On the radio!

I had a ball on QBN FM yesterday chatting with presenter Lynn, and promoting the process of the upcoming album, as well as playing tunes from my most beloved Twelve Short Stories album which this here blog is so gleefully named after!

It was a great afternoon, and lots of listeners have written and made friends and sent warm reviews of me, the interview and the songs.  Here is one of my favourites from the album, and my favourite film clip too!

Hope you'll pop over to iTunes sometime and search The Tullys, and support indie musos in, and out of your town.

Shell xx

*gasp* ...and Studio Video Blog #3

Hello sweet peas!

I have watched near to all of the Autumn leaves fall, 

and can see that a new {chilly} season is upon us here in Aus...

But I'm not about to let that stop me smiling!

Or posing!

Or blogging! 

(...and I am duly sorry dear friends, for my recent silence 'round here... 

a lot on my plate 

and big changes in my plans and hopes and dreams have occurred!

{which sometimes take a little time to all soak in...}  

but it is not in anyway, 

bad news..!

See below...

Shell xx

Before I was a button...

...I was a video star!

This film clip was made in 2006 on our farm in Canberra. Features my incredibly talented and good looking band mates, brothers Jamie and Cameron.

There were actually two versions of the video made; this one was for our overseas audience, what with the great Aussie outback background and the flag making their quite deliberate appearances.

Another one ended up being filmed about a year later, because the record label who was trying to sign us at the time was worried this first clip looked like we might be a country band - and we couldn't have that misunderstanding now could we?!

Note: I was seven months pregnant with my forth baby when this was filmed! Yikes!

Do tell me how you feel, and what you think? I am so enjoying showing off these pieces of my career to you - and don't forget to push my button now will you...

; )

Shell {Button-Smith} xx

Laugh with me...

After such a week as I have had, I thought it better to sit down and laugh, rather than cry...

So I invite you to laugh with me! Watch this short blooper reel from the My Brother Charlie film clip, have a giggle at and with me over your cup of tea!

If there is one thing I've learned this week, it's that "life is far too important, to be taken seriously!" Oscar Wilde.

...in love,

Shell xx

As promised...

...I have posted my very newest ditty onto the little music player

{left of your screen}...

It is just a little spur of inspiration I had on Monday, a consideration of youth, fragility, and vulnerability ...as promised, it was recorded 

last night in hope that you might take a listen.

Nervous...

Mechelle Tully 

Nervous, habits in the morning, before,

I am getting on the train,

To see, to see you again, I hope I can,

keep it together, not be too -

nervous,

is strokes of colour like, 

Purple & Blue…

And I’m chewing on my pen,

And I’m drawing in the sand,

And I’m holding out my hand -

To you.

I am making it available as a free MP3 download from Reverbnation

so you may listen at your leisure and tell me what you think!

Songsmith xx

Canberra Day

Please forgive my recent silence...

I am finally back online with my MacBook home from the doctor and all be very well!

It is Canberra Day public holiday today, and there are celebrations going on in the city.  I am here at home, taking in the quiet, bathing my babies, sweeping the floor, then having lots of tea with Jamie, putting my feet up.

I have had a few ankle malfunctions in the last week, I sprained the left while out walking a week ago, and then unluckily the right on Friday, so I have been hobbling a little and forced to slow down, a bit...

On my wonky ankles The Tullys played at a "highbrow" ball the other night, and we are to have a promotional photo shoot on Wednesday (which I am not looking forward to) because I feel I am horribly un-photogenic!

I shall post the photos forthwith and we can laugh at them together!  

I look forward to posting more regularly again, sharing more of my mind, my heart, my poetry, my world...

Shell xx

Withstanding...

As I play piano late into the night,

when poetry is easy, the house is quiet,

Tea cup full, my heart welling with things to say;

As I search for my "genre" in the market place,

For my "peer group" in the music world-

I find myself without such virtues,

Sometimes a little bit alone with my songs.

Always sure though,

of their worthiness to be heard,

And of my willingness to give them flight.

So far above glitter and red carpets is true sensitivity!

Is unfailing artistry.

So like a shoe maker makes shoes;

Late into the night, I make songs.

Without the need for genre, friends, even fans,

With passion, with pleasure,

With everything I am,

Withstanding.

Shell xx

Dear Sir or Madam...

...I humbly apologise for my recent silence in the blogosphere.

I have sung at no less than a Christmas party, a birthday party and a carols by candlelight over the weekend.  But I can guarantee my heart has been here...  I am always composing my next post in my head where ever I am and whatever I'm doing, I'm thinking, is there a good post in this?!  A story that can be told, or a lesson learned which can be shared...

I took the opportunity to make the band set look suitably festive over the weekend.  How happy am I at this time of year to be allowed to put gold tinsel on everything!

More to share very soon...

Shell xx

Happy Heart

I went shopping today, to buy a feather for my hair, some nappies for the babies, and bits like that.  I chose a worthy feather, walked up to the counter and chatted with the lady as she served me.  It was during this conversation I of course told her I was a singer (la, di, da) and in my silly flamboyant way, managed to really make her laugh heartily out loud.  As I walked away I looked back on my short performance and was glad I had made her smile.  

I think that remembering to rejoice in life is the most important key to emotional, and probably most physical health.  So much worldly conversation is focussed on the negative, but I try to remember that this world was created by, and belongs to God.  And the good guys win in the end you know!  

I also think that no smile, or laughter that you give to others in your day goes unnoticed, it can always bless someone, and your happy heart will always bless you.

Shell xx

Beautiful Day

The Salvos Spring Fete at last was here today; funny to think that this day pictured below is all over now as I write to you with slightly sunburned skin...

We had a great time, I found it an honour to perform for such a kind, loving and giving family of Salvos.  Bless them all.

These are my beautiful musical accomplices!  Spiritual brothers, beloved friends I've the pleasure to make music with...

Rob and Jamie behind the mixing desk

Cam the man charming another of his many fans!

Shell xx

To pause, and focus

The end of the working week always feels exciting to me.  Husband will be home for a few days, gigs to be done, daylight saving upon us, and warm weather expected all the while...

Tomorrow the band will be donating our time for the Salvation army here in Canberra, their annual Spring Fete.  We will perform twice for their patrons and I expect it to be a lovely day.

I haven't forgotten about my 'just a thought' post from Tuesday, I am endeavoring to find a way to explain it better...  All comments very welcome.

I am to play another Coffee and Chords on Sunday, and then on Monday I am performing for the Prime Minister at Old Parliament House on behalf of The Carers Association. 

So I am taking the time just now to pause, and focus before this busy weekend; I am so blessed to be able to do for a living, what I enjoy and shine in.

In love,

Shell xx

Sharp Frog Studios

Not many musos have their very own studio.  And fewer of them I'm sure, have their own studio converted from a wheat silo!  But I am one of those unlikely few.  Jamie built this (he says for me - sweet) but it is for the whole band, and the whole family.  It was indeed the farm's old wheat silo, and it is now the most gorgeous, completely round music space in the world!

We have named it Sharp Frog because it was the hilarious conclusion that a three year old Jamie came up with when Dad introduced him to his first echidna!  The story is legendary in our family, and now so is the name.  Jamie and Dad worked on the studio for the most part and so it seemed right to name it something strangely wonderful, and so the echidna lives there and greets all who enter by the wooden slab door...

I am delighted that we shall record our next album here.  After the spectacularly perfect Studios 301 in beautiful Sydney where Twelve Short Stories was made, this will be a more reflective album.  One that is written by a more grown up me.  By a writer looking back at a decade in the music industry...  

The songs are taking beautiful shape and I can't wait to finish rehearsing and start recording.  Lots and lots more work to do yet.  In fact I am only just starting to compile the story of the collection of songs.  This is what I was born to do, write albums of songs for sensitive souls to decipher!  And to record them at home, in that beautiful round room, will give the music made there an even more honest tone.

Shell xx

Anything (Carers' Version)

Anything (Carers' Version)

Yay!

Anything, from the Twelve Short Stories album has been re-released with different lyrics and is just today available on iTunes!

I was approached by the Carers Association here in Canberra to provide them with a theme song for the launch of their DVD last year.  You can find it here on youtube, I recommend watching this video if you are interested.  It is very moving, explains completely what the Carers Association is all about, and I feel so blessed that my song helps communicate the emotion.  

This year they have put together a new short film, and have asked for Anything to be featured on the soundtrack once more.  I will be performing it live also at this years launch which is to be held at Old Parliament House with the PM in attendance.  I am looking forward to it. 

Feeling like a very blessed songwriter today!

Shell xx

The village green...

I heard today from a good friend & musician from Canberra, who played with us (The Tullys) for many years after Lawson went to the US.  He did our sound for Tullys gigs and even played on the album Twelve Short Stories - so all the beautiful organ you hear on TSS was provided by, overseas explorer and fellow blogger Mr Phil Daniel.

It's funny how you can just meet up for a chat online...  I find it always, deliciously comforting to keep in touch with friends, from school, or chaps who've made your coffee for years - you find out you're related to!... people you've only met twice, or only online...  

I feel like I am visiting the village green, when I log on to see how friends are going with their loves and their lives.  And you only need to type a few words to say you're still around, still sane; and hope from them, you'll hear the same...

I stroll all over the place from my MacBook Pro sitting in the sunroom, in beautiful Canberra.  I have met some absolute lovlies from all over, and I am so chuffed with the response I have had from so many of them over this little blog, which I enjoy writing so much everyday!

Well Tuesday seems to be becoming my morning sunrise photo day, so here is what the sun said to me when I went up the hill to see him this morning!

Shell xx

Together

Coffee and Chords went very well yesterday.  It is heart warming to see people come down to hear me play and sing.  I am also really excited to keep The Tullys band in people's minds by displaying the band's banner when I perform; and I have to laugh at myself each time I say "we" instead of "I" when I talk to the audience about the songs - unused to being a solo performer I am!

I look forward to all the band gigs that are booked for the spring and summer ahead.  The winter has been nice and quiet, and I have enjoyed playing Coffee & Chords so very much.  

I have also had a break with one of my songs 'Together' which will be used by the Australian Defense Force in a DVD to encourage women to join the army!   I love the idea of being used on a soundtrack!  It has always been a dream of mine to have my music used in a movie, or an advert, so perhaps I am on my way!

I will leave you today with a photo which was taken in 2002 of the four original Tullys who formed the band...

(From Left to right - Mechelle Tully, Jamie Tully, Cameron Tully, Lawson Tully)

...and as the song goes, "we've gotta stick together, cause we're nothing apart"

Shell xx

"These are a few of my favourite things!"

There is a taste of spring, twinkling in Canberra today.  Unless of course you go outside in the icy breeze that is!  But from inside my cosy cottage at home, with the heater on, I am really enjoying the sunshine.

I cannot wait for spring.  To have picnics, and wear summer dresses, (which is a new endeavor for me, since I have for years been a pants kind of person).  There is something so feminine and graceful about a pretty dress though - I have bought a couple already, which are waiting impatiently for some warm weather in my wardrobe...

Earrings; cardis, (which is short for cardigans) - I have lots of them, in every colour, and I am a little bit obsessed you could say!  

Shoes - did I mention I also have an obsession with shoes?  Well I do...

I just think that enjoying beautiful things (which don't have to be of great expense) make you feel good.  And when you feel good, you create, you love, you smile, and in my opinion, you truly live!

I am now suddenly over come by the urge to dance around the house like Julie Andrews (which actually happens to me often) and sing, "these are a few of my favourite things!"

Hope you're having a sunny Saturday!

Shell xx

Outside Looking In...

As I sit here sipping my afternoon tea, it's amazing what creative photo opportunities present themselves...

This view from outside looking into the sunroom makes me think of a song I wrote for a friend several years ago just before spring had blossomed in her life...

Outside Looking In

Scary on the outside looking in,

Too good to leave, too bad to stay is that the problem?

You're doing your thing and that's okay,

But all I really want to say

Is I know it's scary on the outside looking in...

I know you're barely even starting to begin,

I see the tide go in and out based on your feelings,

You're taking your time, need to be sure,

But with all the planning in the world-

Sometimes nothing is fair,

Nothing is fine,

Nothing is perfect,

Nothing is nice!

Nothing is pure, nothing tastes sweet,

Nothing is new, nothing is neat!

....

Sometimes I don't even know if I can carry on!

Sometimes I don't even know if this is what I want...

You make a move you then regret,

Too many noises in your head...

Sometimes it feels like,

Nothing is fare, nothing is fine

Nothing is perfect, nothing is nice

Nothing is pure, nothing minus one,

Nothing is new under the sun...

Shell xx

Beautiful Blur...

...written when I was in an unusual mood.  It's a funny, but addictive feeling, to write a song.  You're not alone when you create.  Inspiration must be the name of the angel God sends with the gift of creativity...

Jamie, and Richard (Lush) brought this song to life though, in the recording process.  They saw it for all of it's wondrous glory.  And it is still one of my favourite songs from the album.  It is heaven when the band rocks it out, and it is like a confiding friend when done acoustically on the piano.  In short, I love it and am very proud of it's beauty now that it's all grown up and streaming from the music player to your left, and waiting for you to buy her on iTunes!

Reviews welcome...

* * *

Beautiful Blur...

You've been so abnormal and out of control,

I know where these things go...

Take a guess, it isn't good

Have you been told, you will not surely die

Tonight?

What have you done, with all the beautiful things about you?

What have you done with all the love..?

You've been so paranoid and anti-social!

(Nobody understands, and they're all out to get you!)

Take a breath, look at the light-

It's all a bluff, to "fuzzy up" your sight

Tonight.

What have you done, with all the beautiful things about you?

What have you done with all the love...?

And we go from day to day

With firm ideas about life and love,

And nothing seems to change until we want, what we want,

Become a law, unto ourselves!

And you've got new things, she picked out for you-

As well as a whole set of new ideas,

Funny how when you know nothing you know it all..!

What have you done?

Take a guess,

It isn't good,

If you've been told you will not surely die;

It's a lie.

Shell xx

Anna

She is not so good at saying, 'hello, and how are you?'

and I bet she is much worse at good byes,

She may catch your eye and say a thousand things in silence,

I've lived for those periodic times...

Anna, you've been twice as sweet as I thought you'd be,

And I know you've never been so far away from home;

I know we will see you again,

I know I will be your friend,

And I know now, this is not the last time.

She is wiser than she ever has to convince you of,

And she is smarter than she's letting on!

She'll catch your eye and say a thousand things in silence, 

 don't understand her, but I like her.

Anna, you are more beautiful than I thought you'd be,

And I know you've never been more in love-

than you are now,

I know we will see you again,

And I know you will be my friend,

And I know now...

She is not so good at saying 'hello, and how are you?'

But she knows this is not really goodbye...

Shell xx

ps: this is my 100th post!

A poetic day!

I have been doing a little decorating here at MT12SS, and I think the place has come up nicely!  After three months of blogging here it has only just occurred to me that I should include a sample of my music, and a link to iTunes so that my readers can go shopping if they so wish!

I am not a very good promoter.  I think my brain spends all it's time writing poetry, and allows no space for advertising and promotion!  Oh well, it's the art that counts hey!  But I must say I am delighted with my little music player - which only took about nine hours to embed onto this blog!  But, I am up with all the computer jargon now, I know words like 'embed' and 'import' - scary!

But all is well, and before I go I must show you these two photos of the ice on Canberra's Mount Painter this morning...

Have a poetic day!

Shell xx