My new website is up!

I've just finished rebuilding my website. I am pretty pleased with it. Do visit and let me know what you think: My Website - DanelleHarvey.com Thanks! D x

Am I the least regular blogger on the planet? Possibly...

Just under 23,000 views!! Not bad. This screen print was made today from the page of one of the main producers of this song, Alex Martello.

Click link to view: Better Day Video on YouTube
from my artist page on YouTube.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
It feels good that my song "Better Day" was selected for Ministry Of Sound's Clubber's Guide 2011. 'Tis nice that it has been a club and chart hit this year. It is awesome that others are inspired by the song and lyrics. Anyone who knows me, or has been a fan for a while, knows how things have been for me. Up and down! This is the first big hit for my label Tygahoney Music. It has only been going for a year. I run it myself and I really feel chuffed to have this achievement so soon after incorporation. Let's hope this song grows. Please support it and spread the link on my YouTube. I'm counting on you! You can buy it in many places. Here's one purchase link for the song and all it's mixes from Beatport:
BUY "BETTER DAY" HERE

I'm working hard. I hope I'm setting a good example for my lil' lovely Ja. I'm remaining positive. I put my heart and soul into it. I gave my all when I laid down that vocal. When I wrote the lyrics, I was sad about a few things. I am blessed to be able to let out whatever I'm going through, and put it into my work. I meant what I wrote and sang back in May last year.

It's funny the things that we forget about life. Deep down, I believe that we know the truth. I try to live and breathe my truth always. I encourage my daughter to do the same.

I'm re-learning that when you remain true to your self and your beliefs, things happen and flow that way.

As someone I know says often, "Energy flows where attention goes."

Word.

"There'll be a Better Day. Uh-huh."

Indie life with it's ups and downs... YEAH!

x

Better Day Single Update! Just the beginning..

Oh wow! So was November 2010 really the last time I blogged here?!

It is now a new decade, 25 January 2011 and SO much has happened since that last blog. The Better Day single preview that had so many plays on YouTube was released 27th December last year and it jumped to the top 12 of the Top 100 downloads within one week! Also, it entered the Global Top 100 chart just over a week ago.

Upon checking the link of said preview just a second ago, the views now stand at: 9902. Not bad hey?!

I'm pleased just because this dance single really kicks off as the first Major Collab project for my label Tygahoney Music and for my newly published works too. I sung it and wrote it, I didn't just feature on it and I'm representing Singers/writers and label owners (especially Indie, especially female) who do it all. Someone actually wrote to me congratulating me on the great job I did singing on Alex's single! (Alex is one of the producers of the track) I wrote the lyrics, the melody, did the vocal arrangement, vocal production, recorded the vocals in my own studio etc... in other words it is my single as well as Alex's. I'm not majorly fussed personally but as song ownership and recognition is an issue that songwriters come up against a lot, I am raising this point to show solidarity to those who get overlooked as music creators. Producers produce, composers compose. We all play a part and need to understand and respect each other. Thankfully I am pleased to have a great relationship with Alex and Guby. Big up to my two fave Italian producers! Saluti!

It has been a long and eventful career for me and it is a shame that I am still being seen as only a 'pretty face' or a 'voice' by some. I know who I am and amongst other things, I am a producer and composer, event organiser, label owner and more, but hey, as long as my songs are credited and I keep speaking up about things that are important to us all in the industry, I have hope that things will change for the better. I want to big up all the hard working females in the music industry who know what I'm talking about right now!

I have fire in my belly, I have done for years and I still feel as though things are only just beginning (again). I am blessed to have such a cool group of professionals with integrity working alongside me, and a cool bunch of supporters looking out for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Having entered the GLOBAL top 100 and jumping to Top 100 downloads in a matter of days is a BIG achievement for an Indie Label. It is no mean feat and I am proud.

I deserve to be. As I said, it has been a long road. You have no idea! Maybe one day I'll write a book about it all. You wouldn't believe half of my story if I told you... But that's for another time.

As I always state, it is just me here - me one, blessed with some great friends, fans and acquaintances. I am doing what I love, remaining ethical and true to my art and passion. There are SO many projects going on that I am involved in right now. I am excited just thinking about what is to come. I am mid recording my new as-yet-untitled acoustic album, collab'ing with some incredible musicians mainstream and not so mainstream and composing, partnering up and rehearsing loads, getting ready for touring. There are also projects that I am unable to speak about yet until I get the go-ahead! Oooh - BLIMEY! I'll keep you posted.

So, please bear with me as I try to document things as they come. This Indie-pendent Musician, Singer, Writer, Vocal Producer, Label Owner, Mother, Zen-Survivor, Hippie-Chic Chica is all fired up and 'roaring' to go... Just look at all those labels I have been tagged with! And they don't describe half of what I do...

"So how can I connect with you Danelle", I hear you ask?!
Sign up to my Mailing List for your complimentary MP3 download, exclusive offers and news if you haven't already. Follow me on Twitter @DanelleHarvey if you haven't done so already. I ALWAYS respond to tweets. I keep it real.'Like' my Page add me on MySpace if... yep, you guessed it and finally, do check out my Official Website if you... You get it right?! Don't forget to support INDIES!!! Tell a friend or two, share the links, share the links when you buy downloads or CDs. Things may seem effortless but it is hard work to do what I do on a ZERO budget. People say its impossible. I have proven otherwise. And that is all thanks to YOU!! I appreciate YOU!

View the Better Day Remixes in Tygahoney's YouTube channel: Tygahoney Music's YouTube It has recently been added so please help bump up the views! Comment too! Thanks

Speak soon!

Bless

D xxx

My upcoming dance single 'Better Day' 3000+ plays of the preview (Indie stylee)

Hey blog readers (silent and otherwise) how are you? I'm away at the moment. I am having a rest. It is well earned, believe.

I thought I'd let you know about my upcoming dance single 'Better Day'. Last week the preview had been on You Tube for only four days and at the time had over 1700+ hits. Just a few days on it has now reached 3000+ plays. I initially spread the word on the 1700 plays on my Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DanelleHarveyMusic and via my Tygahoney Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/tygahoneymusic and via my mailing list. I am so grateful to all who commented and spread the word on this tune.

3000+ plays is amazing! I am so loving being an Indie musician doing my thing my way.

Here's a bit from my recent newsletter describing a bit more about this song and why it means that much more to me:

Back in May this year, "...I was due to fly to Milan to record with the producers there, but there were time constraints. I was about to leave for Sweden to play at a festival, so I wrote and recorded it just before I left from my own studio (Its actually my first studio of my very own) so this feels even more amazing. I am so pleased. People seem to like it, which means a lot as it was deliberately written as a positive uplifting song. It was healing for me to write it as I personally needed to hear the words, 'There'll be a better day', at the time and thought it would be nice to spread the love and vibe, so I used it as the chorus hook line.

Please check it out on YouTube and help spread the word about my first release with the vocals directly written and recorded from my very own studio! Lets show that independent music can make a positive difference, I'm reaching out to positive music lovers like yourself. When you visit Youtube do share the link on your networks (Facebook, Myspace, etc): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJTntLYOyGc

Yay! Thank you.

I'll keep you posted on the release. Enjoy!"

-END OF NEWSLETTER-

So yep, I am a true Indie.

Life is good.

Please check the track out, support and spread the word.

If you are interested in joining my mailing list please visit: http://danelleharvey.fanbridge.com

There's a special gift for all who sign up plus many other perks from time to time too! No spamming, just genuine contact direct from me.

Thanks for the love, thanks for reading. I hope to connect with you soon.

Have a great week!

D x

Music: Sounds and Feelings

I feel so great right now. I've been in 'de-clutter mode' at home and in the studio recently. I've been Feng shui'ing my immediate environment to match the internal cleansing process that I'm going through.

This evening, I've been sat on my wooden floor surrounded by CDs that I'd forgotten about or even knew that I had. So I am currently listening to old school David Bowie, memories of a cover version I did of 'Diamond Dogs' and 'Swet Thing' back when I was signed came flooding back. I remember the familial production company environment, JJ was knee high to a grasshopper and all was well...

I love the way music evokes things from within. It can smooth any pain away, hype you up, chill you out, make you smile, make you cry and totally empower you...

All this joy and reminiscing came about because I decided to organise my collection and place all of my CDs into on of those giant file case things. I am now looking at cassette tapes and vinyl and feeling so lucky to have been able to experience the musical eras when all these were prominent in my lifetime. I know it may sound repetitive, having people talking about the sound quality of music rapidly de-generating in the digital age, but I agree. I believe that there is something so vital about those authentic sounds from the vinyl era.

And I SO miss analogue studio recording! I know it was a headache and arm ache for engineers but even that process somehow felt more magical. Or maybe I'm just a reminiscing romantic?

Don't get me wrong, I have embraced the digital age, I love progress but I am refusing to let go of certain things. (I even found my Mini Disc player the other day!)

I like to keep a good balance and choose to celebrate the old with the new. I will deffo keep playing my vinyl for as long as possible. Aaah, vinyl. Where else would you get that subtle 'bump' sound, the occasional scratchiness and warm resonance and the human sounding, lack of quantised beat 'neatness' that you'll find on many releases nowadays? Now this is my experience and an example of the special qualities that jump out at me when I hear music. Of course your experience will be different, memories will certainly be there regardless of the format of music you are listening to and this is what prompted my post. Music and its familiar traits really make a huge difference to how we enjoy it. But we inevitably do.

Even when I'm listening to music on the 'puter, I still feel an amazing buzz. For me, the whole process of pulling out vinyl and playing it is a special routine that adds to the enjoyment of my whole music listening experience. Sorting my CDs out made me think a little and I just had to proclaim how lucky I feel to have been personally involved in these special ways and times of producing and playing recorded music. The reason why I celebrate music in its many guises and I listen to as many formats as possible is because I love music.

What does it for you? Is there a special process that you do to listen to music? How would you describe the way music affects you if you could in one or two words?

No matter what your preferred way of music enjoyment is, I hope you'll agree that nothing beats the uplifting and/or powerful vibes that music evokes from inside of you.

It is truly magical, its is unifying, such a healer, and so potent.

I'm heading back to my joyous CD collection treasure trove right now to see what other treats I can find. So I bid you "adieu", for the love of music.

"And I'm feeling good..."

PICTURE: DANELLE HARVEY ARTWORK FOR SINGLE 'HEAVEN'

I have an updated website!

FINALLY! I have updated my website!

I did it all on my lonesome because to date I haven't been able to find a suitable web designer, developer, didgeridoo...

I am super proud ;-)

I have even linked to my webshop now(see 'Shop'link on website).

I've chosen Bandcamp to sell my music from because I think that the Bandcamp philosophy is rather simple (no faffing) appealing, rocking, and Indie to the max. And I love me some Indie power.

I'll be adding more music to the store site when I get a chance to. I think I'll trial new releases on there too because quite frankly, the other download sites don't give a good enough cut to the artist and the sound quality options are 'pants'on those sites too, if you don't mind me saying so.

If we have to sing for our suppers and keep it happening in this digital world then let it be of quality and pleasurable to your senses. Bandcamp provides as savvy solution. Loving it.

So music lovers, especially you Indie music lovers, please do check it out and let me know your thoughts. Ta!

And come back with your opinions by all means. Good, constructive feedback is always welcome.

And yes, I am a widget queen. I'll accept that accolade gladly. Big love to the widget! Celebrate with me...

My updated website: http://danelle.co.uk
My bandcamp profile: http://danelleharvey.bandcamp.com

Many thanks

'ALL' ways love

Danelle X

Some sisterly advice...

Ladies, if you smell a rat and something else indiscernible, its probably because there’s a giant Roland Rat-esque (80’s furry rodent UK TV presenter) type creature waving a crater-sized vat of heavily caffeinated brown liquid right under your nostrils. In other words... You were not mistaken. So, WAKE UP AND SMELL THE BLOOMING COFFEE!!!

And this is meant with sisterly love... You know that non-existent gut that you often moan about? Well maybe you should take its advice. If it’s hinting that something is up, then instead of ignoring it’s non-too subtle pangs of wisdom, maybe you should believe it. RUN LIKE THE WIND! BE good to YOU!

That’s all from your aunty D. With love. xxx

I was so inspired about this topic I had to sing about it. The above scenario inspired my song "What Could I Do?" from my current album.
Here's the vid (via YOU TUBE). I hope you like x:

DANELLE HARVEY - WHAT COULD I DO? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRkCR8C9gdU