Vidya Lutchman – Singer Songwriter Musician – Updates Releases Live Shows

Upon reading my last entry I see how easily I fall into putting the music aside once again. It seems like the only consistent aspect of my relationship with music these days is inconsistency. Better that than nothing I suppose.

Lately though it seems as if the universe (yeah, I admit J.J. Abrams’ Fringe is getting into my lexicon) is pulling me towards that guitar and perhaps putting pen to paper once again. I know something’s up when all in one train ride I go from ecstatic, fantastic bopping my head to Kimbra and then sink down to teary-eyed melancholia frowning to the regret-filled lyrics of Nada Surf.

I’m such a sensitive one.

I wish I was just joking when I say that but it’s too true. Also, I despise the fact that I let other people’s opinions of my music define my stance. Lately though, luckily for me, thanks to the encouraging words of a few gracious and kind people, I’ve been pushed once again into (perhaps delusion?!) that I should at the very least continue my pursuit with music.

Agh! I’m over thinking this as usual – “pursuit with music” – Please, way too serious! If you want to do something forget everything else (including yourself) and just do it. Yeesh, I really didn’t mean to end with the slogan from Nike.

I just finished my first week back at work after a wonderful five week long break. I’m now a staunch supporter of human hibernation. A little hiatus from the usual day-to-day drone really puts things in perspective. For me, I realize how much I enjoy being at home, especially now that we’re living up the country life. Since we made the big move from the suburbs venturing out even further west into the sticks, I haven’t spent much time with my guitar or singing for that matter. Well, that’s if you’re not counting my silly made-up songs that I bellow out as I parade around the house.

As I climb out of my mini hibernation I run into my long estranged musical muse. I find it funny that I end up picking up the guitar and writing again on the very last weekend of my time off. On the train ride in to my first day back to work I happened to come across some old solo recordings that I did back in 2009. For the first time I realized that it was actually good. You have to understand that this is kind of a breakthrough for me since for years I resisted the notion that I could be a good enough musician on my own.

I don’t want to write any cheques I can’t cash, but it may be safe to say that I should be uploading some new songs for you to hear soon.

They say that you always find what you want when you least expect it, or something close to that (thanks to my Trinidadian parents, I can’t for the life of me get expressions right!). About a month ago, I received an email from an old musician friend of mine with the proposal to start a new music project. It was a pleasant surprise to say the least and the invitation could not have come at a better time.

Just before I moved from my apartment of 10 years and into my first house, I was trying to get my album recorded. As most experiments that arise through trial and error, this one seemed to lean more on the side of ‘error’. My plan was to then go back to the drawing board (I got that saying right!) and redo the recordings myself with just guitar and voice. Clean, simple, back to the basics stuff – something that I’ve resisted for years because of my belief that my songs couldn’t possibly sound good enough with me on my own.

Ironically, just at the moment when I built up the self-confidence to record solo, I get that call from my old friend.

I’m happy either way.

It’s been a little over a week since I officially moved in to my new house. I’m now tucked away in the woods of western Quebec where I get to see ducks, geese, horses and ponies on my way to and from work. My first week was a rough one with bouts of crying on the hour long train ride, coupled with ideas for new song material. Emotional crisis often leads to cathartic songwriting for me, something I haven’t done in a while and it’s long overdue.

As soon as I get caught up on my sleep I’m going to pick up the guitar and get writing. I’m even thinking of setting up the camera and taping some live recording sessions to share with you from my backyard. Anyone interested in seeing a 31 year old sing with braces on?

Ugh. Braces.

The countdown begins. At the end of this month I will be out of this apartment that I called home for ten years and settling in to my very first house. The last few months have been dedicated to house hunting and now packing. Of course now this means I have to suppress the itch to return to my music for just a little while longer.

Ah, but it will be well worth the wait! With plenty of rooms to spare and a huge private yard surrounded by tall trees, I can take my guitar anywhere I like, at any time of the day or night and sing my heart out as loud as I bloody well please! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to that sense of freedom.

I’ve always been a bit too self conscious when it came to practicing in my living room here in the apartment. I resented the fact that I could potentially be overheard by someone passing through the building’s hallway – ridiculous I know. I should just not care and play right? Well, I won’t have to ponder this subject much longer. Come April 30th I’m outta here baby!

Last year I got upper jaw expansion surgery, last week I got the braces on and this week I got two teeth wrenched out. I wish I could say that we’re through torturing my poor mouth but there’s still one more painful appointment left to undergo – gum grafts, ugh.

I’ve never been one for celebrations in my honour, but once I’m done with all this dental mayhem I will be throwing the biggest party ever! With crunchy and sticky food all around!

Right now though, I’m keeping it mellow, rinsing with salt water and eating soft foods while my mouth heals. The braces have left me with a bit of a temporary lisp but once I’m done with that I’ll get back to the task of recording my vocals.

Can’t wait!

I’m off to see Dr. G to get the dreaded braces on – 110 min of torture. And to think I actually paid for this!