Feb 07, 2010
Sometimes my mind replays things that just happened, from the inside out.
For instance, I just got up to use the restroom and as I was peeing, I began to reflect. I thought to myself, sure I am just peeing. But, if you took down the walls of the bathroom, there would be pilots to my left, a galley with stewardess to my front, 29 rows deep of passengers on their way to houston, to my right, and behind me, open skies. If you zoomed out. There I would be, in a plane flying hign above the ground, peeing at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet!
I am headed to Nashville for a little co-writing. Ive had a year off, maybe more. All I know is that its been awhile. Its a little scary getting back into the swing of things, but overall I am excited. While in Nashville, I will be writing with another artist; Dave Barnes and also singer/songriter and 1/2 front man of the Racounteurs, Brendan Benson. I am pretty excited. I have signed on to make another record with Virgin. The same label that put out my last 2 records. This will be my 3rd record with them. If you would have told me 10 years ago, I would have 4 albums recorded by now (*there was the 7 song Love Ep before the last 2) I would have said, ‘shut the front door!’ Intimidated, more than anything. But here we are. 2010. Record #3. And yes, Im excited!
I was against co-writing for a long time. I didnt like the idea of singing someone elses ideas. My songs are so personal, so specific to people, moments, emotions…The only way I would ever write a song with someone, was if it was a duet that happened naturally and organically. I always viewed co-writing as this lazy approach to songwriting. The easy way out. I always thought to myself, ‘Im a singer-songwriting dammit, I should be able to write my own darn song!’ Some artists out there, work with song writing teams that are made up of 2-3, sometimes 5 people! That seems insane to me. Some people get picked up my labels because they can sing, they look hot, and they fit the role. The record label sends a memo out, writers turn in songs, the artist and label sift through the songs, narrow it down to 10-12 songs, the artist cuts the tracks. and voila, a new artist is born and a new album is made! Personally, I feel like I have too much to say, I feel like I feel too much. I have to let it, and most of the time the music is where it finds a home.
I wrote the ‘Love Ep’ and my first record ‘Twentythree’ all on my own. I am so proud of those 2 records. But most of those songs were a collection of songs that had been written between the ages of 15 and 20. Days when writing was my escape from highschool, my way of venting. Continuously trading math homework for my guitar and a pen and paper. My mind was more naive then, and I didnt think so much. Music wasnt my career, it wasnt even in my mind to be a career. It was like a mad addiction. I couldnt get anything done, until I emptied my head onto pages and pages. Nowadays, Music is my career. Im an adult now(though hopefully Ill never have to full grow up!). I think a lot, my thoughts and feelings and reasonings are a mile a minute, all over the place. But at the same time, I don’t really get worked up about a lot these days. What might fire up some people, I usually am quick to make peace with and dismiss. I don’t like to cause a scene, draw attention, or make a big deal about things. I can see as of late how this affects my writing. I don’t want to ever come off like im complaining, yet I don’t want to be to preachy and peachy. It seems like for every statement made, someone, somewhere might show up to challenge you. There are 2 sides to everything. Everyones got their own opinion. Its all relative. And these days with the amount of communication mediums and access that we have to others, its easier than ever now to point out, counter argue, or correct people. Its hard to want to speak up when you gotta make sure to get all your facts straight, and make sure it is in a way, that people arent gonna get the wrong idea. Its easy for things to get misconstrued over text.
Nonetheless, my approach to life is still with patience, a sense of humor, a loving heart and an open mind. And I guess i’m still trying to find my footing when it comes to encorporating that into my music.
My first Co-write was with Kevin Griffin of the band Better Than Ezra. He co-wrote ‘Collide’ with Howie Day. Howie and I did a lot of touring back in the day, and it was then I realized that co-writing didnt have to translate into fake, cheesy pop music crafted by teams of songwrites. As an artist you could still keep your integrity, and write great songs from the heart. I learned a lot from that first session with Kevin. He wasnt there to tell me what to sing, or how to sing it. How to write my songs or what to write about, it wasnt about any of that. It was really more about taking what I do and making it the best it could be. It was really interesting to get to see someone else’s approach to writing a song. Up and until then, I had only know my own. Nowadays, I view co-writing as a wonderful learning experience and an opportunity to work with some amazing musicians and writers. Two people joining forces, to get creative and make something beautiful.
Because I never went to college, music is my college. Its my full time job. Living, Breathing, Loving. Traveling, writing, composing. Its a full on, non-stop commitment. Ive realized its quite easy to get lazy, take the back seat and have this attitude of, ‘Ehh…it’ll happen when it happens.’ But, how inspiring is that?
My goal is to stay true to my dream. To show up for it everyday. To do the best I can. To nourish my heart, care for my voice, and to constantly keep learning, and excercising my mind. After all, this is what I do for a living. And Im quite lucky.
Speaking of luck, my airport experience this morning was just that. I arrived a little late, and got held up in security. When I got to the gate, I had barely made it. The ticket agent said, we gave your (window) seat away because you werent here when we started boarding. She printed me a new ticket, with a new seat. (A middle seat! Booo!) I didnt make too much of a fuss about it, it was my fault for being late. The flight was only a couple hours anyways. When I got on the plane and got to my row, the row was full. I looked down at my ticket, and back up at the seat number. The woman in my seat asked, ‘Is this your seat?’ To which I replied, ‘I think so…’ Confused. I looked down at my ticket again. Then, the man next to her said, ‘Well, it’s your lucky day, youre flying in 1st class today!’ Apparently they couldnt both get into 1st, so he decided he would sit in coach with her and give up his ticket. I was in awe. Mostly because he was giving up his seat to sit with his lady companion, which I thought was the cutest thing ever. I made my way back to the front of the plane in disbelief. For being late, and with all that seat changing business I had just went through, this turned out pretty good.
I sat down in my seat, just trying to process it all. ‘So lucky’, I thought to myself.
You never know when the stars are gonna align and luck is gonna come your way. Show up for your work, for what you love, give it your all. And when the stars align, you will be happy you did. You’ll be ready to shine.
Tristan
Dec 29, 2009
I went to bed pretty early last night, and woke up at about 5:15 this morning. I laid in bed, wondering why ive been waking up feeling a bit congested, a bit blah, grey, etc… Could it be the heater? Not enough fresh air? Dust? Dust? Anybody, no…Dust? Mold? I laid in bed, wanting to get up to blow my nose, but too lazy. Maybe if i just laid there on my back, the runniness would stay put, and eventually evaporate. As I grew more awake, I turned to my side, grabbed my iphone and started researching air cleaners. After visiting several web pages, I asked myself if an air cleaner was really what I needed? Maybe I just need to give the home a good scrub? Or maybe Im just turning into a hypochondriac.
By then it was a little after 6. I decided a little yoga was in order. I got up, put on my lululemon uniform, brushed my teeth and headed down stairs to make some Mate. Right on time, I hopped in my car and headed to the Tropics. On the way, I was a bit lethargic…I thought to myself, its just an hour and then it will be over and you will feel great for the rest of the day! Then I caught myself, You’re already ready for it to be over!? You should be looking forward to enjoying every minute of it and giving it your best :) I tend to do this a lot as of late. I guess Im just thankful I catch myself.
Most of the time I am always late, or in a rush, or…no, there is no ‘or’. Its usually one or the other. But this morning, I was cruising. No rush. Not running late. It felt great. Yoga in the morning is pretty epic. I signed in for class, and said hello to Margaret the owner. She congratulated me on the show I played in town a couple weeks ago. I took a minute to acknowledge this amazing community I am a part of, I love that everyone knows each other, everyone supports each other. Its really nice. So is a compliment that early in the morning! I was already on my way to feeling better.
Yoga Tropics is a Hatha Vinyasa practice, which means you’re constantly moving, breathing, flowing. The class is 60 minutes, and heated. The flow is the same each time, which I personally like. I like knowing what Im getting myself into, I like looking forward to/visualizing pushing myself in certain postures. This time last year, I had just started my yoga practice. I always thought I didn’t have enough patience. I thought it was boring, too slow. For whatever reason, not for me. Wow. What a difference a year makes! I can touch my toes!
Class began, ‘Welcome to Yoga Tropics, lets begin by laying on your mats in child pose…’ Immediately I recognized Margaret’s voice. Its not all the time you get to take a class taught by the owner. But when I do, I always feel like its such a treat. I push myself a little harder, and I really make sure I give my all. Not to say I don’t normally do this, but yes, I admit, sometimes I feel like Im just hanging out in a posture, like a wet noodle, not stretching or pushing myself to my full potential. I think they call this lazy? Nonetheless, I felt super relaxed, balanced, in tune with my breath. A little soar through the first couple poses, but as I warmed up, I started feeling great.
I remember last December when I started practicing yoga. I had just broken up with my boyfriend, I had been spending a lot of time in LA. And if the relationship was a house. I wanted to clean it all out. I wanted to toss everything, and start from scratch. I was pretty burnt out on music. I decided to just leave that over in the corner for a minute and go back to the source. First things first, I changed my diet. I Leaned towards vegan, but didn’t give up fish. A couple weeks of this and I felt amazing. I’ve always leaned toward a vegetarian diet, so this was pretty easy for me. I think its important to listen to your body though, it will tell you what you need. I did ready the book Skinny Bitch. That was the icing on the cake for me. After diet, came exercise. Ive always been pretty active. Growing up surfing and all, walking with my parents and friends. Ive been training with a trainer for almost 5 years now, but over time, I realized how inflexible I am. Being strong is great and all, but if you cant bend, you’re gonna be nothing more than a strong stick. Stretching is uber important, insert my lazy ways here, I cant count the times I’ve stretched before working out on 2 hands.
I’ll never forget running into my friends little brother on Halloween night. He was on our surf team, he was always little, scrawny, cute. But now, here he was..tall, fit and looking like a hot young man. I was like wow. WOW!!! ‘What the heck happened to you, you are all grown up!?’ To which he replied, ‘I started doing hot yoga for an injury’. ‘Oooooooh….’. He leaned in and in a low sexy whisper like voice(i like to remember it like this..wink) said, ‘its heated so it gets you flexible….twice as fast’. I was sold. I picked my jaw up off the ground and the next day headed to the yoga studio. I never looked back.
Its been about a year in practice. I haven’t stuck to anything like this since I learned how to surf, or picked up a guitar. I think I always assumed that surfing and music were my 2 ‘things’, they went hand in hand. I didn’t know I would find something else. But im so glad I did. I guess its nice to know, that some of our best habits haven’t even found us yet. They’re out there, just waiting for us to come across them. I know if I ever decided to stop playing music for a living, I would love to get my yoga teacher training. I really love helping people recognize and acknowledge their full potential.
I was thinking about it, as I lay in Savasana, how special it is to take a class led by Margaret. She is an amazing woman. She has helped me recognize and believe in my potential. I love that. Then I started thinking about all the amazing woman I have in my life to look up to. I am truly blessed. For starters, my mom is the reason for the season, she’s one of the most beautiful goddess on planet earth -I hope you feel the same way about yours :) I have an insanely amazing group of girlfriends, some that I have known since i was 4, some that I just met 4 months ago. They range from 8 to 60. They are all beautiful. They help me recognize and believe in my potential as a human, as a friend, as a listener, as a hugger, as a singer, as a surfer, as a role model and as a woman.
I think one of the biggest ephinays I had this year (or maybe even this decade) is that we can do whatever we want. Whenever we want. And none of it matters. By saying to ourselves we are this, we are that, by labeling ourselves. We are really limiting ourselves. We can be anything and everything, or none of it. You can be the teacher, the student, or the kid that ditches class and smokes pot in the parking lot.
I love surfing, I love playing music, I love yoga. I like super green spiralina acai shakes and kelp noodles with green sauce. I love a good glass of wine and a rolled cigarette. I love pizza and chocolate, I like laying around in my pajamas all day. I like waking up early and going to check the waves. I love writing music and sitting in the living room creating tracks on garage band. I love drinking whiskey and dancing on tables and running around like a gypsy woman on acid at burning man. I love taking photos and dating and giving everyone a chance (just cause you go on a date, or go out on a limb, doesn’t meant you gotta get married tomorrow!) I love great conversations and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I love doing laundry and reading. I like laying by the fire and watching movies. I like cuddle time as much as I do my alone time. And somedays wake up and I want a burger and a beer and I LOVE THAT!
At the end of the day, I love it all.
I think what’s important here, is that we just do our best. Strive for a nice balance. Take it day by day, and remember to breath. Some days you are gonna make a less than great decision, but from those decisions we most definitely always realize something and learn a bit about ourselves. We are all beautiful, unique, and in bloom. We are constantly growing.
Its amazing to think back on the past year, and the past decade for that matter. 10 years ago I was just graduating highschool. I was still teaching myself how to play guitar, I hadnt barely sung in front of a single soul. I had never had a boyfriend, I had never been in love. I had never lived on my own. I wanted to be a clothing rep for Volcom. I had never been anywhere except Las Vegas, Mammoth and Mexico. Now 10 years later, Ive traveled all over the world, I make a living playing music, I live on my own. Ive been in love. I collect surfboards, and guitars. I love photography, I love doing laundry and I can do headstands! Wow…What a difference a decade makes.
My wish for you, for 2010. Do what makes you happy.
Acknowledging your surroundings, be apart of your community.
Branch out, get challenged, stay put, be content.
Do it all, be it all.
Do what makes you happy.
Whatever it may be. Enjoy yourself.
Happy New Year!
Its gonna be a great one :)
Thanks you all for your continued support! I am seriously having the time of my life.
Its been amazing being able to be this open and honest with everyone I know.
I have so much love and light for all of you.
XOXOXOOXOXOX,
Tristan
Jul 03, 2009
Jun 22, 2009
Jun 01, 2009
You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours the entire period.
2. You will learn lessons.
You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Growth is a process of trial and error: experimentation. The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately “work.”
4. A lesson is repeated until learned.
A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end.
There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.
6. “There” is no better than “here.”
When your “there” has become a “here,” you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here.”
7. Others are merely mirrors of you.
You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.
8. What you make of your life is up to you.
You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9. Life is exactly what you think it is.
You create a life that matches your beliefs and expectations.
10. Your answers lie inside you.
The answers to life’s questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
11. You will forget all this.
12. You can remember it whenever you want.
Apr 14, 2008
Im gonna make this short and sweet, cause i gotta get up at 6 am. But i just wanted to thank everyone for being so nice and understanding and sending warm wishes to get well soon. I was just writing back this person by the name of ‘cheese’. hah…you guys are funny with your display names…anyhow they said ‘hope you are feeling better…’ to which i replied, “Honestly, i think sometimes when we start doing something, and do a lot of it, in my case, singing/traveling/music-ing…nonstop. Sometimes we get to a point where we forget why and what we are doing. It is important to have time to regroup, re-balance, re-energize and get re-inspired. So we can continue to head down the path, with the purest and clearest intentions. I think i just hit a wall of exhaustion and stress and non stop everything.”
In return, when our bodies are worn down, is when they usually start giving out. This is the best and easiest time for your body to catch a cold, or in my case, lose a voice. When we are stressed, we are weak, and the areas in which we are pushing ourselves, tend to be the first to go. After having a minute to just chill out, read a book, do some yoga, and not worry about doing something related for music, even for just this day. I am feeling much better.
I just wanted to share this with you guys, cause i think this is pretty much what i have gathered over the last couple days. Its important to take time out of our days for ourselves. Whether its 5 minutes or 20, early in the morning, or after a long day. The little time will go a long way. I just did yoga in my hotel room, something new i am trying, i hate those darn dvd’s, so hard to get motivated, but i am feeling the benefits even though it was short and sweet. I think for most of us, we worry about taking care of everyone around us. Its rare we actually do something for ourselves, and while buying a new pair of shoes is nice for yourself, the takin care of yourself I’m talking about, is entirely different. To each there own though.
But i really am finding that especially in my case, making time to do the things that remind me of me, and what my life is like when i am home is important. I am so used to surfing, or training or walking with my mom or best friend. I eat a crazy healthy diet and like to cook and read and hang on the couch. I like mellow nights at home. To go from that, to being in a van for most of my day, in a new city every night, different hotel room, meeting all sorts of people, eating potato chips and crap, cause there is nothing else. Is not exactly my idea of fun. Sometimes it makes me wonder what the hell i am doing this for?
And so i have to ask myself, ‘What am i doing this for?’
Well…I am doing this cause i love to play music, cause i know how its affected people and i know its capabilities of touching people. I know that if i open up my heart and mind, i will learn so many things out here on the road. Things i could never learn by going back to school, or simply getting married and living the good life. Simply put, I do this because, i am in love with music and being able to play it every night. Music creates a vibration within me that i don’t get from anything else i have ever done in my life. (surfing comes pretty close but thats a different kind of buzz.)
So over the past could days i have realized. That i have to create the balance for myself. Because there will always be tours, interviews, recording, traveling and other demands that take up my time. Its up to me, to say ok, i gotta figure out something that i can work in. For the sake of having a bit of time, to just go away in my head from everything, and get re-centered.
I think first off, the fact that i am aware of this, is a good first step. I got some yoga videos and i know now that exercise even if its just 15 minutes of stretching in the morning, or having the boys pull over and let me run after the van for a couple miles, is worth it. I also realize that its important to eat healthy, even if that means googling the local health market, waking up early and packing a little lunch for the day. As a performer and a singer, and i think any of us, we want to feel the best we can feel day in and day out. I know for me, when i am getting some exercise and eating healthy it shows. Our bodies are temples. We must learn to treat them with care and love. What we put in them, effects our minds, our ability to learn, our skin complexion and overall appearance, and our overall well being. I swear if you make just the tinniest changes, you will see huge differences.
Hopefully all this enlightenment, will lead to no more cancelled shows for a very long time. I am feeling better and i am ready to get back out there. More inspired than ever, and i hope you are too :)
We got a record coming out this week people!
A NEW RECORD! HOLY COW!!!!!
I cant even believe it!!!
Finallyyyy
Feb 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day from the Spicy Band!
XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOX
Feb 12, 2008
Today feels like an important day...im not sure why..perhaps something happened today, or its someone's birthday, or im forgetting to pay a credit card bill, rent? im not sure...just feels like im forgetting something...These past couple of weeks have been pretty darn crazy...music videos, interviews, band rehearsals, secret radio shows, a trip to japan, photo shoots, fittings, grammy parties, lots of driving the 5 freeway, and even thankfully, a little bit of surfing.
Today i did a photo shoot for FOAM magazine, i will be gracing the cover of their music edition, my first magazine cover ever!!!! Very excited...i def went out on a limb at the shoot today...pushing my style comfort zone, and getting a little wacky and crazy with the outfits. I'm such a plain dresser most of the time...and im starting to realize that its ok to dress in photo shoots, 180 degrees, different than i would in my normal day to day life. It's definitely taken some time, but i am ever changing so i think its suits my personality..plus i just like confusing the shit out of people and not being corned into any one image. The crew was awesome and Karla Welch, the stylist, also styles Feist...she was super dope and brought some awesome clothes..how could i not trust her and put on whatever she threw my way!
I came up to LA last night, which just happened to be the night of the Grammy's and a chance to attend some fun parties! Im not really into the whole party schmooze thing, but i figured what the hell,... i had such a handsome date, i couldn't turn him down. We had a pretty fun night, and i ran into the lovely Ms. Colbie Caillat. Easily the most natural, at ease girl in the room. I got to chat with her for a little bit, i was trippin out when she told me she had come to my CD release show for 'twentythree, at the Belly Up a couple years ago! Turns out we know some of the same people, just another confirmation of how small the world really is and how closely connected we are to one another without even knowing it. It was great to finally meet her though, shes super sweet, down to earth and one of the most humble gals ive ever met. Its nice to know that there are successful people out there that are still very much normal and approachable.
Lets See, what else?
I went to Japan, but i already wrote about that... right after that, i made a music video for 'Madly' and that should be getting edited as we speak. I cant wait to see it, i totally had some cheesy heart on the chest singing out moments...i wonder if will look completely retarded..I sure hope so...haha...I think its gonna come out looking great though. Normally i get so shy when it comes to cameras and things of that nature.. At the end of the day i look back and think to myself, 'man, i should have just shaken off the nervousness and gotten into it.' I think i am finally getting better at embracing that attitude, now i just go for it, let loose and knock it out...and in the end, i think it only makes for a better looking more natural vibe. Ill def post a youtube link when it is all done, so you guys can check it out :)
Other than that, i've just been busy with the band, rehearsing...and working out the new songs..which is proving to be a little more difficult on some songs than others, us being a three piece and all. There are a couple songs on the record that really get rocking and that is hard to do without another guitar player adding all the little licks and melodies that make the songs catchy and make you want to sing along, resulting in them getting stuck in your head for days at a time and driving you crazy...i can only play so much and try to sing on top of that...and im not much for looping and getting all technical. I think my passion for music lies in the simplicity of it all. Or maybe im just lazy and i just like where i am at the moment. Either way...we are gonna figure it out, i just want everything to sound the best it can, and more importantly feel the best it can. If that means just playing it solo or not playing it at all until we can add another player, then so be it...everything has got to feel comfortable..i really wish i could afford another band mate...im hoping this record will go over well and the touring will go great and we will be able to add another member soon...it would add so much.
For now, its a challenge...
Its amazing though when i think about how easy it was to make the record...when you have access to the most amazing musicians, instruments, and a beautiful sounding studio, anything is possible and everything just seems to come together effortlessly. I long to have that in a live show...then there would be no place sonically we couldn't go, we would be rocking and you guys would be like little weed smoking hippies, doing the no rhythm dance, in fields of wild dandelions and tall grass....now that is a glorious thought. I think it will be good though, and as we work in these new songs, it can only get better. Baby steps and lots of patience...i have to remember to breathe and to have patience and that all good things do comes to those who wait, and do come when the time is right.
Oy. I gotta be honest, lately its been really overwhelming...this business is changing everyday...Somedays Im pretty sure my record label is falling apart, and taking me down with it...Every other day i am frustrated. I made such a good record. and it was supposed to be coming out tomorrow. I remember now...today was supposed to be the first day of tour in support of my record, had it still been coming out tomorrow. Tonight i would have been at the Belly Up in my hometown of San Diego. Saying hello, exchanging smiles, connecting with people. Isn't that what all this is about? Connecting with people? Putting out good music, making records, with amazing people, and having fun while doing so. Experiencing and sharing, coming, going and always learning? At some point, i feel like it all got lost..and now labels seem more concerned with making their numbers...people are afraid to work, afraid of putting in too much effort, in fear that they might be out of a job next week. When in reality, if they would all just get their heads out of their asses and get back to basics, signing artists that make real music, beautiful music, that people can actually relate to, that people love, that people support and buy with or without a label. They would make their numbers. Employess would be psyched to be involved in something real and special, and genuine...Lets face it, everyone would be psyched to be involved in something real and special and genuine. Instead they scramble, producing unoriginal ideas, at the mercy of magazines, talk shows, and front page features, fighting for 1 slot at your local Starbucks... Labels seem more than ever afraid of taking risks. But want a guaranteed slice of the pie if it works out, because these days, when it comes to things working out in the major label scheme of things, its few and far between. And so lately i feel stuck, more layoffs line the horizon, everything is chaotic, eggshells, unfocused... and i wonder...what did i do to deserve this? Why is this my problem? I made a freaking fantastic record...one that i, first and foremost, couldn't be more than thrilled about...i know my fans are gonna freak out when they hear it. I know my label can do something with it, I know radio can do something it, it aims to please everyone. It showcases growth, maturity, yet it is still very much me. Its not trying to be anything its not, it is perfectly in balance...and yet...i have no idea if it will see the light of day...and even if it does come out? What if it doesn't get the push that i feel like it deserves, the push i would give it, if i had the resources..what if i goes unnoticed? Some people probably think i sound desperate...and i kinda am, cause i am at the end of my rope, asking the heavens to send a miracle and doing just about everything i can do to take things into my own hands. But at the same time, if it goes unnoticed...im ready for that too, i will be fine...cause at least at the end of the day, at least i have a record that i had so much fun making, i have memories that will last a lifetime..i have people that i met that i will be friends with forever...and i have a record that no one forced me to make, no label person made me record a song this way or that way, no one rewrote lyrics, i did it all on my own, no regrets...i have something that i can be proud of for the rest of my life, that i can look back on and be only reminded of good things...just another little postcard, you know? So i guess, if ya take away all the bullshit, the politics and the drama, all the things i am worrying about that i dont need to be...at least i still have the music in its purest, simplest form...and that...that is priceless.
Jan 30, 2008
Konichiwa friends…
I have a just returned from a 2 day press filled trip to Japan..It was great…If there is one reason why i know i am cut out for this job, its that i have been dealt the ‘no jet lag, hardly ever, no matter which directing im flying’ card. its pretty sweet. for some reason i just fall in and out and whatever time zone im in…i dont know how, or why, but it certainly makes things a heck of a lot easier. It also doesnt hurt that i forgot i had racked up over 200,000 frequent flyer miles and can use those for upgrades, cha ching…can we say business class, asleep so fast…I got to watch that movie Into the Wild, a film i had been meaning to see ever since it came out. I really enjoyed it…Eddie Vedder did a killer job with the soundtrack, i think its worth it just to go see it so you can listen to all the original songs he wrote for it.
Japan is awesome, even if i was only there for 2 days…its still such a lovely, unique and fascinating place…the people are so sweet and they bought 150,000 copies of my last album, so that makes me love them even more ;) hehe…i hope this new album goes over just as well…fingers crossed. i love the food in japan, the sushi, and edamame bagels and the little chocolates..they also always put this gigantic fruit display in your room..i swear the one morning, this orange i peeled was the size of my head!
Anyhow, i did enough interviews, photo shoots, video & radio performances to hold the people over for a couple months until i can get back there for tour in the spring. So now back…and feeling a little under the weather…i was feeling pretty good, having not had caught any sort of flu or cold in a while…but now i think the travel and the hustle and bustle of these last couple weeks are catching up to me…i really cant afford to get sick as i have a music video shoot tomorrow and then rehearsals starting sunday! Rehearsals you say? Ah yes for the upcoming tours..but first there will be a very special show coming up so….
if you live in san diego or somewhere nearby..i am playing a private listening concert for 102.1 KPRI. They have always been a big supporter of me and also when it comes supporting their local talent…
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
KPRi-LIVE WITH TRISTAN PRETTYMAN
at VALLEY VIEW CASINO
Experience the thrill of the all new Valley View Casino with exciting gaming, delicious dining and live entertainment. Visit Valley View Casino today!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Doors: 7:30pm Show 8pm
The show is FREE and as a KPRI FREEQ, you can get two tickets. (Provided you are 21 years or older.)
Get your tickets at ...
Weseloh Chevrolet HUMMER - Carlsbad - 5335 Paseo Del Norte - 92008 - 760-438-1001
Cal Spas- Home Resort Super Store - San Marcos - 1144 Los Vallecitos - 92069 - 760-752-1961
Brecht BMW - Escondido - 1700 Auto Park Way South - 92029 - 760-291-2893
Escondido Cycle Center - Escondido - 1415 Montiel Road - 92026 800-564-8078
REI - Encinitas - 1590 Leucadia Blvd - 92024 - 760-944-9020
Kearny Mesa Ford - San Diego - 7303 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. CA 92111 - 888-818-2129
Tickets are FREE while supplies last. (LIMIT one pair per person. No outside food or beverages.)
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
Also! There are more tour dates…Just in time for Valentines Day! I will be heading out on the road opening up for G. Love & Special Sauce…Shortly after that, i will be heading out for my very own headlining tour across the US of A!
Mar 19 2008 7:00P
Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, California
Mar 20 2008 8:00P
The Roxy Theater Los Angeles, California
Mar 21 2008 6:00P
Coach House San Juan Capistrano, California
Mar 22 2008 7:30P
Cafe du Nord San Francisco, California
Mar 24 2008 8:00P
Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Mar 25 2008 7:00P
Chop Suey Seattle, Washington
Mar 29 2008 9:00P
Belly Up Aspen Aspen, Colorado
Mar 30 2008 7:30P
The Fox Theater Boulder, Colorado
Apr 1 2008 7:00P
Maintenance Shop Ames, Iowa
Apr 3 2008 7:00P
Varsity Theater Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 4 2008 9:00P
Back Porch Stage @ House of Blues Chicago, Illinois
Apr 5 2008 9:00P
Cambridge Room-House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio
Apr 7 2008 7:30P
The Ark Ann Arbor, Michigan
Apr 9 2008 7:00P
Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 10 2008 7:30P
The Blender Theatre @ Gramercy New York, New York
Apr 11 2008 7:30P
World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apr 12 2008 5:00P
IOTA Club and Cafe Arlington, Virginia
Apr 15 2008 7:00P
3rd and Lindsley Nashville, Tennessee
Apr 17 2008 7:30P
The Social Orlando, Florida
Apr 18 2008 8:00P
Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida
Apr 19 2008 6:30P
Eddie’s Attic Decatur, Georgia
Apr 20 2008 6:00P
Eddie’s Attic Decatur, Georgia
Apr 22 2008 7:00P
Workplay Theater Birmingham, Alabama
Apr 24 2008 8:00P
The Parish-New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana
Apr 25 2008 8:00P
The Meridian Houston, Texas
Apr 26 2008 8:00P
Stubb’s Indoors Austin, Texas
Apr 27 2008 8:00P
Cambridge Room-House of Blues Dallas, Texas
Whoot Whoot! If you are in town and around, please come out and join us! Its gonna
be spicy business as usual… i even got me a really pretty electric guitar!
In other exciting and rather roller-coastering news….
My record has been pushed back to April 15th (Better than the summer, which was also proposed by my label) ..If you really cant wait…its coming out on Feb 20th in Japan, so you can book a short little trip, say ‘hello..x’, enjoy some sushi and down some sake…Many options, things are so crazy these days…silly label, silly me, oh the music business sure is one surprise after another…
Well that is all for now, i am gonna go rest up for my big day tomorrow…hope this finds you all well! Lotsa Love and see you soon! 
Arigato Gozaimas!
Love Love Love,
TP
Jan 11, 2008
There is a wonderful little street in LA that i have come to love..it has a Pete’s coffee, a beauty supply store and a Pinkberry! Hallelujah!
Today was one of those days i woke up and didn’t quite feel like myself…no reason why, nothing has happened, life is not sad..i’m just moody…perhaps that time of the month is looming, be it what you will…life has become busy once again…my manager starts calling 11 times a day…decisions are to be made, hands are to be shook, questions are to be answered…
I have a confession…i am loving it all..its nice to be back in the mix…im feeling really great about everything, which makes the whole process of promoting the record, talking about and sharing everything new in my life..a piece of cake..topped with pink berry.
Today has turned itself around quite nicely though…i went from not being able to figure out why i was a debby downer, to singing some ‘mm’s’ and ‘oh’s’ on one of Zach Gills new tracks. What a lovely guy. The song is super fun too. Not sure when the record is coming out, but soon enough! You should def check out ALO though(the band Zach is currently in) if you have a chance.
Not only are they great as a band, but Zach plays a bunch with Jack Johnson, and Dan & Steve play with Brett Dennen, and Steve is also on the road with Sara Bareilles, who i am soooo freaking psyched to be seeing blow up right now! If there is anyone that deserves success it is that girl! She has been working, and writing and singing away like a mad woman ever since i met her. If you have a chance to go check out a show, that is the call, she is amazing live…
What else what else, i have upgraded my computer…to a fancy black macbook…hence the silly photo above…im hoping i will be able to capture video and what not now, of things like band rehearsals, driving in the van, backstage antics…and who knows what else the future may bring…i love this thing though, its so dope…
Otay, well i just polished off my Pinkberry, really i just wanted to say haaaaaaaayyyyyy guyssss…hope you are having a nice thursday night
xoxo
tp
Jan 03, 2008
Hello sexy people of 2008!!!
hope your ‘08 has been super duper so far!
its a bit crazy to me that i have been off since december 24th of 2006….a whole year…holy toledo…well earned if you asked me, i toured for 2 1/2 years all over the planet on that last record…i will admit i got a bit stir crazy from time to time..but it was good to ease back into normal life…with daily routine…and just being able to spend time at home with my friends and family….i guess i wasn’t all that lazy though, after all i did manage to make a record…one that i am so excited to share with the world…i wish it would come out tomorrow…
though i love being home, i can say that i have had my fill. ive had my surfing, my movie nighting, ceramic cafe-ing, cooking, working-outing, taking out the trashing, coffee pressing, sleeping, not sleeping, couch lounging, beach cruising, eating, guitar strumming, jacuzzing, travel vacationing, driving, concert going, cleaning, laundrying, hey neighboring, etc etc…its been great. really just swell…
i am ready for the roadddddddddddd though…..lately i have really been craving that feeling you get after you been on the road for a couple weeks, when things start taking shape, songs start gel-ing…its so wonderful. i am feeling really good about everything, the songs, the record, my ability to deliver, to share, to sing and strum, to entertain, and laugh and meet new fans and people…to just get back out there is gonna be great.
and still, there is nothing i am more thankful for than this life i get to live. the world i get to explore, and the drive the grows with every waking day inside of me to be the best possible human i can be in my life….im really so happy these days, there is no reason not to be..even when things get down in the dumps, i really feel that life is meant to be fun and have fun, no matter how hard you are working or whatever it is you may be doing, however much something might be sucking, its all in the way you look at it…there is always a way to turn it around and make it enjoyable…..
last night i got a 1st day of the year surf in with my brother and some friends…its been really dry here in san diego, and i think the santa ana winds whipped up some ash and dust from the fires we had a couple months ago…the sunset was out of control…so beautiful and vibrant….
its gonna be a sweet year..i can feel it…heres to a new year…lots love and i wish you all the love and happiness in the world :)
see ya soon,
tp
Jan 02, 2008





