Small Stars Still Need To Shine
Posted on December 9, 2004
I have a book called, “14,000 Things To Be Happy About” and for some reason I was thinking about that book recently and when I was driving home yesterday I thought to myself, “gosh it’s been so long since I updated the blog that I will have a horrible time playing catch up…maybe I could just list a bunch of reasons that I am happy.” Hmmmm…maybe…..and I don’t think there will be an order….so….let’s…try….hmmmmmm….
1. Roberto The Faithful - The name says a lot, but the actions always speak louder than the words. Thank you.
2. Austin, TX - This city never ceases to amaze me. Good people, good music, good food - damn!
3. Jody Denburg - On May 18th of 2004, You put my song, Broken Spoke on the airwaves of one of the most popular and well-respected (and one of the few real ones left) radio stations, just days after meeting me face to face at the Austin Music Awards. You helped me set some high goals for myself, bud - thanks for all you do for Austin and it’s music.
4. Apple Computer - Not only is it the best of the best - they employ my sorry ass! AND they took marketing pictures of me for an upcoming Apple Retail project! Coolness. Oh and did I mention…DISCOUNTS?? Scott Aston & The Apple Store @ Barton Creek gang - My manager kicks total ass and my team is seriously well put together and managed. I won’t even go into detail about the scheduling nightmare I am to deal with. (And this coming from the viewpoint of someone who has managed many-a-store himself!)
5. Austin Venues - This year I have been fortunate enough to play some new venues as well as some of the older ones. There was Church of the Friendly Ghost, 219 West, Blind Pig, Carousel Lounge, Ego’s Lounge and of course Joe & Debbi at Graffiti’s Grill in North Austin - I miss you guys! Thanks a milion!
6. The John Lennon Songwriting Educational Tour Bus - All I have to say about this experience is OH MY GOD! Thank you to all the bus crew and the other songwriters.
7. Non-Profits - Having managed one I know it sucks to try it do it all alone. So, I have been thrilled to give something back to these great organizations that have helped me SO much! SIMS Foundation - I might be in some serious trouble were it not for this organization, and it’s tireless staff and volunteers. Austin Music Foundation - Now, more than ever, I am beginning to see the importance of AMF and in 2005 I plan on really getting involved knee deep.
8. Friends - Everyone who comes to a show, everyone who sends me a note or makes a call to me, everyone who is a part of my life - thank you for supporting me in all that I do.
9. Agency Talent - Erin, my talent agent, is a goddess who must be viewed in person to truly experience her beauty. I look forward to a very close relationship in 2005!
10. Family - For the first time in years I am able to really connect to everyone in my family on a simple basis and very a true line of communication. Yep, the end must be nigh! LOL!
11. The Small Stars - A chance meeting at the Apple Store has led me to an amazing opportunity to perform with some of the best and well-known musicians in Austin, but a love for entertaining and my God-given talent has led me to enjoy doing so far more than I ever knew possible. Thanks to all The Small Stars for letting me shine with you.
12. Bleu - You played my SXSW Showcase nightmare! And left with a smile on your face. Sorry things were rough around the edges, but thank you for the experience and as always the good times.
13. Air Coolers - DUDE! DUDE!! Did Roberto The Thing Driver show you the pics of the bus I am looking at buying?? WHOA!! Thanks for continuing to welcome me and treat me like I know something about VWs when all I really know is that they look cool and drive good. Extra special thanks to anyone who has ever tried to get my bus running. (Extra EXTRA special thanks to anyone who has successfully got to run, only to have me break it in less than 24 hours.)
14. Danny Young at Texicali - My new brother! I really dig your eats, but I really dig your good soul and personality even more. Thanks for being a true original.
15. Jade Walker - Thanks for taking an interest in my music and writing a great review and interview. Nominating me for Male Artist of the Year gave my fans a chance to show me their love and vote me Male Artist of the Year!
16. Nita - What would I do without you? I can’t know. So, I tricked your ass into coming to Austin! I knew you would fall in love with this city! Now if I can just keep you here long enough to get your own place! Just remember - there ain’t no subway in Austin!
17. Will - You came into my life and reminded me that a muse is always waiting to be recognized and that a lazy cult leader has no followers and can’t stage a mass suicide in conjunction with some major physiological and/or astrological event. Am I speaking in my inside voice?
18. Travis, Brian, Scott & Scott, Alex, Victor & Hector - LONG LIVE ROCK NITE! You guys arrived in my life at an odd time, but brought with you a new purpose. Thanks.
19. Seton South Clinic - WOW! I needed this BAD! Thanks.
20. Sol - My Montevallo Music Man. You’re all grown up now. Got chicks sleeping in your room and beers to drink! I am REALLY working on that iPod man, I promise. We’re almost there! This is the final stretch!
21. To anyone who asked someone else to listen to one of my songs or brought someone to a show with you…THANK YOU!
22. Polly - I don’t know that you ever even come to my website - but if you do, wow - you have really made SUCH a difference in my life.
23. Luis at Lowlight Sound - Thanks for making my CD a reality (or at the least the start of my CD)
24. Jacob, Marney, Bo or anyone else who has loaned me a camera this year to capture the experience of “sparkle motion!” LOL!
25. Mangus, Kevin, Tommy, Marcus & Kip - You are the elite. You know why.
26. All the artists that inspire me.
27. Mark Harrison - Thanks for writing a great piece on me while I was home this year.
28. Todd & Jill and the gang at Eddie’s Attic - Thanks for having me back! See you again soon!
29. Tim - You were sent to me as an angel but cooler! Thanks for letting me be your guest again and being a great host.
30. Nakia - Yep, I am thankful to myself for having the strength and the courage to keep on going. Only I can push myself to the next level.
I am sure there are LOTS of people that I am leaving out. LOTS of things, places or events that have taken place recently that need to be recognized. I hope if you felt that your name should have been typed up there you will A: Know that I really do know it in my heart already and that is the most important place to be remembered, right? and B: send me a note and let me know so that I can add you to the list!
As I head for the bed tonight, I will be thinking of the world around me and how I interact with it…with each of you, and with myself. I wish you all the best and hope to see you out at a show REALLY soon!
~Kia
NAKIA.NET
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