Nashville's beautiful weather and chirping birds made this morning a lot better than I expected it would be - having just spent the humid night in the parked band van with five other sweaty guys. We cleaned our faces up in the Wal-Mart restroom and packed into the van again, heading downtown for the first day. Being an indie Canadian band, we really didn't have anywhere to be or anyone to see - so we did what most people at GMA do: wander around and try to look like you belong. We've been meeting some interesting people and sneaking into some interesting seminars for the free coffee and cake. Shh - don't tell anybody.

During this first day we met some people, set up some meetings, and learned a lot of great things. As great as all that was, so far the best part is just BEING here and a part of everything. Even as a indie band, we feel like a part of the big community, even if it's just in a small way. The best was when we went to the big worship event and sang How Great Thou Art along with an auditorium of music industry cats - it sounded really awesome. Lots more to see, lots more to do - at least tonight we're not sleeping in the van. Oh - and we get showers!!

Sunday April 2, 2006

Today was the first official day of GMA, and overall I'd say it wasn't a bad day. We sort of eased into things by taping a video show, doing a few liners for radio, and attending the meet and greet. Those who have the special gift of mingling really have a lot of fun. Those of us who are a tad bit shy tend to feel a little akward. If you can't tell, I fall into the second category. I am proud to say that I was able to overcome the urge to stick to those I knew, and got to talk to a lot of great folks.

We capped off our evening by playing in the showcase for our label, Selectric Records. Things went pretty great and people seemed to really get into our music. It always feels good to connect with the audience and see the enjoyment on their faces. We were surrounded by a lot of quality bands, and overall, the night was a success. Now if we can survive the huge lightning storm tonight, we'll do it all again tomorrow.

Joby

On Sunday, our first day of the GMA's, Judd and I flew in from Texas, and got right into the swing of things. We met up with our "people" who led us around the floor to see and be seen. There were tons of people in a big convention-type room, networking and passing out their cards and doing the music biz thing. We did get to meet some nice artists there- Jars of Clay, Chris Rice, Cindy Morgan, Ana laura. Then we rushed off to the San Antonio Taco Company to play a short set at the CCM party. That was fine, but it was exactly what you'd expect from a taco restaurant gig. It's hard to be heard over the crunching and chewing of tacos. After that we did a sound check at Rocketown, which was where our gig was that night. We were allowed an hour rest for dinner, and then we were off to the Provident party. Cindy Morgan was hosting that, so we heard her play a few tunes. We reached our final destination, Rocketown, and participated in the Indie Community showcase. We listened to a few bands play in a coffeehouse-like venue. We didn't go on until about 12:15, which was incredibly late. but we enjoyed doing the set, and we tried out a few new tunes.

So what's the enduring impression of the GMA's in my mind? The hair. What amazing do's. The guys, in particular, seemed to have put alot of product and effort into their locks. i guess Judd needs to step up his game!

peace, Maggie