Numerically speaking we start 2013 with a clean slate and so the New Year should be Happy. Ever mindful that we ended 2012 on such a low note of tragedy with societal angst and finger pointing, I can only hope the next 12 months will bring us more peace and love into the world. Whether it is standing up and speaking out against rape, gun violence, environmental abuse, or any other action that hurts others, I will be there to do my share. And I hope you will too. If there is anything close to being called a resolution, I guess this is it. But also remember to champion and seek out the good stuff too. The endless news cycles of horrors shouldn't obscure the cool stuff, the fun and inspirational experiences that do occur every day somewhere in the world.
In reflecting on my personal and professional 2012, I am thankful I stayed healthy and in good voice. Singing in public spaces to a non-paying audience (although technically a metro swipe is payment of sorts, and I do accept contributions) over hours, continues to develop my performing skills in ways unimaginable.
In 2012 from Joe's Pub to the Hudson Opera House, Club Helsinki to Celebrate Brooklyn!, I ventured onto those stages with high tech sound and lights, I could sense how my public performance experiences taught me a comfort within myself and my art. To in a way, not take myself so seriously. I chose to consider less my impact on the audience as I was performing and stayed more in the moment helping to bring out why I love to sing and play guitar in the first place.
In 2012 I became more of a filmmaker, spending hours editing clips for my website and ever developing "Inspiration Project" where I film people I meet mostly during my Music Under New York performances, and ask "What's Your Inspiration?" I currently have more than 200 videos on my site and youtube channel I also wrote theme songs to web series "Subway The Series" and "HerStory," not to mention writing a song for Eve Ensler's new movement "One Billion Rising" set for February 14, 2013.
In 2013, my wish is to perform more "above ground," sharing the stories of NYCSubwayGirl from concert stages to House concerts. And to continue to create short films, the wonderful exposés of the inspirational people I meet underground. I look forward to creating and producing my first full length recording in over 10 years. And I hope to find a "team" to help me realize my dreams and goals. I know I can't do this on my own.
I start the New Year with a wonderful guest appearance in Hudson, NY January 27th at Club Helsinki to benefit Habitat For Humanity with musicians Melissa Auf Der Maur, Melora Creager, Meshell Ndegeocello and Tommy Stinson. Also, in keeping with my 2013 wish to work with others, Dan Kleederman (another Music Under New York artist) will be joining me on the bass.
I return to Music Under New York performances as the weather allows.
I'd love to hear from you and would appreciate any thoughts you might have on how to help me achieve my goals. I wish you the best in seeking and achieving yours.
Happy prosperous New Year,
Cathy
NYCSubwayGirl
Here's the short film I created in 2012 which was shown at FilmColumbia Festival this past October as the opener to Dustin Hoffman's film "Quartet" about aging retired Opera performers.