EMOTION & the COSMOS

2011-09-13T18:39:00.001-05:00

This blog resumes in a few days! Can't wait! Young and Free Tour underway!

WHEN RADIOS BECOME RELICS

2011-08-24T01:33:00.000-05:00

On Deck Mo Brown Rocks Stages and Book Shelves Alike. Now, She's Working On Combining The Two. By Tiney Ricciardi

2011-08-24T01:12:00.001-05:00

On Deck: Mo Brown Rocks Stages and Book Shelves Alike. Now, She's Working On Combining The Two.By Tiney Ricciardi Tue., Aug. 23 2011 at 4:01 PM Dallas Observer Blog

Musicians are undoubtedly influenced by the music they listen to. An artist's musical selection can sometimes even foretell what a next album might sound like. So if you've ever wondered what the artists who grace your stereo are getting funky to, here's your chance to find out. Every week, I'll ask traveling musicians -- as well as a few locals -- the fated question: What are you listening to right now?

Mo Brown is an artist on a few levels. She sings back up in Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, she performs with her own band called Emotion Brown & The Cosmos and, somehow, she's found the time to publish a number of novels under the name of Camika Spencer.

It's no surprise, then, that, between live performances and time spent creating her own music, Brown takes to the pages of a great book for comfort. Plenty of it, too, it seem: She's already written all the songs for her second album, she says, but she also feels no need to rush into the studio and get them on tape.

Instead, Brown is preparing for another three-month tour from coast to coast with The Northern Lights. Before she took flight for the rest of the year, we caught up with the DOMA-nominated R&B singer to find out what she's listening to and how she's staying inspired these days.

Currently jamming: The Roots Present (live DVD), D'Angelo

"There are a bunch of things I love about The Roots. First of all, it's live music. It's instrumentation, it's lyrical, it's really saying something. The music seems like it's always bound in some really good purpose. It's feel-good music. The D'Angelo stuff is kind of bittersweet. When I rock D'Angelo, I remember who he was and the personal life crisis he was going through as an artist. He's also really good social background music. It's not too up or down, and you can play it and it feels consistent. He adds a certain kind of ambiance."

Aspires to: diversify her musical styles.

"Performing my original stuff is very different form performing with Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights because they're two different styles of music. JT is more rocking, with a heavy soul and R&B influence. Mo Brown & The Cosmos is what I consider 'soulternative.' For example, if Mary J. Blige did a Rickie Lee Jones song. Or if Madonna did an Aretha Franklin song -- and did it well. It's got that kind of alternative vibe that is totally laid back."

Where the two roads meet: combining music with writing.

"I'm currently working on a novel and I would like to have a soundtrack to that novel -- like the book has a CD you're supposed to play while reading the story. I have written novels in the past and got another one published this year. I just contributed to a James Brown anthology, and I wrote an essay about life post-civil rights movement for a post-civil rights book called Children of the Changing South. I don't lend myself to one art form. I know what it feels like to have that one thing that you do. But for me it just doesn't work. It mentally isn't good for me."

2011-05-17T23:50:00.001-05:00

It's full moon nite and I just woke after hitting the sack at 6pm. I am in the van and we r Florida bound. Orlando is the destination. Tonite the Mavs beat The Thunder in game one of the semi-finals. I hope you are well. I believe JTNL to be on a steady course finally. We know what we need to do and are perfecting how to do it everyday. Thanks for sticking it out with us. I am looking forward to sum real sunshine even though May has not yet turned over. It's chilly and I have on flip flops. Who is wrong? Me? Or Mother Nature? Ha! There is much going on in this world that has been predicted to end (on sum level) this coming Saturday. If it does, I will b on the beach at Hangout Fest. JTNL has been nominated again to appear on MTV-U's The Freshman This time the song is Gypsy Woman and your vote this week would b appreciated:How to Vote?

mtvu.com/music/freshmen

2011-04-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

I can't ever recall feeling this lonely
Though Im sure I have.

I have never been more closer to substantial change
Though Im sure I have

I've never been more in love over nothing
Though Im sure I have

#mospeak30

2011-04-30T08:59:00.001-05:00

A hat
On a head
Covering the thoughts
Of a brain
Charged by energy
Emitted from the cosmos
#mospeak29

2011-04-29T08:59:00.001-05:00

It takes a while for water to get over not being dry land, air or fire.

It has to absorb the truth of stillness and wade in its' own drenching reality.

Cascade to the depths in leagues of oneness and swim back to the top panting thru gills.

Water is a fluid identity crises. A transitional element that has no standing position. Like the Queen, it is ubiquitous in motion. It is mighty and royal in natural theory.

Water gets over being water the same way God gets over creating the Olive branch.

#mospeak28

2011-04-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

Pass on thru
Touch what u can
Say what you won't
Hide the entire way
Finger punch test taking
Intentions rise
Like bread making
Merit breaking
Crush the shaking
And pass on thru
#mospeak27

2011-04-28T20:17:00.001-05:00

I'm satisfied with turned upside down turn outs and inside out down sides. Confusion is an open act of closed decisions. #mospeak26

2011-04-28T20:13:00.001-05:00

I've thought to chase you down. I've thought to caress you with soothing words to bring you back. I've thought to tickle you under the chin of your fingertips and whisper your name in languages of a foreign nature. I've thought to retreat from a sacred place and submit to your fraternal order but if God owes no apologies, then neither do I. #mospeak25

2011-04-28T20:09:00.001-05:00

It's the way the sunshines thru closed eyelids that make a breaking day meaningful. It's the new glow from pondering old gifts that felt like loss. It's the new smile of a new customer on a new horizon with new possibilities. #mospeak24

2011-04-23T18:42:00.005-05:00

Then she mentions her fiance and they all leave tips included. Sarah smiles. Looks at me. Winks.

#mospeak23

2011-04-23T18:42:00.001-05:00

Sitting at a bar in new Orleans watching the men sweat over Sarah, the sole bartender, gold hair, platinum eyes.

2011-04-23T11:47:00.001-05:00

High powered
Flower
Don't get devoured
By the naysayers howling
Or the fright filled
Crabs crawling
Your beauty
Is beyond
Outer
Your attraction
In a field
Is sprawling
They can't help themselves
The attempt to
Pick you
Is their calling

#mospeak22 w/corrections/final

2011-04-22T10:01:00.001-05:00

I hope your wings spread wide today! Hello! Just two more shows left and then back home to Mic City. The van is nasty and apparently all bets r off for community cleaning. Lazy folks have started sleeping in the van to avoid getting up and without bathing you can imagine the funk.Jordan is the One in JTNL who seems to pride himself on going days without a shower. Yeah... Go b his chick why don't ya.

This is what we deal with as a band. I'm not phased however. Surviving is one aspect of this ladies' personality that is in tact and I refuse to tell a grown man how to b grown.

We played Vinyl in Atlanta last night and it was a good show. Coming off the 4/20 show in Nashville we had several hangover dispositions happening, but good food, great hospitality, and under five hours of travel seemed to help. We r now on our way to Mobile, Alabama.

This is the home stretch. I will b pulling myself off the grid for the time off. I need to recharge, reconnect with family and tackle these book projects. Also, Emotion & the Cosmis will be doing shows in New Braunfels May 6 & May 7 at Billys Ice House. It's gonna b a blast and Im amped!!! Hope u r well, smiling, and taking the good with the bad. It's all we can do to make the world z better place. Au Revoir.

2011-04-22T07:43:00.001-05:00

It's early. I'm quiet. In my head. Brews a riot. #Mospeak21

2011-04-21T09:51:00.001-05:00

Senate approves budgets. The country is in debt. We keep raising money. When there's really none left. #mospeak20

2011-04-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

To ask a fool a question is to reject a necessary lesson. Might as well start guessing. Class was never in session.
#mospeak19

2011-04-20T16:15:00.003-05:00

Mo#18

2011-04-20T16:15:00.001-05:00

I walked ten miles no longer green and realized the audacity n the life Ive seen. Uphill, downhill, man sang on street. I wish I were green then innocently we'd greet
Feet to the pavement, eyes on the prize. All these niggas crazy... But then so am I.

2011-04-19T08:28:00.001-05:00

Made whole by a breakfast bowl of clarity. The rarity being it was dry. Still the thrill was n being shook by the try. #mospeak17

2011-04-18T13:49:00.001-05:00

Check sound all around U. Colour it any shade of blue. Let the wave pattern begin 2 undo, all the pain that U've been through. #mospeak16

2011-04-17T15:09:00.001-05:00

Never let a fantasy catch you wooing reality's flair. For if it does, it takes back it's love, and never will again share. #mospeak15

2011-04-16T05:17:00.001-05:00

It was not a mansion, castle, or elaborate estate that I built for U. But a front door only bungalow made of stone for two. Mospeak14

2011-04-15T11:37:00.001-05:00

There r places, people, and things that soothe the memory of anger, like the old Pin Oak road in Texas, the jubilant little girl from last night's dream, or the touch of a future lover. #mospeak13

2011-04-14T08:39:00.023-05:00

, let it crash and burn.

2011-04-14T08:39:00.021-05:00

ow saying the National Debt America owes equates to each American... EACH... Owing about $45k. Get the fuck outta here! Now we r ALL responsible????I say

2011-04-14T08:39:00.019-05:00

always be dignified. We can only live and bring lite to these types of quandrys. That's my take on it.

The government is sending out propaganda right n

2011-04-14T08:39:00.017-05:00

ly had their own hotels for centuries while slaves were still beaten and flogged for the unmentionable. People will always die and their deaths will not

2011-04-14T08:39:00.015-05:00

thing. It is your duty to recognize imbalance and bring as much balance as you can. Cats r sacred animals in pre-war, pre-Roman empir Egypt and have prol

2011-04-14T08:39:00.013-05:00

remain untouched. The poor in America seem all to dependant on the untouched for survival.

We could get into specifics, but talking solves absolutely no

2011-04-14T08:39:00.011-05:00

ot how the next person or group may see it. The rich in America seem lifted up in a bubble to me. The float over things and though we can see them, they

2011-04-14T08:39:00.009-05:00

value with the use of time, energy, and money.

Everything has a polar opposite and what one person or group may see as lack, deficient or wasteful is n

2011-04-14T08:39:00.007-05:00

on the streets homeless?"

Answer: the truth of the matter is these dynamics are evidence of our state of consciousness as humans and where we place our

2011-04-14T08:39:00.005-05:00

wing: "Why do we have full funerals and hotels for dogs, cats and other animals yet human beings are killed and rolled into ditches - plus children live

2011-04-14T08:39:00.003-05:00

ay here. I'm on the mend however and went from a night with no voice to a night with all voice. God is good!

So, I've been asked to comment on the follo

2011-04-14T08:39:00.001-05:00

I always wake up early. The guys always stay up late. I have an hour before I need to get up and this would be fine except I'm congested and can't just l

2011-04-14T07:56:00.001-05:00

It was a surprise to find no prize in the gift box u gave me. And then she walked by wearing it tastefully. I cannot stay. #mospeak12

2011-04-13T12:46:00.001-05:00

Why do we care to kill each other when mother nature has us on her plate? Early dinner of the Gods who masters the peoples fate. #mospeak11

2011-04-12T20:02:00.001-05:00

I haven't written anything other than my one poem a day lately cuz I've fallen Sick with a cold. It started with a scratchy throat and is now at runny nose status. I consider it contained. I however - am not. I'm unsettled, restless, a bit confused, and downright lost in my own stream of consciousness.

I've slept alot and thought alot. What have I thought about? How to discern my nside truth from the outside untruth. I've wondered about the things I wake up everyday to fight for and/or believe in. I think about the people in Japan who cant seem to regulate themselves cuz the earth won't stop shaking. I think about home and how it's become a seat on a van in a world where folks want to forget. I've dreamed about older women in fur coats set atop green grass under trees with flowers around them and wait for the translation. How I would rather be adored and wanted rather than used and thrown away. The power of words, expression, opinion, and silence. The inevitable hard work that comes with attraction.

There is nothing to recapture. I've thought about the book I started writing but haven't been able to continue because I'd rather be in love with somebody...and each second, I'm feeling better and better.

2011-04-12T05:16:00.001-05:00

In Japan, they pray for a daybreak without leaky faucets, cracked hopes, or unflourished dreams. And America markets those prayers to it's sinners of fortune, it's cigar yielding raindancers, and powerless children.

2011-04-11T11:42:00.001-05:00

A lover's reign over sunny skies ebbs when the feeling up and dies. Then love reigns where the heart beats in sighs. #mospeak10

2011-04-10T09:48:00.001-05:00

For the faithful and untrue light comes not for your pain or pleasure, but for your existence. It comes 2 see u b born each day. #mospeak9

A fighters heart from start to finish beats longitude in victory and latitudes in beginnings. Defeat his foe for never ending. #mospeak8

Mind paths as open as da road with twice as many lanes, unforged passages, & unlimited directions. U-turn streetwise. #mospeak7

Each step of the way we take it easy until the time comes when the switch is flipped and the grind takes a bite from complacency. #mospeak6

Gas is high. Soldiers r fighting over kindness. America is starved for embraces & no one shall eat for another day. #mospeak5

2011-04-10T08:35:00.001-05:00

Today is Sunday and JTNL is officially a week into this All of April Tour. This is the first morning in four days that we haven't had to b up before 9AM and I'm glad.

I'm in my hotel bed streaming a soccer game and enjoying the time. Last night we played Webster Hall in Hartford, Connecticut. Webster is in the hood and except for the houses, it looks like any other hood: corner stores, lots of walking traffic, folks of color and culture, trash on streets.

The show was cool. Prolly the loudest show we've played this tour so far. JT is always having to tell one of the guys to turn their amp down. Last night it was Brandon. I'm convinced Brandon has lost sum of his hearing. He always needs his vocal mic and guitar extra. However, we made it thru and made new fans and friends after.

Before arriving in Hartford, we stopped in Bristol and visited the ESPN Headquarters. It was a fantastic experience. ESPN sits on it's own campus. It's huge! We were able to take pics and as soon as I figure how to upload from my phone... I will. Visiting gave me insight into Sports culture and I realized that the art of physical competition is prolly the biggest money maker in our world next to sex. They both go hand in hand.

Today we journey back south to Allston, Maine where we do a 9pm show at Brighton Music Hall. I like the New England states and I hope to rerun soon... When it's warm however. I hope u r well and enjoying Spring! Take it easy. Stay strong and stay familiar.

KIEST & POLK VIDEO HERE

2011-04-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

2011-04-05T23:35:00.001-05:00

We have arrived in Rhode Island! Well... Actually, we r at a Super 8 hotel in Massachesettes, just east of Providence. Three days of travel now rolled up into about 1,974 miles. The van held up and so did way. It was a great ride, even the second day in which it rained the entire day. The most memorable part of getting here? Getting here. Tomorrow we get up for two radio interviews at WHJY/Clear Channel. This is major as Clear Channel basically rules the airwaves. If we do well and they like what they see and hear, we conquer a major hurdle (as if surviving a Kid Rick tour and cruise weren't enuff). I'm xcited however.

Then we play Met Cafe in Providence with Taddy Porter. We will be doing several dates up this way with TP. They r a great band to play alongside.

In other news, I'm well adjusted. I'm doing well writing a poem each day for 30 days in honor of National Poetry Month. I post them daily on Twitter and Once a week here at the blogspot. Today my nephew took a fastball to the eye in his baseball game. A few stitches to make an early man outta him. He's fine. The pic my brother sent is what's funny. I may post it. May. I'm pretty against posting pics of minors. Finally... I'm booking more Emotion & the Cosmos shows for May!!! Stay tuned.

Please turn people on to the Kiest & Polk video on YouTube. It does us no good if you don't introduce it, learn the words, and take ownership of the creativity you inspired inside me.

2011-04-04T20:45:00.001-05:00

I'm in the process of figuring me out. I'm in the process of letting go of false and imagined wants. Yeah, I feel a bit alone at present but this is not real. I am writing it down to remember that I know how to deal with untruth. I'm in the process of working my way back up through my own undoing, ignorance, and brash.

This life I'm living does not belong solely to me although I can change it at any moment. Yeah... I get lonely too and I fight to not let it manifest into a fear. Fear not love, believe, or let my thoughts remain naked and pure.

I have no desire to be fear injected based on my emotional resonse to how my life has me positioned. The portal isn't far. I just gotta stay low and keep firing. Thanks for that. No more casual distractions. No mas.

2011-04-04T14:21:00.001-05:00

It's been raining since we left Little Rock. Raining hard and strong like an American monsoon. Gas stations have been out of power and cars have slid their ways into trenches and ditches. We r safe. Good sleeping weather. Brandon driving like a champ. I have been inspired into writing poems, thoughts, and making notes. The Book of Embraces by Eduardo Galeano is inciting the lover in me. The lover of all things. For this I am grateful.

POEM #4

2011-04-04T01:50:00.002-05:00

I am not available in distant places
like
where he stares
when I'm supposed to be where
he is looking.

POEM #3

2011-04-04T01:48:00.001-05:00

Bulletproof 2 da noose.
A jillion at da least.
Ditto on being countless.
The illusion imbued thief.
Hang on a few . . . impeccable snafu.

Poem #2

2011-04-04T01:47:00.002-05:00

I am an island full of life
Undiscovered
And the waves that hit my shore
are from my own ocean of tears.
Uninhabited . . . I am still civilized.

POEM #1

2011-04-04T01:45:00.001-05:00

Now you have invaded the very place where I am safest.
Overwhelmed me with insecurity in this waking life.
Sent me running into daydreams.

APRIL TOUR EAST COAST - VAN MUSTY - NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

2011-04-04T01:22:00.004-05:00

I'm at a Days Inn in Little Rock, Arkansas. We arrived just before midnight. This the first night of a month-long tour up east and then back down south. I'm excited because this will be our second full month go at being on the road. The last time, I believe was March of last year when we were extracted from Texas in the name of doing what we do as JTNL.

I want to call my homie, Ariston Jacks, but it's late and this ain't college. If you get a chance to peep brother Ariston's work, please do. I own a piece he did before he was a master of art or even finished undergrad for that matter and it's the most coveted piece of artwork that I own. Just google: ARISTON JACKS.

So, this tour will cover the east coast namely, Rhode Island, New York, Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Please check www.jonathantylermusic.com for dates, times, and locations.

JTNL has been non-stop and it feels good to be grinding as a touring band. However, when I got on the van today, it smellled like a gymnasium dressing room. Dudes. I'm hoping once we get up to the cold territories, we can get it cleaned. I don't complain out loud anymore. It serves no real purpose and since I'm not going to clean it . . . I ride.

Yesterday, JT did an acoustic set at the Ray Wiley Hubbard festival in New Braunfels. I didn't attend, but hear tell it was a great time had by all. If you missed it, make plans for next time. Nothing like a good country music fest with some of Texas' best - in the country.

I played the Deep Ellum Arts Festival yesterday with my bass player, Wade Campbell. It was hot but a great deal of fun. It was my first time playing a two piece show. It was also a grand reminder that I need to commit more time to my guitar. I don't bring it on the road, simply because I don't have a hard case, so I'm always setting myself back when I go on tours. I ended up doing alot of hand-clapping and tambourine playing. Thank goodness my rhythm is on point. I want to shout out to Three of One Arts (Jared, IZK, and Josh) for inviting me and for putting on a great art & music event during the festival. They should be proud and the undressed woman with gun picture was absolutely FRESH. When I get THE money . . . much of it will go to art. I love art.

This is National poetry month and in honor of NPM, I'm writing one poem a day for 30 days. I'm four poems in. They are short because I'm posting them on Twitter, which is a great limit setter to keep me from overthinking this project. If you like poetry or would like to celebrate the occasion - please read your favorite poem, support an open mic or two, write a poem yourself, or discover a poet.

Our first show is Wednesday April 6. I'm excited. Never been to Rhode Island. I'm sure it's gonna be cold, but I've also heard it's beautiful. Can't wait! This is a great start. I'll tune in again tomorrow. Live well. Njoy life. Stay strong and stay familiar.

COMMENTARY ON THE BIRTH OF KIEST & POLK

2011-04-02T19:50:00.003-05:00

Kiest & Polk is the product of a jam session held between me and @kynfolkprod (see: Twitter). It was June 6 and we were vibing with a guitar and keyboard between us. The beautniful thing about the conception of this song, is that I still have the session recording. It's laughable because "whoever" is on the keys is hitting wrong notes left and write, but it still jams. The original simply started with the first two verses - no hook, no third verse, no verified tempo.

I walked away that night more excited about a song since I'd done Girlfriend, or Neptunes Rising's vocals. I like collaborations and me and Kyndal have genuine chemistry. A few nights later (June 26) I woke up at 4 in the morning determined to get the bridge cleared. By 6:15AM, I had the two verses and a bridge. This too, recorded. Sure, I had moments thinking how elementary and fundamental the song sounded, but I also thought about the lyrics. I was inspired by the entire concept that we'd brought our city, community and the mores of southern Dallas (Mic City) into the equation and how automatic it was. I found it refreshing and was eager to get it to a completed point.

I contacted my cousin and let her know that I'd come up with a bridge and we needed to get the third verse down. On the inititial night of creating the song, we'd gone back forth over a third verse and I recall one of the lines being "Where's Lucy?". Now it's funny because the idea of the third verse was about being out in mom's proverbial car on limited time and the concern at the edge of curfew was waiting on a friend to come out of Fuel City gas station. However, it was written and we couldn't remember the lines of the verse. We only had the first line, "Kiest and Polk, travelin folk in Mic City."

Once we go the song done, I was pretty happy. It could be performed with one person all the way up to a symphony. It was the first collaboration for me as a beginning guitar player. We performed it at band rehearsals and soon transferred it to public appearances. I called upon photographer, DeIra Lacy, who had purchased a new digi with video capabilities and offer him a free practice target. He agreed and I sat and planned it out. A simple video that we could film in a day within five hours tops. The idea I gave DeIra was I didn't want a real polished look with the film itself. Perfection was not the pushed element, but rather specificity. I wanted shaky film. I wanted shots that to the trained eyed could be easily taken apart because this video was not intentioned for the trained eye. It's an intelligent artistic, hood, Soulternative production through and through.

We got the footage and I was then faced with the challenge of finding an editor, but not before a moment where the footage had been missplaced. I consider myself blessed to have Danielle "Pockett" Brown accept my offer. She mentioned that she was getting into editing more vids and that Kiest & Polk would be a great practice ground for her. It was her brainchild to add the read-a-long lyrics. I thought it was a great idea. I'm pretty good with allowing artists who deal with my work to do what they believe is an enhancement to the work. Pockett had two versions prepared when I made the pick up and I elected the version with the sing-a-long. It only added to the quirkiness of what Soulternative from a visual perspective can appear to be.

The song was recorded in Fort Worth by Ty Macklin of Alpha Omega Studio. We did three takes of the song and took the best one. This is how my budget was rolling. I wasn't interested in wastin anyone's time or my own with an over analyzing the song. the song debuted on March 10, 2011, which was also Kyndal's birthday.

The video snuck into the world officially on Wednesday, March 23. It was a small, intimate splash, but a splash non-the-less. I'm proud to have a projec that is from start to finish with a completed story. It has history as long as history exists. The project is a Mic City production done by one of Mic City's blood children. It's an anthem. A novelty song. A classic aural and visual commentary for the music world.

BEEN A HOT MINUTE BUT I BEEN DIGGING IN: UNPLUGGED

2011-04-02T19:12:00.004-05:00

What it do old world? It's April and if you are reading this, you survived el invierno and what a crazy winter it was. Just as the season changed I lost one of my former bass players to suicide. Adam Carter, a great guy and comrade. Please, if you're thinking of taking your own life, know that there is nothing to fear about life Get help, you can survive.

And while I'm on the social message tip, this is a good year to know your status. HIV/AIDS is an issue and it's nothing to make sure you've been tested than to assume you're okay or think that the last time you had a physical, you were tested. Know for yourself based on you knowing you were being tested for HIV/AIDS. On March 13, I performed an acoustic set at the Red Pump Project Diva Swamp, hosted by Twitter follower: Shannon Goodson and was simply reminded to keep spreading the word because this is an important issue.

I'm preparing to head up east with JTNL. we will be gone a month. I enjoy the long excursions. This tour we are going to New York, Maine, Vermont, D.C., Pennsylvania and then head back south thru places like Tennessee, Alabama, and New Orleans. I'm prepping myself to document and primarily get back on the ball with communicating to the outside world. It's crazy how time consuming the days are with me sleeping on the van and all. I promise, more writing less lounging. Sleep feels good however.

I'm currently reading the Book of Embraces by Eduardo Gelano. It's a book of shorts written in bold romantic language with heavy Spanish influence. Great stuff so far. Highly imaginary which is a joy. I'm gearing up for the read of Jay-Z's Decoded this summer. I haven't even leafed through it. Gonna be the freshest of fresh experiences, as if it hit shelves on the very day I open it.

As for my personal life, here is what I will let you know. I'm chillin. I still desire to relocate out of the country for a bit. I've been introduced to Soccer (yes the sport) and it's a great substitution for sin. I just laughed out loud.

Shout out to Hattrick's in Lewisville and Lochrann's in Frisco for booking Emotion & the Cosmos to do shows March 25 & 26. I consider the shows blessings counted. I hope to book more shows with these venues soon. Both shows felt phenomenal and I really enjoy the process of learning how to do a show based on the JTNL experience. I'm much better with change and transition of the mind and body. As a fixed sign of the zodiac, I can be fairly dogmatic which can get in the way and hold me back. I'm identifying self-defeating behavior at at least intermediate adult level now. Either way, the shows were great and I wanna thank those who have come out and overall been a general support in my efforts. It's feels good to be appreciated base on artistry.

KIEST & POLK VIDEO HERE

2011-04-02T18:58:00.003-05:00

NEXT SHOW: MARCH 25, 2011/ FRISCO, TEXAS

2011-03-04T02:05:00.002-06:00

Emotion and the Cosmos Show w/ Luke Wade & No Civilians
Friday March 25, 2011
Lochrann's Irish Pub Originals
6195 Main Street
Frisco, Texas
NO COVER / $3 Wells
9PM
Presented by Spune & Wellhouse Co.
www.wellhouse-co.com

THE SHORTEST BLOG I KNOW: COMING SOON/ CHARLIE SHEEN

2011-03-04T01:47:00.003-06:00

It's somewhere along the lines of Friday March 4 and we are in Jacksonville, Florida. The weather is fair, traveling has been good and we are four days from returning to Mic City. Tonite we played the Florida Theatre a historic venue in the vein of our own, Majestic Theatre, but with a bit more pinache. Opening for Grace Potter has proven to be a great decision as we have opened for full audiences who LOVE us! It's sometimes hard to believe we've been on the road since February 13 where we started this tour in Oklahoma City.

I've been keeping astride by doing plenty of reading. I'm a big fan of Waxpoetics magazine and have two issues with me. I also have been gifted a copy of DECODED, Jay-Z's memoir of his life as a Hip Hop artist. I will be taking that on this summer and I can't wait. Spring time is quickly approaching and I'm eager for it to hit. I will be tackling a fiction novel when I return home as well as preparing for a show on March 25 in Frisco, Texas. It's my first big paying show! It's all happening and I have to pray daily for the strength and where withall to maintain.

I've been asked do I want to date or do I desire to be married or have a boyfriend/family whatever. I'm not sure. For the most part no because heartache is something I'm all too familiar with yet not afraid of. I don't think anyone who is without a partner is intending to be that way, but I do attempt to make my life as a single woman one with purpose. I don't spend alot of time thinking about what is not in my life rather than focusing on what is. Guys come and go. I tend to be either a fantasy or tooooooo much reality so I don't bother much. I have enough on my plate and my nieces and nephews fill a void that allows me to be an apparent parent. HA! I love my life.

I'm gonna have to cut this blog short due to issues with the socket I'm using. It's bending my cable and not allowing juice to the CPU. Hold tight. I will make sure I blog tomorrow with a full report. Photo by Cliff Easterling.

FINDING MY STATE OF MIND - FEELS GOOD WAKING UP IN THE MORNING

2011-02-26T09:47:00.005-06:00

Life is happening. I'm in Gulf Shores Florida/Alabama and it's cloudy but we're on the beach in a condo, so it's still a beautiful day. Our two day stint in Atlanta was great. Grace Potter is doing her thing and taking no prisoners. The second night of her show, George Lopez was in town and came to see her stage-side. Incredible!

What have you been up to? How's the weather where you are? I hope your spirits are strong and that you are practicing daily how to combat negative events, people, feelings, and places. I hope you are holding back on talking bad and thinking bad. I hope you are practicing optimism, hope, and salvation. What other people think of you is none of your business even though they are probably making decisions on your behalf without you knowing. Walk a good, peaceful walk. It's the only way I can see you.

Also while in Atlanta, I got the opportunity to Dojo. What is Dojoing? Well, I have some acquaintances in Hotlanta who are artists of the create-in-the-moment type. They have a room in their house decked out with keyboards, drums, shakers, tams, guitars and all sorts of great musical equipment, including microphones and recording aparatuses. In the wee hours of they night, a few friends show up and people get on these instruments and life, love, music, and soul begins. I was the guest of honor. We Dojo'd until four in the morning. It was refreshing and I must say, Jack Preston impresses me each and every time with his fortitude and love for this type of bringing together. I haven't had so much fun and freedom in a while and it felt good. It was confirming. I also was able to spend a considerable amount of time with my brother, great-aunt and great uncle who are also in the city. Family rules! If you are somewhere not getting along with your family or talking crazy about them and how they don't understand you - that's probably all fine and good, but you are missing out. My family members tell the greatest stories and they are funny. I'm going back to do a family only trip with my cousin Kyndal in March and I'm overjoyed.

This time off has allotted us time to breathe a bit and not be in the van. I've been writing and planning for this year. I'm transitioning/moving/adjusting/shaking off alot of dust that I've been exposed to since we've met. It's time to get my play funded as well as my CD project. I thought I would be able to do that as I traveled with the JTNL project, but it's just not happening, so I'm re-formulating my groove. I'm excited because what is in the works is something to be excited about. I hope you continue to support me no matter what. Goodness never crumbles . . . please remember that.

I've been thinking about leaving the country soon. It's been on my heart for over a year, but I've been believing in some of the wrong things (which I'm glad I can admit openly) but God has a way of yellow-lighting a situation before the red-light and I'm yeilding. You'll see . . . just keep watching. What I do know is that I will speak no evil on it. It is what it is and really all one can do is make the decisions best for Self. Now that I'm certain of what is meant for me, I'm going with it.

We are drawing close to the release of Kiest and Polk!!!! I'm geeked more that it's releasing on my cousin's birthday and in her honor more than I am for the song itself. Each time I hear it, I remember being in her livingroom hashing it out on keys and guitar. I still have the original recording and it's sooo funny because Kyndal is literally hitting single notes (some not on key) and we are laughing while singing.

Well, I gotta go. No time for finger pointing. AuRevoir . . . duty calls.

MARCH MADNESS HAS ALREADY KICKED IN

2011-02-22T19:30:00.002-06:00

Hello party people! How are you? Me? I'm doing well. I'm in a hotel room in Alabama preparing for the show tomorrow at the WorkPlay venue with Grace Potter. The shows have been great and if you've had a chance to attend you are my witnessess. Grace is dynamic with a voice that caters on Janis Joplin and Ricky Lee Jones if you ask me. I'm glad to have this experience because it widens my apporoach. She inspires. Unfortunaely I haven't been able to blog due to lack of consistent internet connections but I'm here now, so let me update you.

JTNL is fine. Nothing different than can be expected from an up and coming band. JT got a new haircut and it looks good. He looks matured. I've heard different reactions and for the most part, I'm just glad he has set himself apart somewhat. It's all relative to his growth as a man not necessarily an artist. No longer wanting to be hippie associated. It's all good. I suspect the followers will follow.

As for me, I'm excited because, "Kiest & Polk" will be released next month on March 10, 2011. I'm glad because the song is different but it reflects a grand part of my musical attraction. Nice and Easy. It's not a banger or a song that you are expecting. The fact that it's not a standard gives me thrills. Also, I contributed background vocals on @alkhemijones' upcoming mixtape #southernhiphopprolificchevymusic. Stay tuned, it's a BANGER. I'm glad to have been a part of Alkhemi's project. She is gracious. By Spring you will also be able to purchase and donate to the Mo Brown enterprise through my paypal account. It's all coming.

I'm learning about people and their personalities or lack thereof. I've been lied to and a few have turned their backs but at the end of the day, I'm still breathing and happy. The truth is they don't matter, never mattered, and will not matter because they were in my life for their own personal gain which netted nothing. I'm not here as a conduit, but rather a single source of goodness. Everyone thinks they know, but they don't. This is where I find comfort. If you don't know for yourself and depend on the opinions of others for validation then you are still trying to exist rather than just existing.

I'm looking forward to my next show. Not sure when it will be but March 25 is slated. Holla at me. Let me know how you are. I miss you and hope good things are happening in your life that outweigh the bad. Move Forward.

WINTER WEAR OUT: WHO IS EMOTION'S 2011 VALENTINE?

2011-02-10T12:22:00.009-06:00

It's February and it seems like it's cold everywhere except California. Hello readers! It's good to be back here. Whenever I blog I feel like I'm being responsible to my future rather than my past or present, which is a good thing. I'm aiming to do it more. Hope all is well with you and that nothing but goodness is around you and working in your favor. Right now, I'm listenting to an interview between Cathy Hughes and Don Cheadle. Music to come immediately after.

Yesterday we (JTNL) were in Little Rock, Arkansas. A snow storm blew in overnight and when I woke up and looked out the window, my stomach dropped. Being stranded anywhere is cool to an extent. We had a show scheduled for Jonesboro and it was apparent that it probably wasn't going down. The highway was covered in white even with cars driving on it. Lanes were nowhere in sight.Not willing to really spend the extra money, we all gangstered up and hit the road. For an hour and a half, we drove on snow at 40mph until we connected behind a snow blower. We did a slip and slide getting on the highway and almost didn't even make it out of the city. However, we don't roll in no bitchmobile and our tour manager ain't no coward. He got us out and drove the length of the trip.

I'm in Mic City now, fresh off of finishing the final edit of my play, Emerald City. This play is five years in the making and is officially ready to move to the next level of manifestation. I'm excited and thankful.

EMOTION AND THE COSMOS is live tomorrow night FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2011 at the PROPHET BAR in Mic City. The door is $8. It's gonna be a hot show! Claim your space.

EMOTION AND THE COSMOS is live SATURDAY FEBRUARY, 12, 2011 at BILLY'S ICEHOUSE in NEW BRAUNFELS, TX. Nothing will compare. Claim your space.

In other news, I'm sad to report the passing of two great spirits that have been in my life. One is the mother of one of my best friends. It's hard losing a parent and Barbara Brown-Patterson was a great mom to my friend, Toni. She was a patient woman who liked to laugh. In her later days, she lived with Toni. On the road mostly, I kept up with them through Toni's Tweets. The other spirit is Miss Gwen Hargrove. I alwasy considered her First Lady of Mic City's Academy of Arts and Letters even though she wasn't married to the main man, Curtis King. Miss Gwen was beautiful, resourceful, wise, and she was extremely classy with keeping it real. Both of theses losses are forever voids in the goodness that life can sometimes provide in the form of a Black woman.

This is the year, the Green Bay Packers won the SuperBowl which was hosted in Mic City. The weather was bad and for a moment everyone was on lock down. I slept as much as I could taking advantage of inciting my own Cabin Fever. It was fun and I had some great moments of clarity take place. One being that I am unique. I'm solely concerned with my purpose on Earth because at the end of the day, I'm really not from here. It's something I say alot, but it's the truth.If you ask me where I'm from I can only point to the greatness we call the sky. I get it. Fraternizing with natives is dangerous to my being. I'm a COSMIC MUSE - I inspire people to higher because that's where I exist. Hope that helps you understand me. I want to shout out to Cliff Easterling for celebrating yet another phenomenal year of being sober, clean, and praising God. Congrats. Cleaning up is not easy, but it's possible.

Also shout out to Ariston Jacks for telling me I was the person selected to address the committee when it was way past his bedtime. Shout out to Anna Williams for being an angel on Earth. Shout out to Lunar Ray for believing as I believe about certain things outer space related. I have great people in my life!!!

My 2011 VALENTINE is . . . NOCTURNAL FITZSIMMONS! In gratitude for giving me a song and Little Dragon. Get your LOVE on everybody and don't be afraid to be open. Don't hide behind texting too much and build a crazy fantasy land because at some point, it will all become real. And take note - computer LOVE is not real LOVE. I'm already in the month of March dancing in flowers. Now, go get your music on!

NEXT MOCOSOMOS SHOW: FRIDAY FEB. 11, 2011

2011-01-28T02:32:00.001-06:00

FRIDAY Feb 11, 2011
The Prophet Bar
2548 Elm St, Dallas TX
$8 over 21
$10 Under 21
8pm doors

THE KIEST AND POLK SONG WILL RELEASE . . . (Drumroll please)

2011-01-28T02:28:00.004-06:00

ON MARCH 10, 2011. Why this date? March 10 is Kyndal Robertson's birthday. My cousin who wrote the song with me. I couldn't honor her more and hopefully the video will be ready then too. Stay tuned!!! We're just a traveling folk!

NEW BEGINNINGS WITH OLD ENDINGS: WINTER TOUR 2011 UNDERWAY

2011-01-28T01:36:00.006-06:00

I'm in a hotel room in Salt Lake City, Utah sitting on a bed that's harder than Vietnamese arithmatic with Carson Daily playing in the background. Tonight, Fitz and the Tantrums will be on and I'm sooo excited. We played Mo's Bar and Grill this evening and even though the stage was minute and the sound system worthy of a high school karaoke competition, it was a good night. Industry folks were in the building and yet again, JTNL did not disappoint.

As you know, this tour started out for me in California and will end in Lubbock, Texas one night from tonight. In between has been Boise and Moscow, Idaho, Portland, Oregon, Spokane and Seattle, Washington with a touch of Mexico. It's been awesome, emotional, and disappointing all at once as with each tour we do. The emotional ups and downs are what makes it worth it. The highlights of this tour have been me totally going cold turkey with the cigarettes, weed, and almost the liquor. I've had a few sobering shots of Jack here and there, but nothing equating what I used to do. What made me do it? Well . . . I have a pea to marble sized knot near my breast that I noticed on January 20. As I type it's here with me, sore, and seemingly wanting to party. My mother immediately dismissed it and so far it seems to be for me and me only to deal with. No worries. Please don't go into auto pilot mode and start feeling empathy and all that stuff. I'm saying this more for me than to you, but I think I can share the good and the bad. I am going to get it checked out when I get home. Prayers accepted. Having no insurance forces this decision.All will be well.

Another highlight of this trip has been having full out dreams again! I supposed the vices was blocking all the messages I should have been receiving and I missed that. I missed ME. So long story short, I've been able to approach alot of people who have existed in my life during my high times and reconnect with them or disconnect. Imagine having over a decade of folks not really know who you are because you weren't even whole? Life is fun and funny all at once! The guys are fine. They are enjoying being rock stars and going up the ladder the same way the greats did. Jordan has embarked on a journey of the yogi kind.He's practicing meditation. Nick Jay is still our social butterfly and music genius. Brandon still uses all the towels when he takes a shower and leaves them all over the floor, and JT . . . is ready for bigger things. He's ambitious and I think it is something to be applauded.Our road manager, Matt has survived and he LOVES the band and being on the road with us. We couldn't ask for a better guy. I swear we could not.

How have you been? I've missed you, but I'm working on downsizing my computer equipment so I can blog more. Unfortunately my laptop is the size of a television tray and is totally no longer easy to have on the road. It's big, bulky, antiquated and in need of a new battery. If you're feeling generous, I need a SONY rechargeable battery pack 11.1volt/4800 mAh #VGP-BP59/B for PC Model PCG-7133L.

I have two shows coming up: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2011 at THE PROPHET BAR in DALLAS and SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2011 at BILLY'S ICEHOUSE in NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS. For more information, hit me up on FaceBook or stay tuned here. I'll be posting the dates again. Please come out or send friends. It matters.

The books are coming. I don't write as much as I would like to due to traveling, but I will be taking some time off near Spring and it is my hopes to have some chapters ready. I am working on two books, one fiction, one non-fiction. I'm thinking of by-passing self-publishing a physical novel and going straight to the web. What do you think? Would you even buy a paperback book with all the technology out in the world? Let me know . . . it will help me make a decision.

Well, my journey to greater things began on January 20 as far as I'm concerned. I'm writing more and I pretty much feel that I'm resigned to writing and playing music. It took me a while to get here and the road has not been easy. I have used people and been used. Life has chewed me up, spit me out, picked me up off the ground and put me back in it's mouth and I have survived and I'm thankful for the lack of stability. I don't post my blogs anymore to FaceBook or Twitter.I figure if you really want to connect with me, you will sign up and be added to the email list. By the end of the year I hope to surprise you, make you glad to know me, and ultimately treat you to some light and peace. Let's continue to Move Forward and blossom under God's sun. I'm still me - just upgraded. I will not be going backwards and if you walk up to me and start treating me like a patient . . . I will probably bitch slap you. Now, smile and know that there is work to do. See you soon.

YEAR FOUR - CLEAN AND CLEAR - THE CONFESSION OF A LIFETIME

2011-01-22T23:48:00.009-06:00

The end of an era happened on January 17, 2011. What is going on everyone?!?! I'm in rare form tonight. Where am I? Seattle, Washington. One of the most beautiful cities I've had the pleasure to visit. Today was a long ride from Portland. What was reported as a 2.5 hour drive seemed to be five hours. Not complaining, just saying. In reflecting, this is my fourth year with JTNL and it's been sobering. How sobering? Well . . . I'm no longer a weed and cigaretted smoker. I stopped. I realize I can't deal with the inconsistency of a male mind on anything other than God's pure unadulterated, unfiltered goodness. What am I saying? I'm saying shit aint right in this camp all the time and I need to be sober to respond to it when it ain't right. Sure, I'd never go public with the things I see, hear, or smell for that matter, but to sit back and let it exist in falsehood - nope, not this kid. Ya dig? It's important to have morals that aren't based in a false sense of self. It's important to honor your friends and those who help you. It's important not to belittle people based on their weaknesses and think you benefitting. It's important to be consistent with self so the world can be consistent with you. The Western world breeds monsters who can't kill. Soul is not just music or the expression thereof. Soul is BEING. That's what most people feel when they refer to soul. They are responding to a person's BEING.Having soul is what makes a person kind and aware. Having soul is what makes a person sense human fragility and respond. True soul has nothing to do with being 'created'. Wake up call on the truth. Having soul is a cosmic religion and if you don't know the force that rules the soul(GOD/UNIVERSE/CREATOR)then you are lost. No ifs, ands, or buts. LOST!

So, I'm clear and for most of you - we are starting all the way over. I prolly was high when I met most of you. No, I never did anything much more than weed but I did alot of weed. I can admit, I popped a Xanax or two, sum Aderol (sp?) and ONE x-pill during my "wildnerness years" which totaled 3. However, with the weed, I smoked more than I care to admit. I'm thankful the Universe didn't let go of me. I'm thankful my family has loved me through it. It's hard to watch someone you care about pretend through their life. It just IS. Being high has its advantages . . . but none worth telling a none weed smoker about. I'm not anti either. I still think it should be legalized for medicinal use. Just not for me anymore. I'm backing up off the spirits too. Might be a nun by the time 2011 is done with me. I love me in greater ways. Will I smoke weed again. Probably. Honestly. But it will be in a different time, space, and JOY.

This tour has been good. California was great and I must thank Jason Carpenter again for taking me to see my great-grandfather. I'm excited for what has happened. The book is going well and the music is just the tip of the iceberg on what will be revealed this year from me. I think I'm finally coming full circle with alot of the questions as to why I'm here. I'll be getting into a lot of it as well as the completion of my purge of information in this very blog.Shout out to Aziz who I talked to today and he made me realize that "doing something different" is the order of the day. It's the learning curve.

Tonight, I walked about 18 miles round trip to Capitol Hill in Seattle from downtown. It's crisp here. No rain, just cool air and beautiful people. Lots of homeless and lots of cigarette smokers. Am I tempted? Not in the least. I still have a grand desire to start walking one day and never stop - never look back - never return. But Seattle is not the place for that. When I start walking there will be warmth. HA! Stay tuned, ask me questions, let me know you are out there. Alive is where we should all want to be. I'm now the change I seek and still a bad ass fucking artist! Death can't come any quicker. Just tell me how you want it. Move Forward. Change baby . . . CHANGE.

WISDOM FROM MY GREAT GRANDADDY

2011-01-19T02:35:00.004-06:00

This is me and my great-grandfather. He is 102 years young. He is the father of my father's mother. He has worked hard all of his life. Born in 1908 he saw the first automobile to hit Los Angeles drive down Broadway. There were no paved roads, running sanitation, or Mexicans. I had the chance to visit while on tour in California and was able to walk away feeling blessed and highly favored to have such a sharp thinking elder in my life. We live long and think strong. He asks me if I'm making good money. I tell him yes and that I'm in the process of saving my good money. This makes him smile and nod in the affirmative. Being with him makes me realize how much I need to stay focused and keep my mind in the game of Emotion's life. No time for foolishness, laziness, or confusion. I have a lot of life left and a lot of work to accomplish. I'm thankful to have such a rich life and such rich people around me!

2011-01-15T01:49:00.002-06:00

ISTJ - "Trustee". Decisiveness in practical affairs. Guardian of time- honored institutions. Dependable. 11.6% of total population.

Take Free Myers-Briggs Personality Test

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT CALIFORNIA

2011-01-08T14:46:00.004-06:00

Know your worth
Stay locked
Don't let it stop
Not even for remote control
every year when the ball drop
take a mental toll
of activity mock
how much time wasted
tasted like soup stock
truth clock the continuum
I'm pasted . . . on the cover of PASTE
emancipate this hip hop to rock
basted in the oven for the hot spot
drum beat show your technique
cuz I write sing and bring south coast heat
like tornadic spark
light up the dark
dodge cosmic shards
play the cards
show it hard
of these the least
in open yard

it is meant for you to feel good when you read this. It is meant for your vibrations to rise and lift you to the next moment when the energy can and will be used for good. Fly away young lovers. Fly away good friends. Fly away mic controllers bring the mic holding to an end. Let if float on the hope of the citizens. Let it float on the hope of the citizens and if it stops at your lips you better have something great to say cuz ain't no guarantee that it's gonna be coming back your way, so keep your mind pure, fresh and maganetic. Make the dope lyrics be prophetic.

B. Fresh!

NEXT SHOW: WED JAN 12, 2011 at ZUBAR 10PM

2011-01-08T13:27:00.004-06:00

Emotion & the Cosmos
After Hours @ Zubar
2012 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX
Free
Doors open at 10PM

COMING SOON THE SONG AND THE VIDEO FOR KIEST & POLK

2011-01-03T15:48:00.000-06:00

WHAT THE NEW YEAR HOLDS

2011-01-03T14:49:00.004-06:00

A man named, Tony Green in Hollywood, California once asked me if I wanted to win awards or make money as a writer. I told him BOTH.

It is Monday January 3, 2011 and I'm posted up watching the original Planet of the Apes movie on The Movie Channel. I've been up since 7:30AM and am now on what I consider a movie/lunch break. I rose this morning and did my 20 sit ups, ran Kiest Park, finished making some turkey salad, and had carrot/apple/celery juice for breakfast. I also went and paid my rent. Life is good!

The JTNL New Years Eve show at the Granada was a success! The crowd was in full effect and we gave them what they came to the Granada for. If you didn't make it out, you missed a great night. Larry Gee gave an awesome show and Somebody's Darling set it off as the main opener. My set was right before the call of New Year's and I was proud to bring it in to the tune of What You Came Here For with the help of Jonathan, The Northern Lights, and my background sangaz: Kyndal Robertson and Becky Elias. We all looked good, sounded good, and I could not have asked for a better time. I wanted to hang out a bit afterwards, but I had a homegrown video shoot the next day and wanted to be in good condition. I was in bed by 2:30AM. By homegrown I mean, the entire project, so far, has been a labor of love in the names of creativity, cooperation, skill, inspiration, and resource management. I'm excited to see my vision process itself out through me and through others. Expect a FALL 2011 RELEASE OF KIEST AND POLK. It only seems like a long time from now.

The video shoot was great. It included D. Lacy and his crew, Kyndal Robertson, Laura Meade and Kirsten Jewel (my niece). The shoot started at 1PM and ended around 7PM. We shot all over OakCliff and recorded a live version of the song at the photo studio. I had it all mapped out down to the domino game in the garage. As director and producer of Kiest and Polk, I'm honored to have such great people willing to aide me in pulling this off. Please visit WWW.DLACYPHOTO.COM and see more images of moi! He's the go to man!

I did announce on Facebook that I am working on another novel finally. In 2007, I wrote a novel that wasn't mine. I had the experience of writing a novel and getting paid, but because my name isn't on it, you may or may not get to read it and know that I wrote it. I can't tell you anything about it due to contract obligations. My last novel, He Had It Coming, came out in 2003, so it's been a while since Camika Spencer put out a book. I doubt if this one will be completed this year. The shortest process I ever had for writing a book is about a year and right now (with my life unfolding) I'm thinking, Spring 2011 at the earliest. However, just be glad for me that I'm even writing fiction again. I stepped away out of frustration and for while wasn't willing to go at it so I did plays, poems, and journaled mostly. But I've learned so much and the fiction writer in me refuses to die.

What does Emotion Brown have to look forward to this year? I've decided to focus on a good relocation spot. I'm looking forward to being a part of the Jonathan Tyler and Northern Lights 2011 music experience. The good, bad, ugly and profoundly beautiful. I'm looking forward to owning this time in my life. I feel so brand new! I'm looking forward to meeting and making more fans. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, taking a trip out of the country, and possibly upgrading my ride this year. I'm looking forward to Emotion & the Cosmos breaking on through the placenta of live music performances.I'm looking forward to performing random acts of kindess. I'm looking forward to moving forward. I'm looking forward to discovery!

EMOTION BROWN CONFESSION #2

2010-12-30T02:18:00.002-06:00

My mother hates me when I'm PMSing. This is not an assumption. She told me this Christmas Day 2010 while I wasn't PMSing. Prolly the only time she could tell me something like this and I not go bazerk.

nuMOrology

2010-12-25T23:15:00.004-06:00

Destiny number: 64 / 1
Life Path number: 50 / 5
Physical Plane: 5
Mental Plane: 0
Emotional Plane: 5
Intuitive Plane: 2
Personality number: 32 / 5
Soul Urge number: 32 / 5

Emotion

Your recent free sample nuMOrology reading and a subsequent review showed many high value areas. That is why we have arranged delivery of this letter directly to you as you should know that the next two months will be the beginning of a whole new life experience for you. A time when treasures will make themselves known.

Review SHOWED:A wealth cycle will open for you during the coming two months.
Review SHOWED:You will be more cared about.
Review Showed You will be rewarded financially.
Review Showed You will not be underestimated.
Review Showed Your desire for better health will manifest.
Review Showed Your relationships with loved ones will only improve.
Review Showed You will move forward without hesitation.
Review showed You will be lead to the people who can help you.
Review showed You are excited and joyous about what's to come.
Review showed Your friends a fewer than you believe
Review showed You are persistant.
Review showed You are making healthy decisions that only bring you peace of mind.
Review showed You will continue to travel.
Review showed You will perform this year.
Review showed You have the ability to heal people's hearts.
Review showed You are in the process of living a debt free life.
Review showed You will relocate soon.
Review showed You will sign a big contract soon.
Review showed You are a late bloomer.
Review showed More and More You have a lasting personality.
Review showed You have decided to move forward.
Review showed You have only reason to peacefully be in the presence of those who cannot assist you.
Review showed You are loved.
Review showed You will receive great blessings from known and unknown sources.
Review showed Your life's purpose will be fulfilled in three dimensions of the now.

2010-12-25T23:13:00.001-06:00

MY CHRISTMAS REPORT* ON TOUR WITH GRACE POTTER * SHADIGGITY!

2010-12-25T22:25:00.011-06:00

Happy Holidays Everyone! I hope you are smiling! Did you buy gifts this year? Was it hard shopping? Where'd you find the best sale?

Christmas 2010 has turned out to be fantastic voyage with family! With my oldest brother in town along with two aunts, my X-mas holiday has been all about blood. It's been years since I did a family only Christmas. Usually a friend or boyfriend (of some sort) is with me, or I'm splitting time between family and friends. I can say a grand part of it is me not feeling well. Had a scratchy throat two days ago and now the runny nose . . . aaargh!I'm home now drinking tea, natural juice, and humming negro spirituals to get better. Mostly focusing on the love I witnessed on both sides of my family.

Our family tradition on my maternal side is getting together on Christmas Eve for brunch instead of dinner on Christmas Day. So me and my cousin Kyndal orchestrated entertainment throughout the morning with poetry, music, stories and a fashion show. It was great times. My grandfather told two clean jokes, my oldest brother told one of his hunting stories which included informing us of what HOT DAMN liquor is, cousins did poetry, Kyndal and I performed the unexplicit version of Kiest and Polk, and the fashion show was a hit. All in all, a great time was had. Oh, and we did the 12 Days of Christmas, where each family member takes a day and caters the lyrics to their own desired gift. This year we had such things as 1 Niki Minaj CD, a 4-head like yo' mama, 8 Drake Tickets, and 12 pair of Nikes (don't quote me on the last one). Fun! I got to see nieces and nephews I've never met and they're now in high school. Later that night, I joined the Barton-Barnett Family for their annual Christmas Eve throw down. I think I'm about six years in. Toni and I rode together. I think Toni might be 10 years in on the Barton-Barnett gathering. There, we watched an entire German chocolate cake get devoured in less than an hours time while we babysat the banana pudding and the banana-graham pudding. The house was full of smiles, laughter, and good food. That night, I pretty much fought an aching throat and fiddled on the guitar. Christmas Day got a late start. I wasn't sure if I was going to leave the house - especially if I had to drive. So me and my brothers climbed in one car and headed to Cedar Hill where we had dinner with mom. It was weird sitting at a dinner table with my brothers and mother. So much so that I said it out loud. My oldest brother smiled and said, "And not a damn thing has changed." Then he took a bite of food off my plate. This is what I used to live with. My mom and brothers are hella funny people though. After that blast from the past moment, we headed to Oak Cliff to see my mom's side of the family. We are surviving like champions! Now here is where I had to promise to return to get food. My mother's dressing shot the others out of the air, but mom kept it simple this year, so I had no problem telling her sister I would return tomorrow. From OakCliff we trailed out to McKinney to see my dad's sister (with my mom along for the ride).Once again, nothing but happiness and jokes. My kind of family time. My aunt in McKinney had a nativity set displayed. I did want to dip the little baby Jesus in a coating less porcelain . . . deep eggshell even, but I was amazed I was that close to one. I'm used to seeing them in yards or on small shelves. I left this house with one slice of red velvet cake with vanilla icing. I ate it about forty minutes ago after heating it in the microwave. Sooo good.

The schedule for next week is full and I'm excited about it! Three shows, one photoshoot, two rehearsals, one studio session, one writing session, and a final romp through 2010. These are exciting times! Both books are coming along. I'm not in a grand rush to finish them because the flow of writing has been really good over the holidays with the free time I've had. Just keep me in your prayers.

I have no real idea what's going on in the world in terms of current events.I'm having a newsless holiday which could be contributing to the success of my happiness lately.

How was your holiday season? Did you get what you wanted? What was the best gift you got? Mine was a purse and houserobe from my niece and her mom. Everytime I look at it, I'm filled with an overwhelming since of joy in being. I hope you recieved gifts that do the same for you. Follow the good vibes. My word for 2011 is SHADIGGITY! Go ahead and say it a few times until your lips get comfortable. Use this word whenerver you're feeling good from the deep inside out.

DONT FORGET THE CHECK THE NEW DATES THAT ARE POSTED!

2010-12-16T22:24:00.001-06:00

ST. LOUIS - WGN CHICAGO & THE LONG RIDE HOME

2010-12-16T21:07:00.012-06:00

It's a Thursday night and nothing in my body is telling me this. I feel, rather that it's Saturday. I'm so convinced it's Saturday that I'm watching old re-runs of Saturday Night Live on VH1. What a day! For the past three days I've been layered down in clothes, trudging through snowy and icy streets and sidewalks praying my toes didn't freeze up. Winter isn't even streaking through Mic City the way it's baring all in the mid-west already. So much going on, and yet, nothing at all.

The JTNL van arrived safely in DFW today after a four day stint on the road. We left Sunday. We had shows, radio interviews, television performances and in-stores in St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois. Matt created a driving schedule and we ventured into cold territory. The Hotel 8 we stayed at in Missouri had heater issues. I slept fully clothed the first night out. Everything except my shoes. The heat in the room blew out heat like it had asthma. However, this situation was better than the room with JT, Brandon, John, and Jord-O.Their heat ain't work at all. (I know I didn't write 'didn't' - get off me). There was snow on the ground and a great wind chill that teetered in the negatives. We did radio at K-SHE and our third show at the Old Rock House, which was another success! After, we stayed at the Millennium Hotel which is a posh place with Ikea/Pottery Barn like furnishings. Then it was on to Chicago where the cold weather has a worldwide reputation for being a bad ass.
We decided to sleep four hours and leave St. Louis at 4AM. It was a risk considering we were to do a national television spot with Chicago's WGN News. Our arrival time was to be 10:30 and we had a five hour drive in cold and icy conditions. Also, leaving this early wakes up the creative lazy bone in the fellas and a few decided to shower and sleep in the van, which is cool, however, everyone but K-Nuds (keys) is in the van at 4AM. I arrived at 4:02. By 4:15 K-Nuds is nowhere to be found. Matt texts him a few times, but finally has to have the front desk call the room. Brandon used to be our slowpoke, but looks like K-Nuds is after the title. It's 4:43 when we pull out and we still have to get gas. Long story short we arrive at WGN at exactly 10:33AM after a long drive with stints of traffic. The visit to WGN is great. The staff is great and the studio is old school impressive. I dig WGN and find myself watching it sometimes just to see what's going on in Chicago from wherever I am. We do two teasers and half a set, after, we go eat at a burger spot. Our publicist was in town and all was great.

Later, Tuesday night we played the House of Blues. I would like to say that the HOB in Chicago has put their green rooms like eight flights up. I was intending to write this when we visited the last time, but didn't. If coming up those stairs don't make a person quit smoking, then I don't know what will. I'm clear! Also, I didn't notice it before, but Lauryn Hill actually signed the painting of her that's on the walls there. We played the middle stage and have officially played every stage at the HOB-Chicago! This time, fans sent up shots of GIN to the stage. You read right. GIN! The show was great and merchandise moved well. We had the night to hit the city, but a few of us were done. I was one of them. Done! Ended up getting jalepeno Cheetos and a cup of Jell-O to call it a night with.

The next day (yesterday) we had an in-store performance at the Apple Store on the Magnificent Mile in downtown, Chi-Town. This store is huge and has a full performance stage on the second floor. A part of our performance included a cover of Chuck Berry's, Run Rudolph Run. Needless to say - it was fast and we survived. After the show, we hop in the van and head to Dallas. What should have easily been a seventeen hour drive, ended up being a twenty-two hour drive. Cars and trucks had slid off the highway causing us to have to sit through roughly four hours of traffic. Of course nineteen hours into the drive, insanity started to set in and the van begins to get more stuffy than it already is. By the time any of us start hollering how much we are ready to be off the van, we were home. And it's always good to be home.

Emotion & the Cosmos has a show tomorrow in New Braunfels, Texas at Billy's IceHouse. I'm thankful and glad to have a show and have band members willing to make the trip! Building an empire is what this is! Also, I'm happy to announce that JTNL is going on a three week tour in the 2011 with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals! More blogs to come while I'm home for the holidays.My bad for falling off at the end of the six week tour, but I was whipped delirious by the time we arrived back in Mic City. I can't believe the year is almost up and yet it feels right on time. I hope you are smiling wherever you are and keeping me on your prayer list. It's important to feel good in all apecs of your life. I'm glad to have you in my corner. Stay tuned!

EMOTION & the COSMOS NEXT SHOW DECEMBER 11 @ CITY TAVERN/ DALLAS 10PM

2010-12-05T00:15:00.005-06:00

DECEMBER 11 @ CITY TAVERN
1402 MAIN STREET
MIC CITY (DTOWN DALLAS)
10PM
$5 AT THE DOOR
214) 745-1402

LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY:

Binary Sunrise
Emotion & the Cosmos
GalleryCat

casual dress/must be 21/parking meters

ALKHEMI JONES, BERNARD WRIGHT & AUTUMN FLUSH

2010-12-04T22:07:00.021-06:00

It's Friday night, December 4th and I'm doing the real old lady thing: in my robe, watching a mad crazy Charlie's Angels marathon. I'm fed, it's my choice what I do on a Friday night, and after spending the evening with my line sisters - I'm good for nothing but some guitar, television, writing and preparing for tomorrow.How you doing? I've been busy and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be busy as a performing artist. I'm learning and finding mass amounts of satisfaction creating words, sound, art and choosing happiness.I'm rejuvenated, ready to move forward and continue building my life like an architech designer of my choices. I'm in the process of Winter cleaning - cleansing my personal space of ALOT of extra out of season items. I'm giving personal gifts to friends from here on out. I have great stuff that I can borrow out permanently and not spend the very dime I'm always thinking I don't have. HA! "Message"! I'm beginning to understand alot about "as a woman/man thinketh . . . " I'm excited I will be able to gift folks.Don't know why I hadn't thought of it before. Between selling stuff, giving away and donating, I guess "gifting" hadn't crossed my mind. Honestly, If I could get my family to totally honor the fact that they would not spend money on gifts, I could hang with the entire season.RECAP - I've been out every night for the past eight weeks. Like, none stop - something every night. We arrived back in Dallas on November 21, which was my birthday. We got into Dallas and pretty much had enough time to unhitch the trailer. I did a show in Killeen on my birthday. It was a cool show. The following day, I had band rehearsal with The Cosmos. That Tuesday was Zubar, Wednesday, Zubar, Thursday was Thanksgiving and Friday was.Antone's in Austin, where I had dinner with Christie Grace and her sister, Melsa. Saturday morning, I had some amazing sushi in Austin. Should have wrote it down because the restaurant name slips me and the name of the roll. However, that is an actual photo of the roll I had. I ate it like a champ!When I returned on Saturday, I went to Reciprocity Live at the South Dallas Cultural Center where Alkhemi Jones (Atlanta/New York/Dallas) not only headlined, but stayed with me until Monday. We kick it. While she's here, I make sure she has options and she's like ready to roll. We hit up Thai Garden, Spiral, and roll through Deep Ellum. Sunday we do Green Elephant where I perform on a Ladies Night on the Mic Set with Ashley Falgout, Lady Bee, and Misha.Don't quote me on the the latter. Monday after Alkhemi did a photo shoot with Tracie Moore we head out to Pussy Cat Lounge, where we witness Bernard Wright in all of his legendary genius played drums, bass AND keys and in the same breath cussed is bass player, kicked some young wack rapping cat off the stage AND pushed his keyboard over twice.
The night was unique. We stopped briefly at the Cavern, where Tyrone Smiley was DJing, but wanted live music instead. And while I'm at it, please let me say that Alkhemi chose to make two mornings of runs with me at the park where I run my two miles e'ry day that I can. It was fun having someone really commit to getting up and taking on the events of the day that involve physical will and strength. Alkhemi was a great running buddy.Alkhemi left Tuesday evening which transformed Tuesday morning into a sleep in day with no two mile run. Tuesday night was Zubar. Wednesday, I got out and performed with Jones Band in Addison and after that, peeped about 19 minutes of Lady Bee's show at Zubar. This was also the night I missed the RED SHOE SHOW, an AIDS Awareness Benefit show, that I agreed to donate items to.Thursday, I cleaned out my closet and dresser drawers, cleared an apartment's worth of clothes and jewelry. Thursday night I performed with CoLAB in a midnight show at the Green Elephant. I spent most of this morning going through my books and music CD's. By the time I had a good re-sell pile, it was time to get ready for the gathering. I've been looking forward to right now. I was rolling home from the sorority gathering thinking about what pajama bottoms I was gonna put on and how good it would feel to be able to take my make up off before 10PM instead of putting it on at 10PM. Subtle comforts of having a night off. Just subtle comforts. I've been able to still make a considerable donation to the THE RED SHOE SHOW after calling to apologize for not making the show. The organizer, Shannon was really forgiving. She said she wasn't expecting me to show and that out of those who "did" agree to show up or give in some way, no one (but me) had actually called.

JTNL is on mini-break. As much as I needed a week to regroup, I didn't want to come off the road.It's always bittersweet. JT has been doing acoustic shows this month throughout the region. I've been doing shows locally, getting more performance time under my belt. I'm looking foward to our shows on Dec.13 in St. Louis and Dec.14 in Chicago. A little traveling during the holidays will feel good. Nick Jay has been keeping busy in Austin. He likes it there and is apartment hunting. Times they are a'changing.

My next show is Saturday, December 11, 2010 at City Tavern. 10PM $5. Will I see you there? I hope so.

EMOTION BROWN SHOW TONIGHT 11.24.10 @ ZUBAR in DALLAS, TEXAS 11PM

2010-11-17T00:27:00.003-06:00

WILD NITE AT CAPONE'S NOVEMBER 5

2010-11-17T00:05:00.005-06:00

(This is a post that I never posted because I had typed it in my "notes" on my iphone and had never emailed it to myself before the brief disconnect of my phone. Please enjoy the update.)Last night was like old times. I no longer try to figure out what the impetus is... I just roll with flow. Before I get into what made last night great, just know that we woke up to the remnants of an overnight snow. We r in Johnson City, TN headed to Charlotte in November and already there is early snow making it's cameo.

We did our 4th show as a double headliner with Ponderosa and although the shows are nowhere near as crowd heavy as the JJ Grey shows, they are fun, the music is good, and we all get along. This makes on the road life easy. We drove in from Atlanta and the closer...the colder.

Capones is more bar restaurant than venue. It has two sides so during the day, you never know that there is a performance space on one side. However the staff is awesome and the food is thumbs up. We headlined a triple header which meant we didn't go on until 12:30. The last time we went on this late was at SXSW when we had a 1AM show in 2008 I believe. Don't quote me, but it opened the door for drinks and more drinks. By the time we hit the stage the frontman was in rare form ready to play, party, and preach - all three we are used to... Well u never know what the party side is gonna b. Three songs into the set it started. We were doing Time For Love and JT goes into his spill about the industry. A few A-List Grammy winners ( I will not name) were called out on the "bullshit" they create and the crowd got their verbal spanking for being ordinary.

This is where I started looking for the random bottle being flung at the stage. We get through a few more song before JT starts in on Brandon, pushing him with grand playful aggression. Ever smile with a mic n your hand while trying to start a fight? Well, that's what this looked like. From there women (four to b exact) were invited to the stage. One birthday girl (Sarah), one over hyped Asian lady (Andy), and two women dressed for homecoming (Jessie and ?) the Asian chick gets up on stage like she's at a MTV Spring Break Party and booty dances soooo hard, I was sure her intestines relocated to her shoulder blades. It was a great intimidation factor for the other ladies on stage who had cowered stage right with me. Somebody got freaked down with a guitar.

Asses were slapped and nobody got out alive. Next our front man grabs an opened beer bottled and begins to spray the stage and the audience. I kid u not. But we move forward, invite and old hippie on stage for a harp solo which I loved and proceed to end a two hour set at which time JT is immediately ready to go calling all that he'd just created and all that we'd witnessed - bullshit.

Oh did I mention that Nick Jay put his bass on the stage floor and fiddled it with one foot while smoking a cigarette? However, the venue loved us, we were tipped nicely and invited to come back. Most of the folks that came were nice. The rest
were drunk. We got to the hotel well after 4AM. Now (on the van) all us quiet. The frontman and his girl are on the back bench sleep. I'm about to do the same as my double shot of crown from last night has not totally left my system.

Emotion

ART ON THE WALLS AT V CLUB'S PATIO

2010-11-14T21:01:00.004-06:00

SOUTHGATE HOUSE, NEW PANTIES, & I FINALLY MAKE DECISIONS

2010-11-14T20:24:00.007-06:00

This is Southgate House. Pretty big huh? It's a converted mansion I suppose with three performance spaces on the inside. We have played here twice before in the small room and last night we matriculated to the big performance space which is more of a concert venue. The show was great. I had an upset stomach, but I made it through the show. I'd eaten clam chowder soup earlier and it had small slices of bacon in it and I'm certain that's what had me gassed up and feeling mighty irregular. I hate days/moments like that. At least I didn't get sick like JJ Grey did when we were on tour with him. He was sick for two shows - one of which he didn't make. I'm better now. Southgate House is becoming a great place to play. What I like about it is that it's located just at the bridge that connects Newport, Kentucky to Cincinatti, Ohio. It's a beautiful, tourist area complete with a mall, aquarium, movie theatre and a Barnes and Nobles. I get to take the long walk whenever we are there. This time, I went on the hunt for some underwear, being that I was down to one pair. I found some that are meant more for a stripper's ass than a rock-n-roll chick. I didn't have a choice based on the stores at the mall. They were the most conservative pair in the entire area I suppose. The weather was great when we arrived but got colder as the night progressed and later it rained. After the show, I hung out with fans - specifically Darren and Kim, a couple who'd seen us in Louisville, KY.

After the show, I pretty much turned in for the night. As great as the area where Southgate House is - we were still at a hotel that had a lot of the "element" hanging around. Cheapish rooms with double entrances. I shared a room with Brandon and Jord-O. Brandon lost the draw and got the roll-a-way. I was watching an expose on Super Head aka Karrine Steffans. If you don't know, this chick has become a famed author based on her experiences sleeping with several well know men in the entertainment industry. She found herself on skid row, with a child and wrote about it. Long story short, this show was basically sweeping her over the coals regarding how insane she is. Jordan was asking me questions and I was able to answer, being a nosy reader. LOL! I've read both of her books, as well as, visited her video blog back in the day and I must concur . . . as smart, intelligent, and savvy as she is - Karrine has some psychosis going on. Well, that was interrupted when we heard the band members of Ponderosa arguing. It was drunkeness, I'm sure, but it was enough to have us ear to the door. I'm hoping they will make the show tomorrow night at The Intersection.

I think we're all ready to be home. I sincerely miss my bed. When I get home, I'm going to take care of a few things. I'm gonna sell some stuff (books, art, and music) as well as make a special trip to see the nieces and nephews. I never thought I'd say it . . . but Mo misses the KIDS!!!! I have a niece that's in junior college, a nephew that's a senior, a niece that's a junior, a nephew in fourth grade, and my twin niece is commanding up her second grade year, while my baby niece is talking but only three. They are indeed an energy filled bunch with varied interests and personalities. I send them post cards from everywhere I go, but when I'm home, I don't get to see them as much. However, this time . . . I'm gonna get my refill! The holidays are fast approaching and I'm in love with the smell of the change in the weather. Simply in love with it.

THE V CLUB - NO MEMORY - NO REGRETS

2010-11-13T18:31:00.003-06:00

The V Club in Huntington, West Virginia was somewhat a sucky show. We played before an audience of under 40, mostly women over 27. I got drunk (before show) on Long Island ice teas and during my song, my hat flung off my head. It was a real Miss Celie moment being that I'm relocking my hair. Don't remember much. I had Chinese for dinner (curry vegetables and skrimps). Forgive this report. I am now in Newport Kentucky at Southgate House. I'm ready, sober and will report fully at my earliest convenience. I must be getting closer to home. My cell phone is still off. Will be resolved by Tuesday. I do accept emails - mocosound@gmail.com. Move Forward.

BRICK STREET IN OXFORD, CRUISIN FOR A BRUISIN, & ANTM DOWN TO FOUR

2010-11-12T02:58:00.010-06:00

It's Thursday night/Friday morning and we not too long ago played the Brick Street Bar in Oxford Ohio. This is a college town, home of Miami College where tonight a sorority was having cowboy night. The likes of Talib Kweli, Whiz Khalifa, and PM Dawn have played here.

We drove in from Pennsylvania. I know I said (in my last blog) I was somewhere in West Virginia . . . well . . . welcome to my world. Half the time I don't know where the hell I am and I've been more sober now that I've been in years.

We actually stayed in Pennsylvania last night instead of WV like I thought. Moving forward . . . Mike and Will (brothers) run this spot. Their father was the previous owner. They also own a few other spots on the strip, one being a sushi bar so you know I'm all smiles right now, cuz that's where I had dinner (Tiger roll, miso soup, and edammame).

Last night we stayed at a Red Roof Inn that smelled funny, so I didn't shower, nor did I totally pajama myself out as normal. Nick had family in the area and we were accomodating him. It's all good. I think when any of us can stay with family we should.

So the Brick Street Bar is huge. Stone tiles and high ceilings. The capacity is over 500 easy and the first half of the night was full of college kids costumed out in their best barn and field gear for Cowboy night. I really figured it was an opportunity for ladies to extend Halloween a bit and wear cut offs. Lots of ass cheekes hanging out tonight. I was zoned most of the day having slept the entire trip as my "girlfriend" was in full appearance mode. The guys in the band noticed (kept telling me I was unusually quite), but without reading the blog they prolly think I got other things on my mind. I do have other things on my mind, but most of this is monthly behavior.

When we arrived, I visited the bookstore across the street. I stayed there for 45 minutes or so and then ventured back to the venue for soundcheck. The weather was warmer than any of us thought - a pleasant 70 degrees. After sound-check, I ventured to the sushi bar, TUMI (?) and had dinner with Jord-O and Brandon. When I got back to the venue (needing to get van keys to go shower and get ready for a 12:15AM show) I walked into a hot, vomit smelling entrance full of squealing co-eds. When I got to the merch, our tour manager was being chewed out by some brunette with a red bandana around her neck. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but I didn't need to. Body language including facial expressions was saying it all.

This chick was tossing Ponderosa's merchandise in a box - never minding their posters or other valuables - as she was demanding that we free up the space and get our stuff out of there. I didn't really know what all the hostility was about, but I knew it wasn't necessary. I did what I could to help Matt gather our belongings without getting involved, but the more I stayed around and witnessed the hostility and general lack of patience, the more my ego knocked on the door of my consciousness reminding me that it did have a key and would burst throught the door if need be. All this to say, I found myself becoming pissed and doing things that could have easily started a fight between me and missy had she had an ounce of boldness in her. Honestly, all I needed her to do was put her hands on our merchandise the way she did Ponderosa's. They may not even be able to salvage some of their merch due to this girl's vehement disregard for property. I was ready to be put in handcuffs. Ready to headlock this chick and make her a believer. This is my issue with temperment and I'm working on it. Needless to say, nothing popped off and I was able to make it to the hotel, shower and get back in time for the show.

Performing in a room full of college kids now a days can't be anything like it used to be. I honestly think some of these girls want to be pimped instead of educated the way they allow the fellas to treat them. The show was great. JT gave a good pep talk before the show and we decided to have a good time, don't over do anything, and to basically not try to fit into the theme of the night, but rather give where giving appropriate. I was ready. Never scared. Nothing to lose. At dinner, I confessed to J and B that I could feel myself growing spiritually and that I wouldn't mind selling all my belongings and just walking the Earth until whatever. I'm serious. I love my life, don't get me wrong, but I really do think at some point, living within this realm of physical beingness will have to give. God speaks me in plain English and I understand. I love music and writing and working as a musical writer. That is it. It is my planted purpose. However, I think I have an unplanted purpose as well.

The show went well. The oweners loved us and we got invited back to dorm rooms, rehearsal spaces, and apartments. I don't know who did what. I came back to the hotel to wash only to discover this hotel has no washers and dryers, so I have one pair of panties that will get me through tomorrow night and if there is no washing facilities, then I will have to resort to washing out items in the sink until washing facilities are available.

It's getting real. Actually, it's been real for me, but from your stand point I'm sure some of my readers are cringing. When was the last time you sink washed underwear? HA! Welcome to my world.

We head to West Virginia in the AM. I have no idea what to expect other than to say my daily prayer and be prepared for whatever, whenever, however. I'm caught up on America's Next Top Model. I had to shed a tear for Chris being sent home. No more black girls or ethnic girls . . . yeat and still the competition is fierce and next week will be a double elimination. ANTM is the one show I'm able to watch consistently while on the road and the guys will tell you . . . the world gets put on hold when I'm watching. Wanna be on top? Yes. I do.

ART: LET YOUR EYES REST ON THESE

2010-11-11T10:17:00.008-06:00

This is a work that is hanging on the walls of the NEW EARTH CAFE venue in Athens, Georgia

A RARE EMOTION BROWN CONFESSION

2010-11-11T10:02:00.002-06:00

At my house. I have a good great big ole bag of ganj waiting for me. I don't smoke on the road since the NC K-9 search incident. HOWEVER, when I return. Before I shower. Before I make a call. Before I tell myself Happy Birthday . . . I'm getting high. WHY? I've earned the right. This is my confession to you. Forgive me, cuz I'm planning on sinning.

THIS LOVE IS HIGH

2010-11-11T09:50:00.005-06:00

I want to tell you
about the things - I adore
I think they're beautiful

I want to tell you
about the dreams - I've had
Oh and I want to tell you
that this love is high
that this love is high

I want to take you -over
the hills and plains
make you say my name
over and over
I want to take you - home with me
I want to take you home with me
this love is high

I like the way you move me
the way you groove me
the way you show and prove me baby

I want to take you - over
a dream I had of you
wrap you in honeydew
lift you up
I wanna take you - over
to my place
kiss your face
make you say my name
this love is high
so high
way above the sky
this love is high
it's gold

-emotion orginial-

SAME CLOTHES DIFFERENT SHOW & BUSY DAY IN THE BIG APPLE

2010-11-11T01:57:00.007-06:00

I'm in a Red Roof Inn hotel room somewhere in West Virginia. It's after hours and to be honest, my girlfriend came into town today. For those of you too stoned to think about it . . . I'm on my period. Not tripping, just keeping it real. Everything is getting on my nerves. EVERYTHING. I can say that I'm glad it happened after the NYC run. Things were hectic from the time we hit Jersey.

After our show at Awful Arthur's Monday night, we loaded up and headed straight to the Big Apple. The show at Awful Arthur's was a success although I couldn't hear shit outta my wedge. Between the random radio signal coming through and JT's cab behind me which was set at "atomic" . . . I struggled. The sound man wasn't much use, but I managed through it like I manage through all difficulties I have with this regime . . . which lately has been pretty oppressive. However, when it came time to do I Got This Feeling, I took the mic, sat on the edge of the stage and exercised all inner demons. I killed it. I can always tell not from the crowd reaction, but from the band reaction. Sometimes you just have to "give it" to everybody and I did. There is a power in performance that I tend to tap into when pissed off. Feeling sorry for myself hasn't been an option since kindergarten.

The NYC trip was busy. We drove in and never had a chance to change clothes. I barely got my teeth brushed and face washed. Knutsen (our keyboardist) and I walked over to a clinic and asked to used the bathrooms that were clearly marked for patients only. The receptionist had mercy and let us in to use the facilities. Afterwards, we walked the block. He'd never been to NYC before and it dawned upon me as I crossed he streets in front of cars without him that I'd probably been to the Apple too much.

NYC totally kills the nice chick inside me. Thank God, I keep certain toiletries in my day bag cuz some of the fellas were s.o.l until that evening. We played at the Mercury Lounge on the lower east side. Nice venue. We played with three other bands. Ponerosa, the band we've been doing the second half of the tour with, had a van window broken, which I consider a NYC hickey. One of our managers, publicist, and booking guy flew into town as well as a host of Atlantic record reps. Something about being around the industry that puts JT in a different place. He "postures up". It's cool, but it's not him. This obviously fucks with his nerves. He forgot words to his own songs, but he is such a natural talent and good looking - I suspect no one noticed or cared. It was a good show. Whenever we do big shows, the guys also change up the show at the last minute and it never works out totally. Jordan dropped and entire verse on drums for our Led Zepplin cover and it was noticeable because everyone in the band turned and looked at him. LOL!!! That's pretty much all I can about it without ranting. I REFUSE to rant about things I have no desire to control. I would like to shout out to Julia who I met that night. A fancied lady who decided on a whim to come out. Also, to Heath's family, who invited me back to NYC in December and agreed to pay for the ticket. I would love to come back and kick it with them. Heath is our booking agent and he's a shytload of fun. The night ended about 2AM. We rode to Jersey where we stayed at a nice Candlewood Inn and Suites and I got enough rest to get me through the next day's schedule. This industry is all mind over matter, I swear it is.

At 9AM JT, Nick and I rode over to the Relix Magazine offices where we did an acoustic set. The people at Relix are cool to the bone. We video-taped on the roof in an actual boiler room. I'm talking Freddie Krueger "boiler room". From there we went to the Atlantic offices where we (the entire band) recorded two songs in their studio and video taped the session. From there, we went to the Time Life building and met some of the music staff from People magazine where the entire band did two acoustic songs. Afterwards we went back to the Atlantic offices and ate, while JT and Brandon headed off to do a Sirius radio interview. I met Grayson who handles the archives at Atlantic. He brought down some rare photos of Aretha Franklin (one with her playing and Donny Hathaway was in the backdrop!), Ray Charles, and Led Zepplin. Then he showed me the office of the Godfather of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun. There is alot of energy in that space. I touched my first Grammy in his office. The closest I'd ever been to one before that moment, was in Vegas where I stared at one through a glass case. It was one of Aretha Franklin's ironically. Also in Ahmet's office, I saw a framed .20(cents) royalty check made out to Ray Charles. I had a real moment of silence and thanks because like I said, things were getting to me and here I was being delivered into a sacred space that I could appreciate. Just when all else is failing you - here comes the Universe with a reward for tolerance. This was indeed my reward! Huge, spacious, warm, and confirming was Ahmet's office. Gave me chills.

Our day ended around 5:30PM as we took a courtesy van back to Jersey and reboarded our own van, only to head out so we can make our show tomorrow/today in West Virginia. We still have about four hours to drive tomorrow. Our new road manager is having a massive allergy attack and folks are coughing again. I'm well . . .just missing my bed AGAIN. My phone is off, but it's all fine and good. I share the bill with Moms and since her surgery she hasn't been able to pay her half. I paid mine and am content with not having so much access to the outside world. I'm changing in a way that has me ready to sell everything I own and just walk the earth until I can't walk no more. I want the ground to melt from under my feet. I've been feeling this way for about two years and I came out of the NYC trip realizing that I've thought about it too much. It's starting to feel beyond tangible. I can't take too much more of what I witness in this country on the daily - at home and in my professional life. Lack of spiritual awareness, integrity, and goodness. The egos and lack thereof . . .people are in pain and due to lack of pain management, others are being hurt. And when you don't allow another's pain to seep into your being, the attempt to inflict more pain occurs. God will draw the line for me - this I believe. If you ain't got Faith, you ain't got Life. Ya dig?

I am working on a book about surviving on the road with dudes. The folks at People seemed whole heartedly psyched about it, especially after I quoted a few parts that I've already written. It was a good feeling, yet and still, spiritually, I'm in such a different place and the more I try to get those close to me to understand, the less I'm able to put these thoughts and feelings together. The less I want to say. Work is my salvation. Just know that I was never of this time or place. Sure, I play around and have entertained high levels of unconscious behavior . . .however, I get it now more than ever that I have somewhere else to BE. Stay tuned. Move forward. Create. Listen. Have Faith. Pray. I still have a smile for you and plenty of happinezz! Stay strong and stay familiar.

VOO DOO FEST PICTURE

2010-11-08T15:57:00.001-06:00

NEEDING

2010-11-08T13:06:00.009-06:00

I would like to thank Jenny Wade for reminding me that it's important to tell people what I need . . .I need you to get it.

I need a full body massage by a professional and not a groupie.
I need freedom from financial debt.
I need questions.
I need genuine concern.
I need to make a decision.
I need to hold on.
I need to let go.
I need to move forward.
I need a macbook.
I need new shoes.
I need to feel secure with the man I'm having sex with.
I need a secure man.
I need the fire to stay lit.
I need to come out of the water.
I need dual citizen-ship.
I need to leave this country.
I need more laughter.
I need a good cry.
I need a pedicure.
I need a life upgrade.
I need inheritance.
I need my own place to stay.
I need to get it together.
I need L FREE.
I need to understand understanding.
I need real hugs.
I need sales.
I need to aim and shoot more.
I need leverage.
I need beverage.
I need a shower.
I need unlimited power.
I need everything.
I need nothing.

I feel exposed, but the risk is worth it. I have to remember no one is really taking this in. Only a few will make it this far. God is on my side. God is with me. God is in me. God is me. I do not require basic tenets. Sex is a gift. Friendship is a gift. Relaxing is a gift. Work is my salvation for it leads to all the things I believe I need. My requirements are to be found in deep prayer and deep belief. I am fine. I'm doing well. I am okay. This breathing feels right. This breathing feels right. This breathing feels right.

Dear Universe: I thank you for not allowing me to becoming a living corpse to my own inability to reason with my gut feelings, instincts, and natural inclinations. I do not like feeling like I know things without having to ask, but this is a fear that I think I will allow to reside because if I am to have fear in my life, I'd rather it be this than something truly false. My instincts serve me well. Praise the sun!

PHOTOS FROM FIRST HALF OF THE 2010 WINTER TOUR

2010-11-08T11:43:00.004-06:00

THE DREAM ON THE WAY TO ROANOKE

2010-11-08T11:36:00.002-06:00

We were at an apartment, the entire band. We'd arrived in the middle of the night. The guys were ready to party, I just wanted to change clothes and catch some shut eye. In the process of waiting, I decide to go change in the van and hang out there until it's decided what we are going to do. I get the keys and go to the van where I change and lay down. It dawns on me that I need to let the fellas know that I'm going to probably stay in the van for the night, so I hop out and head to the apartment.

Halfway to the apartment, I realize I left the keys in the van and the van is running, which isn't a good idea in a place I wasn't familiar, so I turn around and proceed to run back to the van. I get back and a trash truck is hauling the van off. There is a line of metal rope attached to the front bumper. On the side of the trash truck is a ladder. The trash truck isn't going that fast and I jump and grab the bottom rung of the ladder, so that now, I'm hanging off the side of the truck, screaming HELP.

A group of about 40 white people come out and the truck stops. They notice that I'm the chick from JTNL and proceed to tell the trash truck guy that he cannot haul the van off. This is when I wake up and realize that on our way to Roanoke, we are taking back roads.

THE POUR HOUSE IN RALEIGH & I PLAY THE BAD GUY

2010-11-08T11:01:00.003-06:00

Last night we played the Pour House in Raleigh, North Carolina. Yet, another stickered out, dark, wooded floor venue with more character than a Tyler Perry film. We arrived after a four hour drive from Charlotte, where we played the Music 4 More Fundraiser.

We arrived in Raleigh and head straight to the School Kids Records store for a three song acoustic set. It goes well in front of the less-than-ten crowd that gathered. I managed to get a free sweatshirt that I'm prolly gonna be buried in. It's not that dope, but then again . . . it is. By the way, being able to visit these indie records stores on my travels is a personal honor. They really are endangered, but most of the college towns have good ones and School of Kids is a really good vintage record store. They had on vinyl shyt like Ohio Players, Booker T and the MC's, Donna Summer Live and Johnny Guitar Watson. Vintage albums that you can't just find anywhere anymore. By the way, I've decided that our drummer, Jordan has adopted the I'm So Hood take on life. He's white Tees, big gold watch, Ranger cap to the side, and yesterday in the store, he wanted to buy a shirt that had a huge gold chain transferred on it. I'm just saying. I tell him he's more black than me. He also got the Johnny Guitar Watson album. HA!

After the in-store, we had a two hour window to waste so we went to Target to prepare for our trip to New York. I needed gloves and some knit stockings. I ended up with air freshener, soap, mouthwash, a hat, and more make-up remover wipes. While we were in Target, Nick Jay and Knutsen when to wash the van. Here's the kick - I was one of the last people to get on the van and right before I got on, I did see an obvious dirt spot, but opted to not say anything considering it was $20 spent on washing the van and trailer. When I get in, I immediately notice the van hadn't been vaccumed out. There is also some bantering going on with the guys. Nick is telling everybody how ungreatful we are that he actually went out and washed the van. He's going on how nobody even thought to wash the van but him and that next time, he wasn't doing it. The replies started flying left and right. Brandon even said, "Thanks Nick for taking twenty dollars to go wet the van." I lost it. Laughed like I was at a Richard Pryor concert. Honestly, I don't even know why the van and trailer had to be washed or wet, or whatever. I would have rather had the van vaccumed out. This was the crux of our afternoon. Finally at 5:30PM we head to the Pour House.

Matt (our tour manager)let us know not to get too rowdy because after the show, there would be no hotel rooms, but instead we were driving overnight into Virginia for the Awful Arthur's show. Fine. We load out, chat it up with the guys from Ponderosa and get set up. JT and Jenny head out for dinner with Randy Rogers who is in town and the rest of of us catch dinner at an Irish place. I had a crab cake sandwich that was phenomenal.

Our show started at 9:15PM and we rocked it. The sound was great and everyone was in sync. Industry people from Atlantic showed up as well as our friend McCoy (Cross Canadian Ragweed) was in town. He sent two sets of shots to the stage and this is always that light the firecracker moment that sends 89.9% of our band over the edge. However it was not the same chaos that ensued a few nights before at Capone's in Johnson City. That night is officially a historical night of drunkeness, on stage debauchery and pure chaos. JT slipping off stage and the Asian booty shaker still ring in my memory from that night. I'll tell you about it soon.

After the show I go upstairs and there are two black girls waiting by the green room door with little next to nothing on, weilding a camera. They're plotting and I can alredy see this is not a good situation. Good nights with a band don't include cameras if you get my drift. I had to ask them to go downstairs to which they only went outside to the balcony. Then I had Matt go up and at least confiscate the camera. I don't mind groupies, hoochies, or whatever you wanna call em. They aren't there for me and I get that, but damn . . . at least know the rules. NO CAMERAS BITCHES. (LOL). This ia my career you're trying to catch on camera. We do acceptional on merch, even moving a hoodie!

The guys are loaded when we get on the van and ironically enough, now we're having a drunken conversation about the van being washed which is even funnier. I ask Knutsen to pray in his Irish accent and when he goes in, it's the funniest. I love laughing and I was overdue for this gutbuster. We make a McDonald's stop and head out anticipating a 4AM arrival in Roanoke. I fall asleep and have the craziest dream, which deserves it's own post. I wake up because the van and trailer is on a bumpy road and going slow. I look up and we are on a backroad. The sky is so lit with stars, that one of the dippers seems amonst the trees. I wonder if Matt is lost, but say nothing. The GPS is not even saying how far to drive. She's just ordering him to "turn left," and then "turn left," and then "turn left." I climb over bodies and join him in the front. Nick Jay is in a feta position between the two front seats and Knutsen is on the van floor by the double doors. It's a sight. With over an hour left of driving, I keep Matt company and we finally make it in to Roanoke around 5:21AM.

It's now about noon and I'm about to go shower, wash my clothes and get back in bed before our 4PM departure to Awful Arthurs. I'm looking forward to the food.

GULF SHORES ALABAMA: A BEACH SHOW

2010-11-01T00:39:00.005-05:00

After Ybor City, we journeyed south to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We played a show on the beach at a place called the HANGOUT. This place is literally on the beach and I was awed. I wasn't expecting us to be directly on the beach. Besides, beaches in the south always throw me off because I'm one of those folks who always gave beach credit to places like California, Florida and Jamaica. I'm going through a grand re-conditioning as I travel these United States. The south (Gulf-coast) has great beaches sans the oil spill. Yup, there was remnants of the oil spill, but since I didn't get in the water, I really had no worries. I found black shells and there was a dead fish, but I don't think the fish was dead because of the oil. Think the birds just scored. Still, seeing it dead on the beach turned me off.

The Hangout was a great stage. The band that went on before us was Rival Sons, a California based rock sound machine. The lead singer is phenomenal. They did a cover of James Brown's "This is a Man's World" that blew me away. AWAY! Their music was cool, but when it comes to rock music, I'm all for JTNL.

Being back on our own is a different world from opening for a major headliner. The crowds tend to be smaller, the merch sales are usually nil, and there's little comraderie with other bands because of the limited time spent together. It tends to be a shock to the system. Glad we're getting used to it.

YBOR CITY LAST SHOW WITH JJ GREY

2010-11-01T00:07:00.005-05:00

Before I proceed to tell you the latest, please subscribe to this blog so that you can get it no matter what.

Now. Today is Sunday October 31, but I have to take you back two days which was Friday October 29 where we performed our last show with JJ Grey in the infamous Ybor City. Infamous you wonder? Well, Ybor is the touristy, art, cultural district in Tampa, Florida that has a considerable representation of the gay and lesbian community as well as the hood collective. Now, I've mentioned Ybor before and never brought this up bcause in previous visits, I'd only heard and not really seen. However, this was Halloween eve and for the first time, I experienced what this mini-mecca is all about. Baybeeee.

(Fly girls in Ybor)
We performed at the Ritz, a snazzy corner venue that holds 1500 comfortably. The JJ Grey crowd once again was not to be taken for granted as they showed up in droves. We decided to party up since it was our last show of the tour with JJ and that we did. As soon as I got into town, I called Melissa Soria and she came and picked me up. I was able to visit the vintage store she works at. I got a hat and a some funky pants. We then went and had two for one daquiri's (with an extra shot as seen in pic), chips and salsa. We shot the shyt and played catch up. She told me about her experience getting to hang with the Black Keys during their visit to Ybor. I was captivated because I did the Black Keys. It's great to hang with someone who is not trying to get at one of the band members through me or asks me a billion questions about the guys. You'd be amazed at the folks who do. I understand and I get it, but for the most part, I tend to stray because this journey is one where I can't afford to be used and I refuse to be "that chick", so Melissa is a Mo Brown friend and I can hang with that. From there we separated because I had to get to the venue for sound check.

We did a crazy short set. It was so short we didn't even do Pardon Me. I don't know if we went on late, played a song too long or what, but I didn't even get my normal sweat on. I met back up with Mel and we journeyed out into the Ybor city streets where the costumes and the gay and lesbian community was out in full force. I'd honestly, never seen anything like it. Let's just say the streets were colorful and full of lively Halloween loving people. You could feel the life in the streets! So Mel went with me to this spot that served lobster bisque and it was the best lobster bisque I'd ever had. FOR REAL! We headed back to the Ritz and watched JJ Grey. Mel had never seen the band and it was time for her to have a Mofro good time. We did! Free shots of Jamison, beer, and a venue full of dancing bodies. At the end of their set, JJ Grey invited JTNL to the stage. Me, JT, Jordan, and Nick hopped up there and made it happen. JT did a crazy guitar solo that drove the crowd nuts. Nick killed it to playing keys instead of bass. Let me go back . . . Nick slayed those keys. He really did and I have to give him props. I did a free-style that still makes me giggle inside when I think about it. I free-styled about being from the country and picking peas. At the end I mentioned "wake and bake" and the crowd luuuuuuved it. We made our mark and had a good merch night.

After the show, we all joined JJ and his band on their tour bus before going to a place called CrowFoot and watching the LEE BOYS play. Mayne, I danced like I'd never danced in a long time. If I wasn't so concerned about watching my purse, I prolly would have broke something. I rarely party after a show, but when I do. I try to hurt myself. So that was the night in a nutshell. We survived our tour with JJ Grey and Mofro and I wouldn't mind joining them again. We make a great combination of southern music.

I'm sure there are things I'm leaving out as I'm two days behind, but I just want you to know that if you go to Ybor city in Tampa, Florida . . . it's a good time - especially at Halloween.

SLIP AND SLIDE TO WALLY WORLD IN TALLAHASSEE

2010-10-26T15:34:00.002-05:00

Hello! It's Tuesday and we are in Tallahassee, Florida for a show tonight at the Engine Room. This place looks totally different in the daytime. I was certain we hadn't played here before until I saw the patio. Either way, it's good to be back on the job after having two days off. I normally don't blog about the days off because I'm usually working on other projects. However, I must tell you about arriving in Tallahassee. The clouds rolled in and we experienced rain. When we arrived in the city, I knew I had to get some soap and some socks. I have socks but I needed black socks so that if I needed to wear my open toe shoes, I could do so without having to worry about my feet getting cold or my outfit looking like I'd gotten dressed in the dark. We picked a Days Inn. One thing about Days Inn - they are usually two star hotels which means old carpet and dingy walls. Sure enough, that's exactly what we got. I even found what I believed to be a Viagra pill on my bedspread. Kid you not. So, the lady at the front desk tells us there's a Wally World (Wal-Mart) across the street. "Right across the street," she says. So, despite the drizzle, I leave the room, after dark, without my phone. Shit, right up the street didn't sound that far. Well, the main street I had to walk up literally had no pedestrian sidewalk which made me worry a little that I hadn't brought my phone and "right up the street" ended up being about a fifteen minute walk, which in flip flops, in the rain, in the dark ended up being more like thirty. And I swear, right when I get like 100 yards away from Wally World, the bucket tips over and rain just falls like manna from Heaven. I walk into the store like a wet puppy, but I hold my head high because it was my decision to walk in the drizzle. What was I to expect? I get in, get my soap, two pair o' black socks, some sardines in olive oil, and a pack of 99 cent pistachio's. I'm dreading the walk back because of my feet. The flip flops are slippery and I did bust a nice move in front of a car that was nice enough to let me cross the parking lot. I'm sure I looked like Christy Yamaguchi as three-year-old. Resigned and happy that I have survived the trip going, it's now time to get back to the hotel. I set out and have a few insightful moments about the dangers of walking around a strange place without my phone. This talk with myself settles me until I see a dead Armadillo on the side-walkless highway. I freaked out and just started running because it dawned upon me that I was indeed in FLORIDA where gators, snakes, lizards, pigs, and all kinds of unscrupulous wildlife chill any and everywhere. I almost break my fucking neck running in flip flops, but I ran all the way back. I get to the room and realize it's hot. I go to check the AC unit and it's not even working. We get another room and I'm happier. Besides, Jord-O said he think he killed a tick (or something like that) on the wall in the first room. I'm disgusted and I don't like being disgusted. I pull out my Febreeze and commence to doing what I can to make things seem sanitary. We watch the Cowboys lose to the NY Giants as well as catch an episode of Hoarders. I don't see why folks watch that show. It sucks big time watching folk with all that shit be in denial about having ALL THAT SHIT! However, I slept well and am thankful that I have survived another day to tell you about. It's a blessing to be able to write about what's going on. It's a blessing to be able to sing about it all. The guys are fine. Brandon ended up going to the doctor and being diagnosed with slight bronchitis mixed with sinus infection. I'm on two teaspoons of Coconut oil a day and I think it's the only thing keeping me from becoming a hacker. I hope you are doing well and know that I miss being around you. Thanks for praying for JTNL. We appreciate it.

DRUGS, HUNGER, and THE ART OF NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

2010-10-23T01:36:00.004-05:00

It's October 22. Time is moving without speed bumps it seems. Last night we were in Charlotte, NC and the entire day was weird from beginning to end. We got up at 8AM leaving Knoxville and all was good although we were tired. Jordan was driving. About an hour and some change out of Charlotte, I wake up to someone knocking on the window. I look up (delirious and blinded by a mid-day sun) and see Jordan standing outside right next to a state trooper. Shyt! Oddly enough, I didn't panick, possibly becuz I was tired and couldn't see. We fall out of the van and are lined up on the side of the highway. There's four state troopers. They want to check the van. We r asked to back further from the van and I move all the way back - into some shade where my sanity is. The trooper checks the van and then goes to get this drowsy looking K-9. I was more nervous, but still not worried because this dog looked more trained to find crack than anything else. We ain't have no crack. The waiting period forced me to have a talk with myself and God. Once I had that conversation, I was pretty much ready for whatever. Even fought the urge to run and then say, "just kidding." As God would have it, we were apologized to for the inconvenience and allowed to get back on our journey. We make it to the radio station 106.5 THE END where the rep, Ashley greets us. There's Blue Bell ice cream and Moe's waiting for us. We kill a three song acoustic set, take pictures, sign autographs, and fulfill the duties assigned to us. From here, we head to the venue, the Visualite. Great atmosphere for a grimy joint. I tagged the walls at the Visualite if this gives you any inclination of the type of venue it is. And yes, we added the JTNL sticker to the load in doors. We were set to go on at 8pm, so I held back on eating. At 7:45 we r asked to start at 8:30. Cool, we have our last bleezy and reconcile ourselves to no more bullshit. It's true that things get really bad and crazy before they get good. At 8:15 we get word that the headliner has food poisoning. So we get moved to 9pm and the munchies set in. But I'm all dressed and not nterested in walking n heels at night searching for grub. This where my error n judgement occurs. We do a one hour set with one set of whiskey shots to the stage. I do not deny the shot. We do an hour show and exit the stage. My insides are caved in but b4 I can eat, I have to hit the merch table. I'm there all of fifteen minutes when Jodi (a friend of The Greyhounds drummer) offers me a celebratory white Russian. I don't deny it. The thick sweetness almost hits the spot. Then hunger begins to threaten my sanity and I go hunting. I run into Jordan who is also hunting for food. He'd already walked to a nearby Burger King and was heading back with the van because they wouldn't let him place a walk thru order. So we disconnect the van from the trailer and head back. The guy charges us 16.03 for our meal. We give him 16.25 and get back 5.18 in change. Go figure. I get sinful stuff. Stuff I guess I would only eat if I were tipsy, famished, and without real options. Gotta keep an apple in the purse! So we eat and all is said and done... Or so I thought.

I wake up this morning and JT tells me that our new merch guy ended up driving on the freeway last night - the wrong way. Evidently this ensued in chaos, which I never heard. When Matt told me his side it began with Nick and Brandon going back and forth over a van seat. JT was trying to calm them down while Matt was reading texts from his girl and listening to the GPS tell him to turn left. He said when he turned, JT started rocking in the seat and freaking out becuz he instantly knew what had happened. "This is soooo bad." This is JT. Long story even longer, word has it that we do a 180 in the middle of the freeway because there were high walls and no exit. I slept thru it all. Can't tell u how pleased I am that we survived and I saw nor heard any of it. It would have been too much. Now we r at Greenwood Amphitheatre in Wilmington, NC. It's an hour b4 showtime and the extra merch has arrived. C'est la vie!
Emotion.

NEXT SHOW

2010-10-19T00:43:00.002-05:00

A FUNNY STORY

2010-10-19T00:07:00.004-05:00

On October 11, we played at a venue called PURE. It was a good show in front of a small crowd. When I say small I mean like 50 people in a venue that could easily accomodate over 200. Well, we get sent a tray of shots to the stage. I immediately cross in between songs and grab one for me. I do this because sometimes fans get slick and send four instead of five and I don't play those games. So I go over and grab one after Nick grabs one leaving three shots on the tray. Before the song, JT asks Brandon if he wants to get one. Brandon has been pretty laid back cutting back on all vices, so he is not always down for drinking. Well this particular night he was. Brandon is pretty heavy footed, so he proceeds to walk across the stage with these heavy steps. He gets right up on the tray and his foot slips, knocking the tray of shots all over. The funniest shyt I've witnessed this tour. I had to shake my head as I held my shot up to the air and toasted my damn self. I figured you'd like this one.

I'm gonna go ahead and keep this blog space as well. My main site doesn't go live for another week or so and my will to express myself can't really wait that long.

We are doing well and I hope you are too.