Spark.

Marionette video

2011-11-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

The video for "Marionette" was a labor of love on the part of so many. Directed by Beck Underwood and financed entirely by Leah and I and our producers we were ecstatic to see our little song come to life. I never dreamed we would ever be able to make stop motion video of this caliber to represent our song.

I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did writing it and seeing it come to life.

HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRE88vPM3Xg

Love,

Brandon

Janey Beth

2011-11-15T14:13:00.001-08:00

Wanna take a peek at my little happenings... head on over to my new blog with Photographer Kate Underwood, Janey Beth to stay current!

www.janeybeth.blogspot.com

Much Love,

Brandon

Marionette

2011-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Our debut record "Marionette" came out today. August 29 Available on itunes, amazon and other digital retailers. My sister and I started making this record together quite innocently. We missed playing music with one another. Kevin Kadish and his dear friend Wayne Kirkpatrick were gracious enough to agree to write songs with us and see where that road might lead us. We started out with the first song "Marionette". A true story of Leah and I not wanting to be anyone's puppet. We love bluegrass and roots music and that is where the song began. That is where this whole record began. I spent the previous YEARS trying to get a record deal and Leah trying to be noticed as a songwriter so I absolutely never dreamed in million years we would get signed to a major label just weeks after recording just 5 songs. Which consequently are 5 of the songs on "Marionette". Alot has changed since we started making this record over two years ago. Our label has come and gone, and many other components have shifted but one thing has not. Every single song on this album is about our life. We wrote, with Wayne & Kevin ... every moment you hear. I dreamed my whole life for a creative experience like this and to say making this music was "fulfilling" would be a total understatement. This album is one of the things I am most proud of. It makes my heart so incredibly happy for the music to be heard and to have a chance at a life. And I am grateful to label for putting it out. And as my Aunt Lori said to me over a text this morning, "The outcome is the Lords". I hope you will take a few minutes and listen, maybe buy one or two songs or the whole record. We tried to make a entire album worth listening to, not two singles with eight okay songs. But a whole record. And even though it was a completely winding road to get here, we are here. I hope you enjoy "Marionette" as much as I did making it.

With Love,

Brandon Jane

http://tinyurl.com/4ymdy3n

A woman and Her Hair

2011-06-11T07:56:00.001-07:00

With all the changes in my life lately I am thinking cutting my hair. OFF! I have had the same version of my hair since I was 17 years old and departing from my twenties this year I am thinking I need a fresh look, a new start. After all, every girl knows when something ends... job, boyfriend etc. the first thing to go is your hair.

So....

this is me to the left.. of course with 2 hours of hair and make up and I do not look like that right now, on a saturday morning typing on the couch. You actually don't wanna see this ;)

But here are some options I am thinking:

I LOVE Michelle Williams super short do. I am not sure I am fearless enough yet....

Brooklyn Decker is gorgeous with no hair I am sure, but I do like her short bob. I wonder what it would look like on me?!

Brit Maren is so super cool.

Could I get away with this?

I think this is my fav.

So, Yes! NO!??? Maybe? I'll let you know what happens ;)

J.D.

2011-03-10T20:10:00.001-08:00

This is J.D. This little golden mutt in the picture to left. J.D. is fourteen or fifteen years old. He was my little brothers first best friend. My mom saved him from being killed by some nut job when he was a puppy and bestowed him on my then 11 year old brother Jared. Hence J.D. Jared's dog ;)

(Jared told Mamma she was J.D.'s Jesus)

He moved to Nashville from Mississippi with us in 1999. My family moved here & sold everything so that we could have a better shot at living out our dreams. You can't be in the music business from Lucedale, Mississippi. He has lived in 5 houses since then. Seen a plethora of backyards (which he has dug a plethora of holes in). He has been run over. Shot. Met my brothers wife and baby daughter and now resides in their permanent backyard. He is kind of incredible. Loyal. Loving. Faithful. We should all be so lucky to have someone love us this much. To have that kind of history is priceless.

Holiday Gift Guide... under 30 dollars!!!!

2010-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

I am from Lucedale Mississippi... and in reading some of these Holiday Gift Guide's I realize one thing.. where I come from 10 "inexpensive" presents under 100 dollars a piece adds up to a thousand dollars. And that is not inexpensive to me! So, I have polled the experts... our fans and friends to see what they are giving this year! And of course they have some pretty awesome ideas... I have also included a few of my own :) Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas People!!! Here's to giving from the heart & not breaking the bank!

1. Hand baked goods seems to be extremely popular, and let's face it. Who doesn't love getting homemade fudge and cookies!!! Georgia Boyer and Gina Putnum from our facebook fan page seem to be in agreement, this is one of the most perfect gifts. And, they can be made for little to nothing!

I love these Molasses Cookies from Martha Stewart. They look so pretty in that mason jar! Find the recipe here ! http://tiny.cc/z8xyy

2. Brenda Kemma has this next idea, which quite honestly.... I am not sure if I am crafty enough to attempt. But I can tell you this, after a little research, Cross Stitching is not just for your grandma anymore! Warning... some of these cross stitch patterns contain language.. AM NOT EVEN KIDDING! http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/index.html

The best news about this idea ..... they are all between $5.00 and $15.00 !! You can find more cool patterns HERE: http://tiny.cc/31x77

3. This next website is so cool and if you would like to send me a Christmas gift, I would love anything this girl makes;) Ms. Bree McAckley is an artist and designer from LA. She sells her handmade super rad bohemian rock jewelry through her website www.guttergypsy.com The loved one getting this gift will not be disappointed. The best news... it's handmade one of a kind jewelry for $10.00. Who doesn't LOVE that! You will definitely be seeing me at a future show with one of those clipsters swinging in my hair !

4. This idea came to me from our AMAZING stylist Claudia Fowler who also happens to own the super hip boutique "Haven" in Franklin, Tennessee. She suggests giving a cool ornament which is always a great gift especially if it's personal. I am also going to suggest this cool journal from Modern Alchemy at her online store. Everyone needs a fantastic place to write your thoughts. It's cathartic and keeps anxiety at bay. And you might as well look like a rock star doing it! Plus, it's $24.00!!!

http://www.taigan.com/shops/sanctuaryofstyle

You can also purchase these customized porcelain ornaments for $14.99 at Kodak HERE + right now they are 20% off h ttp://tiny .cc/ea njr

5. Sweet Julie Soloman who I used to work an an "unnamed" clothing store turned me onto this today via facebook. It's called a Water Bobble and it's the END of expensive bottled water! If you are anything like me you waste ALOT of plastic and cash on bottled water. This is so smart.. as you fill it up it filters tap water. And they make them for babies, adults... humans of all sizes (actually 3 sizes ;) starting at only $8.95. They have been written up in the New York Times and Esquire Magazine... Good for you & good for the enviroment! www.waterbobble.com

6. I found this designer on Etsy.com. I love the modern simplicity of of this personalized stationary. The era of letter writing seems to be a thing of the past, but there is nothing more personal that recieving a letter from someone you love. I think at $16.00 this set is a great gift. It's thoughtful and economical! Check it out HERE: http://tiny.cc/9h9ik

For the BOYS! For the BOYS! For the BOYS! For the BOYS!

7. I couldn't leave out the boys. And these next gifts are for them. They are all in the spirit of my personal mantra.. all men are man boys, and that's just the way I like them :)

LEGO WALKIE TALKIES !!!! (Awesome.. i know)
$28.00 http://tiny.cc/9k piz

Starburst Recycled Boombox (for your ipod) I mean come on, who wouldn't want this.
$18.00 http://tiny.cc/lzgv2

"How To Beat Up Anybody" By Judah Friedlander (enough said.)
$17.99
http://tiny.cc/iqebk

Casio Data Bank Watch(because every man needs a watch from 1985 with a calculator attached to it !)
$30.00 http://tiny.cc/fdry9

8. These beautiful earring's were brought to my attention by my friend Dave. Not that he wears earrings.. well, he may. I'm not sure. But his friend Serena happens to be the designer!

They were created in New York by Ms.Serena Van Rensselaer and are sterling silver and Hand Hammered for just $30.

She also has a host of other beautiful sophisticated handcrafted pieces here: http://tiny.cc/epy20

May your days be merry and bright...

Peace & Love,

Brandon

Taking my own Advice

2010-10-06T17:03:00.001-07:00

The good Lord knows I can dish it out, so I am taking my own advice this week. All the things I tell friends, and family. I'm finally gonna do myself.

Push Harder
Hold on Longer
No is not an acceptable answer
Take a Nap and a deep breath
When they say you can't do it, politely smile and nod... and then do it anyway.
Stop worrying so much about what other people think
Listen to your mother
and your father
Stop listening to everybody else
Kick the bad out
Let the good in
Pray
Laugh when it's funny
STOP fake laughing when it's not
Pray some more
Love with all you can
you do too have time for a walk, you had time for Oprah
Sing from your heart
Listen that small voice, it's there for a reason
Trust yourself.
Kiss him when you feel it...

And for heavens sake.... cut yourself some slack. These are the moments, live in them.

Love,

Your type A oldest child bossy self.

Patience

2010-07-30T20:42:00.001-07:00

I am a songwriter. I put words and music together, in hopes I am excited enough to sing it and you listen long enough to be moved. I usually need help from a co writer and a good idea to make it clear, and beautiful. But, Inspiration is an illusive thing. Sometimes, when I feel I am pressed for it, I can't find it. And days when I need to get somewhere and don't have time for it, it finds me... driving down 1-65 and I can't find a pen fast enough. The funny thing about it, like pretty much everything else in life... is it finds you. You don't find it.

I saw this piece by Elizabeth Gilbert... and if you are a creative sort, I hope you take minute to check it out. She talks about the "muse" and how she has to work so hard for it. Which is how I have felt lately. Waiting for a song to fall out of the sky sitting in a little writing room. Trying to gain perspective on what I want to say. But I love what she says at the end (and if you are going to watch it, you may not wanna keep reading!)... that instead of beating yourself up for getting nothing, or getting something just okay.... Applaud yourself for working, for waiting. For creating something, even if it doesn't change your day, much less the world. Because you have to be there, you have to show up for something to happen. It's so cliche but you have to be present to play, much less win!

I am finding that Patience is one of the many a virtues I have just not mastered yet. Hell, I'm not anywhere close. Just when I think I have given my destiny to God, I wake up the next morning and take it all back forgetting my prayer the night before! But, I am present. And I am working. And more than anything else, I just love music. And I love creating something out of nothing. And when I get up on a stage and sing a melody, I have lived. And I adore... it's worth all those days of trying.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Brandon

Fan Fair

2010-06-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been filled with airplanes and sky miles and shaking hands and meeting people . Playing the name game, so I can remember what I am afraid the good Lord didn't gift me with, I never forget a face, but I can never remember a name! In trying to prepare myself for all this travel and music, I don't think I could really prepare myself at all. But every single day I find that no matter what happens, good or bad, with our "single" or all the ups and downs of being "new" I am still just so grateful to have an audience. People who believe in Leah and I, and are willing to invest in our dream.

When I was a teenager, and barely a teenager, an artist named MC Potts came to our Wal-Mart in Lucedale, MS and played on a flatbed truck with her big beautiful tour bus shining right behind her. I met her bus driver "Bud" with my mom and dad, told him I was aspiring 13 year old country singer & he graciously offered us tickets to fan fair. I begged my daddy to drive me to Nashville. I remember pulling up to the fairgrounds, and seeing Tony Brown walking around backstage and thinking if I could just shake his hand, or hang out around that long table of food now known to me as "catering" long enough something might happen! Fan Fair, is now CMA Fest, and Leah and I have the opportunity as artists to participate. I know it's gonna be hot, and humid... but I just wonder what little girl might be there just like me years ago, waiting to catch a glimpse of someone who might look at her and think she's special.

One of the amazing things about Country Music is that it truly is a community of artists. What format in the world has a gathering of every artist, old. new. platinum... or not... in one place... for one week.

If you are in Nashville next week... I hope we see you there.

xoxo

Brandon

Country Weekly Fashion Show

http://www.countryweekly.com/fashionshow

Ladies Home Journal and Second Harvest Food Bank..

http://bit.ly/c28TJZ

The first time you hear your song on the radio...

2010-03-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

I am going to let my sister tell you this time :)

Sunday, March 07, 2010

You would never guess....

I thought I'd be in the car, or at a truck stop, or in a store. I didn't even realize till a little later how monumental this moment was, not just the moment, but where it happened: Standing in my grandmother's kitchen, the house Brandon and I grew up in, the house my grandmother and great grandmother were born in, the house my great great Grandfather built, the house we lived in while we were traveling all over the country singing, the house I snuck out of, the house my parents decided to leave so we could move to Nashville..... standing in that house, in that very kitchen, we heard Bring On The Love for the very first time on the radio. Brandon, me, my husband, my grandmother and my little boy stood in the kitchen and listened to it.

Never in a million years would I ever have guessed that would be where I heard it on the radio for the first time. But I must say, it sure felt right. Every now and then it's nice to get a little message that you're right where you're supposed to be.

Funny, on the way home we heard "The House That Built Me".

- Leah

Currently listening:

Revolution

By Miranda Lambert

roller coasters and such

2010-02-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

I have been living on a roller coaster. Which is crazy because I get motion sickness.

I have worked my entire life for the chance to put out a record, on a major label that I am proud of. That I believe in. I've been in Nashville eleven years and I thought I was prepared for what could come with that. Like how venerable you feel when you play your record for somebody new. Knowing that they are completely inside your head, inside your private world. Every single song is personal and sometimes you pray they don't know just who it is about! I have been in that room. I have been that girl. The day your song goes to radio (which was 3 weeks ago for us!), the same feeling follows. The naked in front of the classroom feeling, knowing everyone is watching the charts, some praying for your success, others for your failure. Just wanting the chance to have it heard. But there are a few things, quite honestly I wasn't prepared for. The first time you google yourself and you see that somebody loves your song. It's a good feeling. The second time you google yourself and see somebody hates it, and is questioning your existence in an industry you have given blood for... is the strangest, most complex.. wanna hunt em down and let the air out of their tires... well, you get the point. I have been told at this point to STOP googling myself by my husband. Which I think is really funny. I never thought that would be me. The last few weeks the birage of emotion I have had. The roller coaster I am on. Making a music video and then seeing our video for the first time. I have never been the girl who watched myself in the mirror preform, not as an adult anyway :) Seeing myself, and my beautiful sister on the screen. I keep telling everyone.. I can't believe it. But I really truly can't believe it. I keep saying each day just gets weirder than the last. Because, at the heart of all of this, we are just regular people who this kind of thing doesn't usually happen too. I feel like I have been playing the lottery for 15 years and finally got a winning ticket. . And every single day something wonderful, or heart breaking, or exciting and always always something NEW happens. And I just can't help but think that I am finally living out my dream. And the way that makes me feel... is so much more than I can contain in a blog. But I am certain you will eventually hear it in a song.

This journey is simply amazing.

Did I mention we are playing at the Ryman next week? I can't even go there or I will cry. again.

Gratefully,

Brandon

If you would like to see our new video.. click here :)

http://www.cmt.com/videos/coldwater-jane/484597/bring-on-the-love.jhtml

Bring on the Love

2010-01-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

When you wait your whole life for something, well I should say... when you work your whole life for something and it finally happens.. it's real. It's amazing, and scary and hit me upside the head yesterday like a ton of bricks. I don't know who reads this... besides maybe my mamma & brother and sister... but I am a recording artist. I am in a band with my little sister, who is this amazing songwriter and an even better friend and we are called Coldwater Jane. Our single, is a song we wrote with Kevin Kadish & Wayne Kirpatrick... two dear friends & collaborators. It is called "Bring on the Love". It was written in a really organic fashion. We were sitting around with guitars and mandolins and resonator thingys just jamming. And that's how it happened. It's personal, it's honest and says something and I couldn't be more proud for it to be our musical introduction to the world. And yesterday, I realized.. it comes out in 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It attends every country music station in America on January 25th. Not only that, but you can buy it on i tunes on January 26th. It has all happened so slowly.. the last 10 years of this incredible journey to here. But the last year, since we signed to Mercury, has happened SO SO fast. I can't believe that I am the girl who's dreams are coming true. I thought that only happened to other people. And it is happening to me. And no matter what happens... It is happening and nothing.. not time or opinion or my place in the world can ever take that away. Leah and I are getting a shot !

"Bring on the Love" is coming out. Our music is going to be heard. I hope you will continue to join me on this rollercoaster!

I'd say I can not wait... but it's happening.. and I don't have to anymore!

Brandon Jane

Rochester, New York

2009-12-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

It's supposed to be cold when we get there tomorrow. Rochester New York. Leah and I have never ever been to Rochester and it is the beautiful beginning of Coldwater Jane introducing ourselves to the world. I don't even know if my sister has ever been this far north before! I am completely excited. Totally overwhelmed, because we have to sing a Christmas song I can't seem to remember the words to when we rehearse. And so happy I get to do this with Leah. I can't believe it is finally time to say our first "Hello" & start singing the songs we have held so closely for so long. But this is what it is all about. Making music you are proud of, and then letting it go, so other's can listen, and hopefully enjoy.

I hope you will follow us as we begin this new journey. What I am sure is going to be a very colorful chapter of our lives. So, here we come Rochester & here we come world.

Brandon Jane

follow our journey on twitter.com/coldwaterjane

28

2009-11-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

I have a theory that when things aren't going right time passes slowly. And when they are, life flies by. I don't know about you but I was looking at my calendar today and realized we are in November! Wow. And this particular year, 2009 .. has gone by in the blink of an eye. We are done with our record and go to master in a week. And my lifelong dream, well... i am living it. Finally. It's funny because I have always measured myself, well at least my success in music over last 10 years, in birthdays. My birthday is in November. And at the beginning of every single January, I say, "Self, this is your year. This is the year it's gonna happen". And usually another birthday rolls around, and it hasn't happened. And come November, on the day I was born, it passes by and no record deal. No start. And as I have gotten older, more tears tend to appear on that day. But this year is different. This year has gone by so fast making our record, I haven't had time to lament the days. Or wonder how depressing 28 is gonna be for me. And in just two weeks I will be there. And I have a feeling for the first birthday in a long time, I won't be crying! And if I am trust me, they will be pure tears of joy.

Who knows what will happen with our music. I guess that's all in God's hands now. But Leah and I did it. And I am gonna celebrate. 28 is looking up.

Brandon

Joshua Ragsdale

2009-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Nashville is a pretty small town. When I was a kid, living in Mississippi it seemed like the center of the universe. The thought of moving to such a mecca seemed daunting. But after being here for a while you start to learn I-65 and I-40 and how to get from here to there and you realize that Nashville isn't that overwhelming. And time passes and you learn the music business is even smaller. I guess my family has been here about 10 or 11 years now and over that time you come across a lot of people. Some you remember, most you don't. Two people I do remember seeing around town though, was this brother and sister group from Mississippi called "Ragsdale". They were gorgeous, had these beautiful harmonies and the sister wore these amazing hats! Leah and I would see them around, playing here and there. I don't know them. But I knew who they were. And I always admired that lovely girls hats :) And well, the fact is, we are both from Mississippi and you never forget someone who came from the same place you did!

I have been living in a bubble over the last few months. Kind of my shangri-la I guess making this record. But I was jolted to reality, the reality of just how small we are and how fragile our bodies can be when Leah told me that Joshua Ragsdale has been diagnosed with CML (Leukemia), which, from what I understand is pretty aggressive and he only has a few months to find a match for a bone marrow transplant.

Normally, I would let this go by me. What can I do? But, we can do something to help him. A fellow artist, songwriter. It's free, it's painless. It takes 5 minutes.

Go to www.marrow.org and join the bone marrow registry. They send you a kit, you swab your mouth and send it back. It's that simple.

Here is his facebook page if you would like more information:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143381280558&ref=mf

There is no donor match for him in the marrow bank as of now.

Sending off for my kit.

With much love and gratitude,

Brandon Jane

living in the studio.

2009-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have been living in the studio over the last few months. My home has either been behind a microphone or on a couch listening. In between those moments I find myself at lunch having the pleasure of laughing and joking with our 2 producers and my sister. It is amazing how seamless and yet still tiring this process has been. Being that my husband is one of the producers on the record it really has been a family affair. We usually say our hello and goodbyes in the morning or around midnight when he is finally rolling in after a day of comping and listening and cutting. This record has truly been a labor of love on the part of all of the people involved.

I told someone today, the next part is mixing and then getting the music to you. So you can hear it and decide. And hopefully feel and hear what we have in creating this music! It makes so so excited to be able to share. I kind of can't wait :)

On a side and extremely sore note...I started with a personal trainer yesterday. I am so beyond sore I can hardly get off the couch! I guess that says how far I have to go!!! Athletic is not a word I would use to describe myself. Unless running your mouth is a sport! So, this may be my greatest challenge yet :) I have muscles aching I didn't even know were there !

What a year this has been. Man, what a day this has been. My dreams are coming true. Elated. I think that would be the best word. Truly and wholeheartedly elated. At least today.

Thats me.

Truly,

Brandon Jane

dog days of summer

2009-08-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am not going to lie. I can smell fall in the air and I have been wishing away these dog days of summer. I am not the kind of girl to not embrace the moment. But the sun has been beating down to the tune of 90 degrees here in Nashville and every time I feel a tiny breeze it makes me long for October. And today we are almost there. A little closer to labor day weekend and a little further from summertime. Leah and I have been working on our record, writing, recording and backwards and forwards again. I kind of sound like Willy Wonka! My childhood crush. (Who wouldn't wanna be the companion of a man who owned a candy factory!)

Anyway, back to Coldwater Jane. It has been amazing. I feel lucky. To get to work with Leah, who is this beautiful, honest, and extremely talented songwriter. She takes nothing that concerns making music with a grain of salt and everything wholeheartedly. Which is an amazing quality when it comes to being an artist. She has had many cuts, and yet has decided to be in a band with me. I am honored.

And Kevin and Wayne our producers and co writers are so extremely talented. They have taken every song to heart. And seriously crafted what we are doing sonically. Their list of credits is astonishing, and I feel grateful to have them take time out of their substantial careers to help begin ours. Our label has been amazing. I mean really amazing. We are the luckiest girls in Nashville. Truly.

Yet, here I am wishing away summer. I am so excited for you to hear this music. I hope I can post some on our myspace soon. Oh, we have a twitter and facebook set up now so if you have those please look us up. I will post links below. There are studio pics and video and whatnot on our facebook.

I guess that's it for now. It's Sunday, I just ate a giant turkey burger and quite frankly.. I need a nap!

Peace & Love,

Brandon Jane

twitter.com/coldwaterjane

facebook.com/coldwaterjane

myspace.com/coldwaterjanemusic

here.

2009-08-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's been so long! When I tell you all that has been going on I am sure you will understand. In order to get there, I guess I should start here. When I was 13 years old I made an independent gospel record. I spent my teenage years in the family band, touring from church to church in a van singing and playing. Tearing down and putting up a PA system, homeschooling and traveling for the pure joy of music & the dream of a record deal one day. As a kid I could tell you who played on each and every record and even who ran some of the labels. I love music, I even love the music business. I moved to Nashville when I was 17 and have spent the last 10 years of my life writing songs and playing music. I have played for too many labels to count, written with some incredible writers, and even been a sideperson of sorts. Been knocked down, gotten back up, been knocked down again. Always loving music. Always with the dream of getting a record deal. The last time I picked myself back up was over a year ago. My sister and I decided to start a band out of the sheer joy of playing together. Kind of like when we were kids. I have talked about "Coldwater Jane" in this blog. It has been such a pleasure creating this music with her.

14 years ago I became an artist.

Two months ago I got a record deal !!!!

Coldwater Jane signed to Universal Records in May and we are thrilled! Our record is supposed to be out sometime next year. We have been writing and recording and working nonstop. I look forward to keeping you abreast of everything going on. But more than that to encourage you, do what you love and don't give up. I know it sounds cliche' but I am living breathing proof dreams really do come true. We have a long way to go. But no matter what happens in the future, or all the heartache of the past. It was worth it!

Happy to be here.

Brandon Jane

baby birds on tax day

2009-04-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

There is a baby bird in a nest outside our window!!! It's mamma has built it's home in the red Christmas wreath I refuse to take down on the other side of our front door. It has been so cool to watch this little blue egg turn into a bird, and my goodness birds grow FAST!!!! Although, there was a brother or a sister yesterday and I don't see him/her today... hmmm... I hope the big one is just sitting on the little one!

I adore spring. I love new beginnings and I love that without winter, spring really wouldn't mean the same thing. I certainly wouldn't appreciate it as much. I think people are kinda like the earth. We recreate ourselves and thank God, quite literally, we live in a world of second chances. Within reason I guess!!!! If you don't pay your taxes you may not get too many second chances.

I like how an accountant I met recently put "tax time". It is our chance to be grateful for the right to free speech, nice highways, relatively good police protection and freedom to worship whomever or whatever we please. All made possible by our tax money & Uncle Sam.

As a self employed musician married to another self employed musician tax time is a ROYAL pain in the butt but today I am trying, to be thankful. And keep checking on the baby bird and hoping the big one did not sit on the little one for too long!!!!

Happy Tax Day.

Brandon

Coldwater Jane

2009-02-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

I'm listening to Joni Mitchell sing "Chelsea Morning" and can't help but wonder, is this about Chelsea in NYC or about a girl named Chelsea. Either way, it's nice.

I have been working .... relentlessly over the last say... 6 months, since September... on a record, at least the first half, with my sister Leah Crutchfield. Our band is called "Coldwater Jane". Which came from my husband and I driving over Coldwater Canyon in Los Angeles and my middle name, which also happens to be my mom's middle name as well as my great great grandmother Martha Jane, who, according to family legend was pretty close to a saint. We wanted something that sounded like all the 70's music we love so much!!!

We have written 5 songs with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Kevin Kadish, that have tried to chisel out the core of what two 20 something sisters are. And I hope they come across as honestly as they were felt when we wrote them. We started tracking back in October and Wayne & Kevin have co-produced the most perfect front half of a record Leah & I could've imagined.

So now the songwriting, at least momentarily, is done.. and the recording, the overdubs, the vocals have been sang and sung and comped. I sit here awaiting the final mixes which I heard yesterday at the studio, and they sound beautiful. I am so proud and really elated. We have worked so hard, and put so much heart into this and I can't wait for people to hear it. Don't get me wrong I am terrified as well. It's like sending your baby to kindergarten. Not that I know what it's like, but every time I finish new music I imagine that this is as close to what that must feel like as I can personally relate to.

I will be posting it on our myspace in the coming week!!!

I read a book about a year ago, "Cure for the Common Life"... and the author said find something that really brings you joy, so much happiness it doesn't feel like work. And this does. Say a prayer for Coldwater Jane!!!!

brandon jane

Waking up to Love

2009-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends on this frigid January Morning...

There is an awesome song that just came out yesterday Kevin (my other half) wrote with our dear friend Shanna Crooks & Trevor Rosen that is being featured in the new Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear Commercial called "Wakin up to Love". Totally Worth the 99 cents and going to I Tunes to download. I think it is featured on the pop music page as well.

So, support emerging artists and spend a buck on some good music.

Much Love & Stay Warm,

Brandon Jane

Panasonic, may she rest in Peace.

2009-02-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

This won't be long... Just thought I would say....My television just went out. Our beautiful, big, panasonic Christmas present is officially toast, for reasons unknown. Other than the fact that it just decided to go to TV heaven and make us miss the newest episode of "Lost" I am wondering what is I am loosing. Maybe I will have a conversation with a human being after 7 pm now and not just sit on the couch sending people to voicemail while being so caught up in my "stories" I refuse to talk to any living breathing person. Am I alone? Am I the only one who gets caught up in the 20 degree weather with a love affair with the television?

So, all 40 something inches of plasma reality... rest in peace Panasonic. Rest in Peace.

(Let's hope that warranty I bought is still valid?!)

Brandon Jane

A pep talk for me

2009-01-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Stress. January. The cold. The economy, the people loosing their jobs. Is January driving you as crazy as it is me. If I have to hear another conversation, another news report, another person say we are "On the verge of another Great Depression" I am gonna scream!!!!!!

Maybe it is bad. Maybe we are in a recession. Ok, we are. But... you know...maybe we are on the verge of a new beginning too. At the end of something that was fat, and arrogant, and over the top, and on a credit card none of us could afford. Maybe we are at the dawn of innovation. And cars with better gas mileage, and people who live within their means. Maybe this isn't the end of the world as we all know it. Maybe it's the beginning of something better.

So, instead of the winter blues stifling my creative spirit. Making me wanna sit on the couch and facebook all day long...I'm gonna change my thinking a little. Cause like Bob Dylan said "The times they are a changing". There is a season for everything. And don't forget ...... it may be darkest before the dawn, but after the winter.... comes the spring!!!

Keep your chin up.

Much Love and much better music in the interim.

Brandon Jane

Listening to:

Simon & Garfunkel

Concert in Central Park

The net below . . .

2009-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Being a singer/songwriter ain't easy. I'm not complaining, because it beats the hell out of flipping hamburgers (no offense if that's your job ;) but I am probably told no and for no reason whatsoever more than most. Unless your job is of course lawyer. Then you may be told no more than me. It is amazing to get to be creative everyday. It is also frightening, and hopeful and a roller coaster of emotion to make that bet on yourself. And the older I get, the more I realize.... at least personally, how stacked my odds really are. But what do you do when then this is all you know how to do, and all you can think or dream of ?

I will say that on that occasionally good day, when you write something that makes you feel like you have just found the missing piece to a puzzle in the form of an adjective you have been searching for relentlessly on rhymezone.com, it feels like..... this is what you were made for. When I have worked all day on a verse and a chorus if fills my tank back up when I listen back and I can sing along. And all of those days where people pass on your songs, or on you as an artist.... and they tell you they just don't get it, well those days all go away and are totally worth it. Because you feel like you are standing exactly where you are supposed to be, in the palm of God's plan. I think he gives me those days periodically to remind me to keep on, and pick myself back up and try again. Even if I am writing nothing but crap this week, to be able to write music makes me feel like God will never let me up on the high wire without a net below. And I'm not quite so fearful anymore. So, to anyone up on the high wire trying to reach their dreams, don't be afraid!

There is always a net below.

Peace & Love,

Brandon Jane

Listen to:

Patty Griffin

Living with Ghosts

I'm a fashion Inspiration Ho.

2009-01-20T13:01:00.001-08:00

I don't have alot of indulgences. So, while it's chilly outside and you all have more time than you would like here are a few things that i love, relatively inexpensive and in these challenging economic times one or two of them absolutely free. So.. feel free ;) to indulge.

1. www.goop.com

If you don't read it already this is a website started by the lovely beautiful Gwenyth Paltrow. Great food ideas and fashion tips and places to visit if you have time and the best part is it's totally free.

2 . These Minnetonka boots are $80 and really comfortable and can be worn summer winter fall, to the grocery store, you get the point. Totally worth it and they come in many different colors. www. nordstrom.com or www. minnetonka.com

3. My Ray Ban Wayfarers are under $100 and if you need a new pair of sunglasses these are timelessly cool and don't make that ugly makeup mark every time you take them off. And they come in Fire Engine Red if your brave. Also for dudes who wanna look like Tome Cruise ala Risky Business. www.macys.com among other places

4. www. dominomag.com

Domino Magazine. This is a great website and magazine to find ideas for how to turn your house into a home. Plus you can save pictures that you find online for inspiration to your account. And it is totally 100% free to go to the website.

5. www.intermixonline.com & www.barneys.com

This is one of my favorite stores to shop at in New York, but if you can't get there, then their online boutique is great to and with the economy the way it is you can find some fantastic deals. Also www.barneys.com has some super sales right now Like these Ernest Sewn Jeans that were $232.00 are now $59.00 at Barney's or these Stella McCartney Skinny Jeans that were $295.00 for $99.00

6. www.trunkltd.com

I have been wearing Trunk T shirts for some time now and I never get tired of them & right now what used to be a $100.00 t shirt you can get for half or even less. Try googling them also to find good deals.

7. This patch work dress from Urban Outfitters is seasonless, comfortable and fifty bucks. I heart Urban Outfitters.

8. Target's Home Design Event

Target's home Design Event going on at every target in the USA right now is awesome because everything is 30% off and I'm thinking if you wait a week or two you may be able to get the awesome imports for even less $$$. Good for freshening things up at home.

9. My last and final one is kinda boring but completely useful.

www.foodnetwork.com is great for looking up a new dish for dinner especially when you are at a loss like I am so often and nothing sounds good.

What a beautiful, ever changing world we live in.

2009-01-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

I don't usually talk politics and I hope that is not how this comes across. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure who to vote for in this last election. Some people may find that absurd depending what side of party lines you were on, but I found that I wasn't alone. This morning I sat there looking at the television, and watched a well spoken, young, articulate black man take his oath to protect and serve us as President. I was moved to tears.

I am from Mississippi. I probably know more about old southern ideas of discrimination that most. I am also a white girl with blonde hair & blue eyes and therefore haven't experienced the discrimination that some have. I was one of those voices that had little faith in the American people to see beyond the exterior. To elect someone with such a different name and opposite skin color. I was so moved when he was elected and surprised at the at how far we have all come over the last 50 years. Look at us, we wouldn't have been able to dine in the same restaurant not that long ago. Watching our new president this morning gave me hope in human goodness. We still have so far to go, but I am excited and proud of my country today as I was able to bear witness to history in motion.

I pray for our new president, whom I did not vote for, but I will follow and think of as he heads this great nation at a time when we need a great leader.

I hope we can all put aside our politics, at least for a while and see the significance & impact of this moment.

What a beautiful, ever changing world we live in.

I hope to not be so cynical of people in the future. Time really does march on.

Peace & Love on this historic day.

Brandon Jane

Happily 2009!!!!!

2009-01-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

Me and my baby brother in 1980 something.

It amazes me how our lives in a conversation can be reduced down to a little blurb. Oh, "She lives in Nashville", "She is a songwriter", "They have 2 kids", " "They lost their house". You know how you can be in a conversation with someone, and ask " Oh, how is Billy doing, I heard he was sick", and then the only thing you really know about that person is that they worked 20 years at the papermill and passed away from cancer. I want my life to be more than that. To be more than just a little blurb about being married, or being an artist, or a sister or living in Nashville. And I really wanna know people, know the people in my life better than reducing them to one sentence in my head when I think of them. I only say all of this because if I have a new years resolution, it is to be a better friend, and to be known more fully. I read this great quote "You can only be loved to the extent to which you are known".

Maybe it's the new year, the fresh start that God gives us begin again. But I like January. Because all the good things, and all the bad things that happened last year are still there, but for some reason it feels like I have a clean slate to work with. I think everyone deserves a clean slate and a new beginning. I also like January because February is next and I am sucker for the Hallmark of Hallmark Holidays!

So here's to all all my goals, the lofty and over stretching and the easily attainable. And to being known for who I am, and being there for the people in my life.

And to working out more :)

Happily 2009!

Peace & Love,

Brandon Jane

Today is a gift.

2008-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday. I like sundays. I feel no obligation to be or do anything particular on Sunday or the guilt that comes with every other day of the week and that feeling of " Oh crap, am I forgetting something?" Christmas was beautiful. The Christmas Eve service my family went to was reminding of what this whole season is all about. A season that, I am the first one to get caught up in and forget. I like being reminded. It feels good to remember.

Christmas day was perfect. Kevin and I exchanged gifts in our own little traditional ceremony on Christmas morning which was really sweet. And I have had a cappuccino every single morning since in my beautiful new espresso maker. Then we headed over to my parents to have dinner and do a little gift exchanging there. The most exciting part, was capturing all the little moments of my 2 1/2 year old nephew learn to give and get graciously and very very excitedly. He told me, "Aunt B, I LOVE Christmas!". He was literally jumping up and down opening presents.

It seems like, this year, with everyone cutting the fat and saving for the rainy day's ahead, which I pray life manages to keep at bay.... this Christmas, with fewer toys and shiny gifts... may have been more meaningful than those of the last few years. I am thankful in 2008. I have my health, my family and my love. What mores a girl to ask for...

I am thankful for clear open skies.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

Brandon Jane Kadish

Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery... today is a gift. That's why we call it "The present".

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Peace & Love & Carrott Juice

2008-12-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

It's funny how your body has a way of making you slow down and take a break. Mine has taken me to a complete halt and now I am glued to the couch and sentenced antibiotics and carrot juice until I can feel better. I am supposed to be in the studio this week recording my vocals, but apparently that is not going to happen because of the sinus infection that has made my nose comparable to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. At least not today and I am guessing not tomorrow either. but here's hoping.

I signed up for facebook last night, wow is that a whole new can of worms!! Oh my. It's like delving into the thechnological abyss and getting lost. Still trying to figure that one out. May be for a while....

All the recording with Leah is going amazing and we start playing the nursing home circuit soon. Yep, you heard me right. Nursing homes. Who is a more captive audience who won't criticize us for our mistakes and just might need to hear a few Christmas carrolls and "Coldwater Jane" songs before we put ourselves on display for the world to decide of they think we are good or bad.

We actually used to go and sing at nursing homes when I was a kid. Leah said we are gonna have to "put on our big girl pants" so we don't both start bawling. I will let you know how that one plays out.

Anyway, it's rainy here and I guess, in a certain way a very stereotypical winter day.

Looking forward to being back 100%!!!!!!

Peace & Love and Carrot Juice,

Brandon Jane

Happy Turkey Day! Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-24T11:03:00.001-08:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the pilgrims and all of the turkey's who must die for my grateful heart and full belly, I would like to offer up a list of all of the things that I am Thankful for.

1. I have no zits today

2. My sweet husband. Makes me wanna be better for him.

3. all off the things that did not happen this year, that could've happened. God protected me from.

4. The good Lord

5. My family. They are amazing and I am lucky.

6. Charlie & Lola the doggies

7. My sweet sweet friends. I cherish.

8. My job, it never really feels like work.

9. Carbs. They are sooooo good.

10. My genetically good legs. (believe me there are alot of things about my body I'd rather not talk about)

11. every day that I am allowed to get older

12. Coffee in the morning. The only thing constant.

13. Holidays that allow us to recharge and stop working and love one another.

I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving. Find someone you love, and spend it with them.

Peace & Fried Turkey,

Brandon

Country Music and how to boil an egg

2008-11-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here at my kitchen counter, boiling an egg for tuna salad, trying to make myself start unpacking Holiday decorations, for I fear, today may be the last available day that I have to do so until after December 1. Leah and I (crossing my fingers) hope to be starting vocals next week, on 5 songs we have been working on, I say we very loosely, I actually mean Kevin & Wayne, because I have not been tirelessly editing, and overdubbing :) But, my turn comes next week. When it is my turn to step up to the plate ( am I really using sports analogies ;) and start my part, of singing our songs.

My birthday also happens to be next week, which I haven't yet decided how I really feel about. I mean one more year has passed, and you have those moments of gratefulness for your health, and your families health, and all the things that could've happened but they didn't. And then you have those moments of, what the hell have I really accomplished this year. It's so much easier to be negative. So, I am resisting the urge, and looking forward with excitement. And Looking back on this past year, grateful.

I say that now . LOL

This was also CMA week. Which was really fun. CMA week is big in Nashville. It is like the holy grail of awards shows and I spent it with my sister at the Sony viewing party which was super fun. I have so many connections emotionally to the Country Music Awards. I remember being a teenage girl, like 13, and arguing with my mom about the fact that church was on a Wednesday night which also happened to be the same night as the Country Music Awards, and I was, I quote " on the couch worshiping my God" instead of at church like my mother would like for me to be. I also met my husband because of the country music awards. We met at a Warner Brothers after party. Totally changed my life.

I never missed a show. I still don't.

Going to a dear friends 29th birthday party tonight... which should be wonderful. And a very old, and dear friend of mine rolls into town to spend the weekend with me later this evening.

I guess I should be more thankful for that impending birthday.

How long to you boil an egg for anyway?

Peace,

Brandon Jane

Fat Friday

2008-11-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

I feel fat today. How many times have you heard that ? Being a girl will do that to you. Make you feel as if you have eaten every doughnut in the greater Nashville area when the truth is you have only had coffee and a banana & Peanut Butter Sandwich...... Which was very good if I might add.

I wrote with a super talented guy today, Steve Sullikowski, we wrote a beautiful song called "We were Wild" about first love, and hanging onto it when you grow up. We wrote it with the intention of getting it to Michelle Branch who is apparently looking for her first single... we will see . Reguardless, I always feel good when I finish something. And I did today.

I have a very important date tonight, with my main man Kevin, who will be home soon... so I bett go, feed my doggies, and get ready....

Peace & Love,

Brandon Jane

Be gentle. I have never blogged b4. (my other dream jobs)

2008-11-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

OK, so I am kind of new to this. But everybody else is doing so I figured what the heck.

After all, I am the type of girl who when all of her friends jumps off a 40 foot cliff and into the Percy Preist lake, I follow right along and cannot get up off the couch for a week following!

What is a blog anyway, I am not sure...

So, let me see... where do I begin. I am 26 hundred thousand years old and I have a very grateful existence in the world. I get to make up songs, and sing songs and make money doing it. I have a very smart, funny husband and a family so amazing you would want them for your own. I also am the owner of two very funny, very smelly dogs.

I am a songwriter and an artist. I get to make music for a living and there has never been a day that has gone by that I have not realized how incredible that is. Incredible yes, easy no. To try and come up with something new to say, that is from your heart, and makes people either think or sing along is not an easy task. Much less making it rhyme and sing and then there is the getting it on the radio. But I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world. OK, maybe Princess or chief doughnut maker at Krispy Kreme. But other than that, it's pretty damn cool.

I have been able to travel to alot of places and meet alot of amazing people, but at the end of the day I am still a homebody who can't bear to stay home for more than a few weeks. I am a walking contradiction.

I am in a really cool band with my sister called "Coldwater Jane" which makes me happy and excited. And I get to write songs with her and Kevin & Wayne K. and that makes me ecstatic.

We are in the studio right now recording... and I cannot wait for this music to be done...

So, here's to blogs, and doughnuts, and making up songs, and many more to come.

Peace & Love,

Brandon Jane