KIT HOLMES: News

Yes, it's upon us again. The annual SXSW (that would be South by Southwest) Film, Interactive and Music Festival here in Austin. I give a warm, Texas-size welcome to the tens of thousands (seems more like millions) of musicians, "industry" folks, papparazzi, glitteratti and hairdo/fashion statements who've descended on our fair city.

It's really quite something to experience. You should try it at least once in your life....really.

I witnessed a part of it perched from a tiny stage singing and playing Motown tunes with Austin Hot Trax at the Copa on Congress, as well as from the deep reaches of the Jackalope bar on 6th St. during Austin Music Foundation's party...by the by, when Guy Forsythe has a gig, make sure you catch it...

Finally, the moment you've all been waiting for: my music is now available for download and purchase directly from my website! (See the "buy" page). You can still listen to samples on the "Music" page, and open links to the lyrics. I can now post new material before it ends up on an album (Just check out "It's a New Day!....)

I haven't worked out all the kinks yet, but at least I feel like I've moved into the present technological century. E me and lemme know what you think!

The whole of the RSI (Religious Science Int'l) Minister's Conference this week was amazing. I played for so many amazing folks, sold all the CDs I had and made fantastic new friends from all over the country (and Canada!). Opening for and listening to Dr. Joan Borysenko was just one of the highlights...finding a whole new audience = priceless!

The radio gig today in little 'ol Cameron, Texas was a blast! The time just flew by. Joe, Terri, John and I did alot more talking than playing - we only did one song each during the hour! Terri and I were ready to keep playing all day.... Brad, the DJ, was warm, put everyone at ease and even played one of his original songs (...it was quite good!)... looking forward to more radio in the future...

So, I get my first shot on a radio show as a songwriter/performer!

KMIL Radio 1330 AM (Cameron, TX) has a show every Wednesday called "Central Texas Sounds"

Longtime Austin Songwriter's Group member Joe Strouse made the contact at KMIL and was good enough to share the wealth with the rest of us.

So, Joe, Terri Fann, John Greene and I will be doing the show on Valentine's Day, (that would be Wednesday, Feb. 14) from 10:05 a.m. - 11 a.m. (CST) - This is a very small station with a VERY short broadcast area, but you can still listen to the show via streaming audio on their website. www.KMIL.com.

How cool is that? Ah, technology. I'm really excited about this...and nervous, too. Gee, what should I wear?

Just got word today that the conference I'm scheduled to perform at includes some pretty notable folks...and my main time slot on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 8:45 a.m. is the opening for NY Times Bestselling author Dr. Joan Borysenko. Wow, I say (okay, I've said, "Wow!" a hundred times already...)

I'm really having a great time lately watching the universe unfold in wonderful, unexpected ways. This is one of those times - I said, "yes" to the conference without any knowledge about "who" would be there. The "what" was the draw for me...and here I go....yahoooooo!!!

A new song mine titled, "It's A New Day" has gone to new and unexpected places rather quickly. Ah, yes, timing is everything....

I wrote the song with a New Year's theme just a couple of weeks ago. I had a hunch to demo the thing and take it to a song critique on Jan. 22. where everyone seemed to get all happy-clappy with it. It's got an old-school Motown feel to it.

Two days later, one of my songwriter buddies contacted me about sending it over to some folks she shares office space with....seems they were looking for a "theme" song for their annual meeting. Well, in less than a week's time, "It's A New Day" became the soundtrack for the organization's PowerPoint presentation and I was invited (you bet I went!) to perform the song live for their annual meeting.

Thanks to Mardi Wareham and all the folks at the Austin Area Interreligious Ministries. ...check 'em out at www.aaimaustin.org.

Welcome to the new year, all!

Resolutions? Nope, I don't make them. I set intentions instead.

What's difference, you ask?
Well, I believe the word "resolution" has become synonymous with "forcing my will on something to make it so." Which, as we all know after awhile, usually results in failure.

Making conscious "intentions", however, means I choose to do a little deeper thinking about not only what I want to accomplish, by why.

For me "intention" is an internal action, "resolution" an external.

So, that being said, am I willing to share my intentions with you? Nope. 'Cuz they're internal....ha ha ha ha ha.

Actually, here's one: I will share lots of new music with you in this New Year...

Okay, here's a one more: I intend to see, and set off, more fireworks this year....

Okay, and one more: I intend to express gratitude every day.

This year is going to be soooooooo fun!!! I wish you all the best.

This past weekend I attended the annual Austin Songwriter's Group Symposium.
What a blast to be around so many talented writers and musicians. The jam sessions were amazing!

My song "Headed West" made it to the finalist round in the song contest in the Singer/Songwriter category.

Hey, I may not have won, but it was an honor just to be in the running with the other writers in this category (check out www.austinsongwritersgroup.com for the complete list of finalists and winners).

I'll get the clip on the site so you can hear it asap!

I'll be heading to Georgia at the end of this month for a couple of gigs (check the calendar page) and to do some catching up on my old stompin' grounds. Road trips are always inspiring for new tunes....

Well, it's finally here! Feel free to come on in and look around. I'll be adding new stuff on regular basis so please stop by every now and then, eh?