"This I Know"-->A musical past continues...

It's going on almost 4 years since my music ventures ended...by ventures I mean recording, writing and performing the songs that once filled my head and had me vocalize what my heart had endured years prior. Altogether I had compiled 3 independent albums that featured covers of some of my favorite songs, and 1 independent album that contained original written material, 7 notebooks filled with lyrical content ranging from heartache to personal independence. 

As a solo artist I was able to reach a development deal on the east coast for a year, unfortunately the company folded and there went my investment. I tried out for American Idol Season 2 and made it to the top 500 in Hollywood, Ca. I was a part of my church choir/band for 5 years having started out as a background singer and ending as a lead singer and I had formed 2 incarnations  of my own band "Image-One1" performing in a coffee house and then stretching to church festivals. 

I decided to end my run with my band and as the lead singer of the church choir/band wanting a fresh start to a career that I had already worked at just as hard as my musical endeavors, hair and make-up artistry. At this time I had also ended my very short lived courtship with my ex-boyfriend wanting to flee the trapped box I felt I was in. I even thought that ending that relationship would give me more material to write about in my music, yet that wasn't the case. 

I wrote my first song since I left music just last year in August of 2011. It felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of me. Since then I have only written 4 songs that have been completed along with 2 others that need to be finished. Yesterday as I was loathing the task of doing my laundry for 3.5 hrs, my mind started wandering in the realm of music and as I was folding and waiting for my "whites" to be tumble dried, I had written what has become my 4th song aptly titled "This I Know". Strange how words can just flow from one end to the next isn't it?! This song took me all of 15 minutes to complete, and I even have a chosen melody for it...and in due time, I will let you all hear the full sound of this and the many more songs I will continue to be writing as LIFE goes on. 

For now, here is "This I Know" for your viewing pleasure:

There's only one space left for you,
Come out and fit in where you can,
There's only one memory left to live
In all of life's dreams.

Look up and See
How you dream of me
Say it as you feel me so clearly
This I know, you love me.

There's only one more debt left to pay,
Why can't you see it off and let it go?
There's a word for what's inside,
Only I can push and shove.

Look up and See
How you dream of me
Say it as you feel me so clearly 
This I know, you love me,
Look now and Show
Lift us up against the world
They have no chance to win I know
We will live to move the skies.

You don't believe me?
You don't see it?
Lift my arms above
Catch me once you've gained our trust.

You don't believe me?
You don't see it?
My heart is yours alone,
This I know we are meant for more.


Look up and See
How you dream of me
This is one last opportunity
Come rule right next to me.

By: Erik Velasco
BLQ MUSIC PRODUCTION 2012

The art of the "Unfair" Syndrome

Being "Thankful" isn't enough for many these days, especially when it comes to having lost something, someone, or in the process of losing in their life. Just as tomorrow is NEVER promised, NEITHER are the things that at one point get granted to us. To understand that NOTHING is forever is not a subject or topic that our minds can comprehend in a certain amount of days, months, or even years, truthfully and quite frankly we can't put a number on it because our hearts and minds work and comprehend at a different rate, what the heart may understand the mind at times simply cannot and vice versa. 

I've heard and dealt with lots of the following topics that are seemingly "Unfair" to many in the past month:

-->Near broken and/or already broken relationships 

-->Lack of Material possessions 

-->Unhappiness

The world is a cruel one as we speak, although, please see that even being alive and having what you already have around you is enough to get you through your hard times. In lieu of mourning the loss, think of how you're able to wake up day after day and are willing to maintain a sane outlook on what can actually become a burden. 

Those of you morning the loss of a loved one, I'm very sorry about your recent and unforeseen incident. My heart goes out to you and know that if anything, by talking through the pain, you're allowing yourself to build on your healing. Take your time in healing without letting the dark thoughts consume you, always have someone beside you to catch your sense of being.

Those of you whose amorous relationships are on the rocks and/or ending, LET IT BE what it shall become. You hold on to what's not supposed to be a part of you and you will be experiencing a internal backlash, one that clearly doesn't belong to you. Manifest your energy to those whom you've been holding out on, those whom deserve your every smile and happy thoughts. It's never too late to regain your positivity by letting go of what doesn't belong to you anymore and believe me, IT'S FOR A REASON.

Those of you whom are unhappy in your lives and wish for better things to materialistically receive, please enjoy what's left of your personal intimacy. To be able to appreciate and love oneself is an art, it is an ability to keep going and keep seeing the same goal you've always had for yourself. To be able to manifest and create a masterpiece, one must put their best attribute to work and make the best piece of artwork the world has ever seen, for there's ONLY 1 of you..show what you can do for the right reasons.

Yes, LIFE is unfair, that I recognize and will tell you that at one point it feels good to complain and throw away ALL hope. Although, Loss and Unhappiness can and will result in you having mastered  the art of "Unfairness", yet, remember to be upfront with yourself and know when to understand LIFE for what it is...a TRUE BLESSING, especially when helping yourself and someone else see through those dark clouds and into the light.

Be an example of 

SURVIVAL and STRENGTH, 

not one of 

DEFEAT and UNFAIRNESS.

Feel so much...We cannot say a word

Today, as I was listening to "I Will Remember You" the Mirrorball live version by Sarah McLachlan on my phone, and as I was peddling my calories away on the bicycle at the gym, my mind was only amplified that much more as Sarah's voice filled my ears with so much interest as to what LIFE can often give us as we LIVE day after day.

Every week is a different week for us as individuals and some weeks are better than others, just as some days are also better than others. One never knows how much CHANGE can really affect us until it comes and bombards us with shifts, shakeups and a bit of a rumble. All the while, working in the professional world, we are meant to not let it affect us and especially in our overall outcome in our work...hence why when I heard Sarah sing the lyrics, 

"It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word"

...it just hit me! Being HUMAN just is a task and a half!

Now you might be saying to yourself, "Was he really listening to Sarah McLachlan while working out in the gym?" I sure was! When inside I'm battling decisions and trying to make sense out of the rumble of CHANGE, truthfully when I listen to Sarah McLachlan her message as a singer-songwriter just makes everything clear and I'm able to make sense out of the mixed emotions I have building up inside. 

I do have my upbeat mix in which I normally work out to, although today was a different story and as I ACTUALLY do take my own advice, I went OUTSIDE of my comfort zone and listened to a set of songs from an artist that I admire when in my down and chill time.

My message for everyone today is simply this:

The times when you feel like there's a lot on you and you can't make out where to start making a move, just step back and look upon what makes you clear your head and think about what goal in mind you would like for YOURSELF and not please others, for in the end, it'll be YOU who will reap any consequences and/or benefits. It may seem like a tornado has hit your mind, although when stepping back, it all becomes clear enough for you to start CLOSING doors and make a move, whether it be wrong or right, let the UNIVERSE have it's way.

"I Will Remember You" really opened my eyes today to a whole new avenue...a BIG thank you to Ms. Sarah McLachlan!

P.S. On a musical note, the Latin Grammy Awards are tomorrow at 8pm PST on the Univision Network (check your local listings).

I just wanted to wish REIK, a great TRIO of individuals, lots of LOVE and CONTINUED success as they are up for 2 Latin Grammy's tomorrow night, already having received the prestigious award in 2009. GOOD LUCK guys!!

Hunger Strike

 This song brings back so many fond memories for me being that it's one of my sister Mari's favorite song. Everytime it comes on the radio or on the iPod, we get so nostalgic!

If anyone is a fan of the Rock Groups Soundgarden and/or Pearl Jam, then I'm pretty sure you've heard this amazing collaboration between both lead vocalists Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. They actually have a full album of this material which is self titled  

"Temple of the Dog". 

With Hunger Strike as the 1st single to launch the album in 1991, it quickly caught the ears of ALL the genre's out there in the music industry. I have to put this in that it helps even more that BOTH lead vocalists are sexy sounding and handsome men to begin with, so even more appealing they were and STILL are.

 

Hunger Strike is a political statement that Chris Cornell at the time had been seeing in the world, all the injustice in food distribution, mainly all the wealthy had it all while the poor were going hungry, where by far, this can be applied in ANY country and in ANY situation. 

Political statements are very difficult to express especially because EVERYONE has an opinion and EVERYONE wants to jump on you once you open your mouth, whether right or wrong. In reality it's not about making a right or wrong decision, it's about making it an EQUAL and JUST decision in LIFE in general. 

 I genuinely feel that when a Political Statement is put into song, it goes farther and it allows ANY audience to perk up their ears and listen, Temple of the Dog in my opinion did just that! Take it from me, I was only 8 when this song came out, and it was on repeat in my house on the radio and on MTV.

RACE, GENDER, SEXUALITY, OPPORTUNITIES, HELP...ALL of these topics require EQUALITY...we have so much in the world that requires our full attention and all we can do as individuals is keep each other in line and instead of attacking one another, let's TALK about how we can join forces in making this world and OTHER countries a better foundation 

no matter the drift. 

Let US make a Difference and be HUNGRY for CHANGE!

Your Place...a Paula Deanda Vocal Flavor

Back in 2005 when I was creating hair for the girl band La Conquista (at the time signed to Q Productions), I remember being told about this young up and coming singer named Paula. A young 15 year old singer with a voice to fill your heart, soul and give you the chills as you heard her smooth vibrato. With the fresh and girl power look I was creating for the girl band, they thought I would be a perfect fit for the young Paula to be able to collaborate with her and create a signature look for her. 

Later I remember shopping at Target and seeing her self titled album Paula Deanda on the shelves, and thinking to myself, "Well, she's beautiful already, what would I be able to offer her?" So then I bought her album to listen to it and was BLOWN away!

 Clive Davis definitely signed a gem! 

Fast forward to 2007 when I was preparing La Conquista for a 3 day promotional tour in Miami, FL for which they would film 9 shows in 3 days and I would be in charge of their flowing long locks. Right before though, as the bassist of the band, my good and trusted friend Cecy, was looking for her wardrobe at the mall , she stumbled upon Paula and her Mom and had a conversation in which Paula had complimented her on her hair, which I had just finished the night before.

 Next thing I know, I get a phone call from Cecy telling me that Paula wants to know if I had an opportunity to do her hair that same day for a performance taking place that very same night? I was so nervous I had Cecy come with me for support in case my hairstyling chops sucked, after all, Paula by this time was Pop/R&B's Princess and rising! The rest is history.

Now forward to 2012, and Paula and I have collaborated on many of her projects, live performances, and her artistry in the music business. Not only do I consider her ONE of my top 3 favorite singers to listen to, she's a great friend who treats everyone around her with love and respect and has yet to give me a "Diva" moment. Which is why when she releases new music, I love spreading it everywhere so that the rest of the world listens and understands her passion and artistry for the music itself.

This year she's released a series of cover songs that contain the melody of the original song along with "Paula-Penned" lyrics that make you want to hear more! Just this past weekend on November 3rd, 2012, she released a new original song that exemplifies what her ability truly is, her vocal prowess and passion for R&B music.

"Your Place" talks about the desire of a woman's heart to let her love interest make the next move in their relationship, and once the move has been made, she'll fulfill his and her every need and collaborate on their love. I have to say that when first hearing Paula on her debut single, "Doin' Too Much" at age 15, she took charge of the song's obsessive message back then, and now as a woman at age 23 with "Your Place", she confirms her heart's self assurance in letting the man in her life know that she's the IT woman for him.

 

What I love about this track is the pull that her sweet soultry vocals give. Her higher range hits you at the right moments without having to overpower the smoothness of the melody behind her. This is the feeling that every woman waits for when she's ready for her man to take over, she's confident and strong in knowing what she wants and needs. 

Paula delivers just that!

Well, I'll let you all be the judge and listen to the latest and greatest...

here's 

"Your Place" 

by Paula Deanda

(Click on the Link)

http://rnbxclusivev4.com/2012/11/03/paula-deanda-your-place/

P.S. Happy 23rd Birthday Ms. Paula D! <3

You Know I'll be the One

This phrase can be taken in so many contexts, and of course they ALL lead to the same conclusion, just as it's written:

You Know I'll be the One

Ever pushed away anyone you've cared about a lot?

Done it more than once to "protect them"?

Are they the only ones who stand tall with you in the end?

The human soul and heart can be cruel in many aspects especially when it comes to our many insecurities that others instill in our minds. That's why when usually we have someone so dear to us we tend to push them away to not have them see our damage that exists inside. 

For many reasons, it's NOT O.K. to show true frowns, it's only possible to show ALL smiles..

How UNTRUE this is!

Without the frowns, we wouldn't have the smiles, 

and without pain, 

we wouldn't have the power of healing. 

Whether it's an addiction, a disease, an insecurity, an infectious way of living, know that there are at least 1-2 people around you that are willing to go through the storm with you. We look back in time at the Kings and Queens of the world, and even back to the B.C. era, they all had those next to them to help them heal and be guided in any situation. 

It's natural to get angry when our hearts become weak, it's natural to see many become concern for our well being. This is when we know that what we go through, what we feel, what tears we shed, what knots we get in our throat, they're as REAL as anything else that make us human enough to LIVE everyday. Those 1-2 people, or even more if were that lucky, are as real as your feelings, and will continue to be there in light of anything that comes your way. 

Fight against the stones that are being thrown your way, fight to keep your sanity and your mind clear of any clouds that come. DON'T fight those whom you know will say, 

"YOU know I'll be the ONE!". 

They'll be around for a LIFETIME...that I promise you!

I Find Myself Here (The Imaginative Future)

Craving the imaginative future that one holds in their mind is why we strive to make ourselves better, why we make certain decisions based on certain beliefs we hold inside, why we continue to become the positive reinforcement that everybody else around us learns from and why we love to let others know about our struggles and our successes. 

Sacrifice has a huge part in it as well and makes it worth while, at the same time it can create a stigma of "Were missing out on something". In TRUTH, when we LIVE and allow ourselves to LOVE what we LIVE, were NOT missing a thing. We gain so much in experience and meeting people from all walks of life that instead of "Missing out on something", were building and connecting to our future by choosing people that help out our personalities, path, and outcomes. 

For as any one of us crave to be that success story.

Once were at the brink of it all though, right when were about to jump into the next stage, were in a room and say:

"I Find Myself Here"

and reminisce about our past, what it took for us to realize what we've wanted to achieve, along with the losses and what we've managed to gain.

We hope NOT to freak ourselves out and start to question our choices and how we think we should handle our next move, yet don't you find it interesting that really all it would take is a split second to either throw it all away or make the best out of it?! 

One second changes

 EVERYTHING.

I'm glad to know and realize though that it's us solely, our own mind that finds itself standing in that room with nothing but our own hopes and dreams wanting to make it. Nothing and no one can change anything unless we decide to do so.

When you find yourself there, standing in that room, search and look toward what your dreams are. Though the thing to remember is, you've already gotten this far, already realized so many dreams in the making, now it's time to reach out, push yourself and not only crave that imaginative future as much as you can....

 

 start LIVING your dreams as much as you can!