Austin redux
It was a whirlwind of a trip. We were only there for less than 48 hours. Missy, my art director, designer and 'everything' girl is starting to see how life of an artist on the road is pretty much defined by waking up at ungodly hours - such as, say, 430 AM to catch a flight at 630.
I am a morning person, so although I do sigh, I weather it a lot better than most would:) but Missy is not a morning person at all. Saturday morning had me filming her on my iPad, as she was struggling against the God of Slumber in her attempts to actually rise from the bed and become awake. It's a really cute video, but she is adamant no one will ever see it. I suggested it would make for great footage, especially with some suspenseful music thrown in for soundtrack. She was not too enthusiastic...
Anyway, I really liked what I saw of Austin. We did not get to see the bats, unfortunately, who apparently sleep under the bridge and swarm the skies around dusk. The closest to a bat we got was this plastic bat in our van:
As usual, Missy took a lot of great photos, and the issue of Chronicles will go up soon, although at this point we will probably combine it with my NYC trip/performances, which are next weekend.
I have to apologize for the delay in the publishing of Lollapalooza issue of Chronicles - but it has been such a hectic month and a half for all of us, with the shooting of the video, the upcoming release, performances and such, that we ended up running a bit behind on things.
It rained when we were there. Just a day before our arrival, my tour manager Abby warned us about the sweltering heat we were heading into... she even sent me a snapshot of weather on her iPhone, and it was all 96-98 degrees throughout the weekend.
Except when I arrived, an hour later it was sprinkling. After a refreshing rain, Austin was actually breezy and cool. Next day, I performed, and an hour later there was a thunderstorm. Bands were performing with umbrellas. But I don't think people minded so much, because this was the first rain after a months' long drought.
I singlehandedly took all the credit for the rain, of course. After all, it makes the flowers grow, does it not?:)
After running around in requisite golf carts, we were back at the airport, eating BBQ.
Another highlight of the festival: hearing Stevie Wonder's soundcheck. Alas, I did not get to see him do it, but hearing was amazing enough.
Did I ever tell you, by the way, that when I was 11, all I listened to, for weeks, was his 'Secret Life of Plants' record?
Here is the Team Flower Alchemist before I took the stage (Missy Washington, my art director, and moi):
Lindsey Green, who was the bass player, wore a perfect pair of Elton John sunglasses, and as you can see, we actually matched on-stage. I think I should take him on tour with me. But only if he wears those shades!
As I performed Saturday, people walking across the big, grassy field, kept trickling in, and when I lifted my head after a song, to look out, there were all these people gathered in front of the stage. It was a really special moment, because, really, it was the magic of music that brought them in. I felt like a real Siren, for a moment: making all those random sailors turn their ships (well, bring their folding chairs) towards my stage with the power of my song.
more pictures coming soon! In the E-Chronicles II.
I came to ACL early that day, didn't know who was playing, liked your name (in all seriousness) so my friend and I walked over to the Austin Ventures stage. I only caught three songs and was so impressed. We were both saying how we had wished we'd been there for the entire show. You are absolutely divine and so talented! Cannot wait for the EP to come out. I've been raving about you on my facebook and twitter. I wish you only the best and will continue to follow your music!
Posted by: Kate | 09/19/2011 at 11:14 AM
Hi Eli, I am so glad you are doing your thing and obviously successful. I was following your posts on FB and smile every time. I miss you and wish you good luck. If you ever in Hawaii let me know, we'll show you around
Natasha
Posted by: nataliya peck | 09/19/2011 at 02:16 PM
LOVED you in Austin. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Another Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | 09/20/2011 at 09:04 AM
Yes, you ARE a siren. I was one of those people walking by, but when I recognized my bandmate on stage w/you I came to listen, and was mesmerized. I dig your style. If you should ever want some kind of sultry baritone saxophone I'd be there. Very, very nice. Enjoyed all of it. Best of luck, hope to see you again!
Posted by: Thomas | 09/20/2011 at 12:22 PM
Siren is right...my friends and I were walking by planning on seeing a band one of us had an interest in, but as we were walking by, I heard the most beautiful voice I'd heard in a while! My friends wanted to see the rock band (who tried to drown you out it seems, but couldn't!). I told them I was staying put. I'm so glad I did, you were wonderful. The surprise of the festival to me. Look forward to your EP!
Posted by: Ryan | 09/21/2011 at 08:20 PM