Today’s guest is Justin Saragueta–songwriter and musician. We first met him a few weeks ago at Texty Ladies in Justin Saragueta, Part One.  Welcome back, Justin!

You can read about his background and the making of his current CD, gueta.

Now that we’ve read what [...]]]>

Today’s guest is Justin Saragueta–songwriter and musician. We first met him a few weeks ago at Texty Ladies in Justin Saragueta, Part One.  Welcome back, Justin!

You can read about his background and the making of his current CD, gueta.

Now that we’ve read what makes him who he is–if we can ever really know that about any artist–let’s explore how he does what he does.

JR: Tell us your process–how do you write a song?

gueta: This isn’t always a constant. I find that in my imaginary world there is no such a thing as black and white. Borders tend to be obsolete. Boundaries are better left for landmarks. But usually I will pick up the guitar and start playing until I hopefully find that point when thought ceases and I melt into the instrument allowing it to convey some type of emotion. Chords and notes have as much character as Broadway plays. Once I have stumbled upon some type of rhythmic progression I start writing.

This usually takes place in blocks. I ask myself how I feel, what’s on my mind, what’s going on in the world and with its people, and how do I want to convey it all? Or I just open a bottle of wine, light some candles, lock the doors, dim the lights and allow myself to get out of my own way and just let the pen and guitar do the work. The beauty of writing imaginary circumstances or even the ones that tend to be sautéed in a sense of realism is there just aren’t any real rules.  For the non-conforming type this is much like a poodle in a Christmas sweater, pretty nice!

JR: Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve written?

gueta: This is one of those unfair questions. They all hold meaning, convey a period of time or cross some path I was on.  I’ve written songs for and about loved ones, strangers, friends, family and situations I or someone I know may have been in.  I write to try and find meaning through confusion.  I sing in happiness and sorrow.

It’s meditative. I need it much more than it needs me.

Mostly I fathom it’s about hemorrhaging true emotion through song, poem or story. It’s exposing frailties through bravery. Writing for me is about being honest with myself. It’s about saying this is how I feel and I’m not going to cover it up. True freedom is true honesty. I feel I obtain that in all my art. My first song to the one I am currently working on all hold a fondness inside me that allows me to view life’s grayness with a bit more color.

JR: I love your song San Sebastian.  Tell us how this song came about.

gueta: Thanks! I really enjoy playing and singing San Sebastian Spain as well. My mother’s side of the family is from there. If you haven’t been there, let me tell you, the place is magical: absolute beauty wrapped in an energy unlike any other place in the world for me. I was fortunate enough to visit San Sebastian in 2002– I think it was then or possibly 03. My memory bank tends to take holidays from time to time. But I do recollect running with the bulls in Pamplona with my best friend Haasy and his wife Jackie. Those things are like ghosts…SCARY! After flirting with four legged death and liver poisoning the three of us jumped in this tiny little car that my aunt had given us and we basically lost ourselves in the people, culture, beaches, wine, tapas, cobblestone streets, music, dance, architecture and all the vibrant life encompassing the place. It’s one of those places that I feel I am not walking on but in.

A few years had passed and I was back in the states after an eight month stint in Australia. I was living with my cousin James at the time in San Francisco’s North Bay. It was a weird month. It rained for three weeks straight. I was depressed, lonely, just back from an amazing trip and all of a sudden everything came to a screeching halt covered in cold gray water.  James was gone, actually visiting San Sebastian at the time. My phone rang one day and it was James on the other end telling me about how much he loved the place. It brought back all the smells, sounds, memories and warm feelings for me. I sat down after the phone call and about two hours later had written a new song.

JR: Your music really connects your heart with your audiences’.  How do you do that?

gueta: Thanks, Jacquie. I believe connecting with people on any level starts with being honest and connecting within ourselves. As I mentioned before, I try to convey pure and honest emotion in my art. I started writing because I had so much love for it and I could be whatever I wanted to be on any given day, in any given circumstance. It took a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. It gave me no choice: I had to give in! I was able to lose myself in it.

I hope that people feel that voice of truth. When someone tells me that they relate, that they get lost in the words and melodies it makes all those nights living in the back of a truck or on the side of the road in Australia eating one peanut butter and jelly sandwich a day with four golf pros eating veggie mite sandwiches sleeping in army pop up tents worth it!

True acceptance for me is true honesty. If I can’t convey how I truly feel than it’s not worth it because it’s not honest.

Thank again, for joining us at Texty Ladies today.  We’ve had great fun reading your interview, and now there will be Part Three!  So we’re really looking forward to reading what else you have to share with us.

Justin Saragueta’s debut album, gueta, is sort of here already!  Check out his store for downloads.  The physical CD will be ready for shipping any day now.  When Justin visits Texty Ladies next week, I’m hoping to tell you that it’s on its way.

Contest!

And don’t forget, if you commented on the last interview, this one, or part three, you’ll be eligible to win an autographed CD.

Authors, Artists, Songwriters, Screenwriters, Crafters, Poets
Do you know what you need to know about marketing and promotion?
Check out 1st Turning Point–All About Promotion
Yes, it’s FREE: a bunch of writers and artists–all trying to
navigate the treacherous waters of selling our wares.

Have a Magical Monday!

Jacquie Rogers
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues (See the Book Video featuring Justin Saragueta)
Jacquie Rogers *** Myspace *** Twitter *** Facebook
Faery Special Romances * Book Video * Royalties go to Children’s Tumor Foundation, ending Neurofibromatosis through Research

Instead of an article on the craft of writing, today’s Magical Monday welcomes Justin Saragueta–musician/singer, songwriter, poet, and novelist. He’s better known as gueta and that’s the name of the CD he’ll be releasing in a couple weeks.

I’m a Gueta fan through [...]]]>

Instead of an article on the craft of writing, today’s Magical Monday welcomes Justin Saragueta–musician/singer, songwriter, poet, and novelist. He’s better known as gueta and that’s the name of the CD he’ll be releasing in a couple weeks.

I’m a Gueta fan through and through. Justin wrote the marvelous theme song for my Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues book video, which has garnered tons of kudos. How did he come up with such a perfect song? I don’t know. He read the beginning of the book for tone, asked me what I wanted . . . I could only think of “attitude.” What you hear is the first version I heard–loved it, didn’t want a single change. I was astounded at how perfect it was, especially since he had to use a completely different style than is normal for him. So yes, I’m a fan forever. Justin is a very talented man.

So now, let’s get on with the interview!

JR: Welcome to Texty Ladies, Justin! We’re delighted you could take some time to share with us today. We’d like to know a little about you, your name, and your music.

gueta: Before I start tooting my own proverbial brass horn I’d like to thank Jacquie Rogers for the interview and for the chance of writing the theme song to her newly released novel Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues. Also, a quick thanks to those of you taking the time to read this, and everyone involved in some form or another for having me do this interview.

So!? Just who in the heck is Justin Saragueta? Well, that seems to be one of those elusive quandaries that stays as close and as a far away as a Swiss cheese shadow in the shade at high noon. What can I say…you asked for it.

I guess I should start when I first started crying. I was born in Southern California- Redondo Beach to be exact. Both of my folks are full-blooded Spanish Basque. No, this is not nor does it have anything to do with being a fish, catching a fish, smelling like fish or tarter sauce. I know, I know. Darn!

My father, Justo Saragueta, was born in a small village on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees Mountains a few gorgeous mountain sloped minutes to the border of France. Contrabanding rifles, horses, food, and Portuguese men and women- just to name a few that he has actually confessed to- is frowned upon in most countries. Yes, I was shocked by this as well. So, at the ripe age of sixteen he was sent to the states with twenty bucks, a tuna sandwich in a brown bag, and a note pinned to his chest, “Hello. My name is Justo Saragueta. I am sheep herding for Antonio Zalba in Fresno California,” written on the front of it. My mother, Marsha Saragueta, has been shaking her head ever since! Yes, some women ARE stronger than others!

We moved around a fair bit while I was growing up. My father became a restaurateur, finally settling us down in a small dairy town, Hanford, in central California when I was about thirteen. Our home was a loving and fun environment for the most part filled with laughter. It was an upbringing with loose to no rules that allowed my younger sister Jessica and I the liberty to fully explore who and what we wanted to be without judgment. My father, unlike my mother, has always been very non-conforming. And as the saying goes, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, regardless of height, weight or maturation.

It seemed like from the moment I graduated high school I wanted out of the house so I could finally start being my own man. So I did that which I thought most boys in my position would do, I partied enough to sedate a continent of full grown rhinos. I hid from the real world for four years at University of Pacific. With a freshly printed and signed BA that my father at times finds to be BS, I started working in what others consider to be the real world. Sales, bartending, truck driving, golf professional, that one failed attempt at ownership and employment of a high end super model only cliental escort service. I would have made one heck of a pinball machine but that thought never occurred to me until now. Then the day came when I just couldn’t fight it anymore. I listened to that intuitive voice clawing at my insides and I sold all my possessions, bought an around the world plane ticket, $200 guitar after tax and started writing my first novel, A Life too Important to Take Seriously. The creative dam didn’t just break, it exploded.

Since 2002, I have been traveling the globe with a guitar, ink-deprived notebooks, empty pockets, a curious disposition, and thirst for the unknown. I’ve played music for people in Australia, London, Scotland, Spain, Indonesia and Fiji to name a few. For me, life has become about unplugging from the societal norm so I can chase the search for inner understanding. The best way I know how to do this is through song, poem or short story. But I would have to say that the music has bullied its way to the front of the priority list. Not a second goes by that I don’t feel grateful for having the music in me.

JR: Congratulations on the release of your new CD! Please tell us about it–genre, how it came about, who’s playing on it, and how to buy it.

gueta: Actually, I am still in production on the new CD. My producer Cookie and I are hoping it will have an early May release date. It’s one of those things that you just want to get done so you can get to another rung on the ladder but then realize part of that journey is making it and the making of it is nothing short of a BLAST.

The genre would probably fall under Pop as most artists like John Mayer, Matchbox Twenty, etc. are these days. But I think it has some of that good old traveled grass roots folk rock with a splash of reggae, acoustic and Latin feel as well. They are songs with stories. My travels have molded me into something I may not have fully comprehended I was before embracing them. These things for me are hard to pigeon hole. But I am VERY proud of the work.

There are some amazing artists on the project. Cookie Marenco of Blue Coast World is producing it. She is a brilliant woman and a good friend. Patrick O’Connor of OTR Studios is the engineer and plays some mean guitar riffs while giving me much needed worldly advice on a day to day basis. Brain of Guns N Roses plays drums on some tracks as well as Billy Johnson formerly of Santana. It’s really kind of a who’s who instrumentally speaking.

So how do you buy it? Money helps! Please check out http://www.justinsaragueta.com

We, Cookie Marenco and myself, are taking a grass roots approach to this album. Just ask Cookie and she’ll tell you the music industry isn’t what it used to be. The solo artist needs to be a clever business person as well these days. Performing for the love of it won’t get you there unless you are meeting people and collecting names and email addresses along the way. So if everyone can please visit my website and join my email list you will be updated monthly on shows, events, the progress of the CD, and how to purchase tracks. Other sites to visit also include:

http://www.myspacecom/justinsaragueta

http://www.facebook.com/justinsaragueta

JD: Thanks so much for talking with the Texty Ladies today, Justin. We’re looking forward to the second part of your interview May 2, and I understand some lucky person who comments on either Part 1 or Part 2 of your interview will win a free, autographed CD, before anyone else gets it! Believe me, we’re really looking forward to that.

For the most impatient of us, you can buy a Special Pre-Release version of “MmmHmm” only available at Justin’s store.

Have a Magical Monday!

Jacquie
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues (See the Book Video featuring Justin Saragueta)
Jacquie Rogers *** Myspace *** Twitter *** Facebook
Faery Special Romances * Book Video * Royalties go to Children’s Tumor Foundation, ending Neurofibromatosis through Research

I’m so pleased to bring you today my interview with super cool romance author Melody Lane.  Melody, thank you so much for the interview and for visiting us at Texty Ladies!

Will you please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been a registered nurse for many years working in a variety of settings. You name it, I’ve worked [...]]]>

I’m so pleased to bring you today my interview with super cool romance author Melody Lane.  Melody, thank you so much for the interview and for visiting us at Texty Ladies!

Will you please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been a registered nurse for many years working in a variety of settings. You name it, I’ve worked it. Although I have a full-time day job, I dream of writing full-time like a lot of other authors. My favorite things to do are going to concerts, listening to rock music, traveling and reading. I live in the beautiful countryside of Michigan, but often wish I lived in a New York City high-rise or brownstone.

Please tell us about your upcoming release, “Rock Me.”

Jenny Page is a Midwestern nurse who has always had trouble with men. When her favorite British rock star fantasy man, with women issues of his own, becomes her patient Jenny knows she’s in for trouble. After he admits harboring a nurse fantasy, the sparks begin to fly. Their sizzling starts before he leaves the hospital to continue his concert tour, and grows into an out-of-control inferno when they meet up in New York City for a weekend of uninhibited passion and unexpected love.  I am happy to say that ROCK ME is available at Ellora’s Cave as an e-book and print book!  http://www.jasmine-jade.com/m-417-melody-lane.aspx

What makes a man sexy?

Every woman defines sexy differently. For me it is a combination of rugged handsomeness, confidence and intelligence. If I had a choice, I’d like tall and fit too! He doesn’t have to be picture perfect, but he had better know how to carry on a conversation. I’d be so disappointed to find out a man I’ve lusted over for years didn’t have a thing between his ears but empty space.

If you could tour with a band right now, which one would it be and why?

I have quite a few favorite bands that I’d love to spend time with. Def Leppard is one of them. I’ve met this band many times over the years. Every one of them is handsome and sexy and talented. A couple of them are very funny. I could kickbox with one, play golf with another, watch movies, discuss the history of music, and drink Guinness. Sounds like a fun summer to me!

When did you first start writing?

I’ve always wanted to write as long as I can remember. After I had an article published in an international nursing magazine, I realized how much I wanted to do it on a regular basis. But I didn’t do anything about it. Time, family, all the reasons everyone gives. After my father died in 2002, I realized that life was short and I was capable. I just needed to put my mind to it. But where was I going to find the time? The answer. I gave up television. Instead of watching television when I got home from work, I started writing. I allowed myself no excuses. ROCK ME is my first erotic romance.

What aspect of writing do you find easy?  Difficult?

Dialogue is the easiest and most enjoyable. I find character development and motivation is the hardest for me to write.

Have you or would you like to write in a different genre?

Paranormal romance. I just finished my first novel and hope to get a contract. It’s called Love On The Prowl. Here is a blurb:

When Dr. Ariel Summers starts her dream job in the newly elected Mayor of New York City’s administration, she has no plans to fall for anyone. But the lust-filled banter and intense physical attraction she has with the Mayor’s security expert, wereleopard Nicholas Savage, does not make things easy. Not all citizens are embracing the Mayor’s agenda for paranormals being out in society and threats are being made. Clues to the identity of their enemies start unraveling once Ariel and Nick stumble upon angry clowns calling themselves the Carnival of Sins. By the time they realize the Mayor is not the only one in need of protection, it might be too late for love.

What do you like to read?

Romance, suspense, mystery, paranormal.

Do you have a writing schedule or word count you try to meet?

After I get home from work and do all the little things I need to do in preparation for the next work day, I let out a breath and sit down in front of my computer. This is the part of my day I most enjoy. I write from around 8 PM until 11 PM during the week. On weekends, I write more if I don’t have plans. Most often Sundays are my longest writing day. Sounds pretty boring, doesn’t it? But don’t get me wrong. I can be fun! If a favorite band of mine is in town or I get an offer for some other form of entertainment, I’m there!

Have you ever considered another career?

Since I’ve been a nurse forever, the only other career I’ve considered is writing. I’m working on that one.

Do you enjoy any hobbies when you’re not writing?

I’m a huge rock music lover and enjoy seeing my favorite bands whenever I can. I long for the front row at every concert and am disappointed if I’m not there. I crush hard on my rock star men. Some of my favorites are who I adapt my characters from. When I write about them, it makes me feel like they’re a little more accessible to me. Of course I don’t really know them, but that’s fine. Reality can’t get in the way of fantasy.

Traveling is another passion of mine and I can never get enough of it. I love to write about the places I have visited. I’ve been to New York City and London, England numerous times and tend to use them as a backdrop for my stories. I love walking around the busy cities and seeing the sites. The theater, museums and multicultural cuisine all appeal to me along with fruity white wines and girly martinis.

What or who inspires you?

Music. It relaxes me. It excites me. It makes me think.

What is the most romantic thing that has ever happened to you?

I’m a big fan of New York City. I once went there with a past love who had planned a dinner in Little Italy. When we got there our table was already set with a red rose and a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio. I am no longer with him, but continue to go back to that restaurant in Little Italy every time I can. It is called Da Gennaro on Mulberry Street. I enjoy the ambiance of the area and seeing the charismatic manager, Momir. Tell him that Melody sent you!

Will you please tell us about your works in progress?

I’m working on a couple of things at the moment. Besides my recently completed paranormal romance, I have a couple of contemporary erotic novellas I’m trying to finish–one is about a fireman and the other about a NYC actor. I’m also working on an erotic romantic suspense novel.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

The business is difficult, so tenacity is a trait you must have. Don’t give up.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

I love hearing from my readers. Feel free to contact me on my website, http://www.melodylanebooks.com or on Facebook.

Thanks Pam!

~*~*~*~

Thank you, Melody!  It’s great getting to know you better.  We look forward to all of your future releases!

 ~*~*~*~

Review of ROCK ME by Brenda Talley at The Romance Studio.

Her characters were great in dealing with each other as well as the conflicts which occurred. The sexual scenes were hot and explicit. They did not, however, take away from the great storyline written here. It is definitely a book that readers will love, regardless of favorite genres. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Overall Rating: five hearts.  Sensuality Rating:  explicit.

***********************************************************************************

Poetry Play Thursday will return next week with a unique twist. ?!?!?! 

In celebration of National Poetry Month, I will be posting a different poem each day in April near the top of our sidebar.  Please feel free to post any thoughts you’d like to share about it in our comments.

Poets.org has great information about this April celebration and some fun ideas on what you can do to take part.  I love their idea for Poem In Your Pocket Day, and you might want to consider joining their Free Verse Project.  The prize is pretty darn awesome! 

It’s funny how sometimes things you used to want happen and things you now want have yet to happen. I love music. As a writer, I also pen lyrics. Lately, an old dream has begun to come true. It is so exciting that it has infused my novel writing as well. This, my friends, [...]]]>

It’s funny how sometimes things you used to want happen and things you now want have yet to happen. I love music. As a writer, I also pen lyrics. Lately, an old dream has begun to come true. It is so exciting that it has infused my novel writing as well. This, my friends, is definately a plus.

The dream was to record some of my music. I won an auction in which I was given the opportunity to have 2 songs recorded for free, including studio musician(s). I have more than two, and the ‘producer’ has let me record ten. He’s already had his pianist make arrangements for three, and is working on the others. When he gave me the rough accompaniament, I was giddy to sing along with it. What was so amazing was how well they fit with my style for each song. Especially the lullaby. I asked for something like a music box with a tinkling intro, and voila! It is there.

I have no aspirations for stardom via music, but it is nice to know that I will no longer only sing for myself.

Now, to get more of “Constance” done so I also no longer write for just myself. I think as time passes, I’ll find that to be true.

It seems that the world is caught up in memes, myself included.  Not familiar with the term?  Here’s a brief explanation.

According to The Daily Meme and sites around the web, a meme is:

Mornin’ all!  Pamela here.

Jane, BB and I would like to welcome you to join us at our new social community and sister site, Texty Ladies Community.

We hope TLC will be a fun place for you to talk with other members about writing, reading, art, music and more.  

Some of the features include the ability [...]]]>

Mornin’ all!  Pamela here.

Jane, BB and I would like to welcome you to join us at our new social community and sister site, Texty Ladies Community.

We hope TLC will be a fun place for you to talk with other members about writing, reading, art, music and more.  

Some of the features include the ability to create and join Groups, blog on your profile page and have it added to the Magazine, create and participate in discussions in the Forum, post Photos and Videos, and upload Music to your Profile.  You can become Friends with other members, chat, message, wave, and write on someone’s Wall. 

This is a great place to notify others of any special Events coming up in your lives; publication, book signings, anniversaries and more.  You will have the ability to send a bulletin with your announcement to all or selected members of the community.  Another option is to post your event on your blog and include it in the Magazine for all to see.  There are just so many options, it’s a little dizzying!

One event coming up is Creep Fest ‘08.  This will be a celebration of scary movies and television shows.  Feel free to list your suggestions for spooky viewing, and movies/t.v. shows you just can’t watch.  I’m personally hoping for another Halloween marathon of Ghost Hunters!  NOTE:  We’re still working out some kinks with Events.  If you go to the Flicks Aplenty group site and click on Creep Fest ‘08, it will take you to an empty page.  We’re working with the SocialGo owners to get this corrected.

SocialGo is a new social networking system and is still working out some of the bugs.  If you have questions about how to do something or are having difficulties at all, please message Jane or me and we’ll get you the answers.  The ability to use HTML is available in your individual blogs but not the sidebar in your Profile (i.e., the section to list your Website).  SocialGo is currently working on adding this option.

We hope you’ll take a moment (or more!) to check out TLC and give us your thoughts.  Please message us there, post a comment here, or email us at textyladies@gmail.com if you have any questions or suggestions. 

Have fun and we’ll see you over there! 

STEAMPUNK

 (some information taken from the Steampunk wiki)

1.  Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, [...]]]>

STEAMPUNK

 (some information taken from the Steampunk wiki)

1.  Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy.

2.   Steampunk is often associated with cyberpunk and shares a similar fanbase and theme of rebellion. Apart from time period and level of technological development, the main difference between cyberpunk and steampunk is that steampunk settings usually tend to be less obviously dystopian than cyberpunk, or lack dystopian elements entirely.

3.   The term “steampunk” was coined by science fiction author K. W. Jeter.

4.   Steampunk fiction focuses on real, theoretical or cinematic Victorian-era technology, including steam engines, clockwork devices, and difference engines.

5.   While much of steampunk is set in Victorian-era settings, the genre has expanded into medieval settings and often delves into the realms of horror and fantasy. Various secret societies and conspiracy theories are often featured, and some steampunk includes significant fantasy elements. There are frequently Lovecraftian, occult and Gothic horror influences as well.

6.   Because of the popularity of steampunk with people in the goth, punk, cyber and Industrial subcultures, there is a growing movement towards establishing steampunk as a culture and lifestyle.

7.   Steampunk was influenced by, and often adopts the style of the scientific romances of the 19th century, by Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mark Twain, and Mary Shelley.

8.   Early authors of steampunk:  H.G. Well’s (The Time Machine), Tim Powers (The Anubis Gates, 1983), James Blaylock (Homunculus, 1986), K.W. Jeter (Morlock Night, 1979 and Infernal Devices, 1987).

9.   Steampunk Fiction and Films:  The Gatehouse, Steampunk Speculative Fiction, Steampunk Magazine

10.   Steampunk Comics:  Girl Genius

11.   Steampunk Music:  Abney Park, Vernian Process

12.   Steampunk Art, Design, and Steamwork:  Heterodyne Designs, The Art of Alex CF, Crabfu Steamworks, Steampunk Wallpaper

13.  Some great steampunk websites:  The Steampunk Workshop, The Speculative Fiction Clearing House, The Steampunk Home, Brass Goggles, Steampunk Fashion (LiveJournal Community), Da Vinci Automata, Curious Goods, Datamancer,

Look here for some fantastic steampunk fashion!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1.  Jennifer McKenzie

2.  Tara S. Nichols

3.  Alice Audrey

4.  Paige Tyler

5.  Tempest Knight

6.  Inez Kelley

7.  Dayle

8.  Heather

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

~ Pamela

My husband and I married just two years ago. Somehow, I knew I wouldn’t get married until I was (gasp!) middle-aged. It doesn’t matter. I found the man meant for me and I wish the same for everyone.

I met my husband online. Since he lived in another state, our courtship consisted of emails and [...]]]>

My husband and I married just two years ago. Somehow, I knew I wouldn’t get married until I was (gasp!) middle-aged. It doesn’t matter. I found the man meant for me and I wish the same for everyone.

For some reason, when I think of the 80’s, I always feel good.  That’s the decade I graduated from high school, started smoking (have long since quit), began to work hard and party even harder.  Since I was out dancing at the clubs six out of seven nights a week, music was a huge [...]]]>

For some reason, when I think of the 80’s, I always feel good.  That’s the decade I graduated from high school, started smoking (have long since quit), began to work hard and party even harder.  Since I was out dancing at the clubs six out of seven nights a week, music was a huge part of my life.  I was no longer solely a rock & roll chick, for I had discovered punk rock and funk, old skool funk, that is, new wave, R&B, jazz and the blues.  Whenever I hear a song from back in the day, a smile spreads across my face and my hips and shoulders start to wiggle.  For some reason, I’ve been hearing these songs more often and I thought I’d share them with you. 

To find a good mix, I thought I’d go through the alphabet and pick one or two musicians or groups for each letter.  Why not?  I tried not to pick the obvious choice for each one but something most of you will remember.  I realize I’m missing a lot of great and influential musicians here so please be kind in your assessment of my choices.  Have a listen and let me know what some of your favorites are from that decade.  Please accept my apologies for the poor quality of some of these videos. 

A = After the Fire – Der Kommissar
B = Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead
C = The Clash - Rock the Casbah

None of my friends were listening to The Clash when I first discovered them.  I felt like I had struck gold.  Here was something of import; something that made me move but also had substance. 

D = Terence Trent D’Arby – Sign Your Name or Dance Little Sister 
E = Eurythmics – Here Comes The Rain Again
F = The Fixx – Saved By Zero
G = Gap Band – Early in the Morning
H = George Harrison – All Those Years Ago

When my friends and I would listen to the Beatles, we’d, of course, have to pick which one we would be.  I always chose George.  He seemed like a kindred spirit.  I devoured every book I could find on the Beatles, specially ordered “I, Me, Mine” from a bookseller and discovered I enjoyed sitar music.  John was the Beatle I was most fascinated with.  He seemed brilliant, egotistical, searching and incomprehensible all in one.  I was never sure at any given time how, exactly, I felt about him.  But, I remember that morning when I woke up to the DJ announcing that John was dead.  It felt so personal.  Like my own JFK.

I = INXS - Need You Tonight or Chris Isaak – You Owe Me Some Kind of Love

Whew!  It’s getting hot in here.

J = Joe Jackson – Is She Really Going Out With Him
K = Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way 
L = Love and Rockets – So Alive

I wake up to this song during my excruciatingly long commute in to work in the morning.  It always makes me feel happy and sexy and like jumping up and shaking my ass in front of the riders on the bus.  Thanks, honey, for putting this on my iPod! 

M = Eddie Money – Shakin’
N = Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait or Gary Numan – Cars 
O = Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party
P = Power Station – Some Like It Hot or Prince – Let’s Work

“Some Like It Hot” is just too freakin’ hot, and I just couldn’t complete this list without Prince.  “Let’s Work” is the perfect dance groove.  I”m sorry I couldn’t get a YouTube video for it.  You can hear a snippet on iTunes. 

Q = Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
R = Romantics – Talking in Your Sleep or The Replacements – I Will Dare
S = Scorpions - Still Loving You

Oh yeah…

T = Thompson Twins – Lies
U = Ultravox – Vienna 
V = Violent Femmes – Blister in the Sun or Stevie Ray Vaughn – Texas Flood

I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn for the first and last time a few weeks before he died.  It was at an outdoor concert on a beautiful summer night.  The crowd had that “we are one” vibe going as Stevie Ray poured out his soul through his music.  I was pregnant at the time and remember thinking that I hoped my child would someday bring that kind of beauty to the world.

W = John Waite – Missing You    
X – XTC – Dear God
Y – Weird Al Yankovic – Eat It 

Come on, you know you like it! 

Z – ZZ Top – Sharp Dressed Man

Hey, hey, hey it’s Kayko May, comin’ in live and bringin’ in your Monday Mix

Aaargh -I can’t believe I was tasked by my fellow Texty Ladies to do this – writing something about music is hard!! I’m all over the place with my music interests, I like many different directions, where should [...]]]>

Hey, hey, hey it’s Kayko May, comin’ in live and bringin’ in your Monday Mix

Aaargh -I can’t believe I was tasked by my fellow Texty Ladies to do this – writing something about music is hard!! I’m all over the place with my music interests, I like many different directions, where should I even start…

I use music to set me into certain moods while I create or write. While I clean, while I cook, while I drive, while I work, even while I’m reading. I have a Soundtrack for my entire life, almost, and when I hear a certain song, just like scent, it can throw me back into a specific time and place. I often sit at the computer, headphones on, blasting songs into my ears, tuning the rest of the world out. Life can sometimes be so simple. And I’m not one of those Moms that need the music turned down low to drive, my daughter and I are always singing along…she loves it. “Mommy, turn it louder, ” is never really an issue. Unless it’s Dora and Diego

What’s on my spin right now? Hmmm…not everyone’s cuppa, but a lot of Trance/Dance music. DJ Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, even DJ Sammy , Boys of Summer. Makes me miss Ibiza, Mallorca, Turkey and all those other fun (and cheap when you’re in europe) party holiday spots. But that’s not where I’m going to go with this. Happy? LOL

Let’s take a walk over to Germany, and see what’s going on over there. Why Germany? Because I grew up there. And there are a whole bunch of good artists there that don’t have a lot of exposure here.

Like Xavier Naidoo. Hot, shy, reclusive, and a gifted songwriter. Of South African Indian descent, he was born in Mannheim, Germany. He has collaborated with RZA, but his music isn’t harsh, it is beautifully uplifting, smooth, and soulful.
Beautiful Sabrina Setlur, also of East Indian descent, born and raised in Germany, has been in the game since she was in her teens, check her out here: Sabrina Setlur
One of my absolute faves though has to be Joy Denalane, born of african-german parentage in Berlin, she has lifted soul music there to new heights. Her husband is also a famous musician there, part of the trio, Freundeskreis.

A small number of my favourite videos. Enjoy

Fuehr’ mich ans Licht (Lead me to Light) – Xavier Naidoo:

I’ve Never Seen – Xavier Naidoo ft. RZA:

Heaven or Hell Live – Joy Denalane:

Tabula Rasa Part 2 – Freundeskreis:

Iskyankar – Mustafa Sandal (turkish, also where the video was shot) ft Gentleman (german reggae artist):