Branch Out

Not too long ago, I discovered an independent record label called Branch Records via Twitter. Here's what they do that's different from other labels:
Plant tree's.

For every single cd, digital download, or subscription sold, they plant a tree.

I'm all about saving the environment. At the rate we're going, we gotta do something about it. Every little bit counts. Could you imagine how many more trees we would have if every label did this? Things would be green again.

Artists stay out of debt.
Under their model, their artists stay out of debt.

No one likes to be in debt, and a lot of musicians tend to be in the red. We've heard so many stories about artists getting screwed over financially; it's about time somebody did something about the stuff that the musicians "don't want to hear about." Wrong. We kind of need to know if we'll be able to pay the bills. Kudos to the guys at Branch Records.

They do wicked cool things.
From Scratch and Sniff cd's to sustainable download cards that grow flowers, they are always looking for the next cool thing to bring to the world.

I like it. I like it a lot. I've thought about hand-painting my own CDs to make them a bit cooler than the same laser-printed font and colors. Scratch and Sniff is a whole other level.

I could write more about them, but I need to go to bed before 2 for once. They're a really great label. They have nine or so artists, and if they want a tenth one, they don't have to look any further haha!

Four of Ten: Alicia Keys

My sister asked me last summer if I could have any job in the world right now, what would it be. I said, 'I'd want to be like Alicia Keys.' She said, 'So basically you want to be a rockstar.' I said, 'I just want to go out and do my thing really really good, like Alicia.' She just kind of smirked at me and walked away.

If that question was asked to me again right now, I would probably answer something along those lines.

Alicia Keys inspires me beyond belief. She makes me want to be a better person. Kind of like Oprah, only musical. She's incredibly passionate about her music, and she's smart. She almost went to Columbia, but then opted to pursue a career in music. Maybe that's why I'm so fascinated with Columbia...

Last June, I saw Alicia in concert here in Boston. When I found out she was going to be here, I knew I had to go. Well, there was a slight conflict: my senior class trip. My first thought was to not go to the show, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see the one and only Alicia Keys. So then I thought I would just skip my class trip because come on--it's Alicia Keys! I told my friends that, and this conversation went on for a while:

"But, Amy! It's your senior class trip!"
"Yeah, but..It's Alicia Keys! ALICIA KEYS!"

Then I had a brainstorm, and figured out a way to do both. I was able to go on two thirds of my class trip AND (more importantly) go see Alicia Keys.

Why, why was I so determined to see Alicia Keys? I think it's because she's just that damn good. It's not like her last tour was her farewell tour. To my friends, sacrificing a few days with them for a concert was outrageous, and probably would have been held over my head for the rest of my life. For me, had it been necessary, I would have done it. That says something about how much Alicia has influenced me. She's beautiful, smart, talented, and nice. Why wouldn't I want to see her live? Especially with As I Am being such a killer album, I had to hear it live!

Alicia pushes me to my limit. She's definitely not the only person that makes me push myself, but she's one of the bigger influences, especially musically. Although, as soon as you hear my stuff, you'll be like, 'What is she talking about? I don't hear any Alicia Keys in this!' That's because if I were to try and incorporate some of her stuff into my music, it wouldn't make sense.

And if there's one thing I've learned from Alicia Keys, it's to be true to yourself 100% of the time.

1.33 AM

If it weren't 1.33 AM, I would write a more extensive post, but I have to wake up in four and a half hours to go to New York.

I will finish up the seven remaining influences.
I will update you on the status of my band.
I will post songs.
I will show you my pedal board once it's complete.

I will go to bed now.

And We're Back

I'll do the big End-Of-Year-One-At-Berklee post later. After I finish unpacking my life, go to New York City, and get back on a schedule, I'll recap the year and what I've learned.

I just thought I'd let you know that I survived.

I'm going to finishing watching Iron Man, and then unpack some more.