Thursday, July 28, 2011


VISIT MY NEW BLOG HERE.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I don't have everything figured out. That's all I've figured out.



"Has anyone told you that you over-think things too much?"

Yes. I tell myself that everyday.

.........

Hey. It's me again.

I'm sitting at my computer desk amongst books and copies of my EP, random chords and technological devices that are all shoved to the corner of my ill-sized bedroom that can currently only fit a twin sized bed. A lot is going through my head. So much so, that I find it a bit difficult to sort through it all and type only the important things out to whoever's reading this now.

I have a newspaper interview tomorrow morning and my first real "band practice" tomorrow night. I'm toying with the idea of adding a couple more tracks to my current 4 song EP, while trying to mentally prepare for the performances I have coming up this weekend.

My album, of course, is weighing on me. As it always is. I'm in a rut as far as producing goes. And with this week's upcoming events it's hard to focus on recording- which apparently I've fooled myself into believing needs the utmost undivided attention. Well, maybe it does. But at the rate I'm going, this seems impossible.

This is my life.

In the past- well, the more recent past- I have kept my blog to only reporting positive and exciting things. However, I have neglected to include the nitty gritty. Which is what I honestly enjoy writing about the most. The heart of it. The feelings. Which sometimes includes struggle. It's not all glamorous. Trust me. I know this now. I can say this because I know now that I did not really realize it before.

Just because things are looking up and progressing- even rapidly- doesn't mean that will hold true.

The situation constantly changes. That's what life is. A series of changes.

I have come to find this pretty organically, and ripe at the age of seventeen. I've learned this from a small dose of the music business. But also, like most people: from relationships, personal goals that start out different then how they end up, making decisions and un-making those decisions, trying something that doesn't end up working and then taking a completely different path...

I don't have everything figured out. That's all I've figured out.

:P

I like to refer to the stage I'm in right now as "the in-between." I'm fresh out of high school, finished with my past as I know it, and onto explore my future... the rest of my life.

Put it like that and it sounds pretty daunting.

I know I'm not the only one. And maybe that's why I feel a sort of duty to write this right now. If you're in the same position as me, and heck, even if you still have years to go before your grad or yours was years ago, just stop. That's right, stop. Look around you. Where are you right now? Breathe in. Close your eyes if you want. Exhale. Who are you thankful for? Who do you love? What do you love?

For this one moment, you're allowed to be selfish. Think about your life. Think about your favorite memories.

We're so lucky to even be alive. There is so much this world has to offer. It's only a matter of taking it all in... letting it all in. Appreciating it.

This has been something I've made a conscious effort to include in my mind set, and with everything going on lately it has honestly been hard to maintain.

Things in my life have been... shifting. Even if I am only referring to what's been going on in my head. For me as a person, it's been crucial.

To tell the truth, I have no idea where I'll end up or what I'll be doing next year. Or the year after that. I have an idea of what I'd like to be doing, but I have no security in telling if it'll be successful or not. Or if something else doesn't come up.... But as someone who I think to be wise and someone who is close to me said, "No one does."

"You like to plan everything, don't you?"

I don't know if I like to. It's just been some kind of reflex I haven't tried to prevent.

When you get down to it- the "nitty gritty"- all that really matters are the things that are so easy to take for granted. Family, friends, passion, fulfillment, health, happiness... Most of everything else is irrelevant. I for one, want to spend my days filling these parts of my life out. Whether that ends up including a performing career or one in writing or.. who knows?!

As long as I'm happy. That's all that matters.

I extend my best wishes to all fellow graduates and soon-to-be grads.

I must sign off before I get carried away with another closely related subject. That I can save for next time.

Thanks for being apart of my figuring out of life.

xx K


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Change


Spent all night working on my new song I'm so excited about. Recorded the guitar, tweaked the drum/beat tracks and started playing around with bass parts.

It seems to be coming together!

Things have shifted in just a day- as far as this summer and my music goes. But, in a positive way.

We've been brainstorming ideas for a new music video. I love what we have so far.

You might notice less of me on the web for the next while. But for me, this is also a positive thing. I'm most productive this way.

I feel like I need to get away. Just... immerse myself in music... my own little world. I've been so distracted lately.

So, I suppose this is my little goodbye. I'll be back to check in every now and then though. And when I come back, who knows, maybe I'll have something to show for it.

Can't guarantee anything. The game always changes.

Till the next change,

xx K

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Singing in the Rain


'Twas what I did last night, and what I'll probably be doing for the rest of this week.

:(

I honestly don't mind the rain. In fact, I kind of like it. It's refreshing and relaxing... and peaceful. BUT, it is not useful on days when I'm supposed to busk.

Do you know how dead it is downtown when it's raining? VERY DEAD. People are fleeing the streets, not flocking to them as usual!

>.<

I am scheduled to busk downtown all this week (including tonight) as apart of the Victoria International Busker's Festival and it's supposed to be cold and raining all this week as well. These two things DO NOT mix. Hopefully, the weather will have a change of heart. I know many are disappointed in its actions as of late. Doesn't feel very summery.

Even though it was raining (very hard, I may add) the Langford Days Festival went well! I had fun, for sure. I met these two little girls, Amber and Katrina, who were very enthusiastic about my music. It was adorable. I "premiered" my new song, sold some of my EPs. Everyone was very welcoming and supportive.

It was quite lovely- despite the circumstances.

Now, I'll be busking downtown (come on, weather!!) and working on some new music. :) YAY.

I also should be prepping for my first performance coming up with accompaniment. More news on that later!

Gotta go and get my day started.

TTYL as always,

K

Wednesday, July 13, 2011


Writing, recording, promoting, performing, practicing, organizing, booking, researching, producing...

The ball has certainly started rolling on this whole... "music business" thing.

:P

It's quite hectic- but exciting!

I have some fun gigs coming up, including the Victoria International Busker's Festival 2011, Langford's Walmart Grand Opening, the 9th Annual Langford Days Summer Festival, Capital Festival's BC Day Celebration 2011 at St. Anne's Academy and some soon-to-be confirmed dates in Parksville.

I've started creating events through my facebook page where you can RSVP to my gigs that are open to the public. It's a great way to let everyone know when/where I'm playing.



I've been posting on my facebook page a lot lately. I find it's the easiest way to get news/messages out. If you haven't liked it yet,visit it here!

To view ALL of my upcoming show dates, always visit my website (www.karlysummers.com)

Other than performing, I've also been heavy into producing and writing, which are steps to completing my first "proper" album. I've written a new song, just three nights ago, but I feel so strongly about it. I don't want to post the lyrics or even the title up, because I want to keep this one a surprise. I want you to be able to listen to it, fresh.

I'm SUPER excited for you to hear it, though. I can hardly wait! ^^

But, you- and I- will have to be a bit patient. :P

That's about all for now. I must go rehearse/record. 'Tis a busy weekend coming!

Thank you again for your interest and support. I'll always need it.

MUCH LOVE & APPRECIATION,

K

Making the Album: post writing song high


July 10th, 2011

Staying up late that night was one of the best decisions I've made. I ended up writing a song I'm REALLY excited about. I've already started producing it, cause I feel so strongly that it should be released right away.

I took this picture after the song was complete. This is me on my post writing song high.







Sunday, July 10, 2011

Making the Album

Posted some pictures on my facebook page from when I was "in the studio" yesterday (i.e. my bedroom). They're in the album "Making The Album." I have started to capture the process of producing/recording my album through pictures!


Friday, July 8, 2011

Lovin' Summer '11


I am indeed loving summer. ^^

HELLO THERE! It's only the beginning of July, but I feel like I've already done so much this summer. I've gone on a road trip, I've played gigs, I've been swimming, I've been to summer markets & the inner harbour, I've gone on hikes, I've stayed up late with friends- all in all, Summer '11 has been a kind friend!



I still have some gigs coming up- hopefully a lot more. But other than that, I'm really focused on my music. I've been working more and more on my album and my live performance too. I'm looking into having some accompaniment, which will be really cool! I've only played with other musicians a few times. So, I'm excited for that. I always want to be progressing and I think this is just what I need to do that.

I posted some pictures my cousin took of my performance in Campbell River for their Canada Day Celebration on Facebook. You can take a look at them here.:) That's where I'll be posting all of my photos for the next while. Also, check out my website! It's new!

A lot of things are new right now. But I like that. Which is good, because that's the music business for you: constantly changing. I better get used to it! I'm going to take my own advice. "Go with the flow. Do things as they come." That's what I've been doing this summer. And I'd say it's been working. :-)

I should have some more news on upcoming shows and progress on my album soon. So, don't be a stranger!

Hope you've been loving this summer as much as I am!

Peace & love,

K