TONELLA

KILL ME GENTLY, TINY DANCER

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Sweet.

Saturday night we played a show in St John at Peppers Pub. I may possibly have met my favorite sound man in the whole world (Gord!) and also have had the scariest drive of my life to ol' SJ.

First of all, may I just register a complaint with management that every time we do a show out of town, it decides its high time to rain (And mist about like one of Stephen Kings wet dreams). Its not really a complaint - more like a neighborly observation. So... I mean, I dig the mist, I like the water, but I'm also a bit of a panicked freak of nature when someone else is behind the wheel. Specially when it looks like we are driving through land of the lost at 140 Km with high beams on. ;)

I think I may have left finger print marks in the arm rest! Just letting the world know I was there.

Obviously we arrived safe and alive. I had a lot of fun, and realized that vodka tastes far better with less water in it. It's important that you figure out these things when you are working. When else would you have time?

gangs not all there, but hey. we had beer.

Huuuah.

LOOK MA, NO HANDS!

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Morning after haze

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Spending 11 hours in the studio is actually wonderful. Dragging my sorry butt OUT of the studio at 6 am was the hard part.... and the hardest of all parts was getting out of my fuzzy bed this morning. Specially when this is what happens every morning -

That's Kobe by the way. A total pain in the ass, but cute as the day is long.

The session was great last night - and great in a whirl wind kind of OH MY GOD WE HAVE TO GET THIS DONE RIGHT AWAY. It's such a great feeling though when you're recording. I think it's my equivalent to that feeling that men and women get when they are in "lurve". I had happy butterflies (and bags under my eyes, but come on... thats sexy right?).

BTW - Check out my video where I introduce the new members of the band if you have'nt seen it. They are really great guys - and wonderful musicians - which I hear is important. pffft. ;)

I am really excited for the EP that's coming out. I am even more excited to start playing the new tunes live. I've been in a cocoon for the last couple months just writing and going a bit mad on excess alone time. It's been a good thing for the music ;). As in theres more of it - I may grow a beard and commit to a full fledged life of solitude with my keys if I don't start getting out there soon tho. And that's just a terrifying thought.

Outside of the band - here\s whats new in my entertainment world:

Esben and the Witch.

Ethereal and beautiful. I feel like meditating and going skydiving all at once when I listen to these guys. They are a fantastic group from Brighton, England that you should check out. The 'Marching Song' is the one that got them noticed and is pretty heavy. There's also a very cool music video for it.

Veruca Salt

Blast from the past! Can't stop listening to these rockin ladies. The guitars are so heavy and its a personal favorite thing of mine to do. What you say? Listen to a girl shred on the guitar. And their songs from the first few albums are just so damn good (new ones are too but im a sucker for the first few albums). Go rewind time and listen to Eight Arms To Hold You.

xxxx

Now, im off to find some caffeine. I NEED IT.

xxx
Tonella

New, new, new...

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:08:00 +0000

There are new members in the band... and I think you should know about it. I also think that you should know there is new music in the works! It is making it's way to the wonderful world and should arrive shortly (I like to think of it as a new baby on the way - minus the placenta and birthing pains).

First of all... new members.

Camilo Villamizar - gracing us with his guitar skills. I've been jamming with Camilo for a couple months now, and it's been going swimmingly. Next week Ill post some rehearsal vids so you can all check it out. You may know him from Dub Antenna or The Jaclyn Reinhart Band (check TJRB out here .)

Jason Sonier - our human metronome - drums. I've known Jason for quite a few years now, and you may know him from the band 'Names and Faces'. I love their music and recommend you check them out. Do so here

Evan Leblanc - vocals and... spoons? Its too early to tell. But this boy has pipes and you really need to go listen to his band and give them some love. Check them out here

We also have a show coming up on April 17th at the Wilsers Room in Fredericton, NB! It's nice and early, so all you folks out there who hate the late, can come have a drink and be home in plenty of time to throw on your one-sy and hide from the cold. I do it every night.

Do a little dance. Make a little love. So on.

xxxx
Tonella

update

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:15:00 +0000

oh if i had a...

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Oh if I had a brain.
If I had a brain.
I'd be cold as the stone and rich as the fool
who turned all those good hearts away.

I have to say, I really do love this song. Birdy (who I was turned on to be my ridiculously brilliant student in Toronto Sydney Delong ... go check her out, shes such a beautiful talent) is one of those singers that takes you by suprise. So a side effect of that is the songs she covers take me by suprise. This was one of those... so when someone requested it I said a-ok. Why not.

here 'tis.

x

two albums...oh my

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Lofty ambitions and the need to make up for a recordless year have dictated that there will be two albums out this year.

Laying cards on the table, I think its safe to say that in my own day to day life I exhibit a certain Jekyll and Hyde persona. That same quality tends to exude over to my world of music - and how could it not?

My love - first and foremost - is the heavier piano driven cabaret tunes. Its a tough call, because on one hand I realize that the market for this type of music is still being built. "This kind of music" doesn't really have a niche yet - it's too soon. And I think that's a great thing. Music is a many facetted mistress - what she wants from you, she probably does not want from me. And let's be honest, she always seems to want the weirdest things from me... never satisfied, always wanting more. Just like a woman - that evil muse. We've had this problem when we've played festivals or competitions - and that is that the judges do not know where to put us. After hearing this many times, I have felt like throwing in my keys and saying Fuck It. "Whom would you like me to sound like, oh Gracious music Lords? Tell me whom to copy, so that you can label this and give me a good score!". But really? REALLY? That's not my MO. And I think that there are people out there who relate and love the kind of music we are making. Just because they don't have a clip board and an expensive pen doesn’t make them matter less. It makes them matter MORE.

Artists like NIN, Tori Amos, Maynard, and The Dresden Dolls brought this type of music out of me, as before them I was still inside the shell of where I wanted to go. The group Evanescence came out and I knew that even though I liked them and the tunes Amy Lee and Ben Moody were making - there was a different plane that I wanted to go to that was beyond metal accompanied by the piano (I do still frown when people compare me to Amy - a girl and a piano do not an Evanescence make).

This was one of the reasons that there were no guitars in Dreaming In Red, or the live band up to that point. I did not want to fall in to that metal & piano pocket, as I knew that would be an easy place to live. I wanted... different. The cabaret element to the music that I wanted to build is partially there due to my love of theatrics. The dark burlesque coupled with traditional indie rock melodies and a dash of something new was where I wanted to steer the boat. I'm still on my way.

I think this new album is going to have more tones of blues-rock, dancing somewhere in the middle with the cabaret flavor in there. A little bit heavier in areas, but not the way you'd expect. Be afraid. ;)

My second Love - The folk/indie pop music with a dash of wistful. I think I write a lot of this material because I spend so many nights by my lonesome with a piano and an acoustic guitar. The folky soft tunes come naturally by the light of computer screens and insomnia.

I also think that my softer side has a chance to shine, the part of me that really has been honed since I was younger. Belting out to the piano by myself is just as comfortable to me now as sliding in to a pair of jogging pants (lets all be honest - jogging pants make the world a better place).

I want to continue to let that music out - and I want to build it. I foresee cellos, mandolins, acoustic guitars and drums with brushes.

In short, good things. All good things. I hope you guys are looking forward to the albums as much as I am.. it's going to be an interesting ride.

xxx
T

Be satisfied.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Today is beautiful.

Yesterday's frustrations led to a new song, which led to a good night's sleep, which led to a happy T this morning. I have things looming but my inner zen master is kicking in and demanding that I enjoy the moment that is currently here.

So I'm doing just that. Caffeine in hand, pup at side, piano to my right and guitars to my left. It's the morning of coffee and silence.

Be satisfied.

x
Tonella

Roar. With Extreme Prejudice.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:42:00 +0000

So many indie artists, so little time.

I have a theory. For everything that you do, there is someone who is plotting a way to make money from it. Perhaps you will be one of the hard working and/or lucky ones, and you'll be the person to make money off of your own idea. Novel concept. For the most part, some poor shmo will dream something into being, and then a shmo in a suit will step in and rape it.

UNLESS

*drumroll*

You refuse to roll with the process.

But the world is designed around these catch 22's, where until you do this - you can't do that! But until you do that you can't do this !

Hello music business. I didn't miss you at all.

Now that I've rolled my way over to said music business, can we just talk for a small moment about websites like Sonic Bids? I'm not saying it's all bad, I'm just saying that for the love OF GOD YOU MOTHER FUCKERS! STEAL SOMEONE ELSES MONEY! I FN HATE YOU!

Am I on there? Well yes, gentle viewer, I am . But you see, if I am not on there, I am no longer able to submit to the festivals that were once open to all people online. But no no. Now you must pay $50 dollars when you enter, and you must do so with full knowledge that someone will listen to .5 seconds of your song and if they are feeling it, alright! You're in! If not, thank's for the money! We know you probably work 3 jobs and don't get paid shit when you play your shows, but we really do need the dollars.

And if/when you DO get in, you think...

SO exciting! I will get paid to perform, I'm sure. Or at least comped a drink.

Ahhh, alas gentle viewer. You don't get any of those things. You get a wrist band and a stamp, and maybe a drink ticket but most likely just a good ass fucking. The ass fucking of indifference.

Lovely image, I know.

Sites like that are designed (like all media related monsters) to sell you back your own dream, stick a price tag on your work, and make you buy it.

Your own dream.

It's mindblowing.

But when you get your dream, it's been tampered with. That was not how you built it.

Thanks dream killers.

Here are some picure illustrations of my feelings.

And last but not least, let's end on a good note.

ahhh.

I feel better now.

So my plan is this. F 'em. I believe that the name 'indie' and things labelled 'independant' should be just that. INDE FUCKING PENDANT!

The internet is my bitch, I am not yours and I certainly don't need you to guide me through the process of setting up my online networking, or fan mail, or videos, or whatever for a small fee of shut the hell up. I think that erasing the middle man is one of my goals. The middle is only necessary when it comes to things like oreos and a good threesome. Besides that, who needs em.

--- end rant ---

This rant has been brough to you by bitterness, and Sonic Bids.

xo

Tonella

New Years, Stockings and Nashville.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:58:00 +0000

New train of thought.

My life will be so full of work and writing that I will not notice that I miss you. I will make proper dinners and quit smoking. I will remember that red wine is a compliment to dinner and socializing, not a buffer against long nights. I will stop talking to my dog like he is a person. I will organize my socks and finally become a woman who has two matching stockings. I will remember that coffee is not a breakfast food.

heh.

No not really. I like missing you, while smoking and swishing red wine. My dog is a person with fur, and who the hell needs matching socks? Seriously. No one sees them, they do the exact same job if one is red and one is blue. My logic is undeniable. Coffee is my FAVORITE breakfast food and that's just fine with me.

<3 I believe that this is the year to be submitting to various festivals and doing more touring though. So that will happen, and so mote it be. I also want to have the new album finished by spring, and I'm very very happy that Matthew S is still going to be working with me on this album. He was the lad that got me to crumble on having guitar in the band. I was originally opposed, always referencing in my mind the guitar players I know (no offense boys) that take screeching solos every 2 seconds, finger-walking their way all over everyone's parts

I didn't mean for that to sound as dirty as it does...

Anyway, the moral of the story is I love guitar in the band now, its beautiful and my guitarist racism has been quite cured. Thanks Matt ;).

New album, touring, festivals, and I'm planning on making it up to Nashville this year - These are my new years resolutions.

JINGLE BELL ROCK. avec my lil one. ;)

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:40:00 +0000

Holiday Swarm

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Hello lovelies.

So it's xmas, and it's too cold to breathe outside and the fridge is stocked with vegetable somosa's and apple cider. We all have our own traditions, I suppose. Christmas feels weird this year, most likely because of the move. Changing cities throws my life out of orbit. My planets are following a different path - very surreal.

I wrote this song last night for someone. Cause I miss them, and it helps to write? I don't know. Christmas seems to bring out the sentimental side... just roll with it.

xxx

Merry ho ho. A happier video featuring my little girl singing Jingle Bell Rock will be coming soon.

Two

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:47:00 +0000

There's a hole in my stomach
I think it's where I kept you.
like vines you grew between my soul
and I
Do not recall how it felt to be whole
Apart from the body we made.

There's a hole in my chest
I think its where I withdrew.
The better parts of my anatomy
Do not revive in the absence of you.
And I
Fracture silently
Bones breaking and making their quiet protest
Against this splitting in two.

Mechanical Bird

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Sing little bird.
You hum like nightingales for
A skull is a cage.
A golden door is a
Red exit sign
Sketched over the eye.
The mechanical bird did not design
prison walls to confine.
Me is not myself
and I stands apart from
the feathers and lead
the tiny feet and twitching threads
spell it out.
Am I living yet?

The Art of December

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:57:00 +0000

The holidays are definitely here. I look out the window and I see green grass and grey skies, but I'm more aware than ever that there is an avalanche building up in the sky. Snow, hot chocolate, and too much xmas music. These particular holidays are facing me with my two old enemies: Finding the right gifts for my dear ones and locating vegan eggnog. Lofty goals? Perhaps. But totally worthwhile.

And then of course, there is the new year which approaches rapidly. I am releasing a new album in 2012 called Conversations With Lucifer. It's been in the works for such a long time, being re birthed and re shaped as time progresses. I am also hoping to be able to work with a couple people that I have had my eye on for a while in the way of music, so cross your fingers. I am indeed going to be working out of NB, and I feel oddly hopeful about that. I have a little mini me that is becoming quite the singer herself and I am going to be closer to her. This makes my heart sing more than anything so far - so I think that makes it right. I can always judge the quality of a decision based on the music in my insides. I think it's important to realize that as an artist you have to be open to the inspiration - and sometimes the inspiration is not where you expected to find it. I've spent too much time when I was younger trying to create the muse, but she is a phenomenon unto herself. She finds you when you close your eyes and listen to your insides humming.

Conversations with Lucifer is going to be my baby of 2012. I have it up on bandcamp as a different incarnation but I think you'll all be happy when you see the real thing. Im pushing for March. Let's see if I can make it happen...

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:04:00 +0000

I want a bed with a wicker frame
sunlight that cannot reach my face,
the element of suprise
when daylight erases me.

I want paintings of company,
paper people to agree that loneliness is next to
godliness
And that next to godliness
is nothing.

new songs... ad nauseum.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:36:00 +0000

I wrote a new song and then layed on a white blanket and played it. That is the video and that was all I had in the way of inspiration. Don't judge.

I rather dig the gee-tar, or more the fact that I am semi-proficient enough to play it. Fake it till you make you, they say? Done. Words to live by. But when do you stop faking it and realize you're making it? I haven't figured that part out yet.

One of my students asked me if my life was sad, since all my songs are sad. Coming from an 8 year old, I suppose it's a valid question. I like to think the songs range in emotional material, but maybe the little one was correct in that assumption.

...

Nah.

Obviously.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:25:00 +0000

I have discovered that talking out loud to yourself can be highly beneficial. On the other hand, it strongly increases your chances of becoming a crazy cat lady with no friends who yells at traffic cones on the highway. Being the kind of person who was born with some kind of conversational lock jaw, I guess talking to yourself is the way to go. Or writing status updates on facebook... because that's communicating with the world, isn't it?

O.o

I'm moving soon (question mark). Why do I feel like writing when I am about to move? It's the gods of change, pissing on my parade again.

Note to self. Buy umbrella.

Here is my song of the day - This girl chases the blues away.

Bikes without Border

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:39:00 +0000

We are stoked to be playing Thursday evening for this event!

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206075889427919

Check it out...

;)

xoxoxo

Free give aways!

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to blog a little note to you all about the Laundry Tarts! We are working with them for the month of may to help you all get free stuff. The Laundry Tarts is a unique dessert inspired planet friendly company offering a funky spin cycle on everyday laundry products; safe for cloth diapering and all things green. If you go to their facebook page and let them know Tonella Sent You, you will get get entry toward their Grand Prize of their Rainbow of Samples!!!

Also, when you sign up for OUR newsletter and let us know that the laundry tarts sent you you will get a free MP3 Download! xoxo

So go get some Laundry Tart Love. ;)

Get A free Mp3 and Join Tonella's Mailing List!

FOR THE LAUNDRY TARTS CLICK HERE

Cherry Madness, Queer videos and Elementary Schools.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:13:00 +0000

Alrighty. I've highjacked a computer here in the land of Freddy and I NEEDED to write about a couple things.

A. The CD Release
B. The new song/video "Big City Lie"
C. Elementary Schools

I thought the CD release party was amazing. To everyone who came out - you are fantastic. And Cherry Colas is officially my favorite bar to play. From the owners to the sound guy to the sexy dancer and the over whelming red everywhere (ridiculously sexy) it was perfect. So check out some pics from the evening - they make me a happy kitty. Thank you SO much to Alan and Peter from AusCan Media for filming and photographing (check them out here .

B. The new video!!

I promised I'd post it here, so I am, and you should all watch it. Again, I just wanna stress how important I think it is that our art reflect who we really are and what we care about. As a woman who loves woman, and wants to be honest with art and self, this video means a lot to me.

ALso, Tough Cookies , a blog for young women in the LGBT community has featured the video with a write up from my friend Charity. Check that here

Now, The video....

C. Elementary Schools

My lil girl's elementary school in Fredericton NB made me their composer of the month for March, and has asked me to perform for the school tmrw. Interesting.
I know one little girl who is going to be very excited.

Peace people.
xxx
T

New songs, jetplanes and CD release parties.

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:35:00 +0000

I wrote a new song the other day in the midst of a searing case of pseudo-laryngitus. The rasp in my voice really was the muse for this song, with my ex gf coming in on a close second. But really, every song I write has overtones of some person from the past or present, so nothing new there.

The song wrote itself (with the exception of the instrumentation. I was lucky enough to have Matt's write guitar parts and drums for the tune. And he did film the entire video. BUT what i mean is the actual writing of the song was incredibly organic). Its one of those simple tunes that just breathes out of you because it was meant to be. It's amazing that artists have the ability now to just write and than create the visual accompaniment for that piece of themself that they are putting out there. Sometimes the internet makes me smile.

I digress. The next day I was racking my brain for the right girl to be in this video with me, and being the total genius (recognize.) that I am - I gave my friend (wife) Heather a call (text) and asked if she would grace us with her lovely presence for the vid. She did, and now at the end of editting it all i have to say is..

HELLS YES!
and - Thank you Heather ;) You are lovely.

(and yes it is a bed, but no - not that kind of vid. Although I did contemplate hiring someone to wear a bikini and wash a car in it.... Ill save that for when my hip hop career begins.)

MOVING ON!

It looks beautiful. And I really feel very strongly about this song and about the video as a piece of art. It really seems so foriegn to me that there are no music videos that i can think of that portray the emotion between a same sex couple, even though I'm damn certain that I'm not the only one out there. This video - in whatever extent it reaches people - is really a way for me to be honest with my self and my music. Good times ;).

So that video wiill be invading your computers soon, and I want you all to send it to your friends and get it out there - if you like it, which I think you will.

The TONELLA CD release party is this Saturday at Cherry Colas (200 Bathurst st, Toronto) and it will be bad ass. If you've never been inside it, you NEED to. Its all red velvet and burlseque dancers and sexy bartenders. And we will be there which makes it that much cooler.

Doors are at 9, and we hit the stage at 10. Bring your attitudes and come give me some love ;).

I think this CD party has been in the works for ... way too long.

Let's celebrate.

xxx
T

Spontaneous Simpletons

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Tell us all the answer
We waited, baited breath and spontaneous
Simpletons.
Survived off your mercy till the well ran
Dry – well, now it has drained away.
Dearly departed,
We searched in earnest for your contributions
The meaning you might have given but
Bartered instead with price tags and propaganda
Everyday Inspires –
But we are not exposed to the insight you ignite
Daily dedication to the
Global mind -
We die
Idiots with firearms stapled to our sides.

angry mimes and the velvet underground

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:40:00 +0000

I have a picture for you that was promised in prior burton post...

Hold your breath... and...

bang bang.

I have successfully terrified my room mate with this picture. He lodged a formal complaint, saying I look like a mime you would want to hit with a brick. Is it wrong that I consider this a victory?

We played the Velvet Underground last night thanks to love Vanessa ( check her here )

Had a blast, I shall have some live recordings from last night that I will post on the myspace for you all here

Also!

I have been working on a video for one of the last songs on the album which will very sooon be up for your viewing pleasure. Heres a pic from the shoot... no kidding...

Be afraid. and excited. But mostly af-cited.

xxx
T

Acoustic shows, Sheking and Champagne

noreply@blogger.com (TONELLA) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:34:00 +0000

Hi kitty cats

So Last night I played an acoustic show at Slacks Bar - had the priviledge of sharing the stage with She King (et la Acoustic).

It was a ton of fun, I always enjoy my time playing at Slacks. The audience is amazing (i fckn love lesbians - any suprise there?) and the bar in general is just so damn pretty.

I was having a little bit of a flash back on my way home from the gig.

I remember when I first moved to TO and was trying to hard to find a place to play here in this city. I agonized over numbers, trying to book us anywhere , trying to find a "suitable" venue. Well, now I know to just say fuck it and book us anywhere. People always surprise me with this band - they are open and respond to us and for that, I LOVE you guys.

But Slacks will always have a special lil spot in my undersized heart - they were the gateway drug here in this concrete jungle. One of the very first gigs we played in TO as a band was at Slacks. We've changed a lot since that first gig there - different band members, a new album, a twist on the sound.... but god damn. I heart that bar for letting us in.

NOW MORE PICTURES.

NOW - Shawnee from SHE KING who you are probably all oogling - is quite the talented lady. So go check em out heeeeere and give them a look/listen. Youll luv it.

Also - to the adorable couple I met last night celebrating their 9 year anniversary with Champagne (Nancy and Carol) THANK you for the champage and for calling me Billy Idol and Boy George. You made my night.

xxxxxxxxxx
t