My first trip to Rock Garden Conspiracy!

Can you say "Shure endorsement?"

Rick Tucker plays "The Box"

I recently returned from my first visit to Southern California to spend some time working AND playing with Rock Garden Conspiracy/Gold Pan records, the label I signed with back in February. As I cruised the freeway on my six hour trek on a Friday afternoon,windows down, and the music blasting, I had a lot of time to anticipate my busy weekend ahead, but also to reflect on exactly how I got to this point. Short and sweet, I worked hard, never giving up on the dream I was living!

I arrived at Rick Tucker's house, CEO of Rock Garden Conspiracy mid afternoon and it was like old friends getting together for beers! We'd spent so much time talking on the phone, that we were able to jump right in and get to work on going over songs we're working on for the release of my first EP. I was anticipating and a bit nervous though about a song titled "The Box". I had written the lyrics almost two years ago, and because I was so close to them, I shelved the song, until now. Rick and I sat at the piano, and when he started to play it was that "Coming Home" feeling, and I cried. I loved what I heard, and knew that Rick had captured my emotion behind the lyrics perfectly. My Producer Bill Hare once told me that every musician has that one song, sometimes many that they just can't write, and I
guess "The Box" was that song for me, but being that the lyrics are so important to me, I'm thrilled they have come to life.

After a restless night in my hotel, ( I don't sleep well in strange places) and since I pulled a blonde move and forgot my Laptop, (Rookie move) I mentally prepared myself for a bright and cheery Studio session with a Producer for Aaron Ellis, another Rock Garden Conspiracy Recording Artist. Aaron had written a song titled "Friends", and everyone involved thought it would make a great duet. Enter ME! I had to learn the song very quickly, essentially improvising my own arrangement, and record my part with a Producer I had never worked with before, a very new and anxiety induced feeling for me.  I would have given anything to have Bill Hare there with me, but it was time to put on my big girl pants!
With Rick Tucker nearby, the Recording went off without a hitch, and it was off to work the rest of the day on other songs I'm writing. Unlike "The Box", a slow pretty ballad, "Sober", a more upbeat Country/Pop tune, depicts a once close, yet very confusing relationship when there is alcohol involved. My co-writer Catherine Delgadillo has put some amazing Guitar licks on the tune, and let's just say the lyrics will grab your attention.

Back to the hotel to attempt a power nap was unsuccessful. I was performing that evening with Aaron Ellis, who's amazing by the way, for a bunch of associates of the Record Label, and it was the first time the Label would see me LIVE! I sucked it up, and worked the room like it was any other performance. It was decided that Aaron and I would perform "Friends", and for a brief moment I thought, "Oh my God, I'm gonna blank, I don't know the song well enough without holding the lyrics, I'm gonna fall on my face in front of all these people", but my mind didn't blank, and the duet was beautiful, and I will never forget turning to look at Rick Tucker and Ed Cohen's faces, eyes closed with huge smiles! The funny part of the evening was the breakdown of the gear. When I perform here in the SanFrancisco Bay area with my band, I'm used to pitching in to haul the PA, even in heels, so as I'm speaking with people after the show, I noticed from the corner of my eye, a guy struggling to get the cart loaded with speakers out the door, I rushed over to help. We got the gear down the ramp and over to the van. I had started to help him load when I hear the booming voice of Rick Tucker behind me, " What do you think you're doing? You don't load gear!".....lol

Over breakfast Sunday morning, Rick Tucker, Ed Cohen, along with their wives and I pow-wow'd over the many details of so many things in the works for me, and discussed their recent partnership with Jam City America, an Internet Radio Station I DJ for. After way too much Chicken Fried Steak, we rolled back to the Ranch, (Rick Tucker owns a Horse Ranch) and did a Photo Shoot of the official signing of my contracts, followed by Champagne and Pringles. Yup, I said Champagne and Pringles.

It was an awesome weekend, filled with a lot of "Firsts" for me, and I truly appreciated being so well taken care of by not only Rick Tucker and Ed Cohen, but Rick's wife Brenda was amazing!

I hopped back into my car, it was time to switch gears and make the long drive home. I was kinda glad I hadn't decided to fly. Although I was anxious to get back home to my son, it gave me a good chunk of time to reflect on the entire weekend, and how far I have come so far.

Sealed with a kiss!

Monique DeMoulin signs with Rock Garden Conspiracy/Gold Pan Records

                                            Rock Garden Conspiracy/Gold Pan Records

They say that if you dream BIG, and work hard you will achieve your goals no matter what it is. I'm here to tell you that that is exactly the case. I'm very happy to announce that after many years of hard work, dedication, discipline, and of course everyone who stands next to me in support, I've signed with Rock Garden Conspiracy/Gold Pan Records and Larchfork Publishing. This has been MY dream, to join a team of professionals that will take me to that next level, who believe in not only my talent, but my vision. 

Don't think for one minute that this means I get to lay back and enjoy the ride now though. I will be working just as hard, if not harder, but I will have Rick Tucker and Ed Cohen right beside me, along with the rest of the team at Rock Garden Conspiracy!

Remember something, if you can envision it, it's obtainable!

Monique DeMoulin

The "Missy D Show" with Monique DeMoulin

                                                       

The "Missy D Show" -- Live every Tuesday at 1:00PM Central Time on JamCityAmerica.com

--->  Message from Missy D...  <---

I am very happy to announce that as of Tuesday Feb 5th 2013, I have joined the team at JamCityAmerica Radio. Jam City America is dedicated to featuring Independent Artists and their music, and after doing an interview with them myself, it became very clear to me that being apart of their team was right where I needed to be. As an Independent Artist myself, I totally understand how important it is to give other Artists the platform to be heard, and the response has been overwhelming. Artists from all over the world have emailing in music along with their Bio to book a spot on my show.
I will tell you this, the amount of undiscovered talent out there is mind boggling.

If you're interested in being featured on my show, please send me Three original tunes, along with a Bio and any links where our listeners can learn about you to Jamcity@live.com. Please put in the subject box " Missy D show" interview.

Visit the Jam City Website at JamCityAmerica.com

Part-time Princess...Now available on iTunes!

Part-time Princess

Finding the balance

        With 2012 coming to a close, most of us reflect on what we have accomplished and set new goals for the coming year. We call them New Year's resolutions. Eh.... I've never really been one to wait until the end of the year to sit back and say, "Okay, time to set some goals". I do this all year long. We all live crazy busy lives, balancing the things we HAVE to do, with the ones we WANT to do, but finding that balance sometimes is not an easy task.  

For me, finding the balance between my son, working a full time job, (Yes, I know this isn't something I talk about much) the band, a solo career, and everything that goes along with all of this isn't easy at all. But I have found that setting your priorities FIRST is the trick. For me it's my son. I won't lie and say I haven't gotten caught up in a new song release and all the exciting things that come along with that, the work involved, but I guess this goes back to, we are all a work in progress! We are all trying to find the balance. I'm lucky that I have a job I love, and it pays the bills, therefore it comes second! My boss and I have had many conversations about the fact that he's felt guilty sometimes that I work for him and not working on my music full time. How lucky am I that I have a boss that feels that way? He's an Artist, so he gets it, but as I tell him, until I can get to the point that my music pays all the bills, he's stuck with me...lol I should mention that I'm extremely grateful that my work schedule is planned around gigs and studio sessions. How many people can say that? 

So as 2013 creeps upon us, I want to say "Thank you" to everyone in my life. My kids for the joy they bring me, my family who supports, my friends who encourage, My Producer Bill Hare who donates his time and energy to help bring my music to life, my boss who is not only  a dear friend, sharing his life and business growth experiences with me, Cherie Davidson for her gift of word, the band for their complete dedication of the music we play and their friendship, and to the many, many fans that buy my music and share it with others. Without you guys none of this would be possible.

May 2013 be awesome for all of you!

Monique

                                               

What does it take to be successful in the music Industry?

What does it take to be successful in the music Industry?

I would love to say there is a formula you can follow that will guarantee your success in this very competitive and complex Industry, but there just isn't. I get emails all the time from Artists just starting out that ask, " Can you tell all your secrets to help me get a leg up in this crazy business?" I'm always happy to share what works for me, along with what hasn't, and it's been a pleasure, especially with the younger kids to share my journey thus far! I've compiled a few questions I get asked most often and thought I would share them with the rest of you as well.

Q: I'm only in High School and feel like the music world is so far out of my reach. What can I be doing to get noticed?

A: Well first off, High School is where I first started. Get involved in every musical available to you. Join the choir, and participate in talent shows. Remember that most High Schools offer Scholarships towards college, in my case they were music Scholarships. Also, talk to your music Director. Lots of times they have been involved in the music Industry as a Profession and they have lots of words of wisdom. Don't forget that there are tons of Community theatre groups out there for teenagers.

Q: I love writing lyrics, but sometimes I get stumped and frustrated. Do you have some advice for not hitting a brick wall with my writing?

A: Sure, Walk away and work on something else! Every writer experiences writers block, and the trick is to know and accept that your at a fork in the road and to let it rest a bit. So many times I have started song lyrics and had to shelf them until I decide where I want the story to go. Your NOT a failure when this happens, but chances are the lyrics are important to you, so let them breathe a bit. It will come to you. A side note. Try writing about only the things you know. It's so much easier. I myself have a couple songs lyrics that sit in the vault till I'm ready to visit them again.

Q: I wanna be rich and famous. I'm a great singer, and I've attached a song I wrote a couple months ago. Can you listen and tell me what you think?

A: (This was a Fourteen year old with an amazing voice) but I didn't care for the song. This was my response:

 Hi there,

You have a beautiful voice. Tell me a little about you. My only suggestion would be to hone in on your songwriting skills. Figure out where your strong points are, where are your weaknesses? Practice makes perfect! This is a great start. Study chord progressions, and network with other musicians. You can learn a great deal from their experience. ( I try very hard to keep things positive with the younger kids. They have the whole hormone thing goin on, and who am I to crush a young girls dreams of being rich and famous. I've been there! However, as a musician you HAVE to be able to take constructive criticism.

And lastly, the one question I get the most:

Q: What's the ONE most important thing you can advise to further my career?

A: There is NO one thing. In this Industry there are no rules, so you try many different things. If that doesn't work, try something else. There is no handbook, but I have a few suggestions. Networking with Industry Professionals is a must! Producers, Artist Development people, labels, other musicians. Social media is a huge one. The internet has given all of us Independent Artists a huge platform. Share your music, talk about your experiences. But be cautious. The internet can be a powerful tool. Once it's out there, it's out there! Find a Producer! When I hear Artists say, " I don't see what the big deal is about having a Producer" I have to laugh. A Producer is the one person closest to you and your music. If they are a good one they will bring out the very best in your ability, and advise you both personally and musically where your next steps should be. And most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP! I know personally how difficult this can be. Doors close, emails never get answered, blah blah blah, but remember this, this is YOUR dream. Own it. Perfect your craft, and push hard. When you fall, get back up and push harder! No one can do this for you. If you want it bad enough you'll do the work!

Monique
http://www.MoniqueDeMoulin.com

Can I write a hit danceable Pop song? You bet your ass I can!

To be honest, for the last week I have been pondering, "What will my next blog post be about?" The conclusion was to relate the last two months of my life. A new song experience. I'd love nothing more than to tell you, " It's been totally easy" but it hasn't. Virtually every song I have released has been a ballad. I love singing the ballads, but I wanted to write something that moved. Something very Pop and danceable. How hard can it be right? This kind of music is what I listen to all day long! So determination kicked in. I started researching different chord progressions in Pop music. Where does the bridge usually formulate? Building a vocal hook. ( This is the part of the lyrics that stick in your head) and learning new engineering software to help me move tracks around. During this process the song was passed from Producer to Producer, listened to by several Industry Professionals who all had suggestions to make it better. So I made changes, and more changes, literally sleeping with this song. I will be honest and say that for the last two months I have done little else. I would lay in bed at night thinking, " If I bring the guitar in here, or add a kick drum there..." I pushed away any form of a social life because it would take away from time I could spend on the song.  I've been accused of being obsessed with it, but Perhaps obsessed is a little dark to say. I would say that I totally believe in what I'm writing, the concept of the lyrics, faith in my ability, and driven to get the message out! And it's paid off. Boy have I learned a lot, and I'm happy to say that in two weeks we enter the studio to record a final version of my very first, all original upbeat Pop tune. For all of you that follow my music, this one is gonna blow your mind!