August Newsletter: Reflection & Gratitude, New Band & Harmony Class

I just got back from a wonderful week focusing on the art, craft, and emotional journey of songwriting at the Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado. Mary Gaulthier, one of my favorite singer-songwriters, encouraged us to look deep into our pain when we write and understand ourselves as wounded healers. Bonnie Hayes, who wrote "Have a Heart" for Bonnie Raitt (a song that's practically in my DNA), offered her insights on writing compelling, memorable melodies. The wonderful Ellis gave us gentle guidance in how to build a wholehearted music career, inspired by her own path as an independent artist. Whether you are an experienced songwriter or want to write your first song, I can't recommend the Song School highly enough!
 
New Band Sugar in the Salt Debuts Sept 21st at La Peña

I'm excited to say that I'm a part of a brand new band with two of my favorite local songwriters, Maia "Papaya" Wiitala (bass, guitar) and Koralie "K Sugar" Hill (accordion, banjo, fiddle). If I keep hanging out with these folks, I think I'm gonna need a nickname ;) We've been a part of a monthly group workshopping each other's songs, and out of that emerged Sugar in the Salt!

On Sunday, September 21st we'll be celebrating Koralie's and my birthdays with a debut show at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley. La Peña is one of my absolute favorite venues to play in the Bay Area thanks to their fabulous sound, comfy seats and social justice politics, all just a few blocks from my home. They will make you feel right at home.

Acoustic duo The Velopheliacs from Los Angeles will open the night with their haunting, evocative music. They're kicking off their CD Release Tour with this show, so please come help us make them feel welcome at their first show in the Bay Area!

Sugar in the Salt Debut Show
& Birthday Celebration for Eli and Koralie
Sunday September 21st
La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
The Velopheliacs Open
7:30 pm Doors, 8 pm Show
$8 in Advance, $10 at the Door
Wheelchair Accessible
Buy Tickets

RSVP on Facebook to let us know you're coming!

One Year Anniversary of At The Seams -- Reflection & Gratitude

It's coming up on the one year anniversary of the release of my debut studio album, At The Seams. This past year since I put out the album has been a beautiful one, from getting to tour in the Pacific Northwest with my buddy Maia Papaya in the fall to touring  on the East Coast with my friend Constance Sisk and Joel Price in the spring. I've also been writing a lot this year, scheming about recording a second album sometime in the not too distant future.

I am so thankful to each and every one of you who donated to help me record the album, came out to shows, listened and connected with the music, and helped me get it to people's ears and hearts. As a thank you for your support, you can now download At The Seams online and "pay what you can."  I encourage you to let your friends know about the music too. Word of mouth makes a big difference for me as an independent artist!

I've put up some new videos from my spring tour, including one of me, Joel Price and Lela Patrik performing Justin Bieber's "Baby" at a house concert in Philadelphia.

Subscribe to my YouTube page to see more videos.

Also, I just received word that the album will be up on Pandora in the coming months -- I'll let you know when you can make an Eli Conley radio station! (I'm so curious who else the station will play. Any ideas?)

Into to Harmony Singing Class in Oakland

This fall I'll be teaching a class called Intro to Harmony Singing for LGBTQ People and Allies in Oakland. If you've ever wanted to learn how to come up with and sing your own harmony part, this is the class for you! Class starts Tuesday, September 2nd and turns through October 28th. There's four spots left in the class, so write me today if you're interested. Full info is at my website.

Take care,
Eli