OCTOBER 1, 2007
Do you know that feeling you get when you can physically feel everything falling into place? That's what I am experiencing right now…and it's a satisfying and simultaneously frightening ordeal. We've nailed down a date to start recording the album and it's so soon I am getting cold feet: this is my wedding. There's really no backing out, so don't you worry! I'm just scared that my grand idea of this orchestral-pop album will somehow fail me, but it just can't. And that's that.
When will we do another live show? Well…I can't say right now, since all of my creative energy is being focused on this recording. Hopefully I'll put together a show soon to give y'all a sneak preview of the album!
I will update with more info and photos of the recording as it progresses…in the mean time, keep your awesome support coming - it is so very much appreciated!
XO
A=M
JULY 22, 2007
I woke up this morning all a-buzz with energy because today I start recording in the studio! Yes, ladies and gentlemen…to everyone who has ever said to me, 'When are you going to record an album?!' I can now honestly reply that it's in the works. The fabulous Steve Major ("www.stevemajoraudio.com) is getting me started in the XM Satellite Radio Studio here in Toronto – we'll be recording two tracks over the next week, with many more to follow during the fall and a release in early 2008 under my own label, Pet Lion Records. I will keep posting more info throughout the coming months!
Thanks again to everyone who came out to the Pepper Jack Café on Thursday for my official homecoming listening party…it was an awesome show with lots of familiar faces and my biggest band yet! I know I said that last time, but we really were a mini-orchestra this time around: a string quintet, full brass and woodwind section, two percussionists, drums, bass, guitar and tubular bells! Check back soon for more live photos from both the Pride and Pepper Jack shows.
XO
A=M
MAY 1, 2007
Hello friends,
Next Friday, May 11th is our first show of 2007, so I'd like to take this opportunity to give you four good reasons to come on down to the Savannah Room that night (I *heart* point form):
1) Matt Humphreys will be opening - he's awesome and just came out with a new album! www.matthumphreys.ca
2) We will be playing at least four new tunes (one more is in the works, but I'm not sure if it will be ready in time!) that I personally guarantee you will love with all your heart. Dan likes them, so why shouldn't you?
3) I cut my hair and it looks pretty good.
4) We have a stellar cast of musicians joining us: Maran Stern vox; Gord Wolfe, trombone; Andrew McCandless, trumpet; Mike Smith, guitar & mandolin; Phil Yetman & Tricia Mangat, percussion (like, glocks and vibes and hand drums and other exciting things); Cait Boyle & Mohsin Bhujwalla, violas; and, as always, Misters Misener & Pomeroy on bass & drums, respectively.
Hope to see you there! Doors open at 9pm and the show goes on at 9:30pm!
XO
A=M
APRIL 2, 2007
Soooo…..we're back! It's been a productive few months – I quit my full-time job, wrote a couple of enormous grants, a few new tunes and plans for my first full-length recording are well under way. Please join us Friday, May 11th at the Savannah Room for our first show of 2007 – new year, new songs, new hair…what's not to look forward to?
Also, please take a minute to visit the Yahoo! Canada: Up Your Music site and VOTE for my video 'Old And Grey' by rating it and leaving a comment! Winners of this contest receive recording time and a possible contract with Universal Music Canada. Your support is SO greatly appreciated!
XO
A=M
JANUARY 3, 2007
Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who made 2006 such a great success for me by coming out and supporting all of our live shows! 2007 will be an amazing year with many exciting projects in the works, including my first full-length recording.
For those of you who missed the show on December 13th at the Cameron House, well… what a surprise it was to have the opportunity to record the whole concert! I've posted selected tracks here, including a bonus Christmas tune that you'd normally have to wait a whole other year to hear. Enjoy!
I've also posted some new photos from our show at the Free Times Café this past August, taken by Jorge Chaves, who also did my original web site photography. See how hot we look live!!
I'm taking a bit of vacation right now – composing new material, writing grants, all that fun stuff. Make sure you're on the email list to keep advised of our next gig – if you're not, send an email to: ainsley@ainsleymcneaney.com. Take care, and I'll be in touch soon!
XO
A=M