updates and other magic.

So, I have updated my out-of-date myspace page, and added three of the four songs that are going on my e.p.  New faux-toes as well, with a more recent biography.  That unexpectedly took up my entire morning, which just goes to show, myspace ruins lives.  

I decided that a quick and easy way to meet other musicians is to post a craigslist ad listing my hopes and desires to start a new band while I'm up here.  There has been a good response so far, with limited spamming.  This afternoon I met up with a fellow, Lucas, who was kind enough to drive up from Anacortes to play some sweet tunes with me.  Jacob suggested I bring my laptop to these impromptu "jam sessions" and make a recording of what we all come up with and then make a CD of those songs to have handy.  I happen to think that would be a great idea; who knows what could happen, haha.

Utah, I miss you.  Devin, I miss you.  We were (are?) musical soul mates, and you are of course absolutely irreplaceable.  Let's jam.  I'm already writing a song about it, don't you worry.  That's enough self-pity for now, I've been like this all day.  Also, I think I am coming down with something.  It may give me that sexy phlegm voice for a few days though, which is always exciting.  Love you all.

whoah.

It has been exactly two months since my last post.  I'm not necessarily proud of this, keep in mind.  My plan was to have at least a weekly update of events, so now I'm going to have to do some intense catch-up work.  Let's start with where we left off, yes?

Recording.  All done!  I sat down with Micah to mix and master it all, then I sat down with former band friends to preview it and give it the OK, and now my recordings sit on my computer with plans as of now to be released this November.  I know this seems far off, but I still need to find album art, come up with the funds to produce the thing, and plan my CD release party.  Progress is slow, but I am still determined to get things done.

Glorious Boise.  I realize I fall in love easily at times, but I think Boise is the real deal.  On my journey back to Washington, Jacob and I made a pit stop in Boise to play a rad house party, set up by my new lifelong friends, Bonnie and Miles.  Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

Homeward bound.  I left for Washington the morning after the Iron and Wine concert in Salt Lake City.  I am so grateful that I was able to spend that last night in Utah with all of my closest friends.  I'm now located in the beautiful city of Bellingham, WA.  It's still taking some adjusting, but when you know you're supposed to be somewhere you'll take all the time you need.  I've played a few open mic nights at The Three Trees Coffeehouse and I have a show lined up for January the 12th.  So, not the most active I've been, but I'll get there.  Always looking to play with other musicians, so if anyone out there wants to jam, shoot me an e-mail.  I'm friendly, I swear.  

I feel like I have more that I need to say.  But this post is already long enough, and that's my own fault for my lack of dedication.  Thank you all for the gentle coaxing to get things done, fans.  I will not continue to leave you in the dark.  Except for right now, because hot cocoa is calling my name, and I can't deny her.

cafe style.

Teaser! This song is going to be on the new album. For now, you can just listen to it here, with your eyes closed. It's totally the exact same thing. Shout outs to the following fom last night: Brittany for inviting me to play, Angela for sharing her time slot with me, Liz Rhodes for the CD, it's great, and all of my closest friends for coming to show their support, which was completely undeserved. Ya'll are the best. Ever. Oh, also, to the young gentleman who shares distinct physical characteristics with Brad Pitt, thanks for the Coke. I was in need. Seriously.

I managed to give away a few more CDs, I hope you all enjoy them! Feel free to burn them and copy them, and give them to others.

There is a show currently in the works with In Dreaming, formerly The Highwire Act. Keep your eyes and ears open for more details. It could quite very possibly be my last performance in this bless-ed state. Although, rumor is, I may be back in December for a short while. Exciting, no? I thought so.

so shoot me!

Charlotte was in need of a human being for her photography project. I was in need of some new promotional photos. We are a team. Together, we will conquer musicians and photographers alike. Watch yourself, now.

sweet song?

Afternoon, everyone. The results of the Songwriter Showdown are as follows: Spiral Diary won the judges' vote, and Willy Eklof won the popular vote. Congratulations to both! And thank you so much to all of you who came and supported me in my first Utah solo performance, my belief was that it was a success. And many, many thanks to Charlotte and Julie for helping me out with pictures and CDs. I hope they're both planning on going on tour with me. Ahem.

There are some of you who have questions about my CD that I gave out Saturday night. Brief summary. I recorded it in April of 2007 with my friend Austin Potter in Olympia, Washington at his studio that he was then calling "Tapes N Tubes." Originally, the name of this first album was "Ticklish Tuesday and Friends," but the name never really stuck. Maybe I'll come up with something better later. Also, I added a bonus track that I recorded on Garage Band two years ago. Just for fun. Track List:

There's A Difference
Driving
Johnny Oh
It Wasn't You
Don't You Worry Darling
Kept Me Clean
Transformation

(Now, I think this is the right order, but the songs are pretty self-explanatory if it isn't. I'm sure you can figure it out.)

If you would like a free CD, e-mail me at amandanavares@gmail.com and we can figure something out. Also, I'll be handing them out this Thursday at Guru's while I play the 9-10 pm slot. I've been there to eat multiple times before, and let me tell you, it is delicious. Might I recommend the Good Karma Pasta, or the Spicy Curry Bowl. But I'm kind of into the tofu thang, so beware. Yes. See you all tomorrow night. I'll be the one with the guitar.

out of gas.

"Ain't no way to keep a band together. Bands come and go. You got to keep on playin', no matter with who."

-Dell Paxton, That Thing You Do

Hello there friends and lovers, I have some news. It's been a rough week and a half or so, by the way. Out with the bad first. I am no longer a member of the best band to have ever rocked out of Provo, UT. Those of you who know what happened are the only ones that need to know what happened, and that's ok. No one is on bad terms with anyone, and I think that's what is really important. So, Burning Olympus was my first actual band. Well, there was Forgotten News in the tenth grade, but we had one gig at a high school drama awards ceremony. Dunno if that counts or not.

Burning Olympus was literally my life these past few months, and I consider them the best first band a girl could have asked for. Thanks dudes.

Also, on a lighter, more harmonious note, we finished recording the two songs that we are putting on our demo, "Wipe That Mud" and "Going Nowhere." I haven't heard the final product but I know we are all extremely excited about how this will turn out. There are rumors of Al moving to Portland this fall, and I am going to be selfish here and say that I wouldn't mind that at all. He's been a great engineer.

There will be future posts about B.O., but for now, my time with the band has come to a quiet close.

showdown. it's on.

Muse Music's Songwriter Showdown is this month, July 16-18th! I talked to Jake and he put me down for performing on the 18th. You should all be seeing some posters online and on the streets after the 6th. Here are the deets:

It's $5
Doors open at 7:30
@ 151 North University Ave.
Provo, UT 84601

It will be my first performance in Utah as a solo artist. Not that I don't appreciate all that my band chums have done for me the past few months. Because I do. But I've been trying to do this solo project for like..uhh..five years? But anyway. I know perhaps a lot of you have not heard me as a solo artist and that the myspace that I have listed in my profile is not up to date, so be sure and visit www.myspace.com/amandanavares or www.myspace.com/ticklishtuesday to hear a song or two.

Also, the first 20 people to RSVP to my facebook event page will receive a free cd at the show that I recorded in Washington back in '07. Good deal, yeah? On top of that, I'll give out free hugs.