Whatever Became of “Songs of June”?

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In June 2011, I set myself a challenge to write a song a day for the entire month. I also intended to record and upload each one to Youtube upon completion, for you all to hear.

June got really busy. I was possibly one of the busiest months I’ve had in the past two years. Despite that, I completed the challenge, and by May 1st I had thirty new, complete songs (thank goodness June doesn’t have 31 days – I think next time I’ll choose February!). I’ll admit that I had to double up on a couple of days – there were days when I didn’t even have time to pick up a guitar (one song was written entirely in my head), so there were occasions where I’d write two songs in a day to compensate (this only happened a couple of times though). But I’d say that’s still legit! Thirty songs in thirty days was the point!

Although I successfully completed the challenge, I did fail a bit in terms of posting the songs for you all to see. We ended up traveling to Cape Town in that month for an impromptu mini-tour, which meant being away from my video recording setup, as well as no internet access. When I got back home, I had such a backlog of songs to record and upload that I lost momentum a bit. Over the ensuing months, I continued to post songs as and when I was able, but by the time I got to the 17th song I figured that most people had probably lost interest. I was wrong – people still ask me about it, and now I feel bad for not following through on sharing the journey with you!

So I thought maybe I’d start from scratch. My idea is to record/film all thirty of the songs again, and post them on this blog with the lyrics and backstories.

And then maybe, if I’m feeling really crazy, I’ll set myself another similar songwriting challenge! Maybe you can join me next time!

What do you all thing? Would you like me to rerecord and repost my “Songs of June”? Let me know in the comments section below!

 

Photo courtesy of George Landon

Tutorial Tuesday: Four More Basic Chords for Beginner Guitarists

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Last week I showed you how to play five basic chords on the guitar. Hopefully you’ve got them down by now! If not, watch the video here.

This week, I’m showing you how to play four more simple chords!

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Hope you enjoy!
Mali.xxx

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC9HfpI3laQ&feature=youtu.be

Photo courtesy of imadoofus123

Help Us Reach 1000 Views for the “Am I Lost” Music Video

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Hey everyone!

We need your help! The Mali & Me music video for Am I Lost (produced by the amazing Glory to God Motion Pictures) is currently at 798 views – we’d LOVE to hit the 1000 mark by the end of next week. Please watch the video (shown below), share it on Facebook and Twitter, email the link to friends and family, etc! And if you enjoy it, be sure to view it on Youtube and hit the “like” button!

Thanks guys!

Love,
Mali.xxx

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7i2LUltcYw

Tutorial Tuesday: Five Basic Chords on the Guitar

Have you been wanting to give songwriting a try, but can’t play an instrument? This post is for YOU!

In this video, I’ll show you how to play five basic chords that will pave the way for you to start writing songs. If you’re not interested in songwriting, but just want some basic tips to get started on the guitar, this post is for YOU TOO!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section!

Mali.xxx

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amg34oLHnGU

 

malikorsten

Be Slow To Take Offence

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When you choose to make a living from regularly baring your soul to complete strangers (as well as family and friends), it can be extremely difficult to swallow “constructive” criticism regarding your art. But being easily offended cannot only damage important relationships (both professional and personal), it also hurts you. If you’re one of those people who is quick to take offence, and don’t work at becoming a bit more resilient, you risk spending your life feeling worthless, victimised, unloved and misunderstood. The good news is that you control your emotions – they don’t control you.

The first thing you have to realise is that not everyone is going to love what you do. That’s just life. Don’t let it steal your joy. If you write folk music and your classic-rock-loving friend isn’t in love with your latest song, don’t let it rock your boat.

Secondly, some people really are just trying to help. When your uncle tells you that you “should” do XYZ to become more successful, appreciate the fact that he’s trying to help, even if his advice is misguided. You may even find that it’s not as misguided as you think, if you take the time to properly listen.

I don’t speak from a place of ignorance. My producer, recording engineer and band-mate also happens to be my husband. He is very honest, and has no trouble saying what he thinks, if he feels it will benefit the overall product. In the past I would routinely storm off or cry if I felt that I was being criticised as a songwriter, singer or musician. Then I would get over myself and realise that he’s not being mean – he’s trying to help me make the best album possible. The opinions of others (particularly those who have a vested interest in you for one reason or another) can be very important and helpful.

Of course, non-constructive, “I-hate-you-and-your-music-and-everything-you-stand-for”-typed comments should be dismissed without a second thought – they’re not worth your time or energy. But next time a friend, family member, creative partner or fan offers some advice – or an opinion – that you don’t immediately love, don’t let it anger you. Know who you are as a person and as an artist, and don’t let the opinions of others shake your identity. You may well find you learn something really valuable when you don’t let your emotions interfere with your ability to hear.

 

Photo courtesy of Scott Beale / Laughing Squid