NB Muse

2012-01-30T01:19:00.000-08:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy! May the year of the dragon be a good one for you!

No. 8 was voted #11 on the Top 20 cds for 2011 on Outvoice online lgbt charts. Thanks again for your continued support of this new release and congrats to all!

Thrilled to say Sprack Chica Boogie video has over 6000 views in the two months online. Thanks for watching and posting/sharing the links!

GiG ALERT
Our first ever appearance at The Main 4210 Main St. (26th and Main)
10 pm to Midnight on Thursday February 9th
Alice Fraser joins me on keys for 2 sets of my roots rock and blues pop originals featuring songs from the new No. 8 release.
No cover :) See you there!

2011-12-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

No.8 by Norine Braun

2011-12-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

2011-12-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

2011-05-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hi there
The release was wonderful. We had so much fun onstage at our first ever live gig together. I can't wait to play again with the amazing No. 8 musicians! Rather than a livestream I posted several live songs in videos from the night and included a great interview with rightouttv. No worries if you missed, you can still get a taste of the show with the vids shot by talented Will Stelfox. Also posted are gorgeous No. 8 cd release photos by Skyy Powers. Enjoy.

Excellent feedback and No. 8 reviews coming in:
"Over the course of her eight albums local songwriter Braun has developed exceptionally sharp lyricism, fluid vocals and a way with a driving melody. Case in point, the single "Drift Away" from her new CD." - Stuart Derdeyn The Province
"No. 8" receives my highest rating of 5*****. Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed. Another Treasure of an Album from a Truly Canadian Treasure..." - John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
"The album received an A on an A to F grading scale, with Drift Away, Drunk, I Will I Won't, Sprack Chica Boogie, and Neutral Territory. Very eclectic sound! Powerful vocals set the tone for a blend of genres in this album." Matt Nightingale CHSR Music Director

Plays on CBC NXNW, CKUA Edmonton, CFOU Trois Rivieres, CJUM Winnipeg, Beauty Radio Tampa, CHSR, Fredericton, CHMR, St. John's, Lots of support from local CFRO: What The Folk, She-Boom (one hour of the show was dedicated to No.8 ), Fruitsalad, Bandcouver. Thanks so much to all the hosts, producers and music directors for the adds and plays. If I am missing anyone please let me know as I do my own tracking among many other things ;) Playing live on Melodies in Mind CJSF 90.1 FM May 24th at 8 pm PST and acoustically at the Friday Night Artisan Market eco-village in Yarrow BC May 27th 5 - 9 sharing the bill with Jared Fowler.

Returning the love I am excited to be playing the CFRO benefit for SHE-BOOM and Coop radio May 28th 7pm doors 8pm start Rhizome Cafe 317 E. Broadway $10-20 sliding scale please get there early, its limited seating and this event will definitely sell out! She-Boom is a local show that supports independent women in music both local and worldwide. Alice will be joining me at this event where I will be playing in a mostly solo singer/songwriter style.

Stream the entire album or download your copy of No. 8 at bandcamp, buy No. 8 CDs at cdbaby or directly through me . Hope to see you soon and keep in touch.
Love,
Norine
www.norinebraun.com

Do you wanna support Norine and Canadian music in general? Please take a moment to request that your local record store, radio station, tv show, magazine or newspaper, blog, podcast, or venue profile Norine's music in some way. it only takes a moment but it really, really helps get the music out. Thanks, eh!

2011-04-07T15:28:00.001-07:00

CD IS READY FOR RELEASE HOPE YOU CAN ATTEND!! LUVNB

2010-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

The creation of a recording is exhilarating, thrilling, daunting, and everything in between. And, the experience is totally different every time. While there's so much to plan and prepare, the best things arrive magically on their own. Even greater things happen when you ask someone to join you on the journey.

Join this journey if you think you will get No.8 when it comes out, consider ordering No. 8 now when it really helps! I am looking to fans and friends again to support this exciting new project in exchange for some wonderful gifts and opportunities
Learn more about how you can be a part at:

Love,
Norine

2010-12-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Recording update:
Almost done! Alice has to do her keys on 3 tunes in January and it will be fait de complet! Please send her healing vibes and prayers she has been struggling with a thyroid condition for a long while but it has been particularly harsh the past month so as soon as she is recovered Fran "crazy fingers" Fraser will grace us with her enviable talents!!
Last Thursday Andrew "Huggybear" Huggard (Leonard and the Lab Rats,Olliebollen Trio) blew us away with his harmonica. That man is a true bluester and I am beyond thrilled to have him on the album!! He shone a brilliance and gave the tunes a whole extra dimension.

Monday, Adam gives another stellar lead guitar treatment on more of the songs and I begin background and harmony vocals on some of the tracks too. The song productions are rich, emotional and groove centered with twists and turns on every corner. Just when you think you know what's coming we have a surprise in store for you on this album. Of all my albums, which I love each one for their special qualities and times in my life, I have to say this one seems to be most like me yet. I can't wait to share this album with you!!

2010-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Dec. 13 In studio recording the lead guitar tracks today, wowowow Adam has absolute killer chops!

Dec. 11 Was back in the studio this week recorded the final vocals for the album Thursday, later that night sadly my 20 year old lovable cat passed away at home from crf but I was so glad to be beside him as he said farewell. He lived a good life and was loved very much. RIP Nanuk Fraser-Braun 1990-2010 Heartbroken to say farewell but so grateful for all the joy and comfort our little Nanny cat gave.

Dec. 3
Another great day in the studio sang my absolute heart and guts out...I think I may have blown a vocal chord on the Only One as it was a no holding back kinda day ...pure raw and as emotional as I can deliver.

Dec. 2
Recorded my acoustic rhythm guitar on last 5 songs and I recorded some electric on a couple songs today too...the bass lines Adam has completed and they a really smokin'! a great day in the studio :D

Nov. 30 I just learned I was nominated for 2 Pita Awards for 2010, Female/Lesbian Favorite of the year and producer of the year for Acoustically Inclined...wow that is so very kewl! Thanks for nominating me!

Pride In The Arts, Annual Awards. Music Arts category. Brought to you by StoneWall Society.
www.prideinthearts.com

2010-12-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've started an album pre-sale campaign for the creation of my 8th album currently being recorded and to be released March 2011. If you think you will get No.8 when it comes out, consider ordering No. 8 now when it really helps! I am looking to fans and friends again to support this exciting new project in exchange for some wonderful gifts and opportunities

Learn more about how you can be a part at:

http://www.kapipal.com/2ff79fe65d824cf38266d047469bd0b9

I am beyond elated and very honoured to be nominated for 2 PITA awards Female and Producer of the Year for Acoustically Inclined faves! You can vote for me and the other great artists at

http://www.prideinthearts.com/Awards/musicnoms2010.htm

Voting ends Dec. 14 and thanks for your continued support on the Outvoice charts too!

Touch Me from the new Lost Tracks EP is being played, thanks to: Unashamed Faith Cafe in Halifax, CJMQ Lennoxville Quebec, Pride Showcase on QNation, and coming soon on Italy's Highway 61, Spain's Radio Vilafant, Beauty Radio in Florida and Radio Gets Wild in the UK!

Thanks again and I hope to see your name in the liner notes! :D

Love,

Norine

2010-11-19T19:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas comes early for fans of Norine Braun, as the eclectic indie singer-songwriter releases "Lost Tracks Bootleg," a 4 song digital EP containing what she calls "the lost sessions of music that could have/should have been released before 'Modern Anguish' (1996) and before the collection of the songs that became 'Miles To Go' (1999)."

It includes the haunted song, "Touch Me”, co-written by songwriter Kathleen McGee (Holograph of Jesus) and previously unheard, early versions of the other 3 "lost rock tracks”, Not the Church, Please Don’t Go Away and Watch the News. These songs have been available only to fans who collect unofficial "bootleg" recordings including Mystic and Fools Demo Norine recorded in 1993, after winning the FACTOR new talent award.

The collection is worthy of an EP release, while providing an early glimpse into what made Braun rock in her formative singer-songwriter recording years. The 4 songs were produced by James Bowers Productions.

You can listen to the songs in their entirety on www.norinebraun.com for the next month and purchase at cdbaby or very soon on iTunes.

OTHER NEWS....
Am currently busy at Rear Window studios working with producer/musician Adam Popowitz and session drummer Elliot Polsky laying down the tracks for the next album. Some real magic is happening and I can't wait to share with you very soon!

2 Videos playing on rightouttv the new 24/7 online lgbt station brought to you by local duo Sugarbeach.. it's way kewl!!

Thanks for voting! Acoustically Inclined continues in Top 10 on Outvoice for both cd and song categories (Climb the Mountain) in October.

Plays on gone fishing for blues skies in Japan, rainbowworldradio, coop radio, and somebody somewhere is playing Ballad of Magic Man I have had over a 1000 downloads of that song this past month but can't trace the source so whoever you are BIG, BIG thanks for spreading the music!!

Gig with Liv Wade was wonderful we had a great turnout, my Mom was in town and enjoyed a chance to see me play. Alice and I also had a good gig at the Richmond Legion for Remembrance Day playing for the veterans after their parade and luncheon with the mayor.

I hope all is well for you and that autumn is a good one!
Love,
Norine

2010-09-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there,
I finished editing my latest new video of an older song called buffalo nights. Hope you enjoy it! luvnb

2010-07-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

A quick note to let you know Fruit Salad's Skyy Powers interviewed Dudley Saunders and myself about our music and our upcoming show at the Railway Club August 3.

The radio interview was live online and aired on July 22 Thursday at 7pm PST http://www.coopradio.org/ and is now archived on podcast. We are on around the 7:30 mark Dudley joined by phone from Los Angeles. The show carries over into the lesbian show as well.

We are both getting excited about the gig, its my first time to hear Dudley live and I know it will be an amazing night!

AMPLIFIER REVIEW "Before Dudley Saunders embarked on a career in art-washed Americana, he was a performance artist, which may go a long way toward explaining the dramatic and visually rich tone of his third album, THE EMERGENCY LANE. There is a natural tendency to draw parallels between Saunders and ‘Hissing of Summer Lawns'-era Joni Mitchell, as Saunders' wire walk between the simplicity of folk and the complexity of jazz, exhibited both musically and lyrically, mirrors Mitchell's own creative explorations..."Brian Baker

Dudley won the 2009 Outmusic Best Album of the Year in NYC!

Thanks to all who have been voting for my Acoustically Inclined now #2 on the Top 40 and Climb the Mountain is #5 on the Top 10 Songs on Outvoice.

Cheers and see you soon!

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com

2010-05-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and time to catch up. First off, playing at the Olympics and Paralympics was outstanding! The crowds were awesome, I chronicled the event on my facebook. The first gig at the Richmond Olympic Oval I was swamped with folks wanting pics with me AS I played and sang, very difficult to play and sing with arms wrapped around you! It was a hoot for sure! The next curling gig folks tossed loonies, twoonies and quarters, lots of sparkling coins at my feet at the end :) of the set, at another gig mascot Quatchi danced to my songs and hugged me. The Men's Gold Sledge Hockey game had a wild crowd with fans dressed as Japanese Samurai warriors dancing to Evolution of the Blood Star (my medal song) fun times!

After the performances the experiences were just as grand. I stood beside

Olympian Cindy Klassan at speedskating, shook hands with John Furlong the president of the Olympics, sat in the Royalty booth at speed skating and warmed the seat for the Crown Prince of Holland, the Prince of Norway sat right behind me and I witnessed the amazingly beautiful ice dances, so incredible I wept. I will certainly remember this once in a lifetime experience.

Thank you for voting for me for the Pride In The Arts Awards and congrats to all the recipients and nominees! It was a great show and so proud to have been nominated and to have been a presenter on the award show of this year's Group Award going to Sugarbeach.

I have uploaded a new music video of my song Conformity 451 and enjoying this new found creative outlet of mini movie making. You can see on my video page. Let me know what you think and tell me what song to do for my next music video. Thrilled to say my DIY Conformity 451 music video is now airing on NOVUS TV here in Vancouver and the lower mainland.

GIG this past Sunday April 25 at 8:30 pm (no cover), at Cafe Barcelona 1049 Granville downtown Vancouver. Alice Fraser joined for a few tunes on keys and Sherri Chisholm on percussion. I played a couple of new tunes I finished writing last week and now working on plans for a new album. I have 8 new songs on the go but only about 2 are in the bag.

Acoustically Inclined charted at #3 for March on Outvoice the online GLBT Top 40 and Climb the Mountain was the #9 on the top 10 songs for the month to boot! Thanks to all who have been voting, so glad you like that cd and tune!

All is well here and I trust all is well for you.

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com

2010-03-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Thought I should post some of my experience playing at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The following are excerpts from my facebook pages.

Norine Braun last gig at Vancouver Olympic Centre today for the women's curling and maybe more gold for Canada, wow these 2 weeks sure went by quick!

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Norine Braun I am a part of all that I have met.

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February 25 at 12:36am via Facebook Mobile · Share

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Norine Braun had a fun set at ROO then sat in the Royalty booth beyond kewl. I was a seat warmer for the Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of Holland, The Prince of Norway sat right behind me so totally amazing! I was briefed on royalty protocol which was interesting too... this has been quite an adventure far beyond what I expected.

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OutRadio for March: Canadian GLBT Artists

OutRadio for March: Canadian GLBT Artistshttp://www.queermusicheritage.com/outmar10.html Premiering my March OutRadio show a bit early, as it’s a salute to Canadian GLBT Artists. ...

February 23 at 3:00pm · View note

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Terry Christopher LOVE that you are having this experience!!!

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Norine Braun The ice dance was amazingly beautiful and especially as Canada won the gold!! Thunderous applause and screaming ...I hope I can hear again for the ROO gig tomorrow at 9.

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February 22 at 9:33pm via Facebook Mobile · Share

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Norine Braun Today sunshine gig at Pacific Coliseum for the figure skating crowd, I think its dance pairs should be good!

February 22 at 10:57am · Comment ·

Norine Braun tourist in my own town today taking advantage of another blue sky sunny day. We went to the free stuff ... francophone village at granville, took the canada line to olympic line to yaletown walked to cbc to aboriginal pavilion to the flame cauldron to robson to granville on the super sunday that almost was... joyful spirits abound.

February 21 at 8:32pm · Comment ·

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Norine Braun The curling fans were a blast! The performers were along the concourse as folks entered....these fans didn't join me as often for photo opps instead they threw money at me LOL quarters, loonies and twoonies, I also got a big hug from Quatchi the mascot and shook hands with John Furlong! 2 sets for 10,000 fans am abit tired now zzz...

February 19 at 8:36pm · Comment ·

Nathan Braun Nightwolf likes this.

Mal Freitag

Sounds like things are going great, Norine. Good for you, girl. Chelsea, our eldest had to laugh on how lucky you were to get a hug from Quatchi, she just loves that critter, she has a bunch of him in her room. Have a great one, my dear!

February 19 at 9:41pm ·

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Norine Braun Today it's a Vancouver Olympic Centre gig and playing a double set for the curlers...go curlers go! Another gorgeous blue sky day too....

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February 18 at 11:42am via Facebook Mobile · Share

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Norine Braun another awesome gig today at the Olympic Oval! The official photographer/videographer shot me will post once I have them ...speedskating fans are very fun, flamboyant and dedicated especially the orange contingency from the Netherlands ...good times!

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Playlist for Pride Showcase on QNation FM for 2-16-10

Pride Showcase can be heard on QNation FM...

February 16 at 8:39pm · View note

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Norine Braun thrilling Olympic gig wow! I was the welcoming act situated at the gateway to Olympic Oval. Amazing high energy I had to change my set list to only my rockers. Many joined me to take a picture with me AS I was playing LOL! Disconcerting at first but went with the spirit of fun and excitement of it. After I stood and ...

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Norine Braun gear is packed and all ready to go play at the Olympics ;)

2010-01-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

Vancouver welcomes the world in just a couple of weeks and I am so thrilled to say I am going to be part of all the excitement of the Olympics and this once in a lifetime experience! If you are coming to the games, here is where you can catch me performing for the sports fans.

Feb 15, 2010
Richmond Olympic Oval-Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Feb 16, 2010

Richmond Olympic Oval-Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Feb 19, 2010 @ 12:45 and 17:45

Vancouver Olympic Centre Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Feb 22, 2010 @ 15:30
Pacific Coliseum Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Feb 23, 2010 @ 9:45

Richmond Olympic Oval-Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Feb 26, 2010 @ 13:45
Vancouver Olympic Centre Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Mar 18, 2010 @ 15:15
Vancouver Olympic Centre Vancouver ParaOlympics

Mar 19, 2010 @ 13:00
Vancouver Olympic Centre Vancouver ParaOlympics

Mar 20, 2010 @ 10:15 am
UBC Thunderbird Arena Vancouver 2010 Winter ParaOlympics

A dream come true to be playing at such a world event. I auditioned in December and was so excited to be selected. I will keep you posted and update my facebook and/or blog about the gigs at the games. Let the good times roll!

Cheers and Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com

PS Please send snow ... we had a Pineapple Express from Hawaii last week but really need some arctic chill our way.

2009-09-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Japan KMC Showcase and Tour

The tour went by too fast and was such an amazing experience! The first 2 beings I saw on the tarmac when landing were a pair of crows, I thought how auspicious and indeed it was!

The Japanese people were very friendly and so helpful. They really liked Canadians and wanted to know about my culture. I managed to get by with my paltry 20 Japanese words/phrases (including numbers 1 to 10) and gestures and great gut instincts. Most service people (hotels, subway) could help as they spoke much better English than my Japanese. Efficiency, order, politeness and respect are huge in the culture and I was in awe of how things worked there. They actually held the connecting plane to Osaka for me and 20 others as the flight was delayed. I was running down the moving walkways when I saw a sign in Kanji and then my name in English. I said to the uniformed woman, that's me and pointed to my name. The polite agent bowed and said please hurry to immigration, as we are holding the plane for you Ms. Braun ...wow! There was another agent guarding my guitar at the baggage claim and she showed me the way to domestic flights. They processed hundreds of people in about 8 minutes at immigration, I was amazed! I love the bowing custom by everyone though was taken aback at first. I was walked to elevators and bowed by the hotel staff, bowed to by cabbies, fellow artists, shopkeepers... everyone! I loved getting hot steamy cloths every time I ate, even convenience stores gave moist wipes with food purchases and the yakata robe in my hotel room with slippers was cool too! The western style bidet toilets were an adventure for sure, so many dials and effects, it took me awhile just to find flush! The subways were overwhelming but thankfully, the lovely interpreter Mana on my first day in Osaka showed us how to use the system. With patience and time to think about how the system worked I finally got the hang of it and was traveling alone the next day.

The first gig on an old narrow and bustling street at the Bamboo Club, was small and intimate. Dale Campbell an enthusiastic and brilliant guitarist from the UK shared the bill. Mama-san Rumi the effervescent owner made us special deserts and teas before we played and Chai in the middle and delicious Japanese pizza and beer at the end. We shared much laughter and stories in between song sets. She showed us where she was born! Her father had been a dentist and she came into the world in his waiting room. She converted it to the club later. The tatami room has pictures of her parents and is a sacred room where we had to remove our shoes. The room was like I had imagined a traditional room to look.

The Sunday night KMC showcase was great! It was located on the Okawa river at Keihan Tenmabashi. Mama-san Rumi from the Bamboo club showed up at the conference to come to see my showcase! She was wearing the Haida designed silk scarf I gave her as a gift and showing it to the sound techs and staff. Later that night she said it was keeping her warm. She was so sweet. She was a godsend and gave me a tour of the station and rooftop gardens and views and most important bathrooms!

Later, the Kabuki clown wrestlers opened the showcases. They were a real crowd generator and the folks loved them! I of course could not understand any of the dialogue which was an unusual feeling but the energy was great. One of the wrestlers who looked like he must be the origin of spiderman had been to Vancouver 10 times, we hit it off and he posed with us for pics. I played for a full house including many watching from above on the docks.

It was a perfect night for playing outside with a slight breeze and clear sky while river boats cruised by. Lights lit up the tree lined riverbanks with sparkling city lights all around. The sound system was great and the large audience was appreciative of my songs and at one point someone got a section chanting my name Nori Nori. It was touching in a very kawaii way. Techung the Tibetan folk and freedom singer had also joined us at our table along with Michel his drummer/tabla player. Techung gave a great performance, very moving and engaging songs and he played an encore too! He had a large following there and I met some other very nice Tibetans. After the show as I was leaving a young Japanese man in traditional dress decided to serenade me and began singing very loud Vive la Canada over and over as I ascended the ramp. It was quite surreal and a great end to a wonderful showcase.

The next day at 6:30 am after tossing and turning, worrying about sleeping in and finding my way I managed to get to the Shinkansen station and on the bullet train for Tokyo. The trains move like bullets and are aptly named so at 300 km an hour things sped by rather quickly. I transferred to the subway up and down numerous stairs and found my way to the hotel. I had a couple hours to shower and get ready as I had to be in Shibuya for a sound check at 2:30 for Big Fish Live VOl. 8! I also found my way there to my amazement as the signs were all in Kanji but the hotel clerk gave me an English map so I figured it out somehow.

Lugging all my gear, guitar and cds up and down numerous stairs again was real workout and I was tired and sweaty but rallied for the soundcheck and show. I had to soundcheck every hour as I was playing a song in each set with the artists and it was our first time ever together so we wanted to run through the songs a few times plus the songs in my set. Masayoshi Yamamiya had organized and promoted a terrific event. We had a producer for the show, sound tech, lights, video and audio recording, photographer Kazuhiro Nakamura ...the whole works!

The Japanese artists were outstanding I so enjoyed listening to their music and despite language barriers we were able to communicate with ease, had great chemistry and had an instant friendship. Hana Saito grew up in Australia so was fluent in both languages and could interpret for us. Her wonderful song Waiting for you has been continually popping in and out of my mind ever since I have left the show! Our duet of Smile was so lovely and our voices blended so well together, her guitarist and percussionist really grooved and set it up great and Big Fish Live folks liked it so much it is on youtube now. Hiroki Oshiba really added a warm and embracing texture to my song Ballad of Magic Man too. We had a great mood and feel going and this is also on youtube. Kaori Tsuji's beautiful song Mizukagami where I sang in my best phoenetic Japanese was well received too as was Sala Life, Hiroki's song I dueted. Hana hadn't realized she was to sing Crystallize with me and learned the verses in like an hour amazing wow and she sounded great! I loved Kaori's interpretation of Be Brave with ethereal ooh and aaahs making it beautiful and haunting.

I also gave I think I gave one of the best performances of my life that night. Despite lack of sleep, exhaustion from carrying my gear, finding my way in a strange land with strange language with millions of people on a national holiday, in a sold out standing room only smoky venue I gave everything I had to give as it suddenly dawned upon me, they can only feel my music they cannot understand my words. What I gave was pure emotion, my pure soul and it felt soooo good!!

After the show Kaori and I wandered down to Ginza line subway and she suggested dinner and saki or beer. Of course I quickly agreed. At the restaurant we were met with a friend of hers a drummer for Huckleberry Finn, whose name escapes me and who treated us to a delicious Japanese dinner. We enjoyed so many wonderful dishes when Kaori realized suddenly we had to run to make the last train and we barely made it!

The next day I slept in and wandered around Ginza and then to Hibuya Park. My soundcheck was for 6 and I found my way to the Pink Cow. A very funky and artsy venue I loved it. The warm and friendly David Mashiko met me and helped me set up the gear. Paintings and stuffed animals abounded, they had a good crowd out too. A group of Canadians from Montreal were on my right, on my left were Americans Pete Kronowitt, his bassist John Coppola and Japanese interpreter Mamicko, Japanese and Australians were in the center including David's friend Lindsay, a real international event like the conference in Osaka. I was very surprised and happy that Pete, John and Mamicko came to the gig as Pete also showcased at KMC but we never met until he came to my show. They were in Tokyo and liked my song on the compilation so decided to check me out. Daniel Edmonds opened, then my set and V1 Rockets David's band closed the night. The sets went well and I enjoyed the evening!

The next day was my only free day and last one in Japan. I met Kaori in old Japan (Edo) now called Asakusa. When she heard I was going there she wanted to meet me as that is her home area.

We met for lunch at a noodle house and then to the Sensoji temples and market. Kaori bought me a lovely yellow fan for a keepsake of my time there. She had a meeting and had to leave and I wandered around the area the rest of the day taking pictures and exploring the temples, shrines, wonderful food and amazing sights.

Next day I was dead tired and slept on the long flight home thinking that this was a most spectacular and most wonderful tour that I could have ever imagined and I felt so blessed! I look forward to returning and playing in Japan again and I think I may have been bit by the travel bug!

Visit my homepage www.norinebraun.com to see the live Tokyo videos and also pictures of the trip which are also on http://www.facebook.com/norinebraun

2009-09-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Norine Braun Takes Acoustically Inclined To Japan

Vancouver, BC Canada - Vancouver based singer-songwriter Norine Braun embarks on her first Asian showcase and tour in Japan. Showcasing Sept. 20th at the first bilingual music conference in Japan, the international Kansai Music Conference, Building Bridges WIth Music in Osaka. WIth over 50 independent artists from 13 countries and 5 continents, Norine Braun will be representing Canada in the acoustic showcase. Playing songs from her first ever full-length acoustic album, Acoustically Inclined and songs from her previous releases. Norine, once again solidifies her ability to transition easily over to the acoustic world and transform into a roots blues oriented folkster. Norine Braun's music has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop." Built on a solid foundation of soul, Norine's music experiments with forms from ambient pop to jazz and folk on her 7 independent albums of original music. Tuneful and savvy her music zings to the heart of any listener. Winner: Artists for Literacy International Songwriting Competition, Stonewall Society's Female Musician of the Year for Now and Zen, Female Singer-Songwriter of the Year - Jazz for song Crystallize at Los Angeles International Independent Music Awards.

Norine shares the KMC showcase with Techung a Tibetan folk and freedom singer/songwriter living in exile in the San Francisco Bay Area. In recent years, Techung has had the honor to open for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's public speech in Costa Rica, Japan and USA. Techung and his band Lhasa Spirits performed this year at the famous Carnegie Hall. Norine's tour includes these dates: 9/18 w/Dale Campbell a solo acoustic guitarist and harp-guitarist from the UK @ Bamboo Club: Osaka, 9/21 Big Fish Live @ Shibuya Home in Tokyo with Japanese artists: Hiroki Oshiba, Kaori Tsuji and Hana Seito Open 18:00 Start 18:30 and on 9/22 at The Pink Cow in Tokyo 8pm

To learn more about Norine Braun contact www.norinebraun.com

2009-06-24T10:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Summer Solstice and a Canadian Happy Aboriginal Day to you!

Today my video is officially released and online at http://norinebraun.com/bio.html

An excerpt from the press release:

Vancouver BC, June 21, 2009 Norine Braun has released a music video for her new song "Ballad of Magic Man" which is taken from her 7^th independent album entitled "Acoustically Inclined". Norine says the song is about the magic of believing. "The magical man from the stories of our youth, the archetypal good man is always within us as we try and find our way in the mystery of life. We can carry that goodness, that innocence, that magic with us, always.”

In the video, directed and filmed by Julie Saragosa, the award winning singer-songwriter is followed on a journey through luscious west coast Canadian backdrops. The opening shot, we hear Norine’s footsteps, she enters wearing cowboy boots. The boots once belonging to her late father, a magical man himself would wear these boots on special occasions like attending the Calgary Stampede. Paralleling the message of the song, his spirit and the magic of his life continues on. Using hand held and traveling shots various images and sequences are split screened giving the viewer the ability to self edit by choosing which screen to watch. The video also presents scenes of live performance shots in various natural settings.

Julie Saragosa has shown work at festivals worldwide; including Milan, London, L.A., Chicago, Berlin, Vancouver and Toronto. In 2005, her film Amoré won the Best Canadian Film award at Toronto’s International One-minute Film Festival.

NYC

NYC was an AMAZING, amazing time! NYC is HUGE in every way.. overwhelming really. Kind of like the PNE on steroids only it's regular life and not an exhibition! Stimulation central for all senses... zowie. United For The Ride http://www.unitedfortheride.org was truly an excellent gig, stellar line up, those artists have MAXIMUM CHOPS and mega stage presence they all filled the room with charisma and at sound check no less wowowow!! An honour to be among them for sure. I found my flow and was well received by a very welcoming audience. We were a success and have been invited back and another theatre in nyc has even shown interest too. Terry Christopher was an incredible host I felt at home and well taken care of! I took a zillion pics (ok just 300) made some new friends (New Yorkers are very friendly and helpful even though so busy) and saw as much as I could. Needless to say I look forward to returning soon. I posted some pics on http://www.facebook.com/norinebraun for you to have look and do become a friend if you are on FB.

GIGS

PRIDE season is almost here!

1. I am playing East Side Pride next Saturday June 27th my stage time is 1:30 the stage is 11am -5pm Come spend the afternoon at Grandview Park, Commercial Drive at Charles Street. This is an official Pride event.

2. We are back at St. Augustine's ( formerly The End) 2360 Commercial Drive where I held the Acoustically Inclined CD Release. We (Alice for a set, Sherri C and I) play 3 sets starting at 8pm Thursday July 16th and we will have a new PA to get superior sound that night too. No rules, no attitude, no worries and no cover.

3. Tuesday July 28th 6:30 pm I am the feature artist at Richmond Cambie Concert in the Park Series at the Gathering Place in King George Park, Cambie and No. 5 Road (east Richmond) Weather permitting.

4. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29TH, 2009 Pride In Art

Sugarbeach and friends. With special guests Norine Braun, Jenny Allen, and Armstrong Jr. - 8:30 pm

Roundhouse Performance Centre

181 Roundhouse Mews
Vancouver bc

Price: $10 Official Pride Event.

5. SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND, 2009 Vancouver Pride - 11 am -6 pm

Sunset Beach Festival English Bay
Vancouver

Celebrations continue after the Parade at Sunset Beach festival site. We have a crowd that reaches over 100,000 people in the park listening to the live music on the Festival Stage, viewing the diverse selection of products and services provided by vendors and drinking at the beer garden. Official Pride Event.

Have a great summer, a happy pride and I hope to see you soon!

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com

2009-05-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

Some June gigs and news for you. I hope you are enjoying the spring.

1. Tune in this Tuesday to hear some tunes. I am Feature Performer playing live for half hour June 2 at 8pm PST on Melodies in Mind Host with Ryan Fletcher CJSF 90.1FM in the lower mainland or online at http://www.cjsf.ca/ The feature is followed by a song circle with 3 artists at 9pm for an hour. The second round of song is the 'myspace' round, which means the performances will go on the www.myspace.com/melodiesinmind for a week.

2. United For The Ride Vol. I CD Release and Benefit Concert
The Triad Theatre - www.triadnyc.com 212-362-2590
Saturday, June 6, 2009/7:00 - 8:30pm
158 W. 72nd St., NYC (Between Broadway & Columbus)
$20.00 donation + FREE CD
2 drink minimum/ for tickets contact www.smarttix.com or call 212-868-4444
I can't wait to see and meet some of my NY and East coast friends and fans! It's going to be exciting!
If you are not in NYC you can still support this great cause and pick up a cd at http://unitedfortheride.org/ or http://cdbaby.com/cd/uftr

3. ONLINE CD RELEASE PARTY
Be sure to catch the online cd release party for The "United For The Ride Volume 1" Online CD with interviews of all the artists by Len Rogers. The party premiered on May 23 on www.rainbowworldradio.com The show is available as podcast for one month.

4. Bear Creek Park 2nd Annual Walk For ALS
11 am Saturday June 13
13750 - 88 Avenue
Surrey BC
The walk will be held at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, BC again, with performances from 11am to 1pm (roughly). Last year Sherri and I had a great time playing and are happy to be invited back again.

The money raised at the walk will definitely be put to great use. Collectively, the 2008 Walk for ALS events raised over $2.2 million. The proceeds were used to fund ALS research as well as services for those living with ALS.

5. The video is completed and will be released on summer solstice. Hurray!! Julie did an amazing job!! I found some great locations, the weather cooperated (no rain and sunshine just when we needed it) and the visuals she captured are truly west coast. Everything just flowed so effortlessly and creatively. She approached the video with the intention to be as interactive as possible using multiple split screens so that people can decide which one to watch thereby becoming their own editor making the video quite compelling...very, very kewl!!

Best run now and start getting packed for ny ny! I have been lax on the blog but will try and post some details of my trip at http://norinebraun.blogspot.com/

Talk soon!

Love,
Norine
www.norinebraun.com

New York New York and Japan -
April 24, 2009

BIG BIG news and lots of news for you this email! I will be playing very soon in New York and Japan.

1.FIRST the secret alluded to in my last email is out. I was invited and my song Be Brave (Blaxcot Remix) is included on a new Braking The Cycle Fundraiser United For The Ride Vol. I an official release date in early May. 12 LGBT and LGBT supporting artists from across the United States and Canada have combined their musical offerings with their commitment to the LGBT community’s efforts in the continuing fight against HIV/AIDS. From the generosity of these gifted and talented singer-songwriters, 100% of the proceeds of the sale of United For The Ride Vol. I will go directly to the LGBT Center of New YorkCity's various HIV/AIDS based programs and community outreach initiatives.

The official CD release concert for United For The Ride Vol I. will be held at The Triad in NYC on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00. Thanks to the generosity of Terry Christopher the Executive Producer and friends, I will be there to sing Be Brave and I hope my New York and East coast friends can attend and that everyone can support this great cause. I am so beyond thrilled as this is my first time ever in the big apple.

The full press release is at the end of the email. I will send links once they are available.

2. This morning more thrills and congratulations from the Kansai Music Conference that I was selected to showcase at the first bilingual music conference in Japan. KMC 2009, will be held at Convention Centre Osaka on Sept. 19 & 20. This will be a 2 day 2 night international spectacular in downtown Osaka. Shalestone will be putting together a tour for me of Osaka and area prior to the showcase. Details to follow...I am very, very excited to meet some of my Japanese friends and radio stations that have supported my music over the past years.http://shalestonemusic.jp/kmc.htm

3. An online CD release party of Acoustically Inclined hosted by Len Rogers of Stonewall Society will premiere Monday, April 27 at 8 pm eastern and includes an hour interview. Len has an important part in the United For the Ride CD, he had suggested my music to Terry for consideration. So thank you for that Len!! Listen in at www.rainbowworldradio.com the show will be online 24 hours a day for at least 2 weeks following the premiere.

4. Music video is in the works. We are filming May 4th and Julie Saragosa is directing. Julie Saragosa is an interdisciplinary media and performance artist who, over the past decade, has shown work at festivals worldwide; including Milan, London, L.A., Chicago, Berlin, Vancouver and Toronto. In 2005, her film Amoré won the Best Canadian Film award at Toronto’s International One-minute Film Festival. Her work extends to the curatorial and educational, as a grassroots organizer and workshop leader of the Vancouver super8 festival Project8, and media arts instructor at SFU and UBC-O. An active community member, she’s taught media arts workshops at the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, VIVO Media Arts, mentored video artists through the Inside Out Film Festival, the Project8 Boot Camp and the CFC’s Venus Video program.

5. Amazon now has all my cds and mp3s available at

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RHQ2TO/ref=dm_sp_adp

Well I hope all is well your way and that I see you soon!

Love,

Norine

2008-12-09T22:30:00.001-08:00

Acoustically Inclined cd release party gig and The End Cafe on 2360 Commercial Drive this Thursday Dec. 11, at 8 pm. There is no cover so no reason to not be there! Sherri joins on percussion and Alice may sit in for a few tunes on keys too. It's going to be a great evening!

The first review came in today from Stuart Derdeyn the Entertainment Editor at The Province. It was under the headline, A few gift ideas for that person who loves to hear something a bit different.
He said.
With her powerful voice and strong writing, this prolific indie singer/songwriter offers up 16 tracks including a cover of These Boots are Made for walking on her eighth full length album.

For those of you out of town you can now download a copy at cdbaby or order a copy from my site. I happily autograph if you like.

http://www.norinebraun.com/products.html
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun7

I should have all the lyrics and samples up of the new album by this weekend but you can hear a few on the listen page at my site or all of them at cdbaby.

I hope to see you on Thursday!

Cheers,
Norine
http://www.norinebraun.com

2008-11-08T17:23:00.001-08:00

Here is the official cover and yes that is my handwriting to add that personal touch to the package. The manufacturing of the cd is in process yahoo! I have approved all the graphics and the tee shirts will be approved on Monday. I have been checking around to get a place for the cd release party gig and The End Pub on 2360 Commercial Drive has confirmed for Thursday Dec. 11, at 8 pm
This newly renovated pub is sure to become a new music venue for the area, it should be alot of fun. There is no cover so no reason to not be there!

I was one of several artists Music BC selected to promote at the Japan China Trade Mission currently happening this week. For the second year, the Canadian Independent Record Production Association is spearheading a "music trade mission" to Japan, with industry representatives from a host of Asian countries expected to take in performances by and meet with Canadian artists as well as a slate of record labels.

CJSF 90.1 FM or cjsf.ca has a show called Melodies in Mind and I will be one fo 4 songwriters performing live on air at 9pm Dec. 2, 2008 followed by a live show with the same group at Highland Pub at SFU Campus on Dec 8 also at 9pm (PST) cover is $5.

I am compiling media lists and roots based acoustic lists for the release so am busy as ever. Will let you know soon how that is going too.
Cheers,
Norine

2008-10-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Had a great conversation with A.T. my graphic designer about the images and he had found some new images in keeping with the feel and idea of the album ..acoustic, introspective and i like his new direction. He is keeping the moodiness but with simple elegance. The steel blue tones really draw me in and gives listeners an idea what to expect when they hear the album. Here is the new perspective.
Cheers! nb

2008-10-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
The gigs last weekend went very well. The one called Family Fest near Seattle had a major windstorm arise while I and others were playing. At one point 3 people were holding down the stage tent legs while I played, the show must go on! A tree came crashing down during my second song to boot and no one was hurt, quite an adventure. A friend said I really blew them away ( ha ha).
The Drift festival here on Main in Vancouver last Sunday was good too, with lots of people coming in and the place had a good sound.

Well I have decided to go with cdwest a local company here in the lower mainland. they have a great promo this month and with the dollar declining wise to stay local.

They will doing the graphics this week andhere are some shots that may end up somewhere on the new album. Alice took the photos of me the other are from an online source.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers,
Norine

2008-09-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Brian Ball from Women’s Radio interviewed me yesterday and you can hear the podcast now online at
http://www.womensradio.com/content/templates/?a=3079&z=8
(copy and paste into your browser sorry I still haven’t figured out the link system here)
Cheers,
Norine

2008-09-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Well great news the recording of the album is complete and ready to roll! I had a wonderful time at Rear Window Studios with multi-talented Adam Popowitz on Wednesday afternoon. He has an amazing little studio with windows facing the lush green woods and protected habitat. A great spot to feel inspired. I came with a metronome of sorts to help me get that rhythm down which was eluding me in cross town studios. I dusted of my old Roland key board and grabbed an r and b drum loop for Truth and Dares and then a crazy cheesy 90s dance beat at 145 beats a minute for Christmas Bells and practiced with this for several days and was indeed the answer to my troubles. I did Truth and Dares in 2 takes and am very happy with the energy and vocals of this live track, my guitar is almost smokin. Christmas Bells took a few more attempts but it too surfaced with the feel I was after. Neither of theses tunes have the cheesy drum tracks of course on the final mix but sure helped immensely in the delivery. I did Take Back the Power in free form without the click and it worked well too. This song was harder to program a drum loop as there is a tempo change midway but I get the groove with this one pretty easily. Adam was a joy to work with and got into the groove of the tunes. I look forward to working with him again. He reminds me of James Bowers a producer and friend and I worked with for many years and who also recorded some of the songs on this album from prior releases. Adam approaches songs in a similar manner and intensity and is also a multi-instrumentalist which is always any singer-songwriter’s dream ...the all in one package. Alice joined me in the studio for her ears and input on the creative process. She enjoyed the experience and was impressed with the session as well.

SO here is the lineup for the album:
Acoustically Inclined Norine Braun
1.Truth and Dares 3:31

2.Another Man's Fate 4:03

3.Ballad Of Magic Man 2:36

4.Take Back The Power 3:03

5. Christmas Bells 3:11

6. Love & Not Fear 4:21

7. Miles To Go 3:54

8. Dreams 2:49

9.There_s A Long, Long Trail A Winding 2:02

10. Little Girl With Golden Hair 4:07

11. Junkie 3;00

12.Be Brave 2:39

13. persephone 3:50

14. human kindness 3:00

15. Climb The Mountain 3:53

16. These Boots Are Made For Walkin 2:21

Truth and Dares is the lead track and here is the link to have a listen.
http://www3.telus.net/norinebraun/TruthandDares%201.mp3

The lyrics...

Truth and Dares
Never needed anyone
She always did it on her own
Life seemed always black and white
People get there on their own
Willful youth she sacrificed
Her glass filled half way
In the night, in the night
She plays truth and dares

She wakes up living on the street
She’s hungry can’t find enough to eat
She’s lonely, drunks lie at her feet

Downtown, she lives downtown

She looks at me with vacant eyes
I worry that she might recognize
My interest or my empty lies

Downtown, she lives downtown

Garbage in her livingroom
She threw her pearls to the swine
World’s my oyster anyways
You see I manifest divine
Mystic visions watching me
I get connected all the time
In the night, in the night
She knows truth and dares

I walk past her most everyday
She asks for change I give away
I give my penance for the day
Downtown she lives downtown

I stand corrected in front of truth
My mind unravels the naked ruse
The spirit moves me into use
Downtown she lives downtown

Never needed anyone
She always did it on her own
Life seemed always black and white
People get there on their own
Willful youth she sacrificed
Her glass filled half way
In the night, in the night
She knows truth and dares

©Norine Braun August 27, 2008

I am very happy with this collection of acoustic tunes and I think the album demonstrates my live performance well and how songs begin in their purest form...vocal and guitar. I hope you enjoy them too.

I called Craig Waddell from Gotham City Studios and we met for coffee on the drive Friday. He is the master of mastering and has mastered thousands of albums from indies like me to the big well known artists like Sarah McLachlan, Fear Factory, Grateful Dead, Loverboy, Delerium...
An honour to have such an incredibly talented mastering artist work on this recording.

Here is the definition of Mastering for you from musicbiz academy. Mastering is the audio step that comes just before manufacturing a CD. Once you have finished recording and mixing your songs, the tracks are shaped, sculpted, scooped, equalized, compressed, and finessed into sonic splendor (well, you hope) through the audio process known as mastering. Mastering is what gives depth, punch, clarity and volume to your tracks. It is part science, part craft, and part alchemy. . . just like songwriting, singing, performing and recording. Mastering is the crucial, critical, and final creative step in the process of making an audio recording,

The photos are of Adam at the helm in Rear Window studios, Alice at Rear Window and myself in the isoation booth at Rear Window, Craig Waddell is holding the brand new Acoustcally Inclined album in the brown envelope along with a panini to go from the drive. You can’t visit the drive without a panini.

The mastering will be done next week! Now for the design work....stay tuned!
Cheers,
Norine

2008-09-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

On sunny Saturday Alice and I ventured over to visit friendly Paul Wohlstetter at his home-work studio also know as Wohl of Sound. We spent about an hour an half running through several live takes to capture the right one which was the last one. The new live recording of Little Girl With Golden Hair is now complete. Alice sat in with me as co-producer and helped me get just what I was after. Here is a link to listen http://www3.telus.net/norinebraun/1%20Little%20Girl24.mp3
Next stop is Burnaby tomorrow afternoon to visit Adam Popowitz and his studio. The live sessions continue....

2008-09-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Let’s try this link once more for you to copy into your browser. Cheers, Norine
http://www3.telus.net/norinebraun/There_s%20A%20Long,%20Long%20Trail%20AWinding.mp3

2008-09-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

The isolation booth is on the left and the window below is looking into where I sat to record. Those are my guitars I used in the recording.

This is Allan sitting at his desk in Crossstown studios.

Yours truly in session is the last photo.

2008-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

I ventured over to Crosstown Studios yesterday where Allan Rodger engineered and set up the live recording. It was good to see him again. I sat in the very warm, little isolation booth (not for folks with claustrophobia!) for about 4 hours playing 7 songs several times each. I am not sure I would take this approach again as it was tiring and hard to get a fresh attitude for each tune. I think it works great as a pre-production tool though and does capture the live sound. I am quite happy with There’s a Long, Long Trail A Winding, the song from 1915, penned by Stoddard King and music by Zo Elliot. I played the harmonica on this one and we captured the haunting Waltons idea. I like Human Kindness ,too, but there is work to be done on the rest. I played free form without click track or metronome in the headphones and in hindshite I think I will always request this.
This Saturday I am visiting the studios of PD Wohl, local singer-songwriter guy with studio to see what we can do with Little Girl. The nice thing about doing acoustic tracks as opposed to studio productions is you can visit and work with a variety of engineers and studios and see how they work without greatly affecting the overall album sound.

Talk again soon! luvnb


 ">Link

2008-09-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have been practicing like crazy and working hard on the new tunes. I finished what is now called Truth and Dares, a smoky bluesy downtown kinda song. It has a tricky riff to give it pause for thought and I have been playing on my little classical guitar but now am going to put on some new strings on the acoustic and start getting it up to speed as I am going to record next week! Yahoodles!

I emailed Allan who produced a few tracks on the last album and told him of my idea to record the remaining songs. I have 2 ideas one is the live voice and guitar recorded at the same time or the other is separate tracks not much of a difference you may think but sometimes can be big. He likes the live together idea and I think for feel and what I am after I would agree so we shall see but that is the intent right now.

The music is finished for Christmas Bells, now for the lyrics. This is a fun song and will lift the energy of the album as there are some heavier, darker tracks. Little Girl is done too I added a c section which really flows and gives it a dreamy ending. My attempts at hammer on and pull offs gives it an edgier sound and I will keep at it. The a verse sections will be played straight ahead and then the hammer ons will be a nice contrast for the b verses. This one doesn’t have a chorus per se but it works with the hook in the verse. I changed the key to F from E and this lifts it to a real nice range for my voice as much as I love E it seemed on the b section I was really straining and didn’t sound very nice. Persephone is coming along I am thinking of trying it on the 12 string but not entirely sure.

I unearthed Human Kindness and may or may not put this on it does fit with the overall folk sound and sentiment. Take Back the Power is a tough one and still not working out all the kinks. The time change is a real challenge so have hooked up the old Roland to get some click tracks and percussion going to help me along the way.

I think that I will attempt Long Long Trail again this is an old First World War song and is unfortunately timely. I read that when the soldiers sang this song they did it in a boisterous and loud way. My approach however, is longing and haunting and I will add a harmonica solo in it too to intensify this feeling. We did record this at the Duncan showroom but the harmonica was such a new instrument I had only picked it up a week before so I have had time to get acquainted since. We also upped the tempo midway so Sherri wouldn’t feel alone but now have decided to go back to my first idea of longing, quiet introspective.

Thats where things stand for now. cheers, nb

2008-08-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to mp3 these boots.
http://www3.telus.net/public/norineb/Theseboots.mp3

2008-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sneak preview . This is a song the live recording done in February at the Duncan Showroom Garage on Vancouver Island. I have always loved this tune since a little girl and still have the Nancy Sinatra album in my collection. A fun song and a great way to end things. This is a very rough edit and find the mic levels quite hot probably because the preceeding songs were softer in terms of dynamics but with some magic in mastering and I think compression, it will all be good.
love, nb

2008-08-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Acoustically Inclined in process....
When I first thought about this album I had intended on making several albums more defined and fitting into a specific genre or box. One rock, one ballad, one funk based one acoustic etc. After submitting to numerous folk blues acoustic festivals it became apparent that folks were having a hard time imagining the acoustic versions of the studio tracks. Given that sometimes these songs had 30 + instruments on the beds to create heavily textured sounds it could be a feat to wonder what these acoustic versions would sound like.

This led me to the idea of creating an acoustic album to take the guess work out. Another idea emerged in this process in that all the albums I have released contained at least one acoustic track that often got overlooked in favour of the more produced pop songs. I thought this would be a good opportunity to collect all those acoustic tracks and merge them into one album.

Then I thought about the fans and those loyal to the project who would be looking for fresh material and then I thought a whole new album might be in order too.

As you can see I have given it much thought maybe too much thought! I have decided to combine these ideas. I will drawing from previous albums, recording older songs, and writing new ones to showcase my live and acoustic sound.

Right now (this may change) I am thinking of these tracks from former albums:
miles to go (slide intro would be edited), dreams, another mans fate, love and not fear, ballad of magic man, be brave (though this one has been remixed a few dozen times), climb the mountain.

I have a song recorded called Junkie but not yet released that I may add to the mix and am thinking of the live recording at Duncan Showroom of the cover These Boots Are Made for Walking to add as a bonus track. I had hoped to include Persephone from the same night but it has yet to arrive so may do it in pre-production . Persephone acoustic is quite a departure from the gigantic pop swells on the studio cut. I love playing this one live too.

Then there is the song Take Back the Power I had written for a song contest last year (did not win but a good one nonetheless). The bluesy roots based tune could be restructured lyrically to a more universal general theme so look for that one soon to see where I may go with it. There is a tempo change and dramatic feel shift which is tricky too.

I am also working on a Christmas song (every songwriter has to do at least one). I started this one last Christmas (really). Originally was reflective and longing but now has become a campy Hawaiian thing so who knows where or how it will end up.

My partner asked why I have yet to record an old song of mine Little Girl With Golden Hair so am thinking about that one too. I have changed the feel and tempo but it has stood the test of time.

Another one is in the works no lyrics or title yet but has a bluesy smoky feel and I like how I feel while I am noodling away on it.

Check back soon and see where and what is emerging. I plan on getting the cover track of the rough edit of These boots on later this week.
Love,
Norine

2008-07-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

The fan fundraiser is a great success and I am very honored and
thankful for the wonderful support for my upcoming Acoustically
Inclined album! $4280 was raised for the project and this will help
tremendously!!! The breakdown is 1 at $500 feature sponsor, 16 at
$100 for the Junior Executive Producer Level, 82 at $25 pre sale
signed cd and 13 for the $10 download prerelease.

Investors came from all over including: Vancouver, Alberta, New
York, Norway, the UK, Florida, Los Angeles, BC, Surrey, RIchmond,
Germany and Ontario. I had no idea what to expect on this new fan
funded pre sale idea and I am surprised and very grateful for the
belief in my music and the generosity and willingness to contribute
to the dream. More details on the new evolving album will be coming
soon. http://www.norinebraun.com/

GIGS!
Come to the inaugural Xtra West Cultural Series
Tue July 8 at the Majestic Lounge, 1138 Davie St. Vancouver Doors
6:30pm I am on at 7 followed by Julie Saragosa and Stephen Emery

Saturday July 26th Picnic in the Park an official Pride event
11-7 Brockton Oval Stanley Park Vancouver FREE!
Sherri and I open the Entertainment section at 3:30pm

The song Dancing Sea from Modern Anguish album has been licensed for
Two for the Road, an independent TV pilot following the adventures of
an average couple who quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and set
out to backpack around the world. The project is being submitted to
the New York Television Festival's Independent Pilot Competition.
Good luck to Nikki and Dusty!

Great news for digital music fans: CDBABY is now selling album
downloads, with no Digital Rights Management -- in other words, they
can be played and copied onto any device, not just iTunes. Here is
all the info: An MP3 album is a zip file with a folder containing...
* MP3 files, one per-song, for easy use in any computer, iPod, or
MP3 player.
* JPG of the album cover.
* Text file full of info from that album's page: song titles,
notes, and links.
The MP3 audio files are very high quality, about 200kbps VBR, encoded
using the "LAME" MP3 encoder on its audiophile settings. Your MP3s
will play on any hardware.
All your MP3 albums are available for download in your CD Baby
account, forever.
The artist sets the selling price, and 91% of the entire price goes
directly to the musicians, paid every week. CD Baby only keeps a 9%
cut to pay for bandwidth and administration.
There is no DRM or tracking on the MP3 files. We trust you to support
independent musicians, and tell your friends to buy a copy, too.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun6
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun5
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun4
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun3
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun2
http://cdbaby.com/cd/norinebraun1
http://cdbaby.com/cd/nextwavecomp

In Pride and In Spirit,
Norine
http://www.norinebraun.com/

2008-05-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

2003-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

Hail pellets
Assisted me in keeping my promise
To you
The sun
Who was not on my side of the street
Though I could feel your rays on my face
My head took a pounding
The frozen shower followed me down the hill
Startled and afraid
I laughed aloud
At the passerby talking wildly on her cellphone
Oblivious to me but not the scene around
Hail among sun
Sun among hail
Quickly
Sun melted hail
The pain
Gone

nb

2003-11-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Blemish

Silenced by boils
Erupting volcanos of
rage
Internalized
I devised
a plan
To cap and harness the power
of injustices and wrongdoings prior
Made evident by this skin condition
Vile and unwanted

Tear off the scab and expose the poison
Let the oozing pus
Fall where it may.

I will let them see the monster.
nb

2003-11-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

Lingering doubts
Swallow tails and swim
Seemlessly in shallows
Far deeper than any
Diver could ever reach
Beneath the darkened edges of
Shadows and light
Breath and stillness
I wonder.
nb

2003-11-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

Mornings rush in
Like pebbles washed clean
The night’s sleep lingers
A haunted dream fingers
the porcelain cup
Of steaming soul.
nb

NB Muse

Thought I should post some of my experience playing at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The following are excerpts from my facebook pages.

Norine Braun last gig at Vancouver Olympic Centre today for the women's curling and maybe more gold for Canada, wow these 2 weeks sure went by quick!

Norine Braun I am a part of all that I have met.

Norine Braun

J.d. Doyle ▼

Terry Christopher LOVE that you are having this experience!!!

Norine Braun The ice dance was amazingly beautiful and especially as Canada won the gold!! Thunderous applause and screaming ...I hope I can hear again for the ROO gig tomorrow at 9.

Norine Braun

Norine Braun Today sunshine gig at Pacific Coliseum for the figure skating crowd, I think its dance pairs should be good!

Norine Braun

Norine Braun

Norine Braun Today it's a Vancouver Olympic Centre gig and playing a double set for the curlers...go curlers go! Another gorgeous blue sky day too....

Norine Braun

Norine Braun another awesome gig today at the Olympic Oval! The official photographer/videographer shot me will post once I have them ...speedskating fans are very fun, flamboyant and dedicated especially the orange contingency from the Netherlands ...good times!

Bill Northrup

Norine Braun gear is packed and all ready to go play at the Olympics ;)

4. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29TH, 2009 Pride In Art

Sugarbeach and friends. With special guests Norine Braun, Jenny Allen, and Armstrong Jr. - 8:30 pm

New York New York and Japan -April 24, 2009

New York New York and Japan -
April 24, 2009