When I was in school at the College of William and Mary, I was going through some of the roughest times of my life.  Far from home and trapped in what seemed like an endless cycle of pain, I loved to take drives around the beautiful countryside and just listen to her music.  It always brought a stillness to my heart.  Because of this, I knew that seeing her live for the first time in my new home of Austin, Texas, after coming so far (literally) from where I had been, the show would be special to me regardless.  

Allison's music has an organic quality about it.  I don't listen to a ton of folk music and am usually not the type to want to listen to songs about hoeing the crops or dancing at the hoe down, but let me tell you, this woman makes you wish you were born in a Louisiana swamp stomping at a community hoe-down...at least that's what her music does to me ;).  It always makes me crave simplicity and feel a deep connection to those around me on a humanity level.

So...I was standing there dancing like a fool to one of her tunes, when it began to rain.  What is it about rain that makes us feel so blissful and melancholy all at the same time?  Knowing a great majority of her songs like the back of my hand, I thought to myself "I hope they play 'Rain Please Go Away!'"  And sure enough they did!  Getting to see a band adapt to a live situation like that and move around the order of their songs to sing about something that was actually happening was so much fun!  I've posted a couple of videos I took below so please enjoy!  And if you don't listen to the Krauss now...you definitely should!

"Rain, Please Go Away"

Also, as a side note, I thought her outfit was adorable!  She always looks so stunning and this was no different with her beautiful pink dress and flowy hair.  Verryy conducive to playing ACL.

"Baby, Now That I've Found You"

Music connects us all and brings so much to our lives.  Don't forget its beautiful power!

XOXO,

Kristin

The Story We Should All Be Telling

This little lady is quite remarkable.  If you like her style you should definitely check out her other stuff, but from my listening so far this is my favorite song by miles.  Make sure you get to the 0:55 second mark before shutting it down...it's worth it, I promise!  Enjoy!

"The Story" - Brandi Carlile

XOXO, 

Kristin

Sahara Smith is most DEFINITELY "The Real Thing!"

Today's post comes from one of my favorite local Austin musicians, Sahara Smith.  This up-and-coming singer-songwriter has an ethereal, enchanting voice that is sure to draw you in right away.  If you like Alison Krauss' voice you are guaranteed to like this lovely lady!

Very rarely do opening acts intrigue me, but when I attended a Los Lonely Boys concert a little over a year ago, and this girl came out on stage, I was blown away.  I think the thing that drew me in the most was that her drummer had percussive instruments attached all over his body so that when he moved his arms and legs percussion was created...and that was just in addition to the drum he was playing.  So cool!  Check out three of my favorite songs below!

"The Real Thing"

"Thousand Secrets"

"Are You Lonely"

I hope you enjoyed getting acquainted with yet another leading lady!

XOXO,

Kristin

Baby, Show Me How You Burlesque!

I know, I know! I post ENTIRELY too much about Christina...but I can't help it!  She's so utterly fabulous!  If you haven't seen her movie, Burlesque, you definitely need to check it out!  The first video here is the song that kicks off the movie.  I'm mostly fond of this, because this is what I do when no one is around...and even sometimes when someone is ;) Enjoy "Something's Got a Hold on Me."

The second video I have for you the scene in the movie in which Christina's character gets her first big break singing "Tough Lover." 

For some reason, the movie seemed to get bad reviews, but I thought it was pretty wonderful myself!  What do those critics know anyway? Whether or not you see the movie be sure to check out "Bound to You" and "Show Me How You Burlesque."

I guarantee that by the end of this movie you'll be wanting to don sexy stockings and lingerie like the ladies shaking what their mommas have them in the film...just don't shake it TOO hard...you might sprain something. ;)

XOXO,

Kristin  

Warming Up to the Mama Monster?

I have been notoriously crititical of Lady Gaga's image.  She has a fabulous voice and I have never questioned her talent, but I have often taken issue with her lack of "genuine-ness."  If she is always wearing a mask, the audience never really gets to know her as a human being.  Why does she make the art she does?  Why does she feel the way she does about certain issues?  While her costumes and other oddities certainly do a lot to push back at social norms and raise awareness for certain issues, I feel that a lot is lost when no one really knows who YOU are.

Because of this, I decided to go back and do a little research on Stefanie Germanotta, before the Gaga was born.  I found this video from her days at NYU and, while you can definitely see the early makings of Mama Monster, the performances are so stripped down.  It's just her, the piano, and her amazing set of pipes. 

Since I first saw that video, I've been lamenting the creation of Lady Gaga and what appeared to be the loss of Stefanie Germanotta...that is until this week!  I heard her song "You and I" and saw the accompanying video this week and immediately saw something I liked.  It's a much different sound for her, a little more rock 'n roll, and the song really showcases her voice.  I have to say, for the first time, I can actually figure out what the song is about, unlike many of her songs where no one can seem to make sense of the lyrics.  The song is a powerful love ballad rumored to be about her former boyfriend/lover from Nebraska.  The video was shot in Nebraska, the home state of the object of her affection both in the song and in her life.  Finally, I feel like Lady Gaga is one of us!  I think this new sound and visual combination is wonderful!  In her video, Lady Gaga gets to still be Lady Gaga, but it's not so out there that I get completely lost.  To me, the art is much more powerful, because I have something to hold on to and relate to as a listener.  Check out the video below!

 

I'm doing my best to fight it, but if she keeps this up, I may have to join her army of Little Monsters after all. ;)

XOXO,

Kristin

Free To Be Francesca!

It doesn't take much to explain why Fracesca Battistelli gets a blogpost.  Francesca is a successful Christian artist, who has released two albums, "My Paper Heart" and "Hundred More Years."  Her songs are uplifting and spiritual as well as beautifully sung.  Check her out!

                                                                                    

      

XOXO,

Kristin

Sara B, There Is Just NO Way I'm Gonna Get Over You!

For those who know me, it's no secret that Sara Bareilles is one of my favorite female artists.  I was smitten when I heard her "Little Voice," fell in love with her "Kaleidoscope Heart," and knew there was going back with the release of her newest video for her hit single, "Gonna Get Over You."

One of Sara Bareilles' most charming qualities is her quirky personality.  She doesn't take herself too seriously, as is obvious in this video, and makes no attempts to be someone she is not.  With the release of this video, Sara joked that Beyonce better not steal her moves.  She always shows respect for what other artists can do, but clearly knows what she does best.  To me, this video completely speaks for itself!  She could've hired a fancy hip hop choreographer, put on a sexy dress, and danced around suggestively, but rather decided to be herself and dance around using her own silly moves.  I have to say, her happiness is infectious.  I have found myself struggling to keep from dancing through the streets on campus when this song comes into my headphones even knowing full well that if I push someone down, they will likely not jump up and begin dancing with me (video reference). But wouldn't that be grand? How wonderful to have a piece of art that brings so much pure joy into our lives!  

Check out the video below!  I am willing to bet you won't be able to contain your own dance moves when you see this! :)

P.S.  Be sure to watch until the end...it's definitely worth the wait for a good laugh.

XOXO, 

Kristin

Xtina Power

So I simply could NOT do a blog dedicated to badass women in music and not do a post on one of my idols, Christina Aguilera.  From her "Genie in a Bottle" days to her newest album "Bionic," clearly Christina has gone through quite the image makeover...over...and over again.  We have seen many sides to Christina.  She has been controversial, sexual, evocative, powerful, vulnerable, naked, terrifying, and sweet (just to name a few).  Fortunately, one of the things about Christina that has never changed is her incredible vocal ability and her dedication to sing and perform music that showcases it.  My personal favorite of Christina's entire body of work thus far is definitely her "Back to Basics" album released in 2006.  This album called upon some of the greatest jazz musicians and singers of all time for inspiration, such as Etta James.  The album has a 1920s/1930s feel about it that, coupled with Christina's voice, really takes you back in time.  When Christina's latest album, "Bionic,"was released, and the album contained techno-heavy singles, I was worried.  While have not yet had the chance to make it through the whole album yet, I am pleased to say that I appreciate Christina's exploration.  It is nice to hear her try some different styles, but I have to say, my favorites are still her vocally-stunning ballads.  My favorite is "You Lost Me" and I have included the video below for your listening and viewing pleasure!

After a long career that spans nearly her entire lifetime, Xtina is proving that she has still got it!  With all of the lip synch-ers out there and artists using auto-tuning to improve their pitch control, it is so encouraging to see a woman as strong and powerful as Christina displaying true artistry and talent.  You go girl!


XOXO,
Kristin

She Makes Us Wanna Say "I Do"

When asked if we love Colbie, we can't help but say "I do!!"  On October 21, 2011, I attended Colbie Caillat's concert at Stubbs.  She played on the outdoor stage and performed for about an hour and half.  Needless to say, she was wonderful!  I have never been a huge Colbie fan in the sense that I don't listen to her all of the time, but I really respect her as a woman and an artist...and as a female artist.  

The road to stardom is tough, but most especially so for young women.  There is great pressure to be "sexy."  When you really stop and think about it, what on earth does being sexy have to do with making great music?  Well, nothing, but like it or not, an artist's appearance will continue to be a factor as long as we can see them. ..so basically forever.

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with being "sexy," but it is nice, at least every now and then, to see some beautiful women downplaying their booties and up-playing their melodies instead.  For this reason alone, I loved Colbie's outfit at the concert.  Pictured below, she wore a loose and flowy white tank top and an adorable beaded mini in what appeared to be pale pink.  She rocked a ponytail and danced around stage with ease.  

The nice thing about this outfit was not only that it fit her style, but also that it showed that there are other ways to be beautiful than by just wearing tight clothing.  To me, I think that is a huge message for young women to see.  Colbie was gorgeous, but in an understated way.  It was easier for the average audience member to see more of her whole package - her songs, he beauty, her laid back personality - when we weren't being distracted by racy clothing.

Just as another quick point, Colbie's songs are incredibly uplifting.  Thanks Colbie for brightening my day! Check out the video below if you want her to brighten yours! ;)

XOXO,

Kristin

Girl Has Got The Blues

Sept. 14, 2011---A Night with Ana Popovic

Meet the female Stevie Ray Vaughn of our generation, Ana Popovic.  Ana is a Serbian blues guitarist and singer with a band that hails from Amsterdam...so how on earth did we get lucky enough to hear this amazing lady?  No clue, but I am oh so glad!

Not really sure what to expect, I bought myself a ticket and headed over to Antone's on a school night to hear this blues guitar player wail and boy did she EVER! Today we are literally swimming in a sea of female pop artists and singer-songwriters, but where are the guitar players?  And I'm not just talking women who play guitar in the background, but rather women who are the main event.  A woman to rival the Jimi Hendrix-es and Stevie Ray Vaughn-s of the 70s.  Well, folks, I think I found her!

While Ana is not the strongest of female vocalists, she can play the guitar like I've never seen or heard a woman play one before!  Music aside, however, I think the thing I most enjoyed about her "package" overall was her outfit.  So often, women who play guitar seriously (too much like men) or who sing "rough" like men (Janis Joplin), are stereotyped and labeled. 

To survive in the "man's world" of the guitar, women usually attempt to appear "tough."  They want to hold their own with their male counterparts by blending in as much as possible.  What I loved so much about Ana Popovic is her complete refusal to blend in the slightest.  When she came strutting out to the stage in her stiletto heels and tight, sparkly mini-dress, she made no effort to hide her femininity...and I was in awe!  Her outfit alone screamed, "I'm a woman and I'm not afraid to show it.  I'm also incredible at the guitar...and I'm going to do it all in heels!" (She played for at least three hours standing the entire show.)

This chick is rockin' and rollin' all the way into my top favorite ladies in music right now!

  

XOXO,

Kristin

In Love and Music

I figure a good place to start my blog is to talk about how I came up with the title and theme.  Country singer Miranda Lambert and her new band, Pistol Annies, just released a song entitled “Hell on Heels.”  Since the topic of my blog is going to be women in music, I thought this spunky trio of beautiful women with their sassy lyrics would make a great segue into what’s to come – musings and reviews on all of the wonderful, brave, and badass women making their name in the music industry of today.  How are they presenting themselves?  What’s their style? 

*As a side note, I would like to add that this song is intended with humor and to be cheeky…I am not suggesting that women should go out and steal men’s possessions…at least not publicly ;)

“I'm hell on heels

Say what you will

I done made the devil a deal

He made me pretty

He made me smart

And I'm gonna break me a million hearts

I'm hell on heels

Baby, I'm coming for you

This diamond ring

On my hand's

The only good thing

That came from that man

Got a G.T.O. from one named Joe

And a big piece of land down in Mexico

I'm hell on heels

Baby, I'm coming for you

I got a pink guitar

A Lincoln town car

From ol' what's his name

I meet at a bar

Got a high rise flat in Hollywood

From a married man wasn't up to no good

I'm hell on heels

Baby, I'm coming for you

Then there's Jim

I almost forgot I ran him off

But I took the yacht

Poor ol' Billy

Bless his heart

I'm still using his credit card

I'm hell on heels

Sugar daddy, I'm coming for you

I'm hell on heels

Say what you will

I done made the devil a deal

He made me pretty

He made me smart

And I'm gonna break me a million hearts

I'm hell on heels

Baby, I'm coming for you

I'm hell on heels

Say what you will

I done made the devil a deal

He made me pretty

He made me smart

I'm gonna break me a million hearts

I'm hell on heels

Sugar daddy, I'm coming for you”

With that being said, check out the video above if you’re interested and get ready to meet some seriously badass women…’cause baby, we’re coming for YOU!

XOXO,
Kristin