Naomi's future blogs will be posted on her Myspace website. Click here to visit.
Archived Blogs
06-02-05
Wow. It's been a year since I truly worked on the site. A lot has happened in that time. I finally, after 8 1/2 years, quit my management job, to focus on music and a higher education. I have been doing a lot of local karaoke contests, and making connections. I was supposed to be working with a new producer on some tracks, but that seems to have fallen through. The great news is that I will be back in the studio next week with Corey. There will new material, once again. It's been a year since the last song, "To Rescue You", was recorded.
I also have a live backing band in the works. We shall be hopefully playing in venues around Edmonton and area within the next 6 months.
That's all for now. I still love hearing from the fans of the music. God bless.
04-14-04
Hey everyone! Been keeping busy at work and at play. I had a great opportunity to go to the Juno Awards here in Edmonton last week, and it was a thrill! I hope one day I can be a nominee there. Got some great photos of celebs on the red carpet. The red carpet show was actually more fun than the awards ceremony. But it was still cool to see how these awards shows work.
I am a semi-finalist in Rosario's Idol - a local karaoke competition. The semi-finals take place on April 22. The big Canadian Idol audition is on April 19. I guess I am going, but I am not very enthusiastic about it right now. I feel if I don't go, I'd regret it later. I just don't think this type of competition is really where I want to take my career. I have a lot of exciting opportunities otherwise that I am investing my effort into. But we'll see if I show up at CI. :) I plan to once again take part in the Carnival of Shrieking Youth Festival. More info to come on that. Got about half of a band lineup, so I am still looking for people to come join.
Got back into the studio a month ago and I have 2 new songs for you. "Be Like You" and "To Rescue You". They are available to hear at my soundclick.com webpage. The reason I have all my songs available there and other music websites, is because I have limited webspace at the moment. I have 20 songs completed and no room to store them. If these places are causing you any kind of trouble listening to my music, let me know.
Thanks for all your emails of support for my music. I am sorry if I am not timely in writing you all back, but I do read them and get to it eventually.
01-30-04
WOW. Is T.O. ever big. Edmonton looked like a little dot on the ground taking off compared to landing in Toronto. The size amazed me. I really enjoyed my 5 days there. We were all touristy and checked out all the must-see places like the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Niagara Falls. Niagara was nothing like I expected. I figured it would be a national park like out here in the mountains, completely naturistic. Yeah, maybe on THAT side of the street. The falls are really breathtaking, just not as large as I imagined, and then it's like a mini-Vegas on the other side of the street. Spent a whole day there because there's just so much to do!
It takes forever to drive anywhere in T.O. on a Friday night. I sure took for granted how close and easy things are to get to in Edmonton. It took us 2 and a half hours to drive from downtown Toronto back to our hotel in Richmond Hill. The freeways are insanity. Nothing like I've ever seen before! Good thing I wasn't driving. I am not aggressive enough. What I like is that they salt their roads there so it never seems to accumulate into a skating rink-sand mess like here.
And one of the big highlights of my trip was visiting one of my favourite places on earth - Muchmusic. It was so cool to finally see it! And George Strombolopous (spelling?) was in the window and waved at us! Very cool of him, considering he probably sees 100 people a day fingerprinting their windows. We were pretty obvious tourists though. I'll post some of my favourite photos in the photo section.
Even after all that awesomeness, I still love my little Edmonton. It's just right for me. So now it's off to work and back into the studio soon. Gonna get some new tunes going for ya!
01-14-04
Hey everyone! I'm still here! Haven't been doing any recording in a long time, but that should change soon. Owensound studios is moving their location, and when it's all set up, I'll be back with new material. For now, I work hard making pizza. :)
The Edmonton Journal did a story on gaps between teeth and featured me in it. It's in the articles page on this site if you wanna read it. It turned out better than I expected! My name was spelled wrong, but you can't win 'em all.
I am heading for Toronto on vacation in two days. The first time I have ever been there. Since I am scared of flying, this oughta be fun. Pray for me!
Celebrated my 25th birthday on December 27th with a bang. Had a nice party at Rosario's Pub.
Talk to you all when I get back!
08-20-03
Just had a week-long vacation from work. In about 3 weeks, I'll be going through major changes at work, in which I am transferringlocations. More money and more challenge for me.
Right now I am looking for musicians who'd like to play my material live around town. I got my first taste of gigging and I think I couldeasily become addicted! So if you or anyone you know in the Edmonton area is looking to play in a band, refer them my way.
Merchandise will soon be available on the site, other than the CD.
Now two more of my friends have moved away from Edmonton to persue other things. It's been a hard time for me adjusting to this, but I realisepeople must grow and get on with things, or they'll never know what they're missing. I may have to do the same eventually.
Thanks for all your support in emails, the guestbook, and the tag board at the main page. It helps drive me, knowing I've got fans of my work.
For all the Edmonton karaoke fanatics, check out Gord's show on Wednesday nights at Overtime Grill on 104th Ave and 107th st. What a great, classy barwith a huge selection. And then there's always Rosario's, 7 nights a week. 108th Ave and 117th St. I have been thinking of training as aKJ to deal with my fear of talking to crowds. Singing isn't usually an issue, but speaking is! I'll see what happens.
07-23-03
Hey everyone! It's been a crazy summer for me. Haven't been in the studio for a few months though. I've been catching up on life things, working a lotat my job, and busy having a social life. I've been spending a lot of time at karaoke. I finally felt inspired to write a song today. I'll have the lyrics posted soon. It'stitled "Worth It".
Having my brand new smile has been amazing. I feel so much more confident and it's nice not feeling afraid to smile with my mouth open.It also really helped me for my first gigs back in May. They went well, and the video clips from the first show are up in the Media section.
Went camping with my friends for a week back in June. My best friend moved to Quebec, and although that sucked, we had a great time beforehe left. Went to Klondike Days last week and spent all the money I had on junk. That's what happens very year at K-Days, and I never learn. K-Daysis a carnival/fairgrounds that happens every July in Edmonton. The Conklin Midway comes into town and takes everyone's cash.
I have plans to vacation in Vancouver this August. After that, I should be back in the studio, writing and recording on a regular basis.Thanks for all of your emails of support, and thanks to those who've been wondering where the heck I am - now you know.
04-14-03
Only three more days until I get my new teeth. You better believe I'll be posting photos when it's done. Hope it all goes well. Say a prayer for me!The gig dates are posted on the main page. Hope you all like the new layout and find it user friendly. If not, let me know.
I am starting a web design company. If you need a website designed for a cheap rate, contact me and we'll talk.
Posted 2 new songs in the Audio section - "Stronger" and "R U Dumb". "Stronger" is very special to me, as I wrote the lyrics about myrelationship with God. Needs work, but I think it's a good one. "R U Dumb" is another idiot boyfriend song. ;)
So who's your favourite American Idol contestant? I go for Kimberly Caldwell becauase she's the complete package for a pop star. The onlyproblem is she's too Britney/Jessica/Mandy/Christina-like. I think Ruben will win. They'll pick a guy this time. Carmen's outta there next week.Very pretty girl, but she needs work vocally. Not that I am one to talk since I have my own issues, but for this contest, you gottahave it all. Still waiting for Paula Abdul to ride this AI momentum with a comeback album. ;) Loved her THIS much when I was 12.
As Bon Jovi continues to rock my world, they have announced summer tour dates. Once AGAIN, not including Western Canada. This hurts. Rejected.I have seen them live twice. It's gotta be a hat trick.
Speaking of hat tricks...
GO OILERS GO!
Let Edmonton make it past Dallas AT LEAST ONCE!
04-01-03
I am still alive and kicking! Life has been busy. Thanks to everyone who regularily visits the site. I love the emails and feedback aboutthe songs, so keep it coming!
Getting a dental operation in April. Getting the gap between my two front teeth corrected. It's very exciting for me! Been waiting most ofmy life to have this done, so it's a big deal.
Still writing with Corey and Mike. I have new songs almost completed with both producers. Can't wait until you hear them.
New CD's that you should definately check out are by Stacie Orrico, Paul Bettencourt, and Population 1.
I have my first live gig coming up in May. I am scared to death, but it's going to be fun once I get up there! Email me if you plan on coming.My CD is now being played at a local pub here in Edmonton, B Street Bar on 111th Ave and 108 St. Karaoke runs 6 nights a week and is hosted bythe most excellent Brad Scott.
01-06-03
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year's. All the best to everyone in 2003. Remember to take care of your family and friends, and stick to your resolutions.Sorry I haven't been around. I've neglected updating this thing. Been working out and finally toning up! it feels good. Even makesme cut back on McDonald's willingly. The newest song with Mike, "My Man", is up! If you like "To Love You", I hope you'd be into thisone too. "Jovi Papers" seems to be getting a lot of attention. My message board isn't. Hope to see you all there soon. I am 24 now.Had a great party at a local karaoke bar that my friends and I recently discovered.
10-06-02
It's been a while since I've had time to update the site! I've had my share of excitement lately. The main thing taking up my time is my"day job". I just got promoted to general manager of a Pizza Hut store and moved to a new location. This is a crazy time for me, gettingadjusted and whatnot. But it's going well and I enjoy my new store. I've worked for the Hut now for 6 years this month. So it's beena long haul but I've always enjoyed it. I was very sad to leave my old location, I love everyone there so much and had a great 4 yearsover there. Made some great friends. On my last day, they surprised me with a cake and a card that everyone had signed! I was sohappy, the tears started flowing. And as I was cutting the cake, they came up behind me with a handful of cake and smushed it in my face. Good times.
Bon Jovi's new album, "Bounce", is coming out on Tuesday in Canada and the US. BUY IT! Feel the Jovi love. It's such an amazingalbum. If you like rock. I watched A&E Biography on Jon last week, and since I am such a Bon Jovi nutcase, nothing was really new to meon there, but a lot of photos I've never seen before. My favourite story was how Jon's little brother, Matthew, used to pick Jon's hairoff the floor when their dad gave him a haircut, and put it in a bag to sell it - "This stuff is worth good money!"
Is it just me or is every woman obsessed with Vin Diesel? Is there something wrong with me because I am not? He's cool and all, butthe hysteria is overwelming. Most of my girlfriends are mad about him, as well as my sis. I am more of a Paul Walker girl myself.
I was backin the studio with Mike again recently. Working on more good r&b/pop writing. Mike and I probably have 3 or 4 songs onthe go since we started working together, yet only oneof our creations has seen the light of day - "To Love You". I can't wait toREALLY finish more tracks with him. He's very gifted and has the most current sound of many producers in Edmonton. It's hard to findthe good R&B in this city, since Edmonton isn't really know for it. He's quickly establishing himself as "the man" around here. His websiteis urbangruv.net if you want to check out his work with other artists as well.Monika has a very hot voice, she's great. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her yet though.
I just won 5 awards at the Future Female Artists Awards! That is very cool!I'll have the awards up soon. I am really happy about that. People are actually becoming fans of my songs and that makes me proud.I have to work harder.
08-12-02
What a great weekend! Jenae's show last night at the Canadian Brew House was so much fun. A friend named Julia and myself sang Jenae's backups,and I was really nervous about it beforehand. I wasn't sure I knew the harmonies well enough. But once we got up there, it was a blast.Jenae sounded great and did a nice job.
I must buy a new car this week. My truck is basically dead and I can't rely on it anymore or I'll get stuck somewhere! So this means I am beyond broke. So if anyone wants to buy my CD, now's a great time...;)
Mike has written a new song for me which I have yet to hear. We don't get the opportunity to work together that often. Schedules don't permit. I am excitedto do so again and see what he's come up with. He's a very talented writer and comes up with original sounds. My song "To Love You"is the only completed song Mike and I have at this moment, but we have others on the go.
Went to Rosario's last night for a little bit. It kind of sucks there now that Gord is gone. The new DJ's are doing a good job, but theselection has gone way down.
08-05-02
Been very busy this weekend. I am on holidays from work for a few days, so time for rest and relaxation.
Went to a friend's wedding this weekend, and sang "Everything I Do, I Do It For You". That was an honour, and I was terrified of screwingit up, considering this was so important. But all went well. Then I went camping for a night at a friend's lakelot north of SmokyLake, Alberta. Nice drive up there and no rain. I stopped in Gibbons on my way home for a little while. I grew up there and couldn't helpbut check things out, see what had changed. I drove by my old house, and it's totally different. Looks so good! I miss that place sometimes.
Then last night, we had a party for my good friend Jason who just quit the Hut and it was his last shift. Lots of people came out and onceagain, we party like no other.
Jenae asked me to sing backup for her this Sunday at a show she's doing, and I am excited! We're going to practice through the songson Wednesday and make sure we're ready.
I sold a couple CD's this weekend too.
07-16-02
Had a HOT weekend! It's been over 30 degrees celcius a LOT lately. Since when was Canada ever a giant igloo? At least it's not snowing.
My favourite spot for karaoke in Edmonton, Rosario's, is a place where my friends and I have gone for years. Yesterday was the lastnight for also my favourite DJ, Gord. So it was quite a party! Many old faces come out. The place won't be the same anymore, so I doubt I'll be hanging out there anymore. It's kinda sad! But I love singing karaoke. I usually don't ever sing the same song twice or I'dget bored.
07-08-02
I did an interview for a local youth magazine today. It will be the debut issue, and available in various places around the city. It was fun and different. I listened to a few different tracks by assorted artists and gave my opinion on the music.
I won a $100 gift certificate at Transit shoes and picked up three new pairs! That was a welcome surprise! I got a pair of knee-highboots, and a couple pairs of dressy sandals.
I have been listening to Alanis's album "Under Rug Swept" and Marc Anthony's new one too lately. Also the soundtrack to "Spirit - Stallionof the Cimarron". Songs written by Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer. Something different for Bryan but I really enjoy it.
I'll be in the studio tonight. Not sure yet what we'll be working on. Maybe write something. I am really tired and just wanna veg soI won't push myself too hard.
I posted a question to Maren Ord on her message board and she wrote back this week! It was really cool to hear back from her.I was curious as to what she did to get her career started from here in Edmonton. She did much of the same as what I am doing. Thenwent to record in TO. Was signed to Nettwerk Records, same label as Sarah McLachlan. She is wonderful and writes her own music. I hope to see her go far.
06-19-02
Dyed my hair today, put some streaks in it. There's this huge blonde chunk in front, trying to get used to it but not sure if I like it. Hair grows, I'll get over it.
Wrote a wicked song. It's called "Over". A ballad. It's my best work (but I always say that after writing a new song). It'll probablybe finished and up next week.
My friend Galen is moving to New Brunswick, so hey buddy, if you're reading this: WE'RE GONNA MISS YOU!
Is the new site too colourful? Maybe I should tone it down a bit. But I am having a crazy wild time with Paint Shop Pro! All the newwallpapers and graphics I have made...woah. I have made some for Jenae and Hevin too.
The new Nelly song with Justin Timberlake is hot. What happened to Wild Orchid? If you haven't heard of them, they're an amazing girlvocal pop group. These girls can wail, and unfortunately I think they broke up. You should check out their music on mp3.com.
Happy Birthday to Jenae! Who turned 23 yesterday.
Does anybody read this? Write me and let me know. I'm curious. Even if no one does, at least I am keeping a journal.
06-11-02
It's been a while! I was so busy last week. I wasn't in the studio until last night. Corey and I wrote a new song called "Cut Me Down".It's in the audio section now.
MP3.com got my songs back up, and "Alive" and "Possession" are currently being reviewed at www.garageband.com. I haven't heard back yet fromthe two contests I entered. Oh well! It's almost time to start getting my music out to record companies. That's what I should be concentrating on.
Last Monday I went to a funeral for a friend. It was hard but it was a really nice tribute to his life. It was good to see so many friendsI don't keep in contact much with anymore. I have been coming up with ideas for a song for him.
After the funeral, I drove out to Jasper to meet up with friends for a camping trip! What a great time that was. After the funeral, it wasimportant to me to be with my friends and enjoy the time together. One day my friend Galen built a drum kit out of branches, pots, pans, a beer bottle, and a box for a bass drum. And it WORKED! Even cowbell. So we jammed, him on drums and me on guitar for hours. The skin on my right thumb is blistered because I don't use a pick! It was worth it though. So much fun.
05-31-02
I have been busy, too busy to write here this week. Going camping next week with my friends, looking forward to a wicked time.Wrote another song with Corey this week, a real rock tune. It'll be up soon. Corey wants to lay down some drums and then we're laughing. :)
I have been really excited about what's going on at MP3.com with my music, particularily "Alive". It just first place in a contest ona station featured there. Then one day I was checking out the Edmonton charts, and it was #1! It almost brought tears to my eyes, I wasso happy. Then I had a problem. MP3.com was doing system maintenance and accidentally deleted the song, so it has been erased from the charts.Now I have re-uploaded it and I waiting for approval. This stinks. It was doing so well too.
05-15-02
Corey and I wrote a song today called "Possession". It's about a relationship in which one person is "possessive" of the other. I am reallyproud of it! But I say that after every new song we do. ;) It's still rough, but I really gotta work on hitting high notes in myhead voice, cuz there's one part in the chorus where I am really stretching for it and it's obvious. I will practice it until I getit sounding at least decent sounding! I don't want to drop the notes either because the song needs it. Why do I write out of my range?LOL oh well. I like the chord progession of this song. Corey is wicked! :) I enjoy my time in the studio. The nice thing is that we're almost pumping out a song a week now; we make good progress. It usually only takes us a few hours to havesomething decent recorded.
On Tuesday nights I usually go to eat wings with my friends, so yeah, we did that today and had a good time. Then there was a fightin my friend's apartment building across the street. Some guy beat the crap out of one guy, split open another guy's head, then proceededto trash the apartment COMPLETELY. I didn't see that part, but checked out the ambulance and cops outside. The guy in handcuffs bawlingthat his butt hurt...pure comedy. Especially because he's gay (Nothing against gay people).
05-14-02
My roommate got a new kitten today! Little fluffy ball named Blade. It's a she. So we took some pictures together.
Worked with Corey today in the studio. I wrote a happy song for once! I think it will turn out good. I am also moderating the Owen Sound Studio's message group now, so if you're in the music business or want to chat about it, go to www.msn.com/communities/owensoundstudios and join up.
my favourite song of the moment is "Hero" by Chad Kroeger and Josey uhhh...somethingerother. What a great song. I can't stop listeningto it. Plus I am so proud of Nickelback and how far they've gotten. If you like pop music, check out Boyz N' Girls United and their song "Messed Around". Writen by my hero, JC Chasez. ;) Yeah, he's a wicked writer. What can't this boy do?
The new Sheryl Crow CD is very good as well. I am a big fan of huge hooks, and this record is full of them.
05-09-02
Yup, "Spiderman" was amazing. I don't think I need to tell you that. I think my favourite part was when he was trying to figure outhow to shoot his webs. I was shopping with my friends today at West Edmonton Mall, and helping pick out clothes for someone. I swore I would NOT spend a dime on myself. Yeah, right.I get into a mall and can't stop myself. I bought "Escape" perfume, a tank top, and doo-rag, and shoes. VISA will be coming for my credit cardsoon. I am waiting to see Aerosmith "ICON" because I keep missing it. I have only seen Pink's performance, and she rocked. Also looking forward to "Friends" and "ER" tomorrow. Something is supposed to happen between Ross and Rachel, while I am gonna crymy eyes out during Mark Greene's farewell episode. I watched the NBC 75th anniversary show on Sunday. It was cool to see the Cosby castreunited! That was my highlight. Theo is a BIG boy now. Wow, and I don't usually watch a lot of TV.
I worked today and that was about it.
05-07-02
This is the first entry in my blog I created. I tried to use "blogger" and "greymatter"...couldn't figure it out so here is thisthing I made. As long as it works, I guess. I'll try to keep everyone updated with what's going on in my busy life here. And I'll possibly rant and rave about stuff that pisses me off too. ;)
I was in the studio today with Corey. I was not very productive; major writer's block or something. At least we re-cut "Inhibition" and it sounds way better.
Going to "Spiderman" tomorrow with my friends! I haven't been to a theatre in ages. Well it's 4 AM so I should quit writing.I am a night owl anyways but there are limits. :) Thanks to those of you who sign the guestbook, and those of you who visit regularily.I have been getting a lot of nice emails lately with feedback about the new tracks. This makes everything I am doing worth it!So hey, if you haven't yet, take a listen and write me.