Just yesterday I said that dreams do come true. Today, well, was one of those days.
Two years ago I was on the verge of giving up. I had lost track of myself and what I wanted to do. I felt like a failure - I was changing courses at university and it was the toughest time for me. I wrote ‘Faith In You’ one evening, hoping that one day someone would show some respect to what I do, who I am, so that maybe someday all those hopes and dreams would not remain as such, but become realities.
Since those days I have changed. I’m happy…and I’m doing what I love most. I finally managed to reach people with my music and that’s the greatest satisfaction an artist can get. My songs are small parts of me, which I share with anyone who listens to them, who relates to them. Without them I cannot be complete. I’m sharing my thoughts with strangers and friends alike - and it’s not a comfortable feeling, but somehow it’s rewarding.
Today I got to know that I’m nominated for the Best Newcomer award at the 2009 Bay Music Awards. I’m ecstatic about it, and still can’t believe it, but I’m there together with the best Maltese talent! I’m immensely proud of being part of the Maltese music scene, especially this year, since a lot of new talent and great songs went on air. You can check the Bay Music awards website here. For those interested in helping me out, you can vote for me by sending an sms with my name (Jean Claude Vancell) on 5061 5301.
Dreams do come true, you just have to believe in them too.
I’ve been really busy this past month. With starting my last year at university and coordinating a charity show, I had to leave all my other projects to the side. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about working on them some more. This October I was busy coordinating a show called Strummin’ the 80s - a show packed with 80s music, with a whole lot of energy, and a cast full of enthusiastic youths. It was a great experience seeing the audience enjoy themselves, but I’ve learnt to appreciate more the work involved in putting up such a show. I’ve made so many new friends, and been through a handful of experiences which I will cherish all my life.
As a bonus, I was also the interval act on one night of the shows. I’d like to publicly thank my band (Malcolm Bonnici on guitar, Luke Vella Clark on percussions and Sean Borg on violin) for their time and patience during rehearsals. We had a great time entertaining the crowd and doing what we love most. It was a pleasure. Special thanks go to Raquela, with whom I sang our upcoming single, and a classic 80s tune! Kudos to you girl!
Back to my little project! After the Strummin’ gig I decided to include the band in the recordings, and record an acoustic version of THE song. Those who know me well enough know that I love this song. I’m talking about ‘When the City Lights Turn Blue’. It’s been a year that I’ve written this track and, still, every time I perform it something new is added to it. That’s why I decided to record the acoustic version of the track… we’re still in the process of recording, but the results so far are sounding pretty good.
Another track I’ve worked upon is the title track of the album…Music Box. This is, by far, the weirdest tune I’ve come up with till now and for that same reason I like it. I enjoyed working this one out especially since I hardly used anything else but my voice. Call me a narcissist, but hey it works.
Here are some photos from the Strummin’ gig - photo credits go to the talented Noelle Cardona!
Two days on from the start of this project I’ve changed in a lot of aspects. It wasn’t the fact that I’m starting this adventure that changed me, but these last days have been a whirpool of emotions. So it was only appropriate to record a song called ‘Far Away’ - somewhere I wish to be at the moment. I intend to place this as the opening of the album, but things will probably change. I had already recorded a version of this song about 2 years ago but I wanted to give it a revamp and make it sound more like a lullaby, like it was originally intended, rather than the rock song which it previously was. Toni Sant had included that version in his podcast a looooong time ago, and I’m still grateful to him.
Far Away is a lullaby - not for children - more of an escapist song. It’s the perfect song to sing at this point in my life - it’s the perfect illusion that someday things will get better - and that day is not so far, that certain decisions were made for the best. It starts like any good lullaby should, with a music box playing the tune. Here’s a small taste of it:
No one said it would be easy
but no one told you to give up.
I just need you to hang on there
and with a stroke of luck,
We’ll get out of here,
away, afar.
We’ll get out of here,
we’re not too far away.
For those of you who either live in Malta or have been here for summer, know how incredibly hot it can get. So you can imagine recording in a small room, with no fan on and no air conditioning at 33C and over 85% humidity outside. I was basically melting away to get this song on the road. After mixing it, I have to admit it was worth it
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together with the best Maltese talent! I’m immensely proud of being part of the Maltese music scene, especially this year, since a lot of new talent and great songs went on air. You can check the Bay Music awards website here. For those interested in helping me out, you can vote for me by sending an sms with my name (Jean Claude Vancell) on 5061 5301.![[del.icio.us]](http://jcvancell.blog.com.mt/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
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