tag:clarabellino.com,2005:/blogs/blog-1ac8e1c1-cb89-4c80-a999-f3164ce946e0?p=2
Blog
2022-02-23T11:36:46-08:00
Clara Bellino
false
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170912
2022-02-23T11:36:46-08:00
2023-10-16T07:57:02-07:00
"Give Fans the Credit"
<p>"Give Fans the Credit" - a new initiative by the Recording Academy</p>
<p>There is a new initiative by the Recording Academy asking digital distribution services to credit the songwriters, musicians, producers and engineers on the screen, just as they do for the artist song. Let's give both music fans and creators the credit they deserve. </p>
<p>What do you think? Will you sign the petition? Check it out here...</p>
<p><a data-imported="1" href="http://www.grammy.com/credits">http://www.grammy.com/credits</a></p>
<p>I would love to hear your thoughts and am grateful for your support!</p>
<p> </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170973
2019-08-28T17:00:00-07:00
2020-02-05T18:06:47-08:00
Time to Turn the Table Series - VOL 5 - Featuring Lenise Bent
<p> </p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjL_Tij5O8A" width="560"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p> </p>
<address>Lenise Bent:</address>
<address>www.soundgirls.org<br>www.studioexpresso.org</address>
<address>www.namm.org</address>
<address>www.wikipedia.com</address>
<address>www.vintageking.com</address>
<address>www.supersecretagents.com</address>
<address> </address>
<address>Clara Bellino:</address>
<address><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" data-imported="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clarabellino.com%2F&v=xjL_Tij5O8A&event=video_description&redir_token=N1YQk5Arx0SIbXiEfn4ej9wW6Nl8MTU2NzE2OTc0OEAxNTY3MDgzMzQ4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.clarabellino.com/</a></address>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170972
2019-06-04T17:00:00-07:00
2019-06-12T06:31:49-07:00
Time to Turn the Tables Series - Volume 4 Feat. Eve Fleishman
<h2><strong>Time to Turn the Table Series - VOL 4 - Featuring <a style="font-size: 1.5em;" href="http://www.evefleishman.com/blog/" data-imported="1">Eve Fleishman</a></strong></h2>
<p> </p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VfWTevQfxQ" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170971
2019-04-10T17:00:00-07:00
2019-06-12T06:29:06-07:00
Time to Turn the Tables Series - Volume 3 Feat. LZ Love
<h2><strong>VOL 3 of The Time to Turn the Tables Series - Feat. LZ Love</strong></h2>
<p><strong><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ivIJhZpjqpk" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div></strong></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170970
2019-03-01T16:00:00-08:00
2019-06-12T06:27:38-07:00
Time to Turn the Tables Series - Volume 2 Feat. Paul Freeman from Pop Culture Classics!
<p><strong> </strong><strong>VOL 2 of The Time to Turn the Tables Series - Feat. Paul Freeman from <a href="http://www.popcultureclassics.com/" data-imported="1">Pop Culture Classics</a>!</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ZgebOyytDA" width="560" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170969
2019-02-09T16:00:00-08:00
2019-02-10T04:53:49-08:00
La France-Étapes -Nominations-Austin, Texas
<p class="p1">Bonjour!</p>
<p class="p1">J’espère que 2019 commence en beauté pour toi et les tiens! J’ai eu le plaisir de rendre visite à ma famille en France, et de retour en Californie de fêter les 90 ans de mon beau-père Milton! Çe qui m’a rappelé à quel point le temps est précieux.</p>
<p class="p1">J’adore écrire et créer de la musique et suis fière de mon nouvel album, c’est à dire “notre” album, parce qu’il a fallu la contribution de beaucoup de gens de talent pour lui donner vie! Si tu ne l’as pas encore entendu, voici une chance d’écouter 2 des chansons;</p>
<p class="p1">Je t’écris pour te demander une faveur bien precise; j’ai présenté: “Talking With Angels – Song For Bobby Sharp” et “I Came Here” aux “<a href="buff.ly/2QV6IKX" data-imported="1">Independent Music Awards</a>." J’ai écrit la première en l’honneur de mon ami Bobby Sharp (Unchain My Heart), un homme plein de gentillesse. Ensemble on avait enregistré “Hand In Hand” en duo, une chanson qu’il avait écrite en 1947. Ce fut son dernier enregistrement à 87 ans, et il est décédé 2 ans plus tard. J’aimerias beaucoup que cette chanson -et la video de la deuxième- soit selectionnées comme l’une des 5 aux IMAs. Veux-tu bien s’il te plait: </p>
<p class="p1">1: cliquer sur ce lien <a href="https://t.co/cDCQvsXNUo" data-imported="1">buff.ly/2QV6IKX</a></p>
<p class="p1">2: faire défiler la page vers le bas écouter les deux chansons</p>
<p class="p1">3: T’INSCRIRE (REGISTER TO VOTE), puis cliquer sur “VOTE” pour chaque chanson</p>
<p class="p1">4: En fin, au-dessus des 2 chansons cliquer “Open Toolkit”, puis “Contact This Artist”, puis “Yes”. Et on est bons!!</p>
<p class="p1">Cette dernière étape est importante pour que je puisse te faire suivre les chansons en remerciement, et que le vote compte. Mille mercis! </p>
<p class="p1">Merci de me faire savoir sit u as des questions, et en quoi je peux t’aider, meilleurs voeux,</p>
<p class="p1">Peace Music and Lovebombs,</p>
<p class="p1">Je te souhaite plein de Bonheur en 2019!</p>
<p class="p1">- Clara</p>
<p class="p1">P.S.: <a href="/shows" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Je suis ravie de jouer à Austin, Texas en Mars!</a> Détails au prochain numéro!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170968
2018-12-13T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:49-08:00
New Opportunity?
<div align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Interested in a New Opportunity? </span></strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"> </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<div class="p1"><span class="s1">You may or may not know what I do on the side to support my art. It came about after my team and I ran a crowd funding campaign 3 years ago so I could record my new album. Though it was successful and I’m grateful to everyone who participated, it was one of the most stressful activities in my career. And I am so grateful to have found another way to raise money that makes much more sense to me. </span></div>
<div class="p1"><span class="s1"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">If you’re open to finding out what it is and you or someone you know lives in any of these countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, or the U.S. reach out to me and let me know you’d like more info. If not no big deal! </span><strong> </strong>
</div>
</div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170967
2018-11-28T16:00:00-08:00
2018-11-29T00:19:10-08:00
Time to Turn the Tables Series - Volume 1 Featuring Richard Bedell of Fish Creek Radio
<div align="center">
<p>We were introduced to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richard.bedell.58" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Richard Bedell</a> and <a href="https://fishcreekradio.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Fish Creek Radio</a> on Social Media in 2014. They are commercial free and play a wide variety of musical genres. Richard and his crew have been supportive of my career starting with our 2015 crowd funding campaign through my current release of "Unexpected". Out of the gratitude for the support we have received from many I decided to start a series called: "Time To Turn The Tables". </p>
</div>
<div align="center"><strong> </strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong>Meet Richard Bedell of Fish Creek Radio, Based in Traverse City, Michigan:</strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong> </strong></div>
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<div align="center"><a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="https://youtu.be/xsPQK2zS5yk" data-imported="1"><img src="https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xsPQK2zS5yk/hqdefault.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="TTTTT VOL 1 Richard Bedell Fish Creek Radio" height="279.00" width="372" /></a></div>
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<td class="imgCaptionText">TTTTT VOL 1 Richard Bedell Fish Creek Radio</td>
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</table>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170966
2018-04-29T17:00:00-07:00
2020-10-11T10:52:15-07:00
Gene Anthony 60's Photographer/Artist Show Success & Availability
<p><strong style="font-size: 10px;">Happy Spring!</strong></p>
<div><strong><img src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/b6b76016201/7d515dda-1545-4dd5-abc9-d4a3eb6dbbc7.jpg?ver=1525128344000" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="142" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.297" width="283" /></strong></div>
<div>
<p><strong>If you were at our Show Opening with 60's photographer and artist <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gene-Anthony/e/B001K8D9OK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1524001868&sr=8-3" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Gene Anthony</a>, thank you for making it a wonderfully memorable day!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This is also to let you know that...</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The show will be up for another few weeks. Make sure to come experience the photographs and paintings of Gene Anthony's Summer of Love. It's a unique collection and makes for a very special viewing.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>To compliment the show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Eclectiquegallery/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">E-clectique Gallery</a>, we also have many rare 60's Rock Posters available to view and purchase.</strong></p>
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<div>
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<div align="center"><img src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/b6b76016201/fc52e84a-25fe-4c2a-a03f-0927051364ca.jpg?ver=1525128343000" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="308" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.296" width="402" /></div>
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<div align="center"><strong><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Eclectiquegallery/" shape="rect" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Visit their Facebook Page here!</a></strong><br></strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong> </strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong>E-clectique Gallery </strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong>4125 Piedmont Ave #13</strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong>Oakland, CA</strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong>(510) 325-2520</strong></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170965
2018-02-28T16:00:00-08:00
2021-04-21T10:06:56-07:00
E-clectique Gallery Grand Opening this Sunday, March 4th
<div>
<h2><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/72717249f8bc9a617927745c0b158f50dc1ccdfe/original/kris-doing-the-sign.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIxeDE2NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="166" width="221" /></strong></h2>
<h2><strong>E-clectique Gallery Grand Opening this Sunday, March 4th</strong></h2>
<p>I am very excited to personally invite you to the Grand Opening of E-clectique Gallery this Sunday, March 4th. E-clectique is a local gallery with Estate Items, Vintage Posters, Antiques, and Objects of Interest. </p>
</div>
<p>Due to weather predictions, we moved the date of the even from Saturday, March 3<sup>rd</sup> to Sunday, March 4<sup>th</sup> starting at 3 PM. Please click below for more details….</p>
<p>Here are the details for the Grand Opening:</p>
<address>4125 Piedmont Ave #13</address>
<address>Oakland, CA </address>
<p>Starts at 3pm! Go into The Courtyard on Piedmont, up the stairs to the right. Light refreshments will be served. If you are local and want to attend, <a style="font-size: small;" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/205369586876655/" data-imported="1">please RSVP here</a>. We welcome you if you can be there. </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170964
2017-12-08T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:48-08:00
Sara’s Perspective on Meeting Clara In-Person For the First Time!
<p>I started working with Clara right out of college and we have stuck together for an entire decade. We have gone through different jobs, albums, projects, internships, strategies, and major life events together, all virtually. When I think of someone that knows me and has my back always, I think of Clara. How do I put in to words what meeting her in person was like? I’m really not sure but I will do my best to do it justice…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I jumped on the opportunity to visit San Francisco for the first time, not just because I had never been there before, but because I would finally have the opportunity to meet Clara in person! There have been a few times that I was potentially going to be in the area, but those chances kept falling through. This time I didn’t want to tell Clara until my flights were booked so as soon as they were, I quickly told her the news (and made sure she was going to be home the dates I was in town!).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clara picked a beautiful restaurant on the Bay that had an oyster and champagne special (two of my favorite things!). I think I speed skipped to the restaurant with how excited I was to meet someone who I speak to every day and do Video calls with every week. It was a surreal feeling making my way to the restaurant.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I walked up the outdoor patio where our table was, Clara’s expression was something I will never forget. I think she had told every table about our story and we ran to give each other the biggest hug. It was a special moment. We talked for hours as if we were friends at happy hour that get together (in-person) every week. Kris called and FaceTimed. I felt the warmth and it made me so grateful to be part of their life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They welcomed my husband and me into their home with open arms another night we were in town. The food was delicious…it was great to finally try some of the garden-fresh sundried-tomatoes I had seen so many pictures of! The drinks were flowing and it was a memory I will hold near and dear to my heart.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clara – you have a beautiful life and so many exciting things to come. Thank you for having me on board for the ride. I am thankful every day to be part of your team!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170963
2017-08-08T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:48-08:00
KOSTÜM POP UP: CLARA BELLINO WITH HER ANTI-AGING & WELLNESS PRODUCTS
<p>During August we will be having two fantastic Pop Ups hosting local artists & entrepreneurs!</p>
<p>Saturday and Sunday August 12th and 13th from 1-6pm each day, we will have Clara Bellino, singer and entrepreneur Popping Up with her wellness and anti-aging products! She works with products that are high-end, botanical, clinically tested, and based on scientific research. They’re innovative, one of a kind age-defying products that transform your skin and health. She will have samples and product available at her Pop Up event.</p>
<p>As always we will have free refreshments. Follow KOSTÜM on Instagram and Facebook @kostumonpiedmont to find out more about this incredible local artist!</p>
<p>In order to get to know Clara a bit better we asked her a few questions, and here’s what we learned:</p>
<p>1. What do you do for work?</p>
<p>My passion is music and health. And helping and encouraging others to achieve their dreams. I am in the middle of recording my 5th album (name to be released). Music is happiness to me and drives all of my other passions. </p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_0429.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p>2. How did you get to that point in your career?</p>
<p>Hard work and positivity. It’s easy to be brought down in the music world if you are not one of the Top of the Charts type of artist.</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Profile-Pic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="593" width="450" /></p>
<p>3. What are you passionate about?</p>
<p>Music, dreaming big, health, gardening, cooking, and wine</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Clara-Performing-with-Guitar.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></p>
<p>4. What feeds you creatively?</p>
<p>Traveling, meeting people from different parts of the world and finding out what makes them happy, being curious about people, time with my family and friends.</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_0323.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="450" /></p>
<p>5. What is one of your favorite aspects of Oakland (or area of the Bay in which you live)?</p>
<p>I love the vibrant diversity of the people in Oakland, and the sense that there is a community working on making the world a better place. And the many types of creative people! I think Oakland is beautiful, I love walking around Lake Merritt, and the weather here! Except when it gets too hot! I also feel blessed to have access to a garden, and that I get to walk to my office.</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Red-Top-Pic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p>6. How do you feel most connected to Oakland (whether it’s the people, culture, environment, etc.)?</p>
<p>I feel connected through the soil to the organic and regeneration movement: I grow most of our food from my own seeds and appreciate all the local farmers’ markets and the consciousness present in supporting local businesses. I also feel connected to the artistic community, and do my share one artist at a time, sharing my resources, experience and knowledge, in encouraging creative people to dream. I offer them options on how to fund their passions.</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Clara-with-Guitar-Smiling-in-Bush-Resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="316" width="387" /></p>
<p>7. How is fashion a part of your daily life?</p>
<p>I love finding that perfect outfit for my out of town shows or attending clothing swap parties to discover that next favorite item. Fashion is a huge part of who I am every day without making it something I focus on.</p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Clara-Bellino-This-Is-Happiness.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="625" width="450" /></p>
<p>8. What do you hope Kostümers walk away with after seeing or purchasing your products?</p>
<p>That they really try the products and give it a chance to change their life. I’m a firm believer in them and I want to find others who are too by sharing them. </p>
<p><img src="http://kostumonpiedmont.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_2620.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></p>
<p>How to find Clara Bellino online:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/clarabellino" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/clarabellino&source=gmail&ust=1501104015417000&usg=AFQjCNH3xffcT_VJelMrUcauHSfChv7QvQ" data-imported="1">https://www.facebook.com/clarabellino</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.clarabellino.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.clarabellino.com/&source=gmail&ust=1501104015417000&usg=AFQjCNENGeUjnHTl8oxDMUqWMQem2h4BHQ" data-imported="1">http://www.clarabellino.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/clarabellino" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.twitter.com/clarabellino&source=gmail&ust=1501104015417000&usg=AFQjCNGl_0Z19EAuH7AsxVONErC5b0Ntyw" data-imported="1">http://www.twitter.com/clarabellino</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/clarabellino" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.pinterest.com/clarabellino&source=gmail&ust=1501104015417000&usg=AFQjCNGo4S3XwKQtR0SrCv2XGo2r32LboA" data-imported="1">http://www.pinterest.com/clarabellino</a></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170962
2017-06-24T17:00:00-07:00
2020-10-16T23:37:34-07:00
Interview for The Copyright Coalition
<p class="blog_title"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Five Questions with Musician Clara Bellino by Copyright Alliance</span></strong></p>
<p class="blog_title"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/70928fca374e9c5cd72b874d14d9f210aa3f1b7b/original/clara-bellino-garden.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzE1eDIxMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="210" width="315" /></p>
<div class="blog_content">
<p>This week we would like you to meet one of our Individual Creator Members, musician Clara Bellino.</p>
<p><strong>1. What was the inspiration behind becoming a musician? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?</strong></p>
<p>I have a clear visual image as well as recollection of the feeling I had at age 3 when listening to what was coming out of the speakers in our living room: I realized that music had the power to transform my experience of the moment and transport me elsewhere. At 7 when asked what I wanted to do with my time I said I wanted to play music and start with the piano. What I enjoy most about the creative process is setting words to music and finding a melody that sticks.</p>
<p><strong>2. What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?</strong></p>
<p>I don’t know what the biggest misconception is, but the one that bugs me the most is the idea that being an artist and making music does not deserve compensation like any other job. There is this idea that writing music is more of a hobby that makes life enjoyable and that artists are forever on vacation. I am grateful for any talents I have, and believe that being an artist is a calling that won’t let go of you. Like any other passion though, it takes dedication and sacrifices to see the light of day, and what is created has value.</p>
<p><strong>3. When did you first become aware of copyright and why?</strong></p>
<p>I first became aware of copyright in 1992 when I was asked to contribute songs to a film I had the lead role in. I played a singer on her way to Japan. We recorded a song I had already written, I wrote a new song that was based on the experience of my character, and I co-wrote a song with the musical producer of the film, I wrote the lyrics, he wrote the music. I was informed by the director of the film that for my songs to be included in the feature I needed to copyright them and affiliate myself with a Performing Rights Organization, as well as start my own publishing company.</p>
<p><strong>4. Have you experienced copyright infringement and if so how has it affected you personally and financially?</strong></p>
<p>Yes I have. The first time was through a local online company that had an app that facilitated video editing. They also offered a whole database of songs they claimed to have the right to use so their clients could add music to their videos. One of my albums unbeknownst to me was there. I found that out because a young lady had chosen one of my songs to accompany a video of a soap opera star she had a crush on. I didn’t think my song was particularly suited to…the visuals. I first contacted the young lady, who refused to believe I was the writer, even though my name was in my e-mail…I eventually managed to have the site remove my titles. I then became aware of many online addresses monetizing my songs, some as ringtones.. For a while once a month I scheduled contacting companies that monetize my music without my permission, and would send them my attorney’s letter. And found out that not only they acted like they didn’t have to prove that they had the right to use my songs, they asked me to prove I was the rights holder. If I managed to get someone on the phone, they rarely felt under any obligation to address me or didn’t understand why I had a problem, or acted as if they didn’t. How has it affected me? Personally: I don’t have the time to contact all these sites. I have decided to build my own tribe of supporters, patrons who support the arts, and are happy to pay me for my compositions. I’m not buying into the “Exposure” model, you can die from exposure! Financially: it’s hard to say, except that my royalties have taken a nose-dive over the years. It has become more challenging to make money from the sale of my music. I was able to reimburse the cost of my 2006 release by selling 10,000 or so hard copies of it over a little more than a year. That was not possible for my 2012 release, which I am almost done paying off. We ran a successful crowd funding campaign in 2015 which so far has covered the recording of half of the songs for my upcoming 2017 release. Clearly if someone I don’t know can get my songs for free, or as part of thousands included in a small subscription fee..that compensation isn’t coming to me. So I’m building my own economy.</p>
<p><strong>5. If there was one aspect of the copyright law that you could change, what would that be and how would you change it?</strong></p>
<p>I would like each digital version of each of my songs to have an assigned code embedded, that moves forward by one number each time it is bought. Any buyer could play that song for anyone they chose but their unique code would be non transferrable. For use in films or broadcast, the code would come with a possibility of renewal, but expire after a certain time or number of listens. I would set my price, and it would be my prerogative and/or problem if I priced myself out of the market. I like the analogy that my songs are like cakes. When a baker bakes a cake, to eat his or her cake you have to go to his or her shop and buy the cake. One last note: though I am a part of, and support and respect the work of “The Content Creators Coalition”, I resent the term: “Content Creator”. I don’t wake up each morning, or go to sleep dreaming: “Let me create some content”. I wake up or go to sleep dreaming I will write my best song ever. “Content Creator” is so clinical, cold and technological…no matter what art form it refers to.</p>
<p><a href="http://clarabellino.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Clara Bellino</a><br>Musician</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170961
2017-05-09T17:00:00-07:00
2017-05-10T11:28:32-07:00
MBB - Interview Series #2 - Guitar Tips
<p>Interested in hearing guitar tips from an artist herself? Tune-in to this video for an interview with Clara Bellino on Guitar Tips.</p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/205236084" width="640" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/205236084" data-imported="1">MBB - Interview Series #2 - Guitar Tips</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user5472490" data-imported="1">Clara Bellino</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com" data-imported="1">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170960
2017-04-04T17:00:00-07:00
2017-05-10T11:29:58-07:00
Matthew DeSimone Interviews Clara Bellino on Songwriting Tips - MBB Interview Series #3
<p>Tune-in now to hear Matthew DeSimone interview Clara Bellino on Songwriting Tips:</p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/207399659" width="640" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/207399659" data-imported="1">MBB - Interview Series #3 - Songwriting Tips</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user5472490" data-imported="1">Clara Bellino</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com" data-imported="1">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170959
2017-02-15T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:48-08:00
Jenna Cocozziello Interview Clara Bellino on Production
<p>Don't miss out on Jenna Cocozziello interviewing Clara Bellino on Production. Enjoy!</p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/204300163" width="640" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/204300163" data-imported="1">Production Interview - Jenna Cocozziello and Clara Bellino</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user5472490" data-imported="1">Clara Bellino</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com" data-imported="1">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170958
2016-09-04T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:47-08:00
Chet Helms Documentary and our visit with Chet biographer Greg Hoffman
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<strong>In 2005, after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Helms" shape="rect" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Chet Helms</a> passed on, his biographer Greg Hoffman invited me on a road trip to visit Chet's cousin Goldie in Santa Maria.<br><br>Last week, following our interview for The Chet Helms Documentary, </strong><strong>Min Anderson and I paid Greg Hoffman an overdue visit. </strong>
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<div align="center"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/00004b3fd0bf559da074d91488d7d6a04415300e/original/september-5-2016-blog-collage.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzkxeDE1OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="159" width="391" /></strong></div>
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<p><strong>To read about the road trip Greg and I went on click below for The Chet Helms Chronicles.</strong></p>
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<div align="center"><strong>To read about the road trip Greg and I went on click...</strong></div>
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<div align="center"><strong> <a href="https://chethelmsbio.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/road-trip-part-i/" data-imported="1">Road Trip Part 1</a> and <a href="https://chethelmsbio.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/road-trip-part-ii/" data-imported="1">Road Trip Part 2</a>.</strong></div>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170957
2016-07-24T17:00:00-07:00
2016-07-25T10:14:33-07:00
Lenise Bent: profile of a versatile pioneer
<p>Lenise and I first met in 2012, then again in 2013 when we sat on panels together at the Independent Music Conference in Los Angeles. I immediately enjoyed her and her energy, and I’m so grateful we stayed in touch and are now joining creative forces. Read further and I know you’ll appreciate why I’m excited, so looking forward to seeing you soon in person Lenise! Click below to find out about Lenise!</p>
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<p>LENISE BENT –Recording engineer/producer, foley mixer/editor, foreign dubbing supervisor, archivist, consultant, instructor. </p>
<p>Lenise is one of the first women engineers in the industry and honed her skills on many iconic records including Aja by Steely Dan, Breakfast in America by Supertramp and Tusk by Fleetwood Mac, as well as being the first woman to receive a platinum album for engineering for Blondie’s “AutoAmerican” record which included “The Tide is High” and the very first hit rap song “Rapture”. </p>
<p>Lenise is also a post production audio professional, specializing in shooting and editing foley for several films and animated series such as “RoboCop”, “Street Sharks” and “Extreme Ghostbusters”, creating foreign music and effects tracks for several popular TV series and films and has traveled the world for Dreamworks supervising the foreign dialogue recording and producing the vocals for such animated features as “Shrek” and “Shrek 2”. </p>
<p>A native of Los Angeles, she has always been fascinated with the entertainment industry and was delighted when her parents signed her up for the Screen Children’s Guild, along with her brother, to work in film and television at the age of 8. This lead to studying film and television production in college until she discovered the world of audio engineering and then studied to become a recording engineer. </p>
<p>Along with producing and engineering, Lenise is an audio instructor, guest lecturer and conducts a variety of workshops including one for singer/songwriters on basic recording techniques. She is also an audio restoration and repair specialist, recently restoring the audio for the photo exhibit “Who Shot Rock &Roll” for the Annenberg Space for Photography among other challenges. </p>
<p>Lenise is a long-standing member of NARAS and the Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy, the Audio Engineering Society, ARSC (Assoc. of Recorded Sound Collectors), the prestigious Hollywood Sapphire Group, The Blues Foundation, Women’s Audio Mission (WAM) and is on the Board of Directors for Los Angeles Women in Music. She is passionate about preserving</p>
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<p>Right now she is having a blast producing and engineering an all analog recording with a band presently called The Barrelhouse Kings, recording to 2” tape, mixing to 1⁄2 inch and cutting vinyl. She is also working on several projects for both up and coming artists as well as seasoned professionals. Lenise believes ”there are only two kinds of music...good and bad. I love working on all styles...as long as it’s in the first group.” </p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/cae5273d3b95b04c79b4f4e9873f2c78de49add2/original/tuesday-july-26-2016-photo-with-lenise.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTE2eDM4NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="387" width="516" /></p>
<p>Producer Lenise Bent, Songwriter <a href="http://www.mysticjungle.com/Song-Page.html" data-imported="1">Debe Gunn</a>, artist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tsholofelo.D.Mtakati?fref=pb&hc_location=friends_tab&pnref=friends.all" data-imported="1">Diane Tsholofelo Mtakati</a> and Recording Artist|Songwriter <a href="http://annetteconlon.com/" data-imported="1">Annette Conlon</a> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/763d44440ec02d790da592fb1b657d0f1274e353/original/tuesday-july-26-2016-picture-for-blog.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTE1eDM1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="350" width="515" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170956
2016-05-29T17:00:00-07:00
2016-05-30T03:01:41-07:00
“Gently Down the Stream”
<p>The video and song say it all beautifully, click below to see.</p>
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<p>Watch, share and comment, music makers everywhere appreciate your support:</p>
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<p><a href="http://buff.ly/25uQg5d" data-imported="1"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OllDCF_llHc" width="425" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
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<p>Love from music makers everywhere, you matter to us, and we know we do to you xo</p>
<p>We thank the creative folks at <a href="http://wearesona.com/sona-1" data-imported="1">Sona</a> for speaking out. #IRespectMusic</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170955
2016-04-30T17:00:00-07:00
2020-10-09T10:19:56-07:00
My Icebreaker Speech: “Feet First”
<p>The goal of the “Icebreaker” is to introduce yourself to your Toastmasters group in 4 to 6 minutes. My main challenge was deciding what to leave out! I called it “Feet First” and this was my intro:</p>
<p>“ I was born feet first. I used to wonder if it was because I was cautious and wanted to test the waters. Now that I’ve been around for a while I think it’s because I was excited about life and wanted to hit the ground running!” ...</p>
<p>...Good morning Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toatstmasters, I’m very grateful you are all here today.</p>
<p>Two years ago I partnered with an anti-ageing company. Within a short time I found myself doing power point presentations. What surprised me was that I really enjoyed doing that. I decided that if I was going to be successful in my business I better meet a lot of different people. I went on Meetup and that led me to being here today. I had no idea what Toastmasters was about but it has become clear to me that being here will be helpful to me when I have to speak in front of 20,000 people.</p>
<p>My name is Clara Bellino. I was born in Paris France to two very young and adventurous parents. I have one brother Jean-Francois who is 19 months older than me. When I was 5 we all embarked on a boat to New York. My brother and I were very excited to be going to the land of the cowboys and the Indians. My parents were English teachers on a Fullbright scholarship for 2 years. In New York we were greeted by my dad’s friend Harlan, they had been summer camp counselors in the Bronx in 1956. My parents rented a house from a Polish lady who bred Golden Retrievers in Lancaster Massachusetts. I was thrown in an American school and learned how to speak English in 3 months. The following year we camped across the United States. My parents had a fascination with Native American Indians and we stayed on reservation campgrounds and rode mules to the bottom of canyons. We then lived one year in Santa Clara. My mom taught French at Santa Clara University, my dad at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Then we took a boat back to France with a Golden Retriever we named Che.</p>
<p>Back in France my parents asked me what I wanted to do with my time. I said I wanted to play the piano. I was enrolled in and completed a 10 year program with the National Music Conservatory. I played piano, my favorite composers were Ravel, Debussy and Bowie, classical guitar and tenor recorder in a quartet.</p>
<p>I went to the same high school my parents taught in. They started all kinds of school exchanges and the school became known as the most international school in France. During a school year I typically spent one month in Germany and occasionally one month in England. At 16 I was enrolled at Berkeley school of music on the East Coast. My parents who had a school exchange in Boston went to visit the school and said no way, there are bunch of crazy people and you’re too young. For a year I did what they wanted: I took the easy way out and majored in English with German and Spanish as my second languages. The following year I arranged to attend Foothill College in Los Altos. After 3 months I went home and told my folks I was leaving in 2 weeks again. My high school boyfriend had sold pot to buy my ticket. For 4 years I flew home to take my exams at the catch up session in September. I got my M.A., and quit school.</p>
<p>I had moved to California for music. For 15 years I lived in San Francisco in as many apartments. My first band was called Metro Poplin, my second one Love Life, I played bass in a reggae band, keyboard in an instrumental band called Scene A, for years I had a band called Flying Monkeys, nothing to do with The Wizard of Oz which I had never seen. I just couldn’t keep a band together. We played up and down the Coast. I released my first solo album called Flying Monkey. In 2002 I moved onto a 29 foot sailboat with my second husband in Embarcadero Cove in Oakland, and released my second album called Embarcadero Love. </p>
<p>I have year books full of daily to do lists that would each take one month to accomplish. A combination of being overly ambitious and passionate. I became a Union actress in 1996, an American in 1997. I ‘ve worked on more films, commercials and voice over spots than I can count. Highlights include being directed at sunrise by Robert Redford on The Horse Whisperer, working on 6 Robin Williams films, and 3 with Clint Eastwood, he is a prince to work with. And being a voice to save the White Tiger for Wild Aid with Jackie Chan. </p>
<p>I’m currently working on my fifth album, the working title is “Unexpected”. I’m married to my 3<sup>rd</sup> and forever husband, he is an absolute sweetheart, his name is Kris. We live with our cat Wally in Oakland, CA. I love to garden and grow most of our vegetables year round. </p>
<p>My life has as many revolving parts as Toastmasters has roles. What I hope to gain from Toastmasters is the ability to think on my feet and increasingly engage the audiences I speak to.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170954
2016-04-01T17:00:00-07:00
2016-04-02T11:33:41-07:00
The Empowerment Plan, Audrey Faine’s Generosity Campaign on Indie Gogo
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/f09ad71e275bdd5bcf9631d994db8d96d2708333/original/april-3-2016-plan.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTYweDExNCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="114" width="160" /></p>
<p>Audrey and I recently caught up with each other and had a lovely visit. The single mother of two teenage daughters, Audrey is a smart vibrant giving compassionate soul who lives life following her dreams with at the forefront 2a passion for helping others. She had this to share: “I heard about The Empowerment Plan via social media, and learned that it was founded by a young woman from a tough background in Detroit, Veronika Scott, who saw a need to help the homeless people in her community and decided to do something about it....</p>
<p>She created waterproof coats that transform into full-length sleeping bags, and then can be rolled up and carried like a yoga mat. She hires woman who are living on the streets and trains them to make the coats, and then the coats are distributed for free to homeless people. She's offering job training, employment, life-saving warmth, and compassion to our society's most vulnerable people. </p>
<p>You can learn more about The Empowerment Plan and Veronika Scott <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo-kvh1w60w" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p>I decided to raise enough money to buy 100 of the coats (at $100 each), and distribute them to homeless veterans in my community through Operation Dignity. </p>
<p>My campaign is <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/coats-that-turn-into-sleeping-bags-for-homeless--2/x/13602313" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>, and I appreciate your support and help in spreading the word so I can help the veterans in our community. </p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170953
2016-03-14T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:47-08:00
What Do You Love About Clara?
<p><strong><br></strong><strong>We are working on a new release coming out this summer and it is important to us that we include all of our amazing fans in the process. It is going to be unlike anything you've heard from Clara before and we need your help! ...</strong></p>
<p><strong>We would like to know what your favorite thing is about Clara? How </strong><strong>would you describe Clara to someone that had never heard of her </strong><strong><span class="im">before? Please email us and let us know!</span></strong></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170952
2016-02-10T16:00:00-08:00
2016-02-14T23:43:34-08:00
In Memory of Bob “Rocko” Rhodes
<p><strong>R</strong><strong>ocko Rhodes was a dear</strong><strong> friend and a very kind soul. I first met him when I lived in Alameda, Ca. We talked about music, he was a musician and an avid supporter of the local music scene, we performed together, he invited me to play at benefits he organized, including Guitars Not Guns and Toys for Tots. Below is a picture of him accompanying me at our local "watering" hole: Z's in Alameda. I'm wearing jeans I had made when he asked me to perform on a float in the July 4th parade. I told him I would if I could wear...</strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>jeans with Peace signs on them..He was always finding ways to serve the community, and his friends. The last time I saw him in person he said he was aware of what my team and I were doing and congratulated me for treating my career as a business. Though I moved to a neighboring town he always reached out to us for his and Laura's parties, he was a very loyal friend and I miss him incredibly already. My thoughts are with the love of his life, his widow Laura, and his surviving parents and family. Please take a moment to click below and do what you can do: participate and/or spread the word, thank you!</strong></strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/0e1a5ec5dc32bfadae0851025f9c1cde641183c6/original/february-11-2016-bob.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA2eDIwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="204" width="306" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/rocko-smemorial" data-imported="1">https://www.gofundme.com/rocko-smemorial</a></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170951
2016-01-03T16:00:00-08:00
2016-01-05T10:55:33-08:00
Help One Another Do What You Love
<p>The day before Christmas homeless Robert approached me in a parking lot and asked if he could wash my windows. I had cash on me and my windows were filthy. I asked him where he was staying. Under the bridge. How did he stay warm? It was cold. I told him I’d bring him a care package the next day. The next day was pouring rain, not great for washing windows and he didn’t show when we agreed. I inquired around, drove around but didn’t locate him. I’d made him a Christmas bag with clothes, toiletries, food, a pillow, sleeping-bag, I wanted to make his Christmas. I ended up giving the sleeping bag to another couple. New Year’s day I decided to put the bag in my car. I saw Val with her dog and a sign on the side of the road. Told her Robert hadn’t showed. She said if she saw him she’d be happy to share. And said wow wow wow, a toothbrush, pillow, socks, a towel, seaweed snacks her favorite, she was very grateful. I asked her how she got here and what was her plan? She had hopped trains from New York to California </p>
<p>...to escape Seasonal Disorder, no one could pay here to spend another winter on the East Coast she said. Rent was too steep at her apartment so she was living in her car with her dog “Dirty Boy”. Who was nice and very protective of her. She said her future was bright, she was trying to decide between taking a job she would hate and doing what she loved: cooking. I suggested her first goal might be getting off the street, but she said she’d be embarrassed after having worked herself up to sous-chef to take a job as a dishwasher. The best I could do was suggest if she wanted things to change to do something different than what she had done so far. We hugged. Later I thought who am I to know what is right for her, or discourage her from going after what she loves? And I asked myself how much do I love what I do? I absolutely love singing, writing, songs, performing, music. And many things. As some of you may be aware I also recently started working as a brand partner for <a href="http://www.clarabell.arealbreakthrough.com" data-imported="1">Nerium International</a>. I love too many things to list here about that company but I asked myself how much do I love what I do for them? And without realizing it meeting Val and helping her, if even for a day, led me to find out on an even deeper level why I love my work with <a href="http://clarabell.buyneriumeht.com" data-imported="1">Nerium</a>: I get to help people feel better about themselves, and through our opportunity I get to help them do what they love, whatever that is. I’m looking forward to 2016 as an opportunity to help more people. Which has always been a part of who I am. What do you think would happen if we all helped each other a little more? </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170950
2015-11-22T16:00:00-08:00
2015-11-23T10:53:18-08:00
ARE WE HUMAN?
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AO6f0yxgqMI" width="320" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
<p>Please watch the video and share. This is a charity effort click <a href="http://www.circuitsounds.uk" data-imported="1">here</a> to support.</p>
<p>All proceeds go to <a href="http://www.moas.eu/" data-imported="1">M.O.A.S</a> and as Julie Matthews mentioned: “I believe we are making a real difference together, not just through the money raised for MOAS but also for raising awareness and connecting people with their true humanity.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.whileandmatthews.co.uk/" data-imported="1">To learn more about Chris While and Julie Matthews click here to visit their website.</a></p>
<p>A few words from Julie Matthews: “When the news started breaking about the crisis happening in Calais and the film footage started flooding our screens and our newspapers my horror wasn't only at the plight of these poor desperate people, fleeing their devastated homelands and risking their lives in the hope of finding a safe place, it was also at the government and media's reaction to it. It took weeks before the BBC started calling these desperate people refugees rather than their preferred Migrants. I was appalled, shocked, angry and ashamed of a society that would allow ignorance and fear to cost us our collective humanity. That's why I wrote 'Are We Human'....because I believe in my heart that they, our governments and right-wing media, don't speak for the majority of us.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170949
2015-10-14T17:00:00-07:00
2015-12-18T12:27:18-08:00
IAIN MATTHEWS: OF ART, OBSCURITY AND LASTING MUSICAL MARVELS By Paul Freeman [February 2015 Intervie
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<p>There’s a purity about Iain Matthews’ voice. And it’s mirrored by the integrity of his career.<br><br>The singer-songwriter has never been seduced by fame. His focus has always been on creating music that captivates the ear, the mind and the heart.<br><br>Born Iain Matthew McDonald, June 16, 1946, in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, he soared to prominence in 1967, as a founding member of Fairport Convention. In that pioneering band, Matthews...</p>
<p>... (then known as Ian McDonald) created exquisite harmonies with first Judy Dyble, then Sandy Denny. <br> <br> After two years, he left and formed Matthews Southern Comfort. They enjoyed a huge hit with their stirring version of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.” <br> <br> One of the outstanding solo albums Matthews recorded during his years in Los Angeles was 1973’s “Valley Hi,” produced by Michael Nesmith.<br> <br> Matthews has fronted such bands as Plainsong, Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, More Than a Song and a Dutch jazz combo, The Searing Quartet. After working for a while in A&R, Matthews returned to performing and recording. With his various groups or solo, Matthews is renowned for his mesmerizing concerts.<br> <br> Matthew latest album, his 20th solo effort, titled - with self-deprecating wit - “The Art of Obscurity,” demonstrates that Matthews is still at the peak of his powers, as an artist. <br> <br> In my review for Pop Culture Classics, I said of the album:<br> “He may not be the most famous of singer-songwriters, but Iain Matthews is certainly among the most elegantly gifted. Fondly remembered for his work as a member of the legendary British folk-rock band Fairport Convention, Matthews returns with another sterling solo record. It’s his first U.S. release in a decade. His vocals are as warm and meaningful as ever. The material is polished and poignant. Recurring themes include transitions and mortality. Matthews penned the remarkable songs here, many in collaboration with Dutch pianist/composer Egbert Derix. Eloquent lyrics entwine seamlessly with delicate, lovely melodies. Each time you listen, you’ll grow ever more enamored of such tunes as “Ghost Changes, “When I Was A Boy,” “Ash in the Wind,” “The Letter (1944)” and “The Sweet Hereafter.” Having recorded 25 albums, dating back to Fairport Convention’s 1968 debut, Matthews, now based in the Netherlands, continues to make music that’s relevant, real and sublime.”<br> <br> Omnivore, the label that issued “The Art of Obscurity” in the U.S., also recently gave fans in this country an opportunity to enjoy two other wonderful Matthews albums - 2008’s “Joy Mining” (with The Searing Quartet) and 2011’s “In The Now” (with Egbert Derix).<br> <br> Later this year, he will release a tribute to Richard Farina, called “Reinventing Richard.” Fortunately for discerning listeners, there’s no end in sight to Matthews’ musical magic.<br> <strong><br> POP CULTURE CLASSICS:<br> </strong>“The Art of Obscurity” is a beautiful album. Having continually grown and matured as an artist, do you feel you’re making your best music now?<br> <br> <strong>IAIN MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I do, actually. I keep waiting for that decline that’s supposed to happen. [Laughs] Well, yeah, so far. You know, even my voice - I feel like instead of my voice, my range, kind of diminishing, I feel like I can hit notes that I didn’t know were there before. It’s kind of a weird experience. Everybody says when you hit 60, 65, then be prepared, because you’re not going to be able to do the things you could, when you were 40. So far, I don’t know what kind of things they’re talking about [laughs]. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> With more life experience, does that add to the texture of the vocals and the songwriting, as well?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:</strong><br> I think so, particularly the songwriting. Yeah, that's a given, really. I think the longer you live, the more experiences you have, the more you can draw on for songwriting. Vocally, I think what it is, as you grow older, you begin to think about the possible limitations and, in my case, I find that I push my voice more than I did when I was younger. And consequently, I’m discovering more things that I can do, simply because of that anticipation of not being able to do them [laughs]. So it’s kind of weird, really.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So there’s a sense of take advantage of it now, while it’s working so well?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, I think so. I mean, it could fail me tomorrow. You never know. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:<br> </strong>Has your approach or philosophy of songwriting changed over the years?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I don’t think it’s really changed that much. I mostly co-write these days. So I can really focus on the lyrics. I think, if anything, over the last 10, 12 years, my lyrics have become more transparent. They might have become a little more wordy. But I think, in the past, they tended to maybe be a little opaque about what I wanted to say. And I find myself now making a conscious effort to - how can I put it? - speak in everyman’s terms, rather than just my own. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Yet the way you express it has a poetic feel.<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, I like to think that lyric-writing is kind of poetry in disguise, in a way. It’s something I’m passionate about. I spend a lot of time on my lyrics now, a lot more than I used to. I can even deliberate for days between saying “and” or “but.” In the end, I have to choose one or the other. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Does that tend to paralyze you at some point during the writing process?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Not really, no. I mean, it’s a small point. I just move on. I just choose one and move on. I rarely get stuck once I start writing a lyric - well, depending on where I am, when I’m writing it. If I’m writing it on the road, then it’s a lot easier to get distracted by other things, by all that road stuff that you have to take care of. But if I’m writing at home, the kids are at school and my wife is at work and I can really focus on things. Usually, if you get stuck on a verse, you move on to the next one. Ultimately you have an idea for the next one. You move on to the next one and say what you want to say there. While you’re working on that, maybe the thought for the previous one will come back. I kind of jump back and forth with my lyric-writing these days.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> You say it always comes forth. You’ve written so many great songs over the years. Is there ever the fear that it’s not going to come the next time, that maybe there won’t be another great idea around the corner?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I just don’t think about it. I don’t write every day. I don’t write to order. Usually when I know that I have a deadline, when I have an album looming, I start to write.... with the understanding that a lot of ideas have built up. You know, I’ll write down phrases that might be the beginning of a chorus or might be the title of the song - just little things. I’ll just write them down. And when it’s that time to get ready to make a record, I go to the well and see what I’ve got. Some don’t work out, but a lot of them do. I just get back into that feeling that I had, when I first found the phrase. And usually a song emerges from that. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:<br> </strong>You’ve also covered many other artists’ material over the years- Gene Clark, Phil Ochs, Jackson Browne. Getting inside other people’s great songs, does that help make you a better songwriter?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I hope so. I get as inspired by covering someone else’s songs as I do about recording my own. Again, I think I choose other people’s songs, probably 75 percent because of the lyric. And they’re usually lyrics that I feel or I hope I could have written myself, things that I could have said myself. So, yeah, I get inspired by other people’s songs, too. I’ve listened to someone else’s songs and seen that the subject matter was something that was close to my heart and I’ve gone off and written a song myself, using the same subject matter. But, of course, the song is completely different. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And those songs you cover, when you perform them, they seem to become your own. Is that because you are so close to the ones you choose? <br> <strong><br> MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I think so. I think initially I’m close to them. And the more I do them, the closer I get and the more you refine a song into a style that you would have chosen for a song of your own. I think that’s a given. I think most songwriters that cover other people tend to do that. They tailor a cover song into something that might sound like one of their own songs.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Early on, before you became a professional musician, who were your inspirations?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, the very first single I ever bought was “Searchin’” by the Hollies. I was a big Hollies fan in the early days. And the first album I ever bought was called, “The Impressions: Big 16.” By the time I was buying albums, I was very much into Curtis Mayfield and Joe Tex and Otis Redding. I don’t know what steered me in that direction. Most people say, “Oh, really? Not Dylan or Leonard Cohen?” No, that came later. I was very much into whatever was happening in the early 60s, in the black artists, black songwriting - particularly Curtis Mayfield. I loved Curtis Mayfield.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> What was it about his writing?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I just loved his melodic and his lyric sense, songs like “Gypsy Woman” and “People Get Ready.” I thought those early Impressions albums were just impeccable songwriting. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:<br> </strong>And then, did you get into the more singer-songwriter/folk side of things prior to Fairport Convention? Or was that simultaneous?<br> <br></p>
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<p><strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>When I joined Fairport, I was already listening to Tim Hardin and Tim Buckley. But they certainly turned me on to a lot of people that I wasn’t aware of. I hadn’t really listened to Leonard Cohen at that point. And I certainly hadn’t bothered very much with Dylan. I was more familiar with cover versions of Dylan songs than the man himself. And Richard Farina, I think Richard Farina was the big one that they, Fairport, turned me on to. I’ve since recorded four or five of his songs. Currently, along with a couple of the guys from Plainsong, I’m working on an album of Richard Farina songs for release later this year. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> When you first got together with Fairport, was there a sense that there was some extraordinary music to be made with this group of musicians? Or was it just another opportunity, another band at the time?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I think it was an opportunity. I liked what they were doing. But no one really had any idea where it was going. When I joined the band, no one was writing. The writing really began in the few months following me joining the band. Richard began to write a couple of things and Ashley [Hutchings], the bass player. But primarily they were doing a lot of that West Coast stuff that we take for granted these days. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> What was Richard like as a creative collaborator for you?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>My collaborations with Richard back then were pretty brief. We only really co-wrote one song per album. And it was both times, a lyric that I had written, that I’d taken to him. I think the second song was the lyric and a fragment of a melody. And he basically wrote the song around the lyrics that I took him.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> What sort of impression did he make on you as an artist? <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, Richard taught me to play guitar. He showed me the basics of playing guitar. I think it’s more in retrospect than it was at the time, looking back and listening to his guitar playing, I don’t know if you’ve seen that black-and-white movie that was filmed in France, where we do “Reno, Nevada,” [a Richard Farina song] - it’s been floating around a long time. I go back and I look at that and I listen to that solo and I think, “My God! This guy was 19 years old, when he played that solo.” And there’s no wonder that Clapton cites him as one of his favorite guitar players. I mean, it’s just been there, staring everyone in the face for such a long time. And seeing him perform in recent years, acoustically, he is just a stunning performer. Truly amazing stuff.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And Sandy Denny - what did you see as being her special magic as a vocalist, her uniqueness?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Sandy’s uniqueness and Sandy’s input certainly turned the band’s direction around. I think, after Sandy joined the band, they really began to heavily embrace that English traditional ballad mixed with whatever it was they were doing. I really don’t know what you’d call it. I guess, if anything, they were an electric folk band. But that doesn’t do them justice, really. After Sandy joined the band, they really began to swerve off in that direction, abandoning the stuff that I was getting into. And the things that they had turned me onto, they just completely left it behind and went off in this electric trad direction. So, yeah, she really changed the attitude of the band, when she joined. And it didn’t take long. I think we were in the band for six months together, before I left.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And as far as the allure of her vocals?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, it’s out there to be witnessed. It’s out there to be experienced. There’s just no two ways about it. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> You did a Sandy Denny tribute album [“Secrets All Told”]?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, how do you know about that? I did it with a friend of mine in Philadelphia, Jim Fogarty. And I think Jimmy is the only one who still has copies of it. It’s a lovely album. It was Jim and his wife Lindsay and a fretless bass player friend of ours [Walt Rich]. And we just decided that we wanted to pay homage to Sandy and her songs. And yeah, we made an entire album. The band’s called No Grey Faith, which is an anagram of Fotheringay [the name of the folk-rock group Denny formed, when she left Fairport Convention]. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:<br> </strong>Folk-rock was very much in its infancy, when Fairport came to the fore. It became so influential. Did that surprise you, that the band had such an impact, long-term? <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, there was a period where I really liked what Fairport were doing. I’m really not so keen on what they ultimately became. They influenced a lot of people and they really created a niche for themselves in the history of music, really. But for me, they’ve just become a little bit too much of a jigs-and-reels band now. There was a period - you know the album “Full House”? That was the one they made after Sandy left, where they became a boy band for a while. [Laughs] I think that’s my favorite record. I think were heading in that direction, even with Sandy. But, for me, they really hit something, when they made that album. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So was it a question of wanting different directions that led to your leaving the band?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, exactly. I wanted to embrace more of a contemporary American singer-songwriter attitude and they wanted to do go deeper into the English traditional catalogue. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So as far as the impetus for forming Matthews Southern Comfort, was that a desire to head wherever you wanted creatively, without debate? <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, exactly. I wanted to pursue what I’d been pursuing with Fairport, except this time, I could do it more on my own terms. I could call the shots. So I started my own band.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Did you expand the writing at that point?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I did, a little bit, yeah. By then, I was playing a bit of guitar and yeah, trying to find myself as a writer. I don’t know if you ever truly find yourself as a writer. I think you develop into something, but I still don’t think I’ve really found myself as a writer. But , yeah, I started writing a little more in that period. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Are you comfortable now with that idea that finding your identity as a writer is a constant search? Are you at ease with that?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, I’ve always been at ease with it. It’s never frustrated me. I’ve always tried to keep myself in the moment and accept whatever comes my way. It’s the same with songwriting. I guess you can push it, but I’ve always just tried to let it flow and just accept whatever happens.<br> <strong><br> PCC:</strong><br> Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock,” how did that song make its way to you? <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I found it on her album. I bought her album. We were doing a BBC session and they wanted us to record five songs and I think we only had three or four. And I presented it to the band and we worked up an arrangement and recorded it for the BBC. And there was such a heavy response to it, when they aired it, that the label asked us if we’d go back in and record it for a single. So it just happened. I wasn’t particularly searching for a Joni song. I was just searching for a good song that we could represent.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:<br> </strong>It was so successful, was there any temptation to chase that same kind of success? Or pressure from the record company to try to do something similar?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Not really. All the baggage that comes with having a hit record came very quickly and I wasn’t very prepared for all that stuff. I was doing it for the song, for the music. And I left the band while the single was still in the Top 10.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Because of that baggage?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, because of all that other stuff. I just saw everything else as a distraction, taking me away from creating music. And my way of dealing with it was to just turn my back on it and try and start again.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> You were never one to pursue the mass audience. You just wanted to do music you believed in. <br> <br></p>
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<p><strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Exactly. It’s just never in mind that a particular song could be successful. I mean, I’m grateful for it, because each time that has happened, it’s prolonged my career for another 10 years. And it gives people reference points, when they talk to you. But it’s never been something that I was looking for.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> You have a legion of fervent fans and you’ve always had the critical acclaim, but generally, not the mainstream commercial success. That hasn’t been frustrating then?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>No, it’s a blessing, because it just means I can get on with it. [Laughs]<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> What went into the decision to move to L.A.?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>We’d handed in the second Plainsong album and Jac Holzman [Elektra head] didn’t like it. And at that point, when he told me he didn’t like it, he also said that he would like me to consider going solo again. And he had an idea to team me up with a producer in Los Angeles and wanted to know if I was open to the idea. And he told me it was Michael Nesmith. And would I consider going into L.A. and meeting with Michael and talking about making a record? And it all just kind of fell into place. Michael and I got on great. I consequently came to L.A. to make the record. I decided I was going to stay six months and make the album, see it come out, do some press and then go back. And I never went back. I stayed 28 years.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Had you already been familiar with Michael’s work, beyond The Monkees?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, I wasn’t familiar with his Monkees stuff. I knew the obvious things. I knew the hits. But I was a lot more familiar with his First National Band stuff. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And what were the things you admired about him, once you got to know him and work with him?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>He was a man of integrity. And he was doing it for the music. Michael was never - or never appeared to be - interested in trying to score hits. I think, in the beginning, with The Monkees, by the stories he told me, he was just doing it to have fun. He made a lot money with The Monkees, but he also lost all that money. By the time he was doing those First National Band things, he was just one of the boys again. And he was in it 100 percent for the music. And I think that’s why we hit it off so well. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> In that period, you were making a lot of great music. What went into the decision to go into A&R? <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, that’s a little later on. I came to L.A. in ‘73 and I moved into A&R in ‘84. So it’s a bit later on. I’d made an album called “Shook.” And when it came out, I listened to it one day and I thought, “I don’t like this record very much. Who is this guy? What is this music he’s making? It doesn’t mean very much to me.” And the more I thought about it, the more I thought that I was being guided, rather than finding my own direction. And at that point, I felt that I needed to stop and think about things. But I didn’t want to leave music. I wanted to still be involved in music. And there was a friend of mine here in Los Angeles, who ran the publishing for Island Records. And I went to talk to him about it, just friend against friend. And he said, “Well, why don’t you come and work for me? We’re doing well here and what we need next is some kind of A&R presence. I’d like to be able to sign acts for the label.” And I said, “Okay, I’d love to.” <br> <br> He gave me a job and I worked for him for about a year-and-a-half. And then I had an offer from Windham Hill, who was starting a vocal label. And that seemed more to my taste than looking for bands for Island. And I went over to Windham Hill for another year. So it was about two-and-a-half years I spent in A&R.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And did you find that satisfying in its own way?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>I found it satisfying. I found it frustrating, also. I think, once you’re an artist, it’s very hard to shake the artist attitude and put yourself on the other side of the table. I realized, at that point, when I was trying to guide other acts into avoiding all the little pitfalls that I’d encountered along the way, that you can’t do that. I think artists are intent on making the mistakes, so that they can learn by them. And I found that part of it a little frustrating, but understandable at the same time. And as I was dealing with all that company policy and A&R tactics, slowly the muse began to return. And I started feeling like writing again. Possibly performing.<br> <br> I had a concept and I presented this concept to Windham Hill and they turned it down flat. And I thought, “Well, I believe in this concept and somebody’s going to do it, so it might as well be me.” So I quit my job and focused on this concept. And, ironically enough, the first people I took it to were Windham Hill and they said, “Yeah! We like this!” [Laughs] <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Was this a different division of the company?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>No, exactly the same people. When I presented it as a concept, they didn’t get it. When I showed it to them as a body of music, they got it.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And what was this project?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, the basic concept was to take a songwriter, a relatively unknown songwriter, and interpret his songs or her songs in a different way to the way the songwriter would have presented them. And my way was to a degree, to embrace that sort of New Age thing that was happening in the late 80s with synthesizer - it’s kind of hard to describe. Do you know the album, “Walking A Changing Line”? [1988] It came out on Windham Hill. And I chose Jules Shear as the songwriter. And I did an entire album of Jules Shear songs. And I tried to use a different keyboard player on each track. A guy called Patrick O’Hearn is on one. He was making records at Private Music. I used Van Dyke Parks on one. I tried to vary the style of each track, but keep it within a certain genre. And I think ultimately, it worked out very well. It was a very popular album within a certain circle. Of course, my “Valley Hi” [1973 Elektra] friends didn’t really embrace it [laughs].<br> <strong><br> PCC:</strong><br> And at that point, your days as a record executive were over?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:</strong><br> I was done with it, yeah. I’d had a taste of it. And it wasn’t something that I wanted to pursue for the rest of my career. And the muse came back. I played the Fairport festival, Cropredy, in ‘87. I was backstage and Robert Plant was playing the festival, too. And Robert took me aside and he said, “Listen, man, this ain’t our thing. It’s not for you. You need to really get back on the horse that threw you and start performing again, start writing again. There’s a lot of people out there that still want to hear what you have to say and I’m one of those and I strongly suggest that you take my advice.” [Laughs] <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So that really had an impact on you. <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, I took it to heart. I did. I thought, “Well, if Robert feels that way, there’s probably a few more out there that feel the same way.” <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> In the years since then, you’ve had so many interesting collaborations - Egbert Derix, The Searing Quartet, the revival of Matthews Southern Comfort, Plainsong - do you really crave that kind of diversity, a wide creative latitude with different musicians?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:</strong><br> I do, yeah. I might have mixed it up a little too much in certain period. But I do like to have that diversity. I like to play solo. My favorite way to play is with Egbert. I love doing the duo stuff with Egbert. But I like experimenting with different combinations of people. You know, I had the trio with Eliza Gilkyson and the Dutch songwriter, Ad Vanderveen [called More Than a Song, the trio released two albums]. Yeah, I don’t like to get bogged down in any one thing. I like to try and move around. There’s always a core sound to what I do. I think the songwriting binds it all together. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Did you enjoy exploring more of jazz direction with the Searing Quartet?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Yeah, I’ve wanted to do that for a long, long time. I’ve had a couple of opportunities, but it never quite panned out. When I met Egbert, it was obvious - “This is the moment, this is when you’re going to be able to do that and explore the jazzy aspect of things.” And we became songwriting partners, too, which was really the kernel of what we were able to do. It was all based around the songs we wrote together.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> After living in Austin, as well as L.A. and England, what has made Holland the ideal place for you now?<br> <br></p>
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<p><strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>There was a point, I was living in Texas, and I just began to dislike Texas. I found the weather very oppressive... And I didn’t really work very much in Texas, so I was always a long way from anywhere that I toured. My music was beginning to have a little resurgence in Europe and I thought, “Well, maybe this is the time to learn to become European again. It’s time to go home.”<br> <br> A friend of mine had a big apartment in Amsterdam. She was my publisher, actually. And she said, “Well, the top floor is empty. It’s waiting for someone to live in it. Why don’t you take that until you find your bearings?” That was the opportunity I was looking for to go back. I went back, spent a year in Amsterdam, started touring again. I went down south and met someone. Within a couple of years, I was married [to Marly]. And I have two girls [Madelief and Luca].<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So now you’re in a more rural area?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:</strong><br> Yeah, it’s a lot more rural. It’s down near the German border. I’m twice as close to Cologne as I am to Amsterdam, really. It’s beautiful down there. It’s peaceful. I’m in a small community - big village, small town. <br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> Sounds like a good atmosphere for creativity.<br> <br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:</strong><br> It is.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> So at this point, what are the greatest rewards and the greatest challenges of your life in music?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>Well, I think the great reward is that I’m still doing it now. I think about it almost every day, the fact that I’m still doing it. I'm still able to come over to the States and tour. Still able to record and write. I think the challenge is just to get better. It’s never too late to get better. Egbert pushes me - with the songwriting. He pushes me to be a better vocalist. And to move in different places than I have previously. Yeah, I just want to keep improving, see how far I can push myself.<br> <br> <strong>PCC:</strong><br> And do you think about what you might want your musical legacy to be?<br> <br> <strong>MATTHEWS:<br> </strong>No, not really. [Laughs] I just leave that for other people. You now, I’ve got my body of work behind me. And that’s really enough for me.<br> <br> <span style="color:#0033ff"><em>For the latest news on this extraordinary artist, visit <a href="http://iainmatthews.nl" data-imported="1">iainmatthews.nl</a>.</em></span></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170948
2015-09-28T17:00:00-07:00
2015-09-27T10:16:37-07:00
Iain Matthew’s Musical History
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline">Iain Matthew’s Musical History</span></p>
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Hello friend, </div>
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<div>Sometimes an artist has such a career that lasts decades, which is a feat and wonderful, and makes it impossible to sum up their work in 2 paragraphs! Here by Keith Keller is a condensed version of Iain Matthews colorful and inspirational career, check out his musical collaborations! :</div>
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<div><span style="text-decoration:underline">Press Release</span></div>
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<div>Re: Iain Matthews and Clara Bellino in concert November tour of California, 2015.</div>
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<div>Iain Matthews first gained attention as a founding member of and vocalist for Fairport Convention’s first three albums. When that long-lived bunch turned towards electrifying English traditional music in 1969 Matthews embarked on a musical journey fueled by his interests. He formed the band; Matthew’s Southern Comfort, explored American music and had a #1 hit in the UK with Joni Mitchell’s...</div>
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<div>...“Woodstock”. Never one to stand still for very long Iain moved on during the 1970’s with another group, Plainsong an ensemble that allowed Matthews to blossom as a song writer, acoustic guitarist and honor the works of Richard Farina. Plainsong was supported by his ex-Fairport mates Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson both in the studio and in Richard’s case on tour. Between his own solo recording and various Plainsong line-ups Iain released ten albums to critical acclaim including another well known Top Ten US hit with the single, “Shake It”. </div>
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<p>During the early 1980’s Matthews turned towards the business side of music as a rep for Island Records. Because Fairport Convention and associated acts are basically an extended family he appeared at Fairport’s annual Festival in 1986 which is held in the small village of Cropredy near Oxford. It was there that he spoke with Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin who strongly urged him to continue with his musical career. With the fire re-lit Iain went on with yet another strong album, “Walking a Changing Line” a collection of Jules Shear compositions.</p>
<p>Mathews then moved to the US (Texas-1990’s) for more solo work and Plainsong records. During this period he recorded a wonderful version of Peter Gabriel’s, “Mercy Street”, contributed to a Phil Ochs’s tribute album and recorded plus toured with Nanci Griffith. Next he released another respected record with the somewhat sarcastic title, “Excerpts from Swine Lake”. </p>
<p>Early Spring of 2000 Matthews returned to Europe (Amsterdam) and once again came up with a good one, “A Tiniest Wham” considered by some to be his best. That year led to more adventures being a tour of Europe with Dutch singer-songwriter Ad Vandereen together with Californian, Eliza Gilkyson. Fortune smiled upon Matthews at this point in the form of love and he along with his new family moved to the small town of Horst in the Netherlands. </p>
<p>Iain found a busy, happy life in Europe with more touring of the UK and Continent. Yet more well received collaborative recording were issued including a tribute album to Sandy Denny. Later in the 2000’s Matthews found one of his most sympathetic musical companions the pianist, Egbert Derix. These two work so well together to the point where Matthews felt he had finally found an almost perfect musical sweet spot with, “The Art of Obscurity”. At this point in his creative endeavors Matthews does venture out on very select tours. Of course things do come around again and Iain Matthews guitar in hand and songs springing from his muse was an honored guest at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival 2015.</p>
<p>Keith B. Keller</p>
<p>August, 2015</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/ac1136c840290388eb7614ab03ebf6f6ff435588/original/september-29-2015-iain-1.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDQ1MCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="300" /></p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170947
2015-08-11T17:00:00-07:00
2015-08-12T11:33:37-07:00
Clara Bellino's Mentoring Progam
<p><span style="line-height:16px"><strong>One thing we know all too well </strong></span><span style="line-height:16px"><strong>in this business is how valuable a support system is especially when you are trying to make it as an artist. This is why we are excited to announce the creation of our <span class="il">Mentoring</span> <span class="il">Program</span>!</strong></span></p>
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<div style="font-family: -apple-system-font; line-height: 16px;"><strong>By joining, you will be surrounded with artists who will help you each step of the way and offer valuable advice. You'll also have a great opportunity to network. <br></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: -apple-system-font; line-height: 16px;"><strong>If you, or if you know of any artists that would be interested in joining, please send them our way and we will take care of the rest! Don't miss out on the great opportunity. <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001O1Hh7gQgwRw-axI4vklUoMhl_oNhliwtaRR2TuO-axo7KFU_TH7IhFFqSLZJ_9gFtGYUzGEU8DbMLGtSri-il9G97IInRIOmV9aH1b1INALs4EMRFtlmllSr4g697t80eFjaBcCkq25M3W2VA6RNRQbmpGZ158FZ" data-imported="1">Join Now!</a><br></strong></div>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170946
2015-07-13T17:00:00-07:00
2015-07-14T12:45:37-07:00
#IRespectMusic founder Blake Morgan interview
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">The ClaraTone Records team is excited and honored to bring to you the thoughts and expertise of the experienced Blake Morgan, part of the #<a href="http://irespectmusic.org/" data-imported="1">IRespectMusic</a> initiative. One of our interns, <a href="https://twitter.com/elina_nikol_j" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Erin Johnson</a> asked him a couple of questions and he responded with valuable insight that you would be missing out in if you did not take a minute to read. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">1) When did you realize you wanted to pursue music as a career? </p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">There never was a realization so to speak--I wanted to be a music maker for as long as I can remember anything. I’ve been studying and playing music since I was 5 years old, and there are days now where I seriously think I’m starting to get the hang of it. ;) </p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">2) Who is/are your biggest influence?...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">...Well, Tom Waits says that what one absorbs as an artist one is likely then, to secrete. So, I’ve absorbed a lot of music to be sure, but the Rosetta Stone for me is––and always will be–– The Beatles. That catalog of music has meant the most to me, influenced and informed me the most, and probably has affected what I, in turn, secrete as an artist myself.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>3) What was/is important to you about starting ECR Music Group?</strong> </p>
<p class="p3">It was a move I honestly made not out of inspiration, but out of desperation. After I'd had to fight to get out of my seven-album record deal with Phil Ramone's N2K/Sony label (even though he and I remained friends for the rest of his life), I initially took standard industry advice. I did label showcases in order to try to get a different, yet similar sort of deal. Something about this never sat right with me, but I did it anyway. Finally at one of these, I looked at myself in the mirror right before I went on and said "What are you doing? You're asking permission from other people to make the music you want to make. Why?" The showcase actually went great, and I did get the offers we'd supposedly been looking for. But the turning point came a couple of weeks later, walking down the street with my mother on the way to a movie. I said, almost to myself, "You know, if I had any guts I'd just start my own label. I'd go to each of the bands who's demos I'm producing and I'd tell them it isn't a demo anymore, it's a record. And we're going to put it out––even if we sell 100 copies of it at first––that's what we're going to do." She smiled and looked at me and said, "Yeah, if you had any guts you would do that." I laughed, and then almost immediately started to cry. Because I knew I had to do it, and what it would take. That's where ECR started, on the street, on the way to a movie.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>4) What inspired I Respect Music and why is it important?</strong></p>
<p class="p1">The #IRespectMusic campaign was born from an Op-ed I wrote for The Huffington Post (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-morgan/post_6463_b_4461936.html" data-imported="1">found here</a>) at the end of 2013. A month later, I launched what has become a historic <a href="http://irespectmusic.org" data-imported="1">petition</a> to Congress, urging the members to support artists’ pay for radio airplay. Bizarrely, the US is the only democratic country in the world where artists don’t get paid when their work is played on the radio. And what’s more, the short list of countries that share this policy with the US include North Korea, Rwanda, China and Iran. It’s really shocking. Definitely not a list we want to be on, in any way. I’m happy to say this is on the verge of changing now, with the introduction of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2015. </p>
<p class="p1"><strong>5) Why is music important?</strong></p>
<p class="p1">I write this while smiling, but seriously––if you can find anyone, anywhere who thinks it isn’t––please let me know, okay? </p>
<p class="p1"><strong>6) What is one piece of advice you would give to up and coming artists?</strong> </p>
<p class="p1">I'd tell them that every profession has daunting risks. And yet I've never heard of anyone who's been successful in any of them who went for it half way. I'd tell them to keep in mind the battles they've already fought, and won. I'd tell them there's no such thing as "too smart." I'd tell them, "Don't be scared. You can do it. I believe in you."</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>7) How can people get involved with I Respect Music?</strong> </p>
<p class="p1">You can go to <a href="http://irespectmusic.org" data-imported="1">IRespectMusic.org</a> and join us by signing the petition to Congress, you can join the thousands upon thousands who have posted selfies with the #IRespectMusic hashtag, you can join the conversation and win the argument when you find yourself in the midst of it: artists should be paid for their work, just like everybody else! </p>
<p class="p1"><strong>8) Who should they contact if they have questions about I Respect Music?</strong></p>
<p class="p1">You can go directly to the #IRespectMusic hashtag on Twitter and join that conversation. Feel free to find me there, or on Facebook too, or any of the numerous #IRespectMusic chapters that have started to spring up all across the country. Take action! Speak up! Make history with us…!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170945
2015-05-21T17:00:00-07:00
2015-05-22T12:36:13-07:00
Fish Creek Radio's Musical Therapy Initiative
<p>The cool thing about this musical therapy initiative is it helps us improve the things that we are currently doing, every day. Our goal is to continue to grow our listener base and spread the musical therapy further around the planet.. Fish Creek Radio is an amazing vehicle for...</p>
<p>...music to be heard. Lack of interference from corporate sponsors allows us to play what we like, when we like. We absolutely love when an artist comes to us with a new idea or project. Every week we hear from new recording artists who think FCR is the place for their new sound to play. Level 1 of the project allows for 3 years of necessary funding and hardware to achieve that goal. This is the key for us to continue to offer promotions and broadcast support. Your support helps to promote new talent as well as our old favorites with airtime worldwide.</p>
<p>Level 1 - Three years of future expenses and equipment</p>
<ul>
<li>Internet service $2160.00 - Allows us to broadcast our audio and video streams.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://Live365.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Live365.com</a> $1440.00 - Our current hosting provider.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://FishCreekRadio.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">FishCreekRadio.com</a> $1080.00 - Website hosting to stay in touch with our listeners.</li>
<li>Cellular service for 2 devices $3600.00 - Listener interfacing, website maintenance and instant communication.</li>
<li>3 computers $3000.00 - Broadcasting, archiving, website development.</li>
<li>Sam Broadcaster renewal for 3 years $300.00 - Spacial Audio Manager software allows us to deliver a consistent quality broadcast.</li>
<li>4 new broadcast quality microphones $800.00 - Improves the quality of our interviews and the voice work we do.</li>
<li>1 audio mixer $1500.00 - Will allow us to deliver more sources to Sam Broadcaster, giving more flexibility.Such as direct digital links for interviews and voice projects. Or including the vinyl recordings we own and love in a radio show.</li>
<li>Accessories, cables and road cases $1500.00 - All of the gear that we need to work in house or on the road. (Microphone stands, cable bags, hard-shell cases for sensitive gear.)</li>
<li>Total $15,380.00</li>
</ul>
<p>Level 2 allows us to be a multimedia powerhouse. The ability to capture sight and sound at live performances would be incredible. A PA system and necessary accessories would give us the ability to host events and help artists share music. It would also expand our promotions by allowing us to provide an in house alternative to an expensive rental unit.</p>
<p>Level 1 goal is added to the final total.</p>
<ul>
<li>Video cameras and editing equipment $5000.00 - Production and archiving of events and listener communication, such as internet video links.</li>
<li>Mobile PA and lighting equipment $5000.00 - A complete solution to entertain and host events.</li>
<li>Portable tent for events $1000.00 - Protects the gear from the elements.</li>
<li>Banners for advertising and promotions $1000.00 - We gotta represent.</li>
<li>Business insurance $1500.00 - Stuff happens. Better be prepared. </li>
<li>2 video screens and projectors $3000.00 - For live events. A lighter weight alternative to large screen LCD's.</li>
<li>Total $16,500.00</li>
</ul>
<p>Level 1 (15,380.00) + Level 2 (16,500.00) = $31,880.00</p>
<p>Level 3 would really put the icing on the cake. Music heals. This project is about musical therapy, music as medicine. Being able to "take the show on the road" will allow us to further support local non-profit groups with low-cost mobile sound and vision. As well as adding another source of revenue to make the station self supporting in the future by providing artist support wherever they choose to perform. Adding these tools would give Fish Creek Radio the ability to soar into the future!</p>
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<li>Promotion Vehicle w/Trailer $40,000 - Our personal vehicles need a break, and with the gear from level 2, are way to small.</li>
<li> Studio/Office Space $10,000 x 3 yrs $30,000 - Production space for producing and editing events such as radio broadcasts, interviews, performances or lectures. Again, our personal spaces are inadequate to the additional tasks created in level 2.</li>
<li> Compensation for Talent $60,000 - Allows $20,000 per year for additional paid talent if needed.</li>
<li>Level 3 Total $130,000</li>
</ul>
<p>We understand that the grand total is $161,880.00. Raising $15,380.00 would be amazing, anything beyond that would be a blessing. The entire crew at Fish Creek Radio is grateful for your time and consideration. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.</p>
<h3 class="normal mb4">Risks and challenges</h3>
<p>One of the biggest challenges we have is building a team that shares our vision. The three of us currently and will continue to program the station 24/7/365, But we are always seeking fresh faces to help. Our dedication to an advertising free signal keeps the budget tight. Finding artistic persons who don't mind if they "pay it forward" isn't always easy. We are looking for creative individuals to bring fresh ideas to the table. This is very much an organic, evolving entity that we would like to see flourish and flower. The funding helps us purchase the necessary tools to keep the station on the air and build an infrastructure to grow. Currently this is our only project and has our full attention. Our personal philosophies require that we continue forward. Each day is a fresh challenge to be met and overcome. The combined years of business ownership and management of this team is a good indicator that we can overcome all challenges.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170944
2015-03-30T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:46-08:00
An artist friend shares his perspective
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<h3><strong style="font-size: 10px;"></strong></h3>
<h3>In an effort to highlight artist friends and why they do what they do we asked Eddie Conlon to share his thoughts:</h3>
<h3><strong style="font-size: 10px;">How did you get into your field?</strong></h3>
<p>When I was a kid my brother played guitar and sang and I was always a musical sort myself, making up melodies and even quirky little rhymes. When I was thirteen I picked up my brothers acoustic and taught myself a few chords, and he taught me a few more. I played bass in the first couple bands I was in but then switched back to guitar.</p>
<p><strong>Who is/are your biggest influencers?</strong></p>
<p>When I played bass it was bands like Rush and Yes because both bands had great bass players. But...</p>
<p>...one band that influenced me the most would have to be the Grateful Dead. The atmosphere of their shows, the audience, the way they improvised on stage, never doing the same set list twice, or even doing a song the very same way all seemed so down to Earth, the real free spirit of Rock-n-Roll. And the way they stayed together for so long, never really caring for top ten/top forty slots but always filling the seats at every show, it all just seemed to me to be the way to go.</p>
<p><strong>What do you hope to accomplish with your craft?</strong></p>
<p>FAME AND FORTUNE!! LOL Na, makin a decent living off of my music, getting a little respect as a songwriter - that would do the trick. I don't need, nor really want, and never expected super star status. I got back into the music scene in 2010 and in 2011 I stated putting together all the old ideas, and a bunch of new ones together. So I write my tunes, let 'em fly and see where they land. I am still hoping to get a band together.</p>
<p><strong>What does success look like to you?</strong></p>
<p>Make a decent living; get a little respect as a pretty good songwriter. That to me would be success.</p>
<p><strong>Why is your craft important to the world?</strong></p>
<p>Well, music is the universal language. The part I play, with the words I write, they have a different angle, deep social type songs; some can be taken more serious than others and a few are playful reminders of the things going on around us. But music in itself is very important. People need music; they need that expression. Whether it be the hard drive of Punk, or the soft sweetness of Bluegrass, and every other genre from Classical to Country. We Humans are musical creatures and I think a world without music would be a dreary place indeed!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/80c1a6393b55e1de782233dd25f36f76996adca9/original/april-1-2015-eddie-conlon-pic-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTM4eDE0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="144" width="138" /></p>
<address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eddie.conlon.3?fref=ts" data-imported="1">Facebook</a></address>
<address><a href="https://twitter.com/1_eddie" data-imported="1">Twitter</a></address>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170943
2015-03-16T17:00:00-07:00
2015-03-17T09:24:08-07:00
Bowling for Big Brothers and Big Sisters
<p>Please support BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS!!</p>
<p>Are you familiar with what an important role they play in the lives of children living in single parent homes?</p>
<p>A friend shared her story with me the other day and told me of her son, who had never once seen his father, but was matched with a Big Brother 28 years ago. This wonderful mentor spent time with him, helped him in school and...</p>
<p>sports, bowled with him at BFKS, and later attended both his college graduation and his wedding. They have remained close friends all these 28 years!</p>
<p>We need your help today! Every dollar we raise will help a child succeed at school and at life. Join Team Nerium North Bay or donate today to support me as I Bowl for Kids Sake!</p>
<p><strong>Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay 2015 Bowl for Kids' Sake - Support Clara Bellino</strong></p>
<p>Click here to donate or be a bowler: <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://www.kintera.org/i.asp?id=1129529-420538711" data-imported="1">http://www.kintera.org/i.asp?id=1129529-420538711</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/746309396bc98f6a5a9af07d3e1979e7af29d421/original/march-18-2015-bbbs-picture.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTU3eDE1NyJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="157" width="157" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170942
2015-02-25T16:00:00-08:00
2015-02-25T22:34:48-08:00
Spot.IM - Health 360 with Clara
<div align="center"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Spot.IM - Health 360 with Clara</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">by Erin Nicole Johnson</div>
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<p align="center"> Clara has a new health and wellness social community right on her website. Health 360 With Clara is where you can go to talk about how you stay healthy, get tips from other members, and make new connections. Created using Spot.IM, she's able to start a conversation with her fans and followers without them having to leave her website. When you go to<a>www.clarabellino.com</a>, you can click on the spot in the lower left-hand corner of the site and join in the conversation. We're looking forward to talking with you about how you stay healthy. Join the conversation today! </p>
<p align="center"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/e06df22446e2d679fc8f9cd46457007732de8ca7/original/february-25-2015-spot-im.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjYweDY2MCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="660" width="660" /></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">By Erin Nicole Johnson</p>
<address>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Elina_Nikol_J" data-imported="1">@Elina_Nikol_J</a>
</address>
<address>FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ" data-imported="1">facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ</a>
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<address>Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/elinanikolj" data-imported="1">elinanikolj</a>
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<address> </address>
<address><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/e8826d78bfab6eda386f51c313b549c1c042e827/original/unnamed-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjJ4NzIiXQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="72" width="62" /></address>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170941
2015-02-03T16:00:00-08:00
2015-02-04T23:02:35-08:00
Welcome to our New Team Members
<p>We’re grateful and proud to introduce to you the new members of our 2015 team. Please help us welcome Erin Nicole Johnson and Joseph Cox! Here, in a few words, is a little about them...</p>
<p><strong>Erin Nicole Johnson</strong></p>
<p>Erin grew up in Louisiana and moved to Florida for school in 2012. She loves anything music: singing, writing, listening, playing. Her favorite band is Thirty Seconds to Mars. She prefers coffee over tea, but loves them both. She thinks turtles are the best animals, but loves dogs too (she calls any dog a puppy even if it's full grown!)</p>
<address>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Elina_Nikol_J" data-imported="1">@Elina_Nikol_J</a>
</address>
<address>FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ" data-imported="1">facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ</a>
</address>
<address>Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/elinanikolj" data-imported="1">elinanikolj</a>
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<p><strong>Joseph Cox</strong></p>
<p>Joseph was born in Marquette, MI (which makes him a U-pper, since he was born in the upper peninsula) and grew up in roughly 13 different states. He loves to travel and flyng is his favorite method of transportation. He's a recent grad of Full Sail University and holds a B.S. in Music Business. A few of his music influences include Amy Winehouse, Gavid Degraw, Andy Grammer, John Legend, and Ben Rector. He's an actor and musician, loves the beach, meeting new people, and going on adventures.</p>
<address>IMDb: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5391177/" data-imported="1">www.imdb.me/JosephCox</a>
</address>
<address>IG: <a href="http://instagram.com/JoeyCox91" data-imported="1">www.instagram.com/JoeyCox91</a>
</address>
<address>Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JoeyCox91" data-imported="1">www.twitter.com/JoeyCox91</a>
</address>
<address> </address>
<address><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/52f0e285acc7f27879a45f89db2f62b83dda7f67/original/claratone-records-team-banner-facebook-1-26-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjY1eDI0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="246" width="665" /></address>
<address> </address>
<address>
<br>On est contents et fiers de vous presenter les nouveaux membres de notre équipe 2015. Merci d'acceuillir Erin Nicole Johnson et Joseph Cox! Voici en quelques mots ce qu'ils nous ont livré... </address>
<address> </address>
<address>
<p><strong>Erin Nicole Johnson</strong></p>
<p>Erin a grandi en Louisiane et a déménagé en Floride pour sa scolarité en 2012. Elle aime tout ce qui a à voir avec la musique: le chant, l’écriture, jouer. Son groupe préféré est “Thirty Seconds to Mars”. Elle préfère le café au thé, mais aime les deux. Elle pense que les tortues sont les meilleurs des animaux, mais aime aussi les chiens, qu’elle continue à appeler “puppy” (chiot) même quand ils ont fini de grandir.</p>
<p> </p>
</address>
<address>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Elina_Nikol_J" data-imported="1">@Elina_Nikol_J</a>
</address>
<address>FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ" data-imported="1">facebook.com/ElinaNikolJ</a>
</address>
<address>Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/elinanikolj" data-imported="1">elinanikolj</a>
</address>
<address> </address>
<address>
<p><strong>Joeph Cox</strong></p>
<p>Joseph est né dans la peninsule Nord du Michigan, et a grandi dans environ 13 Etats. Il adore voyager et l’avion est son mode de transport favori. Il a récemment complété son programme à Full Sail University et a un diplôme en Business de la Musique. Parmi ses influences musicales se trouvent Amy Winehouse, Gavid Degraw, Andy Grammer, John Legend, et Ben Rector. Il est comédien et musicien, adore la plage, faire des rencontres, et partir à l’aventure.</p>
<p> </p>
</address>
<address>IMDb: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5391177/" data-imported="1">www.imdb.me/JosephCox</a>
</address>
<address>IG: <a href="http://instagram.com/JoeyCox91" data-imported="1">www.instagram.com/JoeyCox91</a>
</address>
<address>Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JoeyCox91" data-imported="1">www.twitter.com/JoeyCox91</a>
</address>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170940
2015-01-13T16:00:00-08:00
2015-01-14T08:56:37-08:00
Learn about Business 101 with Scott Gingold
<p><strong>Q&A From Radio Personality Scott Gingold - Business 101 with Scott Gingold</strong></p>
<p><strong>1) When and why did you decide to go into radio?</strong></p>
<p>The show started on 8/7/13. We were on then for 1 hour, and very early (8am EST) and had a very different audience. We shifted our time slot in 2014 and expanded the show to 2 hours based on the success and popularity of the program.</p>
<p>The decision to go into radio was somewhat accidental, and somewhat a dream. My original desire was to be on from 12pm-5am, Sunday-Thursday. Why? Most entrepreneurs go to bed at around midnight. They typically wake up at 2:30am'ish in a panic: "how will I make payroll? where can I find qualified employees/vendors/partners? how should I best network to gain more business? where can I get working capital? Is my marketing effective? how should I manage my social media presence? etc., etc." </p>
<div>So what makes me qualified to be the person on the other end of the phone? My typical response is that I am always the smartest guy in whatever room I am in! How can I make this claim? Simply stated, I have made pretty much every mistake one can make in business. When this happens, you can choose to learn from it and grow, or go on to repeat the same mistakes. I choose not to go backward, only forward! Also, a nice thing about being in business for a long time and being of a certain age, I have developed a very large and diversified Rolodex (old school term!) of varied contacts who can answer virtually any question that I cannot!<br><br>Will I eventually do this type of show? Stay tuned, we'll see :-)</div>
<p><strong>2) What is a key thing you've learned from running your own show?</strong></p>
<p>In typical Scott fashion, two answers to this. 1) That I must stay curious all the time in order to keep the show interesting and worth listening to. 2) Show prep is everything, there is no shortcut or "winging it."</p>
<p><strong>3) What is one thing you would like everyone to know about you?</strong></p>
<p>That I genuinely care about my audience and my guests. In other words I want the experience and outcome to be interesting, positive, and educational. </p>
<p><strong>4) What kind of people do you enjoy connecting with? How would you like us to help you do that?</strong></p>
<p>I like connecting with people who are interesting, and smarter than myself. I know that the latter contradicts my earlier response :-) Simply put, as a guest (Dan Pena) once put it to me; "show me your friends and I will show you your future." I enjoy a respectful discourse and exchange of ideas. I don't need "yes men/women" in my life, I want people who will challenge my thinking and and are highly motivated and hard-working. <br><br>As for how you can help me do that, hmm, I guess people who you think would fit the bill, and especially those who could help me grow my radio presence as well as my management consulting practice. </p>
<p><strong>5) What makes your show different?</strong></p>
<p>Unlike most other radio programs, it is not confrontational, not a "gotcha" kinda program, and it is intended to be educational and interesting.</p>
<p><strong>6) Are you seeking advertisers for the show? </strong></p>
<p>Yes! The benefit we offer is of course the live show, but, also the podcast audience which includes iTunes, Loverino, SoundCloud and Stitcher.</p>
<p><strong>7) Is there a specific memory from a show that stands out?</strong></p>
<p>Yes! On the one year anniversary show we re-interviewed our very first guest (Valerie Bittner) in the first hour and in the second hour, she, and my Denise turned the tables on me and interviewed me! yes, it was odd, but enlightening and fun.</p>
<p><strong>8) What is the best way for people to connect with you? </strong></p>
<p>Twitter is #1 (@scottgingold) and CyberDust (+scottgingold) is #2. Email (<a href="mailto:scott@gingold.me" target="_blank" data-imported="1">scott@gingold.me</a>) works too :-)</p>
<p>-Scott Gingold</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/75b051e284838c5a722c199d535507391677c9f4/original/october-22-2014-scott-gingold.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6OTN4OTgiXQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="98" width="93" /></p>
<p> </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170939
2014-12-09T16:00:00-08:00
2014-12-10T11:10:02-08:00
Learn About Radio Business from Richard Bedell, Founder of Fish Creek Radio
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/eda9dbf31e6810060b46befd6b7126cce037daa9/original/december-10-2014-fish-creek-radio-banner.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTE3eDE3MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="170" width="517" /></p>
<p><strong>Q&A From Richard Bedell - Founder of Fish Creek Radio</strong></p>
<p><strong>1) When and why did you decide to go into radio?</strong></p>
<p>I was very young when I decided radio was my thing, maybe 14 or 15 years old. I wasn't very popular and have never been very graceful, but I have always loved music. I started out filling in on WNMC 90.7 FM. WNMC is a listener supported, community public radio, and all volunteer. I love exploring music and sharing with an audience is even better. </p>
<p><strong>2) What is a key thing you've learned from running your own show?</strong></p>
<p>Prepare for the unexpected and enjoy the ride. We don't really like voice-overs at Fish Creek Radio, so we try to use very few. We still program radio with live talent and love, not the same 400 songs on shuffle and generic voice tracks on a loop. Enjoy the musical journey, radio should be about content and not advertising. Program with love, passion and desire, main stream is so over done. Find a different groove and embrace it.</p>
<p><strong>3) What is one thing you would like everyone to know about you?</strong></p>
<p>Music is my first love. I am surrounded by so many talented people that are passionate about their song and they love to share. I love organic music and think it's way better than auto-tune. We share music at Fish Creek Radio because we all need the musical therapy, the person programming and the listener included.</p>
<p><strong>4) What kind of people do you enjoy connecting with?</strong></p>
<p>We are all about people that still believe in the music and love to explore. We are an interactive radio, we love new songs and ideas and artists. I would love to spread the word about our mission, Musical Therapy. Plain and simple.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Richard Bedell and Fish Creek Radio can be reached here:</p>
<address>Website - <a href="http://www.fishcreekradio.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.fishcreekradio.com/</a>
</address>
<address>Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FishCreekRadio</address>
<address>Twitter - @fishcreekradio</address>
<address><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/ac4f90dd8cccfa810f6a6aa9a8bdcafd55d6082b/original/december-10-2014-richard-bedell.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjJ4ODMiXQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="83" width="62" /></address>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170938
2014-11-17T16:00:00-08:00
2014-11-17T23:17:20-08:00
Value vs. Price
<h1 class="entry-title"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/6d759c044fc858aa66daaeccc1f81915d1df08ec/original/november-19-2014-value-vs-price.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjU5eDI2NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="267" width="659" /></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title"><a title="Permalink to Value vs. Price" href="http://weakinrock.com/2014/11/16/value-vs-price/" rel="bookmark" data-imported="1">Value vs. Price</a></h1>
<div class="entry-meta">We seem, as a culture, stuck in this horrible space where all we care about is the price of things and not the value we gather from them. As far as I can tell a significant number of folks aren’t even aware there is a difference.</div>
<div class="entry-content">
<p>I would, for example, never be able to put a price on my health, or that of any of my family or close friends. Priceless doesn’t even begin to describe what health, wellness and well-being means to me. “Value beyond measure” is how I would describe it. Other things are easy to calculate the price I’m willing to pay.</p>
<p>We recently kicked our ISP, Comcast, to the curb. Why?...</p>
<p>...Because while I value connectivity, their price compared to the quality of the service they were providing was way out of sync. It was easy to get a better quality of service, providing the same product, for a lower price.</p>
<p>Another example – We subscribe to a bi-weekly produce delivery service that gets us a big box of fresh, direct from the organic farm, fruits and veggies. The quality of the produce is through the roof good. Light years better than anything we can buy at any of the local grocery stores or produce stands, or even the local weekly farmers’ market, and the price is less than we’d pay for the same quantity of lower quality stuff. That’s a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Other stuff gets fuzzier and more subjective. Music, for instance. I’m not a Taylor Swift fan. I’ve got nothing against her music, it’s just not my cup of tea. But as a musician myself I understand her reasoning behind pulling her music from Spotify. The royalties they pay don’t even come close to what I’d judge to be fair compensation for any artist for their work, and because the music is available to users of the service on-demand there’s virtually no incentive for a listener to purchase their own copies of the music.</p>
<p>Most of the time I agree with Dave Grohl’s rants about the music business (his keynote at SxSW from a couple of years ago was spot-on), but when asked about Taylor Swift pulling her tracks from Spotify I think he was dead wrong.</p>
<p>In an interview with <a title="Digital Spy Dave Grohl Interview" href="http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a609738/dave-grohl-on-taylor-swift-spotify-debate-i-dont-fking-care.html#~oVEOYOZEMwkEiY" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Digital Spy</a> Grohl said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“You want people to f**king listen to your music? Give them your music. And then go play a show. They like hearing your music? They’ll go see a show. To me it’s that simple, and I think it used to work that way,”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is almost, but not quite, as tone deaf to the reality of being an up and coming musician today as U2 giving away their latest LP via iTunes as a promotional stunt. It’s saying there is no value in recorded music. Effectively it reduces recorded music to a promotional tool to sell concert tickets. While that might be an OK point of view to have when you’re U2 or Dave Grohl, it’s not a luxury most folks who wish to create new music have.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. I still love Dave. I dare anyone to name a band that has been as consistently good for as consistently long as the Foo Fighters, or any working rock guy who continues to so obviously care about music as Dave Grohl does. I think his bank account has obscured his judgment and priorities here. He’s effectively eliminated from the conversation any musician who is primarily interested in composition and the art of recording. If what gets you excited about music is the process of crafting beautiful recordings, and writing great songs then you’re supposed to accept the notion that your creations have no value because the market (meaning people who consume recorded music) seem to have decided that the only price they’re willing to pay for it is $0.</p>
<p>The thing is though, I’m not buying it (no pun intended). I think the root of the problem is that rock stars and record companies lack vision and have panicked. I think Ms. Swift may be on to something here. If, as an artist, you refuse to give away your work away then it’s entirely possible, provided the quality of the work is high enough, that the market’s perspective will change. Right now way too many major artists have given up. Some, (like U2) because their own relevance (and the market’s interest in new material from them) has waned know that the value of their product is zero, and have priced it accordingly. Some, (like the Foos), have decided that releasing recorded music is part of a multi-pronged marketing strategy designed to sell concert tickets. So the whole thing has become muddled.</p>
<p>It may be that what needs to happen is that the record labels, who are still, inexplicably the gatekeepers to the distribution of recorded music, need to collectively refuse to play this game. Instead of individual artist whims dictating distribution strategies a real systematized approach needs to be adopted. But that requires a painful decision that the existing leadership within the recording industry doesn’t seem to have the courage to make – tell the U2s of the world that new recorded music is not a marketing tool for concert tickets. If you cannot sell new music, stop making it. By giving it away you are devaluing the whole inventory by encouraging the perception that correct price for new music is FREE.</p>
<p>See the original article here- http://weakinrock.com/2014/11/16/value-vs-price/</p>
</div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170937
2014-11-03T16:00:00-08:00
2014-11-04T10:57:13-08:00
R.I.P. Robin Reichert
<p>Before I left to Long Beach I stumbled on sad news: my friend Robin Reichert was in the hospital. I visited him a couple times, he remembered things about me I had forgotten, and was still more concerned about taking care of others than his fate. On Nov 24 while in a conference in Long Beach I got the message: Robin died today. Robin was a visionary show producer, an enlightened and intuitive highly empathetic human. We wove in and out of each others’ lives, starting when in the mid to late nineties I played the lively venues he owned in San Francisco: The Paradise Lounge and The Transmission Theater. I’ll forever be grateful for his support. He gave me his venue once for a CD release party, and at the end ran up to me and said: You have them in the palm of your hands, sing another song! I can still hear his voice saying it. I’m also grateful for his unconditional friendship and providing a harbor in challenging times. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/005ef27c0a24fab9f4dbbacd9d7b46c298d049de/original/november-5-2014-robin-and-clara.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDI3eDU3MSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="571" width="427" /></p>
<p>He’s so much to miss, words don’t do his colorful personality justice. Here we are on Happiness Day at The Happiness Wall: March 20<sup>th</sup> 2014, I was playing my song “This Is Happiness”. Someone came and told me: there is a gentleman here to see you! What a great surprise and visit, I love you Robin, you’re a lot to miss.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170936
2014-10-21T17:00:00-07:00
2014-10-22T06:35:20-07:00
Festival of Rock Posters Sat. Oct. 25
<p>Kris Mikkelson will be selling all vintage posters at corner table #16 at the TRPS Festival of Rock Posters. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/e16ecd17512aa9890ae4df8e9909d319ab19f9fc/original/october-22-2014-kris-and-posters.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI1eDQzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="434" width="325" /></p>
<p>This once a year show and sale is on Sa turday October 25th from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm at the Hall of Flowers (S.F. County Fair Building) on 9th and Lincoln in Golden Gate Park. Many 60's to modern rock artist will be there as well as the nations biggest and best dealers. Check <a href="http://TRPS.org" data-imported="1">TRPS.org</a> for all the details.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170935
2014-10-07T17:00:00-07:00
2014-10-08T20:00:43-07:00
I am truly touched!
<p style="text-align: center;">I am truly touched by the fact that from places near and far you reached out to support us! You cheered us on from: France, Italy, England, Spain, Brazil, Hawaii, the Isle of Reunion, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, both U.S. coasts and all across, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Saudi Arabia…thank you for blowing our minds! Thank you!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/5faadeabdcbd2bcfe0f0a5151b99ca36464c8eec/original/screen-shot-2014-10-08-at-10-12-22-pm.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjM0eDMxMCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="310" width="634" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170934
2014-09-08T17:00:00-07:00
2021-07-04T01:40:03-07:00
60s and 70s Rock Poster Show
<p>If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area you owe it to yourself to go see the amazing 60s and 70s rock poster show Kris Mikkelson has displayed at Found on Piedmont. You'll never see a collection like this in one place again. Hundreds of beautiful Fillmore, Avalon and Art of Rock to modern rock posters. The Show and Sale is up until the end of September only, at Found on Piedmont, 4125 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611.</p>
<p>POSTER BY KRIS MIKKELSON </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/da014fe2352e8e896f5f5ecf01e8fab49dba1196/original/september-10-2014-rock-show-poster.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDMyeDU5MCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="590" width="432" /></p>
<p> </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170933
2014-09-01T17:00:00-07:00
2014-09-02T06:20:25-07:00
My Interview with Irish Jinger
<p>I look forward this Friday, Sept.5, to my third interview with my Belgian friend Laetitia Connerotte on W4CY! Laetitia and I first met on Twitter, then she visited San Francisco and took a Taxi all the way to...</p>
<p>... Berkeley, about 20 miles, to come see me perform! I loved her the minute we met. Doing an interview with her is the next best thing to spending time with this very sweet, smart and talented lady. Brought to you by the Intertainment Network, I highly recommend you tune in to her show on <a href="http://www.w4cy.com" data-imported="1">W4CY</a>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IrishJinger" data-imported="1">The Irish Jinger show</a> Friday at 5pm EST/2 PM PST.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/e66684da30090fe2dd40267a1cffd06e84cba9fe/original/irish-jinger-show.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI4eDMwMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="302" width="628" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170932
2014-08-25T17:00:00-07:00
2014-08-26T12:20:44-07:00
Leave It To Me: The Video
<p>You might have heard us talk about it and wondered what it was going to be. Our big project reveal is here at last! Watch our short Leave It To Me video then click on a reward. Donate what you're happy to. We’re grateful for you getting involved. Spread the word to friends you know would enjoy being a part of this. Thank you!</p>
<p><a href="https://clarabellino.tilt.com/leave-it-to-me" data-imported="1"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="429" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sKxnkxY_PQQ" width="521" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div></a></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170931
2014-08-19T17:00:00-07:00
2014-08-20T11:19:44-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode #15: Meet Wally the Cat!
<p>I had been wanting a cat for a long time. Recently I got very lucky and was adopted by…</p>
<p>…Wally. Meet him on our Midweek Bellino Break episode #15. </p>
<p>Please leave a comment on YouTube to welcome him to the family, thank you!</p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="336" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jaibLD_YvUY?list=PL4Et9IW6DrWO81R" width="448" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170930
2014-07-29T17:00:00-07:00
2014-07-30T07:16:49-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode #14: Clara's Garden through the seasons!
<p>Midweek Bellino Break Episode #14: Clara's Garden through the seasons!<br><br>Do you garden? What do you like to grow? Any tips on growing Tumeric? Watch Midweek Bellino Break Episode #14 and see Clara's first Garden Episode...<br><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mbb" data-ft="{" data-imported="1"><br></a></p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="440" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ELYDAuCi4fI" width="534" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170929
2014-07-15T17:00:00-07:00
2014-07-16T05:43:53-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode #13: ClaraTone Records Team!
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/c432266b6254ae8432de35bd4337e55eff556dad/original/team-twitter-banner-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjIyeDI3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="278" width="622" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1405535920165_36304">Midweek Bellino Break Episode #13: ClaraTone Records Team!</strong></p>
<div class="yiv0309128383im" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1405535920165_36296" style="text-align: center;"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1405535920165_36304">Tune in to the MBB channel: <a href="http://bit.ly/1nwIImc" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://bit.ly/1nwIImc</a> and meet Clara's team!<br clear="none"></strong></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1405535920165_36302">Do you have your own fun team? At home? At work? How many people are on it? <br clear="none">#MBB #MidweekBellinoBreak #TeamWork #ClaraToneRecords #ClaraBellino</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ItJfPORB-Mo?rel=0" width="560" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170928
2014-06-25T17:00:00-07:00
2014-06-26T11:16:04-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break_Episode 9: Fenix Live show!
<div>Next stop of my Summer tour, FENIX this Sunday! </div>
<div>Which song do you want me to sing for you?</div>
<div>Take a look at the diverse Music Tour channel we launched last week: http://bit.ly/TjFhaS</div>
<div>Check out for more tour info at http://www.clarabellino.com/shows/</div>
<div>Look forward to seeing you there!</div>
<div>#MBB #ClaraLive #2014Summer #FenixLive #SundayBrunch</div>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170927
2014-06-23T17:00:00-07:00
2014-06-24T09:03:55-07:00
"Tube, yes, You, not so much" by David Newhoff, author of at The Illusion of More
<p align="center">As a musician and artist I read a lot about what goes on in my field. If you’re a consumer of music and the arts, you may while enjoying them be blissfully unaware of the challenges technology creates for “content creators” as we ‘re sometimes called. Or you may be aware. Either way I hope you think of the consequences of your choices for those who make your world a brighter place. I follow David Newhoff’s articulate and insightful blog “The Illusion of More” on Twitter and want to share with you his recent post:</p>
<p align="center"><strong>“YouTube squeeze on indies instructive. Tube, yes, You, not so much.”</strong></p>
<p align="center">If there has been one consistent theme in everything I’ve written since diving into the morass we call the digital age, it’s that the Internet is not ours despite all appearances to the contrary. Like it or not, all the populist, free-speech rhetoric that’s been spoon-fed to the public by the chief propellorheads of the land is just a gateway drug meant to dull our senses so we don’t notice the monopolistic power grab that’s been taking place. No, the Internet is not ours...</p>
<p align="center">...so much as it belongs to a very small consortium players, most especially Google, which controls nearly all search and nearly all advertising worldwide.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As I argued during the heated squabble over SOPA, these companies don’t really give a damn about free speech or about liberating creators and consumers of content from the media elite gatekeepers; they simply want to be the new media elite, and have the potential to be far more ruthless gatekeepers. Instead of an oligopoly of studios, labels, and publishers we’re gleefully handing over absolute power to a couple of companies, not only calling it progress but even more shockingly calling it democratic.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you’ve been paying attention to <a title="The Amazon Effect" href="http://illusionofmore.com/amazon-effect/" data-imported="1">Amazon’s practice of making books disappear</a> as a “negotiating” tactic with key publishers, let me turn your attention to a recently announced move by YouTube, where apparently more teenagers listen to music than from any other source. The company has been working for some time on launching paid subscription services, and so has naturally been negotiating licensing deals with major music labels. YouTube claims to have signed agreements for 90% of the music it sought to license, but the remaining 10% comprised of independent labels, representing artists like Adele and Jack White, were not satisfied with the terms being offered by Google, Inc. and so refused to sign licensing deals. Taking a lesson perhaps from Amazon (or Al Capone),<a href="http://gizmodo.com/googles-about-to-ruin-youtube-by-forcing-indie-labels-t-1591957089" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> Google will begin removing the official videos of these unsigned artists</a> from YouTube. But because the company is all about you and all about free expression, of course, any unofficial videos that make use of these artists’ works as soundtracks will not be targeted for removal by Google. You’ve got to love a company that can put the screws to an artist and exploit her at the same time while the “fans” applaud the whole stinking mess. I mean that is some whack stupid evil genius shit right there.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In 2006, <em>Time Magazine’s</em> Person of the Year was You. YouTube had grown so rapidly that it was viewed by many, including presumably the editors at <em>Time</em>, as the year when Everyman became <em>the</em> story. And ever since then, YouTube, even after its billion-dollar acquisition by Google, has traded on this populist veneer. But nobody pays a billion dollars to maintain the worlds biggest library of home movies. It’s always been about big business and popular entertainment, and YouTube has admittedly provided opportunity for artists and other entrepreneurs to build or cultivate a following and make real revenue through ad shares. The flaw, of course, that remains shrouded by the smoke that still lingers from its populist beginnings is that YouTube is a monopoly. And whether it’s an indie label like Domino Recordings or a YouTube-borne entrepreneur, Google Inc. dictates terms, can change those terms, and has no viable competitor.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s true that several big players, including Amazon and iTunes, are jumping into the subscription streaming business to compete with the likes of Spotify, but odds are, one dominant service will emerge because that’s how economics on the web work. Once a site or service attains a certain marketshare and can then tie its service to app-supported devices (e.g. an Android app), it becomes generally unassailable by a would-be competitor. And that’s why all this gibberish about “break old media models and follow new ones” can be very misleading. In the moment, the promise sounds emancipating and possibly even lucrative for creators and entrepreneurs, but over time, as we see with Amazon and books, we find out we’ve made a deal with devil and let him kill off all the archangels.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check out the article <a href="http://illusionofmore.com/youtube-indies/" data-imported="1">here</a>. </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170926
2014-06-12T17:00:00-07:00
2014-06-13T13:06:28-07:00
Who do you Admire and Respect? How about an entire blog post about them?*
<p>There are many people in this world doing great things through their art, their time volunteering, their music, their painting or their speech. We all know at least someone who inspires us. I want to hear who that person is for you and I want to write a blog post about them.*</p>
<p>*Please submit a story about this person in your life and explain to me why what they do touches you. *</p>
<p>*I want to spread the word about the great things going on in the world and I need you to help me do that. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about the inspirational people you know. *</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/c9e252d7d85193e894cf1818ef8c2b062d958ad4/original/june-14-2014-happiness-wall-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzg3eDI5MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="290" width="387" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170925
2014-06-10T17:00:00-07:00
2014-06-11T10:02:26-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break_Episode 9: Clara's 2014 Summer Tour - Fenix Live show!
<p>Midweek Bellino Break Episode 9: Clara's 2014 Summer Tour - Fenix Live show!<br><br>I'm so excited to be playing at Fenix again. Don't miss out on the delicious food and of course live music :)</p>
<p> Check out more tour info here:<a href="/shows" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">http://clarabellino.com/shows/</a> <br><a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/claralive" data-ft="{" data-imported="1">#ClaraLive</a> <a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/2014summer" data-ft="{" data-imported="1">#2014Summer</a> <a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/musictour" data-ft="{" data-imported="1">#MusicTour</a> <a class="_58cn" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fenix" data-ft="{" data-imported="1">#Fenix</a></p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170924
2014-06-04T17:00:00-07:00
2014-06-05T00:52:10-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode 8: 2014 Summer Tour - On the road again!
<p style="text-align: center;">Midweek Bellino Break Episode 8: Clara's 2014 Summer Tour - On the road again!<br>Had a great time at my first show of the tour in LA!<br>What's next?<br>Check out our tour dates here: <a class="ot-anchor aaTEdf" href="/shows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">http://clarabellino.com/shows/</a> that you can't miss again!<br><a class="ot-hashtag aaTEdf" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ClaraLive" rel="nofollow" data-imported="1">#ClaraLive</a> <a class="ot-hashtag aaTEdf" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=2014Summer" rel="nofollow" data-imported="1">#2014Summer</a> <a class="ot-hashtag aaTEdf" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=MusicTour" rel="nofollow" data-imported="1">#MusicTour</a> <br>- See more at: <a class="ot-anchor aaTEdf" href="http://clarabellino.com/home#sthash.VXEnxVmV.dpuf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://clarabellino.com/home#sthash.VXEnxVmV.dpuf</a></p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170923
2014-05-20T17:00:00-07:00
2014-05-21T11:19:26-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode 7: Clara's 2014 Summer Tour!
<p><strong>Midweek Bellino Break Episode 7 - Clara's 2014 Summer Tour!</strong></p>
<p>Check out the dates for Clara's upcoming 2014 Summer Tour...</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170922
2014-05-06T17:00:00-07:00
2014-05-07T13:08:01-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break Episode 6 - BLOOPERS
<p><strong>Midweek Bellino Break Episode 6 - BLOOPERS</strong> <br>For the Midweek Bellino Break this week, we took the bloopers from the first few MBB's. Check it out here...</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170921
2014-04-21T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:43-08:00
Social Media Internship Opening at ClaraTone Records
<p>The school term just ended for our intern Zach Toll and so has his internship with us. We are sad to see him go and grateful for having had him on board while we did. We are looking for:</p>
<p>- Someone who is eligible for college credit. This is mandatory. No exceptions</p>
<p>- A person who wants to broaden their knowledge of the ins and outs of the music biz</p>
<p>- Ability to work independently as well as with a supportive team</p>
<p>- A go-getter that is not afraid to give their input and personality into the projects assigned</p>
<p>- A creative, responsible, hard-working student that is strong at time management</p>
<p>If you know someone that fits this description, please contact us with their info or forward them our information, and we can send specifics. We have worked with interns across the country and tailor their assignments to their strengths and also give them an opportunity to grow and work on what they want to learn.They by no means will be fetching coffee or making copies! </p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170920
2014-03-31T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:43-08:00
Midweek Bellino Break #4
<p>Check out the most recent Midweek Bellino Break Episode #4: “My Black and White Memories”. Photos are courtesy of my dad. Please leave a comment on my YouTube channel if you enjoy it. View it below...</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170919
2014-03-17T17:00:00-07:00
2014-03-18T05:12:14-07:00
Midweek Bellino Break #2 and #3
<p>A couple weeks ago we launched a YouTube series called “Midweek Bellino Break”, videos under 2 minutes that cover behind the scenes aspects of my artist life. We release it at noon PST every other Wednesday. This week you get 2 episodes, cause we’re synching up with the mailer so that as a subscriber you will get MBB before everyone else.</p>
<p>#2 is a v/o audition...</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://youtu.be/bm2ylsNEXz0" data-imported="1">here</a> to see MBB #2.</p>
<p>MBB #3 is about International Day of Happiness.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://youtu.be/jxvsRhrVmTg" data-imported="1">here</a> for MBB #3.</p>
<p>Please leave comments or questions on YouTube and please share with your friends if you think they’d enjoy it.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170918
2014-03-03T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:43-08:00
Midweek Bellino Break - Episode #1 on YouTube
<p>My team and I started a new YouTube series: we're calling it"Midweek Bellino Break". Every other Wednesday at noon PST we'll post a short under 2 minute video about various behind the scenes subjects. The first one is here:</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170917
2014-02-03T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:42-08:00
Thank you artist Blake Morgan for creating #irespectmusic
<p>If you're a lover of arts and music, you've been exposed to a growing conversation about how technology has made it difficult for musicians to make a living. Once in a while there comes an articulate spokesperson who bypasses all the BS and says it like it is. I am very grateful for all those who speak up on behalf of us artists, and in particular to...</p>
<p>Blake Morgan. Read his story <a href="http://www.ecrmusicgroup.com/artists/blake-morgan/" data-imported="1">here</a>, and please, do us all a favor, sign his <a href="http://irespectmusic.org/" data-imported="1">petition</a> and circulate it. We, not technology, decide the world we want to live in. And we artists not only appreciate, but cannot exist without, your expressed support. </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170916
2013-12-11T16:00:00-08:00
2013-12-11T23:27:42-08:00
My New Favorite Video!
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>My New Favorite Video</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline"></span>Puddles covers Lorde...</p>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170915
2013-11-26T16:00:00-08:00
2021-10-28T04:01:01-07:00
Flourless Chocolate Cake
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>Flourless Chocolate Cake</strong></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/b27e5d50c35ea63a3478967b147bb9873eb3ed4e/original/november-25-2013-birthday-cake-with-candles.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQweDM1MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="353" width="440" /></p>
<p>Ingredients: 16 oz dark chocolate<br> 7 eggs<br> 1.5 sticks of butter (12 tbsps)<br> 1.5 cups of light organic brown sugar<br> 3 quarters of a cup of very strong coffee<br> 1 tbsp of vanilla extract or seeds from 3 beans<br> 1 tbsp of almond extract<br> 2 to 4 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder<br> 1 half cup walnuts<br> fresh mint leaves<br> edible flowers optional for decoration<br> <br> <strong>Click below for recipe!<br><br> </strong>Preheat the oven to 350. Line two cake molds (I used loaf pans), 1 smaller than the other, with buttered parchment paper. Boil water in a pan, place a bowl in water. Break the chocolate in small pieces, put in the bowl to melt, add a little water and stir. When melted add butter in cubes. Turn flame off. Pour in strong coffee gradually, add vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Separate egg whites from yolks. Put a pinch of salt in the whites and beat them firm. Beat yolks and sugar mixture until pale yellow and fluffy. Add the yolk mixture to chocolate mixture, gently stirring it in. Then fold in the whites gently. Pour in the pans. Bake up to 1 hr. and 15 mins. on oven middle rack in center. When you stick a knife in middle it should be moist. Cool the cake down. On a cake plate, sprinkle cocoa powder. Gently turn over the bigger cake and place on plate. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts. Press smaller cake on top. Cut out the mint leaves to spell a message for your celebration. Decorate with edible flowers, here nasturtiums and squash bloom. Decorate with mint sprig. Cool in fridge. If you leave it there overnight, add flowers before serving, Enjoy!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170914
2013-11-05T16:00:00-08:00
2013-11-05T22:13:38-08:00
Social Media and the Sweetest People
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/050aad3630422d8f5306fb774f916884da22a259/original/november-6-2013-joey-and-sandra.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDIzeDMxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="318" width="423" /></p>
<p>I didn't know Joey and Sandra 2 weeks ago, except on Facebook where we met last year. They were demonstrating against a nuclear power plant and I offered to play music. That didn't happen, but when Joey found out I was playing in Morro Bay last month, he said "Call my girlfriend, you're staying with us." I spend 4 magical days in their heaven on earth. Joey Racano played me his unique rap CD, I loved it! What a character! They gave me a room with a huge bed. Showed me around, fed me, introduced me to their friends, we laughed and got to know each other. As if that wasn't special enough, they proceeded to...</p>
<p>...record a new CD for me! They brought their engineer friend Frank Ring into their studio. </p>
<address><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/8c30a365f085770f38b66a297b271aa93b9b6e15/original/november-6-2013-frank-ring.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjI4eDMwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Photo by Joey Racano" height="304" width="228" /></address>
<address>Photo by Joey Racano</address>
<address> </address>
<p>I sang and played guitar, Frank recorded, mixed, and mastered the 6 live songs. Joey took photos, created artwork, pressed the CDs, and with Sandra, printed it all. They sent me home with a stack of CDs and unforgettable memories! We named my new CD: "Clara Fire". I am so grateful to my new friends!</p>
<p>Would you share a story in which meeting folks on social media lead to experiences that went way beyond what you could have imagined?</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170913
2013-10-15T17:00:00-07:00
2013-10-15T06:18:01-07:00
This Ain't No Dress Rehearsal
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/57e742fccc45e553c8586ce0eb25f4084aa1d8cb/original/october-16-2013-view-from-driving.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDM3MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="371" width="600" /></p>
<p>What used to bug me about L.A. was my perception that too many people lived in the "one day I'm going to be a star" future. Truly I can't speak for others. But it became more important to me to figure out how to have my own goals and enjoy the journey. When you read this I'll be driving to L.A. ...</p>
<p>... grateful for the fact that I can. Grateful to my friends there who open their home to me and give me a home away from home. And counting my blessings: excited to see again the friends I've made there over the years. </p>
<p>I love having goals and plans, it motivates me. But what makes it possible to enjoy each day is to have those goals aligned with my authentic dreams, those that matter to me, and creating the life that lets the real me come out and dance. We're all made to shine! This ain't no dress rehearsal. I've heard talk of past and after lives, but I'm betting on this one. And when thinking and jumping in the future takes over when I can't sleep at 3 a.m., the one thing sure to bring me home and to now, is hearing my hubby breathe and realizing how lucky I am. </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170911
2013-09-03T17:00:00-07:00
2020-09-07T07:40:30-07:00
Frozen pineapple, sweet cherry, mango, coconut yogurt mini jars:
<p>Frozen pineapple, sweet cherry, mango, coconut yogurt mini jars:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/5ebdbee92d74dd470e61b7b690b48d6e341e9142/original/september-4-2013-frozen-yogurt-mini-jars.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDMweDMyMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="322" width="430" /></p>
<p>The recipe is...</p>
<p>In a blender chop:</p>
<p>a pineapple, throw in a cup of frozen dark sweet cherries, a cup of fresh or frozen mango, a cup of coconut yogurt, a cup of almond milk and 2 tablespoons of raw honey</p>
<p>blend, pour in jars, freeze and enjoy…</p>
<p>whenever you have a sweet tooth or need refreshing, or have guests over!</p>
<p>Enjoy the end of summer,</p>
<p>Clara B.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170910
2013-08-20T17:00:00-07:00
2020-11-17T08:32:59-08:00
Why did Isabelle and Frank call their restaurant "La Fable"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/00ee949b0735c860f3ac8521876e42b77fa3146d/original/august-21-2013-la-fable-sign.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDI2OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="268" width="200" /></p>
<p>Thank you to those of you who responded with creative stories about the origin of the name "La Fable:. They were all entertaining, one was very charming by Katrina Lashea of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/anasayoga" data-imported="1">Anasa Yoga</a>. This is what she wrote: "I think their story is that he was standing on the Pont Neuf and a gust of wind came and blew his hat off. She was on a boat below. His hat landed on her head. She yelled to him...</p>
<p>"...meet me at Notre Dame and maybe I'll ket you have it back!" And they lived happily ever after and opening a French restaurant in Berkeley, CA!</p>
<p>I love that story. Last night I asked the owners why they called their restaurant "La Fable". The story goes that when they lived in France and were dreaming of their restaurant in California, their son Killian was learning fables by Jean de La Fontaine in school, something a lot of French kids do, there are 240 such fables! They decided to call their restaurant La Fable, in deference to him and the magical nature of fables. </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170909
2013-07-23T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:41-08:00
Trivia and Gift!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/0625d4a550b3d8a12fbe6dd9c23f69b675c08a69/original/july-24-2013-making-music-la-matt-noel.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p>Here I am during Making Music L.A. with author, coach and songwriter Matthew Moran, and Independent Music Conference Founder and Executive Director Noël Ramos.</p>
<p>The first 2 of you to write me to tell me where that is…</p>
<p>...will receive my latest CD in the mail. I’ll give you a clue: this picture was taken on Friday June 21<sup>st</sup> at the first of my 2 shows in L.A., and all my shows are listed <a href="/shows" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a>. I can’t make it easier! Now go look <a href="/shows" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a>, then write to me. I look forward to hearing from you!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170908
2013-06-17T17:00:00-07:00
2013-06-19T04:22:36-07:00
Garden Report: I Got The Beet!
<p>Thanks to my neighbor friend who offered me two of her planters, this year I started gardening again. I've rediscovered how much I love it! So I overdid it a bit: I planted 4 kinds of tomatoes, 4 kinds of peppers, green and red chard, kale, purple Tat Soi, zucchini, thyme, garlic, green onions, potatoes, purple beans, spinach, cucumbers, beets and carrots. Here’s the first beet I unearthed:</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/5b2b9bf6d2e6ab1848d9419d4ed65f2452f2e027/original/image-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQweDMyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="321" width="240" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/e55e423ad426b100738b8a3a3ae8fbe1f6c0775b/original/image-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQweDQ3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="479" width="340" /></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>I’m learning a few things too. When I pulled the first carrot this is what I found:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/8d0d90e08804e797d3f21c905fdeaec7e55c74eb/original/img-3466.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDc4eDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="478" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A carrot threesome! Next time I'll have to give my veggies a little more room.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170907
2013-05-27T17:00:00-07:00
2013-05-28T16:40:31-07:00
Who would you like to see get a helping hand?
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size: 18pt;"> We are preparing for a crowd funding campaign and looking forward to an exciting journey in new territory. I want to give a percentage of what we raise to people who could use the help.<br>Do you know someone? I don't mean...
</div>
<div style="font-size: 18pt;"></div>
<div style="font-size: 18pt;">
...you, in particular. There are many people who need help and hope. Disadvantaged kids come to mind. I'm passionate about a lot of causes. I'm inclined to donate to a garden that teaches kids about planting real food. Or a local project that wants to reclaim land to be used for the good of the people. A model that can be replicated. Or click on <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/05/landfill-harmonic-trash-orchestra-documentary" data-imported="1">"Landfill Harmonic"</a> and check out these kids: the world sends them garbage... they send back music. Kids bringing hope to other kids, through music, what do you think? I welcome and look forward to any ideas you send my way.<a rel="nofollow nofollow" href="http://kck.st/110W8j2" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><br></a>
</div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170906
2013-05-13T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:41-08:00
Songwriter and ASCAP President Paul Williams' inspirational 2013 State of the Union
<p> </p>
<p>Paul Williams on songwriters and music:</p>
<div>As a songwriter and publisher in the U.S. I'm affiliated with the Performance Rights Organization BMI. Happy and proud to be. ASCAP is the other one in the States. I 'm very grateful to songwriter and ASCAP President Paul Williams for his beautiful State of the Union speech. Nothing would make me happier than if you... </div>
<div><br></div>
<div>...took the time to listen to his speech. It's not only heartfelt and delivered by a poetic songwriter, it articulates better than most people know the truth about what songwriters are up against while outlining the value of the music they create. It's beautifully said and inspirational. Turn it on and listen, while you're prepping a meal or have a few minutes, I believe you'll be glad you did. And all songwriters will be grateful to you for educating yourself, pass it on to friends if you think they will enjoy it and learn something. Thank you!</div>
<div><a href="http://thetrichordist.com/2013/05/13/ascap-president-paul-williams-state-of-the-union/" data-imported="1"> Click here</a></div>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170905
2013-04-30T17:00:00-07:00
2013-05-01T15:50:33-07:00
Go where you're wanted
<p>As an entertainer I think 90% of my job is to get along with people. It's also to write songs, practice , keep an open mind and learn. To build relationships with experienced people who inspire me, and to keep my head screwed on with the right mindset. Also to share my experiences and to help support other artists. To build my fan base, plan, and live a life that gives me something to say! The list goes on….but I can't fully express my creativity if...<br></p>
<p>...I don’t get along with people. This year I’ve decided to go where I’m wanted and to be excited about the people I’ll meet. A friend invited me to perform at an event. She said: “They’re really sweet people”. What happened next were two performances where I felt very appreciated and inspired by the audience and the other performers. A sweet lady opened her house to us. I met wonderful people, made new friends, and went home very happy. I say go where you’re wanted, for the right reasons! It makes it easier to deal with the occasional “professional grump”. People are people. Pay attention and be good to the ones who make you smile.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170904
2013-04-02T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:41-08:00
Experts and Fear Tactics
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">There ‘s always more to learn, AND I’m tired of articles that start with some version of: "the 10 mistakes you're making if you want to be successful". In every field people charge money to tell you how you can be successful. Some have valuable stuff to contribute. But I’ve noticed a trend among people who want musicians and artists to believe they know what they need to do to be successful. A majority of them...</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">...are not successful artists. Which doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have valuable input. But it is their job to keep you believing they have the solution. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">I think pure fear tactic approaches and articles entitled: “why you’re not successful” are a turn-off. Your knee jerk reaction is supposed to be: “Tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.” Yes there are things you can do -Michelle Shocked anyone?- to screw up your chances. But assuming that you’re reading an article in good faith to learn about things you hadn’t thought of, I think for the writer to grab you by your fear is a cheap tactic. How about titling the article: “Maybe you hadn’t thought of ...” or “Here’s a better alternative, to increase your chances...” Isn’t that more inviting? And supportive? How about we start using, and responding to, positive messages and interactions as attention getters?</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170903
2013-03-18T17:00:00-07:00
2013-03-19T15:56:42-07:00
Where do artists come from and what keeps them going
<p>Where do artists come from? I'm not referring to the cabbage patch, I'm sure if you're reading this you've heard about the birds and the bees. I'm talking about what pushes someone to be an artist. I think what motivates you is what makes the difference. I don't think wanting to be famous can make you an artist, though being an artist and wanting to be famous or successful are not incompatible. What do you think makes an artist? If wanting fame is what drives you there's a chance some will find you infamous, I'm thinking of...</p>
<p> Paris Hilton, who is not an artist as I see it. Though there is creativity in all of us. We choose to express it or not, and it takes many shapes. From personal experience I believe being an artist is not a choice, it's a calling. Whatever happened to you has created a need in you to contribute to the world in an artistic way. Years ago I couldn't articulate it well but I had come to the conclusion that the best I had to offer is my art. Artists are important. They put a smile on life. And just as artists and art beautify life and can help and accompany humans through all kinds of times, those who appreciate them and support them are just as important. Artists inspire, those who enjoy and support art make it possible for artists to share their gift. And they're just as much a part of the arts and artistic community as the artist.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170900
2013-02-25T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:40-08:00
RIP Robert L. Sharp aka Bobby Sharp - Nov 26, 1924 to Jan 29, 2013
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<p>I met Bobby Sharp in 2003. We were introduced by our common landlord. We soon became friends, I helped him keep his house clean and his papers organized. In 2008 he fell a couple times and after a couple hospital stays I also became his caretaker. In July 2012 one day I couldn't reach him, rushed to his home and found him on the floor. After a short stay in a nursing home I arranged for him to return home with 24 hour care. I knew the day he came home would be the most beautiful day here on out; he was so happy to return home. Subsequently ...<br></p>
<p>Life for me without Bobby is much different; for the last 10 years I spoke with him almost every day, to make sure he was ok. And also when I needed a laugh, or a better perspective. Bobby was a great listener with a great sense of humor and wonderful expressions: "Look before you leap", "You can't dance on every set", "You're going to stay home and take it easy!?", "Be cool", "I'm glad you called", "Can't see for looking", "Tempis fugit", "Tell you know who I say hello". And one of my favorites: "Listen with a third ear". He had learned that from a psychology book in the 50s. I used it on him sometimes and would say: "I've been listening to you with a third ear Bobby..." I can still see his look and his smile when he would catch me being a smart-ass. In context each one of these expressions were priceless and comforting. Bobby was a real gentleman. He always made sure to tell me how much he appreciated my help. I remember taking him to his medical appointments, and he would say: "I want you to know, I really appreciate this." He would say it a few times to make sure it reached destination. And I would tell him he was welcome, and I was glad he told me, and that though I wished it were under different circumstances I enjoyed spending time with him no matter what. Which was true. He was precious. When I would leave his home he made it a habit of standing at the door until I reached my car, and so we had this ritual where I would turn around and wave at him many times :"See you Bobby", "See You" he would say again, and we went through this 3 or 4 times until I reached my car. I used to wonder why he did this and decided one day it was his way of absorbing the moment and making every moment count, and letting me know how much he cared. Bobby had the rare quality and ability when you found yourself in his presence to slow down time. Suddenly when I would enter his house and visit him not much else mattered: he was there, a good friend, with wonderful stories to tell, warmth, humor, understanding, and beautiful songs he played me on the piano or his cassette player! In 2007 Bobby gave me a song to release that he had written in 1947, and for which Nat King Cole had shown interest. In 2011 and 2012 Bobby and I, and musician friends, recorded it together at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley: he played the piano part, later we sang it as a duet. It made him very happy to be in the studio again. It was Bobby's last recording and last time in the studio before he passed. To see "Hand In Hand - The documentary" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0LCYVArILo&list=PL4AEA4684B35E8A50&index=3" data-imported="1">click here</a>. Bobby talks about his Tin Pan Alley days and "Hand In Hand" the song. And we sing together at the end. It is very touching and I'm so grateful to <a href="http://lincolnadler.com/fr_news.cfm" data-imported="1">Lincoln Adler</a> for having taken the initiative to produce this documentary which I think is a great tribute to Mr. Bobby Sharp. To get a copy of the duet Bobby and I sing together, "Hand In Hand", go <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/clarabellino3" data-imported="1">here and buy your copy</a>. It is only available on <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/clarabellino3" data-imported="1">my last CD</a>. Do me a favor: don't release it on the internet, and don't burn it for anyone, ask them to buy it if they like it. Thank you!<br></p>
<p>Here is Bobby at Fantasy Studios with all of us the day he came to record the vocals for Hand In Hand with me:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/dd9384530fcfc49002488c831f1dca40ac5b6d4a/original/p1030029.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Photo by Kris Mikkelson<br></p>
<p>I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful man as a close friend for 10 years of my life. I miss him, and have discovered, call me crazy I don't care, that I can still have conversations with him! He doesn't respond physically, but I can run things by him, and imagine what he would say. And the sound of his voice will never leave my ears. I'm also grateful for our music collaborations and will continue to be inspired by him. On one of my last visits to him he was struggling with accepting his new lot in life: that he needed 24 hr home care to stay at home. He was of course hoping he could return to being independent at home. I tried to help him to focus on how lucky he was that he could afford to stay at home and have caretakers who were very good and loved him. And then I sang him 3 lines of Hand In Hand: "We will touch the stars up in heaven together, All summer long, And in winter weather". He had made sure to explain to me when we worked on the song that the lyrics referred to the seasons of life. When I sang him those lines, he looked up at me and said: "You're divine!" I was shocked, I said: "What did you say?" He repeated: "You're divine", with a big smile. I had actually managed to calm him down. And said: "I'll take that Bobby". Knowing Bobby was not a religious man. It was one of the best compliments he ever paid me. Though we often both joked about our views and understanding of the existence of God.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/3b38340991fddd669a3bdbc4b141329850170788/original/dscn2950.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="479" width="640" /></p>
<p>Photo by Kris Mikkelson<br></p>
<p> My sweet friend and I at Fantasy Studios, 2011.</p>
<p>And at his home, in 2012:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/b761afa10d10c1a4221586d7c4c1575196d6b3e6/original/clara-and-bobby-photo-bty-kris.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="420" width="640" /></p>
<p>Photo by Kris Mikkelson</p>
<p>I have more wonderful memories of Bobby, with Bobby, to cherish than there is room to do so. And if you have read this far, thank you. This is a long blog for good reason, Bobby was a really sweet man. I only want to add 2 things: I am happy for Bobby as I truly believe he is more comfortable in the spirit world than he was the final months of his life on earth. And the other:<br></p>
<p>Rest In Peace Bobby, you are so loved, Clara<br></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170901
2013-02-01T16:00:00-08:00
2013-03-19T11:23:54-07:00
R.I.P. Robert Luis Sharp, a.k.a. Bobby Sharp - Oct. 26, 1924 - Jan. 29, 2013
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>R.I.P. Robert Louis Sharp a.k.a Bobby Sharp </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>November 26, 1924 - January 29, 2013<br></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It is with great sadness that I share with you that our Bobby is gone: Bobby Sharp, author of Unchain My Heart and many songs, friend extraordinaire, died peacefully January 29 at Kaiser Hospital. He fell last week and did not recover from the complications. Our Bobby is now with the Angels. Rest In Peace Bobby, you are loved. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/4f64bf4ce745d0922d209b6a747941ed6300e82e/original/bobby-at-piano-84th-bday.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /><br></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/b761afa10d10c1a4221586d7c4c1575196d6b3e6/original/clara-and-bobby-photo-bty-kris.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="420" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">photos by Kris Mikkelson</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170899
2012-12-07T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:40-08:00
Put an end to feeling like you didn't do enough!
<p>For as long as I can remember I have written daily "to do lists". Being somewhat overly ambitious, or as like to think in love with life and possibilities, my to do list for one day more often than not would have on it what would take a week to accomplish. So at the end of each day I'd feel like I had at best made a dent in the list. I changed two things: first I discovered the "calendar". I know, it may sound trivial, but by scheduling my list on a calendar it takes if off my shoulders and out of my head. It's no longer day to day, it's months ahead, and I review it once a week, and adjust as necessary. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then, and this is the most important step: at the end of each day on my calendar there is a box called "List of Accomplishments". Before I wrap up my business work each day, I type in there what I HAVE done. OK, so some days I don't get to it, but I tell you, it is a simple thing to do, which has greatly helped me to call it a day and enjoy the rest of the evening, feeling accomplished rather than like there's so much more stuff to do. By focusing on what I did accomplish I feel better. And feeling good as I do what I love is the the first thing on my list. :)</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170898
2012-11-17T16:00:00-08:00
2012-11-21T05:41:04-08:00
Enjoying L.A. - At House of Blues w/ Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against The Machine
<p>I'm about to head to L.A. for the 3rd time in a month: the first time, I stayed at Motel 6 in Hollywood and attended the Independent Music Conference. Sat on a couple panels at the Musicians Institute and presented my own workshop. I was looking forward to learning, but also had come into my own, and felt more confident. The last time I went to L.A. 10 years ago, I had meetings with agents, I was shy, believed I had lots to offer, but felt that what I needed was outside of me.</p>
<p>Here are a few pix from House of Blues Nov. 1:</p>
<p>Sound checking</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/cc587c5d184d8bb53f5ff6de3510f9f60fcfe13c/original/img-1155.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/cde18b2575bf489cc6c14cfa28a83e201288e63b/original/img-1159.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>With friends Jack, Ava Bird, and Raquel Ashley from Sydney Australia</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/f8e3c8286e8d4a479206a826445e62fcd6c74def/original/img-1176.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Followed by an L.A. moment: when I got my car at the Valet Parking my friend asked if I would take a picture of him with this "guy", I had no idea who he was, so I posed with him too! Turned out he was "Tommy Morello", guitarist for "Rage Against The Machine" :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/f13180b4e0097b5f82ea49ba17dc794b86af143f/original/img-1178.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>When I went to L.A. in October, I not only attended a great conference, the IMC, shared my experience on a couple panels, presented my own workshop and had the validating experience of having International artists ask for a mentoring session with me, played 5 shows in 6 nights, I also made friends. Now when I go back, I go to see friends. Friends rule, artists who support artists rule! That's my current experience with traveling to L.A., so now I look forward to it. :)</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170872
2012-09-24T17:00:00-07:00
2012-10-09T14:09:30-07:00
Oct. 17: Performing @ Kick-Off Party & 18-21 attending and presenting workshop @ IMC
<p>I'm excited to be performing at the Kick Off Party for the Independent Music Conference on October 17 at The Pig and Whistle. For all info click <a href="/shows" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">here</a>. Entrance is free, all you have to do is print the flyer you see and the Musicians Institute will let you in for free. If that's too complicated just let the door person know you're there to see me :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/d01115c50b4f0f634b8b2d118ca5fae774951bf2/original/imc2012promoflier11x17-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDE0eDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="414" /></p>
<p>I'll also be presenting a workshop at the IMC, the outline to a course I have written entitled: "The Power of Positive Action: Get out of Overwhelm and Chart Your Course". The exact Date and Time is TBA, if you're interested contact me on my site and I will forward you the info.You must be registered for the Conference to attend, the price is very reasonable at $90 for the full five days and nights.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170902
2012-09-21T17:00:00-07:00
2013-03-19T11:30:41-07:00
CD Release Show September 22 2012
<p><strong>CD RELEASE PARTY</strong></p>
<p>Thank you to all you who came out to "This Is Happiness - Hand In Hand" CD release party show Saturday Sept. 22, we sold out <a href="http://avonovamusic.com/clara-bellino-2/" data-imported="1">Avonova</a> ! in Oakland, CA. We were in wonderful company! My CD is available, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/clarabellino3" data-imported="1">click here</a>.<br></p>
<p>Click <a href="http://buff.ly/Se3ZBI" data-imported="1">here</a> for a new feature review just come out about my new release. Thank you Kaitlin Klemp! @kaitlinklemp on Twitter</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170871
2012-08-11T17:00:00-07:00
2012-08-13T02:50:41-07:00
What went on behind closed doors at Fantasy Studios
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/079d8f7f7db11f403cdf799f0735fb0597d1674e/original/fantasy-building.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>May 24 2011: I arrived at<a href="http://www.fantasystudios.com/" data-imported="1"> Fantasy Studios</a> at 11 after an audition in SF. I've had the pleasure of working here a few times now: this is some of what you see when you enter:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/2371e3e7cccce903b27ef53b4afcbe6eb80e88da/original/fantasy-gardens.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="479" width="640" /></p>
<p>&</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/8d27881bed2b7f8578ce005dfc747c16aa65fa11/original/another-fantasy-wall.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>&</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/7fe83afda8be4081867e68d4159abc246a29d056/original/fantasy-wall.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>& here's the door behind which magic happens. I've placed my request to move in here, and keep checking my mail box...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/262666680fa91dc0511c772c96b3e83c5a169358/original/the-magic-doors-to-fantasy-studios.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Today on the schedule: adding strings to the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0LCYVArILo&feature=relmfu" data-imported="1">Bobby Sharp</a> gave me: "Hand In Hand". With producers <a href="http://times4music.com/fr_bio.cfm" data-imported="1">Greg Sankovich</a> and <a href="http://lincolnadler.com/fr_news.cfm" data-imported="1">Lincoln Adler</a>, violist <a href="http://www.santarosasymphony.com/musician_bios/Darcy_Rindt.html" data-imported="1">Darcy Rindt</a> and cellist <a href="http://www.cellobeth.com/" data-imported="1">Beth Vandervennet</a>. The strings were beautiful and made me want to cry! I sat on the couch in the control room and wanted to find a way to stop time. I also wished Bobby had felt up to being here, knew he was going to love the strings! Here below are pictures of our session at Fantasy Studios:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/b000d198267142fd557edf13c592c996ac4d4beb/original/in-control-room-with-darcy-rindt-and-beth-vandervennet-at-fantasy-studios.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Mixer extraordinaire <a href="http://www.fantasystudios.com/staff-Adam.html" data-imported="1"></a><a href="http://www.fantasystudios.com/staff-Adam.html" data-imported="1">Adam Muñoz</a> , Producers Lincoln Adler and Greg Sankovich, cellist Beth Vandervennet and violist Darcy Rindt</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/088b6727ef822041381a12fef1cc097038d33f0d/original/beth-in-action.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /></p>
<p>Darcy and Beth in action</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/2480f677097c0fbccdf39e9a42fa9fc0728878d3/original/listening-with-the-chart.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Listening with charts</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/ac5127d13e369967368cd5926d60a7d38fb1080e/original/w-greg-lincoln-darcy-adam-and-beth.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Grateful for working with a fun talented bunch: Greg, Lincoln, Darcy, Adam and Beth.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170870
2012-07-29T17:00:00-07:00
2012-08-01T03:45:25-07:00
Charlie Watts & I in Paris @ The New Morning/listen to: "The A,B,C&D of the Boogie Woogie"
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/395191780b315cf2ab657f470eda9189df7b8224/original/clara-charlie-at-the-new-morning1.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDM2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="640" /></p>
<p> My brother, whom I love and don’t get to see half as much as I’d love to, lives in Paris, most of the time. Under his unassuming demeanor he’s quite the worldly musical shaker and mover. Usually, when I leave Paris, he says:</p>
<p>...“It’s too bad, cause tomorrow I’m working on a David Bowie/Robbie Robertson//Leonard Cohen...-you take your pick-, show." And I sit on a plane thinking: “Damn my timing is off!” But, last year, we were in Paris visiting family, and he said: “Hey, the night before you leave I’m producing Charlie Watts’s “other” band: “The A,B,C, and D of the Boogie Woogie” at the New Morning. <a href="http://www.newmorning.com/" data-imported="1">The New Morning</a> has a capacity of 250 or so. Long story short, we got to see both their shows, quasi sitting on the stage, spitting distance from Charlie and the band, and you get to hear a short segment of how amazing they all sounded when you click on the video below :) What a treat it was :) And you're in for one now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To view on a Windows Media Player, please click below:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
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</object>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To view on a Quicktime Player, please click below:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/files/794982/clarabellinoblog.mp4" data-imported="1">
<object classid="clsid:02bf25d5-8c17-4b23-bc80-d3488abddc6b" width="387" height="284" codebase="http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab#version=6,0,2,0">
<param name="src" value="http://www.clarabellino.com/dashboard/pages/blog/post/">
<embed height="284" src="http://www.clarabellino.com/dashboard/pages/blog/post/" type="video/quicktime" width="387"></embed>
</object>
</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Having trouble viewing the video? You can also watch it at my <strong><a title="Youtube Channel here!" href="http://youtu.be/_n8cBeyXNIE" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Youtube Channel here!</a></strong></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170886
2012-07-15T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:38-08:00
The Best Home Made Crackers In The World!
<p>OK First let me say when I say these are the Best Crackers In The World, that's a very American expression and it simply means they're very good, I know there are other good crackers in the world. I discovered these at a friend's Bday party, and had to have the recipe; I had a hard time exercising polite self-control and leaving some for anybody else. They are so easy to make! They have no flour! All you need is: 2 cups of flax seeds, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, 2 Tablespoons of sesame seeds, 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, 4 cups of water, cayenne pepper, salt. Utensils: Parchment paper, 2 cookie sheets, deep skillet or pot.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/8b99a62c1d92ccc446554ce83e79d361b409a88b/original/p1040324.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Boil the water. In the skillet on medium heat pour the oil, add the seeds. Stir them til they are well coated and warm, but keep them from roasting. One cup at a time add the boiling water stirring continuously in the same direction. The seeds will absorb the water and get "gooey"! Add the water one cup at a time til all in while stirring, you should end up with a somewhat thick cake-like batter. Turn off the heat.</p>
<p>Cover your 2 cookie sheets with oiled parchment paper (I use olive oil spray), pour 1/2 the batter on each. With another oiled sheet of parchment paper flatten the batter to a thin layer. I cover the batter with a sheet and roll a glass over it to even it out . Then remove the top sheet of paper. Ideally you have a thin even layer. Sprinkle cayenne sparingly and press in with the oiled paper so the spice sets in.</p>
<p>Place in preheated oven at 300 for 1.5 hrs. Every 1/2 hour alternate which tray is on top and bottom, unless you have a bigger oven then mine and they fit side by side!</p>
<p>Pull out, sprinkle with salt, let cool. Break them into pieces. You can experiment with the proportions of seeds, the higher the proportion of sunflower or pumpkin, the more "rustic" and hearty the cracker. Also experiment with adding different herbs and spices: in my last batch I added garlic and thyme to the batter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>These go great with: tapenade, cheeses, patés, guacamole, artichoke dip, awesome with butter and smoked salmon! Honey also.</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170885
2012-07-02T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:38-08:00
Visiting friends in Carmel Valley: with my friend Jan and her dog Zoe.
<p>Our friends welcomed us in their house in Carmel. We stayed an extra night, watched the sunset from the deck while drinking pineapple mango cocktails...one could get used to this! This morning Jan brought us a tray with coffee and a rose! And it was time to head home...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/b6c3f89f7f75cefa4520b9f6010b2b32e47fe954/original/dsc-0034.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQxeDQyNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="427" width="641" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/a6f5ea3eea5535249095e22a4f3adcb9cacdf56d/original/dsc-0026.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQxeDQyNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="427" width="641" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170884
2012-06-18T17:00:00-07:00
2012-06-25T08:39:05-07:00
Video of Road Trip to KOWS radio interview in Occidental, North California
<p>A few months ago I was contacted by DJ Jerry Louis, asking if I would do an interview on his radio show on KOWS in Occidental, before the release of my CD “This Is Happiness”. We made a road trip out of it. My assistant and I drove 2 hours North, through the beautiful California hills.</p>
<p>Jerry was a great host. That day flew by, and felt like a mini vacation. We returned through Bodega Bay, and stopped above the Golden Gate. Thank you, Jerry!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>To watch my road trip, click below...</em><br></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Video of Road Trip to KOWS radio interview in Occidental, North California" href="http://youtu.be/Hy135yN20Wo" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/f06db5700d213576f37847e525ba0973c01a8f01/original/clara-singing-bridge.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDM5eDI5MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="293" width="439" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/67584f98109192f74b076a4e8a3a3f4f486dfa29/original/clara-radio.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQyNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="426" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/d9dcf64051b281836dc7b3bb1abc57ca9741ed05/original/melissa-jerry.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDE1eDYyMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="623" width="415" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My assistant Melissa Lamming and KOWS DJ and host Jerry Louis</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170883
2012-06-04T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:38-08:00
The Beautiful Things In Life: Bouquets For My Sweetheart
<p>There are many simple creative ways ways to add beauty to daily life and celebrate each day. I think I got that from my folks: we shared food with friends, mom cooked, knitted, planted things, made pillows, clothes, painted, dad played all kinds of music and records, built things, took pictures, made bird houses and fed the birds. They still do!</p>
<p>I 'm lucky to live in a part of the world where...</p>
<p>...many flowers grow. When we go on walks, as we head home I pick a few. No I don't go into people's planted gardens, I pick a flower here and there off the side of the road. And I have tiny vases. I always keep one on my husband's desk and one on mine. I've read that bouquets invite prosperity, they definitely add joy, love and color when sitting at a desk. These are pics of this week's selection, enjoy!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/6c27f0601dc2f065d0b83ca0acaee1abf125c674/original/p1040286.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/c0f74995a661308fd3281488119d00155bab8d02/original/p1040290.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDU0MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="542" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/02ad716b40df730ea0f014102e2d0daf80cc3d70/original/p1040289.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzY1eDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="365" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/0f4dc18e6bc97956d74ce8c26bbb717d43db4da8/original/p1040281.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDM0eDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="434" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170882
2012-05-20T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:38-08:00
Trombonist Mike Rinta negotiates the passage to his car with "Tom", the local turkey
<p>We were leaving rehearsal, and before trombonist Mike Rinta could return to his car, Tom the local turkey made sure to let him know whose turf he was on! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/6105025bdeeab3fbcfae123a57c0fa3ed784c1b0/original/p1040265.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/79352aeecd794e6562d46af21d73493fde7f0644/original/p1040267-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/11846c1bcc5799ac9e28a531887b9b67dd2d1fc4/original/p1040269.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/64069947e649560b7ea8069170326397d20492a6/original/p1040270-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/8eeb6958aedd59630509d92c59c5d2166befbf83/original/p1040272.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170881
2012-05-05T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:37-08:00
Taking a Break and Making Limoncello: a recipe
<p>The first time I made Limoncello was for my wedding. By the time our 77 guests went home the 13 bottles were empty, mathematically it was a success. Recently we inherited 2 cases of Meyer lemons, what else were we going to do? Make more Limoncello!</p>
<p>The base recipe we use is from Capri: for every 10 big lemons use 1 quart of alcohol, 1 quart of water and 18 ozs of sugar. I used Chardonnay Grape Vodka from Australia..cause it was smooth and cheaper than Ever Clear.</p>
<p>Remove the zest, put lemons in a big jar, cover with alcohol, close lid tightly, infuse for 3 weeks in a cool area filled with light, shake the jar once in a while.</p>
<p>Strain the mixture, make a syrup by boiling the water and sugar. When cooled combine alcohol-lemon and syrup.</p>
<p>Infuse 10 more days. Strain again and bottle. Store in the dark. The longer the better, one month at least.</p>
<p>In our last batch we made some variations; in some jars we mixed fruit and zest, in some we added blood oranges. So we have Fruity Limoncello, Zesty Limoncello and Lemorancello. We're planning a Limoncello party for August :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/6f6442e167818d7d0db585a75bdfbe91889400ea/original/peeling-lemons.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQyNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="426" width="640" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170880
2012-04-22T17:00:00-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:37-08:00
"This Is Happiness" CD Diary: feeding musicians & menu for recording @ Fantasy Studios
<p>I was Executive Producer on my new CD recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. One sure way to earn that title is to foot the bill for the recording. That also means making sure everyone is fed, cause days can be long in the studio and a group of underfed or badly fed musicians...let's put it this way: good healthy food makes for better energy and better music. In My Humble Opinion. So on days that were 4 hours long or longer, I prepared and brought the food. There were snacks to be had anytime throughout the day, -I learned about the importance of "craft service" on many movie sets-, and a full meal for when it was time for a break. It was great fun eating together. And being appreciated for my cooking which I love to do! Here are pictures of one day's menu, I listed every ingredient partly to avoid allergic reaction situations!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/c7771ac7b1b75ca4130ca15bcbbcc1b9bfbb617c/original/p1020824-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/3aa8e00803591e4a792f245690d210e3f257776b/original/p1020822-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/3a3a1433ac82177c1dca281e032b9bb90646150e/original/p1020821-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/208b5b89522c397237aad12ea1dc9eabeee18c3d/original/p1020823-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDY0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="480" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/d64cc617498b2640291f758772e899b9604e0d06/original/p1020825-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Our lounge and kitchen during our visit... in my dreams I live here. :)</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170879
2012-03-26T17:00:00-07:00
2012-03-28T05:51:15-07:00
CD Diary: making the video "This Is Happiness" / the North San Juan, California Chapter
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/664838c9d43a9059bc3956b29abab11289ba60f3/original/the-gang-who-helped-and-showed-up-tih-video-august-2011.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170878
2012-03-12T17:00:00-07:00
2012-03-19T10:06:56-07:00
How I Got My Voice Ready For My new CD: "This Is Happiness"
<p>I recorded my first test vocal @ Fantasy Studios a year before I started recording my CD. I wanted what I was hearing to be miles from there, and I had no idea how to get the vocal sound I wanted; I had studied voice for 10 years with Judy Davis, who passed away in 2001. I was so devoted to her that it took me til 2010 to admit that I wasn't moving forward anymore. So I found a teacher online, I liked his approach, intent on freeing the voice. But he was in L.A. and very expensive. My producers suggested someone they'd been working with: <a href="http://rocioguitard.com/" data-imported="1">Rocío Guitard</a>. We had 2 months before the recording and initially we met twice a week.</p>
<p>Here we are, Rocío and I, at Fantasy Studios:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/3ae53d7b0b5d2b7e6f6c344d65ef2ebf6d63386d/original/p1020974.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>Rocío introduced me to a whole new way of vocal production. It takes a long time to undo years of habits, and I find it exciting to constantly strive to get better. I'm grateful to my producers for having introduced us, and to Rocío who not only was there as my coach when I recorded the vocals, but also added some wonderful background vocals on my single.</p>
<p>As did Bryan Dyer, what a gorgeous bass voice!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/dd9384530fcfc49002488c831f1dca40ac5b6d4a/original/p1030029.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>L to R and Back to Front: Frank Adler, Greg Sankovich, yours truly, Adam Muñoz, Bobby Sharp, Lincoln Adler, Corey Jennings, Brian Dyer and Rocío Guitard.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170877
2012-02-20T16:00:00-08:00
2012-02-21T06:26:58-08:00
Finding Producers for my recording
<p>In July 2010 Bobby Sharp (author of Unchain My Heart) laid down the piano track for the song he gave me.</p>
<p>In January 2011, back from France, determined to record the rest of my new CD, I contacted Berkeley's Fantasy Studios Director Jeffrey Wood who introduced me to my new producers: Greg Sankovich and Lincoln Adler. I decided to only work with people who were excited to work with me. At our first meeting, based on the sounds I was after and the recordings they played me, and a gut feeling that these were awesome peeps, I decided I wanted to work with them.</p>
<p>Other than being great people to spend time with, and producers with great ears, Greg and Lincoln are über talented musicians, who have their own band together http://times4music.com and grace numerous musical projects with their talents. Greg plays keyboards like I hope to in my next life, and Lincoln plays sax that I'm sure makes Lisa of the Simpsons extremely jealous.</p>
<p>Here we are on the first day we met, just a year ago! wow, so much has happened since...we look better in person or in a picture taken by someone who knows what they're doing :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/1633dd2b31346e56dd216ee65639b5f8c0b94696/original/first-picture-w-greg-and-linc-2-16-11.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p>With Lincoln Adler and Greg Sankovich at our first meeting 2.16.2011</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170874
2012-02-15T16:00:00-08:00
2012-02-16T01:56:24-08:00
The First Review of Happiness Is In!
<p>As I’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of private island living, I am appreciative of the vicarious experience offered by Clara Bellino’s newest EP. With a youthful voice that impishly and unabashedly skinny-dips its way through unencumbered – and eclectic - compositions, Clara Bellino is offering her own point of view...no strings attached.<br><br>The EP features “This is Happiness,” penned by Bellino...as well as an interlude titled, “Driftwood”...and a tune originally penned by legendary jazz pianist/composer, Bobby Sharp in 1947. Clara Bellino’s style, a lounge-indie-folk-Europop concoction, is neither an empty-caloried confection, nor a heady round of pontification. *This* is story-telling. At its best, this is even-tempered, cerebral conversation, punctuated judiciously with light – and very *Parisian* - smatterings of instrumentation and backing vocals.<br><br>As in any *polite* conversation, Bellino’s airy voice never interrupts or soars above the music, but wears it like a loose garment...a favorite sweater. Hers is an ethereal voice that sometimes leaves you wondering whether you are overhearing her thoughts or whether she is telling you a *secret*. There is “breathing room” between the lyrics . . . dramatic pauses that animate good storytelling. While she has, in the past covered tunes by Smokey Robinson, Tom Waits and Marianne Faithful, her stronger work is to be found within her own tunes, and thereby her own experiences.<br><br>Much as I enjoyed this project, I find myself wishing that “Hand in Hand” had been presented as a “bonus” item; as in comparison to Bellino’s usual work, this piece is an entirely different, yet equally good experience.<br><br>Bearing in mind the eclecticism and free-spirited independence emanating from her usual work, the vocal on the Sharp piece is entirely different. Vocally and stylistically “Hand in Hand” is artfully delivered as if it were a May/December romance...lending a modern voice to a musical love letter composed over 50 years ago. In what can be read as deference, tenderness or tentativeness, Bellino’s vocal conveys a growing trust in another musical voice.<br><br>Due, in part to the inclusion of Hand in Hand in this project, Clara Bellino has reminded us of her capabilities as a song writer...and introduced us to her talent as a song stylist. The most important thing this EP has done is make me want to hear the LIVE Clara Bellino experience.<br><br>Clara Bellino has the disarming quality of sounding like no one in particular yet someone distinctly familiar. As footloose and fancy-free as contemplation can be, this EP is not your typical ear candy. This is more like a shell on Clara Bellino’s private beach...one you playfully put to your ear as you rock back on your heels, listen and think, “This is Happiness.” </p>
<p>****<br>~ T. L. Murray<br>Owner, *Jazz-O-Mat Radio</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170876
2012-01-28T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:37-08:00
Bobby Sharp, author of "Unchain My Heart", lays down the first piano track for my new CD
<p>I met Bobby Sharp in 2003 when we had the same landlord, who hired me to paint Bobby's apartment. We became friends and he gave me a song to record that he wrote in 1947 and never released: Nat King Cole was interested in it, but fell ill, and Perry Como showed interest , but lost the deal with his label. Here we are on the first day of recording. Fantasy Studios' Director Jeffrey Wood, Engineer / Mixer extraordinaire Adam Muñoz, and Bobby Sharp and I:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/9af0aa80dfb05b0c332dc0c7e455eff1c0cb0017/original/p1010521-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDUwOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="509" width="640" /></p>
<p>Bobby played the piano track. The beautiful song, "Hand In Hand", appears on my soon to be released CD. I sing it solo, and as a duet with Bobby.</p>
<p>Here are a few measures of what Bobby played that day: <a href="http://bit.ly/vZb6HX" data-imported="1">http://bit.ly/vZb6HX</a></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170875
2011-12-11T16:00:00-08:00
2012-02-21T06:18:07-08:00
Diary of my upcoming release "This Is Happiness" - The first step
<p>In 2007 I met poster artist Wendy Wright at a poster show held by The Rock Poster Society in San Francisco. She won that year's young artist contest. I love her work, which is both modern and with a 60's style. And decided I'd like to hire her to design the artwork for my new CD.</p>
<p>We met again in 2008. My single is called "This Is Happiness". I decided lying in a hammock was a good image for that. And remembered my dad took a picture of me in a hammock when I was 3. Amazingly Wendy owned a similar hammock. First we recreated my dad's pic and Wendy's husband Dan Doerner took pictures of me in the hammock on the roof of their Haight Ashbury apartment.</p>
<p>Then I gave Wendy pictures of the French village in "La Creuse" where "This Is Happiness" was born and the lyrics to my song.</p>
<p>And asked her, for the cover of the CD, to mix the picture with illustrations of the village and the themes in the song. Off to the races we were! Wendy had no idea how much work she was signing up for. We worked on the artwork for the whole CD for over 2 years!</p>
<p>Here is the initial sketch by Wendy Wright:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391577/cc712fcf3e017104b6ae92c0e42c16fa8dc19d3b/original/first-sketched-cd-cover-concept-by-wendy-wright.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTUweDQ4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="488" width="550" /></p>
<p>To see more of Wendy's beautiful work visit: <a href="http://ats.clarabellino.com/www.wendy-wright.com" data-imported="1">http:///www.wendy-wright.com</a></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170893
2011-11-01T17:00:00-07:00
2012-02-21T06:09:44-08:00
My ongoing experience with singing classes - A Series - Part 2: what I learned from Judy Davis
<p>So Judy Davis went away. And I was left with ten years of learning from her, adopting her method, and hanging on to it for dear life, while enjoying the new results of her vocal wisdom. I started like most ladies in her class with a range in my real voice of roughly 5 notes, and thanks to her exercises I could sing close to 2 octaves in my real voice. Here are some of the things I understood Judy to believe, and I in turn believed myself, when it comes to how singing works:</p>
<p>* if I could hear a note in my mind's ear I could train my vocal muscle to produce it in my real voice</p>
<p>* falsetto was not enviable, though a lot of pop music and singers used it, according to Judy, singing in falsetto meant you were using the "false" vocal chords, those muscle folds next to the "real" vocal chords. Judy said that if you kept going back and forth between the two eventually your sound could slip; you might aim to hit a note in your real voice but the tissue between your real vocal chords and the false ones would become distended and you could no longer control where your sound would go.</p>
<p>* everyone had one falsetto, that could not be augmented on thickness or volume, you just have the one you're born with.</p>
<p>Other things I learned:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>* sounds were formed by shapes made with your mouth. So we learned a notation system, each vowel and diphtongue combinations had a corresponding written symbol. We learned which ones were which by taking lots of songs and transcribing the vowels with those signs. And practiced them phonetically as such, to train our mouths to go where they were supposed to go to produce the correct sound.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170897
2011-07-11T06:08:32-07:00
2011-08-04T07:35:30-07:00
Working on a feature film with an 86 year old lady
<p>Last week I had the good fortune to work on "Five Year Engagement", a feature film written by, and starring, Jason Segal, and Emily Blunt. I worked as a precision driver, and with the splinter, a.k.a. second, unit. On my last day, we shot a night scene as New Year's eve party revelers on a cable car. It drove us up and down steep San Francisco hills. Every time we came to the corner with cameras, we were to holler, blow our party horns and look like we were having a good time. At one point we were parked uphill and a few more actors climbed on board. One of them was an 86 year old cheerful woman named Beverley, who told us laughingly: "No, we didn't have dinner, just this chewing gum!". She hung on with the rest of us as the cable car laboriously climbed the street.</p>
<p>The next scene we shot we were patrons at the terrace of a North Beach restaurant, and I got really lucky: the Assistant Director partnered me with Beverley. We were mother and daughter. We were served Tiramisu and Crème Brulée and told "Mangia!". I had a great time that week: I got to work, with friends, some I hadn't seen in a while. It always feels like a privilege to me to work on any film; we're busy creating a parallel reality, each film is different, and happens only once. But of that whole week, the best time I had was when I shared dessert with Beverley. I knew the cameras were on us but I forgot about them. I could've sat there and enjoyed asking her questions all night. She told me about enjoying her life, the vegetable garden she was about to plant...she made that whole week with early call times and little sleep completely worth it. I had a great time working on "Five Year Engagement". The best part was meeting and talking with 86 year old Beverley. What a sweet beautiful inspiring lady!</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170896
2011-05-27T14:30:55-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:39-08:00
What to blog about when I feel lucky?
<p>We had a session at Fantasy Studios last week with my producers: they played on it, tenor and soprano sax and Hammond B3. But they also led the session fearlessly as the awesome positive good to be around talented conscious humans and producers they are. And when I walked in the strings were playing. I don't believe in a religious God, but at that moment I was thanking God, whoever he or she or they are. There are lucky moments like that in life, well they're not just lucky, I believe you have to participate in making them happen, but still they're lucky and special. Moments and times I won't forget. Thank you everyone involved: Greg Sankovich, Lincoln Adler, Mike Rinta, Darcy Rindt, Beth Vandervennet. and let's not forget Adam Munoz at the boards. Love them all.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170895
2011-05-05T01:42:11-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:39-08:00
"Booty" my pet squirrel
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/P1020897_resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="P1020897_resized.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/P1020899_resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="P1020899_resized.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Last November a very fat squirrel walked right up to me at my front door, absolutely intent and unafraid. I started feeding him regularly, he was the fattest squirrel I'd ever seen. We named him Buddy. I didn't like leaving him over the Holidays. But when we returned there he was, daily, usually around 11 am, on his fence, and daily we fed him walnuts, raisins, stale peanuts.., almonds, organic Turkish apricots! By now he had his own jar on the kitchen shelf. Then he disappeared for a couple weeks. And when he showed up again he was much skinnier. It took seeing another squirrel next to Buddy for us to realize that Buddy was not a boy! So we renamed her "Booty". And then it took our smart neighbor to suggest she probably had babies, for us to put it together; that's why Booty who used to be Buddy used to be so fat! In these pictures, I spent the morning working on a chart, and Booty spent it on the fence, eating or patiently waiting for more food. There's a special noise I make to call her and she runs over the roof to her fence. We feed her there or she climbs down her post and stands under our window. Sometimes if we've left the front door open and we forget she's there, she comes to find us in the house. Knowing she has babies out there I feed her as long as she sticks around.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/P1020904.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="P1020904.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/P1020895.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="P1020895.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170894
2011-04-17T06:10:09-07:00
2011-08-04T07:35:30-07:00
With Ira Marlowe at Berkeley Arthouse and Gallery 4.16.2011
<p>All photos by Victor Owens, Eye Art 2011</p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/DSC_1890_NR_resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1890_NR_resized.jpg" height="529" width="687" /></p>
<p>You should've been there! Ira writes wonderful songs and is at once a great performer, charming, entertaining, funny and has a unique way with words and storytelling, all delivered with a warm make you weak in the knees husky voice . Do I sound biased? I am! Ira took a break during the show and asked that we stay, I wasn't going anywhere! He started the show with Roger Linn on guitar and then invited band mates Michael Olaf and Adam Lowdermilk on bass, drums and vocal harmonies. The turnout was good for a Saturday night with many choices. Ira has and will play to bigger audiences, it has to be! He is playing again Saturday April 23 at Bistro Angelica, 6 to 8 pm, as well as The Union Room in SF April April 21, 24, 28 and 29. http://www.theunionroom.com/ If you can, GO!<br>Listen to him here:<br>http://www.iramarlowe.com/MUSIC.html</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Berkeley Arthouse and Gallery owner Harold Adler & his "Adlerettes" @ the end of Ira Marlowe's show:</p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/DSC_1904_NR_resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1904_NR_resized.jpg" height="532" width="800" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.clarabellino.com/images/DSC_1910_NR_resized.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_1910_NR_resized.jpg" height="538" width="800" /></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170892
2011-02-25T16:00:00-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:39-08:00
My ongoing experience w/ singing classes - Part 1: studying with the late and legendary Judy Davis
<p>When I first moved to the United States and started performing live, it was clear to me I could benefit from vocal instruction. After sampling a couple not so great teachers - one had me lying on the floor pushing a 10lb bag of rice with my belly, not sure what that was supposed to accomplish - I followed a friends' advice who kept telling me to take classes from Judy Davis cause she was the best vocal coach in the world. There was a 3 year 550 applicant deep waiting list to get into the Judy Davis studio that year, 35 of us got in. I later found out that Judy said I got in because "anyone who speaks 4 languages can sing". I know I didn't get in because of how I was singing then; I was shy, mousy, very confused by the difference between English and French sounds, though I spoke both languages. I took singing classes from Judy Davis for 10 years. And if she were still alive she would be calling me an idiot right now, or something to that effect; Judy told it like it is, and one thing she always told us not to do is to tell anyone we took singing classes. She said when the praises came in just to act like we were born that way. Judy also called herself a vocal plumber, that's what she humbly said she did. But she did a lot more than that; she not only took my vocal range in my real voice from around 5 notes to around two octaves, she taught me about entertainment. She taught me about subplots. She taught me to think about what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it. And about how I wanted to treat my audience. Judy always said: if you lose them it's your fault! She said people came willingly to your show, they paid, and if they left it's cause you didn't entertain them. She wasn't big either on performers who sing with their eyes closed all the time, or who act like they're doing their audience a favor. I like to think I would've come up with all these notions had Judy not been a huge part of my growing up as an entertainer, cause I so agree with her. As an entertainer you have to give to your audience to connect with them. The fact that they give back is gravy. So I studied religiously with Judy for 10 years. You weren't allowed to miss one class, because as you learned the "vocal eases" that Judy had developed, indispensable information was given in each class. So whenever I traveled, and in 10 years I did quite a bit of traveling, I would join the class that was at the level where I'd left off. I got to study with a lot of different singers and just like Judy said, I learned a lot from watching them too. Judy taught me more than I can ever list. She was a bit like my shrink; when I got admitted to her class, my first band, that I naively thought I would be with til we made it huge, had just broken up. And week after week Judy was merciless, didn't spare my feelings, but made sure I left the class feeling on top of the world, having learned something, full of hope and inspired. And she was funny too. If you bored her when you got up to sing for your peers, an exercise I found terrifying, she would pretend to pick her nose. I spent years thinking everyone else knew what they were doing and I didn't. Then I found out other people felt that way too! I'll never forget when Judy met my family, she told the class that usually in a family there's at least one person who doesn't look so hot, but she sweetly said "not in the Bellino family. You think Clara looks good, you should see the rest of the family! Not a single bad apple!" She made me laugh. By the time I graduated she called me the mouse that roared. When I went up to the piano to do my exercises some students would leave the room; we practiced very focused sound and though her exercises are called vocal eases, they were NOT easy on the ear. I remember once, while on a summer tour, I was doing my "vocal eases" in our apartment in Paris on the 6th floor and had the windows open. My band mates came home laughing; they said out on the street two elderly men sitting on a bench were trying to figure out where that sound was coming from. ..Judy even taught me to tap dance; in our classes singers auditioned for Beach Blanket Babylon and other plays so Judy figured she would make sure we were prepared. At 80, wearing stilettos, she danced better than most of us ever could. Judy was one of the first choreographers for MGM. And she told us that that's where she found a need to develop a singing method; a lot of the dancing chorus girls and actresses also had to sing. Judy taught the Judy Davis method and never retired. And then she had the nerve to pass away:</p>
<p>(01-31) 04:00 PST Oakland — <strong>2001-01-31 04:00:00 PST Oakland</strong> -- Judy Davis, a legendary vocal coach whose students included Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Mary Martin, Grace Slick, Eddie Money and many other noted and lesser-known singers, died of heart failure Friday at her Oakland home. She was 81.</p>
<p>An expert in the physiology of vocal sound projection, Ms. Davis was famous for teaching singers how to breathe properly, enunciate and strengthen their vocal cords in order to project freely and control the sound. She devised a series of vocal exercises that are used by singers around the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RIP Judy, you certainly earned your rest.</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170891
2010-08-10T06:38:05-07:00
2020-01-24T12:02:39-08:00
Musicians For Peace - Clara Bellino & Willie Nelson's "Peaceful Solution"
<p>I just played a benefit for Musicians For Peace with my band. At this benefit for Musicians For Peace, Alan Moore, founder of Musicians For Peace, mistakenly announced that I would sing a song called "Peaceful Solution" written by Willie Nelson. We at Musicians For Peace are grateful that Willie joined us, but just to clarify: in 2004 I wrote a song "Peaceful Solution" (© 2004) and released it on my CD "Embarcadero Love" in 2005. In 2006 I was invited to join "Musicians For Peace". Alan Moore included my "Peaceful Solution" on the organization's compilation CD, which you could buy or get if you joined Musicians For Peace.</p>
<p>* I wrote "Peaceful Solution" during the "Bush years" when I was tired of hearing American actions justified as long as they made money. The first line is pivotal: "As long as money is enough of a reason, somebody pays with misery", and epitomizes war as being between the haves and the have nots. When I released my CD, my distributors asked if I would donate a song. I picked "Peaceful Solution" because, if any song, that one should be free. Which is also the reason why I donated it to the Musicians For Peace compilation. </p>
<p>* Then in 2007 Willie Nelson joined Musicians For Peace, and also released a song called "Peaceful Solution" (© 2008) and founded The Peace Research Institute. To listen to one of his versions, with his lyrics and music, go to:</p>
<p><a style="color: #2a5db0; text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd2lsbGllbmVsc29ucHJpLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAwNy8wNS9BX1BlYWNlZnVsX1NvbHV0aW9uLm1wMw==" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://willienelsonpri.com/wp-..content/uploads/2007/05/A_..Peaceful_Solution.mp3</a></p>
<p>Willie Nelson's "Peaceful Solution" is also free and he has offered anyone who wants to sing it or film it, the opportunity to have their recording/video posted to his site "The Peace Research Institute".<br><br>*Mr Bush is no longer President and world peace is still a work in progress. Hopefully our musical contributions help!</p>
<p>*You can download my song "Peaceful Solution" for free here:<br><br>http://www.clarabellino.com/music.html<br><br></p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170890
2010-01-11T09:21:56-08:00
2011-08-04T07:35:30-07:00
Simply Six
<p><span style="margin-top:0px; margin-right:0px; margin-bottom:5px; margin-left:0px; font-weight:bold; line-height:28px; padding:0px"><a style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; color: #ca1717; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmF2b2ljZXRvaGVhci5jb20vMjAwOS8xMi9zaW1wbHktc2l4LWNsYXJhLWJlbGxpbm8uaHRtbA==" data-imported="1">SIMPLY SIX: Clara Bellino</a></span><span style="color:#111111"><br></span><span style="color:#000000"><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.myspace.com/clarabellino" data-imported="1">Clara Bellino</a> is a singer/songwriter from California.</span><br><br>1. For many artists, they cite a <span id="lw_1261801270_0" class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:dashed; border-bottom-color:#0066cc; cursor:pointer">defining moment</span> for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of <span id="lw_1261801270_1" class="yshortcuts">Elvis </span>on the <span id="lw_1261801270_2" class="yshortcuts" style="background-image:none; background-repeat:repeat; background-attachment:scroll; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; background-color:transparent; cursor:pointer; background-position:0% 0%">Ed Sullivan</span> show, to another generation it was the <span id="lw_1261801270_3" class="yshortcuts">Beatles</span>’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?<br><br>It was putting myself to sleep when I was 9 listening to <span id="lw_1261801270_4" class="yshortcuts"><a class="zem_slink" style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; font-size: 11px;" title="David Bowie" rel="homepage" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRhdmlkYm93aWUuY29tLw==" data-imported="1">David Bowie</a></span>, I loved his <a id="KonaLink0" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: blue !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmF2b2ljZXRvaGVhci5jb20vMjAwOS8xMi9zaW1wbHktc2l4LWNsYXJhLWJlbGxpbm8uaHRtbCYjMDM1Ow==" target="undefined" data-imported="1"><span style="color:blue !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:initial; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">lyrics</span></span></a>, metaphors, imagery and personal expression. I was writing poems, decided I was going to sing them, put them to music. I had just started <a id="KonaLink1" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: blue !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmF2b2ljZXRvaGVhci5jb20vMjAwOS8xMi9zaW1wbHktc2l4LWNsYXJhLWJlbGxpbm8uaHRtbCYjMDM1Ow==" target="undefined" data-imported="1"><span style="color:blue !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:blue; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">playing </span><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:blue; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">piano</span></span></a>.<br><br><br>2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some<br>of your favorites?</p>
<p>I listen to a wide array of music: what I catch on radio, in my car, I love Spanish, sung, and Brazilian grooves of all kinds. But also classical, <a id="KonaLink2" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: blue !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmF2b2ljZXRvaGVhci5jb20vMjAwOS8xMi9zaW1wbHktc2l4LWNsYXJhLWJlbGxpbm8uaHRtbCYjMDM1Ow==" target="undefined" data-imported="1"><span style="color:blue !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:initial; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">big </span><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:initial; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">band</span></span></a>, japanese pop, instrumentals. Music that has something to say and does it in an entertaining personal non preachy way that involves me and talks to me not at me.</p>
<p>3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?</p>
<p>There have been a few. Most recently it was doing an <span id="lw_1261801270_5" class="yshortcuts">internet radio interview</span> with someone in Indiana knowing that 400 kids in 2 orphanages in Kenya and <span id="lw_1261801270_6" class="yshortcuts">India</span> were listening in to my song we picked for them "Goodnight Baby", and it lifted them up. I was choked up listening, and when I found out it cheered them up. Playing the Olympics in my hometown in 1992! was pretty special too.</p>
<p>4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?</p>
<p>Music does change the world, imagine the world without it?</p>
<p>5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?</p>
<p>Technology I suppose has benefited and hindered music as I see it; technology gives me more control over being exposed around the world and gives me the ability to connect with the people who enjoy what I do. Musically speaking, I still prefer the sound of real instruments played by people playing together who know how to play them.</p>
<p>6. Now for my <span id="lw_1261801270_7" class="yshortcuts">Barbara Walters</span> question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?</p>
<p>A fuzzy pair of warm slippers :)</p>
<p><a style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; color: #003399; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmF2b2ljZXRvaGVhci5jb20vMjAwOS8xMi9zaW1wbHktc2l4LWNsYXJhLWJlbGxpbm8uaHRtbA==" data-imported="1">http://www.avoicetohear.com/2009/12/simply-six-clara-bellino.html</a><br><br>Influence current events? sure if we all sing together..</p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170888
2010-01-11T09:17:57-08:00
2020-01-24T12:02:38-08:00
Review by Feminist Review!
<p><label id="pBlogSubject_513392605">Review by Feminist Review!</label></p>
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<p><a style="text-decoration: none;" name="7587634489078051228"></a><span class="entry-title post-title" style="margin-top:0.25em; margin-right:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:4px; padding-left:0px; font-weight:normal; line-height:1.4em"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: #800517; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; display: block; font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vZmVtaW5pc3RyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMDkvMTAvZW1iYXJjYWRlcm8tbG92ZS1jbGFyYS1iZWxsaW5vLmh0bWw=" data-imported="1">Embarcadero Love - Clara Bellino</a></span></p>
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<a style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; color: #e56717; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vMy5icC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vX2RDN2RoYllIRENFL1NzZ2ZWOS1OdURJL0FBQUFBQUFBSkRRL3hwNDJSUExvakp3L3MxNjAwLWgvZnJwaWMuanBn" data-imported="1"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dC7dhbYHDCE/SsgfV9-NuDI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/xp42RPLojJw/s320/frpic.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388591416422021170" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; padding: 4px; border: 1px solid #940f04;" /></a><em style="font-style: italic;">“I’ve got one foot in the grave<br>one foot on a banana peel<br>you can call me brave<br>but I know the deal”</em><br><br>
<div>Those are the first four lines of the song “Game Up—Bigger Pickle” on Clare Bellino’s latest release<em style="font-style: italic;"><a style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; color: #e56717; font-size: 11px;" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vZ3AvcHJvZHVjdC9CMDAwQ0FLRlYyP2llPVVURjgmdGFnPWZlbWlucmV2aWUtMjAmbGlua0NvZGU9YXMyJmNhbXA9MTc4OSZjcmVhdGl2ZT05MzI1JmNyZWF0aXZlQVNJTj1CMDAwQ0FLRlYy" data-imported="1">Embarcadero Love</a></em>. After listening to the album a number of times now, I find it to be like a box of chocolates—you don’t know what experience you’re going to have each time you listen, but the end result is always a delight.<br><br>Bellino’s music has been described as a cross between Suzanne Vega and David Bowie, but her sound still has its own unique quality. Bellino, who was born and raised in Paris, France and studied classical music in the Conservatory for ten years, creates music that defies genres and boundaries. There is a feeling of past, present and future in Bellino’s music; latin, jazz, pop, and rock rhythms infuse her songs with a fresh and engaging vibe.<br><br>“Tout Est Fini,” the first song on the album is sung entirely in French. While I don’t understand the lyrics, it has a catchy, rhythmic beat and the second half of the song has a chanteuse like quality to it. Listening to it, I can almost imagine myself sitting in a postwar Paris nightclub.<br><br>Bellino’s voice has a childlike quality to it, but don’t let that lull you into a state of peaceful oblivion. Her lyrics can be humorous, haunting, lyrical and surprising, but never cliché. In “Peaceful Solution,” Bellino sings “give me the heart to make peace every day, let me be part of the solution, let me be a peaceful solution, let me be a peaceful solution.” The more I listen to this CD, the more I like it, and that’s all I need to know.<br><br><em style="font-style: italic;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Review by Gita Tewari</strong></em>
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Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170889
2010-01-11T00:00:00-08:00
2020-12-15T14:09:18-08:00
The People's Showcase
<p><label id="pBlogSubject_516358972">The People's Showcase</label></p>
<p>Clara Bellino Website: <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNsYXJhYmVsbGluby5jb20v" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">http://www.clarabellino.com/</a><br>Press:"Bellino's sweetness evokes a younger Faithfull,a playfulness Deborah Harry had with Blondie, and even an existential touch of the Velvet Underground's Nico, before the German songstress sank forever beneath the <a class="kLink" data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJsb2d0YWxrcmFkaW8uY29tL1RoZS1QZW9wbGVzLVNob3djYXNlLzIwMDkvMTAvMjgvQ2xhcmEtQmVsbGlubyYjMDM1Ow==" id="KonaLink0" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: #00ced1 !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" target="undefined"><span style="color:#00ced1 !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:initial; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">waves</span></span></a> of Stygian gloom." Bruce Bellingham, Arts and Entertainment/ San Francisco Northside<br><a data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczg5LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvazIxNS9pbmR5MTgxL0FydGlzdHMvP2FjdGlvbj12aWV3JmN1cnJlbnQ9ZW1iYXJjYWRlcm9sb3ZlY292ZXIxNTB4MTUwai5qcGc=" style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; color: #3399cc; font-size: 11px;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k215/indy181/Artists/embarcaderolovecover150x150j.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Clara 1" style="border: 0px initial initial;" /></a><a data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczg5LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvazIxNS9pbmR5MTgxL0FydGlzdHMvP2FjdGlvbj12aWV3JmN1cnJlbnQ9Q2xhcmFCZWxsaW5vXzJfLmpwZw==" style="text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; color: #3399cc; font-size: 11px;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k215/indy181/Artists/ClaraBellino_2_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Clara 2" style="border: 0px initial initial;" /></a>Hailing from Paris, France, and growing up in a small village of the French Alps, Clara Bellino blends heartfelt rhythms, magical lyrics, and unimaginable emotions into a rare mixture of solid American songs with an unfettered sense of <a class="kLink" data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJsb2d0YWxrcmFkaW8uY29tL1RoZS1QZW9wbGVzLVNob3djYXNlLzIwMDkvMTAvMjgvQ2xhcmEtQmVsbGlubyYjMDM1Ow==" id="KonaLink1" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: #00ced1 !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" target="undefined"><span style="color:#00ced1 !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:#00ced1; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">humor</span></span></a> and a European sense of what is amusing. Americans probably remain puzzled by her songs in French, but are still moved by the rhythms and the <a class="kLink" data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJsb2d0YWxrcmFkaW8uY29tL1RoZS1QZW9wbGVzLVNob3djYXNlLzIwMDkvMTAvMjgvQ2xhcmEtQmVsbGlubyYjMDM1Ow==" id="KonaLink2" style="text-decoration: underline !important; font-family: verdana; color: #00ced1 !important; font-size: 11px; cursor: pointer; background-image: none !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; text-transform: none !important; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" target="undefined"><span style="color:#00ced1 !important; font-weight:normal; position:static"><span class="kLink" style="border-top-width:0px !important; border-top-style:none !important; border-top-color:initial !important; border-left-width:0px !important; border-left-style:none !important; border-left-color:initial !important; border-right-width:0px !important; border-right-style:none !important; border-right-color:initial !important; border-bottom-width:1px; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-color:#00ced1; padding-top:0px !important; padding-right:0px !important; padding-bottom:1px !important; padding-left:0px !important; background-image:none; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; -webkit-background-clip:initial; -webkit-background-origin:initial; width:auto !important; float:none !important; display:inline !important; font-weight:normal; position:static; background-color:transparent">performance</span></span></a>. Her English songs are instantly understandable and the range between Europop and American Music is beguiling. All you have to do is listen to “Potential Criminal” or “Goodnight Baby” and you won’t get these beautifully produced songs out of your head.There is no single word that describes her songs. It’s a mixture of thoroughly requited love and, at odd times, real aggression, but with a sense of humor that never fades. Critic Bruce Bellingham compares her work to that of Faithful, Blondie’s Debby Harry and Nico before her involvement with The Velvet Underground.</p>
<p>Listen to it here: <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJsb2d0YWxrcmFkaW8uY29tL1RoZS1QZW9wbGVzLVNob3djYXNlLzIwMDkvMTAvMjgvQ2xhcmEtQmVsbGlubw==" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Peoples-Showcase/2009/10/28/Clara-Bellino</a> </p>
Clara Bellino
tag:clarabellino.com,2005:Post/6170887
2010-01-01T10:47:55-08:00
2011-08-04T07:35:30-07:00
2010
<p>What are you hoping happens in 2010? In your life? In the world? For your friends? Your family?</p>
<p>What are things you want to get better at? Are you aware of time flying by? Will you try to make the most of it? Will you spread love? Any suggestions how to do that? Any of it?</p>
Clara Bellino