Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ginger O'Brien Photography!
Check out this post from my friend Ginger O'Brien's photography blog! On it, you'll see a few pics from the CD release party back in November. Ginger did all of the photography for my album artwork and she is super-talented. In fact, check out all of her awesome photography on her blog!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
performance in the genes?
A little shout out to my mom, who taught me to play guitar... my mom and my three aunts did a little dance for the whole fam at Thanksgiving to Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies." It's hilarious (!) and I thought I'd share. Nancy Cobb is the one on the right closest to the door. Hee hee!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: "Garden" (#6)
Listen to "Garden" or see the lyrics.
The melody and guitar picking came first for this song. For a long time, I had also wanted to write lyrics about the creation story... the feel and the melody of this song seemed to lend themselves well to the creation theme, and slowly but surely a song started to form.
The creation story is one that I read and hear about over and over again, and suddenly I am numb to the beauty of what God did... that He created out of absolute nothingness a world full of life, beauty, companionship, love, sound, and color. He created our sense of taste and touch and sight and smell. He gave us food and light and dark and purpose and, most importantly, he gave us free access to himself. He also gave Adam his wife, Eve. I'm sure she was beautiful to behold for him, but she was also like his shield, his partner, and his home.
The bridge of this song shows how quickly the created order spiraled into disorder after what we call "the Fall." Our relationship with God becomes especially distorted and we turn our backs on the one who formed and shaped the world around us, and who formed and shaped us.
I hope you can hear the "but" at the beginning of the last chorus, because after the downward spiral of the bridge and the sense of distortion and disorder that wells up slowly through, it really is so important...
Hope you enjoy it!
The melody and guitar picking came first for this song. For a long time, I had also wanted to write lyrics about the creation story... the feel and the melody of this song seemed to lend themselves well to the creation theme, and slowly but surely a song started to form.
The creation story is one that I read and hear about over and over again, and suddenly I am numb to the beauty of what God did... that He created out of absolute nothingness a world full of life, beauty, companionship, love, sound, and color. He created our sense of taste and touch and sight and smell. He gave us food and light and dark and purpose and, most importantly, he gave us free access to himself. He also gave Adam his wife, Eve. I'm sure she was beautiful to behold for him, but she was also like his shield, his partner, and his home.
The bridge of this song shows how quickly the created order spiraled into disorder after what we call "the Fall." Our relationship with God becomes especially distorted and we turn our backs on the one who formed and shaped the world around us, and who formed and shaped us.
I hope you can hear the "but" at the beginning of the last chorus, because after the downward spiral of the bridge and the sense of distortion and disorder that wells up slowly through, it really is so important...
Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: "Let Me Be" (#5)
Listen to "Let Me Be" or see the lyrics.
Like "Dark" and "Free," this song came out of my time in Dallas. I think I would be totally repetitive to tell you the story behind this song, since I've kind of already done that twice... :)
But let me share at least this... this is one of my favorite songs to sing live (along with maybe "Next Year" - #13)! It's comfortable and familiar and, even more important, I really get to feel it every time I sing it. I get to feel that angst and darkness that I felt during that hard time in my life. The song is kind of gritty and raw and dramatic, and I like that too.
Hope you guys are liking these posts! It's good for me to think through where these songs came from, because they live and breathe on their own now and I sometimes forget the meaning and the context behind them...
Like "Dark" and "Free," this song came out of my time in Dallas. I think I would be totally repetitive to tell you the story behind this song, since I've kind of already done that twice... :)
But let me share at least this... this is one of my favorite songs to sing live (along with maybe "Next Year" - #13)! It's comfortable and familiar and, even more important, I really get to feel it every time I sing it. I get to feel that angst and darkness that I felt during that hard time in my life. The song is kind of gritty and raw and dramatic, and I like that too.
Hope you guys are liking these posts! It's good for me to think through where these songs came from, because they live and breathe on their own now and I sometimes forget the meaning and the context behind them...
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: "Dark" (#4)
I wrote this song just last year, but it looks back on our time in Dallas... my first year out of college, my first year working (and working really long hours), and my first year married. It was - you guessed it - kind of a dark time for me.
I actually have already written a bit about it already in this post on the song "Free". The first line of the second verse - "I'm losing myself, that's how I feel" - really sums up that time. I couldn't figure out who I was, because all of the things that I had put my identity in were definitely crumbling away.
And what was I left with? Pretty much just a desperation for God to step in and rescue me from all these lies I was believing about my situation, even though I would probably fight Him when He did.
And that's what the prayer is all about at the end of the song...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: "Spring" (#3)
Listen to "Spring" or see the lyrics.
"Spring" started out as a joke song inspired by the long winters in New England that like to hang on - with white-knuckled ferocity - until April or sometimes even May. But a deeper meaning crept into the song as I wrote.
When April or May comes around, the desire for spring and sun and being outside grows in intensity for people who live in New England. I mean, we've been cooped up in our homes since December, it's been dark starting at 4:30 pm every night since November, and our friends from Texas are posting pics from the lake on their Facebook pages (or, is that just me?). Arrgh.
Ok, it's really not that bad - but I truly have this intense desire to be outside, to be warm, to wear shorts again when these "spring" months come around. When it finally does, I really enjoy and appreciate the sun and wearing shorts more than I ever did in Texas.
Sometimes winters come in spiritual form, and I think that I've been experiencing a bit of one for the last few years... the longing and desire for the sun to come out again and shine on my face is stronger now than it has been in a long time.
It's still winter, but I can't wait for the spring.
"Spring" started out as a joke song inspired by the long winters in New England that like to hang on - with white-knuckled ferocity - until April or sometimes even May. But a deeper meaning crept into the song as I wrote.
When April or May comes around, the desire for spring and sun and being outside grows in intensity for people who live in New England. I mean, we've been cooped up in our homes since December, it's been dark starting at 4:30 pm every night since November, and our friends from Texas are posting pics from the lake on their Facebook pages (or, is that just me?). Arrgh.
Ok, it's really not that bad - but I truly have this intense desire to be outside, to be warm, to wear shorts again when these "spring" months come around. When it finally does, I really enjoy and appreciate the sun and wearing shorts more than I ever did in Texas.
Sometimes winters come in spiritual form, and I think that I've been experiencing a bit of one for the last few years... the longing and desire for the sun to come out again and shine on my face is stronger now than it has been in a long time.
It's still winter, but I can't wait for the spring.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: "Free" (#2)
Listen to "Free" or see the lyrics.
I started writing "Free" when we were living in East Asia in 2006-07. It has to do with that checklist we all seem to make, and I especially tend towards...
The year before, when we had lived in Dallas, I had really struggled as I felt like all the things I had put my identity in - being able to write songs, being a nice person that people liked, being a strong Christian, being a good friend - were crumbling away. I felt like I was becoming the complete opposite. For one, I was a total stressball with work. I also felt like a terrible friend, I had no creativity to write, and I felt very far from God.
Checklist FAIL, right?
"Free" is about the truths that made me realize how false the checklist really is.
I started writing "Free" when we were living in East Asia in 2006-07. It has to do with that checklist we all seem to make, and I especially tend towards...
Checklist FAIL, right?
"Free" is about the truths that made me realize how false the checklist really is.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: Thank You (#1)
Listen to "Thank You" or see the lyrics.
The first song on the CD, "Thank You," is what I call a shower song. Why? Because I started humming this melody in the shower and the song was mostly written about 30 minutes later! That's always fun.
This song is about how meaning truly has infused everything. From the flowers to the bees to the mountains to the ocean - the seemingly insignificant things in nature as well as the majestic things that we often feel dwarfed by. He has infused our relationships with meaning, and every person we see walking around has meaning and purpose, dignity and beauty.
But it's not meant to be a happy-go-lucky song about how everything is beautiful and meaningful. There is an obvious need for redemption because, as beautiful as things are, things are also broken. We are also broken. That's what the second verse is about.
But both the second verse and the bridge look ahead. There is a redemption coming. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we see reflections and shadows of beauty and light and meaning now. But later, when full redemption comes, we'll be able to see the sun itself - burning in all its brightness.
And for that, we are thankful.
The first song on the CD, "Thank You," is what I call a shower song. Why? Because I started humming this melody in the shower and the song was mostly written about 30 minutes later! That's always fun.
This song is about how meaning truly has infused everything. From the flowers to the bees to the mountains to the ocean - the seemingly insignificant things in nature as well as the majestic things that we often feel dwarfed by. He has infused our relationships with meaning, and every person we see walking around has meaning and purpose, dignity and beauty.
But it's not meant to be a happy-go-lucky song about how everything is beautiful and meaningful. There is an obvious need for redemption because, as beautiful as things are, things are also broken. We are also broken. That's what the second verse is about.
But both the second verse and the bridge look ahead. There is a redemption coming. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we see reflections and shadows of beauty and light and meaning now. But later, when full redemption comes, we'll be able to see the sun itself - burning in all its brightness.
And for that, we are thankful.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Meaning Behind the Songs: Sing
To celebrate the release of Sing, I'm going to do a little "series" on this blog about the meaning behind each of the 13 songs on the new album. I love it when I go to a concert and the musician gives me just a little insight... Why did he or she write it, under what circumstances, what's the heart of the song, etc.? I hope you guys feel the same way!
For Part 1 of the 13 part series, I want to talk about why the album is called Sing in the first place. The title track is #9, but "sing" has been a theme that has been coming up quite a bit for me in these past few years as I've been writing and struggling with what it means to be a "musician" and a "singer-songwriter". I noticed that the word "sing" came up quite a bit in my songs as well - you might notice it too as you listen!
So....
About a year ago, I was on a retreat in New Hampshire, thinking and praying about music and what to do with all of these songs that kept coming.
What was I supposed to do with this music thing? Was I doing enough? Was I making too much of it or too little? Am I supposed to go and try to be a rock star, or am I supposed to give up altogether? Am I terrible but no one is telling me?
An image of a huge choir came to my mind. In this picture, I am just one of hundreds of singers in the choir. We are all singing different harmonies, and even different melodies, but we are singing the same Song. As I sing, I wonder to myself, "Am I loud enough?" and "Shouldn't I have a solo or something?" and "What if I stopped singing - would anyone notice? Do I make a difference? Can anyone even hear me?"
God answers these questions for me by answering just that last question... He says "I can hear you. You are singing for me. It doesn't matter if anyone else can hear you or if you have a solo or how good you are. Just sing."
And so I do.
For Part 1 of the 13 part series, I want to talk about why the album is called Sing in the first place. The title track is #9, but "sing" has been a theme that has been coming up quite a bit for me in these past few years as I've been writing and struggling with what it means to be a "musician" and a "singer-songwriter". I noticed that the word "sing" came up quite a bit in my songs as well - you might notice it too as you listen!
So....
About a year ago, I was on a retreat in New Hampshire, thinking and praying about music and what to do with all of these songs that kept coming.
What was I supposed to do with this music thing? Was I doing enough? Was I making too much of it or too little? Am I supposed to go and try to be a rock star, or am I supposed to give up altogether? Am I terrible but no one is telling me?
An image of a huge choir came to my mind. In this picture, I am just one of hundreds of singers in the choir. We are all singing different harmonies, and even different melodies, but we are singing the same Song. As I sing, I wonder to myself, "Am I loud enough?" and "Shouldn't I have a solo or something?" and "What if I stopped singing - would anyone notice? Do I make a difference? Can anyone even hear me?"
God answers these questions for me by answering just that last question... He says "I can hear you. You are singing for me. It doesn't matter if anyone else can hear you or if you have a solo or how good you are. Just sing."
And so I do.
Monday, November 2, 2009
It's here!
I am really excited to let you know that Sing, my new CD, is now available! I worked really hard on it this summer, and it finally arrived in its completed form on Friday!
How can you listen?
For the next week, you can listen to the new album in full between www.virb.com/carolinecobb and www.myspace.com/ carolinecobbmusic. I've also posted the lyrics on my website!
Where can you buy it?
From now until January 1, 2010, Sing will be for sale for just $10 through the online store at www.carolinecobb.com or you can buy it directly from me. You'll also be able to buy the new album on iTunes, Amazon, and other online stores in about a month, so stay tuned!
Come out to celebrate!
I'll be having a CD release party Monday, November 9th at the Gulu Gulu Cafe in Salem, MA. Mark it on your calendar! The show will start at 8 PM with Kathryn O'Leary Baldanza and Annie Hard opening, and it's going to be really fun. I'm really looking forward to this night and hope to see you! If you can't make the release party, I have another concert on Friday, November 13!I'm also planning/hoping to have a CD release party in Houston, TX on Saturday, December 19. Time and location TBD, but I'll let you know when I know!
Please spread the word...
If you like what you hear, consider spreading the word! Facebook, tweet, blog a review, forward this e-mail... obviously, I'd love for you to share this information and it would be a huge support to me.
Thanks for all of your support! Let me know what you think!
Monday, October 19, 2009
CD Ships on Wednesday!
Sing, the new CD, ships this Wednesday! I've been out of town for work, in California and (starting tomorrow) Michigan, and I'm hoping 1,000 CD's will be waiting for me when I get home. :) I can't believe it!
In other news, mark your calendars for a CD release party at Gulu Gulu in Salem on Monday, November 9 at 8 pm. There is nothing better than a party on a Monday night - right? More information coming soon!
In other news, mark your calendars for a CD release party at Gulu Gulu in Salem on Monday, November 9 at 8 pm. There is nothing better than a party on a Monday night - right? More information coming soon!
Monday, October 12, 2009
It's a Girl!
Ok, I know this is a music blog... but how can I resist letting you know that my husband Nick and I just found out a week ago that we're having a little girl?
Amazing to see every vertebrae in the spine, the heart beating with four chambers, five fingers, five toes...
Thankful.
Amazing to see every vertebrae in the spine, the heart beating with four chambers, five fingers, five toes...
Thankful.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A Concert in East Asia
The biggest concert I ever played? East Asia a couple of years ago. Definitely, by far, no questions asked... I'm talking hundreds of people! Nick and I were studying at a university over there, and they had asked me to participate in this show they were putting on for the entire school. There were a lot of acts, and they definitely had no idea who I was, but it was still just awesome and totally fun to play rock star for a night. I actually tried to dress up like Avril Lavigne too (notice the tie). Wristbands? Does Avril wear wristbands?
I mean, hey, why not?
I mean, hey, why not?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
music on the lawn
Had a really fun time at Music on the Lawn last Saturday afternoon. Cider, cider doughnuts, beautiful fall weather, laying out blankets on the grass... awesome. Thanks to Kerry for putting it on and to those of you who came out and listened!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Concert in LA?!
Excited to let you know that I have a concert coming up in LA! Have friends in LA? Definitely tell them. Do I know many people in LA? Ummmm... a few, but not really. Would definitely love your help!
Wednesday, October 14
Genghis Cohen
Set starts at 7 PM
$7
http://www.genghiscohen.com/
thanks!
- caroline cobb smith-
Wednesday, October 14
Genghis Cohen
Set starts at 7 PM
$7
http://www.genghiscohen.com/
thanks!
- caroline cobb smith-
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
New CD, new website, and new blog
Welcome to the caroline cobb music blog! Thanks for being here. I feel a little self-conscious about starting this thing. Blogs are so strange. But fun. Anyway....
There is so much going on right now... I just sent off the new CD, Sing, to the duplication company, and in just a few weeks they'll send 1,000 back my way. I am so excited. With my husband Nick's help, I created a new website (he wants me to make sure you know that I did the website design and that he just helped with all of the technical details... but still). I'm booking shows in LA, TX, and locally here in MA. Whew.
But I'm so thankful.
So, to get straight to it, on this little blog o' mine, I’ll post updates on the new album, concerts as they come along, pictures, descriptions of the new songs and what they mean, and maybe some personal thoughts and happenings. Please do comment away, put the blog on your Reader, and all of that other good stuff.
Aaaand....blog!
There is so much going on right now... I just sent off the new CD, Sing, to the duplication company, and in just a few weeks they'll send 1,000 back my way. I am so excited. With my husband Nick's help, I created a new website (he wants me to make sure you know that I did the website design and that he just helped with all of the technical details... but still). I'm booking shows in LA, TX, and locally here in MA. Whew.
But I'm so thankful.
So, to get straight to it, on this little blog o' mine, I’ll post updates on the new album, concerts as they come along, pictures, descriptions of the new songs and what they mean, and maybe some personal thoughts and happenings. Please do comment away, put the blog on your Reader, and all of that other good stuff.
Aaaand....blog!
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