Today is a special day for me. Ten years ago I released my debut EP Fall Apart. It’s hard to believe the journey it set me on. Spawning two singles, it’s so weird to know that some of the songs from my first (musical) born are still in rotation.
I wrote the title track “Fall Apart” with my producer at the time, Tony Rodini in the heat of the Hollywood summer in his bedroom/recording space. All the other songs were set and I was very adamant that I wanted to write something myself. What I loved about working with Tony was that he was so willing to let me play and experiment with sound and style. Working with him was a wonderful introduction to my musical journey and I will be forever grateful.
Listening back to the EP, my favorite song hands down is “One Worth Losing” which was written by Todd Michael Shultz. The entire project came about one afternoon when we were talking about music and I mentioned wanting to give it a shot. He wrote the song, introduced me to Tony, and set everything in motion.
The EP Also consisted of two cover songs “Mickey!” Made popular by Toni Basil and “I Like ‘Em Big and Stupid” by the legendary Julie Brown.
Once the EP was recorded, I started working out ideas for the music video. Todd also introduced me to the director, Angelo and after a quick conversation I came up with a simple concept we shot at his apartment with one of my best friends as my love interest.
I recently found a “Behind the Scenes” video and forgot how nervous I was, but also how much fun it was to shoot.
The video, and the EP as a whole, got some great press, including The Huffington Post.
My favorite memory of the EP was when Alexis Arquette called me up to tell me how much he enjoyed it and that Toni liked my cover. Growing up in Montana, she was one of the first visible queer representations I can remember seeing and was one of the first people I met when I moved to Los Angeles.
She was also one of the funniest people I have ever met. “Let me give you some advice on dealing with the press,” she said with a devilish smirk. “Whenever they ask you if the carpet matches the drapes, just say you’re all hardwood.”
I miss him (Note: I purposefully changed pronouns, as Alexis changed pronouns several times throughout the day).
However, my sophomore single “Unlock Your Heart” changed everything. Written by Matthew Hayes and Aaron Harris, the music video co-starred Ronnie Kroell (Make Me a SuperModel, Eating Out: Drama Camp).
As an independent/self-produced artist it’s important to know your own shortcomings and I’m lucky enough to know people who can do what I can’t. I am so grateful to the entire cast and crew
We had a huge premiere at the Standard in downtown Hollywood. It was an amazing event and one of the most magical nights of my life – it was also almost my last. On the way home from the event I was hit from behind by a drunk driver. Luckily myself and my passenger both survived. My poor little baby car, my very first big-boy purchase however, did not.
A few months after the videos initial release, it sort of went viral and I started getting messages from fans and press outlets all over the world, including DNA Magazine.
As an artist, all you ever want to do is connect with people. I love that I was able to do that. It’s also what’s afforded me to be able to do what I do now and connect with other artist all over the world. I’ve got a sweet life. I’m grateful.
More soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 