So I’ve got big news…and by big news, I mean that the EP in which I finished recording last Summer is FINALLY on iTunes and Spotify.
I know, I know…it’s been slow going. For some reason this project, in comparison to my other recording projects, has been so challenging to complete. I’ve even been tempted several times to just give up and not finish the EP all together. To be completely honest, I think that the vulnerability of sharing something so deeply personal to me and connected to who I am, has been a bit paralyzing. It can be scary to share words and music that I wrote…and then to play and sing them as well?! Sheesh! Talk about putting yourself out there.
On the other hand, because these songs mean so much to me and truly come from my heart, I just can’t seem to walk away from them without letting them be heard. I have felt this subtle but constant nudge to keep going and to keep making music and to keep sharing it.
The EP is entitled, “At the Heart of It” and in it you’ll hear 6 different tracks with a total of 5 songs. I decided to record the title track, “At the Heart of It,” twice– once with a full band and then once acoustically. I’m really happy with how they turned out. I can’t wait for you to hear them if you haven’t already!
I recorded the EP in Provo, Utah at June Audio with a brilliant producer by the name of Scott Wiley. I had incredibly talented musicians play on these tracks with me, which was such an honor. This even included some of my dear friends from New York (Amy Vachal, Jamie Bendell and Matt Sucich) who sang and played on a few tracks with me.
Woven throughout the entire EP is a theme of hope and gratitude that I hope is felt and heard by those who listen. I recently read the book “The Gifts of Imperfection,” by Brene Brown, (which is amazing by the way) and she said this about song and dance that has really struck me:
Laughter, song, and dance create emotional and spiritual connection; they remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration, or healing: We are not alone.
Isn’t that so true though? I love that about art and music– they can create emotional and spiritual connection and healing like no other. I hope that when you listen to this EP that you will feel similar feelings as Brene Brown mentioned…that you are not alone.
I’m so grateful for the privilege it is to share this music with you! I’m going to write more in detail about the inspiration behind each song on the EP in the coming weeks, but for now I hope you’ll just have a listen and enjoy.
Xoxo,
P.S.
I’ve also got something exciting coming up next week on June 28th to share with you…so stay tuned.
Meet the Author: Bianca Merkley