Life of an Indie Artist out of St. Louis: It is me again blogging about the adventures of my life as an Independent Artist. Yesterday was a rise and grind type of day. As soon as I got up it was right to work. I had to get Rachell (government name) and Raye (stage name) together. Just call me Hannah Montana. So once I got us together lol it was time to roll. My first stop was Cicero's St. Louis. I got there a little early so we walked around and checked out the Delmar Loop! Me and the boo had us a mini date before and after the performance. We checked out Vintage Vinyl (A record store in the Loop). They have a pretty awesome collection. We also checked out a few of the boutiques. The one that I loved in particular was Evalon Exchange. They are similar to Plato's Closet. Then we got ice-cream after my performance! I love everything about the Loop. I first started going to the Loop when I was a young girl. My little brother took art classes over there. My aunt and I would check out the different shops and have lunch while waiting on my brother. The Loop is filled with so many interesting shops, eccentric individuals, and musicians playing freely in the streets! Yesterday the Loop was alive and popping! So back to Cicero's I went to check in. So, as we are checking in I noticed that I am in a room with all Rockers... And I believe I was the only female performing... Bands were setting up their equipment and having sound checks. This was my first time doing a sound check lol. Little oh me only had a cd lol. Sometimes it can be intimidating when you are around people that are seemingly way more advanced than you are. I can kind of play the piano by ear, I took piano lessons as a teen, and I am somewhat familiar with notes- That is as far as my musical training goes. I am the epitome of a Back Alley Artist. Meaning I just love music and regardless of the training I'm going to try my best to "Make it do what it do" (In my Ray Charles Voice). I went first due to the fact that I had somewhere else to go. Originally I was going to perform 5 songs but I chopped it down to two for a few reasons. I decided to do my blues/funk song God$Gun and my Rock song "Old People". When in Rome do what the Romans do. It is better to give less and leave an impression than to give all and be forgotten. I sound like a philosopher or something lol. Also thank you to everyone that was able to purchase tickets and support me in that way! So after I was done performing, I thanked the people that was over the show and headed out to my next performance opportunity Love Jones-Theory! The doorman for Cicero's asked if that was me he heard singing and it was. He told me that I sound good even though I was bandless lol. We stopped at the Gas Station so that I could change into my white music note dress that Morgan Grinston and I created. I designed it and she made it. I love that process. Every since I saw the movie Selena I wanted to design and make my own clothes. Plus I am a full figured woman. I am around the same size as Marilyn Monroe. Sometimes these stores hate on the curvy girl. But let's get back to the story... So while at the gas station a young man was out there selling his cds... So I gave him my cd. While I am sitting in the car the young man's father and manager approached me about doing some work... I stay grinding lol. So we arrive at the show. Everyone is showing up in their white ready to see the show. There were so many talented individuals last night! Everyone did their thing and held their own. Love Jones Theory is a great place to perform for a few reasons. One, you have to be able to hold your own with the band. The band is very talented and quick. So you have to know how to hang. Secondly, St. Louis is the "Show Me State". Meaning if the audience is feeling you, you will know. But if the audience is not felling you... You will know that too lol. The venue for Love Jones Theory reminds me of the Juke Joint in the Color Purple. You know the one that Sug Avery performed at. People knew that the music and the atmosphere was going to be live, spontaneous, inviting, down home, and most of all popping. The comedians that hosted the show were hilarious! They had the crowd going! Baby Cakes was selling her cakes and treats in the back. The bar was popping! It was good fun. Quick shout outs to my guys Vinnis SaxMan Bryant III Kelvin Letmesaxyouup Saxman Evans and Boroppe Gruve Lyphe Rashad it is always great seeing you! And thank you Boroppe for leading the band into the song and helping me to create a good song (God$Gun). Jenelle Jai Suol Nelson it was great seeing your face in the place . And thank you Matthew Crayton for being a rider with your girl ! Until next time .... To see pics check out my Facebook :Raye Cole or Raye Cole Music. Follow me on Twitter :@Raye_Cole. Check me out on Saturday's, I host the D hour Show "Indie Up Saturday" , here is the link www.blogtalkradio.com/dhourshow