Diary: January 17 Making Plans

Incredible things have been happening already this year…I really can’t wait to share them all with you. I guess the big thing is making this new album a reality…

I launched the Kickstarter campaign for “Business and Pleasure” a few days ago and I’m so honoured that I’ve already raised what I have. I also have a few angels in the form of Executive Producers and for them I am so grateful because Nashville musicians need to be locked down or else they fly away like eagles…to other sessions, tours etc.

I guess the last time I was in studio with musicians properly, making an album of originals was 2007’s “Gem and I”. And even then, the personal life was twisting in weird ways, the iPhone had just been released so - bless his heart - Greg Wells was on it constantly. I do think he is so talented he could produce an album with his eyes closed, but there was a lot that was cracking in my personal life…the California sun, the strings of Paul Buckmaster and the warm analog tones could not save me.

So this album marks a true celebration of love, of music, of good vibes….I’m so fortunate to have spent the year getting to know Fred Mollin … allowing him to hear my fears, concerns, my joy … and I think he really is the artist’s producer that he says he is. Not a Mutt Lange or a David Foster, who put their stamp on things at all costs, but a real vehicle for what the artist wants. I mean, it’s always a risk. To trust your songs to someone…to fork over the dough… but I believe with all my being in these songs, in my voice and in putting music back where it should be in my life … at the forefront. I’m also open to welcoming in the ideas of people who have long lived music…open to being free.

Fred (and the machine) with one of my all-time favourite drummer’s, Toto’s Jeff Porcaro

It seems to me we need another Zang (Zoom hang). Please watch out for a newsletter soon but I am leaning towards something on Sunday January 23rd…early enough so our friends in Europe can join if they like…maybe I could even set up something and play you guys a few songs as it would help me get ready for the recording. What say you?

Love you all so much, Emm