Making Euphoria (The Video)

As I sat leaning on the nose of an airplane, sipping away on my steamy cup of Dunkin' Donuts tea, I watched as a small crew worked their asses off to build a set that would turn my song, Euphoria, into the visual, ethereal, magical dance party that I had created in the deepest levels of my subconscious mind and I thought, How did I get here?

::::Schwerpentfitalghijbvwpl::: (That is an onomatopoeia for a rewinding tape, not the lyrics to Missy Elliott's "Work It.")

After my Dad forced me to do a music video for Euphoria (ugh, thanks for that, Dad. It was only one of the coolest things I've ever done, you big jerk), I had to imagine what my version of Euphoria would look like. The challenge in doing so was showing that the meaning was hidden inside the music, not so much the lyrics. How does one capture the emotion in the notes? This was a job for Super Cory (Paza) and the Speak EZ Studios crew.

You probably remember Cory rocking the bass and singing backup at my Hard Rock Boston show last year. This guy does it all - he's one hell of a musician (because, let's face it, I only hang with those kind), director, editor, videographer and visionary genius. Seriously.

Being the over-thinker that I am (I can almost feel the breeze of my sister's violently nodding head at this fact), I wrote an elaborate story to tell in the video, totally tackling that Plot Pyramid thing we learned about in the fourth grade (or whenever). I'm talkin' intros and conclusions, building and falling elements, twists and climaxes; I had a cast of characters. Really, I did. I sent a "summary" of my story to Cory along with the moral/point/bottom line, letting him know that I was very much aware that a major simplification was necessary--but how? Well, Cory knew. He understood exactly where I was coming from and knew exactly how to get there in 4 mins and 42 seconds. I was quickly learning not only the meaning behind the word "director" but also that it is absolutely necessary to get a good one. Done.

Next up - I had to confirm my first (and really, my only) choice to star in this video. Darcie Lozeau (the voice of Euphoria) had a lot of her own music projects going on, not to mention she didn't live close, but, per usual, my heart set itself on doing this video exactly the way I had so carefully crafted it in my mind and Darcie was the major part of it. Other than being the vocalist, Darcie knew the emotion that built this song, she was already a seasoned music video co-star and was used to being photographed, and, I think you can all agree with me here, she has the camera presence of a true starlet. I knew that if Darcie was unable to do this, I would be so disappointed. However, before I even had the chance to picture life inside that sad little cloud, Darcie was a go. Onwards and upwards!

I had been wracking my brain from the beginning of all of this, trying to figure out where in the world we could make this video. What, or should I say where, would be the perfect backdrop for Euphoria? I pictured industrial space and tons of it. I didn't want to create an atmosphere in any old room, it had to be authentic. As I described this to my Dad one day, he had another idea of astonishingly great proportions. "What about an airplane hangar?" #MindBlown

When I contacted Peter Oakley, owner of local Cranland Airport, I crossed my fingers until I received his response. Luckily, I didn't wait long - he said to come on over and take a look around, make sure it's what I had in mind.  Off to the airport my Dad and I went. Peter showed us a couple of hangars, was more than willing to let us use either and said he'd have it ready for us whenever we needed it, for as long as we needed it. So far, everything was going brilliantly, just brilliantly.

Cory, Domitila Bonato (Director of Photography and Videographer for Speak EZ) and I met in early January to discuss details, choose possible shoot dates and answer any questions I had (a few...). Although I'd never done a music video and therefore had nothing to compare this meeting to, I knew it was a good one right away. I could tell that Cory and Domitila were truly invested in my project already. Hearing their positive feedback for the song itself was more than appreciated and their genuine excitement for this shoot was infectious. I left feeling confident that my (Dad's) idea to do a music video for Euphoria could quite possibly have been one of the best decisions I (my Dad) had ever made. Okay, give me a LITTLE credit. My Dad may have had the idea but I ran with it, people. We scheduled the shoot for February 15th. We also agreed that making Euphoria a video release (rather than song first, video later), would make the biggest splash.

Over the next month, Cory, Darcie and I traded emails to firm up our plans for the shoot. Cory sent an in-depth outline of the video, pairing up each song section with a list of shots he wanted, the gear necessary, the lighting he wanted for each scene, so on and so forth. I didn't speak "camera" but it sounded and looked pret-ty impressive. Darcie and I discussed wardrobe, although that part was easy - Darcie's style was pretty much dead-on with what I wanted anyway. I was looking to begin with feminine/casual which would then morph into feminine/edgy. She asked me for some style examples (what would we do without Pinterest?) and she pretty much nailed it.

The shoot was getting close and I was getting very nervous and a bit depressed. Why? Because I couldn't see outside the windows of my house. Why? Because it hadn't stopped snowing for weeks. Apparently we now lived in New Iceland, not New England. The airport was buried under what seemed like fifty feet of snow; the snow drifts looked like small mountains. If we attempted to shoot on the day we planned to, I would've needed to invest in a snowmobile, some skates and a bunch of snowsuits. Instead of an EDM dance party we would have been shooting "Euphoria: On Ice," for goodness sakes. Okay, okay, I'll stop with the winter jokes. It's just that I'm still bitter about our horrific winter and I haven't defrosted yet. (Last one, promise.) As much as I hated to do it, we rescheduled for March 8th. Surely by then we'd be blessed with an abundance of spring flowers and warm sunshine.

Well, March 8th arrived and I got the "abundance" and "sunshine" parts correct. Yay me! But warm? Spring flowers? Not so much. Did I mention that the hangar wasn't heated? No? Oh. The hangar wasn't heated. We tried to rent some industrial-sized heaters but that was a no-go for a lot of reasons. We ended up bringing a few small space heaters instead. *FYI* Space heaters really only go as far as heating the tips of your toes, and only when you actually smoosh your toes up against it. They should really think about putting that on the box. I began seriously questioning the shoot as the clock inched closer to start time. I had come down with a cold the day before to top it all off so of course I had thoughts of pneumonia setting in when all was said and done. As we pulled into the airport, Speak EZ crew and lighting techs not far behind, the hangar came into view. The bright afternoon sun glinted off of the open door, the planes inside looked as if they were greeting me hello with open arms, "Welcome to your first video shoot, Arlanna," they seemed to be saying. And, even though the snow remained as stubborn as ever, all of MY worries melted away. I was ready for anything.

Now, where were we back when I first started this post? It seems so long ago. Oh yes. So there I was, leaning on the nose of an airplane, in total awe of what was happening around me. Could I really be sitting on the set of my very own music video? It's not a crazy question, I have had dreams that aren't this good. During the entire process, Speak EZ crew member and videographer Benny Goodman would pop out of nowhere with a video camera, capturing all of the best behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes, asking all of the best questions for the BTS video that would later be put together by Cory. Benny was everywhere at once - setting up, shooting scenes, making jokes, keeping us laughing despite the frigid temperatures. Frank Lewis and Jason Thomas, lighting techs, were masters at creating the dance floor in my imagination - perfect for Darcie to let loose and let the music take her over. Thank goodness for Speak EZ's Joshua Scott who was able to keep the entire day going smoothly. If not for him, we may have been there for a week! His help with shooting scenes, body-doubling for Darcie for setup purposes, providing nourishment and phone chargers, assisting with videography and so much more wasn't just helpful, it was a necessity.

Once everything was ready to go, Darcie arrived. She left the warmth of her car to spend the next four-plus hours in the airplane freezer with the rest of us. The difference was that she couldn't wear a jacket and had to dance around in sleeveless shirts and shorts all while singing Euphoria in fast-forward, slow-mo and everything in between, like, 200 times (or more). Regardless of the fact that her face was numb, her feet were frozen and she seemed to be shivering all over, she never complained and she made every moment look natural. I watched her singing the words that came from my heart and I believed everything she said as if she were telling ME a story. Despite feeling like a human popsicle, Darcie's purest emotions were poured into every note and every facial expression. And Cory and Domitila were right there to capture it.

I looked around at one point during shot #4,567 and noticed every one of us dancing to the music that I created. Maybe part of it was to keep warm, maybe, but still I couldn't stop smiling. The energy in that ice box could've fueled every plane in there. After the final take, when Cory called out "That's a wrap!" I'm sure every single person in that hangar felt a huge sense of relief. I can't deny I was looking forward to thawing out, either, but I may have been the only person that felt a little sad. That's just the way I've always been - never wanting the fun to end. It was a day that I could relive over and over again. Luckily, thanks to Speak EZ Studios, I can! Not only is there the "Official Video" for Euphoria, but there's a "Behind-the-Scenes" look, too.  Every time I watch, I feel the energy and excitement that I felt that day all over again.

I know this blog post was a long one, so I thank all of you who made it this far. I know attention spans these days aren't --

 ;-)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Speak EZ Studios, Cranland Airport/Peter Oakley, and Darcie Lozeau for your time, talent, hard work, dedication and, most of all, for providing me with one of the most amazing and memorable experiences so far in my musical journey. Let's do it again, okay?

dreamBIG,
Arlanna Snow

Euphoria (Official Video)

Euphoria - (BTS Video)

Recording Euphoria

I'm not going to beat around the bush, the recording of Euphoria was a challenge. Most of the songs I write could fall into several musical veins. Usually I bring a demo (and an open mind) into the studio and, together, producer Steve Catizone and I go through a series of brainstorming sessions to find the exact fit. We take into consideration where my mind was when I wrote it, where his mind was when he heard it and also what is current (and soon-to-be popular). Often times we let others listen and see what they're hearing. Not so with this little ditty.

I had concocted such a specific recipe for Euphoria; I only heard it as an EDM track. If you don't know what EDM stands for - and, truth be told, lots of people have asked me - it's Electronic Dance Music. Look, I even highlighted it for you. Spread the word, and, while you're at it, listen to 90% of the music out there today. Jokes. Sarcasm is just my sense of humor, don't you know me by now? ;-)

Seriously, though, there was just no way around the EDM thing for me. I wasn't looking for anyone else's opinions on this one. Well, I wouldn't tell them to shut up if they had an opinion, but I just sort of nodded my head, "mmhmm, mhmm...that's nice. NO."  It's a beautiful melody when played as a candlelight version on guitar or piano but for the official release of the song it had to be electronic. It just had to be. This was a song that needed to sit inside your gut and sprout up through your chest cavity until you felt an explosion - an emotional explosion. (Consult your doctor if anything else occurs. Ew.) Now, to help turn the song I had already written into that explosive, energetic electro style I keep mentioning? That was a producer's job.

Because the music was the main ingredient for this track and a lot of Steve's creativity had to go into it, Euphoria became a co-write. My first! Aside from the boring business stuff that goes into a co-write it was pretty exciting. At Steve's suggestion, I started my own publishing company called SnowZone Music. Not gonna lie, pretty proud moment. Side smile. Fist pump.

A lot goes into creating an EDM track and, as I mentioned in my previous post, Years Ago...Writing Euphoria, it was about the music for me, not the lyrics. It had to have just the right amount of energy and sparkle. Steve had a big job ahead of him and, although I toyed with the idea of working with a different producer on this, one who resided on the East Coast, Steve assured me it was meant to be our track. Well, if you could see the amount of e-mails, phone calls, voicemails, text messages and recording sessions (not to mention months) it took to create this song, your mind would officially be blown and you would completely understand why we have too many versions of Euphoria to even count. It's a good thing I have boatloads of patience, that's all I'm sayin'. Okay, okay. Steve has some patience, too. Especially when dealing with a picky songwriter like myself. We've definitely overcome some hurdles in the last few years and, look, we're still going strong. Yay us!

Steve killed it, though. In the end, the music captured my vision completely. As I've said about my previous songs, I strongly urge you to listen to the instrumental version so you can hear every little detail and magical touch that Steve put on this track. Nobody could have done it better.

When I found Darcie Lozeau (a former member of an all girls Boston pop group) to tell (aka "sing") the story of Euphoria, I hit the jackpot. She wasn't messing around. She doesn't just sing really well, she saaaaaaangs, my friends. The music that comes out of this girl is richer than my favorite Paula Deen's Fudgy Brownie recipe. (Seriously, so good. Talk to my cousin Steph.) Darcie was the absolute perfect person to work with all around. She is over-flowing with talent but so unbelievably humble about it. She's sweet as can be, great at communicating (a biggie in this industry), a good listener, bursting with creativity and so open-minded. She was willing to work with me beyond just putting her heart and soul into this song. Darcie is a true-blue musician, happy to be surrounded by music, just like me. I have learned a lot from her. After we recorded Euphoria, Darcie stuck with me and helped me turn it into a journey all its own. I can't wait for you to hear her original music, which, I am honored to say, she is sharing with me as she records it. Addicted! I can honestly say she has become a friend and not just another business contact and that's the stuff I am mostly thankful for as I continue on this incredible musical adventure.

While Euphoria was in it's final mixing stages, my Dad and I were listening to the latest version on our ride home from the recording studio. As the last note sounded and the car filled with silence, my Dad said "Lana, this deserves a music video."

And so we made one.

Stay tuned for that story and more coming up in The Chronicles of Euphoria.

While you're waiting, take a listen to Euphoria and check out the lyrics below. I look forward to your feedback and thank you for your ears!

Euphoria - featuring Darcie Lozeau

Until then...
dreamBIG,
Arlanna

Me and Darcie in the recording studio

Euphoria

I've never known what its like to touch the bottom of the sea

I've never seen the sky while lying next to you

I've never let go of my heart completely, to never feel again

I've never lived in a world where love is truly blind

I'm going round in circles

Hearing voices in my head telling me to hold on

And take me to Euphoria

I've never been there

I've never been there 

I've never been there

I've never been beautiful in your eyes

I've never felt the wind rush through me as I run through the city streets

I've never been behind the wheel of my own life

I've never held someone who held me back, giving strength to my weaker ways

I've never looked into the eyes of my own child

I'm going round in circles

Hearing voices in my head telling me to hold on

I'm spinning round, and round, in circles

Only catching my breath when it hits me you're fading away

To Euphoria

I've never been there

I've never been there

I've never been there

I've never been beautiful in your eyes

Years ago...Writing Euphoria

Years ago, I wrote a melody. I have no idea where it came from, I didn't spend more than 60 seconds on it. There's no special or magical story that goes along with how I came up with it, I just did. It's like it had been sitting in a little corner, hanging out, waiting for me to notice it. I kept playing it like I was in some kind of a trance.When I wasn't physically playing it, I was hearing it in my mind, noticing my eyes would lose focus and I'd get this incredible rush of excitement and my sister would say "what are you smiling about?" A few things, actually. One, this is kind of obsessive and addictive to the point of obnoxious. Awesome. Two, if I ever write lyrics to this they won't matter because the music is the point, I want it to be the point. Finally, is there anything better than the feeling of writing music that makes my heart beat fast, fills my head with big dreams, and makes my stomach go crazy with butterflies? It's like the next best thing to achieving world peace or something.

Years ago, I wrote a list. A list of all of the things I've (personally) never experienced. I've never... this. I've never... that. I ripped the page out and propped it up on the piano as if it were sheet music. I left it there. Every day I'd glance at it and wonder what the hell I was going to do with a list of all the things I'd never done. It wasn't really a cross-it-off kind of list. "Okay, so...Monday I'm going to touch the bottom of the sea, Tuesday I'll see the sky while lying next to you. Wednesday's tough b/c I have a dentist appointment, but Thursday I will be SURE to completely let go of my heart." How silly was this? It's not like I needed a list to remind me of my short-comings (yeah, yeah, make your jokes). I decided the list was just annoying and depressing so I tore it up and threw it away.

Years ago, I wrote a song. The song was about finding happiness. Was it a place? A person? A thing? (I promise, we're not filling out a mad lib.) I've longed for a lot throughout my life. I've longed for all kinds of love, I've longed for beauty, and I've longed to do simple things like swim alone in the ocean, drive a car or go for a run. (I promise, this is not meant to be a P.P.P. - Pity Party Post.) Since I hadn't experienced any of those things and, to be totally candid, still have not (at least, not in the versions that I originally envisioned), I thought I could never know what it would feel like to be truly happy. Somewhere along the way, growing up as (hopefully) most of us do, I found that happiness is hidden in many other places, shapes and forms, you just have to know where to find it. At the risk of baring my entire soul to all of you, I will say this: happiness for me was, is and probably always will be making music. Make no mistake, I still have moments of longing for those things on "my list," but I know now that those things aren't the only things that will "take me to Euphoria." Look at me, using my own lyrics for preaching purposes. Ha! Honestly, though, music takes me there and "Euphoria" was just my journey of coming to that realization.

Take a listen and pay extra special attention to the part that makes me happiest - the music behind the lyrics. Euphoria - featuring Darcie Lozeau

dreamBIG,
Arlanna

Community Auditions: Star of the Day

Me? On TV?? Are you sure???

When I received an email over a year ago from the producers of “Community Auditions: Star of the Day” telling me that I was chosen to appear on the show, I wondered if it was spam. After reading a few times, I decided there was nothing in the email to convince me either way if it snuck past my junk folder by accident or was actually meant for my inbox. I sent a Thank You response and waited to see if it would bounce back to me or if the nice lady named Tina would respond. Lo and behold, it was Tina telling me she enjoyed my music and was so happy to hear that I would like to appear on their TV show. TV SHOW. Me? On television? I just got rid of my stage fright, like, 2 minutes ago. 

For those of you who haven’t heard of Community Auditions, you’re obviously living…in Delaware, or SOMEWHERE that’s not a New England state. CA (what we New Englanders call it) is a singing competition that began 65 years ago. Looooong before Ed McMahon called for that fateful drumroll as he announced star ratings, before Simon Cowell’s square head began crushing people’s hopes and dreams and even before Blake Shelton and Adam Levine started dating.  65 years old. Older than my DAD. Say what, now? It’s true. Not by much, but it’s true.

Over the next few weeks, I prepared for my first appearance on TV. I filled out interview paperwork, chose and edited a song (to make it fit for stage time), planned a few outfits (nothing too sparkly or busy) and took more selfies than I ever thought possible. (Photos were needed for promo reasons, the selfies were just for fun.) #kiddingnotkidding

At 8:30am on June 22nd, 2014 I had to be at Dorchester’s Strand Theater, formerly a vaudeville palace turned movie theater turned live performance venue…:::deep breath:::…turned video shoot location, turned broadway musical theater, turned TV set. Phew. I was literally ROLLING in history at this place. We’re talking B.B. King, Public Enemy, Joe Perry, New Kids on the Block (obvi), Ruben Studdard, Tracey Chapman, Till Tuesday, LL Cool J…now ARLANNA SNOW? Ridiculous cast of characters. I digress. So there I was, dressed in my non-bedazzled clothing, being assigned to “Episode Three” and shooed in to “hair and makeup.” Total diva. While I watched the judges: Candy O’Terry, Sid Hashian, David Osmond, Charlie Farren and Steve Sweeney as well as host Billy Costa get their hair and makeup done, I met and chatted with some of the other talented contestants. Hours (no exaggeration) later, it was my turn. After they painted my face and fluffed my hair, it was time for my “Backstage Buzz” interview. I began to realize I was a bit hungry and thirsty. I figured it wouldn’t be too much longer now. I could deal. 

Back out into the audience, I watched the filming of two whole episodes. It’s pretty crazy what goes into the filming of a TV show - especially a local, no-fuss TV show. Newsflash: a LOT more fuss than you’d think. About 400 takes, a few outfit changes, six pretty incredible performances and two “Stars of the Day” later, it was time to film Episode Three. Cue the Star Wars theme.

Before filming, they asked me to do a quick rehearsal with the house band; in my opinion, the TRUE stars of the day. These guys have talent coming out of their pores. I could’ve listened to them jam for hours, but we only had about 60 seconds. They played my song choice, KT Tunstall’s “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree,” like they’d been playing it their entire lives. Newsflash #2: They had NOT been playing it their entire lives. Nicest guys I’ve ever met, seriously. Mitch Chakour (on keys) made me feel at home the second I rolled out onto that stage. That’s the best feeling when you have a band behind you that just carries you through; their mere presence giving you the confidence and calm you need in front of those blinding lights and watchful eyes. 

I remember when I first starting singing I couldn’t hear myself at all. I thought “Oh God, am I singing? Are there words coming out? My mouth is definitely moving, right? Am I dreaming? Am I naked?” All of a sudden the music stopped and I heard “CUT! CUT! No sound in the mic. Sorry.” Okay, I was fully clothed. I was moving. My vocal chords still worked. Take 2! 

From that point on, it was like the finger that had been stuck on the slo-mo button skipped right over Play and hit FF (fast-forward for all you youngsters that just go by the double arrows now); everything was a blur but I still recall every important moment. I remember singing every lyric to one of my favorite songs, not missing any of the weird edits I had to make. I remember my voice cracking a few times but not minding because the song sounds a little cooler that way. I remember how warm the stage lights were on my face and I remember I couldn’t see a thing looking out into the theater. I remember feeling relieved when Billy Costa pronounced my name correctly and telling him how I had been writing songs for years. I remember the judges saying positive things while I nodded and smiled and appreciated their feedback, not caring too much about the numbers on their cards. I remember Andrew and Troy performing really well and feeling grateful that the three of us were like a little team in some strange way. I remember dancing to the closing theme song on stage with Troy and Andrew after Billy awarded Troy “Star of the Day.” I remember Mitch giving me a hug off stage, telling me he had a blast with my song and that I did really well. Mostly, I remember my Mom and Dad being the first two faces I saw when the door opened into the theater - both hugging me and saying they were so proud. 

Once back in the theater, I had the opportunity to talk a little more about my songwriting with David Osmond, some of the other contestants who had not yet performed and some of the producers involved in the show. It was great to hear their thoughts and advice, and, swapping contact information, we promised to keep in touch. Although I’d only just met these people that morning, it seemed like I left the theater with a new group of friends. 

Other than my one tiny regret of song choice (I wish I had gone with my gut and sang an original), my experience as a contestant on Community Auditions is one that I will file under “Highlights" in my Memory Catalog of Life. My niece watched my episode when it aired early last fall, turned to me and said “Auntie Lana, are you famous?” I answered “Not yet, Giovina. But hopefully someday one of my songs will be.” She responded “You’re definitely famous, you were on TV!” I’ll take it. :-) 

DreamBIG,

Arlanna

Read my Online Feature here: Community Auditions: Arlanna Snow

NOTE: The regular season of Community Auditions, although almost a year has passed, is STILL incomplete and being filmed at The Strand Theater. The votes that all of you so graciously gave me and that I am so very thankful for have yet to be counted. Once the regular season is complete, the votes will be counted and the contestant with the most votes will become a finalist. As soon as I know, I will let you know. Thanks for watching, reading, voting and always supporting me and my music. I appreciate it more than you know!

Hard Rock Boston - LIVE

I can officially add to my musician's resume that I have Rocked the Rock. Hard. Twice. That sounds a bit dirty...and maybe it kinda was.

Everyone and their uncle has heard of the Hard Rock Cafe. For nearly 50 years they've scattered the world over, a place that pretty much every musician - heck, every human being - has been to. Whether it be for food or live music, the Hard Rock Cafe is legendary. So when I was asked last fall 2013 to join the bill showcasing artists at the Hard Rock Boston, I jumped. Literally. You can even ask my producer. I think it made him a little nervous. 

Although the organization of that show (no finger-pointing) last year was "subpar" (to say the very least) and a huuuuuge pain in the ARSE (no one ever said being a rock star was easy) it was still pretty effing cool being up on that stage (which had a built-in ramp - my dream stage!) with my good friend BJ Knights playing a few tunes to a modest crowd (90% of that crowd being my own fans - that's how we do!). The Hard Rock. Little old me! Not only that but I was playing alongside some super talented people: Louie Bello, who you are already very familiar with (Exception), and Natalie Duffy, a KILLER singer/songwriter and most recent collaborator of mine on my song "A Little While." There were a handful of other artists, all great! However, Louie & Natalie were the artists I found myself connecting the most with.

Soon after, BJ suggested to me that with all of the hundreds of songs I had (and continue to write), I needed to have my own show with a full set. The mere thought of it made me tingle with excitement and shake with fear - fear that I wouldn't be able to take on the task of getting everything worked out - choosing the perfect venue, getting the artists I wanted to join me, finding the perfect date, pulling in a big enough crowd and having it all go smoothly. Overwhelming to even think about, yet the thought of NOT trying made me just plain sad. 

Now that I was exposed to playing the Hard Rock Boston I was determined to play there again. MY show. MY way. And with the unbelievably amazing help, encouragement, advisement and talent that I had from BJ, I did play there again. Or, I should say, WE did.

With Cory Paza rocking the bass, BJ shredding guitar and Eric Anderson killing on drums my songs were brought to life right before my very eyes...and ears. I hadn't played with a full band before and it gave me this really cool feeling. I was high on the best drug ever. (Note - I do not condone drug usage but absoLUTEly encourage music-making). The Hard Rock was awesome to work with and made every little detail seem effortless. Communication is key and they have it down to a science. Not only that but Louie and Natalie were on board immediately. They were doing their own sets, were totally cool with their stage times and were excited to join me during my set to sing our collaborations.

We had a much bigger crowd than the last experience, thanks to the fantastic promotion Louie, Natalie, BJ, Cory, Eric and I were able to accomplish via social media and word-of-mouth. The sound was great, the timing was perfect and everyone seemed to have a great night out.

I decided that for my set I wanted it to be my own version of VH1's "Storytellers Live." Like I explained to the crowd that 24th night in April, although I love to sing, I am, first and foremost, a songwriter. I have something to say and it's important to me that you know what it is. Whether I have to sing it myself or am lucky enough to use the talent of other artists, I need people to hear me. On stage I have found a comfort that I never dreamed I would. When I had to make business presentations in college, I froze. I broke out in a drenching sweat and my voice shook so much that all anyone could hear was this little mouse squeaking something about balance sheets, fiscal years and did she say "market share" or "park it there?" I had no idea what I was talking about and didn't care. What I understand now (better late than never) is that when you're talking about something that is a part of you, that you feel deep down in your soul, its not scary anymore. It's thrilling in the BEST way. 

Thank you so much to all who came out to see us a couple of weeks ago - and for those who didn't get the chance, I'd love to see your gorgeous faces from that stage sometime in the future. I hope you'll join me :)

For now, stay tuned for more music and...don't forget...dreamBIG! ~Arlanna

Interview Blog: Flowers In a Gun

I was interviewed and featured in blog "Flowers in a Gun" from New York City. I bared my soul in this one...check it out!

Flowers in a Gun: Songwriter Arlanna Snow

EXCEPTIONal 1st Collaboration

A songwriter's first collaboration may not come as easy or as utterly enjoyable as mine did with Boston's popular singer/songwriter, Louie Bello. Other than the fact that he's been a BMA Nominee more than once, is currently a Hollywood Media Award Nominee for 2013 and puts on one hell of a show - Louie is one of the most talented, dedicated, nicest guys you'll ever meet.

Let me start from the beginning. The birth of my latest release, Exception, went a little something like this: It was the dead of nite and I was sound asleep. I woke myself up with my own voice - I was partially humming, partially mumbling the phrase "with the exception of you" to this sort of haunting melody. Before it slipped away from me, like it has so many times,  I grabbed my phone (thank you again, voice memo app) and groggily recorded myself. I listened back the next morning and, apart from my sleepy voice I had a feeling that it was going to be one of my favorites. Lately I had been thinking about the formula for a happy life. I was always pretty confident that if you had your health, a supportive family, a loyal group of friends and the strength to pursue a dream, you were good; sunshine and rainbows would follow you wherever you went. Well, not exaaaactly. You may get that stubborn black cloud that looms overhead like I did, that one that blocks out that one last ray. In (unfortunately large amounts of) time, however, I learned this: figure it out and let it go before it consumes you.

I sat at my trusty (and a little rusty) piano and played it out. At the risk of sounding like a total cheese ball, those five mins were more therapeutic than I would bet any person could get from 25 sessions at their local psychiatrist. I'm not knocking therapy, I'm just saying - there are lots of ways to feel better and music--more specifically, this song--was mine.

This song was so much a part of me and more personal than anything I'd ever written before that I decided I would carry it around with me for awhile, nurturing it and helping it grow like a parent would their own child. I knew that whatever happened with it, it already was the best thing I'd done so far. When I showed it to Steve Catizone, my producer, he seemed to understand it instantly - in its entirety. That's the great thing about Steve - I don't need to explain anything. He just hears its potential in the first few notes and runs with it. It is important to mention here that my producer and I had the same idea for this song: a different vocalist - a male vocalist - would fit right into the current music world. I'd been toying with the idea for a very long time, listening to a ton of different local vocalists, not totally committing myself to it yet until I heard Louie Bello's song "Chasing Rainbows." And so began my first collaboration.

My first recording session with Louie was, to put it mildly: FUN. Fun for me is watching an artist who believes in their work and does it well without trying. Not only did Louie sing my song effortlessly, he sang it with so much emotion and passion you could almost swear he was saying goodbye to the most important person in his life, right there at the mic in the middle of Serenity East's live room. He is THAT good. Not only was I the songwriter, but before Louie I was also the vocalist. We had only one recorded version of Exception and it was my demo. Now, for this first session with Louie, I was standing in as producer (my producer was in his LA studio at the time). I was a little unsure of how it would all go, but Louie made it easy. He took every note that I had and did me 10 better. Louie is such a professional, 100% committed to his work and it shows. In just two short sessions the vocals were complete - and simply amazing.

When Steve completed a pretty awesome mix and sent it over I was floored. I couldn't stop listening to it. I kept thinking - wow, is this really my song? - and the funny thing is it wasn't that different from the original, it was just better. It was almost up to its full potential. I say almost because I felt it was still missing something that ended up being, other than Louie's sweet vocals, my very favorite part of this track -- the cello. I happen to be with a producer who works with some of the greatest musicians out there. One of them, Irina Chirkova, a Bulgarian cellist who has been playing since the age of five, has one of the most impressive resumes I've ever seen. She studied at The Boston Conservatory, won countless cello competitions all over the world, performed at the Grammy's with superstar Carrie Underwood, the Latin Grammy's, American Idol and much, much more. She is currently a member of Celine Dion's orchestra, Sully Erna's (Godsmack) solo band and, well...the list goes on and on. When Steve chose her for my track I was more than a little excited, to say the very least. She recorded at Serenity West studios with Steve in LA. When he sent over a picture of her about to lay it down, the smile on my face could've lit up all of Boston and its suburbs.

Once Steve had all of the ingredients (a guitarist also came in named Michael Woods to record some acoustic stuff that put the finishing touch on the track), he mixed it more than a few times. We worked together in Boston, he worked alone in LA. All the while he kept saying how this song was special. I hoped it was (as a songwriter I've never been more self-conscious) but its the greatest feeling to hear it from your producer who works with crazy talented artists every single day. Months later, after a few more working sessions, five mixes and close to 100 emails, phone calls and texts we were happy at the sixth mix. Not only did I have the official track but I also had an "Unplugged" version as well as the "Instrumental." I can't decide which is my favorite, but they're all amazing for different reasons. I think you'll understand when you hear them.

Before I send this baby out into the world, I thought a lot about how I wanted to release it. For such a special project I felt it needed an equally special cover. As far as I was concerned, the one and only person that could create amazing art out of a simple idea is talented graphic designer Brian Curran of Abacab Designs. When I sent him the song and lyrics his response and analyzation were so thoughtful that I couldn't have explained it any better myself. I was touched that he really spent time so closely listening to and working through Exception. We threw our ideas around and, finally, with all of our thoughts combined, I had a great idea. I sent it to Brian...he loved it, too. He pretty much created a masterpiece, as far as I'm concerned. Its exactly what I pictured in my mind and I'm certain is the best possible album cover for this song.

Thank you to all who helped turn my dream (literally, my dream!) into EXCEPTION. You have officially made this song my most popular and in record time! Please help me to keep it going - share, share, share! The goal for this song was always to sell it to a recording artist once we had the best possible version of it. Someday if it gets the attention and interest that it so deserves I will be ecstatic. For now, though, I think its a pretty solid and rocking track as is.

http://www.reverbnation.com/arlannasnow

If you like what you hear, you can hear MORE by purchasing/listening to the Exception single package on any one of your favorite digital music stores: (iTunes, Amazon...etc...) where you will also get the Unplugged version (Louie's voice really shines in this one!) and the Instrumental (Irina's notes are so rich and haunting in it) - you will not be disappointed!

One final thing - please, PLEASE check out Louie Bello, Irina Chirkova, Serenity East and West Recording studios and graphic designer, Brian Curran on their own sites. I only work with the best ;)

dreamBIG,
Arlanna

http://www.louiebello.com
http://www.irinachirkova.com
http://www.abacabdesigns.com
http://www.sanctumsound.com
http://www.serenitywestrecording.com