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May 2012 NEWS

6/1/2012

 
This month was not so action packed! 



OPEN MIC TOUR



I was supposed to go to Detroit on Sunday, May 27th.  Plans changed when
I realized that there weren't any Open Mic venues that seemed worth while. 
So, I decided to go to Cleveland instead.  I thought it would be nice to
see the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame - no better way to close out the Open Mic
Tour.  Unfortunately, I was not feeling well during the Memorial Day
holiday weekend, so we did not travel anywhere.  Thus, I have no news to report!!!  

I will not be continuing with these monthly trips.  I feel like I've done what I set out to do.  Typically, when a new artist is signed to a major label, they go through a period which is called "artist development."  During this period, the artist may play at state fairs, corporate events, and small venues as an opening act.  The goal is to condition the artist to become comfortable on stage in any setting.

Clearly, I do not belong to a major label or any label at all, for that matter.  And, although I play music in front of an audience four nights a week, it is in a very controlled setting that I am used to, and almost TOO comfortable with.  Playing the same venue night after night, year after year, seeing the same faces, etc...has been a privilege and has prepared me on many levels.  But, when it comes to performing songs that I have written, in a new room, before strangers to whom I must prove my worth - it is a horse of a different color.  This is why I was hesitant to just dive in and book myself around the country.  I was terrified!

I got the idea to do the Open Mic Tour, because it would allow me to perform in other cities, without the pretense of being a pro - so if I suck, it's no big deal, because nobody has to sign a check over to sucky me.  This was my independent version of "artist development," and it WORKED!  When I did the first Open Mic in Nasheville, I was so nervous I was literally sick to my stomach - couldn't eat and was constantly in and out of the bathroom all day.  I thought my heart would beat right out of my chest when I was called up to the stage!  By the time I got to New York, I had become accustomed to the process.  It was like the voice in head went from saying, "Mayday!  Mayday!" to saying, "Alright, I get it, I'm nervous - who cares!  I'm gonna rock it!"    

RECORDING

I recorded a jingle with Tuneplant Music Productions this month.  It was for an Australian race horse company called Grand Syndicates.  This puts my singing in two other countries now - Italy and Australia.  So cool!!!!  Thanks to Chris Seal for bringing these opportunities to my doorstep, and for being such a talented and savvy composer!

THE FUTURE

From here on out, I will not be updating you with monthly emails.  I will continue to write the newsletter, but it will be on a quarterly or as-needed basis.  It is a joy for me to share myself with you through writing, whether it be in song or email.  I just want to make sure that I am offering something worth your time.  

I have some exciting performances coming up in late 2012/early 2013 that I can't wait to boast about, so don't worry, I'll be around!  I also plan on shooting some music videos, and you will be the first to know when these are ready to be viewed. 

GREEN TIP OF THE MONTH - Get yourself some reusable shopping bags.  I am happy to report that I've noticed more and more people toting these sustainable totes.  I find that it is waaaay easier for me to carry my groceries in, because these bags hold more - instead of me trying to grab 18 grocery bags (some of which are double and tripple bagged to prevent breakage), I can grab 4 (but, yes, it's still really heavy).  If you have pets, get the recycled plastic kind, because the cloth bags will get fur all over them when you are unloading your groceries at home, and you might cause the kid bagging your groceries to sneeze next time you shop!

THANKS FOR READING!!  HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!

April 2012 - News

5/3/2012

 
April showers bring May flowers, right?  Well, April wasn't too bad, but New
York City was a pain in my wallet! 

EXCITING NEWS!!!
- NEW CAR!!  A 2011 Chevy HHR named Carlotta...aka my White Wedding Wagon :) Great for road trips!
- 100 email subscribers!!  I started the newsletter with 60 addresses in January.  THANK YOU for being a part of this!
- A Tuneplant Music Productions project recorded last year has come to fruition!!  I sang some "shotguns" (intro/outro/musical interludes) for an Italian Radio Show called "Fizz In Love."  Well, this April I found out that these shotguns are up and running on the air in Italy!!  Bellissima!! Thanks to Chris Seal for letting me be a part of his musical endeavors, always a treat!! 
 
OPEN MIC TOUR 
So far, Nashville has been the city that made me the most nervous, Chicago had the friendliest people, the St. Louis scene was super artsy, and New York City was ... pretty rough.  But, it was nice to be in the city again, where Billy and I have friends and family. 
 
The musical experience was wonderful.  I sang at The Underground on Sunday, April 22nd and at The National Underground the following night, both shows went very well.  It's impossible to ignore that the Big Apple is bursting with talent!!  
 
The food in NYC was simply the best.  Before the first Open Mic, our friend took us to a soul food restaurant on the Upper West Side called Melba's- MOUTH WATERING!!  The next day, we had lunch at the "Seinfeld Restaurant," which is actually called Tom's Restaurant in real life.  The inside looks nothing like the Seinfeld setting, but the food was fresh and delicious. That night, we got gyros and falafel from one of the food trucks parked on the street, and even IT was the best we'd ever eaten!  Yum!

Not so yum - hitting a pothole on the first night, which resulted in a flat tire. This was a week after I bought the new car, so I was pretty bummed.  Luckily, it was nothing that two cans of "Fix-a-Flat" couldn't fix!  The next morning, we woke up to find that the car had been towed!  It took us all day to locate the vehicle, find our way to the impound lot, get the proper documents faxed, etc...Apparently, I was parked 7 feet from a fire hydrant and the law is 12 feet.  Oops, I forgot to use my handy dandy tape-measure keychain (the irony is: I actually have one).  I believe the law in Ohio is 4 feet, so, I'm sure ALOT of out-of-towners get towed for being too close to NYC fire hydrants!  But, of course it's ok if automobiles are double parked all along every side street in Manhattan on a Monday afternoon.  Needless to say, when we parked the next night, that tape-measure keychain finally came in handy!    

At least the drive to and fro is more bearable in the new car.  We fold down the back seats and there
is enough room for my equipment, luggage, AND a little bed in back.  Yay!

Next stop: Detroit, MI - May ?? 2012

RECORDING
I know a few months ago I said I was getting started on my next album, but I've decided to put that on hold for a few extra months.  There is a "season" for everything.  Last year was the season of my album release and when I produce an album, I become obsessed with the process, putting it before everything.  I don't want to do that to Billy right now...this is OUR season.  Recording will resume sometime after our wedding in July 2012.

WEDDING
For those of you who might have been hoping to receive a wedding invitation but didn't...please know that the CyBilly wedding is July 21st in Las Vegas, NV. We will be in Vegas from the 19th to the 24th.  All are welcome, but our wedding chapel only seats 30, so the guest list was obviously VERY limited!!   
 
Green Tip of the Month - maintain proper tire pressure, Lol!!  Thanks for reading ;-)
================================================================

March 2012 - News

4/2/2012

 
Another productive and eventful month has flown by!  Here are some highlights of March 2012...

OPEN MIC TOUR 
           So far, I have performed in Nasheville (January) and Chicago (February) - two places I'd
already been before.  This month, I decided to visit a place I've never seen - St. Louis, Missouri.  I was so excited to see the Gateway Arch!  What a beautiful monument, with a very cool museum underground!  It is a trip I will never forget.  I almost felt right at home, because the banks of the Missouri were lined with Riverboats just like we see here on the Ohio during Tall Stacks.  
           I performed at the Venice Cafe, just blocks from the Anheuser-Busch plant.  The decor of the
place was remarkable - beautiful mosaics on every wall, artwork, pictures, a large courtyard, and even a memorial for the late, one legged pianist who used to perform at the venue.  It is apparently the oldest running Open Mic in
St. Louis, dating back 23 years!  
           Once again, I was up first.  This time it was a bummer, because the place filled up about 20
minutes AFTER I sang.  When you drive 5 hours just to sing a few songs and turn right around to drive home, it's best to reach as many people as possible.  Lesson learned - next time I'll wait until a few others sign
up.  But, either way, I met some cool and talented people, sold CDs, obtained email addresses, experienced the Arch, AND ate the best (veggie) burger of my life at the Hyatt's Brewhouse!  STL ROXX!!!!  
           Next stop - New York City - April 22nd, 23rd, 24th!!!!!!!

RECORDING 
           I haven't made alot of progress with my own recordings this month.  But, I have done work for
other artists, which is always a nice change of pace.  
           I have been working on Chris Seal's follow up Dancing Nobody album.  Chris is a talented composer
and owner/operator of Tuneplant Music Productions.  I've recorded vocals for many of his projects, and am pleased to invite him into my own works as an arranger for the next album. 
           I also wrote and recorded the chorus for a song called "Everybody" on rapper/pianist B-Shields'
upcoming debut acoustic album, which will also feature some big name local, and national talent.  I call him the "one take wonder," because he recorded a flawless flo from beginning to end in one take - pretty impressive!  The
session went so well, I ended up recording supporting vocals on a couple other songs too - one of them named "Cincinnati."  I may end up performing at B's release party, and will certainly keep you posted. 
 
TEACHING
           I have to give a shout out to Maddy Krallman - you go girl!!  She is my pride and joy, a star
student.  She recently completed Book 1 of her Music Theory lessons, and finished learning pretty much every piano chord that exists.  I have been implementing sight reading excercises into the lessons and this young lady never
skips a beat.  She beautifully handles every challenge I throw at her, with poise and diligence.  Our goal for the year is to prepare her to play piano and sing a song (at the same time) for her December 2012 recital.  It's
only March, and she is well on her way, making great strides each and every week.  Thank you for your hard work, you make me look good...Keep up the good work, Maddy!!
 
PERSONAL 
           This month, Billy and I ordered and received our wedding invitations.  By the end of the week, I
will mail them out and - IT'S OFFICIAL - we're getting hitched!!!  Four reasons (JUST in the last week) to marry a guy like Billy - he supports my green lifestyle, is somehow even more creative and imaginative than myself, I
absolutely admire his work ethic, and he knows how to do all the manly stuff that I can't do!  He built a beautiful fence for my garden (so the dogs don't ruin it) and put a pond in our backyard.  He had two days off, and
that is what he chose to do with his time.  I love my Bill!  (It also helps to have good friends like Michael Miller to share the work load!  Thanks for your help!)

Start a garden and/or compost this April!  Thanks for reading!

February 2012 News

3/3/2012

 
February was an exciting and eventful month…

OPEN MIC TOUR

     In January, Billy and I ventured 5 hours South to Nasheville, Tennessee.  I sang one song, got 3 business cards, was approached by a producer who requested my biz card, and sold 0 CDs…never heard from the producer.  
     This month, we drove 5 hours north to Chicago, Illinois on Monday 02/20/12.  I performed at the Underground Wonder Bar around 9pm that night…and I was up FIRST! (This has never happened to me before) I played 3 songs and the
audience loved it.  People followed me back to my table to get CDs!  
     The next night (aka Mardi Gras) I performed at Uncommon Ground – a restaurant which serves only seasonal, local foods, including fresh produce from it’s rooftop garden!  Here, I was the 2nd“contestant” – I found out upon arrival that this was a sponsored open mic contest.  I sang two songs and again, the audience loved my stuff!  I’m pretty sure I forfeited my chance of winning by leaving halfway through, but Billy and I had a long drive ahead of us!  There was some great and rather interesting talent shared, so I’m glad we stayed long enough to catch part of the show.  
     Altogether, it was an amazing trip.  People were sooooo friendly – nothing “shy” about the town - so it was easy to make a lot of connections.  I left feeling confident, knowing that 30 people from the windy city would be listening to my album.  Thank you, Chicago!  
     Next stop: St. Louis, Missouri – 03/??/12

RECORDING

     I’m back in the saddle again.  I just started recording my second album.  What can I say?  I don’t know what else to do with my life than continue down the path that I’ve been traveling.  I can’t wait to share some more of my tunes with you!
     Also, Grace Lincoln and I co-wrote and recorded a little ditty that may be picked up and licensed by a major client in Boston. If this happens, it will be my first time being paid to write like this (and hers too)!  We know it’s not a guarantee, but have been told by our representative at Music Dealers that we have a good chance.  Either way, it’s wonderful to know that we CAN do this, and that we made an excellent team –bouncing ideas back and forth until the task was complete.

That's my February 2012 in a nutshell.  Enjoy the beauty that spring will bring this March! Thanks for reading :)

January 2012 - 1st Newsletter

2/16/2012

 
I don't know that I am a blogger, but I just started writing a monthly newsletter for 2012.  For now, my blog posts will be word-for-word copies of the newsletters...unless I get a wild hair up my butt one of these days to post some sort of rant!  Happy blogging! - <3 - Cybele 

Hello All!
>
> Every New Year we make resolutions.  Well, one of my goals for this year is to begin writing a monthly newsletter.  I hope this will help me to stay focused while also keeping my family, friends, and
fans well informed.  I will try to keep each newsletter short and sweet, as I know we all have busy lives and checking email can sometimes be a chore!  (But, this first one is a bit lengthy just because it's the first one) If you would like to be taken off this mailing list, simply reply to this email and let me know.  I would be happy to make the necessary adjustment and I promise there will be no hard feelings :)
>
> 2011 RECAP
>
> As many of you know, last year was a very exciting time in my life.  After years of writing, producing, penny-pinching, and anticipation, I was finally able to release my debut album "Medicated America" on my very own record label - Bella Song Records.  The album features some of the area's top musicians, and even includes a duet with the world famous lead singer of BLESSID UNION OF SOULS, Eliot Sloan.  With the help of some VIPs, we packed not one, but two CD Release Parties - the first at John Phillip's Restaurant & Bar in Crestview Hills, and the second at The Celestial in Mt. Adams - one for each side of the river banks!  There was even a write-up in the paper, a few local TV news spots, and a radio interview which showcased my 9/11 tribute, "Song For America."  Thanks again to all who had a hand in making these things happen - what an honor and a thrill!
>
> As I took a step forward in my career, I also took one in my personal life.  My sweetie, Billy Ray McGuire asked me to marry him on April 16, 2011 - our 5th anniversary.  Although we have seen some ups and downs, we have quite a partnership.  We met as co-workers at Skyline Chili in 2005 and have both worked our butts off to continually better ourselves and our quality of life.  Together, we have been achieving our dreams one step at a time, and I know that we have so much still to look forward to.
>
> 2012 -
WHAT LIES AHEAD
>
> This year may prove to be even more exciting than the last!  I have set some pretty stiff goals for myself, but after writing them down, I have found that I've already begun to check them off my list one by one.
>
> OPEN MIC TOUR
>
> The biggest goal for this year is to take my music on the road.  As a tiny record label with only one artist, no professional representation, and no touring/booking experience, my options are clearly limited.  But, I won't let this discourage me!  I have decided to take care of business my own way - the only way that I've ever known, which has miraculously gotten me this far...OPEN MIC.  This is how I earned my very first gig at the Mad Frog a decade ago, it is how I came to know my partner in music, Craig Wilson (he let me get on stage to sing a song the night he met me, an audience member ended up asking us to play a private gig together, and the rest is history! - THANKS CRAIG :), and every gig I've had since then was earned by someone hearing me do what I do.  I have never submitted a demo in my life.
>
> So...Monday, January 30th, 2012, I kicked off my "Open Mic Tour" in Nashville, TN at the internationally renowned Bluebird Cafe.  Billy and I drove down in the morning, waited hours in line just to get into the most famous Open Mic Night in America.  People came from Chicago, Atlanta, Alabama, and even Sweden just for the chance to sing ONE SONG.   I almost didn't get my chance - the show runs 6-9pm and there were about 60+ people to get through.  I ended up singing at 8:45pm - number 37 out of 40!  But, it was well worth the gas money and time spent shivering in my britches with stage fright.  I truly made an impression, singing my newest song, "Family Man."  As far as Billy and I could tell, mine was THE catchiest tune of the evening, recieving enthusiastic applause and offering a quirky change of pace.  There appeared to be two "industry people" in the audience and out of forty performers these
gentlemen only approached two people - me and the girl from Atlanta.  One gentleman introduced himself as a producer, said he really liked what I did, and asked for my information.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
>
> Next stop
- Chicago.  I will sing at 3 different Open Mic Nights on February 19th, 20th, and 21st in the Windy City.  I'll let you know how it goes!
>
> GRACE LINCOLN
>
> Another goal for this year is to begin performing with my good friend and fellow SCPA graduate, Grace
Lincoln.  She is a fabulous singer who is getting started with a music career in the Cincinnati area.  I will be accompanying her on piano and singing harmonies while she delights audiences with her remarkable voice!  This not only gives me a chance to "pay it forward," helping a talented musician achieve some goals the way Craig Wilson did for me, but also allows me to REST MY VOICE for a change.  Some of you may be aware of Adele's recent vocal problems, which led to a serious surgery and a cancellation of her USA tour.  I want to avoid something like this happening to me!  I have been losing my voice at the end of every week like clockwork for years now.  Please let me know if you have ideas for where we can premiere our lovely duo.
>
> WEDDING
>
> What happens in Vegas this time will stay with me forever!  Billy and I will be tying the knot in Las Vegas, NV on July 21st, 2012.  I wish I could invite everyone, but our little chapel only seats 30 and it would be difficult to accommodate more people than that on our budget!  But, it should be an unforgettable time and if I live through it, I will certainly write about it one way or another (newsletter or song;)!
>
> FEBRUARY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
>
> 8pm - 12am  WEDNESDAYS  &  THURSDAYS - John Phillip's Restaurant & Bar
> 9pm - 1:30am  FRIDAYS  &  SATURDAYS - John Phillip's Restaurant & Bar
> 12:30 - 4:30pm  THURSDAY 02/09/12 - Rising Star Casino
> 12:30 - 4:30pm  FRIDAY 02/24/12 - Rising Star Casino
>
> That's all I have for now.  Thanks for your time.  Keep your chinny chin chins up and make it a great year! 
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    Cybele - singer/songwriter, lover of nature, animals...and chocolate!

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