New Performance Photos

At each performance, I like to try and document the event with different media types such as pictures and videos. This past weekend, I performed at, Cork and Keg, an eclectic, cozy wine bar in Fruit Cove, FL. I got some great pics while I was there with wonderful friends and family. Check 'em out! I posted a couple of pics below and if you'd like to see more, here's the Facebook link to the album.





Rebecca Day

Mardi Gras Performance Tonight at Mellow Mushroom

Tonight, I'll be performing from 9-12 at Mellow Mushroom Fleming Island's celebration for Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday. I will feature music's most popular covers and my favorite originals. Come check out what Mellow has going on for Fat Tuesday and enjoy some drink, food, and mid week live music.

I will most likely be performing out on their spacious patio equipped with TV's and a fire place. Come on out and check out one of Fleming Island's favorite hang out spots. All ages are welcome.

See you there!

Rebecca Day

Rebecca Day Online: Cork and Keg Performance

Rebecca Day Online: Cork and Keg Performance: This Saturday, I'll be performing at Cork and Keg , a cozy, eclectic wine bar in St. John's, Florida. Located in a shopping center off of SR...

Notes on Songwriting

               I have been studying the craft of songwriting for about ten years now. And it took me awhile for everything to come together. From playing the guitar, to music theory, to creating the right lyrics, it’s really a full time job.

               I have had the pleasure of learning from many different instructors, including Kent Smedley, who will be performing with me at my release next Saturday. I have been influenced by many different musicians, but I was able to take all of these influences and form it into my own sound.

               One thing I learned is to never try and perfectly emulate an artist. Playing their music is great because you can always learn something new by learning a new song, but add your twist to it. I play 60 different tunes when I perform in public venues, but people always comment that I put my own mark on the song.

               I have compiled a list of ten different songwriting tips that I believe are helpful in creating your own sound and staying inspired. After all, inspiration is the number one element that will always keep you writing new songs. Enjoy!

Tips:

1.)    Keep a notebook around you at all times.

You never know when inspiration is going to strike. And it’s a lot easier to get those thoughts down at midnight when there is a notebook on your nightstand beside your bed. Artistic insomnia will strike, so be prepared.

2.)    Always have your tools handy.

I have been in that position when I’m ready to practice and I have to spend fifteen minutes looking for everything I need. Keep your capo, favorite picks, paper, tuner and anything else you practice with in one spot so you never have to search for them before a practice session.

3.)    Keep reading books and any materials on songwriting

I have so many wonderful books on songwriting that I have read and constantly refer back to that are well worth the $15 dollars I spent. I’ve listed a few of my favorite ones below that are full of tips, tricks, and information that will be helpful.

4.)    Don’t force a song

There have been times when I’ve written a song in ten minute and there have been times when it took me ten days to write one. If lyrics or a melody or a rhythm don’t flow out at first, don’t worry. Stick with creating the tune and eventually something natural will happen. And that is a lot better than just writing something for the sake of finishing a tune.

5.)    If you become a better guitar player, you will become a better songwriter

I was a natural born writer and singer. It was a lot harder for me to learn how to play guitar. It took me years to get down chord changes, theory, finger picking, strumming patterns, etc., and I still have so much to learn. The guitar, while simple to learn in the beginning, is an incredibly complex instrument. The truth is, you can spend your whole life learning a new skill with the guitar every day. But the better you get at the guitar, the better you get at songwriting. With better guitar playing comes more dynamic tunes. Your guitar parts, melodies and over all feel of the song will be more complex.

6.)    Learn the Circle of Fifths; Musical Keys

I know a lot of songwriters hate studying music theory, but if you do, one day all of the individual elements will click and come together and it will be amazing. Two very important elements of music theory I would learn are the Circle of Fifths and all of the musical keys. The circle of fifths deals with each musical key and lets you know what notes and sharp or flat. So if you are playing in the key of ‘D,’ the Circle of Fifths will tell you there are two sharps in that key, F# and C#. This way, when you play a song such as Taylor Swift’s ‘Back to December,’ in the key of ‘D,’ you will know to play an F#m chord in the chorus, instead of an F. It can be pretty complicated stuff, but it’s imperative to know in order to be a good songwriter.

7.)    Listen to a ton of diff artists

            From instrumental music to reggae, country, pop and more, any type of music can draw inspiration. Keep an open mind but understand you won’t have a taste for everything. And through that, you will find your own sound.

8.)    Draw inspiration from visual art, music, movies, etc

You know that saying, “a picture’s worth a thousand words?” Sometimes a picture can be worth a song and that’s priceless. Keep inspirational photos, movies, and music around so that you can keep those creative juices flowing.

9.)    Keep a journal so you stay in touch with your emotions

If you can’t form a poetic lyric, simply writing down how you feel in a journal will allow you to gain perspective and a lyric will form that way. I’ve done this many times and it really does work.

10.) Most important, any rules you learn can always be broken!

If you followed all of the rules to a tee every time, your music would be very generic. Putting your own touch on any song by playing a chord that has more tension, or writing a lyric that is an interesting play on words is exactly what will get you attention. In music, being just a little, or a lot, different is gold.

Helpful books about songwriting:

These books can be found at any bookstore online including amazon.com

1.)    Music Theory for Dummies by Michael Pilhofer, MM and Holly Day

2.)    How to Write Songs on Guitar by Rikky Rooksby

3.)    The Everything Songwriting Book(All you need to create and market hit songs) by C.J. Watson

Rebecca Day



Guitar Goddess Orianthi Channels Her Inner Pyro

I have been steadily following Orianthi's music career since I saw her live at the winter NAMM show in California a few years ago. Not only was I in awe of her raw guitar skills, but I felt her strong lyrics and 'don't mess with me' vocals empowered people. I bought her CD, "Believe," and started keeping up with her on social media. Now, not only do I see an incredible guitarist, but I see a woman who is the mark of a true artist.

It is refreshing to listen to a rock album with female vocals. Orianthi manages to sing with strength, but there is always a smooth overall tone. Her latest project, 'Fire,' is an EP for sale on iTunes, and it is a great follow up to 'Believe.' The title track, 'Fire' reminds me of a heavier version of Eric Clapton in his Cream days. While the first tune will leave you wanting to, 'Start my fire,' the last song, 'If You Were Here With Me,' will leave you reminiscing about love lost.

Orinathi has performed with legendary musicians like Michael Jackson, Santana, Steve Vai, and many more. And I think it's safe to say she's a legend in the making. She does it all:  Performs, writes, shreds on the guitar, records, and looks gorgeous while doing it. It's about time women had a female rocker to look up to. The 70's and 80's brought women rockers like Joan Jett, The Runaways, and a few others. And now we have the Aussie-native Orianthi paving the way for other female musicians that don't just want to hop into a pretty dress and sing about their boyfriend.

If you buy one CD today, go buy Orianthi's EP , 'Fire.' You won't be disappointed. It will spark the right kinds of emotions and will definitely leave your inner music junkie burning for more 'Orianthi.'

And if you want more information on her, check out this article written by Shameika Rene from Soul Train.

Rebecca Day

rebeccadayonline.com is Mobile

I am proud to say rebeccadayonline.com is mobile. Any time, anywhere, you can plug in the website to your smart phone's browser and a cool mobile version of my website will display. This makes it easier to access all of the Rebecca Day Music info you may be interested in. It's now easier than ever to stay up to date with Now Here CD info, performance info, and anything else involving my music. So on your next coffee break, car ride, or if you are surfing the web, check out the mobile version of http://www.rebeccadayonline.com/.

Rebecca Day

Cork and Keg Performance

This Saturday, I'll be performing at Cork and Keg, a cozy, eclectic wine bar in St. John's, Florida. Located in a shopping center off of SR 13 right across the Julington Creek Bridge, Cork and Keg is a classy bar that will light up any evening.

When you walk into Cork and Keg, you will notice the vast amount of quality beers and wines they have for sale. Not only can you uncork one of your favorite wines and settle in for a night of relaxation and enjoyment, but you can purchase wine and beer to take with you for a later occasion, including a special on creating your own 6-pack.

Cork and Keg has an atmosphere that is very 'zen.' Barrels are used for high tops, and the lighting is warm and slightly dim. It's the perfect spot to hang out with friends or take a significant other for a romantic date. And you will always be greeted with a smile and the best service.

I generally perform at Cork and Keg on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. This Saturday evening, I'll be performing acoustic covers of popular songs and my favorite originals, including songs on my CD, Now Here, debuting on February 25th. Live music is held from 8-11 pm inside the bar. Come on out and enjoy a night of great wine and beer, great company, and of course, great live music. Cork and Keg is a stop you definitely want to make during your weekend night journey.



A picture from my first performance at Cork and Keg

 Rebecca Day

Valentine's Day- My top ten favorite country love songs

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. In honor of this 'Hallmark holiday,' I decided to put together a list of my top 10 favorite Country love songs. Of course, there is no one list that is the perfect example of the best songs. My list comprises my favorite country love songs right now; some classic, some contemporary. This is for pure enjoyment. And if there is a song that you think should be on the list but isn’t, certainly respond. Or even make your own list if you’re up for it.  Enjoy.

10.) Don’t take the Girl- Tim Magraw

               This tells a beautiful story of two lucky people that get to grow up together. From little kids to adults, they stick by each other's side. It’s a classic country fairytale that tells an exceptional story.

9.) Must be doing something right- Billy Currington

               Billy Currinton has got to have one of the most unique voices in country music. And by unique, I mean sexy. This isn’t the only tune by him that I consider to be a great love song. But one thing that any girl will say about this song is the man really understands women, even though the opening line is, “a woman is a mystery/ a man just can’t understand,” Sometimes, the golden key in the relationship is accepting this notion.

8.) Making Memories of Us- Keith Urban

               Keith Urban is another country music boy that will leave a girl swooning. In this case, his guitar skills amp up the swooning even more. Urban trades in is electric guitar for an acoustic in this song and documents all of the ways he’s ‘going to love you, like nobody loves you.’ Some reasons include honoring your mother and learning from your ‘pa.’ That’s a true gentlemen. Way to go, Nicole!

7.) That’s the way love goes- Merle Haggard

               “Complex Simplicity,” is a term I like to use when describing some of country music’s classic tunes. No, the songs aren’t comprised of countless chord changes, and the singer doesn’t go off on minute long vocal runs. But, the lyrics, tonality and overall message of this song will leave any romantic love-struck.

6.) Come a little closer, baby- Dierks Bentley

               There’s nothing like a love song that doesn’t have the words 'love,' or 'song' for that matter, in the lyrics. The words to this song tell the story of love lost and the man trying to find it again with the woman. Beautifully told. Dierks Bentley’s hotness and the underlying sexual metaphors don’t hurt either.

5.) Safe- Miranda Lambert

               Miranda Lambert started out with hits like “Kerosene,” and “Gunpowder and Lead.” It took falling in love with fellow country music star Blake Shelton, and getting hitched to bring this girl to write a true love song. Not only does this song take on a different approach to the love song told from a female perspective, but instead of simply saying, ‘I’ll keep you safe by never letting anyone hurt you, etc.’ she uses similes to relate her protecting her loved one to fragile things in life like diamonds and pearls, and things she loves like her saddle and her boots.

4.) Forever and ever, Amen- Randy Travis

               The first time I heard this song, the melody and lyrics stuck with me. You can’t get it out of your head. Country music will always be the genre that tells the best story in the most unique way, and this song is no exception.

3.) I Miss Being Misses Tonight- Loretta Lynn

               For this country music queen, it takes Jack White, his guitar, and her voice to make love song magic. The play on ‘miss’ and ‘misses’ is noteworthy as well.

2.) To Make You Feel My Love- Garth Brooks

               This song, featured on the movie, “Hope Floats,” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, hands down. The lyrics are painfully beautiful and the imagery is perfectly written. “I’d go hungry. I’d go black and blue. Crawl to the ends of the Earth for you. Make you happy make your dreams come true. To make you feel my love.” Pair that with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. and you’re in the love song history books.

1.) Walking After Midnight- Patsy Cline

               If anyone can listen to this song and not put it on their list of favorite country love songs, they are dead inside. One listen to this tune and Cline’s emotion will knock you to the floor.

Of course, there’s plenty more songs out there that could go on the list. I could barely compress the list to ten tunes. Some other songs of mention are, “Love Your Love the Most,” Eric Church, “Speak Now,” Taylor Swift, and “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” Thompson Square. These are just a handful of my favorite Country Love Songs. I hope your Valentine’s Day plays out like one of these lovely tunes.

Rebecca Day

 

Performance Photos

I had such a great time performing this weekend at Speckled Hen and Mellow Mushroom Fleming Island. Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people that came out and showed their support. I could not perform without you. I posted a couple of pictures from the weekend below. I also have the link to the full gallery of photos here.




Taking a short break at the Mellow Mushroom Gig



Performing a set at Speckled Hen

Rebecca Day

Vocal Exercises

Many singers know how important vocal exercises are for performances. Not only do they strengthen vocal chords over time, but warm ups allow the voice to work out any kinks before a show. If a singer goes through a series of short vocal exercises before a performance, they walk out onto the stage with confidence in their voice.

Below is one of my favorite warm ups that I wanted to share with you. It's a quick exercise that leaves you singing better and more on key after you are finished. I always make it a point to run through a couple of warm ups before each show. Enjoy!

Rebecca Day

Speckled Hen performance tonight

I'll be performing at Jacksonville's wonderful Speckled Hen Tavern tonight from 7-10 pm by the bar area. This place has an incredible weekend atmosphere. The staff is always on point and you won't find better food anywhere else. Come on out and get your Friday started off the right way.

And if you're looking for something to do on Saturday night, come on out to Mellow Mushroom Fleming Island, where I will be performing 9 pm-12 am on there spacious patio equipped with TV's and a fireplace. Come on out and say 'hi.'



Performing at Speckled Hen Tavern


Rebecca Day

Promo Flyer for weekend gigs

Performing at Speckled Hen and Mellow Mushroom Fleming Island this weekend.

Rebecca Day

Folio Weekly Ad for 'Now Here' Live

I must say, it was a great experience working with the staff at Jacksonville's Folio Weekly to design an ad for my debut album, 'Now Here,' and the release on February 25th. I'd love for you to check out the ad on their website. The design team did a wonderful job. A huge thanks to Folio Weekly.

You can check out the ad at two different pages on Folio's site:

http://folioweekly.com/happenings.php

http://folioweekly.com/livemusic.php

Rebecca Day

Little by little

"Nothing can be done except little by little." -Charles Baudelaire

I find myself internally reciting some form of this quote everyday. As a musician, I measure my existence on my art. If I feel I am not progressing, then I feel I am not living properly. I must be doing something wrong, not enough, or too much. Many artists will say the business can be a bit brutal. To some, a song written, set list performed, or CD sold is an isolated event. But to the one who actually penned the song, performed the show, or sold the record, it's an instance where they don't feel like their obsession with their art is that crazy.

Most musicians work everyday, every night, and then some in honor of their art. And while they may wallow in fear of rejection, lack of success, or writer's block sometimes, it's the little moments of progression, inspiration, that keep them going. Little by little, small feats get accomplished to let a musician know, 'this is not a lost cause.'

"Little by little,' something amazing forms. Each show, each song written, each time an artist hears their name mentioned, a little part inside of them lights up. Each artist's journey, no matter how big or small, should be celebrated.

I will always be the kind of songwriter who wonders if people will like my songs, or book me again, or remember me. That will never fade no matter how much success I may face in my life. And I like that because it keeps me humble.

And it makes the little accomplishments seem monumental. Everyday, I am living my dream, little by little. I believe that's the best way to do it.

Rebecca Day

Come see Rebecca Day perform for Coppertop's one year anniversary celebration this Friday