Autobiography of a Songwriter
Inside the music, songwriting, performing and teaching. You can also visit christinekane.com, or visit Christine's blog.
9 Random Things about Me and Music
...because I get tired of Official Music Bio speak
2 - I was so scared to play my first open mic night, that I drove to a town 30 miles away from where I live. (I wanted to make sure no one knew me!) My friend Mel came along to cheer me on. We got lost and ended up at a bar that was hosting a wet t-shirt contest. We finally found the right place, and I played three songs.
3 - My favorite experience in my whole career was the three years I spent time touring with the North Carolina Dance Theatre. They choreographed a ballet to some of my songs. I loved the collaboration. I loved how the stages looked in the spotlights all scuffed up and danced on. I loved the heavy curtains. I loved having a tour manager telling me where to go next and ushering me onto the tour bus and never having to Mapquest my own way. And of course, I loved that people were dancing to my songs. It made me cry to watch the rehearsals.
4 - I'm not a guitar snob. (Olson Guitars are my favorite though. I don't own one.) I play a Martin JM40 at home and when I write songs. All of my other guitars are Takamine. I have a wonderful endorsement deal with Takamine. Takamine's are great road guitars and easy for people like me who aren't good at sound. There are so many things a performing songwriter has to become good at - so I just decided to stop trying to be good at all of them and build on the ones that mattered to me!
5 - "Four Legs Good. Two Legs Bad." is my most requested song these days. After that, it's "No Such Thing as Girls Like That" and "Right Outta Nowhere." Funny songs are the hardest to write because you never know if they're really funny, or if you, in your own insular world, just think they're funny.6 - Is it hard doing this for a living? Yes. However, I happen to think it's harder to be stuck in a dead-end unhappy job. Everyone always tells artists and entertainers how hard it's gonna be. No one ever tells a guy getting his MBA how hard it's gonna be - or that he should really study something he can "fall back on" in case business doesn't work out. Every path has its challenges, and the best thing you can do is keep your eyes wide open and keep learning about yourself and making adjustments here and there. Also, it's worth it doing something that's hard and that matters to you.
7 - About 6 years ago, I led a retreat for women. Then I did another one the next year. This has now turned into the "Great Big Dreams Retreats." They've gotten so popular that they happen four times a year and sell out pretty far in advance. I've taken everything I've learned about making a dream happen, about living a creative life, and about getting over your fears and doubts - and made a three-day course out of it. It's practical and down-to-earth, and I love doing it. On the second night, I do a concert for the participants, and then some of them will read short stories or poems they've written. (I'm the opening act!) Sometimes, one of them will play a song she has written. No one is more surprised than me that these have become a regular part of my year.
8 - I teach creativity to the Federal Government. (Yes, this administration.) The person who contracted me for this was a fan of my music - and then she started reading my blog. This led her to inquire about my teaching. That was two years ago, and I'm still doing it every two months. I've since been hired by corporations and small businesses to do Creativity Trainings all over the place. Part of having a creative career is walking through doors that open and seeing where it leads you.
9 - It took a while before I really understood "the zone." Whether it's performing or writing songs, there's a place you can get to that has nothing to do with ego. I imagine it's what enlightenment feels like. My relationship with that place is what I work on most right now.
Listen to Christine Kane's Tunes
Four songs to give you a general idea...
Christine Kane - Shared Stages
People I've opened for, toured with, sung with or who have appeared on my CD's.
John Mayer
Shawn Colvin
Rosanne Cash
Los Lobos
Greg Brown
Nanci Griffith
Richard Shindell
John Gorka
Dar Williams
The Fixx (I'm not kidding.)
Edwin McCain
Norah Jones
Patty Larkin
Ellis Paul
Sister Helen Prejan
Bestselling author SARK
Bestselling author Jennifer Louden
Catie Curtis
Larry Campbell
Steve Forbert
David Wilcox
David LaMotte
Cheryl Wheeler
Dave Pomeroy
The Nields
Steve Seskin
Alan Shamblin
Don Henry
Get Christine Kane on iTunes
I get 59 cents a song. That adds up!
A Thousand Girls (1996)
Live (1999)
Rain & Mud & Wild & Green (2002)
Right Outta Nowhere (2004)
A Friday Night in One Lifetime (2007 - coming to iTunes soon!)
My Worst Gigs
...because people ALWAYS ask.
- In my first year performing, I got a gig at tourist-y hotel in my city. I played right next to the dinner buffet spread. When I pulled into the parking lot, the marquee out front read, "All-you-can-eat Crablegs and Christine Kane." One of my friends told me that she drove by the sign and started laughing so hard she had to pull over.
- My first agent booked only college campuses. Some of these shows were great. Many weren't. Back then, I toured with a guitar player named Richard Birt. He and I were doing a 3pm show in a cafeteria at a university in New Jersey. No one was in the cafeteria except an Asian Study group shouting chinese at each other. I was in the middle of a song trying to make the best of it, when I looked over during what was supposed to be Richard's guitar solo. Richard was drinking his Coke and sort of leaning against the speakers - in short, NOT playing guitar. The scene was so bad that he simply decided to take a snack break mid-song. When our eyes met, I just started laughing. Within about two minutes, we were both doubled over unable to do anything but laugh. No one in the Asian Study Group even noticed. After we packed up, I had to wander through seven floors of the building to find someone to pay me.
Years ago, Steve Seskin put together a co-bill tour for us throughout California. Most of the tour was at small theatres and cool places like the Freight & Salvage. However, Steve fell prey to the most common mindset of the touring musician, which is "Ohmigod, there should never be a night off on a tour!" So, he noticed that we had a Tuesday night off, and he booked us in a place where he'd never performed before. It turned out to be kind of a motorcycle bar. We pulled in to find the pictured marquee. I looked at him and said, "You SO totally suck." To which he replied, "Hey, at least we're billed higher than the Fajitas!" Turns out, we weren't really that much higher.- When I toured with the North Carolina Dance Theatre, the shows were mostly in big beautiful performing arts centers across the U.S. One theatre, however, had an unusually small stage - which wouldn't fit me and the dancers on it. So, I was set up in front of the stage. The plan was that I would enter the theatre through a side door and walk to the front before the ballet started. It worked perfectly in rehearsals when the house lights were on. However, at show time, I was pushed through the side doors of the theatre, and the doors were shut behind me. I had to walk to the front of the theatre in total darkness. I walked slowly, hands outstretched, trying not to panic as the audience cleared their throats and waited for something to happen. As it turns out, an older patron had left her walker in the aisle. I hit the walker, tripped, landed face first in someone's lap, dropped my guitar, tore my shirt and caused a ruckus. By the time I stepped into the spotlight, the audience didn't quite know what to make of me.
CD's vs. Downloading Poll
How do you like your music?
Everyone's saying that CD's will be gone in 5 years. But then again, people are still buying them at my shows. I don't know if I should make another CD or just stick with iTunes! Let me know your thoughts...
On-Air Radio Interviews
...my visits to radio stations around the U.S.
- WMNF - Tampa, FL
- This is a one-hour interview with songs and conversation. Recorded 12/07.
- WUNC - Chapel Hill, NC
- 20-minute interview. Recorded 8/07.
Noteworthy Blog Posts by Christine Kane
...a sampling of what my readers have liked.
- 21 Ways to Be More Creative
- Everyone's creative. Here's my thoughts on it.
- Getting Discovered. Getting Discouraged. And Getting a Clue.
- Things I've learned from keeping on.
- How to Make a Vision Board
- We do these at the retreats. After 6 years, I've become a bit of an expert on them!
- Business Advice for Artists
- We artists need help with the biz side of things!
- 18 Mistakes Bloggers Make in their First Year
- What I learned in my first year of blogging.
Christine Kane Videos
Recent Posts from Christine's Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byBONUS STUFF
Christine Kane at a Glance
Christine Kane is an American folk singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her song "Right Outta Nowhere" (written with Steve Seskin) was covered by Kathy Mattea.
She was born and raised in Fairfax, Northern Virginia, near Washington, DC. She graduated from Boston College, which is also the alma mater of singer-songwriter Ellis Paul, for whom she has opened.
Like many other singer/songwriters, Kane performs mostly at small clubs in intimate settings where she sometimes interacts with fans after performances. She founded Firepink Music (Firepink Inc., formerl...
Christine Kane on Flickr
Christine Kane at Eddie's Attic
Christine Kane at Eddie's Attic
Christine Kane ...
Singer, songwriter, blogger
Christine Kane stuff from Amazon
Take a moment to say hi!
Share your thoughts, rants, raves, or whatever. I'm brand new to Squidoo - so any helpful hints on this page will be most appreciated!
The Fixx? No way! That's cool! Isn't those guys who gave us "One Thing Leads To Another?" OMG! I remember that song so well way back in the early 80's and to think I was gyrating and funking to that tune! That's great! Wow! Should have seen you with The Fixx! Any news about them, by the way? Anyway, you've got some great write-ups here! Keep up the good work!
-Mark Serra ( Dog Checks )
Posted June 23, 2008
wrote
Hey Christine, fellow squid here -- I do lot work with charities -- making photo buttosn fro people to honor friends and loved ones -- found you through my friend Pam "new baby, new book" Slim (love her) when have chance check out some of my lenses start here http://www.squidoo.com/photobuttons -- I am checking out your songs on iTunes (see vote above)
gotta love those asquidoo chatchkis goopbug good name for a song !
Posted May 13, 2008
wrote
Hey Christine, fellow squid here -- I do lot work with charities -- making photo buttosn fro people to honor friends and loved ones -- found you through my friend Pam "new baby, new book" Slim (love her) when have chance check out some of my lenses start here http://www.squidoo.com/photobuttons -- I am checking out your songs on iTunes (see vote above)
gotta love those asquidoo chatchkis goopbug good name for a song !
Posted May 13, 2008
Lisa wrote
Yay! You're on the Squidoo page. Where have I been? I have to tell you that I have just laughed until my sides hurt reading your account of walking to the stage in darkness and tripping. Thanks so much for sharing that!
Posted May 07, 2008
Sari Grove wrote
B'Elanna & Jadzia our bengal cats love ' four legs good two legs bad' & they would like an all four legs album ...(Darwin & nellie the Hoverwort dogs & especially Cheerios the horse would also like to weigh in on the vote for an all four legs album...)that said, they say that the CD sound seems to be better & more in tune sounding, whereas the ITunes sound leans a little flat...if someone could improve the quality of the ITunes sound & give it a little more dimension, it is more convenient...
Posted May 07, 2008
buitendebox wrote...
Hi Christine, read about your lens in your latest newsletter and took your advice and started my own!
all the best,
John
Posted March 22, 2008
Irene wrote
Hello Christine,
I love your music. It is refreshing.
Posted March 17, 2008
lyman wrote...
Yay! It's Christine Kane on Squidoo! My favorite blogging musician.
Great to see you here. :)
Posted March 12, 2008
Mark Smith wrote
Oh no, another "community" to deal with. I'm on MySpace and YouTube, but never even got to Facebook. I wish they all played together better. I was going through my CD pile and I found your bumber sticker and actually put it on the rear bumper.
Posted March 12, 2008
Craig Cox wrote
Christine,
A couple years ago you graciously offered to help my daughter learn one of your songs for a talent show. I wanted to let you know how much both of us appreciated the gesture. My daughter (14) has moved to acting and is doing quite well with 3 theaters (Flat Rock being the biggest) She and I are great fans and love your music. Thank you for the years of enjoyment and reflection.
Posted March 12, 2008
Steve Shinall wrote
Ms. Cristine, Sending you a cyber hug and love for all the great music, stories and sharing you've given us these many years. Thank you sooooooo much! Btw, my strapping 6' 15 year old football playing son has many of his friends and teammates knowing and singing along with the words to 'There's No Such Thing As Girls Like That'..... I'm hoping my wife will make it to one of your retreats this year....you need to have one for the the men! Wishing you continued success and creativity!
Love and light,
Steve
Posted March 12, 2008
Mark Mitchell wrote
When you go to Ft. Worth in October, head up to Oklahoma for a visit. It's been too long since you graced our fair state and we miss you. We'll help round up an audience.
Mark Mitchell
Posted March 11, 2008
Del wrote
Love your music and your blog. Hope to make it to the West Coast (Phoenix / LA / Berkeley) soon so I can see and hear you live!
Posted March 11, 2008
LisaCall wrote...
Hey - welcome to squidoo Christine. Excellent lens. Very fun to read.
Posted March 11, 2008
James Miroslaw wrote
Nice outlet for your warm and engaging writings. Keep it coming! You make a difference in my life and so many others through your music, blogs and seminars.
Do you still have that Paypal account that people can contribute to to keep your non-musical work alive? I was the first to use that when you initially started it, but can't find any info on it now.
And hey - what do I have to do to get you out to Phoenix for a show?? The DVD is great, but there's no substitute for live!
Posted March 11, 2008
DianeClancy wrote...
Hi Christine, I put you on my lensroll .. this is a very nice lens!! I read about it in your newsletter today. ~ Diane Clancy
Posted March 11, 2008
Erica Abrams Locklear wrote
I had to stop in and say hello. I'm the woman who heard you play at Erwin High School back in 1994 or 1995. I've been a fan ever since, and your music has always inspired me. I lived in Utah for a bit (and saw you play there), and now I'm in Louisiana. But guess what? I am graduating with my doctorate this May and got the most beautiful job at UNCA. I'm coming home to Asheville! I can't wait to see one of your shows there.
Posted March 11, 2008
Louise Noel Howes wrote
Hey Christine...
I sold your cd's for you at the Brewery Arts in Carson City NV a few years ago...after one of your fans showed me how to turn on the darn credit card machine!
Always good to get your emails and now you've introduced me to Squidoo....you're so cutting edge!
Thanks for the continuing great music...you've accompanied me for miles of travel to art shows all over the west, and I always love introducing your music to new friends.
Keep up the great work.
louise
Posted March 11, 2008
JJBigPaws wrote...
Hi Christine!
Welcome to Squidoo! I have been a fan for awhile and its so cool to now see you have a Squidoo page, and a great one at that! Hope you enjoy Squidoo.
I go to your site daily and so enjoy your blog. I don't see any Asheville dates on your tour page but hopefully you will play some, maybe Bele Chere again?
Posted March 11, 2008
Brian wrote
It's been a long time and a long way from FHS, but you are still loved here in good ol' Fairfax. When are you coming back to Jammin' Java?
Posted March 11, 2008
Lafe wrote
Like everyone, I receive a lot of emails but only a few make me pounce like a kitten on a moving toe under a white sheet. Yours is one of them. Thanks for keeping it moving.
-lafe
Posted March 11, 2008
Tammy wrote
Just downloaded Right Outta Nowhere and have been listening to it non stop for a week. Before that it was Rain and Mud and Wild and Green, couldn't let it go. Even my 3 year old knows all the words to your songs! Of course I love your blog and plan to attend a retreat someday!
Posted March 11, 2008
Candace Kreitlow wrote
Greetings, Christine! I remember you from way back in WI at a folk fest . . .
My daughter Holly Brook was 12 and she was with me for your song writing workshop. Now I'm in OR and she's in LA. . . . doing what else, music!
I love your entertaining and empowering blogs!
Posted March 11, 2008
Gail Moore wrote
Hey, there - I miss you. Gorka was just here for three nights, and we spoke (warmly) of you. Hope all is going well with Mickey and with you, and that you'll come visit soon - with Mickey if possible. I think my fave CD of yours is Right Outta Nowhere - how do I register on this thing?
Posted March 11, 2008
PixOLated wrote...
Hey Christine - really enjoyed your lens, not to mention your great tunes.
Neil
Posted March 10, 2008
