l e a h m e r t z

I collaborated with a really talented producer from LA known as ‘RHYNO’.

We worked on three songs together, and this is the first single off his upcoming album. Check out ‘Down’ below. Down belooooow. hah. 

I’ve never done anything of this style before, really cool to be part of such an intense and deep song, I think it turned out really well :) Let me know what you think and stay tuned for the other songs to come out!

Rhyno on Facebook and Youtube

with @Missyouintuques

fun factoid: Gab’s Ma drew the sketch on canvas behind me. She’s very talented :)

I’m about to join the herd of 2012 roundups, so bear with me! 

Personally, I love reading/hearing about what others are up to in their lives. Especially for those that I haven’t seen in a while. It’s so exciting to learn of other’s trials and tribulations, and so inspiring to know so many of us are simply out there, each and every day, bringing our best, and living our best [I expect nothing less from y’all!]. 2012 was a great year for many, and I know it was a lil dimmer for others— but nonetheless, we all made it through and lived to tell about it. Or blog about it in this case, forgive me, I don’t know how to use a pen anymore.

Facebook, Twitter, and hued Instagram photo’s can be a tease— that’s why I love the end of the year… people seem to be so open and honest about what their year was to them. 

I’m about to do a rundown for two reasons: 1) Because I am an extremely nostalgic person, and will probably appreciate this in twelve months, three years, five decades, etc. and 2) I feel as if the universe is what you put into it— share with me your stories!

Here are my highlights and lowlights of the almighty 2012;

In January of 2012, I found myself at Simon Fraser University finishing off my last semester as a music undergrad. Amidst school projects, musical discoveries, and of course, cold rain, I spent the first few months of 2012 notating my musical consciousness. Composition and collaboration were the things that my school taught me, it also taught me loud and clear what I didn’t want to become in my life. I realized that as my school time was coming to a close, it was now more than ever, that I was so very in charge of my future… and most importantly— the music that I wanted to make. It was a liberating feeling. Something I’m still basking in to this day, and hopefully for the rest of my life. I was also working part-time teaching piano as well as a Library Assistant. I have been teaching piano for almost four years now, and I feel it’s such a blessing in disguise. I know I still have so much to learn myself, yet whatever I do know, I can impart it on willing and creative youth… it’s truly rewarding. #stillnotcertifiedthoughwhoops

In February, I turned 23. Shit. Also purchased some eye cream for the first time…ladies, it’s never too early to start! My Mom also came to visit, I like when she does that. She’s so full of life; the grey skies in Vancouver don’t stand a chance when Mama Mertz comes to town. #luckydaughter

In March, I celebrated a year with my dear. I usually don’t say much about our relationship; but I’m writing this as we approach our two year anniversary and let’s just say, I’ve never been so thankful, so in love, and so excited about a future with someone! March also marked the month when anything and everything had a deadline. My final semester was coming to a close, and I believe I had a celebratory vanilla milkshake when I handed in my last. university. paper. ever. I also travelled to Seattle, met up with my sister and her husband and had a graaaaand time! Had some good eats, cool treats, and… crab. #ofcourse. March is also when Miss You In Tuques played their first gig. I’m talking as if it’s someone else, but really, it’s just me and one of the most talented musicians I know. I had a friend asking if I wanted to play my solo stuff at this show, but I opted to bring Gab with me, as we had been jamming together the last few months. You can check out the performance here. We really had no idea what we were doing, but knew it was too exciting to just leave it at that night. #smilesfordays

In April, I did music for a film, didn’t sleep much. I also had my graduation piece performed at my school’s final concert. It was a rewarding yet fleeting moment; my Mom and others from home were there, and to me, it was better then any convocation could have been. It really summed up my four years as a student at SFU, and the performance went extremely well. 

In May, I took a trip to LA. Had some amazing R&R with Gab as a graduation gift to myself. Later that month, we played a bigger show with MYIT… definitely locked and loaded… this project was something we vowed to invest in. The beginnings of our songs started to take shape. This song in particular, was keeping me up at night as I danced around my kitchen, I was way too excited for people to hear this. I often feel so lucky to be paired with such a tech-savvy engineer :) I had some cool opportunities come up that showcased my music in a world renown wedding videographer’s video. Since then, that song has been apart of nearly twenty weddings around the world. I feel weird typing this from my apartment, because they are such cool moments that are so far away from me. It’s been rewarding ever since that video went live, to have such gracious people wanting your music to be part of their special day. That video led to other opportunities, including being able to contribute my vocals to an upcoming RHYNO album. His album drops in March of this year, can’t wait!

In June, I moved. I always move. 12th time? Also, before the full-on panic of being a ‘starving artist’ set in, I wrangled up starting a new job as a customer service rep. The company will remain nameless…I’ve probably talked to you on the phone and you don’t even knowww it ;) The job has been really good to me, I’m so thankful to only be working part-time, and have the time to do other musical ventures. I say part-time now, but time will tell if my gourmet cooking habits continue to up the bills! hah. But, back to June— it probably ranked as the worst month of the year. I had my wisdom teeth pulled out, had my limbs covered with ugly bites from LA turning into a swelling nightmare, and was sick with the flu for two weeks, while having the stresses of a new job #arewehavingfunyet

However, June did have a redeeming moment. I ended up skipping my convocation; whoops, didn’t miss the oversized gown, nor the bagpipes. I opted for a much needed trip home to Chestermere. It was literally the only opportunity I had before my job started full swing, to go home. It was a good week home, and the highlight was visiting a girl my Mom works with at her job as a Special Needs Assistant. She was a lovely spirit and had been a fan of my music— let’s just say, we danced around a little classroom for quite some time. I realized two things: 1) Music is way more powerful than we’ll ever know 2) I was really out of shape not being able to keep up with a power-dancing 9 year old. 

June did hit me hard,  especially when Father’s Day came around. Some days, some holidays, some minutes, some moments, some hours, are easier than others, and some hit you so hard you feel you are right back where you were seven years ago. Still thinking of my Dad, every day, and missing him ever since his life ended in 2005. I’m at a peaceful place, but it doesn’t ever erase how much you miss someone and imagine the ‘what could have been’.

July, I was in full-time training mode for my new job. I think it was summer? I don’t remember. 

In August, I bought my first car! #starvingartistwhat! 

I’m going to lazily combine September, October, November. To be honest these were the months I call ‘settled dreaming’. Life was relaxing, I felt like I settled into adulthood. Turned over a new leaf of independence, if you will. In all honestly, it really just felt like a break from the education system… something that began in my pre-school days almost twenty years ago. My work schedule was manageable, my apartment was chic and spacious, and I could play chef to my heart’s desire! However I found myself constantly dreaming of what was going to be next for me in life. Sure enough, dreams don’t happen unless you want them to. I found that in these months, the content creation of Miss You in Tuques hit full throttle, and it’s something Gab and I are always thinking about, and always will think about. We envision good things to come, no matter how big or small. Hope you join us :)

December, marked the first Christmas I wasn’t able to spend with my family back home in Alberta. It was all good though, I had a wonderful family to spend it with here— despite having to work 9am on Christmas morning. I’ll have a side of odd with that turkey please! 

And here we are in January 2013. Exactly four years ago this week, I made my way to Vancouver not knowing what I wanted, where I was headed, or what to expect. I know now, that the less I expect, the more I scramble to make growth the norm of my expectations. Onwards and upwards I say. 

As per our western traditions? I might as well throw in some resolutions for the almighty 2013. (Is it just me, or does ‘2013’ sound waaay too space-agey for us 90’s babes!)

Here’s my goals for 2013:

-Remain healthy and happy- physically and emotionally. Keep up on my gym regiments and health kicks #alwaysmakingroomforchocolate

-Make more music than I have ever motivated myself to before

-Love openly and honestly

-Travel to new places, new spaces, and perhaps expire my chapter in Vancouver. Perhaps I’ll move to LA and become a weatherwoman. You know you don’t have to be qualified for that. #sunshineeveryday #musiceveryday

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I hope this entry finds you well, and re-energized by the turning of our lil’ calendar. Happy New Year! 

If you read this whole thing, you get a gold star and an invisible high five from me- as I am glad we have connected once again :)

Leah

My take on Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Catch my breath’— love this song! Hope you like it :)

I find I tend to only be inspired when I’m forced too. ie; when a deadline is enforced. Wishing for the day I would just ignore the calls of daily life… and simply bask in creativity. 

I was asked by a friend to make something for a dance piece she was choreographing. Produced this piece later that night. Hope you like it :)

Finally, this lil song I’ve been hinting at for months is on its way out into the world.. check this preview out HERE! 

Join us! http://www.facebook.com/missyouintuques