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and I’m still not sure who I am going to vote for today. On the one hand, I was swayed by Hilary during last week’s debate - her responses seemed very polished and her experienced shown through with ease. I felt confident that she could enter meetings and ‘think off the cuff [of her blouse]‘ because she has seen and accomplished so much in her tenure. But if success is a measuring stick for me - then of course Obama is her equal, considering he’s a junior Senator who may possibly receive the party nom - in what started as an unlikely race.

To be honest, I was concerned that maybe due to his lack of experience coupled with the amount of issues our nation is experiencing, Obama might have some timely ‘regrouping’ moments when adjusting to his role as president after circumventing what seemed to be the ’standard congressional or gubernatorial’ tenures. But then I have to look at his position today and that I’m even questioning whether or not I’m going to vote for him. He’s given me the choice and sure he’s had some ‘regrouping’ moments - but so has Hilary.

In terms of experience, let’s face it - since Clinton [hubby hub] we haven’t had a president who’s fought in a war - and war is the largest issue the president will face. True, our economy is in the crapper, health care is on fritz more than ever and our deficit will most likely take one and a half terms to rectify but the war to defend the principals of democracy on the global stage will determine our national policy. It’s all interconnected.

I believe Obama may provide the emotional and psychological lift our nation needs to bring forth ideals that support policy that will pull us through the growing pains of change. But I question, probably from my own apathy, if charisma and hope is enough. It’s neither tangible nor does it put food on the table. And after latter generations fought on ideals I feel bad because all I want is a stable country once again to feel safe and free to pursue my dreams - and I want to get there as efficiently and as quickly as possibly.

Don’t make me feel anything - life is hard enough - just make it better. Wow. Maybe I do need some hope.

We’ll see what I feel when I get to the polls.

you better hold onto your pocket change, literally.

As a songwriter, I find it extremely disturbing to hear that the RIAA (which represents labels) is trying to decrease what songwriters are paid in royalties. From now until October there will be hearings and discovery to determine whether writers and publishers will continue to enjoy their royalty rate (currently 9.1 cents) or see an increase (proposed to 12.5 cents) or a decrease (6 cents) from Mechanical Royalties (CDs, ect) and on digital transmissions and live streaming.

The RIAA has already sued countless college students and kids for downloading illegally - which honestly has hurt the business as a whole; they’ve begun to take a percentage of artist’s touring, merchandising and sometimes even publishing for record deals and now they are going after the songwriters and the publishers. While I understand they need to create some stability on the label side, this seems to me to be an aggressive attack by the majors to maintain their status quo of doing business (which is extremely outdated) without conforming to the new era of the music biz. This is an instance of the ‘mouth biting the hand that feeds’ because without writers and publishers there is no content. Each side of the industry should support one another to be innovative during this time of change, but I guess this is what you get when non-musicians run music. Taking away our dollars just doesn’t make sense.

CLICK HERE to read the letter from David Isrealite, President CEO of the Nation Music Publisher’s Association.

What do you think about the current situation in the music industry?

in Jesus. Seriously! That we can always go to God in prayer. Last week, my heart was feeling challenged and seemed to not wanna heal from a recent breakup, but I had had just about enough. So I went to the Word on Sunday morning and looked up scriptures on Hope. This is what I found:

‘I will wait on the Lord; My soul waits on the Lord, in His word I put my hope.’

Psalms 130:5

I had to send up a praise as soon as I read this verse and then I made it my declaration. I will wait on the Lord; in His word I place my Hope - for everything. Unfortunately, I had been hoping for the wrong things like a change of heart, or that I’d be at the right place at the right time to meet the right guy…or I’d resolved to myself that maybe, hope was lost or at least fleeting. I think the reason this spoke to me so much is because I’ve been holding on to this scripture:

‘For everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under Heaven.’

Ecclesiastes 5:3

I have been really sensitive to acknowledging the season I am in in my life. And up until now, I’d only seriously considered my professional season with training and music. But the scripture says that for ‘EVERY THING there is a season’ meaning I could be in a different season romantically than I am professionally at the same time. Even though I may desire after the golden relationship and at times the man who I was recently in one with - I have a greater desire to wait upon the Lord.

More and more He reveals His faithfulness to me and the gives me unprecedented favor. In 2007, I made less than 20k pursuing music - I don’t know how I made it (but thankfully Ramen noodles are $.25 though they do nothing for a girl’s figure). I made some poor decisions but God guided me out of them. He told me to just do what is in front of me and He’ll take care of the rest. I haven’t looked back other than to consider the testimony that I am building.

The final scripture that I read was also in the Psalms and I think it confirmed that word I received from the Lord:

‘Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.’

Psalms 128:1-2

I believe the fruit this passage speaks of can refer to professional labor, but in this time it speaks to my faithfulness and the fruit that I bear as a result of my patience in the Lord waiting on Him in any time and in any season, knowing that He will show up. So I have to be like a watchman in the morning at the ready to see Him when He arrives.

So I am comforted and renewed. And I will continue to keep these scriptures on my lips and in my heart for those times when my mind forgets.

If you have any questions on anything I wrote here, please feel free to email me at elleb.music@gmail.com.

Ciao for now mi gentes! Elle

moving around clients and hair appointments for a rehearsal for a tv spot…only to get a text that it was postponed! Cancelled my plans to go to Vegas because I thought I had this spot. All but pissed off my hair stylist but at least I’m going to make it to my sewing class this morning.

There is always a silver lining.

Met with K.Tease last night and it was great to see him and get some new tracks to work on. The rain here in Cali is ridiculous, but surprisingly, I am enjoying it. It’s sort of the change that I need without having to go anywhere. Plus, the air is going to be so clean and the sky will be so pristine and the greenery is going to be gorgeous. I love nature.

After meeting with Kev, I went to see Dasha perform at The Palms in WeHo. It was my first time seeing her peform. She’s very captivating. I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing more. The promoter was not on-point in that I arrived at the venue before he and his people showed up (as did about 1/4 of the crowd). I suppose there was supposed to be a cover, but um, I wasn’t gonna pay it after I was already inside… Yes, he did come around and try to collect bills from people. I politely said no.

Got home and hung with the roomies for a few minutes. That’s the day in a nutshell. I’m all over the place to day and tomorrow but hey, it’s the life.

hollar.

elle