The second track on Sometimes There's a Way is "Walking in the Garden"
Abusive relationships are all too common. Even if you have never been involved in one personally you probably know someone who is or has been on one side or the other of abuse. "Walking In the Garden" is about surviving abuse, and it was surprisingly easy for me to write given the dark subject matter. Part of the inspiration for the song was recurring nightmares that I had which actually resemble the song very little. I took a bit of imagery from the nightmares and shaped it into something different, although no less dark. The image of walking in the garden, a pleasant activity, highlights the horror that such every day pleasantries can mask. The ending is abrupt and appropriate. “He is rotting just the way he should.” It hints at revenge. It’s not a fairy tale ending of people becoming more enlightened and the world being a happier place. There is rot, decay, things still left to deal with, and the certainty that no remorse or apology is forthcoming. I have always gotten positive feedback about Walking in the Garden. It was an obvious choice to include on my first album.
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About my Insights blog posts: I want to share a few thoughts about my what my songs mean to me. I've provided links to the songs on YouTube and Spotify. You can buy individual songs or the entire album on the CD Baby store or other digital stores such as Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon.
When I wrote "Sometimes in the Darkness", I wanted to write a song about how even when things seem dismal there is hope and people can be there for each other. The song starts out with the idea that a light will lead out of the dark. Then one line reveals an underlying melancholy: “Just don’t hate me, and I’ll love you.”
I did not realize until well after I wrote the song that it was actually about fooling yourself into thinking a relationship is better than it is. The idea that just by making yourself and your partner aware hurt will happen means that you have avoided the pain is noble yet false. Love is more than the absence of hate. There is still a hint of hope in the song. I think it is very easy to focus on the more positive aspects of the lyrics and view it as the inspirational people can be there for each other when things go wrong song that I intended to write. Discovering the song could be interpreted in ways I had not originally intended helped me connect with the feelings of loneliness and longing for love that I felt when I wrote it. That, along with the positive feedback I got after performing the song, is why I chose to record "Sometimes in the Darkness" for my first digital album. Many people follow my Facebook page for event notices, but that isn't the only way to keep track of where and when I will be performing. You can check the EVENTS section of my website which displays a Google calendar of events. I am also testing to see if using Eventbrite might be a good option. Not everyone uses Facebook so I hope to find a couple ways to keep everyone in the loop about when they can catch me live.
Additionally, you can support my music by buying the digital album from the CDBaby store, streaming my music on Spotify and other streaming services, and donating to my GoFundMe.
I have a digital album for sale that you can find on the CD Baby store along with other places such as Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes. If you are thinking of buying it you might be wondering which of these sites gives the most to the artist. The answer is CD Baby. I am thrilled no matter where you buy my music from, and if you take the time to write a review, even just to say you like the music, that is appreciated as well.
My music is also available to stream on services like Apple Music and Spotify. I don't personally use Apple Music, and it doesn't look like I've got any listens there. I do use Spotify, and I've hit double digits on listeners there. I appreciate if you listen, add a song to a playlist or favorites, follow me, and share. While it will take a lot of streaming to bring any money my way, it is really neat to see where people are listening. I've even got a few listeners outside the US.
I still have my GoFundMe going. I am working on picking more of my original songs to record. True to my word, my recording projects are matching the budget I have. Currently I am recording the music myself, and I am going with digital only releases. If I end up getting more funding I will look into getting some physical CDs to sell at my shows.
I took the plunge and I have a digital album for sale! Now you can enjoy my melodies any time. This was a great learning experience for me, and I am looking forward to expanding my skills in the future. This is currently a digital only release. Now, without any further delay, I present Sometimes There's a Way. Take a listen to the sample clips, buy what you like, and let your friends know!
I will once again be on the main stage for Oddmall: Chrishanukwanzmadan. If you are so inclined, you can RSVP and share the Facebook event I've made: Oddmall: Carmen Kelley at Chrishanukwanzmadan. There is a fee for parking at the event, but no charge to get in, see the entertainment, or browse the vendors. You'll probably want to take money to shop, tip the entertainment, or donate to keep Oddmall free, but that is all optional! If you've never been to an Oddmall, take the time to check all the info about what else is going on that day.
I am diving into recording some of my original music. I've got plenty of songs that I've written, and many of them are ready to be shared with the world. Or they will be ready with a little polishing and finishing. If you are willing to help me get my music out there consider donating to my GoFundMe.
I'm practicing up for my show at Sonnets on Saturday September 20 from 7:30-9:30. Come by a little early if you'd like a chance to chat and watch the set up. I'll have a little help with bass/guitar/drums on some of the songs from my talented friend Chris Pavelko. He will also keep the live music going during my short break.
Facebook Event When I am not playing music you can often find me knitting or crocheting. Although I haven't figured out how to craft and play an instrument at the same time, I will be entertaining everyone during the Knit, Hook & Muisc at the Outpost event. If you don't have any portable craftiness to work on you can still come to check out the Oddmall Outpost, listen to some music, and chat on Sunday, October 7, 2018 from 1 PM – 3 PM.
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Carmen Kelley
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