Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 6!!!!
One-Two, One-Two!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 6 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
BIG NEWS FOR NUFUNKTONIANS -->
My Debut Album 'Learning to Fight' is NOW available at the HMV Superstore in Downtown Toronto at Yonge/Dundas!! Check the New Releases Rack and 'P' section for Phoenix in the Soul/R&B section on the 2nd floor!
http://hmv.ca/Search.aspx?..keyword=Dana+Jean+Phoenix&..filter=all+products
Thank you to all Torontonians, NuFunktonians, and Phoenixtonians for always supprting the Phoenix!!
Last week I came home from being out on tour with God Made ME Funky and what a great experience it was! The tour was of Western Canada and we covered it all - from the eerie flatlands of Saskatchewan, to the Cowboy Capital of Canada, to the big - Bad - BEAUTIFUL Rocky Mountains, to the cool pacific vibes of Vancouver, to perhaps the friendliest and most Western part of Canada (by which you have to get to by ferry) Sunshine Coast. This tour was definitely a glimpse into how rich and diverse not only the landscape of Canada is, but also the people. To see all this, AND be doing what I love (singing with THE funkiest band outta Canada, God Made ME Funky, for tons of party people just wanting to get down, and have a good time) was a trip of a lifetime! So Thank You to all the members of God Made ME Funky for giving me opportunity to live, eat, sleep, and breathe the FUNK.
Also, many thanks to all those who attended my Waterloo CD Release party at Maxwell's Music House. Yes - I had a 2nd CD Release Party in my hometown and what a throwdown it was! We had to turn people away at the door - it was so PACKED and we raised money for Anselma House - a Waterloo Womens Shelter. Thank you to my Phoenix band, my family, and all my fans for making it such a successful night.
So - I guess one deserves a break after all this. No? A debut CD out, 2 successful CD Release Parties...and a kick-ass tour with an awesome band.
Hellllsss no! I'm only gettin' started. A successful release party in my eyes is just the beginning. One thing I realized through going on tour with GMMF, is just how much opportunity is out there.. places to go, people to play for, fans to reach. I'm definitely inspired to work even harder. NOT take a nap. We live in a country of such possibilities, and if you are willing to do the work and believe in yourself all the way, you can accomplish so much.
So Phoenixtonians - stay tuned for more shows in 2010, because the Phoenix will only rise even higher than before! In fact, January 22nd, I will be playing in Waterloo at Caesar Martini's. This show will raise money for youth programs through the YMCA. A great night for a great cause. So mark it down on your calendars folks. Its gonna be coo-coo-banoodles! Shout outs to Rufus John.
For all my ladies out there - the 2nd meeting for 'Let's Hear It For The Girls' took place this past Thursday at FACTOR headquarters and was a great success! Special thanks to Andrea Caldwell and Carolyn T for talking to us about Booking Gigs, Marketing, and Touring. Just further affirmation that WE HAVE THE POWER!
Stay Tuned for future meetings, AND..
...To be a part of the discussions & meetings - Join the group:
http://www.facebook.com/ho..me.php#/group.php?gid=1551..22856611&ref=mf
As my journey continues, and the hard work prevails I realize more and more how lucky I am to be able to create my own path in life, and how thankful I am of those who support me. I can only hope that as I continue to share my experiences, others will be inspired to take their futures into their own hands - and PLAN for a life worth living.To accomplish that, I will continue to be LEARNING TO FIGHT, y'all.
And now back in the ring....
Let's Get Ready to Rumbbblleee!!
Nov 23, 2009
Oct 31, 2009
Learning to Fight Blog - ROUND 5!
Learning to Fight Blog - ROUND 5!
One-Two, One-Two!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 5 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
I’m so proud to say that last Thursday was my VERY FIRST CD Release Party for my debut album ‘Learning To Fight’ and it was a total success! I want to thank everyone who came out! 'Learning to Fight' is now officially available on iTunes and it's been getting great reviews! So please purchase the album for yourself and leave me a good review:) Check it out!!
http://itunes.apple.com/We..bObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/vi..ewAlbum?id=335971131&s=143..45
Many people (like I used to!!:) might think that once you’ve made a CD – you’re Finished! You can just sit back and wait for eager consumers to pounce on your baby! But it just simply isn’t as easy as the ghost of Jim Morrision says in Waynes World 2 … ‘if you book them, they will come’
‘If you record a CD the buyers will come!’ Uhh.. not exactly. Since getting my packaged and ready to go copies of 'Learning To Fight', I've been setting up and sending out press kits, contacting press: online, radio, print, and television.
I was on CKLN "Loungin’: The Afterparty" with DJ Carl Allen this past Sunday (Oct. 18th), after a successful performance at Yonge/Dundas Square for 'Let The Sneakers Walk Again Benefit". Shoutouts to BrownMan for organizing the event and having me on!
I was also featured on Spirit Live radio - McClung's Rebel Grrl's Radio this week and had an absolute BLAST hanging out with hosts Ashley & Ronak as I promoted my CD release party and talked about the 'Let's Hear it For the Girls' collective (http://www.facebook.com/gr..oup.php?gid=15
5122856611&ref=mf)!You can listen to the show via this link: http://www.spiritlive.net/..?q=node/1050
It's been a busy, stressful, empowering, and productive few weeks preparing for this CD Release and I'm so thrilled it was a success. But now the REAL work begins. How else can I share the Dana Jean Phoenix experience both live and studio to more NuFunktonians, Torontonians, Phoenixtonians, and beyond? There's a whole new set of things I need to accomplish now that I've released my CD, and had my (first) CD Release party!
YES to errrbody in my hometown, I will be having a CD Release Party at Maxwell's Music House in Waterloo - Friday, Nov. 13th w. wordPEOPLE! Mark it down on ya calenders, folks. It's gonna be bananas!
Getting to this point in my journey, however, would NOT be possible without the help of so many people. I'd like to thank Peter Natale, Edwin de la Vega, Danny Argyle, Joel Joseph, Seok, Andrew Thompson, PHATT al, Ben Miller, Adam Bowman, and Ryan Boisselle.Thanks to wordPEOPLE and Morgan Joy for taking my CD Release Party to the next level!
Thanks to my Mom, Dad, and bro. A BIG thank you to my Videographers: Adam Schoales and Nate Storring. Also, Amanda Fotes. Thanks to Carl Allen, Ronak and Ashley at Mcclungs, Andrea Caldwell, and Hiro Tabata.Without these people, I would not be where I am now. Thank you all for making a dream of mine come true. I love you all...
and now back in the ring...
LEARNING TO FIGHT!
Let's Get Ready to Rumbbbleee!!
One-Two, One-Two!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 5 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
I’m so proud to say that last Thursday was my VERY FIRST CD Release Party for my debut album ‘Learning To Fight’ and it was a total success! I want to thank everyone who came out! 'Learning to Fight' is now officially available on iTunes and it's been getting great reviews! So please purchase the album for yourself and leave me a good review:) Check it out!!
http://itunes.apple.com/We..bObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/vi..ewAlbum?id=335971131&s=143..45
Many people (like I used to!!:) might think that once you’ve made a CD – you’re Finished! You can just sit back and wait for eager consumers to pounce on your baby! But it just simply isn’t as easy as the ghost of Jim Morrision says in Waynes World 2 … ‘if you book them, they will come’
‘If you record a CD the buyers will come!’ Uhh.. not exactly. Since getting my packaged and ready to go copies of 'Learning To Fight', I've been setting up and sending out press kits, contacting press: online, radio, print, and television.
I was on CKLN "Loungin’: The Afterparty" with DJ Carl Allen this past Sunday (Oct. 18th), after a successful performance at Yonge/Dundas Square for 'Let The Sneakers Walk Again Benefit". Shoutouts to BrownMan for organizing the event and having me on!
I was also featured on Spirit Live radio - McClung's Rebel Grrl's Radio this week and had an absolute BLAST hanging out with hosts Ashley & Ronak as I promoted my CD release party and talked about the 'Let's Hear it For the Girls' collective (http://www.facebook.com/gr..oup.php?gid=15
5122856611&ref=mf)!You can listen to the show via this link: http://www.spiritlive.net/..?q=node/1050
It's been a busy, stressful, empowering, and productive few weeks preparing for this CD Release and I'm so thrilled it was a success. But now the REAL work begins. How else can I share the Dana Jean Phoenix experience both live and studio to more NuFunktonians, Torontonians, Phoenixtonians, and beyond? There's a whole new set of things I need to accomplish now that I've released my CD, and had my (first) CD Release party!
YES to errrbody in my hometown, I will be having a CD Release Party at Maxwell's Music House in Waterloo - Friday, Nov. 13th w. wordPEOPLE! Mark it down on ya calenders, folks. It's gonna be bananas!
Getting to this point in my journey, however, would NOT be possible without the help of so many people. I'd like to thank Peter Natale, Edwin de la Vega, Danny Argyle, Joel Joseph, Seok, Andrew Thompson, PHATT al, Ben Miller, Adam Bowman, and Ryan Boisselle.Thanks to wordPEOPLE and Morgan Joy for taking my CD Release Party to the next level!
Thanks to my Mom, Dad, and bro. A BIG thank you to my Videographers: Adam Schoales and Nate Storring. Also, Amanda Fotes. Thanks to Carl Allen, Ronak and Ashley at Mcclungs, Andrea Caldwell, and Hiro Tabata.Without these people, I would not be where I am now. Thank you all for making a dream of mine come true. I love you all...
and now back in the ring...
LEARNING TO FIGHT!
Let's Get Ready to Rumbbbleee!!
Oct 16, 2009
Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 4!
Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 4!
GOBBLE GOBBLE!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 4 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
First, I hope all the PHOENIXTONIANS, TORONTONIANS, and CANADIANS had a happy long weekend!
Secondly, I’d like to invite you all to come down to Yonge and Dundas Square on Sunday Oct. 18th, where I’ll be performing songs from my upcoming album, ‘Learning To Fight’ as well as some old favourites to make ya dance, from 1:30-2:30 as a part of the “Sneakers Walk Again Charity Benefit” (www.sneakerswalkagain.com
..). And don’t forget my CD release party Oct. 22nd at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. W) featuring wordPEOPLE and standup comedy by Morgan Joy. Also, $1 of every CD sold will go to Julliette's Place - a Toronto Womens' Shelter (www.julliettesplace.org),.. AND the night will be a pre-Halloween costume party!!
SO, PHOENIXTONIANS, the day finally came! A few weeks ago, I made my way to Music Manufacturing Services (MMS) to pick up my pressed, packaged, and ready-to-rumble copies of my debut EP ‘Learning To Fight’! As I tore off the wrapper to my own personal copy, like an excited kid on Christmas morning, I couldn’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment!
Commitment and hard work really do bring results!
BIG SHOUT OUTS TO:
Addie Tully, artist, (www.addieshouse.com) for the phantastik album artwork designs
&
Arthur Mola, photographer, (www.artmola.com) for taking all of the wicked photos!
“Learning To Fight” will be available October, 20th: Online (Internationally), on order at any HMV (in Canada), and in-store at HMV Superstore (Yonge/Dundas Location)
As I was leaving MMS, so was another female artist. We got talking and I discovered her name was Lady Versatile, a seasoned veteran in the Reggae/Soca/Calypso scene. I gave her a copy of my phresly-pressed EP and she told a cautionary tale of wasted opportunities and not taking control of your own decisions… your own path. She gave me the advice to not only work hard, but work smart. Empower yourself with knowledge.
Her words got me thinking.
There are so many talented ladies here in the professional artistic/entertainment scene in Toronto, but in a predominately male dominated power structure. With so many of us heavily dependant on this male power structure, why can’t we come together and not only discuss issues that we face as professional women, but educate ourselves, and support one another in our journey to taking control of our own lives. Knowledge is power – and it starts with us!
‘Let’s Hear It For The Girls’ is a new collective that will involve a series of meetings for us ladies to come together!
The first meeting will take place TONIGHT - Wednesday, October 14th at the Toronto Reference Library – Boardroom 1 (One Block North of Bloor on Yonge) from 5-7pm
For this first meeting PHATT al from God Made ME Funky, who is also a grant writer, will be a guest speaker to discuss with us about writing grant applications – which would be a great tool for all of us. For those who may have applied for grants in the past, and were not successful – this will help you out for future applications.
So professional ladies – spread the word and come on out to the event:
http://www.facebook.com/ho..me.php#/event.php?eid=1493..19127034&ref=mf
And Join the Group:
http://www.facebook.com/ho..me.php#/group.php?gid=1551..22856611&ref=mf
Upon joining the group, please do not hesitate to offer any suggestions and share ideas for topics that we can discuss for upcoming meetings. (I’m currently booking the next meeting for November at FACTOR.) Also feel free to share any contacts that you may have that we can bring in as key speakers to help educate and empower us. ***Aka. Nutritionists to give us eating tips, Personal Trainers to give us fitness tips, Club Bookers to talk about booking a gig, Journalists (press kits, cover letters, article reviews) etc… Generally other professionals who can give us advice upon which the collective can build.****
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!
GOBBLE GOBBLE!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 4 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
First, I hope all the PHOENIXTONIANS, TORONTONIANS, and CANADIANS had a happy long weekend!
Secondly, I’d like to invite you all to come down to Yonge and Dundas Square on Sunday Oct. 18th, where I’ll be performing songs from my upcoming album, ‘Learning To Fight’ as well as some old favourites to make ya dance, from 1:30-2:30 as a part of the “Sneakers Walk Again Charity Benefit” (www.sneakerswalkagain.com
..). And don’t forget my CD release party Oct. 22nd at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. W) featuring wordPEOPLE and standup comedy by Morgan Joy. Also, $1 of every CD sold will go to Julliette's Place - a Toronto Womens' Shelter (www.julliettesplace.org),.. AND the night will be a pre-Halloween costume party!!
SO, PHOENIXTONIANS, the day finally came! A few weeks ago, I made my way to Music Manufacturing Services (MMS) to pick up my pressed, packaged, and ready-to-rumble copies of my debut EP ‘Learning To Fight’! As I tore off the wrapper to my own personal copy, like an excited kid on Christmas morning, I couldn’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment!
Commitment and hard work really do bring results!
BIG SHOUT OUTS TO:
Addie Tully, artist, (www.addieshouse.com) for the phantastik album artwork designs
&
Arthur Mola, photographer, (www.artmola.com) for taking all of the wicked photos!
“Learning To Fight” will be available October, 20th: Online (Internationally), on order at any HMV (in Canada), and in-store at HMV Superstore (Yonge/Dundas Location)
As I was leaving MMS, so was another female artist. We got talking and I discovered her name was Lady Versatile, a seasoned veteran in the Reggae/Soca/Calypso scene. I gave her a copy of my phresly-pressed EP and she told a cautionary tale of wasted opportunities and not taking control of your own decisions… your own path. She gave me the advice to not only work hard, but work smart. Empower yourself with knowledge.
Her words got me thinking.
There are so many talented ladies here in the professional artistic/entertainment scene in Toronto, but in a predominately male dominated power structure. With so many of us heavily dependant on this male power structure, why can’t we come together and not only discuss issues that we face as professional women, but educate ourselves, and support one another in our journey to taking control of our own lives. Knowledge is power – and it starts with us!
‘Let’s Hear It For The Girls’ is a new collective that will involve a series of meetings for us ladies to come together!
The first meeting will take place TONIGHT - Wednesday, October 14th at the Toronto Reference Library – Boardroom 1 (One Block North of Bloor on Yonge) from 5-7pm
For this first meeting PHATT al from God Made ME Funky, who is also a grant writer, will be a guest speaker to discuss with us about writing grant applications – which would be a great tool for all of us. For those who may have applied for grants in the past, and were not successful – this will help you out for future applications.
So professional ladies – spread the word and come on out to the event:
http://www.facebook.com/ho..me.php#/event.php?eid=1493..19127034&ref=mf
And Join the Group:
http://www.facebook.com/ho..me.php#/group.php?gid=1551..22856611&ref=mf
Upon joining the group, please do not hesitate to offer any suggestions and share ideas for topics that we can discuss for upcoming meetings. (I’m currently booking the next meeting for November at FACTOR.) Also feel free to share any contacts that you may have that we can bring in as key speakers to help educate and empower us. ***Aka. Nutritionists to give us eating tips, Personal Trainers to give us fitness tips, Club Bookers to talk about booking a gig, Journalists (press kits, cover letters, article reviews) etc… Generally other professionals who can give us advice upon which the collective can build.****
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!
Sep 22, 2009
Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 3
Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 3
YOU WANNA GO SON? C’MON AND GET SOME!!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 3 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
1st and FOREMOST – I’ll be hosting & performing at “Let’s Hear It For the Girls’ this WED. SEPTEMBER 23rd at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. West – above the Reverb).
Also performing will be standup comedy from funny gals Morgan Joy and Diana Love, and an acoustic pop set by Chloe Charles (www.chloecharles.com). Come on out to dance, laugh, drink, party, and have a good time!
BIG NEWS, SUPPORTERS OF THE PHOENIX! AKA. All the PHOENIXTONIANS! - about two weeks ago I dropped off the final copy of my debut EP called, ‘Learning To Fight’ (mixed and mastered and ready to RUMBLE) to Music Manufacturing Services in Toronto. OH!! – what a feeling! So, in a few days, I’ll have the pressed and packaged copies in my very own hands! That means that on October 20th you TOO will be able to have your own copy of 'Learning To Fight' in your sweaty little hands! And then you will come out for my CD Release PARTY at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. West) on Thursday October 22nd. Also playing will be wordPEOPLE (www.myspace.com/wordpeopl..emusic), and some surprise guests from the album! It’s gonna be HOT night people, you wont wanna miss this one!!
But why support the PHOENIX?
Let me begin by taking you back to this past June 1st, 2009 where I had the pleasure to sing with GOD MADE ME FUNKY at the 7th Annual Panty Schmooze. (http://www.pantyschmooze.c..om/) held at Palais Royale. (See link below for a clip of our performance!)
This annual benefit is in support of Juliette’s Place: (Homeward Family Shelter) a not-for-profit, community-based agency which provides safe refuge for abused women and their children.
AND
Red Door Family Shelter - For women and children fleeing violence, refugees and other families needing safe, supportive housing in an emergency.
I was really inspired by everyone coming together in support of two wonderful causes. That’s why I’ve decided to donate a dollar of every ‘Learning To Fight’ EP sold to a womens’ shelter. ‘Learning To Fight’ is about all the women and people out there that wake up every day and have to fight to live life to the fullest and be somebody.
Not dissing the fellas, but Toronto and all of Canada have so many talented females that have to Learn To Fight in a predominately male power structure. So I’ve decided to also start booking meetings for a collective I’m starting called, “Let’s Hear it For the Girls”. To all my artistic ladies out there – please stay posted about the official date for the first meeting. Here we can discuss issues we face as women trying to get our voices heard as artists. We will have guest speakers talk with us about work out tips, nutrition tips, studio tips, business tips, etc… the list of topics is limitless. Let’s start building a support system for each other and build the female artistic community in Toronto!
Who’s with me!?!? R U READY!?!
By supporting the PHOENIX, you’re also supporting the many other amazingly talented females in the T.DOT nation and beyond!!!
Aight PHOENIXTONIANS, Let’s starting Learning To Fight!
LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!
YOU WANNA GO SON? C’MON AND GET SOME!!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages – welcome to ROUND 3 of my “Learning to Fight” Blog as the ‘First Lady of NuFunk’ representing NuFunktonia, the Tdot Odot, Arktik Afriqua, and beyond!
1st and FOREMOST – I’ll be hosting & performing at “Let’s Hear It For the Girls’ this WED. SEPTEMBER 23rd at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. West – above the Reverb).
Also performing will be standup comedy from funny gals Morgan Joy and Diana Love, and an acoustic pop set by Chloe Charles (www.chloecharles.com). Come on out to dance, laugh, drink, party, and have a good time!
BIG NEWS, SUPPORTERS OF THE PHOENIX! AKA. All the PHOENIXTONIANS! - about two weeks ago I dropped off the final copy of my debut EP called, ‘Learning To Fight’ (mixed and mastered and ready to RUMBLE) to Music Manufacturing Services in Toronto. OH!! – what a feeling! So, in a few days, I’ll have the pressed and packaged copies in my very own hands! That means that on October 20th you TOO will be able to have your own copy of 'Learning To Fight' in your sweaty little hands! And then you will come out for my CD Release PARTY at Holy Joe’s (651 Queen St. West) on Thursday October 22nd. Also playing will be wordPEOPLE (www.myspace.com/wordpeopl..emusic), and some surprise guests from the album! It’s gonna be HOT night people, you wont wanna miss this one!!
But why support the PHOENIX?
Let me begin by taking you back to this past June 1st, 2009 where I had the pleasure to sing with GOD MADE ME FUNKY at the 7th Annual Panty Schmooze. (http://www.pantyschmooze.c..om/) held at Palais Royale. (See link below for a clip of our performance!)
This annual benefit is in support of Juliette’s Place: (Homeward Family Shelter) a not-for-profit, community-based agency which provides safe refuge for abused women and their children.
AND
Red Door Family Shelter - For women and children fleeing violence, refugees and other families needing safe, supportive housing in an emergency.
I was really inspired by everyone coming together in support of two wonderful causes. That’s why I’ve decided to donate a dollar of every ‘Learning To Fight’ EP sold to a womens’ shelter. ‘Learning To Fight’ is about all the women and people out there that wake up every day and have to fight to live life to the fullest and be somebody.
Not dissing the fellas, but Toronto and all of Canada have so many talented females that have to Learn To Fight in a predominately male power structure. So I’ve decided to also start booking meetings for a collective I’m starting called, “Let’s Hear it For the Girls”. To all my artistic ladies out there – please stay posted about the official date for the first meeting. Here we can discuss issues we face as women trying to get our voices heard as artists. We will have guest speakers talk with us about work out tips, nutrition tips, studio tips, business tips, etc… the list of topics is limitless. Let’s start building a support system for each other and build the female artistic community in Toronto!
Who’s with me!?!? R U READY!?!
By supporting the PHOENIX, you’re also supporting the many other amazingly talented females in the T.DOT nation and beyond!!!
Aight PHOENIXTONIANS, Let’s starting Learning To Fight!
LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!
Sep 9, 2009
Learning To Fight Blog - ROUND 2 (In Heels!)
Learning To Fight - ROUND 2 (In Heels!)
Category: Music
POW!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls - this is ROUND 2 of my Learning To Fight blog as I make my way from being a short spunky girl from Ontario with BIG DREAMS to becoming the ‘FIRST LADY OF NUFUNK’ here in T.DOT and BEYOND!
What is NUFUNK? NuFunk is the amalgamation of R&B, Funk, Rock, Pop, and Soul, but it’s also movement represented by all of the rich cultural diversity we have in our very own T.DOT nation, in Canada, and on PLANET EARTH! Let’s celebrate versatility and individuality by partying with the purveyors of NUFUNK. And in order for me to be a lady of Nufunk, I have been Learning To Fight (for the right) --- this week, in heels ;)
YES, heels. If a first lady is gonna fight, she better do it with class. This is just one aspect of my training this week. I. In order to ensure that I can rock a pair of heels on stage, I have been walking the half hour walk to work in heels three times a week. Yes, I have the blisters to show for it – but definitely something I can incorporate in my day to day that will lead me in becoming a fiercer force to reckon with
My next training also concerns rockin’ out in stage. I’ve been singing with God Made Me Funky – the original purveyors of NuFunk! And let me tell you – a live God Made Me Funky show is no joke. It’s essentially a 2 hour highly intense Cardio workout whilst singing your butt off. You’ve gotta maintain that vocal power and physical energy without getting winded and letting the vocals or performance suffer.
In order to improve on this – I bought myself a jump rope, and while I skip, I’ve also been singing my songs and doing vocal warm-ups! It’s a win win situation – building my vocal muscles and my leg muscles at the same time.....
Note: check out GOD MADE ME FUNKY, (myspace.com/godmademefunky), who are currently on tour NOW with their latest album ‘Welcome to NuFunktonia’. I’ll be on tour with them in November celebrating NUFUNK in full effect!
My last bit of training that I will share with you this week, is something that I didn’t even consider before – my interview skills. If I want to share NuFunk and get the awareness out even further, I have to make sure that I can properly convey the message with strength, poise, and confidence. I’ve been reading and watching interviews on youtube of artists who have a strong message and are confident in what they are selling. Madonna, David Bowie, Bette Midler, Annie Lennox, Jay Z and Beyonce never look confused, timid, or unsure of who they are and what they are selling. I’m taking notes on how they make an interesting interview with memorable quotes, charm, and confidence. I ask myself – “how would I answer that question?’ ‘What am I all about and how am I connect with people?’
Media training is something that all of the aforementioned stars have gone through. They didn't just wake up and instantly know how to work an interview! So why shouldn’t I start training myself as well?
BAM! These are just a few more aspects of my training & I hope by sharing the journey, I can also inspire. Everyday I’m getting stronger as I keep Learning To Fight.
Let’s Get Ready to RUMBLE!!!!
Category: Music
POW!
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls - this is ROUND 2 of my Learning To Fight blog as I make my way from being a short spunky girl from Ontario with BIG DREAMS to becoming the ‘FIRST LADY OF NUFUNK’ here in T.DOT and BEYOND!
What is NUFUNK? NuFunk is the amalgamation of R&B, Funk, Rock, Pop, and Soul, but it’s also movement represented by all of the rich cultural diversity we have in our very own T.DOT nation, in Canada, and on PLANET EARTH! Let’s celebrate versatility and individuality by partying with the purveyors of NUFUNK. And in order for me to be a lady of Nufunk, I have been Learning To Fight (for the right) --- this week, in heels ;)
YES, heels. If a first lady is gonna fight, she better do it with class. This is just one aspect of my training this week. I. In order to ensure that I can rock a pair of heels on stage, I have been walking the half hour walk to work in heels three times a week. Yes, I have the blisters to show for it – but definitely something I can incorporate in my day to day that will lead me in becoming a fiercer force to reckon with
My next training also concerns rockin’ out in stage. I’ve been singing with God Made Me Funky – the original purveyors of NuFunk! And let me tell you – a live God Made Me Funky show is no joke. It’s essentially a 2 hour highly intense Cardio workout whilst singing your butt off. You’ve gotta maintain that vocal power and physical energy without getting winded and letting the vocals or performance suffer.
In order to improve on this – I bought myself a jump rope, and while I skip, I’ve also been singing my songs and doing vocal warm-ups! It’s a win win situation – building my vocal muscles and my leg muscles at the same time.....
Note: check out GOD MADE ME FUNKY, (myspace.com/godmademefunky), who are currently on tour NOW with their latest album ‘Welcome to NuFunktonia’. I’ll be on tour with them in November celebrating NUFUNK in full effect!
My last bit of training that I will share with you this week, is something that I didn’t even consider before – my interview skills. If I want to share NuFunk and get the awareness out even further, I have to make sure that I can properly convey the message with strength, poise, and confidence. I’ve been reading and watching interviews on youtube of artists who have a strong message and are confident in what they are selling. Madonna, David Bowie, Bette Midler, Annie Lennox, Jay Z and Beyonce never look confused, timid, or unsure of who they are and what they are selling. I’m taking notes on how they make an interesting interview with memorable quotes, charm, and confidence. I ask myself – “how would I answer that question?’ ‘What am I all about and how am I connect with people?’
Media training is something that all of the aforementioned stars have gone through. They didn't just wake up and instantly know how to work an interview! So why shouldn’t I start training myself as well?
BAM! These are just a few more aspects of my training & I hope by sharing the journey, I can also inspire. Everyday I’m getting stronger as I keep Learning To Fight.
Let’s Get Ready to RUMBLE!!!!
Sep 3, 2009
Learning to Fight Blog - Round 1!
Ding Ding!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages: WELCOME to the 1st installment of my Learning To Fight blog!
(For those who've read my bio, skip this part..)
My name is Dana Jean Phoenix. I'm a singer from Canada. I've been singing my whole life. Michael Jackson was and is my biggest musical Inspiration (but not my only inspiration). What you are about to read is the 1st Round of my training to becoming a heavyweight singing champion. ENJOY! (By the way, read my bio on my homepage ;)
I've just completed my DEBUT EP entitled, "Learning To Fight" and it's been one hell of a ride to get to this point. Let's start with the training:
Everybody always rags on Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lady GAGA.. all these POP chicks. I used to do it too - I aint gon' lie! It's so easy to stand back complain, hate, and scoff, "Pftt..I would never be a singer like that!".... YES, complaining is the EASY PART. What is not so easy is committing dreams to actual goals and doing the work that is involved with making that dream a reality. These women had dreams, and followed through on making those dreams a reality with a lot of work and sacrifice.
Having a Debut anything has always been a dream of mine - and though I did not expect it to just magically transpire, I was not prepared for the amount of WORK and discipline required to make that dream a reality.
Questions like:
'Who is Dana Jean Phoenix and what sets her apart?"
"Well.. umm.. I know I can sing.. I'm like, blonde and super short!!"
Okay.. well, how many short blonde chicks who can sing are out there? What about me is going to get people noticing?
'What about your live performance makes you stand out?'
If singing behind a microphone stand with a cool hairdo and a nice dress & heels is the response.. then how does that make your live performance unique and captivating?
'What do your outfits both in photos, and onstage convey about who you are?'
Again, a cute dress may not give a strong enough message about who you are - and why you are unique. Why would people take notice if nothing about you stands out?
In order to make this album a reality, I've had to make difficult decisions as to how I will set myself apart - and then ACT on those decisions.
When writing lyrics, I've had to think about how to write in a way that is catchy and will grab people, without being the standard 'I love you, but you treat me so mean.'
I've been watching DVD concerts, ad nauseum, of the artists I admire most to see how they keep the crowd excited and engaged. You watch a DVD of Madonna concert, and there is never a dull moment. Her outfits, her movement, her banter are not only cohesive and conveying a strong message, but also keep the crowd excited and in awe.
So, how do I apply this to myself? How do I be a Madonna, without being Madonna. How do I make it so that when people scoff at me, they’re scoffing because they don’t understand the real hard work that’s involved. This is one aspect of what I’ve been up to make my dreams come true. ....
Learning to Fight!
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!!!!!!
[EP Available October 2009]
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