I didn't start playing any musical instruments until I was about 21. I've always been really into music, but I was too scared to put myself out there when I was younger. It's honestly taken me a lot of years to get the point where I truly love playing in front of people. For whatever reason, that confidence hasn't come naturally for me. It's been a journey of learning to believe in myself. Sometimes I'm great at it and sometimes I still have to give myself all the pep talks.
Johnny and I have been doing The Mixtapes for about a year now, and I didn't realize how spoiled we've gotten! Playing in a band setting has its difficulties, but I love the unity and energy there. This weekend we dusted off the ol' song lists and did a 3 hour night just the two of us. We figured out it's been 3 years since the last time we played an intimate set, and boy, was it different than our usual gig. I really loved it, but talk about putting yourself out there. Acoustic singer/songwriter folks, all the love to you. It really feels like pouring your heart and guts out.
Our friend Dillon has very appropriately named us "The Shel-Tones". (Our last name is Shelton, get it?) I love it because it sounds like a band straight out of "That Thing You Do", which is one of my very favorite movies of all time.
Anyway, it ended up being a really great night. I'm really looking forward to doing it more and more. Sometimes it's nice just get out there and play just to play!
Also, thanks to my sweet friend, Lauren, for snapping some pics for me! Next time I hope to get a little video to share with you all! Happy Monday!
I can imagine it makes you happy that you make finally music! Love how cute you look in your dress <3
ReplyDeletexx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
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ReplyDelete... Please :)
Looks fun! Great photos as well! I wish I could hear you guys perform!
ReplyDeleteI was quite the performer when I was little and didn't have stage fright but my confidence shrunk when I was bullied in high school and now I'd have to give myself pep talks every now and then when I need to face a room full of people. But sometimes we just have to step out of our comfort zones, you know? :)
xo Trisha
http://www.trishasales.net
Great photos! Looks like a fun time!
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wow, so inspirational :) i've been thinking about getting back into music and learning to play an instrument (again), but the usuals 'n'aahh you're to old to learn that' has been holding me back. your post totally motivated me to look into it anyway, and forget about those thoughts!
ReplyDeletexo, cheyenne
Plllllease make a video next time, so we can all enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the That Thing You Do connection -- that's exactly what I thought when I saw the post title! And there were many reasons I switched away from being a music major once upon a time, but one of them was definitely too many nerves playing in front of even just a small group of people. There was no way I'd successfully make it through countless juries and required performances. Eep. Good for you for overcoming those fears!
ReplyDeleteI look very much forward to see and hear the video! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds scary and wonderful. I love the name Katie :)
ReplyDelete:) I understand...
ReplyDeleteValentina
Valentina Duracinsky Blog
Wish I lived near enough to see ya'll, looking forward to seeing a video!
ReplyDeletexo,
toolie
Well that looks gorgeous. :)
ReplyDeleteMy future husband is a musican and he's been itching for us to start a band together. While he's been in more bands than I can count, I've never really stuck with an instrument. Reading you say that you didn't pick up an instrument until you were 21 may be the push I need to actually play something!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I played the fiddle in a little band while I was growing up and it was so fun. A few times it was just the guitarist and I...a lot more pressure but still so fun. Stick with it - Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThis is random and unrelated to the post (sorry!). But would you consider doing a post about Johnny's style sometime? I know you've mentioned that he doesn't like having pictures taken of him but maybe just about how and where you guys find his clothes. I think my husband is similar in body type to Johnny. Hard to tell since I've obviously never seen Johnny in person. But my husband is about 5' 10" and very slender. I feel like he has a similar sense of style in that he likes to keep it simple with tees, pants and button ups. Not super into layering or trying too hard. But we have such a hard time finding things that fit him properly. He's just a lot smaller than the way regular sizes tend to run. Sorry this is so long. I was just wondering if this is something you would think about discussing at some point? I'd love some tips!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see some videos too. Love your emotion in the 4th picture, it's so visible.
ReplyDeleteAnca @ ancaslifestyle | UK
You guys look so cool! :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love from
http://devilreturnsprada.wordpress.com/
yes video please!!!
ReplyDeletesort of know what you mean..played piano since i was little and got so nervous for recitals my hands would shake!
It's totally encouraging that you didn't really start until your 20s. I played the violin and flute for a while when I was young, but I am late 20s and didn't start playing the keys til a year or so ago. My husband is teaching me bass and I just got an accordion for my birthday, but I've felt like I'm getting in to the game late...especially with several friends who are pros! But dang, I just love music...and you're so inspiring! It's been on my list forever to come there from Wichita to hear you guys play a show. One of these days it's gonna happen!
ReplyDeleteThat Thing You Do is one of my fav. films also! And I think the Shel-Tones is a great name for you guys. Can't wait to see a vid! Glad you're having fun. :)
ReplyDeleteThat Thing You Do is my favorite movie! You guys should do a cover of "All My Only Dreams."
ReplyDeletei'd love to see some videos! you guys are too cute!
ReplyDeletexxoo,
nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
It's so awesome that you didn't let you get stopped by your age to learn an instrument. I'm 24 and started recently to learn playing the ukulele and I love it! I sound like a noob but I'll keep trying :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others, would love to hear some songs from you -especially the sheltones :D
How funny- My man showed me 'That Thing you do' last week, he loves that film. Now I hve that song stuck in my head hehe. Looks like a lovely night. Bec x
ReplyDeleteI love to sing - sang on a school choir when I was younger but I struggle to do it in front of anyone - it takes a few glasses to get me to do it :). So I take my hat off to you for doing it. I love your dress and the sparkle that you have with Johnny. You can aed it in the photos :)
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