I realize it's been quite awhile since I last posted....there is a reason for that! One year ago, I graduated from Longy School of Music of Bard College, earning my Master of Arts in Teaching degree and Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music. Around the same time, I got hired as a full-time Music teacher at SCVi Charter School in Castaic and moved from Pasadena back to Canyon Country to be closer to my new job. Building a brand new high school Music Program proved to be a very demanding and time-consuming endeavor. From August 'til June, I poured every ounce of creative energy and every spare second into my job as a music educator. I'm very proud of the many accomplishments and learning experiences I garnered throughout the school year, but now that it's summer and I've got a little extra time on my hands, it's time to get back to creating my own music.
I'm very happy to announce that I am 3/4 of the way through the recording process of my very first EP as a solo artist. The 6-song record, tentatively titled, "Anything is Possible," was recorded, mixed, and mastered by my true love, Mike Escamillo, and produced by Mike and yours truly. I would venture to say that the songs are a good representation of my many diverse influences and eclectic experiences as both a musician and a scholar of music. One song is an obvious 60s girl group doo-wop throwback, while another is more of a country gospel lullaby. Several songs don't really quite fit into a clearly-marked genre box, and that's what I like about them. It may be hard to define me as an artist, but I revel in the complexity and take pride in the fact that I come from a diverse musical background and have an appreciation of music of all styles and eras. Three of my songs feature lush background vocal harmonies and three feature stunning string quartet arrangements. The recording process has been quite unconventional, as well, and features a little help from several good friends of mine, including Brian McLaughlin on drums, Dave "Mustang" Lang on upright bass, Blake Collins on electric bass, and Jake Gideon on guitar.
The album will be finished by the end of July, and I will be having a record release party in Los Angeles in August (date & venue TBD). For my local Santa Clarita friends and family, I will be having a sneak preview performance on Thursday, July 30th, at the Repertory East Playhouse (aka "the Rep"; 24266 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321) at 8pm.
I just wrapped a photo session for album art with my good friend, Karla Kelman, and will be starting production on a music video for my single, "The Reward," with the aid of my talented brother, Dustin Westover, next week. Stay tuned for these and other promotional materials, as well as info on how to get a free digital download code when the album comes out!
Thanks again for keeping up with me. I can't wait to share my music with you! Here is a little sample:
Now imagine this song with a full band and a string quartet! I hope you like it!
Love & Grace,
Brittney
