January.... - January 13, 2010
...I'm still in the studio. 11 out of 12 tracks down! We're getting close to a new album, folks!
Carla Gover: News
Happy Holidays! - December 13, 2009
I am enjoying winter in my new home, Lexington, Kentucky. I'm taking some time off this month to spend Christmas with my family and put the finishing touches on my new album. Look for more information in January, along with new shows for the new year.
Meanwhile, have a great holiday season!
Love,
Carla
Meanwhile, have a great holiday season!
Love,
Carla
General Information - August 8, 2009
On August 21-23, 2009, Musicians, Artists, Writers, Activists, Families, Fans and more will convene atop Pine Mountain in Letcher County for a weekend of inspiration, song, poetry, learning and natural beauty.
Tickets are $25 and will be available at the gate, or at Summit City Lounge in Whitesburg, KY.
Camping is free with admission. Amenities include bathhouse, lake, refreshment stand and beautiful trails.
Kentucky's Poet Laureate Gurney Norman will be the guest of honor. Lineup includes:
Woody Pines, Nick Stump Trio, Tim Lee 3, The Fervor, Folk Soul Revival, Dave Issacs Trio, Mic Harrision & The High Score, Clack Mountain Honkey Tonk, Jay Clark, Mitch Barret, Rob McNurlin, Kiya Heartwood & Wishing Chair, Rich & The Po Folks, Glen Simpson, Carla Gover, The Travelin Snakes.
Artwork by: Elaine Conradi, Debbie Bugg, Angelyn DeBord, Pam Oldfield Meade, John Haywood, Jeff Chapman Crane, Natasha Watts, Paula Whitaker, Ron Gevedon, Deborah Slonbe, Barbara Church, Catherine Wells, Richie Ritchie, Carrie Wells.
Directions & Map - August 7, 2009
For directions and a map to Wiley's Last Resort, host of the MARSfest, click here:
The world is a place of infinite possibility... - July 21, 2009
I am so jacked up on dreams right now---looking forward to the great late summer and fall festivals coming up, all the educational and cultural and community-building projects I'm getting to be involved with, and all the amazing folks I know I'll be meeting or re-connecting with soon in this charmed profession of mine! (I love being a minstrel/bard/gypsy!)
I want to meet you all and I want to do cool projects with you and make the world a better place together. If you're not on my mailing list, please join NOW, because there's SOOO much good stuff coming and I don't want to miss you!
I want to meet you all and I want to do cool projects with you and make the world a better place together. If you're not on my mailing list, please join NOW, because there's SOOO much good stuff coming and I don't want to miss you!
Summer Adventures - June 18, 2009
Summer is off to a rollicking, if damp, beginning!
I just completed the first "Discover Music, Discover Maplemount" music and nature camp for kids. It was truly wonderful and unusual, as kids learned about music, herbs, plants, survival, native american lore, and songwriting.
Next, I'm off to teach at Cowan Creek Mountain Music School in Letcher County. It's always great to go home, and to be around some of the finest pickers in our state.
Through it all, I'm still writing lots of songs, recording the new album, and working in my mudpit, um, I mean garden. And I'm super excited for the first firing of my new cob oven!
Sending lots of love your way,
Carla
I just completed the first "Discover Music, Discover Maplemount" music and nature camp for kids. It was truly wonderful and unusual, as kids learned about music, herbs, plants, survival, native american lore, and songwriting.
Next, I'm off to teach at Cowan Creek Mountain Music School in Letcher County. It's always great to go home, and to be around some of the finest pickers in our state.
Through it all, I'm still writing lots of songs, recording the new album, and working in my mudpit, um, I mean garden. And I'm super excited for the first firing of my new cob oven!
Sending lots of love your way,
Carla
Spring Shoots - March 27, 2009
I'm really excited about the new shows I've been booking, and about the events I'm hosting here at home in May. (Be sure to check out my calendar page for more info!) I've been writing a lot lately, inspired by old ballads, alchemy, tarot imagery and new love, among other things. Can't wait to see you--my friends old and new--somewhere out on the road!
Little seeds, little songs... - February 21, 2009
It's that time of year again...I'm dreaming of little seedlings! I'm also very excited about getting out and about, planting my little songs in the imaginations of audiences everywhere. (Or at least in the greater KY/TN/OH area!)
I'm also busy recording some of my little songs with Mr. John Rose of Lexington, Kentucky, writing (always!), and enjoying the heck out of life on planet earth. Even with all the dire daily happenings, I still feel blessed to be here. I hope you do, too!
I'm also busy recording some of my little songs with Mr. John Rose of Lexington, Kentucky, writing (always!), and enjoying the heck out of life on planet earth. Even with all the dire daily happenings, I still feel blessed to be here. I hope you do, too!
Wow! - December 17, 2008
I am really happy about the great response that the custom songwriting project has generated again this holiday season! Thanks to all of you who have signed on. I'm full up through the new year, but if you're still wanting a song for a loved one, allow me to suggest that Valentine's Day is right around the corner! The new website is coming soon with lots of info, but until then, drop me a line at carla@carlagover.com for more info!
The Gift of Song, Round Two... - December 9, 2008
I'm doing my usual early morning thing, having a cup of tea with my journal and my guitar while the house is still quiet. I have a lot of
things I want to chat with you about, but I will save those for the holiday letter. For now, I just want to let you know that I still
have time to do a few more custom songs as holiday gifts.
For those of you new to this list, I have been writing custom songs
for various occasions for the past year. It has been an extremely
enjoyable process for me, and so far, they've been well-received.
(Scroll down for testimonials!)
To date, here are a few of the people/occasions for whom I've written
songs:
a 35th wedding anniversary
a bat mitzvah
a special pond (yes, a pond!)
a very cool sister
a daughter
Right now, I'm working on a song about ghosts, and another
commemorating a beloved and ailing mother. As you can see, there is no limit on subject matter.
Here's how it works:
If you would like to have a song written, I will have a phone
consultation with you and interview you about the subject. I'll obtain information about styles you like and ask you lots of questions to get the writing process going. Then, I'll write and perform and record the song for you, and mail it out in a beautiful handmade sleeve with lyrics enclosed.
Last year, I charged $100 per song. It was a good introductory price,
but I've had to move up to $250, due to demand and the fact that it is a very time-consuming process. If you'd like to be a co-writer on lyrics and contribute more significantly to the content, then I'll gladly collaborate and we'll share the copyrights to the song.
So that's the low-down. Please feel free to email with questions
about the process. But be sure to email SOON if you'd like me to
write a song, because (and I am not just saying this for marketing
purposes!) I really only have a few slots left. I have to reserve
time to make Christmas Cookies this year!
Best,
Carla
carla@carlagover.com
TESTIMONIALS
"I just got the song yesterday. I was on the way to a meeting and
must have listened to it about five times in a row. Somehow you
managed to help me create a message of love to a very deserving father and husband. You have a very special quality of genius."
"To be honest, the first time I heard the song, I cried. I just
could not believe that you were able to capture our story in such a
simple, yet elegant manner. Thank you for all that you are and for putting your heart and soul into this project. I hope that you
continue to touch the lives of those around you with your music."
"I want to say a huge THANK YOU for the wonderful, wonderful song
that my wife presented to me as a gift this Christmas. The song was
a real reflection on our love and all the reasons why she means so
much to me.
I must have played the song fifty times the first day....I simply
loved it. As you know, you have a true gift -- thank you for
blessing me this Christmas."
"My girlfriend was overwhelmed to say the least! She played it over
and over, all the while crying and saying that she couldn't believe
that I went to so much trouble for her."
"Well, my husband was absolutely speechless and I was amazed. The
song was like you have known us for a long time! I could not have
imagined such an amazing, beautiful love song in my wildest dreams. You are astounding."
"We got the package yesterday afternoon. We have played the CD
several times and neither one of us has been able to listen without crying. Everything about it is
perfect. This will be a cherished memory for us for a long time. Just precious."
things I want to chat with you about, but I will save those for the holiday letter. For now, I just want to let you know that I still
have time to do a few more custom songs as holiday gifts.
For those of you new to this list, I have been writing custom songs
for various occasions for the past year. It has been an extremely
enjoyable process for me, and so far, they've been well-received.
(Scroll down for testimonials!)
To date, here are a few of the people/occasions for whom I've written
songs:
a 35th wedding anniversary
a bat mitzvah
a special pond (yes, a pond!)
a very cool sister
a daughter
Right now, I'm working on a song about ghosts, and another
commemorating a beloved and ailing mother. As you can see, there is no limit on subject matter.
Here's how it works:
If you would like to have a song written, I will have a phone
consultation with you and interview you about the subject. I'll obtain information about styles you like and ask you lots of questions to get the writing process going. Then, I'll write and perform and record the song for you, and mail it out in a beautiful handmade sleeve with lyrics enclosed.
Last year, I charged $100 per song. It was a good introductory price,
but I've had to move up to $250, due to demand and the fact that it is a very time-consuming process. If you'd like to be a co-writer on lyrics and contribute more significantly to the content, then I'll gladly collaborate and we'll share the copyrights to the song.
So that's the low-down. Please feel free to email with questions
about the process. But be sure to email SOON if you'd like me to
write a song, because (and I am not just saying this for marketing
purposes!) I really only have a few slots left. I have to reserve
time to make Christmas Cookies this year!
Best,
Carla
carla@carlagover.com
TESTIMONIALS
"I just got the song yesterday. I was on the way to a meeting and
must have listened to it about five times in a row. Somehow you
managed to help me create a message of love to a very deserving father and husband. You have a very special quality of genius."
"To be honest, the first time I heard the song, I cried. I just
could not believe that you were able to capture our story in such a
simple, yet elegant manner. Thank you for all that you are and for putting your heart and soul into this project. I hope that you
continue to touch the lives of those around you with your music."
"I want to say a huge THANK YOU for the wonderful, wonderful song
that my wife presented to me as a gift this Christmas. The song was
a real reflection on our love and all the reasons why she means so
much to me.
I must have played the song fifty times the first day....I simply
loved it. As you know, you have a true gift -- thank you for
blessing me this Christmas."
"My girlfriend was overwhelmed to say the least! She played it over
and over, all the while crying and saying that she couldn't believe
that I went to so much trouble for her."
"Well, my husband was absolutely speechless and I was amazed. The
song was like you have known us for a long time! I could not have
imagined such an amazing, beautiful love song in my wildest dreams. You are astounding."
"We got the package yesterday afternoon. We have played the CD
several times and neither one of us has been able to listen without crying. Everything about it is
perfect. This will be a cherished memory for us for a long time. Just precious."
The Spirits Speak - December 7, 2008
The other day, I wished aloud for a wild turkey feather, after not having had one for several years. I walked out the door to go on a walk a few minutes later, and there was one right in my path. It was surely one of those moments when I feel like someone is looking out for me. I feel really grateful for these spirits that speak to me and through me, whatever they may be, because they help me to dream and write and create songs. And that's just what I'm doing these days. I'm writing songs for myself, for others, for the world. If you'd like me to write a song for you, just drop me an email and I'll tell you all about it!
carla@carlagover.com
carla@carlagover.com
Happy shows! - November 16, 2008
I just rolled in from shows in Cleveland and Columbus, which were both first rate. I played for the first time at the cozy and wonderful Barking Spider Tavern in Cleveland, and I hope to go back soon. Then, I opened for Kate Campbell in Columbus for the Six String Concert Series, which was nothing but fun.
Last weekend in Memphis was also a great time, playing shows for the Memphis Theological Seminary, visiting a local school, eating barbeque and plate lunches, touring Sun City Records and listening to blues on Beale Street. I love my job!
News coming soon about my availability this season for custom songwriting. Be sure to hop on my email list so I can send you ramblings, recipes, and the latest news!
Last weekend in Memphis was also a great time, playing shows for the Memphis Theological Seminary, visiting a local school, eating barbeque and plate lunches, touring Sun City Records and listening to blues on Beale Street. I love my job!
News coming soon about my availability this season for custom songwriting. Be sure to hop on my email list so I can send you ramblings, recipes, and the latest news!
Order Drop In The Bucket - July 2, 2008
You can order your copy here:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/zoespeaks3
http://cdbaby.com/cd/zoespeaks3
Thank You John and Diane Rose - January 23, 2008
I could not have done this big songwriting project without the talents and generosity of John Rose, and his brilliant wife, Diane. They both contributed in MAJOR ways for free as I captured creativity for folks over the holidays, and I want to return the favor by letting you know about them.
Check out their music at:
www.spacesongs.net
John is a sound engineer extraordinaire, and is available for projects and sound work, both in studio and at remote locations.
He also offers a form of custom songs for the spiritual seeker or those in need of healing. Here's a bit about what he does:
John Rose began working with sound more than thirty years ago. His interests began very early in life when he was introduced to the psychoactive effects of music and sound on the listener. John always approaches music as a soundtrack to life, and he has combined his musicianship with a deep interest in psychology, meditation, and the effects of sound on the listener. John has years of experience as a sound and recording engineer as well as a successful performing and composing career. John's interest in the workings of the human mind and deep background in zen meditation have led him down a unique path integrating music with psychology and meditation. John has worked as a music therapist with people living with autism, multiple personality syndrome, anxiety, headaches, Terminal illness, and those just wanting a custom tailored recording to relax with. John's music is deep, contemplative and lives up to the aim of being a soundtrack to life. To contact John directly, please email him to schedule a phone consultation: albigenzen@mac.com
Check out their music at:
www.spacesongs.net
John is a sound engineer extraordinaire, and is available for projects and sound work, both in studio and at remote locations.
He also offers a form of custom songs for the spiritual seeker or those in need of healing. Here's a bit about what he does:
John Rose began working with sound more than thirty years ago. His interests began very early in life when he was introduced to the psychoactive effects of music and sound on the listener. John always approaches music as a soundtrack to life, and he has combined his musicianship with a deep interest in psychology, meditation, and the effects of sound on the listener. John has years of experience as a sound and recording engineer as well as a successful performing and composing career. John's interest in the workings of the human mind and deep background in zen meditation have led him down a unique path integrating music with psychology and meditation. John has worked as a music therapist with people living with autism, multiple personality syndrome, anxiety, headaches, Terminal illness, and those just wanting a custom tailored recording to relax with. John's music is deep, contemplative and lives up to the aim of being a soundtrack to life. To contact John directly, please email him to schedule a phone consultation: albigenzen@mac.com
Songwriter For Hire - January 10, 2008
Oh, wow! I started a new venture over the holidays---writing songs on commission, for wives and children and husbands and relatives and friends! What an AMAZING journey it has been, and a prolific one. I never knew:
a. I could write so many songs in so little time
b. how fun and cool it would be to get to tell a little piece of someone else's story
c. what an honor it would be to be entrusted to express such deep and important emotions
d. HOW MUCH LOVE THERE IS IN THIS WORLD!
I will definitely be doing more of this, so stay tuned....
a. I could write so many songs in so little time
b. how fun and cool it would be to get to tell a little piece of someone else's story
c. what an honor it would be to be entrusted to express such deep and important emotions
d. HOW MUCH LOVE THERE IS IN THIS WORLD!
I will definitely be doing more of this, so stay tuned....
Fellowship In Appalachian Music - January 3, 2008
What a cool thing! I recently found out that I received a fellowship in Appalachian Music right here in Berea, at Berea College. The fellowship will enable me to spend some time researching old songs from the Hutchins Library Special Collections and Archives. I will be sharing gems from this treasure trove of cultural heritage with all of you at shows throughout the year. I'm so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to slow down and immerse myself in MOUNTAIN MUSIC!
Drop In The Bucket? - December 11, 2007
If you’re one of the many people who pre-ordered copies of the final CD Carla made with her former band Zoe Speaks, I just wanted to let you know what was up. We have had some trouble getting it duplicated due to a copyright issue, but that has been cleare up and our suppliers are now doing their very best to get them done before Christmas. We’ll be sending all the pre-orders as soon as we get the shipment, and I’ll post announcements when they ship. If your address has changed, please drop me a line at carla@carlagover.com
I know it has been way too long, but I SOOOO appreciate your patience and support. It means more than I can say, and I hope you’ll find the music was worth the wait. Info about how to order if you didn't preorder will also be posted soon!
I know it has been way too long, but I SOOOO appreciate your patience and support. It means more than I can say, and I hope you’ll find the music was worth the wait. Info about how to order if you didn't preorder will also be posted soon!
Holy Cornbread, Batman! - October 1, 2007
I won the Flat Rock Music Festival Songwriting Contest! I entered on a whim, but got first place for my song "Me & The Redbird River". It is an AMAZING new festival, and all I can say is, plan to come next year before it turns into the next Merlefest! (Plus, I'll be there!) We saw the Carolina Chocolate Drops and a bunch of other great stuff. Yee-ha! It has been a good year for songs!
Flat Rock Music Festival or bust! - September 16, 2007
Wow! I just found out I'm a finalist at the Flat Rock Music Festival in NC. It looks like a great lineup, and also a very cool homegrown kinda festival-my favorite! Song contests are a fun way to meet other writers, so I'm looking forward to it.