TGIF warriors,

I am relieved that August- that nowhere, nothing month- has delivered us into September’s practical arms. The gentler of the two equinoxes, I always find.

There is a time and a place for rest and relaxation (it’s August), but an uneasiness accompanies it. Working, for better or worse, is my preference.

Brenda Ueland, in my new favourite book “If You Want to Write”, speaks about working in a way that resonates with me:

“Know that it is good to work. Work with love and think of liking it when you do it. It is easy and interesting. It is a privilege. There is nothing hard about it but your anxious vanity and fear of failure.”

-Brenda Ueland

This quote reminds me of something I heard Rick Rubin say about treating the process of working like its own reward (heavily paraphrased). His whole thing was that focusing on the outcome of what you’re creating weakens your relationship to the present moment, paradoxically taking you away from what you’re making.

Brenda’s “anxious vanity and fear of failure” live in the product, not the process. The process is just here and now, one foot in front of the other, making something that feels true.

In the words of my hero Miranda July on figuring out how to push yourself to 100%: “Oh, that’s all? You just try as hard as you possible can? You just… don’t be afraid of work?”.

As I sit on my couch this morning, pondering the upcoming shows I have in Montréal and Toronto, it’s helpful to remind myself of this north star. The work ahead of me is developing a solo set that I am bursting with excitement to share, and the only way to get that outcome is to have sooo much fun in the process.

Solo sets are kind of tricky. I had a really lovely time playing on Wednesday at the Sanctuary Arts Centre (and seeing some of you there!); that’s exactly the kind of venue that supports a pared-down performance. Big stage, no competing distractions, and lovely acoustics. You have to kick it up a notch at bars and clubs.

So that’s where I find myself on this stormy Friday- practicing, working on a set list and arrangement that makes me absolutely fired up to get on stage and play.

I hope you’re keeping well and having a gentle transition into fall.

SINGLE RELEASE - SEPT 18

Speaking of being FIRED UP, I am so excited to be releasing my next single on September 18. It’s called “Inheritance”, and you can pre-save it here. And in fact, if you did that, it would help me a great deal! Streaming platforms care about that number quite a bit.

SUPER SECRET VIP LINK

I will also drop this link, where you can sign up to be notified when tickets go on sale for my album release show which is NOT QUITE YET officially announced (keep up). The capacity for the venue is quite small and I want to make sure that everyone who really wants to be there can get a ticket!

The release show is going to be in Halifax, so if you live elsewhere this is less relevant to you. Unless of course you’d like me to come play in your city, in which case… let me know!

xoxoxo