Filmed this video performing “Soldier” with The Sweetness just before our show at Cafe Henrici in
Zurich, Switzerland.

I’m sitting in the passenger seat of our rental. My friend, Nils is driving, ride-share gal in the back, en route to Frankfurt. I fly home to Texas in the morning, my heart is full of gratitude and nostalgia after an amazing German Tour.

So many of the shows were packed, full of smiles and yeehaws and earnest applause. A few, even lightly attended, but filled the room with dedicated listening and support. Many folks who started out as acquaintances at the onset of this tour, became late-night coffee and club matte buddies. I lost track of the long, wonderful conversations and life stories weeks ago. Not to harp on cliches, but I feel like this is the stuff of life: community. Killer shows come and go. The high of a great crowd never really lasts for long. Neither does the low of an awful turn out. The relationships I’ve forged in the last few weeks mean the world to me.

So, this blog post is for you guys. To Uli, for letting me crash in your bed while you slept on the couch for a whole week. Please keep growing your beard and by Christmas time I expect to see pictures of you dressed as German Santa. Nils, for sitting at all those cafes while I drank all those cappuccinos hiding behind my laptop, while you sort of read a magazine and sort of texted for 5 hours, waiting for me to finish. Also, for all the chocolate, and showing me that chivalry is alive and well in Germany.

To Andi and Benni for being our German psuedo-stalkers and Reiner for feeding us till we  waddled, Andy for my first stick-driving lesson, Pascal for making it feel like I was coming home, and every last person who touched my heart (here comes the sap) after a show. And who can forget the troupe of Serbian and Croatian dudes who serenaded us after the show in Berne. You guys are the reason I get through the rough patches.

I love returning to a city and knowing exactly where to find the forks in a kitchen, or what to order without looking at the menu. I love introducing the band to a life-long friend, and becoming fast friends  with everyone else’s.

The Sweetness has a few dates on the calendar for 2012. We have another North American tour in the works for February, and recording of another EP. Other than that – and my new album – I can’t tell you what the next year will bring. I can say my heart is pulling me back to the drawing board, creatively and intellectually. Sometimes it’s nice to feel remind myself that I’m not in control, take a step back and admire all that life has thrown at me.  The good and the bad.

It’s been a pretty great ride.

PS. If you haven’t heard, The Recording Conservatory of Austin has chosen me out of 400+ as a finalist to win $20,000 in recording and gear. Voting is simple and only takes two seconds – just click here!

I never enter competitions. Vote-to-win contests make me nervous.

I entered The Recording Conservatory of Austin’s Singer/Songwriter Competition on a fluke – on my friend’s recommendation. I’ve been chosen as one of the top 15 of over 400 entries. Go figure. And now, I want to win.

Voting is simple and takes 12 seconds (I timed it. twice.) Top four compete live next month for over $20,000 in recording, gear, and prizes.

Click here to vote for me.

Sending love from Frankfurt International Airport,
Aly

What the heck is it?!

It is NOT the title of my second album.

It IS – however – the title of my Kickstarter Fundraising Campaign to pay for my second album. Why? Well…I couldn’t think of anything better.

I have 25 Days left to raise $3,800 to pay for half of my album. The other half – I’ve funded out of my own pocket.

Two years after launching my first album, “Things Worth Keeping” – I am back in the studio and wrapping up my sophomore release.

The experience thus far has been nothing short of magical. Yes, magical.

So Aly, where’ve you been all my life?

On the road, silly pants! Since releasing that first album, I’ve been busy. I’ve toured across the entirety of US four or five times, the eastern seaboard of Canada, and Europe three times. I’ve played in tree houses, tiki huts, theaters, bars, and living rooms across several continents in support of the album. Needless to say, I have a short attention span and will use just about any excuse to travel and play music.

So why record now?

Did I mention I have a short attention span?

Why Kickstarter?

As any good ol’ Southern gal will tell ya, I’ve always relied upon the kindness of strangers. You, oh internet stranger you, are the reason I get up and do this every single day. I steadfastly believe art is a two-way street in which we walk across hand in hand skipping into the sunset. Without your guidance, I might walk straight into a parked car. So please, take my hand.

So you want $5,000 to hold my hand?

Exactly.

My hand, and the hand of every musician, producer, graphic designer, and fan holder involved in the making of this album. After saving up from the road, I’ve managed to pay for half of the album. So, metaphorically speaking, I need you to lend a hand, and get me to the other side of the street. So I can continue creating.

Also, kidding about the fan holder. He was double booked.

And if you don’t reach $5,000?

Check back on Day 29, and if I haven’t reached the goal by then, I will be on the first plane to Thailand to sell my right kidney on the black market (at this point it’s a little wonky anyways).

This is a leap of faith for me. Basically, I get nothing – and you get your money back.

I have questions!

Please write aly@alytadros.com.

Do you really love me?

Yes. More than my wonky right kidney.

Be well,
Aly