www.traceeperrinmusic.com

Hello. My name is Tracee Perrin. I am a Los Angeles based indie Singer/Songwriter who, for the past 4 months has been feeling overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden. See, I am currently in the process of releasing my first EP and, while it is a truly rewarding experience, it opens a can of worms where releasing a recording project is concerned.  Finishing the project is only half of the battle.  By December 2011, I had been so focused on the music, finding the right producer, etc., that I hadn’t been thinking ahead to the cover art, promo pictures, marketing, booking a venue for the release show, ordering merchandise, manufacturing and distribution, finding a band, etc.  Not to mention how in the world I am going to afford to put it all together.  I was high off of the recording experience and ignorant to the reality of what it really takes to release your own record. By January 2012 I was feeling drained and out of my league.   What’s worse is that I couldn’t seem to focus on the most important thing- writing songs.  I hadn’t had a new idea in weeks, or maybe I was just too tired to realize it.  There are times when I resent the fact that it can’t just be about the music. I find it hard to keep the creativity from suffering in the face of the needs of the other departments in my DIY record label.

Enter: HOPE. Since I was feeling defeated before the battle had totally begun, I decided to put all my eggs in the “hope” basket.  In early January I managed to book a venue on an ideal night of the week at an ideal time, but it meant only having about 6 weeks to get it all together. My to-do list looked like something like this (in no particular order):

-Book band & rehearsals

-Get EP mastered

-Finish cover art work

-Register Copyrights

-Design and manufacture merchandise

-Raise money to pay for CD manufacturing

-Get CD manufactured/duplicated

-Design & Print show flyers

-Marketing campaign (email blasts, open mics, social media)

-Register copyrights

-Put together a great show!

It may not seem like a lot, but in real time and given the fact that some things cannot move forward until the other happens, it has been a HUGE undertaking for a novice like me. In addition to this list, I set one additional goal for my self:  By the release show on February 18th, I will debut one new song I’ve been working on…

…Fast forward to this very moment and just finished the EP Release show and I am thrilled to say that hope endures. Well, that and putting one foot right in front of the other until you can see the finish line.  Though there were many sleepless nights, and the occasional nightmare about CDs coming back from the manufacturer with no music on them, I accomplished everything on my to-do list. I’m happy to add that I debuted a new song at the show! And, to my surprise, I’m still standing. Exhausted, but still standing. Ok at the moment I’m sitting and if I’m being honest I needed a nap earlier today, but the point is I’m still here and, for better or worse, things are moving forward.

In my own words, …” I will be the master of my fate, I am a winner. So here I go.”

-Tracee

Worry-Free 30-minute Chili

Dump 1 Can of each of the following into a large pot:
– Corn
– Kidney Beans
– Black Beans
– Fire Roasted Diced tomatoes

* Add:
– 3-4- cups or your low sodium stock of choice (Vegetable, Chicken or Beef)
– You can also use water if you’re in a bind.
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1/2 lb cooked ground beef or ground turkey (optional)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1 tsp liquid smoke
– 2 tsp worcestershire sauce

Bring to a boil and reduce to a high simmer for 30-45 minutes (depending on
how thick you like you chili).
Let sit for 5 mins before serving. Serving options:

– Dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives or green onions
– Shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
– Over rice or macaroni noodles
– All of the above!