October 14th, 2011
Works in Progress

I thought I'd post some of the new tracks I've been working on. They are definitely works in progress, but they should give you an idea of some of the sounds I'm playing with, and maybe even a hint of what my new album will sound like =)

Enjoy!

-E

September 1st, 2011
Autumn Action

Well, it's been busy around our household, to say the least! With two little ones running around, life gets busier and more beautiful by the day. We just got home from a wonderful morning at the Saskatoon Farmer's Market and I thought it was time for another website update!

I've managed to start up with rehearsals again and feel very blessed to be singing and working on my music - I think it helps me keep moderately sane! Our first show is mid September at a 'Private Function' and we're hoping to book more shows after that. It'll be nice to get that 'first show' out of my system as I feel a little rusty after being away from performing for the past year.

In other news, with our new bambino arriving, I had been nervous that I would forget some of the songs I'd been working on, so I knew I had to think of a plan. This past spring, I was fortunate enough to work with a fellow named Andrew Kesler who is a huge talent studying music in TO. He learned and recorded many of my 'newish tunes' and they actually turned out pretty descent. Although they're only 'Works in Progress' - it gives you an idea of what I'm working on. I'm hoping 2012 will bring another album because I'm anxious to try out glennross studios (http://glennrossstudios.com) here in Saskatoon.

Ok, that's all for now. About to head outside with the little munchkins, yet another gorgeous day in Saskatoon.

Anything better than summer in Saskatoon? Nope.

-E

April 18th, 2011
Spring - aren't you coming?

Well, it's been a long, long winter for so many reasons. Winter just wants to hang on in Saskatoon, SK - as my daughter would say, 'guck!' I haven't had a show since before Christmas, so that's made it even longer... there comes a point where a person has to be true to themselves and focus on the things that matter most and for the past couple of months, it hasn't been music...

In December, we said good-bye to a good friend of mine, Angie Tysseland. Even though she was sick, it still felt like a shock. I don't know why I feel this way, but even knowing someone is sick and dying, I never really actually think they're going to pass away. I had known of Angie for years as my mom sang with "The Refiner's Choir" which Angie founded and directed. When I moved back to Saskatoon in 2006, from my eyes, life wasn't looking too wonderful. I had a broken heart, felt lost and scared, and was unsure of what direction to go and what path to take. I had always loved musical theatre so I auditioned for Persephone Theatre's upcoming musical, 'Tune Town' which Angie wrote the music for - and the rest is history! Angie and I hit it off big time and since then she was always someone I would email, text, chat on the phone with, and ask for musical guidance, etc...my musical mentor! She didn't have to be that good to me, but she was. She totally made time for me as I was trying to get established as a performing artist in Saskatoon after being away studying and performing and there she was to give me my first little break! Thank-you Angie, I miss you...

On a happier note - we're expecting another bundle of joy in the very near future, so that's taking up lots of energy! A small growing family is hectic to say the least - I don't know how all these moms have done it generation after generation. People have commented to me that "it must take courage to get up on stage and perform in front of so many people!" In all honesty, it doesn't take half the courage and strength that is takes to be a mother... my lord! Performing is EASY compared to that! Being a mother has changed my life though, it is the most precious gift a person could ever receive. I had always heard that, but you don't really get it until you're in it. My great grandma used to say "you pay a great price for anything that's worth something" - it's true. I never really understood that saying until just recently; I feel so blessed.

Also, it's just about spring and I'm getting ready to embark on a new adventure which includes singing with a great band from Saskatoon! We're going to have our first real rehearsal next week; it'll be SO nice to sing and see where this goes! In Saskatoon, it seems like most musicians play in various bands, with various people on different projects - and I think artistically, it's great for a person to learn and grow. It takes some guts trying new things, it's good to push yourself musically.

Well, that's all for now. Must jet, I have many things to tackle before the day is done.

Looking forward to getting some news songs out soon, I've been inspired in many ways lately.

-E

November 15, 2010
Winter Wonderland

With the festive season nearing and being blessed with a little one running around our house, I'm extra excited for Christmas and it's only November 15th. Can you believe it?! It's something about the little ones that spark joy and excitement. You can't explain it - you have to experience it. Saskatoon is covered in snow at the moment and I don't really mind it either. I've promised myself that this year I'm going to bundle up all the time, no being 'cool' this year - literally. I can't stand being cold.

We've been busy with shows in Saskatoon as usual - performed at Choclacure a couple weeks ago and the event was amazing. Ran into some old friends I hadn't seen in 10 years, I can't believe where the time goes. On a musical note, I have Bruce Wilkinson on bass now, he and Ross Nykiforuk really compliment each other - it's great. The sound is much more full and really getting closer to what I've been aiming at.

Early 2011 may be a good time to hit the studio again - this time to record a full album. I have lots of tunes ready and the studio experience is always great. I think I'm going for a simpler sound this time around; maybe just guitar, cello, bass, keys and the odd bit of percussion - we'll see.

Ok - better jet. Just wanted to give a quick update. Be sure to check out my new photos - I had a shoot in late October with Saskatoon's Rosanna Parry and it went very well. She's such a pleasure to work with!

I'll be in touch in the New Year - until then.

Peace and love to you and yours,

-E

September 1st, 2010

Lots new in my personal life - but we should stay on track with the career!

I'm happy to say that I have 4 shows in the Saskatoon this month, that's very positive. Albums sales are going quite well - I'm still figuring out new and creative ways to get it out there. I think that will be a never-ending task.

I've been trying to get my music onto film/tv and got in touch with a great gal in Vancouver to help me out with that. So fingers crossed. On the audition front, I've had many auditions for film lately - nothing yet. So toes crossed.

I'm writing new music and short stories, trying out new band members, hopefully going to Royal Wood at Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon on October 15th, singing at a friends wedding in October in Swift Current, new photo shoot soon and simply enjoying life in general.

I love this upcoming season so much.

In the meantime, check out my LIVE Dates and see you soon.

-E

 

June 21st, 2010
Summer's Here!

Just a quick update to let you know I'm busy and doing great! We had a nice holiday a couple weeks ago and now its time to get back into the swing of things. Before we left - I had performed on Shaw TV's "Stripped Down" with Curtis Anderson and had a good time as usual - that guy totally cracks me up.

It seems like everywhere I go now; some neat, new musical connection is being made. It's nice because I like meeting new people and getting my songs out to new ears.

Just had a TV audition for 'Insecurity' - we'll see how that goes. Haven't been on screen for a while, so it would be great to get another part someday soon.

Looking forward to my shows coming up at McNally Robinson in Saskatoon on July 10th and 23rd - featuring Ross Nykiforuk on keys. I am in the midst of booking into September as well so things are steady.

This week we're going to post some Youtube Videos as well - so keep looking for them!

Be sure to have lots of fun this summer with your families and loved ones - I thought I already new this, but lately it seems even more clear - it's the most important thing in the world.

-E

 

April 5th, 2010
What a Day!

Well, I just woke up, took the garbage out and was surprised at what a beautiful day it was – I will make the announcement – Spring is here, finally!

To me, it felt like such a long winter this year. During the chilly season – well at least in the 5th month of it, I start wondering why I stay here, the climate starts to irritate me....and then right when I think I’m going to snap, Spring arrives and answers my question. The change is so beautiful. There really isn’t anything like it. I love the seasons and the different temperatures, colours, sunlight hours...right now, everything feels like its coming alive, waking up from a long, dark sleep. It’s exciting.

In the music world a few things have been happening – Third Ave. Church Spring Fling was a great success, Rosanna Parry was so wonderful to work with! I was just confirmed to play at the Brain Injury Association Gala on May 15th, I found out that CBC Vancouver, Kelowna and Saskatchewan play some of my tunes, and I'm busy contemplating going out to Kelowna in October for the WCMAs this year. It would be a nice little get away...and good experience. I’m hoping to line up a couple of shows at McNally Robinson and Mystic Java before the summer, to promote my album some more, and I’ve written three new songs – well, two and a half – I have to think up a chorus for the third one!

And off to Victoria soon for a visit to the beautiful coast – its always bittersweet going back there. Hopefully the Spring weather has arrived so that we can take in the fresh, warm ocean air...

Bye for now,

-Ellen

 

January 27th, 2010
Things are Definitely Rollin’

Great news – CBC is playing ’Story of Us’ on their Singer/Songwriter Internet Channel based out of Toronto! Pretty exciting for me, it’s wonderful to get my music out to different places for different sets of ears to hear my tunes.

Lately I’ve been working hard on the creative side of things. Haven’t been writing too much music, however I’m writing lots of ideas for various future shows/storyboards etc. It’s been fun and I keep getting lots of neat ideas which if nothing else, amuse me.

I’ve been auditioning when I can, getting ready for upcoming shows and promoting my debut album. I’m very excited about my Valentine’s Weekend at Calories Bakery and Restaurant February 12th – 14th featuring Ross Nykiforuk, Northern Pikes keyboard player on the keys. It will be a romantic evening filled with a beautiful music, wine and a five course meal – be sure to make reservations, here’s the number: 665–7991.

Just shot a commercial in Regina, SK and was on CTV’s News at Noon to promote Saskatchewan Express auditions coming up the end of the month, it’s their 30th Anniversary – hard to believe I was touring with them ten years ago! I have an interview with Shaw TV next week about my album/career and am planning to shoot another episode of ’Stripped Down’ with Shaw TV Host, Curtis Anderson in the next month or so. Like I said, things are rollin’

-Ellen

 

November 20th, 2009
Album Updates

The promotion of my album is going very well! It’s very exciting to finally have a product in my hands to sell and market. It’s interesting to learn more about the promotional/marketing side of things.

I would like to thank the following places for selling my album at their stores:

frakas clothing stores: Downtown Saskatoon, Erindale and Kelowna B.C

McNally Robinson: Saskatoon, Winnipeg

Willow Studio: Saskatoon, Regina

Thorsness Hardware Stores: Yorkton, Saltcoats

Vinyl Diner: Saskatoon on Broadway (beside Booster Juice)

Modern Country: Saskatoon

My album has been going over very well with people in general. It’s nice to be able to do something you love and have others enjoy it as well. CBC has been playing some of my tunes so that’s been great! Slowly but surely people are starting to hear my music and that’s the most important thing.

Enough for now, here’s to a beautiful November as we’re nearing the festive season.

Love, Ellen

 

October 21st, 2009
Finally it's Here – A Dream Come True

My album 'dear john' is completed and ready for Christmas! When asked what kind of music it is, the answer is this: Dinner hosting, chocolate eating, wine cracking, bubble bathing kinda feel. All originals I've written in the last ten years and it's a project I'm super pumped about.

Please contact me at ekolenick@shaw.ca for this special Christmas offer:

$10.00/album or a Christmas Special - 3 for $25.00

Also note that my cds will be available on CD Baby by November 1st, 2009

Enjoy.

 

September 25th 2009
Trials By Fire II – An Ovarian Cancer Benefit

Last October I performed in a benefit show for my friend Angie Tysseland. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a year ago so a bunch of her musician pals got together and put on a hell of a show to raise some moola! The show and support was so phenomenal that now there is another one planned for this October 28th @ 7:30pm in Saskatoon at the Lakeview Church. Tickets are $30 and are available at McNally Robinson and picatic.com. Please come out to a wonderful evening and show your support!

In other news, I would like to thank my clothing sponsor for renewing their contract with me! Frakas – locations downtown Saskatoon, Erindale, and Kelowna, British Columbia – are dressing me so that I don’t have to. Some people have an eye for style and fashion, and others are like me and need a little help! With the huge selection of awesome clothes and the expertise of the ladies at the shops – it’s no wonder I love shopping there. Thank–you so much again frakas and I’ll be seeing you soon.

My cd is almost complete! I can’t wait – in fact I hope to have it finished and ready to sell at the benefit so that I can donate some of the proceeds; that would be perfect timing! I’m expecting the people at Joao Carvalho Mastering in Toronto to send the finished product in the mail this week so that I can send it off for manufacturing. Working with them has been great – they are so patient and professional.

That’s all for now – see you October 28th at Trials By Fire II.

Click here to see the poster.

 

July 19th, 2009

Finally summer is really here! Downtown in buzzing with ’Taste of Saskatchewan’, the water skiers are out on the river and people are strolling up and down Broadway without a care in the world. Nothing is better than a summer in Saskatoon.

That being said, we had a wonderful week in British Columbia the beginning of July. Not work related at all, just time with loved ones and a nice break. Travelling through the mountains and taking in a different lay of the land was wonderful. I used to live in Victoria, B.C. while studying, so it’s always nice to get back to the province for a change of scenery.

As for my album, my portion of recording is all finished up. My producer, Ross Nykiforuk, is still working away tweaking and mixing it all. Randl Lewis Bailer is designing my album and as of right now he’s working on the insert. I think it’s important to include the lyrics as it helps tell the stories of the songs. By early August, the music will go off to Toronto to be mastered at Joao Carvalho Mastering and then hopefully the final printed copies will be ready for October. And finally, marketing my album…it will be fun to see what comes of it all, I’ve never actually had a ’product’ to market before, so this will be interesting. Hard to believe that I’ll finally have my first album, I’ve waited so long for it.

I’m in the midst of looking for a new bass and guitar player with hopes of finding some people with large jazz/contemporary repertoires. I want to getting rolling with rehearsals starting in October. After watching some of the musicians at ’Jazz Festival’ and ’Taste of Saskatchewan’ this year – I noticed that many people are more appreciative of songs they know and recognize. Just playing cover songs isn’t ideal for a ’Singer/Songwriter’– but I do want to find a good balance of playing music people can hum along to as well as my originals! No doubt, a delicate juggling act.

Be sure to keep your eye on my website – I will be updating it soon with new photos, my album design and some fresh, new songs. I’m pretty excited about it all!

 

April 20th 2009
Creating

I think there is probably one person who reads my ’Journal Entries’ and she’s been on my case for an update. So I better not let my one fan down. Buckle up Allyson, it’s been a busy couple of months.

Lately I’m busy creating in more ways than one.

Right now I’m recording here in Saskatoon, SK at Cosmic Pad Studio with Ross Nykiforuk producing my first album. It’s been a long awaited dream come true, and I feel blessed that I am able to reach this goal, however, who knew it would be this much work?

The whole process blows my mind. The hours, work and talent that goes into a project like this is unreal. Everyone plays an integral part. The singer/songwriter plants the seed and brings the song to life, then creating the harmonies, after that - someone writes the music charts, the proper musicians are called, time to book at studio, tracking the beds, adding all the layers, and then the icing on the cake - having a talented musician, producer and engineer all in one in your back pocket! It’s an absolute thrill yet overwhelming just thinking about it. On that note, it’s funny how a person doesn’t realize the extent of something until they’ve experienced it for themselves.

I remember a similar situation where I was equally blown away at the amount of work that something entailed. It was working at the front desk of a hotel. After I got the position I seriously thought, ’Well, how hard could this be? I give people their room keys and wish them a pleasant stay!’ My lord, there is so much more involved than what the average person would think.

It seems like this week’s world wide lesson learned is (especially with ’Britain’s Got Talent’ Susan Boyle phenomena sweeping the Nation) Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover. It’s true on so many different levels.

PS ’Get the F off my Lawn’ Corner Gas episode aired. My two lines were there, if you blinked, you could have missed it! Check out on CTV website if you missed it.

 

February 8th 2009
New Beginning

This is the first journal entry in 2009 and here we are in February, I am such a slacker.

It is amazing how fast time flies by. It has been a busy couple months with Christmas, getting a new job, changes in the band and getting ready for a show we have in a couple of days. Unfortunately Andrea Early, my back up singer, won’t be able to make it to this gig so it will be strange doing the show without her. After a year of her singing with me, I’ve gotten quite used to her on stage so it will definitely be weird.

I have a few new webpage updates coming, so please watch for those. I am going to get some new videos up as well. I am weighing the pros and cons of doing some home recordings just to have on hand until I win the lottery and put out my full album. We’ll see where that goes, if anywhere.

Hopefully spring is on its way and that all is well with each of you.

 

December 7th, 2008

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older – but I think I’m starting to relax a little more about things I can’t control. I find that ‘sweating the small stuff’ takes a lot of energy which I could be using else where. I have a wise friend in my life and he says that if something isn’t going to affect you in a year, don’t sweat it – he claims he got that from a book called ‘Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff’ – I like to think the words are his own.

The music scene is going. The closer I get to my goals, the more I realize how long the journey is actually going to be. I have to keep plugging along and perhaps a door will open somewhere. This past weekend we played at the Sundog at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, SK – that was a neat experience. Lots of exposure and that’s what we need at this point. I had a fellow come video the performance so that we can have more footage for the website as well as post some clips on youtube – keep your eyes peeled for those exciting things.

The two episodes I’m acting in on Rabbit Fall are coming up Dec. 9th and Dec. 16th – Bloodletting Part I and II – it airs 10pm on APTN and Space Channel. It’ll be fun to watch however I do feel a little nervous it being my first real TV role…so you know the Golden Rule…if you watch it and you can’t say anything nice about my screen debut, don’t say anything at all!

I feel like Doogie Howser M.D. – could someone please play the synthesizer as I share my feelings and life lessons? This is going to get a little mushy…

In all honesty though, I want to thank all the people who are supporting me along this journey. I have had some ups and downs, as does everyone in all blocks of life; however I don’t know how I’ve gotten so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. Every time I see a familiar face in the crowd at one of our shows, it makes me feel so blessed and grateful. With Christmas sneaking up on me, I’m feeling more nostalgic and sentimental than ever and I want to share something I learned this year. Be kind to each other and do the small things for people – it makes a huge difference.

Farewell to 2008 and I wish you all a wonderful festival season and a Happy New Year!

 

October 4th 2008
Inch By Inch

Inch by inch things are getting rolling!

We can’t wait to see ‘Stripped Down’ on Shaw TV – it airs October 7th, 8th and 9th in Saskatoon and then province wide throughout October. We’ve started rehearsing with the sound equipment so that we can get used to the sound, and it’s been very beneficial. We have our rehearsals at Aaron’s place – so needless to say, his wonderful, patient wife is putting up with our loud playing and at times, our sour notes!

I feel very fortunate to have my two mates along with me who seem to love this as much as I do – Andrea Early and Aaron Dash. They are committed to the rehearsals, learn all the material, and are enthusiastic about every gig coming up – it really makes it all the sweeter and I’m very lucky. By the way, please take a look at our new photos! Leora Joy Godden – another performer in the city, took us out on a beautiful fall day and took a few shots, they're great – thanks again Leora!

Now updates from TV/film world. There has been some excitement the past couple of months. I audition so much that when I do get something, I’m pleasantly surprised! In fact, one day at lunch with my sister, I noticed on my cell that my agent had called and left a message. I asked my sister to listen to the message first. She said nervously, ‘but what if you didn’t get the part?’ I just laughed because the truth is, 8 out of 10 times, I don’t get the part - that’s the only consistent thing about performing! You just have to keep at it and let the rejection roll off your back. However this time was different..

Rabbit Fall – Principle Role (Rose Morrison)
Season 2 is coming up starring Andrea Menard. It was my first principle role on TV and she was wonderful to work with. She made the atmosphere fun helping people feel at ease – it was a nice touch to my first experience.

Corner Gas – Lady
There I was practicing up my two big lines eating decadent veal and sautéed fresh veggies in the Rouleu curling rink with Corner Gas stars walking around. Funny. I’m glad I brought mom along to help pass the time - we all know that onset acting is often, ‘hurry up and wait!’ I’m sorry that the series will be coming to an end…

Please check out our new live dates coming up – we’re heading to Regina in November and hope to see you all there. Also, please get your tickets at McNally Robinson for Angie Tysseland’s Benefit Concert – Trials By Fire on October 10th at Third Avenue Church. Northern Pikes are making an appearance as well as Carl Roth – it will be great!

 

August 26th, 2008
Some Backup Information

It was January 2008 and I’d been feeling frustrated about where my career in the arts was going. Being a Singer/Songwriter; I had the tunes but I wanted a fuller sound. After meeting with some mentors, I was on a mission to build a musical team – I guess some might call that a band.

Andrea Early has been singing backup harmonies for me ever since. She’s brought the harmonies out adding another layer to my music. We had been gigging around the city and in June we stumbled over guitar player, Aaron Dash who eagerly joined our journey.

With a very busy August, we took a bit of a breather for many reasons. Now we’re beginning our regular rehearsals and really looking forward to it. We have an interview with Shaw TV lined up. The show, “Unplugged” airs October 7th-9th province wide which will be a great opportunity to let Saskatchewan know who we are and what we do.

By Christmas my goal is to record an EP. It’s ridiculous to play shows and have people ask where they can buy a CD and not have one to sell. If I’m going to be serious about this, I have to take the right steps. I have the music, the talented backup, a website, business cards, and gigs – now it’s time to record an EP and start marketing ourselves. I’m finding that this business is going to take talent, determination and brains – two outta three ain’t bad!