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thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you
by request from Naf (of Laudanum) I will be posting lyrics to the songs posted here (scroll WAY down!!) for your reading pleasure :) at heart I am a poet, so I hope the lyrics will inspire offend or otherwise move you.
COLLABORATION PROJECT!! YES I AM! (see blog for details)
(see Surrender on Chapter 9's page!)
lots more music here ----> myspace.com/anniebaconmusic
the olden days:
born in Maine in a two room hospital, with a blizzard blazing outside and thrice rejected by my father because I was supposed to be a boy, I am the third child of four born to a crazy wonderful set of parents who raised me listening to classic rock and the blues. I dreamed (constantly) simultaneously of being a doctor, a lawyer, a handbag model, a tv-commercial actress, a radio star, a novelist, and a lizard that could lay on hot rocks under the sun all day. my mother used to set a timer and tell me I wasn't allowed to make any noise until it went off. I would follow her asking if it was ok to make noise now, even writing her little notes to slip under the bathroom door. thus leading me to believe that I have always felt the compulsion to SAY SOMETHING.
in 2001 I graduated from Ithaca College, in upstate New York with a degree in Politics/Legal Studies, still vaguely interested in law, but after my deceased grandfather ordered me ephemerally to move to California I was bound to my new fate and happily obliged.
the california days:
since arriving six and a half years ago I have worked as a waitress, massage therapist, anti-nuclear weapon activist, public health employee, art show coordinator, and many etceteras. I have had the honor of singing all around the state and western US as backup for Corinne West, most recently singing on her album "Second Sight" which was produced by Mike Marshall and which features Mr. Marshall as well as Jerry Douglas and many other fine musicians.
after a breakup with a guitar-player boyfriend I learned guitar. after a breakup with a bass-player boyfriend I learned bass. and now I am pushing forward on drums (no boyfriends involved in that one), as well as learning the rudimentary skills of home recording.
I split my time between a full time job (www.HealthThroughArt.org), Sweet Crude Bill (www.myspace.com/SweetCrudeBill), and an odd assortment of other projects including Il Gato (www.myspace.com/ilgato), the Elationists (www.elationists.org) and Guaranteed to Satisfy Sing-Along (a monthly at a local bar). and of course just pouring out new music of my own.
for me music is a way of resisting the tide that urges towards blind consumption not just of things but of ideas created by the Man :) In creativity/creation we find the antidote to war, to genocide, to injustice, intolerance. we find ways to empathize with our enemies, and to gently criticize our lovers. for me it is how I explain to myself all that is unexplainable. it is my direct line to the divine.
the sellaband days and beyond:
it has been a true joy to become involved with sellaband. I have a more productive and attentive artist in the last month, as well as participating in 4 collaborations which are still in process. I have met new friends and been humbled by the generosity of strangers (who will not be for long I hope), and by the generosity of my friends and family who have come in droves to help me out with whatever bits they could spare.
my vision for sellaband is not that it will catapult me to fame & fortune, but that I will be catapulted to my next album and to a state of persistent touring. being a musician is a TON of work (which I love) but this is where I see the real power: sellaband gives me an audience to visit, and the bigger the audience the bigger the investment-returns down the road for everyone involved. I already have a studio lined up (owned and operated by an old friend) and have pre-orders for the CD up the wazooo!
first and foremost I am compelled to make music. even after 10 days of silent meditation I still had music flowing through my nearly-silenced head. and the impulse to create, to express, to convey, through words, sounds, harmonies, and chaos rushes through me like an raging river, recently un-dammed. it is strong like bull.
and I want you to come with me!! it is already fun and it will just get better, like fine wine, with you!!
xo/annie
----------------
"You Are Just An Idiot"
Were I to write you a letter, send a telegraph, I doubt that you would read it
If I left my voice on your answering machine, I doubt that you'd respond
You haven't done very well at getting back to me,
in fact I think you've lost your tongue
But I've had an epiphany, And realized that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
[chorus]
I am great and you are just an Idiot and you can't see it
I am going to fly away, and you are going to miss me, oh.
It may seem overly simplistic to state it like that, as though I couldn't think of better
Explanations for your basic lack of respect, and absence of thoughtful words
But you wear a stupid smile when I see you in the town
Which makes me think you've got a simple point of view
So I'll say again today, I'm not afraid to say that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
[chorus]
That's not to say I haven't got my complications, things to work through, hypocracies to right
I tend towards rashness, sadness, melodrama, ancestral outburts of anger, and righteousness to boot
But if I'm not my own best champion, then no one else will be
Especially not you
So I'll detach myself from your opinion
Get to only thinking that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
-------
"I'm Sorry"
I'm sorry I ruined your pants, I'm sorry I got them all red
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
I was on my way home from Hayward, driving on highway 880
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
And on the bedroom floor, it's a piece of paper, nothing more
It's a list of what I thought that I'd remember,
It's not what I remember at all
Persimmon trees in August, I wish I'd had one more blackberry
explode on my tongue too ripe from the sun
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
I know I should say "don't be sad" but I guess I'm a little sad too
I won't get to see you ripen with child,
watch your black hair turn gray as time shakes her leaves free
And on the bedroom floor, it's a piece of paper, nothing more
It's a piece of what I thought I'd remember
It's not what I remember at all
-----------
"Direct Line"
It's a baseless hope, and silly too
You sabotage yourself to prove your fears are true
Your idea of beauty is that it's something you save
For when you might want it or need it
At your house this morning I pulled up my shirt in the bathroom
Staring in the mirror at my frowning bellybutton
It wasn't fat or thin, it was gently sucked in
I saw a string of words across my freckles like the ancients seeing constellations
They were telling me
That my generosity is a set up for your failures
That what I really want is to be free
My promises are mostly lies
My wishes mostly empty
Maybe I'd be happy if I had a direct line from your brain to mine
What the fuck do you want from me?
To give you space or stability?
Front is back and stuck is free
Words are lost on me
It's all done now
all songs/lyrics (c) annie bacon 2008
by request from Naf (of Laudanum) I will be posting lyrics to the songs posted here (scroll WAY down!!) for your reading pleasure :) at heart I am a poet, so I hope the lyrics will inspire offend or otherwise move you.
COLLABORATION PROJECT!! YES I AM! (see blog for details)
(see Surrender on Chapter 9's page!)
lots more music here ----> myspace.com/anniebaconmusic
the olden days:
born in Maine in a two room hospital, with a blizzard blazing outside and thrice rejected by my father because I was supposed to be a boy, I am the third child of four born to a crazy wonderful set of parents who raised me listening to classic rock and the blues. I dreamed (constantly) simultaneously of being a doctor, a lawyer, a handbag model, a tv-commercial actress, a radio star, a novelist, and a lizard that could lay on hot rocks under the sun all day. my mother used to set a timer and tell me I wasn't allowed to make any noise until it went off. I would follow her asking if it was ok to make noise now, even writing her little notes to slip under the bathroom door. thus leading me to believe that I have always felt the compulsion to SAY SOMETHING.
in 2001 I graduated from Ithaca College, in upstate New York with a degree in Politics/Legal Studies, still vaguely interested in law, but after my deceased grandfather ordered me ephemerally to move to California I was bound to my new fate and happily obliged.
the california days:
since arriving six and a half years ago I have worked as a waitress, massage therapist, anti-nuclear weapon activist, public health employee, art show coordinator, and many etceteras. I have had the honor of singing all around the state and western US as backup for Corinne West, most recently singing on her album "Second Sight" which was produced by Mike Marshall and which features Mr. Marshall as well as Jerry Douglas and many other fine musicians.
after a breakup with a guitar-player boyfriend I learned guitar. after a breakup with a bass-player boyfriend I learned bass. and now I am pushing forward on drums (no boyfriends involved in that one), as well as learning the rudimentary skills of home recording.
I split my time between a full time job (www.HealthThroughArt.org), Sweet Crude Bill (www.myspace.com/SweetCrudeBill), and an odd assortment of other projects including Il Gato (www.myspace.com/ilgato), the Elationists (www.elationists.org) and Guaranteed to Satisfy Sing-Along (a monthly at a local bar). and of course just pouring out new music of my own.
for me music is a way of resisting the tide that urges towards blind consumption not just of things but of ideas created by the Man :) In creativity/creation we find the antidote to war, to genocide, to injustice, intolerance. we find ways to empathize with our enemies, and to gently criticize our lovers. for me it is how I explain to myself all that is unexplainable. it is my direct line to the divine.
the sellaband days and beyond:
it has been a true joy to become involved with sellaband. I have a more productive and attentive artist in the last month, as well as participating in 4 collaborations which are still in process. I have met new friends and been humbled by the generosity of strangers (who will not be for long I hope), and by the generosity of my friends and family who have come in droves to help me out with whatever bits they could spare.
my vision for sellaband is not that it will catapult me to fame & fortune, but that I will be catapulted to my next album and to a state of persistent touring. being a musician is a TON of work (which I love) but this is where I see the real power: sellaband gives me an audience to visit, and the bigger the audience the bigger the investment-returns down the road for everyone involved. I already have a studio lined up (owned and operated by an old friend) and have pre-orders for the CD up the wazooo!
first and foremost I am compelled to make music. even after 10 days of silent meditation I still had music flowing through my nearly-silenced head. and the impulse to create, to express, to convey, through words, sounds, harmonies, and chaos rushes through me like an raging river, recently un-dammed. it is strong like bull.
and I want you to come with me!! it is already fun and it will just get better, like fine wine, with you!!
xo/annie
----------------
"You Are Just An Idiot"
Were I to write you a letter, send a telegraph, I doubt that you would read it
If I left my voice on your answering machine, I doubt that you'd respond
You haven't done very well at getting back to me,
in fact I think you've lost your tongue
But I've had an epiphany, And realized that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
[chorus]
I am great and you are just an Idiot and you can't see it
I am going to fly away, and you are going to miss me, oh.
It may seem overly simplistic to state it like that, as though I couldn't think of better
Explanations for your basic lack of respect, and absence of thoughtful words
But you wear a stupid smile when I see you in the town
Which makes me think you've got a simple point of view
So I'll say again today, I'm not afraid to say that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
[chorus]
That's not to say I haven't got my complications, things to work through, hypocracies to right
I tend towards rashness, sadness, melodrama, ancestral outburts of anger, and righteousness to boot
But if I'm not my own best champion, then no one else will be
Especially not you
So I'll detach myself from your opinion
Get to only thinking that I'm great, and you're an Idiot.
-------
"I'm Sorry"
I'm sorry I ruined your pants, I'm sorry I got them all red
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
I was on my way home from Hayward, driving on highway 880
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
And on the bedroom floor, it's a piece of paper, nothing more
It's a list of what I thought that I'd remember,
It's not what I remember at all
Persimmon trees in August, I wish I'd had one more blackberry
explode on my tongue too ripe from the sun
I just turned my head, it happened so fast
I know I should say "don't be sad" but I guess I'm a little sad too
I won't get to see you ripen with child,
watch your black hair turn gray as time shakes her leaves free
And on the bedroom floor, it's a piece of paper, nothing more
It's a piece of what I thought I'd remember
It's not what I remember at all
-----------
"Direct Line"
It's a baseless hope, and silly too
You sabotage yourself to prove your fears are true
Your idea of beauty is that it's something you save
For when you might want it or need it
At your house this morning I pulled up my shirt in the bathroom
Staring in the mirror at my frowning bellybutton
It wasn't fat or thin, it was gently sucked in
I saw a string of words across my freckles like the ancients seeing constellations
They were telling me
That my generosity is a set up for your failures
That what I really want is to be free
My promises are mostly lies
My wishes mostly empty
Maybe I'd be happy if I had a direct line from your brain to mine
What the fuck do you want from me?
To give you space or stability?
Front is back and stuck is free
Words are lost on me
It's all done now
all songs/lyrics (c) annie bacon 2008
Expand Blog
15 may 2008
whew . . . life seems to be zipping forward at breakneck speed . . . just the way I like it. this morning I did some more recording at the Expressions School in Emeryville CA, working with renowned producer Jack Douglas (a surprise and delight) and a great crew of hardworking, and nearly-graduated students.
the first piece I worked on was a collaboration with Dave Patrick . . . I'll pass my work on to him now and let him take over with the mixing . . . and will alert you when there is something for the listening. the second piece is a song that I wrote a few weeks ago that Marc Verwaerde of Chapter 9 graciously wrote a beautiful guitar part to accompany. you will hear this one soon :)
as my time was running low, I spent the last hour just playing through a series of 5 songs, one take, one go, just me and my (BRAND NEW!!) Epiphone DOT E335, a nice crunchy guitar that takes a little bit of the "sweetness" of my songs and intimates a deeper darker side, yum.
if you have access to the Secret Site - up to 4 people now in that messy bedroom of mine :) - you will be able to hear these raw tracks by later tonight.
the real good news is that Jack Douglas was really pleased with the session and invited me back (with a full band) to work with him in June to put together the proper beginnings of an album.
thank you all for continued support!
xo/annie.
9 May 2008
wow. I just watched the little thermometer rise to $2K before my eyes thanks to Veblen and Onno Hoogendoorn!!!!!! thank you both SOO much. I feel kinda giddy and am smiling wide. my deep and humble thanks.
xo/a
2 may 2008
yipeeee! it's funny. not last night, but the night before I had this funny dream where someone invested 4K here out of the blue and I almost had a heart attack!! I woke up laughing at my ephemeral self, and then signed on to find that my little number (waxing and waning for the last two weeks or so) had a happy little kick from Naf (of Laudanum)!! and then some more happy kicks from Splodger, Veblen and Steve pushing me up up up! SOOSOSOSO thankful. and energized to keep on truckin.
ALSO last night I sang with an incredible group of musicians at a fundraiser for the UK NGO "Whatever the Need." they raise funds to build reservoirs for the Samburu people in northern Kenya, and are doing incredible action-oriented work. in addition to a fabulous line up of writers and poets (including Dave Eggers, who is just lovely) our band consisted of an all-star cast of folks from around the Bay Area who come together to perform the work of the Elationists, an art/music movement in San Francisco from the early 1900's. the experience is always elating, and I made some good contacts to possibly be bringing in new Believers :)
y'all are great! thank you again a thousand times . . .
xo/a
29 april 2008
ah, internet finally running again at the homestead. time for an update.
so saturday night found me at the Ex'pressions Studio in Emeryville, CA, laying down some nice clean vocal tracks for collaborations I've been working on with Caspar Van Vulpen, Dave of the Love Junkies, and Marc Verwearde of Chapter 9 . . . all phenomenal musicians.
sunday found me in the living room with a wonderful crew of musicians, all of us handing instruments back and forth, working out the arrangements of the songs for the June 5th show. all the promotional work is in process and we're looking at a great lineup with local SF legend Jesse de Natale headlining. yippee!
now I'm off to work for a few hours . . . xo/a
15 april 2008
it is tax day here in the US and I happen to live a few blocks from the only post office in the East Bay that stays open till midnight to certify on-time filing. coming home from band practice I almost got mowed down on my otherwise quiet street. [sigh] I don't mind paying taxes, it seems to be a necessity if one wants to have a society that takes care of its people, but I do have a heaviness in my heart knowing how much of that money is going to build unceasing war around the world.
sunday found me stateside again, after a thrilling week in china. seems a gal could spend a thousand lifetimes there and still not understand. definitely found myself squirming in my seat a few times as guards approached me in Tien'anmen Square and looked over my shoulder into my notebook as I scribbled suspicions about how many of the people I saw were plainclothes guards. I just blushed and pretended to be drawing - they would look in my eyes and walk away. my heart pittering and pattering.
and then moments later I'd be accosted by a group of giggling young boys asking to have their picture taken with me (the only blonde in beijing presumably and perhaps the only white person in Tien'anmen at that moment). practice I suppose for that inevitable day when the glory of rockstardom descends in a furious blaze.
as I'm sure all in the spotlight feel, it was fun for a moment, but at some point I kinda just wanted to be left to wander anonymously. note to self, dye hair dark brown and get a good tan before aiming to "wander anonymously" in Asia.
don't get me wrong, I *love* each new piece of Asia that I see as the years pass. it is the opposite of the west in every sense, the smells, the sounds, the air in your lungs, the way the night settles around your head, the dreams you have. I feel like it would be difficult/impossible for a person from the west to understand their Self without visiting Asia at least once - the contrast makes you see the lines of your being, your boundaries, shortcomings, strengths and true desires. and it doesn't matter whether you *like* what you see, just that now you see it and now you know.
off to bed now to try to assuage some of this delirious jet lag!!
xo/a
3 april 2008
today I leave for 10 days in China. it is one of two items on my short-list of things to do before I die. guess I'm going to have to make a new list :)
xo
30 march 2008
two cities, two great shows. now the songs are just pouring out. tired.
xo/a
26 march 2008
the last few days I have been in the studio with my band Sweet Crude Bill. whoooweee!! what a joy, and a load of hard work. we've had the honor of working with engineer David Luke who has worked with numerous greats through the years most notably partnering with Producer/Mandolin-player extraordinaire Mike Marshall. the recording has taken place at a new studio in Berkeley, CA called C-Change, headed by Wayne Skeen. all the boards, the programs, the gear and the space are brand new and we laid down the first drum tracks, first bass, first vocals, first trombone, overdubs, grunt tracks and tequila-inspired scream sessions. it has been an absolute joy and I will have some mp3s for believers by mid-April once post-production is finished . . . although that music is for my band and not my solo work, it is still evidence of the work that I'm engaged in, and it's fun!!
xo/a
21 march 2008
the first day of spring. the sun is bright out my window and I will presently be in it. but wanted to let you all know that I AM working with several different musicians through the Collaboration Project: I've done melody lines for Casper, Luckyhorse and the Love Junkies (both from the U.K.). this really is one of my favorite ways to make music - mutual inspiration. I'll keep you updated about the state of these songs. but in the meantime, check out the Collaboration Project page.
18 march 2008
wow. today my dear friend and my nieces (and their wonderful parents) kicked me up 15 parts!! what a blessing you all are. I am humbled and mightily grateful.
xo
17 march 2008
okay! it's on. today I set up a recording session at a local sound engineering studio ( www.expression.edu ) and confirmed 3 bands to play with me in May at a debut of my original tunes. I've got a guitar player and two backup singers on board. I'm thinking I'll do a live recording of the show and set up a stream online for Believers! so you can feel the magic too :)
my goal is not only to bring people to this page, but also to be entrenched in the pure joy of making live music.
ALSO I have joined "the collaboration project" which is already looking to be a load of fun. I've got a few projects in the works on this one and will post more details as the projects come to fruition.
xo/a
12 march 2008
wow!! thank you!!! just over a week and 29 Believers have brought me over the $1K mark and into the next tenth of my climb. I am giddy. thank you all so much. (I may or may not be crying a little bit as I write this)
xo/a.
10 march, 2008
today I've added a new song ("mike's song") . . . it's actually an old song and an incredibly rough recording from my friend Daimian's bedroom, with him on harmonica. my cousin had just returned from a 15 month tour in Iraq, after having served in the first Gulf War as well, and this song popped out for him. I was going to see him the next weekend at my brother's wedding and wanted him to hear it away from the crowd.
I added this song because I learned a lot from creating it - the clash between your personal politics, and the decisions of people you love. ultimately, I realized that even though I am vehemently opposed to this (and maybe every) war, the most important thing to me in that moment was that my cousin had made it home safe. when the political becomes personal, it changes us, and makes us look our principles in the face.
I'd love any feedback you are able to offer. I'm hoping to get a better recording of this soon . . . cleaner guitar and clearer vocals, some drums, bass and harmonies.
xo/a
6 march, 2008
aside from deciding to switch to the european style of dating my blog entries - a fascinating update I'm sure - I thought I'd let you know that I have 4 other songs on myspace (+2 of these ones), and that 5 out of 6 of them are downloadable, so you can throw 'em on your mp3 player, take 'em to work, take 'em on heartbroken walks, share them with friends, etc.
www.myspace.com/anniebaconmusic
for my sweet believing Believers, I will have *new* mp3s available to you and only you as I get the recordings closer to my liking . . .
thank you again for your generosity, I am humbled.
xo/a
march 4, 2008
an appropriate day to write a note. March Forth indeed!!!!!! last night (after midnight) I sent out an email to my friends and family, and already the response is humbling. forward forward with many many thanks!
I realized this morning that I hadn't mentioned the other musician - Chris Borchardt - on one of my tracks, who plays a big part in my musical development, as well as providing additional instrumentation on several songs - ('you are just an idiot', in this case). he, himself, is a wonderful musician and I hope to see him have his own page here at some point.
march 2, 2008
wow! many thanks to those of you who have believed already. it has been a long road, and there is still a longer road ahead. I intend to make your investment a worthy one, and thank you again most sincerely.
whew . . . life seems to be zipping forward at breakneck speed . . . just the way I like it. this morning I did some more recording at the Expressions School in Emeryville CA, working with renowned producer Jack Douglas (a surprise and delight) and a great crew of hardworking, and nearly-graduated students.
the first piece I worked on was a collaboration with Dave Patrick . . . I'll pass my work on to him now and let him take over with the mixing . . . and will alert you when there is something for the listening. the second piece is a song that I wrote a few weeks ago that Marc Verwaerde of Chapter 9 graciously wrote a beautiful guitar part to accompany. you will hear this one soon :)
as my time was running low, I spent the last hour just playing through a series of 5 songs, one take, one go, just me and my (BRAND NEW!!) Epiphone DOT E335, a nice crunchy guitar that takes a little bit of the "sweetness" of my songs and intimates a deeper darker side, yum.
if you have access to the Secret Site - up to 4 people now in that messy bedroom of mine :) - you will be able to hear these raw tracks by later tonight.
the real good news is that Jack Douglas was really pleased with the session and invited me back (with a full band) to work with him in June to put together the proper beginnings of an album.
thank you all for continued support!
xo/annie.
9 May 2008
wow. I just watched the little thermometer rise to $2K before my eyes thanks to Veblen and Onno Hoogendoorn!!!!!! thank you both SOO much. I feel kinda giddy and am smiling wide. my deep and humble thanks.
xo/a
2 may 2008
yipeeee! it's funny. not last night, but the night before I had this funny dream where someone invested 4K here out of the blue and I almost had a heart attack!! I woke up laughing at my ephemeral self, and then signed on to find that my little number (waxing and waning for the last two weeks or so) had a happy little kick from Naf (of Laudanum)!! and then some more happy kicks from Splodger, Veblen and Steve pushing me up up up! SOOSOSOSO thankful. and energized to keep on truckin.
ALSO last night I sang with an incredible group of musicians at a fundraiser for the UK NGO "Whatever the Need." they raise funds to build reservoirs for the Samburu people in northern Kenya, and are doing incredible action-oriented work. in addition to a fabulous line up of writers and poets (including Dave Eggers, who is just lovely) our band consisted of an all-star cast of folks from around the Bay Area who come together to perform the work of the Elationists, an art/music movement in San Francisco from the early 1900's. the experience is always elating, and I made some good contacts to possibly be bringing in new Believers :)
y'all are great! thank you again a thousand times . . .
xo/a
29 april 2008
ah, internet finally running again at the homestead. time for an update.
so saturday night found me at the Ex'pressions Studio in Emeryville, CA, laying down some nice clean vocal tracks for collaborations I've been working on with Caspar Van Vulpen, Dave of the Love Junkies, and Marc Verwearde of Chapter 9 . . . all phenomenal musicians.
sunday found me in the living room with a wonderful crew of musicians, all of us handing instruments back and forth, working out the arrangements of the songs for the June 5th show. all the promotional work is in process and we're looking at a great lineup with local SF legend Jesse de Natale headlining. yippee!
now I'm off to work for a few hours . . . xo/a
15 april 2008
it is tax day here in the US and I happen to live a few blocks from the only post office in the East Bay that stays open till midnight to certify on-time filing. coming home from band practice I almost got mowed down on my otherwise quiet street. [sigh] I don't mind paying taxes, it seems to be a necessity if one wants to have a society that takes care of its people, but I do have a heaviness in my heart knowing how much of that money is going to build unceasing war around the world.
sunday found me stateside again, after a thrilling week in china. seems a gal could spend a thousand lifetimes there and still not understand. definitely found myself squirming in my seat a few times as guards approached me in Tien'anmen Square and looked over my shoulder into my notebook as I scribbled suspicions about how many of the people I saw were plainclothes guards. I just blushed and pretended to be drawing - they would look in my eyes and walk away. my heart pittering and pattering.
and then moments later I'd be accosted by a group of giggling young boys asking to have their picture taken with me (the only blonde in beijing presumably and perhaps the only white person in Tien'anmen at that moment). practice I suppose for that inevitable day when the glory of rockstardom descends in a furious blaze.
as I'm sure all in the spotlight feel, it was fun for a moment, but at some point I kinda just wanted to be left to wander anonymously. note to self, dye hair dark brown and get a good tan before aiming to "wander anonymously" in Asia.
don't get me wrong, I *love* each new piece of Asia that I see as the years pass. it is the opposite of the west in every sense, the smells, the sounds, the air in your lungs, the way the night settles around your head, the dreams you have. I feel like it would be difficult/impossible for a person from the west to understand their Self without visiting Asia at least once - the contrast makes you see the lines of your being, your boundaries, shortcomings, strengths and true desires. and it doesn't matter whether you *like* what you see, just that now you see it and now you know.
off to bed now to try to assuage some of this delirious jet lag!!
xo/a
3 april 2008
today I leave for 10 days in China. it is one of two items on my short-list of things to do before I die. guess I'm going to have to make a new list :)
xo
30 march 2008
two cities, two great shows. now the songs are just pouring out. tired.
xo/a
26 march 2008
the last few days I have been in the studio with my band Sweet Crude Bill. whoooweee!! what a joy, and a load of hard work. we've had the honor of working with engineer David Luke who has worked with numerous greats through the years most notably partnering with Producer/Mandolin-player extraordinaire Mike Marshall. the recording has taken place at a new studio in Berkeley, CA called C-Change, headed by Wayne Skeen. all the boards, the programs, the gear and the space are brand new and we laid down the first drum tracks, first bass, first vocals, first trombone, overdubs, grunt tracks and tequila-inspired scream sessions. it has been an absolute joy and I will have some mp3s for believers by mid-April once post-production is finished . . . although that music is for my band and not my solo work, it is still evidence of the work that I'm engaged in, and it's fun!!
xo/a
21 march 2008
the first day of spring. the sun is bright out my window and I will presently be in it. but wanted to let you all know that I AM working with several different musicians through the Collaboration Project: I've done melody lines for Casper, Luckyhorse and the Love Junkies (both from the U.K.). this really is one of my favorite ways to make music - mutual inspiration. I'll keep you updated about the state of these songs. but in the meantime, check out the Collaboration Project page.
18 march 2008
wow. today my dear friend and my nieces (and their wonderful parents) kicked me up 15 parts!! what a blessing you all are. I am humbled and mightily grateful.
xo
17 march 2008
okay! it's on. today I set up a recording session at a local sound engineering studio ( www.expression.edu ) and confirmed 3 bands to play with me in May at a debut of my original tunes. I've got a guitar player and two backup singers on board. I'm thinking I'll do a live recording of the show and set up a stream online for Believers! so you can feel the magic too :)
my goal is not only to bring people to this page, but also to be entrenched in the pure joy of making live music.
ALSO I have joined "the collaboration project" which is already looking to be a load of fun. I've got a few projects in the works on this one and will post more details as the projects come to fruition.
xo/a
12 march 2008
wow!! thank you!!! just over a week and 29 Believers have brought me over the $1K mark and into the next tenth of my climb. I am giddy. thank you all so much. (I may or may not be crying a little bit as I write this)
xo/a.
10 march, 2008
today I've added a new song ("mike's song") . . . it's actually an old song and an incredibly rough recording from my friend Daimian's bedroom, with him on harmonica. my cousin had just returned from a 15 month tour in Iraq, after having served in the first Gulf War as well, and this song popped out for him. I was going to see him the next weekend at my brother's wedding and wanted him to hear it away from the crowd.
I added this song because I learned a lot from creating it - the clash between your personal politics, and the decisions of people you love. ultimately, I realized that even though I am vehemently opposed to this (and maybe every) war, the most important thing to me in that moment was that my cousin had made it home safe. when the political becomes personal, it changes us, and makes us look our principles in the face.
I'd love any feedback you are able to offer. I'm hoping to get a better recording of this soon . . . cleaner guitar and clearer vocals, some drums, bass and harmonies.
xo/a
6 march, 2008
aside from deciding to switch to the european style of dating my blog entries - a fascinating update I'm sure - I thought I'd let you know that I have 4 other songs on myspace (+2 of these ones), and that 5 out of 6 of them are downloadable, so you can throw 'em on your mp3 player, take 'em to work, take 'em on heartbroken walks, share them with friends, etc.
www.myspace.com/anniebaconmusic
for my sweet believing Believers, I will have *new* mp3s available to you and only you as I get the recordings closer to my liking . . .
thank you again for your generosity, I am humbled.
xo/a
march 4, 2008
an appropriate day to write a note. March Forth indeed!!!!!! last night (after midnight) I sent out an email to my friends and family, and already the response is humbling. forward forward with many many thanks!
I realized this morning that I hadn't mentioned the other musician - Chris Borchardt - on one of my tracks, who plays a big part in my musical development, as well as providing additional instrumentation on several songs - ('you are just an idiot', in this case). he, himself, is a wonderful musician and I hope to see him have his own page here at some point.
march 2, 2008
wow! many thanks to those of you who have believed already. it has been a long road, and there is still a longer road ahead. I intend to make your investment a worthy one, and thank you again most sincerely.
Expand Shows
thursday 5 june - 9pm
amnesia
san francisco, california
*this will be the debut of my solo music*
Expand 
Last parts sold_
| Onno Hoogendoorn | 1 day ago | Netherlands | 2 Parts |
| Marc | 2 days ago | France | 2 Parts |
| Frank | 2 days ago | United States | 1 Part |
View parts history
Believer details_
Comments_
Post comment
May 17 2008 11:46 CET Vincent B
And a beautiful spot that is, the 51st :-) Not that I believe in numerology, but that's of course because I was born on the 11th ;-)
V
May 16 2008 17:33 CET Vincent B
See you have a new favorite number |:-) Well, all for the better! Looking forward to hearing you live one day, but there's about 10000 kms making that a bit difficult for now...
V
May 16 2008 13:19 CET Chapter 9 > 100 believers!
I can't wait for your recording!
It should be amazing
:)
May 16 2008 05:13 CET Frank
Annie,
I had you on my wishlist for some time now. It is just that I only buy a few parts per week to a few parts every couple weeks. It was also good to see how determined you are to try to make it. That helped me decide to buy now instead of later. Will try to buy a few more parts to help you along in the coming weeks.
Remember to let me know if you need help if you still plan on organizing that show. I'll do what I can to help.
All the best,
Frank
May 15 2008 15:39 CET Marc
Allright
There is one part from me (because I love you ;-) )
And another part because Kristen drunk LOADS of wine :)
:)
Have a nice day Annie
Marc
Read all comments
May 17 2008 11:46 CET Vincent B
And a beautiful spot that is, the 51st :-) Not that I believe in numerology, but that's of course because I was born on the 11th ;-)
V
May 16 2008 17:33 CET Vincent B
See you have a new favorite number |:-) Well, all for the better! Looking forward to hearing you live one day, but there's about 10000 kms making that a bit difficult for now...
V
May 16 2008 13:19 CET Chapter 9 > 100 believers!
I can't wait for your recording!
It should be amazing
:)
May 16 2008 05:13 CET Frank
Annie,
I had you on my wishlist for some time now. It is just that I only buy a few parts per week to a few parts every couple weeks. It was also good to see how determined you are to try to make it. That helped me decide to buy now instead of later. Will try to buy a few more parts to help you along in the coming weeks.
Remember to let me know if you need help if you still plan on organizing that show. I'll do what I can to help.
All the best,
Frank
May 15 2008 15:39 CET Marc
Allright
There is one part from me (because I love you ;-) )
And another part because Kristen drunk LOADS of wine :)
:)
Have a nice day Annie
Marc
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Reviews_
| Believer | Date | Parts |
| Ray Baisden | 12.05.08 | 5 |
I like the fact that she is hard to define. Crisp yet appealingly musical delivery, and intelligent lyrics. And she has a lot of heart. I live close enough to San Francisco that I'm going to be seeing her in June. Gonna make a point of it. |
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| Hans Van Nuffelen | 29.04.08 | 2 |
2804 |
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| Marc | 22.04.08 | 3 |
The song "You're an idiot" is awesome and the production reminds me of Emylou Harris and all the classic voices from the 60's Thanks Annie for coming around to my Chapter 9 profile, and I must thank Cris Tanzi for that :-) |
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| beautiful | 03.04.08 | 11 |
is it weird to review yourself? here's my honest opinion: great potential . . . growing everyday . . . quirky, weird, sometimes pretty, sometimes sleepy and sad. always learning, always open. destined to say SOMETHING. |
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| PRIVATE NATION BELIEVES! | 06.03.08 | 1 |
True talent!!! Must have listen to You are an idiot 100 times in the last 3 days!!! Love it and all of her songs!!! |
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