As people around the world are paying their respects to one of the greatest talents ever, I have to say that if it was not for Whitney Houston, I would have never really had the desire to sing. I took my cue from her, and am grateful for everything she’s done musically to inspire myself and countless others.

You will be missed.

xoxo

Time: 5.25….check out the one in white behind Megan Fox.

Time: 1.10…Right behind one of the twins 

This is just to say “Thank you” because without you, they would be no point to it all :)

Love,

It’s crazy to think that’s it is the end of January 2012. Where have the last four weeks gone? What have I accomplished so far? Resolutions…. what are those? What were mine? Hmm…
I think I can say that most of us critique ourselves a bit more harshly than others do or would, and I’m learning to take it easy on myself and breathe a little.
Breathe.

MOTIVATION
What is the driving motive behind everything you do? I was asked this a couple of months ago while I was in Whitehorse, YK for Breakout West (Western Canadian Music Awards) – I actually didn’t think it would resonate as much as it has.
Have you asked yourself lately why it is you do what you do?

INSPIRATION
It’s funny when and where inspiration will hit. Lately it seems to be mostly in my car… that whole “distracted driving” law in Alberta doesn’t help when I’m trying to record my inspirational moment on my handy iPhone.
I’m currently in the process of writing for my new album and for me it’s all about putting the pieces together hoping that in the end they all fit.

xoxo.

So here we are – last day of the year and I guess it’s time to reflect a little. It’s crazy to think how fast this year went by! I’ve been lucky to do so much already, in what I call my “First Year” –  and to think that I get to have a whole year to do it all over again, only bigger and better :)

REAL HIP HOP

I’ve been lucky enough to get involved with the Edmonton-based hip-hop group Politic Live. Politic Live is a hip-hop group that fuses their West Indian roots with past and modern day hip-hop influences. They have given me the opportunity to be an honorary member, as I like to call myself, and sing on some of their songs and because of them (and with them) I’ve been able to open up for Def Jam recording artist, GhostfaceKillah, Ice H2O/EMI recording artist, Raekwon and for Def Jam recording artist, Rick Ross. Each show was definitely an experience in and of itself and have inspired me to create more!

“GOLDEN TICKET” TOUR

​In the last email I mentioned that this year has been a year of firsts - which it has. Although I’ve toured before, this year I hit the road for 6 weeks across Canada – on a solo acoustic tour! Spending hours alone in your car definitely gives you time to think and appreciate where you are and where you’re going. I’m thankful for everyone I met along the way and for everyone who spared a room/bed/meal, and for everyone who came out to a show! 

​HIGHLIGHTS

Some of my major highlights of this year include:

1. My single “Circling Numbers” was in the Top 30  of the Canadian Christian Radio Charts (CCRC) for 10 weeks and hit a high of #6!

​2. Winning a GMA Award for R&B Single of the Year – “Circling Numbers” – AND being nominated for Best New Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year!!

3. Being nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for “A Different Kind of Fire” in the Urban Recording category – and being able to showcase this year in Whitehorse, Yukon!

4.  Receiving my first TV licensing synch for my song “Summer” on the hit-show “Degrassi” on MUCH MUSIC.

​5. Being able to do what I love!!!

I’ve truly been blessed to be able to do the thing I love – AND to have all of your support as I do it. Thanks to everyone who bought a CD, came to a show, watched a YouTube video, followed me on Twitter (@themanuela), told someone about me. THANKS! 

THE YEAR OF 2012

To say that I am excited about this next year is an UNDERSTATEMENT! To start off, I get to record more music! I will be recording my next album in May with One More Mile Productions here in Edmonton. Don’t worry – you’ll definitely hear more about this when the time comes :) With any record comes touring, and I’m extremely excited to get out on the road again – here and abroad ;) Look out for details, as I’ll be hitting the pavement hard this coming year. 

So as we all prep to ring in the New Year – I hope you are with the ones you love the most. 

Let 2012 be the year you chase your dreams and go after the thing that you want most!

Sincerely,

It began snowing today and it finally feels like the Holidays are coming!

Last night I put up my tree and decked it out in gold trimmings – almost but not quite like the picture :)

So here’s to you and yours. Enjoy this time you have and I’ll see you in 2012!!!

The night started at around 530PM and awards were handed out right off the get-go. 

I am happy to announce that I won the 2011 Urban/R&B/Soul Song of the Year for “Circling Numbers!!!”

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me over the last year and half as I began this journey into the music industry. Thanks to: Hollie at Ten16 Entertainment for your amazing work and effort! One More Mile Productions for your work on the radio single and all of the radio stations across the country who played my song!

As Tyler H. (fellow musician and awards table-mate) so eloquently put it – I have to come up with another hit! lol That being said – I will be spending the remainder of the year writing new material and planning out 2012. I’m truly excited for what the future will hold and if this year has been any indication of how it’s gonna go – I’m STOKED!

 To purchase the single head to iTUNES :)

Thanks again for your amazing support!!

I played 2 showcases with my band, to full rooms of amazing people who danced to every song possible! Thank you Andrew, Devin, Ryan, and Jeff for your help and musical contribution!  It was such a great experience. Everything was flawless! A huge thank you to Breakout West, the Western Music Alliance and Alberta Music for all of your amazing support!

I was also able to check out some new bands and stumbled upon a gem! Jordan Cook from Saskatoon put on 3 amazing shows and in my opinion is the future of rock and roll. Check out the link to my new favorite song – it’s been on repeat for the past day.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngOWWS78BfM – you’re welcome :)

I didn’t end up walking away with an award (congrats Souljah Fyah!) but I did have an amazing time and am just honored to be nominated! 

This Friday I head to Calgary for the Canadian Gospel Music Covenant Awards for which I’m nominated for 3 awards and presenting during the ceremony. Wish me luck!